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ANALYSIS / APPROACH / SOURCE / STRATEGY:GENERAL STUDIES PRE 2014 PAPER

- TEAM VISION IAS
• The analysis is based on premise that UPSC wants to identify aspirants with certain skills and aptituderequired to function as
a good administrator. UPSC does not explicitly describe these skills so we infer them from Syllabus, Question Paper and
feedback of experts and students.
• This analysis is an attempt to quantify the subjective understanding and make explicit the implicit.
• We have inferred some conclusions from these stats but you arefree to infer differently. Moreover independent/impartial
thinking is one of the qualities expected in administrators.

A
L
n
e Sourc
s Nat
Q.N. Section Question v Source e Explanation Motivation / observation
w ure
e Type
e
l
r
In Medival India, the designations Administrative
'Mahattara' and 'Pattakila' were used for System in India:
(a) military officers (b) Vedic Age to 1947
1 Culture B D U RR
village officers By U. B. Singh
(c) specialists in Vedic rituals Page 47
(d) chiefs of craft guilds
Science Lichens, which are capable of initiating 12th NCERT, Lichens represent an intimate
2 and ecolological succession even on a bare B E F Biology, Unit 10, EM mutualistic relationship between a
Technology rock, are actually a symbiotic association Chapter 13 fungus and photosynthesising algae
1 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 of or cyanobacteria.
(a) algae and bacteria
(b) algae and fungi
(c) bacteria and fungi
(d) fungi and mosses
If you travel through the Himalayas, you NCERTClass XI: Sandalwood trees are found in All three we can observe
are likely to see which of the following INDIA : PHYSICAL foothills of Himalayas. (NCERT)The altitude wise so answer D is
plants naturally growing there ? ENVIRONMENT Moist deciduous forests are more also True
1. Oak page 59, 60 pronounced in the regions which
2. Rhododendron record rainfall between 100-200
3. Sandalwood cm. These forests are found in the
3 Geography Select the correct answer using the code D D F EM northeastern states along the
given below. foothills of Himalayas, eastern
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only slopes of the Western Ghats and
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Orissa. Teak, sal, shisham, hurra,
mahua, amla, semul, kusum, and
sandalwood etc. are the main
species of these forests.
Which of the following are some http://www.ilo.or Coal Kills:An Assessment of
important pollutants released by steel g/oshenc/part- Death and Disease caused by
industry in India ? xi/iron-and- India’s Dirtiest Energy Source
1. Oxides of sulphur steel/item/593- a report by Greenpeace
2. Oxide of nitrogen environmental- (Reported in The Hindu March
Environme
4 3. Carbon monoxide D M F and-public-health- EM 11 2013)
nt
4. Carbon dioxide issues
Select the correct answer using the code
given below.
(a) 1, 3 and 4 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Which of the following Kingdoms were The wonder that It is said that when Pajjota heard of
associated with the life of the Buddha ? was India-A L the Buddha's advent to the world,
1. Avanti 2. Gandhara Basham, chapter- he sent his chaplain's son, Kaccāna,
3. Kosala 4. Magadha 1, ancient and with seven others, to invite him to
Select the correct answer using the code medieval emipres- Avanti. According to a late tradition
5 Culture given below. D D F the age of the RM recorded in the Buddhavamsa
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2 and 4 Buddhahttp://ww (Bu.xxviii.10), the Buddha's mat
(c) 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 3 and 4 w.palikanon.com/ (nisīdana) and rug were deposited,
english/pali_name after his death, in Avanti.
s/ay/avanti.htm It was during Ashoka's time that
Buddism spread to Gandhara.
Every year, a month long ecologically http://www.thehi
6 Culture B D CA EN
important campaign/festival is held ndu.com/todays-
2 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 during which certain communities/tribes paper/tp-
plant samplings of fruit-bearing trees. miscellaneous/tp-
Which of the following are such others/their-own-
communities/tribes ? green-
(a) Bhutia and Lepcha revolution/article3
(b) Gond and Korku 823031.ece
(c) Irula and Toda
(d) Sahariya and Agariya
The sales tax you pay while purchasing a Laxmikanth, D.D The power to impose taxes on 'sale
toothpaste is a Basu- Page 352 of purchase of goods other than
(a) Tax imposed by the Central newspaper' belongs to State (Entry
Government list 54, State II)
(b) Tax imposed by the central
Government but collected by the State
7 Polity D E F EM
Government.
(c) Tax imposed by the State
Government but collected by the
Central Government.
(d) Tax imposed and collected by the
State Government.
What does venture capital mean ? Internet
(a) A short-term capital provided to http://www.invest
industries opedia.com/terms
(b) A long-term start-up capital provided /v/venturecapital.
8 Economy to new entrepreneurs B M F asp EM
(c) Funds provided to industries at times
of incurring losses.
(d) Funds provided for replacement and
renovation of industries.
The main objective of the 12th Five-Year 12th FYP, Current Self Explanatory
Plan is Affairs
(a) inclusive growth and poverty
reduction.
9 Economy (b) inclusive and sustainable growth D E CA EM
(c) sustainable and inclusive growth to
reduce unemployment
(d) faster, sustainable and more
inclusive growth.
With reference to Balance of Payments, NCERT Economics, Current account includes balance of
which of the following Uma Kapila trade (exports-imports), net
10 Economy C M F EM
constitutes/constitute the Current remittances, Trade in services. SDRs
Account ? count as foreign assets
3 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 1. Balance of trade 2.
Foreign assets
3. Balance of invisibles
4. Special Drawing Rights
Select the correct answer using the code
given below.
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 4
The terms 'Marginal Standing Facility The Hindu, MSF came into effect from 9th May Marginal Standing Facility
Rate' and 'Net Demand and Time Current Affairs, 2011. MSF scheme is provided by (MSF) is a new scheme
Liabilities', sometimes appearing in Uma Kapila RBI by which the banks can borrow announced by the Reserve
news, are used in relation to overnight upto 1 per cent of their Bank of India (RBI) in its
11 Economy (a) banking operations A E CA EN net demand and time liabilities Monetary Policy (2011-12),
(b) communications networking (NDTL) i.e. 1 per cent of the Hence it was important.
(c) military strategies aggregate deposits and other
(d) supply and demand of agricultural liabilities of the banks.
products
What is/are the facility/facilities the Current Affairs, BCs are being used under the
beneficiaries can get from the services Government Swabhimaan scheme for both the
of Business Correspondent (Bank Saathi) Schemes, India purposes
in branchless areas ? Year Book
1. It enables the beneficiaries to draw
their subsidies and social security
benefits in their villages.
12 Economy 2. It enables the beneficiaries in the C M CA EN
rural areas to make deposits and
withdrawals.

Select the correct answer using the code

given below.
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 only (d) Neither 1 nor 4
In the context of Indian economy which NCERT Economics A statutory reserve is an amount of RBI notified Liquidity Coverage
of the following is/are the cash a financial institution, such as Ratio(LCR) rules w.r.t. Basel III
purpose/purposes of 'Statutory Reserve a bank, credit union, or insurance
Requirements'? company, must keep on hand to
1. To enable the Central Bank to control meet the obligations incurred by
13 Economy B M F EM
the amount of advances the banks can virtue of accepting deposits and
create. premium payments. The statutory
2. To make the people's deposits with reserves required of banks and
banks safe and liquid. credit unions are generally set by
3. To prevent the commercial banks the nation's central bank, and those
4 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 from making excessive profits. required of insurance companies
4. To force the banks to have sufficient are set by statute or regulation by
vault cash to meet their day-to-day the national, state or provincial
requirements. government or regulatory
Select the correct answer using the code authority. Calculated in various
given below. ways, statutory reserves are
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only required to ensure that financial
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 institutions are capable of paying
claims even in a calamitous
situation.
Recently, a series of uprisings of people Current Affairs, Arab Spring began with the Arab Spring was in news since
referred to as 'Arab Spring' originally THE HINDU overthrow of ruler Tunisia, Ben Ali last 3 years
Current
14 started from D M CA EN who fled to Saudi Arabia
Affairs
(a) Egypt (b) Lebanon
(c) Syria (d) Tunisia
Consider the following countries : Current Affairs, Arctic council and surrounding
1. Denmark 2. Japan THE HINDU controversy had a lot of
3. Russian Federation coverage in national dalies
4. United Kingdom
Current
15 5. United States of America D M CA EN
Affairs
Which of the above are the members of
the 'Arctic Council' ?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 4 and 5 (d) 1, 3 and 5
Consider the following pairs : Current Affairs, All regions are affected by some
Region often in news Country THE HINDU, Indian conflict, DARFUR is in Sudan, Swat
1. Chechnya :Russian Federation Express Valley is in Pakistan
2. Darfur : Mali
Current
16 3. Swat Valley : Iraq A M CA EN
Affairs
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly
matched ?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
With reference to Agni-IV Missile, which Current Affairs, AGNI IV has a range of about 4000
of the following statements is/are THE Hindu, India km with 1 tonne nuclear head. Has
correct ? Year Book two stages of Solid Propulsion
Science 1. It is surface-to surface missile.
17 and 2. It is fuelled by liquid propellant only. A E CA EN
Technology 3. It can deliver one-tonne nuclear
warheads about 7500km away.
Select the correct answer using the code
given below.
5 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
With reference to two non-conventional http://archive.indi Shale gas deposits in India have
energy sources called 'coalbed methane' anexpress.com/ne been in news. Shale gas is a
and 'shale gas', consider the following ws/cambay- mixture of Methane, Propane and
statements : project-puts- many other gases
1. Coalbed methane is the pure gujarat-on-global-
methane gas extracted from coal seams, shale-gas-
while shale gas is a mnixture of propane map/1200028/
Current
18 and butane only that can be extracted D M CA EN
Affairs
from fine-grained sedimentary rocks.
2. In India, abundant coalbed methane
sources exist, but so far no shale gas
sources have been found.
Which of the statements given
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
With reference to 'Changpa' community http://pib.nic.in/n Changpa Tribe belong to Ladakh J&K’s tableau during republic
of India, consider the following ewsite/PrintReleas region of Jammu and Kashmir day parade showcased the
statements : e.aspx?relid=1026 nomadic culture of the state,
1. They live mainly in the State of 81 depicting Gujjar-Bakkarwal of
Uttarakhand Kashmir, Gaddi of Jammu
2. They rear the Pashmina goats that region and the Changpa tribe
yield a fine wool. from Ladakh. Changpas have
3. They are kept in the category of the unique distinction of being
19 Geography B D CA EN
Scheduled Tribes. allowed to move freely
Which of the statements given above amongst the borders of India
is/are correct ? and China and are keepers of
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only the Pashmina goat from
(c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 where the famed Pashmina
wool is sourced. “Shawls are
so fine that they can be pulled
through a tiny ring hole,”
In India, cluster bean (Guar) is Current Affairs, Shale gas has been in news a
traditionally used as a vegetable or THE HINDU, Indian lot recently
animal feed, but recently the cultivation Express, Science
of this has assumed significance. Which Reporter
Current
20 one of the following statements is B M CA EN
Affairs
correct in this context ?
(a) The oil extracted from seeds is used
in the manufacture of biodegradable
plastics.
6 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 (b) The gum made from its seeds is used
in the extraction of shale gas
(c) The leaf extract of this plant has the
properties of anti-histamines.
(d) It is a source of high quality
biodiesel.
The Partition of Bengal made by Lord Modern India (Old
Curzon in 1905 lasted until NCERT - 12th class
(a) The First World War when Indian by Bipin Chandra)
troops were needed by the British and
Modern the partition was ended.
21 Indian (b) King George V abrogated Curzon's B E F EM
History Act as the Royal Durbar in Delhi in 1911
(c) Gandhiji launched his Civil
Disobedience Movement.
(d) The Partition of India in 1947 when
East Bengal became East Pakistan.
The 1929 Session of Indian National Modern India (Old
Congress is on significance in the history NCERT - 12th class
of the Freedom Movement because the by Bipin Chandra)
(a) attainment of Self-Government was
declared as the objective of the
Modern
Congress.
22 Indian B E F EM
(b) Attainment of PoornaSwaraj was
History
adopted as the goal of the Congress.
(c) Non-Cooperation Movement was
launched.
(d) Decision to participate in the Round
Table Conference in London was taken.
With reference to the famous Sattriya http://ccrtindia.go The Sattriya form uses a variety of http://www.frontline.in/static
dance, consider the following v.in/sattriya.php hand gestures and foot positions. It /html/fl2719/stories/2010092
statements : also has its own style of music, 4271906400.htm
1. Sattriya is a combination of music, based on classical ragas and the
dance and drama. talas (rhythm) of borgeets
2. It is a centuries-old living tradition of (devotional songs composed by
23 Culture Vaishnavites of Assam. B D F RM Sankardeva and Madhavdeva) and
3. It is based on classical Ragas and Talas the songs of the one-act-plays.
of devotional songs composed by
Tulsidas, Kabir and Mirabai.
Which of the statements given above
is/are correct ?
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only
7 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Chaitra 1 of the national calendar based India Year Book
on the Saka Era corresponds to which
one of the following dates of the
Gregorian calendar in a normal year of
24 Culture 365 days ? A D F EM
(a) 22nd March (or 21st March)
(b) 15th May (or 16th May)
(c) 21st March (or 30th March)
(d) 21st April (or 20th April)
With reference to the Indian history of The wonder that varahavtaar sculpture is at
art and culture, consider the following was India-A L udayagiri caves near Bhilsa.
pairs : Basham, chapter-
Famous work of sculpture : Site 8, The Arts, page
1. A grand image of Buddha's 373 and 374 for
Mahaparinirvana with numerous parts 2 and 3. For
celestial musicians above and the 1, refer to cave 26
sorrowful figures of his followers below in
:Ajanta http://asi.nic.in/as
2. A huge image of Varaha Avatar (boar i_monu_whs_ajan
25 Culture incarnation) of Vishnu, as he rescues C D U ta_caves.asp RM
Goddess Earth from the deep and
chaotic waters, sculpted on rock.
: Mount Abu
3."Arjuna's Penance"/ "Descent of
Ganga" sculpted on the surface of huge
boulders : Mamallapuram
Which of the pairs given above is/are
correctly matched ?
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
The Ghadr (Ghadar) was a Modern India (Old
(a) revolutionary association of Indians NCERT - 12th class
with headquarters at San Francisco. by Bipin Chandra)
(b) nationalist organization operating
Modern
from Singapore.
26 Indian A E F EM
(c) militant organisation with
History
headquarters at Berlin
(d) Communist movement for India's
freedom with head-quarters at
Tashkent.

8 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 With reference to India's culture and http://ccrtindia.go Kalaripayattu was in news in
tradition, what is 'Kalaripayattu'? v.in/performingart relation to Bollywood and
(a) It is an ancient Bhakti cult of .php actor VidyutJammwal
Shaivism still prevalent in some parts of
South India.
(b) It is an ancient style bronze and
brasswork still found in southern part of
27 Culture D D F RR
Coromandel area.
(c) It is an ancient form of dance-drama
and a living tradition in the northern
part of Malabar.
(d) It is an ancient martial art and a
living tradition in some parts of South
India.
Consider the following pairs : http://ccrtindia.go
1. Garba : Gujarat v.in/performingart
2. Mohiniattam : Odisha .php
3. Yakshagana : Karnataka
28 Culture C M F EM
Which of the pairs given above is/are
correctly matched ?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
With reference to Buddhist history, http://www.budd The village of Nako, at about 13,000
tradition and culture in India, consider histchannel.tv/ind feet (3,900 m), in Kinnaur in
the following pairs: ex.php?id=5,6304, Himachal Pradesh has an early
Famous Shrine Location 0,0,1,0#.VASCFvm temple complex. The main temple
1. Tabo monastery and temple complex SySo is called the LhotsavaLakhang, or
: Spiti Valley the temple of the great translator
2. LhotsavaLhakhang : RinchenZangpo. Enclosed between
29 Culture C D U RR
Zanskar Valley the Greater Himalaya and the
3. Alchi Temple Complex : Zaskar, Nako is located at the east
Ladakh end of Kinnaur Valley.
Which of the above pairs given is/are
correctly matched ?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Consider the following statements : NIOS material – Vallabhacharya’s philosophy came
1. 'Bijak' is a composition of the RELIGION & to be known as Pushtimarga (the
teachings of Saint DaduDayal. PHILOSOPHY IN path of grace). Kabir’s ideas were
30 Culture D D F EM
2. The Philosophy of PushtiMarg was MEDIEVAL INDIA, later collected and preserved in
propounded by Madhvacharya. page 136 Bijak.
Which of the statements given above NCERT class-7th,
9 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 is/are correct ? OUR PASTS-II,
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only page116
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
A community of people called http://indianexpre
Manganiyars is well-known for their ss.com/article/citi
(a) martial arts in North-East India es/mumbai/from-
31 Culture (b) musical tradition in North-West B D U seduction-to- RM
India. education/
(c) Classical vocal music in South India.
(d) Pictradura tradition in Central India.
What was/were the object/objects of Modern India (Old
Queen Victoria's Proclamation (1858)? NCERT - 12th class
1. To disclaim any intention to annex by Bipin Chandra)
Indian States
2. To place the Indian administration
Modern
under the British Crown.
32 Indian A M F EM
3. To regulate East India Company's
History
trade with India
Select the correct answer using the code
given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
IbadatKhana at FatehpurSikri was NCERT class-7th,
(a) the mosque for the use of Royal OUR PASTS-II,
Family page 54
(b) Akbar's private prayer chamber.
(c) the hall in which Akbar held
33 Culture C M F EM
discussions with scholars of various
religions.
(d) the room in which the nobles
belonging in different religions gathered
to discuss religious affairs.
In the context of food and nutritional http://articles.eco India has a national seeds policy
security of India, enhancing the 'Seed nomictimes.indiati 2002, also many private companies
Replacement Rates' of various crops mes.com/2009- are operating in supplying seeds
helps in achieving the food production 06-
targets of the future. But what is/are the 29/news/2765073
34 Geography B D FCA RM
constraint/constraints in its 7_1_fertiliser-
wider/greater implementation ? companies-
1. There is no National Seeds Policy in chambal-
place. fertilisers-
2. There is no participation of private coromandel-
10 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 sector seed companies in the supply of fertilisers
quality seeds of vegetables and planting
materials of horticultural crops.
3. There is a demand-supply gap
regarding quality seeds in case of low
value and high volume crops.
Select the correct answer using the code
given below.
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 (d) None
With reference to 'Eco-Sensitive Zones', http://www.pib.ni Declared under Environment Continuously in news due to
which of the following statements is/are c.in/newsite/erele (Protection) Act, 1986. Activities madhavgadgil committee
correct ? ase.aspx?relid=36 prohibited are generally specific to report and developments in
1. Eco-Sensitive Zones are the areas that 370 each zone and notified separately. NCR region also. The hindu
are declared under the Wildlife mentioned the line" an eco-
(Protection) Act, 1972. sensitive zone under the
Environme 2. The purpose of the declaration of Eco- Environment Protection Act,
35 D M CA EN
nt Sensitive Zones is to prohibit all kinds of 1986." many times
human activities in those zones except
agriculture.
Select the correct answer using the code
given below.
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Consider the following statements : http://www.awbi. Animal Welfare Board has been All the three have been in
1. Animal Welfare Board of India is org/?q=node/1 established under Prevention of news recently
established under the Environment http://projecttiger Cruelty to Animals Acts 1960
(Protection) Act, 1986. .nic.in/content/11
2. National Tiger Conservation Authority 1_1_Introduction.
Environme is a statutory body. aspx
36 B M CA RM
nt 3. National Ganga River Basin Authority http://pib.nic.in/n
is chaired by the Prime Minister. ewsite/erelease.as
Which of the statements given above px?relid=58626
is/are correct ?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Consider the following pairs : NCERT Science Vitamin A causes Night Blindness
Vitamin Deficiency disease Class IX
Science
1. Vitamin C : Scurvy
37 and A E F EM
2. Vitamin D : Rickets
Technology
3. Vitamin E : Night blindness
Which of the pairs given above is/are
11 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 correctly matched ?
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) None
There is some concern regarding the http://rsif.royalsoc Many of the nano particles are very
nanoparticles of some chemical ietypublishing.org/ stable and hence have a tendency
elements that are used by the industry content/early/200 for accumuation. They can easily
in the manufacture of various products. 9/08/31/rsif.2009. enter food chains because of their
Why ? 0252.focus.full very small size and stay in it
1. They can accumulate in the because of their stable nature. They
environment and contaminate water have the ability to generate free
Environme
38 and soil. D D FA RM radicals and cause oxidative stress
nt
2. They can enter the food chains. in cells
3. They can trigger the production of
free radicals.
Select the correct answer using the code
given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Which of the following organizations http://www.thehi
brings out the publication known as ndu.com/business
'World Economic Outlook ? /Economy/indias-
(a) The International Monetary Fund growth-likely-to-
39 Economy (b) The United Nations Development A E CA recover-to-54-in- EN
Programme 2014-
(c) The World Economic Forum imf/article588770
(d) The World Bank 8.ece

With reference to Union Budget, which NCERT economy, All of them form the part of Non-
of the following is/are covered under Uma Kapila plan expenditure
Non-Plan Expenditure ?
1. Defence expenditure
2. Interest payments
40 Economy 3. Salaries and pensions C M F EM
4. Subsidies
Select the correct answer using the code
given below.
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2, 3 and 4 (d) None
If the interest rate is decreased in an Uma Kapila, Decreased interest rates would
economy, it will Ramesh Singh ensure availabilty of capital for
41 Economy C M FA EM
(a) decrease the consumption investment expenditure
expenditure in the economy
12 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 (b) increase the tax collection of the
Government.
(c) Increase the investment expenditure
in the economy
(d) increase the total savings in the
economy.
Consider the following statements : Laxmikanth Article 77(c) - Verbatim, second
1. The President shall make rules for the statement being wrong, since all
more convenient transaction of the decision are taken in the name of
business of the Government of India, President
and for the allocation among Ministers
of the said business.
2. All executive actions of the
42 Polity A E F EM
Government of India shall be expressed
to be taken in the name of the Prime
Minister.
Which of the statements given above
is/are correct ?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Consider the following statements Laxmikanth
regarding a No-Confidence Motion in
India :
1. There is no mention of a No-
Confidence Motion in the Constitution
of India.
43 Polity C M F EM
2. A motion of No-Confidence can be
introduced in the Lok Sabha only.
Which of the statements given above
is/are correct ?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
With reference to Neem tree, consider http://www.organ
the following statements : eem.com/neem_tr
1. Neem oil can be used as a pesticide to ee.html
control the proliferation of some species http://www.scienc
Environme of insects and mites. edirect.com/scien
44 D M FA RM
nt 2. Neem seeds are used in the ce/article/pii/S187
manufacture of biofuels and hospital 7705813005237
detergents.
3. Neem oil has applications in
pharmaceutical industry.
13 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 Which of the statements given above
is/are correct ?
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Which one of the following is the http://www.ncbi.n
process involved in photosynthesis? lm.nih.gov/books/
(a) Potential energy is released to form NBK9861/
free energy.
Science
(b) Free energy is converted into
45 and B E FA EM
potential energy and stored.
Technology
(c) Food is oxidized to release carbon
dioxide and water.
(d) Oxygen is taken, and carbon dioxide
and water vapour are given out.
In addition to fingerprint scanning, Types of .Both Iris and Retina scanning in Increasing focus on biometrics
which of the following can be used in Biometrics Biometric id uses near infrared(NIR) with aadhar and other related
the biometric identification of a person http://www.biom light using digital camera. measures
? etricsinstitute.org/
Science
1. Iris scanning 2. Retinal scanning pages/types-of-
46 and D M FCA EN
3. Voice recognition biometrics.html
Technology
Select the correct answer using the code
given below.
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Which of the following statements is/are http://www.scienc Second option is wrong because if
correct regarding vegetative elearn.org.nz/Inno the parent plant has a virus, then it
propagation of plants ? vation/Innovation- will not be eliminated but further
1. Vegetative propagation produces Stories/Zealong- propagated.
clonal population. Tea/Articles/Veget
Science 2. Vegetative propagation helps in ative-plant-
47 and eliminating the virus. C D FA propagation RR
Technology 3. Vegetative propagation can be
practiced most of the year.
Select the correct answer using the code
given below.
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Which of the following pairs is/are http://timesofindi Cassini Huygens was sent to planet Cassini reveals 101 geysers on
correctly matched ? a.indiatimes.com/ Saturn, all the other options can Enceladus(31 July 2014).
Current
48 Spacecraft Purpose B D CA home/science/The EN then be worked out easily Voyager 1 went out of the
Affairs
1. Cassini-Huygens : Orbiting the Venus -Cosmic-Photo- Solar System in Sep 2013.
and transmitting data to the Earth Op-Cassini-
14 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 2. Messenger : Mapping and spacecraft-to-
investigating snap-Earth-from-
3. Voyager 1 and 2 : Exploring the 1-5-billion-kms-
outer solar system away/articleshow/
Select the correct answer using the code 21052266.cms
given below.
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Consider the following pairs : Khullar,India Arecanut is grown mainly in
Region Well-known for the Comprehensive southern region, mango in central
production of Geography and south india and soyabean
1. Kinnaur : Areca nut predominantly in central india
2. Mewat : Mango
49 Geography D M FCA EM
3. Coromandel Soya bean
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly
matched ?
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) None
Which of the following is/are the 7th NCERT, Crystallisation of sodium chloride
example/examples of chemical change ? Science, Chapter 6 and ice melting are physical
1. Crystallization of sodium chloride changes as they involve a change of
Science 2. Melting of ice state
50 and 3. Souring of milk B M F EM
Technology Select the correct answer using the code
given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) None
The power of the Supreme Court of Laxmikant - Indian
India to decide disputes between the Polity
Centre and the States falls under its
51 Polity (a) advisory jurisdiction C E F EM
(b) appellate jurisdiction
(c) original jurisdiction
(d) writ jurisdiction
Consider the following http://aob.oxfordj All three methods are related to directly related to GM crops
techniques/phenomena : ournals.org/conte transgenic crops directly or issue
1. Budding and grafting in fruit plants nt/79/1/3.full.pdf indirectly. As Cytoplasmic male
Science
2. Cytoplasmic male sterility http://www.ncbi.n sterility and Gene silencing are new
52 and B D U RR
3. Gene silencing lm.nih.gov/books/ technologies specifically developed
Technology
Which of the above is/are used to create NBK22015/ for this purpose so option B looks
transgenic crops ? more apropriate.
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
15 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 (c) 1 and 3 only (d) None
Consider the following statements : http://www.fao.or due to increased focus on
1. Maize can be used for the production g/docrep/t0395e/ biofuels
of starch. T0395E02.htm
2. Oil extracted from maize can be a http://en.wikipedi
Science feedstock for biodiesel. a.org/wiki/Maize#
53 and 3. Alcoholic beverages can be produced D M FCA Bio-fuel EM
Technology by using maize.
Which of the statements given above
is/are correct ?
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Among the following organisms, which http://www.merri crab does not belong to arachnida
Science one does not belong to the class of am- family
54 and other three ? A M U webster.com/med RM
Technology (a) Crab (b) Mite ical/arachnida
(c) Scorpion (d) Spider
The power to increase the number of Laxmikant - Indian Might be related to the
judges in the Supreme Court of India is Polity current news of increase in
vested in number of judges in the High
55 Polity (a) The President of India B M F EM Court
(b) the Parliament
(c) The Chief Justice of India
(d) the Law Commission
Consider the following towns of India : Geographical Indication
1. Bhadrachalam 2. Chanderi
3. Kancheepuram 4. Karnal
56 Geography Which of the above are famous for the B D U RM
production of traditional sarees/fabric ?
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 3 and 4
Consider the following pairs: NCERT Class XII NH4 connects Bengaluru-Chennai,
National Highway Cities connected Geography- Part II NH6 Connects Surat-Kolkata
1. NH4 : Chennai and Hyderabad
2. NH6 : Mumbai and Kolkata
57 Geography 3. NH15: Ahmedabad and Jodhpur D M F EM
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly
matched ?
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) None
58 Environme Consider the following international D M FCA http://pib.nic.in/n RM As per United Nations Convention IPCC Fifth Assessment Report

16 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 nt agreements : ewsite/efeatures.a to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) 2014
1. The international Treaty on Plant spx?relid=105134 website - "dynamics of land,
Genetic Resources for Food and climate and biodiversity are
Agriculture. intimately connected, the UNCCD
2. The United Nations Convention to collaborates closely with the other
Combat Desertification. two Rio Conventions; the
3. The World Heritage Convention Convention on Biological Diversity
Which of the above has/have a bearing (CBD) and the United Nations
on the biodiversity ? Framework Convention on Climate
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only Change (UNFCCC), to meet these
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 complex challenges with an
integrated approach and the best
possible use of natural resources."
Rest of the two are also associated
with biodiveresity.
Consider the following statements http://www.earth It is an initiative of WWF (World Directly related to current
regarding 'Earth Hour' hour.org/crowdso Wildlife Fund for Nature) affairs
1. It is an initiative of UNEP and UNESCO urcing-faqs
2. It is a movement in which the
participants switch off the lights for one
hour on a certain day every year.
Environme
59 3. It is a movement to raise the C M CA EN
nt
awareness about the climate change
and the need to save the planet.
Which of the statements given above
is/are correct ?
(a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Which one of the following is the correct http://www.scienc
sequence of a food chain ? eisart.com/B_Foo
Science
(a) Diatoms-Crustaceans-Herrings dChain/FoodChain
60 and A D FA RR
(b) Crustaceans-Diatoms-Herrings .html
Technology
(c) Diatoms-Herrings-Crustaceans
(d) Crustaceans-Herrings-Diatoms
What are the significances of a practical http://www.agrite The SSI method encourages Due to similiarity with System
approach to sugarcane production ch.tnau.ac.in/expe application of organic manure as it of Rice Intensification and
known as 'Sustainable Sugarcane rt_system/sugar/s enhances the macro and micro sustainable agriculture also
Environme Initiative' ? si.html nutrient content in the soil in an being in continuous focus
61 B D FCA RM
nt 1. Seed cost is very low in this compared eco friendly way and helps in
to the conventional method of optimum utilization of some of the
cultivation. chemical fertilizers
2. Drip irrigation can be practiced very
17 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 effectively in this.
3. There is no application of
chemical/inorganic fertilizers at all in
this.
4. The scope for intercropping is more in
this compared to the conventional
method of cultivation.
Select the correct answer using the code
given below.
(a) 1 and 3 only (b) 1, 2 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
If a wetland of international importance http://www.ramsa Montreux Record was asked
is brought under the 'Montreux Record', r.org/cda/en/rams in Mains 2010
what does it imply ? ar-documents-
(a) Changes in ecological character have montreux/main/ra
occurred, are occurring or are likely to msar/1-31-
occur in the wetland as a result of 118_4000_0__
human interference.
(b) The country in which the wetland is
located should enact a low to prohibit
environme any human activity within five
62 A M FCA EM
nt kilometres from the edge of the
wetland.
(c) The survival of the wetland depends
on the cultural practices and traditions
of certain communities living in its
vicinity and therefore the cultural
diversity therein should not be
destroyed.
(d) It is given the status of 'World
Heritage Site'.
Which one of the following pairs of NCERT Class XI (NCERT) The entire group of island
islands is separated from each other by Geography Page isdivided into two broad categories
the 'Ten Degree Channel'? 19 – the Andaman in the north and the
63 Geography (a) Andman and Nicobar (b) A E F EM Nicobar in the south. They are
Nicobar and Sumatra separated by a water body
(c) Maldives and Lakshadweep which is called the Ten degree
(d) Sumatra and Java channel.
Consider the following pairs : India Year Book National Watershed Development National watershed
Programme/Project Ministry http://agricoop.ni Project for Rainfed Areas falls Development Programme is
64 Geography D M F EM
1 Drought-Prone Area Programme : c.in/guide.htm under Ministry of Agriculture being implemented by Min.of
Ministry of Agriculture Rural Developement but for
18 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 2. Desert Development Programme : Rainfed Areas by Min.Of
Ministry of Environment and Forests Agriculture.
3. National Watershed Development
Project for Rainfed Areas :
Ministry of Rural Development
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly
matched ?
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) None
With reference to Bombay Natural http://envfor.nic.i BNHS does not come under MoEF. http://www.thehindu.com/to
History Society (BNHS), consider the n/about- days-paper/tp-
following statements : ministry/autonom national/bombay-natural-
1. It is an autonomous organization ous-organisations history-society-conducts-
under the Ministry of Environment and http://www.bnhs. nature-
Forests. org/about- camps/article4701556.ece
2. It strives to conserve nature through bnhs.html
environme
65 action-based research, education and C M U RR
nt
public awareness.
3. It organizes and conducts nature trails
and camps for the general public.
Which of the statements given above
is/are correct ?
(a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
With reference to 'Global Environment http://www.thege GEF is an independently operating Increasing issues with climate
Facility', which of the following f.org/gef/whatisge financial organization, the GEF change funding and recent
statements is/are correct? f provides grants for projects related climate change negotiations
(a) It serves as financial mechanism for to biodiversity, climate change, mainly focussing on climate
'Convention on Biological Diversity' and international waters, land change funding.
'United Nations Framework Convention degradation, the ozone layer, and
on Climate Change'. persistent organic pollutants.
environme
66 (b) It undertakes scientific research on A D FCA RM
nt
environmental issues at global level.
(c) It is an agency under OECD to
facilitate the transfer of technology and
funds to underdeveloped countries with
specific aim to protect their
environment.
(d) Both (a) and (b)
Science With reference to technology for solar http://cleantechni Photovoltaic technique produces US drags India to WTO on
67 and power production, consider the A D FCA ca.com/2012/03/0 EN Direct Current (DC) and India has a solar mission programme.
Technology following statements : 1/what-is-solar- manufacturing base for (The Hindu Feb 2014)
19 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 1. 'Photovoltaics' is a technology that energy-types- photovoltaics recent start of next phase of
generates electricity by direct solar-energy- JNNSM and excise duty
conversion of light into electricity, while technology/ related issues with domestic
'Solar Thermal' is a technology that SPV producers and also
utilizes the Sun's rays to generate heat custom duties on SPV imports
which is further used in electricity
generation process.
2. Photovoltaics-generates Alternating
Current (AC), while Solar Thermal
generates Direct Current (DC).
3. India has manufacturing base for
Solar Thermal technology, but not for
photovoltaics.
Which of the statements given above
is/are correct ?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) None
Consider the following languages : http://www.thehi
1. Gujarati ndu.com/todays-
2. Kannada paper/tp-
3. Telugu national/tp-
Which of the above has/have been newdelhi/classical-
68 Culture C M CA EN
declared as 'Classical language-status-
Language/Languages' by the to-
Government ? odia/article57119
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only 57.ece
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Consider the following pairs : any standard atlas Gumti wildlife sanctuary is in
1. Dampa Tiger Reserve : Mizoram Tripura.
2. Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary : Sikkim
3. SaramatiPeak : Nagaland
69 Geography C D FCA EM
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly
matched ?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
With reference to a conservation http://www.wetla Wetlands International is the only
organization called 'Wetlands nds.org/Aboutus/t global non-governmental
International', which of the following abid/54/Default.as organisation (NGO) dedicated to
Environme
70 statements is/are correct ? B D CA px RM wetlands.
nt
1. It is an intergovernmental
organizatioin formed by the countries
which are signatories to
20 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 RamsarConvention.
2. It works at the field level to develop
and mobilize knowledge, and use the
practical experience to advocate for
better policies.
Select the correct answer using the code
given below.
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
With reference to a grouping of Current Affairs, First BRICS summit was held in BRICS Bank, Fortaleza
countries known as BRICS, consider the Internet 2009 in Russia, second statement is Declaration
following statements : correct.
1. The First Summit of BRICS was held in
Rio de Jeneiro in 2009
Current
71 2. South Africa was the last to join the B M CA EN
Affairs
BRICS grouping.
Which of the statements given above
is/are correct ?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Consider the following diseases : http://www.thehi Small pox was eradicated in 1979
1. Diphtheria 2. Chickenpox ndu.com/opinion/
Science 3. Smallpox blogs/blogs-the-
72 and Which of the above diseases has/have B M CA copernican/article RM
Technology been eradicated in India ? 5976018.ece
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) None
Which of the following phenomena 11th NCERT,
might have influenced the evolution of Geography,
organisms ? Fundamentals of
1. Continental drift 2. Glacial cycles world physical
73 Geography C M F EM
Select the correct answer using the code geography
given below.
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Other than poaching, what are the http://www.wwfn Crocodile population has nothing to
possible reasons for the decline in the epal.org/about_w do with the decline in population of
population of Gangas River Dolphins ? wf/conservation_n dolphins. It is human activities that
Environme
74 1. Construction of dams and barrages on C E FCA epal/shl/thematic EN are mainly responsible.
nt
rivers _solutions_nepal2
2. Increase in the population of /species_nepal/ga
crocodiles in rivers. ngetic_dolphin_ne
21 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 3. Getting trapped in fishing nets pal/
accidentally http://wwf.panda.
4. Use of synthetic fertilizers and other org/what_we_do/
agricultural chemicals in crop-fields in endangered_speci
the vicinity of rivers es/cetaceans/abo
Select the correct answer using the code ut/river_dolphins/
given below. ganges_river_dolp
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only hin/
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
The Radcliffe Committee was appointed Spectrum Modern
to India
(a) solve the problem of minorities in
Modern
India
75 Indian C E F EM
(b) given effect to the Independence Bill
History
(c) delimit the boundaries between India
and Pakistan
(d) enquire into the riots in East Bengal.
Brominated flame retardants are used in http://www.efsa.e http://www.thehindu.com/ne
many household products like uropa.eu/en/topic ws/cities/Delhi/top-
mattresses and upholstery. Why is there s/topic/bfr.htm companies-flout-ewaste-rules-
some concern about their use ? says-study/article6150844.ece
1. They are highly resistant to
Environme degradation in the environment.
76 C D U RM
nt 2. They are able to accumulate in
humans and animals.
Select the correct answer using the code
given below.
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Consider the following : http://animals.pa http://www.thehindu.com/sci
1. Bats 2. Bears 3. Rodents wnation.com/list- -tech/science/new-light-on-
The phenomenon of hibernation can be animals-hibernate- hibernation/article5265332.ec
Science observed in which of the above kinds of 3236.html e
77 and animals ? C D FCA RM
Technology (a) 1and 2 only (b) 2 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3 only
(d) Hibernation cannot be observed in
any of the above
Which one of the following is the largest LAXMIKANTH -
Committee of the Parliament ? POLITY
78 Polity B E F Em
(a) The committee on Public Accounts
(b) The committee on Estimates
22 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 (c) The Committee on Public
Undertakings
(d) The committee on Petitions
Which of the following adds/ads carbon 11th NCERT,
dioxide to the carbon cycle on the Geography,
planet Earth ? Chapter 15
1. Volcanic action 2. Respiration
Science
3. Photosynthesis 4. Decay of organic
79 and C E F EM
matter
Technology
Select the correct answer using the code
given below.
(a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
If you walk through countryside, you are http://www1.mnr http://timesofindia.indiatimes
likely to see some birds stalking e.gov.ws/docume .com/home/environment/flor
alongside the cattle to seize the insects nts/projects/envir a-fauna/Myna-bird-in-
disturbed by their movement through onment/terrestrial Australia-threatening-its-
grasses. Which one of the following /Myna/Myna%20B native-species-
is/are such bird/birds ? ird_fact%20sheets Study/articleshow/15482046.
Environme
80 1. Painted Stork B D U .pdf RR cms
nt
2. Common Myna
3. Black-necked Crane
Select the correct answer using the code
given below.
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 (d) 3 only
Which of the following have coral reefs ? India Year Book Corals have been in news
1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands http://www.thehi because of their increased
2. Gulf of Kachchh ndu.com/sci- dgradation and their ability to
3. Gulf of Mannar 4. Sunderbans tech/energy-and- withstand coastal hazards like
Select the correct answer using the code environment/inva tsunamis
Geography A M F EM
81 given below. sion-by-soft-coral-
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 2 threatens-reef-
and 4 only ecosystem/article
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 5385047.ece
1, 2, 3 and 4
In India, the problem of soil erosion is 11th NCERT, Terrace cultivation is for preventing
associated with which of the following ? Geography, soil erosion on hill slopes while
1. Terrace cultivation Fundamentals of tropical climate has nothing to do
82 Geography B M F EM
2. Deforestation world physical with soil erosion
3. Tropical climate geography
Select the correct answer using the code
23 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
The seasonal reversal of winds is the 11th NCERT,
typical characteristic of Geography,
(a) Equatorial climate Fundamentals of
83 Geography C E F EM
(b) Mediterranean climate world physical
(c) Monsoon climate geography
(d) All of the above climates
With reference to the cultural history of NCERT +
India, the term 'Panchayatan' refers to http://ccrtindia.go
(a) an assembly of village elders v.in/templearchite
84 Culture C M F EM
(b) a religious sect cture.php
(c) a style of temple construction
(d) an administrative functionary
Consider the following rivers : any standard atlas http://www.thehindu.com/news/n Barak has always been in
1. Barak ational/new-delhi-invites-dhakas- focus due to Tipaimukh dam
2. Lohit stake-in-dams-on-common- issue and The National
3. Subansiri rivers/article4358241.ece Waterway (Lakhipur-Bhanga
which of the above flows/flow through Stretch of the Barak River) Bill,
85 Geography Arunachal Pradesh ? B M F EN 2013 to develop the Barak
(a) 1 only river stretch as country’s sixth
(b) 2 and 3 only National Waterway. The
(c) 1 and 3 only question can be solved by just
(d) 1, 2 and 3 the knowledge of barak river
being in Manipur.
Consider the following pairs : http://www.hindu The wetland ecosystem of Harike
Wetlands Conference of rivers stantimes.com/pu lies on the confluence of the Beas
1. Harike Wetlands : Confluence njab/bathinda/no and Sutlej and the main water body
of Beas and Satluj/ Sutlej d-to-rs-12-7-cr- (reservoir) came into existence
2. Keoladeo Ghana National Park : plan-for-harike- when a barrage was constructed
Environme Confluence of Banas and Chambal wetland/article1- across the confluence of the two
86 A D CA RM
nt 3. Kolleru Lake : Confluence of 1074857.aspx rivers in 1952..
Musi and Krishna
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly
matched ?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Which one of the following pairs does Ancient India (Old
not form part of the six systems of NCERT for XI by
87 Culture C M F EM
Indian Philosophy ? Ram Sharam
(a) Mimamsa and Vedanta Sharma)
24 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 (b) Nyaya and Vaisheshika
(c) Lokayata and Kapalika
(d) Sankhya and Yoga
Consider the following pairs : NCERT XI
Hills Region
1. Cardamom Hills : Coromandel Coast
2. Kaimur Hills : Konkan Coast
3. MaadeoHills : Central India
88 Geography C M F EM
4. Mikir Hills : North-East India
Which of the above pairs are correctly
matched ?
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3
(c) 3 and 4 (d) 2 and 4
Which one of the following Schedules of LAXMIKATH -
the Constitution of India contains POLITY
89 POLITY provisions regarding anti-defection ? D E F EM
(a) Second Schedule (b) Fifth Schedule
(c) Eighth Schedule (d) Tenth Schedule
The most important strategy for the 12th NCERT,
conservation of biodiversity together Biology, Unit 10,
with traditional human life is the Chapter 15
Environme establishment of
90 A M F EM
nt (a) biosphere
(b) reserves
(c) national parks
(d) Wildlife sanctuaries
Turkey is located between any standard atlas In news due to political
(a) Black Sea and Caspian Sea turmoil
91 Geography (b) Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea B M F EN
(c) Gulf of Suez and Mediterranean Sea
(d) Gulf of Aqaba and Dead Se
What is the correct sequence of any standard atlas Focus of our foreign policy on
occurrence of the following cities in South-East Asia
South-East Asia as one proceeds from
south to north?
1. Bangkok
92 Geography 2. Hanoi C M FCA EM
3. Jakarta
4. Singapore
Select the correct answer using the code
given below:
(a) 4-2-1-3 (b) 3-2-4-1
25 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 (c) 3-4-1-2 (d) 4-3-2-1
The scientific view is that the increase in http://en.wikipedi 3 and 4 are too extreme. There will Global warming negotiations
global temperature should not exceed a.org/wiki/Effects be effects on wetlands and cereal and the process of finalisation
20C above pre-industrial level. If the _of_global_warmi cultivation. But not total of post 2015 commitments
global temperature increases beyond ng disappearance or no cultivation at being underway
30C above the pre-industrial level, what all.
can be its possible impact/impacts on
the world?
1 Terrestrial biosphere tends toward a
Environme net carbon source.
93 B M FA EN
nt 2.Widespread coral mortality will occur.
3.All the global wetlands will
permanently disappear.
4.Cultivation of cereals will not be
possible anywhere in the world.
Select the correct answer using the code
given below:
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
The national motto of India, India Year Book
‘SatyamevaJayate’ inscribed below the
Emblem of India is taken from
94 Culture (a) Katha Upanishad D E F EM
(b) Chandogra Upanishad
(c) Aitareya Upanishad
(d) Mundaka Upanishad
In the Constitution of India, promotion LAXMIKANTH - ARTICLE 51 - DPSP
of international peace and security is POLITY
included in the
95 Polity (a) Preamble to the constitution B E F EM
(b) Directive Principles of State Policy
(c) Fundamental Duties
(d) Ninth Schedule
What are the benefits of implementing http://dolr.nic.in/i Integrated watershed development Also in news due to BJP's
the ‘Integrated Watershed Development wmp_main.htm programme no where mentions inclination toward river linking
Programme? interlinking of rivers plan
1. Prevention of soil runoff
96 Geography C M FA EM
2. Linking the country’s perennial rivers
with seasonal rivers
3. Rainwater harvesting and recharge of
groundwater table

26 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 4. Regeneration of natural vegetation
Select the correct answer using the code
given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Which of the following are associated LAXMIKANT - The Parliament and NDC are two
with ‘Planning’ in India? POLITY bodies which are directly related to
1. The Finance Commission the formulation of plan in India
2. The National Development Council
3. The Union Ministry of Rural
Development
97 Polity 4. The Union Ministry of Urban C M F EM
Development
5. The Parliament
Select the correct answer using the
code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 5 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 5 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Which of the following is/are the LAXMIKANT - statement 3 is incorrect - allocation
function/functions of the Cabinet POLITY of financial resources is done by the
Secretariat? finance ministry in consonance with
1. Preparation of agenda for Cabinet the priorities presented in the
Meetings budget
2. Secretariat assistance to Cabinet
98 Polity Committees C M F EM
3. Allocation of financial resources to
the Ministries
Select the correct answer using the code
given below:
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c)
1 and 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Consider the following statements : A Arora and Goyal –
Constitutional Government is one which chapter
1.Places effective restrictions on Constitutionalism
individual liberty in the interest of State
Authority.
99 Polity 2. Places effective restrictions on the B D FA RM
Authority of the State in the interest of
individual liberty.
Which of the statements given above
is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
27 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Which of the following are the Laxmikanth- polity Article 166(3) - The Governor shall
discretionary powers given to the make rules for the more convenient
Governor of a State? transaction of the business of the
1. Sending a report to the President of Government of the State, and for
India for imposing the President’s rule the allocation among Ministers of
2. Appointing the Ministers the said business in so far as it is
3. Reserving certain bills passed by the not business with respect to which
100 Polity State Legislature for consideration of B M F EM the Governor is by or under this
the President of India Constitution required to act in his
4. Making the rules to conduct the discretion - statement 4 does not
business of the State Government comes under the discretionary
Select the correct answer using the code powers of the Governor . Ministers
given below: are appointed by the Governor on
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only the advice of the CM and hence not
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 a discretionary power.

