ALL INDIA PRELIMS TEST SERIES 2018 GENERAL STUDIES … · 2018-04-25 · Konark temple was conceived as a gigantic chariot of the Sun God, with 12 pairs of exquisitely ornamented

1 AIPTS Mock – 1 (GS) Answer Key Byju’s Classes: 9873643487

ALL INDIA PRELIMS TEST SERIES – 2018

GENERAL STUDIES PAPER- 14

Mock - 1

ANSWER KEY

Ans:1)(b) Explanation: Pradhan Mantri Matritva Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) is a maternity benefit rechristened from erstwhile Indira Gandhi Matritva Sahyog Yojana (IGMSY). The IGMSY was launched in 2010. The scheme is a conditional cash transfer scheme for pregnant and lactating women of 19 years of age or above for first two live births. The maternity benefits under Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) are available to

all Pregnant Women & Lactating Mothers (PW&LM) except those in regular employment with the Central Government or State Government or Public Sector Undertaking or those who are in receipt of similar benefits under any law for the time being in force.

The scheme is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme under which cost sharing ratio between the Centre and the States & UTs with Legislature is 60:40 while for North-Eastern States & three Himalayan States; it is 90:10. It is 100% Central assistance for Union Territories without Legislature.

Ans:2)(a) Explanation: Built in the 13th century, the Konark temple was conceived as a gigantic chariot of the Sun God, with 12 pairs of exquisitely ornamented wheels pulled by seven horses. It was built by King Narasimhadeva I, the great ruler of Ganga dynasty. The temple is included in UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 for its architectural greatness and also for the sophistication and abundance of sculptural work. The temple is perfect blend of Kalinga architecture, heritage, exotic beach and salient natural beauty. It is protected under the National Framework of India by the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act (1958) and its Rules (1959). The Konark is the third link of Odisha’s Golden Triangle. The first link is Jagannath Puri and the

second link is Bhubaneswar (Capital city of Odisha).

This temple was also known as ‘BLACK PAGODA’ due to its dark color and used as a navigational landmark by ancient sailors to Odisha. Similarly, the Jagannath Temple in Puri was called the “White Pagoda”. It remains a major pilgrimage site for Hindus, who gather here every year for the Chandrabhaga Mela around the month of February.

Ans:3)(b) Explanation: Kalamkari is an ancient style of hand painting done on cotton or silk fabric with a tamarind pen, using natural dyes. The word Kalamkari is derived from a Persian word where ‘kalam‘ means pen and ‘kari‘ refers to craftsmanship. There are two identifiable styles of Kalamkari art in India – Srikalahasti style and Machilipatnam style.

In the Machilipatnam style of Kalamkari, motifs are essentially printed with hand-carved traditional blocks with intricate detailing painted by hands. On the other hand, Srikalahasti style of painting draws inspiration from the Hindu mythology describing scenes from the epics and folklore. This style holds a strong religious connect because of its origin in the temples.

Ans:4)(b) Explanation: National Highways Authority of India

was set up by an act of the Parliament, NHAI Act, 1988 “An Act to provide for the constitution of an Authority for the development, maintenance and management of national highways and for matter connected therewith or incidental thereto”. It has been entrusted with National Highways

Development Project, which along with other minor projects, has vested in it 50329 Kms of National Highways for development, maintenance and management. Our objective is to ensure that all contract awards and procurements conform to the best industry practices with regard to transparency of process, adoption of bid criteria to ensure healthy competition in award of contracts, implementation of projects conform to best quality requirements and the highway system is maintained to ensure best user comfort and convenience. National Highways are the arterial roads of the country for inter-state movement of passengers and goods. They traverse the length and width of the country connecting the National and State capitals, major ports and rail junctions and link up with border roads and foreign highways. The total length of NH (including expressways) in the country at present is 1,00,087.08 kms. While Highways/Expressways constitute only about 1.7% of the length of all roads, they carry about 40% of the road traffic. NHAI is mandated to implement National Highways Development Project (NHDP) which is

India’s largest ever Highways Project in a phased manner. The National Highways have a total length

of 72,000 (approx.) km to serve as the arterial network of the country. Although National Highways constitute only about 2 per cent of the road network, it carries 40 per cent of the total road traffic. Rapid expansion of passenger and freight traffic makes it imperative to improve the road network in the country. Accordingly, Government of India launched major initiatives to upgrade and strengthen National Highways through various phases of National Highways Development Project (NHDP). Bharatmala Project is the second largest highways construction project in the country since NHDP, under which almost 50,000 km or highway roads were targeted across the country. Bharatmala will look to improve connectivity particularly on economic corridors, border areas and far flung


areas with an aim of quicker movement of cargo and boosting exports. Bharatmala includes economic corridors of around 9,000 km, inter-corridor and feeder routes of around 6,000 km, 5,000 km roads under the National Corridors Efficiency Program, border and international connectivity roads of around 2,000 km, coastal and port connectivity roads of around 2,000 km, expressways of around 800 km and 10,000 km of NHDP roads. The total length in phase 1 comes to around 34,800 km.

Ans:5)(b) Explanation: Scientists were initially planning to push the Tiangong-1 satellite to Point Nemo. However, they could not do so as they lost control of it. China’s defunct Tiangong-1 space lab mostly broke up on re-entering the Earth’s atmosphere

above the South Pacific.

Point Nemo, or “ocean point of inaccessibility,” is a region in the South Pacific that is the loneliest place on the planet. It is used as a graveyard for controlled re-entries and a place where space junk can be dropped safely. Point Nemo, named after the submarine captain in Jules Verne’s classic science fiction novel 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea, is about 2,688 kilometers from the nearest land – Pitcairn Islands – which lies to the north of this point. Also, Motu Nui — one of the Easter Islands — lies to the northeast and Maher Island, part of Antarctica, to the south.

