PRELIMS TEST

SERIES 2017
TEST - 12

Current Affairs + GK
(JANUARY)
 TEST - 12
PAPER CODE: 12

Current Affairs + GK
(JANUARY)
Time Allowed: 1.5 Hrs. Maximum Marks: 150

Roll No.:

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1. USA is planning to tighten the H-1B visa 3. It can produce secondary immunization
system. Which of the following statements through the spread of a vaccine virus.
related to H-1B visa is/are correct?
1. It permit employers to hire foreign Which of the above stated advantages is/are
workers to come temporarily to the USA correct?
and perform temporary non-agricultural (a) Only 2
services on a one-time intermittent basis. (b) 1 and 2
2. It allows U.S. employers to temporarily (c) 2 and 3
employ foreign workers in specialty
occupations. (d) All
3. It is a visa document for the dependent 4. Which of the following statements related to
spouse of qualified H-2B visa holders. the 15th edition of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
Select the correct answer using the codes given held at Bengluru is/are incorrect?
below: 1. It provides a platform to the overseas
(a) 1 and 2 Indian community to engage with the
government for mutually beneficial
(b) 2 and 3
activities.
(c) Only 2
2. Pravasi Bharatiya Samman is given by
(d) All
Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs.

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2. Recently, expert group has submitted its 3. The theme of the Diwas was "Engaging
recommendation to use SECC data for Diaspora - The Indian Growth Story".
OR
allocation of resources to States and
identification and prioritization of beneficiaries Codes:
under various programmes. Which of the (a) Only 2
following is/are the benefits of using SECC
(b) 2 and 3
data?
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(c) Only 1
1. It will help in identification of the
beneficiaries related to caste for (d) All
government programs.
5. Consider the following statements related to
2. Regular updation of SECC data is not
the Central Vigilance Commission:
required as it gets automatically updated
using NPR data. 1. CVC was created by a statutory law.
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3. The SECC has the potential to function 2. It exercise superintendence over the
as Social Registry Information System vigilance administration in Union
(SRIS). Ministries and submits its report to the
Parliament.
Codes:
3. Departmental inquiry has to be completed
(a) Only 1 within nine months and a final decision
(b) 1 and 2 has to be taken by authorities concerned
(c) 1 and 3 on it in the next two months.
(d) All
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
3. India has switched to the fractional doses of (a) Only 1
IPV. What are the benefits of it over full dose (b) 1 and 3
of IPV?
(c) All
1. It induces both serum immunity and
intestinal immunity as compared to full (d) None
dose of IPV.
6. Air India has launched a 'Fly For Sure' scheme.
2. Two fractional doses of IPV produces
Consider the following statements regarding
better immunogenicity than a single
it:
strand of dose of IPV.

2
 1. Scheme will ensure that passengers reach 9. Which of the following statements is/are true
their destination on the desired day about Green bonds?
without the need to buy expensive last- 1. Green bonds typically carry a lower
minute tickets. interest rate than the loans offered by the
2. Scheme will cover the cancelled flights commercial banks.
and not the missing booked flight.
2. Green bonds are issued by corporations
3. The customer will have to pay extra Rs. only to raise funds for green projects.
2,000 while booking the ticket which is
refundable. Select the correct answer using the codes given
below:
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(b) 1 and 2
(c) Both
(c) 2 and 3
(d) None
(d) All
10. Which of the following statements is/are true
7. Consider the following statements related to
the Agricultural Census by the Ministry of about BHIM App which has been recently
launched?

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Agriculture:
1. Agricultural Censuses are conducted at 1. UPI allows a customer to pay directly
from a bank account to different
intervals of five years, as a part of the
World Census of Agriculture.
2. It provides information about land use,
irrigation, tenancy and cropping pattern.
OR merchants, both online and offline.
2. Under this customers only share a virtual
address and provide no other sensitive
3. The census does not cover information on information.
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farm population and its composition. 3. It is developed by National Payments
Corporation of India.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 Codes:
(b) Only 1 (a) 1 and 2
(c) 1 and 3 (b) Only 2
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(d) All (c) 2 and 3

(d) All
8. Experts have recently recommended for
securitisation of debts for providing 11. Recently, Hope island of Bay of Bengal has
mainstream debt to small-scale green projects. become graveyard for Olive Ridleys turtles.
What will be the benefit of it? Which of the following is the reason behind
1. Through this, standalone green projects it?
such as roof top solar, energy efficiency
1. Due to Marine plastic pollution and
and rural water supply can be covered
discharge of chemicals.
through interest-bearing securities.
2. Due to Mechanised fishing boats & their
2. It spread out credit exposures, thereby
diffusing risk concentrations and reducing trawl nets.
systemic vulnerabilities. 3. Due to Oil spill which reduces oxygen
supply.
Select the correct answer using the codes given
below: Codes:
(a) Only 1 (a) 1 and 2
(b) Only 2 (b) Only 2
(c) Both (c) 2 and 3
(d) None (d) All

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12. Which of the following is/are the benefits of (d) Inflation and money supply would remain
merging of railway budget with finance constant and output will decrease.
budget?
15. Which of the following is/are the objectives
1. Railways will get exemption from
of the National Advisory Committee on Start-
payment of dividend to General Revenues
ups:
and its Capital-at-charge would stand
wiped off. 1. To promote innovation and pre-
incubation awareness amongst students
2. It would facilitate multimodal transport
of higher education.
planning between highways, railways and
inland waterways. 2. To select the regional hubs that will be
responsible for the effective
Select the correct answer using the codes given implementation of the Student Start-up
below: policy.
(a) Only 1 3. To inculcate social responsive behaviours
(b) Only 2 among students aspiring to launch start-
(c) Both ups.
(d) None Codes:
13. Government has announced merger of PIO (a) 1 and 2

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card into OCI cards for Indian Diaspora. (b) Only 2
Which of the following is/are not the benefits (c) Only 1
OR
of OCI cardholders? (d) All
1. OCI cards give lifetime multiple entry visa
to India. 16. The ambitious Ken-Betwa river linking project
2. Special immigration counters are provided has received formal environment, forest and
at all international airports in India for tribal clearances. Consider the following
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OCI card holders. statements regarding Ken-Betwa project:

3. An OCI card allows to apply for a driver's 1. It is India's first river interlinking project
license, PAN card or open a bank account that will connect Ken River in Uttar
in India. Pradesh with the Betwa in Madhya
Pradesh.
4. An OCI card holder can hold a
government job or purchase agricultural 2. It will help in irrigating land in
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or farm land. Bundelkhand region.

3. It will help in power generation for
Select the correct answer using the codes given Madhya Pradesh only due to lack of
below: infrastructure in UP region.
(a) 1 and 2
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(b) 2 and 3
(a) Only 1
(c) Only 3
(b) 1 and 3
(d) Only 4
(c) Only 2
14. What would be the short term impact of (d) 1, 2 and 3
demonetisation exercise undertaken during
Nov-Dec 2016 on economy? 17. Which of the following statements related to
(a) It would increase the money supply and the territorial waters is/are correct?
inflation, but increase output. 1. It is a belt of coastal waters extending at
(b) It would decrease the money supply, most 12 nautical miles from the baseline
output and inflation. of a coastal state.
(c) Money supply and output would remain 2. Foreign ships (civilian) are allowed
constant and inflation would decrease. innocent passage through it.

