Number of questions asked from various Subjects

Subjects Questions in Prelims 2018 Current Affairs 21

Indian Polity 13 Economics 13 Modern History 12

Environment and Biodiversity 11 Ancient and Medieval History & Culture 8 Science and Technology 8

Geography 5

International Organisations and Bilateral Relations 5

India after Independence 2 General Science 2 Total 100

Number of Questions asked in Prelims 2018 25 21 20

15 13 13 12 11 10 8 8 5 5 5 2 2

0

How did Cengage-PrepMate series perform?

Questions covered (43 questions statements were ditto as written in the books)= 65

Questions covered partially (one or more statements is covered) = 11

Questions not covered= 24

25 21 No. of Questions Asked Covered By Cengage-PrepMate Series 20

15 13 13 13 12 12 12 11 10 10 8 8 8 7 5 5 5 4 5 3 2 2 2 0 0

The break up of questions covered partially is as follows: Current Affairs 2 Indian Polity 1 Modern History– 3 Ancient and Medieval– History & Culture 2 Environment and– Biodiversity 2 Science and Technology 1 – – –

2018 Prelims (last year) cut-off as declared by UPSC

Exam General OBC SC ST Civil Services 98 96.66 84 83.34 Prelims, 2019

Final conclusion

Questions covered (43 questions statements were ditto as written in the books)= 65

Questions covered partially (one or more statements is covered) = 11

Questions not covered= 24

By reading PrepMate-Cengage Book series along with PrepMate Current Affairs (Popularly called News Juice), one could have scored 65 questions completely and 11 questions partially. Each question carries 2 marks.

Way ahead than the expected cut-off…

UPSC 2018 PAPER SET-C

Sr. Question Answer Subject Cengage- No. Key PrepMate Books Series 1. Consider the following events: (B) India After 1. The first democratically elected Independence communist party government formed in a State in India. 2. India s then largest bank, Imperial Bank of India , was renamed State Bank of India . ’ ‘ 3. Air India’ was nationalized‘ and became the national’ carrier. 4. Goa became a part of independent India. Which of the following is the correct chronological sequence of the above events? (a) 4-1-2-3 (b) 3-2-1-4 (c) 4-2-1-3 (d) 3-1-2-4

2. Right to Privacy is protected as an intrinsic (C) Indian Polity Direct part of Right to Life and Personal Liberty. Chapter 5, Page Which of the following in the Constitution 31 of India correctly and properly imply the above statement? (a) Article 14 and the provisions under the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution (b) Article 17 and the Directive Principles of State Policy in Part IV (c) Article 21 and the freedoms guaranteed in Part III (d) Article 24 and the provisions under the 44th Amendment of the Constitution

3. Consider the following: (B) Economics Indirect 1. Areca nut Chapter 8, Page 2. Barley 126 3. Coffee 4. Finger millet 5. Groundnut 6. Sesamum

7. Turmeric The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has announced the Minimum Support Price for which of the above? (a) 1, 2, 3 and 7 only (b) 2, 4, 5 and 6 only (c) 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 4. In which one of the following States is (A) Environment Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary located? (a) Arunachal Pradesh (b) Manipur (c) Meghalaya (d) Nagaland 5. With reference to India's satellite launch (A) Science and Direct vehicles, consider the following Technology Chapter 3, page statements: 49 1. PSLVs launch the satellite useful for resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites. 2. Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently in the same position in the sky, as viewed from for particular location on Earth. 3. GSLV Mk III is a four-staged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motor; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 3 (c) 1 and 2 (d) 3 only

6. With reference to the governance of public (B) Economics Direct sector banking in India consider the and Current Statement 1 from following statements: affairs page 70, News 1. Capital infusion into public sector banks juice monthly, by the Government of India has steadily March 2017 increased in the last decade. edition 2. To put the public sector banks in order, Statement 2 from the merger of associate banks with the Economics, parent Bank of India has been affected. Chapter 16, Page

Which of the statements given above 237 is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

7. Consider the following items: (D) Economics Direct 1. Cereal grains hulled Economics, 2. Chicken eggs cooked Chapter 2, Page 3. Fish processed and canned 33 4. Newspapers containing advertising material Which of the above items is/are exempted under GST (Goods and Services Tax)? (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1, 2 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

8. Consider the following statements: (A) Indian Polity Indirect 1. The definition of "Critical Wildlife Chapter 28, Page Habitat" is incorporated in the Forest 294, 295 Rights Act, 2006. 2. For the first time in India, Baigas have been given Habitat rights. 3. Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change officially decides and declares Habitat Rights for Primitive and Vulnerable tribal groups in any part of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

9. Consider the following: (D) General Indirect 1. Birds Science and 2. Dust blowing Current 3. Rain affairs 4. Wind blowing Which of the above spread plant diseases? (a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 3 and 4 only (c) 1, 2 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

10. With reference to organic farming in India, (B) Current Statemnet 1 : consider the following statements: affairs PrepMate 1. 'The National Programme for Organic Government Production ' (NPOP) is operated under the schemes guidelines and directions of the Union document Ministry of Rural Development. 2. 'The Agricultural and Processed Food Statement 3: Products Export Development Authority' News Juice 21st (APEDA) functions as the secretariat for August, 2016 the implementation of NPOP. 3. Sikkim has become India's first fully organic State. Statement 2 is Which of the statements given above is are not covered. correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

11. Regarding Money Bill, which of the (C) Indian Polity Direct following statements is not correct? Chapter 8, Page 1. A bill shall be deemed to be a Money Bill 123 if it contains only provisions relating to Chapter 8, Page imposition, abolition, remission, alteration 136 or regulation of any tax. (b) A Money Bill has provisions for the custody of the Consolidated Fund of India or the Contingency Fund of India. (c) A Money Bill is concerned with the appropriation of moneys out of the Contingency Fund of India. (d) A Money Bill deals with the regulation of borrowing of money or giving of any guarantee by the Government of India.

12. With reference to the election of the (A) Indian Polity Direct President of India, consider the following Chapter 8, Page statements: 70 1. The value of the vote of each MLA varies from State to State. 2. The value of the vote of MPS of the Lok

Sabha is more than the value of vote of MPS of the Rajya Sabha. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

13. In the Indian context, what is the (A) International Direct implication of ratifying the 'Additional Organisations Chapter 12, Page Protocol' with the 'International Atomic and Bilateral 242 Energy Agency (IAEA)'? Relations (a) The civilian nuclear reactors come under IAEA safeguards. (b) The military nuclear installations come under the inspection of IAEA. (c) The country will have the privilege to buy uranium from the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). (d) The country automatically becomes a member of the NSG.

14. Consider the following countries: (C) International Indirect 1. Organisations Chapter 2, Page 2. and Bilateral 38 3. China Relations 4. India 5. Japan 6. USA Which of the above are among the 'free- trade partners' of ASEAN? (a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 (b) 3, 4, 5 and 6 (c) 1, 3, 4 and 5 (d) 2, 3, 4 and 6

15. With reference to the 'Global Alliance for (B) Environment Statement 1 Climate-Smart Agriculture (GACSA)', and Chapter 19, Page which of the following statements is/are Biodiversity 250 correct? 1. GACSA is an outcome of the Climate Statements 2 and Summit held in Paris in 2015. 3 are not covered. 2. Membership of GACSA does not create any binding obligations.

3. India was instrumental in the creation of GACSA. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

16. Which of the following is/are the aim/aims (B) Economics Direct of "Digital India" Plan of the Government Chapter 7, Page of India? 116 1. Formation of India's own Internet companies like China did. 2. Establish a policy framework to encourage overseas multinational corporations that collect Big Data to build their large data centres within our national geographical boundaries. 3. Connect many of our villages to the Internet and bring Wi-Fi many of our schools, public places and major tourist centres. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 to and 3

17. Consider the following pairs: (B) Current Direct Towns sometimes mentioned in news Affairs Statement 1: Country News Juice 1.Aleppo - Monthly, March 2.Kirkuk - Yemen 2018 edition, 3.Mosul - Page 71 4.Mazar-i-sharif - Afghanistan Which of the pairs given above are Statements 2 and correctly matched? 3: (a) 1 and 2 News Juice (b) 1 and 4 Monthly, (c) 2 and 3 November 2017 (d) 3 and 4 edition, Page 39

Statement 4:

News Juice Monthly, May 2017 edition, Page 38

18. In the Federation established by the (B) Modern Government of India Act of 1935, History residuary powers were given to the (a) Federal Legislature (b) Governor General (c) Provincial Legislature (d) Provincial Governors

19. Consider the following statements: (A) Indian Polity Direct 1. The speaker of the Legislative Assembly Chapter 8, Page shall vacate his/her office if he/she ceases 105 to be a member of the assembly. 2. Whenever the Legislative Assembly is dissolved, the Speaker shall vacate his/her office immediately. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

20. Which one of the following reflects the (D) Indian Polity most appropriate relationship between law and liberty? (a) If there are more laws, there is less liberty. (b) If there are no laws, there is no liberty. (c) If there is Liberty, laws have to be made by the people. (d) If laws are changed too often, liberty is in danger.

21. Consider the following statements: (C) Indian Polity Statement 1: 1. No criminal proceedings shall be Chapter 24, Page instituted against the Governor of a State 275 in any Court during his term of office. 2. The emoluments and allowances of the Statement 2 is Governor of a State shall not be diminished not covered. during his term of office.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

22. The well-known painting "Bani Thani" (D) Ancient Direct belongs to the History Chapter 20, Page (a) Bundi School 318 (b) Jaipur School (c) Kangra School (d) Kishangarh School

23. What is "Terminal High Altitude Area (C) Current Direct Defence (THAAD)", sometimes seen in the Affairs News Juice news? Monthly, March (a) An Israeli radar system 2017 Edition, (b) India's indigenous anti-missile Page 54 program (c) An American anti-missile system (d) A defence collaboration between Japan and South

24. With reference to cultural history of India, (B) Ancient Statement 4; consider the following statements: History Chapter 15, Page 1. Most of the Tyagaraja Kritis are 203 devotional songs in praise of Lord Krishna. Two answer 2. Tyagaraja created several new ragas. choices can be 3. Annamacharya and Tyagaraja are eliminated. contemporaries. 4. Annamacharya kirtanas are devotional Statements 1, 2 songs in praise of Lord Venkateshwara. and 3 are not Which of the statement given above are covered. correct? (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 and 4 only (c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) 2, 3 and 4

25. Which of the following are regarded as the (C) Indian Polity Indirect main features of the "Rule of Law "? Chapter 5, Page 1. Limitation of powers 27 2. Equality before law 3.People's responsibility to the

Government 4. Liberty and civil rights Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 and 4 only (c) 1, 2 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

26. Which of the following led to the (D) Modern introduction of English Education in India? History 1. Charter Act of 1813 2. General Committee of Public Instruction, 1823 3. Orientalist and Anglicist Controversy Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

27. Which one of the following is an artificial (A) Geography lake? (a) Kodaikanal (Tamil Nadu) (b) Kolleru (Andhra Pradesh) (c) Nainital (Uttarakhand) (d) Renuka (Himachal Pradesh)

28. With reference to Pradhan Mantri Kaushal (C) Current Direct Vikas Yojana, consider the following state: Affairs PrepMate 1. It is the flagship scheme of the Ministry Government of Labour and Employment. Schemes 2. It, among other things, will also import document, Page training in soft skills, entrepreneurship, 62 financial and digital literacy. 3. It aims to align the competencies of the unregulated workforce of the country to the National Skill Qualification Framework. (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

29. In 1920, which of the following changed its (A) Modern Indirect name to "Swarajya Sabha"? History Chapter 9, Page (a) All India Home Rule League 99 (b) Hindu Mahasabha (c) South Indian liberal Federation (d) The Servants of Indian Society

30. Which among the following events (B) Modern Direct happened earliest? History Chapter 3, Page (a) Swami Dayanand established Arya 19 Samaj Chapter 4, Page (b) Dinabandhu Mitra wrote Neeldarpan 41 (c) Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay wrote Chapter 3, Page Anandmath 30 (d) Satyendranath Tagore became the first Indian to succeed in the Indian Civil Services Examination

31. Which of the following is/are the possible (B) Environment consequence/s of heavy sand mining in and riverbeds? Biodiversity 1. Decreased salinity of the river 2. Pollution of groundwater 3. Lowering of water-table Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

32. With reference to Agricultural soils, (B) Environment Direct consider the following statement: and Statement 1: 1. A high content of organic matter in soil Biodiversity Explanation to drastically reducing its water holding Practice capacity. Questions, Page 2. Soil does not play any role in sulphur no. 314 cycle. Statement 2: 3. Irrigation over a period of can Chapter 2, Page contribute to the salinization of some 27 agricultural lands. Statement 3: Which of the statements given above are Chapter 7, Page correct? 116 (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