Ans:6)(c) Explanation: The Swadhar scheme was launched by the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development in 2002 for rehabilitation of women in difficult circumstances. The scheme provides shelter, food, clothing and care to the marginalized women/girls who are in need. The beneficiaries include widows deserted by their families and relatives, women prisoners released from jail and without family support, women survivors of natural disasters, women victims of terrorist/extremist violence etc. The State Governments/UT Administration invite

applications from eligible organizations and the proposals which fulfil the norms are placed before a Project Sanctioning Committee (PSC) chaired by Secretary(WCD) of the State/UT concerned.

Ans:7)(c) Explanation: The Inter-State Council was established under Article 263 of the Constitution of India through a Presidential Order dated 28th May 1990. The Council consists of:- Prime Minister – Chairman Chief Ministers of all States – Members Chief Ministers of Union Territories having a Legislative Assembly and Administrators of UTs not having a Legislative Assembly Members Six Ministers of Cabinet rank in the Union Council of Ministers to be nominated by the Prime Minister – Members

Ans:8)(a) Explanation: Besides the fundamental rights included in Part III, there are certain other rights contained in other parts of the constitution. These

rights are known as constitutional rights or legal rights or non-fundamental rights they are-

1. No tax shall be levied or collected except by authority of law (Article265 in Part XII).

2. No person shall be deprived of his property save by authority of law (Article 300-A in part XII).

3. Trade, commerce and intercourse throughout the territory of India shall be free (Article 301 in Part XIII).

4. The elections to the Lok Sabha and the State Legislative Assembly shall be on the basis of adult suffrage (Article 326 in Part XV).

Ans:9)(a) Explanation: The 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 added four new Directive Principles to the original list. They require the State:

1. To secure opportunities for healthy development of

children below th age of 6 years (Article 39).

2. To promote equal justice and to provide free legal aid to the poor (Article 39 A).

3. To take steps to secure the participation of workers in the management of industries (Article 43 A).

4. To protect and improve the environment and to safeguard forests and wild life (Article 48 A).

Ans:10)(d) Explanation: List of Fundamental Duties According to Article 51 A, it shall be the duty of every citizen of India

(a) To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem;

(b) To cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle for freedom;

(c) To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India;

(d) To defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so;

(e) To promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or sectional diversities; to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women;

(f) To value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture;

(g) To protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life and to have compassion for living creatures;

(h) To develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform;

(i) To safeguard public property and to abjure violence;

(j) To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity so that the nation constantly rises to higher levels of endeavor and achievement;

(k) To provide opportunities for education to his child or ward between the age of six and fourteen years. This duty was added by the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002.

Ans:11)(a) Explanation: It is not essential to state the reasons for adoption of No- Confidence motion. A No-Confidence motion cannot be moved against an individual minister. If it is passed in the Lok Sabha, the council of ministers must resign from the office.


Ans:12)(a) Explanation: The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is a Eurasian political, economic and military organisation which was founded in 2001 in Shanghai by the leaders of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. These countries, except for Uzbekistan had been members of the Shanghai Five, founded in 1996; after the inclusion of Uzbekistan in 2001, the members renamed the organisation. In its summit at Ufa, Russia, the SCO decided to admit India and Pakistan as full members. Turkmenistan is not a member of SCO among the five stan countries.

Ans:13)(d) Explanation: Heating of earth's surface involves radiation from sun. In turn Earth's surface heats

the layers above it through conduction of sun's

radiation and by transmission of heat by upward movement of air current or convection.

Ans:14)(c) Explanation: After metamorphism, Sandstone is converted into Quartzite and not Schist. Limestone is converted into marble; Granite is converted into Gneiss and Shale into Slate after the process of metamorphism.

Ans:15)(c) Explanation: In the youth stage of stream, V-shaped valleys with no flood plains are observed. Waterfalls and rapids are common at this stage. Most of the landscape is at sea level or slightly above it during the old stage and not in mature stage. Waterfalls and rapids disappear at the mature stage.

Ans:16)(a) Explanation: Solar eclipses can only occur during a new Moon, when the Moon moves between the Earth and the Sun and the three celestial bodies form a straight line: Earth - Moon - Sun. There are 3 kinds of solar eclipses: total, partial, annular. A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon and blocks the Sun's rays from directly reaching the Moon. Lunar eclipses only happen at full Moon. There are 3

kinds of lunar eclipses: total, partial, and penumbral. During a total solar eclipse, the Sun is completely invisible only from the umbra region.

Ans:17)(b) Explanation: Mullaperiyar - Mullayar River and

Periyar river both. Polavaram - Godavri Kishnaganga - Kishanganga Baglihar - Chenab Mullaperiyar word is derived from Mullayar River and Periyar River, at the confluence of which the dam is located. Indirasagar Polavaram an interstate project on river Godavari has been conceived as a part of recommendations of Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal (GWDT). The Kishanganga Hydroelectric Plant is part of a run-of-the-river hydroelectric scheme that is designed to divert water from the Kishanganga River to a power plant in the Jhelum River basin. Baglihar Hydel Power Project built on chenab river.

Ans:18)(b) Explanation: The Charter act of 1813 ended the monopoly of the East India Company in India,

however the company’s monopoly in trade with china and trade in tea was remained intact. The charter act of 1813, for the first time explicitly defined the constitutional position of the British territories in India. This Act also made provisions to grant permission to the persons who wished to go to India for promoting moral and religious improvements (Christian Missionaries). This Act regulated the company’s territorial revenues and commercial profits. There was also a provision that Company should invest Rs. 1 Lakh every year on the education of Indians.

Ans:19)(d) Explanation: It was during Lord Dalhousie's time that Gurkha regiments came into force.

The Postal system was improved and all important

towns were linked by the Telegraph lines. The important reform during this period was Wood’s Dispatch of 1854. Laying of first railway line between Bombay and thane. The setting up of a separate public works department for the first time.

