Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Read the following passage and answer the items that follow. Your answers to these items should be based on the passages only.


Read  the following  passage and answer the items that follow. Your answers to these items should be based on the passages only.

The concept of 'creative society' refers to a phase of development of a society in which a large number of potential contradictions become articulate and active. This is most evident when oppressed social groups get politically mobilised and demand their rights. The upsurge of the peasants and tribals, the movements for regional autonomy and self-determination, the environmental movements, and the women's movements in the developing countries are signs of emergence of creative society in contemporary times. The forms of social movements and their intensity may vary from country to country and place to place within a country. But the very presence of movements for social transformation in various spheres of a society indicates the emergence of a creative society in a country.
6. What does the author imply by "creative society" ?
1. A society where diverse art forms and literary writings seck incentive.
2. A society where social inequalities are accepted as the norm.
3. A society where a large number of contradictions are recognised.
4. A society where' the exploited and the oppressed groups grow conscious of. their human rights and upliftment.
Select the correct answerusing the codes given below :
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 4 only
(c) 3 and 4
(d) 2 and 4
Ans: c
7. What according to the passage are the manifestations of social movements?
1. Aggressiveness and being incendiary.
2. Instigation by external forces.
3. Quest for social equality and individual freedom.
4. Urge for granting privileges and self-respect to disparaged sections of the society.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: c
8. With reference to the passage. consider the following statements:
1. To be a creative society, it is essential to have a variety of social movements.
2. To be a creative society, it is imperative to have potential contradictions and conflicts.
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
Ans: c
9. Consider the following three statements:
1. Only students can participate in the race.
2. Some participants in the race are girls.                
3. All girl participants in the race are invited for coaching.
Which one of the following conclusions can be drawn from the above statements?
(a) All participants in the race are invited for coaching.
(b) All students are invited for coaching.                
(c) All participants in the race are students.
(d) None of the statements (a), (b) and (c) given above is correct.
Ans: c

Read each of the following two passages and answer the items that follow. Your answers to these items should be based on the passages only.


Read each of the following two passages and answer the items that follow. Your answers to these items should be based on the passages only.
Passage-I
For achieving inclusive growth there is-a critical need to rethink the-role of the State. The early debate among economists about the size of the Goverment can be misleading. The need of the hour is to have an enabling Government. India is too large and complex a nation for the State to be able to deliver all that is needed. Asking the Government to produse all the essential goods, create all the necessary jobs, and keep a curb on the prices of all goods is to lead to a large cumbersome bureaucracy and widespread corruption. The aim must be to stay with the objective of inclusive growth that was laid down by the founding fathers of the nation and also to take a more modern view of what the State can realistically deliver. This is what leads to the idea of an enabling State, that is, a Government that does not try to directly deliver to the citizens everything that they need. Instead, it (1) creates an enabling ethos for the market so that individual enterprise can flourish and citizens can, for the most part, provide for the needs of one another, and (2) steps in to help those who do not manage to do well for themselves, for there will always be individuals, no matter what the system, who need support and help. Hence we need a Government that, when it comes to the market, sets effective, incentive-compatible rules and remains on the sidelines with minimal interference, and, at the same time, plays an important role in directly helping the poor by ensuring  that they get basic education and health services and receive adequate  nutrition and food .
1. According to passage :
1. The objective of inclusive growth was laid down by the founding fathers of the nation.
2. Need of the hour is to have an enabling Government.
3. The Government should engage III maximum interference in market processes.
4. There is a need to change the size of the Government.
Which of the statements given above are correct ?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: a
2. According to the passage, the strategy of inclusive growth can be effected by focussing on
(a) meeting all the needs of every citizen in the country.
(b) Increasing the regulations over the manufacturing sector.
(c) Controlling the distribution of manufacturing goods.
(d) Delivery of the basic services to the deprived sections of the society.
Ans: d