28 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

Observations

• The Paper portrayed a departure from the trend of last 3 years. While traditional questions were very easy, over emphasis on questions from art and culture
and environment made the paper tough.
• Paper was factual and traditional compared to last three years. Questions from India year book also appeared this year.
• Topicwise composition is moving along expected lines as weightage of art & culture and ecology/environment is increasing.
• Proportion of unapproachable questions increased this year, which were mostly in art & culture and ecology & environment.
• Polity is moving towards governance and public administration type questions (Cabinet Secretary, Constitutionalism etc.) which was on expected lines.
• Except few easy ones, questions this year required complete knowledge of the topic.
• Deceptive presentation is a common method to segregate deep knowledge with superficial knowledge or hunch. This technique was used in many questions.
(Bombay Natural History Society is autonomous organization but does not come under MoEF, Sattriya dance uses devotional songs but not by Kabeer, Tulsidas
and Meerabai. Doubtful “all correct” or “none” was not correct).
• Some questions were too easy (E.g. Marginal Standing Facility). This does not mean that we should not have proper knowledge of topic (Eg. Solar power
required complete knowledge).
• Pointers for most of the questions could be traced to The Hindu but as recommended earlier, in the age of internet, complete knowledge of topic is expected
(Bromine flame was covered as part of e-waste in The Hindu).
• Some basic GK topics (like Hibernation) also appeared in The Hindu.

Recommendations:

• Read Basic/standard books, one Good News Paper (like The Hindu) as almost 80% questions could be attempted with this combination.
• Have keen perception about things going around you and assume less and less. After reading newspaper always clarify key terms from internet or books or
teachers.
• Read one good book on art & culture and Environment this will help in prelims, mains and interview i.e. all stages of examination. This will also help in making
some unapproachable question approachable. However, do not try to research, as it is impossible to cover all the questions.
• The trend of last three years was analytical but trend changed this year with the inclusion of factual questions and state civil service/SSC type one liners. So it is
advisable to be ready for analytical and factual questions at the same time. It is expected that UPSC will not ask irrelevant facts (Date on which someone died
type asked in state civil service) but important facts should not be ignored.
• Do not ignore your strong areas to do research in weak areas. You should be able to answer most of the questions from your strong areas.
• Nearly 60% of the questions were very basic which could have been answered by reading elementary books. Strategy should be to avoid negative marking in
tough questions and maximize your score by first finding the easy ones and completing them.
• Read questions carefully and use elimination technique wherever possible.

29 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

Section Count
Section
Culture 16
Current Affairs 7
Economy 9
Environment 18 Culture
Science and Technology Current Affairs
16%
Geography 18 7%
15% Culture
Modern Indian History 5 Polity
12% Current Affairs
Polity 12
Economy Economy
Science and Technology 15 9%
Grand Total 100 Environment
Geography
Modern Geography Environment Modern Indian History
Indian 18% 18%
Polity
History
5% Science and Technology

30 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 Difficulty Count
Difficulty
D 29
E 22
M 49 D
Grand Total 100 M 29%
49%
D
E
E
M
22%

Nature Count
CA 21
Nature
F 47
FA 9
U CA
FCA 13 FCA 10% 21%
13% CA
U 10
FA F
Grand Total 100 9%
FA
F FCA
47%
U

31 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 Source Count
EM 51
Source Type
EN 22
RM 19 RR
RR 8 RM 8%
19%
Grand Total 100 EM EM
51%
EN

EN RM
22% RR

32 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 Sectionwise Difficulty Difficulty
Section E M D Grand Total
Culture 1 5 10 16
Current Affairs 6 1 7
Economy 3 6 9
Environment 1 10 7 18
Geography 2 11 5 18
Modern Indian History 4 1 5
Polity 6 5 1 12
Science and Technology 5 5 5 15
Grand Total 22 49 29 100

18

16

14

12

10 D
M
8
E
6

0
Culture Current Affairs Economy Environment Geography Modern Indian Polity Science and
History Technology

33 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

Sectionwise Source Type Source Type
Section EM EN RM RR Grand Total
Culture 7 2 4 3 16
Current Affairs 7 7
Economy 6 3 9
Environment 3 4 9 2 18
Geography 13 3 2 18
Modern Indian History 5 5
Polity 11 1 12
Science and Technology 6 3 3 3 15
Grand Total 51 22 19 8 100

18

16

14

12
RR
10
RM
8 EN
6 EM

0
Culture Current Affairs Economy Environment Geography Modern Indian Polity Science and
History Technology

34 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 Sectionwise Nature Nature
Section CA F FA FCA U Grand Total
Culture 2 10 4 16
Current Affairs 7 7
Economy 4 4 1 9
Environment 5 2 3 5 3 18
Geography 1 11 1 4 1 18
Modern Indian History 5 5
Polity 11 1 12
Science and Technology 2 4 3 4 2 15
Grand Total 21 47 9 13 10 100

18

16

14

12
U
10
FCA
8 FA
F
6
CA
4

0
Culture Current Economy Environment Geography Modern Polity Science and
Affairs Indian Technology
History

35 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 EM = Essential material like basic books etc.
RM = Reference material
EN = Essential News/Current Affairs
RR = Random Read like random website etc.
E : Easy , M : Medium , D : Difficult

Nature of Question
F: Fundamental, Conventional and conceptual question which is easily available in commonly recommended books. If a current affairs source is mentioned then it
indicate that you had one more reason to prepare this
FA: Fundamental Applied question is an analytical question which require information + application of mind.
Answer to these question are from commonly recommended books but not so obvious to find.
CA: Current affair question which can be answered almost completely using given source alone.
CAA(Current affair Applied): Current affair question which needs information from more than one source to answer AND/OR application of mind(common sense
and overall understanding) of aspirant. This is why source for these question may not be answering question completely.
FCA (Fundamental + Current affair): This is a F or FA question supplemented with current affairs or a current affairs question that needs background information for
complete answer. Source to these question might not answer question in entirety.
U (unconventional question): unconventional question means the question that is distantly related to syllabus provided by UPSC. It is neither present in even
reference sources(in addition to recommended books) nor prominently in news.

36 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 VISION IAS ™ ... Inspiring Innovation
www.visionias.in
www.visionias.wordpress.com

“The significant problems we face can not be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them." - Albert
Einstein

ANALYSIS / APPROACH / SOURCE / STRATEGY: GENERAL STUDIES PRE 2015 PAPER

- TEAM VISION IAS
• The analysis is based on premise that UPSC wants to identify aspirants with certain skills and aptitude required to function as a good
administrator. UPSC does not explicitly describe these skills so we infer them from Syllabus, Question Paper and feedback of experts and
students.
• This analysis is an attempt to quantify the subjective understanding and make explicit the implicit.
• We have inferred some conclusions from these stats but you are free to infer differently. Moreover independent/impartial thinking is one
of the qualities expected in administrators.

A
L
n
e
s Source
Q.N. Section Question v Nature Source Explanation Motivation
w Type
e
e
l
r
'Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan http://www.thehin PMJDY main objective is financial inclusion Constantly in
Yojana' has been launched for du.com/news/reso news. Major
(a) providing housing loan to urces/president- initiative of the
poor people at cheaper pranab-mukherjee- New Govt.
1 Economy C E CAA EN
interest rates. speech-to-the-
(b) promoting women's Self- joint-session-of-
Help Groups in backward areas parliament-full-
(c) promoting financial text/article692549
1 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 inclusion in the country 8.ece
(d) providing financial help to
the marginalized communities.
With reference to the ECONOMIC The FFC has radically enhanced the share of the The Finance
Fourteenth Finance SURVEY VOLUME 1 states in the central divisible pool from the current Commission is a
Commission, which of the CHAPTER 10 PAGE 32 percent to 42 per cent which is the biggest ever Constitutional
following statements is/are 131 increase in vertical tax devolution. The FFC has not body and its
correct? made any recommendation concerning sector recommendatio
1. It has increased the share of specific-grants unlike the Thirteenth Finance ns are very
States in the central divisible Commission. important
pool from 32 percent to 42
percent.
2 Economy A M CA RM
2. It has made
recommendations concerning
sector-specific grants.
Select the correct answer using
the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
The 'Fortaleza Declaration', http://www.thehin Fortaleza Declaration issued at the 6th BRICS Summit Fortaleza
recently in the news, is related du.com/business/E Declaration
to the affairs of conomy/banking- issued at the 6th
Current
3 (a) ASEAN B E CA on- EN BRICS Summit
Affairs
(b) BRICS brics/article622915 was constantly in
(c) OECD 5.ece news
(d) WTO
A decrease in tax to GDP ratio only for those with For the tax/GDP ratio to decrease either the tax in news
of a country indicates which of deep interest in collection should decrease or GDP should increase. constantly -
the following? economics refer Now considering the first statement if the GDP http://www.the
1. Slowing economic growth page 192 especially collection might or might not necessarily increase hindubusinesslin
rate - with a slow growth rate. Hence this option is ruled e.com/economy
2. Less equitable distribution of http://www.oecd.o out. Increase in indirect tax collection may lead to /need-to-
4 Economy national income D D FA rg/eco/growth/494 EM less equality in income distribution but the same increase-taxgdp-
Select the correct answer using 21421.pdf cannot be said for increase in direct tax collection. ratio-to-over-20-
the codes given below. Hence, even this option can be ruled out. jayant-
(a) 1 only sinha/article707
(b) 2 only 4267.ece
(c) Both 1and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
2 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 In the South Atlantic and NCERT Tropical cyclones originate and intensify over warm Fundamental
South-Eastern Pacific regions in FUNDAMENTAL tropical oceans. The conditions favourable for the
tropical latitudes, cyclone does GEOGRAPHY CH 10 formation and intensification of tropical storms are:
not originate. What is the PAGE 94 (i) Large sea surface with temperature higher than
reason ? 27° C; (ii) Presence of the Coriolis force; (iii) Small
(a) Sea surface temperatures variations in the vertical wind speed; (iv) A pre-
are low existing weak- low-pressure area or low-level-
(b) Inter-tropical Convergence cyclonic circulation; (v) Upper divergence above the
5 Geography Zone seldom occurs A D FA EM sea level system.
(c) Coriolis force is too weak The most proximate reasons for the lack of activity in
(d) Absence of land in those the South Atlantic are sea surface temperatures that
regions tend to run a shade cooler than ideal for tropical
cyclone formation even in the southern summer,
climatologically high values of vertical wind shear
across that basin throughout the year, and a lack of
pre-existing centers of rotation (vorticity) in that
area.
Which one of the following Ncert Class 11th The mainland of India, extends from Fundamental
pairs of States of India India Physical Kashmir in the north to Kanniyakumari in the question from
indicates the easternmost and Environment south and Arunachal Pradesh in the east to NCERT
westernmost State ? Page 2 Gujarat in the west.
(a) Assam and Rajasthan
6 Geography D FM
(b) Arunachal Pradesh and
Rajasthan
(c) Assam and Gujarat
(d) Arunachal Pradesh and
Gujarat
Consider the following Polity by The directive principles are meant for promoting the Fundamental
statements regarding the Laxmikant, pg 48 ideal of social and economic democracy. However, question about
Directive Principles of State unlike the Fundamental Rights, the directives are Directive
Policy : non-justiciable in nature, that is, they are not Principle of State
1. The Principles spell out of enforceable by the courts for their violation. Policy
the socio economic democracy
in the country.
7 Polity C M F RR
2. The provisions contained in
these Principles are not
enforceable by any court.
Which of statements given
above is/are correct ?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1and 2(d)Neither1nor2
3 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 In the 'Index of Eight Core A-42, Appendix Core industries account for 38 % in IIP. Electricity The IIP provides
Industries', which one of the Economic Survey with 10.3% has the highest weight among core quick estimates
following is given the highest industries viz. coal, fertilizer, electricity, crude oil, on the
weight? natural gas, refinery product, steel, and cement. performance of
8 Economy B D FA EM
(a) Coal production key industrial
(b) Electricity generation sectors.
(c) Fertilizer production
(d) Steel production
Which of the following http://www.necee Keibul Lamjao National is world's only floating was in the news
National Parks is unique in r.org.in/2011/05/k national park and last natural habitat of Manipur - (June month)
being a swamp with floating eibul-lamjao- Brow antlered deer - Sangai (Cervus eldi eldi). The http://www.the
vegetation that supports a rich national-park-for- national park is characterized by many floating hindu.com/sci-
biodiversity? world_28.html decomposed plant materials locally called phumdis. tech/energy-
(a) Bhitarkanika National Park and-
(b) Keibul Lamjao National Park environment/ma
9 Environment B M F EN
(c) Keoladeo Ghana National nipur-to-
Park translocate-
(d) Sultanpur National Park critically-
endangered-
sangai-
deer/article7321
501.ece
Which of the following http://www.nif.org National Innovation Foundation-India is an In news
statements is/are correct .in/ autonomous body of the Department of Science and http://www.the
regarding National Innovation Technology, Government of India, based on the hindu.com/sci-
Foundation-India (NIF) ? Honey Bee Network philosophy, tech/energy-
1. NIF is an autonomous body which provides institutional support to grassroots and-
of the Department of Science innovators and outstanding traditional knowledge environment/nat
and Technology under the holders from the unorganized sector of the society. ional-innovation-
Central Government. So statement 1 is correct and statement 2 is foundation-and-
2. NIF is an initiative to incorrect. icar-join-
Current
10 strengthen the highly advanced A M CAA EN hands/article720
Affairs
scientific research in India's 2164.ece
premier scientific institutions in http://www.busi
collaboration with highly ness-
advanced foreign scientific standard.com/ar
institutions. ticle/companies/
Select the correct answer using how-india-plans-
the codes given below. to-turn-jugaad-
(a) 1 only into-large-scale-
(b) 2 only innovation-
4 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 (c) Both 1and 2 115082500447_
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 1.html
closely
associated with
APJ Abdul Kalam
Azad
What can be the impact of http://www.unep. Nitrogen fixing bacteria converts N2 to Ammonium
excessive/inappropriate use of org/yearbook/201 ion NH4+. with fertilizers already containing NH4
nitrogenous fertilizers in 4/PDF/chapt1.pdf ions, there is no demand or need from plants for the
agriculture ? symbiotic association. further, we can certainly
1. Proliferation of nitrogen- assume that there is no positive correlation between
fixing microorganisms in soil fertilizers and bacterium
can occur.
2. Increase in the acidity of soil
11 Environment can take place. C M F EN
3. Leaching of nitrate to the
ground water can occur.
Select the correct answer using
the codes given below.
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
With reference to the http://www.iucn.o Founded in 1948 as the world’s first global
International Union for rg/about/ environmental organisation. IUCN supports scientific
Conservation of Nature and research, manages field projects all over the world,
Natural Resource (IUCN) and and brings governments, NGOs, the UN and
the Convention of International companies together to develop policy, laws and best
Trade in Endangered Species of practice. IUCN is not an organ of UN. This eliminates
Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), other 3 options.
which of the following
statements is/are correct ?
12 Environment B M CAA EN
1. IUCN is an organ of the
United Nations and CITES is an
international agreement
between governments.
2. IUCN runs thousands of field
projects around the world to
better manage natural
environments.
3. CITES is legally binding on
5 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 the States that have joined it,
but this Conventional does not
take the place of national laws.
Select the correct answer using
the codes given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
The Fair and Remunerative http://www.thehin FRP is approved by CCEA and recommended by CACP
Price (FRP) of surgarcane is dubusinessline.co
approved by the m/economy/agri-
(a) Cabinet Committee on business/centre-
Economic Affairs. hikes-cane-fair-
(b) Commission for Agricultural price-by-
13 Economy A M CAA EN
Costs and Prices. 10quintal/article67
(c) Directorate of Marketing 94388.ece
and Inspection, Ministry of
Agriculture
(d) Agricultural Produce Market
Committee
What explains the eastward http://www.britan The easterly Equatorial Counter-Current between
0 0
flow of the equatorial counter- nica.com/science/e about 4 and 10 N may be explained as follows, The
current ? quatorial- overall effect of the Trade Winds is to drive water
(a) The Earth's rotation on its countercurrent towards the west, hut the flow is blocked by the land
axis masses along the western boundaries. As a result, in
(b) Convergence of the two equatorial regions the sea-surface slopes up towards
14 Geography equatorial currents D D FA EM the west, causing an eastward horizontal pressure
(c) Difference in salinity of gradient force. Because winds are light in the
water Doldrums, water is able to flow down the horizontal
(d) Occurrence of the belt of pressure gradient in a current that is contrary (i.e.
calm near the equator ‘counter’) to the prevailing wind direction. The zone
of calm is the necessary and dominant factor here,
though other factors play their role as well.
Consider the following pairs: Srisailam is reputed for the shrine of Lord Fundamental
Place of Pilgrimage - Location Mallikarjuna on the flat top of Nallamala Hills question from
1. Srisailam - Nallamala Hills (Andhra Pradesh). Omkareshwar is situated on the NCERT
15 Geography 2. Omakareshwar-Satmala Hills A M FA EM Mandhata hills in Vindhya Mountains of Madhya
3. Pushkar - Mahadeo Hills pradesh. The Pushkar valley is formed between the
Which of the above pairs is/are Aravalli hills.
correctly matched ?
6 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 (a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
With reference to Rowlatt Can be deduced Statement 1 and 2 are correct. The events between
Satyagraha, which of the from basic facts of May 1916 to January 1919 give us the background of
following statements is/are NCERT. Explicitly it the establishment of the Satyagraha Sabha in
correct ? is mentioned in Bombay under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi.
1. The Rowlatt Act was based https://cultural.ma The newly started Home League was the leading
on the recommendations of harashtra.gov.in/e force in all these events, which prepared the ground
the 'Sedition Committee'. nglish/gazetteer/V for the April Satyagraha. The Satyagraha Sabha was
2. In Rowlatt Satyagraha, OL- organised with Mr. Gandhi as President, Mr.
Gandhiji tried to utilize the II/SATYAGRAHA_M Horniman as Vice-President, and the leading Home
Modern Home Rule League. OVT_I.pdf Rulers on the Committee.
16 B D FA EM
History 3. Demonstrations against the Simon Commission was dispatched to India in 1928
arrival of Simon Commission way after Rowlett Satyagraha.
coincided with Rowlatt
Satyagraha.
Select the correct answer using
the codes given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Among the following, which http://www.thehin Other three options a, c and d contain countries of
were frequently mentioned in du.com/sci- middle east, SE Asia/Indian ocean region and Latin
the news for the outbreak of tech/health/ebola- America respectively. Hence, could be eliminated
Ebola virus recently ? virus-disease-sets- easily.
Current (a) Syria and Jordan off-international-
17 B E CAA EM
Affairs (b) Guinea, Sierra Leone and concern/article628
Liberia 8191.ece
(c) Philippines and Papua New
Guinea
(d) Jamaica, Haiti and Surinam
With reference to 'fly ash' http://pmgsy.nic.in Fly ash is used in the manufacture of building
produced by the power plants /nrr74.asp materials and in construction activity, like
using coal as fuel, which of the http://www.ntpc.c replacement of cement in concrete. It contains trace
Science and
18 following statements is/are A M CAA o.in/ash- EN levels of toxic elements (like e.g. arsenic, barium,
Technology
correct ? download/1674/0/ beryllium, boron, cadmium, chromium, thallium,
1. Fly ash can be used in the fly-ash-cement- selenium, molybdenum and mercury)
production of bricks for concrete-
7 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 building construction. %E2%80%93-
2. Fly ash can be used as a resource-high-
replacement for some of the strength-and-
Portland cement contents of durability-
concrete. structure-lower-
3. Fly ash is made up of silicon cost
dioxide and calcium oxide only,
and does not contain any toxic
elements.
Select the correct answer using
the codes given below.
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 3 only
With reference to 'dugong', a NCERT" India Feeding on sea grass, dugongs are found in sea grass Was covered in
mammal found in India, which Physical beds, sheltered waters, lagoons and bays. Fourteen The Times of
of the following statements Environment" std sea grass species are found in the marine waters in India July month
is/are correct ? XI pg 66 the country of which 13 are found in the Gulf of 2015
1. It is a herbivorous marine http://timesofindia Mannar and Palk Bay areas. Dugongs had been
animal. .indiatimes.com/h brought under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection
2. It is found along the entire ome/environment/ Act, the punishment for its poaching is imprisonment.
coast of India. flora-
19 Environment 3. It is given legal protection C M FCA fauna/Dugongs-on- EN
under Schedule I of the Wildlife brink-of-extinction-
(Protection) Act, 1972. poaching-
Select the correct answer using continues-in-
the codes given below. India/articleshow/
(a) 1 and 2 48037397.cms
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 3 only
Who of the following was/were Spectrum by Rajiv Dadabhai Naoroji, R. C. Dutt, Ranade, Gokhale, G.
economic critic/critics of Ahir pg 68 Subramania Iyer, were among those who grounded
colonialism in India ? http://archive.indi Indian nationalism firmly on the foundation of anti-
1. Dadabhai Naoroji anexpress.com/ne imperialism by highlighting economic critique of
Modern
20 2. G.Subramania Iyer D E F ws/why-this-- EM colonialism.
History
3. R.C. Dutt freedom--is-
Select the correct answer using false/780101/
the codes given below.
(a) 1 only
8 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 (b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Which one of the following http://www.thehin World Bank publish the 'Global Economic Prospect's Important
issues the 'Global Economic du.com/business/E Report periodically publication of
Prospects's report periodically conomy/india-will- World Bank and
? catch-up-with- has been in news
(a) The Asian Development chinas-growth-
Current Bank rate-in-201617-
21 D E CAA EN
Affairs (b) The European Bank for world-
Reconstruction and bank/article67882
Development 47.ece
(c) The US Federal Reserve
Bank
(d) The World Bank
When the Reserve Bank of http://www.thehin The SLR cut by the RBI is likely to give more elbow http://www.the
India reduces the Statutory du.com/business/E room for banks to cut rates. hindu.com/busin
Liquidity Ratio by 50 basis conomy/rbi-cuts- ess/Economy/rbi
points, which of the following slr-to-provide- -cuts-slr-to-
is likely to happen ? liquidity/article685 provide-
(a) India's GDP growth rate 3210.ece liquidity/article6
increases drastically 853210.ece
(b) Foreign Institutional EM /
22 Economy C M CAA
Investors may bring more EN
capital into our country
(c) Scheduled Commercial
Banks may cut their lending
rates.
(d) It may drastically reduce
the liquidity to the banking
system
With reference to the use of http://www.thehin Both are correct.
nano technology in health dubusinessline.co
sector, which of the following m/news/science/c
statements is/are correct ? hemical-
Science and 1. Targeted drug delivery is technology-school-
23 C M FA EN
Technology made possible by develops-nano-
nanotechnology. particles-for-drug-
2. Nanotechnology can largely delivery/article379
contribute to gene therapy. 2262.ece?ref=relat
Select the correct answer using edNews
9 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 the codes given below.
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
In India, markets in agricultural economic survey In India, markets in agricultural products are Fundamental
products are regulated under 2014-15 ch 8 regulated under the Agricultural Produce Market question
the Committee Act enacted by States.
(a) Essential Commodities Act,
1955
(b) Agricultural Produce Market
Committee Act enacted by
24 Economy B M CAA EN
States
(c) Agricultural Produce
(Grading and Marking) Act,
1937
(d) Food Products Order, 1956
and Meat and Food Products
Order, 1973
Which one of the following is http://indianexpre In news, also
the national aquatic animal of ss.com/article/indi fundamental
India ? a/india-
25 Environment (a) Saltwater crocodile C E F others/counting- EN
(b) Olive ridley turtle dolphins-in-the-
(c) Gangetic dolphin ganga/ +also in
(d) Gharial India Year book
With reference to Congress Bipan Chandra Ch Important features were consistent and militant anti-
Socialist Party, consider the 24 Rise of the left imperialism, anti-landlordism, the organization of
following statements : Wing workers and peasants in trade unions and kisan
1. It advocated the boycott of (Can be inferred by sabhas, the acceptance of a socialist vision of
British goods and evasion of reading whole independent India and of the socialist programme of
taxes. chapter) the economic and social transformation of society.
2. It wanted to establish the They were to give the Congress and the national
Modern dictatorship of proletariat. movement a socialist direction; and that to achieve
26 D D FA EM
History 3. It advocated separate this objective they must organize the workers and
electorate for minorities and peasants in their class organizations, wage struggles
oppressed classes. for their economic demands and make them the
Which of the statements given social base of the national struggle. They preferred
above is/are correct ? methods adopted by Congress.
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only 1st and 2nd statements can be related to radical
(c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) None communism in India during 1920 to 40. 3rd
statement is also not related to CSP.
10 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 Consider the following Laxmikanth pg Statement 1 and 2 are right. 3rd statement is
statements : 283-286 CHAPTER incorrect as Budget can be discussed by Rajyasabha.
1. The Rajya Sabha has no 22 PARLIAMENT
power either to reject or to
amend a Money Bill.
2. The Rajya Sabha cannot vote
on the Demands for Grants.
3. The Rajya Sabha cannot
27 Polity B E FA EM
discuss the Annual Financial
Statement.
Which of the statements given
above is/are correct ?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
The Government of India Act of Laxmikanth pg GOI Act,1919, relaxed the central control over the
1919 clearly defined 1.7(3rd edition) provinces by demarcating and separating the central
(a) The separation of power and provincial subjects. The central and provincial
between the judiciary and the legislatures were authorised to make laws on their
legislature. respective list of subjects.
Modern (b) The jurisdiction of the
28 B M F EM
History central and provincial
governments.
(c) The powers of the Secretary
of State for India and the
Viceroy
(d) None of the above
Which of the following brings http://indianexpre CPI(IW) is released by Labour Bureau. In news
out the "Consumer Price Index ss.com/article/busi
Number for Industrial Workers ness/business-
? others/minimum-
(a) The Reserve Bank of India wages-act-with-
(b) The Department of eye-on-basic-
Current
29 Economic Affairs. C M CAA wage-rate-centre- EN
Affairs
(c) The Labour Bureau plans-
(d) The Department of amendments/
Personnel and Training http://www.thehin
dubusinessline.co
m/economy/policy
/govt-working-on-
11 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 proposal-to-raise-
minimum-
wages/article7526
740.ece
In the context of modern http://www.thehin IceCube is a particle detector at the South Pole that In news
scientific research, consider the du.com/sci- records the interactions of a nearly massless
following statements about tech/science/highe subatomic particle called the neutrino. IceCube
'IceCube', a particle detector nergy-neutrinos- searches for neutrinos from the most violent
located at South Pole, which from-alien- astrophysical sources: events like exploding stars,
was recently in the news : sources- gamma-ray bursts, and cataclysmic phenomena
1. It is the world's largest found/article53979 involving black holes and neutron stars. The IceCube
neutrino detector, 65.ece telescope is a powerful tool to search for dark matter
encompassing a cubic https://icecube.wis and could reveal the physical processes associated
Science and
30 kilometre of ice. D D CAA c.edu/ EN with the enigmatic origin of the highest energy
Technology
2. It is a powerful telescope to particles in nature. In addition, exploring the
search for dark matter. background of neutrinos produced in the
3. It is buried deep in the ice. atmosphere, IceCube studies the neutrinos
Which of the statements given themselves; their energies far exceed those produced
above is/are correct ? by accelerator beams. IceCube is the world’s largest
(a) 1 only neutrino detector, encompassing a cubic kilometer of
(b) 2 and 3 only ice. It is burried upto 2.5 Km of depth.
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
The terms 'Agreement on http://www.thehin 1. In news
Agriculture', Agreement on the du.com/business/I because of Trade
Application of Sanitary and ndustry/india- Facilitation
Phytosanitary Measure' and appeals-to- Agreement.
'Peace Clause' appear in the dispute- 2. Recently, EU
news frequently in the context settlement-board- lifted ban on
of the affairs of the over-import-of-us- Indian Mangoes,
(a) Food and Agriculture farm- which were
Current
31 Organization C E CAA products/article68 EN earlier banned
Affairs
(b) United Nations Framework 27360.ece due to
Conference on Climate Change http://www.thehin phytosanitary
(c) World Trade Organization du.com/news/nati measures
(d) United Nations onal/european-
Environment Programme union-lifts-ban-on-
indian-
mangoes/article68
05864.ece

12 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 With reference to 'Near Field http://www.thehin Near field communication (NFC) is the set of In news
Communication (NFC) du.com/business/I protocols that enables electronic devices to establish
Technology', which of the ndustry/icici- radio communication with each other by touching
following statements is/are launches- the devices together or bringing them into proximity
correct? nfcenabled- to a distance of typically 10cm or less. So only
1. It is a contactless payment-service- statement 1 and 3 are correct.
communication technology tapnpay/article712
that uses electromagnetic 2328.ece
radio fields. http://www.thehin
2. NFC is designed for use by dubusinessline.co
Science and devices which can be at a m/money-and-
32 C M CAA EN
Technology distance of even a metre from banking/rbi-
each other. relaxes-2factor-
3. NFC can use encryption authentication-for-
when sending sensitive payments-up-to-rs-
information. 2000/article72059
Select the correct answer using 74.ece
the codes given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
The area known as 'Golan http://www.thehin Golan Heights, is a hilly area overlooking the upper Constantly in
Heights' sometimes appears in du.com/news/inter Jordan River valley on the west. The area was part of news.
the news in the context of the national/world/roc extreme southwestern Syria until 1967, when it came
Current events related to kets-from-syria- under Israeli military occupation, and in December
33 B M CA EN
Affairs (a) Central Asia strike-golan- 1981 Israel unilaterally annexed the part of the Golan
(b) Middle East heights-says- it held.
(c) South-East Asia israel/article68263
(d) Central Africa 85.ece
Convertibility of rupee implies http://www.invest The ease with which a country's currency can be Fundamental
(a) being able to convert rupee opedia.com/terms converted into another currency.
notes into gold /c/convertibility.as
(b) allowing the value of rupee p
to be fixed by market forces
34 Economy C M F EM
(c) freely permitting the
conversion of rupee to other
currencies and vice versa.
(d) developing an international
market for currencies in India.

13 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 Consider the following pairs : https://books.goog Champaka is modern day Chamba, Kuluta is Kullu and
Medieval Indian State le.co.in/books?id= Durgara is Jammu
Present Region 3btDw4S2FmYC&p
1. Champaka g=PA60&lpg=PA60
Central India &dq=champa+durg
2. Durgara ara+kuluta&source
Jammu =bl&ots=RVMDD0
3. Kuluta DSw-
Malabar &sig=PlQ49_AMpT
Medieval
35 Which of the above pairs is/are B D F yS- EM
History
correctly matched ? nssYUkeJwe0eFY&
(a) 1 and 2 hl=en&sa=X&ved=
(b) 2 only 0CCQQ6AEwAWoV
(c) 1 and 3 ChMI-
(d) 3 only oD0voXGxwIVAlm
OCh2xNwwh#v=on
epage&q=champa
%20durgara%20kul
uta&f=false
Consider the following rivers : Ncert Class 11th The Penganga, the Indravati, the
1. Vamsadhara India Physical Pranhita, and the Manjra are principal tributaries of
2. Indravati Environment the Godavari .
3. Pranahita Page 27
4. Pennar
36 Geography Which of the above are D D FM EM
tributaries of Godavari ?
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 2 and 4
(d) 2 and 3 only
When a bill is referred to a Laxmikanth Pg The Joint Sitting is an extraordinary mechanism http://www.the
joint sitting of both the Houses 22.3-22.4 provided in the Constitution to resolve a deadlock hindu.com/news
of the Parliament, it has to be between the two Houses over the passage of a bill. /national/centre
passed by (Art.108) is passed by a majority of the total number -hints-at-joint-
(a) a simple majority of of members of both the Houses present and voting in session-route-
37 Polity members present and voting A M F EM the joint sitting. for-
(b) three-fourths majority of bills/article6926
members present and voting 442.ece
(c) two-thirds majority of the http://timesofin
Houses dia.indiatimes.co
(d) absolute majority of the m/india/Not-
14 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 Houses ruling-out-joint-
sitting-if-all-
options-on-land-
bill-fail-
Venkaiah/article
show/46696136.
cms
Which one of the following http://www.and.ni All three occur together in Andaman and Nicobar
regions of India has a c.in/andaman/flora islands only.
combination of mangrove .php
forest, evergreen forest and
deciduous forest ?
38 Environment (a) North Coastal Andhra D FA EM
Pradesh
(b) South-West Bengal
(c) Southern Saurashtra
(d) Andaman and Nicobar
Islands
Which of the following Buddha traveled to Rajagaha, capital of Magadha, to
kingdoms were associated with visit King Bimbisara. During this visit, Sariputta and
the life of the Buddha? Maudgalyayana were converted by Assaji, one of the
1. Avanti first five disciples.
2. Gandhara Buddha belonged to Shakya clan whose capital was
3. Kosala Kapilavastu, and who were later annexed by the
39 Culture 4. Magadha D M FA RM growing Kingdom of Kosala during the Buddha's
Select the correct answer using lifetime
the codes given below.
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4
(d) 3 and 4 only
Which one of the following is NCERT Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Fundamental
associated with the issue of http://www.ncert. Ozone Layer (a protocol to the Vienna Convention for
control and phasing out of the nic.in/ncerts/l/lebo the Protection of the Ozone Layer) is an international
use of ozone-depleting 116.pdf treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing
40 Environment substances? B E CA EN out the production of numerous substances that are
(a) Bretton Woods Conference responsible for ozone depletion.
(b) Montreal Protocol
(c) Kyoto Protocol
(d) Nagoya Protocol

