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TEST 8 Solutions
a) 1 and 3 only
b) 1, 3 and 4 only
c) 2 and 4 only
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Solution: b)
Justification: Statement 1: These organs vote simultaneously but
separately. In order to be elected, a candidate must receive an absolute
majority of the votes in both bodies. This sometimes makes it necessary
for a number of rounds of voting to be carried out.
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TEST 8 Solutions
Solution: a)
Learning: It is one of the important components of the Foreign Trade
Policy, 2015-2020.
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TEST 8 Solutions
http://www.indianeconomy.net/splclassroom/16/what-is-duty-credit-
scrip/
Solution: d)
Provision: Dr. Ambedkar considered the right to constitutional
remedies as heart and soul of the constitution. It is so because this right
gives a citizen the right to approach a High Court or the Supreme Court
to get any of the fundamental rights restored in case of their violation.
The Supreme Court and the High Courts can issue orders and give
directives to the government for the enforcement of rights.
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TEST 8 Solutions
against its infringement. Moreover, all other legal rights and civil,
criminal laws will be operational. So, B is wrong.
Solution: c)
Learning: The Konyak have the largest population among the Nagas.
Their facial tattoos were earned for taking an enemy's head. They are
called the land of Angh's.
Aoleang is the biggest festival for the Konyak, falling in the month of
April.
The Konyaks are known for their fierce headhunting history, which
continued until 1960.
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TEST 8 Solutions
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2638214/Last-headhunters-
Amazing-images-document-tattoo-adorned-faces-historic-warriors-
fierce-cultural-existence-soon-disappear-forever.html
http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20140811-indias-last-surviving-
headhunters
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TEST 8 Solutions
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) None
Solution: a)
Justification: Statement 1: The Zero Hunger Challenge was launched
by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in 2012. The Zero
Hunger vision reflects five elements from within the SDGs, which taken
together, can end hunger, eliminate all forms of malnutrition, and build
inclusive and sustainable food systems.
a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 2 only
d) None of the above
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TEST 8 Solutions
Solution: c)
Justification: Statement 1: NATO membership is open to any other
European state in a position to further the principles of this Treaty and
to contribute to the security of the North Atlantic area.
7. The Twin balance sheet challenge and twin deficit often seen in
news include which of these economic variables?
1. Current Account Deficit
2. Fiscal Deficit
3. External debt
4. Banking profits
Select the correct answer using the codes below.
a) 3 and 4 only
b) 1, 2 and 4 only
c) 1 and 2 only
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Solution: b)
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TEST 8 Solutions
The problems faced by the Public Sector Banks are linked directly
to that of the corporate sector. During the boom years, some
companies borrowed a lot of money from banks to invest in
infrastructure and commodity- related businesses, such as steel,
power, infrastructure etc.
But now, due to slump in both these sectors, the corporate profits
have hit new lows. With low profits, the corporates are not able to
repay their loans and their debts are rising at an alarming level.
They have no other option other than to cut back investments.
The high amount of NPAs in banks have hit their profitability as
well, as banks have to make more provisioning. Banks have to set
aside large funds as provisions to take care of the potential losses
arising out of the loans that might go bad. NPAs are the reason why
most banks reported losses in the last quarter.
This is known as the Twin balance sheet challenge. You must be already
aware about the Twin deficit challenge.
Q Source: http://indianexpress.com/article/business/economy/rising-
npa-burden-twin-balance-sheet-challenge-biggest-hurdle-to-recovery/
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
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TEST 8 Solutions
Solution: c)
Justification: Statement 1: The Chitharal Jain Monuments are the
ruins of a Jain training centre from the 9th century CE, on a small hill in
Chitharal village, Kanyakumar.
a) 1 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 2 and 3 only
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TEST 8 Solutions
d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: a)
Justification: Statement 2: NAM networks the existing APMC mandis
to create a unified national market for agricultural commodities. It has
not replaced them. So, 2 is incorrect.
The NAM Portal provides a single window service for all APMC related
information and services. This includes commodity arrivals & prices, buy
& sell trade offers, provision to respond to trade offers, among other
services. While material flow (agriculture produce) continue to happen
through mandis, an online market reduces transaction costs and
information asymmetry.
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TEST 8 Solutions
Solution: d)
Justification: One of the most important features of a parliamentary
democracy is that the executive is routinely under the control and
supervision of the legislature.
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TEST 8 Solutions
Solution: a)
Justification & Learning: Option A: A Western Disturbance is an
extra-tropical storm originating in the Mediterranean region that brings
sudden winter rain to the north-western parts of the Indian
subcontinent. It is a non-monsoonal precipitation pattern driven by the
westerlies. The moisture in these storms usually originates over the
Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean
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TEST 8 Solutions
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) None
Solution: b)
Justification: Statement 2: The government has set up a Trade
Facilitation Council with representations from states and Union
territories to mainstream them in the process of international trade and
assist them with their infrastructural needs.
The move comes amid declining exports which fell around 6 per cent,
rather than growing.
Q Source: http://indianexpress.com/article/business/business-
others/with-aim-to-promote-exports-govt-to-set-up-trading-facilitation-
council/
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TEST 8 Solutions
Solution: c)
Justification: If there is a slope to the east, the same must also be a
slope for west. So, R fails to justify the assertion. Also, the assertion itself
is incorrect.
a) 1 and 2 only
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TEST 8 Solutions
b) 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 2 and 3 only
Solution: c)
Justification: Chhau is a style performed exclusively by men from the
triangular area where Bihar, Bengal and Orissa meet. This is the tribal
belt of India home to the tribal groups of Bhulya, Santhals, Mundas, Hos
and Oraons.
