1.

I. Vote on account is a formality and requires no debate.

II. Vote-on-Account cannot alter the Direct Taxes.

(a) Only I is true

(b) Only II  is true

(c) Both I and II  are true

(d) Neither I nor II is true

   2.

The typical impacts of El Niño include increased rainfall in

1. The Southern United States

2. The Horn of Africa

3. Central Asia

(a) 3 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c)  2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3

   3.

With reference to the Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB), consider the following statements:

1. It has been constituted by the Central Government for appointment of whole-time directors and non-executive chairperson in Public Sector Banks and financial institutions.

2. It aids the Bank Board Bureau (BBB).

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

   4.

The Godavari basin extends over states of

1. Maharashtra

2. Telangana

3. Andhra Pradesh

4. Chhattisgarh

5. Odisha

(a) 1,2,3,4,5

(b) 1,2,3,4

(c) 1,2,3

(d) 1,2,3,5

   5.

Consider the following statements with reference to Papua New Guinea:

1. It shares a land border with Indonesia.

2. Its near neighbors are Australia and Solomon Island.

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

   6.

1. It is associated with the Pallava Empire.

2. Nandi Bull at the top of Sengol symbolizes justice and strength.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct w.r.t. Sengol?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

   7.

Consider the following statements regarding Sedition-

1. It is a non-bailable offence.

2. An Individual charged with sedition is barred from government job.

3. The law was inserted in Indian Penal Code in 1860.

Select the correct statement(s) using the code below-

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1 and 3 only

   8.

Consider the following statements:

1. Meitei community was recognised as a tribe before the merger of the princely state of Manipur with the Union of India in 1949.

2. Article 371C of the Indian Constitution that provides special provisions with respect to the State of Manipur was inserted by the Constitution (54th Amendment) Act, 1986.

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

   9.

Which of the following characteristics can be attributed with the Reserve Currency?

1. Highly Stable Currency

2. Low Liquidity

3. Wide Acceptance in the Global Market

4. Facilitate International Transactions

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2, 3 and 4

(c) 1, 3 and 4

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

  10.

1. Aerosols scatter sunlight back.

2. Aerosols reduce global warming,

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

  11.

1. It is an intergovernmental organization.

2. USA holds the presidency of the G7 in 2023.  

3. The group meets annually and India is a special invitee to the 2023 summit.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct w.r.t.G₇?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

  12.

Consider the following statements.

1. There is no Call - Attention motion in the Rajya Sabha.

2. There exists a motion called ‘Motion for Papers’ in the Rajya Sabha.

(a) Only 1 is true

(b) Only 2 is true

(c) 1 and 2 are true

(d) 1 and 2 are false

  13.

Chytrid seen in news refer to

(a) frog

(b) fungus

(c) insect

(d) alga

  14.

1. There is a statutory written procedure for dealing with mercy petitions.

2. The President can either accept or reject the plea as per the advice by the council of ministers.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct w.r.t. “Mercy Plea”?.

(a) Only 1
 

(b) Only 2
 

(c) Both 1 and 2
 

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

  15.

Consider the following statements about Standing Committees:

1. They examine such Bills pertaining to the concerned Ministries/Departments as are referred to the Committee by the Chairman, Rajya Sabha, or the Speaker, Lok Sabha.

2. The functioning of the Standing Committee is governed by the President of India.

3. The term of office of the members of the Committees is two years.

Select the correct statement(s) using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

  16.

Which of the following assets are included in the level of India''s foreign exchange reserves?

1. Gold

2. Special Drawing Rights

3. Foreign Currency Assets

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

  17.

1. It is in Arunachal Pradesh.

2. It is a Ramsar Site.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct w.r.t. Tso Moriri Lake?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

  18.

‘Pratyush’ and ‘Mihir’, often seen in the news refer to

(a) Anti-ballistic Missiles

(b) Supercomputers

(c) Nuclear powered submarines

(d) IR Night vision devices

  19.

1. When no party gets the majority, the President is mandated under constitution to call upon the leader of largest party to form the government.

2. If the government is unable to pass the budget in parliament, it ceases to exist with immediate effect.

Which of the above is/are true?.

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 2

(c) 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 Nor 2

 20.

1) He is appointed by the president for a term of 5 years or 65 years of age whichever is earlier. 

2) The salary and service condition of CAG shall be determined by the president. 

3) The CAG can be removed only on the grounds of proved misbehavior or incapacity. 

Which of the statements is/are false regarding CAG?.