15 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 Consider the following: NCERT Medieval Gunpowder was known in India earlier than Babur's
The arrival of Babur into India India XI( Satish rule. Babur was a descendant of Timurid dynasty or
led to the Chandra) Pg 174 clan of Turco-Mongol lineage, descended from the
1. introduction of gunpowder warlord Timur and led to the establishment of
in the subcontinent Timurid dynasty in the region.
2. introduction of the arch and
dome in the region's
Medieval architecture
41 B D FA RM
History 3. establishment of Timurid
dynasty in the region
Select the correct answer using
the codes given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
The Government of India has http://www.thehin NITI Ayog replaced Planning Commission. In news
established NITI Aayog to du.com/todays- frequently
replace the paper/niti-aayog-
Current
42 (a) Human Rights Commission D E CA is-new-policy- EN
Affairs
(b) Finance Commission body/article67467
(c) Law Commission 99.ece
(d) Planning Commission
What is the Rio+20 Conference, https://sustainable The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Important due to
often mentioned in the news? development.un.or Development - or Rio+20 - took place in Rio de intense
(a) It is the United Nations g/rio20 Janeiro, Brazil on 20-22 June 2012. It resulted in a negotiations on
Conference on Sustainable focused political outcome document which contains climate change
Development clear and practical measures for implementing and frequent
(b) It is a Ministerial Meeting of sustainable development. news item about
the World Trade Organization Paris Summit in
43 Environment A E CA EN
(c) It is a Conference of the coming
Inter Government Panel on December
Climate Change.
(d) It is a Conference of the
Member Countries of the
Convention on Biological
Diversity.
Consider the following Polity M Laxmikant 1st Statement is incorrect as All executive actions of Fundamental
statements : 4th edition Pg 220 the Government of India are formally taken in the and 2nd
44 Polity D M F EM
1. The Executive Power of the http://www.newin name of President. Second statement is also statement in
Union of India is vested in the dianexpress.com/ci incorrect as the Cabinet secretary is the ex officio news
16 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 Prime Minister. ties/bengaluru/Civi chairman of the civil service board.
2. The Prime Minister is the ex l-Services-Boards-
Officio Chairman of the Civil Constituted/2014/
Services Board. 03/04/article20895
Which of the statements given 85.ece
above is/are correct ?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1nor 2
The term 'Goldilocks Zone' is http://www.thehin 3rd option is correct. To be considered habitable, In News
often seen in the news in the du.com/sci- exoplanets must orbit within a distance of their stars
context of tech/science/8- in which liquid water can exist on the planet’s
(a) the limits of habitable zone new-planets- surface, receiving about as much sunlight as Earth.
above the surface of the Earth found-in-
Science and
45 (b) regions inside the Earth C M CA goldilocks- EN
Technology
where shale gas is available zone/article676292
(c) search for the Earth-like 5.ece
planets in outer space
(d) search for meteorites
containing precious metals
Who of the following organized Spectrum page 168 C. Rajagopalachari led Salt Disobedience march from
a march on the Tanjore coast Tiruchirapally to Vedaranniyam ( off Tanjore coast)
to break the Salt Law in April
Modern 1930?
46 B M F RM
History (a) V.O. Chidambaram Pillai
(b) C. Rajagopalachari
(c) K. Kamaraj
(d) Annie Besant
Who of the following founded NCERT "Themes in Vijayanagara or “city of victory” was the name of
a new city on the south bank of Indian History Part both a city and an empire. The empire was founded
a tributary to river Krishna and II" pg 170 in the fourteenth century. In its heyday it stretched
undertook to rule his new from the river Krishna in the north to the extreme
kingdom as the agent of a deity south of the peninsula, in the Krishna-Tungabhadra
Medieval to whom all the land south of doab. It was founded by Harihara and Bukka, in 1336.
47 C D F RM
History the river Krishna was supposed In the memories of people living in the Krishna-
to belong ? Tungabhadra doab, they remembered it as Hampi, a
(a) Amoghavarsha I name derived from that of the local mother goddess,
(b) Ballala II Pampadevi.
(c) Harihara I
(d) Prataparudra II
17 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 Consider the following Spectrum pg 384 Sarojini Naidu was first Indian woman president
statements : while Annie Besant was first woman president
1. The first woman President of
the Indian National Congress
was Sarojini Naidu.
2. The first Muslim President of
Modern
48 the Indian National Congress B M F RM
History
was Badruddin Tyabji.
Which of the statements given
above is/are correct ?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Which of the following Economic Survey The Fund is governed by the GCF Board. GCF is GCF is an
statements regarding 'Green currently structured into two themes— important
Climate Fund' is/are correct ? mitigation and adaptation. Financial
1. It is intended to assist the GCF is a fund within the framework of UNFCCC. mechanism for
developing countries in combating
adaptation and mitigation Climate Change
practices to counter climate
change.
49 Environment 2. It is founded under the aegis A M CAA EM
of UNEP, OECD, Asian
Development Bank and World
Bank.
Select the correct answer using
the codes given below.
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, http://www.thehin A jury chaired by Vice-President Hamid Ansari chose In news
Disarmament and du.com/news/nati ISRO for the award, given to individuals or
Development for 2014 was onal/isro-chosen- organisations who promote international
given to which one of the for-indira-gandhi- development, a new international economic order or
following ? prize-for-peace- make scientific discoveries for public good.
Current
50 (a) Bhabha Atomic Research C M CA disarmament/articl EN
Affairs
Centre e6614424.ece
(b) Indian Institute of Science
(c) Indian Space Research
Organization (d) Tata Institute
of Fundamental Research.
18 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 With reference to the Cabinet NCERT " Themes in The Cabinet Mission recommended a loose three-tier Fundamental
Mission, which of the following Indian History Part confederation. India was to remain united. It was to
statements is/are correct? III" pg 389 have a weak central government controlling only
1. It recommended a federal foreign affairs, defence and communications with the
government. existing provincial assemblies being grouped into
2. It enlarged the powers of the three sections while electing the constituent
Indian courts. assembly: Section A for the Hindu majority provinces,
Modern
51 3. It provided for more Indians A D FA RM and Sections B and C for the existing provincial of the
History
in the ICS. north-west and the north-east (including Assam)
Select the correct answer using respectively. The sections or groups of provinces
the code given below. would comprise
(a) 1 only various regional units. They would have the power to
(b) 2 and 3 set up intermediate-level executives and legislatures
(c) 1 and 3 of their own.
(d) None
Which one of the following https://books.goog
National Parks has a climate le.co.in/books?id=J
that varies from tropical to YFmoOWfmX8C&q
subtropical, temperate and =namdapha#v=sni
arctic? ppet&q=namdhap
52 Environment D D F EM
(a) Khangchendzonga National a&f=false
Park
(b) Nandadevi National Park
(c) Neora Valley National Park
(d) Namdapha National Park
Amnesty International is https://www.amne Amnesty International is a non-governmental In News
(a) an agency of the United sty.org.in/ organisation focused on human rights.
Nations to help refugees of civil
wars
(b) a global Human Rights
Movement
Current
53 (c) a non-governmental B E CAA EN
Affairs
voluntary organization to help
very poor people
(d) an inter-governmental
agency to cater to medical
emergencies in war-ravaged
regions
With reference to the art and NCERT Rock cut elephant at Dhauli dates back to 3rd century
54 Culture archaeological history of India, B D F "Introduction to RM BC.
which one among the following Fine Arts Part I" pg
19 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 was made earliest? 20 ,
(a) Lingaraja Temple at
Bhubaneswar
(b) Rock-cut Elephant at Dhauli
(c) Rock-cut Monuments
Mahabalipuram
(d) Varaha Image at Udayagiri
With reference to Indian https://books.goog Authority of the centre diminished as local/feudal
history, which of the following le.co.in/books?id= powers emerged
is/are the essential element/ 2C7AOnBvu64C&p
elements of the feudal system? g=PA246&dq=india
1. A very strong centralized n+feudal+system&
political authority a very weak hl=en&sa=X&ved=
provincial or local political 0CCIQ6AEwAWoVC
authority hMI0pu2porGxwIV
2. Emergence of administrative wpCOCh2Rhw0t#v
Medieval structure based on control and =onepage&q=centr
55 B D FA RR
History possession of land al&f=false
3. Creation of lord-vassal
relationship between the
feudal lord and his overlord
Select the correct answer using
the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
'BioCarbon Fund Initiative for http://www.world It is an initiative by the World Bank. In news
Sustainable Forest Landscapes' bank.org/en/news/
is managed by the feature/2013/11/2
(a) Asian Development Bank 0/biocarbon-fund-
Current
56 (b) International Monetary D M CA initiative-promote- EN
Affairs
Fund sustainable-forest-
(c) United Nations Environment landscapes
Programme
(d) World Bank
India is member of which http://dfat.gov.au/ Membership of the EAS comprises the ten ASEAN Important due to
among the following? international- countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, India Act East
Current
57 1. Asia-Pacific Economic B M CAA relations/regional- EM Malaysia, Burma, the Philippines, Singapore, Policy
Affairs
Cooperation architecture/eas/p Thailand, Vietnam), Australia, China, India, Japan,
2. Association of South-East ages/east-asia- New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the United
20 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 Asian Nations summit-eas.aspx States and Russia. The 18 EAS member countries
3. East Asia Summit represent collectively 55 per cent of the world’s
Select the correct answer using population and account for around 55 per cent of
the code given below. global GDP
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) India is a member of none
of them
In India, the steel production Saltpetre and rockphosphate are not utilized by
industry requires the import of majority Steel companies in India. Further, India is a
(a) saltpetre producer of saltpetre and usually does not import
58 Geography C M CAA EN
(b) rock phosphate this product in large quantity
(c) coking coal
(d) All of the above
The provisions in Fifth Schedule LAXMIKANTH PG Fifth Schedule: Administration and control of
and Sixth Schedule in the 33.1( Third Edition) Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes(areas and
Constitution of India are made tribes needing special protection due to
in order to disadvantageous conditions). Sixth Schedule:
(a) protect the interests of Provisions for the administration of tribal areas in
Scheduled Tribes Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram.
59 Polity (b) determine the boundaries A E F RM
between States
(c) determine the powers,
authority and responsibilities
of Panchayats
(d) protect the interests of all
the border States
With reference to the Union LAXMIKANTH PG Department of Economic Affairs prepares the Budget. Fundamental
Government, consider the 289 ( Fourth Public Accounts includes provident fund deposits,
following statements: Edition) judicial deposits, savings bank
1. The Department of Revenue deposits, departmental deposits, remittances and so
is responsible for the on. This account is operated by executive action, that
preparation of Union Budget is, the payments from this account can by made
60 Economy that is presented to the C M F EM without parliamentary appropriation. Such payments
Parliament. are mostly in the nature of banking transactions. So
2. No amount can be only second statement is correct.
withdrawn from the
Consolidated Fund of India
without the authorization from
the Parliament of India.
21 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 3. All the disbursements made
from Public Account also need
the authorization from the
Parliament of India.
Which of the statements given
above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Who/Which of the following is CBSE LEGAL Parliamentary democracy as envisaged in the Fundamental
the custodian of the STUDIES PAGE 165 Constitution of India works, at Union and State level. Question
Constitution of India? Unit 4 CHAPTER 1 Especially in the making of law, there is direct
(a) The President of India participation of the legislature and the executive. It is
(b) The Prime Minister of India the judiciary that safeguards the interest of citizens
(c) The Lok Sabha Secretariat by not allowing the other organs to go beyond their
(d) The Supreme Court of India role assigned in the Constitution. In brief, the
Supreme Court of India is the logical and primary
61 Polity D M F RF
custodian of the Indian Constitution, while also being
its interpreter and guardian. Parliament enjoys
the authority to amend the Constitution; the
Supreme Court has the authority to examine the
validity of constitutional amendments. The Supreme
Court ensures that the other branches of government
perform their responsibilities in accordance with the
Constitution
Consider the following http://wrmin.nic.in Central Govt., during 1996-97, launched an
statements: /forms/list.aspx?lid Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP) to
1. The Accelerated Irrigation =399 provide Central Loan Assistance (CLA) to
Benefits Programme was http://wrmin.nic.in major/medium irrigation projects in the country, with
launched during 1996-97 to /forms/list.aspx?lid the objective to accelerate the implementation of
provide loan assistance to poor =411 those projects which were beyond resource
farmers. capability of the states or were in advanced stage of
62 Economy 2. The Command Area B D FA RM completion.
Development Programme was Government of India initiated a Centrally Sponsored
launched in 1974-75 for the Command Area Development Programme (CADP) in
development of water-use December 1974 to improve irrigation potential
efficiency. utilisation and optimise agricultural production from
Which of the statements given irrigated land through integrated and coordinated
above is/are correct? approach of efficient water management.
(a) 1 only
22 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
The Genetic Engineering http://envfor.nic.in The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) GEAC has been
Appraisal Committee is /major- is the apex body constituted in the Ministry of frequently in
constituted under the initiatives/geac- Environment and Forests under 'Rules for news since last
(a) Food Safety and Standards clearances Manufacture, Use, Import, Export and Storage of few years
Act, 2006 Hazardous Microorganisms/Genetically Engineered http://www.the
(b) Geographical Indications of Organisms or Cells 1989', under the Environment hindubusinesslin
63 Environment Goods (Registration and C E CAA EN Protection Act, 1986. e.com/news/nati
Protection) Act, 1999 onal/maharashtr
(c) Environment (Protection) a-approves-field-
Act, 1986 trials-for-four-
(d) Wildlife (Protection) Act, gm-
1972 crops/article683
9527.ece
In the Mekong-Ganga http://www.thehin The Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) forum http://www.the
Cooperation, an initiative of six dubusinessline.co encompasses the six riparian countries of the hindubusinesslin
countries, which of the m/opinion/story- Mekong and Ganga (Cambodia, India, Laos, e.com/opinion/s
following is/are not of-four-lost- Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam). The original tory-of-four-lost-
a participant/ participants? regional- promoter was Thailand. In 2000, the countries met in regional-
1. Bangladesh groupings/article6 Vientiane and agreed to cooperate in the fields of groupings/article
2. Cambodia 975236.ece tourism, education, human resource development, 6975236.ece
Current 3. China culture, communication, and transport.
64 C M CAA EN
Affairs 4. Myanmar
5. Thailand
Select the correct answer using
the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 5
'Basel III Accord' or simply http://www.thehin Basel III is a global, voluntary regulatory framework In news
'Basel III' often seen in the dubusinessline.co on bank capital adequacy, stress testing and market
new, seeks to m/money-and- liquidity risk.
(a) develop national strategies banking/rbi-issues-
65 Economy for the conservation and B M CA norms-for-bank- EN
sustainable use of biological leverage-ratio-
diversity under/article67684
(b) improve banking sector's 14.ece
ability economic stress and http://www.thehin
23 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 improve risk management du.com/todays-
(c) reduce the greenhouse gas paper/tp-
emissions but places a heavier business/basel-iii-
burden on developed countries capital-norms-
(d) transfer technology from revised/article6370
developed countries to poor 951.ece
countries to enable them to
replace the use of
chlorofluorocarbons in
refrigeration with harmless
chemicals
Consider the following Ncert Class 11th Westerlies are prevailing winds from the west toward
statements: India Physical the east in the middle latitudes between 30 and 60
1. The winds which blow Environment degrees latitude. Western Disturbance occurs in
between 30 N and 60 S Page 35-36 India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal to describe an
latitudes throughout the year extratropical storm originating in the Mediterranean,
are known as westerlies. that brings sudden winter rain and snow to the
2. The moist air masses that northwestern parts of the Indian subcontinent. This is
cause winter rains in North- a non-monsoonal precipitation pattern driven by the
66 Geography B M FA EN
Western region of India are Westerlies.
part of westerlies.
Which of the statements given
above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
With reference to the 'Indian http://mea.gov.in/i IOR-ARC, a regional cooperation initiative of the Important due to
Ocean Rim Association for n-focus- Indian Ocean Rim countries, was established in maritime
Regional Cooperation (IOR- article.htm?20707/ Mauritius in March 1997 with the aim of promoting security of India
ARC)', consider the following Indian+Ocean+Rim economic and technical cooperation. IOR-ARC is the
statements: +Association+for+R only pan-Indian ocean grouping. It brings together
1. It was established very egional+Cooperati countries from three continents having different
Current recently in response to on+IORARC sizes, economic strengths, and a wide diversity of
67 D M CAA EN
Affairs incidents of piracy and languages, cultures. It aims to create a platform for
accidents of oil spills. trade, socio-economic and cultural cooperation in the
2. It is an alliance meant for Indian Ocean rim area, which constitutes a
maritime security only. population of about two billion people.
Which of the statements given
above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
24 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Which one of the following Spectrum pg 89 Surat split of 1907 was the result of differences from Fundamental
movements has contributed to bengal partition protest strategy
a split in the Indian National
Congress resulting in the
emergence of 'moderates' and
Modern 'extremists'?
68 A E F RM
History (a) Swadeshi Movement
(b) Quit India Movement
(c) Non-Cooperation
Movement
(d) Civil Disobedience
Movement
In a particular region in India, http://www.thehin Roots of the rubber tree — Ficus Elastica are the
the local people train the roots du.com/todays- pavements for these natural bridges in the thick
of living trees into robust paper/tp- forests of Khasi Hills district. It is interesting to note
bridges across the streams. As features/tp- that the districts in Meghalaya are named after the
the time passes, these bridges youngworld/living- tribes in that area, like East Garo Hills district, West
become stronger. These root-bridges-of- Jaitia Hills district and so on. Strong secondary roots
69 Geography A M CA EN
unique 'living root bridges' are meghalaya/article4 of this rubber tree are manipulated to grow
found in 162886.ece horizontally through the tunnels of hollowed betel
(a) Meghalaya nut trunks across the fast flowing rivers
(b) Himachal Pradesh
(c) Jharkhand
(d) Tamil Nadu
Tides occur in the oceans and Ncert Class 11th The periodical rise and fall of the sea level, once or Fundamental
seas due to which among the Fundamental of twice a day ,mainly due to attraction of Sun and
following? Physical Moon. Another factor is centrifugal force, which is
1. Gravitational force of the Geography the force that acts to counter balance the gravity.
Sun Page 121
2. Gravitational force of the
Moon
70 Geography D E F EM
3. Centrifugal force of the Earth
Select the correct answer using
the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
25 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 In which of the following http://www.isro.go The Indian Space programme has two major
activities are Indian Remote v.in/applications operational systems – the Indian National Satellite
Sensing (IRS) satellites used? Basic reference (INSAT) which is a geostationary satellite is used for
1. Assessment of crop material on telecommunication, television broadcasting, and
productivity Science tech meteorological services and the Indian Remote
2. Locating groundwater Sensing Satellite (IRS) for monitoring and
resources management of natural resources (e.g. locating
3. Mineral exploration ground water resources, mineral exploration etc.)
71 Geography A M CAA EM
4. Telecommunications and Disaster Management Support.
5. Traffic studies
Select the correct answer using
the code given below.
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 4 and 5 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Consider the following States: Ncert Class 11th In India, evergreen forests are found on the eastern
1. Arunachal Pradesh India Physical and western slopes of the Western Ghats in such
2. Himachal Pradesh Environment states as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and
3. Mizoram Page 58 Maharashtra. And also found in Assam, Arunachal
In which of the above States do Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura, West Bengal
72 Geography 'Tropical Wet Evergreen C M FA EM and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Forests' occur?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
The term 'IndARC', sometimes http://www.thehin The deployment of IndARC, the country’s first
in the news, is the name of du.com/sci- underwater moored observatory in the Kongsfjorden
(a) an indigenously developed tech/energy-and- fjord, half way between Norway and the North Pole,
radar system inducted into environment/india represents a major milestone in India’s scientific
Indian Defence s-arctic- endeavours in the Arctic region. The observatory is
(b) India's satellite to provide observatory-to-aid- anchored at a depth of 192 m and has an array of 10
Current services to the countries of climate-change- state-of-the-art oceanographic sensors strategically
73 D M CA EN
Affairs Indian Ocean Rim studies/article6405 positioned at various depths in the water.
(c) a scientific establishment 727.ece
set up by India in Antarctic
region
(d) India's underwater
observatory to scientifically
study the Arctic region
26 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 With reference to 'Forest https://www.fores he Forest Carbon Partnership Facility is a global
Carbon Partnership Facility', tcarbonpartnership partnership of governments, businesses, civil society,
which of the following .org/ and Indigenous Peoples focused on reducing
statements is/are correct? emissions from deforestation and forest degradation,
1. It is a global partnership of forest carbon stock conservation, the sustainable
governments, businesses, civil management of forests, and the enhancement of
society and indigenous forest carbon stocks in developing countries
peoples. The four strategic objectives of the FCPF:
2. It provides financial aid to To assist countries in their REDD+ efforts by providing
universities, individual them with financial and technical assistance in
scientists and institutions building their capacity to benefit from possible future
involved in scientific forestry systems of positive incentives for REDD+.
Current research to develop eco- To pilot a performance-based payment system for
74 C D CAA EN
Affairs friendly and climate adaptation REDD+ activities, with a view to ensuring equitable
technologies for sustainable benefit sharing and promoting future large-scale
forest management. positive incentives for REDD+.
3. It assists the countries in Within the approach to REDD+, to test ways to
their 'REDD+ (Reducing sustain or enhance livelihoods of local communities
Emissions from Deforestation and to conserve biodiversity.
+)' efforts by providing them To disseminate broadly the knowledge gained in the
which financial and technical development of the Facility and the implementation
assistance. of Readiness Preparation Proposals (RPPs) and
Select the correct answer using Emission Reductions Programs (ERPs).
the code given below. FCPF grants fund to developing countries but not to
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only to universities, individual scientists and institutions.
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Which one of the following was http://www.thehin Odia is billed as the first language from the Indo- Classical
given classical language status du.com/news/nati Aryan linguistic group and the case for making it a Language is an
recently? onal/odia-gets- classical language was also premised on the fact that important topic
Current
75 (a) Odia A E CA classical-language- EN it has no resemblance to Hindi, Sanskrit, Bengali and for UPSC
Affairs
(b) Konkani status/article57090 Telugu. examination
(c) Bhojpuri 28.ece
(d) Assamese
With reference to an http://www.birdlif The British biologist Norman Myers coined the term in news,
organization known as 'BirdLife e.org/ "biodiversity hotspot" in 1988 http://www.the
International', which of the hindu.com/news
following statements is/are /cities/kolkata/o
76 Environment C M CAA EN
correct? penbilled-storks-
1. It is a Global Partnership of flock-to-
Conservation Organizations. raiganj/article67
2. The concept of 'biodiversity 47797.ece
27 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 hotspots' originated from this http://www.the
organization. hindu.com/sci-
3. It identifies the sites tech/energy-
known/referred to as and-
'Important Bird and environment/an
Biodiversity Areas'. gry-birds-in-a-
Select the correct answer using real-
the code given below. battle/article715
(a) 1 only 9361.ece
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Which one of the following Any Standard Atlas http://www.the
countries of South-West Asia hindu.com/opini
does not open out to the on/editorial/a-
Mediterranean Sea? looming-
77 Geography B M F RM
(a) Syria refugee-
(b) Jordan crisis/article7326
(c) Lebanon 417.ece
(d) Israel
In India, in which one of the Ncert Class 11th The Moist deciduous forests are more pronounced in Basic question
following types of forests is India Physical the regions which record rainfall between 100-200 from NCERT
teak a dominant tree species? Environment cm. These forests are found in the northeastern
(a) Tropical moist deciduous Page 59 states along the foothills of Himalayas, eastern slopes
78 Geography forest A E F EN of the Western Ghats and Odisha. Teak, sal, shisham,
(b) Tropical rain forest hurra, mahua, amla, semul, kusum, and sandalwood
(c) Tropical thorn scrub forest etc. are the main species of these forests.
(d) Temperate forest with
grasslands
'Beijing Declaration and http://www.un.org The Fourth World Conference on Women held in http://www.the
Platform for Action', often seen /womenwatch/da Beijing in 1995. The legacy of the Beijing Conference hindu.com/news
in the news, is w/followup/sessio was to be that it sparked a renewed global /india-admits-to-
(a) a strategy to tackle the n/presskit/hist.htm commitment to the empowerment of women gender-
regional terrorism, an outcome everywhere and drew unprecedented international inequalities-in-
Current of a meeting of the Shanghai attention. The Conference unanimously adopted the beijing-plus-20-
79 C M CA EN
Affairs Cooperation Organization Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, that was review/article66
(b) a plan of action for in essence an agenda for women's empowerment 03307.ece
sustainable economic growth and stands as a milestone for the advancement of
in the Asia-Pacific Region, an women in the twenty-first century.
outcome of the deliberations
of the Asia-Pacific Economic
28 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 Forum
(c) an agenda for women's
empowerment, an outcome of
a World Conference convened
by the United Nations
(d) a strategy to combat
wildlife trafficking, a
declaration of the East Asia
Summit
"Each day is more or less the Wet equatorial climate, is characterized by
same, the morning is clear and consistently high temperatures (around 30 °C [86
bright with a sea breeze; as the °F]), with plentiful precipitation (150–1,000 cm [59–
Sun climbs high in the sky, heat 394 inches]) on most afternoons., heavy cloud cover,
mounts up, dark clouds form, and high humidity, with very little annual
then rain comes with thunder temperature variation. Wet equatorial regions lie
and lightning. But rain is soon within about 12° latitude of the Equator.
80 Geography over." B M F EM
Which of the following regions
is described in the above
passage?
(a) Savannah
(b) Equatorial
(c) Monsoon
(d) Mediterranean
With reference to Indian http://planningco Rate of growth of Real Gross Domestic Product has
economy, consider the mmission.nic.in/da fluctuated a lot during the last decade and decreased
following statements: ta/datatable/0814/ significantly in 2008-09 due to global financial crisis.
1. The rate of growth of Real comp_databook.p Gross Domestic Product at market prices (in rupees)
Gross Domestic Product has df has increased and did not show a declining treand
steadily increased in the last even once during the last decade as clearly seen from
decade. the planning commission data
2. The Gross Domestic Product
Economy at market prices (in rupees) has B D CAA EM
81
steadily increased in the last
decade.
Which of the statements given
above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
29 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 Consider the following Article 171(1) and http://www.tele
statements: article 172 graphindia.com/
1. The Legislative Council of a 1150120/jsp/odi
State in India can be larger in sha/story_9248.j
size than half of the Legislative sp#.Vdxe0fmqqk
Assembly of that particular o
State.
2. The Governor of a State
82 Polity nominates the Chairman of D D FA RM
Legislative Council of that
particular State.
Which of the statements given
above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
"To uphold and protect the Laxmikant Polity Article 51A (c) Fundamental
Sovereignty, Unity and Fourth Edition Pg
Integrity of India" is a provision 135
made in the
(a) Preamble of the
83 Polity D E F EM
Constitution
(b) Directive Principles of State
Policy
(c) Fundamental Rights
(d) Fundamental Duties
Which one of the following is NCERT Class 12th An ecosystem includes all of the living things (plants, Option (a) and
the best description of the Biology Page 241 animals and organisms) in a given area, interacting (d) looks very
term 'ecosystem'? with each other, and also with their non-living close but option
(a) A community of organisms environments (weather, earth, sun, soil, climate, (d) give more
interacting with one another atmosphere). appropriate
(b) That part of the Earth which Explanation
84 Environment is inhabited by living organisms C E F EM
(c) A community of organisms
together with the environment
in which they live
(d) The flora and fauna of a
geographical area

30 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 The fundamental object of http://arc.gov.in/6- To attain decentralised & participatory local self- Fundamental
Panchayati Raj system is to 1.pdf government is the fundamental objective of
ensure which among the http://www.panch Panchayatiraj. Although all can the statements can be
following? ayat.gov.in/ associated with Panchayatiraj but the most
1. People's participation in appropriate answer should be 1 and 3
development
2. Political accountability
85 Polity 3. Democratic decentralization C D FA RR
4. Financial mobilization
Select the correct answer using
the code given below.
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
With reference to Indian https://rbi.org.in/S Over the last two decades, central banks have veered
economy, consider the cripts/AnnualRepo round to conducting monetary policy through a single
following: rtPublications.aspx short-term interest rate as a policy rate that it
1. Bank rate ?Id=1121 controls through open market operations (OMOs).
2. Open market operations These OMOs are conducted under an operating
3. Public debt framework that typically includes liquidity
4. Public Revenue infusion/absorption through repurchase agreements
86 Economy C M CAA EM
Which of the above is/are (repos) or outright transactions in eligible securities
component/components of between the central bank and the market
Monetary Policy? participants. Public Revenue and debt are not part of
(a) 1 only monetary policy. These are related to fiscal policy.
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1 and 2
(d) 1, 3 and 4
With reference to inflation in http://www.thehin RBI and government both play a role in controlling
India, which of the following du.com/opinion/le the inflation, often termed as "inflation targeting" by
statements is correct? ad/understanding- the RBI. Hence, a and b are incorrect. Increased
(a) Controlling the inflation in inflation- money circulation leads to increased inflation as
India is the responsibility of the targeting/article66 demand increases. RBI increases bank rates and SLR
Government of India only 70330.ece etc. to reduce money supply in the market which
87 Economy C M CAA EN
(b) The Reserve Bank of India tames demand and hence, inflation.
has no role in controlling the
inflation
(c) Decreased money
circulation helps in controlling
the inflation
31 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 (d) Increased money circulation
helps in controlling the
inflation
Consider the following http://www.un.org At present, 189 states plus Taiwan are parties to the
countries: /disarmament/W NPT. These include all five declared Nuclear Weapons
1. China MD/Nuclear/NPT.s States (NWS) which had manufactured and exploded
2. France html a nuclear weapon before 1967: China, France, the
3. India Russian Federation, the UK and the USA. The main
4. Israel countries remaining outside the NPT are Israel, India
5. Pakistan and Pakistan, though North Korea has moved to join
Which among the above are them.
Current Nuclear Weapons States as
88 A M CAA EN
Affairs recognized by the Treaty on
the Non-Proliferation of
Nuclear Weapons, commonly
known as Nuclear Non-
Proliferation Treaty (NPT)?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 3, 4 and 5 only
(c) 2, 4 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
The ideal of 'Welfare State' in Laxmikanth pg
the Indian Constitution is 7.29(3rd Edition)
enshrined in its
(a) Preamble
89 Polity B E F RM
(b) Directive Principles of State
Policy
(c) Fundamental Rights
(d) Seventh Schedule
The substitution of steel for http://faculty.max Labor augmenting is technology that increases skills
wooden ploughs in agricultural well.syr.edu/jomcp and productivity of existing labor force (example -
production is an example of eak/ppa%20757/T teaching people how to use the computer). Capital
(a) labour-augmenting heories%20of%20 augmenting technology increases productivity of
technological progress Development.htm existing capital goods. In this case, replacement of
90 Economy (b) capital-augmenting B M FA RR wooden by steel, increases the productivity of plough
technological progress
(c) capital-reducing
technological progress
(d) None of the above

32 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 There is a Parliamentary Laxmikant Polity This is the bedrock principle of parliamentary
System of Government in India Fourth Edition Pg government. The
because the 149 ministers are collectively responsible to the
(a) Lok Sabha is elected directly Parliament in general and to the Lok Sabha in
by the people particular
91 Polity (b) Parliament can amend the D M F EM (Article 75)
Constitution
(c) Rajya Sabha cannot be
dissolved
(d) Council of Ministers is
responsible to the Lok Sabha
H1N1 virus is sometimes http://www.thehin H1N1 is cause of Swine flu In news
mentioned in the news with du.com/opinion/e
reference to which one of the ditorial/india-
Current following diseases? flounders-as-h1n1-
92 D E CA EN
Affairs (a) AIDS spreads/article702
(b) Bird flu 8788.ece
(c) Dengue
(d) Swine flu
With reference to bio-toilets http://www.thehin Statement 1 is incorrect as it is Anaerobic microbial In news
used by the Indian Railways, du.com/todays- inoculum. Statement 2 is incorrect as Bio Digester
consider the following paper/tp- disposes human waste in 100% eco-friendly manner
statements: national/biotoilets- and generates color less, odorless water and
1. The decomposition of for-all-trains-in-5- inflammable Methane- Gas for cooking, water
human waste in the bio-toilets years/article70386 heating & room heating etc. as a by product.
in initiated by a fungal 28.ece
inoculum.
Current 2. Ammonia and water vapour
93 D M CAA EN
Affairs are the only end products in
this decomposition which are
released into the atmosphere.
Which of the statements given
above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
The problem of international http://www.invest Refers to the adequacy of a country's, or the world's,
liquidity is related to the non- orwords.com/1764 international reserves. Under the Bretton Woods
94 Economy C M CA RM
availability of 6/international_liq System, liquidity was a problem, since it depended on
(a) goods and services uidity.html US dollars and thus a US deficit.
33 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 (b) gold and silver
(c) dollars and other hard
currencies
(d) exportable surplus
With reference to 'fuel cells' in Fuel cells produce direct current and smaller versions http://www.the
which hydrogen-rich fuel and are being patented regularly. Apple has obtained hindu.com/toda
oxygen are used to generate such patents too. ys-paper/tp-
electricity, consider the national/csir-
following statements: experts-study-
1. If pure hydrogen is used as a how-cars-can-
fuel, the fuel cell emits heat run-on-
and water as by-products. air/article71824
2. Fuel cells can be used for 56.ece
Science and
95 powering buildings and not for A D CAA EN http://venturebe
Technology
small devices like laptop at.com/2015/03/
computers. 17/apple-
3. Fuel cells produce electricity patents-fuel-cell-
in the form of Alternating power-source-
Current (AC). for-phones-
Which of the statements given laptops/
above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Kalamkari painting refers to http://www.nios.a Kalamkari painting is a painting done by Kalam (Pen) In news
(a) a hand-painted cotton c.in/media/docum in Andhra Pradesh it is done on cotton garments, bad
textile in South India ents/secichcour/en covers etc.
(b) a handmade drawing on glish/ch.11.pdf
bamboo handicrafts in North-
East India
96 Culture A M F EM
(c) a block-painted woollen
cloth in Western Himalayan
region of Inndia
(d) a hand-painted decorative
silk cloth in North-Western
India
Which one of the following http://www.archiv Foundation class of seed from authentic sources will http://www.the
best describes the main e.india.gov.in/citiz be supplied to the identified farmers and they will be hindu.com/sci-
objective of 'Seed Village en/agriculture/vie empowered to take up multiplication of seed under tech/science/onl
97 Economy B M CA EM
Concept'? wscheme.php?sch seed Village Programme. The seed so produced will y-a-ready-seed-
(a) Encouraging the farmers to emeid=1801 meet the requirement of farmers of the mandal market-can-
use their own farm seeds and /district. This Programme ensures supply of quality help-conserve-
34 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 discouraging them to buy the certified seed of high yielding varieties to the farmers traditional-
seeds from others in time at their places at affordable prices besides crops/article621
(b) Involving the farmers for ensuring quick multiplication of new seed varieties in 8015.ece
training in quality seed a shorter time in that mandal/district based on the
production and thereby to crop situation.
make available quality seeds to
others at appropriate time and
affordable cost
(c) Earmarking some villages
exclusively for the production
of certified seeds
(d) Identifying the
entrepreneurs in villages and
providing them technology and
finance to set up seed
companies
There has been a persistent Budget deficit is used to define a status of financial http://www.the
deficit budget year after year. health in which expenditures exceed revenue. hindu.com/busin
Which of the following actions Reducing the revenue expenditure will certainly help ess/Economy/su
can be taken by the in bridging the gap. Subsidies are a part of bsidies-to-be-
government to reduce the expenditure and rationalizing them would reduce the rationalised-
deficit? deficit. joint-session-on-
1. Reducing revenue Introducing new welfare schemes will most likely insurance-arun-
expenditure result in increasing expenditure and so will expanding jaitley/article681
2. Introducing new welfare industries which would require capital infusion. 1966.ece
98 Economy A M FA EM
schemes
3. Rationalizing subsidies
4. Expanding industries
Select the correct answer using
the code given below.
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Which of the following http://www.thehin Statement 1 and 3 are correct. GI tag of Banaras
has/have been accorded dubusinessline.co sarees in news
'Geographical Indication' m/news/variety/tir because of PM
Current
99 status? C M CA upati-laddu-gets- EN visit and related
Affairs
1. Banaras Brocades and Sarees stern-with- news. Tirupati
2. Rajasthani Daal-Bati-Churma imitators/article57 Laddus were in
3. Tirupathi Laddu 43644.ece news due to
35 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 Select the correct answer using http://timesofindia series of
the code given below. .indiatimes.com/cit litigations over
(a) 1 only y/varanasi/Varanas last few years
(b) 2 and 3 only i-stole-presented-
(c) 1 and 3 only to-
(d) 1, 2 and 3 PM/articleshow/48
399682.cms
With reference to the Indian http://www.ireda. IREDA is a Public Limited Government Company IREDA was in
Renewable Energy gov.in established as a Non-Banking Financial Institution in news because
Development Agency Limited http://www.thehin 1987 under the administrative control of MNRE to of-Green Bonds
(IREDA), which of the following du.com/business/ promote, develop and extend financial assistance for and Miniratna
statements is/are correct? what-are-green- renewable energy and energy efficiency status awarded
1. It is a Public Limited bonds/article7070 /conservation projects. Both the statements are to it.
Government Company. 840.ece/ correct.
Current
100 2. It is a Non-Banking Financial C D CAA EN
Affairs
Company.
Select the correct answer using
the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

36 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

Observations

• The Paper portrayed a departure from the trend of last 4 years. While many traditional questions were from non-traditional sources and inferential, many
current affairs questions were very simple and straight forward eg NITI Ayog, Jandhan Yojna etc
• Paper was more factual compared to papers of CSAT era.
• More focus on current affairs as many questions were inspired from news. Instead of linking the current affairs to concepts it was more on factual side.
• Proportion of unapproachable questions remained on similar trends as previous year.
• Polity has moved towards traditional concepts compared to last year trend of is moving towards governance and public administration type questions.
• Some economy questions were on the lines of 2013 paper i.e. conceptual and analytical.
• Deceptive presentation is a common method to segregate deep knowledge with superficial knowledge or hunch. This technique was used in many questions.
• Some questions were too easy (E.g. Fortaleza declaration, H1N1 etc). This does not mean that we should not have proper knowledge of topic (Eg. NFC required
complete knowledge of the topic).
• Pointers for most of the questions could be traced to The Hindu but as recommended earlier, in the age of internet, complete knowledge of topic is expected
(CSB issue was in news consistently, TFA issue led to the question about AoA of WTO).

Recommendations:

• Read Basic/standard books, one Good News Paper (like The Hindu) and use internet extensively as almost 80% questions could be attempted with this
combination.
• Have keen perception about things going around you and assume less and less. After reading newspaper always clarify key terms from internet or books or
teachers.
• Read one good book on each traditional subjects this will help in prelims, mains and interview i.e. all stages of examination. This will also help in making some
unapproachable question approachable.
• This year with the inclusion of factual questions and state civil service/State Services type one liners, it is advisable to be ready for analytical and factual
questions at the same time. It is expected that UPSC will not ask irrelevant facts (Date on which someone died type asked in state civil service) but important
facts should not be ignored.
• Do not ignore your strong areas to do research in weak areas. You should be able to answer most of the questions from your strong areas.
• Nearly 60% of the questions were very basic which could have been answered by reading elementary books and newspapers. Strategy should be to avoid
negative marking in tough questions and maximize your score by first finding the easy ones and completing them.
• Read questions carefully and use elimination technique wherever possible.

37 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 CA CAA F FA Grand
Total
Culture 2 1 3 Section wise Nature
Current Affairs 10 13 23 25
Economy 4 7 2 5 18
Environment 2 5 5 1 13 20
Geography 1 2 6 5 14
15
Medieval History 2 2 4
Modern History 5 3 8 10
FA
Polity 8 3 11
5 F
science and 1 4 1 6
technology CAA
Grand Total 18 31 30 21 100 0
CA

Column 1

38 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 Grand
EM EN RM RR Total Section wise Difficulty
Culture 1 2 3
25
Current Affairs 2 21 23
Economy 9 5 3 1 18 20
Environment 4 9 13
15
Geography 9 4 1 14
Medieval
History 1 2 1 4 10
Modern M
History 4 4 8 5
E
Polity 5 4 2 11
0 D
science and technology 6 6
Grand Total 35 45 16 4 100

Column 1

39 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

EM 35
EN 45
Source Type
RM 16
RR 4
4%
Grand Total 100
16%

35%
EM
EN
RM
RR

45%

40 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

D 22
E 23
Difficulty
M 55
Grand Total 100

22%

D
E
55% M

23%

41 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

CA 18
CAA 31
Nature
F 30
FA 21
Grand Total 100
18%
21%

CA
CAA
F
FA
31%
30%

42 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 EM = Essential material like basic books etc.
RM = Reference material
EN = Essential News/Current Affairs
RR = Random Read like random website etc.
E : Easy , M : Medium , D : Difficult

Nature of Question
F: Fundamental, Conventional and conceptual question which is easily available in commonly recommended books. If a current affairs source is mentioned then it
indicate that you had one more reason to prepare this
FA: Fundamental Applied question is an analytical question which require information + application of mind.
Answer to these question are from commonly recommended books but not so obvious to find.
CA: Current affair question which can be answered almost completely using given source alone.
CAA(Current affair Applied): Current affair question which needs information from more than one source to answer AND/OR application of mind(common sense
and overall understanding) of aspirant. This is why source for these question may not be answering question completely.
FCA (Fundamental + Current affair): This is a F or FA question supplemented with current affairs or a current affairs question that needs background information for
complete answer. Source to these question might not answer question in entirety.
U (unconventional question): unconventional question means the question that is distantly related to syllabus provided by UPSC. It is neither present in even
reference sources(in addition to recommended books) nor prominently in news.

43 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 VISION IAS ™ ... Inspiring Innovation
www.visionias.in
www.visionias.wordpress.com

“The significant problems we face can not be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them." - Albert
Einstein

ANALYSIS / APPROACH / SOURCE / STRATEGY: GENERAL STUDIES PRE 2016 PAPER

- TEAM VISION IAS

 The analysis is based on premise that UPSC wants to identify aspirants with certain skills and aptitude required to function as a good
administrator. UPSC does not explicitly describe these skills so we infer them from Syllabus, Question Paper and feedback of experts and
students.
 This analysis is an attempt to quantify the subjective understanding and make explicit the implicit.
 We have inferred some conclusions from these stats but you are free to infer differently. Moreover independent/impartial thinking is one
of the qualities expected in administrators.

Observations on CSP 2016

 The Paper portrayed a departure from the trend of last 4 years. Although, in 2015 the number of current affairs questions increased but in 2016
UPSC has drastically shifted their focus on Current Affairs.
 There were traditional questions from non-traditional sources eg. Question on Keshab Chandra Sen and Agrahattas.
 Paper was more factual compared to papers of CSAT era.
 In the current affairs section, instead of linking the current affairs questions to concepts it was more on factual side.
 Proportion of unapproachable questions has increased than previous year.
 Polity has moved towards traditional concepts compared to last year trend and is moving towards governance and public administration type
questions eg- Chief Secretary, Gram Nyayalayas.
1 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
  Economy questions were largely drawn from Current Affairs eg- . Ease of Doing Business, Amber Box, Blue Box Subsidies, MCLR, etc.
 Deceptive presentation is a common method to segregate deep knowledge with superficial knowledge or hunch. This technique was used in many
questions. i.e. some questions could be solved through eliminating one statement e.g. GIAHS, National Ganga River Basin Authority etc.
 Some questions were too easy (e.g. Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, UDAY, etc). This does not mean that we should not have proper knowledge of
topic because some questions like Atal Pension Yojana required complete knowledge of the topic).
 Pointers for most of the questions could be traced to The Hindu but as recommended earlier, in the age of internet, complete knowledge of topic
is expected (Gram Nyayalayas, The Economics of Ecosystem and Biodiversity).

Recommendations:

 Read Basic/standard books, one Good News Paper (like The Hindu) and use internet extensively as almost 80% questions could be attempted with
this combination.
 Have keen perception about things going around you and assume less and less. After reading newspaper always clarify key terms from internet or
books or teachers.
 Read one good book on each traditional subjects this will help in prelims, mains and interview i.e. all stages of examination. This will also help in
making some unapproachable question approachable.
 This year with the inclusion of factual questions and state civil service/State Services type one liners, it is advisable to be ready for analytical and
factual questions at the same time. It is expected that UPSC will not ask irrelevant facts (Date on which someone died type asked in state civil
service) but important facts should not be ignored.
 Do not ignore your strong areas to do research in weak areas. You should be able to answer most of the questions from your strong areas.
 Nearly 60% of the questions were can be answered by reading elementary books and newspapers. Strategy should be to avoid negative marking in
tough questions and maximize your score by first finding the easy ones and completing them.
 Read questions carefully and use elimination technique wherever possible.

2 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 EM = Essential material like basic books etc.
RM = Reference material
EN = Essential News/Current Affairs
RR = Random Read like random website etc.
E : Easy , M : Medium , D : Difficult

Nature of Question
F: Fundamental, Conventional and conceptual question which is easily available in commonly recommended books. If a current affairs source is mentioned then it
indicate that you had one more reason to prepare this
FA: Fundamental Applied question is an analytical question which require information + application of mind.
Answer to these question are from commonly recommended books but not so obvious to find.
CA: Current affair question which can be answered almost completely using given source alone.
CAA(Current affair Applied): Current affair question which needs information from more than one source to answer AND/OR application of mind(common sense
and overall understanding) of aspirant. This is why source for these question may not be answering question completely.
FCA (Fundamental + Current affair): This is a F or FA question supplemented with current affairs or a current affairs question that needs background information for
complete answer. Source to these question might not answer question in entirety.
U (unconventional question): unconventional question means the question that is distantly related to syllabus provided by UPSC. It is neither present in even
reference sources(in addition to recommended books) nor prominently in news.

3 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 A
L
n Sou
e
s Natu rce
Q.N. Section Question v Source Explanation Motivation Vision IAS
w re Typ
e
e e
l
r
1 Current Regarding 'Atal Pension C M CAA http://pib.nic.in/ne EN Statements 1 and 3 are Financial Covered in PT 365 material -
Affairs Yojana', which of the wsite/PrintRelease. correct: To address the inclusion Social schemes.
following statements is/are aspx?relid=138244 longevity risks among the schemes like Asked in PT365 Test - Test 2102
correct? workers in unorganised sector APY, Consider the following statements
1. It is a minimum http://pib.nic.in/ne and to encourage the workers Suraksha with respect to Atal Pension
guaranteed pension scheme wsite/PrintRelease. in unorganised sector to Yojana,Jeev Yojana
mainly targeted at aspx?relid=116208 voluntarily save for their an Jyoti 1. Any Indian citizen having a
unorganized sector workers. retirement, APY was yojana, Jan savings bank account between the
2. Only one member of a launched. Dhan, etc. age of 18 to 45 years can subscribe
family can join the scheme. Statement 2 is not correct: have to this pension scheme.
3. Same amount of pension Atal Pension Yojana (APY) is remained in 2. There is a provision of voluntary
is guaranteed for the spouse open to all bank account news exit before the age of 60 years.
for life after subscriber's holders who are not members regularly. 3. This scheme will replace existing
death. of any statutory social security Swavalamban scheme.
Select the correct answer scheme. It doesn't bar the Which of statements given above
using the code given below. number of family members is/are not correct?
(a) 1 only from a family. (a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3
2 Current The term 'Regional B E CA http://www.thehin EN Regional Comprehensive Trade Covered in both All India Test
Affairs Comprehensive Economic du.com/news/nati Economic Partnership (RCEP) negotiations serie s twice and PT 365 material
Partnership' often appears in onal/india-warned- Agreement among ASEAN + like TTP, Tests - 1722, 1770, 1895
the news in the' context of against-pitfalls-in- Six FTA Partners (Australia, TTIP, RCEP The 'Regional Comprehensive
the affairs of a group of asean-trade- China, India, Japan, South have Economic Partnership', recently in
countries known as agreement/article8 Korea and New Zealand): remained the news, is related to the affairs
(a) G2O 729070.ece Based on the Declaration of regularly in of:
(b) ASEAN the Leaders during the ASEAN news. (a) ASEAN
(c) SCO Summit in November 2012, (b) BRICS
(d) SAARC negotiations for a (c) OECD
comprehensive economic (d) SAARC
partnership between the 10 Test - 1723, 1774, 1891
ASEAN member states and its Regional Comprehensive Economic
six FTA partners commenced Partnership (RCEP) Agreement is
in May 2013. Ten rounds of proposed among ASEAN + six FTA

4 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 negotiations have so far been partners. Which among the
held. The 10th round was held following are members of RCEP?
from 8 to16 October 2015 in 1. New Zealand
Busan, Korea. 2. China
The negotiations cover a 3. Japan
number of areas like trade in 4. Papua New Guinea
goods, services, investment, 5. Russia
intellectual property, 6. India
economic and technical Select the correct answer using the
cooperation, competition, e- code given below.
commerce and legal and (a) 1, 2, 3 and 6 only
institutional issues. (b) 1, 3, 4 and 5 only
Papua New Guinea is not a (c) 2, 4 and 6 only
member of ASEAN. (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6
3 Current On which of the following D D CAA http://www.thehin RR The Bureau initiated the Energy
Affairs can you find the Bureau of du.com/features/h Standards & Labeling efficiency
Energy Efficiency Star Label? omes-and- programme for equipment has
1. Ceiling fans gardens/conservin and appliances in 2006 to remained
2. Electric geysers g-power-holds-key- provide the consumer an continuously
3. Tubular fluorescent lamps to- informed choice about the in news.
Select the correct answer future/article8625 energy saving and thereby the
using the code given below. 361.ece cost saving potential of the
(a) 1 and 2 only relevant marketed product.
(b) 3 only http://pib.nic.in/ne The scheme is invoked for 21
(c) 2 and 3 only wsite/PrintRelease. equipment/appliances, i.e.
(d) 1, 2 and 3 aspx?relid=137917 Room Air Conditioners,
Tubular Fluorescent Tube
https://beeindia.go Lights, Frost Free
v.in/content/star- Refrigerators, Distribution
labelled-appliances Transformers, Induction
Motors, Direct Cool
Refrigerator, electric storage
type geyser, Ceiling fans,
Color TVs, Agricultural pump
sets, LPG stoves, Washing
machine, Laptops, ballast,
floor standing ACs, office
automation products, Diesel
Generating sets & Diesel
pumpsets.

5 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 4 Science and India is an important D E CAA http://www.thehin EN ITER (International In News Covered in PT 365 material
Technology member of the 'International du.com/opinion/bl Thermonuclear Experimental
Thermonuclear Experimental ogs/blogs-the- Reactor) is an international
Reactor'. If this experiment copernican/article nuclear fusion research and
succeeds, what is the 5685659.ece engineering megaproject,
immediate advantage for which will be the world's
India? largest magnetic confinement
(a) It can use thorium in plasma physics experiment.
place of uranium for power
generation
(b) It attain a global role in
satellite-navigation
(c) It can drastically improve
the efficiency of its fission
reactors in power generation
(d) It can build fusion
reactors for power
generation
5 Ancient In the context of the history D D FA The Penguin RR Taniyur, is a large village to test the
History of India, consider the History of Early under Chola administrative knowledge
following pairs: India: From the division. of ancient
Term Description Origins to AD 1300 Eripatti was a special category history in
1. Eripatti : Land, revenue - Romila Thapar of land known in South india. Depth
from which was set apart for This land was donated by
the maintenance of the individuals, revenue from
village tank which was set apart for the
2. Taniyurs : Villages donated maintenance of the village
to a single Brahmin or a tank.
group of Brahmins Land grants and generous
3. Ghatikas : Colleges donations were given to
generally attached to the educational institutions like
temples Ghatikas and Mathas. Mathas
Which of the pairs given were residential schools for
above correctly matched? early education in Pallava
(a) 1 and 2 kingdoms.
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1 and 3

6 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

7 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 6 Current Consider the following A M CA http://www.thehin EN India and France have was Tests- 1722, 1770, 1895, 2060
Affairs statements: du.com/sci- launched an International constantly in With reference to International
1. The International Solar tech/energy-and- Solar Alliance to boost solar news. Solar Alliance (ISA), consider the
Alliance was launched at the environment/modi energy in developing following statements:
United Nations Climate -launches- countries. 1. It was launched by India and
Change Conference in 2015. international-solar- The initiative was launched at France.
2. The Alliance includes all alliance/article793 the UN Climate Change 2. It invites countries which are
the member countries of the 4560.ece Conference in Paris. It will be located between Tropic of Cancer
United Nations. a common platform for and Tropic of Capricorn.
Which of the statements cooperation among solar 3. It will work under International
given above is/are correct? resource rich countries lying Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
(a) 1 only fully or practically between Which of the statements given
(b) 2 only the Tropics of Cancer and above is/are correct?
(c) Both 1 and 2 Capricorn. (a) 1 only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 It will not duplicate or (b) 1 and 2 only
replicate the efforts that (c) 2 and 3 only
others (like International (d) 1, 2 and 3
Renewable Energy Agency
(IRENA), Renewable Energy
and Energy Efficiency
Partnership (REEEP),
International Energy Agency
(IEA), Renewable Energy
Policy Network for the 21st
Century (REN21), United
Nations bodies, bilateral
organizations etc.) are
currently engaged in, but will
establish networks and
develop synergies with them.
7 Current 'European Stability B E CA http://www.thehin EN The European Stability was in news
Affairs Mechanism', sometimes du.com/news/inter Mechanism is a European constantly
seen in the' news, is an national/eu- Union agency that provides due to
(a) agency created by EU to begins-disbursal- financial assistance, in the Greece
deal with the impact of of-greece-bailout- form of loans, to eurozone bailout.
millions of refugees arriving money/article8756 countries or as new capital to
from Middle East 190.ece banks in difficulty.
(b) agency of EU that
provides financial assistance
to eurozone countries
(c) agency of EU to deal with

8 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 all the bilateral and
multilateral agreements on
trade
(d) agency of EU to deal with
the conflicts arising among
the member countries
8 Economy Which of the following is/are C M FA http://www.agriinf RR Advantages of Drip Irrigation: Due to “Per
the advantage/advantages of o.in/default.aspx?p 1. Maximum use of available Drop More
practicing drip irrigation? age=topic&superid water. Crop”
1. Reduction in weed =8&topicid=2243 2. No water being available to component
2. Reduction in soil salinity weeds. under
3. Reduction' in-soil erosion 3. Maximum crop yield. Pradhan
Select the correct answer 4. High efficiency in the use of Mantri
using the code given below. fertilizers. Krishi
(a) 1 and 2 only 5. Less weed growth and Sinchyee
(b) 3 only restricts population of Yojana
(c) 1 and 3 only potential hosts. (PMKSY),
(d) None of the above is an 6. Low labour and relatively Drip
advantage of practising drip low operation cost. irrigation
irrigation 7. No soil erosion. remained
8. Improved infiltration in soil regularly in
of low intake. news. Also
9. Ready adjustment to mentioned
sophisticated automatic in Eco
control. Survey
10. No runoff of fertilizers into
ground water.
11. Less evaporation losses of
water as compared to surface
irrigation.
12. Improves seed
germination.
13. Decreased to tillage
operations.
Disadvantages of Drip
Irrigation:
In spite of the fact that drip
irrigation has so many
potential benefits , they’re a
certain limitation also, there
are as follow:

9 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 1. Sensitivity to clogging
2. Moisture distribution
problem 3. Salinity hazards
4. High cost compared to
furrow.
5. High skill is required for
design, install and operation.
9 Current Regarding 'DigiLocker', C E CA http://pib.nic.in/ne EN Digital Locker is one of the key Have Test – 2084 (PT365) Which of the
Affairs sometimes seen in the news, wsite/PrintRelease. initiatives under the Digital remained in following statements regarding
which of the following aspx?relid=142414 India Programme. news digital locker under Digital India
statements is/are correct? Digital Locker is aimed at regularly. program is/are correct?
1. It is a digital locker system http://www.thehin minimising the usage of 1. It serves as a Uniform Resource
offered by the Government du.com/todays- physical documents and Identifier of e-documents issued
under Digital India paper/tp- enable sharing of e- by Government agencies.
Programme. national/sc- documents across agencies. 2. Users can upload their e-
2. It allows you to access dismisses-pil-on- documents only with digital
your e-documents digital- signatures.
irrespective of your physical locker/article7700 3. It is mandatory to link
location. 119.ece individual's digital locker with
Select the correct answer Aadhar number to upload
using the code given below. documents.
(a) 1 only Select the correct answer using the
(b) 2 only code given below.
(c) Both 1 and 2 (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 3 only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
10 Current Recently, linking of which of B E CA http://www.thehin EN The plan is to eventually Remained Asked in All India Test series
Affairs the following rivers was du.com/news/nati divert water from the continuously 1718, 1769, 2066
undertaken? onal/andhra- Polavaram dam, since the in news. The Polavaram Reservoir being
(a) Cauvery and Tungabhadra pradesh/interlinkin dam is still under construction built to interlink Godavari and
(b) Godavari and Krishna g-godavari-krishna- and will take at least 4 to 5 Krishna extends to which of the
(c) Mahanadi and Son my-most- years to be ready, the following states?
(d) Narmada and Tapti satisfying- Chandrababu Naidu 1. Andhra Pradesh
exercise/article805 government decided to divert 2. Telangana
1320.ece Godavari water from the 3. Odisha
Pattiseema Lift Irrigation 4. Chhattisgarh
http://indianexpre Scheme. This plan kicked off Select the correct answer using the
ss.com/article/expl on September 16, 2015. code given below.
ained/godavari- (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1, 2 and 3 only
and-krishna-rivers- (c) 1, 2 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
interlink-when-
two-rivers-meet/

10 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

11 Environment In the cities of our country, B M FCA http://www.thehin EN National Air Quality Index: Important Asked in All India Test series
which among the following du.com/opinion/e There are six AQI categories, initiative of Tests - 1725, 1776
atmospheric gases are ditorial/air- namely Good, Satisfactory, Minister for Which of the following air
normally considered in pollution-in-india- Moderately polluted, Poor, Environmen pollutants is/are included in the
calculating the value of Air clean-air-agenda- Very Poor, and Severe. t, Forests & National Air Quality Index?
Quality Index? for-the- The AQI considers eight Climate 1. Sulphur dioxide
1. Carbon dioxide cities/article82725 pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, Change. 2. Ozone
2. Carbon monoxide 73.ece NO2, SO2, CO, O3, NH3, and Also 3. Carbon dioxide
3. Nitrogen dioxide Pb) for which short-term (up remained in 4. Lead
4. Sulfur dioxide http://pib.nic.in/ne to 24-hourly averaging period) news due to 5. Ammonia
5. Methane wsite/PrintRelease. National Ambient Air Quality high Select the correct answer using the
Select the correct answer aspx?relid=110654 Standards are prescribed. Particulate code given below.
using the code given below. matters in (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only many cities. (b) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only (c) 2, 3 and 5 only
(c) 1, 4 and 5 only (d) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
12 Science and With reference to 'Astrosat',' D D CA http://www.thehin EN ASTROSAT is India’s first was Asked twice in All India Test series
Technology the astronomical du.com/sci- dedicated multi wavelength constantly in Test -
observatory launched by tech/science/isro- space observatory. ASTROSAT news 1719,1767,2058,2061,2064,2067
India, which of the following launches-astrosat- will observe universe in the With reference to ASTROSAT
statements is/are correct? first-space- optical, Ultraviolet, low and mission, consider the following
1. Other than USA and observatory/article high energy X-ray regions of statements:
Russia, India is the only 7697707.ece the electromagnetic 1. It is India’s first dedicated space
country to have launched a spectrum. India’s observatory observatory.
similar observatory into http://www.isro.go will be the fourth in space, 2. It will enable simultaneous
space. v.in/Spacecraft/ast after the Hubble(USA), multi-wavelength observations
2. Astrosat is a 2000 kg rosat Russia’s Spektr R and Suzaku with a single satellite.
satellite placed in an orbit at of Japan. 3. It is placed in geosynchronous
1650 km above the surface ASTROSAT with a lift-off mass orbit to make communication
of the Earth. of about 1513 kg was effective on earth.
Select the correct answer launched into a 650 km orbit Which of the statements given
using the code given below. inclined at an angle of 6 deg above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only to the equator by PSLV-C30. (a) 1 only
(b) 2 only ASTROSAT will observe (b) 1 and 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 universe in the optical, (c) 2 and 3 only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 Ultraviolet, low and high (d) 1, 2 and 3
energy X-ray regions of the Tests - 1778. 1896
electromagnetic spectrum, Which of the following is/are space
whereas most other scientific observatory?
satellites are capable of 1. Astrosat

11 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 observing a narrow range of 2. Hubble
wavelength band. 3. Spektr
4. Suzaku
Select the correct answer from
code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
13 Medieval With reference to the C D F Early Medieval RR The 'ara-ghatta' originates Knowledge
History economic history of Indian Society - from the blend of the words of History in
medieval India, the term R.S. Sharma "ara" which means talked and Depth
'Araghatta' refers to "ghatta" which means pot.
(a) bonded labour A History of There is confirmation to
(b) land grant made to Ancient and Early contend that this
military officers Medieval India - arrangement of lifting water
(c) waterwheel used in the Upinder Singh from open wells was
irrigation of land presumably designed in the
(d) wasteland converted to India of the past.
cultivated land
14 Ancient With reference to the D D F Ancient Indian RR During Gupta period, the Knowledge
History cultural history of India, the Social History: memorizing of chronicles, of History in
memorizing of chronicles, Some dynastic histories or epic tales Depth
dynastic histories and epic Interpretations - was the work of a different
tales was the profession of Romila Thapar group of people, the sutas
who of the following? and magadhas.
(a) Shramana
(b) Parivraajaka
(c) Agrahaarika
(d) Maagadha
15 Current Recently, for the first time in D M CA http://www.thehin EN The Blue Mormon is a large, was in news Asked in All India Test series -
Affairs our country, which of the du.com/news/nati swallowtail butterfly found 1716
following States has declared onal/other- primarily in Sri Lanka and Consider the following statements
a particular butterfly as states/maharashtr India, mainly restricted to the about Blue Mormon, a species of
‘State Butterfly’? a-gets-state- Western Ghats of Butterfly, which was recently in
(a) Arunachal Pradesh, butterfly/article73 Maharashtra, South India and news:
(b) Himachal Pradesh 42955.ece coastal belts. It may 1. It is endemic to India.
(c) Karnataka occasionally be spotted in the 2. It is listed as an endangered
(d) Maharashtra Maharashtrian mainland species by International Union for
between Vidarbha and Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Western Maharashtra. 3. It has been declared as 'State
12 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 It is reportedly the second butterfly' of Karnataka.
largest butterfly found in Which of the statements given
India, just smaller than the above is/are not correct?
southern birdwing. (a) 1 only
Not uncommon. Not thought (b) 1 and 2 only
to be threatened. Occurs (c) 2 and 3 only
throughout the year but more (d) 1, 2 and 3
common in the monsoon and
immediately after it.
Maharashtra has become the
first State in the country to
have a ‘State butterfly.’ Thus
all statements are wrong.
16 Science and Consider the following C M CAA http://www.thehin EN Statements 1 and 3 are It has Covered in PT 365
Technology statements: The Mangalyaan du.com/sci- correct. remained
launched by ISRO tech/science/articl The Mars Orbiter Mission regularly in
1. is also called the Mars e6434096.ece (MOM) has various news
Orbiter Mission achievements to its credit
2. made India the second http://pib.nic.in/ne after it was inserted into Mars
country to have a spacecraft wsite/PrintRelease. orbit on September 24, 2014.
orbit the Mars after USA aspx?relid=117336 The details of significant
3. made India the only achievements of MOM
country to be successful in http://isro.gov.in/p include
making its spacecraft orbit slv-c25-mars- i. First interplanetary mission
the Mars in its very first orbiter- realized by India and first
attempt mission/mars- Indian spacecraft to
Which of the statements orbiter-mission- incorporate full scale on-
given above is/are correct? profile board autonomy to overcome
(a) 1 only the long distances and the
(b) 2 and 3 only communication gaps due to
(c) 1 and 3 only non-visibility periods.
(d) 1, 2 and 3 ii. First Indian spacecraft to
successfully survive Van Allen
belt crossing 39 times.
iii. First Indian spacecraft to
escape the Sphere Of
Influence of Earth and orbit
Sun.
iv. First Mars mission in the
world to succeed Mars Orbit
Insertion in first attempt.