3. What constitutes an enabling Government?
1. A large bureaucracy.
2. Implementationof welfare programmes through representatives.
3. Creating an ethos that helps individual enterprise
4. Providing resources to those who are underprivileged.
5. Offering direct help to the poor regarding basic services.
Select the correct answer from the codes given below :
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 4 and 5 only
(c) 3, 4 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Ans: c
4. Why is the State unable to deliver "all thai is needed"?
1. It does not. have sufficient bureaucracy.
2. It does not promote inclusive growth.
Select the correct answer from the codes given below :
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: d
5. What is essential message being conveyed by the author of the passage ?
(a) The objectives of inclusive growth laid down by the foundings fathers of the nation should be remembered.
(b) The Government needs to make available more schools and health sevices.
(c) The Government needs to establish markets and industries to meet the needs of the poor strata of the society.
(d) There is a need to rethink the role of the State in achieving inclusive growth.
Ans: d

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Consider the following statements about heritage :


Consider the following statements about heritage :
1. Heritage is that which has been or may be inherited.
2. Heritage is anything given or received to be a proper possession.
Which of these statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer (C)

Which term is used to describe the spread of Buddhism from India through Southeast Asia?


Which term is used to describe the spread of Buddhism from India through Southeast Asia?
(a) Social mobility
(b) Cultural diffusion
(c) Ethnocentrism
(d) interdependence

Answer is (B)

Archaeological studies suggest the theory that

Archaeological studies suggest the theory that
  (a) All the continents were settled with human societies at about the same time
(b) Farming societies developed before hunting and gathering
(c) The earliest human evolved in the Rift valley in East Africa
(d) The wheel was in use in all ancient societies
 answer (C)

Which one of the following sets of industries were among first modern industries in India ?


Which one of the following sets of industries were among first modern industries in India ?

(a)  Tea, Cotton and Sugar
(b)  Jute, Silk and Cotton
(c) Cotton, Jute and Coal-Mines
(d)  Sugar, Silk and Steel

(C) is correct

Which one of the following statements is true about red soil ?


Which one of the following statements is true about red soil ?
(a) It is rich in humus.
(b) It is rich in potash.
(c) It is rich in iron compounds.
(d) It is derived from volcanic origin.

(C) is correct.

A cultivator has about two hectares of rain fed land without irrigation facilities. Which type of crops would he like to grow?


A cultivator has about two hectares of rain fed land without irrigation facilities. Which type of crops would he like to grow?
1. Jowar
2. Cotton
3. Arhar
4. Potatoes

answer (D)

Which of the following options is the closest in meaning to the word CIRCUITOUS ?

Which of the following options is the closest in meaning to the word CIRCUITOUS ? (a) Indirect (b) Confusing (c) Crooked (d) Cyclic closed meaning is (A)

Choose the word which is the nearest opposite to the meaning of the underlined word : I wish I could pursue my studies.


 Choose the word which is the nearest opposite to the meaning of the underlined word :
I wish I could pursue my studies.

(a) Discontinue
(b) Abandon
(c) Restrain
(d) Deter

Answer (A)

Which of the following pairs of words expresses the same relationship as in ELUSIVE : CAPTURE ?

Which of the following pairs of words expresses the same relationship as in ELUSIVE : CAPTURE ? (a) Sensible : decide (b) Headstrong: controlled (c) Elastic : stretch (d) Persuasive : convince Answer (B)

A judgment made before all the facts are known must be called :


 A judgment made before all the facts are known must be called :

(a) Deliberate
(b) Sensible ,
(c) Premature
(d) Harsh

Answer (C)

Which of the following is NOT one of the features of the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) being set up for promoting exports ?


Which of the following is NOT one of the features of the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) being set up for promoting exports ?

(a) Foreign workers will be allowed free entry without Visa restrictions.
(b) The SEZ area will be treated as foreign territory for trade operations, duties and tariff.
(c) Them will be no routine examination by customs authorities of import-export cargo.
(d) No license is required for import into the zone.

Answer (A)

Structural Planning refers to ..


 Structural Planning refers to .

(a) Centralized planning,
(b) Laying down broad goals and strategics.
(c) Changing existing institutions or creating new ones.
(d) Fixing flexible targets.

