Answer Key UPSC Prelims 2016 General Studies Paper - 1

Simplifying UPSC IAS Preparation
Home
Doubts/Feedback
IAS Myths
Current Affairs
Daily Quiz
Articles
Downloads
Books
IAS Preparation Guide
Toppers
Rajya Sabha TV Summaries
Mains Self Study Tests 2016
Mindmaps
Offline Program
MISSION IAS 2017
Answer Writing Challenges
PRELIMS 2016 / UPDATES
ANSWER KEY:
UPSC Civil
Services
Preliminary
Exam 2016
To search type and hit enter
DOWNLOAD Prelims 2016 Question Paper GS-1Prelims ONLINE Test Series - Registration and P
INSIGHTS ONLINE PRELIMS TEST SERIES

2017
General Studies
Paper 1
INSIGHTS OFFLINE PRELIMS TEST

SERIES 2017
BY INSIGHTS AUGUST 9, 2016
SUBSCRIBE NOW AND STAY AHEAD

Enter your email address to subscribe to
ANSWER KEY UPSC Prelims

2016
SET D
INSIGHTS and receive notifications of

new posts by email.
Email Address
Subscribe
1) With reference to stand up

India scheme, which of the
following statement is/are correct?
1. Its purpose is to promote
entrepreneurship among SC/ST
and women entrepreneurs.
2. It provides for refinance
through SIDBI.
Select the correct answer using
the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
ADVERTISEMENT
Solution: C
Justification: Straight forward
question.
The scheme promotes
entrepreneurship among SC/ST
and Women entrepreneurs, and
facilitates at least two such
projects per bank branch.
The Stand Up India Scheme
provides for refinance window
through Small Industries
Development Bank of India
(SIDBI) with an initial amount of
Rs. 10,000 crore.So, 2 is correct.
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?
relid=134220
2) The FAO accords the status of

Globally Important Agricultural
PLEASE LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!
Heritage System (GIAHS) to

traditional agricultural systems.
What is the overall goal of this
CATEGORIES
initiative?
Categories
1. To provide modern technology,
Select Category
training in modern farming

methods and financial
ARCHIVES
support to local communities
Archives
of identified GIAHS so as to
Select Month
greatly enhance their

agricultural productivity
2. To identify and safeguard eco-
August 2016
M
10
11
12
13
14
biodiversity and knowledge
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
systems of the local
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
communities
29
30
31
friendly traditional farm

practices and their associated
landscapers, agricultural
3. To provide Geographical
Jul
Indication status to all the

varieties of agricultural
produce in such identified
UPDATES
ANSWER KEY: UPSC Civil Services

Preliminary Exam 2016 General
Studies Paper 1
9 AUG, 2016
(a) 1 and 3 only
UPDATE: Insights MAINS Test

Series 2016
GIAHS
(b) 2 only
(C) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: B
Justification: Statement 1 and 2:
In order to safeguard and support
the worlds agri-cultural heritage
systems, in 2002 FAO started an
initiative for the dynamic
conservation of Globally
Important Agricultural Heritage
8 AUG, 2016
MISSION 2017: How to Secure a

Rank? Insights IAS Test Series
2017
8 AUG, 2016
DOWNLOAD CSAT Civil Services

Preliminary Exam Paper-2016:
7 AUG, 2016
DOWNLOAD Question Paper: UPSC

Civil Services IAS Preliminary
Exam 2016
7 AUG, 2016
systems (GIAHS). So, clearly

modern practices wouldnt be
MOTIVATIONAL POSTS
relevant to the initiative. 1 is

incorrect.
Statement 2: The initiative intends
to safeguard the social, cultural,
economic and environmental
goods and services of these
heritage systems. So, 2 is correct.
Statement 3: There is no such
provision. GI is accorded to
products from a certain origin (e.g.
Hyderabadi Biryani) and not to
traditional agricultural systems.
http://www.fao.org/giahs/giahshome/en/
MOTIVATION: In this Life Full of

Struggles, Tomorrow is Just
another Day
6 AUG, 2016
Motivation and Practical Tips for

Prelims by Topper Abhishek
Gupta IPS
6 AUG, 2016
MOTIVATION: Too much to Study

and Too less Time What Should I
Do Now?
1 AUG, 2016
MOTIVATION: I am Nervous and

Tensed How can I give my Best
on August 7th (Prelims Exam)?
19 JUL, 2016
RECENT POSTS
3) Which of the following is/are

tributary/tributaries of
ANSWER KEY: UPSC Civil Services
Preliminary Exam 2016 General Studies

Paper 1
August 9, 2016
Brahmaputra?
Insights Daily Current Affairs, 09
1. Dibang
August 2016
2. Kameng
August 9, 2016
3. Lohit
Insights into Editorial: Innovation is
the best counter to digital piracy
August 9, 2016
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
Spotlight/News Analysis (7th August
2016): Swachh Survekshan 2017

August 9, 2016
(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: D
Justification: http://www.indiawris.nrsc.gov.in/wrpinfo/index.php?
title=Brahmaputra
[Insights Secure 2016] UPSC Mains
Questions on Current Affairs: 09 August

2016
August 9, 2016
9) In your opinion, what qualities
should a person aspiring to become the

Prime Minister of India should have?
Critically comment.
August 9, 2016
8) What do you understand by
Restrictive Interest Rate Policies (RIRP),

Zero Interest Rate Policies (ZIRP) and
Negative Interest Rate Policies (NIRP)? It
4) The term Core Banking

Solutions is sometimes seen in the
news. Which of the following
statements best describes/describe
is said that RIRP will not lead to higher

inflation even though ZIRP and NIRP
generate and entrench deflation.
Elaborate.
August 9, 2016
this term?
1. It is a networking of a banks
branches which enables
customers to operate their
accounts from any branch of
7) Do you think using law enforcement
approach as a primary tactic to fight

digital piracy would help the cause? What
other approaches can be used? Analyse
August 9, 2016
the bank on its network
regardless of where they open
told Lok Sabha that the government was
their accounts.
planning to create fish ladders in the
2. It is an effort to increase RBIs

control over commercial banks
through computerization.
3. It is a detailed procedure by
6) Recently, Water Resources Minister
Ganga near the Farakka Barrage to help

hilsa travel upstream to spawn. What do
you understand by fish ladders? Whats
the purpose of this move? Examine.
August 9, 2016
which a bank with huge nonperforming assets is taken over

by another bank.
5) Do you think competitive federalism
is working in India? Discuss.

August 9, 2016

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
4) Is India ready to host Olympics? Do
you think hosting the Olympic will act as

a tool of development fo rthe host
country? Comment.
August 9, 2016
3) Discuss how USA can help advance
(d) 1, 2 and 3
the cause of arms control, Nuclear Non-
Solution: A
August 9, 2016
Justification: Statement 1: Core
Banking Solution (CBS) is

networking of branches, which
Proliferation and Disarmament.
2) Critically analyse Indias policy vis a
vis SAARC and Pakistan.

August 9, 2016
enables Customers to operate
their accounts, and avail banking
protection movement in pre and post
services from any branch of the
independent India.
Bank on CBS network, regardless
August 9, 2016
1) Critically analyse the nature of cow
of where he maintains his
account. Clearly, 1 is correct.
2016
Statement 2 and 3: They are
UPDATE: Insights MAINS Test Series
August 8, 2016
absurd and can easily be

eliminated.
http://www.bankofbaroda.co.in/cbs.asp
TOP POSTS
DOWNLOAD Question Paper: UPSC Civil
Services IAS Preliminary Exam 2016
MISSION - 2017: How to Secure a Rank? Insights IAS Test Series 2017
Insights Daily Current Affairs, 06 August
2016
5. Consider the following pairs:
IMPORTANT UPDATE: 2016 and 2017 IAS
Terms sometimes
MISSION 2017: Timetable for 2017 UPSC
Their origin seen in the news
Prelims Test Series Program
1. AnnexI Countries :
Cartagena Protocol
Prelims Test Series
DOWNLOAD CSAT Civil Services

Preliminary Exam Paper-2016:
[Insights Secure 2016] UPSC Mains
Questions on Current Affairs: 08 August
2. Certified Emissions Reductions
2016
: Nagoya Protocol
3. Clean Development
Mechanism : Kyoto Protocol
RECENT CURRENT EVENTS POSTS
Which of the pairs given above

August 2016
is/are correctly matched?
9 AUG, 2016
(a) 1 and 2 only

August 2016
(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: C
Justification: Statement 1: AnnexI countries are related to Kyoto
6 AUG, 2016
Insights into Important Issues:

South China Sea Understanding
the dispute and implications
5 AUG, 2016

August 2016
5 AUG, 2016
Protocol. See
http://unfccc.int/kyoto_protocol/items/3145.php
August 2016
Statement 2: A certified emission
4 AUG, 2016
reduction (CER) is generated from
a clean development mechanism
(CDM) project activity. See
RECENT SECURE 2016 POSTS
http://unfccc.int/kyoto_protocol/mechanisms/clean_development_mechanism/items/2
[Insights Secure 2016] UPSC
Mains Questions on Current
Statement 3: Same link as above.
Affairs: 09 August 2016
9 AUG, 2016

8 AUG, 2016
6. In the context of the

developments in

Bioinformatics, the term
transcriptome, sometimes
6 AUG, 2016
seen in the news, refers to

(a) a range of enzymes used in
genome editing

5 AUG, 2016
(b) the full range of mRNA

molecules expressed by an
organism
(c) the description of the
mechanism of gene expression
(d) a mechanism of genetic
mutations taking place in cells
Solution: B
Justification: A transcriptome is
the full range of messenger RNA,
or mRNA, molecules expressed by
an organism.
The term transcriptome can
also be used to describe the
array of mRNA transcripts
produced in a particular cell or
tissue type.
In contrast with the genome,
which is characterized by its
stability, the transcriptome
actively changes.
In fact, an organisms
transcriptome varies
depending on many factors,
including stage of development
CURRENT EVENTS QUIZ
REVISION QUESTIONS-2:
Important Questions for UPSC
Prelims 2016
QUIZ 2016: Insights Current
Affairs Quiz August 4, 2016
REVISION QUESTIONS: Important
Questions for UPSC Prelims 2016
QUIZ 2016: Insights Current
Affairs Quiz August 3, 2016
MINDMAPS
Insights MINDMAPS on Current

Issues, 05 May 2016
Issues, 04 May 2016
Issues, 03 May 2016
Issues, 14 April 2016 to 30 April
2016
and environmental conditions.

