1.

Consider the following statements w.r.t. Tharosaurus indicus:

1. It is herbivorous.

2. It is a Sauropod dinosaur.

3. It was discovered in Madurai of Tamilnadu.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 3 only

Note:

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/tharosaurus-indicus-jaisalmer-basin-oldest-plant-eating-dinosaurs/article67262586.ece

A 

2.

Where is “Reykjanes Peninsula” sometimes seen in the news?

(a) Russia

(b) Iceland

(c) Antarctica

(d) Arctic region

Note:

https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/iceland-declares-state-of-emergency-after-series-of-powerful-earthquakes-rock-reykjanes-peninsula/article67524521.ece

·    Iceland had been on high alert for a potential volcanic eruption after intense seismic activity last month.

·    A volcanic eruption recently began at Reykjanes Peninsula after a series of small earthquakes.

·    Seismic activity together with measurements from GPS devices indicate that the magma

     is moving to the south-west and the eruption may continue in the direction of Grindavik.

·    The crack in the earth’s surface was around 3.5 km (2.1 miles) long and had grown rapidly.

·    Some 100 to 200 cubic metres (3,530 to 7,060 cubic feet) of lava emerged per second, several

     times more than in previous eruptions in the area.

·    The Reykjanes peninsula had not experienced an eruption for 8 centuries until 2021.

·    The Reykjanes peninsula in recent years saw several eruptions in unpopulated areas, but the latest

      outbreak could pose a risk to the Grindavik town.

·    Iceland is home to 33 active volcano systems, the highest number in Europe.

B

3.

‘Red Tide’ the factor behind the sea turning red is caused by

(a) Echinodermates

(b) Protozoans

(c) Fungi

(d) Algae

Note:

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/ngt-forms-panel-to-analyse-cause-of-sea-turning-red-in-puducherry/article67583777.ece

D

4.

Reverse flipping seen in news refer to the phenomenon of

(a) overseas start-ups shifting their domicile to India and listing on Indian stock exchanges.

(b) transferring the entire ownership of an Indian company to an overseas entity, accompanied by a transfer of intellectual property rights and data owned by the Indian company.

(c) transferring the entire ownership of an Indian company to an overseas entity, unaccompanied by a transfer of intellectual property rights and data owned by the Indian company.

(d) overseas Indian start-ups shifting their domicile to Tax Havens.

Note:

https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/business-laws/now-start-ups-are-flipping-in-reverse/article67341332.ece

A

5.

An attosecond is

(a) one-trillionth of a nanosecond.

(b) one-millionth of a nanosecond.

(c) one-billionth of a nanosecond.

(d) one-zillionth of a nanosecond.

Note:

https://iasgoogle.com/editorial_detail/what-is-attosecond

C

6.

Consider the following statements regarding Pangolins:

(i) They are toothless mammals.

(ii) They are anteaters.

(iii) They roll up and protect their vulnerable parts from being captured by predators.

(a) (i) only

(b) (i) & (ii) only

(c) (ii) & (iii) only

(d) (i), (ii) & (iii)

Note:

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/scientists-uncover-a-scaly-surprise-with-new-pangolin-species/article67350415.ece

D

7.

With reference to Mitakshara, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1.  It was written by Vijnaneshwara.

2. It is observed in Bengal and Assam.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Note:

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/mitaksharas-influence-on-hindu-personal-law-still-resonates-in-indias-modern- legal-system/article67190965.ece

A

8.

Consider the following statements w.r.t. World Intellectual Property Organisation:

1. It is one of the 15 specialised agencies of the United Nations.

2. It is self funded.

Which of these statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2 

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Note:

WIPO

·      WIPO is the global forum for Intellectual Property (IP) services, policy, information and cooperation.

·      It is a self-funding agency of the United Nations, with 193 member states.

·      Its aim is to lead the development of a balanced and effective international IP system that enables innovation and creativity for the benefit of all.

·      Its mandate, governing bodies and procedures are set out in the WIPO Convention, which established WIPO in 1967.

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1961576

C

9.

The term ‘PRIMA ET11’ seen in the news is connected with

(a) Space Technology

(b) Super Computers

(c) Exchange Rate Market

(d) Agriculture Mechanisation

Note:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1953599

D

10.

Consider the following statements:

1. The Urjit Patel Committee recommended Wholesale Price Index over Consumer Price Index as a measure for inflation targeting.

