2016

India is a key participant in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), a global nuclear fusion research and engineering megaproject. ITER is set to become the world's largest magnetic confinement plasma physics experiment, aiming to demonstrate the feasibility of fusion as a large-scale, sustainable energy source.


India's involvement in ITER provides technological expertise, research collaboration, and industrial capabilities, which can significantly contribute to its future efforts in developing nuclear fusion reactors for commercial power generation. By participating in this international project, India gains access to cutting-edge advancements in fusion technology, potentially paving the way for its own fusion-based energy infrastructure. Hence, the correct answer is option D.

Statement 1 is correct: Agenda 21 is a comprehensive global action plan adopted at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), also known as the Rio Earth Summit, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992. It provides a framework for achieving sustainable development by integrating environmental protection, social equity, and economic growth at global, national, and local levels.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD), held in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2002, reviewed and reaffirmed the commitments made under Agenda 21 but did not introduce it. Instead, the summit focused on assessing progress, strengthening implementation, and launching new initiatives, including the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation (JPOI).

Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) attempts to create financial value for the carbon stored in forests, offering incentives for developing countries to reduce emissions from forested lands and invest in low-carbon paths to sustainable development.

REDD goes beyond deforestation and forest degradation, and includes the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks. REDD has the potential to simultaneously contribute to climate change mitigation and poverty alleviation, whilst also conserving biodiversity and sustaining vital ecosystem services.

Protection of biodiversity: Forests are incredibly diverse ecosystems, and protecting them through REDD initiatives helps safeguard countless species of plants and animals. Resilience of forest ecosystems: By reducing deforestation and degradation, REDD helps maintain healthy forests that can better withstand natural disturbances like droughts, floods, and pests. Poverty reduction: Many forest communities rely on forests for their livelihoods. REDD programs can provide financial incentives for sustainable forest management, creating income opportunities and alleviating poverty.

Therefore, the correct answer is 1, 2 and 3.

Statement 1 is correct: The International Solar Alliance (ISA) was launched by India and France on November 30, 2015, during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 21) in Paris. The primary aim of ISA is to promote solar energy deployment, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and support sustainable energy solutions, particularly in developing countries.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Initially, ISA was open only to 121 solar-rich countries located between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn (the "Sun Belt"), as these regions receive abundant solar radiation throughout the year.

*However, in 2018, ISA expanded its membership to include all UN member states, allowing countries beyond the tropics to join and benefit from solar energy initiatives. This change made ISA a more inclusive global platform for promoting solar energy adoption worldwide.*

Statement 1 is Correct. Mobile telephone companies and supermarket chains owned and controlled by residents can be promoters of Payment Banks. This allows entities with a wide reach to expand financial services to unbanked populations.

Statement 2 is Incorrect. Payment Banks cannot issue credit cards. They can only issue debit cards linked to a pre-existing bank account.

Statement 3 is Correct. Payment Banks are not allowed to undertake lending activities. Their focus is on facilitating basic banking services like deposits, payments, and money transfers.

Mission Indradhanush was launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India, in December 2014.

Key Features of Mission Indradhanush: * Objective: To achieve full immunization coverage for all children up to two years of age and pregnant women. * Disease Coverage: It provides life-saving vaccines against several diseases, including Diphtheria, Whooping Cough, Tetanus, Polio, Tuberculosis, Measles, Meningitis, and Hepatitis B. * Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI): Subsequent phases like IMI 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0 were launched to further reach unvaccinated or partially vaccinated children in remote and high-priority districts.

Note: Do not confuse this with the 'Indradhanush Plan' for Public Sector Banks (PSBs), which is a separate framework for banking reforms.

Hence, option A is the correct answer.

The Montagu-Chelmsford Proposals were aimed at the gradual introduction of self-governing institutions in India. They led to the enactment of the Government of India Act 1919, which introduced several landmark constitutional changes:

- Dyarchy in Provinces: It divided provincial subjects into two parts—Transferred (administered by the Governor with the aid of ministers) and Reserved (administered by the Governor and his executive council without being responsible to the legislative council).

- Bicameralism at the Center: For the first time, it introduced a bicameral legislature consisting of an Upper House (Council of State) and a Lower House (Legislative Assembly).

- Direct Elections: It introduced direct elections in the country for the first time, though the franchise was limited based on property, tax, or education.

- Separation of Budgets: It separated provincial budgets from the Central budget and authorized provincial legislatures to enact their own budgets.


Statement 1 is correct: Li-Fi (Light Fidelity) utilizes light waves for data transmission. It uses rapid flickering of light, invisible to the human eye, to carry information.