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 3. The sovereignty of the state in territorial 21. Recently, Supreme Court has dismissed
waters extends to the airspace over and petition from Telangana government against
seabed below. a decision of the Krishna Water Dispute
Tribunal-II over the allocation of the river
Codes: water. Which of the following statements is/
(a) 1 and 2 are true related to it?
(b) 1 and 3 1. Krishna River basin lies mainly in the
(c) Only 1 states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and
(d) All Telangana only.
2. Krishna Water Dispute Tribunal is a
18. The recently launched "Good Samaritan constitutional body under the Article 262.
Policy" by Delhi government is related with 3. Concerned state legislatures have been
which of the following? empowered by the constitution to frame
(a) Promoting the cosmopolitanism of Delhi. their own laws over river water sharing
(b) Encouraging the use of Public Transports. disputes.
(c) Saving the road accident victims.
Codes:
(d) Enhancing the women safety in Delhi.
(a) 1 and 2
19. Recently, Supreme Court has expressed its (b) 2 and 3

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opinion for implementing Vote Verifier Paper (c) All
Audit Trail for EVM machines. Which of the
(d) None
following statements is/are true?
1. The proposed move will enable the voter
to ensure that their votes are not being
diverted for other candidates.
OR
22. Which of the following missiles and nation
related to it is/are incorrectly matched?
1. Shahab-3 - Pakistan
2. It allows a voter to challenge his or her
2. Babur - 3 - Iran
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vote on basis of the paper receipt in the
Supreme Court directly. 3. Ikara - Israel

Codes: Codes:
(a) Only 1 (a) 1 and 2
(b) Only 2 (b) 2 and 3
(c) All
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(c) Both
(d) None (d) None

20. Recently, Tamil Nadu had asked the centre to 23. Recently, India Post Payments Bank (IPPB)
promulgate an ordinance regarding Jallikattu today kicked off its operations by rolling out
event in the state. Which of the following is/ pilot services. Which of the following
are true about Jallikattu? statements is/are correct related to it?
1. It is a part of Pongal celebrations in Tamil 1. IPPB will target financially excluded
Nadu. customers such as migrant workers, low-
2. This practice proves to be highly income households and tiny businesses.
dangerous for both bull and the human 2. It will lend money only to the vulnerable
beings. section at low interest rate.
3. Supreme Court has banned Jallikattu 3. It will issue Kisan debit and credit cards
celebrations only on account of Right to to provide finances for agricultural
life under fundamental rights. development.

Codes: Codes:
(a) Only 1 (a) 1 and 3
(b) 2 and 3 (b) Only 1
(c) 1 and 2 (c) 1 and 2
(d) All (d) All

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24. Which of the following statements is/are true 27. Which of the following festivals is/are
about "24X7 Power for All" Plan? correctly matched?
1. It mainly focus on energy efficiency and 1. Gender Literature Festival - Patna.
Demand Side Management intervention 2. Kanathoor Nalvar Bhoothasthanam -
to improve power sector. Karnataka.
2. It is entirely a central government 3. Kenduli Mela - Odissa.
initiative where state power companies
debts will be waived to reduce their Codes:
financial burden.
(a) 1 and 3
3. It included only agricultural and
(b) 2 and 3
domestics consumers under its ambit not
industrial. (c) Only 2
(d) All
Codes:
(a) Only 1 28. Recently, Supreme Court has ordered the
Kerala government to give compensation
(b) 1 and 3
because of the adverse effects of Endosulfan
(c) 1 and 2 in our society. Which of the following
(d) All statements is/are true about Endosulfan?
25. Which of the following Central Armed Police 1. It is medicine used to treat upon the

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Forces are part of National Disaster Response domestic cattle which pollutes the soil.
Force? 2. It has high toxicity, potential for
bioaccumulation, and role as an endocrine
OR
1. BSF
disruptor'.
2. CRPF
3. Assam Rifles Codes:
4. Special Frontier Force (a) Only 1
5. Sashastra Seema Bal (b) Only 2
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(c) Both
Codes:
(a) 1, 2 and 5 (d) None
(b) 2, 3 and 4 29. Which of the following statements is/are true
(c) 1, 2, 3 and 4 about National Youth Festival held in month
(d) All of January?
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1. It marks the birth anniversary of Bhagat

26. Recently the Supreme Court has directed the Singh who sacrificed his life for the nation
government to audit nearly 30 lakh NGOs. at the age of only 23.
Which of the following is/are the reasons for
2. This year theme is "Youth for Digital
this?
India".
1. NGOs violate FCRA Act provisions by
getting registered under FEMA Act to 3. It is organised by Ministry of Human
escape the scrutiny. Resource Development.
2. As per CBI report only around 10% NGOs Codes:
files their balance sheet with the
(a) 1 and 3
government.
(b) 2 and 3
3. There have been no transparent
mechanisms in place to monitor the (c) Only 2
spending of public funds of NGOs. (d) None

Codes: 30. Which of the following is/are the functions

(a) Only 1 of CERT-In?
(b) 2 and 3 1. It assists the organisational constituency
(c) 1 and 3 and general computing community in
preventing and handling computer
(d) All
security incidents.
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 2. It works on strengthening national 34. Supreme Court has directed government and
technological capabilities in the context the CAPART to initiate audit process in NGOs.
of global developments in the field of IT. Which of the following statement related to
3. It acts as central point for reporting CAPART is correct?
incidents. (a) CAPART is an attached office under the
Ministry of Home Affairs.
Codes: (b) CAPART implements the schemes and
(a) Only 1 programmes for rural and urban
(b) 2 and 3 development.
(c) 1 and 3 (c) It catalyses and coordinates the emerging
partnership between voluntary org-
(d) All
anisations and the Government for
31. Recently, National Green Tribunal has directed sustainable development of rural areas.
centre to test cosmetic products containing (d) All of the above.
microbeads. Which of the following statements
is/are true about microbeads? 35. Which International organization publishes
Global Wage Report?
1. These are tiny plastic substances found in
exfoliating substances. 1. World Economic Forum.
2. International Labour Organization.

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2. Plastics used in microbeads readily absorb
pollutants. 3. World Bank.

OR
3. It pollutes the food chain due to
Select the correct answer using the codes given
biomagnification. below:
Codes: (a) 1 and 2 (b) Only 2
(a) 1 and 2 (c) Only 3 (d) 2 and 3
(b) Only 2
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36. Recently, NITI Aayog has called for review of
(c) 2 and 3 Right to Education Act. On which of the
(d) All following provision NITI Aayog wants to
review?
32. Recently in Universal Immunisation (a) Provision of providing education to
Programme a new vaccine has been added. children of age 6-14 years, for providing
Which of the following is the new one? education from 3-6 years also.
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(a) Vaccine against Zika Virus. (b) Provision of no detention policy of the
(b) Vaccine for Japanese Encephalitis. RTE.
(c) Vaccine of Ebola. (c) Provision of the norms and standards
(d) Vaccine for Measles-rubella. relating inter alia to Pupil Teacher Ratios.
(d) Appointment of appropriately trained
33. Which of the following is/are benefits of teachers.
implementing UCC?
1. It will provide more rights and dignity to 37. Election Commission has recently given its
women. decision on the Sawajwadi Party symbol
dispute. Which of the following is/are true
2. It will help in implementation of same set
about party symbols?
of personal laws to all civilians irrespective
of their religion. 1. All the parties have the right to have a
reserved symbol exclusively for them by
3. It will help in minimising vote bank Election Commission which can be used
politics. over entire India.
Codes: 2. Party symbols are allotted as per the law
passed by the Parliament.
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2 Codes:
(c) 2 and 3 (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(d) All (c) Both (d) None

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38. Which of the following data is provided by (c) Great Australian Bight
the Economic Survey? (d) Wharton Basin
1. The Economic Survey facilitates a better
appreciation of the mobilisation of 42. The second Scorpene class submarine, INS
resources and their allocation in the Khanderi was launched at the Mazagon Dock
Budget. Shipbuilders Limited (MDL). Consider the
2. It analyses the trends in agricultural and following statements regarding it:
industrial production, infrastructure and 1. Scorpene submarines are being built under
employment. Project 75.
3. It projects the outcomes of the financial 2. The assistance and technology transfer
budget of a Ministry, indicating actual from Germany.
deliverables linked with outlays targeted
during the year and in the medium term. 3. The first of the series is INS Kalvari.

Codes: Which of the above statements are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 (a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 3
(c) 1 and 3 (c) 2 and 3
(d) All (d) All

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39. Recently the astronomers discover "powerful 43. The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest
cosmic double whammy". It has been and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has released
OR
discovered by which of the following draft notification of Prevention of Cruelty to
telescope? Animals (Dog Breeding and Marketing Rules),
(a) Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope 2016. Consider following statements regarding
(GMRT). proposed provisions:
(b) Giant Magellan Telescope.
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1. It is mandatory for all dog breeders and

(c) Thirty Meter Telescope. dog breeding establishments to register
(d) Square Kilometer Array. themselves with the State Animal Welfare
Board.
40. The 350th birth anniversary of Guru Govind
2. It is mandatory for dog breeders to
Singh has been celebrated recently. Which of
the following statements is/are correct related maintain records of dogs and submit
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to Guru Govind Singh? yearly report to PETA.

