What is the aim of computerizing the Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS)?
A. To bring transparency and accountability in their operations
B. To decrease the number of PACS in rural areas
C. To reduce the dependency on cooperative credit structure
D. To increase the membership fee of PACS
Correct Answer: A. To bring transparency and accountability in their operations Explanation: The government aims to bring greater transparency and accountability in the operations of PACS by computerizing them. The computerization will also enable PACS to diversify their business and undertake more activities.
Source: The Indian Express
What is the primary function of PACS?
A. Short term lending to farmers for crop loan
B. To provide agriculture inputs in the form of monetary or in-kind component
C. Providing storage space to farmers
D. All of the above
Correct Answer: A. Short term lending to farmers for crop loan Explanation: PACS are village-level cooperative credit societies that primarily deal with short term lending or crop loan to farmers for financing their requirements of seeds, fertilizers, etc., at the start of the cropping cycle. Additionally, PACS also provide input facilities and agriculture implements for hire to their members.
Source: The Indian Express
What does NISAR stand for?
A. National Imaging and Synthetic Aperture Radar
B. NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar
C. New Imaging and Sensor Aperture Radar
D. National-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar
Correct Answer: B. NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar Explanation: NISAR stands for NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar, which is a joint project between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
What will NISAR be used for?
A. Measuring groundwater levels
B. Tracking flow rates of glaciers and ice sheets
C. Monitoring forest and agricultural regions
D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D. All of the above Explanation: NISAR will be used for a variety of purposes, including measuring groundwater levels, tracking flow rates of glaciers and ice sheets, and monitoring forest and agricultural regions.
What is the significance of NISAR’s synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology?
A. It can collect data only during clear weather conditions
B. It cannot penetrate clouds
C. It can produce high-resolution images regardless of weather conditions
D. It is not capable of producing high-resolution images
Correct Answer: C. It can produce high-resolution images regardless of weather conditions Explanation: NISAR’s synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology is capable of producing high-resolution images even during inclement weather conditions, as it can penetrate clouds and collect data day and night.
What was the primary mode of big-picture reconnaissance before the development of aircraft technology?
A. Spy balloons
B. Satellites
C. Drones
D. Airplanes
Correct Answer: A. Spy balloons Explanation: According to the context, before aircraft technology really took off during the Great War, balloons were the primary mode of big-picture reconnaissance. This provided a perspective on enemy positions and movements simply impossible to obtain from the ground. (Source: HistoryNet)
What was launched by the PM on Rashtriya Ekta Diwas held on 31st October, 2015?
A. A new political party
B. An economic initiative
C. A new cultural festival
D. A scheme to commemorate Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Correct Answer: D. A scheme to commemorate Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Explanation: On Rashtriya Ekta Diwas held on 31st October, 2015, the Prime Minister launched a scheme to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. PIB
What is the 2023 theme for World Wetlands Day?
A. Wetland Restoration
B. Wetland Biodiversity
C. Wetland Monitoring
D. Wetland Conservation
Correct Answer: A. Wetland Restoration Explanation: The 2023 theme for World Wetlands Day is ‘Wetland Restoration,’ which highlights the urgent need to prioritize wetland restoration. Source
What is the Ramsar Convention?
A. An international treaty for the conservation and wise use of wetlands
B. An agreement to regulate trade in endangered species
C. A convention to combat desertification
D. An accord to protect coral reefs
Correct Answer: A. An international treaty for the conservation and wise use of wetlands Explanation: The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty for the conservation and wise use of wetlands through local and national actions and international cooperation. It came into force in 1975. Source
Which Indian state has the maximum number of Ramsar sites?
A. Tamil Nadu
B. Uttar Pradesh
C. Gujarat
D. West Bengal
Correct Answer: A. Tamil Nadu Explanation: Tamil Nadu has the maximum number of Ramsar sites in India, with 14 sites. Uttar Pradesh has 10 Ramsar sites. Source
What is the definition of disinvestment?
A. Sale or liquidation of assets by the government
B. Investment in public assets
C. Increase in assets by the government
D. None of the above
Correct Answer: A. Sale or liquidation of assets by the government Explanation: Disinvestment means the sale or liquidation of assets by the government like Central public sector enterprises (CPSE) and state public sector enterprises, projects, or other fixed assets.
What is the disinvestment target set by the government in the Union Budget 2023-24?
A. Rs. 51,000 crore
B. Rs. 7,000 crore
C. Rs. 1,00,000 crore
D. None of the above
Correct Answer: A. Rs. 51,000 crore Explanation: In the Union Budget 2023-24, the government has set a disinvestment target of Rs. 51,000 crore.
What is the difference between disinvestment and strategic disinvestment?
A. In disinvestment, the government sells minority shares of public enterprises to another entity and retains ownership of the enterprise, while in strategic disinvestment/sale, the government sells majority shares in an enterprise and gives up the ownership of the entity as well.