Answer (C)

Friday, October 26, 2012

If the RBI adopts an expansionist open market operations policy, this means it will


If the RBI adopts an expansionist open market operations policy, this means it will

(a) Sell securities in the open market.
(b) Buy securities from non-government holders.
(c) Openly announce to the market that it intends to expand credit.
(d) Offer commercial banks more credit in the open market

Answer (B)

Which of the following are the main causes of the slow rate of growth of per capita income in India?


Which of the following are the main causes of the slow rate of growth of per capita income in India?

1. High rate of capital formation
2. High level of fiscal deficits
3. High rate of growth of population

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

answer (D)

It is said that. in order to control inflation, foreign inflow needs to be sterilized. Sterilization here refers to


It is said that. in order to control inflation, foreign inflow needs to be sterilized. Sterilization here refers to

(a) Ensuring that counterfeit currency does not enter circulation,
(b) Ensuring that black money is accounted for,
(c) Withdrawing equivalent local currency to maintain a desirable rate of exchange,
(d) Compliance with import-export regulations,

Answer is (C)

Which of the following can be termed an infrastructural bottleneck in the development of India’s economy ?


Which of the following can be termed an infrastructural bottleneck in the development of India’s economy ?

(a) The federal nature of Indian Polity.
(b) Existence of a large variety of financial institutions
(c) Delay in the administration of justice relating to land acquisition and displacement
(d) The volatility of the Indian rupee

ANSWER IS C

Inflation can be controlled by


 Inflation can be controlled by

(a) Increase in wages
(b) Decrease in taxation
(c) Reduction in public expenditure
(d) Making the rupee dearer

Option (D)

Bancassurance is


 Bancassurance is

(a) An insurance scheme to insure bank deposits
(b) An insurance scheme exclusively for bank employees
(c) A composite financial service offering both bank and insurance products
(d) A bank deposit scheme exclusively for employees of insurance companies

Option (C)

Which one of the following expresses the relation between normal price and market price?


 Which one of the following expresses the relation between normal price and market price?

(a) Market price is greater than normal price
(b) Market price is equal to normal price
(c) Market price tends to be equal to normal price
(d) Market price is lesser than normal price
Answer (C)

The newly introduced rupee symbol is based on


The newly introduced rupee symbol is based on

(a) Roman and Greek script
(b) Persian and Dravidian script
(c) Roam and Devanagari script
(d) Greek and Devanagari script

(C) is true

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

The CAG

The CAG is the institution through which the accountability of the government and other public authorities — all those who spend public funds — to Parliament and State Legislatures and through them to the people is ensured. Further, if the CAG is bound by his (or her) oath of office to uphold the Constitution, can he (she) refrain from commenting on something that prima facie seems unconstitutional? If the government were to formulate a scheme or policy that selectively confers benefits from public funds on an individual or group to the exclusion of others on no stated grounds, or on grounds which seem questionable, would it not be the CAG's duty to point this out?

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Which of the following statements is true about Industrial Policy since 1991?


Which of the following statements is true about Industrial Policy since 1991?

(a) Only 5 industrial related to security, strategic and environmental concerns require Industrial License.
(b) An investor need not file an industrial entrepreneur Memorendum.
(c) There is no reservation of products for production in small scale sectors.
(d) The number of industries reserved for public sector has been enhanced.

A is true

Despite having huge coal reserve in OUT country, why do we import millions of tons of coal?

Despite having huge coal reserve in OUT country, why do we import millions of tons of coal?
  1. It is policy of Govt. of India to save its own coal reserve for future use and import now from other countries for present use.
  2. Most of the thermal plants in our country are coal based and they are unable to gel sufficient coal supply from our coal mines.
  3. Steel plants require large quantities of coking coal which we do not have, coking coal is to be imported from other countries.
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1 and 3 only

Answer (b)

Why was Justice Dalveer Bhandari in the news recently ?

Why was Justice Dalveer Bhandari in the news recently ?

