1. What is the constitutional authority responsible for ensuring fairness in the division of financial powers in India?
    A. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council
    B. The Union government
    C. The Finance Commission
    D. The State legislatures
    Correct Answer: C. The Finance Commission
    Explanation: The Finance Commission in India is the constitutional authority responsible for ensuring fairness in the division of financial powers, imposition of taxes, and distribution of funds between the Centre and the constituent units.
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  2. What is one of the limitations highlighted in India’s approach to development cooperation in Africa?
    A. Lack of financial resources
    B. Insufficient diplomatic efforts
    C. Absence of a clear strategy
    D. Inadequate infrastructure development
    Correct Answer: C. Absence of a clear strategy
    Explanation: India’s model of development cooperation in Africa lacks a clear and well-articulated vision, leading to comparisons with the Chinese model.
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  3. What is the primary reason behind the periodic dimming and brightening of red giant stars like Betelgeuse?
    A. Pulsation of the star’s core
    B. Interaction with neighboring stars
    C. Occurrence of solar flares
    D. Expansion and contraction of hydrogen layers
    Correct Answer: D. Expansion and contraction of hydrogen layers
    Explanation: The periodic heating and cooling of the hydrogen in the outermost layers of red giant stars cause them to expand and contract, resulting in the observed dimming and brightening. source
  4. What is one proposed solution to revive the cotton industry in Punjab?
    A. Reduce the area under rice cultivation
    B. Import cotton from neighboring states
    C. Establish a Cotton Research Centre
    D. Increase the price of cotton seeds
    Correct Answer: C. Establish a Cotton Research Centre
    Explanation: Establishing a Cotton Research Centre in Bathinda or a similar location is a suggested solution to provide farmers with necessary facilities for testing soil and seeds, technical knowledge about cotton cultivation, and raise awareness about diseases. source
  5. Which initiative aims to strengthen District Skill Committees (DSCs) for skill planning and management?
    A. Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship (MGNF) Programme
    B. Engagement with Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR)
    C. Awards for Excellence in District Skill Development Planning (DSDP Awards)
    D. Capacity building initiatives at states and districts
    Correct Answer: A. Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship (MGNF) Programme
    Explanation: The MGNF Programme is a two-year academic program that aims to strengthen the District Skill Committees (DSCs) for skill planning and management. source
  6. Which index measures the oceanic conditions in the ENSO system?
    A. Southern Oscillation Index (SOI)
    B. Oceanic Nino Index (ONI)
    C. Trade Winds Index (TWI)
    D. Monsoon Rainfall Index (MRI)
    Correct Answer: B. Oceanic Nino Index (ONI)
    Explanation: The ONI is used to measure the oceanic part of the ENSO system and monitors the anomalies in sea surface temperatures.
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  7. Which component of PMKSY incentivizes the installation of drip and sprinkler irrigation systems?
    A. Watershed development
    B. Water resource management
    C. Micro irrigation
    D. Monitoring and implementation
    Correct Answer: C. Micro irrigation
    Explanation: PMKSY incentivizes micro irrigation systems like drip and sprinkler irrigation to ensure “Per drop-More crop”.
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  8. Which organization released the Gender Social Norms Index (GSNI) report?
    A. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
    B. World Health Organization (WHO)
    C. International Monetary Fund (IMF)
    D. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
    Correct Answer: A. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
    Explanation: The GSNI report was released by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
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  9. What are some actions associated with cancel culture?
    A. Promoting forgiveness and reconciliation
    B. Holding public figures accountable for wrongdoing
    C. Encouraging constructive dialogue and understanding
    D. Pressuring brands to sever ties with individuals and impacting their reputation
    Correct Answer: D. Pressuring brands to sever ties with individuals and impacting their reputation
    Explanation: Cancel culture involves actions like pressuring employers and brands to cut ties with the individual being “cancelled.”
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  10. What is disinflation?
    A. A sustained decrease in the general price level
    B. A marginal reduction in the short-term inflation rate
    C. A sudden increase in the inflation rate
    D. An increase in the rate of deflation
    Correct Answer: B. A marginal reduction in the short-term inflation rate
    Explanation: Disinflation refers to the process of slowing down the rate of inflation, indicating a moderate reduction in the inflation rate.
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  11. Which type of clearance involves documentation verification and completion of customs procedures?
