Civil Services Test Series 2023 Answers
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jagdish3293CIVIL SERVICES (PRELIMINARY) TEST SERIES – 2023
TEST BOOKLET SERIES
ANSWER & EXPLANATION
Test Code:
P1-2309 GENERAL STUDIES
(English Version) TEST – 09
ANSWERS
Q. No. Answers Q. No. Answers Q. No. Answers Q. No. Answers
1 (c) 26 (c) 51 (d) 76 (c)
2 (b) 27 (d) 52 (d) 77 (a)
3 (d) 28 (a) 53 (d) 78 (a)
4 (c) 29 (a) 54 (a) 79 (b)
5 (a) 30 (b) 55 (a) 80 (b)
6 (d) 31 (d) 56 (b) 81 (a)
7 (b) 32 (d) 57 (c) 82 (a)
8 (c) 33 (c) 58 (c) 83 (c)
9 (d) 34 (c) 59 (d) 84 (b)
10 (b) 35 (b) 60 (d) 85 (a)
11 (b) 36 (b) 61 (c) 86 (c)
12 (a) 37 (d) 62 (d) 87 (d)
13 (d) 38 (a) 63 (a) 88 (d)
14 (c) 39 (b) 64 (d) 89 (c)
15 (b) 40 (a) 65 (a) 90 (a)
16 (b) 41 (b) 66 (d) 91 (c)
17 (d) 42 (c) 67 (a) 92 (a)
18 (d) 43 (a) 68 (a) 93 (c)
19 (c) 44 (b) 69 (c) 94 (b)
20 (b) 45 (d) 70 (c) 95 (c)
21 (b) 46 (b) 71 (a) 96 (c)
22 (d) 47 (d) 72 (d) 97 (b)
23 (b) 48 (c) 73 (d) 98 (d)
24 (b) 49 (a) 74 (a) 99 (d)
25 (b) 50 (b) 75 (c) 100 (d)
1. (c) It is a report that the government presents on the state
of the economy in the past one year, the key challenges
Explanation: it anticipates, and their possible solutions.
Ramsar Site:
It is prepared by the Economics Division of the
A Ramsar site is a wetland of international importance
Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) under the
under the Ramsar Convention (Convention on Wetlands)
guidance of the Chief Economic Advisor. Hence,
– an inter-governmental environmental treaty established
by UNESCO in 1971, and named after the city of Ramsar option (b) is correct.
in Iran, where the convention was signed that year. It is usually presented a day before the Union Budget
India added 11 more wetlands to the list of Ramsar sites is presented in the Parliament.
to make total 75 Ramsar sites covering an area of 13,26,677 The first Economic Survey in India was presented in
ha in the country in the 75th year of Independence. the year 1950-51. Up to 1964, it was presented along
Tamil Nadu has maximum number of Ramsar sites (14), with the Union Budget. From 1964 onwards, it has been
followed by Uttar Pradesh which has 10 Ramsar sites. delinked from the Budget.
11 new wetlands designated as Ramsar sites: 3. (d)
[Link] Name of wetland State
Explanation:
1. Tampara Lake Odisha Geographical Indication (GI) tag:
2 Hirakud Reservoir Odisha The GI tag is an indication which is specific to a
3 Ansupa Lake Odisha. Hence, pair 2 is geographical territory. It is used for agricultural, natural,
correctly matched. and manufactured goods. For a product to get a GI tag,
the goods need to be produced, processed, or prepared
4 Yashwant Sagar Madhya Pradesh
in that region. It is also essential that the product has a
5 Chitrangudi Bird Tamil Nadu. Hence, pair special quality or reputation.
Sanctuary 4 is correctly matched. The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration
6 Suchindram Theroor Tamil Nadu and Protection) Act, 1999 provides registration and also
Wetland Complex protection of GI goods in India. This Act is administered
7 Vaduvur Bird Tamil Nadu. Hence, pair by the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and
Trademarks, who is also the Registrar of Geographical
Sanctuary 1 is NOT correctly
Indications.
matched.
The Geographical Indications Registry for India is
8 Kanjirankulam Bird Tamil Nadu located in Chennai.
Sanctuary
GI Protection in India:
9 Thane Creek Maharashtra. Hence, India, as a member of the World Trade Organization
pair 3 is correctly (WTO), enacted the Geographical Indications of
matched. Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999 which
10 Hygam Wetland Jammu and Kashmir came into force with effect from 2003. Hence, option
Conservation Reserve (d) is correct.
11 A registered Geographical indication prohibit a third
Shallbugh Wetland Jammu and Kashmir
party to use such Geographical indication by any means
Conservation Reserve
in the designations or presentations of goods indicating
2. (b) that such goods originate in a geographical area.
Explanation: Difference between (GI) and other Intellectual Properties
Economic Survey: (IPs):
The Economic Survey of India is an annual document GI is a collective intellectual property right and is thus
released by the Ministry of Finance. It contains the most owned by all the producers within the defined GI
authoritative and updated source of data on India’s territory while the IPs like patent and trademark are
economy. owned by an individual or a business entity.
641, 1st Floor, 21, Pusa Road, 13/15 Tashkent Marg, Plot No. 45& 45A, Harsh Tower-2, 2
Dr. Mukherjee Nagar, Delhi Karol Bagh, New Delhi Civil Lines, Prayagraj Main Tonk Road, Vasundhara Colony, Jaipur
Phone: 8448485518, 011-47532596, 8750187501 :: [Link]
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While the commercial use of patent could benefit an The aim of these schools will not only be qualitative
innovator or a particular firm, commercialization of GI teaching, learning, and cognitive development, but also
would benefit all the producers in the GI territory. to create holistic and well-rounded individuals equipped
with key 21st century skills.
4. (c) Â Pedagogy adopted in these schools will be more
experiential, holistic, integrated, play/toy-based,
Explanation:
inquiry-driven, discovery-oriented, learner-centred,
BrahMos Missile: discussion-based, flexible and enjoyable.
The BrahMos missile, an Indo-Russian joint venture,
 The focus will be on achieving proficiency in the
has a range of 290 km and is the fastest cruise missile learning outcomes of every child in every grade.
in the world with a top speed of Mach 2.8 (nearly three
Assessment at all levels will be based on conceptual
times the speed of sound). Hence, statement 3 is NOT understanding and application of knowledge to real-life
correct. situations and will be competency-based.
 BrahMos is named after the rivers Brahmaputra  These schools will be equipped with modern
and Moskva. infrastructure including labs, smart classrooms,
It is a two-stage (solid propellant engine in the first libraries, sports equipment, art rooms, etc. which
stage and liquid ramjet in second) missile. will be inclusive, and accessible.
It is a multiplatform missile, i.e., it can be launched These schools will also be developed as green schools,
from land, air, and sea, and is also a multi capability with water conservation, waste recycling, energy-
missile with pinpoint accuracy that works in both day efficient infrastructure, and curriculum integration of
organic lifestyles.
and night irrespective of the weather conditions.
Hence, option (a) is correct.
It operates on the “Fire and Forget” principle i.e it
does not require further guidance after launch. 6. (d)
Recently, the Ministry of Defence has signed a Rs 1700
Explanation:
crore contract with BrahMos Aerospace Pvt Ltd to buy Ecological Succession:
additional dual-role capable BrahMos missiles for the Ecological Succession is an orderly process of
Indian Navy. Dual role capability refers to the use of community change in a unit area. It is the process of
BrahMos missiles for land as well as anti-ship attacks. change in species composition in an ecosystem over a
Hence, statement 1 is correct. period of time.
They can be launched from land, air and sea, and The process begins with establishment of a few pioneer
all three variants are in service in the Indian armed species which are replaced or reduced in abundance by
forces. Hence, statement 2 is NOT correct. species of increased complexity.
The process of ecological succession is completed
5. (a) through a series of sequential steps which are:
 Nudation: Development of bare areas uninhabited
Explanation: by any organism, caused by factors such as
Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM-SHRI) Yojana: emersion, submergence, glacial recession, erosion
It is a centrally sponsored scheme for the upgradation or deposits.
and development of more than 14,500 schools across  Migration: The process of migration helps the
the country. arrival of seed, spores, or other reproductive
It aims to strengthen existing schools managed by the propagules for the establishment of species.
central government, states, UT governments, or local  Ecesis: This is the initial establishment of the plant
governments. community. This stage is called colonization.
Significance: The schools under the scheme will  Competition: Once the few initial species are
showcase all components of the National Education established in the region, the intra as well interspecific
Policy 2020 and act as exemplar schools and also offer competition for the resources such as food, water,
mentorship to other schools in their vicinity. etc. begins.
641, 1st Floor, 21, Pusa Road, 13/15 Tashkent Marg, Plot No. 45& 45A, Harsh Tower-2, 3
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Reaction: In this stage the environmental condition
 8. (c)
gets modified by the action of species occupying
the habitat. These changes subsequently trigger the Explanation:
displacement and replacement of one species by Big Cats:
another. The lion, tiger, common leopard, clouded leopard, and
snow leopard are the five species of big cats.
 Stabilization: It is the process by which the climax
community which is mature, self-sustaining, and Tigers:
stable, and which is the final stage of succession, The scientific name of the tiger is Panthera tigris.
gets established. There are eight subspecies of tigers, amongst them, five
Hence, option (d) is correct. are present in the wild.
 These five subspecies are – Bengal, South China,
7. (b) Indochinese, Sumatran, and Siberian.
Explanation: Â Three subspecies of tiger – Caspian, Bali, and
Skewflation: Javan – are extinct. Hence, option (c) is correct.
‘Inflation’ refers to a sustained, across-the-board price Tigers typically hunt alone and stalk their prey.
increase, whereas ‘a relative price increase’ is a A tiger can consume more than 80 pounds of meat at
reference to an episodic price rise pertaining to one one time.
or a small group of commodities over a sustained On average, tigers give birth to two to four cubs every
period of time. ‘Skewflation’ is a relatively new term two years. If all the cubs in one litter die, a second litter
to describe this category of price rise. Hence, option may be produced within five months.
(b) is correct. Tigers generally gain independence at around two years
Reflation: of age and attain sexual maturity at age three or four for
Reflation is a situation often deliberately brought by females and four or five for males.
the government to reduce unemployment and Tigers are mostly solitary, apart from associations
increase demand by going for higher levels of between mother and offspring.
economic growth. Governments go for higher public Individual tigers have a large territory, and the size is
expenditures, tax cuts, interest rate cuts, etc. Fiscal determined mostly by the availability of prey.
deficit rises, extra money is generally printed at a higher Individuals mark their domain with urine, feces, rakes,
level of growth, wages increase and there is almost no scrapes, and vocalizing.
improvement in unemployment. When the economy is
crossing a cycle of recession (low inflation, high 9. (d)
unemployment, low demand, etc.) and the government Explanation:
takes some economic policy decisions to revive the Mohiniyattam:
economy from recession, certain goods see a sudden Mohiniyattam or dance of Mohini (an incarnation of
and temporary increase in their prices, such price rise Lord Vishnu) is the classical solo dance form of Kerala.
is also known as reflation. Hence, statement 1 is NOT correct.
Stagflation: References of Mohiniyattam can be found in the texts
Stagflation is a situation in which inflation and Vyavaharamala written in 1709 by Mazhamagalam
unemployment both are at higher levels, contrary to Narayanan Namputiri and in Ghoshayatra, written
conventional belief. When the economy is passing later by poet Kunjan Nambiar. Hence, statement 4
through the cycle of stagnation (i.e., a long period of is correct.
low aggregate demand in relation to its productive It was structured into the present-day classical format
capacity) and the government shuffles with the economic by the Travancore Kings, Maharaja Kartika Tirunal and
policy, a sudden and temporary price rise is seen in some his successor Maharaja Swati Tirunal (18th-19th century)
of the goods—such inflation is also known as stagflation. Mostly a solo performance by girls with circular
Stagflation is basically a combination of high inflation movements, delicate footsteps and subtle expressions.
and low growth. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
641, 1st Floor, 21, Pusa Road, 13/15 Tashkent Marg, Plot No. 45& 45A, Harsh Tower-2, 4
Dr. Mukherjee Nagar, Delhi Karol Bagh, New Delhi Civil Lines, Prayagraj Main Tonk Road, Vasundhara Colony, Jaipur
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Movements have been borrowed from Nangiar Koothu The Raghuram Rajan committee (2008) on financial
and female folk dances Kaikottikali and the sector reforms first proposed the creation of FSDC.
Tiruvatirakali. Hence, statement 2 is NOT correct.
It has elements of Bharatanatyam (grace & elegance) It is chaired by the finance minister and its members
and Kathakali (vigour) but is more erotic, lyrical and
include the heads of all financial sector regulators–
delicate. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Securities and
Realistic make-up and simple dressing (Kasavu saree
of Kerala) are used. Exchange Board of India (SEBI), Pension Fund
The lyrics are in Manipravala (a medieval south Indian Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA)
language combining Tamil-Malayalam and Sanskrit). and Insurance Regulatory and Development
Sunanda Nair and Pallavi Krishnan are the notable Authority (IRDA), Finance Secretary, Secretary of
artists. Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Secretary
of Department of Financial Services (DFS), and
10. (b)
Chief Economic Adviser. Hence, statement 3 is
Explanation: correct.
Trophic level interaction: In 2018, the government reconstituted FSDC to include
Trophic level interaction deals with how the members of
the Minister of State responsible for the Department of
an ecosystem are connected based on nutritional needs.
Energy flows through the trophic levels from producers
Economic Affairs (DEA), Secretary of Department of
to subsequent trophic levels. This energy always flows Electronics and Information Technology, Chairperson
from lower (producer) to higher (herbivore, of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI)
carnivore, etc.) trophic level. It never flows in the and the Revenue Secretary.
reverse direction that is from carnivores to herbivores FSDC sub-committee is headed by the Governor of RBI.
to producers. That is, the energy flow through the
trophic levels is always unidirectional. Hence 12. (a)
statement 2 is correct. Explanation:
There is a loss of some energy in the form of unusable
Conservation Reserves:
heat at each trophic level so that energy level
It is the outcome of amendments to the Wild Life
decreases from the first trophic level upwards. As a
result, there are usually four or five trophic levels Protection Act in 2003.
and seldom more than six as beyond that very little The Amendment Act of 2003 provided for the creation
energy is left to support any organism. Hence, of a new type of protected area called ‘Conservation
statement 1 is NOT correct. Reserve’.
