DRISHTI PRELIMS 2022 TEST-4

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CIVIL SERVICES (PRELIMINARY) TEST SERIES – 2022
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TEST BOOKLET SERIES
TEST BOOKLET
Test Code: GENERAL STUDIES
2204
TEST – 4
Time Allowed : Two Hours Maximum Marks : 200
INSTRUCTIONS
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1. Consider the following statements: 5. Consider the following statements regarding ‘Disk-
1. Abolishing Industrial licensing for all footed bat’:
industries. 1. It is a type of flying mammal.
2. Establishment of Private Banks. 2. It comes under the “Least Concern” category
3. Reduction of export duties to promote exports. of IUCN Red List Status.
Which of the above were a part of policy changes Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
in Economic Reforms of 1991? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 6. Consider the following statements about India-US
2. Regarding the Smart Cities Mission, consider the Bilateral Trade:
following statements: 1. India has a trade surplus with the USA.
1. Major part of the fund used for Smart Cities 2. India is the largest service exporter to the USA.
Mission is contributed by Public Private 3. India is not a beneficiary of the duty-free
Partnerships. benefits provided under the US Generalised
2. Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs is the System of Preferences.
nodal Ministry for this scheme.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
7. Consider the following statements regarding World
3. Which of the following countries share its border Trade Organisations’ (WTO) Dispute Settlement
with the Red Sea? mechanisms:
1. Saudi Arabia 2. Yemen 1. WTO has a two-stage dispute settlement
3. Israel 4. Egypt system.
5. Syria 2. The decisions of the WTO Appellate body are
Select the correct answer using the code given final and sanctions can be imposed on a
below: member in case of its failure to comply with
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only (b) 2 and 4 only the Appellate Body’s rulings.
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
4. A surge in the investment by Sovereign Wealth (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
Funds in India has been noticed recently. Which of (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
the following are the likely causes behind this trend? 8. Consider the following statements regarding the
1. Rapid rise of an educated middle class Anamaya initiative:
2. Positive demographics 1. The beneficiaries under the initiative are the
3. Regulatory reforms rural as well as the urban population of India.
4. Expanding infrastructure 2. It was launched by the Ministry of Rural
Select the correct answer using the code given Development.
below: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 2 and 4 only (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
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9. Which of the following best describes Extended 13. With reference to Central Electricity Regulatory
Fund Facility (EFF)? Commission, consider the following statements:
(a) It is an IMF’s assistance to a country in case of 1. Indian Energy Exchange is approved and
structural weaknesses. regulated by Central Electricity Regulatory
Commission (CERC).
(b) It is an international reserve asset, created by
2. Central Electricity Regulatory Commission
the IMF to supplement its member countries’
(CERC) intends to promote competition,
official reserves. efficiency and economy in bulk power markets.
(c) It is a loan facility extended by World bank.
(d) None of these (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
10. The terms ‘Event Horizon’, ‘Singularity’, `String (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Theory’ and ‘Standard Model’ are sometimes seen 14. With reference to PPP models, consider the
in the news in the context of following statements:
(a) Observation and understanding of the Universe. 1. In the Hybrid Annuity Model, the central
(b) Nuclear reactors government bears 60% of the project cost.
(c) Gene Therapy to tackle the spread of Covid-19. 2. Under the Engineering, Procurement, and
Construction model, the cost is completely
(d) Origin and evolution of living organisms on
borne by the government.
the Earth.
11. The term ‘Talanoa Dialogue’ is sometimes seen in
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
news with reference to
(a) Facilitative dialogue for taking stock on
15. Consider the following statements regarding the
progress towards long term goals stated in Paris
Aditya-L1 Mission:
Agreement. 1. Aditya-L1 is the first-ever mission of India to
(b) Facilitative dialogue to break deadlock in World study the Sun.
Trade Organisation negotiations. 2. It will be placed in the halo orbit around the
(c) Facilitative dialogue to deal with the problem Lagrange point.
of illegal trafficking of endangered species. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(d) Facilitative dialogue to build consensus in (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
Regional Comprehensive Economic (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Partnership. 16. With reference to ‘National Bureau of Plant Genetic
12. With reference to EASE (Enhanced Access and Resources’, consider the following statements:
Service Excellence) Reforms, consider the following 1. It was started in response to the realization of
statements: perceived effects of the Green Revolution on
agrobiodiversity.
1. It aims to institutionalize smart banking.
2. It helps in crop improvement and diversification
2. EASE was recommended by the PJ Nayak
through germplasm introduction from various
committee of the RBI on responsible banking. foreign countries.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

17. Consider the following statements about PM 20. Recently the “RESPOND” Program was in the news.
SVANidhi: It is related to
1. Urban Local Bodies have an important role to (a) Air Traffic Control
play in the implementation of this scheme. (b) Indian Space Research Organization
(c) WHO program to eliminate COVID-19
2. This scheme is aimed at Micro,Small and
(d) None of the above
Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
21. Consider the following statements about the
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? estimates of Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR)
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only for productive age group:
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 1. The rate of decline of female LFPR was sharper
in rural areas as compared to urban areas.
18. Consider the following Countries:
2. Female LFPR is higher in rural areas as
1. Bangladesh 2. Bhutan compared to urban areas.
3. India 4. Indonesia Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
5. Afghanistan 6. China (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
Which of the above are the members of the E-9 (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Partnership for Education? 22. With reference to the institutions of the World Bank
(a) 2, 3 and 5 only group, consider the following statements:
1. The International Finance Corporation (IFC)
(b) 1, 4 and 5 only
provides loans, equity, and advisory services
(c) 1, 3, 4 and 6 only to stimulate private sector investment in
(d) 2, 3, 4 and 6 only developing countries.
19. Which of the following are the objectives of 2. G o v e r n m e n t s o f m i d d l e - i n c o m e a n d
creditworthy low-income countries are
Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights
provided lending facilities by the International
(PPV & FR) Act, 2001? Development Association (IDA).
1. A farmer can save, use, sow and sell but cannot Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
share his farm produce including seed of a (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
variety protected under the PPV&FR Act, (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
2001.
2. This Act also facilitates the growth of seed Sagarmala Project?
industry for indigeneous availability of 1. The Union Ministry of Shipping is the nodal
advanced quality products. ministry for this initiative.
2. It aims to develop a string of ports around
Select the correct answer using the code given
India’s coast.
below:
3. It does not include the establishment of rail/
(a) 1 only road linkages with the port terminals.
(b) 2 only Which of the statements given above are correct?
(c) Both 1 and 2 (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

24. With reference to “National Education Policy (NEP), 28. Recently, seen in the news ‘Shaphari’ is
2020”, consider the following statements: (a) a certification scheme for food grains
1. It will bring the uncovered age group of 3-6 (b) a certification scheme for aquaculture products
years under school curriculum. (c) a certification program for trans fat elimination
2. Teaching up to at least Grade 5 to be in mother (d) a certification program for both aquaculture
tongue/regional language. and food grains
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 29. Which of the following is/are the provision of The
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 and Facilitation) Act, 2020?
25. Consider the following statements regarding Boao 1. The farmers will not be charged any cess or
Forum for Asia (BFA): levy for sale of their produce and will not have
1. Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) is a “Not for Profit” to bear transport costs.
Organization. 2. The act allows barrier-free inter-state and intra-
2. India is not a member of BFA. state trade and commerce.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Select the correct answer using the codes given
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only below:
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
26. Which among the following are components under (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojna 30. Which of the following are not the end products of
(PMKSY)? the process of coal gasification?
1. Mega Food Parks (a) Hydrogen (b) Oxygen
2. National Agriculture Market (eNAM) (c) Urea (d) Carbon Dioxide
3. Food Quality Assurance Infrastructure
31. With reference to IBSA Dialogue Forum, consider
4. Creation of Backward and Forward Linkages.
the following statements:
Select the correct answer using the code given 1. IBSA was founded in 2003 by Brasilia
below: Declaration.
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 2 and 4 only 2. IBSA functions under the BRICS grouping.
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 3 and 4 only
27. With reference to Multilateral Development Banks, (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
consider the following statements:
1. Asia Infrastructure and Investment Bank (AIIB)
has invested in metro-rail projects in various 32. Consider the following statements:
cities in India giving a boost to the Smart City 1. India was the largest fish producer in the world
initiative. in 2018-19.
2. The USA is among the largest shareholders in 2. In India, more than fifty percent of the fisheries
the Asian Development Bank. production comes from inland fisheries.

33. With reference to the Marine Products Exports 37. With reference to the National Digital Health
Development Authority, consider the following Mission (NDHM), consider the following statements:
statements: 1. NDHM aims to provide health ID to Indian
1. It is a state-owned agency engaged in fishery citizens which will store an individual’s
production and allied activities. medical records.
2. It functions under the Union Ministry of 2. It is mandatory for everyone to enroll in this
Commerce and Industry. initiative.
3. Its mandate is to increase exports and imports 3. The Bureau of Pharma Public Sector
of seafood. Undertakings of India has the mandate to
design, build, roll-out and implement the
Which of the statements given above are correct?
NDHM.
(a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only
34. Which of the following ports is India’s first trans-
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1 and 3 only
shipment hub?
(a) Cochin Port 38. With reference to the Mahatma Jyotirao Phule,
(b) Kandla Port
1. Chatrapati Shivajiraje Bhosle Yancha and
(c) Visakhapatnam Port
Gulamgiri are among his major publications.
(d) New Mangalore Port
2. He believed that the only solution to combat
35. Consider the following statements regarding the the social evils was the enlightenment of the
disease ‘Diabetes: lower castes women only.
1. It is a communicable disease. 3. He worked for the abolishment of untouchability
2. “Global Diabetes Compact” is an initiative and the caste system in Maharashtra.
started by WHO that will help to fight against
diabetes.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (c) 1 and 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
39. Consider the following statements:
1. LaQshya Programme is aimed at improving the
36. Consider the following statements about Agricultural quality of care in the labour room and maternity
Census in India: operation theatres in public health facilities.
1. It is conducted every five years in India. 2. Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan
2. Agricultural Census is carried out as a Central (PMSMA) is a conditional cash transfer
Sector Scheme under which 100% financial scheme for pregnant and lactating women.
assistance is provided to States/Union Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Territories. (a) 1 only
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (b) 2 only
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

40. “E-2025” initiative is related to which disease Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Malaria (b) Tuberculosis (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Dengue (d) AIDS (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
41. Consider the following statements: 45. Consider the following statements regarding the
1. Over 70% of handloom weavers and allied Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP):
workers are women. 1. It is the world’s biggest disease surveillance
2. The textiles and handloom sector in India is the program.
second-largest source of employment to people, 2. The Union Ministry of Health & Family
after agriculture. Welfare is its nodal ministry.
42. With reference to Mahila Samridhi Yojana, consider 46. Which of the following statements is/are not correct
the following statements: regarding the Draft Defence Production and Export
1. The scheme is under the Ministry of Skill Promotion Policy 2020?
Development and Entrepreneurship. 1. Its goal is to achieve a turnover of 10 lakh crore
2. The scheme trains women belonging to the including export in Aerospace and Defence
Minorities community in tailoring, knitting, goods and services by 2025.
embroidery and allied activities. 2. The share of domestic procurement in overall
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Defence procurement should reach 60%.
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only 3. Focus areas include Support to startups and
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 export promotion.
43. With reference to the State of the Global Climate Select the correct answer using the codes given
for 2020, consider the following statements: below:
1. Concentrations of the major greenhouse gases (a) 3 only (b) 1 and 2 only
in the air continued to increase in 2019 and (c) 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
2020. 47. Which of the following statements are correct?
2. Over 80% of the ocean area experienced at least 1. International Development Association (IDA)
one marine heatwave in 2020. provides loans and grants to poor countries.
3. It is released annually by the United Nations 2. Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency
Environment Programme (UNEP). (MIGA) seeks to encourage foreign direct
Which of the statements given above are correct? investment in developing nations.
(a) 2 and 3 only (b) 1 and 2 only 3. The International Bank for Reconstruction and
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Development (IBRD) provides financial
44. Consider the following statements about Pradhan assistance to middle-income and creditworthy
Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP): low-income countries.
1. National Health Mission is the implementing Select the correct answer using the code given
agency of PMBJP. below:
2. The objective of the scheme is to reduce the (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only
out of pocket expenditure in healthcare. (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

48. Consider the following statements regarding World 52. With reference to eSanjeevani Portal, consider the
Press Freedom Index 2021: following statements:
1. It is an indicator of the quality of journalism. 1. eSanjeevani Portal is being implemented under
2. Norway has topped for the fifth year in a row. the Ayushman Bharat-Health and Wellness
Which of the statements given above is/are not Centre (AB-HWCs) programme.
correct? 2. eSanjeevaniOPD is portal providing free of
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only cost service enabling two-way interaction
between doctor and patient and also generates
a prescription slip.
49. With reference to ‘The Convention on Domestic
Workers’, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. The convention has been developed under the (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
aegis of the World Trade Organization. (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
2. India is signatory to the convention. 53. Which of the following is/are the eligibility
3. The convention aims to set up labour standards conditions for startups to receive financial assistance
for domestic workers. under the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme?
Which of the statements given above are correct? 1. A startup incorporated not more than 2 years
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only ago at the time of application.
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 2. Startups should not have received more than
Rs. 10 lakh of monetary support under any
50. Recently released ‘SUPACE Portal’ is related to
other Central or State Government scheme.
(a) Judiciary (b) Police Stations
Select the correct answer using the codes given
(c) State Governance (d) None of the above
below:
51. Consider the following statements regarding
Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban
Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM) :
1. DAY-NULM is being implemented by Union 54. With reference to the Land Reforms in India,
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. consider the following statements:
2. It is a Central Sector Scheme. 1. The policy thrust of the second plan was rights
3. Recently, it has been conferred the prestigious to tenants to cultivate land and abolishing the
SKOCH Governance Gold Award for its Portal intermediaries.
for ‘Affordable Credit and Interest Subvention 2. Land ceiling means fixing the maximum size
Access’ (PAiSA). of land which could be owned by an individual.
Which of the statements given above are correct? Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only (a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only (b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (c) Both 1 and 2
(d) 1, 2 and 3 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

55. Consider the following statements regarding Select the correct answer using the code given
‘Alkaloids’ : below:
1. It is a naturally occurring psychologically active (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only
compound. (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1 and 2 only
2. It is extracted from Opium gum.
59. Consider the following statements about the Buffer
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Stocks:
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only 1. The minimum buffer norms are fixed by the
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs.
56. With reference to the ‘Scheme for Adolescent Girls 2. The buffer stock for pulses is maintained by
(SAG)’, consider the following statements: the Department of Consumer Affairs.
1. It is a central sector scheme.
2. The target group of the Scheme is girls in the
age group of 11-18.
3. It is being implemented through the Anganwadi
Centres (AWCs) under the Integrated Child 60. Consider the following statements regarding
Development Scheme (ICDS). ‘Sankalp se Siddhi’:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1. The major objective of this program is to
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only activate and digitally connect the Van Dhan
(c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Vikas Kendras of the tribal villages.
2. It is launched by the Ministry of Electronics &
57. With reference to the Right to Education Act, 2009,
Information Technology.
1. It provides for free elementary education, Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
compulsory admission, to every child in the 6 (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
to 14 age group. (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
2. It specifies the sharing of financial and other 61. Which of the following are the basic dimensions for
responsibilities between the Central and State the measurement of ‘Human Development Index’
Governments.
(HDI)?
3. It provides for a specified pupil teacher ratio
1. Gross National Income per capita
for each school ensuring that there is no urban-
2. Life expectancy at birth
rural imbalance in teacher postings.
3. Mean years of education
4. Gender Inequality
5. Governance
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Select the correct answer using the code given
58. Which of the following is/are correct regarding
Brucellosis disease? below:
1. It is a viral disease, which mainly infects cattle, (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
swine, goats, sheep and dogs. (b) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only
2. Person to person transmission is rare. (c) 2, 3, 4 and 5 only
3. There is no risk to humans due to this disease. (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