2. Core Inflation excludes volatile goods from the basket of commodities tracking Headline Inflation.

3. The food and fuel inflation form one of the components of headline inflation in India.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Note:

The Urjit Patel Committee recommended Consumer Price Index over Wholesale Price Index as a measure for inflation targeting.

·    Inflation refers to the sustained increase in the general price level of goods and services in an economy over a period of time, leading to a decrease in the purchasing power of money.

·    Headline Inflation: It is the total inflation for the period, comprising a basket of commodities. The food and fuel inflation form one of the components of headline inflation in India.

·    Core Inflation: It excludes volatile goods from the basket of commodities tracking Headline Inflation. These volatile commodities mainly comprise food and beverages (including vegetables) and fuel and light (crude oil). Core inflation = Headline inflation – (Food and Fuel) inflation.

·    Inflation Targeting: It is a monetary policy framework aimed at maintaining a specific target range for inflation.

·    The Urjit Patel Committee recommended CPI (Consumer Price Index) over WPI (Wholesale Price Index) as a measure for inflation targeting.

·    The current inflation target also aligns with the committee''s recommendation to establish a target inflation rate of 4%, accompanied by an acceptable range of deviation of +/- 2%.

·    The central government, in consultation with the RBI, sets an inflation target, and an upper and lower tolerance level for retail inflation.

·    Liquidity refers to the ease with which an asset or security can be quickly bought or sold in the market without significantly affecting its price.

·    It signifies the availability of cash or liquid assets to meet financial obligations or make investments. In simpler terms, liquidity is to get your money whenever you need it.

B 

11.

Which of the above statements is/are incorrect w.r.t. “Ennore creek” ?.

1. It is a part of a lagoon ecosystem.

2. Pulicat Lake, drains into it.

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:

The Ennore creek is located in the Thiruvallur District of Tamil Nadu, approximately 20 KM North of Chennai City. This creek is part of a lagoon ecosystem that plays a vital role in balancing the coastal ecosystem in the area. Ennore Creek drains two important rivers, Kosasthalaiyar in the South and Aranaiyar in the North into the Bay of Bengal through the Ennore Estuary. The creek forms an estuary that is about 400 m wide. Pulicat Lake, the second largest brackish water lake in the country and is a protected area also drains into the Ennore Creek. The Buckingham canal also runs alongside the creek, intersecting the creek at different points.  

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/tar-from-ennore-oil-spill-spotted-at-pulicat-chennai/articleshow/106073245.cms

C

12.

Consider the following statements about ‘Debt Service Ratio’ (DSR):

1. It measures the proportion of income used to repay the debt-related obligations.

2. A higher DSR indicates better sustainability and a more manageable level of household debt.

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/business/Economy/indias-external-debt-service-ratio-at-53-within-comfort-zone-says-finance-minister/article67292217.ece#:~:text=India''s%20external%20debt%2Dservice%20ratio,says%20Finance%20Minister%20%2D%20The%20Hindu

The debt Service Ratio (DSR) is the proportion of a country''s total national income that it needs to use to meet its debt repayment obligations.

Debt Service Ratio (DSR) is a financial metric that measures a country''s ability to repay its debt. Here are a few key points about the DSR:

o Calculation: The DSR is calculated as the total amount of debt repayments (principal and interest) divided by the country''s total national income.

o Importance: The DSR is an important indicator of a country''s ability to repay its debt and is closely watched by lenders, investors, and credit rating agencies.

o Debt sustainability: A high DSR indicates that a significant portion of a country''s national income is being used to repay its debt, which could limit its ability to invest in other areas. A low DSR indicates that the country has a greater capacity to repay its debt.

o Long-term debt burden: The DSR provides insight into a country''s debt burden and its ability to service its debt over the long term.

o Comparison: The DSR is useful for comparing the debt burdens of different countries.

o Decision-making: The DSR is widely used by lenders, investors, and credit rating agencies to make informed decisions about lending and investing in a particular country.

C

13.

India Ageing Report is released by

(a) NITI AAYOG

(b) United Nations Population Fund

(c) World Health Organization

(d) WEF

Note:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1961168

B 

14.

Which of the following is the correct definition of “Revenue Deficit”?.

(a) fiscal deficit of current year minus interest payments on previous borrowings.

(b) the borrowing requirements of the govt. for meeting expenditure excluding interest payment.

(c) excess of total revenue expenditure of the government over its total revenue receipts.