Statement 2 is correct: Li-Fi is a wireless technology and has the potential to be significantly faster than Wi-Fi. While actual speeds depend on various factors, Li-Fi boasts theoretical speeds exceeding 100 Gbps compared to the current Wi-Fi standards offering up to 11 Gbps.

Hence, option C is the correct answer.

Statement 1 is Correct: The International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC) serves as a vital forum for discussing global economic issues and providing guidance to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). It brings together finance ministers, central bank governors, and other high-level officials from member countries to discuss challenges and opportunities facing the global economy. They also advise the IMF on its policy direction and work program.

Statement 2 is Correct: The World Bank, while a separate institution, collaborates closely with the IMF. While not a formal member of the IMFC, the World Bank typically participates as an observer in IMFC meetings. This allows for better coordination and exchange of information between the two institutions on matters of mutual interest, such as global economic stability and development.

Hence, option C is the correct answer.

In 1972, Countries met in Stockholm, Sweden, for the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, to consider the rights of the family to a healthy and productive environment.

In 1983, the United Nations created the World Commission on Environment and Development (later known as the Brundtland Commission), which defined sustainable development as "meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs".

Statement 1 is incorrect. Colombia proposed the idea of the SDGs at a preparation event for Rio20 held in Indonesia in July 2011.

Statement 2 is correct. The Sustainable Development Goals are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. They address the global challenges we face, including those related to poverty, inequality, climate, environmental degradation, prosperity, and peace and justice. The consensus is that these SDGs have to be achieved by 2030.

The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) is a government-sponsored crop insurance scheme.

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Under this scheme, farmers have to pay a uniform premium of 2% for all Kharif crops, 1.5% for all Rabi crops, and 5% for commercial/horticultural crops. The premium rate is not uniform for all crops in all seasons.


Statement 2 is Correct: The scheme does cover post-harvest losses arising out of cyclones and unseasonal rains.

Hence, option B is the correct answer.

The term "Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS)" refers to tax planning strategies used by multinational companies to artificially shift profits from higher-tax jurisdictions to lower-tax jurisdictions, thereby reducing their overall tax liabilities.

This practice often involves exploiting gaps and mismatches in tax rules between different countries. BEPS has been a major concern for governments worldwide as it can lead to significant revenue losses and erode the tax base of countries where economic activity occurs.

Efforts to address BEPS involve cooperation among countries to develop common standards and guidelines to prevent tax avoidance by multinational corporations.

Araghatta, also known as the 'Persian wheel' or 'Norias', was a device used in medieval India for lifting water from wells or rivers for irrigation purposes.

It typically consisted of a large wheel fitted with pots or buckets along its circumference. As the wheel rotated, the pots would fill with water from a water source and then empty into a trough, channel, or aqueduct for distribution to fields or other areas requiring irrigation.


Pair 1 is correctly matched: In South India, especially during the Pallava and Chola periods, Eripatti (tank land) was land donated by individuals or the state, the revenue of which was strictly used for the maintenance and repair of the village irrigation tank (eri).

Pair 2 is INCORRECTLY matched: The description "Villages donated to a single Brahmin or a group of Brahmins" refers to Brahmadeya (or Agrahara). Taniyurs (or Taniyur) were a specific administrative unit in the Chola empire. They were exceptionally large villages or settlements that were granted the status of an independent revenue unit, meaning they were not subject to the jurisdiction of the local Nadu (district).

Pair 3 is correctly matched: Ghatikas were prestigious institutions of higher learning in ancient South India. They were often located within or attached to temples and served as centers for Vedic and religious studies (notably the famous Ghatika of Kanchipuram).

Statement 1 is Correct: Atal Pension Yojana is a minimum guaranteed pension scheme primarily targeted at unorganized sector workers in India. It encourages saving for retirement through regular contributions during their working years.

Statement 2 is Incorrect: There is no restriction on the number of family members who can join the Atal Pension Yojana scheme. As long as they meet the eligibility criteria (age 18-40 and savings bank account), multiple members within a family can enroll.

Statement 3 is Correct: Atal Pension Yojana provides a pension benefit for the spouse after the subscriber's death. The spouse becomes the nominee and receives a pension, though the specific amount might differ depending on the chosen pension plan by the subscriber.

Hence, option C is the correct answer.

Statement 1 is correct: This is the primary objective of the Gold Monetization Scheme (GMS). The scheme encourages individuals and institutions to deposit their idle physical gold (jewellery, coins, bars) with banks. This gold is then melted, assayed, and added to the country's gold reserves, which can be lent to jewellers, thereby bringing it into the formal economy.