Ans:20)(b) Explanation: In 1882 government appointed a commission under the chairmanship of W. W. Hunter to review the progress of education in the country since the despatch of 1854. Its main recommendation were:

1. Primary instructions to be given through the vernacular in such subjects as will best fit them for their position in life. Local bodies to manage primary education by levying Cess for the same.

2. There should be two divisions at the secondary education level- one for literary leading up to the entrance exam of University and other of a practical character preparing students for vocational career.

3. Private enterprises should be encouraged in the field of the education. It recommended to extend and liberalize grants-in-aid system. Recognize aided schools as equal to govt. Institution in matters of status and privileges etc. and

government to withdraw from direct management of secondary and collegiate education.

4. It drew attention to the inadequate facilities for female education and recommended for the spread of the same. Raleigh commission was appointed in

1902 to enquire into the condition and prospects of universities in India and recommended improving the same.

Ans:21)(c) Explanation: Data from the GST can help unveil some long-elusive and basic facts about the Indian economy. Some exciting new findings include:

• There has been a large increase in the number of indirect taxpayers; many have voluntarily chosen to be part of the GST, especially small enterprises that buy from large enterprises and want to avail themselves of input tax credits;

• The distribution of the GST base among the states is closely linked to their Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), allaying fears of major producing that the shift to the new system would undermine their tax collections;


New data on the international exports of states suggests a strong correlation between export performance and states’ standard of living;

• India’s exports are unusual in that the largest firms account for a much smaller share than in other comparable countries;

• Internal trade is about 60 percent of GDP, even greater than estimated in last year’s Survey and comparing very favorably with other large countries;

• India’s formal sector non-farm payroll is substantially greater than currently believed. Formality defined in terms of social security provision yields an estimate of formal sector payroll of about 31 percent of the non-agricultural work force; formality defined in terms of being part of the GST net suggests a formal sector payroll of

53 percent.

• Similarly, the size of the formal sector (defined here as being either in the social security or GST net) is 13 percent of total firms in the private non-agriculture sector but 93 percent of their total turnover.

Ans:22)(c) Explanation: Decisive action was taken to grasp the nettle of the Twin Balance Sheet (TBS) challenge, arguably the festering, binding constraint on Indian growth prospects. On the 4 R’s of the TBS—recognition, resolution, recapitalization, and reforms—recognition was advanced further, while major measures were taken to address two other R’s. The new Indian Bankruptcy Code (IBC) has provided a resolution framework that will help corporates clean up their balance sheets and reduce their debts. And in another critical move, the government announced a large recapitalization package (about 1.2 percent of GDP) to strengthen the balance sheets of the public sector banks (PSBs). As these twin reforms take hold, firms should finally be able to resume spending and banks to lend especially to the critical, but-currently-stressed sectors of infrastructure and manufacturing.

Ans:23)(c) Explanation: Data on inter-state trade:

• The five largest exporting states are: Maharashtra, Gujarat, Haryana, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka;

• The five largest importing states are Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and

Gujarat; • The states with the largest internal trade surpluses

are Gujarat, Haryana, Maharashtra, Odisha and Tamil Nadu.

Ans24)(d) Explanation: Informality or rather formality can be defined in at least two senses. First, when firms are providing some kind of social security to employees. In India, government provides this for its employees, and the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) provides it to private sector employees in respect of pensions and provident funds; and the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) in respect of medical benefits. A second definition of formality is when firms are part of the tax net. Since new data on the GST is available, one can define tax formality as firms having registered under the GST.

Ans:25)(c) Explanation: Even more exciting is that for the first time in India’s history it is possible to know the state-wise distribution of international exports of goods and services. Five states—Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana—in that order account for 70% of India’s exports.

Ans:26)(a) Ans:27)(d) Explanation: A The GCF is a fund within the framework of the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) founded as a mechanism to redistribute money from the developed to the developing countries, in order to assist the developing countries in adaptation and mitigation practices to counter climate change.

It aims 'to make a significant and ambitious

contribution to the global efforts towards attaining the goals set by the international community to combat climate change.' It was formally established by a UNFCCC decision in Durban, South Africa in December 2011. The groundwork for GCF was laid in the earlier, non-binding 'Copenhagen Accord' of 2009. It aims to raise 100 billion dollar per year in climate financing by 2020. Hence both statements are wrong.

Ans:28)(b) Explanation: Council of Ministers are collectively responsible to Lok Sabha and individually responsible to President. President can dismiss Ministers individually on PM's advice. Hence, statement 2 is correct. Resignation or death of an incumbent Prime Minister automatically dissolves the Council of Ministers.

Ans:29)(b) Explanation: There are two independent departments under the Central government presently - Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space. Department of Disinvestment is under the Ministry

of Finance. Department of Pharmaceuticals is under Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.

Ans:30)(a) Explanation: In the scheduled areas, at least one-

half of the seats in every panchayat are reserved for members of the scheduled tribes. Statement 2 is incorrect. The Gram Sabha or appropriate Panchayat shall be consulted before acquisition of land for development projects as well as rehabilitation and resettlement of affected persons in the Scheduled areas. The actual planning and coordination of projects shall be conducted at the state level.

Ans:31)(d) Explanation: Micro-plastics are small plastic particles in the environment that are generally smaller than 1 mm (0.039 in) down to the micrometer range. They can come from a variety of sources, including cosmetics, clothing, and industrial processes. They may be classified into two types:

1. Primary micro-plastics are manufactured and are a direct result of human material and product use.


2. Secondary micro-plastics are microscopic plastic fragments derived from the breakdown of larger plastic debris. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is almost entirely made up of tiny bits of plastic, called micro-plastics as plastic is not biodegradable, meaning it does not disintegrate-it simply breaks into tinier and tinier pieces, known as micro-plastics. Micro-plastics can't always be seen by the naked eye. Even satellite imagery doesn't show a giant patch of garbage. The micro-plastics of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch can simply make the water look like a cloudy soup. Micro-plastics are recognized to persist in the environment at high levels, particularly in aquatic and marine ecosystems. Because plastics do not break down for many years, they can be ingested and incorporated into and accumulated in the

bodies and tissues of many organisms.