INSIGHTS DAILY DEBATES
http://www.nature.com/scitable/definition/transcriptome296
Insights Daily Debates, Day 258:

GST will Curb Black Money and
Corruption
Insights Daily Debates, Day 257:
Making Lieutenant Governor of
Delhi more Powerful is
Undemocratic
7. Mission Indradhanush
launched by the Government
of India pertains to
(a) immunization of children and
pregnant women
(b) construction of smart cities
across the country
(c) Indias own search for the
Earth-like planets in outer space
(d) New Educational Policy
RAJYASABHA TV NEWS DEBATES
Spotlight/News Analysis (7th

August 2016): Swachh Survekshan
2017
9 AUG, 2016
The Big Picture- GST Constitutional

Amendment Cleared: Whats The
Road Ahead?
8 AUG, 2016
TOPPERS STRATEGIES
Solution: A
PHILOSOPHY OPTIONAL NOTES:

Ambarish Vemuri, Rank 150, CSE
Justification:
2015
relid=114103
SOCIOLOGY STRATEGY: Chandra

Mohan Garg, Rank 25 CSE 2015
UPSC IAS Prelims Strategy &
Motivation : Gazal Bharadwaj,
Rank 40 CSE 2015
8) Which of the following best

describes/ describe the aim of
Green India Mission of the
Government of India?
1. Incorporating environmental
benefits and costs into the
Union and State Budgets
thereby implementing the
`green accounting
2. Launching the second green
revolution to enhance
MOTIVATION: Bandana Pokhriyal,

Rank 83, Cleared UPSC Civil
Services Without Quitting Job
While Working as Excise Inspector
for Past 4.5 Years
Toppers Notes: Nitin Sangwan,
Rank 28, UPSC Civil Services
Exam 2015
Strategy for PHILOSOPHY
Optional: Ambarish V L Vemuri,
Rank 150 CSE 2015
agricultural output so as to
ensure food security to one
and all in the future
3. Restoring and enhancing forest
cover and responding to
climate change by a
combination of adaptation and
mitigation measures
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
MOTIVATION: Strategy for UPSC

Mains and Tips for Answer
Writing Kumar Ashirwad, Rank
35 CSE 2015
UPSC IAS CIvil Services PRELIMS
STRATEGY: Kumar Ashirwad,
Rank 35, Prelims GS-1 Marks 140
(2015)
MOTIVATION: Myths and Mistakes
to Avoid, by Kumar Ashirwad,
Rank 35, Insights Offline Student
ESSAY STRATEGY BY ESSAY
TOPPER: Chandra Mohan Garg,
Rank 25, Essay Marks 149, CSE
2015
Solution: C
Justification: The mission intends
to increase forest/tree cover;
improve/enhance eco-system
RECENT ESSAY CHALLENGES
Insights Weekly Essay Challenges

2016 Week 32: Knowing
yourself is the beginning of all
services and to increase forest

based livelihood income of about
3 million households. So, rest
other statements (other than 3)
are thus wrong.
http://www.envfor.nic.in/majorinitiatives/national-mission-greenindia-gim
wisdom.
2016 Week 30: True knowledge
exists in knowing that you know
nothing
2016 Week 29: We Can Not Fight
Terrorism: We have to Live With it
2016 Week 28: A house divided
against itself cannot stand
9) With reference to pre-packaged

items in India, it is mandatory to

2016 Week 27: When the going
gets tough, the tough get going
the manufacturer to put which of

the following information on the
main label, as per the Food Safety
MUST READ BOOKS
and Standards (Packaging and
1) Introduction to the Constitution of
Labelling) Regulations, 2011?
India 20 Edition
1. List of ingredients including

additives
2) India Since Independence - Bipan

Chandra
2. Nutrition information
3) India's Struggle For Independence
3. Recommendations, if any,
Bipan Chandra
made by the medical
4) Indian Economy : For Civil Services
profession about the
Examinations 6th Edition (2014) - Ramesh
possibility of any allergic
Singh
reactions
4. Vegetarian/non-vegetarian
5) Indian Polity for Civil Services

Examinations 4th Edition - Laxmikanth
6)Geography of India- Majid Hussain - 5th
Edition
7) Ethics In Governance
(a) 1, 2 and 3
8)India After Gandhi: The History Of The

World's Largest Democracy
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 2 and 4
(d) 1 and 4 only
Solution: C
Justification: Straightforward
question. Information about
Allergic reactions is NOT
mandatory on the food packets.
9) Mastering Modern World History -5th

Edition, Norman Lowe
10) Select Constitutions: 16th Edition - S
Chand
11) Challenge And Strategy : Rethinking
India's Foreign Policy - Rajiv Sikri
12) India's Foreign Policy - Muchkund
Dubey
13) History of the World from the Late
Nineteenth to the Early Twenty First
http://www.fssai.gov.in/Portals/0/Pdf/Food%20Safety%20and%20standards%20(Packa
Century - Arjun Dev
14) Social Problems in India 2 Edition Ram Ahuja
15) Politics and Ethics of the Indian

Constitution
10. Project Loon, sometimes seen

in the news, is related to
(a) waste management technology
16) Public Institutions in India:

Performance and Design - PRATAP
BHANU MEHTA
17) Certificate Physical and Human
Geography - Goh Cheng Leong
(b) wireless communication

technology
(c) solar power production
18) Indias National Security A Reader

19) Indian Social System - Ram Ahuja
technology
(d) water conservation technology
Solution: B
Justification: Project Loon aims to
help connect remote regions of the
RSS - Posts
world to the internet via a

network of balloons floating in the
sky beaming internet.
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/internet/googlemay-get-government-nod-toconduct-pilot-for-project-loon-inindia/articleshow/52408455.cms
11. Net metering is sometimes

seen in the news in the context
of promoting the
(a) production and use of solar
energy by the
households/consumers
(b) use of piped natural gas in the
kitchens of households
(c) installation of CNG kits in
motor-cars
(d) installation of water meters in
urban households
Solution: A
Justification: Net metering is a
billing mechanism that credits
solar energy system owners for
the electricity they add to the grid,
if you generate more energy (from
household solar rooftops) than

you consume in home.
http://www.mass.gov/eea/grantsand-tech-assistance/guidancetechnical-assistance/agencies-anddivisions/dpu/net-meteringfaqs.html
12. Indias ranking in the Ease of

Doing Business Index is
sometimes seen in the news.
Which of the following has
declared that ranking?
(a) Organization for Economic
Cooperation and Development
(OECD)
(b) World Economic Forum
(c) World Bank
(d) World Trade Organization
(WTO)
Solution: C
Justification:
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/definition/easeof-doing-business
13. Banjaras during the medieval

period of Indian history were
generally
(a) agriculturists
(b) warriors
(c) weavers
(d) traders
Solution: D
Justification: There were many
different tribal groups in Medieval
India. Some were hunter-gatherer
nomads.
One such type of nomadic
group was that of the banjaras.
They were the most important
trader-nomads during the
medieval period.
Their caravan was called
tanda. Sultan Alauddin Khaljls
market regulation system
could become successful
pnmanly because of the fact
that he relied heavily on the
banjaras to transport grains to
the city markets.
http://tinyurl.com/j7ejmq8
14. Who of the following had first

deciphered the edicts of
Emperor Ashoka?
(a) Georg Bilhler
(b) James Prinsep
(c) Max Muller
(d) William Jones
Solution: B
Justification: Factual but
straightforward
https://www.cs.colostate.edu/~malaiya/ashoka.html
15) With reference to the Gram

Nyayalaya Act, which of the
following statements is/are
correct?
1. As per the Act, Gram
Nyayalayas can hear only civil
cases and not criminal cases.
2. The Act allows local social
activists as
mediators/reconciliators.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution: B
Statement 1: It tries both Civil and
Criminal cases. So, 1 is wrong.
Statement 2: We are quoting from
the Gram Nyalayas Act, 2008
27. (1) For the purposes of section
26, the District Court shall, in
consultation with the
Appointment District Magistrate,
prepare a panel consisting of the
names of social workers at the
village level having integrity for
appointment as Conciliators who
possess such qualifications and
experience as may be prescribed
by the High Court.
So, clearly 2 is correct.
http://doj.gov.in/sites/default/files/gramnyayalayas_0.pdf

16) With reference to the TransPacific Partnership, consider the
following statements :
1. It is an agreement among all
the Pacific Rim countries
except China and Russia.
2. It is a strategic alliance for the
purpose of maritime security
only.
Which of the statements given
above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution: D
Justification: Statement 1: It
involves 12 pacific-rim countries:
the US, Japan, Malaysia, Vietnam,
Singapore, Brunei, Australia, New
Zealand, Canada, Mexico, Chile
and Peru.
Its no an agreement between ALL
the Pacific Rim except Russia &
China. Only 12 out of nearly 50+
Pacific Rim countries are part of it.
Statement 2: It is a trade bloc. So, 2

is wrong.
https://ustr.gov/tpp/
17. Consider the following

statements :
The India-Africa Summit
1. held in 2015 was the third such
Summit
2. was actually initiated by
Jawaharlal Nehru in 1951
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution: A
Justification: India-Africa Summit
started in 2008 (first summit) is
one of the most spectacular
diplomatic exercises hosted by
India since the 1983 Non Aligned
Movement (NAM) summit.
Second and third summit were

held in 2011 and 2015. So, 1 is
correct and 2 is wrong.
http://www.idsa.in/idsacomments/3rdindia-africa-forumsummit_rberi_291015
18) What is/are the

purpose/purposes of the
`Marginal Cost of Funds based
Lending Rate (MCLR) announced
by RBI?
1. These guidelines help improve
the transparency in the
methodology followed by
banks for determining the
interest rates on advances.
2. These guidelines help ensure
availability of bank credit at
interest rates which are fair to
the borrowers as well as the
banks.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution: C
Justification: It is the new
benchmark lending rate at which
banks will now lend to new
borrowers.
Statement 1: MCLR will be
calculated after factoring in banks
marginal cost of funds (largely, the
interest at which banks borrow
money), return on equity (a
measure of banks profitability),
and other risks and costs.
The MCLR should be revised
monthly by considering some
new factors including the repo
rate and other borrowing
rates.
Specifically the repo rate and
other borrowing rates that
were not explicitly considered
under the base rate system.
Banks will also publically
publish all kinds of MCLR
periodically.
This will surely bring
transparency in the calculation
methodology. So, 1 is correct.
The RBI expects the new
formula to make floating
lending rates more responsive

to its policy rate cuts.
Statement 2: Based upon this
MCLR, interest rate for different
types of customers should be fixed
in accordance with their riskiness.
So, it become fair to both
borrowers as well as lenders.
https://rbi.org.in/SCRIPTs/BS_PressReleaseDisplay.aspx?
prid=35749
19)What is/are unique about