33. The Partnership for Action on Green (B) Environment, Indirect Economy (PAGE), UN mechanism to assist Chapter 7, Page countries transition towards greener and 110 more inclusive economies, emerged at (a) The Earth Summit on Sustainable Development 2002, Johannesburg (b) The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development 2012, Rio de Janeiro (c) The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 2015, Paris (d) The Sustainable Development Summit 2016, New Delhi

34. "3D printing" has applications in which of (D) Science and Indirect the following? Technology Chapter 12, Page 1. Preparation of confectionery items 163 2. Manufacture of Bionic ears 3. Automotive industry 4. Reconstructive surgery 5. Data processing technologies Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 3 and 4 only (b) 2, 3 and 5 only (c) 1 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

35. Consider the following statements: (A) Geography Direct 1. The Barren Island volcano is an active and Current Statement 1 & 2: volcano located in the Indian territory. affairs Chapter 8, Page 2. Barren Island lies about 140 km east of 177 Greater Nicobar . 3. The last time the Barren Island volcano Statement 3: erupted was in 1991 and it has remained News Juice in active since then. monthly, March Which of the statements given above 2017 Edition, is/are correct? Page 123 (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 (c) 3 only (d) 1 and 3

36. Why is a plant called Prosopis juliflora (B) Current often mentioned in news? Affairs (a) Its extract is widely used in cosmetics. (b) It tends to reduce the biodiversity in the area in which it grows. (c) Its extract is used in the synthesis of pesticides. (d) None of the above

37. Consider the following statements: (D) Environment Statement 1 and 1. Most of the world's coral reefs are in and 2: tropical waters. Biodiversity Chapter 4, Page 2. More than one third of the world's coral 51 reefs are located in the territories of Statement 3 is Australia, Indonesia and . not covered. 3. Coral reefs host far more number of animal phyla than those hosted by tropical rainforests. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

38. "Momentum for Change: Climate Neutral (C) Environment Now" is an initiative launched by and (a) The Intergovernmental Panel on Biodiversity Climate Change (b) The UNEP Secretariat (c) The UNFCCC secretaiat (d) The World Meteorological Organization

39. With reference to educational institutions (B) Modern Direct during colonial rule in India, consider the History Statement 1: following pairs: Chapter 7, Page Institutions Founder 59 1. Sanskrit college of Benaras - Statements 2 and William Jones 3 are not covered. 2. Calcutta Madarsa - Warren Hastings 3. Fort William college - Arthur Wellesley

Which of the pairs given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 (d) 3 only

40. Consider the following pairs: (C) International Direct sometimes mentioned in news Organisations Chapter 13, Page Country and Bilateral 304 and 305 1.Catalonia - Spain Relations 2. - Hungary 3. - Philippines 4.Oromia - Nigeria Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched? (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 3 and 4 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 2 and 4 only

41. With reference to the Indian Regional (A) Science and Direct Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), Technology Chapter 3, Page consider the following statements: 51 1. IRNSS has three satellites in geostationary and four satellites in geosynchronous orbits. 2. IRNSS covers entire India and about 5500 sq. km beyond its borders. 3. India will have its own satellite navigation system with full global coverage by the middle of 2019. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) None

42. Consider the following phenomena: (C) General Direct 1. Light is affected by gravity. Science Statements 1 and 2. The Universe is constantly expanding. 3: News Juice 17 3. Matter warps its surrounding space- April, 2016 time. Which of the above is/are the Statement 2:

prediction/predictions of Albert Einstein's General Science, General Theory of Relativity, often Chapter 10, Page discussed in media? 95 (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

43. With reference to the Genetically Modified (B) Science and Direct mustard (GM mustard) developed in India, Technology Statement 1 and consider the following statements: 3: Chapter 1, Page 1. GM mustard has the genes of a soil 18 bacterium that give the plant the property of pest-resistant to a wide variety of pets. Statement 2: 2. GM mustard has the genes that allow the News Juice plant cross-pollination and hybridization. Monthly, 3. GM mustard has been developed jointly November 2016 by the IARI and Agricultural Edition, Page 104 University. Which of the following statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

44. Consider the following pairs: (B) Science and Direct Terms sometimes seen in news Technology Statement 1: Context/Topic Chapter 10, Page 1. Belle II experiment - Artificial 151 Intelligence 2. Blockchain Technology - Digital/ Statement 2: Cryptocurrency Chapter 12, Page 3. CRISPR - Cas9 - 177 Particle Physics Which of the pairs given above is/are Statement 3 is correctly matched? not covered. (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

45. Which of the following statements best (A) Environment describes carbon fertilization? and (a) Increased plant growth due to Biodiversity

increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere (b) Increased temperature of Earth due to increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere (c) Increased acidity of as a result of increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere (d) Adaptation of all living beings on Earth to the climate change brought about by the increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

46. When the alarm of your Smartphone rang (B) Science and Direct in the morning, you wake up and tap it to Technology Chapter 12, Page stop the alarm which causes your geyser 163 to be switched on automatically. The smart mirror in your bathroom shows the day's weather and also indicates the level of water in your overhead tank. After you take some groceries from your refrigerator for making breakfast, it recognizes the shortage of stock in it and places an order for the supply of fresh grocery items. When you step out of your house and lock the door, all lights, fans, geysers, and AC machines get switched off automatically. On your way to office, your car warns you about traffic congestion ahead and suggests an alternative route, and if you are late for a meeting, it sends a message to your office accordingly. In the context of emerging communication technologies, which one of the following terms best applies to the above scenario? (a) Border Gateway protocol (b) Internet of Things (c) Internet Protocol (d) Virtual Private Network

47. With reference to solar power production (D) Current Indirect in India, consider the following statement: Affairs News Juice 1. India is the third largest in the world in Monthly, March the manufacture of silicon wafers used in 2017 Edition, photovoltaic units. Page 105

2. The solar power tariffs are determined by the Solar Energy Corporation of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

48. The staple commodity of export by the (D) Modern Indirect English East India Company from History Chapter 2, Page 8 in the middle of the 18th century were (a) Raw cotton, oil-seeds and opium (b) Sugar, salt, zinc and lead (c) Copper, silver, gold, spices and tea (d) Cotton, silk, saltpetre and opium

49. Which one of the following is a very (C) Modern Direct significant aspect of the Champaran History Chapter 10, Page satyagraha? 114 (a) Active all-India participation of lawyers, students and women in the National Movement (b) Active involvement of Dalit and Tribal communities of India in the National Movement (c) Joining of peasant unrest to India's national Movement (d) Drastic decrease in the cultivation of plantation crops and commercial crops

50. Who among the following was the founder (D) India After of the Independence "Hindu Mazdoor Sabha" established in 1948? (a) B. Krishna Pillai, E.M.S. Namboodiripad and K.C. George (b) Jayaprakash Narayan, Deen Dayal Upadhyay and M.N. Roy (c) C.P. Ramaswamy Iyer, K. Kamaraj and Veeresalingam Pantulu (d) Ashok Mehta, T.S. Ramanujam and G.G. Mehta

51. With reference to the religious practices in (B) Culture

India, the "Sthanakavasi" sect belongs to (a) Buddhism (b) Jainism (c) Vaishnavism (d) Shaivism

52. With reference to the cultural history of (A) Culture India, consider the following statements: 1. White marble was used in making Buland Darwaza and Khankah at Fatehpur Sikri. 2. Red sandstone and marble were used in making Bara Imambara and Rumi Darwaza at Lucknow. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

53. Which one of the following foreign (B) Medieval Direct Travellers elaborately discuss about History Chapter 16, Page diamonds and diamond mines of India? 219 (a) Francois Bernier (b) Jean-Baptiste Tavernier (c) Jean de Thevenot (d) Abbe Barthelemy Carre

54. With reference to Indian history, who (C) Culture among the following is a future Buddha, yet to come to save the world? (a) Avalokiteshvara (b) Lokesvara (c) Maitreya (d) Padmapani

55. Which one of the following statements (C) Modern Chapter 4, Page does not apply to the system of subsidiary History 49 Alliance introduced by Lord Wellesley? (a) To maintain a large standing army at Option (b) is not other's expense. covered. (b) To keep India safe from Napoleonic danger (c) To secure a fixed income for the

Company (d) To establish British paramountcy over Indian states

56. Which one of the following statements (B) Current Indirect correctly describe the meaning of legal Affairs News Juice 9th tender money? November, 2016 (a) The money which is tendered in courts of law to defray the fee of legal cases (b) The money which a creditor is under compulsion to accept in settlement of his claims (c) The bank money in the form of cheques, drafts, bills of exchange, etc. (d) The metallic money in circulation in a country

57. If a commodity is provided free to the (d) Economics Indirect public by the government, Then Chapter 1, Page (a) the opportunity cost is zero. 21 (b) the opportunity cost is ignored. (c) the opportunity cost is transferred from the consumer of the product to the tax-paying public. (d) the opportunity cost is transferred from the consumers of the product to the Government.

58. Increase in absolute and per capita real (C) Economics Direct GNP do not connote a higher level of Chapter 1, Page 9 economic development, if (a) industrial output failed to keep pace with agricultural output. (b) agricultural output fails to keep pace with industrial output. (c) poverty and unemployment increase. (d) imports grow faster than exports.

59. Consider the following statements: (B) Economics Indirect Human capital formation as a concept is Chapter 1, page better explained in terms of a process 15 which enables 1. individuals of a country to accumulate more capital. 2. increasing the knowledge, skill levels

and capacities of the people of the country. 3. accumulation of tangible wealth. 4. accumulation of intangible wealth. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 4 (d) 1, 3 and 4

60. Despite being a high saving economy, (D) Economics Direct capital formation may not result in Chapter 1, Page 8 significant increase in output due to (a) weak administrative machinery (b) illiteracy (c) high population density (d) high capital-output ratio

61. After the Santhal Uprising subsided, what (C) Modern Direct was/were the measure/measures taken by History Statement 1: colonial government? Chapter 4, Page 1. The territories called 'Santhal 38 Paraganas' were created. 2. It became illegal for a santhal to transfer Statement 2 is land to a non-santhal. not covered. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

62. Economically, one of the results of the (C) Modern Direct British rule in India in the 19th century History Chapter 1, Page 8 was the (a) increase in the export of Indian handicrafts. (b) growth in number of Indian owned factories. (c) commercialization of Indian agriculture. (d) Rapid increase in the Urban population.

63. If the President of India exercises his (B) Indian Polity Direct

power as provided under article 356 of the Chapter 23, Page Constitution in respect of a particular 271 state, then (a) the Assembly of the state is automatically dissolved. (b) the powers of the Legislature of that state shall be exercisable by or under the authority of the Parliament. (c) article 19 is suspended in that state. (d) the president can make laws relating to that state.

64. Consider the following pairs: (A) Culture

Craft Heritage of 1. Puthukkuli shawls - Tamil Nadu 2. Sujni embroidery - Maharashtra 3. Uppada jamdani saris - Karnataka Which one of the pairs given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 (c) 3 only (d) 2 and 3

65. In which of the following areas can GPS (D) Science and Indirect technology be used? Technology Chapter 3, Page 1. Mobile phone operation 51 2. Banking operations 3. Controlling the power grids Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1,2 and 3

66. Consider the following statements: (C) Economics 1. The Reserve Bank of India manages and services Government of India securities but not any state government securities. 2. Treasury bills are issued by the government of India and there are no treasury bills issued by the state government.

3. Treasury bills offer are issued at a discount from the par value. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1,2, and 3

67. Consider the following statements: (C) Geography 1. The earth magnetic field is reversed every few hundred thousands years. 2. When the earth was created more than 4000 million years ago, there was 54% oxygen and no carbon dioxide. 3. When living organisms originated, they modified the early atmosphere of the earth. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1,2 and 3

68. The terms 'WannaCry, Petya and (C) Science and Direct EternalBlue' sometimes mentioned in the Technology Chapter 11, Page news recently are related to 161 (a) Exoplanets (b) Cryptocurrency (c) Cyber attack (d) Mini satellites

69. With reference to the circumstances in (C) Environment Indirect Indian agriculture, the concept of Chapter 7, Page "conservation agriculture" assumes 112 significance. Which of the following fall under the conservation agriculture? 1. Avoiding the monoculture practices 2. Adopting minimum tillage 3. Avoiding the cultivation of plantation crops 4. Using progressive used to cover soil surface

5. Adopting spatial and temporal crop Sequencing/crop rotations Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1,3 and 4 (b) 2,3,4 and 5 (c) 2,4 and 5 (d) 1,2,3 and 5

70. The term "sixth mass extinction/sixth (D) Current extinction" even mentioned in the news in Affairs the context of the discussion of (a) Widespread monoculture practices in agriculture and large -scale commercial farming with indiscriminate use of chemicals in many parts of the world that may result in the loss of good native ecosystems. b) Fears of a possible Commission of a meteorite with the earth in the near future in the manner it happened 65 million years ago that caused the mass extinction of many species including those of Dinosaurs. (c) Large scale cultivation of genetically modified crops in many parts of the world and promoting their cultivation in other parts of the world which may cause the disappearance of good native crop plants and the loss of food biodiversity. (d) Mankind's over-exploitation/misuse of natural resources, fragmentation/loss of Natural Habitats, destruction of ecosystems, pollution and global climate change.