Ans:32)(b) Explanation: Statement (1)-The American Revolution-(1775). Statement (2) and (3) The British army suffered major reverses in the First Afghan war(1838-42) and in the Crimean war (1854-56), which shattered the general belief in the invincibility of the British regime. Statement (4) Boers war-(1899-1902).

Ans:33)(d) Explanation: Home Charges refer to the expenditure incurred in England by the Secretary of State on behalf of India. The main constituents were: Dividend to the shareholders of the East India Company. Interest on Public Debt raised abroad. Expenses on India Office establishment in London. Pensions and furloughs payments of British officers in the Civil and Military departments in India. Payments to the British war office. Store purchases in England Interest on Foreign Capital Investments was another important leakage from the national income stream.

Ans:34)(c) Explanation: 1. Lucknow - Begum Hazrat Mahal 2. Bareilly - Khan bahadur 3. Faizabad - Maulvi Ahmadullah

4. Delhi - General Bakht Khan

Ans:35)(b) Explanation: The Swaran Singh Committee suggested inclusion of duty to pay taxes under fundamental duties, but it was not agreed upon.

As per the Direct taxation laws; income and other kinds of taxes are a legal obligation for an Indian citizen as he uses public services, receives social and political security from the state etc.

Ans:36)(d) Explanation: Article 54 of the constitution says: "The President shall be elected by the members of an electoral college consisting of:

(a) The elected members of both Houses of Parliament and

(b) The elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the States (including National Capital Territory of Delhi and the Union Territory of Pondicherry vide the Constitution 70th amendment Act, 1992)."

Ans:37)(a) Explanation: The maximum strength of the House envisaged by the Constitution of India is 552, which is made up by election of up to 530 members to represent the states; up to 20

members to represent the Union Territories and not more than two members of the Anglo-Indian Community to be nominated by the President of India. Statement 2 is incorrect: The quorum for the House is 10% of the total membership (and not the maximum strength).

Ans:38)(b) Explanation: Option (b) is correct as in Pyare Mohan Lal v. State of Jharkhand, (2010) it has been clarified that in case of conflict of judgments of Supreme Court, the one given by large bench would be followed. A smaller bench cannot review opinion given by a larger bench.

Ans:39)(d) Explanation: The governor of a state shall, after every five years, constitute a finance commission to review the financial position of the Panchayats.

The superintendence, direction and control of the

preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of all elections to the Panchayats shall be vested in the state election commission. It consists of a state election commissioner to be appointed by The governor. His conditions of service and tenure of office shall also be determined by the governor. Every state shall constitute at the district level, a district planning committee to consolidate the plans prepared by Panchayats and Muncipalities in the district.

Ans:40)(d) Explanation: In the following matters, the powers and status of the council are broadly equal to that of the assembly:

1. Introduction and passage of ordinary bills. However, in case of disagreement between the two Houses, the will of the assembly prevails over that of the council.

2. Approval of ordinances issued by the governor. 3. Selection of ministers including the chief minister.

Under the Constitution the, ministers including the chief minister can be members of either House of the state legislature. However, irrespective of their membership, they are responsible only to the assembly.

4. Consideration of the reports of the constitutional

bodies like State Finance Commission, state public service commission and Comptroller and Auditor General of India.

Ans:41)(a) Explanation: Concerned over declining exports,

the government will soon set up a trade facilitation council comprising members of the Centre and states to promote India's overseas shipments. The trade facilitation council will be headed by commerce minister Nirmala Sitharaman and will have representation from state industry ministers and secretaries. The main objective of the council will be facilitating trade from states in a bid to boost the country’s exports. The move is aimed at achieving the $900 billion exports target by 2019-20.

Ans:42)(b) Explanation: There is no need for both houses to pass the resolution. Emergency shall be discontinued if the Lok Sabha passes a resolution disapproving its continuation. A proclamation of emergency may be revoked by the President at any time by a subsequent


proclamation without needing any parliamentary approval.

Ans:43)(d) Explanation: Special majority is required in a State Assembly for the resolution to be passed to create/abolish Legislative Council. Parliament's power to create/abolish legislative council is like an ordinary piece of legislation and it doesn't fall under Article 368.

Ans:44)(d) Explanation: International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), is a multi-modal transportation established in 12 SEP 2000 in St. Petersburg, by Iran, Russia and India for the purpose of promoting transportation cooperation among the Member States. The INSTC envisages movement of goods from Mumbai (India) to Bandar Abbas (Iran)

by sea, from Bandar Abbas to Bandar-e-Anzali (an

Iranian port on the Caspian Sea) by road, and then from Bandar-e-Anzali to Astrakhan (a Caspian port in the Russian Federation) by ship across the Caspian Sea, and thereafter from Astrakhan to other regions of the Russian Federation and further into Europe by Russian railways. The INSTC was expanded to include eleven new members, namely: Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Armenia, Republic of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Republic of Tajikistan, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Ukraine, Republic of Belarus, Oman, Syria, Bulgaria (Observer). The North-South Transport Corridor is an ancient route that connected South Asia with North Europe for centuries.

Ans:45)(c) Explanation: It is not distributed with states so finance commission have no say on Cess. Cess is levied through an executive order and doesn't require majority in the Parliament. Cess is levied only for particular purpose and cannot be used for any other purpose

Ans:46)(d) Explanation: Delhi has its own high court while Puducherry comes under the jurisdiction of Madras high court.

Andaman and Nicobar comes under the jurisdiction of Calcutta high court. Recently three new high courts have been constituted in Meghalaya, Manipur and Tripura. Mizoram comes under jurisdiction of Guwahati

High Court.

Ans:47)(d) Explanation: It has achieved major milestone of destroying 90 per cent of the global chemical weapons stockpile.

Ans:48)(b) Explanation: High temperature coupled with air convergence reduces the pressure of the equatorial region. Humidity and Coriolis force does not impact the pressure of equatorial region.

