2017

The Global Gender Gap Index is an annual report published by the World Economic Forum (WEF). It benchmarks progress towards gender parity by measuring the gap between women and men across four dimensions: - Economic Participation and Opportunity - Educational Attainment - Health and Survival - Political Empowerment

Statement 1 is Correct: The British Indian Association was established in October 1851 in Calcutta by the amalgamation of the Landholders' Society and the Bengal British India Society. Raja Radhakanta Deb was its first President, and Debendranath Tagore was its Secretary.

Statement 2 is Incorrect: Gazulu Lakshminarasu Chetty founded the Madras Native Association in 1852, which was the first organization in the Madras Presidency to lobby for Indian rights. The Madras Mahajana Sabha was established much later, in May 1884, by M. Veeraraghavachariar, G. Subramania Iyer, and P. Anandacharlu.

Statement 3 is Correct: The Indian Association (also known as the Indian National Association) was founded in 1876 by Surendranath Banerjee and Anandamohan Bose. It was the most important of the pre-Congress nationalist organizations and aimed to create a strong body of public opinion on political questions.

Statement 1 is Correct: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the National Standards Body of India working under the aegis of Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Government of India. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Standard Mark is indeed mandatory for automotive tyres and tubes.

Statement 2 is Incorrect: AGMARK is a quality Certification Mark issued by the Directorate of Marketing and Inspection (DMI), an agency of the Government of India, and not by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The FAO is an international organisation that promotes food security and agricultural development.

Hence, option A is the correct answer.

Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a standard criterion for assessing the quality of water.

Microbial activity: BOD measures the amount of dissolved oxygen used by microorganisms (like bacteria) as they decompose organic matter in water.

Pollution indicator: Higher BOD indicates a greater presence of organic matter, often suggesting pollution from sources like sewage, animal waste, or decaying plants.

Aquatic life impact: Excessive organic matter decomposition can deplete oxygen levels in water, harming aquatic life that depends on dissolved oxygen for survival.

Therefore, BOD serves as a valuable tool for monitoring water quality and identifying potential pollution issues.


Statement 1 is Incorrect: National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) is India's first sovereign wealth fund that was set up by the Government of India in February 2015. The objective behind creating this fund was to maximise economic impact mainly through infrastructure investment in commercially viable projects, both Greenfield and Brownfield.

Statement 2 is Incorrect: In the Union Budget 2015-16, India's Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley announced the creation of the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund. It was proposed to be established as an Alternative Investment Fund to provide long-term capital for infrastructure projects with an inflow of Rs. 20,000 crore from the Government of India. NIIF was approved in August 2015 by the Department of Economic Affairs. The first meeting of its governing council was held in December 2015 further to which it was registered with SEBI as Category II Alternative Investment Fund.

Hence, option D is the correct answer.

Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) is a policy tool used by governments to encourage local industries to grow and reduce dependence on imports. In the context of solar power production, DCR mandates that a certain percentage of solar equipment used in the production process must be domestically produced. This policy is aimed at promoting indigenous manufacturing and reducing dependence on imports.

APMCHUD is an intergovernmental mechanism for collaboration and cooperation in the field of housing and development among Asia Pacific countries.

Statement 1 is incorrect. The 1st APMCHUD was held in New Delhi, India from 13th-16th December 2006 on the theme of A Vision for Sustainable Urbanization in the Asia-Pacific by 2020.

Statement 2 is also incorrect. The Conference of APMCHUD is a biennial event . This event is hosted by one of the member countries whose offer is consented to by the members in the previous conference of the APMCHUD.

Statement 1 is incorrect. The Factories Act of 1881 did not address worker wages or the formation of trade unions. Its primary focus was on improving working conditions, especially for children. It limited working hours for children, prohibited child labour under a certain age, and mandated breaks during the workday.

Statement 2 is correct. N.M. Lokhande is indeed considered a pioneer of the labour movement in British India. He actively campaigned for better working conditions and worker rights.

* The terms 'Event Horizon', 'Singularity', 'String Theory' and 'Standard Model' are associated with the observation and understanding of the Universe, particularly in the field of cosmology and astrophysics.

* Event Horizon refers to the boundary around a black hole, beyond which nothing, not even light, can escape the black hole's gravitational pull.

* Singularity refers to a point in spacetime where the gravitational field becomes infinite, such as at the center of a black hole, where the laws of physics as we know them break down.