(d) total amount that the central government needs to borrow.

Note:

Budget deficit: Total expenditure as reduced by total receipts.

Revenue deficit: Revenue expenditure as reduced by revenue receipts.

Fiscal Deficit: Total expenditure as reduced by total receipts except borrowings.

Primary Deficit: Fiscal deficit as reduced by interest payments.

Net Primary deficit = Fiscal deficit + Interest received – Interest payments It shows the total amount that the central government needs to borrow.

https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/why-pursue-a-zero-revenue-deficit-goal/article67195010.ece

C

15.

Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary, is in

(a) Assam

(b) Arunachal Pradesh

(c) Manipur

(d) Tripura

Note:

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/reroute-railway-track-running-through-assam-gibbon-sanctuary-suggest-scientists/article67247555.ece  

A 

16.

Which of the following statements does not reflect the benefits of Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)?

1. Increasing financial inclusion in an economy.

2. Enhancing the effectiveness of the central bank’s monetary policy.

3. Promote disintermediation of scheduled commercial banks.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Note:

https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/cbdc-in-india-the-pros-and-the-cons/article65344881.ece

B 

17.

1. Mukandra Hills

2. Ramgarh Vishdhari

3. Ranthambore

4. Sariska

5. Dhoulpur-Karauli

Tiger reserves in Rajasthan include

(a) 3 and 4 only

(b) 3. 4 and 5 only

(c) 1, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Note:

https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/jaipur/ntca-gives-in-principle-nod-to-kumbhalgarh-tiger-reserve-8904655/

D

18.

Which is is among the only two countries in BRICS, along with Ethiopia, where the share of clean energy in power generation is higher than fossil’s share?.

(a) Brazil

(b) India

(c) China

(d) South africa

Note:

https://thewire.in/world/brics-expansion-finalised-as-egypt-iran-ethiopia-argentina-saudi-and-uae-invited-to-join

https://www.thehindu.com/data/clean-energy-share-in-india-and-its-states-electricity-mix-data/article67587040.ece

A

19.

Consider the following statements regarding rice varieties:

(i) ‘Sahbhagi Dhan’ is a drought-tolerant variety of rice.

(ii) ‘BINA Dhan-11’, is a flood-tolerant rice.

(iii) Labanya is a high-yielding purple rice variety.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) (i) only

(b) (i) & (ii) only

(c) (ii) & (iii) only

(d) (i), (ii) & (iii)

Note:

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/centre-releases-more-stocks-under-open-market-sale-to-curb-foodgrains-price-rise/article67177392.ece

https://www.theweek.in/wire-updates/business/2023/11/19/lst1-rice-variety.html

C

20.

Consider the following statements w.r.t. Kamarajar Port.

1. It is Corporatized.

2. It is located on the Coromandel Coast.

3. It is the 12th major port of India.

Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1, 2, 3

Note:

Kamarajar Port:

·    Kamarajar Port (erstwhile Ennore Port) is the 12th major port of India.

·    It is located on the Coromandel Coast about 24 km north of Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

·    It is the only corporatized major port in India and is registered as a company.

·    The port was declared as a major port under the Indian Ports Act, 1908 in March 1999.

D  

21.

Claudia Goldin in news is a/an

(a) Genetic Engineer

(b) Economist

(c) Writer

(d) Environmental Activist

Note:

https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/claudia-goldin-the-detective-of-economics/article67421636.ece

B

22.

Emissions Gap Report is released by

(a) IRNEA

(b) IEA

(c) UNEP

(d) WMO

Note:

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/un-emissions-gap-report-3-degrees-warming-2100/article67556832.ece

C

23.

Which of the following recived GI Tag recently?

1. Yak churpi

2. Khaw Tai

3. Tangsa textile

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1, 2, 3

Note:

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/three-indigenous-products-from-arunachal-pradesh-receive-gi-tag/articleshow/104166891.cms

D 

24.

In a given year in India, official poverty lines are higher in some States than in others because:

(a) Poverty rates vary from State to State

(b) Price levels vary from State to State

(c) Gross State Product varies from State to State

(d) Quality of public distribution varies from State to State

B

25.

Which of the following countries are members of the European Union (EU)?

1. Austria

2. Estonia

3. Croatia

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Note:

https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/france-and-germany-backed-report-pushes-for-eu-enlargement-four-tier-membership/article67323690.ece

C