71. Consider the following statements: (A) Economics Direct 1. Capital adequacy ratio (CAR) is the Chapter 16, Page amount that banks have to maintain in the 238 and 239 form of their own funds to offset any loss that banks incur if the account-holders fail News Juice to repay dues. Monthly, 2018 2. CAR is decided by each individual Bank. January Edition, Which of the statements given above Page 114 is/are correct?

(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

72. The Identity platform 'Aadhaar' provides (D) Current open "Application Programming Interfaces Affairs (APIs)". What does it imply? 1. It can be integrated into any electronic device. 2. Online authentication using iris is possible. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

73. Very recently, in which of the following (D) Current Direct countries have lakhs of people either Affairs News Juice suffered from severe famine/acute Monthly, January malnutrition or died due to starvation 2018 Edition, caused by war/ethnic conflicts? Page 62 (a) Angola and Zambia (b) Morocco and Tunisia (c) Venezuela and Columbia (d) Yemen and South

74. Regarding wood's dispatch, which of the (A) Modern Direct following statements are true? History Chapter 7, Page 1. Grants-in-Aid system was introduced. 62 2. Establishment of universities was recommended. 3. English as a medium of instruction at all levels of education was recommended. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1,2 and 3

75. With reference to the Parliament of India, (B) Indian Polity Indirect which of the following parliamentary Chapter 8, Page

committees scrutinizes and reports to the 142 House whether the powers to make regulations, rules, sub-rules,etc. Conferred by the constitution or delegated by the parliament are being properly exercised by the executive within the scope of search the delegation. (a) Committee on Government Assurances (b) Committee on Subordinate Legislation (c) Rules Committee (d) Business Advisory Committee

76. Consider the following statements: (B) Current 1. As per the Right to education (RTE) Act, Affairs to be eligible for appointment as a teacher in a state, a person would be required to possess the minimum qualification laid down by the concerned state Council of teacher education. 2. As per the RTE Act, for teaching primary classes, a candidate is required to pass a Teacher Eligibility Test conducted in accordance with the National Council of Teacher Education guidelines. 3. In India, more than 90% of teacher education institutions are directly under the state governments. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 (d) 3 only

77. Consider the following pairs: (B) Culture Statement 3: Tradition State Direct 1. Chapchar Kut festival - Mizoram Chapter 23, Page 2. Khongjom Parba ballad - Manipur 360 3. Thang-Ta dance - Sikkim Which of the pairs given above is/are Statements 1 and correct? 2 are not covered. (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 (c) 3 only (d) 2 and 3

78. Consider the following statements: (A) Economics Statement 1: 1. The Food Safety and Standards Act,2006 Direct replaced the Prevention of Food Chapter 14, Page Adulteration Act,1954. 213 2. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is under the Statement 2: charge of Director General of Health News Juice Services in the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

79. The term "two-state solution" is (B) International Direct sometimes mentioned in the news in the Organisations Chapter 13, Page context of the affairs of and Bilateral 294 (a) China Relations (b) Israel (c) Iraq (d) Yemen

80. With reference to the provisions made (B) Economics Direct under the National Food Security Act, Chapter 8, Page 2013, consider the following statements: 131 1. The families coming under the category of 'below poverty line (BPL) only are eligible to receive subsidised food grains. 2. The eldest women in a household, of age 18 years or above, shall be the head of the household for the purpose of insurance of a ration card. 3. Pregnant women and lactating mothers are entitled to a 'take-home ration' of 1600 calories per day during pregnancy and for six months thereafter. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 (d) 3 only

81. India enacted The Geographical (D) Economics Direct Indications of Goods (Registration and Chapter 26, Page Protection) Act, 1999 in order to comply 335 with the obligations to (a) ILO (b) IMF (c) UNCTAD (d) WTO

82. Consider the following statements: (D) Geography Indirect 1. In India, State governments do not have Statement 1: the power to option non-coal mines. News Juice 2. Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand to not Monthly, April have gold mines. 2018 Edition, 3. Rajasthan has iron ore mines. Page 33 Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Statement 2: (a) 1 and 2 Geography, (b) 2 only Chapter 17, Page (c) 1 and 3 285 (d) 3 only

83. With reference to digital payments, (A) Current Direct consider the following statements: Affairs Statement 1: 1. BHIM app allows the user to transfer PrepMate money to anyone with a UPI- enabled bank Government account. Schemes, Page 72 2. While a chip-pin debit card has four factors of authentication, BHIM app has Statement 2 is only two factors of authentication. not covered. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

84. Among the following cities, which one lies (A) Geography Indirect on a longitude closest to that of Delhi? Chapter 19, Page (a) Bengaluru 298 (b) Hyderabad (c) Nagpur (d) Pune

85. International Labour organisation's (A) Current Direct conventions 138 and 182 are related to Affairs News Juice (a) Child labour Monthly,2017 (b) Adaptation of agricultural practices to July Edition, Page global climate change 61 (c) Regulation of food prices and food security (d) Gender parity at the workplace

86. Consider the following statements: (B) Indian Polity Direct 1. In the first Lok Sabha, the single largest Chapter 8, Page party in the opposition was the Swatantra 105 party. 2. In the Lok Sabha, a leader of the opposition was recognised for the first time in 1969. 3. In the Lok Sabha, if the party does not have a minimum of 75 members, its leader cannot be recognised as the Leader of the opposition. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1,2 and 3

87. Which of the following leave modifications (D) Environment Indirect occur(a) in the areas to inhibit and Chapter 3, Page water loss? Biodiversity 42 1. Hard and waxy leaves 2. Tiny leaves 3. Thorns instead of leaves Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 2 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 3 only (d) 1,2 and 3

88. As per the NSSO 70th Round " Situation (C) Current assessment survey of Agricultural Affairs Households", consider the following statements: 1. Rajasthan has the highest Percentage

share of agricultural households among its rural households. 2. Out of the total agricultural households in the country, a little over 60% belong to OBCs. 3. In Kerala, a little over 60% of agricultural households reported to have received maximum income from sources other than agricultural activities. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 2 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

89. How is the National Green Tribunal(NGT) (B) Environment Direct different from the Central pollution and NGT: Chapter 20, control board (CPCB)? Biodiversity Page 265 1. The NGT has been established by act where as the CPCB has been created by an CPCB: Chapter executive order of the government. 20, Page 268 2. The NGT provides environmental justice and helps reduce the burden of litigation in the Higher Courts whereas the CPCB promotes cleanliness of streams and wells, and aims to improve the quality of air in the country. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

90. Consider the following statements: (A) Indian Polity, Direct 1. The Parliament of India can place a Statement 1: personal law in the Ninth schedule of the Chapter 5, Page Constitution of India. 42 2. The validity of a law placed in the Ninth schedule cannot be examined by any court Statement 2: and no judgement can be made on it. Chapter 5, Page Which of the statements given above 45 is/are correct? (a) 1 only

(b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

91. Which of the following best describes the (C) Current Direct term "Merchant Discount Rate" sometimes Affairs News Juice seen in news? Monthly, January (a) The incentive given by the bank to a 2017 Edition merchant for accepting payments through debit cards pertaining to that Bank. (b) The amount paid by banks to their customers when they use debit cards for financial transactions for purchasing goods or services. (c) The charge to a merchant by a bank for accepting payments from his customers through the bank's debit cards. (d) The incentive given by the government for promoting digital payments by their customers through Point of Sale (PoS) machines and debit cards.

92. What is/are the (A) International Direct consequence/consequences of a country Organisations Chapter 3, Page become a member of the 'Nuclear and Bilateral 82 Suppliers Group'? Relations 1. It will have access to the latest and most efficient nuclear technologies. 2. It automatically becomes a member of "The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons(NPT)". Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

93. With reference to India's decision to levy (A) Current Indirect an equalization tax of 6% on online Affairs News Juice advertisement services offered by non- Monthly, May resident entities, which of the following 2017 edition statements is/are correct? 1. It is introduced as a part of the Income Tax Act.

2. Non-resident entities that offer advertisement services in India can claim a tax credit in their home country under the "Double taxation avoidance agreements." Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

94. Consider the following statements: (C) Indian Polity Direct 1. The Fiscal Responsibility and Budget and Current Statement 1: Management (FRBM) Review Committee affairs News Juice Report has recommended a debt to GDP Monthly, May ratio of 60% for the general (combined) 2017 Edition government by 2023, comprising 40% for the Central Government and 20% for the Statement 2: State Governments. News Juice 2. The Central government has domestic Monthly, March liabilities of 21% of GDP as compared to 2017 Edition that of 49% of GDP of the State governments. Statement 3: 3. As per the constitution of India, it is Indian Polity, mandatory for a state to take the Central Chapter 16, Page Government's consent for raising any loan 234 if the former owes any outstanding liabilities to the latter. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

95. Consider the following statements: (A) Current 1. The quantity of imported edible oils is Affairs more than the domestic production of edible oils in the last five years. 2. The government does not impose any customs duty on all the imported edible oils as a special case. Which of the statement given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only

(b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

96. He wrote biographies of Mazzini, (C) Modern Indirect Garibaldi, Shivaji and Shrikrishna; stayed History Chapter 8, Page in America for some time; and was also 88 elected to the Central Assembly. He was and Chapter 13, (a) Aurobindo Ghosh Page 148 (b) Bipin Chandra Pal (c) Lala Lajpat Rai (d) Motilal Nehru

97. Consider the following statements: (D) Current Direct 1. Aadhar card can be used as a proof of Affairs News Juice 12th citizenship for domicile. July, 2016 2. Once issued, Aadhar number cannot be deactivated or omitted by the Issuing Authority. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

98. Which of the following has/have shrunk (A) Current immensely/ dried up in the recent past Affairs due to human activities? 1. Aral 2. 3. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 (c) 2 only (d) 1 and 3

99. " Rule of law index" is released by which of (D) Current the following? Affairs (a) Amnesty International (b) International Court of Justice (c) The office of UN Commissioner for human rights

(d) World Justice report

100. Which one of the following links all the (C) Current Indirect ATMs in India? Affairs News Juice (a) Indian Banks' Association 21st October, (b) National Securities Depository Limited 2016 (c) National Payments Corporation of India (d) Reserve Bank of India

2018 Prelims Solutions along with source

1. Consider the following events: 1. The first democratically elected communist party government formed in a State in India. 2. India s then largest bank, Imperial Bank of India , was renamed State Bank of India . 3. Air India was nationalized and became the national carrier. 4. Goa became’ a part of independent‘ India. ’ ‘ ’ Which of the following is the correct chronological sequence of the above events? (a) 4-1-2-3 (b) 3-2-1-4 (c) 4-2-1-3 (d) 3-1-2-4 Sol. 1 (b) 3-2-1-4 Subject: India After Independence 1. First democratically elected communist party government formed in Kerala in the year 1957. 2. Imperial Bank of India was renamed in 1955 to the State Bank of India. 3. Air India was nationalized in the year 1953. 4. Goa became a part of independent India in the year 1961.

This question is unexpected. However, in this year there have been questions from major events after independence.

2. Right to Privacy is protected as an intrinsic part of Right to Life and Personal Liberty. Which of the following in the Constitution of India correctly and properly imply the above statement? (a) Article 14 and the provisions under the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution (b) Article 17 and the Directive Principles of State Policy in Part IV (c) Article 21 and the freedoms guaranteed in Part III (d) Article 24 and the provisions under the 44th Amendment of the Constitution Sol. 2 (c) Article 21 and the freedoms guaranteed in Part III Source: Indian Polity, Chapter 5, Page 31

3. Consider the following: 1. Areca nut 2. Barley 3. Coffee 4. Finger millet 5. Groundnut 6. Sesamum 7. Turmeric The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has announced the Minimum Support Price for which of the above? (a) 1, 2, 3 and 7 only (b) 2, 4, 5 and 6 only (c) 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 Sol. 3(b) 2, 4, 5 and 6 only Source: Economics, Chapter 8, Page 126

This question appears to be difficult but on careful consideration can be answered. MSP is given for crops which are the most vital ones for our agriculture. All the incorrect choices have Areca nut (supari) in answer choices. Areca nut has far limited production as compared to hundreds of other crops.