62. Consider the following statements: 66. Consider the following statements about Asian
1. Headcount Ratio is the percent of the population Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB):
that lives under the poverty line. 1. The membership in AIIB is open to all members
2. Misery Index is the sum of unemployment rate of the World Bank.
and inflation.
2. The AIIB finances infrastructure in the
countries of Asia only.
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
63. Consider the following statements: (a) 1 only

1. Snow Leopards are mainly found in central and (b) 2 only
southern Asia. (c) Both 1 and 2
2. Project Snow Leopard (PSL) was launched to (d) Neither 1 nor 2
promote an inclusive and participatory approach
to conserve snow leopards and their habitat. 67. Consider the following statements about Rural
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF):
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only 1. It provides low cost funds to State governments
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 for rural infrastructure projects.
64. With reference to Insurance Ombudsman in India, 2. It has been set up within NABARD.
consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. It derives its powers from the Insurance
(a) 1 only
Regulatory and Development Authority Act,
1999. (b) 2 only
2. He serves his office for the term of five years (c) Both 1 and 2
and is not eligible for reappointment. (d) Neither 1 nor 2
3. His jurisdiction covers the deficiencies in
68. Every year, April 22 is celebrated as Earth Day to
service on the part of insurers, agents, brokers
and other intermediaries. raise public awareness about the environment and
inspire people to save and protect it. The theme of
Earth Day 2021 is
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 (a) Climate Action
65. Consider the following statements with respect to (b) Protect our species
the Trade Deficit : (c) End Plastic Pollution
1. The trade deficit is an indicator to show a (d) Restore Our Earth
negative balance of trade.
69. ‘Blue Chip Stocks’ refers to
2. It forms a part of the Current Account Deficit
(CAD). (a) Highly priced companies stock
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (b) Low priced companies stock
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) IPO’s of any company
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (d) Government securities

70. With reference to the ‘Unique Land Parcel 2. On this day, the Prime Minister’s Awards for
Identification Number’(ULPIN), consider the Excellence in Public Administration are
following statements: presented to States.
1. The ULPIN is a 14-digit identification number
given to every piece of land in the country.
2. It will be based on the latitudes and longitudes
coordinates of the land parcel. (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
3. The scheme will only cover 10 states in India 74. With reference to Market Intervention Scheme
by March 2022. (MIS), consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1. The basic idea behind this scheme is to provide
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only remunerative prices to the farmers when the
(c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 excess production leads to fall in general price.
71. With reference to International Civil Aviation 2. Primarily, the non-perishable agricultural and
Organisation, consider the following statements: horticultural commodities are covered under
1. It laid the foundation for the standards and the scheme.
procedures for peaceful global air navigation. 3. MIS is also known as the invisible hand of
2. ICAO also approves world flight routes for agricultural marketing.
international air traffic.
3. It was established by the Chicago Convention
in 1944.
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
75. Consider the following statements about the ‘Global
Gender Gap Report 2021’:
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
1. The report is released by the World Economic
72. Consider the following statements on the Code on
Forum (WEF).
Wages Act, 2019:
1. According to the Code, the central government 2. The current rank of India is under 100 in Global
will fix a single floor wage for the entire Gender Gap Index.
country to realize a basic standard of living for Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
the workers. (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
2. The Code does not delve into the issue of gender (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
pay gap.
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR):
1. ICAR has set up a Farmer Innovation Fund.
2. It was founded by Dr. M.S. Swaminathan.
73. With reference to Civil Services Day, consider the
following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. 21st April is celebrated as Civil Services Day (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
by the Government of India. (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

77. Consider the following statements about Women 81. With reference to Agri-Market Infrastructure Fund
Livelihood Bonds (WLBs): (AMIF), consider the following statements:
1. Small Industries Development Bank of India 1. The AMIF aims at setting up food processing
(SIDBI) acts as a financial intermediary for and storage units.
raising funds for women entrepreneurship. 2. The fund has been created within NABARD.
2. The WLBs will be listed on the stock exchanges. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 82. Under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi
(PM-KISAN) programme, which of the following
vulnerable landholding farming families will be
Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve (NNTR):
provided direct income support?
1. It is located at the tri-junction of Karnataka,
1. Farming families who have small or marginal
Maharashtra and Telangana. landholdings
2. It is one of the oldest tiger reserves in 2. Farming families affected by natural calamities
Maharashtra. and/or farmer suicides
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 3. Farming families who are landless
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only 4. Farming families who fall below the poverty
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 line
79. Consider the following statements with reference to Select the correct answer using the code given
‘Compulsory Licensing’: below:
(a) 1 only
1. Compulsory Licencing in India is regulated
under the Indian Patent Act, 1970. (b) 1, 2 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
2. It is not permitted under the Trade Related
Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Agreement). 83. With reference to the National Supercomputing
Mission (NSM), consider the following statements:
1. Under this mission, a grid of supercomputers
will be established in educational and research
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 institutions.
80. India’s project for the development of motorable 2. The project is being implemented by the Centre
roads, ‘Project Dantak’, was recently in the news. for Development of Advanced Computing
It is being implemented in which neighbouring (C-DAC), Pune.
country? Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Nepal (a) 1 only
(b) Bhutan (b) 2 only
(c) Bangladesh (c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Myanmar (d) Neither 1 nor 2
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84. With reference to the Demography of India, consider 87. Which of the following group of subsidies is also
the following statements: known as ‘Production-Neutral Box’ in World Trade
1. Total Fertility Rate is now below replacement Organization (WTO)?
level fertility in most of the major states (a) Amber Box
2. The population in the 0-19 age bracket has (b) Red Box
already peaked. (c) Green Box
(d) Blue Box
(a) 1 only 88. With reference to the Aahaar Kranti Mission,
(b) 2 only
1. This mission is focused on increasing food
(c) Both 1 and 2
grain production as well as spreading awareness
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 about nutritional foods.
85. Which of the following statements regarding the 2. It is focused on a nutritionally balanced diet
National Minorities Commission is/are correct? replete with locally sourced fruits and
1. It is neither a constitutional nor a statutory body. vegetables.
2. The chairperson must be a former judge of the Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
supreme court and must belong to a minority (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
community. (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
3. The commission has been given the power of 89. With reference to the Mission Karmayogi, consider
a civil court while trying a suit. the following statements:
Select the correct answer using the codes given 1. The scheme covers group A and group B
below: officers in Central government only.
(a) 3 only 2. The Prime Minister’s Public Human Resources
(HR) Council has been set up under this
(b) 1 and 2 only
mission.
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
(a) 1 only
86. With reference to the Planetary-Pressure adjusted (b) 2 only
Human Development Index, consider the following
(c) Both 1 and 2
statements:
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
1. It is HDI adjusted to the impact of challenges
90. With reference to the Indian Rhino Vision 2020,
like COVID-19 pandemic.
2. India performs better in this Index compared
1. One of its aims was to relocate rhinoceros to
to the Human Development Index.
different parts of the country.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 2. This programme was started in 2005 and will
(a) 1 only continue till 2025.
(b) 2 only Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(c) Both 1 and 2 (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

91. Which of the following have been identified as 2. The targeted group is young children and
Domestic Systemically Important Insurers (D-SIIs) adolescent girls only.
for 2020-21? 3. The target of the mission is to bring down
1. The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) stunting among children in the age group 0-6
2. General Insurance Corporation of India years from 38.4% to 25% by 2022.
3. The New India Assurance Co Ltd 4. Swasth Bharat Preraks are a part of this.
Select the correct answer using the code given Select the correct answer using the codes given
below: below:
(a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 and 3 only (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
92. With reference to Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme,
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
1. KCC is implemented by commercial banks 95. With reference to the mRNA Vaccines, consider the
only. following statements:
2. KCC also covers post-harvest expenses. 1. mRNA vaccine does not contain the small or
inactivated disease of the disease-causing
organism.
(a) 1 only 2. The vaccines are safer and effective as
(b) 2 only compared to traditional vaccines.
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
(a) 1 only
93. Which of the following statements is/are correct (b) 2 only
about ‘Hedging’ ? (c) Both 1 and 2
1. Hedging is a financial technique that helps to (d) Neither 1 nor 2
reduce risk from future change in value.
96. With reference to Animal Husbandry, consider the
2. It is a kind of insurance that does not eliminate following statements:
the risk completely but mitigates its effect.
1. It helps to recycle the crop residues and
Select the correct answer using the codes given agricultural products effectively.
below: 2. It provides employment to about 8.8% of the
(a) 1 only population in India.
(b) 2 only 3. Livestock sector contributes around one- fourth
(c) Both 1 and 2 of total Agriculture GDP.
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 Which of the statements given above are correct?
94. Which among the following are correct regarding (a) 1 and 2 only
Poshan Abhiyaan: (b) 2 and 3 only
1. The National Council on Nutrition (NCN) has (c) 1 and 3 only
been set up under this. (d) 1, 2 and 3

97. ‘Atal Bimit Vyakti Kalyan Yojna’ is related to 99. Consider the following statements:
(a) Accidental insurance for the workers in 1. In a multi cropping system, farmers grow two
unorganised sector or more crops on farmland in one calendar year.
(b) Premium payment of life insurance for below 2. A multi cropping system, includes inter-
poverty line persons cropping, mixed-cropping and relay cropping.
(c) Unemployment benefit to workers under ESI 3. Intercropping involves growing more than one
scheme. crop simultaneously without any distinct row
(d) None of the above arrangement.
98. With reference to the National Internet Exchange of Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
India, consider the following statements:
(a) 1 only
1. It is a not for profit organization that shares data
(b) 1 and 2 only
between the Internet Service Providers and
Content Delivery Networks. (c) 2 and 3 only
2. It manages the Internet country code domain (d) 1, 2 and 3
for India. 100. The ‘State of World Population Report’ is published
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? by:
(a) 1 only (a) National Commission on Population
(b) 2 only (b) World Population Balance
(c) Both 1 and 2 (c) Population Media Center
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 (d) United Nations Population Fund

Space for Rough Work

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CIVIL SERVICES (PRELIMINARY) TEST SERIES – 2022
TEST BOOKLET SERIES

ANSWER & EXPLANATION
Test Code:
2204 GENERAL STUDIES
(English Version) TEST – 04
ANSWERS
Q. No. Answers Q. No. Answers Q. No. Answers Q. No. Answers
1 (b) 26 (d) 51 (c) 76 (a)
2 (b) 27 (c) 52 (c) 77 (a)
3 (c) 28 (b) 53 (c) 78 (d)
4 (d) 29 (c) 54 (b) 79 (a)
5 (c) 30 (c) 55 (c) 80 (b)
6 (a) 31 (a) 56 (c) 81 (b)
7 (c) 32 (b) 57 (d) 82 (a)
8 (d) 33 (c) 58 (b) 83 (c)
9 (a) 34 (a) 59 (c) 84 (c)
10 (a) 35 (b) 60 (a) 85 (a)
11 (a) 36 (c) 61 (a) 86 (b)
12 (a) 37 (a) 62 (c) 87 (c)
13 (c) 38 (a) 63 (b) 88 (b)
14 (b) 39 (a) 64 (c) 89 (b)

15 (c) 40 (a) 65 (c) 90 (d)
16 (c) 41 (c) 66 (a) 91 (d)
17 (a) 42 (b) 67 (c) 92 (b)
18 (c) 43 (b) 68 (d) 93 (c)
19 (b) 44 (b) 69 (a) 94 (b)
20 (b) 45 (c) 70 (a) 95 (c)
21 (c) 46 (b) 71 (c) 96 (d)
22 (a) 47 (d) 72 (d) 97 (c)
23 (a) 48 (a) 73 (a) 98 (c)
24 (c) 49 (c) 74 (c) 99 (b)
25 (a) 50 (a) 75 (a) 100 (d)

1. (b) z Corporate tax, which was very high earlier was gradually
reduced.
Explanation: z The rupee was ‘devalued’ against foreign currencies
Pre-1991 economic scenario in India: which led to an increase in inflow of foreign exchange.
z India sought an alternative to the extreme variations of z Reduction of tariff rates (taxes on imports)
capitalism and socialism. z Export duties were removed to promote exports.
z India adopted a socialist society with a strong public Hence, statement 3 is correct.
sector but also with private property and democracy.
z As part of it, India adopted a centralised planning 2. (b)
approach. Explanation:
1991 economic crisis: z According to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs,
z By 1985, India had started having balance of payments highest share of funds for the Smart Cities Mission is
problems. provided by the central and state governments. After this,
z By the end of 1990, the government was close to default. Public Private Partnerships provide the second largest
z In 1991, India met with an economic crisis - relating to source of funding for the Mission. Hence, statement 1
external debt. The government was not able to make is NOT correct.
repayments on its borrowings from abroad. z Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs is the nodal
z The foreign exchange reserves, dropped to levels that ministry for Smart Cities Mission. Hence, statement 2
were not sufficient to last even a fortnight. is correct.
z The crisis was further compounded by rising prices of z Prime Minister launched three mega urban schemes viz.
essential goods. Smart Cities Mission, Atal Mission for Rejuvenation
and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) and Housing
1991 Economic Reforms consisted of two parts:
for All in urban area, setting in motion the process of
z Stabilisation measures:
urban transformation to enable better living and drive
These are short term measures aimed at solving the
economic growth.
immediate cause the 1991 economic crisis.
These included correcting the weakness which 3. (c)
resulted in the balance of payments crisis and steps Explanation:
to bring inflation under control. z There are six countries (Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Egypt,
z Structural measures: Sudan, Eritrea, and Djibouti) bordering the Red Sea.
These are long term measures aimed at improving the Hence, option (c) is correct.
efficiency of the economy and increasing its
international competitiveness by removing the
rigidities in various segments of the Indian economy.
These reforms fall under three leads:
Liberalisation Globalisation
Privatisation
The Major Policy Changes Include:
z Abolishing Industrial licensing for industries except:-
alcohol, cigarettes, hazardous chemicals, drugs,
explosives, etc. Hence, statement 1 is NOT correct.
z Many industries which were reserved for public sector
had been ‘dereserved’.
z Reduce the role of RBI from regulator to facilitator of
financial sector.
z These reforms led to the establishment of private
banks. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
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Phone : 8448485518, 011-47532596, 8750187501 :: www.drishtiIAS.com
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4. (d) z IUCN Status: Least Concern. Hence, statement 2 is

correct.
Explanation: z The disk-footed bat has raised Meghalaya’s bat count to
z A Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) is a state-owned
66, the most for any State in India. It has also helped add
investment fund or entity which comprises pools of
a genus and species to the bat fauna of India.
money derived from a country’s reserves.
Reserves are funds set aside for investment to benefit 6. (a)
the country’s economy and its citizens.
Explanation:
Funding comes from central bank reserves, currency
z The USA is one of the few countries with which India
operations, privatizations, transfer payments, and
has a trade surplus. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
revenue from exporting natural resources.
Trade surplus is a situation in which a country sells
Funds tend to prefer returns over liquidity and are
more to other countries than it buys from other
therefore more risk-tolerant than traditional foreign
countries : the amount of money by which a country’s
exchange reserves.
exports are greater than its imports.
z Sovereign wealth funds are piling into India, buying
India’s trade surplus with the USA increased to USD
stakes in everything from airports to renewable energy,
17.42 billion in 2019-20 from USD 16.86 billion in
attracted by political stability, a growing middle class and
2018-19.
reforms making it more enticing for foreigners to invest.
z India is popular with sovereign wealth funds. z For the USA, India was the sixth largest supplier of
z Almost every jurisdiction in the western world is raising services imports. Hence, statement 2 is NOT correct.
the bar for entry for foreign investors but in India it's the z India’s large market, economic growth, and progress
other way round. towards development make it an essential market for USA
z There’s also the attraction of the demographics and a lot exporters.
of assets that sovereign funds like, such as infrastructure, z The Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) is a USA
where there’s a huge appetite for foreign funding. trade program designed to promote economic growth in
z The rapid rise of an educated middle class offers the developing world by providing preferential duty-free
enormous opportunities for the deployment of long-term entry for up to 4,800 products from 129 designated
capital, the kind that sovereign wealth funds are ideally beneficiary countries and territories.
suited to provide. z Effective from June 2019, the USA decided to withdraw
z Regulatory reforms are also bolstering sentiment and duty-free benefits to Indian exporters under the GSP
drawing in wealth funds. programme. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
z Its increased interest in India is driven by the country’s
strong growth potential, positive demographics and 7. (c)
continued economic development. Hence, statement 1, Explanation:
2, 3 and 4 are correct.
World Trade Organization’s Appellate Body
5. (c) Global trade disputes are complex and difficult to resolve.
Explanation: For proper enforcement of trade rules, a binding, two-
Disk-Footed Bat: stage dispute settlement system was established at the
z Meghalaya has yielded India’s first bamboo-dwelling World Trade Organization in the 1990s. Hence, statement
bat with sticky disks, taking the species count of the 1 is correct.
flying mammal in the country to 130. Hence, statement The Appellate Body is the platform of the dispute
1 is correct. settlement system, with seven standing members.
z The disk-footed bat (Eudiscopusdenticulus) was z Stage 1: for adjudicating trade disputes, a panel would
recorded in the north-eastern States Laila Area near the decide cases brought before it by the members. Rulings
Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary, about 1,000 km west issued by the panels can be appealed at the Appellate
of its nearest known habitat in Myanmar. Body.

