2017

Statement 1 is Correct: The Quality Council of India (QCI) is a pioneering experiment of the Government of India in setting up organisations in partnership with the Indian industry.

Quality Council of India (QCI) was set up in 1997 jointly by the Government of India and the Indian Industry represented by the three premier industry associations i.e. Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), to establish and operate national accreditation structure and promote quality through National Quality Campaign.

The Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, is the nodal ministry for QCI.QCI is governed by a Council of 38 members including the Chairman and Secretary General.

Statement 2 is Correct: The chairman is appointed by the Prime Minister on the recommendation of the industry to the government.

Therefore, both statement 1 and statement 2 are correct.Hence, option C is the correct answer.

An environment ministry's expert committee approved Kuno Palpur in Madhya Pradesh as the second home for Asiatic lions found only in Gir National Park. However, the Gujarat government will not share lions unless 33 studies as mandated by the International Wildlife Watchdog IUCN is completed.

Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) technology is primarily used for the purpose of reproductive cloning of animals.


SCNT can be used to create genetically identical copies of animals. This involves transferring the nucleus of a somatic (body) cell into an egg cell that has had its own nucleus removed. The egg cell is then stimulated to divide and develop into an embryo, which is then implanted into a surrogate mother to produce a cloned individual. This technique is called reproductive cloning.

The Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA) is a comprehensive free trade agreement being negotiated between India and the European Union (EU). Negotiations were initiated in June 2007 and cover a wide range of sectors including trade in goods, trade in services, and investment. The agreement aims to increase bilateral trade by removing 90% of tariffs and addressing non-tariff barriers, though negotiations have faced delays over issues like market access for automobiles, spirits, and the movement of professionals (Mode 4).

Bioremediation is a technique that utilizes living organisms, primarily microorganisms like bacteria and fungi, to remove or neutralize contaminants from polluted environments. It essentially harnesses and accelerates natural biodegradation processes for environmental cleanup.

Statement 1 (correct): This accurately describes a key advantage of bioremediation. It leverages and accelerates natural biodegradation processes by introducing suitable microorganisms or optimizing environmental conditions.

Statement 2 (incorrect): Bioremediation can be effective for many contaminants but not all. Heavy metals like cadmium and lead are often not readily broken down or removed completely. They might be transformed or immobilized, but not necessarily eliminated.

Statement 3 (correct): Genetic engineering offers a promising approach for developing microorganisms with enhanced capabilities for bioremediation. These engineered microbes can target specific pollutants or work more efficiently in challenging environments.


Statement 1 is incorrect. The Nuclear Security Summits were not held under the UN. They were a series of international conferences initiated by the United States in 2010, outside of any formal international organisation. The summits brought together world leaders to discuss ways to secure nuclear materials and prevent nuclear proliferation. However, the summits haven't been held since 2016.

Statement 2 is incorrect. The International Panel on Fissile Materials (IPFM) is an independent group of arms control and non-proliferation experts. It's not an organ of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). While the IAEA might collaborate with the IPFM on some issues, it's a separate entity.

Statement 1 is incorrect. Learners can acquire competency certification through various learning methods under NSQF, not just formal learning. This includes.

- Formal learning (schools, colleges, training institutions) - Non-formal learning (workshops, skill development programs) - Informal learning (on-the-job experience, self-learning)

Statement 2 is correct. One of the key objectives of NSQF is to promote mobility between vocational and general education. The framework establishes a common standard for skills, making it easier for individuals with vocational qualifications to pursue further education or vice versa. This can create a more flexible and inclusive education system.

The principle of Dyarchy was introduced by the Government of India Act of 1919 in the provinces of British India.

This system divided the functions of government into two categories central and provincial.

The provincial subjects were further subdivided into transferred and reserved.

Thus, the principle of Dyarchy refers to the division of the subjects delegated to the provinces into two categories.

The development of Chabahar Port in Iran is strategically significant for India because it provides a dedicated sea-land transit route to Afghanistan and Central Asia that bypasses Pakistan. Historically, Pakistan has restricted India's land access to these regions. By using Chabahar, located on the Gulf of Oman in southeastern Iran, India can ship goods to the port and then transport them via road and rail networks (such as the Zaranj-Delaram highway) into Afghanistan and the broader Central Asian region. This connectivity was formalized through a trilateral transit agreement between India, Iran, and Afghanistan in 2016, ensuring India is no longer dependent on Pakistani territory for trade with these landlocked areas.

Statement (a) is correct: UPI enables direct bank-to-bank transfers through mobile apps, removing the need for intermediate mobile wallets.

Statement (b) is incorrect: UPI promotes digital transactions, but it will not completely replace physical currency in the near future.

Statement (c) is incorrect: UPI deals with domestic payment systems and has no direct impact on FDI inflows.

