1.

I. It was initiated to build fencing in Indo-Bangladesh border.

II. It was established during the tenure of Indira Gandhi.

Which of the above statements is/are true w.r.t. Project Dantak?.

(a) Only I

(b) Only II

(c) Both I & II

(d) Neither I nor II

2.

In the 3^rd Schedule, the forms of oaths are given for which of the following entities?

1. Comptroller and Auditor-General of India.

2. Judges of the Supreme and High Courts.

3. Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the Legislative Council in the states.

4. President of India

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 2, 3 and 4

(c) 1 and 2

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

3.

The Central Administrative Tribunal exercises jurisdiction over all service matters concerning with

(1) A member of any All-India Services

(2) A person appointed to any civil service of the Union or any civil post under the Union.

(3) A civilian appointed to any defence services or post connected with defence.

(4) An employee of any corporation or society owned or controlled by the Government of India.

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 1, 3 and 4 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

4.

Where is the city of Bakhmut?

(a) Ukraine

(b) Yemen

(c) Armenia

(d) Azerbaijan

5.

Which of the following is/are true w.r.t. Marshall Islands?

1. They are situated nearly midway between Hawaii and the Philippines.

2. They are the easternmost island group in Micronesia.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

6.

With reference to Influenza Virus, consider the following statements: 

1. Influenza C mainly occurs in humans.

2. Influenza D is found mainly in cattle.

3. Avian influenza refers to the disease caused by infection with influenza Type D viruses.

4. H5N1 is a influenza Type D virus.

Which of these statements are correct? 

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 1 and 3 

(c) 2 and 3

(d) 2 and 4

7.

1. Chief Election Commissioner and the Election Commissioners are appointed by the President, as per the advice of the Cabinet.

2. Though the president exercises the executive powers as per the advice of the Council of the Ministers, he has the power to send back the advice.

(a) Only 1 is true.

(b) Only 2 is true.

(c) 1 & 2 are true

(d) Neither 1 nor 2 is true  

8.

1. It is situated in the Zanskar range.

2. It connects Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh.

Which of the above statements is/are correct w.r.t.  Baralacha La Pass?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

9.

1. Nauru

2. Niue

3. Palau

4. Brunei

Forum for India-Pacific Islands cooperation includes

(a) 1 and 3

(b) 1, 2, 3 and 4

(c) 1, 2 and 3

(d) 2, 3 and 4

10.

Bandhan Tigga is a well known

(a) Environmentalist 

(b) Wildlife photographer 

(c) Tribal Religious leader

(d) Feminist of 4^th wave   

11.

Consider the following statements regarding Attorney General of India:

1. The remuneration of Attorney General is fixed by the Parliament from time to time

2. He appears in all the courts of India in any case in which Government of India is concerned

3. He is removed by Parliament in a similar manner as that of a Judge of Supreme Court

Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

o 12.

Consider the following statements w.r.t. Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement for Geo-Spatial cooperation (BECA):

1. It is an economic network formed by the cooperative interconnection of computing networks related to e-commerce.

2. It is signed between India and Israel.

Which of the given statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

13.

Consider the following statements.

1. The office of Whip is based on the Representation of People''s Act 1950.

2. Failing to follow his directives can invite disciplinary actions like disqualification from party membership or expulsion under the Anti Defection Law.

Which of the above statements is/are false?.

(a) Only 1
 

(b) Only 2
 

(c) Both 1 and 2
 

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

14.

i) Russia

ii) Canada

iii) France

iv) Japan

How many of the above is/are members of G₇?.

(a) Only two

(b) Only one

(c) Only three

(d) All the four

15.

I. Oxygen-carrying proteins in the blood are lesser than normal.

II. Thalassemia patients have iron deficiency due to chemotherapy they undergo.

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

(a) Only I

(b) Only II

(c) Both I & II

(d) Neither I nor II

16.

Perovskite is

(a) cadmium titanium oxide mineral

(b) calcium sillicon oxide mineral

(c) cadmium silicon oxide mineral

(d) calcium titanium oxide mineral

17.

The Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies or iCET is a framework agreed upon by India and

(a) Russia

(b) EU

(c) USA

(d) Australia

18.

Which of the following bodies does not/do not find mention in the Constitution?

1. NITI Aayog

2. Inter-State Council

3. Zonal Councils

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 2 and 3 only

(b) 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1 only

19.

Which of the following is/are true?

1. Methanol is like ethyl alcohol in taste and smell.

2. Methanol is less acidic than water.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

20.

With reference to Sengol, consider the following statements;

1. Jawaharlal Nehru suggested that the Chola model of handing over the Sengol sceptre could be adopted as a suitable ceremony for India’s independence.

2. Sengol is made of the 22-carat gold.

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

21.

"Rafah Crossing" that is frequently in news is in

(a) Gaza - Egypt border

(b) Israel
 - Palestine border

(c) Israel
 - Jordan border

(d) Syria - Egypt border

22.

1. It comes under Project elephant.

2. It is covered by tropical dry deciduous and thorn forests.

Which of the above statements is/are correct w.r.t. Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

23.

1. Its main type is phylloquinone.

2. Gammacarboxylation requires vitamin K.

Which of the above statements is/are correct w.r.t.  Vitamin K?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

24.

1. The full strength of the Supreme Court of India is 34 judges.

2. The Presdient is competent to increase the number of judges if it deems necessary.

(a) Only (1) is true

(b) Only (2) is true

(c) Both (1) & (2) are true

(d) Neither (1) Nor (2) is true

25.

Consider the following pairs

I. I.R. Coelho case - 10^th Schedule

II. S. R. Bommai Case - scope of Article 356

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) Only I

(b) Only II

(c) Both I & II

(d) Neither I nor II

1.

https://iasgoogle.com/n/May-06-2023-current-affairs

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1714170

D

2.

Forms of Oaths or Affirmations for:

• The Union ministers

• The candidates  for  election to the Parliament

• The members of Parliament

• The judges of the Supreme Court

• The Comptroller and Auditor-General of India

• The state ministers

• The candidates for election to the state legislature

•The members of the state legislature

• The judges of the High Courts

C

3.

Part XIV-A of the constitution provides for the tribunals. The provision was added through 42nd Amendment Act, 1976. Article 323A and 323B provide for Administrative Tribunals and Tribunals related to other matters respectively.

Under Article 323A, parliament is empowered to establish administrative tribunals for the adjudication of disputes and complaints with respect to recruitment and conditions of service of persons appointed to public services and posts in connection with the affairs of the union or of any state or of any local or other authority within the territory of India or under the control of the government of India or of any corporation owned or controlled by the government.

The Administrative Tribunals Act in 1985 enacted by the Parliament authorises the central government to establish central administrative tribunal and the state administrative tribunals.

Central Administrative Tribunals (CAT)

The principal bench of the Central Administrative Tribunals is located at Delhi. In addition to this, there are additional benches in different states. At present there are 17 regular benches and 4 circuit benches. The CAT exercises jurisdiction over all service matters concerning the following:

·  a member of any All-India Service

·  a person appointed to any civil service of the Union or any civil post under the union

·  a civilian appointed to any defence services or a post connected with defence

·  However, the members of the defence forces, officers, staff of the Supreme Court and the secretarial staff of the Parliament are not covered under the jurisdiction of CAT.

The CAT comprises of a chairman, vice- chairman and other members who are appointed by the President. The membership of CAT is filled by members from judicial and administrative fields. The term of the service is 5 years or until the age of 65 years for chairman and vice- chairmen and 62 years for members, whichever is earlier. The chairman, vice-chairman or any other member may address his resignation to the president in between his term of office.

https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/lawyer-barged-into-chambers-accused-me-says-cat-chairperson-7914933/

D   

4.

https://iasgoogle.com/current_affair/may-21-2023-current-affairs

A

5.

https://iasgoogle.com/editorial/marshall-islands

C

6.

https://iasgoogle.com/n/May-04-2023-current-affairs

A    

7.