Moreover, all the incorrect answer choices have coffee as answer choice. It is difficult to provide minimum support price for costly and volatile crop such as coffee.

Thus, this answer can be deduced from concept of Minimum support price and by eliminating incorrect answer choices.

For your consideration, here is the list of crops on which MSP is declared: Kharif Crops Rabi Crops 1 Paddy 15 Wheat 2 Jowar 16 Barley 3 Bajra 17 Gram 4 Maize 18 Masur (Lentil) 5 Ragi 19 Rapeseed/Mustard 6 Arhar(Tur) 20 Safflower 7 Moong 21 Toria 8 Urad Other Crops 9 Cotton 22 Copra 10 Groundnut 23 De-Husked Coconut 11 Sunflower Seed 24 Jute 12 Soyabeen Black 25 Sugarcane 13 Sesamum 14 Nigerseed

4. In which one of the following States is Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary located? (a) Arunachal Pradesh (b)Manipur (c) Meghalaya (d) Nagaland Sol.4 (a) Arunachal Pradesh A not so well known wildlife sanctuary asked in the exam. Earlier, UPSC focused on Biosphere reserves and National parks. From recent years, questions have been asked even on wildlife sanctuaries. This one was not even mentioned in current affairs.

Do you know!

There are more than 530 wildlife sanctuaries in India. Wonder, how to learn all of them. But, yes focus can be kept on those in the North East.

5. With reference to India's satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements: 1. PSLVs launch the satellite useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites. 2. Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently in the same position in the sky, as viewed from for particular location on Earth. 3. GSLV Mk III is a four-staged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motor; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 3 (c) 1 and 2 (d) 3 only Sol. 5 (a) 1 only Source: Science and Technology, Chapter 3, Page 49 Statement 1 is correct. PSLVs launch the satellite useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites. This is a correct statement.

Statement 2 is incorrect. Satellites launched from PSLV do not appear to be stationery from earth.

Statement 3 is incorrect statement. GSLV Mk III is a three stage engine.

6. With reference to the governance of public sector banking in India consider the following statements: 1. Capital infusion into public sector banks by the Government of India has steadily increased in the last decade. 2. To put the public sector banks in order, the merger of associate banks with the parent Bank of India has been affected. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Sol. 6 (b) 2 only Statement 1 is incorrect. Yes, there is a capital infusion in banks. However, there has not been steady increase in capital infusion. Source: News juice monthly, March 2017 edition, Page 70

Statement 2 is correct. To put the public sector banks in order, the merger of associate banks with the parent Bank of India has been affected. Source: Economics, Chapter 16, Page 237

7. Consider the following items: 1. Cereal grains hulled 2. Chicken eggs cooked 3. Fish processed and canned 4. Newspapers containing advertising material Which of the above items is/are exempted under GST (Goods and Services Tax)? (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1, 2 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Sol. 7(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Ideally, such a question is not expected. Luckily, we covered it. Economics, Chapter 2, Page 33

8. Consider the following statements: 1. The definition of "Critical Wildlife Habitat" is incorporated in the Forest Rights Act, 2006. 2. For the first time in India, Baigas have been given Habitat rights. 3. Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change officially decides and declares Habitat Rights for Primitive and Vulnerable tribal groups in any part of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Sol. 8 (a) 1 and 2 only This question can be attempted in two ways. Firstly, mark the correct statements (Statement 1 and Statement 2). Statement 1 is correct. The Critical Wildlife Habitats are defined in Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006. This act defines the Critical Wildlife Habitats (CWH) as the areas of national parks and sanctuaries where it has been specifically and clearly established, case by case, on the basis of scientific and objective criteria, that such areas are“ required to be kept as inviolate for the purposes of wildlife . The above definition makes it very clear that the Critical Wildlife Habitats are absolutely freeconservation…” of human presence. But the same act duly recognizes the traditional rights of the Forest dwellers.

Statement 2 is also correct. For the first time in India, Baigas have been given Habitat rights. This statement was difficult to be noticed.

OR Secondly, eliminate the incorrect statement (which is statement 3). The three options in the question contain incorrect option.

Statement 3 Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change officially decides and declares Habitat Rights for Primitive and Vulnerable tribal groups in any part of India. This statement is clearly incorrect. Refer to provisions of Schedule 5 and Schedule 6. The State government administers tribal areas at most under directions from Union government, for regions covered under Schedule 5 and Schedule 6. Source: Polity, Chapter 28, Page 294

9. Consider the following: 1. Birds 2. Dust blowing 3. Rain 4. Wind blowing Which of the above spread plant diseases? (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 3 and 4 only (c) 1, 2 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Sol. 9 (d) (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 This question can be easily interpreted.

Nipah virus! Fruit bats are spreading contaminated virus. Thus, it can be interpreted that birds can spread plant diseases not just to humans but among plants as well. We know that Birds, Blowing dust, Rain and blowing wind can act as agent of pollination in plants. Then, easily they can be agents of diseases as well. This question can be interpreted by reading PrepMate General Science book and from Current affairs as well. However, there is no direct sentence in our book to claim the question.

10. With reference to organic farming in India, consider the following statements: 1. 'The National Programme for Organic Production' (NPOP) is operated under the guidelines and directions of the Union Ministry of Rural Development. 2. 'The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority' (APEDA) functions as the secretariat for the implementation of NPOP. 3. Sikkim has become India's first fully organic State. Which of the statements given above is are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Sol. 10(b) 2 and 3 only Statement 1 is incorrect: The National Programme for Organic production is operated under guidelines and directions of the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers welfare. Source: PrepMate Government Schemes Document

Statement 2 is correct: It is a very tough one to be asked. Statement 3 is correct: Sikkim has become India's first fully organic State.

Source: News juice - 21st, August, 2016

11. Regarding Money Bill, which of the following statements is not correct? 1. A bill shall be deemed to be a Money Bill if it contains only provisions relating to imposition, abolition, remission, alteration or regulation of any tax. (b) A Money Bill has provisions for the custody of the Consolidated Fund of India or the Contingency Fund of India. (c) A Money Bill is concerned with the appropriation of moneys out of the Contingency Fund of India. (d) A Money Bill deals with the regulation of borrowing of money or giving of any guarantee by the Government of India. Sol. 11 (c) A Money Bill is concerned with the appropriation of moneys out of the Contingency Fund of India. Appropriation from Contingency fund is under the control of the President of India.

Source: Indian Polity, Chapter 8, Page 123

Source: Chapter 8, Page 136

12. With reference to the election of the President of India, consider the following statements: 1. The value of the vote of each MLA varies from State to State. 2. The value of the vote of MPS of the Lok Sabha is more than the value of vote of MPS of the Rajya Sabha. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Sol. 12 (a) 1 only Statement 1 is correct: The value of the vote of each MLA varies from State to State because Value of vote of MLAs of a particular state = 푃표푝푢푙푎푡푖표푛 표푓 푎 푠푡푎푡푒 (1971 푐푒푛푠푢푠) As the population and number of elected MLAs vary푁푢푚푏푒푟 from 표푓 퐸푙푒푐푡푒푑 state to푀퐿퐴푠 state, so the value of the vote of each MLA varies from State to State.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The value of vote of each elected MP of Lok sabha is same as that of elected MP of Rajya Sabha. Value of vote of each elected MP = 푉푎푙푢푒 표푓 푣표푡푒 표푓 푒푙푒푐푡푒푑 푀퐿퐴푠 푁푢푚푏푒푟 표푓 퐸푙푒푐푡푒푑 푀푃푠

Source : Indian Polity, Chapter 8, Page 70

13. In the Indian context, what is the implication of ratifying the 'Additional Protocol' with the 'International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)'? (a) The civilian nuclear reactors come under IAEA safeguards. (b) The military nuclear installations come under the inspection of IAEA. (c) The country will have the privilege to buy uranium from the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). (d) The country automatically becomes a member of the NSG. Sol. 13(a) The civilian nuclear reactors come under IAEA safeguards. Source: International Organizations and Bilateral Relations, Chapter 12, Page 242

14. Consider the following countries: 1. Australia 2. Canada 3. China 4. India 5. Japan 6. USA Which of the above are among the 'free-trade partners' of ASEAN? (a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 (b) 3, 4, 5 and 6 (c) 1, 3, 4 and 5 (d) 2, 3, 4 and 6 Sol. 14(c) 1, 3, 4 and 5 This question can be solved by combination of selection and elimination technique.

ASEAN is close to its dialogue partners such as India. It has individual free trade agreements with six dialogue partners namely Australia, , South Korea, Japan, India and China.

Source: IOBR, Chapter 2, Page 38

The option of Canada can be safely ruled out because Canada ASEAN relations are unheard off. Similarly, All ASEAN nations do not have relations with US. Thus,– US has individual agreements with some ASEAN nations but not with the whole grouping.

15. With reference to the 'Global Alliance for Climate-Smart Agriculture (GACSA)', which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. GACSA is an outcome of the Climate Summit held in Paris in 2015. 2. Membership of GACSA does not create any binding obligations. 3. India was instrumental in the creation of GACSA. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Sol. 15 (b) 2 only Statement 1 is incorrect: The Global Alliance for Climate-Smart Agriculture (GACSA), was launched on 23 September 2014 at the UN Climate Summit. This statement can be attempted with the help of elimination technique. It was not under formed under Paris Agreement. Source: Environment and Biodiversity, Chapter 19, Page 250

Statementand continues…… 2 is correct: Membership of GACSA does not create any binding obligations. This statement can be interpreted. The body which is not so heard off, makes sense that its membership does not create any binding obligations.

Statement 3 is incorrect: India was not instrumental in the creation of GACSA. Had India been instrumental, it would have been in news like International Solar Alliance; hundreds of articles in last two years.

16. Which of the following is/are the aim/aims of "Digital India" Plan of the Government of India? 1. Formation of India's own Internet companies like China did. 2. Establish a policy framework to encourage overseas multinational corporations that collect Big Data to build their large data centres within our national geographical boundaries. 3. Connect many of our villages to the Internet and bring Wi-Fi many of our schools, public places and major tourist centres.

Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 to and 3 Sol. 16 (b) 3 only Source: Economics, Chapter 7, Page 116

Statement 2 and Statement 3 are not specifically mentioned under Digital India Plan.

17. Consider the following pairs: Towns sometimes mentioned in news Country 1. Aleppo - Syria 2. Kirkuk - Yemen 3. Mosul - Palestine 4. Mazar-i-sharif - Afghanistan Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched? (a) 1 and 2 (b) 1 and 4 (c) 2 and 3 (d) 3 and 4 Sol. 17(b) 1 and 4 Statement 1 is correct. Aleppo is in Syria. Source: News Juice Monthly, March 2018 edition, Page 71

Statements 2 and 3 are incorrect. Both Kirkuk and Mosul are in Iraq. Source: News Juice Monthly, November 2017 edition, Page 39

Statement 4 is correct. Source: News Juice Monthly, May 2017 edition, Page 38

18. In the Federation established by the Government of India Act of 1935, residuary powers were given to the (a) Federal Legislature (b) Governor General (c) Provincial Legislature (d) Provincial Governors Sol. 18 (b) Governor General The act divided the powers between the Centre and provinces in terms of three list-Federal List (for Centre, with 59 items), Provincial List (for Provinces, with 54 items), and Concurrent list (for both, with 36 items). Residuary powers were given to the Governor General.

19. Consider the following statements: 1. The speaker of the Legislative Assembly shall vacate his/her office if he/she ceases to be a member of the assembly. 2. Whenever the Legislative Assembly is dissolved, the Speaker shall vacate his/her office immediately. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Sol. 19 (a) 1 only Statement 1 is correct: The speaker of the Legislative Assembly shall vacate his/her office if he/she ceases to be a member of the assembly. The position of Speaker in Lok Sabha is similar to that of Speaker in Legislative Assembly. Source: Indian Polity, Chapter 8, Page no. 105

Statement 2 is incorrect: Whenever the Legislative Assembly is dissolved, the Speaker holds office till next Lok sabha is constituted. Source: Indian Polity, Chapter 8, Page no. 103

20. Which one of the following reflects the most appropriate relationship between law and liberty? (a) Is there are more laws, there is less liberty. (b) If there are no laws, there is no liberty. (c) If there is Liberty, laws have to be made by the people. (d) If laws are changed too often, liberty is in danger. Sol. 20(d) If laws are changed too often, liberty is in danger. Let us analyse this question. Option (a) is incorrect. It does not necessarily mean that laws curtail liberty. Infact, some of the laws are passed to provide liberty. For instance, The Indian Constitution provides to its citizen Liberty through Article 21, and a various freedoms including speech and expression, movement, assembly, profession etc. via Article 19.