In the olden days the powerful Ganga and Gajapati rulers of Orissa
extended their territory from the river Ganges in the north to the
Godavari in the south with the help of a vast army of valiant
Paikas.
They were not in the regular payroll of the army, but received huge
land grants from the kings and the chieftains. They formed the
rank of a peasant-militia.
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TEST 8 Solutions
Solution: d)
Learning: Option A:The Vice President is elected for five years. His
election method is similar to that of the President, the only difference is
that members of State legislatures are not part of the electoral college.
But, the VP may be removed from his office by a resolution of the Rajya
Sabha passed by a majority and agreed to by the Lok Sabha.
Option C: The Vice President acts as the President only until a new
President is elected. B. D. Jatti acted as President on the death of
Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed until a new President was elected.
Solution: a)
Justification & Learning: Oxfam international works mainly to
eradicate poverty and does not involve itself into purely political issues
So, D is wrong.
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TEST 8 Solutions
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) None
Solution: c)
Justification: The Brahmaputra Valley is said to be one of the most
hazard-prone regions of the country according to the National Flood
Commission of India, about 32 lakh hectares or over 40 per cent of the
Assams land is flood-prone due to this.
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TEST 8 Solutions
18. India received the highest inflow of FDI from which of the
following countries last financial year?
a) Singapore
b) United States of America
c) China
d) Japan
Solution: a)
Learning: The following chart shows the distribution.
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TEST 8 Solutions
It is believed that most of this FDI is round tripped money (scholars have
estimated it to be around 60% from these tax havens).
Solution: d)
Learning: Brent blend makes up more than half of the world's globally
traded supply of crude oil, which is why it makes an obvious choice for
the benchmark of crude oil.
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TEST 8 Solutions
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: a)
Justification: Statement 1: Persons working in the State services (Civil
servants) are required to act in the course of their duties in a politically
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TEST 8 Solutions
The requirement that State servants must be apolitical when carrying out
their duties, functions and powers.
This means, essentially, that State servants must keep their jobs out of
their politics and their politics out of their jobs.
Statement 2: If they contest for such offices, they will no longer be able
to remain neutral in day to day administration and will tend to extract
political gains from their actions.
Solution: d)
Learning: The word Dree is derived from Diiri, which means
purchasing or borrowing of food items when in scarcity or add to the
existing stock in anticipation of lean days.
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TEST 8 Solutions
It involves the sacrifice of fowls, eggs and animals to the gods Tamu,
Metii and Danyi Pilo(Sun and Moon God). The purpose of the festival is
to appease these gods so that famine could be avoided.
a) 2 and 3 only
b) 1 and 4 only
c) 3 only
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Solution: d)
Justification: Statement 1: It is a major cultural area in Southeast
Europe with different and disputed borders. The region takes its name
from the Balkan Mountains that stretch from the eastern border of
Serbia to the Black Sea at the east of Bulgaria.
The Balkan region was the first area in Europe to experience the arrival
of farming cultures in the Neolithic era.
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TEST 8 Solutions
Statement 3: It flows through central Russia and into the Caspian Sea,
and is widely viewed as the national river of Russia.
The altitude and size of the range affects the climate in Europe
Solution: c)
Justification: The Oceanic Nino Index (ONI) is one of the primary
indices used to monitor the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). The
ONI is calculated by averaging sea surface temperature anomalies in an
area of the east-central equatorial Pacific Ocean, in the region (5S to 5N;
170W to 120W). Also, a 3-month time average (running mean) is
calculated in order to better isolate variability closely related to the
ENSO phenomenon.
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TEST 8 Solutions
The 2015 El Nio has been the strongest since 1997, depressing
production over the past year. But if it is followed by a strong La Nia,
there could be a much better harvest in 2016-17.
24. The Prime Minister and all the ministers have to be members
of the Parliament. If someone becomes a minister or Prime
Minister without being an MP, which of these follows?
a) He must obtain a special approval from the Parliament to
continue in the office.
b) He should get prior Presidential consent if he continues in the
office for a period of more than six months.
c) Such a person has to get elected to the Parliament within six
months, failing which he stands removed from the office.
d) None of the above
Solution: c)
Learning: Our former PM Manmohan Singh was not a MP when he
was choosen to be as the PM. He was subsequently elected to a Rajya
Sabha seat from Assam within a period of six months. There are many
cases like this.
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TEST 8 Solutions
a) 1234
b) 1423
c) 4213
d) 1324
Solution: b)
Justification: In several European countries, private debts arising
from a property bubble (price crashes) were transferred to sovereign
debt (government debt).
This was due to governments bailing out several banks which lost
money in the property bubble. Several bailouts and an
expansionary (lavish) fiscal policy made matters worse.
Several eurozone member states (Greece, Portugal, Ireland, Spain
and Cyprus) were unable to repay or refinance their government
debt or to bail out over-indebted banks.
They had to approach third-parties for debt settlement like other
Eurozone countries, the European Central Bank (ECB), or the
International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The worst hit countries were PIIGS nations Portugal, Ireland,
Italy, Greece and Spain.