13 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 v. Most economical
interplanetary mission in the
world and paved way for cost-
effective access to deep
space. The launch vehicle,
Spacecraft and Ground
Segment have been realised
with a budget of Rs 450 Cr.
Statement 2 is not correct.
Since the first successful flyby
in 1965, four entities have
successfully made it to Mars:
NASA, the Soviet Union, the
European Space Agency and
the Indian Space Research
Organization, while others,
including Japan and China,
have tried.
17 Modern What was the main reason B E F NCERT, Bipin EM Surat Split refers to the Basic
History for the split in the Indian Chandra, Spectrum splitting of the Congress party question of
National Congress at Surat in into 'Moderates' and modern
1907? 'Extremists' after a clash at indian
(a) Introduction of the session. The extremists history
communalism into Indian were led by Lokmanya Tilak,
politics b Lord Minto Lajpat Rai and Sri Aurobindo
(b) Extremists’ lack of faith in and the moderates were led
the capacity of the by Gopal Krishna Gokhale,
moderates to negotiate with Pherozeshah Mehta and
the British Government Surendranath Banerjee. The
(c) Foundation of Muslim divided Congress re-united in
League the crucial Lucknow session of
(d) Aurobindo Ghosh’s congress in 1916.
inability to the elected as the
President of the Indian
National Congress
18 Modern The plan of Sir Stafford D E F NCERT, Bipin EM Cripps Mission was sent to basic Asked in All India Test series
History Cripps envisaged that after Chandra, Spectrum India under the president ship question of Tests-
the Second World War of Stafford Cripps in march modern 1721,1772,1894,2062
(a) India should be granted 1942. The intention was to get indian With reference to dominion status,
complete independence Indian support for Britishers in history consider the following statements:
(b) India should be the ongoing World War II. It 1. Nehru Report demanded

14 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 partitioned into two before proposed: dominion status.
granting independence An Indian Dominion that will 2. Cripps Mission proposed
(c) India should be made a be free to decide its relations dominion status.
republic with the condition with the commonwealth and 3. India became a dominion before
that she will join the United Nations gaining independence.
Commonwealth A constituent assembly to be Which of the statements given
(d) India should be given convened to frame a new above is/are correct?
Dominion status constitution. (a) 1 and 2 only
Any province not willing to (b) 1 and 3 only
join the Union could have a (c) 2 and 3 only
separate constitution and (d) 1, 2 and 3
form a separate.
Other points in the proposal
were- Acceptance of Indian
constitution by British
government would be subject
to condition that any province
would have the right to have
separate union and a treaty to
be negotiated to effect the
power transfer to safeguard
racial and religious minorities
Defense of India to remain in
British hands.
19 Geography Consider the following pairs: C D FA ATLAS, NCERT EM Bagelkhand or Baghelkhand is All the
Famous Place Region Geography books a region and also a mountain places are
1. Bodhgaya : Baghelkhand range in central India that famous for
2. Khajuraho : Bundelkhand covers the northeastern pilgrimages
3. Shirdi : Vidarbha regions of Madhya Pradesh and to
4. Nasik (Nashik) : Malwa and a small area of western promote
5. Tirupati : Rayalaseema Uttar Pradesh. Bodhgaya is in tourism
Which of the pairs given Bihar. government
above are correctly The Khajuraho group of has recently
matched? monuments was built during focused on
(a) 1, 2 and 4 the rule of the Rajput developing
(b) 2, 3, 4 and 5 Chandela dynasty. The religious
(c) 2 and 5 only building activity started circuits.
(d) 1, 3, 4 and 5 almost immediately after the
rise of their power,
throughout their kingdom to
be later known as
Bundelkhand.
15 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 Vidarbha is the eastern region
of the Indian state of
Maharashtra, comprising
Nagpur Division and Amravati
Division. Shirdi is a town and
falls under Ahmednagar District
in Maharashtra. It is not in
Vidarbha region.
Tirupati lies in the Rayalaseema
region of Andhra Pradesh.
20 Polity and The Parliament of India D E F Laxmikanth EM If Rajya Sabha passes a Basic
Governance acquires the power to resolution by a majority of not question of
legislate on any item in the less than two-thirds of Polity
State List in the national members present and voting
interest if a resolution to saying that it is “necessary or
that effect is passed by the expedient in the national
(a) Lok Sabha by a simple interest” that Parliament
majority of its total should make a law on a
membership matter enumerated in the
(b) Lok Sabha by a majority State List, Parliament
of not less than two-thirds of becomes empowered to make
its total membership a law on the subject specified
(c) Rajya Sabha by a simple in the resolution, for the
majority of its total whole or any part of the
membership territory of India. Such a
(d) Rajya Sabha by a majority resolution remains in force for
of not less than two-thirds of a maximum period of one
its members present and year but this period can be
voting extended by one year at a
time by passing a similar
resolution further.
21 Current Recently, which of the D D CA http://pib.nic.in/ne EN Government of Rajasthan is
Affairs following States has explored wsite/PrintRelease. planning to develop Inland
the possibility of aspx?relid=125015 Shipping Port at Jalore which
constructing an artificial would be connected to the
inland port to be connected Arabian Sea by developing a
to sea by a long navigational channel along the Kutch
channel? Creek.
(a) Andhra Pradesh
(b) Chhattisgarh
(c) Karnataka (d) Rajasthan

16 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

17 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
22 Environment With reference to the B M CAA http://www.thehin EN 21st Conference of Parties was Tests - 1779, 1784, 2070, 2087
Agreement at the UNFCCC du.com/news/inter (COP21) also known as Paris constantly in (PT365)
Meeting in Paris in 2015, national/cop-21- Agreement successfully news With reference to the Paris
which of the following historic-paris- concluded in Paris under the Agreement, consider the following
statements is/are correct? climate-pact- United Nations Framework statements:
1. The Agreement was signed adopted/article798 Convention on Climate 1. It was convened under the Inter
by all the member countries 1450.ece Change (UNFCCC). The Governmental Panel on Climate
of the UN and it will go into agreement is scheduled to go Change (IPCC).
effect in 2017. http://pib.nic.in/ne into effect from 2020. 2. This Universal Agreement will
2. The Agreement aims to wsite/PrintRelease. (Statement 1 is not correct). succeed the Nagoya Protocol.
limit the greenhouse gas aspx?relid=138511 One of the main focus of the Which of the statements given
emissions so that the rise in agreement is to hold the above is/are correct?
average global temperature increase in the global average (a) 1 only
by the end of this century temperature to well below (b) 2 only
o
does not exceed 2 C or even 2°C above pre- industrial level (c) Both 1 and 2
0
1.5 C above pre-industrial and on driving efforts to limit (d) Neither 1 nor 2
levels. it even further to 1.5°C. It Which of the following statements
3. Developed countries covers all the crucial areas regarding Green Climate Funds
acknowledged their identified as essential for a is/are correct?
historical responsibility in comprehensive and balanced 1. It was formally established by a
global warming and agreement, including UNFCCC decision in Paris at the
committed to donate $ 1000 mitigation, adaptation, loss COP 21.
billion a year from 2020 to and damage, finance, 2. It is meant to limit or reduce
help developing countries to technology development and greenhouse gas emissions in both
cope with climate change. transfer, capacity building and developed and developing
Select the correct answer transparency of action and countries.
using the code given below. support. A marked departure 3. It aims to jointly mobilize USD
(a) 1 and 3 only from the past is the 100 billion per year by 2020
(b) 2 only Agreement’s bottom-up Select the correct answer using the
(c) 2 and 3 only approach, allowing each code given below.
(d) 1, 2 and 3 nation to submit its own (a) 1 only
national plan for reducing (b) 3 only
greenhouse gas emissions, (c) 2, 3 only
rather than trying to repeat a (d) 1, 2 and 3 only
top-down approach
advocated by the Kyoto
Protocol, giving each country
an emission reduction target.
Statement 3 is not correct.

18 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

23 Environment Consider the following B M CAA http://www.thehin EN Statement 1 is not correct: was Asked twice in Test series:
statements: du.com/news/inter The ‘Club of Rome’ is a global constantly in Test: 1713,2060
1. The Sustainable national/un- think tank is a global think news Which of the followings are the
Development Goals were officially-adopts- tank which in its 1972 book differences between Millennium
first proposed in 1972 by a ambitious-new- “Limits to Growth” talked Development Goals (MDG) and
global think tank called the set-of-global- about sustainability; however Sustainable Development Goals
‘Club of Rome’. goals/article76897 they didn't propose (SDG)?
2. The Sustainable 26.ece Sustainable Development 1. MDG were in effect from 2000
Development Goals have to Goals. As per the resolution of to 2015 while SDG will remain in
be achieved by 2030. http://pib.nic.in/ne UN General Assembly in effect from 2015 to 2030.
Which of the statements wsite/PrintRelease. September, 2015 the 2. MDG consisted of 18 targets,
given above is/are correct? aspx?relid=136880 Sustainable Development while SDG consists of 169 targets.
(a) 1 only Goals (SDGs) have been 3. There are specific targets in
(b) 2 only adopted by 193 member SDGs called “Urban Goals” which
(c) Both 1 and 2 nations. were not included under the
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 Statement 2 is correct: These MDGs.
developmental schemes are Select the correct answer using the
mostly addressing the code given below.
Sustainable Development (a) 1 and 2 only
Goals (SDGs) which are (b) 1 and 3 only
targeted to be achieved by (c) 2 and 3 only
2030. (d) 1, 2 and 3
Test: 1719,1767,2058,2061,2067
Which of the following statements
is/are correct about New
Sustainable Development Agenda
(SDG) adopted by United Nations?
1. There are 169 Sustainable
Development Goal as part of the
Agenda.
2. The goals are non-binding to the
participatory nations.
3. It covers climate related targets
which are covered under UNFCC.
Select the correct answer using the
code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1 and 3 only

19 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

24 Current A recent movie titled The A M CA http://www.thehin EN ‘The Man Who Knew Infinity’, In news
Affairs Man Who Knew Infinity is du.com/features/ci movie is based on a book by
based on the biography of nema/cinema- the same name written by
(a) S. Ramanujan reviews/the-man- Robert Kanigel on the life and
(b) S. Chandhrashekhar who-knew-infinity- times of Ramanujan. The 46th
(c) S. N. Bose review-a- IFFI opened with the film
(d) C. V. Raman misunderstood-
mind/article85345
74.ece

http://www.pib.nic
.in/newsite/mbErel
.aspx?relid=131773
25 Polity and Consider the following B M FA LAXMIKANTH EM The minimum age for Basic Asked in All India Test series Tests
Governance statements: contesting elections to question of - 1714, 1763 , 1765
1. The minimum age panchayats is 21 years. Polity With reference to elections to
prescribed for any person to In case of dissolution of Panchayats, consider the following
be a member of Panchayat is Panchayats before expiry of statements:
25 years. its term, it is mandatory to 1. The minimum age for contesting
2. A Panchayat reconstituted hold elections within 6 elections to panchayats is 25 years.
after premature dessolution months of its dissolution. 2. Elections to panchayats are
continues only for the Every Panchayat shall conducted as per the electoral
remainder period. continue for full term of 5 rolls prepared for the most recent
Which of the statements years. However, a Panchayat state election.
given above is/are correct? reconstituted after premature 3. The chairpersons of panchayats
(a) 1 only dissolution shall continue for at all three levels must be elected
(b) 2 only only the reminder of the indirectly by and from amongst the
(c) Both 1 and 2 period. If the period is less elected members.
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 than 6 months then it is not Which of the statements given
mandatory to held the above is/are not correct?
elections. (a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
With reference to Panchayati Raj
Institutions (PRIs), consider the
following statements:
1. In case of dissolution of
panchayats before expiry of its
term, it is mandatory to hold
elections within 6 months of its

20 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 dissolution.
2. A panchayat reconstituted after
premature dissolution shall
continue for full 5 years.
3. All persons who have attained
minimum 25 years are eligible for
elections in panchayats.
Which of the statements given
above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) None
26 Polity and Which of the following B M FA LAXMIKANTH EM When the Lok Sabha is basic Asked in Test- 1785
Governance statements is/are correct? dissolved, all business concept of Which of the following bills lapse
1. A Bill pending in the Lok including bills, motions, polity after dissolution of Lok Sabha?
Sabha lapses on its resolutions, notices, petitions 1. A bill introduced in the Lok
prorogation. and so on pending before it or Sabha and pending in Lok Sabha.
2. A Bill pending in the Rajya its committees lapse. They (to 2. A bill passed by the Lok Sabha
Sabha, which was not been be pursued further) must be but pending in the Rajya Sabha.
passed by the Lok Sabha, reintroduced in the newly- 3. A bill pending in the Rajya Sabha
shall not lapse on dosslution constituted Lok Sabha. but not passed by the Lok Sabha.
of the Lok Sabha. However, some pending bills Select the correct answer using the
Select the correct answer and all pending assurances code given below.
using the code given below. that are to be examined by (a) 1 and 2 only
(a) 1 only the Committee on (b) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only Government Assurances do (c) 2 and 3 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 not lapse on the dissolution of (d) 1, 2 and 3
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 the Lok Sabha.
The position with respect to
lapsing of bills is as follows:
A bill pending in the Lok
Sabha lapses (whether
originating in the Lok Sabha or
transmitted to it by the Rajya
Sabha).
A bill passed by the Lok Sabha
but pending in the Rajya
Sabha lapses.
A bill not passed by the two
Houses due to disagreement

21 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 and if the president has
notified the holding of a joint
sitting before the dissolution
of Lok Sabha, does not lapse.
A bill pending in the Rajya
Sabha but not passed by the
Lok Sabha does not lapse.
A bill passed by both Houses
but pending assent of the
president does not lapse.
A bill passed by both Houses
but returned by the president
for reconsideration of Houses
does not lapse.
27 Current Which of the following is/are C M CAA http://www.thehin EN The Global Hunger Index (GHI) India ranks Test – 2086 (PT365)
Affairs the indicator/ indicators du.com/news/nati is designed to improved in Which of the following statements
used by IFPRI to compute the onal/india-is- comprehensively measure Global regarding the Global Hunger Index
Global Hunger Index Report? home-to-194- and track hunger globally and hunger is/are correct?
1. Undernourishment million-hungry- by country and region. index 2015 1. It is prepared annually by the
2. Child stunting people- Calculated each year by the to 55 from Food and Agricultural
3. Child mortality un/article7255937. International Food Policy 63 Organization.
Select the correct answer ece Research Institute (IFPRI), the 2. It gives equal weightage to child
using the code given below. GHI highlights successes and undernourishment, undernutrition
(a) 1 only https://www.ifpri. failures in hunger reduction and mortality.
(b) 2 and 3 only org/topic/global- and provides insights into the 3. As per the latest GHI report
(c) 1, 2 and 3 hunger-index drivers of hunger. By raising India has moved up to 55th
(d) 1 and 3 only awareness and understanding position from 63 which shows
of regional and country increasing hunger population.
differences in hunger, the GHI Select the correct answer using the
aims to trigger actions to code given below.
reduce hunger. (a) 1 only
To reflect the (b) 2 only
multidimensional nature of (c) 1, 3 only
hunger, the GHI combines the (d) 1, 2 and 3
following four component
indicators into one index:
Undernourishment: the
proportion of undernourished
people as a percentage of the
population (reflecting the
share of the population

22 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 whose caloric intake is
insufficient;
Child wasting: the proportion
of children under the age of
five who suffer from wasting
(that is, low weight for their
height, reflecting acute
undernutrition);
Child stunting: the proportion
of children under the age of
five who suffer from stunting
(that is, low height for their
age, reflecting chronic
undernutrition); and
Child mortality: the mortality
rate of children under the age
of five (partially reflecting the
fatal synergy of inadequate
nutrition and unhealthy
environments).
28 Economy There has been a persistent C M FA UPSC 2015 EM Budget deficit is used to Current
deficit budget year after previous question define a status of financial economic
year. Which action/actions of http://www.thehin health in which expenditures situation
the following can be taken by du.com/business/E exceed revenue. Reducing the and problem
the Government to reduce conomy/subsidies- revenue expenditure will of growing
the deficit? to-be-rationalised- certainly help in bridging the fiscal deficit.
1. Reducing revenue joint-session-on- gap. Subsidies are a part of It is also a
expenditure insurance-arun- expenditure and rationalizing repeated
2. Introducing new welfare jaitley/article6811 them would reduce the question
schemes 966.ece deficit. from last
3. Rationalizing subsidies Introducing new welfare year.
4. Reducing import duty schemes will most likely result
Select the correct answer in increasing expenditure and
using the code given below. so will expanding industries
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only which would require capital
(c) 1 and 3 only infusion.
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
29 Economy The establishment of B M FCA http://www.thehin EN In August 2015, Reserve Bank Last year RBI Covered in Vision Ias PT
‘Payment Banks’ is being du.com/business/a of India granted 'in-principle' granted ‘in 365(Economy)
allowed in India to promote ll-you-need-to- approval to 11 applicants to principle’ Tests -1718, 1766, 1890, 2060
financial inclusion. Which of know-about- start payments banks. These approval for With reference to payment banks,

23 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 the following statements payment- include Reliance Industries, payment consider the following statements:
is/are correct in this context? banks/article75613 Airtel M Commerce Services, banks to 11 1. Payment banks may take
1. Mobile telephone 53.ece Tech Mahindra, Vodafone m- entities, deposits and remittances, internet
companies and supermarket pesa, Aditya Birla Nuvo, including big banking and other specified
chains that are owned and https://rbi.org.in/s Department of Posts, names like services but they cannot
controlled by residents are cripts/BS_PressRel Cholamandalam Distribution Reliance undertake lending services.
eligible to be promoters of easeDisplay.aspx?p Services, Fino PayTech, Industries, 2. They can issue credit cards but
Payment Banks. rid=32615 PayTm, National Securities Aditya Birla not debit cards.
2. Payment Banks can issue Depository Ltd (NSDL) and Nuvo and 3. An FDI of 100% is allowed in
both credit cards and debit Sun Pharma. They can issue Tech these banks.
cards. debit cards but not credit Mahindra, 4. The Department of Posts has
3. Payment Banks cannot cards.FDI of 74% is allowed in as also Airtel been granted 'in-principle'
undertake lending activities. these banks. and approval by the RBI to start such
Select the correct answer Vodafone. banks.
using the code given below. Which of the statements given
(a) 1 and 2 only above is/are correct?
(b) 1 and 3 only (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 4 only
(c) 2 only (c) 1, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(d) 1, 2 and 3
30 Science and With reference to ‘LiFi’, C M CAA http://www.thehin EN Using light to deliver wireless Path- Covered in PT365 Asked in All
Technology recently in the news, which du.com/todays- internet will also allow breaking India Test series -
of the following statements paper/tp- connectivity in environments technology 1721,1769,1895,2059,2067
is/are correct? international/lifi- that do not currently readily of Li-Fi uses What is the difference between Li-
1. It uses light as the medium data-transmission- support Wi-Fi, such as aircraft light to carry Fi and Wi-Fi technology?
for high-speed data through- cabins, hospitals and data and it 1. Li-Fi uses visible light while Wi-Fi
transmission. light/article621889 hazardous environments. draws lot of runs on radio waves.
2. It is a wireless technology 2.ece Light is already used for data attention all 2. Li-Fi is easier to hack compared
and is several times faster transmission in fibre-optic over the with Wi-Fi
than ‘WiFi’. cables and for point to point world. 3. Li-Fi transmits data at a higher
Select the correct answer links, but Li-Fi is a special and speed as compared to Wi-Fi.
using the code given below. novel combination of Which of the statements given
(a) 1 only technologies that allow it to above is/are correct?
(b) 2 only be universally adopted for (a) 1 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 mobile ultra high speed (b) 1 and 3 only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 internet communications. (c) 2 and 3 only
Using the visible light (d) 1, 2 and 3
spectrum, Li-Fi technology can
transmit data and unlock
capacity which is 10,000 times
greater than that available
within the radio spectrum.

24 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

31 Environment The term ‘Intended B E CAA http://www.thehin EN Intended Nationally Recently Covered in PT365(Environment)
Nationally Determined du.com/news/nati Determined Contributions India along Asked in All India Test series Test
Contributions’ is sometimes onal/india-sets- (INDCs) is a term used under with other 1725, 1776
seen in the news in the ambitious-goals-to- the United Nations countries Which of the following are
context of tackle-climate- Framework Convention on submitted objectives of India's Intended
(a) pledges made by the change/article7715 Climate Change (UNFCCC) for its its Nationally Determined
European countries to 679.ece reductions in greenhouse gas Intended Contributions (INDCs)?
rehabilitate refugees from emissions that all countries Nationally 1. Increase the forest cover to
the war-affected Middle East Economic survey that signed the UNFCCC were Determined 33%.
(b) plan of action outlined by asked to publish in the lead up Contribution 2. Install 175 GW of solar, wind
the countries of the world to http://unfccc.int/f to the 2015 United Nations s (INDCs) to and biomass electricity by 2022.
combat climate change ocus/indc_portal/it Climate Change Conference the UN 3. Reducing emission intensity by
(c) capital contributed by the ems/8766.php held in Paris, France in Framework 1/3rd by 2030.
member countries in the December 2015. Convention 4. create additional carbon sink of
establishment of Asian http://indianexpre The INDCs, which lay out the on Climate around 3 billion by 2030.
Infrastructure Investment ss.com/article/indi blueprint for tackling climate Change Select the correct answer using the
Bank a/india-news- change, emphasised eight key (UNFCCC). code given below.
(d) plan of action outlined by india/here-are- goals — sustainable lifestyles, (a) 1 and 2 only
the countries of the world indias-indc- cleaner economic (b) 2, 3 and 4 only
regarding Sustainable objectives-and- development, reducing (c) 3 and 4 only
Development Goals how-much-it-will- emission intensity of GDP, (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
cost/ increasing the share of non-
fossil fuel based electricity,
enhancing carbon sink,
adaptation and mobilising
finance, technology transfer
and capacity building.
32 Economy Which one of the following is D E FCA Economic survey EN The Union Cabinet had given Recently Asked in Open Test conducted by
a purpose of ‘UDAY’, a its approval to a new scheme Union Vision IAS - Test 1789
scheme of the Government? http://www.thehin moved by the Ministry of cabinet had Which of the following statements
(a) Providing technical and du.com/business/I Power - Ujwal DISCOM given its is/are correct about recently
financial assistance to start- ndustry/governme Assurance Yojna or UDAY. approval. launched Ujwal DISCOM Assurance
up entrepreneurs in the field nts-uday-scheme- UDAY provides for the It is one of Yojna (UDAY) by Union
of renewable sources of may-light-up- financial turnaround and the government?
energy power- revival of Power Distribution important 1. It has been launched by Union
(b) Providing electricity to distribution- companies (DISCOMs), and scheme of Ministry of Power for financial
every household in the companies- importantly also ensures a Union restructuring of debt of power
countries by 2018 crisil/article809881 sustainable permanent government distribution companies.
(c) Replacing the coal-based 8.ece solution to the problem. to 2. It seeks to make DISCOMs
power plants with natural Under UDAY, state accelerates financially healthy with an
gas, nuclear, solar, wind and http://pib.nic.in/ne governments will take over 75 the process ambition of meeting target of

25 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 tidal power plants over a wsite/PrintRelease. per cent of the debt held by of reform 100% Village electrification.
period of time aspx?relid=130261 their discoms as of September across the Select the correct answer using the
(d) Providing for financial 30, 2015. Half the debt will be entire code given below.
turnaround and revival of taken over in 2015-16 and 25 power (a) 1 only
power distribution per cent in 2016-17. The sector. (b) 2 only
companies balance 25 per cent of the (c) Both 1 and 2
debt is to be serviced through (d) Neither 1 nor 2
state government-guaranteed
bonds issued by the discoms.
33 Current With reference to ‘IFC C M CAA http://pib.nic.in/ne EN Bonds are instruments of debt In 2015, IFC Asked twice in all India test series
Affairs Masala Bonds’, sometimes wsite/PrintRelease. - typically used by corporates issued the Tests - 1720,1768, 2059, 2067
seen in the news, which of aspx?relid=139028 to raise money from first Masala Masala Bonds recently been in
the statements given below investors. Masala bonds have bond listed news, refers to:
is/are correct? http://www.thehin to be explained in the context on the (a) Group of international spice
1. The International Finance du.com/business/I of Indian corporates raising London industries whose members can
Corporation, which offers ndustry/masala- money from overseas Stock issue bonds to each other.
these bonds, is an arm of the bonds-the-flavour- investors. Exchange. (b) Offshore rupee denominated
World Bank. of-the- The International Finance A number of bonds issued by Indian corporates
2. They are the rupee- moment/article79 Corporation (IFC), the Indian firms to overseas buyers.
denominated bonds and are 30287.ece investment arm of the World are gearing (c) Illegal bonds purchased by
a source of debt financing for Bank, issued a Rs. 1,000 crore up to raise Foreign Institutional Investors
the public and private sector, bond in November last year. funds from (FIIs).
Select the correct answer The purpose of the issue was issuing what (d) Inflation indexed bonds.
using the code given below. to fund infrastructure are known Test 1785
(a) 1 only projects in India. as ‘masala Which of the following correctly
(b) 2 only Companies including NTPC, bonds.’ defines 'Masala bonds'?
(c) Both 1 and 2 Neyveli Lignite Corporation, Coinciding (a) They are rupee-denominated
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 Power Finance Corporation, with Prime instruments sold only to offshore
Power Trading Corporation Minister investors by Indian corporates to
and Rural Electrification Narendra raise money from overseas.
Corporation are likely to Modi’s (b) They are dollar-denominated
launch these Masala Bonds recent visit instruments sold only to offshore
totalling $1 billion in the next to the UK investors by Indian corporates to
three or four months in the raise money from overseas.
UK to gauge the investor (c) They are rupee-denominated
appetite. The tenor of these instruments sold only to Indian
bonds is likely to be limited investors by offshore corporates to
to a band of five to seven raise money from India.
years and these are going to (d) They are dollar-denominated
be in smaller denominations instruments sold only to Indian
ranging from $150-250 investors by offshore corporates to

26 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 million. These will be subject raise money from India.
to decisions made by the
Boards of the PSU energy
companies.
34 Medieval Regarding the taxation C D F http://shodhganga RR Vijayanagara rulers followed Depth
History system of Krishna Deva, the .inflibnet.ac.in/bits an oppressive taxation policy. Knowledge
ruler of Vijayanagar, consider tream/10603/2560 The prosperity of the empire about
the following statements: 0/7/07_chapter%2 can be explained through history
1. The tax rate on land was 02.pdf their taxation principles in the
fixed depending on the following lines. They collected
quality of the land. variety of taxes ranging on
2. Private owners of the nature of lands.
workshops paid an industries The villages were classified
tax. into eight types for tax
Which of the statements purpose.
given above is/are correct? They were:
(a) 1 only 1)The brahmadeya villages
(b) 2 only 2) The devadana villages
(c) Both 1 and 2 3) The mathapura villages
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 4) The sarvamanya villages
5) The kodagi lands
6) Rakta-kodagal lands
7) Guttagi lands
8) The rest of the villages or
lands.
The first four types prevailed
prior to the Vijayanagar times.
Private owners also paid
industries taxes. Merchant
guilds were empowered to
levy taxes on goods
manufactured, sold or
transported
35 Culture Which one of the following B D F http://ccrtindia.go EM Kalidasa is the most Knowledge
books of ancient India has v.in/literaryarts.ph distinguished dramatist and about
the love story of the son of p his treatment of the rasa of literary
the founder of Sunga love in all its possible history
dynasty? manifestations in the three
(a) Swapnavasavadatta plays Malavikagnimitra
(b) Malavikagnimitra (Malavika and Agnimitra),
(c) Meghadoota Vikramorvasiya (Vikram and

27 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 (d) Ratnavali Urvasi) and Abhigyana
Shakuntala (the recognition of
Shakuntala) is unparalleled.
He is the poet of love and
beauty, and believes in the
affirmation of life, the joy of
which lies in pure, sacred and
ever-widening love
36 Economy In the context of which of A E CAA Economic Survey EM In WTO terminology, The WTO Cover in PT 365
the following do you subsidies in general are members All India Test series
sometimes find the terms http://indianexpre identified by “Boxes” which are 1723, 1774, 1891, 2063, 2064
‘amber box, blue box and ss.com/article/indi are given the colours of traffic thrashing Also covered in Open Test 1763
green box’ in the news? a/india- lights: green (permitted), out a work With reference to WTO
(a) WTO affairs others/govt-works- amber (slow down — i.e. be programme terminology subsidies are
(b) SAARC affairs to-finetune-farm- reduced), red (forbidden). In for the 10th identified by "Boxes" of different
(c) UNFCCC affairs subsidy-as-per- agriculture, things are, as Ministerial colors. Match the Colour Boxes in
(d) India-EU negotiations on wto/ usual, more complicated. The to be held in List I with their relevance in List II.
FTA Agriculture Agreement has no Nairobi in List I List II
http://www.thehin Red Box, although domestic December 1. Blue Box : A. Minimum
dubusinessline.co support exceeding the 2015 disruption of trade balance
m/economy/eu- reduction commitment levels 2. Amber Box : B. Subsidies that
canada-redflag- in the Amber Box is limit production
indias-crop-cover- prohibited; and there is a Blue 3. Green Box : C. Distort trade
scheme-at- Box for subsidies that are tied balance because they encourage
wto/article838187 to programmes that limit excessive production.
9.ece production. Select the correct answer using the
The 'amber box': For code given below.
agriculture, all domestic (a) 1-B, 2-A, 3-C
support measures considered (b) 1-A, 2-C, 3-B
to distort production and (c) 1-B, 2-C, 3-A
trade (with some exceptions) (d) None
fall into the amber box.
The 'green box': In order to
qualify for the "green box", a
subsidy must not distort
trade, or at most cause
minimal distortion. These
subsidies have to be
government-funded (not by
charging consumers higher
prices) and must not involve

28 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 price support.
The 'blue box': The blue box
is an exemption from the
general rule that all subsidies
linked to production must be
reduced or kept within
defined minimal ("de
minimis") levels. It covers
payments directly linked to
acreage or animal numbers,
but under schemes which
also limit production by
imposing production quotas
or requiring farmers to set
aside part of their land.
Countries using these
subsidies - and there are only
a handful - say they distort
trade less than alternative
amber box subsidies.
Currently, the only members
notifying the WTO that they
are using or have used the
blue box are: the EU, Iceland,
Norway, Japan, the Slovak
Republic, Slovenia, and the
US (now no longer using the
box).
37 Economy Which of the following is/are D M FA NCERT Book For EM The Capital Budget is an Basic Vision Ias All India tesr series:
included in the capital Class XII : account of the assets as well economic 1787
budget of the Government of Economics - as liabilities of the central and Which of the following are
India? Macroeconomics government, which takes into government recognized as Capital expenditures
1. Expenditure on acquisition Chapter 5 Page 63 consideration changes in budgeting in the Union Budget?
of assets like roads, capital. It consists of capital concept 1. Loans to state governments
buildings, machinery, etc. receipts and capital 2. Expenditure on the acquisition
2. Loans received from expenditure of the of land or a building
foreign governments government. This shows the 3. Investment in shares
3. Loans and advances capital requirements of the 4. Interest payments on debts
granted to the States and government and the pattern Select the correct answer using the
Union Territories of their financing The main code given below.
Select the correct answer items of capital receipts are (a) 1, 2 and 3 only

29 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 using the code given below. loans raised by the (b) 1, 2 and 4 only
(a) 1 only government from the public (c) 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only which are called market (d) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1 and 3 only borrowings, borrowing by the
(d) 1, 2 and 3 government from the Reserve
Bank and commercial banks
and other financial
institutions through the sale
of treasury bills, loans
received from foreign
governments and
international organisations,
and recoveries of loans
granted by the central
government. Capital
Expenditure: There are
expenditures of the
government which result in
creation of physical or
financial assets or reduction in
financial liabilities. This
includes expenditure on the
acquisition of land, building,
machinery, equipment,
investment in shares, and
loans and advances by the
central government to state
and union territory
governments, PSUs and other
parties
38 Environment What is/are the importance/ C D FA http://pib.nic.in/ne EN Desertification, along with Recently Asked twice in All India Test
importances of the ‘United wsite/erelcontent. climate change and the loss of ISRO-led series.
Convention to Combat aspx?relid=39572 biodiversity, were identified study Test – 1785
Desertification’? as the greatest challenges to analysed Which of the following statement
1. It aims to promote http://www.unccd. sustainable development satellite is not correct about United Nations
effective action through int/en/about-the- during the 1992 Rio Earth imageries of Convention to Combat
innovative national convention/Pages/ Summit. Established in 1994, the country Desertification?
programmes and supportive About-the- UNCCD is the sole legally over an (a) It is a not legally binding to its
international partnerships Convention.aspx binding international eight-year signatories.
2. It has a special/particular agreement linking period (b) It encourages the participation
focus on South Asia and http://www.unesc environment and shows that of local people in combating

30 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 North Africa regions, and its o.org/mab/doc/ek development to sustainable nearly 30 desertification.
Secretariat facilitates the ocd/chapter14.ht land management. per cent per (c) It was established in
allocation of major portion of ml The Convention addresses cent of the accordance to the
financial resources to these specifically the arid, semi-arid country’s recommendations of 1992 Rio
regions. and dry sub-humid areas, total Earth Summit.
3. It is committed to bottom- known as the drylands, geographical (d) India is a signatory to the
up approach, encouraging where some of the most area is convention. Test -
the participation of local vulnerable ecosystems and undergoing 1725,1776,1895,2070 With
people in combating the peoples can be found. degradation. reference to the United Nations
desertification. The Convention's 195 parties Convention to Combat
Select the correct answer work together to improve the Desertification (UNCCD), consider
using the code given below. living conditions for people in the following statements:
(a) 1 only drylands, to maintain and 1. It addresses the issue of drought
(b) 2 and 3 only restore land and soil in arid and semi-arid areas.
(c) 1 and 3 only productivity, and to mitigate 2. It is a legally binding
(d) 1, 2 and 3 the effects of drought. international agreement.
The UNCCD is particularly 3. India is not a signatory to the
committed to a bottom-up convention.
approach, encouraging the Which of the statements given
participation of local people above is/are correct?
in combating desertification (a) 1 and 2 only
and land degradation. (b) 2 and 3 only
The UNCCD secretariat (c) 1 and 3 only
facilitates cooperation (d) 1, 2 and 3
between developed and
developing countries,
particularly around
knowledge and technology
transfer for sustainable land
management.
39 Current Recently, which one of the D E CA http://www.thehin EN The Executive Board of the Recently Tests - 1721,1769, 2067 , 2093
Affairs following currencies has du.com/business/E International Monetary Fund chineese (PT365)
been proposed to be added conomy/imf- decided to include the currency Which of the following currencies
to the basket of IMF’s SDR? names-chinese- Chinese currency, the Renminbi form the part of special drawing
(a) Rouble renminbi-yuan- renminbi (yuan), into its included right (SDR) of IMF?
(b) Rand global-reserve- basket of currencies that into 1. Chinese Renminbi
(c) Indian Rupee currency/article79 make up the IMF’s Special 2. Japanese Yen
(d) Renminbi 33846.ece Drawing Right (SDR). The 3. British Pound
decision was taken during the 4. Russian Rouble
IMF’s five-yearly review of the Select the correct answer using the
basket of currencies. code given below.

31 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 SDRs are artificial currency (a) 1 and 2 only
created to augment (b) 1, 2 and 3 only
international liquidity. It is (c) 3 and 4 only
neither a currency nor a claim (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
on IMF rather it supplements Which of the following is not
the existing reserves of correct regarding SDRs?
member countries of IMF. To (a) IMF decided to include Chinese
be included as SDR a currency renminbi (RMB) in the basket of
must be freely usable, widely currencies that make up Special
used and widely traded. U.S. Drawing Right (SDR) with effect
dollar, the euro, British pound from October 1, 2016.
and the Japanese yen form (b) It is an international currency
the SDR basket. IMF has created by the IMF in 1969.
decided to include Yuan in the (c) SDRs can be exchanged for
SDR basket with effect from freely usable currencies.
October 1, 2016. The (d) It was created in response to
respective weights of the U.S. concerns about the limitations of
dollar, euro, Chinese gold and dollars as the sole means
renminbi, Japanese yen, and of settling international accounts.
pound sterling are 41.73
percent, 30.93 percent, 10.92
percent, 8.33 percent.
40 Economy With reference to the C M FCA http://www.thehin RR The IMFC advises and reports
International Monetary and dubusinessline.co to the IMF Board of
Financial Committee (IMFC), m/economy/indian Governors on the supervision
consider the following -economy-clearly- and management of the
statements: on-recovery-path- international monetary and
1. IMFC discusses matters of jaitley/article7118 financial system, including on
concern affecting the global 986.ece responses to unfolding events
economy, and advises the http://www.imf.or that may disrupt the system
International Monetary Fund g/external/np/exr/ although the IMFC has no
(IMF) on the direction of its facts/groups.htm formal decision-making
work. powers, in practice, it has
2. The World Bank become a key instrument for
participates as observer in providing strategic direction
IMFC’s meetings. to the work and policies of the
Which of the statements IMF. A number of
given above is/are correct? international institutions,
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only including the World Bank,
(c) Both 1 and 2 participate as observers in the
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 IMFC’s meetings.

32 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

33 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
41 Polity and ‘Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan’ C M CAA http://pib.nic.in/ne EN Campaign has started in 2001 Socio-
Governance is a national campaign to wsite/mbErel.aspx known as ‘Rashtriya Garima Economic
(a) rehabilitate the homeless ?relid=126057 Abhiyan’, (National Campaign Caste
and destitute persons and for Dignity and Elimination of Census data
provide them with suitable http://www.thehin Manual Scavenging) has released on
sources of livelihood dubusinessline.co proven to be a very innovative July 3
(b) release the sex workers m/news/variety/fig and effective program to reveals that
from their practice and hting-for- eliminate manual scavenging 1, 80, 657
provide them with dignity/article7342 practice. Campaign has households
alternative sources of 754.ece liberated 11,000 women are engaged
livelihood manual scavengers in various in practice
(c) eradicate the practice of parts of India and urged them of manual
manual scavenging and to give up this caste-based, scavenging.
rehabilitate the manual unconstitutional practice. In
scavengers its efforts campaign attain to
(d) release the bonded social, economic, political and
labourers from their cultural rehabilitation of
bondage and rehabilitate Manual Scavenger.
them
42 Medieval With reference to the C D F NCERT Themes in EM The twelfth century witnessed to check in -
History cultural history of medieval Indian history part the emergence of a new depth
India, consider the following -2(page no.-147) movement in Karnataka, led knowledge
statements: by a Brahmana named of history
1. Siddhas (Sittars) of Tamil NCERT our past 2- Basavanna (1106-68) who was
region were monotheistic Bhakti movements initially a Jaina and a minister
and condemned idolatry. in the court of a Chalukya
2. Lingayats of Kannada king. His followers were
region questioned the theory known as Virashaivas (heroes
of rebirth and rejected the of Shiva) or Lingayats
caste hierarchy. (wearers of the linga).The
Which of the statements Lingayats challenged the idea
given above is/are correct? of caste and the “pollution”
(a) 1 only attributed to certain groups
(b) 2 only by Brahmanas. They also
(c) Both 1 and 2 questioned the theory of
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 rebirth. These won them
followers amongst those who
were marginalised within the
Brahmanical social order.
Siddhas (Sittars) Saiva school
in Tamil Nadu which held the

34 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 monotheistic puritan creed
and roundly condemned
idolatry, there history are not
known they seem to be
known as most active during
16th and 17th century.
43 Economy Which of the following best D M FA http://www.thehin EN Import cover is an important Recently
describes the term ‘import du.com/business/E indicator of the stability of the government
cover’, sometimes seen in conomy/import- currency. It measures the official data
the news? cover-increases-to- number of months of money shows that
(a) It is the ratio of value of 98-months-says- available in the national bank India
imports to the Gross rbi/article8093212. to cover the cost of imports or imports
Domestic Product of a ece the stock of foreign exchange cover
country reserves in terms of months increae to
(b) It is the total value of of retained imports of goods 10.9 months
imports of a country in a as at end of year. During the which
year currency crisis of 2013, when signifies that
(c) It is the ratio between the foreign exchange reserves fell Indian
value of exports and that of to around $275 billion, import foreign
imports between two cover dipped to around seven currency
countries months. reserves had
(d) It is the number of increased in
months of imports that could recent past.
be paid for by a country’s
international reserves
44 Current Consider the following pairs: C M CAA http://www.thehin EN The Madhesi also referred to All the three .
Affairs Community sometimes du.com/news/inter as Teraibasi Nepali are an community
mentioned in the news In the national/india- indigenous ethnic group of are in news
affairs of courts-radical- Nepalese people who are for recent
1. Kurd : Bangladesh madhesis-from- natives of the Madhesh plains past,
2. Madhesi : Nepal nepal/article81639 of Southern Nepal in Terai Like kurds in
3. Rohingya : Myanmar 11.ece belt of South Asia. Iraq and
Which of the pairs given Between 25 and 35 million Syria are in
above is/are correctly http://www.thehin Kurds inhabit a mountainous news for
matched? du.com/opinion/o region straddling the borders their
(a) 1 and 2 p-ed/turkeys-war- of Turkey, Iraq, Syria, Iran and massacre by
(b) 2 only on-the- Armenia. They make up the ISIS
(c) 2 and 3 kurds/article80653 fourth-largest ethnic group in terrorists.
(d) 3 only 03.ece the Middle East, but they Madhesi
have never obtained a peoples are
permanent nation state. in news

35 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 http://www.thehin The Rohingya are an ethnic because of
du.com/news/nati Muslim minority in the consitutiona
onal/report-puts- majority Buddhist Myanmar. l deadlock
spotlight-on- Many of their enemies refuse and conflict
status-of- to acknowledge that the between
rohingyas/article82 Rohingya are an ethnically them and
19725.ece distinct group. They claim Nepali
instead that the Rohingya are government
Bengali and that their Rohingya
presence in Myanmar is the muslims in
result of illegal immigration myanmar
(more on that later). The are in news
Rohingya, for their part, claim for their
to be pre-colonial residents of conflict with
Myanmar’s Rakhine state, the Myanmar
Middle East Institute explains, majority
with the earliest known buddhist
appearance of the term population
Rohingya in 1799 and
thousands
of ethnic
Rohingya
are fleeing
persecution.
45 Current With reference to B M FCA http://www.thehin EN OPCW is the Hague-based It was in Tests - 1715 and 1767
Affairs ‘Organiation for the du.com/news/inter autonomous body, which news due to With reference to the Organization
Prohibition of Chemical national/world/op works within the framework reports of for the Prohibition of Chemical
Weapons (OPCW)’, consider cw-is-upholding- of the United Nations, was Chemical Weapons consider the following
the following statements: nobels- established in 1997 by the weapons statements:
1. It is an organization of vision/article52249 Chemical Weapons used by ISIS 1. OPCW is an intergovernmental
European Union in working 90.ece Convention to carry out its as well as organisation, headquatered in
relation with NATO and mandate. Assad Hague, Netherlands.
WHO. OBJECTIVES: regime in 2. It is the implementing body of
2. It monitors chemical OPCW Member States share Syria. It was the Chemical Weapons Convention
industry to prevent new the collective goal of awarded the (CWC)
weapons from emerging. preventing chemistry from Nobel Peace 3. It was awarded Nobel Peace
3. It provides assistance and ever again being used for Prize in Prize in 2013.
protection to States (Parties) warfare, thereby 2013 for its Which of the statements given
against chemical weapons strengthening international extensive above is/are correct?
threats. security. To this end, the efforts to (a) 1 and 3 only
Which of the statements Convention contains four key eliminate (b) 2 and 3 only

36 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 given above is/are correct? provisions: chemical (c) 3 only
(a) 1 only destroying all existing weapons. (d) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2 and 3 only chemical weapons under
(c) 1 and 3 only international verification by
(d) 1, 2 and 3 the OPCW
monitoring chemical industry
to prevent new weapons from
re-emerging;
providing assistance and
protection to States Parties
against chemical threats; and
fostering international
cooperation to strengthen
implementation of the
Convention and promote the
peaceful use of chemistry.
46 Current With referene to ‘Pradhan B M CA http://pib.nic.in/ne EN Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Recently it Asked in All India Test series Tests
Affairs Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana’, wsite/PrintRelease. Yojana (PMFBY) is the new was - 1723,1771,1894,2069
consider the following aspx?relid=134432 crop damage insurance launched by With reference to Pradhan Mantri
statements: scheme that has been central Fasal Bima Yojana, consider the
1. Under this scheme, http://www.thehin approved by the Union government following statements:
farmers will have to pay a du.com/news/nati Cabinet in January 2016. It will to enhance 1. It covers localized calamities
uniform premium of two onal/govt- replace the existing two crop insurance including hailstorms, unseasonal
percent for any crop they approves-new- insurance schemes National coverage to rains, landslides and inundation.
cultivate in any reason of the crop-insurance- Agricultural Insurance Scheme more crop 2. It does not cover nuclear risks
year. plan-for- (NAIS) and Modified NAIS. The area to and fields destroyed by domestic
2. This scheme covers post- farmers/article810 new scheme will come into protect or wild animals.
harvest losses arising out of 2137.ece force from the Kharif season farmers 3. It proposes mandatory use of
cyclones and unseasonal starting in June this year. from remote sensing, smart phones and
rains. One of the highlights included vagaries of drones for quick estimation of crop
Which of the statements there will be a uniform monsoon loss.
given above is/are correct? premium of only 2% to be and this 4. Post-harvest losses coverage is
(a) 1 only paid by farmers for all Kharif schemes is included under this scheme.
(b) 2 only crops and 1.5% for all Rabi radically Which of the statements given
(c) Both 1 and 2 crops. In case of annual departure above is/are correct?
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 commercial and horticultural from earlier (a) 1 and 2 only
crops, the premium to be paid crop in (b) 1, 3 and 4 only
by farmers will be only 5%. surance (c) 2, 3 and 4 only
Also POST-HARVEST LOSSES schemes. (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
includes (individual farm
basis): Coverage is available

37 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 upto a maximum period of 14
days from harvesting for
those crops which are kept in
"cut & spread" condition to
dry in the field after
harvesting, against specific
perils of cyclone / cyclonic
rains, unseasonal rains
throughout the country.
Hence only statement 2 is
correct.
47 Environment In which of the following D M CA http://www.thehin EN The great hornbill, a
regions of India are you most du.com/news/citie magnificent bird reaching a
likely to come across the s/Coimbatore/gro length of three-and-a-half
‘Great Indian Hornbill’ in its wing-threat-to- feet, is distinguished by a big
natural habitat? great-indian- yellow beak with a casque and
(a) Sand deserts of northwet hornbills/article71 striking tail feathers the
India 37163.ece magnificent birds which were
(b) Higher Himalayas of a common sight in the
Jammu and Kashmir Western Ghats are rarely
(c) Salt marshes of western seen, due to deforestation.
Gujarat habitat loss threatens its
(d) Western Ghats future, and hunting has
depleted populations. It is
protected at the highest level
under Schedule I of the
Wildlife Protection Act, but
that can do little to save the
habitat.
48 Current Which of the following are A M FCA http://nmcg.nic.in/ EN The Central Government set National
Affairs the key features of ‘National ngrbaread.aspx up the ‘National Ganga River Mission for
Ganga River Basin Authority Basin Authority’ (NGRBA) in Clean Ganga
(NGRBA)? http://pib.nic.in/ne 2009 and mandated it to take (NMCG) is
1. River basin is the unit of wsite/PrintRelease. up regulatory and the
planning and management. aspx?relid=137894 developmental functions with implementa
2. It spearheads the river sustainability needs for tion wing of
conservation efforts at the effective abatement of National
national level. pollution and conservation of Ganga River
3. One of the Chief Ministers the river Ganga by adopting a Basin
of the States through which river basin approach for Authority
the Ganga flows becoms the comprehensive planning and (NGRBA).