Ans:49)(d) Explanation: Clearly looking at the Southern India map Palconda Hills are in the north followed by Javadi, Shevaroy and Palani is located in transverse mode as southernmost hills.

Ans:50)(b) Explanation: Ranthambore National Park: Park lies at the edge of a plateau, and is bounded by north by Banas river and in south by Chambal

river. Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve located at the junction of the Aravalis and the Vindhyas. It is site of one of the largest Banyan Tree in India at Jogi Mahal. The Park is under Project Tiger also. An important geological feature the 'Great Boundary Fault' where the Vindhya plateaus meet the Aravali hill ranges, meanders through the Reserve.

Ans:51)(c) Explanation: Mercury and Venus have no moons. Earth has 1 moon, named Luna in scientific terminology. Mars has 2 moons Deimos and Phobos. Jupiter has 67 confirmed moons. Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto are the four largest moons of Jupiter. Ganymede is the largest moon in the Solar System. Saturn has 3 named moons, including Titan, the second largest moon in the solar system. Other important moons of

Saturn include Rhea and Enceladus. Uranus has

27 moons. Its 5 major moons - Miranda, Titania, Oberon, Ariel and Umbriel, are named after characters in Shakespeare's works. Neptune has 14 moons, Triton being the major one. Pluto has 5 moons, Charon being the largest.

Ans:52)(a) Explanation: Both Loktak and Kolleru are fresh water Ramsar sites located in Manipur and Andhra Pradesh respectively. Sasthamkotta lake is a brackish-water lake in Kerala. Similarly, Chilika lake has a status of coastal Ramsar Site.

Ans:53)(c) Explanation: Bamboo, a minor forest produce, belongs to grass family but grows like a tree. They are woody and may attain a height of as much as 30 metres. It is called the poor man's timber as it provides cheap material for construction, basketry and a host of other things. It occurs in tropical moist and dry forests in north-east India, Andhra Pradesh, Telengana, Odisha, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Of the total bamboo consumed in India, 32% is for construction, 30% for rural use, 17% for pulp making, 7% for packing and remaining 14% for other purposes. Mizoram will be developed as the Bamboo state of India. Bamboos find a place in cultural activities of the Mizo people, i.e, Cherraw

(bamboo) dance. Therefore, 1 and 3 are correct.

Ans:54)(c) Explanation: The Bay of Bengal islands including the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are largely tectonic and volcanic in origin. While the Islands of

Arabian Sea including Lakshadweep are mainly coral formations. Deccan trap was formed during cretaceous period due to intense volcanic activities. Aravali ranges are nothing but the remains of old fold mountains.

Ans:55)(b) Explanation: The Sargasso Sea is a region in the gyre in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean. It is bounded on the west by the Gulf Stream; on the north, by the North Atlantic Drift; on the east, by the Canary Current; and on the south, by the North Atlantic Equatorial Current.

Ans:56)(a) Explanation: A fold mountain is formed by action of compressive forces only, however a block mountain is formed by action of both compressive as well as tensional forces. Hence, statement 2 is wrong.


Ans:57)(d) Explanation: Most Kayals or backwaters are predominantly brackish i.e. saline. In certain areas, such as the Vembanad Kayal, where a barrage has been built near Kumarakom, salt water from the sea is prevented from entering the deep inside, keeping the fresh water intact. Such fresh water is extensively used for irrigation purposes.

Ans:58)(a) Explanation: A landlocked country has no access to an ocean at its borders. 44 of the world's 198 countries are landlocked. A double landlocked country on the other hand is a country that is surrounded by landlocked countries. There are only two such countries in the world. Liechtenstein in Europe is surrounded by two

landlocked countries; Switzerland and Austria

while Uzbekistan in Asia is surrounded by five. They are Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.

Ans:59)(d) Explanation: Horns and Cirque are the erosional landforms while Drumlins and Eskers are depositional landforms in a glaciated region. Cique are deep and wide troughs with steep and concave walls. Horns are pointed and steep sided peaks formed due to erosion of cirque walls. Eskers are the ridges formed by consisting of course materials carried by the glacier. Drumlins are smooth ridges which are situated parallel to the direction of ice movement. They are mainly composed of glacial till.

Ans:60)(d) Explanation: Caspian Sea - It is the world’s largest inland body of water. It lies to the east of the Caucasus Mountains and to the west of the vast steppe of Central Asia. The sea’s name derives from the ancient Kaspi peoples, who once lived in Transcaucasia to the west. The sea is bordered in the northeast by Kazakhstan, in the southeast by Turkmenistan, in the south by Iran, in the southwest by Azerbaijan, and in the northwest by Russia. The major rivers-the Volga, Ural, and

Terek-empty into the northern Caspian, with their combined annual flow accounting for about 88 percent of all river water entering the sea. The Caspian Sea has been famous for its sturgeon, a fish prized for its caviar, and the sea accounts for

the great bulk of the world catch. Petroleum and natural gas have become the region’s most important resources.

Ans:61)(d) Explanation: The major hot deserts of the world are located on the western coasts of continents. The aridity of the hot deserts is mainly due to the effects of the off-shore trade winds. E.g. Mojave Desert in USA, Great Australian Desert, Atacama Desert etc. The temperate deserts are rainless because of their interior location in the temperate latitude, well away from the rain bearing winds. Eg- Gobi, Patagonian Deserts. However, Patagonian Desert is more due to its rain-shadow position on the leeward side of the lofty Andes than to continentality.

Ans:62)(b) Explanation: The narrow Strait of Hormuz is considered one of the most strategic strait of water

on the planet. The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea and represents one of the world's most important oil chokepoints with approximately 14 million barrels per da (b/d) of oil being exported. Through its waters, in giant ocean-going tankers, passes much of the oil from Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Bordered by Iran, Oman's Musandam Peninsula and the United Arab Emirates, this stretch of water is of obvious military significance.

