1.

FL-2027 & FC-5 seen in news refer to

(a) Plant varieties

(b) Financial Ratings

(c) Asteroids

(d) Flourinated carbon

Note:

https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/delhi-hc-dismisses-pepsico-appeal-against-revoking-potato-variety-registration-8816058/

A

2.

Internal debt of India includes

1. Market Stabilization Scheme Bonds

2. Dated securities

3. Rupee Debt

4. Treasury-Bills

(a) 1 and 4 only

(b) 2 and 4 only

(c) 1, 2 and 4 only

(d) 2, 3 and 4 only

Note:

http://www.arthapedia.in/index.php/Public_Debt

http://www.arthapedia.in/index.php/Rupee_Denominated_Debt

http://www.arthapedia.in/index.php/External_Debt#:~:text=The%20definition%20of%20gross%20external,by%20the%20debt%20contract%20viz.

C  

3.

Esala Poya in Sri Lanka and Asanha Bucha in Thailand refer to

(a) Ramsar Sites

(b) Nuclear Research centers

(c) Hindu Temples

(d) None of these

Note:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1936890

D

4.

Storm Shadow in news refer to

(a) Temperate Cyclone

(b) Dry Wind

(c) Nuclear blast

(d) Missile

Note:

https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/first-french-long-range-missiles-already-in-ukraine/article67068484.ece

D

5.

1. Gibbons are the smallest and fastest of all apes.

2.  The Red List maintained by the International Union for Conservation of Nature categorises the western hoolock gibbon as endangered and the eastern hoolock gibbon as vulnerable.

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

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Note:

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/china-event-raises-concern-over-indias-only-ape/article67087123.ece

C

6.

The correct definition of defined green hydrogen according to MNRE is

(a) hydrogen production that emits no more than 2 kg of carbon dioxide per kg of hydrogen.

(b) hydrogen production that emits no more than 1 kg of carbon dioxide per kg of hydrogen.

(c) hydrogen production that emits no more than 0 kg of carbon dioxide per kg of hydrogen.

(d) hydrogen production that emits no more than 1.5 kg of carbon dioxide per kg of hydrogen.

Note:

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/indias-green-hydrogen-mission-runs-risk-of-pollution-sans-accounting-study/article67462156.ece

https://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/renewable/indias-green-hydrogen-drive-could-boost-emissions-without-proper-safeguards-warns-think-tank/104740696#:~:text=2%20min%20read-,India''s%20green%20hydrogen%20drive%20could%20boost%20emissions%20without%20proper%20safeguards,hydrogen%20made%20from%20fossil%20fuels.

A

7.

Consider the following statements w.r.t. SWAMIH investment fund:

1. It is a social impact fund.

2. It is sponsored by the Ministry of Finance.

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

Note:

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-economics/swamih-investment-fund-affordable-housing-explained-8480560/

C

8.

The science of using genetic sequencing, editing, and modification to create unnatural organisms or organic molecules that can function in living systems is known as

(a) Gene Silencing

(b) Synthetic Biology

(c) Tyrobiology

(d) Genetic vortex

Note:

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/voices/how-synthetic-biology-the-next-gen-technology-can-transform-indias-economy/

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/synthetic-biology-minimal-genome-natural-adaptation/article67082934.ece

B

9.

1.  2G bioethanol technology produces bioethanol from waste feedstock such as crop residues and municipal solid waste that would otherwise have no value.

2. The SATAT Scheme provides financial support to integrated bio-ethanol projects to set up second generation ethanol projects.

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

Note:

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/moving-away-from-the-take-make-dispose-model/article67120657.ece

A    

10.

Hawkish Monetary Policy

(a) indicates a willingness on the part of the central bank to expand money supply and cut interest rates.

(b) indicates that the central bank’s top priority is to keep the inflation low.

(c) aims to maintain price stability by keeping inflation levels low and within a target range.

(d) prioritises promoting economic growth and reducing unemployment.

Note:

https://www.xtb.com/en/education/hawkish-vs-dovish-differences-between-monetary-policies-explained#:~:text=Hawkish%20Monetary%20Policy%3A&text=It%20aims%20to%20maintain%20price,can%20help%20reduce%20inflationary%20pressures.