38 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 Chairman of NGRBA on management.
rotation basis. The Ministry of Water
Select the correct answer Resources, River Development
using the code given below. and Ganga Rejuvenation
(a) 1 and 2 only (MoWR, RD & GR) is the nodal
(b) 2 and 3 only Ministry for the NGRBA. The
(c) 1 and 3 only authority is chaired by the
(d) 1, 2 and 3 Prime Minister and has as its
members the Union Ministers
concerned, the Chief
Ministers of the States
through which Ganga flows,
viz., Uttarakhand, Uttar
Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and
West Bengal, among others.
This initiative is expected to
rejuvenate the collective
efforts of the Centre and the
States for cleaning the river.
NGRBA functions include
development of a Ganga River
Basin Management Plan,
regulation of activities aimed
at prevention, control and
abatement of pollution, to
maintain water quality and to
take measures relevant to the
river ecology in the Ganga
basin states. It is mandated to
ensure the maintenance of
minimum ecological flows in
the river Ganga and abate
pollution through planning,
financing and execution of
programmes including that of
1) Augmentation of Sewerage
Infrastructure
2) Catchment Area Treatment
3) Protection of Flood Plains
4) Creating Public Awareness

39 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

49 Current Why does the Government B M FA Economic survey EM Urea is an important supplier Government Tests - 1722, 1770, 2063
Affairs of India promote the use of (2015-16) of nitrogen, which is promoted Which of the following best
‘Neem-coated Urea’ in necessary for the neem coted explains the advantage of neem-
agriculture? development of plants. But urea to coated urea over normal urea?
(a) Release of Neem oil in the only 30-40 per cent of prevent the (a) Neem checks the loss of
soil increases nitrogen nitrogen present in the urea is problem of nitrogen by slowing nitrate
fixation by the soil utilised by crops. The rest gets uncontrolled formation.
microorganisms degraded. use of (b) Neem coated urea enhances
(b) Neem coating slows When ordinary urea is chemical the rate of absorption of nitrogen.
down the rate of dissolution applied, it gets converted to fertilizer and (c) Neem coated urea increases
of urea in the soil ammonium carbamate. Some it was soil’s capacity to retain nitrogen.
(c) Nitrous oxide, which is a of this gets converted to emphasise (d) Presence of neem increases the
greenhouse gas, is not at all ammonia gas in what is called in Economic life span of plants.
released into atmosphere by ammonia volatilisation. survey.
crop fields About 8-10 per cent nitrogen
(d) It is a combination of a is lost during volatilization.
weedicide and a fertilizer for The rest of the ammonium
particular crops carbamate undergoes
chemical transformation and
nitrates are formed. Some of
these are absorbed by the
plants. The rest are either
leached into the underground
water or are denitrified to
gaseous nitrogen and nitrous
oxide under anaerobic
conditions (absence of
oxygen). Neem has properties
that check nitrogen loss at
each stage. It slows down the
process of nitrate formation
and hence excess nitrate is
not available for
denitrification.
When farmers use this urea,
the slow release of nitrogen
helps the fertility of the soil.
Therefore, there will be more
yield to the extent of 15-20%.
Also, the higher usage of
neem-coated urea would

40 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 check diversion of urea for
industrial use. Neem coated
urea also works as insecticide.
50 Polity and Consider the following D D FA Indian Public RR The incumbent to the post of To check the
Governance statements: Administration(thir Chief Secretary is chosen by deep
1. The Chief Secretary in a d edition) and appointed by the Chief understandi
State is appointed by the Ramesh k Arora Minister and the Ministers of ngs of the
Governor of that State. and Rajni Goyal the State. The trend is that the concept of
2. The Chief Secretary in a Chapter 18(The Chief Minister consults the Polity.
State has a fixed tenure. Chief Secretary and Union Government regarding
Which of the statements State Secretariat) the appointment of the Chief
Secretary but, this consultation
given above is/are correct? Page no.-335-336
is not obligatory.
(a) 1 only Supreme Court of
There is no fixed tenure for the
(b) 2 only India
post of Chief Secretary.
(c) Both 1 and 2
Administrative reform
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 E. P. Royappa vs commission in 1969 had
State Of Tamil recommended that a Chief
Nadu & Anr on 23 secretary should have a
November, 1973 minimum tenure of three to
four years.
51 Current With reference to ‘Stand Up C M CA http://www.thehin EN "Stand Up India Scheme" was Constantly Tests- 1724,1775,1891,2063
Affairs India Scheme’, which of the du.com/news/nati initiated to promote in news "Stand up India Scheme" was
following statements is/are onal/modi-to- entrepreneurship among launched under the broader theme
correct? launch-stand-up- Scheduled Castes, Schedule of "Start Up India, Stand Up India"
1. Its purpose is to promote india-scheme- Tribes and Women. to promote entrepreneurship
entrepreneurship among tomorrow/article8 The scheme will provide among:
SC/ST and women 430358.ece financial aid through the Small 1. Scheduled Castes
entrepreneurs. http://pib.nic.in/ne Industries Development Bank 2. Scheduled Tribes
2. It provides for refinance wsite/PrintRelease. of India (SIDBI) with an initial 3. Differently-abled
through SIDBI. aspx?relid=138523 amount of Rs 10,000 crore. 4. Women
Select the correct answer The system will personally 5. Minorities
using the code given below. guide each entrepreneur Select the correct answer using the
(a) 1 only through the pre-loan and code given below.
(b) 2 only operational phases. (a) 1, 2 and 4 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 The scheme will also (b) 1, 3 and 5 only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 familiarise the entrepreneurs (c) 2, 4 and 5 only
with factoring services, e- (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
market places and registration
with online platforms and
other aspects of web
entrepreneurship.
41 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
42 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
52 Environment The FAO accords the status B M FCA http://www.thehin EN Statement 1 is incorrect. Test- 2139( Open Test 5)
of ‘Globally Important du.com/sci- GIAHS aims to protect This region is a delta region of
Agricultural Heritage System tech/ecofriendly- traditional agricultural about 900 sq. km situated in the
(GIAHS)’ to traditional technologies-fetch- systems. It will not provide west coast of Kerala State, India.
agricultural systems. What is better-results-in- any modern technology and The farming System practiced here
the overall goal of this rice- training. is unique as it is the only system in
initiative? production/article Statement 2 is correct. GIAHS India that practices rice cultivation
1. To provide modern 7154833.ece aims to identify and safeguard below sea level. It is one of the
technology, training in eco-friendly traditional farm Globally Important Agricultural
modern farming methods http://www.fao.or practices and their associated Heritage Systems (GIAHS) sites in
and financial support to local g/giahs/giahs/giahs landscapes, agricultural India." The above passage
communities of identified -about/en/ biodiversity and knowledge describes which of the following
GIAHS so as to greatly systems of the local places?
enhance their agricultural communities. (a) Koratpur
productivity. Statement 3 is also incorrect. (b) Pampore
2. To identify and safeguard There is no such provision. (c) Kuttanad
eco-friendly traditional farm (d) Munnar
practices and their
associated landscapes,
agricultural biodiversity and
knowledge systems of the
local communities
3. The provide Geographical
Indication status to all the
varieties of agricultural
produce in such identifies
GIAHS
Select the correct answer
using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
53 Geography Which of the following is/are D M F NCERT 11, India EM All the given rivers Dibang, Concept of
tributary/ tributaries of physical Kameng and Lohit are the Geography
Brahmaputra? environment, page tributaries of Brahmaputra.
1. Dibang 26
2. Kameng
3. Lohit
Select the correct answer
using the code given below.
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

43 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

54 Economy The term ‘Core Banking A M FCA http://www.thehin EN Only statement 1 is correct. India post's
Solution’ is sometimes seen du.com/news/nati Core banking solution enables IT
in the news. Which of the onal/tamil- customers to operate their modernisati
following statements best nadu/post-offices- accounts, and avail banking on project
describes/describe this in-south-migrating- services from any branch of
term? to-core-banking- the bank on CBS network,
1. It is a networking of a solutions/article82 regardless of where they oepn
bank’s branches which 21039.ece and maintain their account.
enables customers to
operate their accounts from
any branch of the bank on its
network regardless of where
they open their accounts.
2. It is an effort to increase
RBI’s control over
commercial banks through
computerization.
3. It is a detailed procedure
by which a bank with huge
non-performing assets is
taken over by another bank.
Select the correct answer
using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
55 Environment Consider the following pairs: C E F Economic survey EM The Clean Development Climate Test – 1784
Terms sometimes seen in (2015-16) Vol 2 pg. Mechanism (CDM), created change Consider the following statements
the news Their origin 187 multilaterally under the negotiations regarding the Clean Development
1. Annex-I Countries : http://unfccc.int/k UNFCCC is one of the Mechanism (CDM):
Cartagena Protocol yoto_protocol/mec mitigation instruments under 1. It is one of mitigation centric
2. Certified Emissions hanisms/clean_dev the Kyoto Protocol. instruments created under the
Reductions : Nagoya Protocol elopment_mechani The Clean Development UNFCCC.
3. Clean Development sm/items/2718.ph Mechanism (CDM), defined in 2. Certified emission reduction
Mechanisms : Kyoto Protocol p Article 12 of the Protocol, (CER) credits earned under it can
Which of the pairs given allows a country with an be counted towards meeting Kyoto
above is/are correctly emission-reduction or targets.
matched? emission-limitation Which of the statements given
(a) 1 and 2 only commitment under the Kyoto above is/are correct?
(b) 2 and 3 only Protocol (Annex B Party) to (a) 1 only

44 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 (c) 3 only implement an emission- (b) 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 reduction project in (c) Both 1 and 2
developing countries. Such (d) Neither 1 nor 2
projects can earn saleable Test – 1726, 1777, 2069
certified emission reduction With reference to Nagoya
(CER) credits, each equivalent Protocol, consider the following
to one tonne of CO2, which statements:
can be counted towards 1. It saves source countries from
meeting Kyoto targets. all forms of foreign bioprospecting.
Annex-I countries are parties 2. It is a legally binding treaty.
to Kyoto protocol. 3. It covers traditional knowledge
(TK) associated with genetic
resources.
Select the correct answer using the
code given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 2 and 3 only

56 Science and In the context of the B D CA http://www.thehin EN Bioinformatics refers to the Recent
Technology developments in du.com/news/nati application of computer developmen
Bioinformatics, the term onal/karnataka/ge technology to the ts in
‘transcriptome’, sometimes nome-of-the-asian- management of biological technology
seen in the news, refers to elephant- information.
(a) a range of enzymes used sequenced-for-the- Transcriptome refers to the
in genome editing first-time-in- full range of messenger RNA
(b) the full range of mRNA india/article80060 (mRNA) molecules expressed
molecules expressed by an 26.ece from the genes of an
organism organism.
(c) the description of the
mechanism of gene
expression
(d) a mechanism of genetic
mutations taking place in
cells
57 Current ‘Mission Indradhanush’ A E CA http://www.thehin EN Mission Indradhanush: It was was Covered in PT365 material - Social
Affairs launched by the Government du.com/news/nati launched by Ministry of constantly in schemes
of India pertains to onal/kerala/missio Health and Family Welfare on news Tests - 1724,1775, 1891, 2065
(a) immunization of children n- 25th Dec 2014. The objective Which of the following diseases

45 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 and pregnant women indradhanush/artic is to ensure that all children are parts of 'Mission
(b) construction of smart le7732816.ece under the age of two years as Indradhanush'?
cities across the country well as pregnant women are 1. Diptheria
(c) India’s own search for the http://pib.nic.in/ne fully immunized with seven 2. Pertussis
Earth-like planets in outer wsite/PrintRelease. vaccine preventable diseases. 3. Polio
space aspx?relid=138342 By 2020, provide vaccination 4. Tuberculosis
(d) New Educational Policy to all children who are either 5. Chicken Pox
unvaccinated or partially 6. Dengue
vaccinated against: Select the correct answer using the
Diptheria, code given below.
Pertussis (Whooping cough) (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
Tetanus, (b) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only
Tuberculosis, (c) 4, 5 and 6 only
Polio, (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6
Measles and
Hepatitis B
The aim is to reach atleast
90% vaccination. At present
the immunisation is around
65%.

58 Environment Which of the following best C M FCA http://pib.nic.in/ne EN The National Mission for was Covered in PT365 material –
describes/ describe the aim wsite/PrintRelease. Green India (GIM) is one of constantly in Environment
of ‘Green India Mission’ of aspx?relid=128649 the eight Missions outlined news Tests - 1725, 1776
the Government of India? under the National Action With reference to the National
1. Incorporating http://www.envfor Plan on Climate Change Mission for Green India (GIM),
environmental benefits and .nic.in/major- (NAPCC). It aims at protecting; consider the following statements:
costs into the Union and initiatives/national restoring and enhancing 1. It is a mission under the
State Budgets thereby -mission-green- India’s diminishing forest National Action Plan on Climatic
implementing the ‘green india-gim cover and responding to Change (NAPCC).
accounting’ climate change by a 2. It will be implemented on both
2. Launching the second combination of adaptation public and private lands.
green revolution to enhance and mitigation measures. 3. It has been merged with
agricultural output so as to It envisages a holistic view of MGNREGA to improve the
ensure food security to one greening and focuses on country’s forest cover.
and all in the future multiple ecosystem services, Which of the statements given
3. Restoring and enhancing especially, biodiversity, water, above is/are correct?
forest cover and responding biomass, preserving (a) 1 only
to climate change by a mangroves, wetlands, critical (b) 1 and 2 only
combination of adaptation habitats etc. along with (c) 2 and 3 only
and mitigation measures carbon sequestration as a co- (d) 1, 2 and 3

46 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 Select the correct answer benefit. ANSWER – D
using the code given below. Statements 1 and 2 are not Which of the following statements
(a) 1 only the aims of Green India related to the Green India Mission
(b) 2 and 3 only Mission. (GIM) is/are correct?
(c) 3 only 1. It is a part of the National Action
(d) 1, 2 and 3 Plan on Climate Change.
2. The approval for alternate
energy devices using LPG are given
under GIM.
Select the correct answer using the
code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
ANSWER - C
59 Science and With reference to pre- C M CAA http://www.thehin EN Every pre-packaged items in was in news
Technology packaged items in India, it is du.com/opinion/o India the following in relation
mandatory to the p-ed/labelling-to- information on the label: to Maggi
manufacturer to put which take-the-pinch- 1. Name of the food issue and
of the following information out-of- 2. list of ingredients cancer
on the main label, as per the salt/article8801650 3. declaration of food causing
Food Safety and Standards .ece additives chemicals in
(Packaging and Labelling) 4. Net quantity or net weight bread
Regulations, 2011? http://www.fssai.g 5. Batch identification
1. List of ingredients ov.in/Portals/0/Pdf 6. Name and address of the
including additives /covering%20letter manufacturer
2. Nutrition information %20for%20draft%2 7. Date Marking
3. Recommendation, if any, 0regulation.pdf 8. Veg/ Non veg declaration
made by the medical
profession about the
possibility of any allergic
reactions
4. Vegetarian/non-
vegetarian
Select the correct answer
using the code given below.
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 2 and 4
(d) 1 and 4 only

47 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

60 Current ‘Project Loon’, sometimes B E CA http://www.thehin EN Project Loon is a research and was Covered in PT365 material -
Affairs seen in the news, is related du.com/opinion/o development project being constantly in Science and Technology
to p-ed/its-a-bird-its- developed by Google X with news Tests - 1763, 1785
(a) waste management a-plane-its-the- the mission of providing With reference to 'Project Loon'
technology loon/article800865 Internet access to rural and consider the following statements:
(b) wireless communication 2.ece remote areas. The project 1. It proposes to provide internet
technology uses high-altitude balloons connectivity to remote areas using
(c) solar power production placed in the stratosphere at balloons floating in troposphere.
technology an altitude of about 18 km (11 2. It aims to tap unused TV
(d) water conservation mi) to create an aerial spectrum to provide internet
technology wireless network with up to access.
4G-LTE speeds. 3. The project is being
By partnering with implemented by Google Inc.
Telecommunications Which of the statements given
companies to share cellular above is/are correct?
spectrum Google is trying to (a) 1 and 3 only
enable people to connect to (b) 2 only
the balloon network directly (c) 2 and 3 only
from their phones and other (d) 3 only
LTE-enabled devices. ANSWER – D
Microsoft is planning to use Which of the following projects
unused TV spectrum to is/are related to providing last mile
provide internet access in internet connectivity?
remote areas. 1. Project Loon
2. Aquila
3. White Fi
Select the correct answer using the
code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
ANSWER - D
61 Current ‘Net metering’ is sometimes A M CA http://www.thehin EN It is the mechanism of selling part of
Affairs seen in the news in the du.com/business/I the surplus solar power where India's
context of promoting the ndustry/metering- meters measure the solar Green
(a) production and use of policy-hindering- power exported to the grid; initiatives/e
solar energy by the rooftop-solar- the consumer is given credit nvironment
households/consumers sector-cleanmaxs- for the exported power, friendly
(b) use of piped natural gas jain- lightening the bill. strategies
in the kitchens of houeholds says/article854209

48 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 (c) installation of CNG kits in 6.ece
motor-cars
(d) installation of water
meters in urban households
62 Economy India’s ranking in the ‘Ease of C E CA http://www.thehin EN World bank's Ease of doing was Tests - 1779, 2069
Doing Business Index’ is du.com/news/nati business report, India's constantly in India has improved performance in
sometimes seen in the news. onal/india-moves- position has improved from news 'Ease of doing business' index
Which of the following has up-in-world-bank- 142 to 130. This is on account owing to improvement in which of
declared that ranking? doing-business- of ease of starting a business, the following indicators?
(a) Organization for 2016- dealing with construction 1. Starting a business
Economic Cooperation and ranking/article781 permit and getting electricity 2. Getting credit
Development (OECD) 1248.ece permits. Now, companies can 3. Dealing with construction
(b) World Economic Forum get connected to the grid and permit
(c) World Bank get on with their business, 14 4. Getting electricity
(d) World Trade Organization days sooner than before. The Select the correct answer using the
(WTO) number of days it takes to code given below.
start a new business has gone (a) 1, 3 and 4
up marginally from last year, (b) 1, 2 and 4
from 28.4 to 29 (c) 2 and 3
Credit is one area where India (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
performs poorly and needs to
improve. Access to credit and
ease of paying taxes has
worsened, according to the
World Bank’s Doing Business
Report 2016.
63 Medieval Banjaras during the medieval D M F NCERT Class VII- Ch EM There were many kinds of to check
History period of Indian history were -6 and 7th: traders in medieval period basic
generally TOWNS, TRADERS these included the Banjaras /fundament
(a) agriculturists AND .They were the most al
(b) warriors CRAFTSPERSONS important trader nomads. knowledge
(c) weavers Their caravan was called
(d) traders tanda. Sultan Alauddin Khalji
used the Banjaras to transport
grain to the city markets.
Emperor Jahangir wrote in his
memoirs that the Banjaras
carried grain on their bullocks
from different areas and sold
it in towns.

49 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

64 Ancient Who of the following had B M F NCERT 12 - Themes EM It was James Prinsep in 1837 to check
History first deciphered the edicts of in Indian history, who succeeded in deciphering basic
Emperor Ashoka? page 28 an ancient inscription on a fundamenta
(a) Georg Buhler large stone pillar in Delhi l knowledge
(b) James Prinsep which was the edict of
(c) Max Muller Emperor Ashoka.
(d) William Jones
65 Polity and With reference to the ‘Gram B M F India year book, EM Gram Nyayalayas are mobile Gram Covered in tests 1714, 1765, 1789
Governance Nyayalaya Act’, which of the chapter 20, Law village courts in India nyayalayas With reference to Gram
following statements is/are and Justice established under Gram were setup Nyayalayas, consider the following
corect? http://www.downt Nyayalayas Act, 2008 for at many statements:
1. As per the Act, Gram oearth.org.in/cove speedy and easy access to locations 1. It has jurisdiction over both civil
Nyayalayas can hear only rage/where-are- justice system in the rural recently. and criminal cases.
civil cases and not criminal rural-courts-44754 areas. 2. The appeals against its decisions
cases. 1st statement is not correct. lie directly in High Courts.
2. The Act allows local social Gram Nyayalaya exercises the Which of the statements given
activists as powers of both Criminal and above is/are correct?
mediators/reconciliators. Civil Courts. (a) 1 only
Select the correct answer The Gram Nyayalaya are (b) 2 only
using the code given below. supposed to try to settle the (c) Both 1 and 2
(a) 1 only disputes as far as possible by (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(b) 2 only bringing about conciliation
(c) Both 1 and 2 between the parties and for
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 this purpose, it can make use
of the conciliators such social
activists/mediators.
66 Current With reference to the ‘Trans- D E CA http://www.thehin EN The Trans-Pacific Partnership Constantly Covered in PT365 material -
Affairs Pacific Partnership’, consider du.com/business/1 was signed by only 12 in news International Relations
the following statements: 2-nations-sign- member nations of Pacific Asked Twice in All India Test
1. It is an agreement among transpacific- rim, not all the Pacific Rim series Test- 1779, 2082, 1720
all the Pacific Rim countries partnership-trade- countries except China and The 12 Pacific Rim nations have
except China and Russia. deal/article819199 Russia. The members are: signed the TPP (Trans-Pacific
2. It is a strategic alliance for 2.ece Australia, Brunei, Canada, Partnership) Agreement which is
the purpose of maritime Chile, Japan, Malaysia, considered to be a game changer
security only. Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, for the global economy. Which of
Which of the statements Singapore, the United States the following could be the reasons
given above is/are correct? and Vietnam. for India having stayed out of the
(a) 1 only It is not a strategic alliance. It agreement?
(b) 2 only is a trade alliance. 1. Trade diversion
(c) Both 1 and 2 2. Loss of competitiveness of
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 Indian exports

50 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 3. Investment diversion
Select the correct answer using the
code given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Test - 1724,1772,1891,1894,2070
Which of the following countries
is/are part of the Trans Pacific
Partnership Agreement?
1. Mexico
2. Australia
3. Vietnam
4. Japan
5. China
6. Indonesia
Select the correct answer using the
code given below.
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only
(b) 2, 3 and 6 only
(c) 1, 4 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6
67 Current Consider the following A M CA http://www.thehin EN The 3rd India-Africa summit was Covered in PT365 material -
Affairs statements: du.com/opinion/e was held in New Delhi in constantly in International Relations.
The India-Africa Summit ditorial/indiaafrica- October 2015. The previous news
1. held in 2015 was the third forum-summit- two gatherings were held in
such Summit reaching-out-to- 2008 in New Delhi and in 2011
2. was actually initiated by africa/article78238 in Addis Ababa.
Jawaharlal Nehru in 1951 07.ece
Which of the statements
given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
68 Economy What is/are the C M FCA http://www.thehin EN To ensure better transmission was Covered in PT365 material –
purpose/purposes of the du.com/business/E and transparency of rates, the constantly in Economics Covered in tests twice
‘Marginal Cost of Funds conomy/rbi-links- RBI introduced the MCLR news Test - 2057, 2139
based Lending Rate (MCLR)’ lending-rates-to- framework, under which Consider the following statements
announced by RBI? loan- banks have to calculate their regarding Marginal Cost of funds
1. These guidelines help tenor/article80010 cost of funds based on the based Lending rate (MCLR):
improve the transparency in 20.ece latest rates offered on 1. It refers to the minimum

51 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 the methodology followed https://rbi.org.in/S deposits or borrowings. This interest rate for loans that is
by banks for determining the CRIPTs/BS_PressRe was to ensure that changes in determined by a bank.
interest rates on advances. leaseDisplay.aspx? deposit rates were 2. It is not sensitive to changes in
2. These guidelines help prid=35749 immediately reflected on the policy rates thereby improving
ensure availability of bank banks’ cost of funds. monetary transmission.
credit at interest rates which Apart from helping improve Which of the statements given
are fair to the borrowers as the transmission of policy above is/are correct?
well as the banks. rates into the lending rates of (a) 1 only
Select the correct answer banks, these measures are (b) 2 only
using the code given below. expected to improve (c) Both 1 and 2
(a) 1 only transparency in the (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(b) 2 only methodology followed by Open test 4 – 2057
(c) Both 1 and 2 banks for determining interest Consider the following differences
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 rates on advances. The between Marginal Cost of Funds
guidelines are also expected based Lending Rate (MCLR) and
to ensure availability of bank Base Rate:
credit at interest rates which 1. Unlike base rate calculation,
are fair to the borrowers as Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) cost is
well as the banks. considered in the calculation of
Further, marginal cost pricing MLCR.
of loans will help the banks 2. Unlike base rate calculation,
become more competitive Repo rate is mandatory in the
and enhance their long run calculation of MCLR.
value and contribution to Which of the statements given
economic growth. above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
69 Environment What is/are unique about A D FCA http://www.thehin EN The Kharai camel grazes on was in news Covered in tests of 1717, 1768,
‘Kharai camel’, a breed found du.com/opinion/o mangroves and is tolerant to 2066
in India? p-ed/the-sinking- saline water. It is found only A dry land and coastal ecosystem
1. It is capable of swimming ship-of-the- in Gujarat’s coastal areas. It is is the natural habitat of an Indian
up to three kilometres in desert/article7671 capable of swimming up to animal species. The animal has no
seawater. 220.ece three kilometers into the sea predators in that area but its
2. It survives by grazing on in search of mangroves. existence is threatened due to the
mangroves. http://www.downt 3rd statement is incorrect. It destruction of its habitat. Which
3. It lives in the wild and oearth.org.in/cove can be domesticed. Given the one of the following could be that
cannot be domesticated. rage/the-sinking- breed’s ability to survive both animal?
Select the correct answer ship-40705 on land and sea, the Kharai (a) Saltwater crocodile
using the code given below. camel is one of the most (b) Dugong

52 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 (a) 1 and 2 only preferred choices of graziers (c) Kharai camel
(b) 3 only in the arid coastal region of (d) Wild water buffalo
(c) 1 and 3 only Kachchh. People consume its
(d) 1, 2 and 3 milk, while male calves are
sold for economic returns.
70 Current Recently, our scientists have A M CA http://www.thehin EN Scientists at the Botanical was in news
Affairs discovered a new and du.com/news/nati Survey of India (BSI)
distinct species of banana onal/other- discovered the new species of
plant which attains a height states/andamans- banana from a remote
of about 11 metres and has yield-a-sweet- tropical rain forest on the
orange-coloured fruit pulp. banana-with- Little Andaman islands.
In which part of India has it orange- The new species has orange-
been discovered? pulp/article775031 coloured fruit pulp and is
(a) Andaman Islands 6.ece about 11 metres high,
(b) Anaimalai Forests whereas as the usual banana
(c) Maikala Hills species is about three to four
(d) Tropical rain forests of metres high.
northeast
71 Current Which one of the following is C M CA http://www.thehin EN INS Astradharini is India’s first was in news Covered in PT365 material -
Affairs the best description of ‘INS du.com/todays- totally indigenously designed Science and Technology
Astradharini’, that was in the paper/tp- (95%) and built torpedo
news recently? national/ins- launch and recovery vessel
(a) Amphibious warfare ship astradharini- (TLRV).
(b) Nuclear-powered commissioned/arti
submarine cle7731983.ece
(c) Torpedo launch and
recovery vessel
(d) Nuclear-powered aircraft
carrier
72 Current What is ‘Greased Lightning- A D CA http://www.thehin EN The Greased Lightning or GL- recent
Affairs 10 (GL-10)’, recently in the du.com/sci- 10 is the electric plane with 10 developmen
news? tech/science/nasas engines tested by NASA that ts in science
(a) Electric plane tested by -10engine-electric- can take off and land like a and
NASA plane-completes- helicopter and fly efficiently technology
(b) Solar-powered two- flight- like an aircraft.
seater aircraft designed by test/article717046
Japan 8.ece
(c) Space observatory
launched by China
(d) Reusable rocket designed
by ISRO
53 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
54 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
73 Current With reference to ‘Initiative C D CA http://agricoop.nic RR The statement 1 is correct. initiatives of
Affairs for Nutritional Security .in/Admin_Agricoo The Initiative for Nutritional the
through Intestive Millets p/Uploaded_File/I Security through Intensive government
Promotion’, which of the NSIMP.pdf Millets Promotion aims to to promote
following statements is/are demonstrate the improved food
correct? production and post-harvest security
1. This initiative aims to technologies in an integrated
demonstrate the improved manner with cluster
production and post-harvest approach.
technologies, and to Statement 2 is also correct.
demonstrate value addition Millets are mainly grown in
techniques, in an integrated regions of low annual rainfall
manner, with cluster and poor arid soil. It is poor,
approach. small, marginal and tribal
2. Poor, small, marginal and farmers, who cannot afford
tribal farmers have larger costly irrigation practices,
stake in this scheme. depend on cultivation of
3. An important objective of millets. Hence these farmers
the scheme isto encourage benefit from the scheme and
farmers of commercial crops have a larger stake in this
to shift to millet cultivation scheme.
by offering them free kits of Statement 3 is not correct.
critical inputs of nutrients There is no such provision of
and microirrigation encouraging farmers of
equipment. commercial crops to shift to
Select the the correct answer millet cultivation.
using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
74 Modern The ‘Swadeshi’ and ‘Boycott’ A E F NCERT 12 - EM The Swadeshi and Boycott to check Asked in Test – 1786
History were adopted as methods of Modern India by were adopted as methods of fundamenta Which of the following factors
struggle for the first time Bipin Chandra, struggle for the first time l/basic was/were responsible for the
during the page 195 during the agitation against knowledge decline of the Swadeshi
(a) agitation against the the Partition of Bengal in movement?
Partition of Bengal Swadeshi movement. 1. Repression by the government
(b) Home Rule Movement 2. Split in the Congress
(c) Non-Cooperation 3. Lack of effective organization
Movement 4. Inability of mass movement to
(d) visit of the Simon be sustained for long periods.

55 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 Commission to India Select the correct answer using the
code given below.
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
75 Culture With reference to the B D F Themes in Indian EM Bodhisattva in Buddhism is to check Asked in Open Test - 3 Test -1893
religious history of India, History - I (NCERT one who seeks awakening or basic/funda With reference to sects of
consider the following Class XII) enlightment. This concept is mental Buddhism, consider the following
statements: https://www.brita central to Mahayana sect of knowledge statements:
1. The concept of nnica.com/topic/b Buddhism. in Indian 1. The idea of transference of
Bodhisattva is central to odhisattva In Mahayana Buddhism, philosophy/ merit is integral to the teachings of
Hinayana sect of Buddhism. bodhisattva refers to a human culture Hinayana.
2. Bodhisattva is a being committed to the 2. Achievement of status of
compassionate one on his attainment of enlightenment 'Arhant' was integral to Mahayana.
way to enlightenment. for the sake of others. A 3. Vajrayana sect represents
3. Bodhisattva delays Bodhisattva may delay permeation of magic and
achieving his own salvation achieving his own salvation to mysticism in Buddhism.
to help all sentinent beings help all sentinent beings on Which of the statements given
on their path to it. their path to it. above is/are correct?
Which of the statements (a) 1 and 2 only
given above is/are correct? (b) 2 and 3 only
(a) 1 only (c) 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
(c) 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
76 Current ‘Doctors Without Borders B E FCA http://www.thehin EN Médecins Sans Frontières was in news PT-365 material (May-June)
Affairs (Medecins Sans Frontieres)’, du.com/sci- (MSF) or Doctors without in relation to
often in the news, is tech/health/mdeci Borders, an international NGO RCEP
(a) a division of World Health ns-sans-frontires- has warned India that it will proposals;
Organization on-indias-role-in- no more remain ‘the also in news
(b) a non-governmental the-rcep- pharmacy of the developing when an US
international organization meet/article87286 world’ if the proposed military air
(c) an inter-governmental 09.ece proposals in the Regional strike hit a
hospital run
agency sponsored by Comprehensive Economic
by Doctors
European Union Partnership (RCEP) agreement
Without
(d) a specialized agency of are adopted.
Borders in
the United Nations Afghanistan
to oust
Talibani
insurgents
56 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
77 Environment With reference to an C D CAA http://www.thehin EN The initiative on 'The initiative to
initiative called ‘The du.com/books/liter Economics of Ecosystems and implement
Economics of Ecosystems ary-review/review- Biodiversity' (TEEB) is an CBD
and Biodiversity (TEEB)’, of-green-signals- important partner in programme/
which of the following ecology-growth- implementing the CBD climate
statements is/are correct? and-democracy-in- programme of work on change
1. It is an initiative hosted by india/article74075 incentive measures, and in
UNEP, IMF and World 56.ece particular its work on
Economic Forum. valuation. This major
2. It is a global initiative that http://www.thehin international initiative, funded
focuses on drawing attention dubusinessline.co by the European Commission,
to the economic benefits of m/opinion/how- Germany, United Kingdom,
biodiversity. green-is-my- Norway, the Netherlands and
3. It presents an approach balance- Sweden, and managed by the
that can help decision- sheet/article84474 United Nations Environment
makers recognize, 19.ece Programme as part of its
demonstrate and capture the Green Economy Initiative
value of ecosystems and (GEI), seeks to draw attention
biodiversity. to the global economic
Select the correct answer benefits of biodiversity, to
using the code given below. highlight the growing costs of
(a) 1 and 2 only biodiversity loss and
(b) 3 only ecosystem degradation, and
(c) 2 and 3 only to draw together expertise
(d) 1, 2 and 3 from the fields of science,
economics and policy to
enable practical actions
moving forward.
Members of the TEEB
Advisory Board include the
Executive Director of UNEP,
the Executive Secretary of the
CBD and the Director General
of IUCN, amongst others.
78 Environment With reference to ‘Red A M FCA http://www.thehin EN Red Sanders, botanical name was in news Tests - 1725, 1776
Sanders’, sometimes seen in du.com/news/nati Pterocarpus santalinus, is a in relation With reference to Red Sanders or
the news, consider the onal/andhra- non-fragrant variety of to smuggling Red Sandalwood, a tree species
following statements: pradesh/red- sandalwood that mostly of Red often in news, consider the
1. It is a tree species found in sanders-govt- grows in rocky, hilly regions. Sanders following statements:
a part of South India. steps-up-vigil-in- Saplings reach 8 to 10 m in 3- 1. It is an endangered species
2. It is one of the most seshachalam- 4 years, but growth slows found in the Palakonda and

57 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 important trees in the hills/article866171 down after that. The trunks Seshachalam hills of the Eastern
tropical rain forest areas of 8.ece are slender, and it takes at Ghats.
South India. least 20-25 years for the 2. It is highly valued in the
Which of the statements http://indianexpre tree’s beautiful, deep red international market for its rich
given above is/are correct? ss.com/article/expl wood to be of use. fragrance.
(a) 1 only ained/explained- It is found in the thorny 3. It is found extensively in the
(b) 2 only logs-of-blood/ scrub/dry deciduous forests of tropical wet evergreen forests of
(c) Both 1 and 2 the central Deccan, between India.
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 500 ft and 3000 ft. only in a Which of the statements given
small pocket roughly 5,200 sq above is/are correct?
km in the Palakonda and (a) 1 only
Seshachalam hills in the (b) 1 and 2 only
districts of Kadapa and (c) 2 and 3 only
Chittoor, in some contiguous (d) 1, 2 and 3
areas of Anantapur district, in
the Nallamalla forests in
Kurnool and Prakasam, and in
parts of Nellore district. Some
contiguous patches in Tamil
Nadu and Karnataka see some
wild growth.
Red Sanders is a protected
species under the Convention
on International Trade in
Endangered Species (CITES) of
Wild Fauna and Flora.
79 Environment Which of the following D M FA http://www.thehin EN Reducing Emissions from it was
statements is/are correct? du.com/news/inter Deforestation and Forest discussed in
Proper design and effective national/wonderin Degradation (REDD) attempts UNFCCC
implementation of UN- g-whats-cop21- to create financial value for summit in
REDD+ Programme can adp-heres-a- the carbon stored in forests, Paris(COP-
significantly contribute to glossary-for-un- offering incentives for 21)
1. protection of biodiversity climate- developing countries to
2. resilience of forest talks/article792994 reduce emissions from
ecosystems 8.ece forested lands and invest in
3. poverty reduction low-carbon paths to
Select the correct answer http://www.unep. sustainable development.
using the code given below. org/climatechange REDD+ goes beyond
(a) 1 and 2 only /reddplus/Introduc deforestation and forest
(b) 3 only tion/tabid/29525/ degradation, and includes the
(c) 2 and 3 only Default.aspx role of conservation,

58 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 (d) 1, 2 and 3 http://theredddesk sustainable management of
.org/what-redd forests and enhancement of
forest carbon stocks.
It is predicted that financial
flows for greenhouse gas
emission reductions from
REDD+ could reach up to
US$30 billion a year. This
significant north-south flow of
funds could reward a
meaningful reduction of
carbon emissions and support
new, pro-poor development,
help conserve biodiversity and
secure vital ecosystem
services.
80 Environment What is ‘Greenhouse Gas A D CA http://indianexpre EN The Greenhouse Gas (GHG) in news
Protocol’? ss.com/article/tech Protocol, developed by World because of
(a) It is an international nology/tech-news- Resources Institute (WRI) and reduction in
accounting tool for technology/apple- World Business Council on carbon
government and business iphone-ipad-how- Sustainable Development emission
leaders to understand, long-will-it-last/ (WBCSD), sets the global
quantify and manage standard for how to measure,
greenhouse gas emissions. manage, and report
(b) It is an initiative of the greenhouse gas emissions.
United Nations to offer Many companies and
financial incentives to organizations around the
developing countries to world are using GHG Protocol
reduce greenhouse gas standards and tools to
emissions and to adopt eco- manage their emissions and
friendly technologies become more efficient,
(c) It is an inter- resilient, and prosperous
governmental agreement organizations.
ratified by all the member
countries of the United
Nations to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions to
specified levels by the year
2022 (d) It is one of the
multilateral REDD+ initiatives
hosted by the World Bank

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81 Economy With reference to ‘Financial C M FCA http://www.thehin EN The Financial Stability and FSCDC was Test 1779
Stability and Development dubusinessline.co Development Council (FSDC) constantly in With reference to the Financial
Council’, consider the m/economy/india- under the chairmanship of news in Sector, consider the following
following statements: must-be-prepared- union Finance Minister was relation to statements:
1. It is an organ of NITI to-deal-with- set up by the government as the meeting 1. Forwards Markets Commission
Aayog. brexit-global- the apex-level forum in held in July (FMC) is the independent regulator
2. It is headed by the Union uncertainty- December 2010. 2016 with for the commodities market.
Finance Minister. fsdc/article881214 respect to 2. Financial Stability and
3. It monitors 7.ece rising bad Development Council is chaired by
macroprudential supervision loans with the Union Finance Minister.
of the economy. http://pib.nic.in/ne banks and 3. Financial Sector Appellate
Which of the statements wsite/PrintRelease. imapct on Tribunal (FSAT) is proposed to be
given above is/are correct? aspx?relid=130256 India global set up as an appellate tribunal for
(a) 1 and 2 only financial all financial regulators.
(b) 3 only http://indianexpre threats.
(c) 2 and 3 only ss.com/article/busi Which of the statements given
(d) 1, 2 and 3 ness/banking-and- above is/are correct?
finance/india-alert- (a) 1 and 2 only
to-global-financial- (b) 1 and 3 only
threats-fsdc-arun- (c) 2 and 3 only
jaitley-raghuram- (d) 1, 2 and 3
rajan-2895484/
(July 2016)
82 Environment With reference to ‘Agenda A M FA http://www.ncert. EM Agenda 21 is a non-binding, Agenda 21 Test 1782
21’, sometimes seen in the nic.in/ncerts/l/jess voluntarily implemented was asked in Which of the following owe their
news, consider the following 101.pdf action plan of the United context of origin to the Rio Earth Summit,
statements: Nations with regard to news 1992?
1. It is a global action plan for http://www.thehin sustainable development. It is coming with 1. Agenda 21
sustainable development. du.com/opinion/co a product of the Earth Summit respect to 2. United Nations Environment
2. It originated in the World lumns/the- (UN Conference on Sustainable Programme (UNEP)
Summit on Sustainable unfinished-agenda- Environment and Developmen 3. United Nations Framework
Development held in of-the-21st- Development) held in Rio de t Goals. Convention on Climate Change
Johannesburg in 2002. century/article697 Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992. 4. Convention on Biological
Which of the statements 5352.ece Diversity
given above is/are correct? Select the correct answer using the
(a) 1 only http://www.un.org code given below.
(b) 2 only /geninfo/bp/enviro (a) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 .html (b) 1 and 4 only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 (c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

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61 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
83 Modern Satya Shodhak Samaj C E F Spectrum, Bipin EM In Poona, Jyotirao Phooley, to check the
History organized Chandra, Old Ncert though a Mali by caste and of basic/funda
(a) a movement for comparatively little education mental
upliftment of tribals in Bihar started the association called knowledge
(b) a temple-entry the Satyashodhak Samaj in in modern
movement in Gujarat 1873 for asserting the worth indian
(c) an anti-caste movement of man irrespective of caste. history
in Maharashtra He demanded representation
(d) a peasant movement in of all classes of the Hindus in
Punjab all the local bodies, in services
and institutions and also
established a primary school
for the so-called untouchables
in Poona.