(a) 1 and 2 only  

(b) 1 and 3 only 

(c) 1, 2 and 3 only

(d) 3 only

  21.

1. These communities were notified as Scheduled Tribes as per provisions of Article 341(1) of the Indian Constitution.

2. The commission investigates and monitors the matters relating to Safeguards provided for Scheduled Tribes.

3. The commissions recognises the symbiotic relationship between tribes and forests in their traditional wisdom regarding conservation of forests.

Select the correct statement(s) w.r.t. National Commission for Scheduled Tribes.

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 1, 2 and 3

(c) 2 only

(d) 3 only

  22.

Pratima Murthy Committee is in relation to

(a) Mental health and insurance

(b) Reforms in SEBI

(c) Social Security for Gig Workers  

(d) Regulating Pharma Companies

  23.

1. It is is an inherited blood disorder.

2. It cannot be detected in a neonatal screening test.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct w.r.t. Thalassemia?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

  24.

Erythritol, cyclamates, neotame that were in refer to

(a) Pesticides

(b) Fungicides

(c) Weedicides

(d) None of these

   25.

Which of the following are correct w.r.t. Prime Minister?.

1) He advises the President with regard to summoning and proroguing of the sessions of the Parliament. 

2) He can recommend dissolution of the Lok Sabha to President at any time. 

3) He is the chairman of Zonal Council and National Integration Council.

(a) 1 and 2 only  

(b) 1 and 3 only 

(c) 1, 2 and 3 only

(d) 3 only

1.

·    Normally, the vote-on-account is taken for two months only. But during election year or when it is anticipated that the main Demands and Appropriation Bill will take longer time than two months, the vote-on-account may be for a period extending two months.

·    Typically this period does not exceed six months, as that is the maximum gap possible between two sittings of the Parliament.

Normally a vote-on-account is in operation till the full Budget is passed.

B

 2.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/world-meteorological-organisation-warns-of-el-ni-o-s-development-associated-with-severe-droughts-and-extreme-rain-globally-by-2024-101683138629803.html

D

 3.

— Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved a government resolution for establishing the Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB) in place of the Banks Board Bureau (BBB). Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

—  It has been constituted by the Central Government for appointment as whole-time directors (WTDs) and non-executive chairpersons (NECs) on the Boards of Directors in Public Sector Banks, financial institutions and Public Sector Insurers. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

https://indianexpress.com/article/business/fsib-selects-new-chiefs-for-gic-re-nic-8651319/

A 

 4.

Krishna

• The Krishna Basin extends over Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka having a total area of 2,58,948 Sq.km which is nearly 8% of the total geographical area of the country.
• It is bounded by Balaghat range on the north, by the Eastern Ghats on the south and the east and by the Western Ghats on the west. The Krishna River rises from the Western Ghats near Jor village of Satara district of Maharashtra at an altitude of 1,337 m just north of
• The total length of river from origin to its outfall into the Bay of Bengal is 1,400 km. Its principal tributaries joining from right are the Ghatprabha, the Malprabha and the Tungabhadra whereas those joining from left are the Bhima, the Musi and the Munneru are joining the river from left. The major part of basin is covered with agricultural land accounting to 75.86% of the total area and 4.07% of the basin is covered by water bodies.
• Krishna river rises in the Western Ghats at an elevation of about 1337 m. just north of Mahabaleswar, about 64 km from the Arabian Sea and flows for about 1400 km and outfalls into the Bay of Bengal. The principal tributaries joining Krishna are the Ghataprabha, the Malaprabha, the Bhima, the Tungabhadra and the Musi.

Godavari:

• The Godavari basin extends over states of Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Odisha in addition to smaller parts in Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Union territory of Puducherry having a total area of 3,12,812 Sq.km with a maximum length and width of about 995 km and 583 km.
• The basin is bounded by Satmala hills, the Ajanta range and the Mahadeo hills on the north, by the Eastern Ghats on the south and the east and by the Western Ghats on the west.
• The Godavari River rises from Trimbakeshwar in the Nashik district of Maharashtra about 80 km from the Arabian Sea at an elevation of 1,067 m. The total length of Godavari from its origin to outfall into the Bay of Bengal is 1,465 km.
• Godavari river rises near Nasik in Maharashtra at an elevation of about 1067 m and flows for a length of about 1465 km before outfalling in to the Bay of Bengal. The principal tributaries of the river are the Pravara, the Purna, the Manjra, the Penganga, the Wardha, the Wainganga the Pranhita (combined flow of Wainganga, Penganga, Wardha), the Indravati, the Maner and the Sabri.