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/indicators/rbis-hawkish-stance-rise-crude-prices-could-delay-monetary-easing/articleshow/104291593.cms

C

11.

Lippan art also known as mud mirror art is is practiced mainly in

(a) Gujarat

(b) Rajasthan

(c) Manipur

(d) Nagaland

Note:

• Kolam is a form of drawing that is drawn by using rice flour, chalk, chalk powder or rock powder, often using naturally or synthetically colored powders, in Sri Lanka, the Indian states of Tamil Nadu,Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and some parts of Goa, Maharashtra. Kolams are regionally known by different names in India, Raangolee in Maharashtra, Aripan in Mithila, Hase and Raongoli in Kannada in Karnataka, Muggulu in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. More complex Kolams are drawn and colors are often added during holiday occasions and special events. The mathematical properties of Kolam are being used in the computer science field. Kolam patterns are studied and algorithms are developed for regenerating kolam designs with different patterns has been done.

• Mithila painting in northern Bihar’s Mithila region: The themes in Mithila painting (also known as Madhubani Painting) ranges from Hindu deities like Krishna, Rama, Lakshmi, etc to the natural and secular themes like the Sun, the Moon; paintings based on scenes from the royal courts and social events, like weddings. The painting was traditionally done by womenfolk on freshly plastered mud walls and floors of huts, but now they are also done on cloth, handmade paper, and canvas. If any empty space is left after painting the main theme, it is filled up with the motifs of flowers, animals and birds or geometric designs.

• Lippan art is a clay art form from the state of Gujarat, India. It is mostly done by the village ladies from Kutch to decorate their homes. Traditionally lippan is made by adding mud and cow dung and done on the walls.

• Warli paintings in Maharashtra: Warli tribals decorate their house walls with paintings depicting their lives: planting saplings, carrying grain, dancing, traveling to market and other routine activities of their daily lives. They do not depict mythological characters or images of deities. The unique feature of these paintings is that mainly white color is used to paint. This color is prepared by mixing rice paste and water with the addition of gum for adhesiveness. The background is prepared by using mud and cow dung (if done on the walls of the hut). The figures reflect the naturalism.

A

12.

1. Sweden

2. Norway

3. Denmark

4. Iceland

Nordic nations include

(a) 1, 2 and 4 only

(b) 2, 3 and 4 only

(c) 1, 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Note:

https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/biden-is-closing-out-his-europe-trip-by-showcasing-new-nato-member-finland/article67075634.ece

D

13.

1. When the interest rate on government debt is lower than the growth of GDP, the debt may decline but the financial market gets distorted.

2. The debt market in India is largely captive with mainly the commercial banks and insurance companies participating in it to meet SLR requirements.

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

Note:

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/shedding-more-light-on-the-debt-dilemma/article67124430.ece

C   

14.

A reduction in repo rate by RBI may not be transmitted into lending rate in the economy because of:

1. Banks cost of funds remaining high

2. Government offering higher interest on its own savings schemes

3. Liquidity crunch in the economy

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 & 2 only

(b) 2 & 3 only

(c) 1 & 3 only

(d) 1, 2 & 3

Note:

https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/money-and-banking/rbi-monetary-policy-mpc-highlights-october-2023/article67385471.ece

D

15.

Consider the following statements w.r.t. Golan Heights:

1. It refers to the border region captured from Palestine by Israel during the Six-Day Middle-East War of 1967.

2. It is bounded by the Jordan River on the west.

3. It is bounded by the Sea of Galilee on the south.

How many statements given above is/are correct?

(a) Only One

(b) Only Two

(c) All the three

(d) None of the statements

Note:

Golan Heights refers to the border region captured from Syria by Israel during the Six-Day Middle-East War of 1967. This region includes the western two-thirds of the geological Golan Heights and the Israeli-occupied part of Mount Hermon.

It is bounded by the Jordan River and the Sea of Galilee on the west, Mount Hermon on the north, the seasonal Wadi Al-Ruqq on the east, and the Yarmk River on the south.

The U.S. was the first country to recognize Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan, which the rest of the international community regards as Israeli-occupied.

A  

16.