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TEST 8 Solutions
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) None
Solution: a)
Justification: Statement 1: Apart from deliberating on bills, control
may also be exercised during the general discussions in the House. The
Question Hour, which is held every day during the sessions of
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TEST 8 Solutions
27. Nothing in this article shall prevent the State from making
any provision for the reservation of appointments or posts in
favour of any backward class of citizens which, in the opinion of
the State, is not adequately represented in the services under the
State. This is a provision found in
a) Directive Principles of State Policy
b) Fundamental Rights
c) Special Constitutional Rights under Part VII
d) National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) Act, 1993
Solution: b)
Learning: This is a provision given under Article 16 (4) of the
Constitution.
The NCBC Act, 1993 established the National Commission for Backward
Classes. The commission was the outcome of the direction of the
Supreme Court in the Mandal case judgement.
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TEST 8 Solutions
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) None
Solution: b)
Justification: Statement 1: The latitudinal extent of India begins from
nearly 8 degrees north. An Indian island cannot begin from zero degree
latitude. So, 1 is incorrect.
The islands of the Arabian sea include Lakshadweep and Minicoy. These
are scattered between 8N-12N and 71E -74E longitude.
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TEST 8 Solutions
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) None
Solution: c)
Justification: Statement 1: This is why in state-run schools, religious
texts are not included in the curriculum. Moreover, the dress code and
other symbolic elements are designed in such a way that they do not
reflect any particular religious biases of such schools.
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TEST 8 Solutions
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: d)
Justification: These projects will irrigate nearly 2 lakh acres of land.
This decision was taken after India had decided to exploit to the
maximum the water of Pakistan-controlled rivers Indus, Jhelum
and Chenab as per Indus Water Treaty (IWT).
Three projects Prakachik Khows Canal in Kargil, Tral Irrigation
Project in Pulwama and restoration and modernisation of main
Ravi Canal in Jammus Sambha and Kathua are expected to be
completed by this fiscal.
The fourth project of Rajpora Lift Irrigation is planned will be
completed by December 2019.
The funds for these projects will be raised by National Bank for
Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).
Q Source: http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/govt-decides-
to-fast-track-irrigation-projects-in-indus-basin/story-
veUrap7NSYcQTJTFKNeIML.html
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TEST 8 Solutions
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) None
Solution: b)
Justification: Statement 1: They were set up under the States
Reorganization Act, 1956. So, they are statutory bodies, not
constitutional bodies.
The north eastern states are not included in these five zonal Councils.
Their special problems are looked after by North Eastern Council, set up
under the North Eastern Council Act, 1972. It is also headed by Union
Home Minister. The North Eastern Council includes Assam, Arunachal
Pradesh, Manipur, Tripura, Mizoram, Meghalaya and Nagaland. Sikkim
was included in the North Eastern Council in 2002 and excluded from
the eastern council.
Thus, Zonal Councils are regional fora of cooperative endeavor for States
linked with each other economically, culturally and politically.
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TEST 8 Solutions
Solution: c)
Justification & Learning: According to the India Meteorological
Department, this is because in addition to the storms that originate in
the southeast Bay of Bengal and the adjoining Andaman Sea, breakaway
typhoons over the Northwest Pacific move across the South China Sea
into the Bay of Bengal, intensifying into cyclones.
In contrast, Arabian Sea cyclones are mostly their own formations and
they also generally move north-west, away from Indias west coast.
Besides, the Arabian Sea is colder than the Bay of Bengal, which inhibits
the formation and intensification of the cyclonic system in the former.
Warm sea surface temperature is an ideal platform for cyclones.
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TEST 8 Solutions
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: a)
Justification: Statement 1: The Man and the Biosphere Program
(MAB) was launched in 1970. A UNESCO Biosphere Conference in 1968
had brought together representatives of government and non-
governmental organizations to consider what should be done about
threats to the biosphere that were being increasingly perceived by U.N.
Member States.
Statement 2: The Man and the Biosphere Program (MAB) is one of the
major scientific programs of the UNESCO.
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TEST 8 Solutions
Statement 3: It took place in Lima, Peru, in March 2016. This will be the
4th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves and it shall develop a new
vision for the decade 20162025.
a) 1 and 4 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1, 2 and 4 only
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Solution: a)
Justification: Statement 1 and 3: The Indian Coast Guard Ships
(ICGSs) Aryaman and Atulya were commissioned into Indian Coast
Guard recently. These ships are the eighteenth and nineteenth in the
series of twenty Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs).
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TEST 8 Solutions
Solution: b)
Learning: Following successive Budget announcements of 2014 and
2015 on setting up an "Agri-Tech Infrastructure Fund" and on National
Market respectively, Department of Agriculture & Cooperation (DAC)
formulated the scheme for Promotion of National Agriculture Market
through Agri-Tech Infrastructure Fund (ATIF).
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TEST 8 Solutions
Solution: a)
Learning: The widening gap in the inflation based on CPI and WPI
series is often a cause for concern for users not conversant with the
scope, structure and purpose of these indices.
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Solution: a)
Learning: Siddis are mostly confined to small pockets of villages in the
Indian states of Karnataka, Maharashtra and Gujarat, and the city of
Hyderabad (theres also a sizable population in Pakistan).
When slavery was abolished in the 18th and 19th Centuries, Siddis
fled into the countrys thick jungles, fearing recapture and torture.