84 Science and Which of the following D M F NCERT XIIth EM Viruses are too small to be Basic
Technology statements is/are correct? BIOLOGY seen by the naked eye. They biological
Viruses can infect can't multiply on their own, so science
1. bacteria they have to invade a 'host' question.
2. fungi cell and take over its
3. plants machinery in order to be able
Select the correct answer to make more virus
using the code given below. particles.Virus infects all of
(a) 1 and 2 only the given organisms (Bacteria,
(b) 3 only Fungi and Plant).
(c) 1 and 3 only Mycoviruses are viruses that
(d) 1, 2 and 3 infect fungi. The majority of
mycoviruses have double-
stranded RNA (dsRNA)
genomes.
Many different viruses can
infect plants. Certain crops
are well known to be affected
by virus diseases including
geraniums, roses, Easter lilies,
dahlias, gladiolus, and tulips.
The Virus that Infects
Bacteria. Coliphage T4 is a
virus that looks like an alien
landing pod. With its six legs,
the bacteriophage attaches to

62 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 the surface of the much larger
bacteria Escherichia coli (E.
coli). Once attached, the
bacteriophage injects DNA
into the bacterium.
85 Current The term ‘Base Erosion and B E CAA http://www.thehin EN The 2015 final reports of the was PT 365 Full Length Test - 2102
Affairs Profit Shifting’ is sometimes dubusinessline.co Organisation for Economic Co- constantly in Which of the following statements
seen in the news in the m/opinion/column operation and Development news regarding Base Erosion Profit
context of s/all-you-wanted- (OECD)-led project on Base Sharing Project (BEPS) are correct?
(a) mining operation by to-know-about- Erosion and Profit Shifting 1. It is an initiative spearheaded by
multinational companies in beps/article775399 (BEPS) — which refer to the FATF.
resource-rich but backward 2.ece erosion of a nation’s tax base 2. It aims to stop shifting of
areas due to the accounting tricks of corporate profits to low tax
(b) curbing of the tax evasion http://www.thehin Multinational Enterprises countries from where the
by multinational companies du.com/opinion/le (MNEs) and the legal but economic activity takes place.
(c) exploitation of genetic ad/black-money- abusive shifting out of profits Choose the correct option using
resources of a country by the-hidden-wealth- to low-tax jurisdictions the code given below.
multinational companies of- respectively — lays out 15 (a) 1 only
(d) lack of consideration of nations/article813 action points to curb abusive (b) 2 only
environmental costs in the 0657.ece tax avoidance by MNEs. As a (c) Both 1 and 2
planning and participant of this project, (d) Neither 1 nor 2
implementation of http://pib.nic.in/ne India is expected to
developmental projects. wsite/PrintRelease. implement at least some of
aspx?relid=138550 these measures.
86 Current Recently, India’s first A M CA http://www.thehin EN Andhra Pradesh is set to house was in news
Affairs ‘National Investment and du.com/news/nati India's first national investment in relation
Manufacturing Zone’ was onal/andhra- and manufacturing zone after to protests
proposed to be set up in pradesh/nimz- the state assured the Centre of by the local
(a) Andhra Pradesh works-gain-pace- availability of 10 sq km of land population
(b) Gujarat in-prakasam- in one place in Prakasham demanding
(c) Maharashtra district/article8030 district. adequate
(d) Uttar Pradesh 363.ece The imminent final approval for compensati
the NIMZ, which is expected to
on for their
give a fillip to Make in India
http://www.newin land being
campaign, comes four years
dianexpress.com/s taken up by
after the concept was mooted
tates/telangana/Pr to boost manufacturing in the
the
otest-against-land- country and two years after the government
acquisition- Department of Industrial Policy to set up
spreads/2016/06/0 and Promotion gave an in- NIMZ
7/article3470099.e principle nod to Andhra
ce Pradesh in this regard.
63 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
87 Economy What is/are the B M FCA http://www.thehin EN District Mineral Foundation Setting up of Tests - 1723, 1774
purpose/purposes of ‘District dubusinessline.co (DMF) is a trust set up as a District With reference to the District
Mineral Foundations’ in m/economy/policy non-profit body, in those Mineral Mineral Foundation (DMF)
India? /govt-notifies- districts affected by the Foundations established under the Mines and
1. Promoting mineral miners- mining works, to work for the (DMFs) Minerals (Development and
exploration activities in contribution-to- interest and benefit of through the Regulation) Amendment Act, 2015,
mineral-rich districts district-mineral- persons and areas affected by Mines and consider the following statements:
2. Protecting the interests of foundation/article mining related operations. It Minerals 1. It will be funded from the
the persons affected by 7662554.ece is funded through the (Developme consolidated fund of the state.
mining operations contributions from miners. nt & 2. The fund will be used for
3. Authorizing State http://www.prsind Its manner of operation Regulation) developing the mining fields.
Governments to issue ia.org/billtrack/the comes under the jurisdiction Amendment 3. It will be set up in all districts
licenses for mineral -mines-and- of the relevant State Act, affected by mining activities.
exploration minerals- Government. (MMDRA) Which of the statements given
Select the correct answer development-and- 2015. On 16 above is/are correct?
using the code given below. regulation- September (a) 1 and 2 only
(a) 1 and 2 only amendment-bill- 2015, (b) 3 only
(b) 2 only 2015-3648/ Central (c) 1, 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3 only Government (d) None
(d) 1, 2 and 3 issued a
notification
directing
states to set
up DMF.
88 Current ‘SWAYAM’, an initiative of D M CAA http://pib.nic.in/ne EN Study Webs of Active- In news, Tests – 1775
Affairs the Government of India, wsite/PrintRelease. Learning for Young Aspiring because of Which of the following best
aims at aspx?relid=133798 Minds (SWAYAM), is a Web Massive describes SWAYAM, an initiative of
(a) promoting the Self Help portal where Massive Open Open Online Ministry of Human Resouce
Groups in rural areas http://www.thehin On-line Courses (MOOCs) will Courses Development?
(b) providing financial and du.com/features/e be available on all kinds of (MOOC) are (a) A web portal where Massive
technical assistance to young ducation/mooc- subjects. SWAYAM is the fast gaining Open Online Courses will be
start-up entrepreneurs advantage/article8 Indian electronic e-education popularity available.
(c) promoting the education 144936.ece platform which proposes to among (b) A web portal for self
and health of adolescent girls offer courses from the high students certification of Online Vocational
(d) providing affordable and school stage to Post-Graduate and working Courses.
quality education to the stage in an interactive professional (c) An online portal for
citizens for free electronic platform. The IT s as they development of women and girl
platform for SWAYAM is going help them education programme.
to be built and is expected to study at (d) An online platform for foreign
be operationalized by 31st their universities to collaborate with
March 2016 with a capacity to convenience Indian counterparts.

64 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 host nearly 2,000 courses. and time.
Websites
such as edX
and
Coursera
enlist free
online
courses
from various
institutes
across the
world.
89 Modern The Montague-Chelmsford D E F NCERT XIIth std- EM On 20th August, 1917 Lord to test the Tests - 1721, 1772, 1894, 2062
History Proposals were related to Bipan Chandra Montague, the Secretary of fundamenta With reference to provisions/
(a) social reforms State for India, made the l knowledge outcomes of Montague
(b) educational reforms following declaration in British in modern Declaration, 1917, consider the
(c) reforms in police Parliament: “ The Policy of His Indian following statements:
administration Majesty’s government… is history 1. It provided for the
(d) constitutional reforms that of increasing association establishment of a responsible
of Indians in every branch of government in India.
administration, and the 2. The demand for self-
gradual development of self- government could not be termed
governing institutions, with a as seditious.
view to the progressive 3. It aimed at increasing
realization of responsible association of Indians in every
government in India as an branch of administration.
integral part of the British Which of the statements given
empire. above is/are correct?
Importance of Montagu's (a) 1 and 2 only
Statement- From now (b) 1 and 3 only
onwards, the demand by (c) 2 and 3 only
nationalists for self- (d) 1, 2 and 3
government or Home Rule
could not be termed as
seditious since attainment of
self-government for Indians
now became a government
policy, unlike Morley's
statement in 1909 that the
reforms were not intended to
give self-government to India.

65 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

90 Culture What is/are common to the B D FA NCERT- EM The Ajanta Caves in to test the
two historical places known Introduction to Maharashtra, a World fundamenta
as Ajanta and Indian Art Part-I Heritage Site, are 30 rock-cut l cultural
Mahabalipuram? cave Buddhist temples carved history of
1. Both were built in the into the sheer vertical side of India
same period. a gorge near a waterfall-fed
2. Both belong to the same pool located in the hills of the
religious denomination. Sahyadri mountains.
3. Both have rock-cut Guntapalle is a rock-cut cave
monuments. site near Eluru. The other
Select the correct answer important site where rock-cut
using the code given below. stupas have been excavated is
(a) 1 and 2 only Anakapalle near
(b) 3 only Vishakhapatanam.
(c) 1 and 3 only The Pallavas were one of the
(d) None of the statements ancient South Indian
given above is correct dynasties that were active in
the Andhra region from the
second century CE onwards
and moved south to settle in
Tamil Nadu. Their early
buildings, it is generally
assumed, were rockcut, while
the later ones were structural.
The tradition of rock-cut cave
continued in the Deccan and
they are found not only in
Maharashtra but also in
Karnataka, mainly at Badami
and Aihole, executed under
the patronage of the
Chalukyas; in Andhra Pradesh
in the area of Vijayawada; and
in Tamil Nadu, mainly at
Mahabalipuram, under the
patronage of the Pallavas.
91 Economy With reference to ‘Bitcoins’, B D CAA http://www.thehin EN Bitcoin is a digital currency was in news Tests - 1786, 1789 (Open Test)
sometimes seen in the news, du.com/business/a that is not tied to a bank or constantly With reference to Bitcoins,
which of the following ll-you-need-to- government and allows users consider the following statements:
statements is/are correct? know-about- to spend money 1. It is a digital code mined after
1. Bitcoins are tracked by the bitcoin/article8547 anonymously. The coins are solving a complex maths problem.

66 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 Central Banks of the 440.ece created by users who ''mine'' 2. It is used as peer to peer
countries. them by lending computing transaction without any central
2. Anyone with a Bitcoin http://www.financi power to verifying other bank.
address can send and receive alexpress.com/pho users' transactions. They 3. RBI has recognized and allowed
Bitcoins from anyone else tos/business- receive bitcoins in exchange. Bitcoins for daily transactions.
with a Bitcoin address. gallery/247548/bit The coins also can be bought Which of the statements given
3. Online payments can be coin-meaning- and sold on exchanges with above is/are correct?
sent without either side bitcoin-price-a- U.S. dollars and other (a) 1 only
knowing the identity of the look-at-the-digital- currencies. (b) 1 and 2 only
other. currency-bitcoin- Bitcoins have become popular (c) 3 only
Select the correct answer economy/ because transactions can be (d) 1 and 3 only
using the code given below. made anonymously, making
(a) 1 and 2 only the currency popular with With reference to Bitcoins,
(b) 2 and 3 only libertarians as well as tech consider the following statements:
(c) 3 only enthusiasts, speculators - and 1. It is a digitial currency, created
(d) 1, 2 and 3 criminals. and held electronically.
2. It is mined using special
softwares to solve mathematical
problems.
3. BitMEX is the sole exchange for
bitcoin trading.
4. It is not tradeable at the spot
market.
Which of the statements given
above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
92 Current Consider the following B M CA http://www.thehin EN The New Development Bank NDB was in Tests - 1715,1766, 1890, 2060
Affairs statements: du.com/news/inter (NDB) BRICS group of nations news Consider the following statements
1. New Development Bank national/after- comprising Brazil, Russia, constantly with reference to " New
has been set up by APEC. forming-new- India, China and South Africa . Development Bank BRICS".
2. The headquarters of New development- To begin with, the bank will 1. The first President of NDB is an
Development Bank is in bank-brics-can- start operating with $50 Indian.
Shanghai. leadthe-global- billion in initial capital with 2. It will be headquartered in
Which of the statements south-chinese- the five BRICS contributing Shanghai, China.
given above is/are correct? scholar/article8886 $10 billion each. According to 3. In the New Development Bank
(a) 1 only 978.ece the pact, the capital of the each participant country will be
(b) 2 only bank will be divided equally assigned vote on the basis of
(c) Both 1 and 2 among the five participating capital share.
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 nations and initially it will 4. The Bank shall mobilize
focus on infrastructure resources for infrastructure and

67 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 projects member countries. sustainable development projects
The headquarters of the bank in BRICS as well as other countries.
will be located in Shanghai, Which of the statements given
China. above is/are correct?
Eminent banker Kundapur (a) 1 and 2 only
Vaman Kamath was appointed (b) 1, 2 and 3 only
as first President New (c) 1, 2 and 4 only
Development Bank (NDB) of (d) 2, 3 and 4 only
BRICS nations.
The Bank shall mobilize
resources for infrastructure
and sustainable development
projects in BRICS and other
emerging economies and
developing countries,
complementing the existing
efforts of multilateral and
regional financial institutions
for global growth and
development
Unlike the World Bank, which
assigns votes based on capital
share, in the New
Development Bank each
participant country will be
assigned one vote, and none
of the countries will have veto
power.
93 Environment ‘Gadgil Committee Report’ D E FCA http://www.thehin EN The Kasturirangan panel was Kasturiranga PT 365 Environment material - Pg
and ‘Kasturirangan du.com/news/nati set up to study the Gadgil n panel was 31
Committee Report’, onal/kerala/fightin committee report on the in news
sometimes seen in the news, g-over-the- Western Ghats. The
are related to western- Kasturirangan report seeks to
(a) constitutional reforms ghats/article74902 bring just 37% of the Western
(b) Ganga Action Plan 93.ece Ghats under the Ecologically
(c) linking of rivers Sensitive Area (ESA) zones —
(d) protection of Western down from the 64% suggested
Ghats by the Gadgil report.
Recommended prohibition on
development and commercial
activities like mining, thermal

68 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 power plants, polluting
industries and large housing
plans in Ecologically Sensitive
Area (ESA) zones.
94 Modern Consider the following: B D F http://www.thebra RR Raja Ram Mohan Roy along
History 1. Calcutta Unitarian hmosamaj.net/fou with Dwarka Nath Tagore and
Committee nders/keshub.html William Adam established
2. Tabernacle of New Calcutta Unitarian committee
Dispensation and 1823. Keshubh Chandra
3. Indian Reform Association was not associated with it.
Keshab Chandra Sen is On 24th January 1868, Keshub
associated with the laid the foundation stone of
establishment of which of his new church, the Brahmo
the above? Samaj of India Tabernacle of
(a) 1 and 3 only New Dispensation and the
(b) 2 and 3 only newly constructed chapel was
(c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 consecrated on 22nd August
1869.
95 Current Which of the following is not A E FCA http://www.thehin EN The Cooperation Council for It was in Tests- 1715, 1766, 1890
Affairs a member of ‘Gulf du.com/news/nati the Arab States of the Gulf, news Which of the following countries
Cooperation Council’? onal/swaraj- originally known as the Gulf constantly are the members of Cooperation
(a) Iran pushes-for- Cooperation Council (GCC), is due to Council for the Arab States of the
(b) Saudi Arabia indiagulf- a regional inter governmental Indian Prime Gulf?
(c) Oman cooperation- political and economic union Minister's 1. Bahrain
(d) Kuwait council-free-trade- consisting of all Arab states of visit to UAE 2. Oman
agreement/article7 the Persian Gulf, except for and Saudi 3. Kuwait
710985.ece Iraq. Its member states are Arabia to 4. Iraq
Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, give a spur 5. Libya
Saudi Arabia, and the United to India and Select the correct answer using the
Arab Emirates. GCC code given below.
countries; (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
US President (b) 1, 3 and 4 only
attended (c) 2, 3, 4 and 5 only
GCC (d) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only
Summit.
96 Economy What is/are the C M CAA http://www.thehin EN The government had was in news Tests - 1713, 1765
purpose/purposes of du.com/opinion/co launched three ambitious constantly Which of the following schemes
Government’s ‘Sovereign lumns/the-sum-of- schemes to reduce the targets to reduce the import for
Gold Bond Scheme’ and three-new-gold- physical demand for gold and gold?
‘Gold Monetization schemes/article78 fish out 20,000 tonnes of the 1. Sovereign gold bonds
Scheme’? 69915.ece precious metal worth $800 2. Gold Monetisation
69 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 1. To bring the idle gold lying billion lying idle with 3. Indian Gold Coin scheme
with Indian households into households. PM launched the Select the correct answer using the
the economy. maiden sovereign gold bond, code given below.
2. To promote FDI in the gold gold monetisation and the (a) 1 only
and jewellery sector Indian gold coin scheme. The (b) 2 and 3 only
3. To reduce India’s main objectives of the (c) 1, 2 and 3
dependence on gold imports schemes is to reduce India's (d) None of the above
Select the correct answer gold imports and bring all the
using the code given below. gold lying idle with individuals
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only and households.
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
97 Current ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ is D E FCA http://www.thehin EN It is a developmental strategy was Test code: 1893, PT-365(
Affairs sometimes mentioned in the du.com/opinion/o and framework, unveiled by constantly in International Relations, pg 37)
news in the context of the p-ed/chinas-one- Chinese leader Xi Jinping in news With reference to 'One Belt One
affairs of belt-one-road- September and October 2013 Road' (OBOR) initiative, consider
(a) African Union programme/article in announcements revealing the following statements:
(b) Brazil 8179870.ece the SREB (Silk Road Economic 1. It aims to connect Asia, Europe
(c) European Union Belt) and MSR (Maritime Silk and Africa.
(d) China Road), respectively. 2. Both maritime route and road
The “belt and road” run route are an integral part of the
through the continents of initiative.
Asia, Europe and Africa. 3. China-Pakistan economic
It focuses on connectivity and corridor is a part of OBOR.
cooperation among countries Which of the statements given
primarily in Eurasia, which above is/are correct?
consists of two main (a) 1 only
components, the land-based (b) 1 and 2 only
SREB and oceangoing MSR (c) 2 and 3 only
and it is known as “One Belt (d) 1, 2 and 3
One Road”(OBOR).
The “belt and road” would be
serviced by a network of
roads, high-speed railways,
fibre-optic lines,
transcontinental submarine
optical cable projects, and
satellite information
passageways.

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71 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
98 Current Pradhan Mantri MUDRA A E CAA http://www.thehin EN Pradhan Mantri MUDRA was in news Test code: 1723, 1774
Affairs Yojana is aimed at du.com/business/c Yojana is aimed at bringing constantly With reference to MUDRA (Micro
(a) bringing the small abinet-approves- sole-proprietors or Units Development and Refinance
entrepreneurs into formal conversion-of- entrepreneurs of Small & Agency) Bank, consider the following
financial system mudra-into- Medium Enterprises into statements:
(b) providing loans to poor bank/article80728 formal financial system. 1. The funding to small
farmers for cultivating 87.ece entrepreneurs will be disbursed
particular crops through both banks and non-banking
financial institutions (NBFCs).
(c) providing pensions to old
2. The bank will provide more than
and destitute persons
50% of the loans to SC/ST
(d) funding the voluntary
entrepreneurs.
organizations involved in the
3. MUDRA Bank is both financier and
promotion of skill regulator of Micro Finance
development and Institutions (MFIs).
employment generation Which of the statements given
above is/are true?
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
99 Geography In which of the following D D FCA http://pib.nic.in/ne EN Shale gas is the natural gas It was in
regions of India are shale gas wsite/PrintRelease. that is trapped within shale news
resources found? aspx?relid=121651 formations. ONGC sought because this
1. Cambay Basin permission for drilling 11 is the first
2. Cauvery Basin http://www.thehin exploratory wells for shale oil time that
3. Krishna-Godavari Basin du.com/todays- and shale gas in Cambay basin the ONGC
Select the correct answer paper/tp- at Mehsana, Ahmedabad and has taken up
using the code given below. business/ongc-to- Bharuch districts of Gujarat, shale gas
(a) 1 and 2 only drill-17- one well in Cauvery basin at exploration
(b) 3 only exploratory-wells- Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu in such a big
(c) 2 and 3 only for-shale-gas- and five wells in KG Basin at scale. Also,
(d) 1, 2 and 3 oil/article8517524. East and West Godavari it first time
ece districts of Andhra Pradesh. that it has
Other regions in India where taken up
shale gas resources are found shale gas
- Cauvery, Ganga & Assam and exploration
Assam - Arakan; Gondwana in the
basin (including Damodar). Krishna-
Godavari
basin.

72 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

100 Current ‘Global Financial Stability B E FCA http://www.thehin EN Global Financial Stability was in news Tests - 2057 (Open Test)
Affairs Report’ is prepared by the du.com/business/E Report is published by constantly Which among the following
(a) European Central Bank conomy/world- International Monetary Fund. organizations releases Global
(b) International Monetary output-faces-risk- The financial stability report Financial Stability Report?
Fund of-39-drop-by- assesses the risks faced by the (a) World Bank
(c) International Bank for 2021/article84722 global financial system. (b) United Nations Development
Reconstruction and 98.ece The latest report released, Programme
Development warns that global output (c) International Monetary Fund
(d) Organization for could decline 3.9 per cent by (d) International Labour
Economic Cooperation and 2021 if action is not taken to Organisation
Development address the risks faced by the
financial system. The main
message of this report is that
additional measures are
needed to deliver a more
balanced and potent policy
mix for improving the growth
and inflation outlook and
securing financial stability.

73 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 TOPIC

Number of Questions by
Topic Number of Questions by Topic
Topic
Modern History 6
Medieval History 4
Ancient History 3 6%
4%
Culture 3 3%
Modern History
Science and 3%
Medieval History
Technology 7 37% Ancient History
7%
Economy 15 Culture

Geography 3 Science and Technology

Economy
Polity and
Geography
Governance 6 15%
Polity and Governance
Environment 16 Environment

Current Affairs 37 Current Affairs

3%
Grand Total 100
16% 6%

74 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 DIFFICULTY

Level Number of Questions by Difficulty Number of Questions by Difficulty

Easy 27

Medium 50
23%
Difficult 23 27%

Easy
Medium
Difficult

50%

75 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 NATURE

Nature Number of Questions by Nature

Number of Questions by Nature
CA 27

CAA 20
20%
F 19 27%

FA 14 CA
CAA
FCA 20 F
14%
FA
FCA

20%

19%

76 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 SECTIONWISE NATURE
Section wise Nature CA CAA F FA FCA Grand Total
Culture 2 1 3
Current Affairs 22 8 1 6 37
Economy 1 3 4 7 15
Environment 2 4 1 3 6 16
Geography 1 1 1 3
Ancient History 2 1 3
Medieval History 4 4
Modern History 6 6
Polity and Governance 2 3 1 6
Science and Technology 2 1 4 7
Grand Total 100

Culture, Current Affairs, Economy, Environment, Geography…

30

science and technology

25
Polity and Governance
20 Modern History
Medieval History
15
Ancient History
10 Geography
Environment
5
Economy

0 Current Affairs
CA CAA F FA FCA Culture
Section wise Nature

77 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 SECTIONWISE DIFFICULTY
Section wise Difficulty Easy Medium Difficult Grand Total
Culture 3 3
Current Affairs 14 19 4 37
Economy 3 11 1 15
Environment 3 9 4 16
Geography 1 2 3
Ancient History 1 2 3
Medieval History 1 3 4
Modern History 5 1 6
Polity 1 4 1 6
Science and Technology 1 4 2 7
Grand Total 100

Culture, Current Affairs, Economy, Environment, Geography…

60

50 science and technology

Polity
40 Modern History
Medieval History
30
Ancient History

20 Geography
Environment
10 Economy
Current Affairs
0
Culture
Easy Medium Difficult
Section wise Difficulty

78 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 SOURCE TYPE

Number of Questions by Source

Type
Source Type Number of Questions by Source Type

EM 24 10%
24%
EN 66
EM
RR 10 EN
RR
Grand Total 100
66%

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80 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 VISION IAS ™ ... Inspiring Innovation
www.visionias.in
www.visionias.wordpress.com

“The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them." - Albert Einstein
ANALYSIS / APPROACH / SOURCE / STRATEGY: GENERAL STUDIES PRE 2017 PAPER
- TEAM VISION IAS

 The analysis is based on premise that UPSC

wants to identify aspirants with certain skills
and aptitude required to function as a good
administrator. UPSC does not explicitly
describe these skills so we infer them from
Syllabus, Question Paper and feedback of
experts and students.
 This analysis is an attempt to quantify the
subjective understanding and make explicit
the implicit.
 We have inferred some conclusions from these
stats but you are free to infer differently.
Moreover independent/impartial thinking is
one of the qualities expected in
administrators.

1 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

Observations on CSP 2017

 This year’s paper was more conceptual compared to the papers of CSAT era and
it displayed a good mix of current affairs and conventional subjects.
 The level of questions ranged from easy to moderate and difficult from almost
in all the sections .The elimination was difficult as the options framed were too
close or very similar.
 However, even in conventional or static portion the tilt was more towards
Polity and Governance. Polity questions were asked from traditional concepts
as compared to previous year’s trend. Eg. concept of rights, democracy, etc.
 In the current affairs section, the testing was done from their basic concepts as
well as facts related to them. However, the questions from this section was not
restricted to the present year but from the previous 2 – 3 years.
 Economy questions were largely drawn from Current Affairs eg- GST, Monetary
Policy Committee, etc. but conventional understanding in questions like post
1991 reforms, etc was also checked.
 Geography and Environment sections were difficult to attempt and required
conceptual clarity, linkage of current affairs with basic concepts (e.g. Indian
Ocean Dipole), detailed reading of Atlas, Conventions/Alliance to which India is
not party were also asked (e.g GCCA, etc), the questions on unique features of
geographical locations were also focused (eg Chandipur, Sathyamangalam Tiger
Reserve).
 The overall weightage to History sections has remained more or less same but
difficulty level has increased in terms of factual knowledge and standard
sources.
 S& T questions were largely drawn from news items.
 Govt initiatives ranging from education, health and nutrition, etc. were again
focused this year but solving them required deeper knowledge.
 Deceptive presentation is a common method to segregate deep knowledge
with superficial knowledge or hunch. This technique was used in questions like
National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (4,00,000 crores), National
Pension Scheme( age group), etc.

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  Pointers for most of the questions could be traced to standard sources such as
The Hindu, Indian Express, PIB, etc. But as recommended earlier, in the age of
internet, complete knowledge of topic is expected.

Recommendations:

 In a difficult paper, the static-conventional part is the savior. Thoroughly read

basic/standard books to be very clear of basic concepts. One good News Paper
(like The Hindu, Indian Express, etc) and sites like PIB, PRS must be followed.
One shall also read India Year Book, as many of the questions related to
government initiatives could be answered based on that.
 Regularly follow the current issues and news. One should combine reading
newspaper with simultaneous revision of related conceptual key terms.
 Read one good book on each traditional subject. This will help in prelims,
mains and interview i.e. all stages of examination. This will also help in making
some unapproachable question approachable.
 Be ready for both analytical and factual questions at the same time. This year
there is a fair combination of both.
 In this year’s paper, where difficulty level is on the higher side, number of
attempted Q's also matter. In case of confusing options, one cannot go on
attempting all as has been the case in previous years. Negative marking takes
a heavy toll.
 Strategy should be to avoid negative marking in tough questions and maximize
your score by first finding the easy ones and completing them.
 Read questions carefully and use elimination technique wherever possible.
 One should always have few strong areas to rely on. Do not ignore your strong
areas to do research in weak areas.
 Solving previous year’s questions would help in identifying the key areas
which UPSC focuses on. Many of the topics from static portion (like Trade
disputes act, liberalization etc.) have been asked earlier by UPSC.

3 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 EM = Essential material like basic books etc.
RM = Reference material
EN = Essential News/Current Affairs
RR = Random Read like random website etc.
E : Easy , M : Medium , D : Difficult

Nature of Question
F: Fundamental, Conventional and conceptual question which is easily available
in commonly recommended books. If a current affairs source is mentioned then
it indicates that you had one more reason to prepare this.
FA: Fundamental Applied question is an analytical question which requires
information + application of mind.
Answer to these question are from commonly recommended books but not so
obvious to find.
CA: Current Affair question which can be answered almost completely using
given source alone.
CAA: Current Affair Applied question needs information from more than one
source to answer AND/OR application of mind (common sense and overall
understanding) of aspirant. This is why source for these questions may not be
answering the question completely.
FCA: Fundamental + Current affair. This is a F or FA question supplemented with
current affairs or a current affairs question that needs background information
for complete answer. Source to these questions might not answer the questions
in entirety.
U (Unconventional Question): Unconventional Question means the question
that is distantly related to syllabus provided by UPSC. It is neither present in even
reference sources (in addition to recommended books) nor prominently in news.

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 A
L
n
e
s Nat Source
QN Section Question Explanation v Source Motivation Vision IAS
w ure Type
e
e
l
r
1 Medieval Which one of the following B Motupalli was the chief port of D U Early India: RM To check in-
History was a very important seaport the Kakatiyas and this port was From the depth
in the Kakatiya kingdom? visited by the Venitian traveller, Origins to A.D. knowledge on
(a) Kakinada Marco Polo. 1300, Part 1 Medieval
(b) Motupalli Romilla Indian history
(c) Machilipatnam Thapar page
(Masulipatnam) 384
(d) Nelluru
2 Environment With reference to ‘Global A The Global Climate Change D CA http://www.g RR To check
Climate Change Alliance’, Alliance (GCCA) was established cca.eu/about- about the
which of the following by the European Union (EU) in the- Institutions
statements is/are correct? 1. 2007 to strengthen dialogue and gcca/what-is- related to
It is an initiative of the cooperation with developing the-gcca climate
European Union. countries, in particular least change and
2. It provides technical and developed countries (LDCs) and climate
financial support to targeted small island developing States change
developing countries to (SIDS). Under the first pillar, the financing
integrate climate change into GCCA+ serves as a platform for mechanism
their development policies dialogue and exchange of
and budgets. experience between the EU and
3. It is coordinated by World developing countries, focusing on
Resources Institute (WRI) climate policy and bringing
and World Business Council renewed attention to the issue of
for Sustainable Development international climate finance.
(WBCSD). Under the second pillar, the
Select the correct answer GCCA+ acts as a source of
using the code given below: technical and financial support for
(a) 1 and 2 only the world's most climate-
(b) 3 only vulnerable countries, whose
(c) 2 and 3 only populations need climate finance
(d) 1, 2 and 3 the most.
International organisations –
notably the Centre for
International Forestry Research
5 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 (CIFOR), the Food and Agriculture
Organisation (FAO), the United
Nations Capital Development
Fund (UNCDF), the United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP),
the United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP), UN Habitat
and the World Bank – are involved
in the implementation of some
GCCA-funded interventions, and
also co-finance some initiatives.
Statement 3 is not correct:
Through the Greenhouse Gas
Protocol (GHGP) World Resources
Institute (WRI) and the World
Business Council for Sustainable
Development (WBCSD) work with
businesses to develop standards
and tools that help companies
measure, manage, report and
reduce their carbon emissions.
3 Art and With reference to the B Statement 1 is not correct: D U THE WONDER RM To check in-
Culture religious history of India, Sautrantika and Sammitya were THAT WAS depth
consider the following the the sects of Buddhism. INDIA: A L knowledge of
statements: Statement 2 is correct: Basham page religious
1. Sautrantika and Sammitiya Sarvastivadins (They who say "All 272 philosophies.
were the sects of Jainism. is"), had the view that the
2. Sarvastivadin held that the constituents of phenomena
constituents of phenomena (dharmas) were not wholly
were not wholly momentary, momentary, but existed forever in
but existed forever in a a latent form.
latent form.
Which of the statements
given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
4 Geography Mediterranean Sea is a C The countries with coastlines on M FCA Atlas EM These Map on Page 35, 3.1 Israel-
border of which of the the Mediterranean Sea are countries are Palestine, PT-365 International
following countries? Albania, Algeria, Bosnia and often seen in Relations.
6 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 1. Jordan Herzegovina, Croatia, Cyprus, news as they
2. Iraq Egypt, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, are regions
3. Lebanon Lebanon, Libya, Malta, Morocco, under conflict
4. Syria Monaco, Montenegro, Slovenia, facing acute
Select the correct answer Spain, Syria, Tunisia and Turkey. In refugee crisis.
using the code given below: addition, the Gaza Strip and the
(a) 1, 2 and 3 British Overseas Territories of
(b) 2 and 3 only Gibraltar and Akrotiri and
(c) 3 and 4 only Dhekelia have coastlines on the
(d) 1, 3 and 4 only sea.
On the Eastern shore, Turkey,
Syria, Lebanon and Israel have
their coastline on the
Mediterranean Sea.
5 Current With reference to ‘National D National Investment and M CAA http://www.t EN Infrastructure
Affairs Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) is a fund hehindu.com/ has been a
Infrastructure Fund’, which created by the Government of business/Indu very
of the following statements India for enhancing infrastructure stry/Govt.- important
is/are correct? financing in the country. Its mulls- focus area of
1. It is an organ of NITI creation was announced in the %E2%80%98o the
Aayog. Union Budget 2015-16. Governing utcome- government
2. It has a corpus of Rs. Council of NIIF is an advisory body linked%E2%80 and therefore
4,00,000 crore at present. - chaired by the Finance Minister. %99- NIIF has
Select the correct answer It is not an organ of NITI Aayog. incentive-for- remained
using the code given below: Hence statement 1 is not correct. NIIF- continuously
(a) 1 only The proposed corpus of NIIF is Rs. chief/article14 in news.
(b) 2 only 40,000 Crores (around USD 6 378399.ece
(c) Both 1 and 2 Billion). Hence statement 2 is also http://arthape
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 not correct. dia.in/index.p
hp%3Ftitle%3
DNational_Inv
estment_and_
Infrastructure
_Fund_(NIIF)
http://niifindi
a.com/index.h
tml
6 Current The Global Infrastructure B The GIF supports Governments in D CAA http://www.t EN This is an old
Affairs Facility is a/an bringing well-structured and hehindu.com/ news,
(a) ASEAN initiative to bankable infrastructure projects business/Econ however is
upgrade infrastructure in to market. GIF’s project support omy/gif- important
7 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 Asia and financed by credit can cover the spectrum of design, launched-to- considering
from the Asian Development preparation, structuring and help-india- the focus on
Bank. transaction implementation bridge-infra- infrastructure
(b) World Bank collaboration activities, drawing on the deficit/article6 and its
that facilities the preparation combined expertise of the GIF’s 486440.ece financing in
and structuring of complex Technical and Advisory Partners India
infrastructure Public-Private and focusing on structures that
Partnership (PPPs) to enable are able to attract a wide range of
mobilization of private sector private investors.
and institutional investor Along with the World Bank Group,
capital. Canada is co-chair of the GIF’s
(c) Collaboration among the Governing Council.
major banks of the world
working with the OECD and
infrastructure projects that
have the potential to
mobilize private investment.
(d) UNCTAD funded initiative
that seeks to finance and
facilitate infrastructure
development in the World.
7 Polity and For election to the Lok C Qualifications for election to Lok E F Laxmikant - EM to check the All India test series - test 2115
Governance Sabha, a nomination paper Sabha: Indian Polity, basic A person "X" is a 30 year old
can be filed by - must be a citizen of India chapter - knowledge citizen of India and is a
(a) anyone residing in India. - not less than 25 years of age "Parliament" registered elector in
(b) a resident of the - must be registered as an elector Parliamentary constituency. "X"
constituency from which the for a parliamentary constituency is qualified for which of the
election is to be contested. following positions?
(c) any citizen of India whose 1. President
name appears in the 2. Prime Minister
electoral roll of a 3. Speaker of Lok Sabha
constituency. 4. Chairman of Rajya Sabha
(d) any citizen of India. Select the correct answer using
the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 2, 3 and 4 only
8 Geography Consider the following B Statement 1 is not correct: In D FA Atlas EM In depth
statements: India, the Himalayas are spread knowledge
1. In India, the Himalayas are over Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal and detailed
8 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 spread over five states only. Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, observation of
2. Western Ghats are spread Assam, West Bengal, Arunachal Atlas is tested.
over five states only. Pradesh. Some extensions of
3. Pulicat Lake is spread over Shiwaliks are also present in
two States only. Punjab and Haryana.
Which of the statements Statement 2 is not correct:
given above is/are correct? Western Ghats are spread over six
(a) 1 and 2 only states, namely- Gujarat,
(b) 3 only Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka,
(c) 2 and 3 only Kerala, Tamil Nadu.
(d) 1 and 3 only Statement 3 is correct: Pulicat,
the second largest brackish water
lake in India, lies on the border of
Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
Over 40% of it lies in Andhra
Pradesh and 60% in Tamil Nadu.
9 Environment Biological Oxygen Demand C Biological oxygen demand (BOD) E F NCERT 12 - EM To check the Asked in All India Test Series
(BOD) is a standard criterion is the amount of dissolved oxygen Biology, basic concepts tests - 2113, 2126, 2358 Q.
for needed (i. e., demanded) by chapter 16 of ecology and Consider the following
(a) Measuring oxygen levels aerobic micro organisms to break environment. statements with regard to Bio-
in blood down organic material present in chemical Oxygen Demand
(b) Computing oxygen levels a given water sample. A highly (BOD):
in forest ecosystems polluted water will have a high 1. It is the amount of oxygen
(c) Pollution assay in aquatic levels of biological oxygen needed by aerobic micro
ecosystems demand (BOD). organisms to break down
(d) Assessing oxygen levels in organic material present in a
high altitude regions given water sample.
2. Higher level of BOD indicates
lower pollution level of the
water.
Which of the statements given
above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
10 Current With reference to the role of B Statement 1 is correct: UN- M CAA http://www.t EN It was in news Covered in PT 365 Updation –
Affairs UN-Habitat in the United Habitat is the United Nations hehindu.com/ due to two Environment
Nations Programme working programme working towards a news/national factors:
towards a better urban better urban future. Its mission is /india-elected- 1. In October
future, which of the to promote socially and president-of- 2016, at the
9 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 statements is/are correct? environmentally sustainable un- UN
1. UN-Habitat has been human settlements development habitat/article Conference on
mandated by the United and the achievement of adequate 18413884.ece Housing and
Nations General Assembly to shelter for all. Statement 1 is http://www.t Sustainable
promote socially and correct. hehindu.com/ Urban
environmentally sustainable Statement 2 is not correct: It opinion/editor Development
towns and cities to provide partners with a range of ial/Making- – Habitat III –
adequate shelter for all. organizations in its endevaour. For cities- member
2. Its partners are either example, governments, local inclusive/articl states signed
governments or local urban authorities, NGOs, Trade unions, e16079545.ec the New
authorities only. professionals, Academics and e Urban
3. UN-Habitat contributed to Researchers, Human Solidarity https://unhabi Agenda. This
the overall objective of the Groups, Indigenous People, tat.org/about- conference
United Nations system to Private Sector, Foundations, us/un-habitat- happens once
reduce poverty and to Financial Institutions. at-a-glance/ in 20 years.
promote access to safe Statement 3 is correct: In the 2. In May
drinking water and basic absence of effective urban 2017, India
sanitation. planning, the consequences of was elected as
Select the correct answer this rapid urbanization can lead to the president
using the code given below: lack of proper housing and growth of the UN-
(a) 1, 2 and 3 of slums, inadequate and out- Habitat. On
(b) 1 and 3 only dated infrastructure – be it roads, behalf of
(c) 2 and 3 only public transport, water, India, Housing
(d) 1 only sanitation, or electricity – and Urban
escalating poverty and Poverty
unemployment, safety and crime Alleviation
problems, pollution and health Minister will
issues. UN-Habitat contributes to preside over
the overall objective of a the meetings
sustainable urbanization. of UN-Habitat.
11 Current With reference to ‘National B The National Skills Qualifications M CAA http://www.t EN Many Covered in PT 365 Economy
Affairs Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) organizes hehindu.com/ programmes
Framework (NSQF)’, which of qualifications according to a series features/educ have been
the statements given below of levels of knowledge, skills and ation/Bridge- launched by
is/are correct? aptitude. These levels are defined the-skills- the
1. Under NSQF, a learner can in terms of learning outcomes gap/article145 government
acquire the certification for which the learner must possess 56912.ece for skill
competency only through regardless of whether they were http://pib.nic.i development
formal learning. acquired through formal, non- n/newsite/pri in the country.
2. An outcome expected formal or informal learning. ntrelease.aspx In this regard,
from the implementation of It provides for multiple pathways, ?relid=157637 NQSF has

10 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 NSQF is the mobility horizontal as well as vertical, both http://www.n remained
between vocational and within vocational education and sda.gov.in/nsq regularly in
general education. vocational training and among f.html the news.
Select the correct answer vocational education, vocational
using the code give below: training, general education and
(a) 1 only technical education, thus linking
(b) 2 only one level of learning to another
(c) Both 1 and 2 higher level. Thus Statement 1 is
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 not correct and statement 2 is
correct.
12 Modern In the context of Indian D The Government of India Act of M F NCERT- RR With
History history, the principle of 1919 was enacted to satisfy the Textbook- reference to
‘Dyarchy (diarchy)’ refers to people of India to some extent. Chapter-1-to- Indian history
(a) Division of the central The salient features of the Act 8-Indian- Government
legislature into two houses. were as follows : (a) Preamble: Constituition- of India act
(b) Introductions of double The Act provided for a Preamble and- 1919 was one
government i.e., Central and that laid down the basic principles Administratio of the
Statement governments. and policies upon which it was n-Class-11 important act.
(c) Having two sets of rulers; based. According to it the policy Thus the sole
one in London and another of the British Parliament was – (i) criteria is to
in Delhi. to provide for the increasing check the
(d) Division of the subjects association of Indians in every basic
delegated to the provinces branch of Indian administration, knowledge of
into two categories. (ii) to develop self governing subject and
institutions with a view to the topic.
progressive realisation of
responsible government in British
India as an integral part of the
empire; (iii) accordingly, the
Preamble suggested for a
decentralised unitary form of
government. The Act divided the
functions of government in two
categories: central and provincial.
The provincial subjects were
further subdivided into
transferred and reserved. Thus,
in the provinces a new form of
government, dyarchy, was
introduced. Dyarchy means dual
set of governments, e.g.