Statement (d) is incorrect: Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) uses Aadhaar-linked bank accounts, not UPI, as the main mechanism for subsidy distribution.

Statement 1 is correct. Manipuri Sankirtana is a vibrant performance art that combines singing, dancing, and drumming.

Statement 2 is incorrect. While cymbals are used, Manipuri Sankirtana incorporates other instruments like the Pung (hand-beaten drum), Pena (string instrument), and harmonium.

Statement 3 is correct. A core aspect of Manipuri Sankirtana is narrating stories and themes from Hinduism, particularly those related to Lord Krishna.

The Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants was launched by a joint effort of 1. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) 2. Six countries Bangladesh, Canada, Ghana, Mexico, Sweden, and the United States

Statement 1 is incorrect. The Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) is not a unique initiative of the G20 group of countries. While some G20 members were involved in its launch, the CCAC has grown into a broader coalition that includes over 160 governments, intergovernmental organisations, and non-governmental organisations.

Statement 2 is correct. The CCAC's primary focus is indeed on reducing emissions of potent short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs). These include Methane (CH4), Black Carbon (BC) and Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).

The best place to see Gharials in their natural habitat is the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary.

The National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary is a tri-state protected area in northern India spread across the states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the dedicated sanctuaries for Gharials, the critically endangered fish-eating crocodiles.

Statement 1 is correct. UN-Habitat's primary mandate, as established by the UN General Assembly, is to promote the development of socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. This includes ensuring adequate shelter for all residents.

Statement 2 is incorrect. UN-Habitat partners with a wider range of stakeholders beyond just governments and local urban authorities. They collaborate with academic institutions, NGOs, private sector entities, and civil society organisations to achieve their goals.

Statement 3 is correct. UN-Habitat's work aligns with the broader UN objectives of poverty reduction and access to essential services.

Statement 1 is incorrect. The production of algae-based biofuels is not limited to seas only. It can be done on land, saline water, or wastewater.

Statement 2 is correct. Setting up and engineering the algae-based biofuel production does require a high level of expertise/technology, which might be a limitation for developing countries.

Statement 3 is also correct. Economically viable production of algae-based biofuels does necessitate the setting up of large-scale facilities, which may raise ecological and social concerns.


Statement 1 is incorrect. TRAFFIC is a joint initiative of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).TRAFFIC is not a bureau under UNEP.

Statement 2 is correct. TRAFFIC is a leading non-governmental organization (NGO) that works globally to monitor the trade in wild animals and plants. Its mission aligns with ensuring sustainable and legal wildlife trade that doesn't threaten conservation efforts.

Statement 1 is incorrect. The National Career Service is not an initiative of the Department of Personnel and Training, Government of India. It is actually implemented by the Directorate General of Employment, Ministry of Labour & Employment.

Statement 2 is incorrect. The National Career Service has indeed been launched in a Mission Mode, but it is not specifically targeted at improving the employment opportunities for uneducated youth of the country. It is a comprehensive platform providing a wide array of employment and career related services to all citizens of India, aiming to bridge the gap between jobseekers and employers, candidates seeking training and career guidance, and agencies providing training and career counselling.

Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve is a protected area and Tiger Reserve along the Western Ghats in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.


Largest among the four tiger reserves (Kalakad-Mundanthurai, Annamalai, Mudumalai and Sathyamangalam) in Tamil Nadu, STR is a significant wildlife corridor in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve between the Western Ghats and the rest of the Eastern Ghats, serving as a genetic link to contiguous protected areas including the Biligiriranga Swamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary, Sigur Plateau, Mudumalai National Park and Bandipur National Park.

The Second Round Table Conference took place in London in September 1931. It aimed to discuss constitutional reforms in India but ultimately failed to reach a consensus.

The Quit India Movement was launched by Mahatma Gandhi in August 1942, demanding an immediate end to British rule in India.

The Mutiny in Royal Indian Navy occurred in February 1946. It was a major uprising by Indian sailors against the British Raj, though it happened after the Quit India Movement.

Thus correct chronology of events is 3-2-1 i.e. option 'C'.

Statement 1 is correct. Genome sequencing can help identify specific genes or genetic markers associated with desirable traits like disease resistance and drought tolerance in crop plants, which can then be used for selective breeding and genetic improvement.

Statement 2 is correct. Genome sequencing can accelerate the process of developing new crop varieties by providing a better understanding of the genetic makeup and facilitating more targeted breeding programs, thereby reducing the time required for varietal development.

Statement 3 is correct. Genome sequencing can help researchers understand the genetic interactions between crop plants and their pathogens, which can aid in developing better strategies for disease management and resistance.

Therefore, all the statements regarding the use of genome sequencing in agriculture in the immediate future are correct.


Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, provides the highest level of legal protection for wildlife in India. Species listed under this Schedule, such as the Tiger, are protected from hunting and trade, with violations attracting the most stringent penalties. Therefore, any species of tortoise listed in Schedule I enjoys the same legal safeguards as the tiger.

