1.

Which among the following Article of the Indian Constitution gives the country’s Apex court wide powers to do complete justice in any case? 

(a) Article 131

(b) Article 145 

(c) Article 142

(d) Article 128

2.

Which of the following is/are incorrect in differentiating a Parliamentary Democracy from a Presidential Democracy?.

1. Executive is responsible to the legislature for its policies and acts under a Presidential Democracy.

2. Separation of powers is lucid under Parliamentary Democracy.

3. There is harmony between the legislature and executive under a Presidential Democracy.

4. President is not answerable to the people under Parliamentary Democracy.

(a) Only 1 and 2

(b) Only 4

(c) Only 2 and 4

(d) 1, 2 and 3

3.

Which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. Insurance penetration is calculated as percentage of insurance premium to GDP.

2. Insurance density is calculated as ratio of insurance premium to population.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

4.

Which one of the following is correct with reference W20 group seen in news?

(a) It is an official engagement group of the G20 to ensure gender considerations are mainstreamed into G20 discussions.

(b) It is an inititaive of the World Bank to ensure high quality education to girls till 20 years of age.

(c) It is an official engagement group of the G20 to ensure Workers concerns are mainstreamed into G20 discussions.

(d) It is an inititaive of the World Bank to ensure attainment of all SDGs in G20 countries.

5.

1. Goa Shipyard Limited

2. Gliders India Limited

3. Yantra India Limited

4. India Optel Limited

Which of the above is/are Defence Public Sector Undertakings?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1, 2 and 3 only

(c) 2, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

6.

Breakthrough Agenda Report was released by

(a) Climate Action Tracker, the United Nations High-Level Climate Change Champions, World Resources Institute

(b) International Energy Agency, International Renewable Energy Agency and the UN Climate Change High-Level Champions.

(c) Climate Action Tracker, International Energy Agency, and the UN Climate Change High-Level Champions.

(d) UN’s World Meteorological Organization, Climate Action Tracker and International Energy Agency.

7.

1) It shall consist of a Chairperson, a Vice Chairperson and five Members to be nominated by the Central Government from amongst persons of eminence, ability and integrity.

2) The repository of powers to declare a community as ''a minority community'' is vested with the commission.

Which of the statement given above is/are correct about the National Commission for Minorities?.

(a) 2 only

(b) 1 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

8.

Consider the following statements w.r.t. proportional representation: 

1. In this system all sections of the people get representation in proportion to their number.

2. In India this system is adopted for the election of president and vice-president only.

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.

1. Neo-banks are completely online-based digital banking platforms.

2. They provide both credit and lending services.

3. Neobanks must have a banking license and as they operate stand-alone.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

10.

Fiscal Glide path implies

(a) It highlights the relationship between change in revenue growth and change in GDP.

(b) It reflects its revenue growth without increasing the tax rate.

(c) It is a road map for fiscal consolidation to meet its fiscal deficit targets.

(d) Increase in the treasury by the government by increasing the rate of its taxes.

11.

Ozone Depleting Substances include

1. Methyl Bromide

2. Hydrobromoflurocarbons 

3. Carbon tetrachloride

4. Methyl chloroform

(a) 2 only

(b) 2 and 4 only

(c) 1, 2 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

12.

The idea of a Constituent Assembly for India was put forward for the first time by

(a) Syed Ahmed Khan

(b) Motilal Nehru

(c) M.A.Jinnah

(d) M.N.Roy  

13.

The term ‘pent-up demand’ is defined by

(a) the general public''s strong return to consumerism following a period of decreased spending.

(b) rapid increase in viability gap funding.

(c) rapid decrease in viability gap funding.

(d) the excessive sggregated demand caused by fiscal stimulus package given by the RBI.

14.

Viability Gap Finance is meant for

I. Green projects only

II. Carbon trading mainly

III. Infrastructure projects primarily

IV. Brown field investments only

Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?

(a) II only

(b) III only

(c) Both I & III

(d) II, III and IV

15.