Trophic levels are numbered according to the steps an It is an area owned by the state government adjacent
organism is away from the source of food or energy, to national parks and sanctuaries for protecting the
that is the producer. landscape, seascape, and habitat of fauna and flora.
The trophic level interaction involves three concepts
Hence, statement 1 is correct.
namely:
It is managed through a Conservation Reserve
 Food Chain  Ecological
Pyramids Management Committee.
 Food Web
The state government may, after consultation with the
11. (b) local communities, declare any area owned by the
government as a conservation reserve.
Explanation:
Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC): Tiruppadaimarathur conservation reserve in
It is a non-statutory apex council under the Ministry Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu is the first conservation
of Finance constituted by the Executive Order in 2010. reserve established in the country. Hence, statement
Hence, statement 1 is NOT correct. 2 is NOT correct.
641, 1st Floor, 21, Pusa Road, 13/15 Tashkent Marg, Plot No. 45& 45A, Harsh Tower-2, 5
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13. (d) 14. (c)
Explanation: Explanation:
Thamirabarani river: Live streaming of Judicial Proceedings:
The Thamirabarani is unique in many respects. It is the The Supreme Court in Swapnil Tripathi vs Supreme
only perennial river in Tamil Nadu. It originates in Court of India (2018) had ruled in favor of opening
the Pothigai Hills of the Western Ghats in Tirunelveli up the apex court through live-streaming. Hence,
district. The river flows through Tirunelveli and then
statement 1 is NOT correct.
neighbouring Thoothukudi and ends in the Gulf of
It held that the live streaming proceedings are a part of
Mannar at Punakayil. It thus originates and ends in
the Right to Access Justice under Article 21
the same state.
The river supports wildlife such as the Nilgiri marten,
(Protection of Life and Personal Liberty) of the
slender loris, lion-tailed macaque, white spotted bush Constitution. Hence, statement 2 is NOT correct.
frog, galaxy frog, Sri Lankan Atlas moth and the great Gujarat High Court was the first high court to
hornbill. livestream court proceedings followed by Karnataka
Besides the ecosystem services it provides, the river high court. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
also has historical value for the people of the state. Currently, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh,
It is mentioned extensively in Sangam Era literature. Orissa, and Patna High Courts live stream their
Hence, option (d) is correct. proceedings.
15. (b)
Explanation:
Biome:
[Link]. Name of Biome Region Flora and Fauna
1. Tundra Northern and Southern most region Devoid of trees except stunted shrubs in the southern
of world adjoining the ice bound part of tundra biome, ground flora includes lichen,
poles. mosses and sedges. The typical animals are reindeer,
arctic fox, polar bear, snowy owl, lemming, arctic hare,
ptarmigan. Reptiles and amphibians are almost absent.
Hence, pair 1 is NOT correctly matched.
2. Taiga Northern parts of Europe, Asia and The dominating vegetation is coniferous evergreen
North America. Moderate temperature mostly spruce, with some pine and firs. The fauna
than tundra. Also known as boreal consists of birds, hawks, fur bearing carnivores, little
forest. mink, elks, puma, Siberian tiger, wolverine, wolves etc.
3. Temperate Extends over Central and Southern The flora includes trees like beech, oak, maple and
Deciduous Forest Europe, Eastern North America, cherry. Most animals are the familiar vertebrates and
Western China, Japan, New Zealand invertebrates. These are generally the most productive
etc. Moderate average temperature agricultural areas of the earth. Hence, pair 2 is correctly
and abundant rainfall. matched.
4. Tropical Tropical areas in the equatorial Tropical rainforest covers about 7% of the earth’s surface
Rainforest regions abound with life. Temperature & 40% of the world’s plant and animal species. Multiple
and rainfall remain high. Storey of broad-leafed evergreen tree species is in
abundance such as Mahagony etc. Most animals and
epiphytic plants are concentrated in the canopy or tree
top zones. Hence, pair 3 is NOT correctly matched.
641, 1st Floor, 21, Pusa Road, 13/15 Tashkent Marg, Plot No. 45& 45A, Harsh Tower-2, 6
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5. Savannah Tropical region: Savannah is most Grasses with scattered trees and fire resisting thorny
extensive in Africa shrubs. The fauna includes a great diversity of grazers
and browsers such as antelopes, buffaloes, zebras,
elephants and rhinoceros; the carnivores include lion,
cheetah, hyena; and mongoose, and many rodents.
6. Grassland North America, Ukraine, etc. Grasses dominate the vegetation. The fauna includes
Temperate conditions with low large herbivores like bison, antelope, cattle, rodents,
rainfall. prairie dog, wolves, and a rich and diverse array of
ground nesting bird.
7. Desert Continental interiors with very low The flora is drought resistant, such as cactus, euphorbias,
and sporadic rainfall with low sagebrush. Fauna: Reptiles, Small Mammals and birds.
humidity. The days are very hot but Hence, pair 4 is correctly matched.
nights are cold.
16. (b) According to the last count in 2017, there were 29,964
elephants in India.
Explanation:
Karnataka has the highest number of elephants in India,
Tiger Census:
followed by Assam.
It is conducted every four years. Hence, pair 1 is NOT
correctly matched. Rhino Census:
According to the 2018 tiger census, India has a tiger The rhino census is conducted every six years. Hence,
population of 2,967. pair 2 is correctly matched.
Madhya Pradesh has the highest number of tigers in As per the recent estimate, 2,645 rhinos are present in
India, followed by Karnataka. Assam.
There are 53 tiger reserves in India presently. The rhino census is conducted in four habitats namely
– Kaziranga, Pobitora, Manas, and Orang.
Elephant Census:
It is conducted every five years. Hence, pair 3 is NOT
correctly matched.
17. (d)
Explanation:
Differences between Economic Development and Economic Growth:
The basis of
Economic Development Economic Growth
Comparison
Concept Economic development is a much broader Economic Growth is a narrower concept than economic
concept than economic growth. Economic development.
development = Economic Growth +
Standard of Living.
Scope Economic Development is considered a Economic Growth is considered single-dimensional in nature
Multidimensional phenomenon because as it only focuses on the income of the people of the country.
it focuses on the income of the people and Hence, statement 1 is NOT correct.
on the improvement of the living standards
of the people of the country.
Term Long-term process Short-term process.
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Measurement Both Qualitative & Quantitative Terms: Quantitative Terms: Increases in real GDP. Hence, statement
HDI (Human Development Index), gender- 2 is NOT correct.
related index, Human poverty index, infant
mortality, literacy rate etc.
Related To Economic Development is related to Economic Growth is related to developed countries of the world.
underdeveloped and developing countries
of the world.
Effect Qualitative and Quantitative Impact on the Brings a quantitative impact on the economy. Increase in the
economy. Improvement in life expectancy indicators like per capita income and GDP, etc.
rate, infant, literacy rate, poverty rates, and
mortality rate.
Process Continuous process In a certain period
Tenor
18. (d) increased to 131. These were identified by the
Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on the basis
Explanation:
of their ambient air quality data between 2011 and
National Clean Air Programme (NCAP):
2015.
It was launched by the Ministry of Environment,
Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in January Non-attainment cities: These are those that have fallen
2019. short of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards
It is the first-ever effort in the country to frame a (NAAQS) for over five years.
national framework for air quality management with 19. (c)
a time-bound reduction target. Hence, statement 1 is
correct. Explanation:
 It seeks to cut the concentration of coarse National Logistics Policy (2022):
(particulate matter of diameter 10 micrometer or The Government has launched a National Logistics
less, or PM10) and fine particles (particulate matter Policy (NLP) 2022, aiming to achieve ‘quick last mile
of diameter 2.5 micrometer or less, or PM2.5) by delivery’, and end transport-related challenges.
at least 20% in the next five years, with 2017 as The policy focuses on key areas such as process re-
the base year for comparison. engineering, digitization, and multi-modal transport.
It is a crucial move as high logistics cost impacts the
 Recently, these targets have been updated to a 40%
competitiveness of domestic goods in the international
reduction in particulate matter by 2026 in
market.
addition to the 2024 targets. Hence, statement 2 is
Logistics costs have to be cut by half to be near global
correct.
benchmarks by 2030 by reducing the cost of logistics
The acceptable annual standard for PM2.5 is 40 from 14-18% of GDP to global best practices of 8%.
micrograms per cubic metre as per NCAP, which is Hence, statement 1 is NOT correct.
still pretty high considering World Health Organization It will be creating a data-driven Decision Support
(WHO) recommended standards of 5 micrograms per Systems (DSS) to enable an efficient logistics ecosystem.
cubic meter. Hence, statement 3 is correct. The policy’s target is to ensure that logistical issues are
PM2.5 are fine inhalable particles, with diameters that minimized, exports grow manifold, and small industries
are generally 2.5 micrometers and smaller, and pose the and the people working in them benefit significantly.
greatest risk to health. The National Logistics Policy has been formulated
 The plan included 102 non-attainment cities initially, by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Hence,
across 23 states and Union territories, which have statement 2 is NOT correct.
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It will improve India’s trade competitiveness, create more grazing food chain. This food chain begins from
jobs, improve India’s performance in global rankings and green plants at the base and the primary consumer
pave the way for India to become a logistics hub. is herbivore.
Detritus food chain:
20. (b)
 It starts from dead organic matter of decaying
Explanation: animals and plant bodies consumed by the micro-
Black Carbon: organisms and then to detritus-feeding organisms
Black carbon (BC) is a solid particle or aerosol that called detrivores or decomposers and to other
contributes to the warming of the atmosphere. predators.
Black carbon, commonly known as soot, is a form of  In the grazing food chain, the primary source of
particulate air pollutant, produced from incomplete energy is living plant biomass while in the detritus
combustion of biomass. It consists of pure carbon in food chain the source of energy is dead organic
several linked forms. Hence, statement 1 is NOT
matter or detritus. Hence, statement 1 is NOT
correct.
correct.
Sources of black carbon include biomass burning,
 The initial energy source for the detritus food chain
cooking with solid fuels, and diesel exhaust.
is the waste materials and dead organic matter from
Black carbon warms the Earth by absorbing heat in the
atmosphere and reducing albedo, (the ability to reflect the grazing food chain.
sunlight) when deposited on snow and ice. Hence, Â Food chains cover all organisms in an ecosystem
statement 3 is correct. bypassing the taxonomic categories. Hence,
BC is the strongest absorber of sunlight and heats statement 2 is correct.
the air directly. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
In addition, it darkens snow packs and glaciers through 22. (d)
deposition and leads to the melting of ice and snow. Explanation:
Regionally, BC disrupts cloudiness and monsoon Technical Textile:
rainfall and accelerates the melting of mountain glaciers Technical textiles are engineered products with definite
such as the Hindu Kush-Himalayan glaciers. functionalities.
Black carbon stays in the atmosphere for only several They are manufactured using natural as well as man-
days to weeks. Thus, the effects of BC on the made fibers such as Nomex, Kevlar, Spandex that
atmospheric warming and glacier retreat disappear exhibit enhanced functional properties such as higher
within months of reducing emissions. tenacity, excellent insulation, improved thermal
resistance etc.
21. (b)
These products find end-use application across multiple
Explanation: non-conventional textile industries such as healthcare,
Food chain: construction, automobile, aerospace, sports, defense,
Organisms in the ecosystem are related to each other agriculture.
through feeding mechanism or trophic levels, i.e., one Based on usage, there are 12 technical textile segments
organism becomes food for the other. A sequence of such as Agrotech, Meditech, BuildTech, Mobiltech,
organisms that feed on one another, form a food chain. Cloth Tech, Oekotech, Geotech, Packtech, Hometech,
A food chain starts with producers and ends with top Protech, Indutech and Sportech.
carnivores. The sequence of eating and being eaten produces Technical textile accounts for approximately 13% of
a transfer of food energy and it is known as a food chain. India’s total textile and apparel market and contributes
Types of Food Chains: to India’s GDP at 0.7%.
Grazing food chain: The government of India allows 100% Foreign Direct
 The consumers which start the food chain, utilizing Investment (FDI) under automatic route. Hence,
the plant or plant part as their food, constitute the statement 2 is NOT correct.
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National Technical Textiles Mission: 24. (b)
It has been set up that aims at an average growth rate
of 15-20% to increase the domestic market size of Explanation:
technical textiles to $ 40-50 Bn by the year 2024. Semiconductors:
It was launched by the Ministry of Textiles in 2020, Semiconductors are materials which have a conductivity
for a period of four years, from 2020-21 to 2023-24. between conductors and insulators.
Hence, statement 1 is NOT correct. Semiconductors, sometimes referred to as integrated
circuits (ICs) or microchips.
23. (b) They can be pure elements, silicon or germanium or
Explanation: compounds; gallium, arsenide or cadmium selenide.
Asiatic Caracal: The basic component of a semiconductor chip is a sliver
Scientific Name: Caracal Caracal Schmitzi of silicon, which is etched with billions of microscopic
The Asiatic caracal is a medium-sized and locally transistors and projected to specific minerals and gases,
threatened cat species, which has been widely reported forming patterns to control the flow of current while
to be on the brink of extinction in India. following different computational instructions.
It is also known by its Persian name Siyahgosh or ‘black The most-advanced semiconductor technology nodes
ears’. available today are the 3 nanometer (nm) and the 5
Distribution: nanometer (nm) ones. Semiconductors having higher
 They are found mostly in Rajasthan, Gujarat and nanometer value are applied in automobiles,
Madhya Pradesh and are located in Kutch, the consumer electronics and so on, while those with
Malwa Plateau, the Aravalli hill range. Hence, lower values are used in devices such as smartphones
statement 1 is NOT correct. and laptops. Hence, statement 1 is NOT correct.
 Besides India, the caracal is found in several dozen These are the building blocks of almost every modern
countries across Africa, the Middle East, Central electronic device from smartphones to connected
and South Asia. devices in the Internet of Things (IoT). They help give
Habitats: computational power to devices.