11 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 accountable and non-
accountable.
In the transferred subjects the
Governors were to be assisted by
the ministers responsible to the
legislature while in the reserved
subjects the Governors were to be
advised by the councillors who
were not accountable to the
legislature.
13 Current Consider the following in B National Career Service (NCS) M CAA http://pib.nic.i EN Lack of Covered in PT 365 Economy
Affairs respect of ‘National Career project is an initiative launched by n/newsite/Pri employment
Services’: the Ministry of Labour and ntRelease.asp has remained
1. National Career Service is Employment (India) Government x?relid=15449 continuously
an initiative of the of India as a Mission Mode Project 8 in the news.
Department of Personnel for establishing quick and efficient https://www. Though, NCS
and Training, Government of career related services. Hence ncs.gov.in/Pag was
India. statement 1 is not correct. es/default.asp established in
2. National Career Service The main stakeholders for the NCS x 2015, it has
has been launched in a would include: http://dget.ni remianed in
Mission Mode to improve - Unemployed candidates seeking c.in/content/s news due to
the employment jobs tudents/natio focus on
opportunities to uneducated - Students seeking career nal-career- helping
youth of the country. counseling service.php people in
Which of the above - Candidates seeking vocational / finding
statements is/are correct? occupational guidance employment.
(a) 1 only - Illiterate, under-privileged
(b) 2 only sections of society, blue-collar
(c) Both 1 and 2 workers seeking placements and
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 guidance
- Person with different abilities
(PWDs), ex-servicemen, veterans /
senior citizens, etc.
- Employers seeking suitable
candidates
Thus statement 2 is correct.
14 Current Which of the following B The S4A by RBI envisages E CA http://www.t EN Stressed Covered in PT 365 Economy
Affairs statements best describes determination of the sustainable hehindu.com/ assets and Section and All India Test
the term ‘Scheme for debt level for a stressed borrower, business/Indu NPAs have series - 2128, 2222, 2241
Sustainable Structuring of and bifurcation of the outstanding stry/First-S4A- constantly Which of the following is/are
Stressed Assets (S4A)’, debt into sustainable debt and debt-recast- remained in among the steps taken by RBI
12 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 recently seen in the news? equity/quasi-equity instruments gets- the news. RBI to improve the stressed assets
(a) It is a procedure for which are expected to provide approval/articl came up with situation in banking sector?
considering ecological costs upside to the lenders when the e16437605.ec many schemes 1. Scheme for sustainable
of developmental schemes borrower turns around. e to adress structuring of stressed assets
formulated by the http://indiane these issues. (S4A)
Government. xpress.com/ar Ex - S4A, 5:25 2. Joint Lender"s
(b) It is a scheme of RBI for ticle/business/ etc. Forum
reworking the financial banking-and- 3. Double taxation avoidance
structure of big corporate finance/rbi- agreement (DTAA)
entities facing genuine unveils-new- Select the correct answers
difficulties. scheme-to- using the code given below.
(c) It is a disinvestment plan tackle-bad- (a) 1 and 2 only
of the Government regarding loans-of-big- (b) 2 and 3 only
Central Public Sector firms- (c) 3 only
Undertakings. 2851186/ (d) 1, 2 and 3
(d) It is an important
provision in ‘The Insolvency
and Bankruptcy Code’
recently implemented by the
Government.
15 Environment Consider the following B The Climate & Clean Air Coalition D CAA http://timesof RR The Pune
statements: is the only global effort that unites india.indiatim Municipal
1. Climate and Clean Air governments, civil society and es.com/city/v Corporation
Coalition (CCAC) to Reduce private sector, committed to aranasi/Solid- (PMC) was
Short Lived Climate improving air quality and waste- invited to be a
Pollutants is a unique protecting the climate in next few management- member of
initiative of G2O group of decades by reducing short-lived system-a- Climate and
countries. climate pollutants across sectors. failure-in- Clean Air
2. The CCAC focuses on The Coalition's initial focus is on Varanasi-says- Coalition
methane, black carbon and methane, black carbon, and HFCs. report/articles (CCAC) in
hydrofluorocarbons. The governments of Bangladesh, how/2998095 2013.
Which of the statements Canada, Ghana, Mexico, Sweden 5.cms
given above is/are correct? and the United States, along with http://www.cc
(a) 1 only the United Nations Environment acoalition.org/
(b) 2 only Programme (UNEP), came en/partners
(c) Both 1 and 2 together to initiate the first effort http://www.t
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 to treat these pollutants as a hehindubusin
collective challenge. The coalition essline.com/n
has 53 country partners and 17 ews/national/
International Governmental urgent-steps-
Organizations and 45 Non to-check-4-

13 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 governmental organization key-climate-
partners. India is not a partner pollutants-
country however The Energy and can-help-save-
Resources Institute (TERI ) is a 2-million-
partner NGO since 2015. deaths-
annually-
who/article77
96565.ece
16 Geography With reference to ‘Indian B Statement 1 is not correct: The D FCA http://indiane EM The question All India Test Series Test 2134
Ocean Dipole (IOD)’ Indian Ocean Dipole is an irregular xpress.com/ar aims to test Which among the following can
sometimes mentioned in the oscillation of sea-surface ticle/explaine fundamentals suppress rainfall from the
news while forecasting temperatures in which the d/indian- in Geography. Indian Monsoons?
Indian monsoon, which of western Indian Ocean becomes ocean-dipole- IOD and El 1. La-Nina
the following statements alternately warmer and then and-the- Nino are also 2. Negative Indian Ocean
is/are correct? colder than the eastern part of monsoon-the- seen in news Dipole
1. IOD phenomenon is the ocean. joker-in-the- frequently. 3. Active phase of Madden
characterised by a difference Statement 2 is correct: an IOD can forecast-pack/ Julien Oscillation
in sea surface temperature either aggravate or weaken the Select the correct answer using
between tropical Western impact of El Nino on Indian the code given below.
Indian Ocean and tropical monsoon. If there is a positive (a) 1 and 2 only
Eastern Pacific Ocean. IOD, it can bring good rains to (b)2 only
2. An IOD phenomenon can India despite of an El Nino year. (c) 2 and 3 only
influence an El Nino’s impact (d) 1,2 and 3
on the monsoon.
Select the correct answer
using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
17 Environment If you want to see gharials in B National Chambal Sanctuary, also E CAA NCERT: EN Recently it All India Test Series Tests 2118,
their natural habitat, which called the National Chambal Contemporary was reported 2212, 2352
one of the following is the Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary is a tri- India - II , that the Consider the following
best place to visit? state protected area in northern Chapter -2 population of statements regarding a
(a) Bhitarkanika Mangroves India for the critically endangered Forest and Ghariyals has "Protected Area":
(b) Chambal River gharial (small crocodiles), the red- Wildlife increased in 1. It falls in the tri-point of
(c) Pulicat Lake crowned roof turtle and the Resources. the Chambal Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh
(d) Deepor Beel endangered Ganges river dolphin. http://timesof Gharial and Uttar Pradesh.
india.indiatim Wildlife 2. It hosts critically endangered
es.com/city/a Sanctuary. species such as Gharial, the
gra/number- Red-crowned Roof Turtle and
14 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 of-gharials- the Ganges River Dolphin.
muggers-goes- 3. The headquarter of the
up-in- sanctuary is situated at Morena
chambal/articl in Madhya Pradesh.
eshow/57993 Which of the following
791.cms sanctuaries is best described by
http://www.t the above mentioned
hehindu.com/ statements?
sci- (a) National Chambal Sanctuary
tech/energy- (b) Palpur Kuno Wildlife
and- Sanctuary
environment/i (c) Sanjay Gandhi National Park
nfant- (d) Pench National Park
endangered-
ninja-
turtles/article
18593863.ece
18 Current Consider the following in B The ‘Indian Ocean Naval D CAA http://www.t EN In-depth
Affairs respect of Indian Ocean Symposium’ (IONS) is a voluntary hehindu.com/ knowledge
Naval Symposium (IONS): initiative that seeks to increase news/national about IONS.
1. Inaugural IONS was held in maritime co-operation among /we-will-be- Also, Indian
India in 2015 under the navies of the littoral states of the able-to- ocean has
chairmanship of the Indian Indian Ocean Region by providing liquidate-the- been a focus
Navy. an open and inclusive forum for shortage-of- area for the
2. IONS is a voluntary discussion of regionally relevant women- government in
initiative that seeks to maritime issues. officers-in- the light
increase maritime co- There are 35 members - navies of five-to-six- growing
operation among navies of the IONS which have been years-navy- Chinese
the littoral states of the geographically grouped into the chief/article17 presence in
Indian Ocean Region. following four sub-regions:- South 664481.ece the region.
Which of the above Asian Littorals, West Asian http://pib.nic.i
statements is/are correct? Littorals, East African Littorals, n/newsite/Pri
(a) 1 only South East Asian and Australian ntRelease.asp
(b) 2 only Littorals. x?relid=13433
(c) Both 1 and 2 The inaugural IONS-2008 was held 7
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 in New Delhi, India on 14 Feb 08. http://ions.go
CNS, Indian Navy was designated v.in/
the Chairman IONS for the period
2008-10.
The theme of the IONS-2008 was
“Contemporary Trans-national

15 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 Challenges – International
Maritime Connectivities”.
Thus statement 2 is correct and
statement 1 is not correct.
19 Art and The painting of Bodhisattva A The painting is on the back wall of E F AN EM To test basic
Culture Padmapani is one of the the interior hall before the shrine- INTRODUCTIO knowledge of
most famous and oft- antechamber in Cave No. 1 at N TO INDIAN art and
illustrated paintings at Ajanta dating back to the late fifth ART, page 54 architecture
(a) Ajanta century CE. The Boddhisattva is of Ancient
(b) Badami holding a padma (lotus), has large India
(c) Bagh shoulders, and has three bents in
(d) Ellora the body creating a movement in
the picture space. The modelling
is soft. The figure of the
Boddhisattva is wearing a big
crown in which detailed rendering
is visible.
20 Art and Consider the following pairs: A Pair 1 is matched correctly: Chalia D U http://timesof RR To check in
Culture Traditions Communities sahib is the festival of the Sindhis india.indiatim depth
1. Chaliha Sahib Festival – which involves devotees fasting es.com/city/p knowledge
Sindhis for days. une/An- about cultural
2. Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra – Pair 2 is not matched correctly: unusual- heritage of
Gonds The Nanda Devi Jat is celebrated Warkari-at- India.
3. Wari-Warkari - Santhals every year in the Nanda Devi the-
Which of the pairs given temples spread across Garhwal Wari/articlesh
above is/are correctly and Kumaon. The festival ow/52951360.
matched? commences on the day cms
(a) 1 only earmarked for the Devi’s visit to http://timesof
(b) 2 and 3 only her maiti or parents’ home and india.indiatim
(c) 1 and 3 only culminates with the return to her es.com/city/d
(d) None of the above husband’s home. This tradition is elhi/Jhulelal-
beautifully expressed in the folk festival/article
songs of Uttarakhand. show/134353.
Pair 3 is not matched correctly: cms
Pandharpur Wari or Wari (Vari) is
an annual pilgrimage to
Pandharpur - the seat of the god
Vithoba in Maharashtra, in
honour of the deity.
Palakhiscarrying the paduka (foot
prints) of various saints - most
16 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 notably Dnyaneshwar and
Tukaram - from the Warkari sect
are taken from their respective
shrines to Pandharpur.
21 Environment Which of the following D No-till farming (also called zero M FA http://www.fa RR http://econo Partly covered in Test 2136.
statements can help in water tillage or direct drilling) is a way of o.org/docrep/ mictimes.india Consider the following pairs:
conservation in agriculture? growing crops or pasture from 003/T0234E/T times.com/ne Types of Farming Description
1. Reduced or zero tillage of year to year without disturbing 0234E04.htm ws/economy/f 1. Mixed farming : different
the land the soil through tillage. No-till is http://www.cr oreign- varieties of crops grown on the
2. Applying gypsum before an agricultural technique which oplife.com/cro trade/pakistan same land simultaneously.
irrigating the field increases the amount of water p- -exporting- 2. Cover cropping : grasses
3. Allowing crop residue to that infiltrates into the soil and inputs/micron 2700-tonnes- planted to provide seasonal soil
remain in the field increases organic matter utrients/the- gypsum-daily- cover on cropland when the
Select the correct answer retention and cycling of nutrients role-of- to- soil would otherwise be bare.
using the code given below: in the soil. gypsum-in- india/articlesh 3. Zero-tillage farming :
(a) 1 and 2 only Gypsum improves the ability of agriculture-5- ow/51457239. growing of crops without
(b) 3 only soil to drain and not become key-benefits- cms disturbing the soil through
(c) 1 and 3 only waterlogged thus increasing you-should- tillage.
(d) 1, 2 and 3 water-use efficiency of crops. know/ Which of the pairs given above
is/are correctly matched?
(a) 3 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
22 Current Consider the following B Launched by the central E CAA http://pib.nic.i EN Soil health Covered in All India Test Series
Affairs statements: government in February 2015, the n/newsite/Pri card has 2125,2219
The nation-wide ‘Soil Health scheme is tailor-made to issue ntRelease.asp remained With reference to Soil Health
Card Scheme’ aims at ‘Soil card’ to farmers which will x?relid=15944 continuously Card Scheme, consider the
1. expanding the cultivable carry crop-wise recommendations 1 in news due to following Statements:
area under irrigation. of nutrients and fertilizers http://www.t increased 1. It is field-specific detailed
2. enabling the banks to required for the individual farms. hehindu.com/ focus on farm report of soil fertility status .
assess the quantum of loans This is aimed to help farmers to news/national output. 2. It aims to provide farm
to be granted to farmers on improve productivity through /other- insurance based on soil health.
the basis of soil quality. judicious use of inputs. states/award- 3. Every soil health card will be
3. checking the overuse of Thus only statement 3 is correct. for-himachal- renewed every year.
fertilizers in farmlands. for- Which of the statements given
Which of the above implementing- above is/are correct?
statements is/are correct? soil-health- (a) 1 only
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only card- (b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and scheme/articl (c) 2 and 3 only
3 e8506563.ece (d) 1, 2 and 3
17 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
18 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
23 Science and Consider the following pairs: D Lead is a common impurity found D FA http://www.t EN MSG was in
Technology Commonly used/consumed in cosmetic lip products, such as hehindu.com/l news due to
materials Unwanted or lipsticks, and other cosmetics, ife-and- maggi
controversial chemicals likely such as eye shadows, blushes, style/fashion/ controversy.
to be found in them compact powders, shampoos, and Beauty-
1. Lipstick – Lead body lotions. without-the-
2. Soft drinks – Brominated Brominated vegetable oil is a food beast-organic-
vegetable oils additive sometimes used to keep eco-friendly-
3. Chinese fast food – citrus flavoring from separating and-vegan-
Monosodium glutamate out in some sodas and soft drinks. cosmetics-in-
Which of the pairs given It's banned as a food additive in India/article17
above is/are correctly Europe and Japan. 381697.ece
matched? MSG, is a glutamate, or salt of http://www.t
(a) 1 only glutamic acid, a “non-essential” hehindu.com/
(b) 2 and 3 only amino acid. It is a news/national
(c) 1 and 3 only neurotransmitter - transporting /no-added-
(d) 1, 2 and 3 messages from one nerve cell to msg-claim-
another. Because it is said to did-maggi-
enhance flavours, some scientists in/article7313
believe it “excites nerve endings” 318.ece
and exhibits “neuro-excitatory http://www.t
properties”, that is the ability to hehindu.com/
stimulate neurons. It is commonly todays-
used in chinese fast food. paper/tp-
international/
coke-to-drop-
ingredient-
entirely/articl
e5984124.ece
24 Science and Organic Light Emitting C All the three statements are D FA http://www.a EN OLED being a
Technology Diodes (OLEDs) are used to correct with regard to OLED and bout- new display
create digital display in many they are the disadvatages of LCDs. oled.com/adv technology
devices. What are the Flexible Organic Light Emitting antages-and- has been in
advantages of OLED displays Diodes (FOLED) fabricated on drawbacks.ht news
over Liquid Crystal displays? flexible plastic substates can be ml constantly.
1. OLED displays can be bent or rolled while operating.
fabricated on flexible plastic The manufacturing process of
substrates. OLEDs is different to those of LCD
2. Roll-up displays embedded technology. OLEDs can be printed
in clothing can be made onto almost any substrate with
using OLEDs. inkjet printer technology. That is

19 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 3. Transparent displays are why new applications like displays
possible using OLEDs. embedded in clothes or roll-up
Select the correct answer displays are possible.
using the code given below: LCD technology engages a
(a) 1 and 3 only backlight, whereas OLED has no
(b) 2 only backlighting function. Hence it can
(c) 1, 2 and 3 be used for making transparent
(d) None of the above displays.
statements is correct
25 Art and Which of the following is/are A The Sun Temple is situated in D U http://www.t RR To check in
Culture famous for Sun temples? Arasavalli Village in Andhra hehindu.com/ depth
1. Arasavalli Pradesh. Sun temples are not news/national knowledge
2. Amarakantak located in Amarkantak and /andhra- about cultural
3. Omkareshwar Omkareshwar. pradesh/Arasa heritage of
Select the correct answer valli-temple- India.
using the code given below: wears-a-
(a) 1 only festive-
(b) 2 and 3 only look/article17
(c) 1 and 3 only 150240.ece
(d) 1, 2 and 3
26 Polity and Consider the following D Statement 1 is not correct. In M F Laxmikant - EM to check the All India test series - test 2105
Governance statements: election for lok sabha and state Indian Polity, basic (partially covered)
1. In the election for Lok assembly, the first past the post chapter - knowledge Consider the following
Sabha or State Assembly, the system is followed where a "Parliament" statements with regard to
winning candidate must get candidate who polls more votes election system in India:
at least 50 percent of the than any other candidate is 1. India chose first past the
votes polled, to be declared elected. post system because of its
elected. Statement 2 is incorrect. As per cultural, religious and linguistic
2. According to the the constitution, the speaker and diversity.
provisions laid down in the deputy speaker in lok sabha are 2. All the members of Rajya
Constitution of India, in Lok elected among its members. Sabha are elected by
Sabha, the Speaker’s post proportional representation
goes to the majority party system.
and the Deputy Speaker’s to Which of the statements give
the Opposition. above is/are correct?
Which of the statements (a) 1 only
given above is/are correct? (b) 2 only
(a) 1 only (c) Both 1 and 2
(b) 2 only (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
20 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
27 Economics Which of the following B The post-reform period shows the E FA http://www.fi RR To check basic All India test series, test 2112
has/have occurred in India gradual decline in the agriculture rstpost.com/b knowledge of Which of the following is/are
after its liberalization of sector’s contribution to the Indian usiness/25- Indian the effects of New Economic
economic policies in 1991? economy. India’s traditional years-of- economic Policy 1991 on Indian
1. Share of agriculture in GDP occupation, agriculture now liberalisation- development economy?
increased enormously. contributes only about 15% to the a-glimpse-of- 1. Increase in foreign direct
2. Share of India’s exports in GDP, down from 29 percent in indias-growth- investment and forex reserves.
world trade increased. 1991. in-14-charts- 2. Increase in public investment
3. FDI inflows increased. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect. 2877654.html in agricultural infrastructure.
4. India’s foreign exchange Share of India's exports increased 3. Reduction in regional
reserves increased since 1991. disparities.
enormously. Hence, statement 2 is correct. Select the correct answer using
Select the correct answer Before 1991, foreign investment the code given below.
using the codes given below: was negligible. The first year of (a) 1 and 2 only
(a) 1 and 4 only reform saw a total foreign (b) 1 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only investment of only $74 million. (c) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only However, investments have (d) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 steadily risen since then, except
for occasional blips between 1997
and 2000 and 2008 and 2012 –
owing to the global economic
slowdown. As of 31 March 2016,
the country has received total FDI
of $371 billion, since 1991. The
year 2008 recorded the highest
FDI inflow of $43.40 billion. The
biggest spurt in inflow was
between 2005 and 2006 –
175.54%. As of March 2016, India
has attracted $10.55 billion worth
of FDI. Hence, statement 3 is
correct.
It was India’s dismal state of forex
reserves that forced the
government to bring in economic
reforms. Now, 25 years later,
forex reserves are at a record
high. In 1991, it stood at just $5.8
billion. As of 24 June, the
country’s forex reserves are at
$360.8 billion. Usually, import

21 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 coverage of 7-8 months is
considered sufficient. The biggest
jump in reserves was witnessed
between 2007 and 2008 when the
kitty bulged 55% to hit $309.2
billion. Hence, sttement 4 is
correct.
28 Science and What is the application of C Somatic-cell nuclear transfer M F http://www.t EN 20 years of
Technology Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer involves removing the nucleus, hehindu.com/ cloning first
Technology? (a) Production which contains the DNA, and todays- sheep - Dolly
of biolarvicides implanting it into an unfertilised paper/tp-in-
(b) Manufacture of egg, whose nucleus has been school/Creatin
biodegradable plastics removed. It is used in g-genetic-
(c) Reproductive cloning of reproductive cloning of copies/article
animals organisms. 14478059.ece
(d) Production of organisms
free of diseases
29 Current Consider the following C (NPCI) is an umbrella organization E CAA http://pib.nic.i EN Digital Covered in PT 365 Economy
Affairs statements: for all retail payments system in n/newsite/Pri payment has and All India Test Series:
1. National Payment India. It was set up with the ntRelease.asp continuously 2121,2215,2239,2363
Corporation of India (NPCI) guidance and support of the x?relid=16033 remained in With reference to National
helps in promoting the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and 9 nws and NPCI Payments Corporation of India
financial inclusion in the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA). http://www.t is one of the (NPCI), consider the following
country. The core objective was to hehindu.com/ most statements:
2. NPCI has launched RuPay, consolidate and integrate the business/Econ important 1. It is an umbrella organization
a card payment scheme. multiple systems with varying omy/smoothe step in this for all retail payments system
Which of the statements service levels into nation-wide n-bhim- regard. in India.
given above is/are correct? uniform and standard business refund- 2. It has been incorporated
(a) 1 only process for all retail payment process-it- under the Companies Act,
(b) 2 only systems. The other objective was minister-to- 1956.
(c) Both 1 and 2 to facilitate an affordable npci/article18 3. RuPay card payment scheme
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 payment mechanism to benefit 185655.ece has been launched by the NPCI.
the common man across the http://www.n Which of the statements given
country and help financial pci.org.in/ above is/are correct?
inclusion. Thus statement 1 is (a) 1 and 2 only
correct. (b) 1 only
It offers many products and (c) 2 and 3 only
services which include RuPay card, (d) 1, 2 and 3
BHIM app, Unified payment
interface among others. Thus
statement 2 is correct.
22 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
23 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
30 Environment The term ‘M-STrIPES’ is B Monitoring System for Tigers’- M CAA http://www.n EN Official launch
sometimes seen in the news Intensive Protection and ewindianexpr of M-STrIPES
in the context of Ecological Status is a software ess.com/state (Monitoring
(a) Captive breeding of Wild monitoring system launched by s/odisha/2017 System For
Fauna the Indian Government in 2010 in /feb/08/m- Tigers-
(b) Maintenance of Tiger some tiger reserves to reduce stripes-to- Intensive
Reserves vulnerability of Tigers. The system monitor-str- Protection
(c) Indigenous Satellite would enable field managers to from-april- and Ecological
Navigation System assist intensity and spatial 1568257.html Status)
(d) Security of National coverage of patrols in a http://timesof software-
Highways geographic information system india.indiatim enabled
(GIS) domain. es.com/city/d mobile app at
ehradun/mobi Corbett Tiger
le-app-to- Reserve.
monitor-tiger-
reserves-
launched/artic
leshow/56896
945.cms
31 Economics What is/are the most likely A GST is one indirect tax for the M CAA http://www.g EN Consistently in Covered in PT365 Economy
advantages of implementing whole nation, which will make stindia.com/a news and VisionIAS test series - 2130
‘Goods and Services Tax India one unified common bout/ Which of the following can be
(GST)’? 1. It will replace market. achieved with the
multiple taxes collected by Hence, statement 1 is correct. implementation of the Goods
multiple authorities and will There is no information which and Services Tax Act (GST)?
thus create a single market says GST will drastically reduce 1. Common marketplace for
in India. the CAD of india. Neither it is true direct taxes
2. It will drastically reduce that it will enable India to take 2. Elimination of distortions in
the ‘Current Account Deficit’ over China. intrastate trade
of India and will enable it to Hence, statements 2 and 3 are 3. Boost investment and
increase its foreign exchange not correct. growth
reserves. Select the correct answer using
3. It will enormously increase the code given below.
the growth and size of (a) 1 only
economy of India and will (b) 1 and 2 only
enable it to overtake China in (c) 2 and 3 only
the near future. (d) 1, 2 and 3
Select the correct answer
using the code given below:
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

24 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

32 Current 'Broad-based Trade and A The FTA talks with EU have been E CA http://pib.nic.i EN FTA Covered in PT 365 Updation -
Affairs Investment Agreement deadlocked since 2013 after 16 n/newsite/Pri negotiations International
(BTIA)’ is sometimes seen in rounds of negotiations. Last year ntRelease.asp with EU has
the news in the context of EU raised its concern over what it x?relid=16013 remained
negotiations held between called India’s “unilateral 1 continuously
India and termination” of existing Bilateral http://www.t in news.
(a) European Union Investment Treaties (BITs) with “a hehindu.com/
(b) Gulf Cooperation Council significant number of” EU- business/Indu
(c) Organization for member countries. stry/India-EU-
Economic Cooperation and aim-to-break-
Development Free-Trade-
(d) Shanghai Cooperation Agreement-
Organization impasse/articl
e14378438.ec
e
33 Current Consider the following A The TFA is the WTO’s first-ever M CA http://pib.nic.i EN TFA has Covered in PT 365 Economy
Affairs statements: multilateral accord that aims to n/newsite/Pri remained and PT 365 Updation -
1. India has ratified to Trade simplify customs regulations for ntRelease.asp regularly in Economy All India test series -
Facilitation Agreement (TFA) the cross-border movement of x?relid=15999 news for last 3 partially covered in test 2124,
of WTO. goods. It was outcome of WTO’s 2 years. 2121 and 2358
2. TFA is a part of WTO’s Bali 9th Bali (Indonesia) ministerial http://www.t Doha round of WTO covers
Ministerial Package of 2013. package of 2013. India ratified it hehindu.com/ negotiations on which of the
3. TFA came into force in in April 2016. It came into force in business/Econ following?
January 2016. February 2017. Thus statement 3 omy/india- 1. Agriculture
Which of the statements is not correct. tables-legally- 2. Services
given above is/are correct? vetted- 3. Non-Agricultural Market
(a) 1 and 2 only proposal-on- Access 4. Trade Facilitation
(b) 1 and 3 only global- Select the correct answer using
(c) 2 and 3 only services-pact- the code given below.
(d) 1, 2 and 3 at- (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 1 and 4 only
wto/article17 (c) 2, 3 and 4 only
355734.ece (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
34 Current What is the importance of C India and Iran signed a series of E CA http://pib.nic.i EN Chabahar port Covered in PT365 International
Affairs developing Chabahar Port by agreements that allowed New n/newsite/mb has remained Relations . All India test series,
India? Delhi to use the port of Chabahar Erel.aspx?relid continuously test 2123 (covered in
(a) India’s trade with African to access Central Asia and =147456 in news. explanation).
countries will enormously Afghanistan without depending http://www.t Chabahar Port is associated
increase. upon Pakistan. hehindu.com/ with which of the following
(b) India’s relations with oil- news/national locations?
producing Arab countries will /India-to- 1. Gulf of Oman
be strengthened. develop-Irans- 2. Persian Gulf
25 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 (c) India will not depend on Chabahar- 3. Arabian Sea
Pakistan for access to port/article14 Select the correct answer using
Afghanistan and Central Asia. 336893.ece the code given below. (a) 1 only
(d) Pakistan will facilitate and (b) 2 and 3 only
protect the installation of a (c) 1 and 3 only
gas pipeline between Iraq (d) 1, 2 and 3
and India.
35 Current In India, it is legally D The Indian Computer Emergency D CAA http://pib.nic.i RR Cyber security
Affairs mandatory for which of the Response Team shall serve as the n/newsite/pri regularly in
following to report on cyber national agency for performing ntrelease.aspx news.
security incidents? the following functions in the area ?relid=158620
1. Service providers of cyber security,– http://lawmin.
2. Data centres (a) collection, analysis and nic.in/ld/P-
3. Body corporate dissemination of information on ACT/2000/The
Select the correct answer cyber incidents; %20Informati
using the code given below: (b) forecast and alerts of cyber on%20Technol
(a) 1 only security incidents; ogy%20Act,%2
(b) 1 and 2 only (c) emergency measures for 02000.pdf
(c) 3 only handling cyber security incidents;
(d) 1, 2 and 3 (d) coordination of cyber incidents
response activities;
(e) issue guidelines, advisories,
vulnerability notes and white
papers relating to information
security practices, procedures,
prevention, response and
reporting of cyber incidents;
(f) such other functions relating to
cyber security as may be
prescribed.
Any service provider,
intermediaries, data centres,
body corporate or person who
fails to provide the information
called for or comply with the
above section shall be punishable
with imprisonment for a term
which may extend to one year or
with fine which may extend to
one lakh rupees or with both.

26 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

36 Polity and Right to vote and to be D According to Supreme Court D F EM to check the
Governance elected in India is a judgment Jyoti Basu vs Debi Union of India basic
(a) Fundamental Right Ghosal - A right to elect, vs. Association knowledge
(b) Natural Right fundamental though it is to for
(c) Constitutional Right democracy, is, anomalously Democratic
(d) Legal Right neither a fundamental right nor a Reforms and
Common Law Right. It is a Anr. (2002)
statutory right. So is the right to 5SCC 294 and
be elected, and the right to People’s
dispute an election. Union for Civil
***NOTE - As per NCERT Liberties vs.
One of the important decisions of Union of India
the framers of the Indian (2003)
Constitution was to guarantee
every adult citizen in India, the ****Article
right to vote i.e. universal adult 326 of the
franchise. The article 326 of the constitution &
Constitution provides for the right NCERT - 11,
to vote and to be elected in India. Indian
What is true of the right to vote is constitution at
also true of right to contest work, chapter
election. All citizens have the right 3, page 66
to stand for election and become
the representative of the people.
37 Current What is the purpose of B eLISA is a spectacular plan of E CA http://www.t EN Gravitationals Covered in PT 365 SnT and All
Affairs ‘evolved Laser setting into space three hehindu.com/ waves have India Test Series 2115, 2209, 2360
Interferometer Space spacecraft, a mother and two sci- been regularly Which of the following pairs
Antenna (eLISA)’ project? daughter spacecraft, which will fly tech/science/S in news. is/are correctly matched?
(a) To detect neutrinos in a triangular formation, trailing pace- Spacecraft/ Mission : Purpose
(b) To detect gravitational the earth in its orbit around the antennae-to- 1. New Horizons : to map and
waves sun at a distance of over 50 probe- investigate Mercury
(c) To detect the million km. Laser interferometers gravitational- 2. Juno : to understand origin
effectiveness of missile will accurately measure changes waves/article1 and evolution of Jupiter
defence system in the distance between these 4433813.ece 3. LISA Pathfinder : to
(d) To study the effect of cubes. If they should be affected demonstrate the technology
solar flares on our by a gravitational wave, the needed to build a space-based
communication systems minute changes in this distance gravitational wave observatory
are measure by the Select the correct answer using
interferometer. the code given below.
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

27 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

38 Current What is the purpose of A The Ministry of HRD recently M CAA http://pib.nic.i EN Many Covered in PT 365 Social and
Affairs ‘Vidyanjali Yojana’? launched the Vidyanjali scheme n/newsite/Pri schemes have All India Test Series
1. To enable the famous aimed at boosting the education ntRelease.asp been lunched 2114,2208,2238,2364
foreign educational system by delivering volunteer x?relid=14627 by the The recently launched
institutions to open their teachers to government schools. 3 government Vidyanjali scheme aims at
campuses in India. It will not replace the regular and http://www.t to improve (a) boosting the education
2. To increase the quality of professionally qualified teachers hehindu.com/ the learning system by delivering volunteer
education provided in in the government schools. news/cities/Vi outcome and teachers to government
government schools by The volunteer's responsibility is jayawada/Vidy quality of the schools.
taking help from the private towards overall development of anjali- education. (b) providing support to young
sector and the community. the child, not academics. launched/artic entrepreneurs by coordinated
3. To encourage voluntary The volunteer service will be used le14427857.ec delivery of various
monetary contributions from in developing skills like public e entrepreneurship programs.
private individuals and speaking, creative writing, (c) introducing compulsory
organizations so as to counseling, music and dance. certification for teachers in
improve the infrastructure government and private
facilities for primary and schools
secondary schools. (d) none of the above
Select the correct answer
using the code given below:
(a) 2 only (b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 2 and 3 only
39 Current What is the aim of the B With a view to uplift rural India, E CA http://www.t EN A lot of focus Covered in PT365 - Govt
Affairs programme ‘Unnat Bharat the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan hehindu.com/ in on schemes & All India Test Series
Abhiyan’? programme is launched in news/cities/T grassroot 2125,2219,2366:
(a) Achieving 100% literacy collaboration with the Indian hiruvananthap innovation. With reference to Unnat Bharat
by promoting collaboration Institutes of Technology (IIT) and uram/this- The scheme Abhiyan, consider the following
between voluntary the National Institutes of bureaucrat- was in news in statements:
organizations and Technology (NITs) across the also- this regard. 1. It aims to support smart
government’s education country. heals/article1 cities project and urban
system and local The programme aims to connect 7413890.ece development.
communities. institutions of higher education, http://pib.nic.i 2. It connects IITs and NITs with
(b) Connecting institutions of including Indian Institutes of n/newsite/Pri local communities to address
higher education with local Technology (IITs), National ntRelease.asp the development challenges.
communities to address Institutes of Technology (NITs) x?relid=16079 Which of the statements given
development challenges and Indian Institutes of Science 0 above is/are correct?
through appropriate Education & Research (IISERs) etc. (a) 1 only
technologies. with local communities to address (b) 2 only
(c) Strengthening India’s the development challenges (c) Both 1 and 2
scientific research through appropriate technologies. (d) Neither 1 nor 2

28 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 institutions in order to make
India a scientific and
technological power.
(d) Developing human capital
by allocating special funds
for health care and
education of rural and urban
poor, and organizing skill
development programmes
and vocational training for
them.
40 Polity and Consider the following D Only statement 3 is correct. E FA Laxmikant - EM to check the
Governance statements: 1. The Election Election Commission of India is a 3 Indian Polity, basic
Commission of India is a five- member body and it is the chapter - knowledge
member body. election commission which "Election
2. Union Ministry of Home decides the election schedule for Commission"
Affairs decides the election both general elections and bye-
schedule for the conduct of elections.
both general elections and It is also the function of election
bye-elections. commission to resolve the
3. Election Commission disputes relating to splits/mergers
resolves the disputes relating of recognized political parties.
to splits/mergers of
recognized political parties.
Which of the statements
given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 3 only
41 Environment In India, if a species of A The Act provides for the E FA NCERT: EM Schedule I of All India Test Series - Tests
tortoise is declared protection of wild animals, birds Contemporary the Wildlife 2134, 2127 , Q. With reference
protected under Schedule I and plants; and for matters India - II , (Protection) to the black-necked crane,
of the Wildlife (Protection) connected therewith or ancillary Chapter -2 Act, 1972 is consider the following
Act, 1972, what does it or incidental thereto. It extends to Forest and often seen in statements: 1. The high altitude
imply? the whole of India, except the Wildlife news. wetlands in the Tibetan plateau
(a) It enjoys the same level of State of Jammu and Kashmir Resources. are the main breeding ground
protection as the tiger. which has its own wildlife act. It of the species.
(b) It no longer exists in the has six schedules which give 2. It is given legal protection
wild, a few individuals are varying degrees of protection. under Schedule I of the Wildlife
under captive protection; Schedule I and part II of Schedule (Protection) Act, 1972.
and not it is impossible to II provide absolute protection - Which of the statements given
prevent its extinction. offences under these are above is/are correct?
29 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 (c) It is endemic to a prescribed the highest penalties. (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
particular region of India. Species listed in Schedule III and (c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Both (b) and (c) stated Schedule IV are also protected, (d) Neither 1 nor 2
above are correct in this but the penalties are much lower. Which of the following
context. Schedule V includes the animals statements is/are correct
which may be hunted. regarding Wildlife Protection
act, 1972? 1. Schedule V of the
Act contains vermins which can
be hunted.
2. As per the act, only the
central government can declare
an animal as vermin.
3. The Act covers only animals
and not plants.
Select the correct answer using
the code given below.
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
42 Polity and In India, Judicial Review A Judicial review is the power of M F Laxmikanth EM to test the
Governance implies judiciary to examine the Ch-30 High basic concept
(a) the power of the Judiciary constitutionality of legislative Court
to pronounce upon the enactments and executive orders
constitutionality of laws and of both the Central and state
executive orders. governments. On examination, if
(b) the power of the Judiciary they are found to be violative of
to question the wisdom of the Constitution (ultra-vires), they
the laws enacted by the can be declared as illegal,
Legislatures. unconstitutional and invalid (null
(c) the power of the Judiciary and viod). Consequently, they
to review all the legislative cannot be enforced by the
enactments before they are government. The constitutional
assented to by the President. validity of a legislative enactment
(d) the power of the Judiciary or an executive order can be
to review its own challenged in a high court or
judgements given earlier in supreme court on the following
similar or different cases. three grounds: (a) it infringes the
fundamental rights (Part III), (b) it
is outside the competence of the
authority which has framed it, and
(c) it is repugant to the
constitutional provisions.

30 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

31 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
43 Modern With reference to Indian C Second Round Table Conference E F NCERT RR To check the
History freedom struggle, consider took place on 7th September chapter 13 basic
the following events: 1931. class 12 knowledge of
1. Mutiny in Royal Indian The Quit India Movement, also themes in all the
Navy known as the August Movement indian history- important
2. Quit Indian Movement was a Civil Disobedience 3 historical
launched Movement launched by Gandhi JI events.
3. Second Round Table on 8th August 1942.
Conference Royal Indian Navy (RIN) mutiny
What is the correct was a rebellion launched on
chronological sequence of February 18, 1946, by seamen on
the above events? the HMIS Talwar. Hence correct
(a) 1-2-3 chronological sequence of the
(b) 2-1-3 above events are 3-2-1
(c) 3-2-1
(d) 3-1-2
44 Economics Consider the following D Service tax, personal income tax M CAA Economic RM Economic VisionIAS 2017 Open test 4-
statements: and corporation tax have been survey 2014- survey has 2375 Q. With respect to Indian
1. Tax revenue as a percent reduced in the recent past to 15 discussed this economy, consider the
of GDP of India has steadily boost aggregate demand, so as to issue in detail. following statements: 1. The
increased in the last decade. protect the economy from global current account balance has
2. Fiscal deficit as a percent recession. remained negative in the last
of GDP of India has steadily Excise duty rates have been three years. 2. The fiscal deficit
increased in the last decade. reduced in the recent past to has steadily declined over the
Which of the statements boost aggregate demand, so as to last three years. Which of the
given above is/are correct? protect the economy from global statements given above is/are
(a) 1 only recession hence tax revenue as a correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c)
(b) 2 only percent of GDP of India has Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(c) Both 1 and 2 steadily not increase in the last
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 decade . Hence statement 1 is not
correct.
Fiscal deficit as a percent of GDP
of India has not steadily increased
in the last decade. Hence
statement 2 is not correct.
45 Current Recently there was a B An environment ministry’s expert M CA http://www.t EN Important
Affairs proposal to translocate some committee approved Kuno Palpur hehindu.com/ news
of the lions from their in Madhya Pradesh as the second news/national regarding lion
habitat in Gujarat to which home for Asiatic lions found only /other- conservation
one of the following sites? in Gir national park. However, the states/M.P.-
(a) Corbett National Park Gujarat government will not share seeks-
32 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 (b) Kuno Palpur Wildlife lions unless 33 studies as %E2%80%98i
Sanctuary mandated by international wildlife mmediate%E2
(c) Mudumalai Wildlife watchdog IUCN is completed %80%99-
Sanctuary transfer-of-
(d) Sariska National Park Asiatic-lions-
from-
Gujarat/article
14477032.ece
46 Polity and Which of the following are B When the President’s Rule is M F Laxmikanth EM to test the
Governance not necessarily the imposed in a state, the President Ch-16 basic
consequences of the dismisses the state council of Emergency knowledge
proclamation of the ministers headed by the chief Provisions
President’s rule in a State? minister. The state governor, on
1. Dissolution of the State behalf of the President, carries on
Legislative Assembly the state administration with the
2. Removal of the Council of help of the chief secretary of the
Ministers in the State state or the advisors appointed by
3. Dissolution of the local the President. This is the reason
bodies why a proclamation under Article
Select the correct answer 356 is popularly known as the
using the code given below: imposition of ‘President’s Rule’ in
(a) 1 and 2 only a state. Further, the President
(b) 1 and 3 only either suspends or dissolves the
(c) 2 and 3 only state legislative assembly.The
(d) 1, 2 and 3 Parliament passes the state
legislative bills and the state
budget. The President's Rule
doesnot lead to dissolution of
local bodies.
Hence, the answer is 1 and 3 only.
47 Polity and Which of the following are C RIGHT AGAINST EXPLOITATION E F Laxmikanth - EM to test the All India test series - test 2114
Governance envisaged by the Right includes Article 23 & 24 of the Ch-7 factual and Right against exploitation
against Exploitation in the Indian Constitution. Fundamental basic guaranteed by the Constitution
Constitution of India? Article 23 prohibits traffic in Rights knowledge prohibits which of the following
1. Prohibition of traffic in human beings, begar (forced activities?
human beings and forced labour) and other similar forms of (a) Exploitation of religious
labour forced labour. Any contravention minorities.
2. Abolition of untouchability of this provision shall be an (b) Exploitation of Scheduled
3. Protection of the interests offence punishable in accordance Castes and Scheduled Tribes
of minorities with law. This right is available to (c) Trafficking in human beings
4. Prohibition of both citizens and non-citizens. It and forced labour
33 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 employment of children in protects the individual not only (d) Forced migration due to
factories and mines against the State but also against displacement and development
Select the correct answer private persons. activities
using the code given below: Article 24 prohibits the
(a) 1, 2 and 4 only employment of children below
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only the age of 14 years in any factory,
(c) 1 and 4 only mine or other hazardous
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 activities like construction work
or railway. But it does not prohibit
their employment in any harmless
or innocent work.
48 Geography Which of the following is A Great Nicobar is the M FA Atlas EM Important All India Test Series - Test 2118
geographically closest to southernmost and largest of the http://www.li from the view (partially covered) Which one
Great Nicobar? Nicobar Islands of India, north of vemint.com/L point of of the following pairs of islands
(a) Sumatra Sumatra. The island of Sumatra is eisure/bCr0Gp India's is separated from each other by
(b) Borneo located 180 km (110 mi) to the LRbAL603xnOj territorial the "Eight Degree Channel?
(c) Java south of Great Nicobar. VT5J/Fear- extent. (a) Andman and Nicobar
(d) Sri Lanka and-survival- (b) Nicobar and Sumatra
in-Great- (c) Maldives and Lakshadweep
Nicobar.html (d) Sumatra and Java
49 Polity and Out of the following C The Parliamentary system is also M F Laxmikanth EM to test the
Governance statements, choose the one known as the ‘Westminster’ Ch-Salient basic clarity
that brings out the principle model of government, responsible Features of
underlying the Cabinet form government and cabinet Indian
of Government: government. The Constitution Constitution.
(a) An arrangement for establishes the parliamentary
minimizing the criticism system not only at the Centre but
against the Government also in the states. The features of
whose responsibilities are parliamentary government in
complex and hard to carry India are: (a) Presence of nominal
out the satisfaction of all. and real executives; (b) Majority
(b) A mechanism for party rule, (c) Collective
speeding up the activities of responsibility of the executive to
the Government whose the legislature, (d) Membership of
responsibilities are the ministers in the legislature, (e)
increasing day by day. Leadership of the prime minister
(c) A mechanism of or the chief minister, (f)
parliamentary democracy for Dissolution of the lower House
ensuring collective (Lok Sabha or Assembly).
responsibility of the
Government to the people.
34 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 (d) A device for
strengthening the hands of
the head of the Government
whose hold over the people
is in a state of decline.
50 Polity and Which one of the following is D The Constitution of India E F Laxmikanth- EM to test the VisionIAS Test Series - Tests
Governance not a feature to Indian establishes a federal system of CH-Salient basic clarity 2104 & 2203
federalism? government. It contains all the Features of In the context of Indian
(a) There is an independent usual features of a federation, the federation, consider the
judiciary in India. viz., two government, division of Constitution following statements:
(b) Powers have been clearly powers, written Constitution, 1. States have no right to
divided between the Centre super-macy of Constitution, secede from the federation.
and the States. rigidity of Constitution, 2. It is the result of an
(c) The federating units have independent judiciary and agreement among the states.
been given unequal bicameralism. Which of the statements given
representation in the Rajya Moreover, the term ‘Federation’ above is/are correct?
Sabha. has nowhere been used in the (a) 1 only
(d) It is the result of an Constitution. Article 1, on the (b) 2 only
agreement among the other hand, describes India as a (c) Both 1 and 2
federating units. ‘Union of States’ which implies (d) Neither 1 nor 2
two things: one, Indian
Federation is not the result of an
agreement by the states; and
two, no state has the right to
secede from the federation.
51 Modern The object of the Butler D The Report of the Butler M F spectrum EM To check the All India Open test 2(2226),All
History Committee of 1927 was to Committee on the relations page no.321 basic India test series - 2110
(a) Define the jurisdiction of between the Indian States and knowledge. Harcourt Butler Committee was
the Central and Provincial British India . The Committee appointed by the British
Governments. advise that the Viceroy (instead of Government on December 16,
(b) Define the powers of the the Governor-General in Council) 1927 to
Secretary of State for India. should represent the Crown in all (a) curb the left wing
(c) Impose censorship on dealings with the States. This movement.
national press. proposed change is comparable (b) grant autonomy to British
(d) Improve the relationship with the new Imperial administered province.
between the Government of arrangement by which the (c) strengthen the relationship
India and the Indian States. Governor-General of a Dominion of princely states with the
is High Commissioner for the Crown.
Dominion's Protectorates. The (d) modernize Indian
Committee sympathize with the agriculture.
fear of the Native Princes that (2) Consider the following pairs:
35 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 their States might pass without Committee Objective
their consent under a new 1. Butler committee : to clarify
Government in British India the relationship between the
responsible to an Indian British crown and the Princely
Legislature, and they plainly states.
express the opinion that no such 2. Hunter Committee : to
transference should be made report on development of local
without the consent of the self government
Princes. 3. Hartog Committee : to look
into the Punjab wrongs Which
of the pairs given above is/are
correctly matched?
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
52 Current The term ‘Domestic Content A ‘Domestic Content Requirement’, E F http://econo EN WTO ruling Covered in 2017 Vision IAS
Affairs Requirement’ is sometimes recently in news, is related to mictimes.india against India. Open test 1-2225
seen in the news with development of solar power times.com/ind Which of the following is not
reference to production. ustry/energy/ correct about National Solar
(a) Developing solar power The World Trade Organization had power/remov Mission?
production in our country ruled against India's domestic al-of- (a) The Mission has the target
(b) Granting licenses to content policy for solar cells and domestic- of achieving 1,00,000 MW solar
foreign T.V. channels in our modules; India appealed the content- power by 2022.
country ruling in a bid to keep DCR rules in requirement- (b) WTO has allowed India to
(c) Exporting our food place for government in-solar-not-a- mandate Domestic Content
products to other countries procurement. The case against big- Requirement in achieving the
(d) Permitting foreign India was originally filed in 2013, blow/articlesh target under the mission.
educational institutions to following the announcement of ow/54412591. (c) It is one of the eight
set up their campuses in our DCR in JNNSM Phase II policy and cms missions of National Action
country after India decided to file an anti- Plan on Climate Change
dumping case against the U.S., (NAPCC).
China, Malaysia and Taiwan. (d) Ministry of New and
Renewable Energy is the
implementing agency for the
National Solar Mission.
53 Current Consider the following D Nuclear Security Summits are an D U http://indiane RR The fourth
Affairs statements: United States-led initiative and xpress.com/ar edition of
1. The Nuclear Security are not under the aegis of the ticle/explaine Nuclear
Summits are periodically United Nations. d/nuclear- Security
held under the aegis of the The International Panel on Fissile security- Summit (NSS)
United Nations. Materials (IPFM) was founded in summit-how- was held in
2. The International Panel on January 2006 and is an to- Washington,
36 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 Fissile Materials is an organ independent group of arms- understand- United States
of International Atomic control and nonproliferation what-it-does/ last year.
Energy Agency. experts (and not an organ of http://fissilem
Which of the statements International Atomic Energy aterials.org/ip
given above is/are correct? Agency) from both nuclear fm/about.htm
(a) 1 only weapon and non-nuclear weapon l
(b) 2 only states. Its members include
(c) Both 1 and 2 nuclear experts from seventeen
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 countries: Brazil, Canada, China,
France, Germany, India, Iran,
Japan, Mexico, Norway, Pakistan,
South Korea, Russia, South Africa,
Sweden, the United Kingdom, and
the United States.
54 Current Who among the following C NPS (National Pension System) is M FCA https://india.g EN Recent
Affairs can join the National Pension a defined contribution based ov.in/spotlight changes in the
System (NPS)? Pension Scheme launched by /national- scheme.
(a) Resident Indian citizens Government of India. Eligibility- pension-
only - NPS is applicable to all new system-
(b) Persons of age from 21 to employees of Central Government retirement-
55 only service (except Armed Forces) and plan-all
(c) All State Government Central Autonomous Bodies http://www.t
employees joining the joining Government service on or hehindu.com/
services after the state of after 1st January 2004. business/Econ
notification by the respective - NPS is applicable to all the omy/NRIs-
State Governments employees of State Governments, can-now-
(d) All Central Government State Autonomous Bodies joining apply-online-
employees including those of services after the date of for-National-
Armed Forces joining the notification by the respective Pension-
services on or after 1st April, State Governments. Scheme/articl
2004 - All citizens of India between the e14428129.ec
age of 18 and 60 years as on the e
date of submission of his / her
application to Point of Presence
(POP) / Point of Presence-Service
Provider (POP-SP) can join NPS.
Recently, NRIs were also allowed
to open National Pension Scheme
(NPS) accounts online.

37 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

55 Geography With reference to river B Statement 1 is not correct. The M FCA EM River Teesta PT 365 Updation Material, Page
Teesta, consider the Teesta River originates from the has been 16. Eliminating statement 3,
following statements: Pahunri (or Teesta Kangse) glacier often seen in one could arrive at the correct
1. The source of river Teesta and flows southward through the news with answer.
is the same as that of Sikkim Himalaya. where the respect to
Brahmaputra but it flows Rangpo River joins, and where it India-
through Sikkim. forms the border between Sikkim Bangladesh
2. River Rangeet originates in and West Bengal up to Teesta international
Sikkim and it is a tributary of Bazaar. Just before the Teesta relations. Its
river Teesta. Bridge, where the roads from waters are still
3. River Teesta flows into Bay Kalimpong and Darjeeling join, the disputed
of Bengal on the border of river is met by its main tributary, between the
India and Bangladesh. the Rangeet River. Hence two nations.
Which of the statements Statement 2 is correct.
given above is/are correct? It changes course southwards
(a) 1 and 3 only flowing into West Bengal. The
(b) 2 only river then goes merging up with
(c) 2 and 3 only the Brahmaputra River after it
(d) 1, 2 and 3 bifurcates the city of Jalpaiguri
and flows just touching Cooch
Behar district at Mekhliganj and
moves to Fulchori in Bangladesh.
Thus it does not flow directly into
the Bay of Bengal. Hence
statement 3 is not correct.
56 Current Consider the following C Zika virus is primarily transmitted M FCA Atlas EN Last year, Covered in june 2016 current
Affairs statements: to people through the bite of an World Health affairs All India Test series, test
1. In tropical regions, Zika infected mosquito from the Aedes Organization 2114 and 2360 (partially
virus disease is transmitted genus, mainly Aedes aegypti in (WHO) covered)
by the same mosquito that tropical regions. This is the same confirmed Consider the following
transmits dengue. mosquito that transmits dengue, India’s first statements about Zika virus
2. Sexual transmission of Zika chikungunya and yellow fever. three cases of disease: 1. It is caused by a
virus disease is possible. Although Zika virus is primarily Zika virus. virus transmitted by mosquito.
Which of the statements transmitted through mosquitoes, 2. Presently there is no vaccine
given above is/are correct? it can also be sexually transmitted available for Zika virus.
(a) 1 only as well. 3. Zika can be passed from a
(b) 2 only pregnant woman to her foetus.
(c) Both 1 and 2 Which of the statements given
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

38 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

57 Current Consider the following A In 2010, a certification from the D U http://indiane RR AGMARK has
Affairs statements: Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) xpress.com/ar been in use to
1. The Standard Mark of has been made mandatory for all ticle/india/zik promote
Bureau of Indian Standards types of automotive tyres and a-virus-all- agricultural
(BIS) is mandatory for tubes. you-need-to- produce.
automotive tyres and tubes. AGMARK is a certification mark know-
2. AGMARK is a quality employed on agricultural products 4676548/
Certification Mark issues by in India, assuring that they https://www.
the Food and Agriculture conform to a set of standards nhp.gov.in/Zik
Organisation (FAO). approved by the Directorate of a-virus_pg
Which of the statements Marketing and Inspection, an http://www.w
given above is/are correct? agency of the Government of ho.int/mediac
(a) 1 only India. The AGMARK is legally entre/factshe
(b) 2 only enforced in India by the ets/zika/en/
(c) Both 1 and 2 Agricultural Produce (Grading and
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 Marking) Act of 1937 (and
ammended in 1986).
58 Economics What is/are the C National Agriculture Market E CAA http://www.t EN One of the Covered in PT 365 Economy All
advantage/advantages of (NAM) is a pan-India electronic hehindu.com/ important India test series, test 2112,
implementing the ‘National trading portal which networks the news/cities/ch reforms in 2357
Agriculture Market’ scheme? existing APMC mandis to create a ennai/BIS- agricutural With reference to the National
1. It is a pan-India electronic unified national market for certification- sector. Agricultural Market (NAM),
trading portal for agricultural agricultural commodities. Hence, to-be-made- consider the following
commodities. statement 1 is correct. mandatory- statements:
2. It provides the farmers NAM promotes uniformity, for-tyres-and- 1. It aims to create a pan-India
access to nationwide market, streamlining of procedures across tubes/article1 electronic trading portal for
with prices commensurate the integrated markets, removes 2079528.ece agricultural commodities.
with the quality of their information asymmetry between 2. It will be implemented as a
produce. buyers and sellers and promotes Central Sector Scheme through
Select the correct answer real time price discovery, based Agri-Tech Infrastructure Fund
using the code given below: on actual demand and supply, (ATIF).
(a) 1 only promotes transparency in auction Which of the statements given
(b) 2 only process, and access to a above is/are correct?
(c) Both 1 and 2 nationwide market for the farmer, (a) 1 only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 with prices commensurate with (b) 2 only
quality of his produce and online (c) Both 1 and 2
payment and availability of better (d) Neither 1 nor 2
quality produce and at more
reasonable prices to the
consumer. Hence, statement 2 is
correct.