1. He believed in worship of God in form of Which of the above statements is/are correct?
images and pictures.
(a) Only 1
2. He stated that it is the responsibility of
the rich to look after the poor. (b) Only 2
3. He founded the Sikh warrior community (c) Both
called Khalsa. (d) None

Codes: 44. Consider the following statements about

(a) 1 and 2 gender budgeting:
(b) 2 and 3 1. It includes dissection of budget schemes
(c) 1 and 3 on the basis of gender.
(d) All 2. Union budget follow the practice of
gender budgeting.
41. Recently scientists have found a new plate
3. It helps Governments to decide how
boundary line in which part of the Indian
policies need to be made, adjusted and
Ocean?
reprioritized.
(a) Gulf of Aden
(b) Bay of Bengal Which of the above statements is/are correct?

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 (a) 2 and 3 48. The world's largest 11-day Gala Festival
(b) Only 1 "Bargarh Dhanua Jatra" was organized in
(c) Only 2 Odisha. It is related to which of the following
deity?
(d) All
(a) Goddess Samaleswari
45. Which of the following statements is/are true (b) Lord Krishna
for proposed GST arrangement in India?
(c) Lord Shiva
1. Both Centre and State GST would be
collected at the point of sale. (d) Veera Maha Kali
2. The Centre and State GST will be charged 49. Which of the following military exercises is/
on manufacturing stage only. are correctly matched?
Select the correct answer using the codes given (a) TROPEX 2017 - Indian Navy.
below: (b) Pratikar-1 - India and Nepal.
(a) Only 1 (c) Mitra Shakti - India and France.
(b) Only 2 (d) All of the above.
(c) Both
(d) None 50. Base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) Action

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Plan adopted by the OECD and G20 countries.
46. Which of the following is/are the benefits of It is related to which of the following entity?
progressive taxation?

OR
(a) It is related to tax avoidance strategies
1. Progressive taxation helps in reducing that exploit gaps and mismatches in tax
income inequality. rules to artificially shift profits to low or
2. Progressive tax systems reduce tax no-tax locations.
burdens on people who can least afford (b) It is related to double taxation avoidance
to pay them.
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agreement between developed nations.
3. The collection from Progressive tax (c) It is related to mine data from the tax
systems is usually more than flat taxes or havens nation to avoid circulation of black
regressive taxes. money.
Select the correct answer using the codes given (d) It is related to action plan for sustainable
below: development of the economy.
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(a) 1 and 3
51. Government has proposed to launch Rashtriya
(b) 2 and 3 Rail Sanraksha Kosh. Which of the following
(c) Only 2 statements related to it is correct?
(d) All (a) It will be utilised for track improvement,
bridge rehabilitation and safety work at
47. Which of the following statements is/are true
level crossing.
about Nikkei India Manufacturing Purchasing
Managers' Index? (b) It will be a non-lapsable fund.
1. Purchasing Managers' Indexes (PMI) are (c) Few amounts will be transferred from
derived from monthly surveys of private Central Road Fund (CRF) that is collected
and public sector companies. by levying a cess on diesel and petrol.
2. It measures the performance of both (d) All of the above.
secondary and tertiary sector in India.
52. Which of the following statement is incorrect
Select the correct answer using the codes given related to United Arab Emirates?
below: (a) It is the member of the GCC.
(a) Only 1
(b) Majority population of UAE is expatriates.
(b) Only 2
(c) It lies near the strait of Bab-al-Mandeb.
(c) Both
(d) It is third largest trading partner after
(d) None China and the United States.

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53. Which of the following reports is/are correctly 56. India is looking forward to sign the Transports
matched? Internationaux Routiers (TIR), or the customs
1. Committee of Administrators to run convention on the international transport of
Board of Control for Cricket in India goods. Consider the following statements
(BCCI) is headed by Vinod Rai. regarding it:
2. Committee on changes in FRBM Act 1. It is a multilateral treaty to simplify and
headed by Urjit Patel. harmonise the administrative formalities
3. Task Force committee for preparing action of international road transport.
plan for next three Olympic Games 2. It plays an important role in boosting
includes Abhinav Bindra. regional connectivity and facilitating cross-
border trade flows.
Codes: 3. The TIR system has a globally accepted
(a) 1 and 3 electronic control system for integrated
(b) 2 and 3 transit operations.
(c) 1 and 2
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(d) None
(a) Only 1
54. Which of the following statements is/are true (b) 1 and 2
about the Blockchain technology? (c) 1 and 3

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1. The blockchain is a digital ledger of (d) All
economic transactions that can be
programmed to record financial 57. Recently, the Union Cabinet has given its
OR
transactions. approval for amendment in the Modified
2. It can play a crucial role in making the Special Incentive Package Scheme (M-SIPS)
economy cashless. for which of the following sector?
3. It is highly prone to modification of data (a) Electronic Sector
and hence may promote cyber theft. (b) Solar Energy Sector
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(c) Electric Motor vehicle sector

Codes:
(a) 1 and 2 (d) Textile sector
(b) 2 and 3 58. Recently, India has signed Financing
(c) Only 1 Agreement with World Bank for IDA credit
(d) All US$ 48 Million for "Nagaland Health Project".
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Consider following statements regarding IDA:

55. Consider the following statements regarding 1. IDA lends money on concessional terms
mini-grid: and repayments are stretched over 25 to
1. It is an off-grid power system with a 40 years, including a 5- to 10-year grace
generation capacity of between 100 KW period.
and 500 KW. 2. IDA provides loans and grants for
2. The power generated from a mini grid programs that boost economic growth,
can be seamlessly transferred to the reduce inequalities, and improve people's
national grid and can be used for living conditions both in developing and
commercial activities. developed countries.
3. A mini grid is a larger system that converts 3. African countries are the largest
direct current (DC) to alternating current beneficiary of IDA's assistance.
(AC).
Which of the above statements is/are correct
Which of the above statements are correct? related to IDA?
(a) 1 and 2 (a) 1 and 3
(b) 1 and 3 (b) 2 and 3
(c) 2 and 3 (c) Only 1
(d) All (d) All

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59. Which of the following is the mandate of 3. Emergency measures will be automatically
ASER report? enforced in NCR if level of PM2.5 breaches
(a) It aims to provide reliable estimates of 300 µgm/m3 for 24 hours.
children's enrolment and basic learning
levels for each district and state in India. Which of the above statement is/are correct?
(b) It aims to provide reliable estimates of (a) Only 1
teacher-pupil ratio for each district and (b) 1 and 2
state in India. (c) 1 and 3
(c) It aims to provide reliable estimates of (d) All
youth enrolment in higher education for
each district and state in India. 63. NASA is preparing to send a spacecraft to a
giant "metal" asteroid called as 16 Psyche.
(d) It aims to provide reliable estimates of
What is the objective of this study?
girls enrolment in higher education for
each district and state in India. (a) To understand the formation of stars in
the galaxy as it is made up of Iron and
60. Which of the following is correct about Raisina silicon.
Dialogue? (b) To understand the formation of solar
(a) It is the conference held in New Delhi on system as it is made up of iron and nickel.
cyber security. (c) To search for sign of life as ice crystals

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(b) It is India's flagship conference of has been found on the asteroid surface.
geopolitics and geo-economics. (d) None of the above.
(c) It is India's conference to celebrate diverse
culture of country.
(d) It is India's conference of military
cooperation to stabilise the south Asian
OR
64. There has been campaign to add Rajasthani
in the eighth schedule of the Indian
Constitution. Consider following statements
regarding Eighth Schedule:
region.
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1. Originally there were 12 languages in the
61. What will be the benefits for India by joining Schedule.
CERN? 2. Nepali is the part of Eighth schedule.
1. As an Associate member India will have 3. Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, Santali were added
full access to all data generated at CERN. by 92nd Amendment 2003.
2. Indian scientists will become eligible for
Which of the above statements is/are
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staff appointments in operation and

incorrect?
maintenance of various CERN projects.
(a) Only 1
Which of the above stated benefits is/are (b) 1 and 2
correct in this regard? (c) 2 and 3
(a) Only 1 (d) None
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 65. Which of the following statements related to
Issuer Identification Number is/are correct?
(d) None
1. It is a six digit number which will be used
62. The Union Environment Ministry has recently for making AEPS (Aadhaar Enabled
notified a 'Graded Response Action Plan' Payment System) transaction.
against air pollution for Delhi and the 2. The number is only used to identify the
National Capital Region. Consider the card issuer, and is not used to identify a
following statements in this regard: particular product.
1. The plan was prepared by the Supreme
Codes:
Court-mandated Environment Pollution
Control Authority (EPCA). (a) Only 1
2. Based on the air quality, the grades have (b) Only 2
been classified as Emergency, Severe, Very (c) Both
Poor and Moderate poor. (d) None

11
66. Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) (a) The IPCC reviews and assesses the
member-states have finalised Memorandum of scientific, technical and socio-economic
Understandings (MoUs) for cooperation in information relevant to the understanding
small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) of climate change.
sector. Consider the following statements (b) It conducts research and monitor climate
regarding IORA: related data or parameters.
1. All countries having coastal boundary (c) It was established by the UNEP and
with Indian Ocean are member of the WMO.
group. (d) IPCC assessments provide a scientific basis
2. It is for strengthening economic for governments at all levels to develop
cooperation particularly on trade climate related policies.
facilitation and investment, promotion as
well as social development of the region. 70. In order to further speed track Financial
Inclusion in the country, government has
Which of the above statements is/are correct? launched Aadhaar Enabled Payment System.
(a) Only 1 Which of the following facilities have been
provided under it?
(b) Only 2
1. Cash Deposit.
(c) Both
2. Cash Withdrawal.
(d) None
3. Fund Transfer to any other bank.