 It occurs in semi-deserts, steppes, savannah, In a process called doping, small amounts of
scrubland, dry forest and moist woodland or impurities are added to these pure elements, causing
evergreen forest. large changes in the conductivity of the material.
 It prefers open terrain and drier, scrubby, arid Hence, statement 2 is correct.
habitats and needs cover.
Threats: 25. (b)
 Large-scale hunting, illegal trading and loss of Explanation:
natural habitats are considered significant threats to Eastern Economic Forum (EEF):
the species. The Eastern Economic Forum was established by
Protection Status: decree of the President of the Russian Federation
 IUCN Red List: Least Concern. Hence, statement Vladimir Putin. Hence, statement 1 is NOT correct.
2 is correct. The EEF was established in 2015 to encourage
 Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I foreign investments in the Russian Far-East (RFE).
 CITES: Appendix I Hence, statement 2 is correct.
Conservation Initiatives: The EEF displays the economic potential, suitable
 In 2021, the National Board for Wildlife and the business conditions and investment opportunities in the
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate region.
Change included Caracal in the list of Critically The EEF focuses on investments in infrastructure,
Endangered species under critically endangered transportation projects, mineral excavations,
species recovery programme. construction, industry and agriculture.
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Russia hosted the seventh Eastern Economic Forum 27. (d)
(EEF), Vladivostok from September 5 to 8, 2022.
Hence, statement 3 is correct. Explanation:
Ocean acidification:
Russian Far-East:
Ocean acidification is the lowering of the pH of the
The RFE is geographically placed on the easternmost
side of Russia, bordering Japan, China and North Korea, ocean, driven by the uptake of carbon compounds from
and USA. the atmosphere.
The region encompasses one-third of Russia’s territory As the uptake of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) by
and is rich with natural resources such as fish, oil, natural the ocean increases, the concentration of hydrogen ions
gas, wood, diamonds and other minerals. in the ocean increases, the concentration of carbonate
The region is sparsely populated. ions decreases, the pH of the oceans decreases, and the
The region’s riches and resources contribute to five per oceans become less alkaline.
cent of Russia’s GDP. As we go deeper into the ocean, the carbon dioxide
concentrations tend to increase.
26. (c) This means the abyssopelagic zone will have a higher
Explanation: CO2 concentration than the epipelagic zone. Hence,
Ethereum: statement 3 is correct.
Ethereum is a decentralized global software platform Effect of ocean acidification on corals: In order for a
powered by blockchain technology. coral reef to grow, it must produce limestone (or calcium
Ethereum is one of the most used platforms by carbonate) at a rate that is faster than the reef being
developers to build decentralized apps (dApps), smart eroded. Ocean acidification slows the rate at which
contracts, and even crypto tokens. The platform’s coral reefs generate calcium carbonate, thus slowing
currency, Ether, is only second to Bitcoin in terms of the growth of coral skeletons, thereby degrading
market capitalization. them. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
Some of the most popular applications of Effect of ocean acidification on phytoplankton: The
cryptocurrencies, such as non-fungible tokens (NFTs) growth and level of photosynthesis of certain marine
and decentralized finance (DeFi), are based on the
phytoplankton and plant species may increase with
Ethereum network.
higher CO2 levels. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
The Ethereum blockchain platform fully transitioned
from ‘proof of work’ to a ‘proof-of-stake’ consensus 28. (a)
mechanism, and this revamp is known as the
‘Ethereum Merge’. Explanation:
Gross National Product (GNP):
Advantages of Ethereum Merge:
It is the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of a country
It would set aside the need for crypto miners and gigantic
added to its ‘net income from abroad’. Here, the
mining farms, which had previously driven the
transboundary economic activities of an economy
blockchain under a mechanism called ‘proof-of-work’
are also taken into account. Hence, statement 1 is
(PoW). It has now shifted to a ‘proof-of-stake’ (PoS)
mechanism that assigns ‘validators’ randomly to correct.
approve transactions and earn a small reward. The items that are counted in the segment ‘Net Income
 This would entirely eliminate the need for miners from Abroad’ are:
on the Ethereum network. Hence, statement 1 is  Private Remittances: The net outcome of the
correct. money which inflows and outflows on account of
It will reduce Ethereum’s energy consumption by nearly the ‘private transfers’ by Indian nationals working
99.95%. outside of India (to India) and the foreign nationals
It will also make transactions on the Ethereum working in India (to their home countries).
network extremely secure. Hence, statement 2 is  Interest on External Loans: The net result on the
correct. front of interest payments, i.e., the balance of
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external interest inflow (on the money lent out by It provides administrative machinery for conducting
the economy) and outflow (on money borrowed by elections. Hence, statement 4 is NOT correct.
the economy). It deals with the registration of political parties.
 External Grants: The net outcome of the external It specifies the qualifications and disqualifications for
grants, i.e., the balance of such grants that flow to membership in the Houses.
It provides provisions to curb corrupt practices and other
and from India.
offences.
Net Domestic Product (NDP): It lays down the procedure for settling doubts and
It is the GDP calculated after adjusting the weight of disputes arising out of elections.
the value of ‘depreciation’. This is, essentially, net form
30. (b)
of GDP, i.e., GDP minus the total value of the ‘wear and
tear’ (depreciation) that occurred in assets while the Explanation:
goods and services were being produced. Carbon Sequestration:
NDP = GDP – Depreciation Carbon sequestration describes the long-term storage
However, NDP is not used in comparative economics, of carbon dioxide or other forms of carbon to either
i.e., to compare the economies of the world. This is mitigate or defer global warming.
due to the different rates of depreciation that are set by Carbon sequestration may be carried out by pumping
the different economies around the world. Hence, carbon into ‘carbon sinks’— an area that absorbs carbon.
 They could be natural, like oceans and rainforests,
statement 2 is NOT correct.
or
29. (a) Â Artificial, like depleted oil reserves, unmineable
Explanation: mines, etc.
The holding of free and fair elections is the sine-qua-non There are three main steps to carbon capture and
of democracy. To ensure the conduct of elections in a storage (CCS):
 trapping and separating the CO2 from other gases,
free, fair, and impartial manner, the constitution-makers
incorporated Part XV (Articles.324-329) in the  transporting this captured CO2 to a storage location,
constitution and empowered Parliament to make laws and
to regulate the electoral process. Â storing that CO2 far away from the atmosphere
In this context, the Parliament has enacted the (underground or deep in the ocean).
Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1950, and the Types of Sequestration:
Representation of the People Act, 1951. Â Ocean Sequestration: Carbon is stored in the
oceans through direct injection or fertilization.
Representation of the Peoples Act (RPA), 1950:
 Geologic Sequestration: Natural pore spaces in
It lays down procedures for the delimitation of
geologic formations serve as reservoirs for long-term
constituencies. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
carbon dioxide storage.
It provides for the allocation of seats in the House of
 Terrestrial Sequestration: A large amount of
the People and in the legislative assemblies and
carbon is stored in soils and vegetation, which are
legislative councils of states.
our natural carbon sinks. Increasing carbon fixation
It specifies the procedures for preparing electoral
through photosynthesis, slowing down or reducing
rolls and the manner in which seats are filled. Hence,
the decomposition of organic matter, and changing
statement 2 is correct.
land use practices can enhance carbon uptake in
It lays down the qualifications of voters. Hence,
these natural sinks.
statement 3 is correct.
Geologic Sequestration Trapping Mechanisms:
Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951: Â Hydrodynamic Trapping: Carbon dioxide can be
It regulates the actual conduct of elections and by- trapped as a gas under low-permeability cap rock
elections. (much like natural gas is stored in gas reservoirs).
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ÂSolubility Trapping: Carbon dioxide can be Brown carbon: Carbon released by incomplete
dissolved in a liquid, such as water or oil. combustion of organic matter.
 Mineral Carbonation: Carbon dioxide can react with Red carbon: Carbon released through biological
the minerals, fluids, and organic matter in a geologic particles on snow and ice that reduce albedo. Hence,
formation to form stable compounds/minerals; largely statement 2 is correct.
calcium, iron, and magnesium carbonates.
33. (c)
Hence, option (b) is correct.
Explanation:
31. (d) Keystone species:
Explanation: This is a species whose addition to or loss from an
Tribes of India: ecosystem leads to major changes in the abundance or
Hatti Tribe (Himachal Pradesh): The Hattis are a occurrence of at least one other species.
close-knit community that got his name from tradition Certain species in an ecosystem are considered more
of selling homegrown vegetables, crops, meat, and wool important in determining the presence of many other
etc., at small markets called ‘haat’ in towns. Hence, species in that ecosystem.
pair 1 is correctly matched. All top predators (tiger, lion, crocodile, and elephant)
Narikoravan and Kurivikkaran (Tamil Nadu): are considered keystone species because they regulate
Nomadic tribes like the Narikuravas and Kuruvikaras all other animals’ populations indirectly. Hence, top
(jackal catchers and bird eaters), pride themselves on predators are given much consideration in conservation.
their traditional occupations of hunting and gathering. Prairie dogs are found in the grasslands of central
Hence, pair 2 is correctly matched.
and western North America. Prairie dogs are a
Binjhia (Chhattisgarh): The Binjhia in Chhattisgarh
keystone species that supports some 130 other
were listed as ST in Jharkhand and Odisha but not in
species. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
Chhattisgarh. Hence, pair 3 is correctly matched.
Keystone species deserve special attention from a
 The Binjhia are non-vegetarians, and agriculture is
conservation point of view. The conservation of
the mainstay of their economy. They do not eat beef
and pork but consume alcoholic drinks, including keystone species promotes the conservation of all other
the handia (rice beer). species that are associated with them.
Keystone species have low functional redundancy.
Betta-Kuruba (Karnataka): The ST status granted to the
This means that if the species were to disappear from
Betta-Kuruba community as a synonym of Kadu Kuruba
of Karnataka. Hence, pair 4 is correctly matched. the ecosystem, no other species would be able to fill its
 The Betta-Kuruba community has been demanding
ecological niche. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
to inclusion in the ST category for the last 30 years. If keystone species are lost, it will result in the
degradation of the whole ecosystem.
32. (d) For example, certain plant species (ebony tree, Indian-
laurel) exclusively depend upon bats for their pollination.
Explanation:
If the bat population is reduced, then regeneration of
Types of carbons:
particular plants becomes more difficult. This changes
Purple carbon: Carbon captured through the air or
industrial emissions. Hence, statement 3 is correct. the vegetation structure, which has an adverse influence
Blue carbon: Carbon stored in ocean plants and sediments. on the dependent animals.
Teal carbon: Carbon stored in freshwater and
34. (c)
wetland environments. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
Green carbon: Carbon stored in terrestrial plants. Explanation:
Black carbon: Carbon released through the burning of Tier 1 capital:
fossil fuels. Â It consists mainly of share capital and disclosed
Gray carbon: Carbon released through industrial reserves, and it is a bank’s highest quality capital
emissions. because it is fully available to cover losses. It refers
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to a bank’s core capital and equity that appear on  The spacecraft carried a high-resolution imager
the bank’s financial statements. Hence, statement called Didymos Reconnaissance and Asteroid
1 is correct. Camera for Optical Navigation (DRACO).
 In the event that a bank experiences significant Images from DRACO were sent to Earth in real-time
losses, Tier 1 capital provides a cushion that allows and will help study the impact site and surface of
it to weather stress and maintain continuity of Dimorphos (the target asteroid).
operations. Â DART also carried a small satellite or CubeSat
Tier 2 capital: named LICIACube (Light Italian CubeSat for
 It refers to a bank’s supplementary capital, such Imaging of Asteroids).
as undisclosed reserves and unsecured LICIACube is expected to capture images of the impact
subordinated debt instruments that must have an and the impact crater formed as a result of the collision.
original maturity of at least five years.
 Tier 2 capital is considered less reliable than Tier 36. (b)
1 capital because it is more difficult to accurately Explanation:
calculate and more difficult to liquidate. Hence, Carbon credit:
statement 2 is correct. A carbon credit is a tradeable certificate or permit
representing the right to emit one tonne of carbon or
35. (b) carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e).
Explanation: One carbon credit is equivalent to one tonne of CO2 or
NASA’s DART Mission: CO2 equivalent gases.
It is the first Kinetic Impactor Method of planetary A carbon credit is given to a company that emits one
defence, in which a DART spacecraft collided with the tonne less carbon dioxide equivalent than the standard
asteroid Dimorphos. Hence, option (b) is correct. level of carbon emissions allowed for its outfit or
 The Kinetic Impactor Method involves sending one activity.
or more large, high-speed spacecraft into the path In line with the Kyoto Protocol emission norms, a
of an approaching near-Earth object. This could company has two ways to reduce emissions:
deflect the asteroid into a different trajectory, Â It can reduce greenhouse gases (GHG) by
steering it away from the Earth’s orbital path. implementing new technology or improving existing
Data obtained from DART’s crash will be compared technology in order to meet the new emission
to the data from various computer simulations run standards.
by scientists to ascertain whether this kinetic  It can tie up with developing nations and help them
impactor method will remain a viable option in case set up new technology that is eco-friendly, thereby
of an actual threatening asteroid. helping a developing country or its companies ‘earn’
DART Spacecraft: credits.
DART is a low-cost spacecraft. This credit becomes a permit for the company to
It has two solar arrays and monoeuvres the spacecraft emit GHGs in its own country.
with hydrazine propellant. However, only a portion of the carbon credits
It also carried about 10 kg of xenon which will be used generated by the company in a developing
to demonstrate the agency’s new thrusters called NASA country can be transferred to the company in
Evolutionary Xenon Thruster–Commercial (NEXT-C) a developed country. Hence, statement 1 is
in space. NOT correct.
The NEXT-C gridded ion thruster system provides a Carbon, like any other commodity, has begun to be
combination of performance and spacecraft traded on India’s Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX).
integration capabilities that make it uniquely suited MCX has become the first exchange in Asia to trade
for deep space robotic missions. carbon credits. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
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37. (d) year). Some other names for this inflation are hopping
inflation, jumping inflation, and running, or runaway
Explanation: inflation. Hence, pair 1 is correctly matched.