Kharai Camel, a breed found in
India?
1. It is capable of swimming up to
three kilometres in seawater.
2. It survives by grazing on
mangroves.
3. It lives in the wild and cannot
be domesticated.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: A
Justification: Statement 1 and 2: It
can swim up to three kilometers
into the sea in search of
mangroves, its primary food.
The breed population has declined
drastically in recent years due to
loss of mangroves.
Statement 3: Given the breeds
ability to survive both on land and
sea, the Kharai camel is one of the
most preferred choices of graziers
in the arid coastal region of
Kachchh.
People consume its milk, while
male calves are sold for economic
returns (females are not sold
because they are considered
sacred). So, clearly they are
domesticated and dont live in the
wild. Statement 3 is wrong.
Gujarat is the only home to Kharai
camel.
http://www.downtoearth.org.in/coverage/thesinking-ship-40705
20. Recently, our scientists have

discovered a new and distinct
species of banana plant which

attains a height of about 11
metres and has orangecoloured fruit pulp. In which
part of India has it been
discovered?
(a) Andaman Islands
(b) Anaimalai Forests
(c) Maikala Hills
(d) Tropical rain forests of
northeast
Solution: A
Justification: Musa
indandamanensis, a sweet species
of banana with orange pulp, has
been discovered in the islands of
Andamans.
The banana species was found by
a team of scientists from the
Botanical Survey of India (BSI)
from the Krishna Nalah tropical
rain forest on the islands.
It has also been reported by the
scientists that the discovered
species is thrice the size of a
regular banana species
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/education/story/bananaspecies/1/498242.html

21. Which one of the following is
the best description of INS
Astradharini, that was in the
news recently?
(a) Amphibious warfare ship
(b) Nuclear-powered submarine
(c) Torpedo launch and recovery
vessel
(d) Nuclear-powered aircraft
carrier
Solution: C
Justification: It is Indian Navys
first totally indigenously-designed
and built torpedo launch and
recovery vessel.
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/insastradharanicommissioned/article7730364.ece
22. What is Greased Lightning-10

(GL-10), recently in the news?
(a) Electric plane tested by NASA
(b) Solar-powered two-seater
aircraft designed by Japan

(c) Space observatory launched by
China
(d) Reusable rocket designed by
ISRO
Solution: A
Justification: As per the NASA
Website, it is in testing and
development phase.
The website says. Imagine a
battery-powered plane that has 10
engines and can take off like a
helicopter and fly efficiently like
an aircraft. That is a concept being
developed by NASA researchers
called Greased Lightning or GL10.
http://www.nasa.gov/langley/tenengine-electric-plane-completessuccessful-flight-test
23) With reference to Initiative

for Nutritional Security through
Intensive Millets Promotion,
which of the following statements
is/are correct?
1. This initiative aims to
demonstrate the improved

production and post-harvest
technologies, and to
demonstrate value addition
techniques, in an integrated
manner, with cluster
approach.
2. Poor, small, marginal and
tribal farmers have larger
stake in this scheme.
3. An important objective of the
scheme is to encourage
farmers of commercial crops
to shift to millet cultivation by
offering them free kits of
critical inputs of nutrients and
micro-irrigation equipment.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: C
Justification: It was launched
under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas
Yojana in 2011-12 for promotion
of millets as Nutri-cereals.
Statement 1: It has been picked
verbatim from the source

mentioned below.
Statement 2: Certain districts with
large crop area under millets but
with productivity less than that of
the National Average Yield could
be taken up for active promotion
of production technologies
through block demonstrations.
However, in case of small
millets, which have low
productivity in general and are
taken by resource poor tribal
farmers in remote interior
areas, production programme
would be organized in all the
identified districts irrespective
of their productivity levels.
So, clearly 2 is correct.
Statement 3: The statement is
partially wrong.
We are posting verbatim
Technology demonstration kits of
critical inputs of nutrients and
plant protection measures
comprising of micro-nutrients
(not micro-irrigation
equipments), fungicides and biofertilizers, DAP, urea, potash and
pesticides including weedicides at
a total cost of Rs. 3,000/- per ha for
sorghum, pearl millet and finger
millet and Rs. 2,000/- per ha for

small millets would be supplied to
all the farmers in the units.
These kits would be supplied free
of cost to the beneficiary farmers
subject to maximum area of 2
hectare.
So, 3 will actually be wrong,
because even though the kits are
given free of cost, it does not
include micro-irrigation
equipments.
http://agricoop.nic.in/Admin_Agricoop/Uploaded_File/INSIMP.pdf
24. The `Swadeshi and Boycott

were adopted as methods of
struggle for the first time
during the
(a) agitation against the Partition
of Bengal
(b) Home Rule Movement
(c) Non-Cooperation Movement
(d) visit of the Simon Commission
to India
Solution: A
Justification: Straightforward
answer.
25) With reference to the religious

history of India, consider the
following statements :
1. The concept of Bodhisattva is
central to Hinayana sect of
Buddhism.
2. Bodhisattva is a compassionate
one on his way to
enlightenment.
3. Bodhisattva delays achieving
his own salvation to help all
sentient beings on their path to
it.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: B
Justification: Statement 1: It is
central to the Mahayana sect of
Buddhism.
In non-Mahayana Buddhism, it
usually refers either to Maitreya,
the Buddha of the Future, or to the

historical Buddha Gautama prior
to his enlightenment.
Statement 2 and 3: A bodhisattva
is literally a living being (sattva)
who aspires to enlightenment
(bodhi) and carries out altruistic
practices. The bodhisattva ideal is
central to the Mahayana Buddhist
tradition as the individual who
seeks enlightenment both for himor herself and for others. Clearly 2
is correct.
Compassion, an empathetic
sharing of the sufferings of
others, is the bodhisattvas
greatest characteristic.
It is held that the bodhisattva
makes four vows expressing a
determination to work for the
happiness of others: However
innumerable sentient beings
are, I vow to save them;
however inexhaustible the
passions are, I vow to master
them; however limitless the
teachings are, I vow to study
them; however infinite the
Buddha-truth is, I vow to attain
it.
Clearly 3 is correct.
http://www.sgi.org/aboutus/buddhism-in-daily-
life/bodhisattva.html
26. Doctors Without Borders

(Medecins Sans Frontieres),
often in the news, is
(a) a division of World Health
Organization
(b) a non-governmental
international organization
(c) an inter-governmental agency
sponsored by European Union
(d) a specialized agency of the
United Nations
Solution: B
Justification: It is an international
humanitarian-aid nongovernmental organization (NGO)
and Nobel Peace Prize laureate,
best known for its projects in wartorn regions and developing
countries facing endemic diseases.
It was founded in France in
response to the Biafran War
(Nigerian Civil War).
http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/about-
us
27) With reference to an initiative

called The Economics of
Ecosystems and Biodiversity
(TEEB), which of the following
statements is/are correct?
1. It is an initiative hosted by
UNEP, IMF and World
Economic Forum.
2. It is a global initiative that
focuses on drawing attention
to the economic benefits of
biodiversity.
3. It presents an approach that
can help decision-makers
recognize, demonstrate and
capture the value of
ecosystems and biodiversity.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: C
Justification: Statement 1: The

founding of TEER is actually a bit
elaborate. It started from the G8+5
environment ministers since 2007.
You can read more about it in the
source given below.
The TEEB office is hosted by the
United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP).
Statement 2 and 3: Lifted nearly
verbatim from the source below.
http://www.teebweb.org/about/theinitiative/
28) With reference to Red

Sanders, sometimes seen in the
news, consider the following
statements:
1. It is a tree species found in a
part of South India.
2. It is one of the most important
trees in the tropical rain forest
areas of South India.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution: A
Justification: Statement 1: Red
Sanders (a tree) has a highly
restrictive distribution in the
South Eastern portion of Indian
peninsula (Eastern Ghats of South
India) to which it is endemic. So,
clearly 1 is correct.
Statement 2: It occurs in the forest
formation which is classified as
Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous
Forests. So, clearly 2 is wrong.
It is generally found at altitudes of
150 900 m. It grows on dry, hilly,
often rocky ground, and
occasionally found on precipitous
hill sides also. It prefers lateritic
and gravelly soil and cannot
tolerate water logging.
http://www.moef.nic.in/downloads/publicinformation/Chap-8-new.pdf
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhrapradesh/international-redsanders-smugglernabbed/article8813238.ece
29. Which of the following

Proper design and effective
implementation of UN-REDD+
Programme can significantly
contribute to
1. protection of biodiversity
2. resilience of forest ecosystems
3. poverty reduction
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: D
Justification: Statement 3 was
debatable, but we are posting
verbatim from the source below,
The UN-REDD Programme has
identified the following three
topics for supporting national
REDD+ governance structures,
with an overarching principle of
stakeholder participation
Country-led multi-stakeholder
governance assessments that
contribute to the development
and implementation of
national REDD+ strategies (for
tackling forest degradation
and biodiversity loss) and
nationally owned monitoring
frameworks
Social standards, including
poverty and gender
Land and/or carbon tenure
and the role of REDD+ within
national land use strategies
http://www.unep.org/forests/Portals/142/docs/UNREDD%20Programme%20Strategy.pdf
30. What is Greenhouse Gas

Protocol?
(a) It is an international
accounting tool for government
and business leaders to
understand, quantify and manage
greenhouse gas emissions
(b) It is an initiative of the United
Nations to offer financial
incentives to developing countries
to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions and to adopt ecofriendly technologies

(c) It is an inter-governmental
agreement ratified by all the
member countries of the United
Nations to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions to specified levels by the
year 2022
(d) It is one of the multilateral
REDD+ initiatives hosted by the
World Bank
Solution: A
Justification: The Greenhouse Gas
Protocol (GHG Protocol) is the
most widely used international
accounting tool for government
and business leaders to
understand, quantify, and manage
greenhouse gas emissions.
It is a decade-long partnership
between the World Resources
Institute (WRI) and the World
Business Council for
Sustainable Development
(WBCSD).
It is working with businesses,
governments, and
environmental groups around
the world to build a new
generation of credible and
effective programs for tackling
climate change.
http://www.ghgprotocol.org/aboutghgp
31) With reference to Financial