(a) He became member of UN Human Rights Council,
(b) He was elected to the International Court of Justice.
(c) He became Director General of World Trade Organization.
(d) He became Secretary-General of SAARC

Answer (B)

Who won the Golden Boot Award in the recently concluded UEFA Euro 2012


 Who won the Golden Boot Award in the recently concluded UEFA Euro 2012

(a) Fernando Torres (Spain)
(b) Mario Balotelli (Italy)
(c) Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
(d) Mario Gonna (Germany)

Answer (A).

The regional project by name ‘CASA-1000′ (Central Asia-South Asia-1000), funded by World Bank, pertains to the field of :


 The regional project by name ‘CASA-1000′ (Central Asia-South Asia-1000), funded by World Bank, pertains to the field of :

(a) Eradication of HIV AIDS
(b) Roads and Buildings
(c) Electricity
(d) Eradication of illiteracy

Answer C

Vultures, which were very common in our countryside a few years ago, are rarely seen nowadays. This is attributed to one of the Following :

Vultures, which were very common in our countryside a few years ago, are rarely seen nowadays. This is attributed to one of the Following : (a) Destruction of their nesting sites by new invasive species (b) A drug used by cattle owners for treating their diseased cattle (c) Scarcity of food available to them (d) A widespread, persistent and fatal disease amongst them Answer (B)

Which of the following can be threats to the biodiversity of a geographical area ?


Which of the following can be threats to the biodiversity of a geographical area ?
1. Global warming
2. Fragmentation of habitats
3. Invasion of alien species
4. Promotion of vegetarianism
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 2 and 4 only
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer is (A)

‘Kyoto Protocol’, an agreement signed by various countries, is associated with (a) International trade


 ‘Kyoto Protocol’, an agreement signed by various countries, is associated with
(a) International trade
(b) Deep sea oil and mineral exploration
(c) Clean environment and climate change
(d) Building common food stock to save

Answer:(C)

Biome, largest recognizable assemblage of animals and plants on the Earth. is controlled mainly by :


Biome, largest recognizable assemblage of animals and plants on the Earth. is controlled mainly by :

(a) Biological activity
(b) Landforms
(c) Climate
(d) Soil

answer is c

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

118 Tigers have been spotted in Kaziranga.

Rise in number of tigers have been recorded at Kaziranga National Park in a study done with the latest camera trap technique used to make estimates of big cat population in an area. 118 Tigers have been spotted in Kaziranga.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Which of the following is/ are among the fundamental Duties of citizens laid down in the Indian Constitution?


 Which of the following is/ are among the fundamental Duties of citizens laid down in the Indian Constitution?

1. To preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture
2. To protect the weaker sections from social injustice
3. To develop the scientific temper and spirit of inquiry
4. To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 only
c) 1, 3 and 4 only
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: C

How do District Rural Development Agencies (DRDAs) help in the reduction of rural poverty in India?


 How do District Rural Development Agencies (DRDAs) help in the reduction of rural poverty in India?

1. DRDAs act as Panchayati Raj Institutions in certain specified backward regions of the country.
2. DRDAs undertake area-specific scientific study of the cause of poverty and malnutrition and prepare detailed remedial measures.
3. DRDAs secure inter-sectoral and inter-departmental coordination and cooperation for effective implementation of anti-poverty programmes.
4. DRDAs watch over and ensure effective utilisation of the funds intended for anti-poverty programme.
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
A. 1, 2 and 3 only
B. 3 and 4 only
C. 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: B

A deadlock between the Lok Sabha and Rajyasabha calls for a joint sitting of the parliament during the passage of


 A deadlock between the Lok Sabha and Rajyasabha calls for a joint sitting of the parliament during the passage of

1. ordinary legislation
2. money bill
3. constitution amendment bill
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

Answer: A

According to the Constitution of India, it is the duty of the President of India to cause to be laid before the Parliament which of the following?


According to the Constitution of India, it is the duty of the President of India to cause to be laid before the Parliament which of the following?