[Link] Chemicals Sources of exposure Hyper Inflation: This form of inflation is ‘large and
1. Cadmium Alloys with Zn and Pb, accelerating’ which might have annual rates in the
electroplating, batteries, and millions or even trillions. In such inflation, not only is
insecticides. Hence, pair 1 is the range of increases is very large, but the increases
correctly matched. take place in a very short span of time, and prices shoot
2 Chlorine Bleaching, formation of up overnight. The best example of hyperinflation that
economists cite is that of Germany after the First
chlorinated compounds,
World War in the early 1920s. Such inflation quickly
household cleaners.
results in a complete loss of confidence in the domestic
3 Hydrofluoric acid Chemical catalyst, pesticides, currency, and people begin to prefer alternative forms
bleaching, welding, etching. of money, such as physical assets, gold, and foreign
Hence, pair 2 is correctly currency (also known as ‘inflation proof’ assets), and
matched. people may switch to barter exchange.
4 Hydrochloric acid Metal refining, rubber Other variants of Inflation:
manufacturing, organic Bottleneck Inflation: This inflation takes place when
compound manufacture, the supply falls drastically and the demand remains at
photographic materials. the same level. Such situations arise due to supply-
5 Mercury Electrolysis, ore and amalgam side hurdles, hazards, or mismanagement, which is
extraction, electronics also known as ‘structural inflation’. This could be put
manufacture. in the ‘demand-pull inflation’ category. Hence, pair 2
6 Ozone Arc welding, copy machines, is NOT correctly matched.
Core Inflation: This nomenclature is based on the
paper bleaching. Hence, pair
inclusion or exclusion of goods and services when
3 is correctly matched.
calculating inflation. Popular in western economies,
7 Sulphur dioxide Petroleum refining, pulp mills, core inflation shows a price rise in all goods and
refrigeration plants, services excluding energy and food articles. In India,
manufacturing of sodium it was first used in India in the fiscal year 2000–01.
sulphite. Hence, pair 3 is NOT correctly matched.
8 Lithium hydride Alloys, ceramics, electronics,
chemical catalysts. Hence, pair 39. (b)
4 is correctly matched. Explanation:
Reserve Bank of India:
38. (a) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) was set up in 1935
Explanation: (by the RBI Act, 1934) as a private bank with two extra
Types of Inflation: functions: regulation and control of the banks in India
Low Inflation: Such inflation is slow and on predictable and being the banker of the government.
lines, which might be called small or gradual. Low Functions:
inflation takes place over a longer period, and the range  It is the distributing agent for currency and coins
of increase is usually in the ‘single digit’. Such inflation issued by the government of India.
has also been called ‘creeping inflation’. Â It is the bank of the banks and the bank of last resort.
Galloping Inflation: This is a ‘very high inflation’ Banks can borrow short term loans and advances
running in the range of double-digit or triple-digit from the RBI through various instruments, such as
(i.e., 20 percent, 100 percent, or 200 percent in a the Liquidity Adjustment Facility.
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 It announces the credit and monetary policy for the Common Market: The key feature of a common market
economy. is the extension of free trade from just tangible goods,
 It deliberates on stabilizing and targeting (CPI–C) to include all economic resources. This means that all
the rate of inflation. barriers are eliminated to allow the free movement of
 It deliberates on stabilizing the exchange rate of goods, services, capital, and labor. In addition to
the rupee. Hence, statement 1 is correct. removing tariffs, non-tariff barriers are also reduced or
eliminated.
 It is the keeper of the foreign currency reserves.
Hence, option (a) is correct.
 It is the agent of the Government of India in the
International Monetary Fund (IMF). 41. (b)
 It performs a variety of developmental and Explanation :
promotional functions under which it sets up Vultures in India:
institutions like IDBI, SIDBI, NABARD, NHB, etc. India has nine species of vultures in the wild. They are:
 It is the regulator and supervisor of the financial Oriental White-backed Vulture (Gyps bengalensis)
system. Hence, statement 2 is correct. Slender billed Vulture (Gyps tenuirostris)
 It is the issuing agency of the currency and coins Long billed Vulture (Gyps indicus)
other than the currency and coin of one rupee Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus)
(which are issued by the Ministry of Finance itself Red Headed Vulture (Sarcogyps calvus)
with the signature of the Finance Secretary on the Indian Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus)
note). Hence, statement 3 is NOT correct. Himalayan Griffon (Gyps himalayensis)
Cinereous Vulture (Aegypius monachus)
40. (a) Bearded Vulture or Lammergeier (Gypaetus barbatus)
Explanation: Hence, option (b) is correct.
Economic integration: Vultures of North America:
There are several stages in the process of economic The three most common vultures in North America are
integration, from a very loose association of countries the turkey vulture, black vulture, and king vulture.
in a preferential trade area, to complete economic The California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus) is
integration, where the economies of member countries an endangered native bird to the California and Arizona
are completely integrated. mountains.
 With a wing span of approximately 10 feet, this very
Stages of integration:
Preferential Trade Area: Preferential Trade Areas large bird is the only member of the condor family
(PTAs) exist when countries within a geographical found in North America.
region agree to reduce or eliminate tariff barriers on
42. (c)
selected goods imported from other members of the
area. Explanation:
Free Trade Area: Free Trade Areas (FTAs) are created Indicator species:
when two or more countries in a region agree to reduce An indicator species is a species whose presence
or eliminate barriers to trade on all goods coming from indicates the presence of a set of other species and whose
other members. The North Atlantic Free Trade absence indicates the lack of that entire set of species.
Agreement (NAFTA) is an example of such a free trade An indicator species is any biological species that
area, and includes the USA, Canada, and Mexico. defines a trait or characteristic of the environment.
Customs Union: A customs union involves the removal For example, a species may delineate an ecoregion or
of tariff barriers between members, together with the indicate an environmental condition such as a disease
acceptance of a common (unified) external tariff against outbreak, pollution, species competition, or climate
non-members. change.
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An indicator species can be among the most sensitive An EER is a summary indicator of the movements of
species in a region, and sometimes act as an early the home currency against a basket of trading partners
warning to monitoring biologists. Hence, statement currencies.
1 is correct. The Reserve Bank compiles and disseminates indices
Many indicator species of ocean systems are fish, of nominal effective exchange rate (NEER) and real
invertebrates, periphyton, macrophytes, and specific effective exchange rate (REER) of the Indian rupee
species of ocean birds (like the Atlantic puffin). (both trade and export-weighted), the latest series being
Amphibians indicate chemicals, global warming, and constructed with the base year 2015-16. Hence,
air pollution. statement 2 is correct.
Macrophytes like lichens are indicators of air quality
and are sensitive to sulphur dioxide. Hence, Nominal Effective Exchange Rate (NEER):
statement 2 is correct. Nominal Effective Exchange Rate (NEER) of the rupee
is a weighted average of exchange rates before a basket
43. (a) of major trading partners currencies.
Explanation: Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER):
Inflation Spiral: A real effective exchange rate (REER) is the NEER
An inflationary situation in an economy that results from adjusted by relative prices or costs, typically captured
a process of wage and price interaction ‘when wages in inflation differentials between the home economy and
press prices up and prices pull wages up’ is known trading partners. Hence, statement 1 is NOT correct.
as the inflationary spiral. It is also known as the ‘wage-
price spiral’. Hence, statement 1 is correct. 45. (d)
This wage-price interaction was seen as a plausible Explanation:
cause of inflation in the year 1935 in the US economy, The above description is about V.O. Chidambaram
for the first time.
Pillai. Hence, option (d) is correct.
Inflationary Gap:
Chidambaram Pillai:
The excess of total government spending above the
He was popularly known as Kappalottiya Tamilan
national income (i.e., the fiscal deficit) is known as
(The Tamil Helmsman) and Sekkizuththa Semmal
the ‘inflationary gap’. This is intended to increase the
(scholarly gentry who suffered at the oil press).
production level, which ultimately pushes the prices up
Birth: Vallinayagam Olaganathan Chidambaram Pillai
due to the extra money created during the process.
(VOC) was born on 5th September 1872, to an eminent
Hence, statement 2 is NOT correct.
lawyer, Olaganathan Pillai, and Paramyee Ammai in
Deflationary gap: Ottapidaram, Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu.
The shortfall in total spending of the government (i.e., Early Life: VOC graduated from Caldwell College,
fiscal surplus) over the national income creates Tuticorin. Before beginning his law studies, he worked
deflationary gaps in the economy. This is a situation of
for a brief period as a taluk office clerk.
producing more than the demand and the economy
 His tussle with the judge forced him to seek fresh
usually heads for a general slowdown in the level of
pastures at Tuticorin in 1900.
demand. This is also known as the output gap.
 Until 1905, professional and journalistic activities
44. (b) consumed most of his energy.
Explanation: Entry into Politics: VOC first entered politics in 1905,
Effective Exchange Rates (EERs): following the partition of Bengal.
Effective Exchange Rates (EERs) serve as a gauge for  Towards the end of 1905, VOC visited Madras and
assessing the fair value of a currency, the external was drawn closer to the Swadeshi Movement
competitiveness of an economy and serve as guideposts initiated by Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Lala
for setting monetary and financial conditions. Lajpat Rai.
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 VOC was drawn towards the Ramakrishna The Ganges Dolphin is among the four “obligate”
Mission and came into contact with Subramania freshwater dolphins found in the world – the other three
Bharati and the Mandayam family. are the ‘baiji’ found in the Yangtze River (China), the
 The Swadeshi movement did not gain traction in ‘bhulan’ of the Indus (Pakistan), and the ‘boto’ of
the Amazon River (Latin America). Hence, option
Tirunelveli until the arrival of VOC at Tuticorin
(b) is correct.
(present-day Thoothukudi).
Although there are several species of marine dolphins
Role Played in the Freedom Movement: By 1906, whose ranges include some freshwater habitats, these
VOC had won the support of merchants and industrialists four species live only in rivers, and lakes.
in Tuticorin and Tirunelveli for the idea of establishing
a Swadeshi merchant shipping outfit by the name of 47. (d)
the Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company (SSNCo). Explanation:
 He established many institutions like Swadeshi Imperative Planning:
Prachar Sabha, Dharmasanga Nesavu Salai, the Imperative planning refers to the planning process used
National Godown, Madras Agro-Industrial Society by state economies (e.g., socialist or communist). Such
Ltd., and Desabimana Sangam. planning is also called directive or target planning. Such
 In their efforts, VOC and Siva were aided by a planning had two main variants:
 In the socialist system, all economic decisions were
number of Tirunelveli-based lawyers, who formed
an organisation called the Swadeshi Sangam, or centralized in the hands of the state, with collective
ownership of resources (except labor). In the
‘National Volunteers’.
communist system (i.e., China of the past), all
 The nationalist movement acquired a secondary resources were to be owned and utilized by the state
character with the beginning of the Tuticorin Coral (including labor).
Mills strike (1908).
 Thus, communist China was the purest example
 Even prior to Gandhiji’s Champaran Satyagraha of such planning. In the case of the Soviet Union,
(1917), VOC took up the cause of the working class a little bit of ‘market’ did exist—even after the
in Tamil Nadu, and thus he is a forerunner to collectivization of agriculture. Hence, statement 1
Gandhiji in this respect. is NOT correct.
Writings: Meyyaram (1914), Meyyarivu (1915), Basic features of such planning are as follows:
Anthology (1915), Thirukural with literary notes by  The plan sets numerical (i.e., quantitative) targets
Manakudavar (1917), Tholkappiam with literary notes for growth and development.
by Ilampooranar (1928), Autobiography (1946). Â There is almost no role for the market.
Death: VOC died on 18th November, 1936 in the  No private participation in the economy, etc.
Indian National Congress Office at Tuticorin. The command economies followed this kind of planning.
That is why such economies are also known as the
46. (b)
centrally planned economies— the USSR, Poland,
Explanation: Hungary, Austria, Romania, etc., and finally China.
Ganges River Dolphin: Indicative Planning:
It is the national aquatic animal of India. In the following two decades after Soviet planning
It inhabits the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and commenced, the idea of planning got attention from the
Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems of Nepal, India, and democratic world. The nature of their planning was
Bangladesh. different from the command economy. Such planning
They are listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection has been termed ‘indicative planning’ by economists
Act (1972). and experts.
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Features of indicative planning:
 Unlike a centrally planned economy (countries
follow imperative planning), indicative planning
works through the market (price system) rather
than replacing it. Hence, statement 2 is NOT
correct.
 Along with setting numerical or quantitative targets
(as in imperative planning), economies announce a
set of economic policies of an indicative nature in
order to achieve the plan targets.
 The indicative nature of economic policies, which
are announced in such planning, basically encourages
or discourages the private sector in its process of
economic decision making.
48. (c)
49. (a)
Explanation:
Horizons of the soil: Explanation:
Pollutants, especially nondegradable ones, move
O horizon: The O horizon is a surface horizon that is
through the various trophic levels in an ecosystem.
comprised of organic material at various stages of
The movement of these pollutants involves two main
decomposition. It is most prominent in forested areas
processes:
where there is the accumulation of debris from fallen  Bioaccumulation  Biomagnification
trees.
A horizon: The A horizon is a surface horizon that Bioaccumulation:
largely consists of minerals (sand, silt, and clay) with It refers to how pollutants enter a food chain.
appreciable amounts of organic matter. This horizon is In bioaccumulation, there is an increase in the
concentration of a pollutant from the environment to
predominantly the surface layer of many soils in
the first organism in a food chain. Hence, statement
grasslands and agricultural lands. Hence, option (c) is
1 is correct.
correct.
E horizon: The E horizon is a subsurface horizon that Biomagnification:
has been heavily leached. Leaching is the process by Biomagnification refers to the tendency of pollutants to
which soluble nutrients are lost from the soil due to concentrate as they move from one trophic level to the next.
Thus, in biomagnification, there is an increase in
precipitation or irrigation. The horizon is typically
concentration of a pollutant from one link in a food
light in colour. It is most commonly found beneath the
chain to another.
O horizon.