Option B is incorrect as it describes the 'Extinct in the Wild' category of the IUCN Red List, which is a biological conservation status rather than a legal designation under the WPA. Option C is incorrect because endemism refers to a species being restricted to a specific geographic location; while many Schedule I species may be endemic, the listing itself is based on the degree of threat and the requirement for absolute protection rather than geographic range.

Note: The original Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, contained six schedules (I-IV for animals, V for vermin, and VI for plants). The Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022, has since rationalized these into four schedules, but the principle of Schedule I providing the highest protection remains unchanged.

Gravitational waves are ripples in the fabric of spacetime, predicted by Einstein's theory of general relativity.

eLISA is a space-based gravitational wave observatory that can detect and study these gravitational waves.

It is a joint project of the European Space Agency (ESA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). eLISA is designed to detect gravitational waves from astronomical sources such as merging black holes and neutron stars. It would use laser interferometry to measure the tiny distortions in spacetime caused by passing gravitational waves. Detecting gravitational waves would provide important insights into the nature of gravity and the evolution of the universe.

Chandipur Beach, located in the Balasore district of Odisha, is characterized by an exceptionally shallow gradient and a flat sea bed. This unique topography causes the seawater to recede by approximately 2 to 5 kilometers during low tide, exposing the sea floor and allowing people to walk on it. The water returns to the shore during high tide, a cycle that repeats twice daily following the rhythmic tidal fluctuations of the Bay of Bengal.

Statement 1 is incorrect. The inaugural IONS was held in February 2008 in New Delhi, India. The Indian Navy served as the Chair for the first two years (2008-2010).

Statement 2 is correct. IONS is indeed a voluntary initiative that aims to promote maritime cooperation among the navies of countries bordering the Indian Ocean. It provides a platform for discussions on regional maritime security issues and fosters friendly relationships between participating nations.

Statement 1 is Correct: The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) was established to facilitate retail payments and promote financial inclusion in India. They achieve this by 1. Developing and deploying innovative payment infrastructure like RuPay cards, UPI, etc. 2. Enabling participation of a wider range of players in the payments system, including non-bank entities. 3. Setting standards and guidelines to ensure secure and efficient electronic payments.

Statement 2 is Correct: RuPay is a domestic debit and credit card payment network launched by NPCI in India. It provides an alternative to international card networks like Visa and Mastercard. This domestic network can potentially lower transaction costs for merchants and banks compared to international schemes.

Therefore, both statement 1 and statement 2 are correct. Hence, option C is the correct answer.

M-STRIPES stands for Monitoring System for Tigers - Intensive Protection and Ecological Status. It's a software-based program launched by the Indian government's National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) to -Strengthen protection efforts for Bengal tigers in Indian tiger reserves. -Enhance monitoring and patrolling activities by forest guards.

Unnat Bharat Abhiyan is inspired by the vision of transformational change in rural development processes by leveraging knowledge institutions to help build the architecture of an Inclusive India .

The Mission of Unnat Bharat Abhiyan is to enable higher educational institutions to work with the people of rural India in identifying development challenges and evolving appropriate solutions for accelerating sustainable growth. It also aims to create a virtuous cycle between society and an inclusive academic system by providing knowledge and practices for emerging professions and to upgrade the capabilities of both the public and the private sectors in responding to the development needs of rural India.

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Jordan does not border the Mediterranean Sea; it is separated from it by Israel and the West Bank. While not landlocked, its only coastline is on the Gulf of Aqaba (Red Sea). Statement 2 is Incorrect: Iraq does not border the Mediterranean Sea. It is located further east and has its only maritime access via the Persian Gulf. Statement 3 is Correct: Lebanon is a Levantine country with a coastline along the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Statement 4 is Correct: Syria borders the eastern Mediterranean Sea, situated between Turkey to the north and Lebanon to the south.

Statement 1 is Correct: Under Section 70B of the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the CERT-In Rules 2013, service providers are legally required to report cybersecurity incidents to the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In). Statement 2 is Correct: Data centres are explicitly listed as entities that must mandatorily report cybersecurity incidents to CERT-In under the Information Technology (CERT-In) Rules, 2013. Statement 3 is Correct: The IT Act and associated rules mandate that body corporates must report specified types of cybersecurity incidents to CERT-In to ensure national cyber security.

Statement 1 is incorrect. Vidyanjali Yojana is not focused on attracting foreign universities to set up campuses in India.

Statement 2 is correct. Vidyanjali Yojana aims to improve government schools by leveraging resources and expertise from the private sector (retired professionals, NGOs) and the community (volunteers).

Statement 3 is incorrect. While the initiative might indirectly lead to improved infrastructure due to volunteer efforts, its primary focus is not on monetary contributions for infrastructure development.