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/constitution-bench-to-look-at-plea-on-independent-mechanism-for-appointment-of-cec-ecs-5415222

C  

8.

https://iasgoogle.com/current_affair/may-21-2023-current-affairs

C  

9.

https://iasgoogle.com/current_affair/may-23-2023-current-affairs

C    

10.

https://iasgoogle.com/current_affair/may-27-2023-current-affairs

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/being-sarna-a-fight-to-define-tribal-identity-in-jharkhand/article65670776.ece

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/tribal-bodies-hold-mega-rally-for-sarna-code-in-jharkhand/article66611004.ece

C

11.

Refer our Indian Polity Book

D

12.

https://idsa.in/askanexpert/india-us-strategic-relations

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/the-hindu-explains-how-will-the-basic-exchange-and-cooperation-agreement-deepen-india-us-military-ties/article61734332.ece

D   

13.

Ø  In India, the concept of the whip was inherited from colonial British rule. Every major political party appoints a whip responsible for the party’s discipline and behaviour on the floor of the house. Due to the 10th schedule or anti-defection law, a member can potentially result in the MP losing his seat in Parliament if he votes against the party whip. It is observed that many a times, a whip curbs the free individual will of a party member and they are not able to exercise their own judgement and articulate their own opinion. Thus, there is a need to build a political consensus in the country so that enough room can be given for political and policy expression for an individual member. One example is “Free Vote” system of United Kingdom, whereby political parties allow the members to vote as they wish on certain issues. The fear of losing seat in the house due to anti-defection law, the whip system reduces the MPs to a mere headcount on the floor of the House. It effectively leads to a tendency to develop “forced consensus” on certain issues and bills. Thus, what is needed is that whip should be some important bills where the survival of the government is in question and not on every ordinary bill.

Ø  The office of Whip, in India, is mentioned neither in the Constitution nor in the rules of the house, nor in the Parliamentary statutes.

It is based on the conventions of the Parliamentary government. In India, the concept of the whip was inherited from colonial British rule.

A 

14.

https://iasgoogle.com/current_affair/may-18-2023-current-affairs

C

15.

https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/health/world-thalassemia-day-diet-blood-disorder-8593891/

A     

16.

https://iasgoogle.com/current_affair/may-20-2023-current-affairs

d

17.

https://iasgoogle.com/current_affair/may-22-2023-current-affairs

C

18.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/everyday-explainers/explained-what-is-the-inter-state-council-7975901/

o   Zonal Councils are the statutory (and not the constitutional) bodies.

o   They are established by an Act of the Parliament, that is, States Reorganisation Act of 1956.

o   The act divided the country into five zones- Northern, Central, Eastern, Western and Southern and provided a zonal council for each zone.

o   While forming these zones, several factors have been taken into account which include:

·       The natural divisions of the country.

·       The river systems and means of communication.

·       The cultural and linguistic affinity.

·       The requirements of economic development, security and law and order.

o   In addition to the above mentioned Zonal Councils, a North-Eastern Council was created by a separate Act of Parliament, the North-Eastern Council Act of 1971.

·       Its members include Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura and Sikkim.

·       These are advisory bodies that make recommendations with regard to any matter of common interest in the field of economic and social planning between the Centre and States border disputes, linguistic minorities, inter-State transport or matters connected with the reorganisation of States.

·       Composition:

o   The Northern Zonal Council: It comprises the States of Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, National Capital Territory of Delhi and Union Territory of Chandigarh,

o   The Central Zonal Council: It comprises the States of Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh,

o   The Eastern Zonal Council: It comprises the States of Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, Sikkim and West Bengal,

o   The Western Zonal Council: It comprises the States of Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra and the Union Territories of Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli,

o   The Southern Zonal Council: It comprises the States of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory of Puducherry.