1. Metallic powders such as aluminium often serve as the fuel.

2. Ammonium perchlorate is the most common oxidiser.

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

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Note:

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/what-are-solid-fuel-missiles-why-is-north-korea-developing-them-2023-07-13/

C

17.

Which among the following is/are the objective/objectives ofthe NITI Aayog?

1. Allocating financial resources to states

2. To pay attention to the weaker sections of the society that may not have benefitted from economic progress

3. Design strategies and long-term policies and programme frame- works

Selectthe correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1, 2 and 3

(d) 3 only

Note:

The National Institution for Transforming India, also called NITI Aayog, was formed via a resolution of the Union Cabinet on January 1, 2015. NITI Aayog is the premier policy ‘Think Tank’ of the Government of India, providing both directional and policy inputs.

1.  Foster cooperative federalism through structured support initiatives and mechanisms with the States on a continuous basis, recognizing that strong States make a strong nation.

2.  To develop mechanisms to formulate credible plans at the village level and aggregate these progressively at higher levels of government. Thus, promoting bottom-up approach of planning.

3.  Provide advice and encourage partnerships between key stakeholders and national and international like-minded Think tanks, as well as educational and policy research institutions.

4.  Offer a platform for resolution of inter-sectoral and inter­ departmental issues in order to accelerate the implementation of the development agenda.

5.  It only actively monitors and evaluates the implementation of programmes and initiatives, including the identification of the needed resources so as to strengthen the probability of success and scope of delivery. However, allocation of funds is not under the purview of NITI Ayog, It is done by the Finance Ministry.

B

18.

1. India’s Exclusive Economic Zone extends over 2.2 million square km.

2. France has the world’s largest Exclusive Economic Zone.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct w.r.t. Exclusive Economic Zone?.

(a) 1 Only  

(b) 2 Only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Note:

https://www.thehindu.com/business/modi-unveils-long-term-blueprint-for-blue-economy/article67430759.ece

https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/science/india-to-continue-mapping-activities-for-poly-metallic-nodules/article66652990.ece

Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)

The 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) defined the EEZ as a zone in the sea over which a sovereign nation has certain special rights with respect to the exploration and usage of marine resources, which includes the generation of energy from wind and water, and also oil and natural gas extraction.

• 
  The EEZ is an area that is adjacent to and beyond the territorial sea.
• It can extend to a maximum of 200 nautical miles from the baseline. The baseline is normally measured is the low-water line along the coast as indicated on large-scale charts officially approved by the coastal state.
• The EEZ does not include the territorial sea and also does not include the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles. 
• The EEZ includes the contiguous zone.
• Within the EEZ, the country has rights over natural resources. The country has jurisdiction over some activities for the reasons of environmental protection, among others.
• It also has to respect the rights of other countries in the EEZ such as the freedom of navigation.
• The difference between territorial sea and the EEZ is that the former confers full sovereignty over the waters, whereas the latter is merely a “sovereign right” which refers to the coastal nation’s rights below the surface of the sea. The surface waters are international waters.

Rights of the country in the EEZ

The coastal state has the rights to:

1. Explore and exploit, conserve and manage the natural resources (living or non-living).
2. Produce energy from wind, currents and water.
3. Establish and use artificial islands, structures and installations.
4. Conduct marine scientific research.
5. Protect and preserve the marine environment.

Territorial Waters

The term territorial waters of a country include any area of water on which it has jurisdiction. This includes the internal waters, territorial sea, contiguous zone, the EEZ and potentially the continental shelf also.

Territorial Sea

As per the UNCLOS, the territorial sea is a belt of coastal waters that extends from the baseline to 12 nautical miles. 

• It is a sovereign territory of the state. 
• However, foreign ships, both civilian and military, are permitted ‘innocent passage’ through it. 
• The sovereignty also includes the seabed below and the airspace above. 
• The EEZ starts at the edge of the territorial sea.

Contiguous Zone

The contiguous zone extends from the edge of the territorial sea to 24 nautical miles from the baseline, i.e., a further 12 nautical miles from the territorial sea. 

• It is a part of the EEZ. In this zone, states have limited control in order to curb or penalise the infringement of its customs, immigration, sanitary, or fiscal laws within its territorial sea. 
• Only in four areas, it can enforce laws: taxation, customs, pollution and immigration.