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67. Which of the following forms of weaving and 4. Cheque and Rupay credit card.
their region are correctly matched?
Codes:
OR
1. Bomkai Handloom - Orissa.
(a) 1, 2 and 3
2. Mangalagiri Cotton - Karnataka.
(b) 1 and 2
3. Paithani Brocade - Maharashtra.
(c) 2, 3 and 4
4. Tangaliya Weaving - Gujarat.
(d) 1 and 4
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Codes:
71. The Centre has set up a negotiation committee
(a) 1, 2 and 3 to look into Mahanadi Basin issue. Which of
(b) 2, 3 and 4 the following states and organisations is part
(c) 1, 3 and 4 of it?
(d) None 1. Central Water Commission.
2. Union Minister of Environment Forest and
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68. India Innovation Index will be developed to Climate Change.

provide impetus to states to drive innovative
3. India Meteorological Department.
spirit. Which of the following institutions will
be involved in developing it? 4. Representative from Madhya Pradesh.
1. NITI Aayog Codes:
2. IMF (a) 1 and 4
3. World Intellectual Property Organization (b) 2, 3 and 4
(WIPO) (c) 1, 3 and 4
4. Cornell University (d) All
Select the correct answer using the codes given 72. Health Ministry is launching population based
below: prevention, screening and control programme
(a) 1 and 2 for non-communicable diseases. Which of the
(b) 1, 2 and 3 following are the examples of Non-
(c) 1, 3 and 4 communicable diseases?
1. Cancer
(d) All
2. Diabetes
69. Which of the following statement related to 3. Hepatitis B
IPCC is incorrect? 4. HIV/AIDS

12
 Codes: 74. Which of the following greenhouse gas has
(a) 1, 2 and 3 been added in the second Kyoto Protocol?
(b) 1 and 2 (a) Sulphur hexafluoride
(c) 2 and 3 (b) Nitrogen trifluoride
(d) 1, 3 and 4 (c) Perfluorocarbons
(d) Hydrofluorocarbon
73. Which of the following is the advantage of
Government e-Marketplace? 75. Which of the following is not the salient
(a) The procurement by the government feature of the Indian Institute of Management
through GeM has led to reduction of Bill, 2017?
prices/costs. (a) IIMs can grant degrees to their students.
(b) Due to end-to-end computerisation, the (b) Inclusion of women and members from
bidding or direct purchases can be done Scheduled Castes/Tribes in the Board.
in a time efficient manner. (c) The Annual Report of the Institutions will
(c) It brings more transparency as only the be placed in the Ministry of Human
genuine vendors are allowed to do Resource Development.
business with the government. (d) Periodic review of the performance of
(d) All of the above. Institutions by independent agencies and

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placing result on public domain.

OR
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
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13
 TEST - 12
PAPER CODE: 12

Current Affairs + GK
(JANUARY)

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ANSWERS

1. (c)
OR allocation of resources for various
programmes.
Exp: H-1B visa - It allows U.S. employers to
temporarily employ foreign workers in 3. (a)
SC
specialty occupations.
Exp: IPV is produced from wild-type poliovirus
H-2B visa - It permits employers to hire strains of each serotype that have been
foreign workers to come temporarily to the inactivated (killed) with formalin. Studies
USA and perform temporary non- have confirmed that two fractional doses
agricultural services on a one-time (one fractional dose is one-fifth of a full dose)
intermittent basis. of IPV, given twice to infants - first at the
GS

L-2 visa - It is a visa document used to enter age of six weeks and then at 14 weeks -
the United States by the dependent spouse provide the same protection against all
and unmarried children under 21 years of polio viruses as does one full dose of IPV so
age of qualified L-1 visa holders. by introducing fractional doses of IPV,
nations are not only saving vaccine cost but
2. (c) also not compromising on the protection
Exp: Use of SECC data will enable the that it provides to the children against polio.
government to improve the efficacy of its Oral Polio vaccine give both serum and
interventions and it will also result in intestinal immunity.
improved outcome. However there is need
for regular updation and verification of 4. (b)
SECC data in order to eliminate the need
Exp: The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is a
to mount standalone SECC in long run,
which can put additional burden on public Convention organized to connect the
resources. The SECC has the potential to Government of India and State
function as Social Registry Information Governments of India to its Overseas Indian
System (SRIS) from being only census-like Affairs. The PBD Convention provides a
socio-economic database. SRIS will have platform for the Indian Diaspora to engage
several advantages in implementation of with the Government of India and acquaint
social sector schemes. The use of SECC data themselves about policies, developments
will lead to better budgetary planning and and opportunities of contemporary India.

Answers: (Test-12) [1]

 The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman (Overseas tenancy and cropping pattern. The first
Indian Honour/Award) is an award Agricultural Census was conducted with
constituted by the Ministry of External reference year 1970-71 and the sixth with
Affairs as Ministry of Overseas Indian reference year 1995-96 is nearing
Affairs. completion.

The theme of 2017 PBS is "Redefined The census is carried out in three phases.
Engagement With Indian Diaspora". During Phase I, a list is made of all the
operational holdings and their primary
5. (d) characteristics like location, area, gender
and social group of the holder. During Phase
Exp: CVC was created via executive resolution
II, detailed data on tenure, tenancy, land
(based on the recommendations of
use, irrigation, crop areas, etc. are collected.
Santhanam committee) in 1964 but was
Phase III, popularly known as input survey,
conferred with statutory status in 2003. It
is the apex vigilance institution. It submits relates to collection of data on agricultural
its report to the President of India. As per inputs (seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, etc.)
rules, a departmental inquiry against a according to five size groups of the

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government employee needs to be holdings.
completed within six months and a final According to the latest (2010-11)
decision has to be taken by authorities
OR
landholding census by the Ministry of
concerned on it in the next two months. Agriculture, 67.1% of all landholdings are
Recently the Central Vigilance Commission marginal - smaller than 1 hectare - while
(CVC) has asked all departments to ensure 17.9% are small (1-2 hectares). Medium (2-
that such proceedings are completed in 10 hectares) and large (over 10 hectares)
holdings are 14.3% and 0.7% of the total
SC

time.
respectively. It's not as though the smaller
6. (a) the farmer the more likely he is to commit
Exp: The national carrier Air India (AI) has suicide due to farm distress. According to
launched a 'Fly For Sure' scheme on January the NCRB data, small farmers were 45.2%
11, 2017 that will ensure that passengers of all farmer victims, while marginal
reach their destination the desired day farmers made up 27.4%… in a general
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without the need to buy expensive last- sense, farmers who have alternate sources
minute tickets in case of missing booked of livelihood (including as agricultural
flight. Under the scheme, the customer will labourers) may cope with the crisis better
have to pay extra Rs. 2,000 while booking when compared to those who may depend
the ticket and get to board any Air India almost entirely on farming.
flight on the same day and same sector in
8. (c)
case of missing or cancelled flight. These
vouchers will be non-refundable and can Exp: While credit enhancement has given an
be availed on all domestic routes offered by impetus to green bonds and will remain
AI. A similar scheme was launched by crucial, there is a scope for other innovative
Spice-Jet in 2016. mechanisms such as securitisation. Many
7. (d) standalone green projects such as roof top
solar, energy efficiency and rural water
Exp: Agricultural Censuses in the country are supply still remain unattractive to
conducted at intervals of five years, as a institutional investors owing to the smaller
part of the World Census of Agriculture scale and vast geographical spread.
(WCA). The census provides detailed Securitisation is the process in which
statistics on the structure of operational certain types of assets are pooled so that
holdings and their main characteristics like they can be repackaged into interest-
number and area, land use, irrigation, bearing securities. The interest and