z Stage 2: the Appellate Body can uphold, modify or assistance in support of comprehensive programs that
reverse the legal findings and conclusions of a panel. include policies of the scope and character required to
z Therefore, the Appellate Body’s decisions are final and correct structural imbalances over an extended period.
adopted within 30 days by the dispute settlement body. The Special Drawing Right (SDR) is an international
Sanctions can be imposed on a member in case of its reserve asset, created by the IMF in 1969 to supplement
failure to comply with the Appellate Body’s rulings. its member countries’ official reserves. The value of the
Hence, statement 2 is correct. SDR is based on a basket of five currencies—the U.S.
z The establishment of the Appellate Body has given teeth dollar, the euro, the Chinese renminbi, the Japanese
and credibility to the rules-based multilateral trading yen, and the British pound sterling.
system. Moreover, it provided security and predictability
10. (a)
in the multilateral trading system.
Explanation:
8. (d) z All these terms come from the theoretical physics branch,
Explanation: which investigates the state of matter and composition,
Anamaya initiative: origin, and extent of the universe.
z It is an initiative bringing together governments, z Singularity and event horizons are related to Black
philanthropists, national and international Holes.
z The standard model of physics tries to explain Universal
foundations, Non-Governmental Organizations
Phenomena.
(NGOs)/Community Based Organizations (CBOs) to end
z String theory is used in the context of Quantum physics
all preventable deaths among the tribal communities of
that is used to understand quantum phenomena. Hence,
India.
option (a) is correct.
z It will converge efforts of various Government agencies
and organisations to enhance the health and nutrition 11. (a)
status of the tribal communities of India. Hence,
Explanation:
statement 1 is NOT correct.
The COP21 to the United Nations Framework
z It aims to build a sustainable, high-performing health
Convention on Climate Change decided to convene a
ecosystem to address the key health challenges faced by
facilitative dialogue among Parties in 2018 to take stock
the tribal population of India.
of the collective efforts of Parties in relation to progress
z It was launched by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. Hence,
towards the long-term goal (referred to in Article 4,
statement 2 is NOT correct. paragraph 1, of the Paris Agreement). To this end The
9. (a) Talanoa Dialogue was launched at the UN Climate
Change Conference COP-23 in Bonn (Germany) in
Explanation: 2017 . Hence, statement (a) is correct.
When a country faces serious medium-term balance of
payments problems because of structural weaknesses 12. (a)
that require time to address, the International Monetary Explanation:
Fund (IMF) can assist with the adjustment process under z EASE Reforms Agenda: It was launched in January
an Extended Fund Facility (EFF). Hence, option (a) 2018 jointly by the Government and Public Sector Banks
is correct. (PSBs). It was commissioned through Indian Banks’
The EFF was established to provide assistance to Association and authored by Boston Consulting Group.
countries: EASE Agenda is aimed at institutionalizing CLEAN
(i) experiencing serious payments imbalances because of and SMART banking. Hence, statement 1 is correct
structural impediments; and statement 2 is NOT correct.
(ii) characterized by slow growth and an inherently weak z EASE Reforms Index: It measures the performance of
balance of payments position. The EFF provides each PSB on 120+ objective metrics. The Index follows

a fully transparent scoring methodology, which enables fraud occurrence from 0.65% of advances
banks to identify their strengths as well as areas for during FY10-FY14 to 0.06% in FY19-20.
improvement. The goal is to continue driving change by Record recovery of Rs. 2.27 lakh crore in
encouraging healthy competition among PSBs. FY19-FY20. Banks have taken steps like
z EASE 1.0 Index: It showed significant improvement instituting data-driven risk assessments and
in PSB performance in the resolution of Non Performing introducing Early Warning Signals (EWS)
Assets (NPAs) transparently. systems.
z EASE 2.0 Index: It was announced recently on the
performance of PSBs from March 2018-2020 and the 13. (c)
best-performing banks on EASE were felicitated. It builds Explanation:
on the foundation of EASE 1.0 and introduces new reform Indian Energy Exchange:
Action Points across six themes to make reforms journey z It is the first and largest energy exchange in India
irreversible, strengthen processes and systems, and drive providing a nationwide, automated trading platform
outcomes. for physical delivery of electricity, Renewable Energy
z The six themes of EASE 2.0 are - Certificates and Energy Saving Certificates.
I. Responsible Banking; z The exchange platform enables efficient price discovery
II. Customer Responsiveness; and increases the accessibility and transparency of the
III. Credit Off-take; power market in India while also enhancing the speed
IV. PSBs as UdyamiMitra (SIDBI portal for credit and efficiency of trade execution.
management of MSMEs); z It is a publicly listed company with National Stock
V. Financial Inclusion & Digitalisation; and Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).
VI. Governance and HR z It is approved and regulated by Central Electricity
z Performance of PSB on EASE 2.0 Index- Regulatory Commission (CERC) and has been
1. Overall Score: It increased by 37% between operating since 2008. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
March-2019 and March-2020, with the average z It aims to leverage technology and innovation to establish
EASE index score improving from 49.2 to 67.4 out transparent and efficient energy marketplaces for
of 100. delivering affordable, reliable energy to consumers.
2. Top Performing Banks: Bank of Baroda, State Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC):
Bank of India, and erstwhile Oriental Bank of z CERC is a regulator of the power sector in India.
Commerce. z It intends to promote competition, efficiency and economy
3. Major improvements: in bulk power markets, improve the quality of supply,
I. Digital Banking: Nearly 4 crore active promote investments and advise the government on the
customers on mobile and internet banking. 50% removal of institutional barriers to bridge the demand-
of financial transactions through digital supply gap. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
channels.
14. (b)
II. Customer service: Increase in the number of
call centers and inclusion of 13 regional Explanation:
languages in customer service, enhanced z Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT), Hybrid Annuity Model
doorstep banking support by 75,000+ Bank (HAM) and Engineering, Procurement, and Construction
Mitras, etc. (EPC) are the different types of Public-Private Partnership
III. Easy loans: Turnaround time for retail loans (PPP).
reduced from nearly 30 days to nearly 10 days. BOT is a conventional PPP model in which a private
IV. NPAs and Frauds: Gross NPAs reduced from partner is responsible to design, build, operate (during
Rs. 8.96 lakh crore in March-2018 to Rs. 6.78 the contracted period) and transfer back the facility
lakh crore in March-2020. A sharp decline in to the public sector.

In the case of HAM, the central government bears

z It has played a pivotal role in the improvement of various
40% of the project cost and the remaining amount crop plants and diversification and development of
is arranged by the developer. agriculture in India through germplasm introduction
Under the EPC model, the cost is completely borne from various institutes/organizations located in foreign
by the government. countries and germplasm collection from within the
Hence, statement 1 is NOT correct while statement 2
country and abroad and conservation thereof. Hence,
is correct. statement 2 is correct.
15. (c) 17. (a)

Explanation: Explanation:
Aditya - L1 First Indian mission to study the Sun The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA)
z The Aditya-1 mission was conceived as a 400kg class has launched Pradhan Mantri Street Vendor’s Atma
satellite carrying one payload, the Visible Emission Line Nirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi), for providing affordable
Coronagraph (VELC) and was planned to launch in an loans to street vendors. Hence, statement 2 is NOT
800 km low earth orbit. correct.
z A Satellite placed in the halo orbit around the Lagrangian z Earlier, the scheme was announced as a part of the
point 1 (L1) of the Sun-Earth system has the major Economic Stimulus-II under the Atmanirbhar Bharat
advantage of continuously viewing the Sun without any Abhiyan.
occultation/ eclipses. Hence, statement 1 is correct. z The scheme would benefit vendors, hawkers, thelewale
z Therefore, the Aditya-1 mission has now been revised to and people involved in goods and services related to
the “Aditya-L1 mission” and will be inserted in a halo textiles, apparel, artisan products, barbers shops, laundry
orbit around the L1, which is 1.5 million km from the
services etc. in different areas.
Earth. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
z The satellite carries additional six payloads with Features of PM SVANidhi
enhanced science scope and objectives. z Loan facility:
The vendors can avail a working capital loan of up to
16. (c) Rs. 10,000, which is repayable in monthly instalments
Explanation: within a year. The loans would be without collateral.
z The ‘National Bureau of Plant Introduction’ was renamed It is for the first time that Microfinance
as ‘National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources’ Institutions, Non-Banking Financial Company,
(NBPGR) in January 1977. Self Help Groups have been allowed in a scheme
It is a nodal organisation in India for management of
for the urban poor due to their ground level
Plant Genetic Resources (PGR). presence and proximity to the urban poor including
It is one of the Indian Council of Agricultural the street vendors.
Research (ICAR) Institutes. ICAR is an autonomous There will be no penalty on early repayment of
organisation under the Ministry of Agriculture & loan.
Farmers’ Welfare.
Early repayment (or resettlement) is a clearance of
The establishment of the Bureau coincided with the
debt or loan before the scheduled time. Many
advent of the Green Revolution and was in response
banks and lenders charge penalties for repaying
to the realization of perceived effects of the Green
Revolution on agrobiodiversity. Hence, statement loans early.
1 is correct. Those who were vending till 24th March, 2020 can
avail the benefits of the scheme.
It was in accordance with the international
developments in the form of establishment of the This is for the first time that street vendors from
International Board for Plant Genetic Resources peri- urban/rural areas have become beneficiaries
(IBPGR), Rome, in 1974 (now renamed as of an urban livelihood programme.
International Plant Genetic Resources Institute). The scheme is valid until March 2022.

z Interest Subsidy: z The meeting was held on the theme ‘E9 initiative:
On timely/early repayment of the loan, an interest Scaling up digital learning to accelerate progress
subsidy of 7% per annum will be credited to the bank towards SDG4’.
accounts of beneficiaries through direct benefit z E9 Partnership was first established in 1993, formed to
transfer on a six monthly basis. achieve the goals of UNESCO’s Education For All
z Escalation of credit limits: (EFA).
The scheme provides for the rise of the credit limit z A group of E9 countries (Bangladesh, Brazil, China,
on timely/ early repayment of loans i.e. if a street Egypt, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Nigeria, and
vendor repays the installments on time or earlier, he Pakistan) aims at strengthening political will and
or she can develop his or her credit score that makes collective effort to ensure quality education and lifelong
him/her eligible for a higher amount of term loan such learning opportunities for all. Hence, option (c) is
as Rs. 20,000. correct.
z E9 Partnership is working for the achievement of SDG4
z Encourage digital transactions:
The scheme incentivises digital transactions by the – Quality Education 2030.
street vendors through monthly cash back. 19. (b)
z Focus on capacity building:
Explanation:
MoHUA in collaboration with State Governments will
z The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights
launch a capacity building and financial literacy
(PPV&FR) Act, 2001 has sufficient provisions to protect
programme of all the stakeholders and Information,
the interests of public sector breeding institutions and the
Education and Communication (IEC) activities
farmers.
throughout the country during the month of June and
loaning will commence in the month of July. Objectives of the PPV & FR Act, 2001
z Role of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs): 1. To establish an effective system for the protection
ULBs will play a pivotal role in the implementation of plant varieties, the rights of farmers and plant
of the scheme by ensuring to target the beneficiary breeders and to encourage the development of
and reaching to them in an efficient manner. Hence, new varieties of plants.
statement 1 is correct. 2. To accelerate agricultural development in the
z E-governance: country, protect plant breeders’ rights; stimulate
In line with the vision of leveraging technology to investment for research and development both in
ensure effective delivery and transparency, a digital public & private sector for the development of
platform with web portal/ mobile app is being new plant varieties.
developed to administer the scheme with end-to-end 3. Facilitate the growth of seed industry in the
solution. country which will ensure the availability of high
This platform will integrate the web portal/ mobile quality seeds and planting material to the farmers.
app with UdyamiMitra portal of SIDBI for credit Hence, statement 2 is correct.
management and PAiSA portal of MoHUA to Farmers’ Rights:
administer interest subsidy automatically. a. A farmer who has evolved or developed a new
It will help in integrating the vendors into the formal variety is entitled for registration and protection in
financial system. manner as a breeder of a variety.
b. Farmers variety can also be registered as an extant
18. (c) variety.
Explanation: c. A farmer can save, use, sow, re-sow, exchange,
E9 Countries: share or sell his farm produce including seed of a
z Recently, a consultation meeting of Education Ministers variety protected under the PPV&FR Act, 2001.
of E9 countries was held. Hence, statement 1 is NOT correct.

d. Farmers are eligible for recognition and rewards z As a result of this, gender disparity in India’s labour
for the conservation of Plant Genetic Resources of market has increased which is reflected from declining
land races and wild relatives of economic plants. trend in ratio of female to male labour force participation
rate except for urban females.
20. (b) z In urban areas, female labour force participation more or
Explanation: less remained constant.
RESPOND Program: 22. (a)
z Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has
announced that it will support eight joint research Explanation:
projects mooted by the Space Technology Cell (STC), z The World Bank is an international organization dedicated
IIT-Delhi. to providing financing, advice, and research to developing
nations to aid their economic advancement.
z The ISRO will support the projects under its RESPOND
z The bank predominantly acts as an organization that
programme with varying duration of 1-3 years.
attempts to fight poverty by offering developmental
z STC was set up at IIT, Delhi under an MoU signed
assistance to middle- and low-income countries.
between the ISRO and IIT-D in November 2019.
z Currently, the World Bank has two stated goals that it
z Aim of STC: To strengthen the research collaboration
aims to achieve by 2030.
between the two organisations and to carry out focused
The first is to end extreme poverty by decreasing
research projects in the space technology domain with the number of people living on less than $1.90 a day
specific deliverables. to below 3% of the world population.
z Since then, eight collaborative research projects have
The second is to increase overall prosperity by
been announced.
increasing income growth in the bottom 40% of every
z Some of the projects include developing a system for
country in the world.
drought and flood forecasting and understanding
z The Institutions of the World Bank Group:
land-atmosphere interactions.
The World Bank Group is one of the world’s largest
z Main objectives of the RESPOND Programme: To
sources of funding and knowledge for developing
establish strong links with premier academic institutions
countries.
in India to carry out research and developmental projects
It consists of five institutions with a common commitment
which are of relevance to Space and derive useful outputs
to reducing poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and
of such R&D to support ISRO programmes.
promoting sustainable growth and development.
Hence, option (b) is correct.
The International Bank for Reconstruction and
21. (c) Development (IBRD) lends to governments of
middle-income and creditworthy low-income countries.
Explanation:
International Development Association (IDA)
z According to NSO-EUS (National Statistical Office-
provides financing on highly concessional terms to
Employment Unemployment Survey) and PLFS (Periodic governments of the poorest countries. Hence,
Labour Force Survey ) estimates, female labour force statement 2 is NOT correct.
participation rate (LFPR) for productive age-group (15- The International Finance Corporation (IFC)
59 years) shows a declining trend. provides loans, equity, and advisory services to
z Female labour force participation declined by 7.8 stimulate private sector investment in developing
percentage points from 33.1 per cent in 2011-12 to 25.3 countries. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
per cent in 2017-18. Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency
z Though female LFPR is higher in rural areas as (MIGA) provides political risk insurance and
compared to urban areas, the rate of decline was also credit enhancement to investors and lenders to
sharper in rural areas compared to urban areas. facilitate foreign direct investment in emerging
Hence, statement 1 and 2 are correct. economies.