B. In disinvestment, the government sells majority shares in an enterprise and gives up the ownership of the entity as well, while in strategic disinvestment/sale, the government sells minority shares of public enterprises to another entity and retains ownership of the enterprise.
C. There is no difference between disinvestment and strategic disinvestment.
D. None of the above
Correct Answer: A. In disinvestment, the government sells minority shares of public enterprises to another entity and retains ownership of the enterprise, while in strategic disinvestment/sale, the government sells majority shares in an enterprise and gives up the ownership of the entity as well. Explanation: In Disinvestment, the government sells minority shares of public enterprises to another entity and retains ownership of the enterprise, while in Strategic Disinvestment, the government sells majority shares in an enterprise and gives up the ownership of the entity as well.
What is Article 356 of the Indian Constitution?
A. It contains provisions for the imposition of “President’s Rule” in a state
B. It guarantees the right to free speech
C. It outlines the procedure for impeaching the President
D. It establishes the Supreme Court of India
Correct Answer: A. It contains provisions for the imposition of “President’s Rule” in a state Explanation: Article 356 of the Indian Constitution contains provisions for the imposition of “President’s Rule” in a state and removing an elected government in case of failure of constitutional machinery in States.
What is the ground for imposing President’s Rule in a state under Article 356?
A. If the government of the state cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution
B. If there is a natural disaster in the state
C. If there is a pandemic outbreak in the state
D. If there is a political crisis in the state
Correct Answer: A. If the government of the state cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution Explanation: Article 356 empowers the President to withdraw to the Union the executive and legislative powers of any state “if he is satisfied that a situation has arisen in which the government of the state cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution”.
What is the maximum duration for which President’s Rule can be imposed in a state?
A. Three years
B. Five years
C. One year
D. Two years
Correct Answer: A. Three years Explanation: President’s Rule in a state can be imposed for six months at a time for a maximum duration of three years. Every six months, Parliamentary approval to impose President’s Rule will be required again.
What led to the nationalization of private firms in India?
A. Constitution (First Amendment) Act, 1951
B. Air Corporations Act, 1953
C. Life Insurance Corporation Act 1956
D. Banking Companies (Acquisition and transfer of Undertakings) Act, 1970
Correct Answer: A. Constitution (First Amendment) Act, 1951 Explanation: The government passed the Constitution (First Amendment) Act, 1951, following which nationalization of private firms became a standard policy tool by the government.
What is the task assigned to NITI Aayog under the New Public Sector Enterprise (PSE) Policy, 2021?
A. To work out the next list of Central Public Sector companies that would be taken up for strategic disinvestment
B. To incentivize states to take up disinvestment of their Public Sector Companies
C. To monetize idle land through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)
D. To classify public sector commercial enterprises into Strategic and Non-Strategic sectors
Correct Answer: A. To work out the next list of Central Public Sector companies that would be taken up for strategic disinvestment Explanation: Further to fast forward the policy, NITI Aayog has been asked to work out the next list of Central Public Sector companies that would be taken up for strategic disinvestment.
What is the main purpose of establishing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)?
A. To conserve and protect marine biodiversity
B. To provide employment opportunities for local communities
C. To promote industrial fishing activities
D. To support oil and gas exploration in the oceans
Correct Answer: A. To conserve and protect marine biodiversity Explanation: Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are established to conserve and protect marine biodiversity, habitats, and ecosystems from overfishing, pollution, and other threats. They are important tools for maintaining healthy oceans and promoting sustainable development. Source
What are the different categories of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)?
A. No-take, Multiple-use, and Ecosystem
B. Industrial, Recreational, and Educational
C. Coastal, Offshore, and Pelagic
D. International, National, and Regional
Correct Answer: A. No-take, Multiple-use, and Ecosystem Explanation: There are different categories of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), including no-take zones, multiple-use areas, and ecosystem reserves. No-take zones are areas where fishing and other extractive activities are prohibited, while multiple-use areas allow certain activities but with some restrictions. Ecosystem reserves are designed to protect the overall ecosystem and its ecological processes. Source
What is a payment aggregator?
A. A third-party service provider that allows merchants to accept payment from customers by integrating it into their websites or apps.
B. A company that provides technology infrastructure to facilitate online payment processing.
C. A payment option provided by Amazon and Google.
D. A merchant account directly with the bank.
Correct Answer: A. A third-party service provider that allows merchants to accept payment from customers by integrating it into their websites or apps. Explanation: A payment aggregator is a third-party service provider that allows merchants to accept payment from customers by integrating it into their websites or apps. This is mentioned in the first paragraph of the given context. Source
Which of the following is true about bank payment aggregators in India?
