1) EQUIP project sometimes seen in the news recently is an initiative of which of the following ministries?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Answer : c
Ministry of Human Resource Development(MHRD) plans to launch an ambitious Rs. 1.5 lakh crore EQUIP project to improve the quality and accessibility of higher education over the next five years.
EQUIP stands for the Education Quality Upgradation and Inclusion Programme and was crafted by ten committees led by experts within the government.
It aims to improve access to higher education, especially for underserved communities and to improve the gross enrolment ration.
It also improves teaching and learning processes by building educational infrastructure, improve the quality of research and innovation.
2) Gangaikondan Spotted Deer Sanctuary is located in which of the following states?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Answer : b
Stipulating certain conditions, the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has granted clearance to five limestone mines on private land spread over 100 hectares within 10 km of the Gangaikondan Spotted Deer Sanctuary in Tirunelveli, Tamilnadu.
3) Consider the following statements with respect to National Board for Wildlife (NBWL)
It was established through an executive resolution of Government of India.
It is chaired by the Prime Minister of India.
No alteration of boundaries in national parks and wildlife sanctuaries can be done without the approval of the NBWL.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Answer : b
NBWL is a statutory organization constituted under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
It is chaired by the Prime Minister.
It is advisory in nature and advises the Central Government on framing policies and measures for conservation of wildlife in the country.
No alternation of boundaries in national parks and wildlife sanctuaries can be done without approval of the NBWL.
4) Researchers have recently discovered the tenth species of vine snake in which of the following Biosphere Reserve?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Answer : a
A group of researchers has discovered a tenth species of the vine snake of genus Ahaetulla after a gap of more than a century.
Before this discovery, there were nine species of vine snakes reported from the country.
The Ahaetulla laudankia, the newly-discovered snake, was first spotted by researchers in Simlipal Biosphere Reserve near Lulung in Odisha.
5) Waste Management means
Reducing the waste
Reusing the waste
Recycling the waste
Preventing the waste production
Select the correct answer using the codes given below
a.
b.
c.
d.
Answer : d
Major objective of waste management is to lessen the waste thus aiming at the ideal system.
In order to attain this objective, it is imperative to:
Avoid the generation of waste
Promote reuse of waste
Promote biological recovery of waste and recycling of materials
Promote energy use of waste not suited for recycling
Ensure that the treatment and disposal of waste does not cause any harmful impacts.
6) Which of the following committee recommended raising the age limit of civil services to 23 during the British rule?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Answer : a
7) Which one of the following statement is not correct regarding the Chief Minister of state?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Answer : d
8) Consider the following statements regarding the amendment to “federal structure of the Indian polity”
It can be amended by a special majority of the Parliament.
The consent of half of the state legislatures by a simple majority is also required for amendment.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Answer : c
Federal structure of the Indian polity: The Constitution of India establishes a strong Centre by showering all-important subjects to the Centre as per the Union List.
The State Governments have limited powers while largely being dependent on the Centre.
Especially, the States are dependent on the Centre financially. The States have to work in close cooperation with the Centre.
This has led to the contention that the Indian constitution is federal in form but unitary in spirit.
9) The lowering of Bank Rate by the Reserve Bank of India leads to
More liquidity in the market
Less liquidity in the market
Mobilization of more deposits by commercial banks
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
a.
b.
c.
d.
Answer : a
When RBI lowers the bank rate, the cost of borrowing for banks lowers and thus credit volume gets increased leading to an increase in supply of money.
Thus, decrease in Bank rate reflects loosening of RBI monetary policy.
10) What is the correct sequence of occurrence of the following Water bodies in South-East Asia as one proceeds from North to South?
Sea of Japan
South China Sea
Yellow Sea
East China Sea
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