International Centre for Settlement of z School governance is set to change, with a new
Investment Disputes (ICSID) provides accreditation framework and an independent authority to
international facilities for conciliation and regulate both public and private schools.
arbitration of investment disputes. z Emphasis on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, no
rigid separation between academic streams, extracurricular,
23. (a) vocational streams in schools.
Explanation: z Vocational Education to start from Class 6 with
Sagarmala Project Internships.
z The Sagarmala Programme was approved by the Union z Teaching up to at least Grade 5 to be in mother tongue/
Cabinet in 2015 which aims at holistic port infrastructure regional language. No language will be imposed on any
development along the 7,516-km long coastline through student. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
modernisation, mechanisation and computerisation. z Assessment reforms with 360 degree Holistic Progress
Hence, statement 2 is correct. Card, tracking Student Progress for achieving Learning
z Under this port-led development framework, the Outcomes
government hopes to increase its cargo traffic three-fold. z A new and comprehensive National Curriculum
z It also includes the establishment of rail/road linkages Framework for Teacher Education (NCFTE) 2021, will
with the port terminals, thus providing last-mile be formulated by the National Council for Teacher
connectivity to ports; development of linkages with new Education (NCTE) in consultation with National Council
regions enhanced multi-modal connectivity including rail, of Educational Research and Training (NCERT).
inland water, coastal and road services. Hence, statement z By 2030, the minimum degree qualification for teaching
3 is NOT correct. will be a 4-year integrated B.Ed. degree.
z The Union Ministry of Shipping has been appointed as 25. (a)
the nodal ministry for this initiative. Hence, statement
1 is correct. Explanation:
Boao Forum for Asia (BFA)
24. (c) z Headquarter: China
z It is an international organization jointly initiated by
Explanation:
29 member states.
The Union Cabinet has approved the new National
z It holds its annual conference in Boao, Hainan, China
Education Policy (NEP), 2020 with an aim to introduce
on a regular basis.
several changes in the Indian education system - from the
z Founding purpose: To promote economic integration in
school to college level.
Asia.
Salient Feature of New National Education Policy 2020: z It is a Not-For-Profit Organisation. Hence, statement
z Universalization of education from preschool to 1 is correct.
secondary level with 100% Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) z Mission: To pool positive energy for the development of
in school education by 2030. Asia and the world.
z To bring 2 crore out of school children back into the z First conference: Feb. 26-27, 2001
mainstream through an open schooling system. z It is modelled on the World Economic Forum held
z The current 10+2 system is to be replaced by a new annually in Davos, Switzerland.
5+3+3+4 curricular structure corresponding to ages z India is a member of this organisation. Hence, statement
3-8, 8-11, 11-14, and 14-18 years respectively. 2 is NOT correct.
z It will bring the uncovered age group of 3-6 years
under school curriculum, which has been recognized 26. (d)
globally as the crucial stage for development of mental Explanation:
faculties of a child. Hence, statement 1 is correct. Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana
z It will also have 12 years of schooling with three years z In 2016, Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI)
of Anganwadi/ pre schooling. introduced an umbrella Scheme for Agro-Marine

Processing and Development of Agro-Processing z Headquarters: Beijing, China

Clusters or SAMPADA, which was proposed to be z Members:
implemented with an allocation of ₹6,000 crores for the 102 members.
period of 2016-20. India joined AIIB in 2016 as a regional member of
z In 2017, SAMPADA was renamed as the Pradhan
the Bank.
Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY).
Further, fourteen of the G-20 nations are AIIB
z It is a Central Sector Scheme.
members including France, Germany, Italy and the
z Objectives:
To supplement agriculture.
United Kingdom.
To create processing and preservation capacities.
z China is the largest shareholder in AIIB with a 26.06%
voting power, followed by India with a 7.62% voting
To modernise and expand existing food processing
power.
units with a view to increasing the level of
z The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has
processing.
approved a $356.67-million loan to the Government of
To add value leading to the reduction of wastage.
India to support the expansion of the metro rail network
z Seven schemes implemented under PMKSY are:
in the southern Indian city of Chennai. Hence, statement
Mega Food Parks.
1 is correct.
Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition
Infrastructure. Asian Development Bank
z ADB is a regional development bank established on 19th
Infrastructure for Agro-Processing Clusters.
December 1966.
Creation of Backward and Forward Linkages.
z Headquarters: Manila, Philippines.
Creation/Expansion of Food Processing & Preservation
z Members:
Capacities. It has 68 members, 49 from within Asia.
Food Safety and Quality Assurance Infrastructure.
India is a founding member.
Human Resources and Institutions.
z As of 31 December 2019, ADB’s five largest shareholders
Hence, option (d) is correct. are Japan and the United States (each with 15.6% of
z Under PMKSY, capital subsidy in the form of grants- total shares), the People’s Republic of China (6.4%),
in-aid ranging from 35% to 75% of the eligible project India (6.3%), and Australia (5.8%). Hence, statement 2
cost subject to a maximum specified limit is provided
is correct.
to investors under the various schemes for undertaking
z It is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive,
infrastructure, logistic projects and setting up of food
resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific while
processing units in the country.
sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty.
Note: National Agriculture Market (eNAM) is a pan-India
z The Asian Development Outlook (ADO) released by
electronic trading portal which networks the existing
APMC mandis to create a unified national market for the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Indian economy
agricultural commodities. is expected to contract by 4% during the current financial
year (2020-21).
27. (c)
28. (b)
Explanation:
Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank Explanation:
z The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is a z Recently, the Marine Products Exports Development
multilateral development bank with a mission to improve Authority (MPEDA) has developed a certification
social and economic outcomes in Asia. scheme for aquaculture products called ‘Shaphari’.
z It is established by the AIIB Articles of Agreement z Shaphari is based on the United Nations’ Food and
(entered into force 25th December 2015) which is a Agriculture Organization’s technical guidelines on
multilateral treaty. aquaculture certification. Hence, option (b) is correct.

z Shaphari is a Sanskrit word that means the superior quality z IBSA was formed after the signing of the Brasilia
of fishery products suitable for human consumption. Declaration in the year 2003. Hence statement 1 is
z It is a market-based tool for hatcheries to adopt good correct.
aquaculture practices and help produce quality z BRICS was founded in 2006 and IBSA does not function
antibiotic-free shrimp products to assure global consumers. under BRICS. Hence, statement 2 is NOT correct.
29. (c) 32. (b)
The Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce z Fisheries is a fast-growing sector in India, which provides
(Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020 nutrition and food security to a large population of the
Main provisions – country besides providing income and employment to
z The new legislation has created an ecosystem where the
more than 14.5 million people.
farmers and traders will enjoy the freedom of choice of
z India was the second largest fish producer in the world
sale and purchase of agri-produce.
with a total production of 13.7 million metric tonnes in
z It will also promote barrier-free inter-state and intra-
2018-19. Hence, statement 1 is NOT correct.
state trade and commerce outside the physical premises
z Of the total production of fish, 65% is from inland sector.
of markets notified under State Agricultural Produce
Marketing legislations. Hence, statement 2 is correct. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
z The farmers will not be charged any cess or levy for
33. (c)
sale of their products and will not have to bear
transport costs. Hence, statement 1 is correct. Explanation:
z The Act also proposes electronic trading in transaction Marine Products Exports Development Authority:
platform for ensuring a seamless trade electronically. z MPEDA is a nodal coordinating, state-owned agency
z In addition to mandis, freedom to do trading at farmgate, engaged in fishery production and allied activities.
cold storage, warehouse, processing units etc. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
z Farmers will be able to engage in direct marketing thereby z It was established in 1972 under the Marine Products
eliminating intermediaries resulting in full realization of Export Development Authority Act (MPEDA), 1972.
price. z It functions under the Union Ministry of Commerce and
Industry. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
30. (c)
z Its mandate is to increase exports of seafood including
Explanation: fisheries of all kinds, specifying standards, marketing,
Coal Gasification: processing, extension and training in various aspects.
z Coal gasification is the process of converting coal into Hence, statement 3 is NOT correct.
synthesis gas (also called syngas), which is a mixture of
hydrogen (H2), carbon monoxide (CO), and carbon 34. (a)
dioxide (CO2).
Explanation:
z The syngas can be used in a variety of applications such
India’s first trans-shipment hub is located at the Cochin
as in the production of electricity and making chemical
products, such as fertilizers. Port. Hence, option (a) is correct.
z The coal gasification process holds good potential in the z Trans-shipment Hub is the terminal at the port which
future, with coal being the most abundantly available handles containers, stores them temporarily and transfers
fossil fuel across the world, and that even low-grade coal them to other ships for the onward destination.
can be used in the process. Hence, option (c) is correct.
35. (b)
31. (a) Explanation:
Explanation: Diabetes:
z IBSA is a tripartite group consisting of India, Brazil, z Diabetes is a Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) that
and South Africa. occurs either when the pancreas does not produce

enough insulin (a hormone that regulates blood sugar, z Under NDHM, Indian citizens will get a digital health
or glucose) or when the body cannot effectively use the ID which is basically a digital format of all his/her health
insulin it produces. Hence, statement 1 is NOT correct. records which will be linked to the registry of doctors and
About Global Diabetes Compact Initiative: health facilities across the country. Hence, statement 1
z Global Diabetes Compact aims to reduce the risk of is correct.
diabetes. Hence, statement 2 is correct. z The enrolment in the initiative will be voluntary.
z It will ensure that all people diagnosed with diabetes have Hence, statement 2 is NOT correct.
access to equitable, comprehensive, affordable, quality z The health ID will contain information about medical
treatment and care. data, prescriptions and diagnostic reports and summaries
z This initiative was launched at the Global Diabetes of previous discharge from hospitals for ailments. The
Summit. WHO and the government of Canada Co-hosted mission is expected to bring efficiency and transparency
the summit with the support of the University of Toronto. in healthcare services in the country.
z The NDHM comprises six key building blocks or digital
36. (c) systems - HealthID, DigiDoctor, Health Facility
Explanation: Registry, Personal Health Records, e-Pharmacy and
z Agricultural Census is conducted every five years in Telemedicine - that will enable access to timely, safe and
India. It is the largest countrywide statistical operation affordable healthcare through a ‘citizen-centric’ approach.
undertaken by the Ministry of Agriculture, for z The National Health Authority (NHA), the apex agency
collection of data on the structure of operational holdings responsible for the implementation of Ayushman Bharat
by different size classes and social groups. Hence, Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), has
statement 1 is correct been given the mandate by the government to design,
z The first Agricultural Census in the country was conducted build, roll-out and implement the NDHM in the country.
with reference year 1970-71. Hence, statement 3 is NOT correct.
z Agricultural Census is carried out as a Central Sector
38. (a)
Scheme under which 100% financial assistance is
provided to States/Union Territories. Hence, statement Explanation:
2 is correct. Mahatma Jyotirao Phule
z The tenth Agriculture Census with reference year 2015-16 z Phule was born on 11 th April 1827 in present-day
has been launched on 3rd February, 2016.The field work Maharashtra and belonged to the Mali caste of gardeners
of Phase-I of Agriculture Census 2015-16 has been and vegetable farmers.
completed and provisional results of Phase-I are being z His Ideology was based on: Liberty; Egalitarianism;
processed. Socialism.
z Phule was influenced by Thomas Paine’s book titled The
37. (a) Rights of Man and believed that the only solution to
Explanation: combat the social evils was the enlightenment of
National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) women and members of the lower castes. Hence,
z The project provide a health ID to every person in the statement 2 is NOT correct.
country, and benefit the poor. z Tritiya Ratna (1855); Powada: Chatrapati Shivajiraje
z It seeks to provide efficient and affordable health Bhosle Yancha (1869); Gulamgiri (1873), Shetkarayacha
coverage through a wide-range of data and infrastructure Aasud (1881) are his major publications. Hence,
services. statement 1 is correct.
z The key feature of this mission is the technology part z He was appointed commissioner to the Poona
- it will leverage open digital systems to provide high- municipality and served in the position until 1883.
quality healthcare for all. It will integrate various digital z He was bestowed with the title of Mahatma on 11th May
health services to create an ecosystem which can 1888 by a Maharashtrian social activist Vithalrao
assimilate existing health information systems. Krishnaji Vandekar.

z He worked for the abolishment of untouchability and 40. (a)

the caste system in Maharashtra. Hence, statement 3
is correct. Explanation:
E-2025 initiative:
39. (a) On 21 April 2021, ahead of World Malaria Day, WHO
launched the E-2025 initiative to halt the transmission
Explanation:
of malaria in 25 identified countries by 2025. It is built
Institutional Deliveries in India
on the foundation of the E-2020 initiative.
z Description:
Institutional delivery means giving birth to a child Countries were identified by WHO across four key criteria:
in a medical institution under the overall supervision z The establishment of a government-endorsed elimination
of trained and competent health personnel. plan.
z Meeting a defined threshold of malaria case reductions
It also signifies an availability of amenities to handle
in recent years.
the situation and save the life of the mother and child.
z A designated governmental agency for malaria elimination
z National Scenario:
and the capacity to confirm 100% of suspected malaria
Over the past two decades, India has made progress cases in a laboratory.
in increasing the number of institutional deliveries. z Selected by the Malaria Elimination Oversight Committee.
According to the National Family Health Survey z E-2020 initiative: In 2016, the World Health
(NFHS-4), institutional deliveries have increased Organization (WHO) identified a group of 21 countries
from 39% in 2005-06 to 79% in 2015-16. spanning five regions to scale up efforts to achieve
Further, the institutional births in public institutions malaria elimination by 2020. The E-2020 initiative was
have increased from 18% to 52% in the same launched in the year 2017 with an aim of achieving zero
time period. indigenous cases of malaria within the 2020 timeline.
z Step Taken to Increase Institutional Deliveries:
Countries were identified by WHO across three key criteria:
Janani Suraksha Yojana : Janani Suraksha Yojana
z Trends in malaria case incidence between 2000 and 2014.
(JSY) is a 100% centrally sponsored scheme which
z Declared malaria objectives of affected countries.
is being implemented with the objective of reducing z Opinions of WHO experts on the subject.
maternal and infant mortality by promoting
institutional delivery among pregnant women. India’s initiatives towards malaria elimination:
z India launched a 5-year National Strategic Plan for
Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan
Malaria Elimination in 2017.
(PMSMA): It has been launched to focus on
z The plan provided a roadmap to end malaria in 571 of
conducting special AnteNatal Check-ups (ANC)
678 districts of India by 2022.
check up on 9th of every month with the help of
z Additionally, the Indian Council of Medical Research
Medical officers to detect and treat cases of anaemia.
(ICMR) has recently established the Malaria
Hence, statement 2 is NOT correct.
Elimination Research Alliance-India (MERA-India),
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana a conglomeration of partners working on malaria control.
(PMMVY): It was introduced in 2017 and is Hence, option (a) is correct.
implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child
Development. It is a conditional cash transfer scheme 41. (c)
for pregnant and lactating women of 19 years of age Explanation:
or above for the first live birth. National Handloom Day
LaQshya Programme : LaQshya (Labour room z It is celebrated on 7th of August every year.
Quality Improvement Initiative) intended to z The date, 7 th August, was chosen as the Swadeshi
improve the quality of care in the labour room and Movement was launched on the same date in the year
maternity operation theatres in public health facilities. 1905, which was based on Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s
Hence, statement 1 is correct. ideology of swadeshi.