A

 5.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/modi-stresses-on-boosting-india-papua-new-guinea-ties-in-talks-with-pm-marape-governor-general-dadae/article66879605.ece

C

 6.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/sengol-a-symbol-of-virtue/article66901846.ece

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/sengol-a-historic-sceptre-with-a-deep-tamil-nadu-connection/article66888264.ece

B

 7.

·    The Sedition law was originally drafted in 1837 by Thomas Macaulay, the British historian-politician, but was inexplicably omitted when the Indian Penal Code (IPC) was enacted in 1860.

·    Section 124A was inserted in 1870 by an amendment introduced by Sir James Stephen when it felt the need for a specific section to deal with the offence.

·    It was one of the many draconian laws enacted to stifle any voices of dissent at that time.

·    Sedition Law Today: Sedition is a crime under Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

·    It defines sedition as an offence committed when "any person by words, either spoken or written, or by signs, or by visible representation, or otherwise, brings or attempts to bring into hatred or contempt, or excites or attempts to excite disaffection towards the government established by law in India".

·    Disaffection includes disloyalty and all feelings of enmity. However, comments without exciting or attempting to excite hatred, contempt or disaffection, will not constitute an offence under this section.

·    Sedition is a non-bailable offence. Punishment under the Section 124A ranges from imprisonment up to three years to a life term, to which fine may be added.

·    A person charged under this law is barred from a government job.

They must live without their passport and must always produce themselves in the court as and when required.

A

 8.

https://iasgoogle.com/editorial_detail/manipur-unrest

A

 9.

Reserve currencies are foreign currencies held by central banks and other monetary authorities to facilitate international transactions, stabilize exchange rates, and bolster financial confidence. These currencies are typically characterized by their stability, liquidity, and wide acceptance in global markets, which make them attractive for holding and conducting international transactions. A reserve currency is also used by central banks to prepare for international debt obligations and to influence their domestic exchange rate.

https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/de-dollarisation-the-race-to-attain-the-status-of-global-reserve-currency/article66805365.ece

C

 10.

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1945036

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-climate/climate-change-why-india-is-heating-up-slower-than-the-world-average-8602414/

C 

11.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/presence-in-g7-summit-particularly-meaningful-as-india-holding-g20-presidency-pm-modi/article66868992.ece

https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/g-20-summit-2023-japan-as-g-7-chair-bridged-gap-with-west-on-ukraine/article67289480.ece

C

12.

After permitted by the chair, a member of the parliament can move the call attention motion to call the attention of a minister towards any matter of urgent public importance. Such a motion in the Rajya Sabha is not called by the name ''Call attention'' motion but instead a similar motion exists in the Rajya Sabha by the name "Motion for Papers".

C

13.

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/the-worlds-worst-animal-disease-is-killing-frogs-worldwide-a-testing-breakthrough-could-help-save-them/article66907881.ece

B

14.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/perarivalans-mercy-plea-sc-disagrees-with-centres-suggestion-that-court-should-wait-for-president-to-decide/article65381085.ece?homepage=true

B

15.

— Each of the Standing Committees consists of not more than 31 members, 21 Members to be nominated by the Speaker from amongst the members of Lok Sabha and 10 members to be nominated by the Chairman, of Rajya Sabha from amongst the members of Rajya Sabha.

— A Minister is not nominated as a member of the Committee. If a member after nomination to the Committee is appointed a Minister, such member ceases to be a member of the Committee from the date of such appointment.

— The Chairpersons of Committees from Rajya Sabha are appointed by the Chairman, and the Chairpersons of Committees from Lok Sabha are appointed by the Speaker.

— The term of office of the members of the Committees does not exceed one year. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

— The functioning of the Standing Committee is governed by the general rules relating to Parliamentary Committees. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

Functions

— To consider the Demands for Grants of the concerned Ministries/Departments and make a report on the same to the Houses. The report shall not suggest anything of the nature of cut motions.

— To examine such Bills pertaining to the concerned Ministries/Departments as are referred to the Committee by the Chairman, Rajya Sabha or the Speaker, Lok Sabha as the case may be, and make reports thereon. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— To consider annual reports of Ministries/Departments and make reports thereon.

— To consider National basic long-term policy documents presented to the House, if referred to the Committee by the Chairman, Rajya Sabha or the Speaker, Lok Sabha as the case may be, and make reports thereon.

B

16.