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TEST 8 Solutions
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: d)
Justification: We get some idea of the vision of makers of our
Constitution by looking at some of the Directive Principles
The governments from time to time tried to give effect to some Directive
Principles of State Policy. They passed several zamindari abolition bills,
nationalized banks, enacted numerous factory laws, fixed minimum
wages, cottage and small industries were promoted and provisions for
reservation for the uplift of the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes
were made.
Statement 1: All these clearly reflect the social goals that we must follow
like equity and justice. So, Statement 1 is correct.
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TEST 8 Solutions
Statement 2: Rights such as equal pay for equal work, child nutrition,
old age security are some of the rights that DPSP mandates the
government to implement. So, 2 is correct.
Solution: c)
Learning: These superbugs increase in number due to persistent use of
anti-biotics. We have covered anti-biotic resistance topic before.
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TEST 8 Solutions
Solution: a)
Justification: The Union Ministry of Shipping has recently sanctioned
the Capital Dredging Project of Ro Pax Ferry Services between Gogha &
Dahej, in Gulf of Cambay in Gujarat under Sagarmala programme.
It will pave way for launching Indias first roll on-roll off (Ro-Ro)
vessel passenger ferry services on this route by 2017.
Besides, it will reduce the travel time to nearly 1 hour.
It will also result in savings in fuel, reduction in CO2 emission and
reduction in road congestion.
The project will open up new avenues in coastal shipping &
tourism and help in socio-economic development of proximate
areas. It will also help in utilisation of inland waterways through
River Narmada for shipping goods from industries located
upstream.
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Q Source:
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/indias-first-
roro-service-likely-to-begin-in-gujarat-next-year/article9234589.ece
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TEST 8 Solutions
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 3 only
c) 1 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: a)
Justification: Statement 2: STV is followed for Rajya Sabha elections.
Every State has a specific quota of seats in the Rajya Sabha. The
members are elected by the respective State legislative assemblies. The
voters are the MLAs in that State.
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TEST 8 Solutions
Solution: a)
Justification: The National SC/ST hub and the Zero Defect, Zero Effect
(ZED) scheme for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) were
launched recently.
ZED Scheme aims to rate and handhold all MSMEs to deliver top
quality products using clean technology. It will have sector-specific
parameters for each industry.
The slogan of Zero Defect, Zero Effect (ZED) was first mentioned
by PM in his Independence Day speech in 2014.
It was given for producing high quality manufacturing products
with a minimal negative impact on environment.
MSME sector drives almost 38% of nations GDP and around
employs 110 million employees. The scheme will be cornerstone of
the Central Governments flagship Make in India programme,
which is aimed at turning India into a global manufacturing hub,
generating jobs, boosting growth and increase incomes.
Learning: The objective of the SC/ST (Schedule Castes/Schedule
Tribes) Hub is to provide professional support to entrepreneurs from the
SC/ST. It also seeks to promote enterprise culture and entrepreneurship
among the SC/ST population and to enable them to participate more
effectively in public procurement. It will work towards strengthening
market access/linkage, capacity building, monitoring, sharing industry-
best practices and leveraging financial support schemes.
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Q Source: http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=151762
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 only
c) 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: d)
Justification: The Delhi Ridge is said to be the green lungs for the city
and protects Delhi from the hot winds of the deserts of Rajasthan to the
west. The ridge consists of quartzite rocks covering a distance of
approximately 35 km.
It is also responsible for earning Delhi the tag of the world's second
most bird-rich capital city, after Kenya's Nairobi.
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Solution: d)
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Other countries having nuclear triad are Russia, United States, United
Kingdom, France and China.
Besides, IAF also has SU 30 MKI and Rafale aircrafts which can also be
used to deliver nuclear weapons.
Q Source: http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/now-india-has-a-
nuclear-triad/article9231307.ece
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) None
Solution: c)
Justification: Statement 1: Privileges may be classified into two
groups:
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a) 1 only
b) 2 only
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c) Both 1 and 2
d) None
Solution: d)
Justification: None of 1 or 2 is correct.
The Kigali Amendment amends the 1987 Montreal Protocol that was
designed to close growing ozone hole in by banning ozone-depleting
coolants like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Thus, amended Montreal
Protocol which was initially conceived only to plug gases that were
destroying the ozone layer now includes HFCs responsible for global
warming.
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a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) None
Solution: a)
Justification: Statement 1: Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a mosquito-
borne (often found in rice fields) flavivirus. It belongs to the same genus
as dengue, yellow fever and West Nile viruses. JE primarily affects
children.
Q Source: http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-
states/malkangiri-hospital-stretched-as-japanese-encephalitis-death-
toll-climbs/article9221417.ece
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Solution: d)
Learning: A Member of Parliament, other than a Minister (i.e., not a
member of the Government) is known as a Private Member. A Bill
initiated by any such member is called a Private Member's Bill.
49. These tribes inhabit a tranquil pine clad valley called Ziro in
the Lower Subansiri District of Arunachal Pradesh. They are
famous for their unique practice of wet rice cultivation. They are?
a) Galong
b) Mog
c) Halam
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Solution: d)
Learning: It is difficult to understand how the early Apatanis had
brilliantly discovered the magnificent irrigated rice cultivation without
help of scientific technologies.
Their wet rice cultivation system and their agriculture system are
extensive even without the use of any farm animals or machines. So is
their sustainable social forestry system.
This has done due to its "extremely high productivity" and "unique" way
of preserving the ecology.
http://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/unravelling-the-genetic-secrets-
of-the-symbiodinium-algae-54452
Solution: c)
Learning: Ordinary bills can be introduced in both the houses and
must be passed by both for enactment.