39 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

59 Economics With reference to the C The Union Cabinet approved the M CAA http://pib.nic.i EN IPR issues is Covered in PT365 Economy &
‘National Intellectual National Intellectual Property n/newsite/Pri always a asked in All India Test Series
Property Rights Policy’, Rights (IPR) Policy in 2016 that will ntRelease.asp important tests 2124,2218 and 2363
consider the following lay the future roadmap for x?relid=13889 issues in Consider the following
statements: intellectual property in India. This 1 Indian statements regarding India’s
1. It reiterates India’s policy shall weave in the strengths perspective. new Intellectual Property
commitment to the Doha of the Government, research and Rights policy 2016:
Development Agenda and development organizations, 1. It suggests making
the TRIPS Agreement. educational institutions, Department of Science &
2. Department of Industrial corporate entities including Technology as the nodal agency
Policy and Promotion is the MSMEs, start-ups and other for all IPR issues.
nodal agency for regulating stakeholders in the creation of an 2. It is entirely in compliant
intellectual property rights in innovation-conducive with the WTO’s agreement on
India. environment, which stimulates TRIPS.
Which of the above creativity and innovation across 3. It aims to remove
statements is/are correct? sectors, as also facilitates a stable, Compulsory Licensing clause
(a) 1 only transparent and service-oriented from India’s Patents Act.
(b) 2 only IPR administration in the country. Which of the statements given
(c) Both 1 and 2 The Policy recognizes that India above is/are correct?
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 has a well-established TRIPS- (a) 1 and 2 only
compliant legislative, (b) 2 only
administrative and judicial (c) 1 and 3 only
framework to safeguard IPRs, (d) 1, 2 and 3
which meets its international
obligations while utilizing the
flexibilities provided in the
international regime to address its
developmental concerns. It
reiterates India’s commitment to
the Doha Development Agenda
and the TRIPS agreement. Hence
statement 1 is correct.
These objectives are sought to be
achieved through detailed action
points. The action by different
Ministries/ Departments shall be
monitored by DIPP which shall be
the nodal department to
coordinate, guide and oversee
implementation and future
development of IPRs in India. Hence
statement 2 is correct.
40 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
60 Environment According to the Wildlife D Gharial (Gravialis gangeticus), M FA NCERT: EM The questions All India Test Series - Test 2127
(Protection) Act, 1972, which Indian Wild Ass (Equus hemionus Contemporary aims to test Which of the following species
of the following animals khur) and Wild Buffalo (Bubalus India - II , general are critically endangered?
cannot be hunted by any bubalis) are all mentioned under Chapter -2 awareness on 1. Namdapha Flying Squirrel
person except under some Schedule I for the Wildlife Forest and endangered 2. Malabar Civet
provisions provided by law? (Protection) Act, 1972. Wildlife species. Indian 3. Siberian Crane
1. Gharial Resources. wild ass and 4. Gharial
2. Indian wild ass http://envfor. the wild 5. Wild Ass
3. Wild buffalo nic.in/legis/wil buffalo are Select the correct answer using
Select the correct answer dlife/wildlife2 endangered the code given below. (a) 1 and
using the code given below: s1.pdf species. 4 only (b) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only (c)
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only 2, 3 and 5 only (d) 1, 3, 4 and 5
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 only
61 Polity and Which of the following D There is no legislative process D F Laxmikant - EM to test the
Governance statements is/are true of the provided to enforce the Indian Polity, basic clarity
Fundamental Duties of an Fundamental duties and they are chapter -
Indian citizen? not correlative to legal duties. Like "Fundamental
1. A legislative process has the Directive Principles, the Duties"
been provided to enforce fundamental duties are also non-
these duties. justiciable. The Constitution does
2. They are correlative to not provide for their direct
legal duties. enforcement by the courts.
Select the correct answer Moreover, there is no legal
using the code given below: sanction against their violation.
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
62 Modern Consider the following pairs: B The British Indian Association was D F Ncert class EM To check the asked in All India Test Series -
History 1. Radhakanta Deb – First established on 31 October 1851. 8th-THE factual 2121 Consider the following
President of the British The first committee of the MAKING OF knowledge. pairs: Political Associations :
Indian Association association was composed of : THE Founder
2. Gazulu Lakshminarasu Raja Radhakanta Deb – NATIONAL 1.Madras Mahajan Sabha :P.
Chetty – Founder of the President, Raja Kalikrishna Deb – MOVEMENT: Ananda Charlu
Madras Mahajana Sabha Vice-President, Debendranath 1870S-1947. 2.Indian League :Surendranath
3. Surendranath Banerjee – Tagore – secretary, Digambar Banerjee
Founder of the Indian Mitra – Asst Secretary. 3.East India Association
Association In May 1884, M. :Dadabhai Naoroji Which of the
Which of the above pairs Veeraraghavachariar, G. pairs given above is/are
is/are correctly matched? Subramania Iyer and P. correctly matched?
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 3 only Anandacharlu established the (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Madras Mahajana Sabha. (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
41 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 Gazulu Lakshminarasu Chetty was (2) Consider the following pairs:
an Indian merchant, Indian Associations Leader associated
independence activist and 1. Bombay Presidency
political activist who founded the Association :Pherozeshah
Madras Native Association. Mehta
Indian Association was the first 2. Poona Sarvajanik sabha :M.
declared Nationalist Organization G. Ranade 3. Madras
founded in British India by Mahajansabha :Subramaniya
Surendranath Banerjee and Iyer Which of the pairs given
Anand Mohan Bose in 1876. above is/are correctly
matched?
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
63 Polity and Which one of the following B The Preamble secures to all M F Laxmikanth - EM to test the VisionIAS OPEN TEST 2 - 2226
Governance objectives is not embodied in citizens of India liberty of thought, Indian Polity, basic clarity Which among the following
the Preamble to the expression, belief, faith and Chapter - expressions is/are a part of
Constitution of India? worship, through their Preamble Preamble of the Constitution of
(a) Liberty of thought Fundamental Rights, enforceable India?
(b) Economic liberty in court of law, in case of 1. Faith
(c) Liberty of expression violation. 2. Worship
(d) Liberty of belief The ideals of liberty, equality and 3. Status
fraternity in our Preamble have 4. Freedom
been taken from the French Select the correct answer using
Revolution (1789–1799). the code given below.
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
64 Current With reference to the C Quality Council of India (QCI) was D CAA http://www.q EN The Quality
Affairs ‘Quality Council of India set up jointly by the Government cin.org/about. Council of
(QCI)’, consider the following of India and the Indian Industry php India (QCI), on
statements: represented by the three premier its eLearning
1. QCI was set up jointly by industry associations i.e. portal
the Government of India and Associated Chambers of ‘eQuest’,
the Indian Industry. Commerce and Industry of India recently
2. Chairman of QCI is (ASSOCHAM), Confederation of launched
appointed by the Prime Indian Industry (CII) and online
Minister on the Federation of Indian Chambers of certificate
recommendations of the Commerce and Industry (FICCI), to courses in
industry to the Government. establish and operate national manufacturing
Which of the above accreditation structure and
42 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 statements is/are correct? promote quality through National
(a) 1 only Quality Campaign.
(b) 2 only Chairman of QCI is appointed by
(c) Both 1 and 2 the Prime Minister on
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 recommendation of the industry
to the government. The
Department of Industrial Policy &
Promotion, Ministry of Commerce
& Industry, is the nodal ministry
for QCI.
65 Current What is the purpose of A The objectives of setting up of M CAA https://rbi.org EN Small Finance PT365 Economy and All India
Affairs setting up of Small Finance small finance banks will be to .in/scripts/BS_ Banks (SFBs) test series, test 2123 (covered
Banks (SFBs) in India? further financial inclusion by- PressReleaseD have been in in explanation)
1. To supply credit to small (i) provision of savings vehicles, isplay.aspx?pri news. Which of the following
business units and d=32614 statements regarding "small
2. To supply credit to small (ii) supply of credit to small finance banks" is/are correct?
and marginal farmers business units; small and marginal 1. They are required to
3. To encourage young farmers; micro and small maintain both CRR and SLR.
entrepreneurs to set up industries; and other unorganised 2. They are not required to
business particularly in rural sector entities, through high follow Priority Sector Lending
areas. technology-low cost operations. norms.
Select the correct answer 3. Foreign investments in these
using the code given below: banks is not permitted.
(a) 1 and 2 only Select the correct answer using
(b) 2 and 3 only the code given below.
(c) 1 and 3 only (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
66 Current With reference to ‘Asia D The 1st APMCHUD was held in D U http://mhupa. RR 6th Asia
Affairs Pacific Ministerial New Delhi, India from 13th-16th gov.in/writere Pacific
Conference on Housing and December, 2006 on the theme of addata/6thASi Conference on
Urban Development ‘A Vision for Sustainable a_Pacific_Vigy Housing and
(APMCHUD)’, consider the Urbanization in the Asia-Pacific by an_bhawan.p Urban
following statements: 2020’. ‘Emerging Urban Forms – df Development
1. The first APMCHUD was Policy Responses and Governance held in
held in India in 2006 on the Structure’ was the theme of the December
theme ‘Emerging Urban 6th Asia Pacific Conference on 2016.
Forms – Policy Responses Housing and Urban Development
and Governance Structure’. held in December 2016.
2. India hosts all the Annual 2nd APMCHUD was held in
Ministerial Conferences in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran,
partnership with ADB, APEC 3rd in Solo, Republic of Indonesia,
43 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 and ASEAN. 4th in Amman, Hashemite
Which of the statements Kingdom of Jordan and 5th in
given above is/are correct? Seoul, Republic of Korea.
(a) 1 only Further, APMCHUD is a
(b) 2 only consultative mechanism on the
(c) Both 1 and 2 promotion of sustainable
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 development of Housing and
Urban Development in the Asia-
Pacific Region established under
the aegis and support of UN-
Habitat.
67 Polity and Democracy’s superior virtue A The object of government D FA N.D. ARORA RM To test the
Governance lies in the fact that it calls according to Mill's views, being and SS philosophy or
into activity the attainment of values and Awasthy underlying
(a) the intelligence and virtues in men , their self- 'Poltical notion of a
character of ordinary men development, it is essential that Theory & basic concept
and women. the government should be of Political
(b) the methods for those whose self development is Thought'
strengthening executive being sought. This is only possible
leadership. if the people participate in the
(c) a superior individual with making and working of their
dynamism and vision. government or the government is
(d) a band on dedicated truly representative.
party workers. "Virtue and intelligence should
become genuine attributes of
character in a citizen.....and then
through participation , people at
large , would be able to control
the rulers by influencing the
character and direction of public
policy".
68 Current Which of the following is a A UPI is a payment system that M CA http://www.t EN Unified PT365 Economy
Affairs most likely consequence of allows money transfer between hehindu.com/ Payment
implementing the ‘Unified any two bank accounts by using a business/Econ Interface
Payments Interface (UPI)? smartphone. UPI allows a omy/What-is- officially
(a) Mobile wallets with not customer to pay directly from a Unified- become
be necessary for online bank account to different Payment- operational
payments. merchants, both online and Interface/artic
(b) Digital currency will offline, without the hassle of le14593189.ec
totally replace the physical typing credit card details, IFSC e
currency in about two code, or net banking/wallet
44 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 decades. passwords.
(c) FDI inflows will drastically
increase.
(d) Direct transfer of
subsidies to poor people will
become very effective.
69 Current The terms ‘Event Horizon’, A The terms - ‘Event Horizon’ - E F http://www.t EN All terms have
Affairs ‘Singularity’, ‘String Theory’ boundary in space-time, hehindu.com/ been in news.
and ‘Standard Model’ are ‘Singularity’ - location in space- sci-
sometimes seen in the news time where the gravitational field tech/science/
in the context of of a celestial body becomes how-a-new-
(a) Observation and infinite, ‘String Theory’ - links discovery-
understanding of the together all physical aspects, and shakes-up-
Universe ‘Standard Model’ - unifying the the-standard-
(b) Study of the solar and the four fundamental forces, are model-of-
lunar eclipses related to the observations and particle-
(c) Placing satellites in the understanding of the Universe. physics/article
orbit of the Earth 18112302.ece
(d) Origin and evolution of http://www.t
living organisms on the earth hehindu.com/
sci-
tech/science/
no-big-bang-
the-universe-
was-there-all-
along-
studies/article
6959499.ece
http://www.t
hehindu.com/
sci-
tech/science/c
v-
vishveshwara-
the-black-
hole-man-of-
india/article83
18058.ece

45 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

46 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
70 Science and With reference to agriculture D All the statements are correct. D FA https://www. RM Genome
Technology in India, how can the Genome sequencing is figuring ncbi.nlm.nih.g sequencing
technique of ‘genome out the order of DNA nucleotides, ov/pmc/articl has been in
sequencing’, often seen in or bases, in a genome—the order es/PMC48079 news due to
the news, be used in the of As, Cs, Gs, and Ts that make up 65/ various
immediate future? an organism's DNA. related
1. Genome sequencing can Genome sequencing of wild projects.
be used to identify genetic varieties of plants can be used to
markers for disease identify disease resistance and
resistance and drought drought tolerance genes in
tolerance in various crop various plants and develop new
plants. varieties of crop plants in lesser
2. This technique helps in time. Genome sequencing of cop
reducing the time required plants can be helpful in
to develop new varieties of deciphering and understanding
crop plants. 3. It can be used the host-pathogen realationship
to decipher the host- in crops.
pathogen relationships in
crops.
Select the correct answer
using the code given below:
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
71 Polity and The main advantage of the C The Parliamentary system is also E F Laxmikanth, EM to test the VISION IAS TEST SERIES ( 35
Governance parliamentary form of known as the ‘Westminster’model Ch- Salient basic clarity Test Series Module)Test 2104,
governments is that of government, responsible Features of 2238
(a) the executive and government and cabinet the Which of the following is/are
legislature work government. The Constitution Constitution - the defining features of the
independently. establishes the parliamentary Laxmikanth parliamentary form of
(b) it provides continuity of system not only at the Centre but Government in India?
also in the states. The features of
policy and is more efficient. 1. Watertight separation of
parliamentary government in India
(c) the executive remains powers between executive,
are: (a) Presence of nominal and
responsible to the legislature and judiciary.
real executives; (b) Majority party
legislature. 2. Executive being responsible
rule, (c) Collective responsibility of
(d) the head of the the executive to the legislature, (d) to the legislature.
government cannot be Membership of the ministers in the 3. Division of powers between
changed without election. legislature, (e) Leadership of the center and state.
prime minister or the chief minister, Select the correct answer using
(f) Dissolution of the lower House the code given below.
(Lok Sabha or Assembly). (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3
only (c) 2 only (d) 2 and 3 only

47 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

72 Polity and In the context of India, which A Rights are what we want others to E FA NIOS EM To test the
Governance one of the following is the do for us whereas the duties are "Democracy at basic
correct relationship between those acts which we should Work"- CH- underlying
Rights and Duties? perform for others. Thus, a right Fundamental notion behind
(a) Rights are correlative comes with an obligation to show Righst and a concept
with Duties. respect for the rights of others. Fundamental
(b) Rights are personal and The obligations that accompany Duties
hence independent of rights are in the form of duties.
society and Duties.
(c) Rights, not Duties, are
important for the
advancement of the
personality of the citizen.
(d) Duties, not Rights, are
important for the stability of
the State.
73 Polity and The mind of the makers of A In the Berubari Union case (1960), E FA Laxmikanth EM To test the
Governance the Constitution of India is the Supreme Court said that the Ch- Preamble basic
reflected in which of the Preamble shows the general of the underlying
following? purposes behind the several Constitution notion behind
(a) The Preamble provisions in the Constitution, and a concept
(b) The Fundamental Rights is thus a key to the minds of the
(c) The Directive Principles of makers of the Constitution.
State Policy
(d) The Fundamental Duties
74 Geography If you travel by road from B The shortest route from Kohima D U Atlas RR Cabinet
Kohima to Kottayam, what is (Nagaland) to Kottayam (Kerala) approved
the minimum number of passes through the following North East
States within India through states: Road Network
which you can travel, Nagaland-Assam-West Bengal- Connectivity
including the origin and the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh-Tamil Project Phase
destination? Nadu-Kerala I.
(a) 6 (b) 7
(c) 8 (d) 9
75 Polity and The Parliament of India D The Parliament exercises control E F Laxmikanth RM to test the
Governance exercises control over the over the ministers through various Ch- basic clarity
functions of the Council of devices like question hour, Parliamentary
Ministers through discussions, adjournment motion, System
1. Adjournment motion no confidence motion, etc.
2. Questions hour
3. Supplementary questions
48 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 Select the correct answer
using the code given below:
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
76 Polity and With reference to the D A Private Member's bill is D FCA Laxmikanth's EM To test the
Governance Parliament of India, consider introduced by any member of Ch- basic clarity of
the following statements: Parliament other than a minister. Parliament polity
1. A private member’s bill is Its introduction in the House http://indianex knowledge
a bill presented by a Member requires one month’s notice. Its press.com/arti through the
of Parliament who is not drafting is the responsibility of the cle/opinion/col current affairs
elected but only nominated member concerned. umns/transgen
by the President of India. The last Private Member's Bill ders-persons-
2. Recently, a private passed by parliament was the bill-rajya-
member’s bill has been Supreme Court (Enlargement of sabha-private-
passed in the Parliament of Criminal Appellate Jurisdiction) member-bill-
3195872/
India for the first time in its Bill, 1968, which became an act on
http://www.th
history. August 9, 1970. The Rights of
ehindu.com/ne
Which of the statements Transgender Persons Bill, 2014, ws/national/ta
given above is/are correct? passed by the Rajya Sabha on mil-
(a) 1 only Friday is the first private nadu/jallikattu-
(b) 2 only member's bill to get the ujpper row-private-
(c) Both 1 and 2 house's approval in the past 45 member-bill-
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 years. on-bull-in-rs-
but-
withdrawn/arti
cle17517515.e
ce
77 Ancient With reference to the A Statement 1 is correct: Rigvedic D F Ancient India: EM To check basic VisionIAS All India Test Series –
History difference between the Aryans used the coat of mail and R.S. Sharma and factual 2138
culture of Rigvedic Aryans helmet in warfare whereas the page 38 THE knowledge in Which of the following metals
and Indus Valley people, people of Indus Valley Civilization WONDER Ancient have been found in Harappan
which of the following did not leave any evidence of THAT WAS History. cities?
statements is/are correct? using them. INDIA: A L 1. Bronze
1. Rigvedic Aryans used the Statement 2 is not correct: Basham page : 2. Copper
coat of mail and helmet in Various materials were used in 18 3. Iron
warfare whereas the people Harappan civilisation to make 4. Silver
of Indus Valley Civilization beads: stones like carnelian, 5. Gold
did not leave any evidence of jasper, crystal, quartz and steatite; Select the correct answer using
using them. metals like copper, bronze and the code given below.
2. Rigvedic Aryans knew gold; and shell, faience and (a) 2 and 3 only
gold, silver and copper terracotta or burnt clay. Some (b) 1, 4 and 5 only

49 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 whereas Indus Valley people beads were made of two or more (c) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only
knew only copper and iron. stones, cemented together, some (d) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only
3. Rigvedic Aryans had of stone with gold caps.
domesticated the horse Statement 3 is not correct:
whereas there is no evidence Evidences of the horse comes
of Indus Valley people having from a superficial level of
aware of this animal. Mohenjo daro and from a
Select the correct answer terracotta figurine from Lothal.
using the code given below: The remains of the horse have
(a) 1 only been reported from Surkotada
(b) 2 and 3 only belonging to around 2000BC. A
(c) 1 and 3 only few horse's teeth have been
(d) 1, 2 and 3 found in the lowest stratum of the
Baluchistan site of Rana Ghundal,
probably dating from several
centuries earlier than the
foundation of Harappa. This
would indicate that horse-riding
nomads found their way to N.-W.
India in small numbers long
before the Aryan invasion.
78 Current Recognition of Prior Learning A The Recognition of Prior Learning M CA http://www.t EN Recently,
Affairs Scheme’ is sometimes (RPL) is an assessment of the skills hehindu.com/ IL&FS Skills
mentioned in the news with acquired by the individual through education/car Development
reference to experience, observation and self- eers/Massive- Corporation
(a) Certifying the skills learning. The assessment, which is in-scale-and- Ltd (IL&FS
acquire by construction followed by a certification, gives innovative-in- Skills) a joint
workers through traditional an edge to an otherwise informal approach/arti initiative of
channels. worker. It provides the employee cle17287913.e IL&FS
(b) Enrolling the persons in with the confidence, social ce Education &
Universities for distance recognition and empowerment National Skills
learning programmes. that are necessary to negotiate his Development
(c) Reserving some skilled future employment. Following Corporation
jobs to rural and urban poor successful assessment, a (NSDC)
in some public sector candidate is given a financial launched
undertakings. reward, in addition to Recognition of
(d) Certifying the skills certification. Prior Learning
acquired by trainees under (RPL)
the National Skill programme in
Development Programme. the Apparel
sector under

50 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 Pradhan
Mantri
Kaushal Vikas
Yojana
(PMKVY) 2.0.
79 Geography From the ecological point of A Sathyamangalam forest range is a D FCA http://www.t RR The
view, which one of the significant wildlife corridor in the hehindu.com/ Sathyamangal
following assumes Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve between sci- am Tiger
importance in being a good the Western Ghats and the rest of tech/energy- Reserve was
link between the Eastern the Eastern Ghats Located in the and- in news for
Ghats and the Western Erode district of Tamil Nadu, the environment/ increase in
Ghats? Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve is Bear- Bear
(a) Sathyamangalam Tiger the largest wildlife sanctuary in population- population.
Reserve the state. With a forest area of up-and- Also in
(b) Nallamala Forest 1,411.6 square kilometres, the counting-at- December
(c) Nagarhole National Park reserve is a part of the Nilgiri the- 2016,
(d) Seshachalam Biosphere Biosphere Reserve and lies Sathyamangal Sathyamangal
Reserve between the Western Ghats and am-Tiger- am Tiger
the rest of the Eastern Ghats. Reserve/articl Reserve eco-
Situated in a key position between e13986305.ec tourism plan
the Western and Eastern Ghats, e was revived.
the Sathyamangalam Tiger http://indiato
Reserve boasts of a wide variety day.intoday.in
of fauna. /story/sathya
The reserve also adjoins four mangalam-
other protected areas -- tiger-reserve-
Billigiriranga Swamy Temple home-to-a-
Wildlife Sanctuary, Sigur Plateau, new-breed-of-
Mudumalai National Park and bears/1/5684
Bandipur National Park. 90.html
80 Polity and One of the implications of A The term ‘equality’ means the E F Laxmikanth EM to test the
Governance equality in society is the absence of special privileges to basic clarity
absence of any section of the society, and the
(a) Privileges (b) Restraints provision of adequate
(c) Competition (d) Ideology opportunities for all individuals
without any discrimination.
81 Environment Consider the following B TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade D FCA http://www.tr EN Recent issues All India Test series - Test 2127
statements in respect of monitoring network, is the leading affic.org/traffi of wildlife Which of the following
Trade Related Analysis of non-governmental organization c-programme/ poaching and statements is/are correct with
Fauna and Flora in working globally on trade in wild organisations regard to TRAFFIC network?
Commerce (TRAFFIC): animals and plants in the context related. 1. It is a non-governmental
51 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 1. TRAFFIC is a bureau under of both biodiversity conservation organization working in
United Nations Environment and sustainable development. monitoring global wildlife
Programme (UNEP). TRAFFIC was established in 1976 trade.
2. The mission of TRAFFIC is by IUCN and WWF to respond to 2. It was jointly established by
to ensure that trade in wild the growing threats posed by IUCN and WWF.
plants and animals is not a illegal wildlife trade and Select the correct answer using
threat to the conservation of overexploitation. It is not a the code given below.
nature. bureau under UNEP. (a) 1 only
Which of the above (b) 2 only
statements is/are correct? (c) Both 1 and 2
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (d) Neither 1 and 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
82 Polity and Which principle among the B The 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 M F Laxmikanth EM to test the VisionIAS Test Series - Test
Governance following was added to the added four new Directive Ch-Directive factual and Codes -
Directive Principles of State Principles to the original list. They Principles of basic 2104,2203,2238,2358,2364
Policy by the 42nd require the State: State Policy knowledge Which of the following
Amendment to the 1. To secure opportunities for Directive Principles was/were
Constitution? healthy development of children added to the Constitution
(a) Equal pay for equal work (Article 39). through amendments?
for both men and women 2. To promote equal justice and to 1. To secure opportunities for
(b) Participation of workers provide free legal aid to the poor healthy development of
in the management of (Article 39 A). children.
industries 3. To take steps to secure the 2. Equal pay for equal work for
(c) Right to work, education participation of workers in the men and women.
and public assistance management of industries (Article 3. To promote equal justice and
(d) Securing living wage and 43 A). to provide free legal aid to the
human conditions of work to 4. To protect and improve the poor.
workers environment and to safeguard Select the correct answer using
forests and wild life (Article 48 A). the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
83 Polity and Which one of the following C Rights are legal and moral M F NCERT Class EM to test the
Governance statements is correct? entitlements or claims of a person 9th Ch 6- basic clarity
(a) Rights are claims of the over other fellow beings, over 'Democratic
State against the citizens. society and over the government. Rights'
(b) Rights are privileges
which are incorporated in
the Constitution of a State.
(c) Rights are claims of the
citizens against the State.
52 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 (d) Rights are privileges of a
few citizens against the
many.

84 Current Which of the following gives A Global Gender Gap Index is E CA http://pib.nic.i EN India's Covered in PT365 Economy and
Affairs ‘Global Gender Gap Index’ released by World Economic n/newsite/Pri performance Social All India test sereis, test
ranking to the countries of Forum. As per the Global Gender ntRelease.asp in Global 2120, 2122
the world? Gap Report 2016, India ranks at x?relid=15510 Gender Gap Which of the following is/are
(a) World Economic Forum 87th in respect of Global Gender 3 Report 2016. the key areas of inequality
(b) UN Human Rights Council Gap Index (GGI) among 144 considered by World Economic
(c) UN Women countries of the World. As per the Forum (WEF) to compute the
(d) World Health GGR, India climbed 21 spots to Global Gender Gap Report?
Organization rank 87th in 2016, which is an 1. Health
improvement from being ranked 2.Education
at 108th in 2015. 3. Economy
4. Politics
Select the correct answer using
the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
85 Current Which of the following B Smart India Hackathon 2017 was a M CA http://pib.nic.i EN Smart India November 2016 VisionIAS
Affairs statements is/are correct 36 hrs non-stop digital product n/newsite/Pri Hackathon Monthly Current
regarding Smart India development competition during ntRelease.asp 2017 Affairs(Environment)
Hackathon 2017? which teams of thousands of x?relid=15982
1. It is a centrally sponsored technology students built 5
scheme for developing every innovative digital solutions for the
city of our country into problems posted by 29 different
Smart Cities in a decade. central govt. ministries/
2. It is an initiative to identify departments e.g. Ministry of
new digital technology Railways, External Affairs, Ministry
innovations for solving the of Defense, ISRO, Ministry of
many problems faced by our Tourism, Dept. of Atomic Energy,
country. etc.
3. It is a programme aimed at Smart India Hackathon 2017, has
making all the financial been launched to build Digital
transactions in our country India and to engage the youth
completely digital in a directly with nation building. For
decade. the first time, govt. departments
Select the correct answer were directly engaging with
53 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 using the code given below: students and challenging them to
(a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only build digital solutions to improve
(c) 3 only (d) 2 and 3 only their efficiency, plug revenue
leakages and corruption.
86 Economics Which of the following A The Reserve Bank of India Act, M CAA http://pib.nic.i EN Important Covered in PT365 Economy &
statements is/are correct 1934 (RBI Act) has been amended n/newsite/Pri Institutions asked in All India Test Series
regarding the ‘Monetary by the Finance Act, 2016, to ntRelease.asp which will add tests 2136 and 2017 VisionIAS
Policy Committee (MPC)? provide for a statutory and x?relid=15126 lot of value Open test 2225 Q.
1. It decides the RBI’s institutionalised framework for a 4 and With reference to Monetary
benchmark interest rates. Monetary Policy Committee it transparency Policy Committee, consider the
2. It is a 12-member body would be entrusted with the task to monetary following statements:
including the Governor of of fixing the benchmark policy policy 1. It will fix the benchmark
RBI and is reconstituted rate (repo rate) required to decisions in policy interest rates to contain
every year. contain inflation within the India. inflation within the specified
3. It functions under the specified target level. Hence target levels.
chairmanship of the Union Statement 1 is correct. 2. It will be headed by the
Finance Minister. As per the provisions of the RBI Finance minister.
Select the correct answer Act, out of the six Members of 3. The recommendations of
using the code given below: Monetary Policy Committee, MPC will be binding on the RBI.
(a) 1 only three Members will be from the Which of the statements given
(b) 1 and 2 only RBI and the other three Members above is/are correct?
(c) 3 only of MPC will be appointed by the (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 3 only
(d) 2 and 3 only Central Government. Hence (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
statement 2 is not correct. The Consider the following
Governor of the Bank— ex officio statements regarding the
Chairperson of MPC. Hence Monetary Policy Committee
statement 3 is not correct. (MPC): It is headed by the
Governor of Reserve Bank of
India (RBI). It is entrusted with
the task of fixing the policy
interest rate to contain
inflation within the specified
target level. The Members of
the MPC appointed by the
Central Government shall hold
office for a period of four years.
Which of the statements given
above is/are correct?
(a) 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

54 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

87 Art and With reference to Manipuri B Sankirtana encompasses an array M F http://ccrtindi EM Knowledge
Culture Sankirtana, consider the of arts performed to mark a.gov.in/mani about
following statements: religious occasions and various puri.php UNESCO world
1. It is a song and dance stages in the life of the Vaishnava http://pib.nic.i Heritage sites
performance. people of the Manipur plains. n/newsite/bac in India.
2. Cymbals are the only Sankirtana practices centre on the kgrounders.as
musical instruments used in temple, where performers narrate px?relid=1024
the performance. the lives and deeds of Krishna 93
3. It is performed to narrate through song and dance. Hence, https://ich.un
the life and deeds of Lord statement 1 and 3 are correct. esco.org/en/R
Krishna. In a typical performance, two L/sankirtana-
Which of the statements drummers and about ten singer- ritual-singing-
given above is/are correct? dancers perform in a hall or drumming-
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 3 only domestic courtyard encircled by and-dancing-
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1 only seated devotees. Hence, of-manipur-
statement 2 is not correct. 00843
88 Modern Who among the following C In the British territories in the M F NCERT Class 8 EM To check the All India test series, test 2121
History was/were associated with south there was a similar move - Our Pasts - factual With regard to Warren
the introduction of Ryotwari away from the idea of Permanent Ch3 - Ruling knowledge. Hastings, consider the following
Settlement in India during Settlement. The new system that The Country statements:
the British Rule? was devised came to be known as Side PAGE 1. He facilitated the
1. Lord Cornwallis the ryotwar (or ryotwari ). It was NUMBER-29 establishment of Ryotwari
2. Alexander Read tried on a small scale by Captain System in Madras.
3. Thomas Munro Alexander Reed in some of the 2. He believed in the policy of
Select the correct answer areas that were taken over by the Orientalism as a means of
using the code given below: Company after the wars with Tipu governance of the natives.
(a) 1 only Sultan. Subsequently developed 3. The defeat of British in the
(b) 1 and 3 only by Thomas Munro, this system Second Anglo-Mysore War was
(c) 2 and 3 only was gradually extended all over a reason for his impeachment
(d) 1, 2 and 3 south India. Lord Cornwallis was in England.
asscoiated with Zamindari/ Which of the statements given
Permanent Settlement above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
89 Environment In the context of solving C Statement 1 is correct. D FA Vision IAS EM Bioremediatio All India Test series 2126, 2354
pollution problems, what Bioremediation is treatment that environment n is constantly With reference to
is/are the uses naturally occurring material. in news due to Bioremediation, consider the
advantage/advantages of organisms to break down recent following statements:
bioremediation technique? hazardous substances into less incidents of oil 1. No toxic chemicals are used
1. It is a technique for toxic or non-toxic substances. It spill and in this process.
cleaning up pollution by uses microorganisms to degrade pollution. 2. It is limited to those
55 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 enhancing the same organic contaminants in soil, compounds which are
biodegradation process that groundwater, sludge, and solids. biodegradable.
occurs in nature. The microorganisms break down 3. It requires anaerobic
2. Any contaminant with contaminants by using them as an conditions to be effective.
heavy metals such as energy source or cometabolizing Which of the statements given
cadmium and lead can be them with an energy source. above is/are correct?
readily and completely Statement 2 is not correct. Not all (a) 1 only
treated by bioremediation contaminants are easily treated (b) 2 and 3 only
using microorganisms. by bioremediation using (c) 1 and 2 only
3. Genetic engineering can microorganisms. For example, (d) 1, 2 and 3
be used to create heavy metals such as cadmium
microorganisms specifically and lead are not readily absorbed
designed for bioremediation. or captured by microorganisms.
Select the correct answer Statement 3 is correct. Genetic
using the code given below: engineering has been used to
(a) 1 only create organisms designed for
(b) 2 and 3 only specific purposes. For e.g.
(c) 1 and 3 only bacterium Deinococcus
(d) 1, 2 and 3 radiodurans (the most
radioresistant organism known)
has been modified to consume
and digest toluene and ionic
mercury from highly radioactive
nuclear waste.
90 Modern The Trade Disputes Act of D Trade Disputes Act (TDA), 1929 D F India's EM To check the
History 1929 provided for made compulsory the struggle for basic and
(a) the participation of appointment of Courts of Inquiry independence factual
workers in the management and Consultation Boards for , Bipin knowledge.
of industries. settling industrial disputes; chandra and
(b) arbitrary powers to the • made illegal the strikes in public Spectrum
management to quell utility services like posts, railways, page no.346
industrial disputes. water and electricity, unless each
(c) an intervention by the individual worker planning to go
British Court in the event of a on strike gave an advance notice
trade dispute. of one month to the
(d) a system of tribunals and administration;
a ban on strikes. • forbade trade union activity of
coercive or purely political nature
and even sympathetic strikes.

56 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

91 Polity and Local self-government can be B In January 1957, the Government E F Laxmikanth RM to check basic VisionIAS Test Series Test
Governance best explained as an exercise of India appointed a committee to Ch-Panchayati polity Series-2105,2203
in examine the working of the Raj underlying Consider the following
(a) Federalism Community Development principle statements regarding the 73rd
(b) Democratic Programme (1952) and the Constitutional Amendment act:
decentralization National Extension Service (1953) 1. It added a new part and a
(c) Administrative delegation and to suggest measures for their new schedule to the
(d) Direct democracy better working. The chairman of Constitution of India.
this committee was Balwant Rai G 2. It promoted the process of
Mehta. The committee submitted democratic decentralisation.
its report in November 1957 and 3. It has brought panchayati raj
recommended the establishment institutions under the
of the scheme of ‘democratic justiciable part of Constitution.
decentralisation’, which Which of the above statements
ultimately came to be known as are correct?
Panchayati Raj. (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1 and 2 only
92 Polity and Consider the following D Directive Principles of state policy M F Laxmikanth EM To check basic
Governance statements: With reference cannot act as Ch-Directive polity
to the Constitution of India, constraints/limitations on the Principles of knowledge
the Directive Principles of government because they are not State Policy
State Policy constitute enforceable and they are
limitations upon fundamental to the governance of
1. legislative function. a country. Fundamental Rights
2. executive function. operate as limitations on the
Which of the above tyranny of the executive and
statements is/are correct? arbitrary laws of the legislature.
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
93 Current The term ‘Digital Single C The Digital Single Market strategy D CA http://indiane RR In May 2017,
Affairs Market Strategy’ seen in the was adopted by European Union xpress.com/ar EU published
news refers to on the 6 May 2015 and includes ticle/business/ the mid-term
(a) ASEAN 16 specific initiatives which aims economy/eu- review of the
(b) BRICS to open up digital opportunities model-well- Digital Single
(c) EU for people and business and suited-for- Market
(d) G20 enhance Europe's position as a indias- Strategy.
world leader in the digital structure-2/
economy. https://ec.eur
opa.eu/digital-
single-
57 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 market/en/pol
icies/shaping-
digital-single-
market
94 Geography At one of the place in India, if C Chandipur is located in Balasore D U http://indiato RR It is a
you stand on the seashore district. This beach is unique in day.intoday.in phenomenon
and watch the sea, ‘you will the whole world no where on /story/odisha- unique only to
find that the sea water earth you can find a beach where orissa- Chandipur
recedes from the shore line a the sea water retreats inside the chandipur- beach, India.
few kilometres and comes sea from 1km to 5Km every day beach-hide- Chandipur-on-
back to the shore, twice a and it again comes back to the and-seek- sea is also the
day, and you can actually shore slowly during high tide. This beach-travel- location of the
walk on the sea floor when happens twice every day. It is also india-tourism- Indian Army's
the water recedes. This known as Odisha's Hide and Seek lifetr/1/78164 Integrated
unique phenomenon is seen Beach. Bhavnagar has highest 1.html Test Range
at (a) Bhavnagar tidal range in India. http://odishat and is often
(b) Bheemunipatnam ourism.gov.in/ seen in news.
(c) Chandipur ?q=node/97
(d) Nagapattinam
95 Current With reference to the B Salient features of Prohibition of D CA http://www.b EN Benami PT365 Economy
Affairs ‘Prohibition of Benami Benami Property Transaction Act, usiness- Property
Property Transaction Act, 1988 (PBPT Act)- standard.com/ Transactions
1988 (PBPT Act)’, consider - The PBPT Act defines benami article/econo Act, 1988 was
the following statements: transactions, prohibits them and my-policy/ls- amended and
1. A property transaction is further provides that violation of okays- renamed as
not treated as a benami the PBPT Act is punishable with changes-to- renamed as
transaction if the owner of imprisonment and fine. The PBPT benami- Prohibition of
the property is not aware of Act prohibits recovery of the property-law- Benami
the transaction. property held benami from 11607270153 Property
2. Properties held benami benamidar by the real owner. 3_1.html Transactions
are liable for confiscation by - The definition of a benami http://pib.nic.i Act, 1988
the Government. transaction has been widened to n/newsite/Pri (PBPT Act).
3. The Act provides for three include a transaction made in a ntRelease.asp
authorities for investigations fictitious name; where the owner x?relid=15308
but does not provide for any is not aware or denies knowledge 5
appellate mechanism. of the ownership of the property
Which of the statements or the person providing the
given above is/are correct? consideration for the property is
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only not traceable.
(c) 1 and 3 only - Properties held benami are liable
(d) 2 and 3 only for confiscation by the
58 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 Government without payment of
compensation.
- An appellate mechanism has
been provided under the PBPT Act
in the form of Adjudicating
Authority and Appellate Tribunal.
96 Environment Due to some reasons, if C Statement 1 and 3 are correct. D FA http://www.t RR To check the
there is a huge fall in the Butterflies are pollinating insects. hehindu.com/ basic concepts
population of species of They help in pollination of many news/cities/Ti and its
butterflies, what could be its flowering plants. ruchirapalli/w applicability.
likely Butterflies also act as a lower hen-
consequence/consequences? member of the food chain. A butterflies-
1. Pollination of some plants number of animals, including birds take-a-
could be adversely affected. and mice feed on butterfly. As hit/article792
2. There could be a drastic populations of butterfly diminish, 8831.ece
increase in the fungal so will populations of birds and
infections of some cultivated other animals that rely on them as
plants. a food source. This loss of the
3. It could lead to a fall in the butterfly is the beginning of the
population of some species “butterfly effect.”
of wasps, spiders and birds. Statement 2 is not correct.
Select the correct using the
code given below:
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
97 Environment It is possible to produce B Statement 1 is incorrect. D FCA http://www.fa RR In news
algae based biofuels, but Production of algal biofuel is o.org/3/a-
what is/are the likely possible both in seas and on ak333e.pdf
limitation(s) of developing continents. They can grow on http://www.t
countries in promoting this marginal or non-crop land and hehindubusin
industry? also on brackish or polluted essline.com/e
1. Production of algae based water. Land based systems are conomy/agri-
biofuels is possible in seas more developed then sea based business/india
only and not on continents. systems. -can-be-a-
2. Setting up and engineering Statements 2 and 3 are correct. world-leader-
the algae based biofuels Developing and engineering ABB in-algal-
production requires high technology requires a high level of farming-says-
level of expertise/ expertise until construction is us-
technology until the finished. expert/article
construction is complete. Innovation for higher productivity 9449569.ece
59 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 3. Economically viable also requires some knowledge
production necessitates the and/or experience. All Algal based
setting up of large scale biofuel concepts require
facilities which may raise significant capital investment.
ecological and social Access to this technology by the
concerns. poor may be difficult. Large-scale
Select the correct answer facilities are more economically
using the code given below: viable, but are also more likely to
(a) 1 and 2 only have higher social and ecological
(b) 2 and 3 only impacts.
(c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
98 Current Which of the following are A There are two components of the D CA http://pib.nic.i EM The Union
Affairs the objectives of ‘National National Nutrition Mission as n/newsite/Pri Budget 2016
Nutrition Mission’? follows: ntRelease.asp increased
1. To create awareness 1. Information, Education and x?relid=10319 allocations for
relating to malnutrition Communication (IEC) Campaign 2 the National
among pregnant women and against malnutrition http://timesof Nutrition
lactating mothers. 2. Multi-sectoral Nutrition india.indiatim Mission and
2. To reduce the incidence of Programme es.com/india/ establishment
anaemia among young The key objectives of these Nutrition- of new labs
children, adolescent girls and programmes are as under: Mission-gets- for testing
women. - To create awareness relating to new- food given
3. To promote the malnutrition amongst pregnant boost/articles under the
consumption of millets, women, lactating mothers, how/5124807 scheme.
coarse cereals and promote healthy lactating 8.cms Global
unpolished rice. practices and importance of Nutrition
4. To promote the balanced nutrition; Report
consumption of poultry eggs. - To improve maternal and child
Select the correct answer under-nutrition in 200 high
using the code given below: burdened districts and to prevent
(a) 1 and 2 only and reduce the under-nutrition
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only prevalent among children below 3
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only years;
(d) 3 and 4 only - To reduce incidence of anaemia
among young children, adolescent
girls and women.
99 Modern Consider the following B To improve the lot of the factory D F India's EM To check the
History statements: workers in towns, he passed the struggle for basic
1. The Factories Act, 1881 first Factory Act in 1881. The Act independence knowledge.
was passed with a view to fix prohibited the employment of , Bipin
the wages of industrial children under the age of seven, chandra,
60 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 workers and to allow the limited the number of working Chapter - the
workers to form trade hours for children below the age Indian
unions. of twelve and required that working class
2. N. M. Lokhande was a dangerous machinery should be and the
pioneer in organizing the fenced properly. national
labour movement in British The Act also made provision for movment
India. one hour rest during the working
Which of the above period and four days leave in a
statements is/are correct? month for the workers. Inspectors
(a) 1 only were appointed to supervise the
(b) 2 only implementation of these
(c) Both 1 and 2 measures. Hence there is no
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 provision for fixed wage and
formation of trade unions.
Narayan Meghaji Lokhande was a
pioneer of the labour movement
in India. He is remembered not
only for ameliorating the working
conditions of textile mill-hands in
the 19th century but also for his
courageous initiatives on caste
and communal issues.
100 Environment In the context of mitigating D Carbon sequestration is the M FCA http://www.t RR Carbon All India Test Series Tests 2138,
the impending global process involved in carbon hehindu.com/ sequestration 2132
warming due to capture and the long-term storage sci- and its Oceans are considered to be a
anthropogenic emissions of of atmospheric carbon dioxide. tech/energy- methods are big reservoir of carbon sink. In
carbon dioxide, which of the Geological sequestration involves and- often seen in this context, which of the
following can be potential the storage of CO2 underground environment/ news. UPSC following may provide for the
sites for carbon in depleted oil and gas reservoirs, Carving-out-a- has gone one mechanism of ocean
sequestration? saline formations or deep, un- model-for- step further to sequestration?
1. Abandoned and minable coal beds. enhancing- ask potential 1. Introduction of iron into
uneconomic coal seams CO2- sites for oceans
2. Depleted oil and gas sinks/article14 geological 2. Introduction of urea into
reservoirs 001561.ece carbon oceans
3. Subterranean deep saline sequestration. 3. Direct injection of carbon
formations dioxide in the ocean
Select the correct answer Select the correct answer using
using the code given below: the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

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 TOPIC

Topic Number of Questions

Modern History 7
Medieval History 1
Ancient History 1
Art and Culture 5
Science and
Technology 4
Economics 6
Geography 8
Polity and
Governance 22
Environment 13
Current Affairs 33
Grand Total 100

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 DIFFICULTY

Difficulty Number of Questions

E - Easy 27

M - Medium 37

D - Difficult 36

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 NATURE

Nature Number of Questions

CA – Current Affair 15

CAA – Current Affair

Applied 20

F – Fundamental 31

FA – Fundamental

Applied 15

FCA – Fundamental and

Current Affair 10

U - Unconventional 9

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 SOURCE TYPE

Source Type Number of Questions

EM – Essential Material 37

RM – Reference Material 7

EN – Essential News 37

RR – Random Read 19

Grand Total 100

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 SECTIONWISE DIFFICULTY

66 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 Easy Medium Difficult Total

Economics 2 4 0 6

Ancient History 0 0 1 1

Modern History 1 3 3 7

Medieval History 0 0 1 1

Science and Technology 0 1 3 4

Geography 0 3 5 8

Polity and Governance 10 8 4 22

Environment 3 4 6 13

Art and Culture 1 1 3 5

Current Affairs 10 13 10 33

Total 27 37 36 100

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