Ans:63)(d) Explanation: MO – the International Maritime Organization – is the United Nations specialized agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine

pollution by ships. Established: 1948 in Geneva

and came into force in 1959. Headquarter: London, United Kingdom. India was one of the earliest members of the IMO and had joined it as a member-state in 1959. Functions: To develop and maintain a comprehensive regulatory framework for shipping and its remit. This framework should address various areas like safety, legal matters, environmental concerns, technical co-operation, maritime security and efficiency of shipping. IMO Council: Consist of 40 member countries who are elected by the IMO Assembly. It plays a crucial role in deciding various matters related to global shipping industry.

Ans:64)(b) Explanation: SDRs are artificial currency created to augment international liquidity. It is neither a currency nor a claim on IMF rather it supplements the existing reserves of member countries of IMF. To be included as SDR a currency must be freely usable, widely used and widely traded. U.S. dollar, the euro, British pound and the Japanese yen form the SDR basket. IMF has decided to include

Yuan in the SDR basket with effect from October 1, 2016. The respective weights of the U.S. dollar, euro, Chinese Renminbi, Japanese yen, and pound sterling are 41.73 percent, 30.93 percent, 10.92

percent, 8.33 percent.

Ans:65)(d) Explanation: Lucknow became a central hub for this embroidery technique during Aurangzeb's reign in the 12th Century, when this imperial art form was encouraged under ruling Mughal beneficiaries. Their patronage encouraged Zardozi artists to spread throughout India. This distinguished style of traditional Indian embroidery has been practiced and passed on from generations, in various parts of Uttar Pradesh. Zardozi is the main source of income for artisans of Lucknow and other adjoining parts. These products are exported to foreign countries also. Zardozi embroidery is impressively ornamental and involves profound use of crusted gold thread work. Initially, the embroidery was done with pure silver wires and real gold leaves. However, today, craftsmen make use of a combination of copper


wire, with a golden or silver polish, and a silk thread. In 2013 the Geographical Indication Registry (GIR) accorded the Geographical Indication (GI) registration to the Lucknow Zardozi – the world-renowned textile embroidery from Lucknow. The Zardozi products manufactured in areas in Lucknow and six surrounding districts of Barabanki, Unnao, Sitapur, Rae Bareli, Hardoi and Amethi.

Ans:66)(d) Explanation: Aiming to avoid any collision and accidents of vessels on inland waterway networks, shipping ministry is launching a river information system (RIS) on the line of air traffic control (ATC). The system will also provide information on fairway (waterway), metrology and river safety. To begin with the first such system developed by the

Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) will be

operational on the 500 km stretch of the Ganga between Haldia and Farakka. This is part of National Waterway-1, which covers Haldia to Allahabad. The system enhances swift electronic data transfer between mobile vessels and shore (Base stations) through advance and realtime exchange of information. RIS aims to streamline the exchange of information between waterway operators and users. This would facilitate: 1. Enhancement of inland navigation safety in ports and rivers 2. Better use of the inland waterways 3. Environmental protection

Ans:67)(a) Explanation: The Derozians attacked old and decadent customs, rites and traditions. They were passionate advocates of women rights and advocated education for them. One of biggest flaws of this movement was they did not take up peasant cause but there was no other section which could support their advanced ideas. They remained ideal and failed to understand the real Indian situation

Ans:68)(c) Explanation: Discrimination on the basis of caste, region and religion was practised in the recruitment to the army. Older policy of excluding Indians from the officer corps was strictly

maintained. Communal, caste, tribal and regional loyalties were encouraged among soldiers.

Ans:69)(c) Explanation: Recently, India submitted its first Biennial Update Report (BUR), to the United

Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), towards fulfillment of the reporting obligation under the Convention. BUR has been prepared by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change under its NATCOM project funded by Global Environment Facility (GEF) through UNDP. BUR contains national GHG inventory of India for the year 2010, prepared in accordance with the guidelines of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The inventory covers six greenhouse gases, viz. Carbon dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (N2O), Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6). Carbon Monoxide is not part of the list. So by elimination, option c is the right answer. c) BUR also specifies five categories of GHG sources, namely- energy, industrial processes and product use (IPPU), agriculture, waste and Land-use, Land-

use, Change and Forestry (LULUCF). d)Furthermore, BUR showcases a range of climate-friendly measures initiated through eight National Missions under National Action Plan on Climate Change and other programs such as Integrated Power Development Scheme, Renewable Purchase Obligations, enhancement of cess on coal, Perform Achieve and Trade Scheme and National Program for LED based lighting.

Ans:70)(c) Explanation: Resolution on local self government was brought under Lord Ripon. Governor general William Benetinck is considered to be most concerned about the condition of the Indian natives and their development. His tenure brought a period of great respite from continuous wars and anexations and brought progressive social

legislations for Indian natives

Ans:71)(d) Explanation: Swami Dayanand, the founder of the Arya Samaj, disregarded the authority of later Hindu scriptures like Purana and blamed them for the evil practices of idol worship etc. It accepted the doctrine of karma and rejected the theory of destiny. The Samaj rejected the caste system based on birth but supported the Vedic notion of the same where a person was not recognized on the basis of caste but as per the occupation he followed.

Ans:72)(a) Explanation: The society had its headquarter at Adyar near Madras, It was established in the year 1886. They recognised the transmigration of soul and also preached universal brotherhood. Along with advocating revival of ancient religion of Hinduism and other religions it also imparted self confidence in Indian people by proving the greatness of these religions in the past. It glorified India's past traditions.