Which among the following statements is / are correct w.r.t. Competition Commission of India?.

1.  It is a statutory body responsible for preventing activities that have an appreciable adverse effect on competition in India.

2.  It consists of a Chairperson and 6 Members appointed by the Central Government.

3.  Competition Act is not applicable in the case of Public Financial Institutions.

Which among the above statements is / are incorrect?.

(a) Only 1 & 2 

(b) None of these

(c) Only 1 & 3

(d) 1, 2 & 3

16.

Which of the following is/are true about ''Schengen Zone''?

(a) The Schengen Area was established after the disintegration of USSR.

(b) While Slovakia is a part of the ''Schengen Zone'', Slovenia is yet to become a part of it.

(c) Both (a) & (b) are correct.

(d) Neither (a) nor (b) is correct.

17.

Which of the following statements is/are true?.

(1) Deputy Speaker is a ceremonial post based on parliamentary convention.

(2) The Deputy Speaker has the same powers as the Speaker when presiding over a sitting of the House.

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 2

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) None of the above

18.

Who among the following are fighting for the ownership of the Spratly Islands archipelago and nearby geographical features like corals reefs, cays etc.?.  

1.  China

2.  Japan

3.  Brunei

4.  Vietnam 

(a)  1, 2 and 4 only

(b)  1 and 4 only

(c)  1, 3 and 4 only

(d)  1, 2, 3 and 4  

19.

1. Indian Constitution is silent on this.

2. A court of law can award monetary compensation to the victim in such a case.

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

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

20.

Charaideo Moidams are the royal burial mounds found in

(a) Harappa

(b) Kalinga 

(c) Assam

(d) Nagaland

21.

Consider the following statements regarding the First Past the Post System:

1. Smaller parties have a better chance of gaining representation,

2. Representatives are elected on the basis of party lists.

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

22.

Consider the following statements w.r.t. Purchasing Managers Index.

1. It is calculated separately for the manufacturing and services sectors

2. It is a number from 0 to 50.

3. A Higher PMI indicates contracting economy.

Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect?

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

23.

1. A bill pending in the Rajya Sabha but not passed by the Lok Sabha lapses on the dissolution of Lok Sabha.

2. A bill passed by both Houses but returned by the president for reconsideration of Houses lapses on the dissolution of Lok Sabha.

Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

24.

Green Credit Programme has been notified notified under the 

(a) CAMPA Act

(b) Forest Act

(c) Wildlife (Protection) Act

(d) Environment (Protection) Act

25.

''Paris Club'' seen in news refer to the context of

(a) Climate Smart Agriculture

(b) Net zero policies w.r.t. carbon emissions

(c) Debt-relief means for countries

(d) Developmental Aid to infrastructure projects in developing countries

1.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-law/what-is-article-142-chandigarh-mayoral-poll-results-9171621/#:~:text=Article%20142%20provides%20a%20unique,the%20facts%20of%20the%20case.

C

2.

https://www.thequint.com/voices/blogs/rebuttal-india-does-not-really-require-a-presidential-system

D  

3.

https://www.business-standard.com/industry/news/insurance-industry-to-grow-at-an-average-rate-of-7-1-in-2024-28-swiss-re-124011600770_1.html 

C

4.

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/a-global-alliance-to-bridge-the-gender-equity-gap/article67838843.ece

A

5.

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/private-sectors-share-in-defence-production-reaches-highest-in-eight-years/articleshow/109036788.cms?from=mdr

https://theprint.in/defence/formed-in-2021-7-new-defence-psus-to-see-steep-decline-in-orders-finds-parliament-panel/1474271/

D

6.

The first annual Breakthrough Agenda Report, delivers a progress report on the actions needed to deliver on the historic clean technology commitment by governments.

• The report puts forward 25 recommendations for leaders to discuss at the Global Clean Energy Action Forum and the 13th Clean Energy Ministerial to be held in Pittsburgh, the US.