Statement 2 is incorrect: These schemes are focused on managing domestic gold supply and demand. They are not designed to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Policies related to FDI in the jewellery sector are separate from these schemes.

Statement 3 is correct: This is a core objective of both schemes. * The Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) Scheme provides a financial alternative to buying physical gold. By shifting demand from physical gold to paper gold, it helps reduce the demand for gold imports. * The Gold Monetization Scheme (GMS) increases the domestic supply of recycled gold available to jewellers, thus reducing their reliance on imported gold. Both schemes aim to curb gold imports, which are a major component of India's import bill and contribute significantly to the Current Account Deficit (CAD).

The Surat Split of 1907 was primarily caused by the Extremists' lack of faith in the Moderates' methods of 'constitutional agitation' (petitions and prayers). The Extremists, led by Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, and Bipin Chandra Pal, believed these methods were ineffective for achieving 'Swaraj' and doubted the Moderates' capacity to negotiate effectively with the British government following the 1905 Partition of Bengal.

This ideological divide deepened over the scope of the Swadeshi Movement. The Extremists wanted to extend the boycott nationwide and include all government institutions (schools, courts, and services), whereas the Moderates wanted to limit the movement to Bengal and avoid the use of passive resistance. The immediate trigger for the split was the disagreement over the presidency of the 1907 session: the Extremists proposed Lala Lajpat Rai or Tilak, while the Moderates insisted on Rash Behari Ghosh. The failure to reach a consensus on leadership and strategy led to the formal expulsion of the Extremists from the Congress.

The terms "amber box," "blue box," and "green box" are often associated with the agriculture sector and are commonly used in discussions related to international trade negotiations, particularly within the framework of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Agriculture.

* Amber Box: This refers to domestic support measures considered to distort agricultural production and trade. These measures typically include price supports, production subsidies, and other forms of support that are considered trade-distorting.

* Blue Box: This category includes domestic support measures that are considered less trade-distorting compared to those in the amber box. However, they still involve certain constraints or conditions aimed at limiting their trade-distorting effects.

* Green Box: These are domestic support measures that are considered minimally or non-trade-distorting. They typically include subsidies that are tied to environmental or rural development objectives, as well as certain types of direct income support that do not distort trade significantly.

Project Loon was an ambitious initiative by Loon LLC, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc. (Google's parent company), aimed at providing internet connectivity to remote and underserved regions worldwide.

The project deployed high-altitude balloons in the stratosphere, equipped with networking technology to create an aerial wireless network, functioning like floating cell towers. These balloons were designed to deliver internet access in disaster-hit areas and regions with poor infrastructure.

However, despite its technological success, Project Loon was discontinued in January 2021 due to difficulties in achieving commercial sustainability.

Hence, the correct answer is option B.

The Gadgil Committee Report and the Kasturirangan Committee Report both focus on the conservation of the Western Ghats, one of the world's eight "hottest" biodiversity hotspots.

Gadgil Committee Report (2011) Formally known as the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP) Report, this report advocated for strict environmental protection measures across the entire Western Ghats. It recommended designating the entire region as an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA), divided into three zones with graded levels of regulation on development activities such as mining, construction, and deforestation. The report emphasized grassroots participation and sustainable development, but its stringent recommendations faced resistance from state governments and industries.

Kasturirangan Committee Report (2012) To review the Gadgil Committee's recommendations, the High-Level Working Group (HLWG), led by Dr. Kasturirangan, was formed. This report sought a balance between conservation and development by proposing that only 37% of the Western Ghats be designated as ESA, focusing primarily on forest and uninhabited regions while allowing regulated development in other areas. It adopted a more lenient approach than the Gadgil Report, leading to criticism from environmentalists who argued that it diluted the conservation efforts.

In summary, while the Gadgil Report advocated for comprehensive protection with stringent regulations, the Kasturirangan Report took a more moderate stance, allowing some developmental activities while still acknowledging the ecological importance of the Western Ghats.

Statement 1 is Correct: Core Banking Solution (CBS) is a networking of a bank's branches that allows customers to manage their accounts and perform transactions from any branch on the network, regardless of where the account was originally opened. Statement 2 is Incorrect: CBS is a back-end system used by individual banks to improve internal efficiency and customer service; it is not a tool designed for the RBI to increase its regulatory control over commercial banks. Statement 3 is Incorrect: CBS refers to the centralized software platform used for day-to-day banking operations; it is not a procedure for the takeover of banks or the resolution of Non-Performing Assets (NPAs).

SWAYAM (Study Webs of Active-Learning for Young Aspiring Minds) is a programme initiated by the Government of India (Ministry of Education) designed to achieve the three cardinal principles of Education Policy: Access, Equity, and Quality.