Ans:73)(d) Explanation: A revivalist movement is one which desires or inclines to revive practices from an earlier times whereas a Reform movement seeks to bring gradual change in certain aspects of the

society. Wahabi movement sought to undo western influences and the perceived degeneration in Indian muslims as per them. Ahmadiya movement on the other hand was a reformist movement in the sense that it based itself on the universal

religion of all humanity and spread western liberal education among the Indian Muslims. It was Ahmadiya movement that opposed Jihad while the Wahabis considered India to be dar-ul-Harb (land of tha kafirs ) and it needed to be converted to dar-ul-Islam(land of Islam). Wahabi movement and not Ahmadiya movement was directed against Sikhs and later against British while the Ahmadiya movement was based liberal principles

Ans:74)(c) Explanation: Though A.O. Hume played a prominent role in establishing Indian National Congress, he never served as its president. Foreigners who served as the presidents of Congress sessions include George Yule (1888), William Weddenburn (1889, 1910), Alfred Webb (1894), Henry Cotton (1904) and Annie Besant (1917).


Ans:75)(d) Explanation: All three were associated with Brahmo Samaj. It was established by Raja Rammohun Roy and was carried forward after 1843 by Debendranath Tagore and Keshub Chandra Sen (1866 onwards)

Ans:76)(b) Explanation: 1. Economic and social planning- concurrent list 2. Health and Sanitation- Concurrent List 3. Forest – concurrent list

Ans:77)(b) Explanation: The justice Jeevan Reddy Committee was set up in 2005 to review Afspa and make recommendations. It recommended that Afspa should be repealed and the Unlawful Activities Protection Act strengthened to fight militancy.

However, no steps were taken to repeal or reform

the act. Section (3) of the Afspa empowers the governor of the state or Union territory to issue an official notification in The Gazette of India, following which the Centre has the authority to send in armed forces for civilian aid. Once declared ‘disturbed’, the region has to maintain status quo for a minimum of three months, according to The Disturbed Areas (Special Courts) Act, 1976.” The state or central government considers those areas as ‘disturbed’ “by reason of differences or disputes between members of different religious, racial, language or regional groups or castes or communities.

Ans:78)(d) Explanation: Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS), launched in 2013 aims at providing strategic funding to eligible state higher educational institutions. The central funding (in the ratio of 60:40 for general category States, 90:10 for special category states and 100% for union territories) would be norm based and outcome dependent. The funding would flow from the central ministry through the state governments/union territories to

the State Higher Education Councils before reaching the identified institutions. The funding to states would be made on the basis of critical appraisal of State Higher Education Plans, which would describe each state’s strategy

to address issues of equity, access and excellence in higher education. The key objectives of RUSA are to improve access, equity and quality in higher education through planned development of higher education at the state level. Objectives include creating new academic institutions, expanding and upgrading the existing ones, developing institutions that are self-reliant in terms of quality education, professionally managed, and characterized by greater inclination towards research and provide

students with education that is relevant to them as well the nation as a whole. RUSA would create new universities through upgradation of existing autonomous colleges and conversion of colleges in a cluster. It would create new model degree colleges, new professional colleges and provide infrastructural support to universities and colleges. Faculty recruitment support, faculty improvements programmes and leadership development of educational administrators are also an important part of the scheme. In order to enhance skill development the existing central scheme of Polytechnics has been subsumed within RUSA. A separate component to synergies vocational education with higher education has also been included in RUSA.

Besides these, RUSA also supports reforming,

restructuring and building capacity of institutions in participating state.

Ans:79)(c) Explanation: The Union Cabinet has approved the launch of a new Centrally Sponsored Ayushman Bharat -National Health Protection Mission (AB-NHPM) having central sector component under Ayushman Bharat Mission anchored in the MoHFW. It will subsume the on-going centrally sponsored schemes -Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) and the Senior Citizen Health Insurance Scheme (SCHIS). The scheme has the benefit cover of Rs. 5 lakh per family per year. To ensure that nobody is left out (especially women, children and elderly) there will be no cap on family size and age in the scheme. The benefit cover will also include pre and post-hospitalisation expenses. The target beneficiaries of the proposed scheme will be more than 10 crore families belonging to poor and vulnerable population based on SECC database. Benefits of the scheme are portable across the country and a beneficiary covered under the scheme will be allowed to take cashless benefits from any public/private empanelled

hospitals across the country. State Governments will be allowed to expand AB-NHPM both horizontally and vertically. States will be free to choose the modalities for implementation. They can implement through

insurance company or directly through Trust/ Society or a mixed model. Council: For giving policy directions and fostering coordination between Centre and States, it is proposed to set up Ayushman Bharat National Health Protection Mission Council (AB-NHPMC) at apex level Chaired by Union Health and Family Welfare Minister.

Ans:80)(a) Explanation: Rourkela (Odisha) and Salem (Tamil Nadu) are important steel plants in India.


Odisha- Andhra Pradesh- Tamil Nadu

Ans:81)(d) Explanation: The Central Statistics Office (CSO) revised the base year of the all-India Index of Industrial Production (IIP) from 2004-05 to 2011-12. Revisions in the IIP are necessitated to

maintain representativeness of the items and producing entities and also address issues relating to continuous flow of production data. The Central Statistics Office (CSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has revised the Base Year of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) from 2010=100 to 2012=100 with effect from the release of indices for the month of January 2015. The base year of All-India WPI has been revised from 2004-05 to 2011-12 on 12 May 2017 to align it with the base year of other macroeconomic indicators like the Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

and Index of Industrial Production (IIP).

Ans:82)(a) Ans:83)(a) Explanation: The finance minister (FM) announced “Operation Greens” (OG), on the lines of “Operation Flood” (OF), with a seed capital of Rs

500 crore in his Union budget speech. Three days later, the prime minister backed it at a parivartan rally in Bengaluru, saying farmers are his TOP priority, where T is for tomatoes, O for onions, and P for potatoes! The OF changed the face of milk

production in India, making India the largest producer of milk in the world, with 164 million metric tonnes (MMT) produced in 2016-17.

Ans:84)(d) Explanation: The largest contributor of the GHGs In India- Electricity sector 38%; agriculture sector 18% ; transport 7.5%.

Ans:85)(a) Explanation: India and Canada, both are Members of the OECD and G20. India is not a member of G7 grouping.

Ans:86)(a) Explanation: Mass nesting sites of India – Mouth

of river Debi, Rushkulya and Gahirmatha Beach.