Stability and Development
Council, consider the following
statements :
1. It is an organ of NITI Aayog.
2. It is headed by the Union
Finance Minister.
3. It monitors macro-prudential
supervision of the economy.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: C
Justification: Statement 1: With a
view to strengthening and
institutionalizing the mechanism
for maintaining financial stability,
enhancing inter-regulatory
coordination and promoting
financial sector development, the
Financial Stability and
Development Council (FSDC) was
set up by the Government as the
apex level forum in December
2010 (much before NITI AAyog
was even setup). So, 1 is incorrect.
Statement 2: The Chairman of the
Council is the Finance Minister
and its members include the heads
of financial sector Regulators (RBI,
SEBI, PFRDA, IRDA & FMC)
Finance Secretary and/or
Secretary, Department of
Economic Affairs, Secretary,
Department of Financial Services,
and Chief Economic Adviser. So, 2
is correct.
Statement 3: Without prejudice to
the autonomy of regulators, the
Council monitors macro
prudential supervision of the
economy, including functioning of
large financial conglomerates, and
addresses inter-regulatory
coordination and financial sector
development issues. So, 3 is
correct.
It also focuses on financial literacy
and financial inclusion.
http://finmin.nic.in/fsdc/StrucFSDC.pdf
32) With reference to Agenda 21,

sometimes seen in the news,
consider the following statements
:
1. It is a global action plan for
sustainable development
2. It originated in the World
Summit on Sustainable
Development held in
Johannesburg in 2002.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution: A
Justification: Agenda 21 is a nonbinding, voluntarily implemented
action plan of the United Nations
with regard to sustainable
development.
It is a product of the Earth Summit
(UN Conference on Environment
and Development) held in Rio de

Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992.
https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/outcomedocuments/agenda21
33. Satya Shodhak Samaj

organized
(a) a movement for upliftment of
tribals in Bihar
(b) a temple-entry movement in
Gujarat
(c) an anti-caste movement in
Maharashtra
(d) a peasant movement in Punjab
Solution: C
Justification: Clear answer. You
can read more about the
movement here
http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/20396/11/11_chapter%205.pdf
34. Which of the following

Viruses can infect
1. bacteria
2. fungi
3. plants
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: D
Justification: Viruses are known
to infect almost any kind of host
that has living cells. Animals,
plants, fungi, and bacteria are all
subject to viral infection.
A bacteriophage is a virus that
infects and replicates within a
bacterium. Mycoviruses are
viruses that infect fungi. A host of
other Viruses affect plants.
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?
c=16+2160&aid=2956
35. The term Base Erosion and
Profit Shifting is sometimes

seen in the news in the context
of
(a) mining operation by
multinational companies in
resource-rich but backward areas
(b) curbing of the tax evasion by
multinational companies
(c) exploitation of genetic
resources of a country by
multinational companies
(d) lack of consideration of
environmental costs in the
planning and implementation of
developmental projects
Solution: B
Justification: Base erosion and
profit shifting (BEPS) refers to tax
avoidance strategies that exploit
gaps and mismatches in tax rules
to artificially shift profits to low or
no-tax locations.
Under the inclusive
framework, over 100 countries
and jurisdictions are
collaborating to implement the
BEPS measures and tackle
BEPS.
Double-tax avoidance treaties
and tax-information exchange
between member nations are

used to curb this practice.
http://www.oecd.org/tax/beps/
36. Recently, Indias first National

Investment and Manufacturing
Zone was proposed to be set
up in
(a) Andhra Pradesh
(b) Gujarat
(c) Maharashtra
(d) Uttar Pradesh
Solution: A
Justification:
http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/201509-21/news/66760948_1_andhrapradesh-nimz-manufacturingzone
37) What is/are the

purpose/purposes of `District
Mineral Foundations in India?
1. Promoting mineral exploration
activities in mineral-rich
districts
2. Protecting the interests of the
persons affected by mining
operations
3. Authorizing State
Governments to issue licences
for mineral exploration
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: B
Justification: District Mineral
Foundation (DMF) is a trust set up
as a non-profit body, in those
districts affected by the mining
works, to work for the interest and
benefit of persons and areas
affected by mining related
operations. It is funded through
the contributions from miners.
So, all other statements apart
from 2 are wrong.
Setting up of District Mineral
Foundations (DMFs) in all
districts in the country affected
by mining related operations
was mandated through the

Mines and Minerals
(Development & Regulation)
Amendment Act, (MMDRA)
2015.
Its manner of operation comes
under the jurisdiction of the
relevant State Government.
http://www.arthapedia.in/index.php?
title=District_Mineral_Foundation_(DMF)
38. `SWAYAM, an initiative of the

Government of India, aims at
(a) promoting the Self Help Groups
in rural areas
(b) providing financial and
technical assistance to young startup entrepreneurs
(c) promoting the education and
health of adolescent girls
(d) providing affordable and
quality education to the citizens
for free
Solution: D
Justification: SWAYAM is an
Information Technology platform
which will host Massive Open

Online Courses (MOOCs) and
provide high quality education on
various subjects from school
levelclass 9-12 to Under Graduate
and Post Graduate students
covering all disciplines.
Through this scheme the Ministry
has proposed to provide high
quality e-content to all colleges
and universities free of cost.
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/services/education/pmnarendra-modi-to-launchswayam-massive-open-onlinecourses-platform-on-aug15/articleshow/53029959.cms
39. The Montague-Chelmsford

Proposals were related to
(a) social reforms
(b) educational reforms
(c) reforms in police
administration
(d) constitutional reforms
Solution: D
Justification: They introduced by
the British Government in India to
introduce self-governing
institutions gradually to India.
They formed the basis of the
Government of India Act 1919.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montagu%E2%80%93Chelmsford_Reforms
40) What is/are common to the

two historical places known as
Ajanta and Mahabalipuram?
1. Both were built in the same
period.
2. Both belong to the same
religious denomination.
3. Both have rock-cut
monuments.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) None of the statements given
above is correct
Solution: B
Justification: Statement 1: As per
ASI Website, While there is some

evidence of architectural activity
going back to the period of
Mahendravarman-I (AD 600-30),
the father of Mamalla, most of the
monuments are attributed to the
period of Narasimhavarman-I
Mamalla (AD 630-68) the Pallava
ruler.
On the other hand Ajanta
caves were excavated in
different periods (circa. 2nd
century B.C. to 6th century
A.D.) according to the
necessity. So, clearly 1 is
wrong.
Statement 2: Mahabalipuram
contains rock-cut rathas,
sculptured scenes on open rocks
like Arjunas penance, the caves of
Govardhanadhari and
Mahishasuramardini, the JalaSayana Perumal temple (the
sleeping Mahavishnu or Chakrin
at the rear part of the Shore
temple complex). So, it is more
linked to the Vaishnavites.
On the other hand, Ajanta is
linked more to the Buddhist
religious denomination.
Statement 2 is also wrong.
Statement 3: Both have rock-cut

monuments, because cave cut
Chaityas, Viharas and Stupas can
be clearly seen at Ajanta. Also, the
mural paintings that are made at
Ajanta involve some rock-cutting
as per ASI.
Mahabalipuram is famous for
rock monuments as described
above.
Only 3 is correct.
http://asi.nic.in/asi_monu_whs_mahabalipuram.asp
http://asi.nic.in/asi_monu_whs_ajanta.asp
41) With reference to Bitcoins,

is/are correct?
1. Bitcoins are tracked by the
Central Banks of the countries.
2. Anyone with a Bitcoin address
can send and receive Bitcoins
from anyone else with a
Bitcoin address.
3. Online payments can be sent
without either side knowing
the identity of the other.

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: B
Justification: Bitcoins can be sent
directly to anyone, anywhere in
the world. The only requirement
is that you should have a Bitcoin
address of the recipient. The
process doesnt require you to
reveal your identity. So, 2 and 3
are correct.
The system is peer-to-peer and
transactions take place between
users directly, without an
intermediary. So, it is not tracked
by the Central bank or any
intermediary. 1 is incorrect.
https://bitcoin.org/en/how-it-works
42) Consider the following

statements :
1. New Development Bank has
been set up by APEC.
2. The headquarters of New

Development Bank is in
Shanghai.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution: B
Justification: It was created by
BRICS in 2014 and headquartered
in Shanghai, China.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Development_Bank
43. Gadgil Committee Report and

Kasturirangan Committee
Report, sometimes seen in the
news, are related to
(a) constitutional reforms
(b) Ganga Action Plan
(c) linking of rivers
(d) protection of Western Ghats

Solution: D
Justification: Clear-cut answer.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/developmentalissues/Gadgil-committeerecommendations-on-WesternGhats-ideal-practicalExperts/articleshow/41136674.cms
http://www.businessstandard.com/article/economypolicy/kasturirangan-report-to-bebasis-for-eco-sensitive-areas-inwestern-ghats114082701235_1.html
44) Consider the following :

1. Calcutta Unitarian Committee
2. Tabernacle of New
Dispensation
3. Indian Reform Association
Keshab Chandra Sen is associated
with the establishment of which of
the above?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: B
Justification: Calcutta Unitarian
Committee was established in
1823 by Rammohun Roy,
Dwarkanath Tagore, and William
Adam. So, 1 is wrong.
In 1868, Keshub laid the
foundation stone of his new
church, the Tabernacle of New
Dispensation. So, 2 is correct.
Indian reform association was
founded in 1870 with Keshub
Chunder Sen as president. It
represented the secular side of the
Brahmo Samaj and included many
who did not belong to the Brahmo
Samaj. So, 3 is correct.
http://www.thebrahmosamaj.net/founders/keshub.html
http://www.thebrahmosamaj.net/history/chronology.html
45. Which of the following is not a

member of `Gulf Cooperation
Council?
(a) Iran
(b) Saudi Arabia
(c) Oman
(d) Kuwait
Solution: A
Justification: It is a political and
economic alliance of six Middle
Eastern countriesSaudi Arabia,
Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates,
Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman.
https://www.mea.gov.in/Portal/ForeignRelation/Gulf_Cooperation_Council_MEA_Web
46) What is/are the

purpose/purposes of
Governments Sovereign Gold
Bond Scheme and Gold
Monetization Scheme?
1. To bring the idle gold lying
with Indian households into
the economy
2. To promote FDI in the gold and
jewellery sector
3. To reduce Indias dependence
on gold imports

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: C
Justification: The scheme doesnt
intend to bring FDI in gold and
jewellery sector, and by
eliminating this only possible
answers you have are either A or
C.
Both schemes aim at reducing
physical demand of gold and thus
bring down gold imports which
clearly tell us that the answer
must be C.
http://www.financialexpress.com/markets/commodities/goldmonetisation-scheme-goldmonetization-scheme-indian-goldcoin-launched-2015/161906/
47. Belt and Road Initiative is

sometimes mentioned in the
news in the context of the
affairs of
(a) African Union
(b) Brazil
(c) European Union
(d) China
Solution: D
Justification:
http://thediplomat.com/tag/onebelt-one-road/
48. Pradhan Mantri MUDRA