    A. Regulatory clearance (Customs Release)
    B. Physical clearance
    C. Logistic clearance
    D. Export clearance
    Correct Answer: A. Regulatory clearance (Customs Release)
    Explanation: Regulatory clearance refers to the completion of customs procedures and formalities, including documentation verification.
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  12. Who is eligible to apply for the VAIBHAV Fellowship?
    A. Researchers from any country interested in conducting research in India.
    B. Indian-origin scientists and technologists residing abroad.
    C. Researchers from institutions ranked in the QS World University Rankings.
    D. Any scientist or technologist engaged in research activities worldwide.
    Correct Answer: B. Indian-origin scientists and technologists residing abroad.
    Explanation: The VAIBHAV Fellowship is specifically designed for outstanding scientists and technologists of Indian origin (NRI/OCI/PIO) who are engaged in research activities in their respective countries. source
  13. How can light pollution affect sea slaters’ behavior?
    A. Increased nocturnal activity
    B. Altered feeding patterns and reproductive success
    C. Enhanced camouflage abilities
    D. Decreased dependency on darkness
    Correct Answer: B. Altered feeding patterns and reproductive success
    Explanation: The presence of artificial light during their active periods can disrupt sea slaters’ natural rhythms, potentially leading to changes in their feeding patterns and reduced reproductive success.
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  14. What factors contribute to the damage caused during landfall?
    A. Heavy rainfall and storm surge.
    B. Strong winds and earthquakes.
    C. Landslides and lightning strikes.
    D. Heatwaves and drought conditions.
    Correct Answer: A. Heavy rainfall and storm surge.
    Explanation: The damage during landfall is influenced by factors such as extremely strong winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surge, which can lead to devastating floods on the coast. source
  15. What is the common name for Dupuytren’s contracture, a condition affecting up to 30% of men over 60 in northern Europe?
    A. Viking Disease
    B. Neanderthal Disorder
    C. Genetic Locking Syndrome
    D. Ancient Finger Bend
    Correct Answer: A. Viking Disease
    Explanation: Dupuytren’s contracture is commonly known as Viking Disease due to its prevalence among individuals with northern European ancestry.
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  16. Which factor contributes to the depletion of dissolved oxygen in the water during fish kill events?
    A. Strong winds and waves
    B. Cold water temperatures
    C. Overcast weather conditions
    D. Deep ocean currents
    Correct Answer: C. Overcast weather conditions
    Explanation: Cloudy skies impede the process of photosynthesis carried out by phytoplankton, resulting in decreased dissolved oxygen concentration. source
  17. What can be inferred about the impact of the Ontong Java Plateau’s formation on the ocean?
    A. It led to an increase in oxygen levels
    B. It had no significant impact on oxygen levels
    C. It depleted the ocean of oxygen
    D. It caused an increase in marine biodiversity
    Correct Answer: C. It depleted the ocean of oxygen
    Explanation: The essay suggests that a massive volcanic eruption like the one that formed the Ontong Java Plateau could have depleted the ocean of oxygen. Show Answer
  18. Which of the following is NOT one of the six outcome areas of the GoI-UNSDCF?
    A. Health and Well Being
    B. Quality Education
    C. Energy and Power Generation
    D. Empowering People, Communities, and Institutions
    Correct Answer: C. Energy and Power Generation
    Explanation: The six outcome areas as Health and Well Being, Nutrition and Food Security, Quality Education, Economic Growth and Decent Work, Environment, Climate, WASH and Resilience, and Empowering People, Communities, and Institutions.
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  19. What is the significance of Miyawaki forests in regulating temperature?
    A. Increasing humidity levels
    B. Reducing heat island effect
    C. Controlling rainfall patterns
    D. Enhancing air circulation
    Correct Answer: B. Reducing heat island effect
    Explanation: Miyawaki forests play a role in regulating surface temperature by mitigating the heat island effect, which refers to the increased temperature in urban areas due to human activities and lack of green spaces. source
  20. What has been the significant contribution of Gita Press?
    A. Promoting scientific research
    B. Publishing religious texts
    C. Advocating for political reforms
    D. Supporting charitable organizations
    Correct Answer: B. Publishing religious texts
    Explanation: The Gita Press is one of the largest publishers of revered religious texts such as the Bhagavad Gita, the Ramayana, and the Upanishads, making a significant contribution in promoting spirituality and disseminating these teachings.
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  21. What are the potential implications of the outflow of HNWIs from India?