·       Organizational Structure:

o   Chairman: The Union Home Minister is the Chairman of each of these Councils.

o   Vice Chairman: The Chief Ministers of the States included in each zone act as Vice-Chairman of the Zonal Council for that zone by rotation, each holding office for a period of one year at a time.

o   Members: Chief Minister and two other Ministers as nominated by the Governor from each of the States and two members from Union Territories included in the zone.

o   Advisers: One person nominated by the Planning Commission (now NITI Aayog) for each of the Zonal Councils, Chief Secretaries and another officer/Development Commissioner nominated by each of the States included in the Zone.

·       Objectives:

o   Bringing out national integration.

o   Arresting the growth of acute State consciousness, regionalism, linguism and particularistic tendencies.

o   Enabling the Centre and the States to co-operate and exchange ideas and experiences.

o   Establishing a climate of co-operation amongst the States for successful and speedy execution of development projects.

·       Functions of the Councils:

o   Any matter of common interest in the field of economic and social planning,

o   Any matter concerning border disputes, linguistic minorities or inter-State transport,

Any matter connected with or arising out of, the reorganization of the States under the States Reorganisation Act.

C

19.

https://www.vedantu.com/jee-advanced/chemistry-difference-between-ethanol-and-methanol

https://iasgoogle.com/current_affair/may-16-2023-current-affairs  

A  

20.

Sengol is made of the gold-plated silver sceptre.

https://iasgoogle.com/current_affair/may-25-2023-current-affairs

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-history/sengol-new-parliament-significance-nehru-8626977/

D  

21.

A   

22.

https://iasgoogle.com/current_affair/may-20-2023-current-affairs

• Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary is the only sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh with a population of Asian elephants.

• Vegetation:It is covered by southern tropical dry deciduous and thorn forests.

• Kaundinya Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Palamaner and Kuppam forest ranges of the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh.

• Kaundinya Wildlife Sanctuary is a part of Project Elephant.

• Kaundinya and Kaigal which are tributaries of River Palar flow through the sanctuary.

Asian Elephant:

• IUCN Status: Endangered

• Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I

• Threat: Habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation

C   

23.

https://iasgoogle.com/current_affair/may-21-2023-current-affairs

https://zeenews.india.com/health/researchers-reveal-how-vitamin-k-may-help-prevent-diabetes-study-2610334

https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/health/vitamin-k-deficiency-foods-infants-bleeding-prevention-8337564/

Vitamin K

• It belongs to a group of lipophilic i.e. fat-soluble and hydrophobic vitamins. Its primary role is in the process of blood coagulation.
• Interestingly ''K'' is derived from the German word "Coagulation".
• The process of blood clotting is a staged process that starts with damage to any blood vessels which leads to activation of clotting factors.
• There is a total of 13 clotting factors.

Note

• Vitamin K is synthesized by normal bacterial flora of the large intestine. Which in turn is essential for the synthesis of blood clotting factors especially factors II, VII, IX, and X (2, 7, 9, 10). These factors form the core of the coagulation process. 
• These factors are synthesized in the liver in an inactive form. They undergo post-translational modification,
• Gamma carboxylation of glutamic acid residues. Hence promote effective binding of these factors to the calcium ions.
• Dicumarol and Warfarin inhibit the coagulation i.e. anti-coagulant agents through antagonism of the action of Vit. K.
• What are indications for the use of Vitamin K

• The process of blood clotting starts with the formation of a prothrombin activator, which converts prothrombin (factor II) into thrombin. 
• ​Thromboplastin also called thrombokinase is a combination of phospholipids and tissue factors in plasma that catalyzes the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin.
• FibrinogenIt is a clotting factor I present in the plasma. Fibrinogen is converted into fibrin with the help of thrombin.
• Thrombin converts inactive fibrinogen (soluble plasma protein) into active fibrinogen (insoluble). The activated fibrinogen leads to the formation of a fibrin clot.

C  

24.

The Parliament is competent to increase the number of judges if it deems necessary.

A  

25.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/what-was-the-bommai-judgment-which-the-sc-relied-on-in-its-article-370-ruling-9064090/

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/jharkhand-new-quota-bill-what-is-ninth-schedule-of-constitution-8265015/

b