In order for biomagnification to occur, the pollutant
B horizon: The B horizon is a subsurface horizon that must be long-lived, mobile, soluble in fats, and
has accumulated from the layer(s) above. It is a site of biologically active. Hence, statement 2 is NOT correct.
deposition of certain minerals that have leached from
the layer(s) above. 50. (b)
C horizon: The C horizon is a subsurface horizon. It Explanation:
has the least weathered horizon. It is an unconsolidated, Project 17A:
loose parent material that is also known as saprolite. The Project 17 Alpha frigates (P-17A) were launched by
R horizon: Unweathered rock that exists below the the Indian Navy in 2019 to construct a series of stealth
parent material. guided-missile frigates. Hence, option (b) is correct.
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These are currently being constructed by two companies: areas on the basis of nutritional requirements and related
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL) and Garden consumption expenditures. Poverty estimates for
Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE). subsequent years were to be calculated by adjusting the
These guided-missile frigates have been constructed price level for inflation.
with a specific stealth design, that has radar-absorbent Lakdawala Committee (1993): It was chaired by DT
coatings and is low-observable, which can make their Lakdawala, and made the following suggestions:
approach undetectable to enemies. Â Consumption expenditure should be calculated
The new technology also reduces the ship’s infrared based on calorie consumption as earlier.
signals. Â State specific poverty lines should be constructed,
 The first stealth ship launched under Project 17A and these should be updated using the Consumer
was the Nilgiri, which was launched in 2019. Price Index for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW) in urban
 Udaygiri, the second ship, was launched in May areas and the Consumer Price Index for Agricultural
2022, and will likely be commissioned in 2024. Labourers (CPI-AL) in rural areas.
 Recently, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), Tendulkar Committee (2009): It was constituted by
which is under the Ministry of Defense, launched the Planning Commission and, chaired by Suresh
Taragiri, the third stealth frigate of Project 17A. Tendulkar. The recommendations of the committee
Benefits: were:
 It provides additional benefits such as economic  A Shift from Calorie-Consumption based Poverty
development, and employment generation for Estimation: It based its calculations on the
Indian shipyards, their sub-contractors, and the consumption of items like cereal, pulses, milk, edible
ancillary industry. oil, non-vegetarian items, vegetables, fresh fruits,
etc.
 Around 75% of the orders for Project 17A have been
placed with indigenous firms, including MSMEs, Â Uniform Poverty Line Basket (PLB): Unlike the
thus reinforcing the country’s quest for Atma Alagh Committee (which relied on separate PLB for
Nirbhar Bharat. rural and urban areas), the Tendulkar Committee
computed new poverty lines for rural and urban areas
The indigenous construction of complex frontline ships
of each state based on the uniform poverty line
such as Stealth frigates has catapulted the nation to a
basket.
higher pedestal in the arena of shipbuilding.
 Private Expenditure: Incorporating of private
51. (d) expenditure on health and education while estimating
poverty.
Explanation:
Post-Independence Poverty Estimation: Rangarajan Committee (2014): It recommended the
Planning Commission Expert Group (1962): A following for poverty line estimation:
 Normative level of adequate nutrition: Ideal and
working group constituted by the Planning Commission,
formulated the separate poverty lines for rural and urban desirable level of nutrition.
areas (₹20 and ₹25 per capita per month, respectively). Â Behavioral determination of non-food expenses:
VM Dandekar and N Rath (1971): Economists V.M. What people use or consume as per general behavior.
Dandekar and N. Rath first established the consumption  Nutritional Requirement: For normative levels of
levels required to meet a minimum calorie norm of 2,250 adequate nutrition – average requirements of
calories per capita per day. They made the first calories, proteins, and fats are based on Indian
systematic assessment of poverty in India, based on Council of Medical Research (ICMR) norms.
National Sample Survey (NSS) data. Â Poverty Threshold: Persons spending below ₹47
Alagh Committee (1979): A task force constituted by a day in cities and ₹32 in villages should be
the Planning Commission under the chairmanship of considered poor.
YK Alagh, constructed a poverty line for rural and urban Hence, option (d) is correct.
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52. (d) Rill erosion: When sheet flows begin to concentrate on
the land surface, rill erosion occurs. While sheet erosion
Explanation: is generally invisible, rill erosion leaves visible scouring
Causes for Biodiversity Loss: on the landscape. This type of erosion occurs when the
Loss of biodiversity occurs when either a particular duration or intensity of rain increases and runoff
species is destroyed or the habitat essential for its volumes accelerate.
survival is damaged. The latter is more common as Gully erosion: Rill erosion evolves into gully erosion
habitat destruction is an inevitable fallout of development. as the duration or intensity of rain continues to increase
The extinction of species takes place when they are and runoff volumes continue to accelerate. A gully is
exploited for economic gain or hunted as sport or for food. generally defined as a scoured-out area that is not
Extinction of species may also occur due to environmental crossable with tillage or grading equipment.
reasons like ecological substitutions, biological factors
and pathological causes which can be caused either by 54. (a)
nature or man. Explanation:
Causes for biodiversity loss may be classified into: Ecotone:
 Natural causes An ecotone is a zone of junction between two or more
Floods diverse ecosystems. For example, the mangrove
Earthquakes forests represent an ecotone between marine and
Landslides
terrestrial ecosystems. Other examples are – grassland,
Rivalry among species
an estuary, and a river bank. Hence, statements 1 and
Lack of pollination and diseases
2 are correct.
 Man-Made causes Characteristics of Ecotone:
Habitat destruction
It may be very narrow or quite wide.
Uncontrolled commercial exploitation It has intermediate conditions compared to the adjacent
Hunting and poaching
ecosystems. Hence, it is a zone of tension.
Conversion of a rich bio-diversity site for human
It is linear, as it shows a progressive increase in the
settlement and industrial development species composition of one incoming community and
a simultaneous decrease in species in the other outgoing
Extension of agriculture
adjoining community.
Pollution
Well-developed ecotones contain some organisms that
Wetland development
are entirely different from those of the adjoining
Destruction of coastal areas
communities.
Hence, option (d) is correct.
Sometimes the number of species and the population
53. (d) density of some of the species are much greater in
this zone than in either community. This is known
Explanation: as the edge effect. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
Stages of soil erosion: The organisms that occur primarily or most abundantly
Splash erosion: Splash erosion is the first stage of the in this zone are known as ‘edge species’.
erosion process. It occurs when raindrops hit bare soil. The
explosive impact breaks up soil aggregates so that 55. (a)
individual soil particles are ‘splashed’ onto the soil surface. Explanation:
Sheet erosion: Sheet erosion refers to the uniform Hydrogen Fuel Cell:
movement of a thin layer of soil across an expanse Hydrogen fuel cells are a clean, reliable, quiet, and
of land devoid of vegetative cover. Raindrops detach efficient source of high-quality electric power.
soil particles, which go into solution as runoff occurs They use hydrogen as a fuel to drive an electrochemical
and are transported downstream to a point of process that produces electricity, with water and heat as
deposition. Hence, option (d) is correct. the only by-products.
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Hydrogen is one of the most abundant elements on 57. (c)
earth, making it a cleaner alternative fuel option.
Explanation:
Types of Hydrogen: Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM):
Green hydrogen is produced by electrolysis of water It is a new water management approach that works to
using renewable energy (like solar, wind) and has a manage finite water resources for long-term resilience
lower carbon footprint. and reliability, meeting both community and ecosystem
 Electricity splits water into hydrogen and oxygen. needs.
 By Products: Water, Water Vapor. It is based on the ‘one water approach’ which
Brown hydrogen is produced using coal where the recognizes that all water has value, regardless of its
emissions are released into the air. Hence, pair 1 is source. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
NOT correctly matched. Â This approach also recognizes that all water has
Grey hydrogen is produced from natural gas where value, and by considering the potential of every form
the associated emissions are released into the air. of water, none of them should be treated as a waste
Hence, pair 2 is NOT correctly matched. product.
Blue hydrogen is produced from natural gas, where the The approach provides the potential to enhance the
emissions are captured using carbon capture and urban, social, and environmental landscape.
storage. Hence, pair 3 is NOT correctly matched. Factors driving the need for IWRM include:
 Differences in regional water availability.
56. (b) Â Pricing and affordability of water.
Explanation: Â Seasonal and inter-annual variation in water supply.
Ecological niche: Â Water quality and quantity.
A niche is the unique functional role or place of a species
 Aged infrastructure for water management.
in an ecosystem.
 Supply-centric management of water sources.
It is a description of all the biological, physical, and
 Polluted waterbodies.
chemical factors that a species needs to survive, stay
healthy, and reproduce. Â Agricultural and industrial expansion.
A niche is unique for a species, which means no two  Climate change.
species have exact identical niches. Hence, statement  Disproportionate distribution of water.
2 is correct. IWRM is superior to the conventional water management
Fundamental niche is the entire set of conditions under approach in several ways, such as
which an animal (population, species) can survive and  In the conventional water management approach,
reproduce itself. drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater are
A realized niche is the set of conditions actually used managed separately, whereas in ‘One Water’, all
by given animal (pop, species), after interactions with the water systems, regardless of their source, are
other species (predation and especially competition) intentionally connected and meticulously
have been taken into account. managed for water, energy, and resources. Hence,
Fundamental niche is broader than realised niche. statement 3 is correct.
Hence, statement 1 is NOT correct. Â Water is recycled and reused several times in
Types of Niches: IWRM, in contrast to a one-way route from
Habitat niche: where it lives. supply to use, treatment, and disposal under
Food niche: what it eats or decomposes and what conventional management. Hence, statement 2 is
species it competes with. NOT correct.
Reproductive niche: how and when it reproduces. Â Stormwater is utilized as a valuable resource to fight
Physical and chemical niche: temperature, land shape, against water scarcity, recharge groundwater, and
land slope, humidity, and other requirements. support natural vegetation.
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 The water system includes green infrastructure and Angiosperms: Angiosperms (Angeion = a case, sperma
a mix of grey and green infrastructure that form a = seed) are the closed-seeded plants.
hybrid system as compared to grey infrastructure in  These are the most highly developed plants, which
conventional water management. bear flowers with conspicuous accessory and
 The interconnectedness of surface water, essential whorls.
groundwater, stormwater, and wastewater is  Carpels have the ovary, style, and stigma.
collectively recognized and managed by these
separate but connected entities. 59. (d)
 Active collaborations with industry, agencies, Explanation:
policymakers, business leaders, and various Millets:
stakeholders are a regular practice in the ‘One Water’ Millets are collective group of small seeded annual
approach, whereas collaboration is need-based in
grasses that are grown as grain crops, primarily on
conventional water management systems.
marginal land in dry areas of temperate, sub-tropical
58. (c) and tropical regions.
The top 5 states in millet production are:
Explanation: Â Rajasthan: Bajra or Sorghum
Important floral groups are:
 Karnataka: Jowar or Ragi
Algae: The green, non differentiated plants (non-
differentiated into organs like root, stem, and leaf.) Â Maharashtra: Ragi or Jowar
possessing chlorophyll are known as algae. They usually  Uttar Pradesh: Bajra
grow in water or in moist situations. Â Haryana: Bajra
Fungi: Non-green, non-differentiated plants Hence, statement 3 is correct.
characterized by a total absence of chlorophyll are The National Year of Millet was observed in the year
called fungi. Hence, statement 1 is correct. 2018. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
 They grow either on dead, rotten organic matter as
The Government of India had proposed to the United
saprophytes or live as parasites on other living Nations that 2023 be declared the International Year of
bodies, which are referred to as hosts. Millet.
Bacteria: Non-chlorophyllous micro-organisms which  The Indian proposal was supported by 72 countries,
have saprophytic or parasitic existence. and on March 5, 2021, the United Nations General
 Many of them are pathogenic. Assembly (UNGA) declared 2023 to be the
 Saprophytic bacteria are rather beneficial. They are International Year of Millet. Hence, statement 1 is
soil borne and many of them are used in industries. correct.
Lichens: A lichen is a peculiar combination of an alga
Millet Common name
and a fungus: the two live together and mutual benefit.
Hence, statement 2 is correct. Sorghum Jowar
Bryophytes: The body of a bryophyte is differentiated Pearl Millet Bajra
into a small stem and simple leaves, but true roots are Finger Millet Ragi/Mandua
absent. Foxtail Millet Kangani/Kakun
Pteridophytes: The pteridophytes have well-
Proso Millet Cheena
differentiated plant bodies, consisting of roots, stems
and leaves. Moreover, they possess vascular bundles. Kodo Millet Kodo
Gymnosperms: Gymnosperms (gymnos = naked, Barnyard Millet Sawa/Sanwa/Jhangora
sperma = seed) are the naked-seeded plants. Little Millet Kutki
 They have very simple flowers without accessory
Buck-wheat Kuttu
whorls, and stamens and carpels remain aggregated
Ameranthus Chaulai
in cones.
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60. (d) Â The plan laid more emphasis on agriculture.
Industrialization was at the level of promoting cottage
Explanation:
The Visvesvaraya Plan (1934): The first blueprint of
and village-level industries, unlike the National
Indian planning was given by civil engineer and ex- Planning Committee and the Bombay Plan, which
Dewan of the Mysore state, M. Visvesvaraya. supported a leading role for heavy and large industries.
 In his book ‘The Planned Economy of India’,  The plan articulated a ‘decentralized economic
published in 1934, he laid emphasis on structure’ for India with self-contained villages.
industrialization—a shift of labor from agricultural The People’s Plan (1945): It was formulated by M.N.
to industries, targeting to double the national income Roy, Chairman of the Post-War Reconstruction
in one decade. Committee of the Indian Trade Union.
The Gandhian Plan (1944): Sriman Narayan  The plan was based on Marxist socialism and
Agarwal formulated ‘The Gandhian Plan’ in 1944. advocated the need to provide the people with the
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‘basic necessities of life’. The agricultural and  National Mission on Sustainable Habitat
industrial sectors were both equally highlighted in  National Water Mission
the plan. Â National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan
The Sarvodaya Plan (1950): It was formulated by Eco-system
socialist leader Jayaprakash Narayan.
 National Mission for a Green India
 The Gandhian techniques of constructive work by
 National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture
the community and trusteeship, as well as the
Sarvodaya concept of Acharya Vinoba Bhave, the  National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for
eminent Gandhian constructive worker were major Climate Change
inspirations for the plan. The plans major ideas Hence, option (d) is correct.
emphasise agriculture and agri-based small and National Mission for Clean Ganga:
cottage industries. The National Mission for Clean Ganga is a registered
Hence, option (d) is correct. society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
The aim of the mission is to take measures for
61. (c)
prevention, control, and abatement of environmental
Explanation: pollution in the river Ganga.