Yojana is aimed at
(a) bringing the small
entrepreneurs into formal
financial system
(b) providing loans to poor
farmers for cultivating particular
crops
(c) providing pensions to old and
destitute persons
(d) funding the voluntary
organizations involved in the
promotion of skill development
and employment generation
Solution: A
Justification:
http://www.icicibank.com/PersonalBanking/loans/pradhan-mantrimudra-yojana.page
49. In which of the following

regions of India are shale gas
resources found?
1. Cambay Basin
2. Cauvery Basin
3. Krishna-Godavari Basin
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: D
Justification: The Ministry of
Petroleum and Natural Gas
(MoPNG) has identified six basins
as potentially shale gas bearing.
These are Cambay, Assam-Arakan,
Gondwana, Krishna-Godavari,
Kaveri, and the Indo-Gangetic
plain.
http://www.teriin.org/policybrief/docs/Shale_gas.pdf
50. Global Financial Stability

Report is prepared by the
(a) European Central Bank
(b) International Monetary Fund
(c) International Bank for
Reconstruction and Development
(d) Organization for Economic
Cooperation and Development
Solution: B
Justification:
https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/gfsr/
51) Regarding Atal Pension

Yojana, which of the following
1. It is a minimum guaranteed
pension scheme mainly
targeted at unorganized sector
workers.
2. Only one member of a family

can join the scheme.
3. Same amount of pension is
guaranteed for the spouse for
life after subscribers death.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: C
Yojana mainly addresses the
longevity risks among the workers
in unorganised sector and
encourages them to voluntarily
save for their retirement. So, 1 is
correct.
Statement 2: Atal Pension Yojana
(APY) is open to all bank account
holders who are not members of
any statutory social security
scheme. So, 2 is wrong.
Statement 3: As per the Ministry of
Finance, The spouse of the
subscriber shall be entitled to
receive the same pension amount
as that of the subscriber until the
death of the spouse. After the

death of both the subscriber and
the spouse, the nominee of the
subscriber shall be entitled to
receive the pension wealth, as
accumulated till age of 60 years of
the subscribe. So, clearly 3 is
correct.
relid=116208
Some recent changes (on which
statement 3 is based):
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/wealth/plan/governmentamends-atal-pensionyojana/articleshow/51511223.cms
52. The term Regional

Comprehensive Economic
Partnership often appears in
the news in the context of the
affairs of a group of countries
known as
(a) G20
(b) ASEAN
(c) SCO
(d) SAARC
Solution: B
Justification:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regional_Comprehensive_Economic_Partnership
53) On which of the following can

you find the Bureau of Energy
Efficiency Star Label?
1. Ceiling fans
2. Electric geysers
3. Tubular fluorescent lamps
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: D
Justification:
http://www.beepindia.org/sites/default/files/Chapter%206%20%20Appliances.pdf

54. India is an important member
of the International
Thermonuclear Experimental
Reactor. If this experiment
succeeds, what is the
immediate advantage for
India?
(a) It can use thorium in place of
uranium for power generation
(b) It can attain a global role in
satellite navigation
(c) It can drastically improve the
efficiency of its fission reactors in
power generation
(d) It can build fusion reactors for
power generation
Solution: D
Justification: 35 nations are
collaborating to build the worlds
largest tokamak, a magnetic
fusion device that has been
designed to prove the feasibility of
fusion as a large-scale and carbonfree source of energy based on the
same principle that powers our
Sun and stars.
The ITER MembersChina, the
European Union, India, Japan,
Korea, Russia and the United

Statesare now engaged in a 35year collaboration to build and
operate the ITER experimental
device, and together bring fusion
to the point where a
demonstration fusion reactor can
be designed.
https://www.iter.org/proj/inafewlines
55. In the context of the history of

India, consider the following
pairs:
Term
Description
(1) Eripatti : Land,
revenue from which was set apart
for the maintenance of the village
tank
(2) Taniyurs : Villages
donated to a single Brahmin or a
group of Brahmins
(3) Ghatikas : Colleges
generally attached to the temples
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1 and 3
Solution: D
Justification: Statement 1: A
special category of land Eripatti or
tank land, was known only in
south India, This was land
donated by individuals, the
revenue from which was set apart
for the maintenance of the village
tank, which indicates the
dependence of the village on the
tank for irrigation. You can see
here http://tinyurl.com/hprtzyu
Statement 2: Taniyurs were
distinct revenue units under
Cholas. You can see here
http://tinyurl.com/zchz6ue
Statement 3: In South India
centres of higher learning were
known as Ghatikas. There was a
famous Ghatika at Kanchi,
drawing students from far and
near. These Ghatikas were run in
temples.
http://tinyurl.com/h5acpfv

statements:
1. The International Solar
Alliance was launched at the
United Nations Climate Change
Conference in 2015.
2. The Alliance includes all the
member countries of the
United Nations.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution: A
Justification: India and France
have launched an International
Solar Alliance at the UN Climate
Change Conference in Paris to
boost solar energy in developing
countries. So, 1 is correct.
The alliance includes around 120
countries (not all UN members)
that support the Declaration on
the occasion to launch the
international solar alliance of

countries dedicated to the
promotion of solar energy. So, 2
is wrong.
http://newsroom.unfccc.int/cleanenergy/international-solar-energyalliance-launched-at-cop21/
57. European Stability

Mechanism, sometimes seen
in the news, is an
(a) agency created by EU to deal
with the impact of millions of
refugees arriving from Middle
East
(b) agency of EU that provides
financial assistance to eurozone
countries
(c) agency of EU to deal with all
the bilateral and multilateral
agreements on trade
(d) agency of EU to deal with the
conflicts arising among the
member countries
Solution: B
Justification: The European
Stability Mechanism is a European

Union agency that provides
financial assistance, in the form of
loans, to eurozone countries or as
new capital to banks in difficulty.
www.esm.europa.eu/

the advantage /advantages of
practising drip irrigation?
1. Reduction in weed
2. Reduction in soil salinity
3. Reduction in soil erosion
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) None of the above is an
advantage of practising drip
irrigation
Solution: C
Justification: Statement 1: Weeds
usually grow in between the plant
rows due to availability of
moisture on that strip of land. In
drip irrigation, water is applied

directly to the roots, and not the
entire field (thus excluding the
land space between plants where
weeds usually grow). So, weed
growth is inhibited.
Statement 2: There may be some
confusion in this statement.
Generally excessive logging and
flooded fields suffer from higher
salinity. So, replacing
conventional irrigation may help
in curbing water-logged soil
salinity.
But, generally speaking, as a
rule, we cannot claim that if
drip irrigation system is
installed on a farm land, it
would always reduce soil
salinity. Seen in isolation from
instances of water logging (or
other such cases), drip
irrigation and soil salinity do
not have much co-relation. The
system simply delivers water
to the roots of the plant.
Also, if we use elimination, as 1
and 3 must be correct, there is
no option 1, 2 and 3 which
automatically tells us that
statement 2 is wrong.
Statement 3: Surface irrigation is a
significant contributor to top soil
erosion. Drip irrigation reduces

soil erosion as water is delivered
directly to plant roots at a very
slow rate (unlike surface
irrigation where water velocity
can be fast).
https://www.irrigationdirect.com/articles/dripirrigation-history-benefits
http://www.agriinfo.in/default.aspx?
page=topic&superid=8&topicid=2243
59) Regarding DigiLocker,

is/are correct?
1. It is a digital locker system
offered by the Government
under Digital India
Programme.
2. It allows you to access your edocuments irrespective of your
physical location.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution: C
Justification: DigiLocker is one of
the key initiatives under the
Digital India Programme. This was
released by the Department of
Electronics and Information
Technology (DeitY), Government
of India.
The space can be utilized for
storing personal documents like
University certificates, Permanent
account number (PAN) cards,
voter id cards, etc., and the URIs of
the e-documents issued by various
issuer departments.
https://india.gov.in/spotlight/digilockeronline-document-storage-facility
60. Recently, linking of which of

the following rivers was
undertaken?
(a) Cauvery and Tungabhadra
(b) Godavari and Krishna
(c) Mahanadi and Sone
(d) Narmada and Tapti

Solution: B
Justification:
http://indianexpress.com/article/explained/godavariand-krishna-rivers-interlinkwhen-two-rivers-meet/
61) In the cities of our country,

which among the following
atmospheric gases are normally
considered in calculating the
value of Air Quality Index?
1. Carbon dioxide
2. Carbon monoxide
3. Nitrogen dioxide
4. Sulfur dioxide
5. Methane
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 4 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Solution: B
Justification: Air Quality Index

doesnt include carbon dioxide
and methane.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/modilaunches-air-quality-index-wantschange-in-lifestyle-to-saveenvironment/storyC8VHWyZWYe36La6PQ7v2eO.html
62) With reference to Àstrosat,

the astronomical observatory
launched by India, which of the
correct?
1. Other than USA and Russia,
India is the only country to
have launched a similar
observatory into space.
2. Astrosat is a 2000 kg satellite
placed in an orbit at 1650 km
above the surface of the Earth.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution: D
Justification: ASTROSAT is Indias
first dedicated multi wavelength
space observatory.
Statement 1: This is the first time
ISRO is launching a space
observatory into space. Before
India, NASA, space agencies of the
European Union, Japan and Russia
have launched similar facilities
into the space. So, 1 is wrong.
Statement 2: ASTROSAT with a liftoff mass of about 1513 kg was
launched into a 650 km orbit
(polar). So, 2 is wrong.
http://www.isro.gov.in/Spacecraft/astrosat
http://www.thehindu.com/scitech/science/isro-launchesastrosat-first-spaceobservatory/article7697707.ece
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_space_telescopes
63. With reference to the

economic history of medieval
India, the term Araghatta
refers to
(a) bonded labour

(b) land grants made to military
officers
(c) waterwheel used in the
irrigation of land
(d) wasteland and converted to
cultivated land
Solution: C
Justification: http://base.d-ph.info/en/fiches/dph/fiche-dph7866.html
http://tinyurl.com/zktanrk
64. With reference to the cultural

history of India, the
memorizing of chronicles,
dynastic histories and
Epictales was the profession of
who of the following?
(a) Shramana
(b) Parivraajaka
(c) Agrahaarika
(d) Maagadha
Solution: D
Justification: Excerpts from
Romila Thapar, Ancient India,
The memorizing of chronicles,
dynastic histories, or epic tales
was the work of a group of people,
the sutas and magadhas.
http://tinyurl.com/hb6mepk
65. Recently, for the first time in

our country, which of the
following States has declared a
particular butterfly as State
Butterfly?
(a) Arunachal Pradesh
(b) Himachal Pradesh
(c) Karnataka
(d) Maharashtra
Solution: D
Justification:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/otherstates/maharashtra-gets-statebutterfly/article7342955.ece
66. Consider the following

statements:
The Mangalyaan launched by
ISRO
1. is also called the Mars Orbiter
Mission
2. made India the second country
to have a spacecraft orbit the
Mars after USA
3. made India the only country to
be successful in making its
spacecraft orbit the Mars in its
very first attempt
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: C
Justification: India is the only
country to be successful in making
its spacecraft orbit Mars in its very
first attempt.
India is the first Asian country and