Option (b) is incorrect: It is true that laws can be passed to provide liberty. In fact, option (b) was a statement by Political Thinker John Locke. However, it cannot be said that if there are no laws, there is no liberty. This is wrong because it is an extreme statement.

Option (c) is also incorrect: It may happen that people pass laws to restrict their liberty, for instance caste system rules.

Option (d) is correct. If laws are changed too often, liberty is in danger because in such a case, laws can be amended to restrict liberty.

21. Consider the following statements: 1. No criminal proceedings shall be instituted against the Governor of a State in any Court during his term of office. 2. The emoluments and allowances of the Governor of a State shall not be diminished during his term of office. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Sol. 21 (c) Both 1 and 2 Statement 1 is correct: No criminal proceedings shall be instituted against the Governor of a State in any Court during his term of office.

Source: Indian Polity, Chapter 24, Page 275

Statement 2 is correct: Article 158 (4) The emoluments and allowances of the Governor shall not be diminished during his term of office.

Like President, Governor is required to function in consultation with State Council of Ministers. His emoluments are determined by Parliament by law and paid by the State government. To maintain his position, it is important that his emoluments cannot be reduced.

22. The well-known painting "Bani Thani" belongs to the (a) Bundi School (b) Jaipur School (c) Kangra School (d) Kishangarh School Sol. 22(d) Kishangarh School

Source: Ancient History, Chapter 20, Page 318

23. What is "Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD)", sometimes seen in the news? (a) An Israeli radar system (b) India's indigenous anti-missile program (c) An American anti-missile system (d) A defence collaboration between Japan and South Korea Sol. 23 (c) An American anti-missile system

Source: News Juice Monthly, March 2017 Edition, Page 54

24. With reference to cultural history of India, consider the following statements: 1. Most of the Tyagaraja Kritis are devotional songs in praise of Lord Krishna. 2. Tyagaraja created several new ragas. 3. Annamacharya and Tyagaraja are contemporaries. 4. Annamacharya kirtanas are devotional songs in praise of Lord Venkateshwara. Which of the statement given above are correct? (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 and 4 only (c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) 2, 3 and 4 Sol. 24 (b) 2 and 4 only Statement 2 is correct. Kakarla Tyagabrahmam or Saint Tyagaraja (1767 1847), also known as Tyāgayya in Telugu, was one of the greatest composers of Carnatic music. Tyagaraja composed thousands of devotional compositions, most in Telugu– and in praise of Lord Rama. Of special mention are five of his compositions called the Pancharatna Kritis (English: "five gems"). Statement 4 is correct. Subject- Ancient History, Chapter 15, Page 203

Statements 1 and 3 are incorrect.

25. Which of the following are regarded as the main features of the "Rule of Law "? 1. Limitation of powers 2. Equality before law 3. People's responsibility to the Government 4. Liberty and civil rights Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 and 4 only (c) 1, 2 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Sol. 25 (c) 1, 2 and 4 only Source: Polity, Chapter 5, Page 27.

This question requires lot of interpretation.

Statement 1 is correct Rule of law directly implies that law is supreme. The law is the highest reference point in every situation. Thus, there are limitation of powers of each individual because nothing is beyond law.

Statement 2 is correct Rule of law is related to equality before law. It means that the laws of the land must apply to every individual equally, irrespective of the person s sex, religion, political inclination, status in society etc. ’ Statement 3 is incorrect It cannot be implied from Rule of Law.

Statement 4 is correct Laws and Rights are complementary to each other. Laws lead to the rights and freedoms of individuals. The rights are inherent and must not be based on whims and fancies of kings.

26. Which of the following led to the introduction of English Education in India? 1. Charter Act of 1813 2. General Committee of Public Instruction, 1823 3. Orientalist and Anglicist Controversy Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Sol. 26(d) 1, 2 and 3 The overall British policy was to educate Indians to help Britishers in administration. Britishers favoured english education over oriental education. Statement 1 is correct: The Charter Act of 1813 adopted a provision to spend one lakh rupees per annum for the spread of education in India.

Statement 3 is correct: Britishers were divided into two groups on the issue of development of education in India. One group, called the Orientalists, advocated the promotion of oriental subjects through Indian languages. The other group, called the Anglicists, favoured western sciences and literature along with English medium. The Chairman of the committee, Lord Macaulay announced his famous Minute advocating the Anglicist point of view. Consequently, then Governor General Bentinck got the resolution passed on 7 March 1835. The resolution declared that government funds would be utilized for the promotion of western literature and science through the medium of English language.

Answer can be obtained by knowing the validity only of Statementa 1 and 3.

27. Which one of the following is an artificial lake? (a) Kodaikanal (Tamil Nadu) (b) Kolleru (Andhra Pradesh) (c) Nainital (Uttarakhand) (d) Renuka (Himachal Pradesh) Sol. 27(a) Kodaikanal (Tamil Nadu) Kodaikanal (Tamil Nadu) is an artificial lake. Remaining three are natural lakes. Renuka and Nainital are fresh water natural lakes. Kolleru is a lagoon.

Source: Geography, Chapter 9, Page 192

28. With reference to Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, consider the following statements: 1. It is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Labour and Employment. 2. It, among other things, will also impart training in soft skills, entrepreneurship, financial and digital literacy. 3. It aims to align the competencies of the unregulated workforce of the country to the National Skill Qualification Framework. (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Sol. 28(c) 2 and 3 only Source: PrepMate Government Schemes document, Page 62

Statement 1 is incorrect: PMKVY is a programme of Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. Statement 3 is correct: PMKVY aims to align the competencies of the unregulated workforce of the country to the National Skill Qualification Framework. The question can be attempted by knowing just these two statements. Statement 2 is also correct: Among other things, PMKVY will also impart training in soft skills, entrepreneurship, financial and digital literacy.

29. In 1920, which of the following changed its name to "Swarajya Sabha"? (a) All India Home Rule League (b) Hindu Mahasabha (c) South Indian liberal Federation (d) The Servants of Indian Society Sol. 29 (a) All India Home Rule League Source: Modern History, Chapter 9, Page 99 The home rule movement was for home rule or self-rule. Thus, it can be interpreted that its name was changed to Swarajya Sabha.

30. Which among the following events happened earliest? (a) Swami Dayanand established Arya Samaj (b) Dinabandhu Mitra wrote Neeldarpan (c) Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay wrote Anandmath (d) Satyendranath Tagore became the first Indian to succeed in the Indian Civil Services Examination Sol. 30 (b) Dinabandhu Mitra wrote Neeldarpan Source: Modern History, Chapter 3, Page 19

Source: Modern History, Chapter 4, Page 41

Source: Modern History, Chapter 3, Page 30

31. Which of the following is/are the possible consequence/s of heavy sand mining in riverbeds? 1. Decreased salinity of the river 2. Pollution of groundwater 3. Lowering of water-table Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Sol. 31(b) 2 and 3 only Statement 1 is incorrect. Infact, it is the opposite of what actually happens. Due to excessive sand mining the rocks would be exposed which contain salt phosphates. This would result in increase in salinity of water. Statement 2 is correct. There is a layer (sediments) present between riverbeds and the ground water, which helps in filtering the water before it reaches the ground level. Excessive mining of sand leads to the reduction of thickness of this filtering layer. Due to this, the pollutants produced due to mining and other human activities do not get filtered and the ground water becomes polluted. Statement 3 is correct. Due to excessive sand mining the riverbeds turn into large and deep pits and because of that the elevation of stream flow lowers down and as a result groundwater table drops.

32. With reference to Agricultural soils, consider the following statement: 1. A high content of organic matter in soil drastically reducing its water holding capacity. 2. Soil does not play any role in sulphur cycle. 3. Irrigation over a period of time can contribute to the salinization of some agricultural lands. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Sol. 32 (b) 3 only Source: Environment, Explanation to Practice Questions, Page 314 Statement 1 is incorrect. A high content of organic matter in soil increases its water holding capacity.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Soil does play role in sulphur cycle. Source: Environment, Chapter 2, Page 27

Statement 3 is correct: Irrigation over a period of time can contribute to the salinization of some agricultural lands. Source: Environment, Chapter 7, Page 116

33. The Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE), UN mechanism to assist countries transition towards greener and more inclusive economies, emerged at (a) The Earth Summit on Sustainable Development 2002, Johannesburg (b) The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development 2012, Rio de Janeiro (c) The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 2015, Paris (d) The World Sustainable Development Summit 2016, New Delhi Sol. 33(b) The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development 2012, Rio de Janeiro Source: Environment, Chapter 7, Page 110

The Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE), UN mechanism to assist countries transition towards greener and more inclusive economies, emerged at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development 2012, Rio de Janeiro. After the UNEP report on Green economy, PAGE was instituted.

34. "3D printing" has applications in which of the following? 1. Preparation of confectionery items 2. Manufacture of Bionic ears 3. Automotive industry 4. Reconstructive surgery 5. Data processing technologies Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 3 and 4 only (b) 2, 3 and 5 only (c) 1 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Sol. 34(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Source: Science and Technology, Chapter 12, Page 163

Any object can be manufactured with the help of 3-D printing. 3-D modeling can also be used for arrangement and processing of data.

35. Consider the following statements: 1. The Barren Island volcano is an active volcano located in the Indian territory. 2. Barren Island lies about 140 km east of Greater Nicobar. 3. The last time the Barren Island volcano erupted was in 1991 and it has remained in active since then. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 (c) 3 only (d) 1 and 3 Sol. 35 (a) 1 only Statement 1 is correct. Source: Geography, Chapter 8, Page 177

Statement 2 is incorrect: It is part of , and not 140 km East of Great Nicobar. Geography, Chapter 8, Page 338, Explanation of practice questions

Statement 3 is also incorrect. Source: News Juice Monthly, March 2017 Edition, Page 123

36. Why is a plant called Prosopis juliflora often mentioned in news? (a) Its extract is widely used in cosmetics. (b) It tends to reduce the biodiversity in the area in which it grows. (c) Its extract is used in the synthesis of pesticides. (d) None of the above Sol. 36(b) It tends to reduce the biodiversity in the area in which it grows. Prosopis juliflora is a shrub or small tree. It is native to , and the . It is as an invasive weed in , , Australia and elsewhere. It is a contributing factor to continuing transmission of malaria, especially during dry periods when sugar sources from native plants are largely unavailable to mosquitoes.

37. Consider the following statements: 1. Most of the world's coral reefs are in tropical waters. 2. More than one third of the world's coral reefs are located in the territories of Australia, Indonesia and Philippines. 3. Coral reefs host far more number of animal phyla than those hosted by tropical rainforests. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Sol. 37(d) 1, 2 and 3 Statement 1 is correct: Most of the world's coral reefs are in tropical waters. Source: Environment, Chapter 4, Page 51

Statement 2 is correct: More than one third of the world's coral reefs are located in the territories of Australia, Indonesia and Philippines.

The above screenshot lends some help in interpreting the second statement.

Statement 3 is also correct: Coral reefs host far more number of animal phyla than those hosted by tropical rainforests. Coral reefs host 30 animal phyla, while all the terrestrial and freshwater habitats host only 19 phyla. The terrestrial and freshwater habitats cover 29% of the surface of earth, yet the number of phyla in one 5m2 quadrant on a coral reefs in the oceans is subsequently greater than all the terrestrial and freshwater habitats (rain forests, savannah, temperate forests, tropical rainforests, tundra, rivers, lakes, bogs) of the world.

38. "Momentum for Change: Climate Neutral Now" is an initiative launched by (a) The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (b) The UNEP Secretariat (c) The UNFCCC secretariat (d) The World Meteorological Organization Sol. 38 (c) The UNFCCC secretariat The Paris Climate Change Agreement s central aim is to strengthen the global response to climate change by keeping a global temperature rise well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts’ to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius. This can be attained if we achieve a climate neutral world by the second half of this century.

The UNFCCC secretariat launched its Climate Neutral Now initiative in 2015. The following year, the secretariat launched a new pillar under its Momentum for Change initiative focused on Climate Neutral Now, as part of larger efforts to showcase successful climate action around the world.

39. With reference to educational institutions during colonial rule in India, consider the following pairs: Institutions Founder 1. Sanskrit college of Benaras - William Jones 2. Calcutta Madarsa - Warren Hastings 3. Fort William college - Arthur Wellesley Which of the pairs given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 (d) 3 only Sol. 39(b) 2 only Statement 1 is incorrect: William Jones founded The Asiatic Society of Bengal. Government Sanskrit College was established in 1791, the first college in Benaras. In 1791, Jonathan Duncan, the representative of the East India Company proposed the establishment of a Sanskrit college for development and preservation of the Sanskrit literature. This was sanctioned by Governor General Lord Cornwallis.