* String Theory is a theoretical framework in particle physics that attempts to unify all the fundamental forces of nature, including gravity, into a single coherent model.

* Standard Model is the most comprehensive and well-tested theory in particle physics, which describes the fundamental particles and their interactions, except for gravity.

* The painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani is one of the most famous and oft-illustrated works of art found in the Ajanta Caves.


* These caves, located in Maharashtra, India, are renowned for their collection of exquisitely preserved murals and sculptures depicting Buddhist themes. The Padmapani painting, housed in Cave 1, is particularly celebrated for its beauty, technical mastery, and its portrayal of the compassionate Bodhisattva. This image has been admired and reproduced for centuries, serving as a testament to the artistic legacy of Ajanta.

* Badami is famous for its rock-cut temples (6th–8th century CE), built by the Chalukyas.

* Bagh Caves (Madhya Pradesh): Madhyapradesh. These are associated with the Buddhism. These Buddhist rock-cut caves have paintings similar to Ajanta.

* Ellora is famous for its rock-cut Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain temples (6th–10th century CE). The most famous structure here is the Kailasa Temple (Cave 16), a massive monolithic rock-cut temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Statement 1 is correct: The Rigvedic Aryans were a warrior-led society and used protective equipment like the 'varman' (coat of mail) and helmets in warfare. In contrast, the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) was primarily a peaceful, urban commercial society; archaeological excavations have yielded no conclusive evidence of armor or specialized military gear.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The Indus Valley people were part of a Bronze Age civilization and were well-acquainted with gold, silver, copper, and bronze. However, they were not aware of iron. Iron technology appeared in the Indian subcontinent much later, during the later Vedic period (c. 1000 BCE).

Statement 3 is correct: The horse played a central role in the culture and mobility of the Rigvedic Aryans, with numerous mentions in the Rigveda. While some animal remains have been debated at sites like Surkotada, there is no clear, widespread evidence that the Indus Valley people domesticated or were significantly aware of the horse.

Statement 1 is Correct: The National IPR Policy does reiterate India's commitment to the Doha Development Agenda and the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS Agreement). The Doha Development Agenda aimed to clarify and improve specific aspects of the TRIPS Agreement, particularly focusing on flexibilities for developing countries. India, as a developing nation, is entitled to certain flexibilities in implementing the TRIPS Agreement, such as using compulsory licensing to ensure access to affordable medicines.

Statement 2 is Correct: The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry is the nodal agency for the development and implementation of IPR policy in India, earlier its name was the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion.

Hence, option C is the correct answer.

Statement 1 is Incorrect: The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) is characterized by a difference in sea surface temperature between the tropical Western Indian Ocean and the tropical Eastern Indian Ocean. The comparison involving the tropical Eastern Pacific Ocean refers to the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon, not the IOD.

Statement 2 is Correct: The IOD can significantly influence the impact of El Niño on the Indian monsoon. A positive IOD often compensates for the deficit rainfall usually associated with El Niño, while a negative IOD can exacerbate the drought conditions caused by El Niño. These two climate patterns interact to determine the overall strength of the monsoon.

Pair 1 is correct: Chalio / Chaliho also called Chaliho Sahib is a forty-day-long festival celebrated by Hindu Sindhi community.

Pair 2 is incorrect: Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra - While the Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra is a festival celebrated in Uttarakhand, it's not primarily associated with the Gond community. The Gonds are an indigenous tribe spread across central India.

Pair 3 is incorrect: Wari-Warkari - The Wari-Warkari tradition and pilgrimage are associated with the Marathi community of Maharashtra, particularly devotees of the Hindu god Vitthal. The Santhals are an indigenous tribe inhabiting parts of eastern India.

All three options (1, 2, and 3) can be potential sites for carbon sequestration

Abandoned and uneconomic coal seams: These underground coal mines already have existing rock formations suitable for storing carbon dioxide. Since they are no longer operational, they can be repurposed for CO2 storage, potentially with the added benefit of enhancing methane capture from abandoned mines.

Depleted oil and gas reservoirs: Once oil and gas reserves are depleted, they still have porous rock structures that can trap injected carbon dioxide. Repurposing these reservoirs for carbon storage leverages existing infrastructure and reduces the need for drilling new wells.