Ans:87)(a) Explanation: Protected areas under the wildlife act 1972 are- national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, tiger reserves and conservation reserves and NOT the Central Zoo authority. Central Zoo authority


has been established under the Environment Act 1986.

Ans:88)(b) Explanation: The headquarters of the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) has been shifted from Chennai to Haryana's Ballabhgarh for "better coordination" between the environment ministry and the board. Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Mahesh Sharma said this in a written reply to a question. "Rule 3 of the Animal Welfare Board (Administrative) Rules, 1962 reads as -- 'The Headquarter of the Board hall be at New Delhi or at such other place as the central government, may, after consultation with the Board direct.

Ans:89)(b) Explanation: India has got the go-ahead to join the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), after shareholders of the London-based multilateral lender agreed to the country becoming its 69th member, enabling Indian companies to undertake joint investments in regions in which the EBRD operates.

Ans:90)(b) Explanation: River dolphins are found in the Ganga and the Brahmaputra and its tributaries. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), a membership union of government and civil society organisations, listed it as endangered in 1996. There are around 2,500 of the dolphins and the figure is diminishing. The animal is protected under Schedule I of the

Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and is a

declared endangered species.

Ans:91)(c) Explanation:

Ans:92)(a) Explanation: In a major boost for utilisation of renewable energy in the country, Diu has become the first and only Union Territory to be fully solar energy efficient. This achievement by one of the major tourist attractions of the country showcases an effective method of harnessing an important source of renewable energy source. In the last three years, Diu has made expeditious progress in the field of solar power generation as it has become the first UT in the country where more than 100% of the energy requirement is met by solar power.

Ans:93)(c) Explanation: Cash Reserve Ratio is a ratio of their total deposits which banks have to keep with the RBI in cash. This ratio at present is 4 percent. When this ratio is lowered, banks will have more to lend so that credit is expanded as banks may lend even at lower rates, called cheap money policy.

Ans:94)(d) Explanation: A commodity exchange is an exchange where various commodities, derivative products, agricultural products and other raw materials are traded. Some of the commodity exchanges in India includes - National Spot Exchange Limited (NSEL), Indian Commodity Exchange Limited (ICEX), Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange Limited (NCDEX), National Multi-Commodity Exchange of India Ltd (NMCE)

Ans95)(a) Explanation: PROMPT CORRECTIVE ACTIONS To ensure that banks don't go bust, RBI has put in place some trigger points to assess, monitor, control and take corrective actions on banks which are weak and troubled. The process or mechanism under which such actions are taken is known as Prompt Corrective Action, or PCA.


The PCA is triggered when banks breach certain regulatory requirements like minimum capital, return on asset and quantum of non-performing assets.

Example: Banks are not allowed to re new or access costly deposits or take steps to increase their fee-based income. Banks also have to launch a special drive to reduce the stock of NPAs and contain generation of fresh NPAs. They are sometimes also not allowed to enter into new lines of business. RBI will also impose restrictions on the bank on borrowings from interbank market.

Ans:96)(c) Explanation: Functions of RBI are —

Banker to the Central Government.

Bankers to the bank.

Formulates Monetary Policy.

Custodian of foreign exchange.

Issuer of currency.

Banker, agent and financial adviser to the State.

Ans:97)(b) Explanation: SLR refers to a designated minimum proportion of its total assets to be maintained by the commercial banks in liquid assets such as gold, cash and unencumbered approved securities.

Ans:98)(d) Explanation: Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) have been proliferating, especially since the establishment of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in 1994. As of 1st December 2015, the WTO had received notifications of no less than 619 PTAs (disaggregated by goods, services, or accessions), of which 413 were already in force. A free trade area is basically a preferential trade area with increased depth and scope of tariffs reduction. All free trade areas, customs unions, common markets, economic unions, customs and monetary unions and economic and monetary unions are considered advanced forms of a PTA.

Ans:99)(c) Explanation: Devaluation means decreasing the value of nation’s currency relative to gold or the currencies of other nations. Devaluation occurs in terms of all other currencies, but it is best illustrated in the case of only one other currency. Devaluation and

Depreciation are sometimes used interchangeably, but they always refer to values in terms of other currencies and the value of currency is determined by the interplay of money supply and money demand. In common modern usage, it specifically implies an official lowering of the value of a country’s currency within a fixed exchange rate system, by which the monetary authority formally sets a new fixed rate with respect to a foreign currency. In contrast, (currency) depreciation is most often used for the unofficial decrease in the exchange rate in a floating exchange rate system. Devaluation is usually undertaken as a means of correcting a deficit in the balance of payments. Possible impacts of the devaluation on the economy could be the stimulation of merchandise exports, discouraging merchandise imports and

thus improving terms of trade, increase revenue

collection and savings in repatriation of profits and royalties by existing foreign investors, bringing illegal foreign exchange leakages into official channels and putting an end to gold smuggling. Inflow of foreign capital can be improved by devaluation only if prices do not rise.

Ans:100)(b) Explanation: A currency, usually from a highly industrialized country, that is widely accepted around the world as a form of payment for goods and services. A hard currency is expected to remain relatively stable through a short period of time, and to be highly liquid in the forex market. Another criterion for a hard currency is that the currency must come from a politically and economically stable country. The U.S. dollar and the British pound are good examples of hard currencies. A currency with a value that fluctuates as a result of the country’s political or economic uncertainty. As a result of the of this currency’s instability, foreign exchange dealers tend to avoid it. It is also known as a “weak currency”. Currencies from most developing countries are considered to be soft currencies. Often, governments from these developing countries will

set unrealistically high exchange rates, pegging their currencies to a currency such as the U.S. dollar.

Documents

ALL INDIA PRELIMS TEST SERIES 2018 GENERAL STUDIES … · 2018-04-25 · Konark temple was conceived as a gigantic chariot of the Sun God, with 12 pairs of exquisitely ornamented