z On this day, the handloom weaving community is 43. (b)

honoured and the contribution of this sector is
Explanation:
highlighted.
State of the Global Climate for 2020
z Objectives:
z The World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
To generate awareness about the handloom industry
released its annual State of the Global Climate for 2020.
amongst the public at large and its contribution to Hence, statement 3 is NOT correct.
socio-economic development.
Highlights of the report:
To protect India’s handloom heritage and to enable z 2020 was one of the three warmest years on record, despite
the handloom weavers and workers with greater a cooling La Niña event.
opportunities. z The emission of major greenhouse gases increased in
To ensure sustainable development of the handloom 2019 and 2020
sector thereby empowering handloom workers z Concentrations of the major greenhouse gases in the
financially and instilling pride in their exquisite air continued to increase in 2019 and 2020. Hence,
craftsmanship. statement 1 is correct.
z In 2019, the oceans had the highest heat content on the
z Significance:
record. In 2020, it has broken this record further.
Handloom sector is a symbol of India’s glorious z Over 80% of the ocean area experienced at least one
cultural heritage. marine heatwave in 2020. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
India’s soft power has long been endorsed by the
handloom and handicraft space. Saree-Shawl 44. (b)
Diplomacy and ‘Khadi diplomacy’ are some such Explanation:
examples. Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana
The textiles and handloom sector in India is the z Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana
second-largest source of employment to people, (PMBJP) is a campaign launched by the Department of
after agriculture. Hence, statement 2 is correct. Pharmaceuticals in 2008 under the name Jan Aushadi
Campaign.
According to the Fourth All India Handloom
z Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI) is the
Census 2019-20, 31.45 lakh households are
implementation agency for PMBJP. Hence, statement 1
engaged in handloom, weaving and allied activities. is NOT correct.
It is an important source of livelihood in the country The Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India works under the
and a key to women empowerment as over 70% of Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers.
handloom weavers and allied workers are women. z PMBJP stores have been set up to provide generic drugs,
Hence, statement 1 is correct. which are available at lesser prices but are equivalent in
quality and efficacy as expensive branded drugs.
42. (b) z It also intends to extend the coverage of quality generic
Explanation: medicines so as to reduce the out of pocket expenditure
Mahila Samridhi Yojana on medicines and thereby redefine the unit cost of
treatment per person. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
z Mahila Samridhi Yojana is implemented through
z It will create awareness about generic medicines through
National Minorities Development and Finance
education and publicity so that quality is not synonymous
Corporation (NMDFC) under the Ministry of Social with an only high price.
Justice and Empowerment. Hence, statement 1 is NOT
correct. 45. (c)
z Under the scheme women belonging to the Minorities Explanation:
community in tailoring, knitting, embroidery and allied Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP)
trades. Hence, statement 2 is correct. z The Integrated Health Information Platform is the next
z The training period is of maximum six months where they generation highly refined version of the presently used
are provided with a stipend of Rs.1000/- per trainee. Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP).

z The new version of IHIP will house the data entry and To create an environment that encourages research

management for India’s disease surveillance program. and development (R&D), rewards innovation, create
z In addition to tracking 33 diseases now as compared to Indian Intellectual Property (IP) ownership and
the earlier 18 diseases, it shall ensure near-real-time data promotes a robust and self-reliant defence industry.
in digital mode, having done away with the paper mode z Outlined Strategies:
of working. Procurement Reforms:
z It is the world’s biggest online disease surveillance A Project Management Unit (PMU) will be set
platform, is in sync with the National Digital Health up for the development and production of
Mission and fully compatible with the other digital technologies involved, life cycle costs and
information systems presently being used in India. Hence, maintenance requirements of platforms, equipment
statement 1 is correct. and weapon systems.
z The refined IHIP with automated -data will help in a big It also aims to move away from licensed production
way in real-time data collection, aggregation & further to design, develop and produce indigenously.
analysis of data that will aid and enable evidence-based It also aims to own the design rights and IP of the
policymaking. systems projected in the Long Term Integrated
z IHIP will provide a health information system developed Perspective Plan (LTIPP) and a Technology
for real-time, case-based information, integrated Assessment Cell (TAC) would be created.
analytics, and advanced visualization capability. The TAC would also assess the industrial
z It will provide analyzed reports on mobile or other capability for design, development and
electronic devices. production, including re-engineering for
z In addition, outbreak investigation activities can be production of major systems such as armoured
initiated and monitored electronically. vehicles, submarines, fighter aircraft, helicopters
z It can easily be integrated with other ongoing surveillance and radars with the major industries in the country.
Indigenisation And Support to MSMEs/Startups:
programs while having the feature of the addition of
special surveillance modules. The indigenisation policy aims to create an
z It was under the Union Ministry of Health and Family industry ecosystem to indigenise the imported
Welfare. Hence, statement 2 is correct. components (including alloys and special
materials) and sub-assemblies for defence
46. (b) equipment and platforms manufactured in India.
Explanation: 5,000 such items are proposed to be indigenised
by 2025.
Draft Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy (2020)
More than 50 startups are currently developing
z Goals and Objectives:
new ‘fit-for-military-use’ technologies/products.
To achieve a turnover of Rs. 1,75,000 crore including
Optimise Resource Allocation:
export of Rs. 35,000 crore in Aerospace and Defence
The share of domestic procurement in overall
goods and services by 2025. Hence, statement 1 is
NOT correct. Defence procurement is about 60%. Hence,
To develop a dynamic, robust and competitive
To enhance procurement from domestic industry,
Defence industry, including Aerospace and Naval the procurement needs to be doubled from the
Shipbuilding industry to cater to the needs of Armed current Rs. 70,000 crore to Rs. 1,40,000 crore by
forces with quality products. 2025.
To reduce dependence on imports and take forward Investment Promotion and Ease of Doing Business:
"Make in India" initiatives through domestic design India is already a large aerospace market with
and development. rising passenger traffic and increasing military
To promote the export of defence products and expenditure, as a result of which the demand for
become part of the global defence value chains. aircraft (fixed and rotary wings) is rising.

The opportunities in the aerospace industry 47. (d)

have been identified in the following segments -
aircraft build work, aircraft Maintenance, Repair Explanation:
and Overhaul (MRO), helicopters, engine z The International Bank for Reconstruction and
manufacturing and MRO work, line replaceable Development (IBRD) is a global development cooperative
units, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and owned by 189 member countries. As the largest
upgrades and retrofits. development bank in the world, it supports the World
The improvement in market size, demographic Bank Group’s Mission by providing loans, guarantees,
dividend and availability of diverse skill sets are risk management products, and advisory services to
evident from India's ranking in the World Bank’s middle-income and credit worthy low-income countries,
‘Ease of Doing Business’ (EoDB) report. as well as by coordinating responses to regional and global
The investments in the defence sector need to challenges. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
regularly sustain the steady supply of orders. z International Development Association (IDA)– IDA
Innovation and R&D:
provides loans and grants to poor countries. Hence,
statement 1 is correct.
Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) has
z Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA)–
been operationalised to provide necessary
MIGA seeks to encourage foreign direct investment in
incubation and infrastructure support to the
developing nations. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
startups in the defence area.
iDEX would be further scaled up to engage with 48. (a)
300 more startups and develop 60 new
technologies/products during the next five years. Explanation:
Hence, statement 3 is correct. World Press Freedom Index 2021:
Mission Raksha Gyan Shakti was launched to z It has been published every year since 2002 by Reporters
promote a greater culture of innovation and Sans Frontieres (RSF) or Reporters Without Borders.
technology development and file a higher number z The Index ranks countries and regions according to the
of patents in Defence Public Sector Undertakings level of freedom available to journalists. However, it is
(DPSUs), Ordnance Factory Board (OFB). It not an indicator of the quality of journalism. Hence,
would be scaled up for promoting the creation of statement 1 NOT correct.
Intellectual Property in the sector and its z The parameters include pluralism, media independence,
commercial utilisation. media environment and self-censorship, legislative
framework, transparency, and the quality of the
infrastructure that supports the production of news and
information.
z India was ranked 142 in the year 2020 as well, thus
showing no improvement in the environment it provides
to its journalists.
z India is among the countries classified as “bad” for
journalism and is termed as one of the most dangerous
countries for journalists trying to do their jobs properly.
z Norway has topped yet again for the fifth year in the
row, followed by Finland and Denmark. Hence,
49. (c)
Explanation:
The Convention on Domestic Workers
z It is the 189th International Labour Organization (ILO)
convention. Hence, statement 1 is NOT correct.

z India is a signatory to the ILO’s 189th convention, known It is a centralized IT platform which simplifies and
as the Convention on Domestic Workers; but has not streamlines release of interest subvention under the
ratified it yet. Hence, statement 2 correct. Mission.
z The Convention on Domestic Workers, is a convention It offers end to end online solution for processing,
setting labour standards for domestic workers. Hence, payment, monitoring and tracking of interest
statement 3 is correct. subvention claims from banks on a monthly basis.
50. (a) Claims for subvention are uploaded by banks through
their CBS (Core Banking Solution) in respect of the
Explanation: beneficiaries of the Self Employment Programme,
SUPACE Portal: which are verified and approved by the Urban Local
z It is a portal through which the Supreme Court intends Bodies (ULB) and State concerned.
to leverage machine learning to deal with the amount of
The approved claim amount gets credited directly to
data received in the filing of cases.
the beneficiary’s loan account through DBT mode.
z CJI SA Bobde was the first chairman of the Artificial
SMS is also sent to the beneficiary’s mobile number
Intelligence (AI) Committee.
intimating the credit of subvention amount.
z S.A. Bobde described it as a ‘hybrid system’ and ‘a perfect
blend of human intelligence and machine learning that The portal has been designed and developed through
does wonders when paired with human intelligence. the Allahabad Bank.
z The AI-driven tool is designed to only process information
52. (c)
and make it available to the Judges to take a decision. It
will not take any part in the decision making. Explanation:
z Only the Judges of Delhi and Bombay High Courts z eSanjeevani:
dealing with criminal cases would use it on an experimental It is a doctor to doctor telemedicine system, being
basis. Hence, option (a) is correct. implemented under the Ayushman Bharat Health
and Wellness Centre (AB-HWCs) programme.
51. (c) Hence, statement 1 is correct.
Explanation: AB-HWCs are envisaged to be the platform for
Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National delivery of an expanded range of primary health
Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM): care services closer to the communities.
z The mission was launched in 2014 and is being It seeks to connect all 1,50,000 HWCs using the
implemented by the Ministry of Housing and Urban hub-and-spoke model by December 2022.
Affairs (MoHUA). Hence, statement 1 is correct. Under the model, a network will be established
z It aims to uplift the urban poor by enhancing sustainable comprising an anchor establishment, or hub, which
livelihood opportunities through skill development. offers a full array of services, and will be
z It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme. Hence, statement complemented by secondary establishments, or
2 is NOT correct. spokes, which offer limited services, routing
Fund is shared between the Centre and the States in
patients needing more intensive services to the hub
the ratio of 75:25. For North Eastern and Special for treatment.
Category states– the ratio is 90:10.
Presently, telemedicine is being provided through
z The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban more than 3,000 HWCs in 10 States.
Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM) has been conferred
z eSanjeevaniOPD:
the prestigious SKOCH Governance Gold Award for
its Portal for Affordable Credit and Interest Subvention It was launched amid the Covid-19 pandemic to
Access (PAiSA). Hence, statement 3 is correct. enable patient-to-doctor tele-consultations.
z PAiSA (Portal for Affordable Credit and Interest Offered at no cost, this e-health service has made it
Subvention Access ): convenient for the people to avail of the health

services without having to travel. It enables two-way z Land ceiling was another policy to promote equity in the
interaction and even generates a prescription slip. agricultural sector. This means fixing the maximum size
Hence, statement 2 is correct. of land which could be owned by an individual. The
It is hosting over 40 online Out Patient Department purpose of the land ceiling was to reduce the concentration
(OPD) services, more than half of these are speciality of land ownership in a few hands. Hence, statement 2 is
OPDs which include Gynaecology, Psychiatry, correct.
z The policy of ‘land to the tiller’ is based on the idea that
AntiRetroviral Therapy (ART) for the AIDS/HIV
patients, Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) etc. the cultivators will take more interest, they will have more
incentive in increasing output if they are the owners of
53. (c) the land. This is because ownership of land enables the
tiller to make profit from the increased output.
Explanation:
About the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS): 55. (c)
z Its aim is to provide financial assistance to startups for Explanation:
proof of concept, prototype development, product trials, z Two types of Narcotic Raw Material (NRM) can be
market-entry, and commercialization. produced from Opium Poppy - Opium Gum and
z It was launched by the Department for Promotion of Concentrate of Poppy Straw (CPS).
Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) with an outlay of Rs.
945 Crore. Poppy Straw:
z Some Eligibility Conditions: z Poppy straw is the husk left after the opium is extracted
A startup, recognized by DPIIT, incorporated not from pods.
more than 2 years ago at the time of application. z This poppy straw also contains a very small morphine
content and if used in sufficient quantities, poppy straw
Startups should not have received more than Rs. 10
can give a high.
lakh of monetary support under any other Central or
z Poppy straw is one of the narcotic drugs under the
State Government scheme.
Narcotic Drugs & Psychotropic Substances Act 1985
Hence, both statements 1 and 2 are correct. (NDPS Act).
54. (b) Alkaloids:
z Alkaloids are a huge group of naturally occurring
Explanation:
organic compounds which contain nitrogen atoms or
Land policy formulation through planning period (Five Year
amino or amido in some cases in their structures. Hence,
Plans):
z In 1950, the Planning Commission was set up with the
z These nitrogen atoms cause the alkalinity of these
Prime Minister as its Chairperson.
compounds.
Plan Period Chief Issue Policy Thrust z Well-known alkaloids include morphine, strychnine,
Increase area under Increase land under quinine, ephedrine, and nicotine.
cultivation. cultivation. Rights to z The medicinal properties of alkaloids are quite diverse.
Community tenants to cultivate Morphine is a powerful narcotic used for the relief of
First Plan pain, though its addictive properties limit its usefulness.
Development land. Abolition of
(1951-56) Codeine, the methyl ether derivative of morphine found
networks to take intermediaries.
in the opium poppy, is an excellent analgesic that is
care of village Hence, statement 1 relatively non-addictive.
commons. is NOT correct. z So far, only opium gum has been produced in India. The
Agriculture is Soil conservation. Government of India has now decided that CPS production
mostly dependent First phase of land should be commenced in India.
Second Plan on rain alone. Low reform z Current Extraction of Alkaloids:
India currently only extracts alkaloids from opium
(1956-61) land productivity. implementation.
gum at facilities controlled by the Revenue
Irrigation
Department in the Ministry of Finance. Hence,
development. statement 2 is correct.