But, a money bill (we will cover definition when we cover Laxmikanth)
can be introduced only in Lok Sabha.
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Once the bill is referred by the Lok Sabha to the Rajya Sabha, RS can
either approve the bill or suggest changes but cannot reject it.
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) None
Solution: a)
Justification: Statement 1: Trade winds push moisture laden winds
from a high pressure zone over seas to the low pressure zone over land.
These winds travel to the interior part of the sub-continent and cause
heavy rainfall.
There are other modern theories of Monsoon formation as well, but they
are outside our present scope of a generalist UPSC syllabus.
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a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) None
Solution: a)
Justification: Statement 1: Mandamus means we command. This
writ is a command issued by court to a public official, public body,
corporation, inferior court, tribunal or government asking them to
perform their duties which they have refused to perform.
Statement 2: Its a writ that orders to move a suit from an inferior court
to superior court. It is issued by a higher court to a lower court or
tribunal either to transfer a case pending with that to itself or squash its
order. This is generally done because superior court believes that either
the inferior court had no jurisdiction or committed an error of law. Thus,
certiorari is a kind of curative writ.
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a) 1 and 4 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 2, 3 and 4 only
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only
Solution: c)
Justification: Statement 1: It is composed of a former chief justice of
the Supreme Court of India, a former judge of the Supreme Court, a
former chief justice of a High Court and two other members who have
knowledge and practical experience in matters relating to human rights.
But, it is not necessary that the Chairman must be the serving CJI, s/he
can be a retired CJI too.
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a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: c)
Justification: Statement 1 and 2: It was established in 1947 with its
headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand, to assist in post-war economic
reconstruction.
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a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) None
Solution: c)
Justification: Statement 1: As per the judgment, Parliament cannot,
under Article 368, expand its amending power so as to acquire for itself
the right to repeal or abrogate the Constitution or to destroy its basic and
essential features. The donee of a limited power cannot be the exercise of
that power convert the limited power into an unlimited one.
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a) 1 and 2 only
b) 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: a)
Justification: Statement 3: Proportional representation is a type of
electoral system that decides the make-up of a parliament by allocating
seats on the basis of the number of votes each party received. Although
there are many different types of PR, this is the base requirement for a
system to be described as proportional.
Statement 2: Voter votes for the party and more than one one
representative representative may be elected from one constituency.
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a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) None
Solution: c)
Justification: Statement 1: SAFAR was introduced by Union Ministry
of Earth Sciences (MoES) for greater metropolitan cities of India to
provide location specific information on air quality in near real time.
The major reasons for the poor air quality may due to the favourable cold
weather conditions coupled with very light wind, vehicular pollution and
farm fires in neighboring states of Punjab, Haryana.
Q Source: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/delhis-air-quality-
very-poor-safar/article9237392.ece
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a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) None
Solution: b)
Justification: Statement 1: Any rivers that flow at a considerable
speed can erode both lateral banks as well as river bed. Peninsular rivers
generally flow at much faster rate than their Himalayan counterparts. So,
1 is incorrect.
Statement 2: Erosion by a river can take place only when the bank is soft
or river bed is made of erodible soft rocks. Since, peninsular blocks are
hard, rocky, old and consolidated, little silt is accumulated by these
rivers.
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a) Zurdas
b) Monglozen
c) Nokrek
d) Thembang
Solution: d)
Learning: Thembang, the settlement of the Monpas is a village within
a fortified area measuring approximately 3.2 Acres. It is a host to several
ancient and historical structures and has drawn the maximum attention
for the fortified Dzong constructed using traditional technology of the
region.
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60. WHO has recently reported cases of Rift Valley Fever (RVF)
and Wild Polio in which of these nations?
a) Sierra Leone and Papua New Guinea
b) Mali and South Sudan
c) Syria and Saudi Arabia
d) Nigeria and Niger
Solution: d)
Learning: RVF: In 2016, WHO received reports about unexplained
deaths among humans, along with death and abortion in livestock in the
North Western parts of Niger, and the areas bordering Mali.
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Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a viral disease. Those who have bleeding
have a high chance of death. At present, it does not appear that one
person can infect another person.
Solution: a)
Justification: The President often writes to the Prime Minister and
expresses his views on matters confronting the country. Here, the PM is
bound to share the information that the President has called for.
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Learning: Moreover, the President can send back the advice given by
the Council of Ministers and ask the Council to reconsider the decision.
In doing this, the President acts on her own discretion. When the
President thinks that the advice has certain flaws or legal lacunae,
or that it is not in the best interests of the country, the President
can ask the Council to reconsider the decision.
Although, the Council can still send back the same advice and the
President would then be bound by that advice, such a request by
the President to reconsider the decision, would naturally carry a lot
of weight.
Q Source: Page 87: Indian Constitution at Work: NCERT XIth
a) 3214
b) 2314
c) 2143
d) 1234
Solution: a)
Learning: The Himalayas show a gradual elevation towards the
Dhauldhar and Pir Panjal ranges. Pir Panjal is the largest range of the
lower Himalayas.
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Solution: a)
Learning: Formally, a leader who has the support of the majority is
appointed by the President as Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister then decides who will be the ministers in the Council
of Ministers. The Prime Minister allocates ranks and portfolios to the
ministers. Depending upon the seniority and political importance, the
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In the same manner, Chief Ministers of the States choose ministers from
their own party or coalition.