[ 2 ] Answers: (Test-12)
 principal payments from the assets are the option of creating your own QR (Quick
passed through to the purchasers of the Response) code for a fixed amount of
securities. Increasing numbers of financial money, which the merchant can scan to
institutions employ securitization to make the deduction.
transfer the credit risk of the assets they
originate from their balance sheets to those 11. (b)
of other financial institutions, such as Exp: Hope Island become graveyard for Olive
banks, insurance companies, and hedge Ridleys turtles after the wildlife wing of the
funds. They do it for a variety reasons. It is Forest department have spotted 54
often cheaper to raise money through carcasses on the shores of Hope Island in
securitization. In principle, this "originate just one month. So Turtlefar 152 carcasses
and distribute" approach brings broad are spotted in Hope Island. The breeding
economic benefits - spreading out credit cycle of the endangered species has been
exposures, thereby diffusing risk dealt a severe blow this year by mechanised
concentrations and reducing systemic fishing boats. The Fisheries Department
vulnerabilities. tried to encourage the mechanised boat

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owners to fit a Turtle Excluder Device (TED)
9. (a) to their trawl nets to allow the animals to
Exp: A bond is a debt instrument with which an
entity raises money from investors. The
bond issuer gets capital while the investors
receive fixed income in the form of interest.
OR pass.
Hope Island is a small tadpole shaped
Island situated off the coast of Kakinada,
in Bay of Bengal. Hope Island protects the
When the bond matures, the money is city of Kakinada from the strong storm
SC
repaid. A green bond is very similar. The surges coming from the Bay of Bengal. Hope
only difference is that the issuer of a green Island acts as a sort of natural break water
bond publicly states that capital is being and provides tranquility to the ships
raised to fund 'green' projects, which anchored in Kakinada bay which makes
typically include those relating to Kakinada Port one of the safest natural
renewable energy, emission reductions and ports in the Eastern Coast of India.
so on. Green bonds are issued by
GS

12. (d)
multilateral agencies such as the World
Bank, corporations, government agencies Exp: The salient features of merger and the
and municipalities. Green bonds typically benefits likely to accrue therefrom are
carry a lower interest rate than the loans broadly given below:
offered by the commercial banks. Hence,
when compared to other forms of debt, • Ministry of Railways will continue to
function as a departmentally run
green bonds offer better returns for an
commercial undertaking;
independent power producers.
• A separate Statement of Budget Estimates
10. (d)
and Demand for Grant will be created for
Exp: BHIM is a digital payments solution app Railways;
based on the Unified Payments Interface • A single Appropriation Bill, including the
(UPI) from the National Payments estimates of Railways, will be prepared and
Corporation of India (NPCI), the umbrella presented by Ministry of Finance to
organisation for all retail payments systems Parliament and all legislative work
in India. BHIM will let you send and receive connected therewith will be handled by
money to other UPI accounts or addresses. Ministry of Finance;
You can also send money via IFSC (Indian
Financial System Code) and MMID (Mobile • Railways will get exemption from payment
Money Identifier) Code to users who don't of dividend to General Revenues and its
have a UPI-based bank account. There's also Capital-at-charge would stand wiped off;

Answers: (Test-12) [3]

• Ministry of Finance will provide Gross 100 crore will be allocated by the state
Budgetary Support to Ministry of Railways government and the remaining amount will
towards meeting part of its capital be created by internal sources, like
expenditure; university funds and CSR funds.

• Railways may continue to raise resources National Advisory Committee on Startups

from market through Extra-Budgetary (NACM): A National Advisory Committee
Resources as at present to finance its capital on Startups is comprised of representatives
expenditure; from Ministry of Human Resource
Development (MHRD), AICTE, Ministry of
• The presentation of a unified budget will Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
help present a holistic picture of the (MSDE).The National Resource Institution
financial position of the Government; will implement the AICTE startup policy
and national banks/ financial institutions
• Merger of Rail Budget with Union Budget will be formed as an apex strategic body to
would facilitate multimodal transport guide and monitor the implementation of
planning between highways, railways and the policy. This body will also select the
inland waterways; and regional hubs that will be responsible for

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the effective implementation of the policy.
• It will allow Ministry of Finance greater
elbow-room at the time of mid-year review 16. (c)
OR
for better allocation of resources, etc.
Exp: It is India's first river interlinking project
13. (d) that will connect Ken river in Madhya
Pradesh with the Betwa in Uttar Pradesh.
Exp: An OCI card holder cannot vote, hold a The project was envisaged first in 1980 to
government job or purchase agricultural or transfer surplus river water to dry and arid
SC

farm land. The person can also not run for areas of Bundelkhand region. It will help
public office or travel to restricted areas irrigate an area of 6.35 lakh hectares
without permission. annually in Bundelkhand region. It will help
irrigate an area of 6.35 lakh hectares
14. (b) annually in Bundelkhand region. The
Exp: A sudden announcement of invalidating project is estimated to provide 49 million
GS

Rs, 500 and Rs. 1000 notes and time lag in cubic metres (mcm) of drinking water to a
exchanging these old notes with new notes population of 13.42 lakh in Bundelkhand
would reduce the money supply. Reduced region in the two states. Besides, it will also
money in the hand of public will reduce generate 78 mega watt (MW) of power.
demand for products and consequently 17. (d)
prices will come down. Output will decline
due to less demand and constrained money Exp: Why in News? The deadlocks in GST over
holding by producers for variable costs like territorial waters have been resolved. States will
raw material and labour wages. be empowered to tax any economic activity in
territorial water up to 12 nautical miles.
15. (b)
Territorial waters or a territorial sea as
Exp: The Gujarat government has introduced defined by the 1982 United Nations
India's first Student Startup and Innovation Convention on the Law of the Sea,[1] is a
Policy. The policy will support student-led belt of coastal waters extending at most 12
startups & innovations and create an nautical miles from the baseline (usually the
Innovation and Pre-incubation Ecosystem mean low-water mark) of a coastal state.
Support (IPIES) across all universities of the The territorial sea is regarded as the
state. The Gujarat government would sovereign territory of the state, although
provide Rs 200 crore as State Innovation foreign ships (civilian) are allowed innocent
Fund for the next five years, of which Rs passage through it, or transit passage for

[ 4 ] Answers: (Test-12)
 straits; this sovereignty also extends to the 21. (d)
airspace over and seabed below.
Exp: Krishna River basin lies mainly in the states
18. (c) of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh
,Maharashtra and Telangana only.
Exp: Delhi government has announced
monetary incentive of Rs 2,000 and Krishna Water Dispute Tribunal is a
appreciation certificate will be given to statutory body under Interstate River Water
people who help road accident victims in Disputes Act 1956 . The act has enacted as
the national capital. per the provisions of Article 262.
19. (a) Only Parliament has the authority to frame
Exp: Since in the VVPAT system, when a voter laws over river water sharing disputes.
presses the button for a candidate of his State legislatures are not allowed.
choice in the EVM, a paper ballot containing
22. (c)
the serial number, name of the candidate

E
and poll symbol would be printed for the Exp: Pakistan has successfully test-fired its first
voter, this helps in enabling the voter to Submarine-Launched Cruise Missile
ensure that their votes are not being capable of carrying a nuclear warhead up
diverted for other candidates.
Under VVPAT, a printer-like apparatus is
linked to Electronic Voting Machine (EVM).
OR to 450km. This has given Pakistan a
"credible" second-strike capability.
The missile, Babur-3, was fired from an
When a vote is cast, a receipt is generated underwater, mobile platform and hit its
showing the serial number, name and target with precise accuracy.
SC
symbol of the candidate. It confirms the vote
and the voter can verify the details. The Babur-3 is a sea-based variant of Ground
receipt, once viewed, goes inside a container Launched Cruise Missile (GLCM) Babur-2,
linked to the EVM and can only be accessed which was successfully tested earlier in
by the election officers in rarest of rare December, last year.
cases.
Recently Tehran fired a Shahab-3, an
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The system allows a voter to challenge his intermediate-range ballistic missile based on
or her vote on basis of the paper receipt for a North Korean design, capable of flying
the first time. As per a new rule, the booth 800 miles.
presiding officer will have to record the
dissent of the voter, which would have to Ikara is of Australia.
be taken into account at time of counting. 23. (b)
20. (c) Exp: IPPB will not lend money and it cannot issue
Exp: It is a part of Pongal celebrations in Tamil credit cards.
Nadu on Mattu Pongal Day. 24. (a)
This practice proves to be highly dangerous Exp: `Power for All' is a joint initiative of the
for both bull and the human beings, caused Centre in collaboration with State
several injuries to both of them. governments for supply of quality and
reliable 24 x 7 power to agricultural,
Supreme Court has banned Jallikattu
industrial and domestic consumers.
celebrations on account of animal welfare
issues. The Program has been instrumental in
mainstreaming the Ministry's focus on
The main task in this event is to hold upon energy efficiency and Demand Side
the hump of the bull by participants, which Management interventions.
itself is highly risky.