ISRO is the fourth space agency to
send a satellite to Mars.
www.isro.gov.in/Spacecraft/marsorbiter-mission-spacecraft
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/oped/a-faster-cheaper-marsorbiter/article6442854.ece
67. What was the main reason for

the split in the Indian National
Congress at Surat in 1907?
(a) Introduction of communalism
into Indian politics by Lord Minto
(b) Extremists lack of faith in the
capacity of the moderates to
negotiate with the British
Government
(c) Foundation of Muslim League
(d) Aurobindo Ghoshs inability to
be elected as the President of the
Indian National Congress
Solution: B
Justification: Standard question
on Surat Split.
12th TamiNadu History Textbook
68. The plan of Sir Stafford Cripps

envisaged that after the Second
World War
(a) India should be granted
complete independence
(b) India should be partitioned
into two before granting
independence
(c) India should be made a
republic with the condition that
she will join the Commonwealth
(d) India should be given
Dominion status
Solution: D
Justification: Standard question
on Cripps Mission.
NCERT 12th Themes in Indian
History III
69. Consider the following pairs:
Famous place Region

1. Bodhgaya Baghelkhand
2. Khajuraho Bundelkhand
3. Shirdi Vidarbha
4. Nasik (Nashik) Malwa
5. Tirupati Rayalaseema
are correctly matched?
(a) 1, 2 and 4
(b) 2, 3, 4 and 5
(c) 2 and 5 only
(d) 1, 3, 4 and 5
Solution: C
Justification: Baghelkhand is in
Central India, whereas Bodhgaya
is in Bihar. So, if 1 is wrong, we
have options (b) and (c)
remaining.
Malwa doesnt extend to Nasik
and Shirdi is in Ahmadnagar (far
from Vidarbha). So, 3 and 4 are
wrong.
The only answer can be C.
Source: Map-based questions on
important regions

70. The Parliament of India
acquires the power to legislate
on any item in the State List in
the national interest if a
resolution to that effect is
passed by the
(a) Lok Sabha by a simple majority
of its total membership
(b) Lok Sabha by a majority of not
less than two-thirds of its total
membership
(c) Rajya Sabha by a simple
majority of its total membership
(d) Rajya Sabha by a majority of
not less than two-thirds of its
members present and voting
Solution: D
Justification: If Rajya Sabha
approves a resolution with special
majority and declares that a
subject is of national interest, the
Parliament can make a law on the
particular subject in the state list
(7th Schedule).
Source: Indian Polity: M
Laxmikanth
71. Recently, which of the

following States has explored
the possibility of constructing
an artificial inland port to be
connected to sea by a long
navigational channel?
(a) Andhra Pradesh
(b) Chhattisgarh
(c) Karnataka
(d) Rajasthan
Solution: D
Justification: A proposal received
from Government of Rajasthan to
develop Inland Shipping Port at
Jalore which would be connected
to the Arabian Sea by developing a
channel along the Kutch Creek,
was discussed by the officers of
the Rajasthan Government with
the officials of Inland Waterways
Authority of India (IWAI).
It was decided that a prefeasibility study be undertaken
by Government of Rajasthan
containing all the technical
parameters required to assess
the possibility of developing
the port at Jalore.

IWAI has finalized the Terms
of Reference for the study,
which has been forwarded to
Government of Rajasthan for
necessary action.
relid=130196
72) With reference to the

Agreement at the UNFCCC Meeting
in Paris in 2015, which of the
correct?
1. The Agreement was signed by
all the member countries of
the UN and it will go into effect
in 2017.
2. The Agreement aims to limit
the greenhouse gas emissions
so that the rise in average
global temperature by the end
of this century does not
exceed 2 C or even 1.5 C
above pre-industrial levels.
3. Developed countries
acknowledged their historical
responsibility in global
warming and committed to
donate $ 1000 billion a year
from 2020 to help developing

countries to cope with climate
change.
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: B
Justification: Statement 1: It was
only agreed by 195 nations in
Paris at the conference. The
agreement will enter into force
only after 55 countries that
account for at least 55% of global
emissions have deposited their
instruments of ratification. So, 1 is
wrong.
Statement 3: Developed countries
will work to define a clear
roadmap on ratcheting up climate
finance to USD 100 billion (not
USD 1000 billion) by 2020. So, 3 is
wrong.
The only answer can be option B.
http://newsroom.unfccc.int/unfcccnewsroom/finale-cop21/

statements:
1. The Sustainable Development
Goals were first proposed in
1972 by a global think tank
called the Club of Rome.
2. The Sustainable Development
Goals have to be achieved by
2030.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution: B
first report of the Club of Rome
was the famous The limits to
growth thesis brought out in
1972.
While the report did talk about
the need of reducing our
consumption habits and
sustainable development, it is
hard to conclude that the SDGs
were first proposed by them.

This is because SDGs are a
comprehensive set of goals
that include not only
environmental conservation,
but also reducing poverty,
ensuring education, curbing
malnutrition and hunger etc.
So, we believe 1 should be
wrong.
Statement 2: It is officially known
as Transforming our world: the
2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development
http://donellameadows.org/archives/theclub-of-rome-and-sustainabledevelopment/
74. A recent movie titled The Man

Who Knew Infinity is based on
the biography of
(a) S. Ramanujan
(b) S. Chandrasekhar
(c) S. N. Bose
(d) C. V. Raman
Solution: A
Justification: It is a 2015 British

biographical drama film based on
the 1991 book of the same name
by Robert Kanigel.
The film stars Dev Patel as the
real-life Srinivasa Ramanujan, a
mathematician who after growing
up poor in Madras, India, earns
admittance to Cambridge
University during World War I,
where he becomes a pioneer in
mathematical theories.
Distinguished mathematicians
Manjul Bhargava and Ken Ono are
Associate Producers of the film.
You can read the movie review
here
http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinemareviews/the-man-who-knewinfinity-review-a-misunderstoodmind/article8534574.ece

statements:
1. The minimum age prescribed
for any person to be a member
of Panchayat is 25 years.
2. A Panchayat reconstituted
after premature dissolution
continues only for the
remainder period.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution: B
Justification: Statement 1: It is 21
years, so 1 is wrong.
Statement 2: A Panchayat
reconstituted after premature
dissolution (i.e., before the expiry
of the full period of five years)
shall continue only for the
remainder of the period. But if the
remainder of the period is less
than six months it shall not be
necessary to hold elections.
http://www.tn.gov.in/fsfc/Const%20Amend%2073.htm
76) Which of the following

1. A Bill pending in the Lok

Sabha lapses on its
prorogation.
2. A Bill pending in the Rajya
Sabha, which has not been
passed by the Lok Sabha, shall
not lapse on dissolution of the
Lok Sabha.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution: B
Justification: Prorogation does
not affect the bills or any other
business pending before the
House.
It is the pending notices (other
than those for introducing bills)
lapse on prorogation and fresh
notices have to be given for the
next session. So, 1 is incorrect.
Statement 2: A bill pending in the
Lok Sabha lapses (whether
originating in the Lok Sabha or
transmitted to it by the Rajya
Sabha).
A bill passed by the Lok Sabha

but pending in the Rajya Sabha
lapses.
A bill pending in the Rajya
Sabha but not passed by the
Lok Sabha does not lapse.
A bill passed by both Houses
but pending assent of the
president does not lapse
So, 2 is correct.
Source: Indian Polity: M
Laxmikanth

the indicator/indicators used by
IFPRI to compute the Global
Hunger Index Report?
1. Undernourishment
2. Child stunting
3. Child mortality
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1 and 3 only
Solution: C
Justification: To reflect the
multidimensional nature of
hunger, the GHI combines the
following four component
indicators into one index:
Undernourishment: the
proportion of undernourished
people as a percentage of the
population (reflecting the
share of the population whose
caloric intake is insufficient;
Child wasting: the proportion
of children under the age of
five who suffer from wasting
(that is, low weight for their
height, reflecting acute
undernutrition);
Child stunting: the proportion
of children under the age of
five who suffer from stunting
(that is, low height for their
age, reflecting chronic
undernutrition); and
Child mortality: the mortality
rate of children under the age
of five (partially reflecting the
fatal synergy of inadequate
nutrition and unhealthy
environments).
http://www.ifpri.org/topic/globalhunger-index

78) There has been a persistent
deficit budget year after year.
Which action/actions of the
following can be taken by the
Government to reduce the deficit?
1. Reducing revenue expenditure
2. Introducing new welfare
schemes
3. Rationalizing subsidies
4. Reducing import duty
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Solution: C
Justification: Statement 1:
Unnecessary revenue expenditure
bloats the fiscal deficit, and since
it forms the majority of
government spending, its
reduction has a very large effect
on the fiscal deficit.
Statement 2: It will further
increase the fiscal deficit.
Statement 3: Subsidies are a major

component of government
spending, and its reduction will
cut down fiscal deficit.
Statement 4: It reduces tax
revenue and thus increases fiscal
deficit.
Source: NCERT 12th
Macroeconomics
79) The establishment of Payment

Banks is being allowed in India to
promote financial inclusion.
Which of the following statements
is/are correct in this context?
1. Mobile telephone companies
and supermarket chains that
are owned and controlled by
residents are eligible to be
promoters of Payment Banks.
2. Payment Banks can issue both
credit cards and debit cards.
3. Payment Banks cannot
undertake lending activities.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: B
Justification: Statement 1: Eligible
promoters (mentioning only some
of them):
Existing non-bank Pre-paid
Payment Instrument (PPI) issuers;
and other entities such as
individuals / professionals; NonBanking Finance Companies
(NBFCs), corporate Business
Correspondents(BCs), mobile
telephone companies, supermarket chains, companies, real
sector cooperatives; that are
owned and controlled by
residents; and public sector
entities may apply to set up
payments banks.
So, 1 is correct.
Statement 2: Scope of activities of
Payment Banks as per RBI
guidelines (we are mentioning
only few of them):
They can accept demand
deposits.
They can issue ATM/debit
cards. Payments banks,

however, cannot issue credit
cards (as they cant lend
money). So, 2 is wrong, which
makes option B the only
answer.
Statement 3: As per RBI guidelines,
they cannot undertake lending
activities.
https://rbi.org.in/scripts/BS_PressReleaseDisplay.aspx?
prid=32615
80) With reference to Li-Fi,

recently in the news, which of the
correct?
1. It uses light as the medium for
high-speed data transmission.
2. It is a wireless technology and
is several times faster than
WiFi.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution: C
Justification: Statement 1: Li-fi is
loosely expanded to Light-Fidelity.
Using precisely controlled light
modulation, data can be
transmitted using regular, visible
light.
Statement 2: It will be 10-100 times
faster than current-generation
WiFi, and also very secure.
http://www.sciencealert.com/li-fitested-in-the-real-world-for-thefirst-time-is-100-times-faster-thanwi-fi
81. The term Intended Nationally