• The Breakthrough Agenda Report 2023 is a  report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the UN Climate Change High-Level Champions.
• The report represents two-thirds of the global economy.

Key Findings:

• Clean Energy is Growing: There is a significant increase in the use of clean and sustainable energy solutions, benefiting the environment.
• Climate Goals Not Met: Many countries'' climate plans, known as Nationally Determined Contributions, do not align with global climate goals.
• Power Sector Pollution: The power sector is a major contributor to pollution, responsible for about 40% of all emissions, and its pollution has been increasing in recent years.

Recommendations for Different Sectors:

• Power Sector: It is recommended to invest in better energy storage and more efficient energy use.
• Hydrogen: Rules for sharing hydrogen technology and increased funding for environment-friendly projects are needed.
• Road Transport: Considerations include the timeline for adopting non-polluting vehicles and measuring battery cleanliness.
• Steel: Discussions revolve around policies to reduce steel production pollution and methods for monitoring emissions.
• Agriculture: More funding should support environmentally friendly farming, food waste reduction, methane emission reduction, and improved crop and livestock practices.

IEA:

• It was established in the framework of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in 1974 in the wake of the 1973 oil crisis.
• IEA is an autonomous intergovernmental organisation.
• Its mission is guided by four main areas of focus: energy security, economic development, environmental awareness, and engagement worldwide.
• Headquarters: Paris, France.
• Roles and functions:

• to help its members respond to major oil supply disruptions, a role it continues to fulfil today
• tracking and analysing global key energy trends,
• promoting sound energy policy,
• fostering multinational energy technology cooperation.

• Composition: It has 30 members at present. IEA family also includes eight association countries. A candidate country must be a member country of the OECD. But all OECD members are not IEA members.
• Three countries are seeking accession to full membership: Chile, Israel, and Lithuania.

Reports by IEA:

• Global Energy & CO2 Status Report.
• World Energy Outlook.
• World Energy Statistics.
• World Energy Balances.

Energy Technology Perspectives.

B

7.

"The repository of powers to declare a community as ''a minority community'' is vested with the Central Government. The said powers vested with the Central Government cannot be usurped with the National Commission for Minorities.

B

8.

In India, there are two methods of elections which are territorial representation and system of proportional representation. Proportional representation is further divided into single transferable vote system and list system. Under this system, all sections of people get representation in proportion to their number i.e., even the smallest section of the population get its share of representation in the legislature. The proportional representation by single transferable vote system is adopted for the election of President, Vice- President, and members to the Rajya Sabha.

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/has-the-first-past-the-post-system-polarised-indian-politics/article62105577.ece

·       https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/what-is-proportional-representation/article26514680.ece

A

9.

https://www.livemint.com/news/india/what-is-a-neobank-here-s-all-you-need-to-know-11666270979059.html

https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/blexplainer/explainer-neo-banks-vs-traditional-banking/article37801052.ece

https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/give-neobanks-a-boost/article65511770.ece

C

10.

https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/union-budget-2024-expectations-focus-area-economic-survey-nirmala-sitharaman-narendra-modi-9129678/ 

C

11.

 Ozone-depleting substances (ODS are generally very stable in the troposphere and only degrade under intense ultraviolet light in the stratosphere. When they break down, they release chlorine or bromine atoms, which then deplete ozone.

They include:

·        Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

·        Halons

·        Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)

·        Methyl chloroform (CH3CCl3)

·        Hydrobromofluorocarbons (HBFCs)

·        Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)

·        Methyl bromide (CH3Br)

·        Bromochloromethane (CH2BrCl)

Production and import of these chemicals is controlled by the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (the Montreal Protocol).

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are greenhouse gases (GHGs) commonly used in a wide variety of applications, including refrigeration, air-conditioning (AC), building insulation, fire extinguishing systems, and aerosols. HFCs have high global warming potential (GWP), raising concern about their impacts as they become increasingly used as replacements for ozone-depleting substances.