Answers: (Test-12) [5]

25. (a) Exp: It is being held every year on January 12.
Exp: Why in news? 12th Raising Day of National It marks the birth anniversary of Swami
Disaster Response Force (NDRF) held. Vivekananda who was a great source of
NDRF is a force of 12 battalions, organized motivation for Indian youth itself.
on para-military lines, and manned by This year theme is "Youth for Digital India".
persons on deputation from the Central
Armed Police Forces of India: three BSF, 30. (c)
three CRPF, two CISF, two ITBP and two
Exp: It is a nodal agency to deal with cyber
Sashastra Seema Bal.
security threats like hacking and phishing.It
26. (d) reports to the government about any
upcoming threats. It is under the Ministry
Exp: NGOs found violating FCRA Act provisions of Electronics and Information Technology.
by getting registered under FEMA Act to
escape scrutiny. Roles
As per CBI report only around 10% NGOs • Provide a single point of contact for

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files their balance sheet with the reporting local problems.
government.
• Assist the organisational constituency and
OR
Union Ministry of Home Affairs monitors general computing community in
the NGOs under FCRA only Finance preventing and handling computer security
Ministry monitors them under FEMA. incidents.
27. (a) • Share information and lessons learned with
SC

Exp: The world's first 'Gender Literature Festival' CERT/CC, other CERTs, response teams,
will be held in Patna in the second week of organisations and sites. o Incident
April. Response.

The Gender Resource Centre of Bihar's • Provide a 24 x 7 security service.

Women Development Corporation will be • Offer recovery procedures.
organising the festival.
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• Artifact analysis
The objective of this initiative is to create a
platform, to exchange ideas, and to share • Incident tracing
and learn experiences of renowned people
• Issue security guidelines, advisories and
in the field of gender based or focussed
literature. timely advise.

Kanathoor Nalvar Bhoothasthanam is of • Vulnerability analysis and response.

Kerala. It is known for its vibrancy and • Risk Analysis.
sheer grandeur of the Theyyam.
• Collaboration with vendors.
28. (b)
• National Repository of, and a referral
Exp: Endosulfan is one of the most toxic agency for, cyber-intrusions.
pesticides available in the market. It is an
organic contact insecticide, first registered • Profiling attackers.
in Germany in 1954. Endosulfan has been
banned in over 80 nations due to its 'high • Conduct Training.
toxicity, potential for bioaccumulation, and • Interact with vendors and others at large
role as an endocrine disruptor'.
to investigate and provide solutions for
29. (c) incidents.

[ 6 ] Answers: (Test-12)
31. (d) nodal agency for catalysing and
coordinating the emerging partnership
Exp: Microbeads are manufactured solid plastic between voluntary organisations and the
particles of less than five millimeters in their Government for sustainable development
largest dimension. They are most frequently of rural areas.
made of polyethylene but can be of other
petrochemical plastics such as CAPART was formed by amalgamating
polypropylene and polystyrene. They are two agencies the 'Council for Advancement
used in exfoliating personal care products, of Rural Technology' (CART) and People's
toothpastes and in biomedical and health- Action for Development India (PADI).
science research. It readily absorb CAPART is an autonomous body registered
pollutants and bioaccumulate in food chain. under the Societies Registration Act
1860,and is functioning under the aegis of
32. (d) the Ministry of Rural Development,
Government of India. Today, this agency is
Exp: Rubella, or German measles, is a contagious
a major promoter of rural development in
viral infection that causes a distinctive red

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India, assisting over 12,000 voluntary
rash. Three years after the national vaccine
organizations across the country in
advisory body recommended the
introduction of the measles-rubella vaccine
(MR) in the Universal Immunisation
Programme (UIP), the vaccine is all set to
be introduced from next month
OR 35.
implementing a wide range of development
initiatives.
(b)
Exp: The report is published by International
33. (d) Labour organization (ILO). Global Wage
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Report contributes to the United Nations

Exp: Why in News? Recently Madras high court
has clarified that the triple talaq issued by chief 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
kazi has no legal sanction. by making comparative data and
information on recent wage trends available
Universal Civil Code is given in the Part IV to governments, social partners, academics
of the constitution i.e. Directive Principles and the general public.
GS

of State Policy.
36. (b)
There is also an another personal law for
the Muslim women i.e. Muslim Women Exp: No detention policy is a controversial
(Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986. provision of RTE which prohibits detention
of students in a grade, regardless of his
Goa is the state which has its own personal performance, all the way up to the eight
law i.e. Goa Civil Code. grade.
34. (c) Unlike Right to Information the Right to
Exp: The voluntary sector in India has played a Education is a fundamental right under
major role in rural development, through Article 21A of Part III.
mobilizing communities and catalyzing
After the implementation of RTE the
people's initiatives for change, as well as
learning outcomes has unfortunately
through direct implementation of
interventions around specific issues. shown no major improvement in most of
the schools. That is a major concern now.
Formal recognition of the role of voluntary
organisations in the Seventh Plan 37. (d)
documented to the formation of the Council Exp: Both the National Parties and State Parties
for Advancement of People's Action and have the right to have a reserved symbol
Rural Technology (CAPART) in 1986, as a exclusively for them by Election

Answers: (Test-12) [7]

 Commission but national parties will enjoy 41. (d)
it over entire India and state parties only
Exp: Researchers have found evidence for this
within their own state.
plate on the floor of the Indian Ocean in
Party symbols are allotted as per the the Wharton Basin.Scientists have found a
Election Symbols (Reservation and new plate boundary being formed on the
Allotment) Order,1968 issued by Election floor of the Indian Ocean as a result of the
Commission. largest earthquake that shook the
Andaman-Sumatra region in 2012.
38. (a) Scientists warn that the new fault system
could trigger more quakes in the future.
Exp: The Economic Survey brings out the
economic trends in the country which 42. (b)
facilitates a better appreciation of the
Exp: Under Project 75, six Scorpene submarines
mobilisation of resources and their
are being built with assistance and
allocation in the Budget. The Survey
technology transfer from DCNS of France
analyses the trends in agricultural and
under deal signed in October 2005. The first
industrial production, infrastructure,

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of the series INS Kalvari is completing sea
employment, money supply, prices,
trials and will be commissioned shortly. The
imports, exports, foreign exchange reserves other four submarines are expected to be
OR
and other relevant economic factors which launched at nine-month intervals after the
have a bearing on the Budget, and is INS Khanderi. At Present, the Indian Navy
presented to the Parliament ahead of the operates only 13 conventionally powered
Budget for the ensuing year. submarines and two nuclear submarines.
The Outcome Budget broadly indicates the 43. (a)
SC

outcomes of the financial budget of a

Ministry/Department, indicating actual Exp: These rules have been framed in pursuance
deliverables linked with outlays targetted of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA)
during the year and in the medium term. Act, 1960 to prevent infliction of
unnecessary pain, or suffering on animals.
39. (a)
Mandatory for dog breeders to maintain
proper records of both female and male
GS