Key Features of SWAYAM: 1. Objective: To bridge the digital divide for students who have remained untouched by the digital revolution and have not been able to join the mainstream of the knowledge economy. 2. Content: It provides an integrated platform for online courses (MOOCs), covering school (9th class) to Post-Graduation level. These courses are developed by experts from premier institutions like IITs, IIMs, and Central Universities. 3. Cost: The courses hosted on SWAYAM are available free of cost to the citizens. However, a nominal fee is charged if a learner requires a certificate. 4. Quadrants: The platform offers a four-quadrant approach: video lectures, specially prepared reading material that can be downloaded/printed, self-assessment tests, and an online discussion forum for clearing doubts.

The memorizing of chronicles, dynastic histories, and Epic tales was the profession of Maagadha.

To make it easier to remember, let's break it down - Chronicles These are the records of historical events in chronological order. - Dynastic histories These detail the histories of dynasties or royal families. - Epic tales These are long, narrative poems about heroic deeds.

So, a Maagadha was essentially a historical storyteller or a keeper of history and legends.

Shramana: This term refers to ascetics and monks in Indian religious traditions like Jainism and Buddhism. They renounced worldly life to pursue spiritual enlightenment.

Parivraaj: Also known as Parivrajaka, this term refers to wandering mendicants or ascetics who renounced material life and traveled in search of spiritual wisdom.

Agrahaarika: This term is related to administrators or managers of agraharas (land grants given to Brahmins) and does not relate to the memorization of histories.

Statement 1 is Incorrect: At the fourth BRICS Summit in New Delhi (2012), the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa considered the possibility of setting up a new Development Bank to mobilize resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging economies, as well as in developing countries.

Statement 2 is Correct: The bank is headquartered in Shanghai, China.

Hence, option B is the correct answer.

Statement 1 is Correct. The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is indeed an arm of the World Bank Group, a group of five international organizations that work together to fight poverty and promote sustainable development. The IFC specifically focuses on encouraging growth in the private sector of developing countries.

Statement 2 is Correct. Masala bonds are rupee-denominated bonds issued by foreign entities (public or private sector) outside of India. These bonds raise capital for the issuer in Indian rupees, providing an alternative funding source.

Therefore, the correct answer is 1 and 2 both are correct.

Statement 1 is Correct: The Stand-up India scheme aims at promoting entrepreneurship among women and scheduled castes and tribes.

Statement 2 is Correct: The scheme is anchored by the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, Government of India.

- The scheme provides for a refinance window through Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) with an initial amount of Rs, 10,000 Crore. - Stand-Up India Scheme facilitates bank loans between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 1 Crore to at least one Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) borrower and at least one woman borrower per bank branch for setting up a greenfield enterprise. - This enterprise may be in manufacturing, services or the trading sector. - In the case of non-individual enterprises, at least 51% of the shareholding and controlling stake should be held by either an SC/ST or woman entrepreneur.

Hence, option C is the correct answer.

The 'Swadeshi' (promotion of indigenous products and industries) and 'Boycott' (of British goods and institutions) were adopted as methods of struggle for the first time during the Anti-Partition Movement or the Swadeshi Movement of 1905-1911.

This movement was sparked by the decision of the British colonial government to partition the province of Bengal in 1905, which was seen as an attempt to weaken the nationalist movement in Bengal.

The 'Global Financial Stability Report' is prepared by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The Global Financial Stability Report is a semiannual report published by the IMF that assesses the stability of the global financial system and emerging market financing. It highlights potential risks and vulnerabilities in the financial system and provides policy recommendations to promote financial stability.

The first state in India to declare a state butterfly was Maharashtra. Maharashtra designated the Blue Mormon (Papilio polymnestor) as its state butterfly in 2015. It's a large, black colored butterfly with velvet wings and bright blue spots.

Out of the listed pairs, the following are correctly matched:

2. Khajuraho - Bundelkhand (Correct). 5. Tirupati - Rayalaseema (Correct).

Incorrectly matched pairs: 1. Bodhgaya - Baghelkhand (Incorrect). Bodhgaya lies in the Magadh region of Bihar, not Baghelkhand (which is in Madhya Pradesh). 3. Shirdi - Vidarbha (Incorrect). Shirdi is located in Ahilyanagar district (formerly Ahmednagar) in western Maharashtra, not in Vidarbha. 4. Nasik (Nashik) - Malwa (Incorrect). Nashik is in the northwest region of Maharashtra, not Malwa, which is located in Madhya Pradesh.