64. The term Unicorn club often seen in news is used for
a) A club of serial investors who receive funding from international
organizations
b) A group of nations that are promoting traditional modes of
transport such as horse carriage in order to mitigate climate
change
c) Those start-ups that have crossed one billion dollars in
valuation
d) A group of countries that have declared Polo as their national
sport
Solution: c)
Learning: One part of the Indian economy that is witnessing unusual
dynamism is the start-up sector, focused on e-commerce and financial
services.
Q Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-
business/Eight-Indian-startups-in-global-1bn-club-
Report/articleshow/47303933.cms
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65. Before the 91st Amendment Act (2003), the size of the
Council of Ministers was determined by the
a) Parliament
b) Exigencies of time and situation
c) Total population size of the country
d) Number of constituencies in the country
Solution: b)
Learning: This convention before 2003 led to widespread abuse of the
system.
a) 1 only
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b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) None
Solution: a)
Justification: Statement 1: The Marrakesh Treaty addresses the book
famine by requiring its contracting parties to adopt national law
provisions that permit the reproduction, distribution and making
available of published works in accessible formats through limitations
and exceptions to the rights of copyright rightholders.
It also provides for the exchange of these accessible format works across
borders by organizations that serve the people who are blind, visually
impaired, and print disabled. It will harmonize limitations and
exceptions so that these organizations can operate across borders.
a) 1 only
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b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) None
Solution: b)
Justification: Statement 1: It was built to support projects that
strengthen the voice of civil society, promote human rights, and
encourage the participation of all groups in democratic processes.
a) 1 and 4 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 2 and 4 only
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Solution: c)
Justification: Seven Indian States, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Bihar,
Jammu-Kashmir, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, have
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a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) None
Solution: c)
Justification: The Financial powers of the Parliament, involve grant of
resources to the government to implement its programmes.
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also ensures that the government does not misspend or overspend. This
is done through the budget and annual financial statements.
For e.g. the government must get a money bill passed in the Parliament
to appropriate money from the Consolidated Fund of India.
a) Panchayatana
b) Vesara
c) Gadag
d) Urushringa
Solution: b)
Learning: The Vesara style contain elements of both Dravida and
Nagara styles.
The Vesara style is also described in some texts as the 'Central Indian
temple architecture style' or 'Deccan architecture'.
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Solution: b)
Learning: The Rajya Sabha is an institutional mechanism to provide
representation to the States. Its purpose is to protect the powers of the
States.
Therefore, any matter that affects the States must be referred to Rajya
Sabha for its consent and approval.
Thus, if the Union Parliament wishes to remove a matter from the State
list (over which only the State Legislature can make law) or to either the
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Union List or Concurrent List in the interest of the nation, the approval
of the Rajya Sabha is necessary.
The same is true when matter need to be moved from Concurrent List to
the Union list.
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) None
Solution: a)
Justification: NSP aims to undertake a fresh appraisal in all
sedimentary basins across India in order to have better understanding of
the hydrocarbon potential of the country.
The survey will be conducted by state owned Oil and Natural Gas
Corporation (ONGC) and Oil India Limited (OIL).
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Q Source: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/energy/oil-
gas/dharmendra-pradhan-launches-rs-5000cr-national-seismic-
programme-in-mahanadi-basin/articleshow/54816840.cms
Solution: b)
Learning: Currently, all of these communities are included in the
OBC/MOBC list.
The Ahoms, who belong to the Tai race, ruled Assam for nearly
600 years (1228-1826), and played a major role in uniting the
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The Morans and Mataks, whose roots can be traced to the Hukong
Valley in Burma, had migrated to Assam before the Ahoms. They
faced increasing oppression from the second half of the 18th
century; their situation becoming worse after the British annexed
territories in Upper Assam to set up tea gardens.
Solution: b)
Justification: To address interventions in combating micronutrient
malnutrition in the country, a two day summit was co-hosted by the
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in partnership
with related central ministries/departments and development partners.
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They also assign specific role of FSSAI in promotion for food fortification
and to make fortification mandatory.
Q Source: http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=151709
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 3 only
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Solution: b)
Justification: Rights Common to both the constitutions
76. Consider the following matches of tribes with the State they
are found in.
1. Nishis : Arunachal Pradesh
2. Angami : Manipur
3. Rengma : Nagaland
4. Adi : Tripura
Select the correct answer using the codes below.
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a) 1, 2 and 3 only
b) 1 and 4 only
c) 2, 3 and 4 only
d) 2 and 4 only
Solution: a)
Justification: Nishi Tribe has originated from the Indo-Mongoloid
stock. They are mainly inhabited in the lower region of the Subansiri
district in Arunachal Pradesh. They are considered a large tribe
according to the area and population in Arunachal Pradesh. Their
spoken language is different from the other tribes, which is a part of the
Tibeto-Burman language family.
Rengma Tribe are a Naga tribal community, and are found in both
Nagaland and Assam. The total population is more than 50,000 in entire
Nagaland. The community is further divided into two categories -
Eastern and Western Rengmas. They are considered experts in terrace
cultivation.
Adi Tribe (have two divisions namely Bogums and Bomis) are found in
Arunachal Pradesh. They live on the hills and have their own village
council. This group is again divided into various small sub tribes. Rice
cultivation is practiced by this community and rice serves as the staple
foods for the Adi. Trapping and hunting is also popular.