56. (c) 57. (d)
Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG) The Constitution (Eighty-sixth Amendment) Act, 2002
z Introduced in: 2010 inserted Article 21-A in the Constitution of India to
z Implemented By: Ministry of Women and Child provide free and compulsory education of all children in
Development the age group of six to fourteen years as a Fundamental
z Implemented Through: Existing Anganwadi Centres Right in such a manner as the State may, by law,
determine.
(AWCs) under the Integrated Child Development Scheme
The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education
(ICDS). Hence, statement 3 is correct.
(RTE) Act, 2009 also known as The Right to Education
z Coverage: Pan-India
Act clarifies that ‘compulsory education’ means
z Key Objective: To facilitate, educate and empower
obligation of the appropriate government to provide free
Adolescent Girls (AGs) so as to enable them to become
elementary education and ensure compulsory admission,
self-reliant and aware citizens. attendance and completion of elementary education to
z Target Group: Out of school girls in the age group of every child in the six to fourteen age group.
11-14 years. The scheme aims at motivating out of school z ‘Free’ means that no child shall be liable to pay any kind
girls to go back to formal schooling or vocational/skill of fee or charges or expenses which may prevent him or
training. Hence, statement 2 is NOT correct. her from pursuing and completing elementary education.
z Components: Hence, statement 1 is correct.
Nutrition: Provision for providing specified amount z It specifies the duties and responsibilities of appropriate
of calories, protein and micronutrients to AGs, etc. Governments, local authority and parents in providing
Non-nutrition: Includes health check-up, free and compulsory education, and sharing of financial
mainstreaming out of school girls into the school and other responsibilities between the Central and
system, Iron and Folic Acid (IFA) supplementation, State Governments.
life skill education etc. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
z It lays down the norms and standards relating inter alia to
z Funding Pattern: SAG is a centrally sponsored
Pupil Teacher Ratios (PTRs), buildings and infrastructure,
scheme. Hence, statement 1 is NOT correct.
school-working days, teacher-working hours.
It is implemented through Centre and State share in
z It provides for rational deployment of teachers by
the ratio of 50:50 for nutrition component and 60:40 ensuring that the specified pupil teacher ratio is maintained
for the rest of the activities. for each school, rather than just as an average for the State
For both components, the ratio is 90:10 for North or District or Block, thus ensuring that there is no
Eastern and three Himalayan States and 100% for UTs urban-rural imbalance in teacher postings. Hence,
without legislatures. statement 3 is correct.
z Achievement of the Scheme is measured through: z It also provides for prohibition of deployment of teachers
SAG- Rapid Reporting System (RRS): It is a role for non-educational work, other than decennial census,
based Management Information System (MIS) that elections to local authority, state legislatures and
parliament, and disaster relief.
captures details of the AGs that are taking benefits
under this scheme. The Act prohibits:
Kishore Health Card: To record the information (a) physical punishment and mental harassment;
about the weight, height, Body Mass Index (BMI) of (b) screening procedures for admission of children;
AGs along with other services provided under the (c) capitation fee;
scheme. These health cards for AGs are maintained (d) private tuition by teachers and
at the AWCs. (e) running of schools without recognition,

58. (b) z The Department of Consumer Affairs maintains buffer

stock of pulses for the Union government under the Price
Explanation:
Stabilisation Mechanism. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
Brucellosis disease:
z Brucellosis is a bacterial disease caused by various 60. (a)
Brucella species, which mainly infect cattle, swine,
goats, sheep and dogs. Hence, statement 1 is NOT Explanation:
correct. z “Sankalp se Siddhi” – Village and Digital Connect
z Humans generally acquire the disease through direct Drive was recently launched.
contact with infected animals, by eating or drinking z It is launched by: Tribal Cooperative Marketing
contaminated animal products, or by inhaling airborne Development Federation of India Limited (TRIFED).
agents. Hence, statement 3 is NOT correct. Hence, statement 2 is NOT correct.
z The majority of cases are caused by ingesting unpasteurized
Key Points:
milk or cheese from infected goats or sheep.
z It is a 100-day drive that was started on April 1, 2021.
z Person to person transmission is rare. Hence,
statement 2 is correct. z It will entail 150 teams visiting ten villages each.
z Aim: To activate the Van Dhan Vikas Kendras in these
59. (c) villages. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
Explanation: z The visiting teams will also identify locations and shortlist
Buffer Stock: potential Van Dhan Vikas Kendras for clustering as
Buffer stock refers to a reserve of a commodity that is TRIFOOD, and Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of
used to offset price fluctuations and unforeseen Traditional Industries- (SFURTI) units as larger
emergencies. Buffer stock is generally maintained for enterprises.
essential commodities and necessities like foodgrains, z TRIFOOD aims to enhance the income of tribals through
pulses etc. better utilization of and value addition to the Minor Forest
z The concept of buffer stock was first introduced during Produce collected by the tribal forest gatherers.
the IVth Five Year Plan (1969-74).
z A buffer stock of food grains in the Central Pool is 61. (a)
maintained by the Government of India (GoI) for:
Explanation:
meeting the prescribed minimum buffer stock norms
for food security, The HDI is the composite measure of every country’s
attainment in three basic dimensions:
the monthly release of food grains for supply through
z standard of living measured by the gross national income
the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) and
Other Welfare Schemes (OWS), (GNI) per capita;
z health measured by the life expectancy at birth;
meeting emergency situations arising out of
unexpected crop failure, natural disasters, etc., and z education levels calculated by mean years of education
among the adult population and the expected years of
price stabilisation or market intervention to augment
supply so as to help moderate the open market prices. schooling for children.
Hence, option (a) is correct.
z The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs fixes the
minimum buffer norms on a quarterly basis. Hence, 62. (c)
z Government has engaged National Agricultural Explanation:
Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Limited Headcount Ratio:
(NAFED), Small Farmers Agri-business Consortium z The incidence of poverty is revealed by this ratio.It shows
(SFAC) and Food Corporation of India (FCI) to procure the percentage of population whose per capita income is
pulses for buffer stock. below the poverty line. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

Misery Index: 65. (c)

The misery index (sometimes known as the Economic
Discomfort Index–EDI ) is simply the sum of the inflation Explanation:
rate plus the unemployment rate. The higher the combined z Trade Deficit: A trade deficit is an amount by which the
score, the worse the economic situation. Hence, cost of a country’s imports exceeds its exports.
statement 2 is correct. z It is an indicator to show a negative balance of trade.
The Misery index was developed by economist Arthur Hence, statement 1 is correct.
Okun. z The trade deficit in goods shows a rise in demand in the
mt = ut + |πt| economy.
Where Unemployment rate (ut) and the current inflation z It is a part of the Current Account Deficit(CAD). Hence,
rate (πt) statement 2 is correct.
Current Account Deficit:
63. (b)
z The current account records exports and imports in
Explanation: goods and services and transfer payments. It represents
Snow Leopard: a country’s transactions with the rest of the world and,
z They are mainly found in mountainous regions of central like the capital account, is a component of a country’s
and northern Asia. Hence, statement 1 is NOT correct. Balance of Payments (BOP).
z In India, their geographical range encompasses: z There is a deficit in the Current Account if the value of
Western Himalayas: Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal the goods and services imported exceeds the value of
Pradesh. those exported.
Eastern Himalayas: Uttarakhand and Sikkim and z Major components are:
Arunachal Pradesh. Goods,
z Snow Leopard capital of the world: Hemis, Ladakh. Services, and
z Project Snow Leopard (PSL) was launched to promote
Net earnings on overseas investments (such as
an inclusive and participatory approach to conserve snow
interests and dividends) and net transfer of payments
leopards and their habitat. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
over a period of time, such as remittances.
64. (c)
66. (a)
Explanation:
z The Insurance Ombudsman derives its powers from the
Explanation:
Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
Act, 1999. Hence, statement 1 is correct. z The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is a
In Accordance to Redressal of Public Grievances multilateral development bank with a mission to improve
Rules, 1998, the office of Insurance Ombudsman was social and economic outcomes in Asia.
established by the Central Government. z It is headquartered in Beijing and began its operations in
Further, its powers, functions, terms of office etc. were

January 2016.
z Fourteen of the G-20 nations are AIIB members
laid in Insurance Ombudsman Rules, 2017.
including France, Germany, Italy and the United
z The term of this office is three years and it is eligible
Kingdom.
for reappointment provided that no person shall hold
office as an Ombudsman after he has attained the age of Membership
seventy years. Hence, statement 2 is NOT correct. z Membership in the AIIB is open to all members of the
z Recently the Union government amended the Insurance World Bank or the Asian Development Bank and is
Ombudsman Rules, 2017, bringing insurance brokers divided into regional and non-regional members. Hence,
within the ambit of the Insurance Ombudsman and also statement 1 is correct.
allowed policy holders to file online complaints. Hence, Regional members are those located within areas
statement 3 is correct. classified as Asia and Oceania by the United Nations.

z Unlike other MDBs (multilateral development bank), z The Bank can lend outside Asia provided that it supports
the AIIB allows for non-sovereign entities to apply for connectivity with Asia or it is for a global public good
AIIB membership, assuming their home country is a and that the loan significantly benefits Asia. Hence,
member. statement 2 is NOT correct.
Thus, sovereign wealth funds (such as the China The ceiling for non-regional loans is 25%.
Investment Corporation) or state-owned enterprises z The key sectors for the Bank are Energy, Transport, Water
of member countries could potentially join the Bank. and Urban development.
Financial Resources of AIIB z About two-thirds of the loans approved by the bank
z The AIIB’s initial total capital is USD 100 billion divided have been co-financed with other multilateral lending
into 1 million shares of 100 000 dollars each, with 20% institutions, including the World Bank and the ADB.
paid-in and 80% callable. z The triple-A ratings from Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s
Paid-Up Share Capital: It is the amount of money and Fitch, reflect the Bank’s commitment to the highest
that has already been paid by investors in exchange standards of governance, enhanced transparency and
for shares of stock. accountability.
Called-Up Share Capital: Some companies may 67. (c)
issue shares to investors with the understanding they
will be paid at a later date. Explanation:
Rural Infra-Development Fund (RIDF)
This allows for more flexible investment terms and
may entice investors to contribute more share z The Government of India created the Rural Infrastructure
capital than if they had to provide funds up front. Development Fund (RIDF) in NABARD in 1995-96 by
z China is the largest contributor to the Bank, contributing way of deposits from scheduled commercial banks
USD 50 billion, half of the initial subscribed capital. operating within the country from the shortfall in their
z India is the second-largest shareholder, contributing agricultural sector/priority sector/weaker section lending.
USD 8.4 billion. The corpus of the fund has been extended on a year-to-
year basis by GoI since then by provisions in the annual
Voting Rights
budget. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
z China is the largest shareholder with 26.61 % voting
shares in the bank followed by India (7.6%), Russia z The fund was established in view that many States have
(6.01%) and Germany (4.2 %). neglected investment in infrastructure for agriculture and
z The regional members hold 75% of the total voting power many rural infrastructure projects were left pending for
in the Bank. want of funds.
z The AIIB has a governance structure similar to other
z Such projects will assist states in completion of medium
MDBs (multilateral development bank), with two key
and minor irrigation, soil conservation, watershed
differences:
management and other forms of rural infrastructure.
it does not have a resident board of executive directors
Hence, statement 1 is correct.

that represents member countries’ interests on a day-
to-day basis; and 68. (d)
The AIIB gives more decision making authority to
Explanation:
regional countries and the largest shareholder, China.
z Every year, April 22 is celebrated as Earth Day to raise
AIIB Lending public awareness about the environment and inspire
z The recipients of AIIB financing may include member people to save and protect it.
countries (or agencies and entities or enterprises in z The year 2021 marks the 51st anniversary of the annual
member territories), as well as international or regional celebrations. This year’s theme for Earth Day is ‘Restore
agencies concerned with the economic development of Our Earth’. Hence, option (d) is correct.
the Asia-Pacific region. z In 2009, the United Nations designated April 22 as
z The bulk of AIIB’s operations are in South Asia. ‘International Mother Earth Day’.

69. (a) cooperation and “create and preserve friendship and

understanding among the nations and peoples of the
Explanation: world.”. It is known commonly as the ‘Chicago
Blue Chip Stocks: Convention’. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
z Blue Chip Stocks refer to stocks of high value which give z This landmark agreement laid the foundation for the
huge returns in the long run.
standards and procedures for peaceful global air
z They are shares of highly recognized and large companies
navigation. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
which have a proven record of sound financial output and
z ICAO doesn’t approve world flight routes for international
standing.
z These stocks are highly priced as they have tremendous air traffic, it is instrumental to facilitating the cooperation
goodwill as they are usually the market leaders in their and information needed to do so. Hence, statement 2 is
industries. NOT correct.
z They are thus able to withstand tough market conditions
and thereby give great returns. Oliver Gingold was the 72. (d)
first to use this term in 1923. Explanation:
Hence, option (a) is correct. Code on Wages Act, 2019:
z Blue chip companies are recognised by many parameters z The Code replaces the following four laws: (i) the
like consistent revenue over a long period, debt to equity
Payment of Wages Act, 1936, (ii) the Minimum Wages
ratio, return on equity, price to earnings ratio etc.
Act, 1948, (iii) the Payment of Bonus Act, 1965, and (iv)
Some of the blue chip companies in India are State
the Equal Remuneration Act, 1976.
Bank of India, Reliance Industries, Bharti Airtel, Tata
Consultancy Services, Coal India, ONGC z Coverage: The Code will apply to all employees. The
central government will make wage-related decisions for
ITC etc.
employments such as railways, mines, and oil fields,
70. (a) among others. State governments will make decisions
for all other employments.
Explanation:
z Wages include salary, allowance, or any other component
Unique Land Parcel Identification Number:
z The Central Government is planning to issue a 14-digit
expressed in monetary terms. This does not include bonus
identification number to every plot of land in the country payable to employees or any travelling allowance, among
within a year. Hence, statement 1 is correct. others.
z The Unique Land Parcel Identification Number z Floor wage: According to the Code, the central
(ULPIN) scheme has been launched in 10 States in the government will fix a floor wage, taking into account
year 2021 and will be rolled out across the country by living standards of workers. Further, it may set different
March 2022. Hence, statement 3 is NOT correct. floor wages for different geographical areas. Before
z It is described as “the Aadhaar for land”, it is a number fixing the floor wage, the central government may obtain
that would uniquely identify every surveyed parcel of the advice of the Central Advisory Board and may consult
land and prevent land fraud, especially in the hinterlands with state governments. Hence, statement 1 is NOT
of rural India, where land records are outdated and often
correct.
disputed.
z Fixing the minimum wage: The Code prohibits
z The identification will be based on the longitude and
latitude coordinates of the land parcel and is dependent employers from paying wages less than the minimum
on detailed surveys and geo-referenced cadastral maps. wages. Minimum wages will be notified by the central or
Hence, statement 2 is correct. state governments. This will be based on time, or number
of pieces produced. The minimum wages will be revised
71. (c) and reviewed by the central or state governments at an
Explanation: interval of not more than five years. While fixing
International Civil Aviation Organisation minimum wages, the central or state governments may
z The Convention on International Civil Aviation, drafted take into account factors such as: (i) skill of workers, and
in 1944 by 54 nations, was established to promote (ii) difficulty of work.

z Gender discrimination: The Code prohibits gender z It benchmarks 156 countries on their progress towards
discrimination in matters related to wages and recruitment gender parity in four dimensions:
of employees for the same work or work of similar nature. Economic Participation and Opportunity,
Work of similar nature is defined as work for which the Educational Attainment,
skill, effort, experience, and responsibility required are Health and Survival and
the same. Hence, statement 2 is NOT correct. Political Empowerment.
73. (a) z The highest possible score is 1 (equality) and the lowest
possible score is 0 (inequality).
Explanation: z India is now one of the worst performers in South Asia,
Civil Services Day: it is now ranked 140 among 156 countries. Hence,
z Every year, 21st April is celebrated as Civil Services statement 2 is NOT correct.
Day by the Government of India. Hence, statement 1 is z In South Asia, Bangladesh ranked 65, Nepal 106,
correct. Pakistan 153, Afghanistan 156, Bhutan 130, and Sri
z It is celebrated as an occasion for the civil servants to Lanka 116.
rededicate themselves to the causes of citizens and renew Recent Report Updates:
their commitments to public service and excellence in z Political Empowerment:
work. India has declined on the political empowerment
z The date is chosen to commemorate the day when the index by 13.5 percentage points, and a decline in the
first Home Minister of Independent India, Sardar number of women ministers, from 23.1% in 2019 to
Vallabhbhai Patel addressed the probationers of 9.1% in 2021. However, it has still performed
Administrative Services Officers in 1947 at Metcalf relatively well compared to other countries, ranking
House, Delhi. at 51 in women’s participation in politics.
z On this day, the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence z Education Attainment:
in Public Administration are presented to Districts/ In the index of education attainment, India has been
Implementing Units for implementation of Priority ranked at 114.
programme and innovation categories. Hence, statement z Economic Participation:
2 is NOT correct. The report notes that the economic participation
gender gap widened in India by 3% this year.
74. (c) The estimated earned income of women in India is
Explanation: only one-fifth of men’s, which puts the country among

z The Department of Agriculture & Cooperation is the bottom 10 globally on this indicator.
implementing a scheme namely, Market Intervention Health and Survival index: On this India has fared
Scheme (MIS) for procurement of agricultural and the worst, ranking at 155.
horticultural commodities which are generally perishable
in nature. Hence, statement 2 is NOT correct.
z The basic objective of MIS is to provide remunerative
prices to the farmers in case of glut in production and fall
in prices. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
z Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) is also known as the
invisible hand of agricultural marketing. Hence,
75. (a)
Explanation:
Global Gender Gap Report 2021:
z It was first published in 2006 by the World Economic
Forum (WEF). Hence, statement 1 is correct.