Source: Modern History, Chapter 7, Page 59

Once you conclude that statement 1 is incorrect, there are only two options {(b) and (d)} left. Statement 2 is correct: Calcutta Madarsa was founded in October 1780 by Warren Hastings. Calcutta Madrasa (later Calcutta Aliya Madrasa) was the earliest of the state-managed educational institutions under the British rule in India.

Answer can be identified by with these two statements only.

40. Consider the following pairs:

Regions sometimes mentioned in news Country 1. Catalonia - Spain 2. Crimea - Hungary 3. Mindanao - Philippines 4. Oromia - Nigeria Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched? (a) 1 2 and 3 (b) 3 and 4 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 2 and 4 only Sol.40 (c) 1 and 3 only Statement 1 is correct: Catalonia is part of Spain. Source: International Organisations and Bilateral Relations, Chapter 13, Page 305

Statement 2 is incorrect: Crimea was part of Ukraine. Options (a) and (d) can be eliminated.

Source: International Organisations and Bilateral Relations, Chapter 13, Page no. 304

Answer can be obtained from just two statements.

Statement 3 is correct and Statement 4 is incorrect.

41. With reference to the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), consider the following statements: 1. IRNSS has three satellites in geostationary and four satellites in geosynchronous orbits. 2. IRNSS covers entire India and about 5500 sq. km beyond its borders. 3. India will have its own satellite navigation system with full global coverage by the middle of 2019. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) None Sol. 41(a) 1 only Statement 1 is correct. Source: Science and Technology, Chapter 3, Page 51

Statement 2 is incorrect. IRNSS covers entire India and about 1500 sq. km (not 5500 sq. km) beyond its borders. Statement 3 is also incorrect. There is no such plan to make IRNSS make global by 2019.

42. Consider the following phenomena: 1. Light is affected by gravity. 2. The Universe is constantly expanding. 3. Matter warps its surrounding space-time.

Which of the above is/are the prediction/predictions of Albert Einstein's General Theory of Relativity, often discussed in media? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Sol. 42 (c) 1 and 3 only Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Both the statements mean the same thing. Source: News Juice

Statement 2 is incorrect: It is well understood that the Universe is constantly expanding. Red shift phenomenon proves this. Neither this fact requires any prediction nor it is part of Albert Einstein's General Theory of Relativity. Source: General Science, Chapter 10, Page 95

43. With reference to the Genetically Modified mustard (GM mustard) developed in India, consider the following statements: 1. GM mustard has the genes of a soil bacterium that give the plant the property of pest- resistant to a wide variety of pets. 2. GM mustard has the genes that allow the plant cross-pollination and hybridization. 3. GM mustard has been developed jointly by the IARI and Punjab Agricultural University. Which of the following statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Sol. 43(b) 2 only Statement 1 is incorrect: Unlike most of GM crops, GM Mustard do not have genes of soil bacterium. It is produced by cross pollinating Indian mustard with East European mustard. Statement 3 is also incorrect: GM Mustard has been prepared by researchers of Delhi University. Source: Science and Technology, Chapter 1, Page 18

Once you have eliminated Statements 1 and 3, you are left with option (b).

Statement 2 is correct.

News Juice Monthly, November 2016 Edition, Page 104

44. Consider the following pairs: Terms sometimes seen in news Context/Topic 1. Belle II experiment - Artificial Intelligence 2. Blockchain Technology - Digital/Cryptocurrency 3. CRISPR - Cas9 - Particle Physics Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched? (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Sol. 44(b) 2 only Statement 1 is incorrect. Belle II is a particle accelerator. Source: Science and Technology, Chapter 10, Page 151

Statement 2 is correct: Blockchain technology is related to Crpto-currency. Science and Technology, Chapter 12, Page 177

Statement 3 is also incorrect. CRISPR - Cas9 is related to genetic sequences that play a key role in a prokaryotic defense system.

45. Which of the following statements best describes carbon fertilization? (a) Increased plant growth due to increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere (b) Increased temperature of Earth due to increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere (c) Increased acidity of oceans as a result of increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere (d) Adaptation of all living beings on Earth to the climate change brought about by the increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

Sol. 45(a) Increased plant growth due to increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere The carbon fertilization effect (CFE): the larger amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere that has resulted from rising anthropogenic emissions should help the growth of plants, which use carbon dioxide during photosynthesis. The effect ought to increase crop yields.

46. When the alarm of your Smartphone rang in the morning, you wake up and tap it to stop the alarm which causes your geyser to be switched on automatically. The smart mirror in your bathroom shows the day's weather and also indicates the level of water in your overhead tank. After you take some groceries from your refrigerator for making breakfast, it recognizes the shortage of stock in it and places an order for the supply of fresh grocery items. When you step out of your house and lock the door, all lights, fans, geysers, and AC machines get switched off automatically. On your way to office, your car warns you about traffic congestion ahead and suggests an alternative route, and if you are late for a meeting, it sends a message to your office accordingly. In the context of emerging communication technologies, which one of the following terms best applies to the above scenario? (a) Border Gateway protocol (b) Internet of Things (c) Internet Protocol (d) Virtual Private Network Sol.46(b) Internet of Things Source: Science and Technology, Chapter 12, Page 163

47. With reference to solar power production in India, consider the following statement: 1. India is the third largest in the world in the manufacture of silicon wafers used in photovoltaic units. 2. The solar power tariffs are determined by the Solar Energy Corporation of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Sol.47(d) Neither 1 nor 2 Statement 1 is incorrect: India is a significant importer of solar wafers. Government seeks to encourage production of solar wafers in India under Make in India program. Infact, it is a major trading issue between India and US. Our solar capacity is far less than many nations of the world. Thus, it can be concluded that India is not the third largest producer. Statement 2 is also incorrect: Recently, the rate of solar power bids have gone down. Thus, the rate is determined through auction and not by Solar Energy Corporation of India. News Juice Monthly, March 2017 Edition, Page 105

48. The staple commodity of export by the English East India Company from Bengal in the middle of the 18th century were (a) Raw cotton, oil-seeds and opium (b) Sugar, salt, zinc and lead (c) Copper, silver, gold, spices and tea (d) Cotton, silk, saltpetre and opium Sol. 48(d) Cotton, silk, saltpetre and opium Source: Modern History, Chapter 2, Page 8

There is confusion in options (a) and (d). Saltpetre was also exported. It was used to make gunpowder in Britain.

49. Which one of the following is a very significant aspect of the Champaran satyagraha? (a) Active all-India participation of lawyers, students and women in the National Movement (b) Active involvement of Dalit and Tribal communities of India in the National Movement (c) Joining of peasant unrest to India's national Movement (d) Drastic decrease in the cultivation of plantation crops and commercial crops Sol. 49(c) Joining of peasant unrest to India's national Movement

Source: Modern History, Chapter 10, Page 114

50. Who among the following was the founder of the "Hindu Mazdoor Sabha" established in 1948? (a) B. Krishna Pillai, E.M.S. Namboodiripad and K.C. George (b) Jayaprakash Narayan, Deen Dayal Upadhyay and M.N. Roy (c) C.P. Ramaswamy Iyer, K. Kamaraj and Veeresalingam Pantulu (d) Ashok Mehta, T.S. Ramanujam and G.G. Mehta Sol. 50(d) Ashok Mehta, T.S. Ramanujam and G.G. Mehta The HMS was founded in Howrah in west bengal on 29 December 1948, by socialists, Forward Bloc followers and independent unionists. Its founders included Basawon Singh (Sinha), Ashok Mehta, R.S. Ruikar, Maniben Kara, Shibnath Banerjee, R.A. Khedgikar, T.S. Ramanujam, V.S. Mathur, G.G. Mehta. R.S. Ruikar was elected president and Ashok Mehta general secretary.

51. With reference to the religious practices in India, the "Sthanakavasi" sect belongs to (a) Buddhism (b) Jainism (c) Vaishnavism (d) Shaivism Sol. 51(b) Jainism Jainism splited into Digambara and Svetambara. Around 1500 AD, the Swetambar sect further divided into three sub-sects: Sthanakvasi, Murtipujak, and Terapanthi.

52. With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following statements: 1. White marble was used in making Buland Darwaza and Khankah at Fatehpur Sikri. 2. Red sandstone and marble were used in making Bara Imambara and Rumi Darwaza at Lucknow. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Sol. 52 (a) 1 only Statement 1 is correct. The Buland Darwaza at Fatehpur Sikri is made up of white marble and red sandtone. Statement 2 is incorrect. Imambara is made of brick and lime.

53. Which one of the following foreign Travellers elaborately discuss about diamonds and diamond mines of India? (a) Francois Bernier (b) Jean-Baptiste Tavernier (c) Jean de Thevenot (d) Abbe Barthelemy Carre Sol. 53(b) Jean-Baptiste Tavernier Source: Ancient History, Chapter 16, Page 219

54. With reference to Indian history, who among the following is a future Buddha, yet to come to save the world? (a) Avalokiteshvara (b) Lokeswara (c) Maitreya (d) Padmapani Sol. 54(c) Maitreya Maitreya Buddha is considered as the Future Buddha, who is yet to appear.

55. Which one of the following statements does not apply to the system of subsidiary Alliance introduced by Lord Wellesley? (a) To maintain a large standing army at other's expense. (b) To keep India safe from Napoleonic danger (c) To secure a fixed income for the Company (d) To establish British paramountcy over Indian states Sol. 55(c) To secure a fixed income for the Company Source: Modern History, Chapter 4, Page no. 49

From the above screenshot, it can be concluded that subsidiary alliance led to options (a) and (d). There was one more motive of introducing subsidiary alliance. The power of Napoleon was rising. The chances of Napoleon invasion were real. Thus, subsidiary alliance was signed to keep princely states safe from Napoleon. Thus, option (b) can also be ruled out.

56. Which one of the following statements correctly describe the meaning of legal tender money? (a) The money which is tendered in courts of law to defray the fee of legal cases (b) The money which a creditor is under compulsion to accept in settlement of his claims (c) The bank money in the form of cheques, drafts, bills of exchange, etc. (d) The metallic money in circulation in a country Sol. 56(b) The money which a creditor is under compulsion to accept in settlement of his claims This is an interesting question. It asks something very basic, which is used in common parlance but the meaning of which is not clear. Legal tender refers coins or banknotes that must be accepted if offered in payment of a debt. Among the given choices, option (b) is the most appropriate answer. News Juice 9th November, 2016

57. If a commodity is provided free to the public by the government, Then (a) the opportunity cost is zero. (b) the opportunity cost is ignored. (c) the opportunity cost is transferred from the consumer of the product to the tax-paying public. (d) the opportunity cost is transferred from the consumers of the product to the Government. Sol.57(d) the opportunity cost is transferred from the consumers of the product to the Government. Option (a) is incorrect. A free good is a good with zero opportunity cost. However, one important distinction is that just because a good is given away for free it doesn t necessarily mean it is a free good. In this case, if the government wasn t giving away free commodity to the public, it might be using the same money elsewhere. ‘ ’ ’ ’ Option (b) is incorrect. Everything has a cost. Thus, Opportunity cost cannot be ignored.

Option (c) is incorrect. The tax receipts, once collected, belong to the government. Thus, their further use involves opportunity cost to the government.

Option (d) is the correct answer. Opportunity cost here is what government gave up in order to provide free commodities. If the government would not have given free commodities, then it could have used the same funds in any other manner.

Source: Economics, Chapter 1, Page 21

58. Increase in absolute and per capita real GNP do not connote a higher level of economic development, if (a) industrial output failed to keep pace with agricultural output. (b) agricultural output fails to keep pace with industrial output. (c) poverty and unemployment increase. (d) imports grow faster than exports. Sol. 58(c) poverty and unemployment increase. Source: Economics, Chapter 1, Page 9

Economic Development considers not just quantitative indicators such as GNP, GDP but also qualitative indictors such as standards of living, poverty, unemployment, etc.

59. Consider the following statements: Human capital formation as a concept is better explained in terms of a process which enables 1. individuals of a country to accumulate more capital. 2. increasing the knowledge, skill levels and capacities of the people of the country. 3. accumulation of tangible wealth. 4. accumulation of intangible wealth. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 4 (d) 1, 3 and 4 Sol. 59 (b) 2 only This question is slightly confusing. It talks about the process which explains Human Capital formation. Statement 2 is correct. Human Capital formation is the process which enables increasing the knowledge, skill levels and capacities of the people of the country. Source: Economics, Chapter 1, Page 15

Many people tend to confuse Statement 4 as correct. However, accumulation of intangible wealth such as copyrights, patents, etc is outcome of Human capital formation and it is the not the process. Thus, Statement 4 is incorrect.