Current Status of the Indian Forex Reserves

Foreign exchange reserves are an important component of the balance of payments and an essential element in the analysis of an economy''s external position. The level of India''s foreign exchange reserves comprising foreign currency assets (FCA), gold, SDRs and reserve tranche position (RTP) in the IMF.

https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/indias-forex-reserves-rise-4532-billion-to-58878-billion/article66816280.ece

17.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-climate/over-half-of-the-worlds-largest-lakes-have-shrunk-due-to-climate-change-and-human-activities-8630946/

Tso Kar and Tso Moriri lakes in Ladakh are listed as Ramsar sites. This means that the area around the lake should be conserved with minimum human interference.

B

18.

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/india-set-to-triple-speed-of-fastest-supercomputers/article66889689.ece

19.

C

20.

ü Statement 1) He holds office for a period of six years or up to the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.

ü Statement 2) His salary and other service conditions are determined by the Parliament. His salary is equal to that of a judge of the Supreme Court

Statement 3) He can also be removed by the president on same grounds and in the same manner as a judge of the Supreme Court. In other words, he can be removed by the president on the basis of a resolution passed to that effect by both the Houses of Parliament with special majority, either on the ground of proved misbehavior or incapacity.

A 

21.

— The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) was established by amending Article 338 and inserting a new Article 338A in the Constitution through the Constitution (89th Amendment) Act, 2003.

— The term of office of Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and each member is three years from the date of assumption of charge.

— The Chairperson has been given the rank of Union Cabinet Minister, and the Vice-Chairperson that of a Minister of State and other Members have the rank of a Secretary to the Government of India.

— These communities were notified as Scheduled Tribes as per provisions of Article 342(1) of the Indian Constitution. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.

Functions

— To investigate & Monitor matters relating to Safeguards provided for STs under the Constitution or under other laws or under Govt. Order, to evaluate the working of such Safeguards. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

— To inquire into specific complaints relating to the Rights and Safeguards of STs.

— To participate and Advise in the Planning Process relating to the socio-economic development of STs, and to Evaluate the progress of their development under the Union and any State.

— To submit the report to the President annually and  at such other times as the Commission may  deem  fit, upon/ working of Safeguards, Measures required for effective implementation of Programmers/ Schemes relating to Welfare and Socio-economic development of STs.

— To discharge such other functions in relation to STs as the President may, subject to the provisions of any law made by Parliament, by rule specify.

— The Commission would also discharge the following other functions in relation to the protection, welfare, development, and advancement of the Scheduled Tribes.

— The Forest Right Act, of 2006 recognize the symbiotic relationship of the STs with the forests, reflected in their dependence on the forest as well as in their traditional wisdom regarding the conservation of the forests. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

C

22.

https://www.thehindu.com/business/irdai-forms-expert-panel-for-advice-on-mental-health-cover/article66847262.ece

A

23.

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/world-thalassemia-day-an-invisible-disability-that-is-lacking-acceptance/article66825840.ece

https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/thalassemia-and-aplastic-anaemia-bal-sewa-yojna-20-underprivileged-kids-get-new-lease-of-life-but-no-awareness-on-scheme-8609353/

A 

24.

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/explained-what-is-whos-advice-on-non-sugar-sweeteners/article66875381.ece

D

25.

The Zonal Councils are the statutory (and not the constitutional) bodies. They are established by an Act of the Parliament, t hat is, States Reorganization Act of 1956. The act divided the country into five zones (Northern, Central, Eastern, Western and Southern) and provided a zonal council for each zone. While forming these zones, several factors have been taken into account which includes: the natural divisions of the country, the river systems and means of communication, the cultural and linguistic affinity and the requirements of economic development, security and law and order.

ü Each zonal council consists of the following members: (a) home minister of Central government. (b) chief ministers of all the States in the zone. (c) Two other ministers from each state in the zone. (d) Administrator of each union territory in the zone.   Besides, the following persons can be associated with the zonal council as advisors (i.e., without the right to vote in the meetings): (i) a person nominated by the NITI Aayog;  (ii) chief secretary of the government of each state in the zone; and  (iii) development commissioner of each state in the zone. 

ü The home minister of Central government is the common chairman of the five zonal councils. Each chief minister acts as a vice chairman of the council by rotation, holding office for a period of one year at a time.

The zonal councils aim at promoting cooperation and coordination between states, union territories and the Centre. They discuss and make recommendations regarding matters like economic and social planning, linguistic minorities, border disputes, inter-state transport, and so on. They are only deliberative and advisory bodies.

A