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), was introduced as non-ozone depleting alternatives to support the timely phase-out of CFCs and HCFCs.

These chemicals do not deplete the stratospheric ozone layer, some of them have high Global Warming Potential, ranging from 12 to 14,000. Therefore, HFCs are potent greenhouse gases that can be hundreds to thousands of times more potent than carbon dioxide (CO2) in contributing to climate change per unit of mass.

C

12.

https://www.vedantu.com/question-answer/the-idea-of-the-constitution-of-india-was-first-class-12-social-science-cbse-5fed573df1a91d517f597d21

D  

13.

https://www.thehindu.com/data/what-causes-inflation-in-india-demand-or-supply-issues/article67662400.ece

A

14.

https://www.thehindu.com/business/budget/interim-budget-2024-viability-gap-funding-to-be-provided-for-1-gw-offshore-wind-energy-fm-nirmala-sitharaman/article67799772.ece

Viability Gap Funding (VGF) is designed to provide capital support to PPP projects which would not otherwise be financially viable. VGF has the effect of reducing the revenue required to recover costs and provide a financially attractive return for the private sector.

A Viability Gap Fund has been established at the Centre and some States have also established State-level VGF schemes (eg. Gujarat).

Other grant schemes may also be available to finance PPPs. These include the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JnNRUM) which supports infrastructure projects in large cities under its Sub-Mission I. Support under the Mission is available for road networks, as well as water and sanitation, solid waste management and BRTS and other urban transport projects. JnNURM is administered by the Ministry for Urban Development.

B

15.

Competition Act is not applicable in the following cases:

·  Public Financial Institutions.

·  Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs)

·  Banks

·  Venture capital Funds (VCFs)

·  Agreements related to intellectual property rights (IPRs) such as trademarks, patents, copyrights etc

Central Government has the authority to exempt any class of enterprises from the provisions of Act in the common interest of national security or public interest

B

16.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/why-did-kosovo-face-delays-in-schengen-approval-explained/article67849010.ece

· The Schengen Agreement is a treaty signed in 1985 by five member states (Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands) of the European Economic Community.

· The agreement aims to create a border-free area in Europe that allows the free movement of people, goods, services, and capital called the Schengen Area, where internal border checks are largely abolished.

· All EU member states without opt-outs must join Schengen upon meeting technical requirements.

· Non-EU countries like Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Iceland are part of Schengen through special association agreements.

· Over time, the Schengen area has grown to encompass 27 countries, spanning over 4 million square kilometres and hosting nearly 420 million inhabitants.

D 

17.

The office of the Deputy Speaker is not a ceremonious post but a constitutionally mandated one.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-law/the-missing-dy-speaker-the-post-and-what-the-constitution-says-8445357/

C 

18.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/second-thomas-shoal-a-symbol-of-defiance/article67933279.ece

C

19.

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/no-additional-restrictions-against-free-speech-rules-supreme-court-8357967/

Article 300 of the constitution provides for the suits and proceedings to be instituted against the state in the name of Union of India. The tortious liability of the state thus arises from the vicarious liability of its servant in performance of non- sovereign functions.

B

20.

https://www.dailypioneer.com/2023/pioneer-exclusive/after-gujarat--assam-seeks-a-spot-in-the-unesco-sun.html

https://thedailyguardian.com/indias-permanent-representative-to-uneco-visits-famed-charaideo-moidams-assam/ 

C

21.

First Past The Post System (FPTP) is a plurality voting method, a plurality meaning the largest part of the whole, in contrast to majority, which generally means more than half of the whole. Under FPTP the candidate with the highest number (but not necessarily a majority) of votes is elected.  Though the Constitution has adopted the system of proportional representation in the case of Rajya Sabha, it has not preferred the same system in the case of Lok Sabha. Instead, it has adopted the First-past-the-post system (territorial representation) for the election of members to the Lok Sabha. Under this system, every member of the legislature represents a geographical area known as a constituency. From each constituency, only one representative is elected. Hence such a constituency is known as a single-member constituency. In this system, a candidate who secures majority of votes is declared elected. There is no need to get 50 percent of the total votes to get elected.  This simple majority system of representation does not represent the whole electorate. In other words, it does not secure due representation to minorities (small groups).