76. (a) z WLB’s will be unsecured and unlisted. Hence,

Explanation: z The bonds will be placed with leading wealth managers
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and corporates in the country on a private placement basis.
celebrated its 92nd foundation day on 16th July 2020. z The return on these bonds will be 3% per annum.
z The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) was z SIDBI has also put together its own ₹1,000 crore social-
established on 16 July 1929 as a registered society under impact fund ‘Prayaas’ for providing funding support to
the Societies Registration Act, 1860. Hence, statement women entrepreneurs.
2 is NOT correct. z The proposed bond will enable individual women
z It is an autonomous organisation under the Department
entrepreneurs in sectors like food processing, agriculture,
of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), services, and small units to borrow around Rs 50,000 to
Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Rs 3 lakh at an annual interest rate of around 13%-14%
Government of India. or less.
z It is headquartered at New Delhi. With 102 ICAR
z SIDBI acts as the financial intermediary and channel
institutes and 71 agricultural universities spread across
funds raised to women entrepreneurs through participating
the country this is one of the largest national agricultural
financial intermediaries like banks, NBFCs or microfinance
systems in the world.
institutions. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
z It is the apex body for coordinating, guiding and
managing research and education in agriculture including 78. (d)
horticulture, fisheries and animal sciences in the entire
Explanation:
country.
Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve (NNTR)
z The ICAR has played a pioneering role in ushering
z Location: It is situated in Gondia and Bhandara
Green Revolution and subsequent developments in
districts of Maharashtra.
agriculture in India through its research and technology
Gondia District shares common boundaries with the
development that has enabled the country to increase the
state of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh in the
production of foodgrains by 5.6 times, horticultural
north and eastern side respectively. Hence, statement
crops by 10.5 times, fish by 16.8 times, milk by 10.4
1 is NOT correct.
times and eggs by 52.9 times since 1950-51 to 2017-18.
Strategically, the Tiger Reserve is located in the heart
Note:
of central Indian Tiger landscape which contributes
z The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) will
almost one sixth of the total tiger population of the
start a Farmers Innovation Fund. Hence, statement 1
country.
is correct.
z Formation: It was notified as to the 46th Tiger Reserve
z The ‘Kisan Diwas’ or National Farmers Day is observed
across the country on 23rd December to celebrate the of India in December 2013.
z NNTR comprised the notified area of Nawegaon National
birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh, the
former Prime Minister of India. Park, Nawegaon Wildlife Sanctuary, Nagzira Wildlife
Sanctuary, New Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary and Koka
77. (a) Wildlife Sanctuary.
z Flora:
Explanation:
The major forest type is “Southern Tropical Dry
The World Bank, UN Women (a United Nations entity
Deciduous Forest”.
dedicated to gender equality and empowerment of
women), and Small Industries Development Bank of Few thorny plants are also found.
India (SIDBI) have come together to launch a five-year Bamboo occurs in abundance.
tenor women’s livelihood bond (WLB). z Fauna:
z The proceeds from these social impact bonds will be used Large Carnivores such as leopards and smaller
to help rural women in the country’s poorest States to set carnivores like wild dogs, wolf jackals, jungle cats
up or scale up their own enterprises. and also the good population of sloth bears are seen.

The important herbivore includes Cheetal, Sambar, z Dantak was tasked to construct the pioneering motorable
Nilgai, Chousingha, Barking deer, Wild pig and Indian roads in Bhutan. Hence, option (b) is correct.
gaur. Mouse deer have also been recorded from the
area. 81. (b)
More than 300 species of birds have been reported Explanation:
from the area. z Recently, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs
z Tiger Reserves in Maharashtra and Year of Tiger Reserves (CCEA) approved a corpus of Rs. 2,000 crore for Agri
notification: Market Infrastructure Fund (AMIF) to be created with
Melghat 2007 NABARD for development and upgradation of agricultural
marketing infrastructure in rural agricultural markets.
Tadoba Andhari 2007
Pench – MH 2007 z The Agri-Market Infrastructure Fund was announced in
Sahyadri 2012 the 2018 Budget for developing and upgrading
agricultural marketing infrastructure in the 22,000
Bor 2012
Gramin Agricultural Markets (GrAMs) and 585
Nawegaon Nagzira 2013 Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC).
z At present, GrAMs are being developed from the
79. (a) MGNREGA fund.
Explanation: z The scheme being demand-driven, progress will depend
z Compulsory Licensing (CL) allows governments to on demand from states.
license third parties (that is, parties other than the patent
Objectives
holders) to produce and market a patented product or
z The fund will provide subsidised loans to states and
process without the consent of patent owners.
Union Territories for 585 APMC mandis and 10,000
z Compulsory Licencing is regulated under the Indian
GrAMs.
Patent Act, 1970. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
z States can also utilise this fund for innovative integrated
z Compulsory Licensing is permitted under the WTO’s
Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights market infrastructure projects, including hub and spoke
(TRIPS) Agreement provided some conditions are models and in private-public partnership mode.
fulfilled. Hence, statement 2 is NOT correct. NABARD
z However, the agreement does not specifically list the z National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
reasons that might be used to justify compulsory licensing. (NABARD) came into existence on the recommendation
But the Doha Declaration on TRIPS and Public Health of B. Sivaraman Committee.
confirms that countries are free to determine the z It was approved by the Parliament through Act of 1981
grounds for granting compulsory licences, and to and came into existence in 1982 by transferring the
determine what constitutes a national emergency. agricultural credit functions of RBI and refinance
80. (b) functions of the then Agricultural Refinance and
Development Corporation (ARDC).
Explanation: z Functions of NABARD:
Project Dantak NABARD gives high priority to projects formed under
z Recently, Project Dantak which is one of the oldest
the Integrated Rural Development Programme
Projects of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO)
(IRDP).
commemorated its Diamond Jubilee in Bhutan.
z Project Dantak was established on 24th April 1961. It provides finance to support poverty alleviation
z It was a result of the visionary leadership of the third King programs run by IRDP.
of Bhutan and then Prime Minister of India Jawahar Lal It also makes the service area plan to provide backward
Nehru. and forward linkages and infrastructural support.

It seeks to establish linkages between Self-help Science and Technology (DST - Ministry of Science and
Group (SHG) that are organized by voluntary Technology) and implemented by the Centre for
agencies for poor and needy in rural areas and other Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Pune
official credit agencies. and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru.
It finances projects under the ‘National Watershed Hence, statement 2 is correct.
Development Programme’ and the ‘National z Features:
Mission of Wasteland Development‘. It is also an effort to improve the number of
It also supervises the cooperative banks and supercomputers owned by India. These supercomputers
Regional Rural Banks to periodically ensure the will also be networked on the National Supercomputing
development of the rural financing and farmers’ grid over the National Knowledge Network (NKN).
welfare. The NKN connects academic institutions and R&D
labs over a high-speed network.
82. (a) Under NSM, the long-term plan is to build a strong
Explanation: base of 20,000 skilled persons over the next five years
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) who will be equipped to handle the complexities of
z PM-KISAN is for the families of small and marginal supercomputers.
farmers. z Progress of NSM:
z Landless labourers are not covered under PM-KISAN. In the first phase, PARAM Shivay, PARAM Shakti,
z For the purpose of the calculation of the benefit, the Centre PARAM Brahma, PARAM Yukti and PARAM
has defined a small and marginal landholder family as Sanganak were deployed at IIT (BHU), IIT Kharagpur,
comprising of husband, wife and minor children up to 18 Indian Institute of Science Education and Research,
years of age, who collectively own cultivable land up to Pune, and Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced
two hectares as per the land records of the concerned Research.
states. Hence, option (a) is correct. Recently, PARAM-Siddhi AI has been ranked 63rd in
z Income support under the scheme will be transferred the Top 500 list of most powerful supercomputers in
directly into the bank accounts of beneficiary farmers, in the world. It was developed under the NSM.
three equal installments of Rs. 2,000 each.
z The complete expenditure for the scheme will be borne 84. (c)
by the Union Government in 2019-20. Around 12 crore Explanation:
small and marginal farmer families are expected to benefit z India is set to witness a sharp slowdown in population
from this. growth in the next two decades. Although the country as
83. (c) a whole will enjoy the “demographic dividend” phase,
some states will start transitioning to an ageing society
Explanation: by 2030s. Population in the 0-19 age bracket has
National Supercomputing Mission (NSM) already peaked due to sharp declines in total fertility
z Launch: NSM was announced in 2015, with an aim to rates (TFR) across the country. Hence, statement 2 is
connect national academic and research institutions with correct.
a grid of more than 70 high-performance computing z The southern states, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, West
facilities at an estimated cost of Rs. 4,500 crores over the Bengal and Maharashtra now have fertility rates well
period of seven years by 2022. Hence, statement 1 is below the replacement rate. TFR in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh,
correct. Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh
It supports the government’s vision of ‘Digital India’ are above the replacement rate but are also experiencing
and ‘Make in India’. significant declines. As a result, the national TFR is
z Implementation: NSM is jointly steered by the Ministry expected to be below replacement level by 2021 (adjusted
of Electronics and IT (MeitY) and Department of for the skewed gender ratio, it may already be there).

z The age distribution, however, implies that India's Functions:

working-age population will grow by roughly 9.7mn per z Evaluation of the progress of the development of
year during 2021-31 and 4.2mn per year in 2031-41. minorities under the Union and States.
Meanwhile, the proportion of elementary school-going z Monitoring of the working of the safeguards for
children, i.e. 5-14 age group, will witness significant minorities provided in the Constitution and in laws
declines. Contrary to popular perception, many states enacted by Parliament and the state legislatures.
need to pay greater attention to consolidating/merging z Making recommendations for the effective
schools to make them viable rather than building new implementation of safeguards for the protection of the
ones. interests of minorities by the central or state governments.
z TFR is now below replacement level fertility in 13 out z Looking into specific complaints regarding deprivation
of the 22 major states. In fact, TFR has reached as low of rights and safeguards of minorities and taking up such
as 1.6-1.7 in states such as Delhi, West Bengal, Tamil matters with the appropriate authorities.
Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Punjab and Himachal z Investigates matters of communal conflict and riots.
Pradesh. Even high fertility states such as Bihar, z The Commission shall have all the powers of a civil court
Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, trying a suit. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand have seen a sharp decline z Observes the Minorities Rights Day every year on 18th
in TFR over the years. Hence, statement 1 is correct. December which marks the adoption of the “Declaration
on the Rights of Persons belonging to National or Ethnic,
85. (a) Religious and Linguistic Minorities” by the United
Explanation: Nations in 1992.
National Commission for Minorities 86. (b)
Genesis:
Explanation:
z In 1978, the setting up of the Minorities Commission
Planetary-Pressure adjusted Human Development Index (PHDI)
(MC) was envisaged in the Ministry of Home Affairs z The PHDI is the level of human development adjusted by
Resolution. carbon dioxide emissions per person (production-based)
z In 1992, with the enactment of the National Commission and material footprint per capita to account for the
for Minorities (NCM) Act, 1992, the MC became a excessive human pressure on the planet. Hence,
statutory body and was renamed as the NCM. Hence, statement 1 is NOT correct.
statement 1 is NOT correct. z It should be seen as an incentive for transformation. In
z In 1993, the first Statutory National Commission was an ideal scenario where there are no pressures on the
set up and five religious communities viz the Muslims, planet, the PHDI equals the HDI. However, as pressures
Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Zoroastrians (Parsis) increase, the PHDI falls below the HDI. In this sense, the
were notified as minority communities. PHDI measures the level of human development when
z In 2014, Jains were also notified as a minority community. planetary pressures are considered.
Composition: z Performance of the Countries:
z NCM consists of a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson Norway, which tops the HDI, falls 15 places if this
and five members and all of them shall be from amongst metric is used, leaving Ireland at the top of the table.
the minority communities. Hence, statement 2 is NOT The United States (HDI Rank -17) and Canada (HDI
correct. Rank -16) would fall 45 and 40 places respectively,
z A total of 7 persons to be nominated by the Central reflecting their disproportionate impact on natural
Government should be from amongst persons of resources.
eminence, ability and integrity. The oil and gas-rich Gulf States also fell steeply.
z Tenure: Each Member holds office for a period of three China would drop 16 places from its current ranking
years from the date of assumption of office. of 85.

z India’s Performance: This is a very wide box and includes all government
India would move up eight places in the HDI subsidies like – public storage for food security, pest
ranking. Hence, statement 2 is correct. and disease control, research and extension, and some
Under the Paris Agreement, India pledged to reduce direct payments to farmers that do not stimulate
the emission intensity of its GDP from the 2005 level production like restructuring of agriculture,
by 33-35% by 2030 and to obtain 40% of electric environmental protection, regional development, crop
power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030. and income insurance, etc.
Solar capacity in India increased from 2.6 z The green box subsidies are allowed without limits
gigawatts in March 2014 to 30 gigawatts in July provided they comply with the policy- specific criteria.It
2019, achieving its target of 20 gigawatts four means, this box is exempt from the calculation under
years ahead of schedule. subsidies under the WTO provisions because the subsidies
In 2019, India ranked fifth for installed solar under it are not meant to promote production and thus do
capacity. not distort trade. That is why this box is called
The National Solar Mission aims to promote ‘Production-Neutral Box’. Hence, option (c) is correct.
solar energy for power generation and other uses
to make solar energy competitive with fossil fuel- 88. (b)
based options.
Explanation:
87. (c) Aahaar Kranti Mission
z The ‘Aahaar Kranti’ movement is designed to address the
Explanation:
particular problem being faced by India and the world-
z Amber box: All subsidies which are supposed to distort
‘hunger and diseases in abundance’.
production and trade fall into the amber box, i.e., all
z Studies have estimated that India produces as much as
agricultural subsidies except those which fall into the blue
two times the amount of calories it consumes. However,
and green boxes.
many in the country are still malnourished. The root cause
These include government policies of minimum
of this strange phenomenon is a lack of nutritional
support prices (as MSP in India) for agricultural
awareness. Hence, statement 1 is NOT correct.
products or any help directly related to production
z The initiative will shine a light on the richness and value
quantities (as power, fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation,
etc). of India’s traditional diet, the miracles of local fruits and
vegetables, and the healing powers of a balanced diet.
z Blue box: This is the amber box with conditions. The
conditions are designed to reduce distortions. Any subsidy
z Organisations Involved: Pravasi Bharatiya Academic
that would normally be in the amber box, is placed in the
blue box if it requires farmers to go for a certain and Scientific Sampark (PRABHASS), Global Indian
production level. Scientists and Technocrats’ Forum (GIST), Vijnana
These subsidies are nothing but certain direct
Bharati (Vibha) and Vigyan Prasar (an autonomous body
payments (i.e. direct set-aside payments) made to of the Department of Science and Technology) have come
farmers by the government in the form of assistance together to launch the mission ‘Aahaar Kranti’.
programmes to encourage agriculture, rural z The motto of the Mission is “Uttam Aahaar- Uttam
development, etc. Vichaar or Good Diet-Good Cognition”.
z Green Box: The agricultural subsidies which cause 89. (b)
minimal or no distortions to trade are put under the green
box.They must not involve price support. Explanation:
This box basically includes all forms of government Mission Karmayogi
expenses, which are not targeted at a particular z Aim & Objective:
product, and all direct income support programmes It is aimed at building a future-ready civil service with
to farmers, which are not related to current levels of the right attitude, skills and knowledge, aligned to the
production or prices. vision of New India.