    A. Increased tax revenues
    B. Enhanced economic growth
    C. Brain drain and loss of talent
    D. Improved business opportunities
    Correct Answer: C. Brain drain and loss of talent
    Explanation: The departure of HNWIs from India can lead to a loss of talent, knowledge, and investment opportunities, resulting in a brain drain that can hinder economic growth and development.
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  22. Which statement about Y chromosome loss (LoY) is true?
    A. It is associated with longer lifespans in men.
    B. It only occurs in mice, not in humans.
    C. It is linked to heart-related medical conditions.
    D. It has no impact on memory or cognitive abilities.
    Correct Answer: C. It is linked to heart-related medical conditions.
    Explanation: LoY in humans is associated with weakened heart muscles, stretched or thickened heart tissue, and heart failure.
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  23. What materials were used to create the rock paintings at Orvakallu?
    A. Natural white kaolin and red ochre pigments
    B. Synthetic paints and dyes
    C. Charcoal and mud
    D. Gold and silver
    Correct Answer: A. Natural white kaolin and red ochre pigments
    Explanation: The natural white kaolin and red ochre pigments were used to create the rock paintings at Orvakallu.
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  24. What is the purpose of the Titan submersible?
    A. Underwater photography and videography
    B. Deep-sea treasure hunting
    C. Exploring the wreckage of the Titanic
    D. Oil and gas exploration
    Correct Answer: C. Exploring the wreckage of the Titanic.
    Explanation: The Titan is designed to explore the wreckage of the Titanic, among other underwater missions such as surveys, inspections, and research.
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  25. Which of the following experienced the highest reduction in import release time?
    A. Seaports
    B. ICDs
    C. ACCs
    D. ICPs
    Correct Answer: D. ICPs (Integrated check posts)
    Explanation: ICPs showed the shortest import release time with a reduction of 31 hours and 47 minutes. source
  26. Why is battery recycling important in the context of the transition to electric vehicles?
    A. To increase profits for battery manufacturers
    B. To reduce the environmental impact of battery waste
    C. To limit the supply of critical minerals like Lithium and Cobalt
    D. To promote the use of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles
    Correct Answer: B. To reduce the environmental impact of battery waste
    Explanation: Battery recycling is crucial to minimize waste, promote a circular economy, and ensure sustainable management of battery materials, reducing the environmental impact associated with battery disposal.
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  27. What is the role of mRNA in vaccines?
    A. It acts as a messenger to carry genetic instructions.
    B. It directly attacks and kills the virus.
    C. It triggers an immune response against the virus.
    D. It helps in the production of antibodies.
    Correct Answer: A. It acts as a messenger to carry genetic instructions.
    Explanation: mRNA in vaccines serves as a messenger that carries genetic instructions from DNA to the cells’ protein-making machinery. It instructs cells to produce specific proteins that can stimulate an immune response against the virus. source
  28. What is the hormone responsible for the growth-mediated response of plants to directional blue light?
    A.Auxin
    B. Gibberellin
    C. Cytokinin
    D. Ethylene
    Correct Answer: A. Auxin
    Explanation: The growth-mediated response of plants to directional blue light is triggered by a hormone called auxin. Auxin promotes plant growth and elongation.
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  29. What are India’s key concerns regarding connectivity projects in the region?
    A. Economic instability
    B. Environmental impact
    C. Violation of sovereignty and territorial integrity
    D. Lack of international support
    Correct Answer: C. Violation of sovereignty and territorial integrity
    Explanation: The essay mentions that India believes connectivity initiatives should respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations involved, emphasizing the importance of universally recognized international norms, good governance, rule of law, transparency, and equality.
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  30. How does rTMS work in treating depression?
    A. By generating electrical impulses in specific brain regions
    B. By increasing the risk of neuropsychiatric illnesses
    C. By altering the strength of connections between brain areas
    D. By modulating the cortical activity of the brain
    Correct Answer: D. By modulating the cortical activity of the brain
    Explanation: rTMS therapy works by generating electromagnetic pulses that modulate the cortical activity of the brain. This stimulation increases neuronal activity and changes the strength of connections between different brain areas, ultimately alleviating depression symptoms. source
  31. What is the main purpose of establishing NaBFID as an All India Financial Institution (AIFI)?
    A. To regulate the stock market in India.
    B. To provide financial support to small businesses.
    C. To facilitate infrastructure financing and development.
    D. To promote agricultural and rural development.
    Correct Answer: C. To facilitate infrastructure financing and development.