Benefits of First Past the Post System

·   One of the primary advantages of FPTP is its simplicity. It is a straightforward system that is easy for voters to understand and for officials to administer. This makes it cost-effective and efficient.

·   FPTP tends to provide a clear and decisive winner, which can help to provide stability and legitimacy to the electoral process.

·   In FPTP, candidates know their representatives, unlike in the Proportional Representation system. Therefore, in FPTP, candidates can hold the representatives responsible.

·   The FPTP system offers voters a choice to not only select between parties, but also specific candidates. In a PR system, voters are often asked to choose a party and the representatives are elected on the basis of party lists.

·   The FTPT system encourages voters from different social groups to unite to win an election in a locality. In the Proportional Representation system, there is a possibility that each community will form its own nationwide party in a large and diverse country like India, thereby threatening the unity of India.

Disadvantages of First Past the Post System

·   One of the main criticisms of the FPTP system is that it often leads to a lack of representation for minority groups. In a two-party system, for example, a party that receives only a small percentage of the votes may not win any seats at all. This can lead to a situation where a significant portion of the population is not represented in government.

·   Another criticism of the FPTP system is that it can lead to strategic voting. Voters may feel pressure to vote for a candidate they do not truly support to prevent a candidate they dislike from winning the election. This can lead to a situation where voters feel like they are not truly expressing their preferences.

·   Smaller parties have lesser chances of winning in the FPTP system. Moreover, smaller parties are forced to align with the interests of national parties, which beats the purpose of local self-government and federalism.

  The system of proportional representation aims at removing the defects of territorial representation. Under this system, all sections of the people get representation in proportion to their number. Even the smallest section of the population gets its due share of representation in the legislature.  There are two kinds of proportional representation, namely, single transferable vote system and list system. In India, the first kind is adopted for the election of members to the Rajya Sabha and state legislative council and for electing the President and the Vice-President.

D

22.

Read INCORRECT Statements

https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/indias-manufacturing-pmi-inched-up-to-569-in-february/article67902757.ece

Purchasing Managers Index

§  It is a survey-based measure that asks the respondents about changes in their perception about key business variables as compared with the previous month.

§  The purpose of the PMI is to provide information about current and future business conditions to company decision makers, analysts, and investors.

§  It is calculated separately for the manufacturing and services sectors and then a composite index is also constructed.

o   The PMI is a number from 0 to 100.

o   A print above 50 means expansion, while a score below that denotes contraction.

o   A reading at 50 indicates no change.

§  If PMI of the previous month is higher than the PMI of the current month, it represents that the economy is contracting.

§  It is usually released at the start of every month. It is, therefore, considered a good leading indicator of economic activity.

§  PMI is compiled by IHS Markit for more than 40 economies worldwide.

o   IHS Markit is a global leader in information, analytics and solutions for the major industries and markets that drive economies worldwide.

IHS Markit is part of S&P Global.

C   

23.

https://blog.ipleaders.in/when-does-a-bill-lapse-in-the-indian-parliament-all-one-needs-to-know/

For example, on September 7, 1990, 74th Constitutional Amendment Bill was introduced in Parliament which later lapsed on the dissolution of Lok Sabha.

C

24.

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1989495#:~:text=Green%20Credit%20Programme%20(GCP)&text=The%20Green%20Credit%20Rules%2C%202023,in%20issuance%20of%20green%20credits.

https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/grow-plants-on-government-land-to-earn-green-credit/article67891516.ece

D

25.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/sri-lanka-to-secure-likely-six-year-moratorium-on-debt-owed-to-india-paris-club/article67976586.ece

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/what-is-paris-club-in-economics/article19803224.ece

C