1. The Recommendations of the Union Finance Commission
2. The Report of the Public Accounts Committee
3. The Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General
4. The Report of the National Commission for the Scheduled Castes
Select the correct answer the using the codes given below:
A. 1 only
B. 2 and 4 only
C. 1, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: C

Consider the following:


 Consider the following:

1. Hotels and restaurants
2. Motor Transport undertakings
3. Newspaper Establishments
4. Private Medical Institutions
The Employers of which of the above can have the social Security coverage under Employees State Insurance Scheme?
A. 1, 2 and 3 only
B. 4 only
C. 1, 3 and only 4
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: D

With reference to the Delimitation Commission, consider the following statements:


With reference to the Delimitation Commission, consider the following statements:

1. The orders of the Delimitation Commission cannot be challenged in a Court of Law.
2. When the orders of the Delimitation Commission are laid before the Lok Sabha or State Legislative Assembly, they cannot effect any modifications in the orders.
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

Answer: C

The Prime Minister of India, at the time of his/ her appointment

The Prime Minister of India, at the time of his/ her appointment A. need not necessarily be a member of one of the Houses of the Parliament but must become a member of one of the Houses within six months B. need not necessarily be a member of one of the Houses of the Parliament but must become a member of the Lok Sabha within six months C. must be a member of one of the Houses of the parliament D. must be a member of the Lok Sabha Answer: A

The endeavour of Janani suraksha yojana programme is


The endeavour of Janani suraksha yojana programme is
1. to promote institutional deliveries
2. to provide monetary assistance to the mother to meet the cost of delivery
3. to provide for wage loss due to pregnancy and confinements
Which of the above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 only
C. 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A

In India other than ensuring that public funds are used efficiently and for intended purpose what is the importance of the office of the CAG?


In India other than ensuring that public funds are used efficiently and for intended purpose what is the importance of the office of the CAG?

1.CAG exercises exchequer control on behalf of the parliament when the president of India declares national emergency/ financial emergency
2.CAG reports on the execution of projects or programmes by the ministries are discussed by the PAC/
3.Information form CAG reports can be used by investigating agencies to press charges against those who have violated the law while managing public finances.
4.While dealing with audit and accounting of govt. companies. CAG has certain judicial powers for prosecuting those who violate the law.
Which of the above are correct?

a] 1, 3 and 4 only
b] 2 only
c] 2 and 3 only
d] 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: C

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

The launch of INSAT-4A during December 2005, INSAT-4B in and INSAT- 4CR in 2007 have ushered in Direct To Home (DTH) television services in the country.

The launch of INSAT-4A during December 2005, INSAT-4B in and INSAT- 4CR in 2007 have ushered in Direct To Home (DTH) television services in the country. Television reaches 85 percent of India's population via INSAT.Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSAT) have revolutionised our telecommunications sector. INSAT supports over 20,000 VSATs for e-commerce and e-governance.

The INSAT series, commissioned in 1983...

The INSAT series, commissioned in 1983, has today become one of the largest domestic satellites systems in the Asia-Pacific region comprising nine satellites in service.

Indian Space Research Organisation

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully operationalised two major satellite systems namely Indian National Satellites (INSAT) for communication services and Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites for management of natural resources.

GSAT-10 satellite

In the second orbit-raising exercise, the perigee (nearest point to earth) of GSAT-10 satellite has successfully been raised to 31,822 km from 16,427 km.

Trishul missile

It has a range of 9 km and is fitted with a 5.5 kg HE-fragmented warhead.The missile can engage targets like aircraft and helicopters, flying between 300 m/s and 500 m/s by using its radar command-to-line-of-sight guidance.

Agni-II

Both stages of the Agni-II have a solid propulsion system, which allows the missile to be mobile and flexible. Assuming that Agni-II is to be deployed in India’s north-eastern region and even given a 2,000+ km range, Agni-II can still not reach vast parts of China - including Beijing, which is over 3000 km away.

Agni

The first Agni test occurred on 22 May 1989, and two more tests were conducted on 29 May 1992 and 19 February 1994.The first prototype of an operational variant, the Agni-II, was tested on 11 April 1999

The Astra will have a maximum range of 80 km.

The Astra missile programme is headed by the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO).A model of the Astra was first shown to the public at Aero India in December 1998. Development of this missile is likely to take about seven to eight years. The Astra will have a maximum range of 80 km.