Exp: By combining data from NASA's Chandra

X-ray Observatory, the Giant Metrewave dogs, their breed, number of litters, micro-
Radio Telescope (GMRT) in Pune and other chip number, sale, purchase, death,
telescopes, researchers found what happens rehabilitation etc. Every dog breeder is
when matter ejected by a giant black hole required to submit yearly report to the
is swept up in the merger of two enormous SAWB regarding animals sold, bartered,
galaxy clusters.The two phenomenon have traded, given away, exhibited during
combined to create a stupendous cosmic previous year or any other information
particle accelerator. This cosmic double asked for by the board. Non-compliance of
whammy is found in a pair of colliding the proposed Rules by will lead dog breeders
galaxy clusters called Abell 3411 and Abell and dog breeding establishments will result
3412 located about two billion light years in cancellation of the registration of the dog
from Earth. breeder.
40. (b) 44. (a)
Exp: The 350th Prakash Parv (also Prakash Exp: It is an attempt to scrutinize the budget
Utsav) or birth anniversary of Guru Gobind from the gender lens and bring out the
Singh ji is to be celebrated in January 2017 gender differential impact. Gender
in Patna, India. Sikhism forbids idolatry or Budgeting is a powerful tool for achieving
image-worship in any form. gender mainstreaming so as to ensure that

[ 8 ] Answers: (Test-12)
 benefits of development reach women as organization with newspaper publishing at
much as men. It is not an accounting its core). The Manufacturing Purchasing
exercise but an ongoing process of keeping Managers Index is based on five individual
a gender perspective in policy/ programme indexes with the following weights: New
formulation, its implementation and Orders (30 percent), Output (25 percent),
review. Over the years, India has stood out Employment (20 percent), Suppliers'
for its implementation of gender budgeting, Delivery Times (15 percent) and Stock of
and with the Ministry of Finance (MoF) Items Purchased (10 percent), with the
Delivery Times index inverted so that it
playing the central role, it has managed to
moves in a comparable direction. A reading
successfully institutionalise the concept at
above 50 indicates an expansion of the
both the national and State levels (16 States manufacturing sector compared to the
have embraced the exercise). previous month; below 50 represents a
45. (a) contraction; while 50 indicates no change.

Exp: GST is a tax on goods and services with Purchasing Managers' Indexes (PMI) are
economic indicators derived from monthly

E
comprehensive and continuous chain of set-
off benefits from the producer's point and surveys of private sector companies. A
service provider's point upto the retailer's company uses all of this PMI information
level. The tax would be collected at point
of sale. It is essentially a tax only on value
addition at each stage ( and not only
manufacturing stage ), and a supplier at
OR 48.
to plan its annual budget, staffing levels
and to forecast cash flow.
(a)
each stage is permitted to set-off, through Exp: The World famous 11-day gala festival
Bargarh Dhanua Jatra began on 2 January
SC
a tax credit mechanism.
2017 in western Odisha. All rituals were
46. (d) performed before Goddess Samaleswari,
Exp: Why in news? Prime minister has recently the presiding deity of the event. Dhanu Jatra
made a pointed reference to the fact that in is an annual drama-based open air
FY14, as per official ministry of finance data, theatrical performance celebrated in and
there were only 2.4 million individuals around Bargarh city spanning over an area
GS

declaring incomes above Rs 10 lakh. of 6 km radius. It is considered to be the

world's largest open air theatrical festival.
Progressive tax rates can reduce inequality
as a larger amount of tax will be collected 49. (a)
from the high income groups. A
Exp: Pratikar-1 - China and Nepal
proportional tax rate causes no change in
the relative income distribution in the Mitra Shakti - India and Sri Lanka
society. A regressive tax implies a higher
burden on the low-income groups; it, thus, 50. (a)
tends to widen the gap of inequality. In Exp: Seven new countries Lithuania, Gabon,
short, progressive taxation can lead to a
Hungary, Indonesia, Malta, Mauritius and
reduction in equality and realisation of
Russia - have signed Multilateral Competent
egalitarian goals. This makes progressive tax
Authority Agreement for Country-by-
a accepted principle of state policy
Country Reporting (CbC MCAA). With
47. (d) this, the total number of signatories has
increased to 57 including India (signed in
Exp: The Nikkei India Manufacturing May 2015). CbC MCAA is a tax co-
Purchasing Managers' Index measures the operation agreement to enable automatic
performance of the manufacturing sector sharing of country-by-country information.
and is derived from a survey of 500
manufacturing companies. It is published This exchange of information is facilitated
by IHS Markit for Nikkei ( which is a media as part of Action 13 of the base erosion and

Answers: (Test-12) [9]

 profit shifting (BEPS) Action Plan adopted transactions but virtually everything of
by the OECD and G20 countries in 2013. value
Base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) By design blockchains are inherently
refers to tax avoidance strategies that exploit resistant to modification of the data - once
gaps and mismatches in tax rules to recorded, the data in a block cannot be
artificially shift profits to low or no-tax altered retroactively. The use of blockchains
locations. Under the inclusive framework, promises to be able to bring significant
over 100 countries and jurisdictions are efficiencies to global supply chains,
collaborating to implement the BEPS financial transactions, and decentralized
measures and tackle BEPS. social networking.
51. (d) 55. (c)
Exp: The Union Finance Ministry has agreed to Exp: A mini grid, as defined by the Ministry of
contribute partially to a new dedicated New and Renewable Energy, is an off-grid
railway safety fund named as 'Rashtriya power system with a generation capacity
Rail Sanraksha Kosh' in the upcoming of between 10 KW and 500 KW. It converts
direct current (DC) to alternating current

E
Union Budget 2017-18. The proposed safety
fund will be utilised for track improvement, (AC) and it provides safety as per REC and
bridge rehabilitation, rolling stock CEA standards. There are a number of other
OR
replacement, human resource solutions of smaller capacities that rural
development, improved inspection system areas can use such as a solar lantern, a solar
and safety work at level crossing, among home solution, or even a community
other things. solution like a micro grid. But a mini grid is
the only alternative that provides the kind
About Rs. 10,000 crore will be earmarked of electricity that can be used for business
SC

from the Central Road Fund (CRF) that is activities.

collected by levying a cess on diesel and
petrol at present for safety-related work. 56. (d)

The Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh will be Exp: India is gearing up to sign the Transports
a non-lapsable fund which will be utilised Internationaux Routiers (TIR), or the
customs convention on the international
for safety measures.
GS

transport of goods, as it eyes seamless trade

52. (c) connectivity with both Eurasian region and
Southeast Asia. The Convention on
Exp: It lies near the Strait of Hormuz. International Transport of Goods Under
53. (a) Cover of TIR Convention is a multilateral
treaty that was concluded at Geneva on 14
Exp: The Fiscal Responsibility and Budget November 1975 to simplify and harmonise
Management (FRBM) Committee was the administrative formalities of
headed by N.K. Singh, former Revenue and international road transport.
Expenditure Secretary and former MP. Its
Benefits for India:
member included RBI Governor Urjit Patel,
Chief Economic Advisor Arvind • This will allow India to take full benefit of
Subramanian, former Finance Secretary International North South Transportation
Sumit Bose, and National Institute of Public Corridor or INSTC, which enables access
Finance and Policy Director Rathin Roy. to Eurasian region via Iran, and
Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal Motor
54. (a) Vehicles Agreement.
Exp: The blockchain is an incorruptible digital • Aligning with the TIR system will also
ledger of economic transactions that can be enable India to take full advantage of the
programmed to record not just financial Eurasian Economic Union (EEU). EEU,

[10] Answers: (Test-12)

 comprising Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, the single largest source of donor funds for
Armenia and Kyrgyzstan, have an basic social services in these countries.
integrated single market of 183 million
people and GDP of more than $4 trillion in 59. (a)
purchasing power parity. Exp: ASER stands for Annual Status of
• The TIR system can also make Bangladesh- Education Report. This is an annual survey
Bhutan-India-Nepal Motor Vehicles that aims to provide reliable estimates of
Agreement efficient for sub-regional children's enrolment and basic learning
cooperation on India's eastern flank. levels for each district and state in India.
ASER has been conducted every year since
57. (a) 2005 in all rural districts of India. It is the
Exp: The Union Cabinet has given its approval largest citizen-led survey in India. It is also
for amendment in the Modified Special the only annual source of information on
Incentive Package Scheme (M-SIPS) to children's learning outcomes available in
further incentivize investments in India today.