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Solution: c)
Learning:
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Solution: d)
Learning: It includes horticulture, forestry, sugarcane, fishery, poultry,
animal husbandry and food processing industries.
https://www.google.co.in/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=we
b&cd=3&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiL-
8P50OnPAhUMQ48KHb9DA2oQFggkMAI&url=http%3A%2F%2F
www.thehindu.com%2Fnews%2Fnational%2Fother-
states%2Fagriroadmap-to-pilot-rainbow-revolution-in-bihar-
nitish%2Farticle7522769.ece&usg=AFQjCNG7NB4PYIvW8HHkp
Wu91gzug7_lOQ&sig2=giyS8uZRQJYLANHqaKUxOQ&bvm=bv.1
36499718,d.c2I The various colors of the Rainbow Revolution
indicate various farm practices such as Green Revolution
(Foodgrains), White Revolution (Milk), Yellow Revolution (Oil
seeds), Blue Revolution (Fisheries); Golden Revolution (Fruits);
Silver Revolution (Eggs), Round Revolution (Potato), Pink
Revolution (Meat), Grey Revolution (Fertilizers)
79. When the rivers originate from a hill and flow in all
directions, the drainage pattern is known as radial. This can be
very well seen in the
1. Amarkantak range
2. Mahadeo Hills
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a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) None
Solution: a)
Justification: Statement 1: This is where the Narmada River, the Son
River and Johila River emerge forming the radial pattern.
When the primary tributaries of rivers flow parallel to each other and
secondary tributaries join them at right angles, the pattern is known as
trellis.
(When the rivers discharge their waters from all directions in a lake or
depression, the pattern is known as centripetal.
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a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) None
Solution: a)
Justification: Statement 1: Ukraine is currently in territorial dispute
with Russia over the Crimean Peninsula which Russia invaded and
annexed in 2014
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Reason (R): The ECI is responsible for the conduct of local body
elections.
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Solution: d)
Justification: Article 324 of the Indian Constitution provides for an
independent Election Commission for the superintendence, direction
and control of the electoral roll and the conduct of elections in India.
These words in the Constitution are very important, for they give the
Election Commission a decisive role in virtually everything to do with
elections.
But, the Election Commission is NOT responsible for the conduct of local
body elections.
Only the State Election Commission may take necessary actions for the
successful conduct of these elections.
a) Moidam
b) Burzahom
c) Narcondam
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d) Lamjano
Solution: a)
Learning: The Tai-Ahom clan upon their migration from China
established their capital in different parts of the Brahmaputra River
Valley between 12th to 18th CE.
While the clan moved from city to city, the landscape of Che-Rai-Doi or
Choraideo continued to retain its position as most sacred where the
departed soul of the Royals could transcend into the after-life.
Their unique system of vaulted mounds continued for 600 years, till
many Tai-Ahoms converted to Buddhism while others adopted the
Hindu system of cremation in Moidam, Assam.
There was an effort to conserve the site in 2006, you can read details
here
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1060804/asp/guwahati/story_656802
3.asp
Solution: a)
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The largest area of the Phumdi in the Loktak lake is in the Keibul Lamjao
National Park, which is home to Manipur brow-antlered deer also
popularly known as the Sangai.
Many questions on the Loktak lake, phumdis and Sangai have been
asked by UPSC in the past.
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Solution: a)
Learning: Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean
Sea and an autonomous region of Italy.
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a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) None
Solution: a)
Justification: Statement 2: This is done by the National Biodiversity
Authority (NBA) and State Biodiversity authorities.
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Q Source: Improvisation:
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/letters/patents-and-seed-
industry/article9252480.ece
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/raipur/CG-serves-2-green-
colour-rice-varieties/articleshow/55011896.cms
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 2 only
d) 1 and 3 only
Solution: c)
Justification: Statement 1: Subsidies diverted to wasteful consumption
has a deleterious effects on government finance. For e.g. nearly 38,000
crore rupees were diverted to fertilizer subsidies last year, most of which
found its way in the balance sheet of large companies, illegal exporters
and large farmers. Such subsidies only distort consumption patterns and
do not add to the productive capacity of the economy. High subsidies
reduce the quality of government spending.
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a) 1, 2 and 4 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1 and 2 only
Solution: a)
Justification: Solve such questions by elimination.
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a) 1 only
b) 1 and 2 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: b)
Justification: Statement 1: It was set up in the year 1982 to carry out
detailed studies, surveys and investigations in respect of Peninsular
Component of National Perspective for Water Resources Development.
The Government subsequently modified the functions of NWDA to
include the Himalayan Component of National Perspective for Water
Resources Development.
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Q Source: http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/state-says-
no-to-riverlinking/article8762616.ece
a) 1 and 3 only
b) 1 and 2 only
c) 2, 3 and 4 only
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Solution: d)
Justification: Statement 1: It makes every effort to ensure that the
voters list is free of errors like nonexistence of names of registered
voters or existence of names of those non-eligible or non-existent.
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It can also order a recount of votes when it feels that the counting
process has not been fully fair and just.
Learning: The Election Commission has very limited staff of its own. It
conducts the elections with the help of the administrative machinery.
However, once the election process has begun, the commission has
control over the administration as far as election related work is
concerned. During the election process, the administrative officers of the
State and central governments are assigned election related duty and in
this respect, the Election Commission has full control over them.
The EC can transfer the officers, or stop their transfers; it can take action
against them for failing to act in a non-partisan manner.