Similarly, Statements 1 and 3 are also incorrect because they are also outcome of Human capital formation.

60. Despite being a high saving economy, capital formation may not result in significant increase in output due to

(a) weak administrative machinery (b) illiteracy (c) high population density (d) high capital-output ratio Sol.60 (d) high capital-output ratio Source: Economics, Chapter 1, Page 8

61. After the Santhal Uprising subsided, what was/were the measure/measures taken by colonial government? 1. The territories called ' santhal Paraganas' were created. 2. It became illegal for a santhal to transfer land to a non-santhal. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Sol.61 (c) Both 1 and 2 Statement 1 is correct. Source: Modern History, Chapter 4, Page 38

Statement 2 is also correct. To protect Santhal interests, it was declared illegal to transfer land to a non-santhal.

62. Economically, one of the results of the British rule in India in the 19th century was the (a) increase in the export of Indian handicrafts. (b) growth in number of Indian owned factories. (c) commercialization of Indian agriculture. (d) Rapid increase in the Urban population. Sol. 62(c) commercialization of Indian agriculture. Source: Modern History, Chapter 1, Page 8

63. if the President of India exercises his power as provided under article 356 of the Constitution in respect of a particular state, then (a) the Assembly of the state is automatically dissolved. (b) the powers of the Legislature of that state shall be exercisable by or under the authority of the Parliament. (c) article 19 is suspended in that state. (d) the president can make laws relating to that state. Sol. 63(b) The powers of the Legislature of that state shall be exercisable by or under the authority of the Parliament. Source: Indian Polity, Chapter 23, Page 271

64. Consider the following pairs: Craft Heritage of 1. Puthukkuli shawls - Tamil Nadu 2. Sujni embroidery - Maharashtra 3. Uppada jamdani saris - Karnataka Which one of the pairs given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 (c) 3 only (d) 2 and 3 Sol. 64(a) 1 only Statement 1 is correct. Puthukkuli shawls are heritage craft of Tamil Nadu. Statement 2 is incorrect. Sujani (also known as Sujini) embroidery originated in Bhusura village of Bihar in India. Today, Sujani embroidery is also practiced in the southern part of Rajasthan for making patterns on Sarees, dupattas and other clothing and home furnishing. Statement 3 is also incorrect. Uppada Jamdani Sari is a silk sari style woven in Uppada of East Godavari district in the state of Andhra Pradesh. It is registered as one of the geographical indication from Andhra Pradesh.

65. In which of the following areas can GPS technology be used? 1. Mobile phone operation 2. Banking operations 3. Controlling the power grids Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Sol. 65 (d) 1, 2 and 3 GPS technology can be used in all the applications where navigation can be of any use. Statement 1 is correct: Use of GPS in mobile operations is known to all of us. Statement 2 is correct: For instance, GPS can be used to track bank branches, cash movement, bank agents, etc.

Statement 3 is correct: For instance, GPS can be used to track defective power grids. This question requires interpretation apart from knowing basic concept. Source: Science and Technology, Chapter 3, Page 51

Source: Science and Technology, Chapter 3, Page 52

66. Consider the following statements: 1. The Reserve Bank of India manages and services Government of India securities but not any state government securities. 2. Treasury bills are issued by the government of India and there are no treasury bills issued by the state government. 3. Treasury bills offer are issued at a discount from the par value. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, and 3 Sol. 66 (c) 2 and 3 only Statement 1 is incorrect: The Reserve Bank of India manages and services Government of India as well as state government securities. RBI is banker to both Central and State government.

Statement 2 is correct: Treasury Bills are issued only by the central government in India. The State governments do not issue any treasury bills.

Statement 3 is correct: Treasury bills are issued at a discount from the par value. They are redeemable at par value. Thus, the interest earned on treasury bills = Par value Issued value. – 67. Consider the following statements: 1. The earth magnetic field is reversed every few hundred thousands years. 2. When the earth was created more than 4000 million years ago, there was 54% oxygen and no carbon dioxide. 3. When living organisms originated, they modified the early atmosphere of the earth. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Sol.67(c) 1 and 3 only Statement 1 is correct: The earth magnetic field reverses every few hundred thousand years.

Statement 2 is incorrect: When Earth was created there was no oxygen in the atmosphere. Though Oxygen was present in compounds in Earth s interior, atmosphere, and oceans, it began to accumulate later on in the atmosphere as oxygen gas (O2). ’ Statement 3 is correct: It can be guessed easily. For instance, we know that living organisms undertake gaseous exchange through photosynthesis and respiration.

68. The terms 'Wanna Cry, Petya and Eternal Blue' sometimes mentioned in the news recently are related to (a) Exoplanets (b) Cryptocurrency (c) Cyber attack (d) Mini satellites6 Sol. 68(c) Cyber attack Source: Science and Technology, Chapter 11, Page 161

Subject – Science and Technology, Chapter 68, Page no. 162

69. With reference to the circumstances in Indian agriculture, the concept of "conservation agriculture" assumes significance. Which of the following fall under the conservation agriculture? 1. Avoiding the monoculture practices 2. Adopting minimum tillage 3. Avoiding the cultivation of plantation crops 4. Using crop residues to cover soil surface 5. Adopting spatial and temporal crop Sequencing/crop rotations Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 3 and 4 (b) 2, 3, 4 and 5 (c) 2, 4 and 5 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 5 Sol. 69(c) 2, 4 and 5

Conservation agriculture refers to set of soil management practices. Though what it actually comprises is debatable, it is based on three core principles. These include: either a previous crop residue or specifically growing a cover crop for this purpose); • Maintenance of soil cover (using

• minimum soil disturbance through tillage (just enough to get the seed into the ground) ; Sourc• regulare: Environment, crop rotations Chapterto help combat 7, Page the 112 various biotic constraints;

Source: Environment, Chapter 7, Page 114

70. The term "sixth mass extinction/sixth extinction" even mentioned in the news in the context of the discussion of (a) Widespread monoculture practices in agriculture and large -scale commercial farming with indiscriminate use of chemicals in many parts of the world that may result in the loss of good native ecosystems.

(b) Fears of a possible Commission of a meteorite with the earth in the near future in the manner it happened 65 million years ago that caused the mass extinction of many species including those of Dinosaurs. (c) Large scale cultivation of genetically modified crops in many parts of the world and promoting their cultivation in other parts of the world which may cause the disappearance of good native crop plants and the loss of food biodiversity. (d) Mankind's over-exploitation/misuse of natural resources, fragmentation/loss of Natural Habitats, destruction of ecosystems, pollution and global climate change. Sol. 70 (d) Mankind's over-exploitation/misuse of natural resources, fragmentation/loss of Natural Habitats, destruction of ecosystems, pollution and global climate change. It is said that Earth is currently in the midst of what is being considered the 6th great mass extinction. It is also called the Holocene extinction (or the Anthropocene extinction).

71. Consider the following statements: 1. Capital adequacy ratio (CAR) is the amount that banks have to maintain in the form of their own funds to offset any loss that banks incur if the account-holders fail to repay dues. 2. CAR is decided by each individual Bank. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither nice 1 nor 2 Sol. 71(a) 1 only Statement 1 is correct: Capital adequacy ratio (CAR) is the amount that banks have to maintain in the form of their own funds to offset any loss that banks incur if the account- holders fail to repay dues. Source: Economics, Chapter 16, Page 238

Source: News Juice Monthly, 2018 January Edition, Page 114

Statement 2 is incorrect: CAR is mandated by RBI Source: Economics, Chapter 239, Page 239

72. The Identity platform 'Aadhaar' provides open "Application Programming Interfaces (APIs)". What does it imply? 1. It can be integrated into any electronic device. 2. Online authentication using iris is possible. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Sol. 72 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Statement 1 is incorrect: 'Aadhaar' provides open "Application Programming Interfaces (APIs)" means that other apps and programs can use Aadhar data. For example, telecommunication companies use Aadhar data to verify identity of a person.

Open API Open application programming interfaces (APIs) means that other applications can access its data. For example, Google maps data is used by Uber, Ola, Swiggy, Zomato and numerous other apps. An API is a set of rules or code built into applications to enable software to communicate with each other.

Statement 2 is also incorrect. Though the statement Online authentication using iris is possible is correct, but the statement is not appropriate in context of question stem ('Aadhaar' provides open "Application Programming Interfaces (APIs)". What does it imply?). It is not an implication of Aadhar being open API enabled.

73. Very recently, in which of the following countries have lakhs of people either suffered from severe famine/acute malnutrition or died due to starvation caused by war/ethnic conflicts? (a) Angola and Zambia (b) Morocco and Tunisia (c) Venezuela and Columbia (d) Yemen and South Sudan Sol. 73 (d) Yemen and South Sudan News Juice Monthly, January 2018 Edition, Page 62

Once you zero down to Yemen, you already have the answer.

74. Regarding wood's dispatch, which of the following statements are true? 1. Grants-in-Aid system was introduced. 2. Establishment of universities was recommended. 3. English as a medium of instruction at all levels of education was recommended. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Sol. 74(a) 1 and 2 only Source: Modern History, Chapter 7, Page no. 62

Statement 3 is incorrect. The Wood s dispatch recommended Anglo-vernacular languages for schools and not just English language. ’ 75. With reference to the Parliament of India, which of the following parliamentary committees scrutinizes and reports to the House whether the powers to make regulations, rules, sub-rules,etc. Conferred by the constitution or delegated by the parliament are being properly exercised by the executive within the scope of search the delegation. (a) Committee on Government Assurances (b) Committee on Subordinate Legislation (c) Rules Committee (d) Business Advisory Committee Sol. 75(b) Committee on Subordinate Legislation Subject: Indian Polity, Chapter 8, Page 142

By reading PrepMate polity book, one can eliminate option (a) and (d).

Option(c) is also incorrect. Rules committee makes rules for internal functioning of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

76. Consider the following statements: 1. As per the Right to education (RTE) Act, to be eligible for appointment as a teacher in a state, a person would be required to possess the minimum qualification laid down by the concerned state Council of teacher education. 2. As per the RTE Act, for teaching primary classes, a candidate is required to pass a Teacher Eligibility Test conducted in accordance with the National Council of Teacher Education guidelines. 3. In India, more than 90% of teacher education institutions are directly under the state governments. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3

(d) 3 only Sol. (b) 2 only Statement 1 is incorrect: As per Section 23(1) in The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009

(1) Any person possessing such minimum qualifications, as laid down by an academic authority, authorised by the Central Government, by notification, shall be eligible for appointment as a teacher.

Statement 2 is correct. The academic authority authorized by the central govt. to prescribe qualification for teachers is the National Council of Teacher Education (NCTE). According to notification by NCTE, TET pass is a requirement for teaching primary classes.

Once you know that Statement 1 is incorrect and Statement 2 is correct, the answer is option (b).

77. Consider the following pairs: Tradition State 1. Chapchar Kut festival - Mizoram 2. Khongjom Parba ballad - Manipur 3. Thang-Ta dance - Sikkim Which of the pairs given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 (c) 3 only (d) 2 and 3 Sol. 77 (b) Statement 3 is incorrect: Thang-Ta dance is incorrectly matched to Sikkim. Source: Ancient History, Chapter 23, Page 360

Statements 1 and 2 are correctly matched. The Chapchar Kut is a festival of Mizoram, India It is celebrated during March after completion of their most arduous task of Jhum operation i.e., jungle-clearing (clearing of the remnants of burning). Khongjom Parba is a style of ballad singing from Manipur using Dholak (drum) which depicts stories of heroic battle fought by Manipuris against the mighty British Empire in 1891.

78. Consider the following statements: 1. The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 replaced the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954. 2. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is under the charge of Director General of Health Services in the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Sol. 78 (a) 1 only Statement 1 is correct. Source: Economics, Chapter 14, Page 213

Statement 2 is incorrect. Source: News Juice

79. The term "two-state solution" is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of (a) China (b) Israel (c) Iraq (d) Yemen Sol. 79(b) Israel Source: International Organizations and Bilateral Relations, Chapter 13, Page 294

80. With reference to the provisions made under the National Food Security Act, 2013, consider the following statements: 1. The families coming under the category of 'below poverty line (BPL) only are eligible to receive subsidised food grains. 2. The eldest women in a household, of age 18 years or above, shall be the head of the household for the purpose of insurance of a ration card. 3. Pregnant women and lactating mothers are entitled to a 'take-home ration' of 1600 calories per day during pregnancy and for six months thereafter. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 (d) 3 only Sol.80 (b) 2 only Statement 1 is incorrect: The act is applicable to 67% of Indian Population. Statement 2 is correct: The eldest women in a household, of age 18 years or above, shall be the head of the household for the purpose of issuing ration card. Source: Economics, Chapter 8, Page 131

Once you know that statement 1 is incorrect and statement 2 is correct, the answer is option (b).