E
Electronic Sector and moving towards the
60. (b)
goal of 'Net Zero imports' in electronics by
2020.It is expected to create employment Exp: Raisina Dialogue is an annual conference

•
opportunities and reduce dependence on
imports.
The Policy covers all States and Districts
OR held in New Delhi. It is envisioned to be
India's flagship conference of geopolitics
and geo-economics. The first edition of the
and provides them an opportunity to conference was held in March 2016 with
attract investments in electronics the theme "Asia: Regional and Global
SC
manufacturing. Connectivity". It is organized on the lines
of the Shangri-La Dialogue held in
• The scheme provides subsidy for capital Singapore. The second edition of Ministry
expenditure - 20% for investments in Special of External Affairs' annual Raisina
Economic Zones (SEZs) and 25% in non- Dialogue was held in New Delhi with the
SEZs. theme "The New Normal: Multilateralism
in a multipolar world".
GS

58. (a)
Exp: The International Development Association 61. (c)
(IDA) is the part of the World Bank that Exp: Founded in 1954, the CERN laboratory sits
helps the world's poorest countries.
astride the Franco-Swiss border near
Overseen by 173 shareholder nations, IDA
Geneva. CERN is the world's largest
aims to reduce poverty by providing loans
nuclear and particle physics laboratory,
(called "credits") and grants for programs
where scientists and engineers are probing
that boost economic growth, reduce
the fundamental structure of the Universe
inequalities, and improve people's living
by using the most sophisticated scientific
conditions.
instruments and advanced computing
IDA lends money on concessional terms. systems. India has officially become an
This means that IDA credits have a zero or Associate member of CERN. Following are
very low interest charge and repayments benefit of it.
are stretched over 25 to 40 years, including
a 5- to 10-year grace period. IDA also • As an Associate member India will have
provides grants to countries at risk of debt full access to all data generated at CERN.
distress. As there are many experiments in CERN,
there will be plenty of information available.
IDA is one of the largest sources of
assistance for the world's 77 poorest • As an Associate member, India can
countries, 39 of which are in Africa, and is participate in all experiments.

Answers: (Test-12) [11]

• Also, whenever any CERN facilities get • Aadhaar Number
upgraded and go through maintenance, it
will provide opportunities for Indian • Bank IIN or Name
industries to participate. Indian industry • Fingerprint
will be entitled to bid for CERN contracts,
which will allow it to work in areas of The issuer identification number (IIN) is a
advanced technology. six digit number that is unique to a single
card issuer. The number is only used to
• Since Indian scientists will become eligible identify the card issuer, and is not used to
for staff appointments, it will also enhance identify a particular product, service, or
the participation of young scientists and region associated with the card issuer.
engineers in operation and maintenance of
various CERN projects. 66. (b)

62. (b) Exp: Pakistan, Myanmar and Somalia are not

member of the group inspite having coastal
Exp: A graded response lays down stratified boundary with Indian Ocean. Its
actions that are required to be taken as and Headquarter is located at Ebene, Mauritius.

E
when the concentration of pollutants like It is based on the principles of Open
particulate matter, reaches a certain level. Regionalism for strengthening economic
Emergency measures will be automatically cooperation particularly on trade
OR
enforced in NCR if level of PM2.5 breaches facilitation and investment, promotion as
300 µgm/m3 and PM10 levels stay above well as social development of the region.
500 µgm/m3 for 48 hours.
67. (c)
63. (b)
Exp: Why in news? Government of India has
SC

Exp: The mission is called "Psyche". It is focused decided to facilitate Tangaliya weavers in
to know whether the asteroid, called "16 purchase of looms, by providing them an
Psyche" and thought to be made of iron and assistance amounting to 90% of the price of
nickel, could be part of what was an earlier looms.
planet perhaps as large as Mars. Psyche Mangalagiri Cotton - Andhra Pradesh.
robotic mission will launch in October 2023
GS

and will arrive at the asteroid in 2030, 68. (c)

following an Earth gravity assist spacecraft
Exp: The World Economic Forum (WEF), NITI
manoeuver in 2024 and a Mars flyby in
Aayog, World Intellectual Property
2025. Scientists believe that the asteroid
Organization (WIPO) and Cornell
might have lost its outer core through a University will work to develop an India
series of collisions and the mission could Innovation Index to provide impetus to
shed light on how planets and other masses states to drive innovative spirit. Based on
broke up into cores, mantles and crusts the WIPO's GII (Global Innovation Index),
years ago. the India Innovation Index will be tailored
64. (a) to better reflect of India's ground reality and
include metrics well suited to the Indian
Exp: The list had originally 14 languages only context for innovation.
but subsequently through amendments 8
new languages. 69. (b)

65. (c) Exp: Why in News? Scientists at the Indian

Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune,
Exp: Aadhaar Enabled Payment System is a way are likely to unveil in December a computerised
to get money from the bank account. For model that can forecast the impact of climate
AEPS transaction, you need following change on the Indian monsoon until 2100.
information.

[12] Answers: (Test-12)

 This model is significant because it is the 72. (b)
first time India will be submitting a home-
grown assessment to the Intergovernmental Exp: Non-Communicable diseases (NCDs)
Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a body which are Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs)
convened by the United Nations, and such as heart attacks and stroke, Diabetes,
hugely influential to policymakers and Chronic Respiratory Diseases (Chronic
governments on the risks posed by climate Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases and
change. A test version of the model is Asthma) and Cancer inter alia account for
already available on websites of research over 60% of all mortality in India. Of these,
groups affiliated to the IPCC. nearly 55% are premature mortality. This
imposes a financial and social cost on
The IPCC summarises projections from such families and the country. As part of the
models, developed by scientists from National Health Mission, the Ministry of
around the world, to report on the level of Health and Family Welfare is launching
consensus, among scientists, of the extent population based prevention, screening and
to which specific pollutants and gases -
control programme for five common non-

E
from carbon dioxide to particulate matter -
communicable diseases, namely
interfere with weather patterns and ocean
Hypertension, Diabetes, and Cancers of oral

70.
temperatures.
(b)
Exp: The Aadhaar Enabled Payment System
OR 73.
cavity, breast and cervix.
(d)
Exp: GeM is a completely paperless, cashless and
gives banking facility on the go. However,
system driven e-market place (platform)
it gives only basic services. These 4 services
SC
that enables procurement of common use
can be done through the AEPS. goods and services with minimal human
• Balance Check interface.

• Cash Deposit The aim to transform the way in which

procurement of goods and services is done
• Cash Withdrawal by the Government Ministries De-
GS

partments, PSUs, autonomous bodies etc.

• Aadhaar to Aadhaar Fund Transfer
The Advantages/Benefits:
71. (d)
• The procurement by the government
Exp: The committee has been set up with through GeM has led to reduction of
reference to complaint of State of Odisha prices/costs.
under section 3 of the ISRWD Act, 1956
regarding utilisation of waters of Mahandi • Since it does not involve human interface it
Basin. The committee will be chaired by will lead to transparency and will not put
Member (WP&P), Central Water any entry barriers if genuine supplier wants
Commission and will have 11 other to do business with the government.
members comprising representatives from • Since there end-to-end computerisation, the
the States of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya bidding or direct purchases can be done in
Pradesh, Maharashtra and Jharkhand, a time efficient manner.
Union Ministries of Agriculture,
Environment Forest and Climate Change, • The GeM platform is safe and secure. All
Water Resources, River Development and the documents are e-Signed and only the
genuine vendors are allowed to do business
Ganga Rejuvenation, India Meteorological
with the government.
Department and Central Water
Commission. The committee has been asked • It has potential to support Make In India.
to submit its report within three months.

Answers: (Test-12) [13]

74. (b) • Management of these Institutions would be
Board driven, with the Chairperson and
Exp: The UNFCCC, within the context of the Director of an Institution which will be
Kyoto Protocol, has included nitrogen selected by the Board
trifluoride (NF3) in the second Kyoto
compliance period. • A greater participation of experts and
alumni in the Board is amongst other
Recently India has ratified the Second important features of the Bill
Commitment Period of the Kyoto Protocol
on containing the emission of Green House • Provision has also been made for inclusion
Gases (GHGs). The second commitment of women and members from Scheduled
period of the Kyoto Protocol was adopted Castes/Tribes in the Board
in 2012. So far, 75 countries have ratified
the Second Commitment Period. • The Bill also provides for periodic review
of the performance of Institutions by
75. (c) independent agencies, and placing the
results of the same on public domain
Exp: The salient features of the Bill are:

E
• The Annual Report of the Institutions will
• IIMs can grant degrees to their students be placed in the Parliament and CAG will
be auditing their accounts
OR
• The Bill provides for complete autonomy
to the Institutions, combined with adequate • There is also a provision of Coordination
accountability Forum of IIMs as an advisory body.
SC
GS



[14] Answers: (Test-12)