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
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d) None
Solution: c)
Justification: Statement 1: These southeast trade winds cross the
equator and enter the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, only to be
caught up in the air circulation over India. Passing over the equatorial
warm currents, they bring with them moisture in abundance.
If there is an El Nino event, the Ocean currents are not likely to support
Monsoon rainfall in India.
Solution: d)
Learning: The Amnesty International Report 2015/16 documents the
state of human rights in 160 countries and territories during 2015.
Torture and the failure to uphold sexual and reproductive rights were
key concerns.
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This report also celebrates those who stand up for human rights across
the world, often in difficult and dangerous circumstances.
92. You are most likely to come across Lushai and Lepcha tribes
while travelling in
a) Tripura and Sikkim respectively
b) Kohima and Shyok respectively
c) Dehradun and Zaskar respectively
d) Mizoram and Sikkim respectively
Solution: d)
Learning: Lushai tribal community is said to be one of the primitive
tribes of India. Though the Lushai groups are also located in Mizoram,
they are found especially in every hook and nook of the hilly provinces of
Manipur state.
They also have got typical Mongolid features, similar to almost all the
tribes of north-eastern India, especially Manipur.
The Lepchas are the aboriginal inhabitants of Sikkim and they are
mostly settled in North Sikkim. They are mostly Buddhist but
many of them have now adopted Christianity. The lepcha folklores
are melodious and contain lots of interesting folk stories.
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Solution: d)
Learning: In the Hindu regions of Asia the serpent or naga is
considered a nature spirit. It is the protector of springs, wells and rivers.
Serpents bring rain and thus fertility. But, they can also bring floods and
drought.
The snake animal meaning is thus powerfully connected to life force and
primal energy.
The Hindus believe that how the naga treats humanity is representative
how we treat the snake and its environment. Serpents are mythically also
believed to carry the elixir of life and immortality.
a) 1 only
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b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) None
Solution: a)
Justification: Statement 1: The Kashmir Stag or Hangul is a
subspecies of elk native to India. Earlier it was believed that it is a
subspecies of red deer. But mitochondrial DNA genetic studies have
revealed that it is part of the Asian clade of elk.
But at present, only about 150 of them survive within its last
bastion in Dachigam National Park located on foothills of
Zabarwan range on the outskirts of Srinagar, J&K.
But, BNHS have not declared it as their flagship species. So, 2 is
wrong.
Learning: It has been listed under Schedule-I of the Wildlife
(Protection) Act, 1972 and J&K Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1978. It also
has been listed among the top 15 species of high conservation priority by
the Central Government. Reasons for decline in population: (i) habitat
destruction, (ii) over-grazing by domestic livestock, and (iii) poaching.
Q Source: http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/kashmir-red-stag-iucn-
critically-endangered/1/787937.html
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TEST 8 Solutions
Solution: a)
Learning: The Karewa sequence, occupying an area of about 2,500 sq
km, rests over the folded Paleozoic-Mesozoic rocks of the Kashmir Basin
in the Kashmir Valley floor, above the river alluvium.
Karewa formations are lake-laid clays and shales. These are lacustine
deposits and appear like flat mounds on the margin of high mountains.
Most of the cultivated fields in the Kashmir Valley are situated on the
Karewa sediments.
Solution: c)
Learning: The stupas in the fourth and fifth centuries CE have Buddha
images attached.
Junnar has the largest cave excavations more than two hundred caves
around the hills of the townwhereas Kanheri in Mumbai has a hundred
and eight excavated caves.
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TEST 8 Solutions
The most important sites are Ajanta, Pitalkhora, Ellora, Nashik, Bhaja,
Junnar, Karla, Kanheri. Ajanta, Ellora, and Kanheri continue to flourish.
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) None
Solution: d)
Justification: Statement 1: The bill can be introduced in any house.
However it must be passed by both houses. If even one house does not
pass the bill, the bill ends there itself. There is no provision of joint
sitting in such a case.
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TEST 8 Solutions
Solution: d)
Justification: If a nation is spread on a large geographical area
latitudinally (horizontally on a map), the Sun will be at different
positions in the sky for different latitudes on the nation at the same time.
So, there is a possibility of having multiple time zones. For e.g. in Russia,
there are about 11 time zones.
But, this applies only when the spaces are on earth (which rotates on its
axis). When something is outside of earth, it does not rotate in the same
way as earth does. Moreover, the object need not be so large as earth. So,
the space mentioned in the question will not witness any time zones,
since time zones are essentially created out of earths rotation on its axis,
which is not the case here.
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TEST 8 Solutions
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 2 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: b)
Justification: Statement 1: It is Prime Ministers Employment
Generation Programme (PMEGP). There is no other employment
guarantee programme in India other than MGNREGA.
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TEST 8 Solutions
Statement 3: The Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme for Micro and Small
Enterprises (CGS) was launched by the Government of India (GoI) to
make available collateral-free credit to the micro and small enterprise
sector. Both the existing and the new enterprises are eligible to be
covered under the scheme.
Q Source: Economic Survey 2015-16 (we will keep covering some of the
last years sources like this)
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1, 3 and 4 only
c) 2 only
d) 1, 2 and 3 only
Solution: d)
Justification: It is appointed for the purpose of drawing up the
boundaries of constituencies all over the country.
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TEST 8 Solutions
INSIGHTS PRELIMS TEST SERIES 2017