    Explanation: The primary purpose of establishing NaBFID as an All India Financial Institution (AIFI) is to support the development of long-term infrastructure financing in India, including the necessary financial markets for infrastructure projects. It focuses on driving infrastructure development rather than regulating the stock market or providing support to small businesses.
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  32. what are the two common sources of skin grafts used in transplantation?
    A. Autografts and homografts
    B. Allografts and autografts
    C. Autografts and xenografts
    D. Homografts and xenografts
    Correct Answer: A. Autografts and homografts
    Explanation: Autografts refer to a patient’s own skin used for transplantation, while homografts are skin grafts taken from deceased donors or cadavers. source
  33. Which agreement establishes a framework for global climate action and emphasizes financial assistance, technology transfer, and capacity-building?
    A. Kyoto Protocol
    B. Bonn Agreement
    C. Paris Agreement
    D. Copenhagen Accord
    Correct Answer: C. Paris Agreement
    Explanation: The Paris Agreement provides a framework for global climate action and emphasizes financial assistance, technology transfer, and capacity-building.
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  34. Which principle does India’s potential inclusion in NATO Plus contradict?
    A. Neutrality
    B. Economic cooperation
    C. Regional stability
    D. Military expansion
    Correct Answer: A. Neutrality
    Explanation: The joining NATO Plus could be seen as contradicting the principles of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), which advocates for its members to remain neutral and not join any major power bloc.
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  35. Which of the following are examples of tuber crops?
    A. Wheat and rice.
    B. Lentils and beans.
    C. Sweet potatoes and cassava.
    D. Apples and oranges.
    Correct Answer: C. Sweet potatoes and cassava.
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  36. What is the Samosa Caucus?
    A. A formal political party in the United States
    B. An informal grouping of Indian-origin Americans in Congress
    C. A cultural festival celebrating Indian-American heritage
    D. A popular South Asian snack
    Correct Answer: B. An informal grouping of Indian-origin Americans in Congress
    Explanation: The Samosa Caucus is an informal grouping of Indian-origin Americans in Congress, representing their shared heritage and interests.
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  37. What is the goal of the Samudrayaan mission?
    A. To explore previously unmapped regions of the deep sea
    B. To develop advanced welding techniques
    C. To construct man-rated vehicles for space exploration
    D. To study marine ecosystems in shallow waters
    Correct Answer: A. To explore previously unmapped regions of the deep sea
    Explanation: The primary goal of the Samudrayaan mission, as mentioned in the essay, is to explore previously unmapped regions of the deep sea. source
  38. What is the trend observed regarding the utilization of cord blood for transplants?
    A. Increasing utilization in recent years
    B. Stable utilization over time
    C. Under-utilization in private cord blood banks
    D. Shift towards haploidentical transplants
    Correct Answer: C. Under-utilization in private cord blood banks
    Explanation: According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the trend indicates a decreasing utilization of cord blood for transplants in recent years. The Guidelines for Umbilical Cord Banking in 2023 state that the cord blood stored in private banks remains under-utilized.
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  39. Which two cities remain at the bottom of the list in terms of liveability?
    A. Vienna, Austria and Copenhagen, Denmark
    B. Damascus, Syria and Tripoli, Libya
    C. Osaka, Japan and Vancouver, Canada
    D. Melbourne, Australia and Sydney, Australia
    Correct Answer: B. Damascus, Syria and Tripoli, Libya
    Explanation: The Damascus in Syria and Tripoli in Libya remain at the bottom of the list due to social unrest, terrorism, and conflict. source
  40. What is the role of digital platforms in the creative economy?
    A. Enabling wider reach for Indian artists and artisans
    B. Providing financial assistance to artists
    C. Promoting traditional art forms
    D. Enhancing transparency in the selection process
    Correct Answer: A. Enabling wider reach for Indian artists and artisans
    Explanation: The digital platforms and technology have allowed Indian artists and artisans to reach wider audiences, engage with them, and monetize their talents.
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  41. What is the purpose of IVF?
    A. To stimulate egg production in women
    B. To assist in the fertilization of eggs by sperm in a laboratory setting
    C. To prevent infertility in men
    D. To promote consumer awareness about reproductive technologies
    Correct Answer: B. To assist in the fertilization of eggs by sperm in a laboratory setting
    Explanation: The IVF is a type of assisted reproductive technology (ART) that involves using medications and surgical procedures to facilitate the fertilization of an egg by sperm in a laboratory. It does not specifically aim to stimulate egg production or prevent infertility in men.
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