Subterranean deep saline formations: Deep saline formations are layers of rock saturated with briny water, far below freshwater resources. Their geological properties allow for the storage of large volumes of carbon dioxide with minimal risk of leakage or contamination of freshwater sources.

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Smart India Hackathon (SIH) is not a scheme for developing Smart Cities. Instead, it is a nationwide initiative aimed at identifying innovative digital technology solutions to solve real-world challenges across various sectors.

Statement 2 is correct: The Government of India launched the Smart India Hackathon to encourage students and professionals to develop innovative digital solutions for challenges in agriculture, health, education, energy, environment, and other domains. It serves as a platform for young minds to engage in problem-solving and contribute to technological advancements.

Statement 3 is incorrect: While the hackathon focuses on digital technology innovations, it is not specifically centered on digital financial transactions. Instead, it covers a wide range of sectors where technology can drive efficiency and innovation.

Hence, correct answer is option (B).

Pair 1 is correct: Lead is a heavy metal that has been found in some lipstick formulations, which is concerning due to its potential toxic effects.

Pair 2 is correct: Brominated vegetable oils (BVOs) are a type of food additive used in some soft drinks to help distribute flavours. BVOs have been controversial and banned in many countries due to potential health concerns.

Pair 3 is correct: Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavour enhancer commonly used in Chinese and other Asian cuisines, including fast food. There have been concerns about the potential side effects of MSG consumption.

Therefore, all three pairs are correctly matched.

Out of the listed statements about the Soil Health Card Scheme :

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Expanding the cultivable area under irrigation is not a primary objective of the scheme.

Statement 2 is Incorrect: Banks don't directly use soil cards to assess loan quantum. Loan approvals depend on various factors like land ownership, crop type, and credit history.

Statement 3 is Correct: A key objective of the scheme is to promote the judicious use of fertilisers. By informing farmers about their soil's nutrient status, the scheme encourages them to apply only the required amount of fertilisers, reducing overuse and potential environmental damage.

Therefore, the correct answer is 3 only (checking the overuse of fertilisers in farmlands).Hence, option B is the correct answer.

Statement 1 is correct: Butterflies are vital pollinators for many flowering plants. A decline in their population can lead to reduced pollination success, affecting fruit and seed production. This, in turn, can disrupt plant communities that rely on butterflies for pollination, potentially impacting entire ecosystems.

Statement 2 is incorrect: While some butterfly species may interact with fungi, a decline in butterfly populations is unlikely to cause a drastic increase in fungal infections on cultivated plants. Factors like humidity, temperature, plant health, and fungicide use play a far more significant role in the spread of fungal diseases than butterfly populations.

Statement 3 is correct: Butterflies are an essential part of the food web, serving as prey for wasps, spiders, birds, and other insectivorous species. A sharp decline in butterfly populations could negatively impact these predators, disrupting the ecological balance and potentially leading to cascading effects on biodiversity.

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Himalayas stretch across several states in northern and northeastern India, including Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and parts of Assam and West Bengal.


Statement 2 is incorrect: The Western Ghats encompass six states in western India Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.


Statement 3 is correct: Pulicat Lake is the second largest brackish water lagoon in India, situated on the Coromandel Coast. It is shared by Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Distribution: Roughly 84% of the lake lies in the Tirupati district (formerly Nellore) of Andhra Pradesh, and about 16% lies in the Tiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu.


Hence, option B is the correct answer.

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Lord Cornwallis was associated with the introduction of the Permanent Settlement (also known as the Zamindari System) in Bengal and Bihar in 1793. Statement 2 is Correct: Captain Alexander Read first introduced the Ryotwari system on a small scale in the Baramahal district (Madras Presidency) in 1792 after the Third Anglo-Mysore War. Statement 3 is Correct: Thomas Munro, who later became the Governor of Madras (1820–1827), is considered the primary architect of the system as he refined and extended it across most of the Madras Presidency.

An organic light-emitting diode (OLED) is a light-emitting diode (LED) in which the emissive electroluminescent layer is a film of organic compound that emits light in response to an electric current.

Statement 1 is correct: One of the key advantages of OLED technology is that the organic light-emitting materials can be deposited on flexible plastic or metal foil substrates, enabling the creation of flexible and foldable displays.

Statement 2 is correct: The flexibility of OLED displays allows for the creation of roll-up or rollable displays, which can be integrated into clothing and other flexible surfaces.