A. They involve high setup costs and are difficult to integrate.
B. They offer innovative payment solutions to businesses.
C. They are suitable for small businesses and startups.
D. They provide user-friendly features such as a comprehensive dashboard and quick customer support.
Correct Answer: A. They involve high setup costs and are difficult to integrate. Explanation: Bank payment aggregators involve high setup costs and are difficult to integrate. They lack many of the popular payment options along with detailed reporting features. Because of the high cost, bank payment aggregators are not suitable for small businesses and startups. This is mentioned in the second paragraph of the given context. Source
What is the difference between a payment aggregator and a payment gateway?
A. A payment aggregator offers various payment options and handles funds, while a payment gateway only provides technology.
B. A payment aggregator offers technology infrastructure to facilitate online payment processing, while a payment gateway handles funds.
C. A payment aggregator provides user-friendly features such as a comprehensive dashboard and quick customer support, while a payment gateway lacks these features.
D. A payment aggregator and a payment gateway are the same thing.
Correct Answer: A. A payment aggregator offers various payment options and handles funds, while a payment gateway only provides technology. Explanation: A payment aggregator offers the customers various payment options so a merchant does not need a separate integration system. A payment aggregator handles funds, while the gateway only provides the technology. This is mentioned in the third paragraph of the given context. Source
What is Thwaites Glacier?
A. A glacier in Antarctica
B. A glacier in Alaska
C. A glacier in Greenland
D. A glacier in Norway
Correct Answer: A. A glacier in Antarctica Explanation: Thwaites Glacier is a broad and vast Antarctic glacier flowing into Pine Island Bay.
What is the nickname of Thwaites Glacier?
A. Doomsday Glacier
B. Titan Glacier
C. Super Glacier
D. Apocalypse Glacier
Correct Answer: A. Doomsday Glacier Explanation: Thwaites Glacier is nicknamed the Doomsday Glacier due to its potential to cause significant global sea level rise.
What is the International Thwaites Collaboration?
A. A team of scientists monitoring the glacier
B. A research project to study climate change
C. A program to protect marine life
D. A space exploration mission
Correct Answer: A. A team of scientists monitoring the glacier Explanation: The International Thwaites Collaboration is a team of 13 U.S. and British scientists who monitored the Thwaites Glacier using an underwater robot vehicle known as Icefin.
What is the NOTTO?
A. An apex centre for all India activities of coordination and networking for procurement and distribution of organs and tissues and registry of Organs and Tissues Donation and Transplantation in the country.
B. A national network for the treatment of patients with renal failure.
C. A hospital in New Delhi specializing in organ transplantation.
D. A government organization responsible for regulating the sale of human organs.
Correct Answer: A. An apex centre for all India activities of coordination and networking for procurement and distribution of organs and tissues and registry of Organs and Tissues Donation and Transplantation in the country. Explanation: NOTTO is the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization, which functions as an apex centre for all India activities of coordination and networking for procurement and distribution of organs and tissues and registry of Organs and Tissues Donation and Transplantation in the country.
Under which ministry does NOTTO operate?
A. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
B. Ministry of Science and Technology
C. Ministry of Home Affairs
D. Ministry of Defence
Correct Answer: A. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Explanation: NOTTO is set up under the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
What is the purpose of the Transplantation of Human Organs Act (THOA) 1994?
A. To provide a system of removal, storage and transplantation of human organs for therapeutic purposes and for the prevention of commercial dealings in human organs.
B. To regulate the sale of human organs for commercial purposes.
C. To provide healthcare services to patients with organ failure.
D. To establish a network of hospitals for organ transplantation across the country.
Correct Answer: A. To provide a system of removal, storage and transplantation of human organs for therapeutic purposes and for the prevention of commercial dealings in human organs. Explanation: The Transplantation of Human Organs Act (THOA) 1994 was enacted to provide a system of removal, storage and transplantation of human organs for therapeutic purposes and for the prevention of commercial dealings in human organs.
Lead poisoning can cause damage to which of the following systems in the human body?
A. Nervous system
B. Respiratory system
C. Digestive system
D. Muscular system
Correct Answer: A. Nervous system Explanation: Lead is a neurotoxin that can cause damage to the brain and nervous system. Lead poisoning can lead to symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, memory loss, and in severe cases, seizures and coma.
Source
What is the main source of lead exposure in the general population?
A. Drinking water
B. Food
C. Air pollution
D. Paint and other household sources
Correct Answer: B. Food Explanation: In the general population, food is the main source of lead exposure. This can occur through contamination of soil, water, or dust during the production, processing, or packaging of food.
Source
Lead poisoning is most harmful to which of the following groups of people?
A. Children under the age of 6
B. Adults over the age of 60
C. Pregnant women
D. Athletes and fitness enthusiasts
Correct Answer: A. Children under the age of 6 Explanation: Children under the age of 6 are most vulnerable to the harmful effects of lead poisoning, as their brains and nervous systems are still developing. Lead poisoning can cause long-term developmental and behavioral problems in children, including learning difficulties and decreased IQ.
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