Exempted goods under GST: It also aims to ensure a continuous, adequate flow of
 Fresh fruits and dry vegetables like potatoes, water so as to rejuvenate the river Ganga.
onions, and other leguminous vegetables; fish, eggs,
fresh milk, etc. 63. (a)
 Grapes, melons, ginger, garlic, unroasted coffee Explanation:
beans, green tea leaves that are not processed, and Synergy:
more. Food items that are not put into branded ‘Synergy’ is a cyber security exercise by the Indian
containers like rice, hulled cereal grains, wheat, Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) under
corn, etc. the Ministry of Electronics and IT, the Government of
 Unspun jute fibres, raw silk, khadi fibre, etc. India, in collaboration with the Cyber Security Agency
Hearing aid manufacturing parts, chalks, slates, of Singapore (CSA). Hence, option (a) is correct.
handlooms, etc. 13 countries as part of the International Counter
Certain exempted GST items, once processed, will Ransomware Initiative Resilience Working Group
attract a GST. For example, processed green tea participated in this exercise.
leaves, etc. The National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS),
Hence, option (c) is correct. India is leading this initiative.
The theme of the exercise was “Building Network
62. (d) Resiliency to Counter Ransomware Attacks”.
Explanation:
64. (d)
National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC):
The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) Explanation:
outlines a national strategy that aims to enable the Strategic Disinvestment:
country to adapt to climate change and enhance the The Disinvestment Commission defines strategic sale
ecological sustainability of India’s development path. as the sale of a substantial portion of the Government
There are eight national missions which form the core shareholding of a central public sector enterprise
of the NAPCC. They are: (CPSE) of up to 50%, or such a higher percentage
 National Solar Mission as the competent authority may determine, along with
 The National Mission for Enhanced Energy transfer of management control. Hence, statement 1 is
Efficiency NOT correct.
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In order to make disinvestment a process by which the The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess
efficiency of the PSUs could be enhanced and the Act, 1977
government could de-burden itself of the activities in The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980
which the private sector has developed better efficiency The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
(so that the government could concentrate on the areas The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
which have no attraction for the private sector such as The Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991
social sector support for the poor masses), the The Biological Diversity Act, 2002
government initiated the process of strategic Hence, option (a) is correct.
disinvestment.
This form of disinvestment commenced with Modern 66. (d)
Food Industries Ltd. (MFIL). The second PSU was Explanation:
the BALCO to undergo the process of strategic Reserve money:
disinvestment. Hence, statement 2 is NOT correct. The gross amount of the following six segments of
65. (a) money at any point in time is known as Reserve Money
(RM) for the economy or the government:
Explanation: Â Reserve Bank of India’s net credit to the
National Green Tribunal (NGT): government
It is a specialised body set up under the National Green
 Reserve Bank of India’s net credit to the banks
Tribunal Act, 2010, for effective and expeditious
disposal of cases relating to environmental protection  Reserve Bank of India’s net credit to the
and conservation of forests and other natural resources. commercial banks
With the establishment of the NGT, India became the  Net forex reserve with the Reserve Bank of India
third country in the world to set up a specialised  Government’s currency liabilities to the public
environmental tribunal, only after Australia and New  Net non-monetary liabilities of the Reserve Bank of
Zealand, and the first developing country to do so. India
The NGT has five places of sitting, New Delhi is the
Hence, option (d) is correct.
principal place, and Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata, and Chennai
are the other four. 67. (a)
Structure of NGT: Explanation:
The Tribunal comprises of the Chairperson, the Judicial Registered Unrecognized Political Parties (RUPP):
Members and the Expert Members. They shall hold These are registered with the Election Commission
office for a term of three years or until the age of 65 of India. Hence, option (a) is correct.
years, whichever is earlier, and are not eligible for
Conditions for being a Registered Unrecognized
reappointment.
Political Parties are:
The Chairperson is appointed by the Central Government
 Parties that have not received a sufficient percentage
in consultation with the Chief Justice of India (CJI).
of votes in the assembly or general elections to
A selection committee shall be formed by the central
become a state party.
government to appoint the judicial members and expert
members. Â Those parties that have never contested elections
The tribunal must have at least 10 and no more than 20 since being registered.
full-time judicial and expert members. Such parties don’t enjoy all the benefits extended to the
other recognized parties.
The NGT deals with civil cases under the seven laws related
to the environment, these include: Recognised Political Party:
The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, A recognised political party shall be either a national
1974 party or a state party if it meets certain conditions.
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To become a recognised political party either at the state in colour with a smooth skin texture. A small
or national level, a party has to secure a certain minimum quantity of powder is sufficient in food preparation
percentage of polled valid votes or certain number of due to its high pungency. Hence, pair 1 is correctly
seats in the state legislative assembly or the Lok Sabha matched.
during the last election. Tamenglong Orange – Manipur
The recognition granted by the Commission to the  The Tamenglong mandarin orange is bigger in size,
parties determines their right to certain privileges like weighing 232.76 grams on average. It has a unique
the allocation of party symbols, the provision of time sweet and sour flavour. It has a high juice content
for political broadcasts on the state-owned television (around 45 per cent) and is rich in ascorbic acid
and radio stations, and access to electoral rolls. (48.12 mg/100 ml). Hence, pair 2 is NOT correctly
68. (a) matched.
Dalle Khursani Chilli – Sikkim
Explanation:
 Dalle Khursani is mostly cultivated in mid hills of
Inflation Tax:
South, West, and East Districts of Sikkim and
This is a situation of sustaining government expenditure
adjoining in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal.
at the cost of people’s income.
It is well known for its unique taste, flavor and
This looks as if inflation is working as a tax. That is how
pungency. Hence, pair 3 is correctly matched.
the term inflation tax is also known as seigniorage.
Inflation makes it easier for a government to pay its Hathei Chilli - Manipur
debt, especially when inflation is higher than expected. Â Hathei chilli, commonly known as the Sirarakhong
 Higher inflation increases nominal tax revenues (if chilli, is almost 9-inches in size and bright red in
prices are higher, the government will collect more colour. This specific variety of chilli thrives well
Value Added Tax (VAT), workers pay more income only in the climatic conditions of the Sirarakhong
tax, etc.). village of the Ukhrul district, which is situated about
 Higher inflation reduces the real value of debt;
66 km from Imphal. The Hathei chilli is loaded with
bondholders on fixed interest rates will see a fall in antioxidants and contains high levels of calcium and
the real value of their bonds, and it becomes easier Vitamin C. Hence, pair 4 is correctly matched.
for the government to pay back these bonds.
70. (c)
It could also be used by the governments in the form
of price and income policy under which the Explanation:
companies pay inflation tax on salary increase above There are 13 major ports and 200 non-major ports
the set level prescribed by the government. (minor ports) in the country.
Hence, option (a) is correct. Major ports include Deendayal port (erstwhile Kandla),
Mumbai port, JNPT port, Mormugao port, New
69. (c) Mangalore port, Cochin port, Chennai port, Kamarajar
Explanation: port (earlier Ennore), V.O. Chidambaranar port,
Geographical Indication: Visakhapatnam port, Paradip port, and Kolkata port
A geographical indication (GI) is a sign used on products (including Haldia).
that have a specific geographical origin and possess Major Ports vs Minor Ports:
qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. Ports in India are classified as major and minor ports
In order to function as a GI, a sign must identify a according to the jurisdiction of the central and state
product as originating in a given place. governments as defined under the Indian Ports Act,
The various Indian products accorded with GI tags are: 1908.
Harmal Chilli - Goa All 13 major ports are governed under the Major
 Grown by most households in lateritic soil in Goa, Port Trusts Act, 1963 and are owned and managed
the chilli is 2.7-3.7cm long, and is reddish-brown by the Central Government.
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All the minor ports are governed under the Indian 72. (d)
Port Act, 1908 and are owned and managed by the
Explanation:
state governments. Hence, both statements 1 and 2
Operation Gear Box:
are NOT correct.
It is an operation carried out by Directorate of Revenue
Administration of Major Ports: Each major port is
Intelligence (DRI), and associate agencies.
governed by a Board of Trustees appointed by the
It aims to counter drug smuggling activities in the
Government of India. The trusts operate on the basis of
country. Hence, option (d) is correct.
policy directives and orders from the government of ‘Operation Gear Box’ was named after narcotic
India. substances were discovered in gear boxes in international
71. (a) containers.
It was the modus operandi of drug syndicates to conceal
Explanation: heroin.
International Deals with Heroin:
convention Heroin is an opioid drug made from morphine; a natural
Stockholm It is a global treaty to protect human substance taken from the seed pods of the various opium
convention health and the environment from the poppy plants.
effects of persistent organic pollutants Heroin can be a white or brown powder, or a black sticky
(POPs). substance known as ‘black tar heroin’.
It was opened for signature in 2001 in People inject, sniff, snort, or smoke heroin. Some people
Stockholm (Sweden) and became mix heroin with crack cocaine, a practice called ‘speed
effective in 2004. balling’.
India ratified the Stockholm Convention Heroin enters the brain rapidly and binds to opioid
receptors on cells located in many areas, especially those
in 2006. Hence, pair 1 is NOT correctly
involved in feelings of pain and pleasure and in
matched.
controlling heart rate, sleeping, and breathing. It
Rotterdam The Rotterdam convention was adopted provides a feeling of euphoria for a short time.
Convention in 1998 and entered into force in 2004.
The convention covers pesticides and 73. (d)
industrial chemicals that have been Explanation:
banned or severely restricted for health or Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP):
environmental reasons. The Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices
It creates legally binding obligations for (CACP) is an attached office of the Ministry of
the implementation of the “prior informed Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of
consent” procedure. India. It came into existence in January 1965. Hence,
India acceded to the convention in 2006. statement 1 is NOT correct.
Hence, pair 2 is NOT correctly matched. It is mandated to recommend Minimum Support Prices
Basel The Basel Convention (1989) deals with (MSPs) to incentivize the cultivators to adopt modern
convention the transboundary movement of technology and raise productivity and overall grain
production in line with the emerging demand patterns
hazardous wastes and their disposal.
in the country.
Its objective is to protect human health
MSPs for major agricultural products are fixed by the
and the environment against the adverse
government each year after taking into account the
effects of hazardous waste. recommendations of the Commission.
India is a party to the convention. Hence, CACP currently recommends MSPs for 23 commodities,
pair 3 is NOT correctly matched. including 7 types of cereals (paddy, wheat, maize,
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sorghum, pearl millet, barley, and ragi), 5 types of pulses Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor:
(gram, tur, moong, urad, lentil), 7 types of oilseeds The Government of India established the Office of the
(groundnut, rapeseed-mustard, soyabean, sesamum, Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA), in November 1999.
sunflower, safflower, nigerseed), and 4 types of commercial The PSA’s office aims to provide pragmatic and
crops (copra, sugarcane, cotton, and raw jute). objective advice to the Prime Minister and the cabinet
CACP submits its recommendations to the government in matters of Science and Technology.
in the form of Price Policy Reports every year, separately The Office of PSA was placed under the Cabinet
for five groups of commodities: Kharif crops, rabi crops, Secretariat in August, 2018.
sugarcane, raw jute and copra. These reports are
The WEST initiative is launched under the Office of
merely recommendations, and not binding upon the
the PSA. Hence, statement 3 is NOT correct.
government. Hence, statement 2 is NOT correct.
75. (c)
74. (a)
Explanation:
Explanation:
Bioassays:
WEST Initiative:
Bioassay is a test in which organisms are used to detect
Women in Engineering, Science, and Technology
(WEST) is a new I-STEM (Indian Science Technology the presence or effects of any other physical factor,
and Engineering facilities Map) initiative. chemical factor, or any other type of ecological
The WEST programme will cater to women with a disturbance.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Bioassays are very common in pollution studies.
(STEM) background and empower them to contribute Hence, statement 1 is correct.
to the science, technology, and innovation ecosystem. Bioassays can be conducted using any type of organism.
Women with science and technology backgrounds However, fish and insect bioassays are very common.
may join the WEST program and explore opportunities The goal is to determine whether lethal or effective
to become stakeholders in various domains and pursue concentrations cause mortality or other effects.
careers in research and development at various Ultimately, they are to be used for the determination of
levels: technicians, technologists, scientists, and the safe concentration of a chemical or the maximum
entrepreneurs. Hence, statement 1 is correct, but acceptable toxicant concentration (MATC).
statement 2 is NOT correct. The organism is exposed to different concentrations of
Opportunities range from operating scientific equipment a toxicant for a definite period, and mortality, behavioural
and maintaining them, to designing and manufacturing change, or other signals of distress are noted periodically.
them.
Out of the three types, a static bioassay test is designed,
The Skill Development programmes under the WEST
where the organisms are exposed to the same toxicant
initiative will provide training for women in various
solution for the whole experimental period. The other
science and technology domains.
two are, renewal bioassays and flow-through bioassays.
I-STEM Platform:
Umbrella species:
I-STEM is a national web portal for sharing research
An umbrella species is a wide-ranging species whose
equipment or facilities and is the umbrella under which
many programmes for promoting collaborations in R&D requirements include those of many other species.
and technological innovation among and between The protection of umbrella species automatically
academia and industry, especially startups, are extends to other species. Hence, statement 2 is
underway. correct.
“Connect Quickly” is a digital consortium for online These are species selected for making conservation
discussion and immediate support that has been related decisions, typically because protecting these
established through the I-STEM WhatsApp, and species indirectly protects the many other species that
Telegram platforms. make up the ecological community of their habitat.
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76. (c) Â All scheduled commercial banks and foreign banks
(with a sizable presence in India) are mandated to
Explanation: set aside 40% of their Adjusted Net Bank Credit
International Monetary Fund (IMF): (ANDC) for lending to these sectors.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an
 Regional rural banks, co-operative banks and
organization of 190 member countries, each of which
small finance banks have to allocate 75% of
has representation on the IMF’s executive board in
ANDC to PSL. Hence, statement 2 is NOT
proportion to its financial importance, so that the most
powerful countries in the global economy have the most correct.
voting power. The idea behind this is to ensure that adequate
The IMF was conceived at a UN conference in Bretton institutional credit reaches some of the vulnerable
Woods, New Hampshire, United States, in July 1944. sectors of the economy, which otherwise may not be
attractive for banks from the profitability point of view.