Statement 3 is correct: OLED display technology can be used to create transparent displays, where the light-emitting pixels can be made semi-transparent, allowing the display to be integrated into various surfaces and objects.

Therefore, all three statements are correct.

Statement 1 is correct: Reduced or zero tillage of the land minimises soil disturbance, promoting better water retention. Less disturbed soil creates a more compact surface that reduces evaporation and allows rainwater to infiltrate deeper into the ground.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Applying gypsum before irrigating the field Gypsum (calcium sulfate) is a soil amendment that can improve soil structure and drainage in some situations. However, it doesn't directly conserve water. In some cases, excessive gypsum application might even increase the leaching of nutrients and salts.

Statement 3 is correct: Allowing crop residue to remain in the field Leaving crop residue on the soil surface acts like a mulch. This mulch helps suppress weeds, reduces soil erosion, and minimises water evaporation from the soil surface.

Statement 1 is Incorrect: The Teesta River originates from the Pahunri (or Teesta Kangse) glacier and Tso Lhamo Lake in North Sikkim. In contrast, the Brahmaputra River originates from the Angsi Glacier (or Chemayungdung Glacier) in the Kailash range of Tibet. Therefore, their sources are not the same.

Statement 2 is Correct: The Rangeet River originates from the Rathong Glacier in West Sikkim. It is the largest tributary of the Teesta River and joins it at Melli, near the border of Sikkim and West Bengal.

Statement 3 is Incorrect: After flowing through Sikkim and West Bengal, the Teesta enters Bangladesh and joins the Brahmaputra River (known as the Jamuna in Bangladesh) at Fulchhari. It does not flow directly into the Bay of Bengal, nor does it reach the sea on the India-Bangladesh border.

Hence, option B is the correct answer.

Sumatra is the geographically closest island to Great Nicobar, separated by the Great Channel (also known as the Six Degree Channel). The distance between the southernmost point of Great Nicobar and the northern tip of Sumatra (Aceh province, Indonesia) is approximately 145–150 km.

In contrast, Sri Lanka is located about 1,200 km to the west of the Nicobar Islands. Java is located to the southeast of Sumatra, and Borneo is situated much further east in the Malay Archipelago, making both significantly more distant from Great Nicobar than Sumatra.

* The Recognition of Prior Learning Scheme (RPL) is often mentioned in the news with reference to skill development initiatives in India.

* Target Audience: RPL focuses on individuals who possess skills and knowledge gained through work experience, informal training, or other non-formal learning avenues. These skills might not be formally documented through traditional educational certificates. * Process and Benefits: RPL provides a process for assessing the existing skills and knowledge of individuals. If their skills match the requirements of a specific job role or qualification, they can receive a formal certification without necessarily undergoing the entire formal training program.

* RPL is implemented under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)

Statement 1 is correct: The GCCA was established by the European Union to enhance climate cooperation with developing nations, particularly Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Statement 2 is correct: A core objective of the GCCA is to provide technical and financial assistance to developing countries, helping them integrate climate change adaptation and mitigation into their national policies, development strategies, and budgets.

Statement 3 is incorrect: The GCCA is coordinated by the European Commission through its established political dialogue and cooperation mechanisms. It is not managed by the World Resources Institute (WRI) or the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).

To travel from Kohima (Nagaland) to Kottayam (Kerala) by road, the minimum number of states one must pass through is 7. The most direct route follows this sequence:

1. Nagaland (Origin: Kohima) 2. Assam (Necessary to connect from Nagaland to mainland India) 3. West Bengal (Must pass through the Siliguri Corridor) 4. Odisha 5. Andhra Pradesh 6. Tamil Nadu (or Karnataka) 7. Kerala (Destination: Kottayam)

To reach Kerala from Andhra Pradesh by road, one must pass through either Tamil Nadu or Karnataka. Therefore, the total count including the origin and destination states is 7.

A three-member committee headed by Harcourt Butler, appointed on December 16, 1927, aimed to examine the relations between the native states and the paramount power, and to improve the relationship between the Government of India and the Indian States. It clearly stated that paramountcy must remain paramount.

The committee fully endorsed that the viceroy should remain the Crown agent in dealing with the native states.

The Digital Single Market Strategy refers to an initiative by the European Union (EU) that aims to create a unified digital market across all member states.

Overall, the Digital Single Market Strategy aims to stimulate growth in the European digital economy by fostering innovation, competition, and consumer confidence in the online marketplace.