C     

19.

1. The Parliament by notification may specify the castes, races or tribes to be recognised as Scheduled Castes.

2. Any amendment in the list of Scheduled Castes can be made only by an order of the President under the Article 341 of Constitution.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct w.r.t. the inclusion of communities in the Schedule Caste list?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Note:

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/madiwala-community-seeks-inclusion-in-scheduled-castes-category-list/article67109124.ece

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/explained-the-criterion-for-sc-status/article65973273.ece

C

20.

1. The lightest of the halogen elements is fluorine.

2. Moissan discovered the fluorine.

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

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Note:

https://www.thehindu.com/children/the-man-who-spotted-the-tiger-in-the-lab/article31987379.ece

C

21.

When prices decrease and inflation becomes negative, it is known as

(a) Deflation

(b) Disinflation

(c) Stagflation

(d) Creeping inflation

Note:

https://indianexpress.com/article/business/banking-and-finance/disinflation-process-to-be-slow-protracted-rbi-guv-8661418/

A

22.

Which of the statements given below is/are incorrect w.r.t. Secured Overnight Funding Rate?

(a) It replaced LIBOR.

(b) It represents the rate US institutions pay each other for overnight loans.

(c) Both (a) and (b)

(d) Neither (a) Nor (b)

Note:

https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/explained-why-are-financial-regulators-transitioning-from-libor/article66863386.ece

State Bank of India (SBI) has executed two inter-bank short term money market deals with pricing linked to SOFR (Secured Overnight Financing Rate).

• This follows the U.K.’s Financial Conduct Authority deciding not to compel banks on LIBOR calculation after December.
• SOFR is a replacement for USD LIBOR that may be phased out end-2021.

SOFR

• The secured overnight financing rate (SOFR) is a benchmark interest rate for dollar-denominated derivatives and loans that is replacing the London interbank offered rate (LIBOR).
• SOFR is based on transactions in the Treasury repurchase market,where investors offer banks overnight loans backed by their bond assets.
• It is seen as preferable to LIBOR since it is based on data from observable transactions rather than on estimated borrowing rates.
• While SOFR is becoming the benchmark rate for dollar-denominated derivatives and loans, other countries have sought their own alternative rates, such as SONIA and EONIA.

LIBOR

• LIBOR is the benchmark interest rate at which major global banks lend to one another.
• LIBOR is administered by the Intercontinental Exchange, which asks major global banks how much they would charge other banks for short-term loans.
• The rate is calculated using the Waterfall Methodology, a standardized, transaction-based, data-driven, layered method.
• LIBOR has been subject to manipulation, scandal, and methodological critique, making it less credible today as a benchmark rate.
• LIBOR is being replaced by the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) on June 30, 2023, with phase-out of its use beginning after 2021.

C  

23.

‘Hul’ revolution was fought by

(a) the lower caste peasants against the exploitative upper caste zamindars

(b) the Hindu peasants against the Muslim landlords

(c) the Indian lawyers against the British lawyers

(d) the Indian proletarain against the British bourgeoise

Note:

https://thewire.in/history/santal-hul-revolution

A

24.

Which of the following countries surround the Baltic Sea?

1. Poland

2. Latvia

3. Finland

4. Norway

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1, 2 and 3 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Note:

https://theprint.in/environment/in-baltic-sea-citizen-divers-restore-seagrass-to-fight-climate-change/1686901/

• The Baltic Sea is the youngest body of water on Earth, having formed only 10,000–15,000 years ago when the ice sheets began to retreat.

• Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, and Sweden are the nine nations that surround the Baltic Sea.

B

25.

1. Under the operating framework of the monetary policy, the RBI keeps call money in the Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF) corridor of 6.25 per cent (Standing Deposit Facility to absorb surplus liquidity) to 6.75 per cent range (Marginal Standing Facility to inject liquidity), with the repo rate being the mid-point (6.50 per cent).

2. When call money rate touches the upper-end of the LAF corridor, RBI conducts variable rate repo auction to inject liquidity and bring the rate closer to the repo rate (of 6.50 per cent).

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

Note:

https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/money-and-banking/overnight-call-money-rate-hardens-beyond-msf-rate/article67220148.ece

C