Objectives of IMF:
Foster global monetary cooperation. 78. (a)
Secure financial stability in the international system.
Facilitate international trade. Explanation:
Promote high employment and sustainable economic Types of Deficit:
growth. Revenue Deficit:
Promote macro-economic growth. It refers to the excess of government’s revenue
Policy advise and financing for developing countries to expenditure over revenue receipts.
help them rebuild their international reserves and other  Revenue Deficit = Revenue expenditure – Revenue
emergency financing for Balance of Payments (BoP) receipts
problems. The revenue deficit includes only such transactions that
Promotion of exchange rate stability, and an affect the current income and expenditure of the
international payment system. government. When the government incurs a revenue
Reduce poverty around the world. deficit, it implies that the government is dissaving and
World Bank: is using up the savings of the other sectors of the
The World Bank lends money to middle-income economy to finance a part of its consumption expenditure.
countries at interest rates lower than the rates on loans Fiscal Deficit:
from commercial banks. In addition, the Bank lends It is the gap between the government’s expenditure
money at no interest to the poorest developing countries, requirements and its receipts. This equals the money
those that often cannot find other sources of loans. the government needs to borrow during the year. A
Countries that borrow from the Bank also have a much surplus arises if receipts are more than expenditure.
longer period to repay their loans than what commercial  Fiscal Deficit = Total expenditure – (Revenue
banks allow and don’t have to start repaying for several receipts + non-debt creating capital receipts).
years.
It indicates the total borrowing requirements of the
Hence, option (c) is correct.
government from all sources. From the financing side:
77. (a) Gross fiscal deficit = Net borrowing at home +
Borrowing from RBI + Borrowing from abroad.
Explanation:
Priority Sector Lending (PSL): Primary Deficit:
The RBI mandates banks to lend a certain portion of Primary deficit equals fiscal deficit minus interest
their funds to specified sectors, like agriculture, Micro, payments. This indicates the gap between the
Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), export government’s expenditure requirements and its receipts,
credit, education, housing, social infrastructure, and not taking into account the expenditure incurred on
renewable energy among others. Hence, statement 1 interest payments on loans taken during the previous
is correct. years.
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 Primary deficit = Fiscal deficit – Interest costs and benefits experienced by each partner are
payments. Hence, option (a) is correct. exactly the same so that they sum to zero. It is not clear
how often this happens in nature. Neutralism is also
Effective Revenue Deficit:
sometimes described as the relationship between two
It is the difference between the revenue deficit and
species inhabiting the same space and using the same
grants given to states for the creation of capital
resources, but that have no effect on each other. In this
assets.
case, one could argue that they aren’t interacting at all.
Effective Revenue deficit = Revenue deficit – Grants
given to states for the creation of capital assets. 80. (b)
79. (b) Explanation:
Maharatna Scheme:
Explanation:
Maharatna Scheme was introduced for Central Public
Biotic interactions:
Sector Enterprises (CPSEs), with effect from 19th May,
Organisms living on the Earth are interlinked to each
2010, in order to empower mega CPSEs to expand their
other in one way or other. The interaction between the
operations and emerge as global giants.
organisms is fundamental for its survival and functioning
CPSEs fulfilling the following criteria are eligible to be
of ecosystem as a whole. Biotic interaction refers to considered for grant of Maharatna status:
the interaction between organisms belonging to a  Having Navratna status.
community.
 Listed on Indian stock exchange with minimum
Types of biotic interactions: prescribed public shareholding under SEBI
Mutualism: In this, both species benefit from the regulations.
interaction. Example: in pollination mutualisms, the  Average annual turnover of more than Rs. 25,000
pollinator gets food (pollen, nectar), and the plant has crores, during the last 3 years. Average annual net
its pollen transferred to other flowers for cross- worth of more than Rs. 15,000 crores, during the
fertilization (reproduction). last 3 years. Average annual net profit after tax of
Commensalism: In this, one species benefit, and the more than Rs. 5,000 crores, during the last 3 years.
other remains unaffected by the interaction. Example:
 Should have significant global presence/international
cow dung provides food and shelter to dung beetles. operations.
The beetles have no effect on the cows. Hence,
statement 1 is NOT correct. Maharatna CPSEs:
Competition: In this, both species are harmed by the Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited
interaction. Example: if two species eat the same food, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited
and there isn’t enough for both, both may have access Coal India Limited
to less food than they would if alone. They both suffer Gas Authority of India Limited
a shortage of food. Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited
Predation and parasitism: one species benefit, the Indian Oil Corporation Limited
other is harmed. Example: predation—one fish kills and National Thermal Power Corporation Limited
eats parasitism: tick gains benefit by sucking blood; host Oil & Natural Gas Corporation Limited,
is harmed by losing blood. Power Finance Corporation Limited
Amensalism: One species is harmed, the other is Power Grid Corporation of India Limited
unaffected. Example: A large tree shades a small plant, Steel Authority of India Limited
retarding the growth of the small plant. The small plant Rural Electrification Corporation Limited
has no effect on the large tree. Hence, statement 2 is Navratna CPSEs:
correct. Bharat Electronics Limited
Neutralism: There is no net benefit or harm to either Container Corporation of India Limited
species. Perhaps in some interspecific interactions, the Engineers India Limited
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Hindustan Aeronautics Limited 82. (a)
Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited
Explanation:
National Aluminium Company Limited
Regional Rural Banks (RRBs):
National Buildings Construction Corporation Limited
The Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) were first set up on
Neyveli Lignite Corporation Limited
2 October 1975 (only 5 in number) with the aim to take
National Mineral Development Corporation Limited
banking services to the doorsteps of the rural masses,
Oil India Limited
especially in the remote areas with no access to banking
Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited
services with twin duties to fulfill:
Shipping Corporation of India Limited
 To provide credit to the weaker sections of society
Hence, option (b) is correct.
at a concessional rate of interest who previously
81. (a) depended on private money lending, and,
Explanation: Â To mobilize rural savings and channelize them for
Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) supporting productive activities in the rural areas.
The Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) is a multinational Hence, statement 1 is NOT correct.
maritime partnership, which exists to uphold the Rules- The GoI, the concerned state government, and the
Based International Order (RBIO), by countering illicit sponsoring nationalized bank contribute to the share
non-state actors on the High Seas and promoting capital of the RRBs in the proportion of 50 percent, 15
security, stability, and prosperity. percent and 35 percent, respectively.
It was established in 2001 to counter the threat of The area of operation of the RRB is limited to notified
international terrorism. few districts in a state.
It is headquartered in Manama, Bahrain with the Following the suggestions of the Kelkar Committee,
U.S. Navy Vice Admiral as its Commander, who also the government stopped opening new RRBs in
serves as Commander of US Naval Forces Central 1987—by that time their total number stood at 196.
Command (NAVCENT), and US Navy Fifth Fleet. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct. Due to excessive leanings towards social banking and
CMF’s Deputy Commander is a United Kingdom catering to the highly economically weaker sections,
Royal Navy Commodore. out of the total, 171 were running in losses in 1998–99
CMF has 34 member nations: Australia, Bahrain, when the government took some serious decisions:
Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Egypt, France, Â The obligation of concessional loans was abolished
Germany, Greece, Iraq, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Republic and the RRBs started charging commercial interest
of Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New rates on its lending.
Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, the Philippines, Portugal,
 The target clientele (rural masses, weaker sections)
Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, Spain,
was set free now to lend to anybody.
Thailand, Turkey, UAE, United Kingdom, United States,
and Yemen. Hence, statement 3 is NOT correct.
83. (c)
CMF is a coalition of the willing and does not prescribe
a specific level of participation from any member nation. Explanation:
The contribution from each country, therefore, varies Methods of Taxation
depending on its ability to contribute assets and the Progressive Taxation:
availability of those assets at any given time. Â This method has increasing rates of tax for increasing
The 34 nations that comprise CMF are not bound by value or volume on which the tax is being imposed.
either a fixed political or military mandate. CMF is a Indian income tax is a typical example of it. The
flexible organisation. Contributions can vary from the idea here is less tax on the people who earn less and
provision of a liaison officer at CMF headquarter in higher tax on the people who earn more—classifying
Bahrain to the deployment of warships or maritime income earners into different slabs. Hence,
reconnaissance aircraft. statement 1 is NOT correct.
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 This method is believed to discourage more earnings It was initially announced for a three-month period
by the individual to support low growth and (April, May, and June 2020), covering 80 crore ration
development unintentionally. Being poor is cardholders. Later, it was extended till September 2022.
rewarded while richness is punished. Tax payers Recently, it has been further extended till December,
also start evading tax by showing lower unreal 2022.
income. The Ministry of Finance is the nodal ministry for
Regressive Taxation:
PM-GKAY. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
The benefit of the free ration can be availed through
 This is just opposite to the progressive method
portability by any migrant labourer or beneficiary under
having decreasing rates of tax for increasing value
the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) plan from
or volume on which the tax is being imposed. There
nearly 5 lakh ration shops across the country.
are not any permanent or specific sectors for such
taxes. As a provision of promotion, some sectors 85. (a)
might be imposed with regressive taxes.
Explanation:
 As for example, to promote the growth and CRISPR Technology:
development of small-scale industries, India at one CRISPR is short for Clustered Regularly Interspaced
time had regressive excise duty on their Short Palindromic Repeats, which is a reference to the
productions—with increasing slabs of volume they clustered and repetitive sequences of DNA found in
produced, the burden of tax used to go on decreasing. bacteria, whose natural mechanism to fight some viral
Proportional Taxation: diseases is replicated in this gene-editing tool.
 In such a taxation method, there is neither progression A bad stretch in the DNA sequence, which is the cause
nor regression. Such taxes have fixed rates for every of genetic diseases or disorder, is located, cut, and
level of income or production, they are neutral from removed — and then replaced with a ‘correct’ sequence.
the poor or rich point view or from the point of view Special proteins and RNA molecules are used to carry
of the levels of production. Goods and Services out this complex process. Hence, statement 1 is
Tax (GST) in India is a type of proportional tax. correct.
Hence, statement 2 is NOT correct. The first step in gene-editing is identification of the
particular sequence of genes that is the cause of the
 Generally, this mode is used as a complementary
trouble.
method with either progressive or regressive
In the second step, an RNA molecule is programmed to
taxation. If not converted into proportional taxes,
locate this sequence on the DNA strand.
every progressive tax will go on increasing and
After this, a special protein called Cas9, which is often
similarly every regressive tax will decrease to zero,
described as ‘genetic scissors’, is used to break the DNA
becoming completely a futile tax method. strand at specific points, and remove the bad sequence.
84. (b) Sickle Cell Anemia:
Sickle cell disease is a hereditary disease seen most
Explanation: often among people of African ancestry.
PM-Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PM-GKAY): It is caused by mutations in one of the genes that encode
PMGKAY is a part of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan the hemoglobin protein, the disease is inherited as an
Package (PMGKP) to help the poor fight the battle autosomal recessive trait, i.e. from parent to child.
against COVID-19. It affects males and females equally. Hence, statement
The scheme is aimed at providing each person who is 2 is NOT correct.
covered under the National Food Security Act, 2013 The mutation causes the red blood cells to take on an
with an additional 5 kg of grains (wheat or rice) for unusual sickle shape.
free, in addition to the 5 kg of subsidised foodgrain Individuals affected by sickle cell disease are chronically
already provided through the Public Distribution anemic and experience significant damage to their heart,
System (PDS). Hence, statement 1 is NOT correct. lungs, and kidneys.
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86. (c) Â Every person who is arrested and detained in custody
shall be produced before the nearest magistrate
Explanation: within a period of twenty-four hours of such arrest
Invasive Alien Species: excluding the time necessary for the journey from
Invasive Alien Species are animals, plants or other the place of arrest to the court of the magistrate and
organisms that are introduced into places outside their no such person shall be detained in custody beyond
natural range, negatively impacting native biodiversity the said period without the authority of a magistrate.
and health of ecosystem.
These provisions do not apply to any person who is
The invasions potentially lead to an increase in species
either an enemy alien or has been arrested or
richness, as invasive species are added to the existing
detained under any law providing for preventive
species pool.
detention. Hence, statement 1 is NOT correct.
But it can also lead to extinction of native species,
resulting in decrease of species richness. Preventive Detention:
The negative interactions are primarily the competition In case of preventive detention, parliament may by
with natives for food and sustenance, which may not law prescribe—
allow coexistence of species. Â The circumstances under which, and the class or
Effects of invasive species on environment: classes of cases in which, a person may be detained
Loss of Biodiversity for a period longer than three months under any law
Decline of Native Species (Endemics) providing for preventive detention without obtaining
Habitat Loss the opinion of an Advisory Board.
Introduction of pathogens, reduction in crop and  The maximum period for which any person may in
stock yields any class or classes of cases be detained under any
Degradation of marine and freshwater ecosystems, law providing for preventive detention.
etc. Â The procedure to be followed by an Advisory
Hence, option (c) is correct. Board in an inquiry of a preventive detention
case. Hence, statement 2 is NOT correct.
87. (d)
Explanation: 88. (d)
Article 22: Explanation:
The Article 22 of the Constitution of India talks about Kharif, Rabi and Zaid:
protection against arrest and detention in certain cases. The Indian cropping season is classified into two main
Detention is of two types– punitive and preventive seasons– (i) Kharif and (ii) Rabi based on the monsoon.
 Punitive detention is to punish a person for an
 The Kharif cropping season is from July to
offence committed by him after trial and conviction October during the South-West/Summer Monsoon
in a court. and the Rabi cropping season is from October to
 Preventive detention, on the other hand, means March (North-East/Returning/Winter Monsoon).
detention of a person without trial and conviction
However, there is a third cropping season that falls
by a court. Its purpose is not to punish a person for
between March to June in which summer crops such
a past offence but to prevent him from committing
as watermelon, muskmelon, cucumber etc. are
an offence in the near future.
grown. This is known as Zaid cropping season.