It aims to prepare Indian civil servants for the future z It will be set up under Section 8 of the Companies Act,
by making them more creative, constructive, 2013.
imaginative, proactive, innovative, progressive, z The SPV will be a “not-for-profit” company and will own
professional, energetic, transparent, and technology- and manage the iGOT-Karmayogi platform.
enabled. z The SPV will create and operationalize the content, market
Comprehensive reform of the capacity building place and manage key business services of the iGOT-
apparatus at the individual, institutional and process Karmayogi platform, relating to content validation,
levels for efficient public service delivery. independent proctored assessments and telemetry data
z Features of the scheme:
availability.
z The SPV will own all Intellectual Property Rights on
Tech-Aided: The capacity building will be delivered
through iGOT Karmayogi digital platform, with behalf of the Government of India.
z Monitoring and Evaluation Framework: An appropriate
content drawn from global best practices.
monitoring and evaluation framework will also be put in
The platform will act as a launchpad for the National
place for performance evaluation of all users of the iGOT-
Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building
Karmayogi platform so as to generate a dashboard view
(NPCSCB).
of Key Performance Indicators.
Coverage: The scheme will cover 46 lakh, central
government employees, at all levels. Hence, 90. (d)
statement 1 is NOT correct. Explanation:
Shift from Rules to Roles: The programme will Indian Rhino Vision 2020:
support a transition from “rules-based to roles-based” z Launched in 2005, the Indian Rhino Vision 2020 was an
Human Resource Management (HRM) so that work ambitious effort to attain a wild population of at least
allocations can be done by matching an official’s 3,000 greater one-horned rhinos spread over seven
competencies to the requirements of the post. protected areas in the Indian state of Assam by the
Apart from domain knowledge training, the scheme year 2020. Hence, statement 1 is NOT correct.
will focus on “functional and behavioural z The Indian Rhino Vision 2020 (IRV2020) has officially
competencies” as well, and also includes a monitoring come to a close with the translocation of two rhinos in
framework for performance evaluations. April 2021 to Manas National Park in Assam, India.
z Governance Structure: Hence, statement 2 is NOT correct.
Human Resource Council: NPCSCB will be z Seven protected areas are Kaziranga, Pobitora, Orang
governed by the Prime Minister’s Human Resource National Park, Manas National Park, Laokhowa
Council, which will also include state Chief Ministers, wildlife sanctuary, Burachapori wildlife sanctuary and
Union Cabinet ministers, and experts. Hence, Dibru Saikhowa wildlife sanctuary.
statement 2 is correct. z Wild-to-wild translocations were an essential part of
z This council will approve and review civil service

IRV2020 – moving rhinos from densely populated parks
capacity building programmes. like Kaziranga NP to ones in need of more rhinos, like
Manas NP.
z Cabinet Secretary Coordination Unit: There will be a
z It is a collaborative effort between various organisations,
Cabinet Secretary Coordination Unit comprising select
including the International Rhino Foundation, Assam’s
secretaries and cadre controlling authorities.
Forest Department, Bodoland Territorial Council,
z Capacity Building Commission: Also, there will be a
World Wide Fund - India, and the US Fish and Wildlife
Capacity Building Commission, which will include
Service.
experts in related fields and global professionals.
z Special Purpose Vehicle: Finally, there will be a wholly- Performance of the Program:
owned Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), which will govern z The target of attaining a population of 3,000 rhinos almost
the iGOT-Karmayogi platform. achieved.

z The translocated rhinos helped Manas National Park get cultivation and other needs like the purchase of agriculture
back its World Heritage Site status in 2011. inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, etc. and draw
z 2018 and 2019 saw significant decreases in poaching, the cash for their production needs.
results of forestry, local and national government officials z The scheme was further extended for the investment
coordinating efforts to combat wildlife crime across credit requirement of farmers viz. allied and non-farm
Assam. activities in the year 2004.
About Greater One-Horned Rhino: z KCC covers post-harvest expenses, produce marketing
z There are three species of rhino in Asia — Greater one- loan, consumption requirements of farmer household,
horned (Rhinoceros unicornis), Javan and Sumatran. working capital for maintenance of farm assets and
z Poaching for the horns and habitat loss are the two greatest activities allied to agriculture, investment credit
threats to the survival of Asia’s rhinos. requirement for agriculture and allied activities.
z The five rhino range nations (India, Bhutan, Nepal, Hence, statement 2 is correct.
Indonesia and Malaysia) have signed a declaration ‘The z The Kisan Credit Card Scheme is implemented by
New Delhi Declaration on Asian Rhinos 2019’ for the Commercial Banks, RRBs, Small Finance Banks, and
conservation and protection of the species. Cooperatives. Hence, statement 1 is NOT correct.
z Protection Status: Javan and Sumatran Rhino are
93. (c)
critically endangered and the Greater one-horned (or
Indian) rhino is vulnerable under the IUCN Red List. Explanation:
z All three listed under Appendix I (CITES). z Hedging is a financial technique that helps to reduce or
z Greater one-horned rhino is listed under Schedule I of mitigate the effects of measurable type of risk from the
the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. future changes in the fair value. Hence, statement 1 is
correct.
91. (d) z It is a kind of insurance that does not eliminate the risk
Explanation: completely but mitigates its effect. Hence, statement 2
z The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), is correct.
General Insurance Corporation of India and The New z The Reserve Bank relaxed norms for external commercial
India Assurance Co Ltd have been identified as borrowings (ECBs) by reducing the mandatory hedging
Domestic Systemically Important Insurers (D-SIIs) provision to 70% from the current 100%.
for 2020-21 by insurance regulator, the Insurance z After the global financial crisis, the RBI mandated 100%
Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI). hedging for medium-term external borrowings.
Hence, option (d) is correct.
94. (b)
z The three public sector insurers have been asked to raise
the level of corporate governance. Explanation:
z Identify all relevant risks and promote a sound risk Poshan Abhiyaan:
management culture. z The National Council on India’s Nutrition Challenges-
z The D-SIIs will also be subjected to enhanced regulatory Set up under the Poshan Abhiyaan, the Council is also
supervision of the IRDAI. known as National Council on Nutrition (NCN). The NCN
is headed by the Vice-Chairman of the NITI Aayog.
92. (b) z Poshan Abhiyaan targets to reduce stunting,
Explanation: undernutrition, anaemia (among young children,
Kisan Credit Card: women and adolescent girls) and reduce low birth
z The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme was introduced in weight by 2%, 2%, 3% and 2% per annum respectively.
1998 for providing adequate and timely credit support z The target of the mission is to bring down stunting among
from the banking system under a single window with the children in the age group 0-6 years from 38.4% to 25%
flexible and simplified procedure to the farmers for their by 2022.

z Swasth Bharat Preraks will be deployed one in each Therefore, they can be quickly manufactured inexpensively
district for coordinating with district officials and enabling to ensure their “availability” and “accessibility” for mass
fast and efficient execution of the Abhiyan across the vaccination on a sustainable basis.
country. Swasth Bharat Preraks would function as catalyst Mission Covid Suraksha
for fast tracking the implementation of the Abhiyan.
z Mission Covid Suraksha is India’s targeted effort to enable
Hence, option (b) is correct.
the development of indigenous, affordable and
95. (c) accessible vaccines for the country.
z The Mission with its end-to-end focus from preclinical
Explanation:
development through clinical development and
mRNA Vaccine vs Traditional Vaccines:
manufacturing and regulatory facilitation for deployment
z Vaccines work by training the body to recognise and
consolidate all available and funded resources towards
respond to the proteins produced by disease-causing
accelerated product development.
organisms, such as a virus or bacteria.
z It is led by the Department of Biotechnology and
z Traditional vaccines are made up of small or inactivated
implemented by a dedicated Mission Implementation
doses of the whole disease-causing organism, or the
Unit at Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance
proteins that it produces, which are introduced into the
Council (BIRAC).
body to provoke the immune system into mounting a
response. BIRAC
z mRNA vaccines have no disease-causing organism, it z Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council
trick the body into producing some of the viral proteins (BIRAC) is a not-for-profit Public Sector Enterprise.
themselves. Hence, statement 1 is correct. z It has been set up by the Department of Biotechnology
z They work by using mRNA, or messenger RNA, which (DBT) as an Interface Agency to strengthen and empower
is the molecule that essentially puts DNA instructions the emerging Biotech enterprise to undertake strategic
into action. Inside a cell, mRNA is used as a template to research and innovation, addressing nationally relevant
build a protein. product development needs.
Functioning of mRNA Vaccines:
96. (d)
z To produce an mRNA vaccine, scientists produce a
synthetic version of the mRNA that a virus uses to Explanation:
build its infectious proteins. Animal Husbandry:
z This mRNA is delivered into the human body, whose z Animal Husbandry is an integral part of the farming
cells read it as instructions to build that viral protein and system in the Himalaya in general, and upper Rangit Basin
therefore create some of the virus’s molecules themselves. in particular.
z These proteins are solitary, so they do not assemble to z It plays an important role in the food chain.
form a virus. The immune system then detects these viral z As agriculture, horticulture and agroforestry form a major
proteins and starts to produce a defensive response to component of farming system, livestock rearing system
them. is to support the main component.
Advantages of Using mRNA based Vaccines: z They help to recycle the crop residues and agricultural
z mRNA vaccines are considered safe as mRNA is non- products effectively. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
infectious, non-integrating in nature, and degraded by z The livestocks are utilised as chief media of disposal of
standard cellular mechanisms. Hence, statement 2 is crop residues and agricultural by products.
correct. z The animals under this system thus have a multi-
z They are highly efficacious because of their inherent functional utility and their products such as milk, meat
capability of being translatable into the protein structure and eggs are by and large utilised domestically and
inside the cell cytoplasm. surplus if any is sold in the neighbourhood or in the nearby
z Additionally, mRNA vaccines are fully synthetic and market.
do not require a host for growth, e.g., eggs or bacteria. z India is number one milk producer in the world.

z It provides employment to about 8.8% of the population Employees in receipt of a daily average wage upto
in India. Hence, statement 2 is correct. Rs.137 are exempted from payment of contribution.
z About 20.5 million people depend upon livestock for their z The Employees' State Insurance Scheme is administered
livelihood. by a corporate body called the ESI Corporation.
z Livestock contributed 16% to the income of small farm The Corporation is the highest policy-making and
households as against an average of 14% for all rural decision-taking authority under the ESI Act and
households. oversees the functioning of the Scheme.
z Livestock provides livelihood to two-third of rural The Union Minister of Labour and Employment is its
communities. Chairman.
z It also provides employment to about 8.8% of the
z It covers about 3.49 crore of family units of workers and
population in India.
provides cash benefits and medical facilities to 13.56 crore
z India has vast livestock resources.
beneficiaries.
z Livestock sector contributes 4.11% GDP and 25.6% of
total Agriculture GDP. Hence, statement 3 is correct. 98. (c)
97. (c) Explanation:

National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI):
Explanation: z NIXI is a not-for-profit organization (section 8 of the
Atal Bimit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana: ESIC Companies Act 2013) working since 2003 for spreading
z Atal Bimit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana was introduced w.e.f.
the internet infrastructure to the citizens of India through
1st July 2018. the following activities:
z Under it, unemployment benefit is paid to the workers z Internet Exchanges through which the internet data is
covered under the Employees' State Insurance (ESI) exchanged amongst Internet Service Providers (ISP’s),
scheme. Hence, option (c) is correct. Data Centers and Content Delivery Network (CDNs).
z Unemployment benefit is paid in the form of cash Hence, statement 1 is correct.
compensation upto 90 days, once in a lifetime, to be z .IN Registry, managing and operation of .IN country-code
claimed after three months (90 days) in one or more spells domain and .BHARAT IDN (Internationalized Domain
for being rendered unemployed. Name) domain for India. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
The employee should have completed two years of z Indian Registry for Internet Names and Numbers
insurable employment and has contributed not less (IRINN), managing and operating Internet Protocol (IPv4/
than 78 days in each of the four consecutive IPv6).
contribution periods immediately preceding to the z About the Three New Initiatives:
claim of the relief. IPv6 Expert Panel (IP Guru):
z The benefit does not exceed 25% of the average earning It is a group to extend support to all the Indian
per day. entities who are finding it technically challenging
About the ESI Act, 1948: to migrate and adopt IPv6. It will be offering its
z It applies to all factories and notified establishments services free of cost.
located in implemented areas employing 10 or more It’s a joint effort of the Department of Telecom
persons and is applicable on employees drawing wages (DOT), MeitY and industry.
up to Rs. 21,000 per month (Rs. 25,000 for persons with z NIXI Academy:
disabilities). NIXI Academy is created to educate technical/non-
z In July 2019, the contribution rate under the ESI Act was technical people in India to learn and relearn
reduced from 6.5% to 4% (employers’ contribution from technologies like IPv6 which are normally not taught
4.75% to 3.25% and employees’ contribution from 1.75% in Educational Institutes.
to 0.75%). Successful candidates (after passing the examination)
In a financial year, there are two contribution periods can take a certificate from NIXI, which will be
each of six months duration. useful to find/upgrade jobs in the Industry.

z NIXI-IP-INDEX: z Some Examples:

NIXI has developed an IPv6 index portal for the Child marriage.
Internet community. Female genital mutilation.
NIXI-IP-INDEX portal will showcase the IPv6 Lack of contraceptive choices leading to an unplanned
adoption rate in India and across the world. It can pregnancy.
be used to compare the IPv6 Indian adoption rate with
Unwanted sex exchanged for a home and food.
other economies in the world.
It will also include details about web adoption in When people with diverse sexual orientations and
IPv6, IPv6 traffic etc. gender identities cannot walk down a street without
fearing assault or humiliation.
99. (b)
United Nations Population Fund
Explanation: z About:
z In a multi cropping system, farmers grow two or more It is a subsidiary organ of the UN General Assembly
crops on farmland in one calendar year (unlike mono- and works as a sexual and reproductive health agency.
cropping, that involves planting only one crop on a field).
The UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
It includes inter-cropping, mixed-cropping and relay
establishes its mandate.
cropping. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct.
z Intercropping is growing two or more crops z Establishment:
simultaneously in a definite cropping pattern. Mixed It was established as a trust fund in 1967 and began
intercropping involves growing more than one crop operations in 1969.
simultaneously without any distinct row arrangement. In 1987, it was officially renamed the United
Hence, statement 3 is NOT correct. Nations Population Fund but the original
abbreviation, ‘UNFPA’ for the United Nations Fund
100. (d)
for Population Activities was retained.
Explanation: z Objective:
z Recently, the United Nations Population Fund’s
UNFPA works directly to tackle Sustainable
flagship State of World Population Report 2021 titled
Development Goals on health (SDG3), education
‘My Body is My Own’ was launched. Hence, option (d)
(SDG4) and gender equality (SDG5).
is correct.
z Violation of Bodily Autonomy: z Fund:
The principle of bodily integrity sums up the right of UNFPA is not supported by the UN budget, instead,
each human being, including children, to autonomy it is entirely supported by voluntary contributions
and self-determination over their own body. It of donor governments, intergovernmental
considers an unconsented physical intrusion as a organizations, the private sector, foundations and
human rights violation. individuals.

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CIVIL SERVICES (PRELIMINARY) TEST SERIES – 2022

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63. Consider the following statements: (a) 1 only

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Space for Rough Work

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14 (b) 39 (a) 64 (c) 89 (b)

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4. (d) z IUCN Status: Least Concern. Hence, statement 2 is

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In the case of HAM, the central government bears

15. (c) 17. (a)

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Processing and Development of Agro-Processing z Headquarters: Beijing, China

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z He worked for the abolishment of untouchability and 40. (a)

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z On this day, the handloom weaving community is 43. (b)

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 The opportunities in the aerospace industry 47. (d)

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56. (c) 57. (d)

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58. (b) z The Department of Consumer Affairs maintains buffer

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Misery Index: 65. (c)

 Further, its powers, functions, terms of office etc. were

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The opportunities in the aerospace industry 47. (d)

Further, its powers, functions, terms of office etc. were