Determined Contributions is
sometimes seen in the news in
the context of
(a) pledges made by the European
countries to rehabilitate refugees
from the war-affected Middle East
(b) plan of action outlined by the
countries of the world to combat
climate change
(c) capital contributed by the
member countries in the
establishment of Asian
Infrastructure Investment Bank
(d) plan of action outlined by the
countries of the world regarding
Sustainable Development Goals
Solution: B
Justification: Straight-forward
question.
http://unfccc.int/focus/indc_portal/items/8766.php
82. Which one of the following is a

purpose of ÙDAY, a scheme
of the Government?
(a) Providing technical and
financial assistance to start-up
entrepreneurs in the field of
renewable sources of energy
(b) Providing electricity to every
household in the country by 2018
(c) Replacing the coal-based power
plants with natural gas, nuclear,

solar, wind and tidal power plants
over a period of time
(d) Providing for financial
turnaround and revival of power
distribution companies
Solution: D
Justification: It is the Ujwal
DISCOM Assurance Yojana, where
DISCOMs stand for distribution
companies (electricity) that are
state-owned and suffering huge
financial losses due to poor
infrastructure, AT&C losses, misgovernance, low tariff rates etc.
The scheme aims at their financial
turnaround and revival.
Source: Ministry of Power
Website
83) With reference to ÌFC Masala

Bonds, sometimes seen in the
news, which of the statements
given below is/are correct?
1. The International Finance
Corporation, which offers
these bonds, is an arm of the

World Bank.
2. They are the rupeedenominated bonds and are a
source of debt financing for
the public and private sector.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution: C
Justification:
Statement 1: The World Bank
Group (WBG) consists of five
organizations IBRD, IDA, IFC,
MIGA and ICSID.
IFC is a member of the World
Bank Group (WBG) and at the
same time its called as the World
Banks private sector lending
arm with a stated objective to
ensure that any financing does not
result in harm to communities and
the environment. (Source:
https://www.oxfam.org/en/pressroom/pressreleases/201302-08/world-banks-private-sectorfinancing-arm-doesnt-know)
Another source that mentions

IFC as WBs arm
https://www.icij.org/blog/2015/06/numbersworld-banks-lesser-known-arm-ifc
(read first paragraph)
Another source:
https://www.theguardian.com/globaldevelopment/2016/mar/30/worldbank-lending-arm-ifc-sees-offlawsuit-by-indian-fishermenpower-plant
Statement 2: IFC has been issuing

offshore rupee bonds known as
Masala Bonds. They provide a
new source of funding for Indian
companies which benefit in the
longer term from comparative
pricing of bonds.
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/bonds/masalabonds-can-be-new-funding-sourcefor-indian-cosifc/articleshow/51762984.cms
http://www.ifc.org/wps/wcm/connect/news_ext_content/ifc_external_corporate_site/ne
84) Regarding the taxation system

of Krishna Deva, the ruler of
Vijayanagar, consider the

following statements:
1. The tax rate on land was fixed
depending on the quality of the
land.
2. Private owners of workshops
paid an industries tax.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution: C
Justification: Statement 1: Land
revenue was the chief source of
income. Land was divided into
four categories for purposes of
assessment, wet land, dry land,
orchards and woods. Usually the
share was one sixth of the
produce. Land revenue could be
paid in cash or kind. The rates
varied according to the type of the
crops, soil, method of irrigation,
etc. So, 1 is clearly correct.
Statement 2: Besides land tax,
many professional taxes were also
imposed. There were on
shopkeepers, farm servants,

workmen, posters, shoemakers,
musicians etc. There was also a
tax on property. Grazing and
house taxes were also imposed.
Commercial taxes consisted of
levies, duties and customs on
manufactured articles of trade
were also levied. Private owners
of workshops paid an industries
tax, which means 2 is correct.
Source: UB Singh Administrative
System in India: Vedic Age to 1947
http://tinyurl.com/js458vk
85. Which one of the following

books of ancient India has the
love story of the son of the
founder of Sunga dynasty?
(a) Swapnavasavadatta
(b) Malavikagnimitra
(c) Meghadoota
(d) Ratnavali
Solution: B
Justification: It is a Sanskrit play
by Kalidasa. It is based on some
events of the reign of Pushyamitra

Shunga.
The play tells the story of the love
of Agnimitra, the Shunga Emperor
at Vidisha, for the beautiful handmaiden of his chief queen.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C4%81lavik%C4%81gnimitram
86. In the context of which of the

following do you sometimes
find the terms àmber box,
blue box and green box in the
news?
(a) WTO affairs
(b) SAARC affairs
(c) UNFCCC affairs
(d) India-EU negotiations on FTA
Solution: A
Justification: They relate to
direct/indirect support given by
states to their industries and
agriculture, and regulate such
supports as they have a bearing on
international trade.
Source: WTO Website

included in the capital budget of
the Government of India?
1. Expenditure on acquisition of
assets like roads, buildings,
machinery, etc.
2. Loans received from foreign
governments
3. Loans and advances granted to
the States and Union
Territories
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: D
Justification: The Capital Budget
is an account of the assets as well
as liabilities of the central
government, which takes into

consideration changes in capital
both capital expenditure and
capital receipt.
The main items of capital
receipts are loans raised by the
government from the public
which are called market
borrowings, borrowing by the
government from the Reserve
Bank and commercial banks
and other financial institutions
through the sale of treasury
bills, loans received from
foreign governments and
international organisations,
and recoveries of loans
granted by the central
government. So, 2 is correct.
Capital Expenditure includes
expenditure on the acquisition
of land, building, machinery,
equipment, investment in
shares, and loans and
advances by the central
government to state and union
territory governments, PSUs
and other parties. So, 1 and 3
are correct.
Source: 12th NCERT
Macroeconomics
88) What is/are the

importance/importances of the
United Nations Convention to
Combat Desertification?
1. It aims to promote effective
action through innovative
national programmes and
supportive inter-national
partnerships.
2. It has a special/particular focus
on South Asia and North Africa
regions, and its Secretariat
facilitates the allocation of
major portion of financial
resources to these regions.
3. It is committed to bottom-up
approach, encouraging the
participation of local people in
combating the desertification.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: C
Statement 1 and 2: Please see the

Q Source.
Statement 2: Though
desertification affects Africa the
most, where two-thirds of the
continent is desert or drylands, it
is not a problem confined to
drylands in Africa. United States,
Latin America and the Caribbean
have a high percentage of
degraded lands.
The problem is starker in
developing countries (majority
of population in drylands is
living in these countries). So,
the UNCCD secretariat
facilitates south-south
cooperation is addressing
desertification.
We could not find any such
provision that the UNCCD
secretariat allocates majority
of resources to the South Asian
and North African regions,
even though it focuses on these
regions.
http://www.unccd.int/en/aboutthe-convention/Pages/About-theConvention.aspx
http://www.unesco.org/mab/doc/ekocd/chapter14.html
http://www.unccd.int/en/resources/Library/Pages/FAQ.aspx
89. Recently, which one of the

following currencies has been
proposed to be added to the
basket of IMFs SDR?
(a) Rouble
(b) Rand
(c) Indian Rupee
(d) Renminbi
Solution: D
Justification: In the most recently
concluded review (November
2015), the Executive Board of IMF
decided that, effective October 1,
2016, the Chinese renminbi (RMB)
will be included in the SDR basket
as a fifth currency, along with the
U.S. dollar, euro, Japanese yen and
pound sterling.
https://www.imf.org/external/np/exr/facts/sdrcb.htm
90) With reference to the
International Monetary and

Financial Committee (IMFC),
:
1. IMFC discusses matters of
concern affecting the global
economy, and advises the
International Monetary Fund
(IMF) on the direction of its
work.
2. The World Bank participates
as observer in IMFCs
meetings.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution: C
IMFC advises and reports to the
IMF Board of Governors on the
supervision and management of
the international monetary and
financial system, including on
responses to unfolding events that
may disrupt the system.
Statement 2: A number of
international institutions,
including the World Bank,
participate as observers in the
IMFCs meetings.
http://www.imf.org/external/np/exr/facts/groups.htm
91. Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan is

a national campaign to
(a) rehabilitate the homeless and
destitute persons and provide
them with suitable sources of
livelihood
(b) release the sex workers from
their practice and provide them
with alternative sources of
livelihood
(c) eradicate the practice of
manual scavenging and
rehabilitate the manual
scavengers
(d) release the bonded labourers
from their bondage and
rehabilitate them
Solution: C
Justification: It is the National
Campaign for Dignity and
Eradication of Manual
Scavenging.
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/efeatures.aspx?
relid=126057
92) With reference to the cultural

history of medieval India,
:
1. Siddhas (Sittars) of Tamil
region were monotheistic and
condemned idolatry.
2. Lingayats of Kannada region
questioned the theory of
rebirth and rejected the caste
hierarchy.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution: C
Siddhas believe in oneness of the

transcendental being in the world
as well as charity towards men.
This clearly shows they believed
there is only one God, i.e.
monotheism.
The Siddhar tradition has also
been contrasted with the Bhakti
tradition. Their attitude against
idol worship and their stress on
yoga, knowledge right conduct
distinguished them from Bhakti
cults. So, clearly 1 is correct.
Statement 2: Basavanna (founder
of Lingayatism) rebelled against
the rigid practices of the caste
system then prevalent in orthodox
Hindu society and eventually
began expounding his own
philosophy with a casteless society
at its core.
Lingayats believed that there is no
rebirth and on death the devotee
reunites with Shiva never coming
back to the World. So, 2 is also
correct.
Source: Religion, Philosophy,
Yoga: A Selection of Articles By
Jean Filliozat
http://tinyurl.com/gnbkxhs
http://tinyurl.com/jophqme
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lingayatism
93. Which of the following best

describes the term import
cover, sometimes seen in the
news?
(a) It is the ratio of value of
imports to the Gross Domestic
Product of a country
(b) It is the total value of imports
of a country in a year
(c) It is the ratio between the value
of exports and that of imports
between two countries
(d) It is the number of months of
imports that could be paid for by a
countrys international reserves
Solution: D
Justification: Import Cover
measures the number of months
of money available in the national
bank to cover the cost of imports.
This is to avoid a BoP crisis, so that
early preventive action can be
taken.
India has an import cover of
around 12 months presently.
http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/201512-29/news/69379605_1_importcover-foreign-exchange-reservesimport-bill
94. Consider the following pairs :