Punitive detension: Hence, statement 1 is NOT correct.
 No person who is arrested shall be detained in The terms ‘Kharif’ and ‘Rabi’ originate from the Arabic
custody without being informed, as soon as may be, language where Kharif means autumn and Rabi means spring.
of the grounds for such arrest nor shall he be denied  The Kharif crops include – rice, maize, sorghum,
the right to consult, and to be defended by, a legal pearl millet/bajra, finger millet/ragi (cereals), arhar
practitioner of his choice. (pulses), soyabean, groundnut (oilseeds), cotton, etc.
641, 1st Floor, 21, Pusa Road, 13/15 Tashkent Marg, Plot No. 45& 45A, Harsh Tower-2, 34
Dr. Mukherjee Nagar, Delhi Karol Bagh, New Delhi Civil Lines, Prayagraj Main Tonk Road, Vasundhara Colony, Jaipur
Phone: 8448485518, 011-47532596, 8750187501 :: [Link]
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 The Rabi crops include – wheat, barley, oats Endemic plants/area ratio
Â
(cereals), chickpea/gram (pulses), linseed, mustard Endemic vertebrates/area ratio
Â
(oilseeds), etc. Hence, statement 2 is NOT correct. Â Remaining primary vegetation as a percentage of
original extent.
89. (c)
Indian Biodiversity Hotspots:
Explanation: Â There are 4 Biodiversity Hotspots present in
Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator (IAD): India. They are:
The IAD has been designed, developed, and
The Himalayas
successfully test-flown by ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai
Indo- Burma region
Space Centre (VSSC). Hence, statement 1 is correct.
The Western Ghats
It was successfully test flown in a Rohini-300 (RH300
Sundaland (includes Nicobar group of islands.
Mk II) sounding rocket from Thumba Equatorial Rocket
Hence, statement 2 is NOT correct.
Launching Station.
It serves to decelerate an object plunging through the 91. (c)
atmosphere by systematically reducing the velocity of
Explanation:
the payload through aerodynamic drag.
Medini Puraskar Yojana
 The force on an object that resists its motion through
The scheme was initiated in 2018 by the Ministry of
a fluid is called drag. When the fluid is a gas, like
Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.
air, it is called aerodynamic drag or air resistance.
It is an award for promoting the writing of books on
It has huge potential in a variety of space applications,
Environment and related subjects such as
like the recovery of spent stages of rockets, for landing
 Environmental protection
payloads on Mars or Venus, and making space habitat
 Pollution control
for human space flight missions.
This is the first instance where an IAD has been  Environmental Impact Assessment
specially created for spent stage recovery. Hence, Â Ecological restoration and development
statement 2 is correct. Â Protection of wildlife
 Forest conservation
90. (a)
 Forest resources and development
Explanation:
 Biodiversity
Biodiversity Hotspot:
 Climate change
The concept of Biodiversity Hotspot was put forth by
Norman Myers in 1988. Â Conservation of nature and biosphere reserve
To qualify as a hotspot, a region must meet two strict  Environment education
criteria: Â Nature and environment
 Species endemism - it must contain at least 1,500
Hence, statement 3 is correct.
species of vascular plants (> 0.5% of the world’s This award is given to Indian authors each year. Hence,
total) as endemics. statement 1 is correct.
 Degree of threat - it has to have lost at least 70% The work should be exclusively in Hindi language
of its original habitat. Hence, statement 1 is and books must contain at least 100 printed pages.
correct. Hence, statement 2 is NOT correct.
Five key factors have been taken into consideration and
those biodiversity hotspots that top the list with respect 92. (a)
to these five factors are considered as hottest hotspots. Explanation:
The five key factors are: Legionellosis Disease:
 Endemic plants Legionellosis is a pneumonia-like illness that varies in
 Endemic vertebrates severity from mild febrile illness to a serious and
641, 1st Floor, 21, Pusa Road, 13/15 Tashkent Marg, Plot No. 45& 45A, Harsh Tower-2, 35
Dr. Mukherjee Nagar, Delhi Karol Bagh, New Delhi Civil Lines, Prayagraj Main Tonk Road, Vasundhara Colony, Jaipur
Phone: 8448485518, 011-47532596, 8750187501 :: [Link]
Copyright – Drishti The Vision Foundation
sometimes fatal form of pneumonia. The causative Rubber growing regions in India
agents are Legionella bacteria from water or potting The rubber growing regions in India can be classified
mix. Hence, statement 1 is NOT correct. under two major zones– traditional and non-traditional
Symptoms include fever, muscle and abdominal pain on the basis of agro-climatic condition:
and shortness of breath. Â Traditional regions: Rubber cultivation in India
The disease typically spreads via inhalation of has been traditionally confined to the hinterlands
contaminated aerosols from contaminated water, of the south west coast, mainly in Kanyakumari
which could come from — air conditioning cooling district of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Hence,
towers, evaporative condensers associated with air statement 1 is correct.
conditioning and industrial cooling, hot and cold-water  Non-traditional regions: These are hinterlands of
systems, humidifiers and whirlpool spas. Hence, coastal Karnataka, Goa, Konkan region of
statement 2 is correct. Maharashtra, coastal Andhra Pradesh and Odisha,
The people who have co-morbidities like hypertension, the North eastern states, Andaman and Nicobar
diabetes, obesity, respiratory problems, chronic Islands etc, where rubber is now being grown.
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or those who
94. (b)
follow poor habits like smoking are more prone to the
condition. Explanation:
Though treatments exist, but there is no vaccine JALDOOT App:
currently available for Legionellosis disease. Patients The JALDOOT app has been jointly developed by the
with Legionellosis disease always require antibiotic Ministry of Rural Development and the Ministry of
treatment following diagnosis. Hence, statement 3 is Panchayati Raj. Hence, statement 1 is NOT correct.
It will be used across the country to capture the water
NOT correct.
level of selected 2-3 wells in a village. Hence,
93. (c) statement 2 is NOT correct.
It will work in both online and offline mode. So, water
Explanation: level can be captured even without internet connectivity,
Rubber: and captured data will be stored in the mobile and
It is made from the latex of a tree called Hevea when the mobile comes in the connectivity area, data
brasiliensis. will synchronize with the central server.
It is largely perceived as a strategic industrial raw The regular data to be input by the Jaldoot would be
material and accorded special status globally for integrated with the database of National Water
defence, national security, and industrial development. Informatics Centre (NWIC), which can be utilized for
It is an equatorial crop, but under special conditions, it analysis and display of various useful reports for the
is also grown in tropical and sub-tropical areas. benefit of various stakeholders.
 Temperature: Above 25°C with a moist and Significance:
humid climate. Hence, statement 2 is NOT Â It will facilitate observing water tables across the
correct. country and the resulting data can be utilized for
Gram Panchayat Development Plan and
 Rainfall: More than 200 cm.
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment
 Soil Type: Rich well-drained alluvial soil. Hence, Guarantee Scheme (MNREGA) Plans. Hence,
statement 3 is correct. statement 3 is correct.
 Cheap and adequate supply of skilled labour is  The JALDOOT app will allow Gram Rojgar
needed for this plantation crop. Sahayak to measure the water level of the well
Major Producers Globally: Thailand, Indonesia, twice a year, pre-monsoon and post-monsoon.
Malaysia, Vietnam, China, and India. Â The app will provide panchayats with robust
Major Consumers: China, India, the USA, Japan, information that can be later used for better planning
Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. of work.
641, 1st Floor, 21, Pusa Road, 13/15 Tashkent Marg, Plot No. 45& 45A, Harsh Tower-2, 36
Dr. Mukherjee Nagar, Delhi Karol Bagh, New Delhi Civil Lines, Prayagraj Main Tonk Road, Vasundhara Colony, Jaipur
Phone: 8448485518, 011-47532596, 8750187501 :: [Link]
Copyright – Drishti The Vision Foundation
95. (c) The GDP deflator is acclaimed as a better measure
of price behavior because it covers all goods and
Explanation:
services produced in the country (because the Indian
Windfall tax:
‘headline inflation’, i.e., ‘Consumer Price Index’ doesn’t
Windfall taxes are designed to tax the profits a company
capture the full picture of price rise in the economy).
derives from an external, sometimes unprecedented
Hence, statement 1 is correct.
event— for instance, the energy price-rise as a result of
the Russia-Ukraine conflict. 97. (b)
A windfall tax is a tax levied by governments against
Explanation:
certain industries when economic conditions allow
INSPIRE Scheme:
those industries to experience above-average profits.
The INSPIRE (Innovation in Science Pursuit for
Hence, statement 1 is correct.
Inspired Research) scheme is one of the flagship
These are profits that cannot be attributed to something
programmes of the Ministry of Science and Technology
the firm actively did, like an investment strategy or an and Earth Sciences.
expansion of business. Its objective is to communicate to the youth
Governments typically levy a one-off tax, ‘windfall tax population of the country the creative pursuit of
‘retrospectively over and above the normal rates of tax science and attract talent to the study of science at
on such profits. an early stage and build the required critical human
One area where such taxes have routinely been resource pool for strengthening and expanding the
discussed is the oil market, where price fluctuation leads Science and Technology system and Research &
to volatile or erratic profits for the industry. Development base.
Windfall taxes may also apply to individuals who The INSPIRE scheme has been implemented since
suddenly become enriched after receiving a 2010. The scheme covers students in the age group of
significant sum of money through a gift, an 10-32 years and has five components.
inheritance, or through game show, gambling, or The INSPIRE Awards- MANAK (Million Minds
lottery winnings. Hence, statement 2 is correct. Augmenting National Aspiration and Knowledge) is
There have been varying rationales for governments one of its components.
worldwide to introduce windfall taxes, from Objectives of Inspire Awards-MANAK:
redistribution of unexpected gains when high prices To target one million original ideas/innovations rooted
benefit producers at the expense of consumers, to in science and societal applications to foster a culture
funding social welfare schemes, and as a supplementary of creativity and innovative thinking among school
revenue stream for the government. children.
To address the societal needs through science and
96. (c)
technology and nurture them to become sensitive and
Explanation: responsible citizens and innovation leaders of tomorrow.
GDP Deflator: Hence, option (b) is correct.
This is the ratio between GDP at Current Prices and
GDP at Constant Prices. 98. (d)
If the GDP at Current Prices is equal to the GDP at Explanation:
Constant Prices, the GDP deflator will be 1, implying Bioremediation:
no change in the price level. Hence, statement 2 is Bioremediation is the use of microorganism (bacteria
correct. and fungi) to degrade the environmental contaminates
If the GDP deflator is found to be 2, it implies a rise in into less toxic form.
price level by a factor of 2, and if the GDP deflator is The microorganisms may be indigenous to a
found to be 4, it implies a rise in price level by a factor contaminated area or they may be isolated from
of 4. elsewhere and brought to the contaminated site.
641, 1st Floor, 21, Pusa Road, 13/15 Tashkent Marg, Plot No. 45& 45A, Harsh Tower-2, 37
Dr. Mukherjee Nagar, Delhi Karol Bagh, New Delhi Civil Lines, Prayagraj Main Tonk Road, Vasundhara Colony, Jaipur
Phone: 8448485518, 011-47532596, 8750187501 :: [Link]
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Bioremediation strategies: 100. (d)
In situ bioremediation technique: It involves the
treatment of the contaminated material at the site. Explanation:
It includes: Gas Pricing Mechanism:
 Biosparging: Injection of air under pressure below The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has set
the water table to increase groundwater oxygen up a committee under noted energy expert Kirit
concentrations and enhance the rate of biological Parikh to review the current pricing formula for
degradation of contaminants by naturally occurring domestically-produced gas. Hence, statement 3 is
bacteria.
correct.
 Bioaugmentation: Microorganisms are imported Skyrocketing global natural gas prices, which are lifting
to a contaminated site to enhance degradation
energy, and industrial costs and derailing the efforts to
process.
contain inflation are raising concerns.
Ex-situ bioremediation technique
India’s gas price is determined by an average price of
 Bio-piles: It is hybrid of landfarming and
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), imports into India and
composting. Essentially, engineered cells are
constructed as aerated composted piles. It is benchmark global gas rates.
typically used for treatment of surface contamination Scenario of gas market in India:
with petroleum hydrocarbons. Total consumption in India is 175 million metric
 Bioreactors: It involves the processing of standard cubic metres per day (MMSCMD).
contaminated solid material (soil, sediment, sludge) Of, this 93 MMCMD is met through domestic production
or water through an engineered containment system. and 82 MMSCMD is met through LNG imports. Gas
Hence, option (d) is correct. consumption is directly linked to supply availability.
99. (d) Of the natural gas consumed in the country, almost 50%
is imported LNG.
Explanation:
The fertiliser sector is the largest consumer of gas,
Military Exercises with India:
accounting for a third of the consumption, followed by
[Link]. Exercises Country
city gas distribution, or CGD (23%), power (13%),
1. Samudra Indonesia. Hence, pair 1 is refineries (8%), and petrochemicals (2%). Hence,
shakti correctly matched.
statement 1 is correct.
2. Garuda shakti Indonesia. Hence, pair 2 is
correctly matched. Current Gas Pricing in India:
Gas pricing under the APM (Administered Price
3. Sampriti Bangladesh. Hence, pair 3 is
correctly matched. Mechanism) is set by the Government of India.
There is a differential gas pricing mechanism existing
4. Ekuverin Maldives. Hence, pair 4 is
for different sectors. Subsidized sectors such as power
correctly matched.
and fertilizer get relatively lower prices as compared
5. Ind-Indo corpat Indonesia
to the other sectors.
6. Surya Kiran Nepal
Also, region specific pricing exists in the country with
7. Indra Russia
the North Eastern states getting gas at relatively
8. Al Nagah Oman lower prices as compared to other parts of the
Hence, option (d) is correct. country. Hence, statement 2 is NOT correct.
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Dr. Mukherjee Nagar, Delhi Karol Bagh, New Delhi Civil Lines, Prayagraj Main Tonk Road, Vasundhara Colony, Jaipur
Phone: 8448485518, 011-47532596, 8750187501 :: [Link]
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