81. India enacted The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 in order to comply with the obligations to (a) ILO (b) IMF (c) UNCTAD (d) WTO Sol. 81(d) WTO Source: Economics, Chapter, 26, Page 335

Source: Economics, Chapter, 26, Page 346

82. Consider the following statements: 1. In India, State governments do not have the power to auction non-coal mines.

2. Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand to not have gold mines. 3. Rajasthan has iron ore mines. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 (d) 3 only Sol. 82 (d) 3 only Statement 1 is incorrect: State governments have the power to auction non-coal mines. Source: News Juice Monthly, April 2018 Edition, Page 33

The screenshot proves that State governments can auction non-coal mines such as iron.

Statement 2 is incorrect. Andhra Pradesh has gold mines. Jharkhand and Andhra Pradesh have two of the three active gold mines. Geography, Chapter 17, Page 285

Once you are able to eliminate statements 1 and 2, clearly answer is option (d).

Statement 3 is correct: Rajasthan has iron ore deposit in Bhilwara district.

83. With reference to digital payments, consider the following statements: 1. BHIM app allows the user to transfer money to anyone with a UPI- enabled bank account. 2. While a chip-pin debit card has four factors of authentication, BHIM app has only two factors of authentication. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Sol.83 (a) 1 only

Statement 1 is correct. PrepMate Government Schemes, Page 72

Statement 2 is incorrect: BHIM App has three levels of authentication providing high degree of security. For one, the app binds with a user's mobile number. Secondly the user needs to sync whichever bank account (UPI or non UPI enabled) needed to conduct monetary transactions. Thirdly, when the User sets up the app, they are asked to create a UPI PIN. This PIN is what is finally needed to complete a transaction. Further, it is needed every time you need to log into app. In a chip- pin debit card, there are two levels of authentication: Card details and OTP.

84. Among the following cities, which one lies on a longitude closest to that of Delhi? (a) Bengaluru (b) Hyderabad (c) Nagpur (d) Pune Sol. 84 (a) Bengaluru Source: Geography, Chapter 19, Page 298

85. International Labour organisation's conventions 138 and 182 are related to (a) Child labour (b) Adaptation of agricultural practices to global climate change (c) Regulation of food prices and food security (d) Gender parity at the workplace Sol. 85(a) Child labour Source: News Juice Monthly, 2017 July Edition, Page 61

86. Consider the following statements: 1. In the first Lok Sabha, the single largest party in the opposition was the Swatantra party. 2. In the Lok Sabha, a leader of the opposition was recognised for the first time in 1969. 3. In the Lok Sabha, if the party does not have a minimum of 75 members, its leader cannot be recognised as the Leader of the opposition. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Sol.86 (b) 2 only Statement 3 is incorrect: In the Lok Sabha, if the party does not have a minimum of 75 members, its leader cannot be recognised as the Leader of the opposition. Source: Indian Polity, Chapter 8, Page 105

This question can be solved by eliminating only Statement 3. Out of four choices, three have statement 3 in them.

87. Which of the following leave modifications occur(a) in the desert areas to inhibit water loss? 1. Hard and waxy leaves 2. Tiny leaves 3. Thorns instead of leaves Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 2 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Sol. 87(d) 1, 2 and 3 The question is similar to what was asked in the year 2013. Source: Environment, Chapter 3, Page 42

88. As per the NSSO 70th Round "Situation assessment survey of Agricultural Households", consider the following statements: 1. Rajasthan has the highest Percentage share of agricultural households among its rural households. 2. Out of the total agricultural households in the country, a little over 60% belong to OBCs.

3. In Kerala, a little over 60% of agricultural households reported to have received maximum income from sources other than agricultural activities. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 2 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Sol. 88 (c) 1 and 3 only The question is very difficult. The question is based on NSSO 70th Round, although 71st survey is already complete. The results of 70th round came out through three reports. The first one on Situation of agricultural households in India was out in December, 2014.

Statement 1 is correct: Among the major States, Rajasthan had highest percentage of agricultural households (78.4 percent) among its rural households followed by Uttar Pradesh (74.8 percent) and Madhya Pradesh (70.8 percent).

Statement 2 is incorrect: About 45 percent out of the total agricultural households in the country belonged to Other Backward Classes (OBC). About 16 percent of agricultural households were from Scheduled Castes (SC) and 13 percent were from Scheduled Tribes (ST).

Statement 3 is correct: Agricultural activity (cultivation, livestock and other agricultural activities) was reported to be the principal source of income for majority of the households in all the major States, except Kerala where about 61 percent of the agricultural households reported to have earned maximum income from sources other than agricultural activities.

89. How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central pollution control board (CPCB)? 1. The NGT has been established by act where as the CPCB has been created by an executive order of the government. 2. The NGT provides environmental justice and helps reduce the burden of litigation in the Higher Courts whereas the CPCB promotes cleanliness of streams and wells, and aims to improve the quality of air in the country. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Sol. 89 (b) 2 only Statement 1 is incorrect: Both NGT and CPCB have been established by an act.

Statement 2 is correct. The NGT provides environmental justice and helps reduce the burden of litigation in the Higher Courts whereas the CPCB promotes cleanliness of streams and wells, and aims to improve the quality of air in the country. Source: Environment, Chapter 20, Page 265

Source: Environment, Chapter 20, Page 268

90. Consider the following statements: 1. The Parliament of India can place a particular law in the Ninth schedule of the Constitution of India. 2. The validity of a law placed in the Ninth schedule cannot be examined by any court and no judgement can be made on it. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Sol.90 (a) 1 only Statement 1 is correct: The Parliament of India can place a particular law in the Ninth schedule of the Constitution of India. Indian Polity, Chapter 5, Page 42

Statement 2 is incorrect: The validity of a law placed in the Ninth schedule can be examined courts. Indian Polity, Chapter 5, Page 45

91. Which of the following best describes the term "Merchant Discount Rate" sometimes seen in news? (a) The incentive given by the bank to a merchant for accepting payments through debit cards pertaining to that Bank. (b) The amount paid by banks to their customers when they use debit cards for financial transactions for purchasing goods or services. (c) The charge to a merchant by a bank for accepting payments from his customers through the bank's debit cards. (d) The incentive given by the government for promoting digital payments by their customers through Point of Sale (PoS) machines and debit cards. Sol.91(c) The charge to a merchant by a bank for accepting payments from his customers through the bank's debit cards. Source: News Juice Monthly, January 2017 Edition

92. What is/are the consequence/consequences of a country become a member of the 'Nuclear Suppliers Group'? 1. It will have access to the latest and most efficient nuclear technologies. 2. It automatically becomes a member of "The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)". Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Sol. 92 (a) 1 only Statement 1 is correct: Country will have access to the latest and most efficient nuclear technologies. Source: International Organizations and Bilateral Relations, Chapter 3, Page 82

Statement 2 is incorrect: It does not automatically become a member of "The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)". Source: International Organizations and Bilateral Relations, Chapter 3, Page 82

93. With reference to India's decision to levy an equalization tax of 6% on online advertisement services offered by non-resident entities, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is introduced as a part of the Income Tax Act. 2. Non-resident entities that offer advertisement services in India can claim a tax credit in their home country under the "Double taxation avoidance agreements." Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Sol. (a) 1 only Statement 1 is correct: Many internet companies are making huge income in India, but they don t have permanent place of business in India. Equalization levy is to tax such income in Income. It is nature of presumptive tax of 6 % on total receipts. Statement’ 2 is incorrect: Tax credit of what is deducted as equalization levy cannot be claimed abroad.

Source: News Juice Monthly, May 2017 edition

94. Consider the following statements: 1. The Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Review Committee Report has recommended a debt to GDP ratio of 60% for the general (combined) government by 2023, comprising 40% for the Central Government and 20% for the State Governments. 2. The Central government has domestic liabilities of 21% of GDP as compared to that of 49% of GDP of the State governments. 3. As per the constitution of India, it is mandatory for a state to take the Central Government's consent for raising any loan if the former owes any outstanding liabilities to the latter. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Sol. 94 (c) 1 and 3 only Statement 1 is correct. Source: News Juice Monthly, May 2017 Edition

Statement 2 is incorrect: Central government debt is approximately 49% of GDP, which is far higher than that of the collective debt of State Governments.

News Juice Monthly, March 2017 Edition

Statement 3 is correct: As per the constitution of India, it is mandatory for a state to take the Central Government's consent for raising any loan if the former owes any outstanding liabilities to the latter.

Indian Polity, Chapter 16, Page 234

95. Consider the following statements: 1. The quantity of important edible oils is more than the domestic production of edible oils in the last five years. 2. The government does not impose any customs duty on all the imported edible oils as a special case. Which of the statement given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only

(b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Sol.95 (a) 1 only Statement 1 is correct: India occupies a prominent position in the world oilseeds industry with contribution of around 10% in worldwide production. But the demand of edible oils (extracted from oilseeds in addition to palm oil) is significantly higher than the domestic production, leading to dependence on imports (60% of requirement). In FY2016 India s total edible oil demand stood at 24 mn tonnes out of which 9 mn tonnes was met from domestic production and 15 mn tonnes met from imports. ’

Statement 2 is incorrect: India imposes high duty on imported oils to save domestic producers from foreign competition.

96. He wrote biographies of Mazzini, Garibaldi, Shivaji and Shrikrishna; stayed in America for some time; and was also elected to the Central Assembly. He was (a) Aurobindo Ghosh (b) Bipin Chandra Pal (c) Lala Lajpat Rai (d) Motilal Nehru Sol. 96(c) Lala Lajpat Rai Chapter 8, Page 88

Chapter 13, Page 148

97. Consider the following statements: 1. Aadhar card can be used as a proof of citizenship for domicile. 2. Once issued, Aadhaar number cannot be deactivated or omitted by the Issuing Authority.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Sol. 97 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Statement 1 is incorrect: The Aadhaar act has clarified- 'Even if you're holding an Aadhaar, it does not mean that you have gained Indian citizenship.' Statement 2 is incorrect: Once issued, Aadhar can be deactivated. Consider the case of people who have multiple Aadhar or have obtained Aadhar by submitting false information. Source: News Juice 12th July, 2016

98. Which of the following has/have shrunk immensely/ dried up in the recent past due to human activities? 1. 2. Black sea

3. Lake Baikal Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 (c) 2 only (d) 1 and 3 Sol.98(a) 1 only Statement 1 is correct: The Aral Sea is shrinking since the 1960s. By 1997, it had declined to 10% of its original size, splitting into four lakes the , the eastern and western basins of the once far larger , and one smaller intermediate lake. By 2009, the southeastern lake had disappeared and the– southwestern lake had retreated to a thin strip at the western edge of the former southern sea; in subsequent years, occasional water flows have led to the southeastern lake sometimes being replenished to a small degree. Satellite images taken by NASA in August 2014 revealed that for the first time in modern history the eastern basin of the Aral Sea had completely dried up. The eastern basin is now called the Aralkum Desert. There have been news about drying of Aral sea. However, we are not able to locate the source in News juice. , then and now

Statement 2 is incorrect. There is no shrinking of water levels of Black Sea. Statement 2 can be easily eliminated. If you eliminate this statement, you are left with two options.

Statement 3 is incorrect: The level of Lake Baikal continues to drop. The threshold is 456 meters on the Pacific scale, but now it is 6 cm lower. However, fall of 6 cms cannot be considered immensely dried up.

99. " Rule of law index" is released by which of the following? (a) Amnesty International (b) International Court of Justice (c) The office of UN Commissioner for human rights (d) World Justice Project Sol.99 (d) World Justice Project The WJP Rule of Law Index 2017-2018 measures rule of law adherence in 113 countries and jurisdictions worldwide based on more than 110,000 household and 3,000 expert surveys. Featuring primary data, the WJP Rule of Law Index measures countries rule of law performance across eight factors: Constraints on Government Powers, Absence of Corruption, Open Government, Fundamental Rights, Order and Security,’ Regulatory Enforcement, Civil Justice, and Criminal Justice.

100. Which one of the following links all the ATMs in India? (a) Indian Banks' Association (b) National Securities Depository Limited (c) National Payments Corporation of India (d) Reserve Bank of India Sol. 100 (c) National Payments Corporation of India