Community sometimes In
the affairs of mentioned in the
news
1. Kurd : Bangladesh
2. Madhesi : Nepal
3. Rohingya : Myanmar
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 3 only
Solution: C
Justification: Kurds are an ethnic
group in the Middle East. So, 1 is

incorrect.
Madhesis were recently in news
due to Nepals constitutional
debates about their representation
in the polity. So, 2 is correct.
Rohingyas muslims and Buddhist
rakhines have been indulging into
fights and riots in Myanmar,
which has frequently been in
news. So, 3 is correct.
www.bbc.com/news/worldmiddle-east-29702440
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_Rohingya_refugee_crisis
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madhesi_people
95) With reference to

Organization for the Prohibition
of Chemical Weapons (OPCW),
:
1. It is an organization of
European Union in working
relation with NATO and WHO.
2. It monitors chemical industry
to prevent new weapons from
emerging.
3. It provides assistance and
protection to States (Parties)
against chemical weapons
threats.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: B
Organisation for the Prohibition of
Chemical Weapons is the
implementing body of the
Chemical Weapons Convention
(CWC). It is not under EU. So, 1 is
wrong.
Statement 2 and 3: The OPCW
Member States share the collective
goal of preventing chemistry from
ever again being used for warfare,
thereby strengthening
international security.
To this end, the Convention
contains four key provisions:
destroying all existing
chemical weapons under

international verification by
the OPCW;
monitoring chemical industry
to prevent new weapons from
re-emerging;
providing assistance and
protection to States Parties
against chemical threats; and
fostering international
cooperation to strengthen
implementation of the
Convention and promote the
peaceful use of chemistry.
https://www.opcw.org/aboutopcw/
96) With reference to Pradhan

Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana,
consider the following statements:
1. Under this scheme, farmers
will have to pay a uniform
premium of two percent for
any crop they cultivate in any
season of the year.
2. This scheme covers postharvest losses arising out of
cyclones and unseasonal rains.

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution: B
Farmers premium has been kept
at a maximum of 2 per cent for
foodgrains and oilseeds, and up to
5 per cent for horticulture and
cotton crops. So, it is different for
different crops. 1 is incorrect.
Statement 2: Post-Harvest Losses
coverage is available only up to a
maximum period of two weeks
from harvesting for those crops
which are allowed to dry in cut
and spread condition in the field
after harvesting against specific
perils of cyclone and cyclonic
rains and unseasonal rains. So, 2 is
correct.
https://india.gov.in/spotlight/pradhanmantri-fasal-bima-yojana
97. In which of the following

regions of India are you most
likely to come across the
`Great Indian Hornbill in its
natural habitat?
(a) Sand deserts of northwest
India
(b) Higher Himalayas of Jammu
and Kashmir
(c) Salt marshes of western
Gujarat
(d) Western Ghats
Solution: D
Justification: Great Hornbills are
found in three separate areas in
South Asia; in the Western Ghats,
the Himalayan foothills in
Uttaranchal to south Nepal and
Bhutan, and north-east India.
They occur in primary evergreen
and moist deciduous forest,
mainly in lowland forest, but they
can be found up to 2,000 meters in
some areas.
All other options apart from D can
thus be easily eliminated.
http://www.hornbills.in/greathornbill.php
98) Which of the following are the

key features of National Ganga
River Basin Authority (NGRBA)?
1. River basin is the unit of
planning and management.
2. It spearheads the river
conservation efforts at the
national level.
3. One of the Chief Ministers of
the States through which the
Ganga flows becomes the
Chairman of NGRBA on
rotation basis.
the code given Below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: A
Justification: The statements 1
and 2 were picked verbatim from
CPCB Website, we quote, River

basin will be the unit of planning
and management. This is an
internationally accepted strategy
for integrated management of
rivers.
Accordingly, a new institutional
mechanism in the form of
National Ganga River Basin
Authority (NGRBA) will spearhead
river conservation efforts at the
national level. Implementation
will be by the State Agencies and
Urban Local Bodies.
Statement 3: PM Chairs the
NGRBA.
http://cpcb.nic.in/ngrba/about.html
99. Why does the Government of

India promote the use of
Neem-coated Urea in
agriculture?
(a) Release of Neem oil in the soil
increases nitrogen fixation by the
soil microorganisms
(b) Neem coating slows down the
rate of dissolution of urea in the
soil
(c) Nitrous oxide, which is a
greenhouse gas, is not at all
released into atmosphere by crop
fields
(d) It is a combination of a
weedicide and a fertilizer for
particular crops
Solution: B
Justification: Down-to-earth
explains the role of Neem-coated
Urea very well. We are posting
from it.
Urea is an important supplier
of nitrogen, which is necessary
for the development of plants.
But only 30-40 per cent of
nitrogen present in the urea is
utilised by crops. The rest gets
degraded in various stages.
When ordinary urea is applied,
it gets converted to ammonium
carbamate. Some of this gets
converted to ammonia gas in
what is called ammonia
volatilisation. About 8-10 per
cent nitrogen is lost during
volatilisation.
The rest of the ammonium
carbamate undergoes chemical
transfor-mation and nitrates
are formed. Some of these are

absorbed by the plants.
The rest are either leached into
the underground water or are
denitrified to gaseous nitrogen
and nitrous oxide under
anaerobic conditions (absence
of oxygen).
Neem has properties that
check nitrogen loss at each
stage. It slows down the
process of nitrate formation
and hence excess nitrate is not
available for denitrification.
So, clearly B is the most
appropriate option. Neem
coating also prevents Urea
from being diverted to nonagricultural purposes.
http://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/ureacoated-with-neem-12520

statements :
1. The Chief Secretary in a State
is appointed by the Governor
of that State.
2. The Chief Secretary in a State
has a fixed tenure.

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution: A
Justification: Statement 1 is
ambiguous and debatable.
Statement 1: Arguments that
Governor appoints the Chief
Secretary (CS) are:
An appointment order is:
Essentially an executive
action published in the
State gazette notification
It is officially taken in the
name of the Governor as all
executive actions of a State
government ought to be.
He is the highest officer of the
state and Governor should
ideally be the appointing
authority of the CS.
So, even if CM de facto
appoints the Chief Secretary,
de jure appointment is made
by the Governor, which should
make statement 1 correct.
http://himachal.nic.in/WriteReadData/personnel/pdfs/CSMar2012_A1b.pdf
But, clearly its CM who selects

and appoints CS of his state.
We are going with Option A
because, the given statement is
notincorrectper se (He selects
or not, he does appoint CS) If there
was absolutely NO ROLE involved
from the Governor, the statement
would be definitely incorrect.
Statement 2: There is no fixed
tenure for the post of Chief
Secretary. In this context, the
Administrative Reforms
Commission, in its report on State
Administration in 1969, had
recommended that a Chief
Secretary should have a minimum
tenure of three to four years.
Source: Indian Public
Administration: Institutions and
Issues http://tinyurl.com/hozxoma
Please Share This Post If You Like It
Email
More
Tweet
Pocket
Related
Insights
Daily
Current
Events, 07
January 2016
January 7,
2016
In "CURRENT
AFFAIRS"
Tags:
SYNOPSIS:
Insights
Secure Q&A
April 15,
2016
May 1, 2016
In "SECURE
2016"
answer key prelims 2016
PREVIOUS
STORY
Insights
Daily
Current
Affairs, 09
August
2016
Test Series
Motivation
New Posts
Rajya /Lok Sabha Videos
The Hindu Analysis (Videos)
Contact Us
ANSWER
KEY: UPSC
Civil Services
Preliminary
Exam 2015
General
Studies
Paper - 1
August 27,
2015
In "PRELIMS
- 2015"
Articles on Issues
Daily Debates
Copyright (C) INSIGHTS ACTIVE LEARNING

Powered by WordPress. Theme by Press
Customizr.

Answer Key UPSC Prelims 2016 General Studies Paper - 1

Enviado por

Dados do documento

Direitos autorais

Formatos disponíveis

Compartilhar este documento

Compartilhar ou incorporar documento

Opções de compartilhamento

Você considera este documento útil?

Este conteúdo é inapropriado?

Direitos autorais:

Formatos disponíveis

Answer Key UPSC Prelims 2016 General Studies Paper - 1

Enviado por

Direitos autorais:

Formatos disponíveis

Simplifying UPSC IAS Preparation

To search type and hit enter

INSIGHTS ONLINE PRELIMS TEST SERIES

INSIGHTS OFFLINE PRELIMS TEST

BY INSIGHTS AUGUST 9, 2016

SUBSCRIBE NOW AND STAY AHEAD

ANSWER KEY UPSC Prelims

INSIGHTS and receive notifications of

1) With reference to stand up

2) The FAO accords the status of

PLEASE LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!

Heritage System (GIAHS) to

1. To provide modern technology,

training in modern farming

support to local communities

greatly enhance their

biodiversity and knowledge

systems of the local

friendly traditional farm

Indication status to all the

Select the correct answer using

ANSWER KEY: UPSC Civil Services

the code given below.

(a) 1 and 3 only

UPDATE: Insights MAINS Test

MISSION 2017: How to Secure a

DOWNLOAD CSAT Civil Services

DOWNLOAD Question Paper: UPSC

systems (GIAHS). So, clearly

relevant to the initiative. 1 is

MOTIVATION: In this Life Full of

Motivation and Practical Tips for

MOTIVATION: Too much to Study

MOTIVATION: I am Nervous and

3) Which of the following is/are

ANSWER KEY: UPSC Civil Services

Preliminary Exam 2016 General Studies

Insights Daily Current Affairs, 09

Insights into Editorial: Innovation is

Select the correct answer using

the best counter to digital piracy

the code given below.

Spotlight/News Analysis (7th August

2016): Swachh Survekshan 2017

(c) 1 and 3 only

[Insights Secure 2016] UPSC Mains

Questions on Current Affairs: 09 August

9) In your opinion, what qualities

should a person aspiring to become the

8) What do you understand by

Restrictive Interest Rate Policies (RIRP),

Negative Interest Rate Policies (NIRP)? It

4) The term Core Banking

is said that RIRP will not lead to higher

7) Do you think using law enforcement

approach as a primary tactic to fight

the bank on its network

regardless of where they open

told Lok Sabha that the government was

planning to create fish ladders in the

2. It is an effort to increase RBIs

6) Recently, Water Resources Minister

Ganga near the Farakka Barrage to help

which a bank with huge nonperforming assets is taken over