Aryan Classes page providing information regarding civil services and other graduate level exams.
Showing posts with label civil services. Show all posts
Showing posts with label civil services. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Good Governance and Human Rights
Good Governance and Human Rights |
|
OverviewWhat is good governance?There is no single and exhaustive definition of “good governance,” nor is there a delimitation of its scope, that commands universal acceptance. The term is used with great flexibility; this is an advantage, but also a source of some difficulty at the operational level. Depending on the context and the overriding objective sought, good governance has been said at various times to encompass: full respect of human rights, the rule of law, effective participation, multi-actor partnerships, political pluralism, transparent and accountable processes and institutions, an efficient and effective public sector, legitimacy, access to knowledge, information and education, political empowerment of people, equity, sustainability, and attitudes and values that foster responsibility, solidarity and tolerance. However, there is a significant degree of consensus that good governance relates to political and institutional processes and outcomes that are deemed necessary to achieve the goals of development. It has been said that good governance is the process whereby public institutions conduct public affairs, manage public resources and guarantee the realization of human rights in a manner essentially free of abuse and corruption, and with due regard for the rule of law. The true test of "good" governance is the degree to which it delivers on the promise of human rights: civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights. The key question is: are the institutions of governance effectively guaranteeing the right to health, adequate housing, sufficient food, quality education, fair justice and personal security? Key attributes of good governance The concept of good governance has been clarified by the work of the former Commission on Human Rights. In its resolution 2000/64, the Commission identified the key attributes of good governance:
Resolution 2000/64 expressly linked good governance to an enabling environment conducive to the enjoyment of human rights and "prompting growth and sustainable human development." In underscoring the importance of development cooperation for securing good governance in countries in need of external support, the resolution recognized the value of partnership approaches to development cooperation and the inappropriateness of prescriptive approaches. How are good governance and human rights linked? Good governance and human rights are mutually reinforcing. Human rights principles provide a set of values to guide the work of governments and other political and social actors. They also provide a set of performance standards against which these actors can be held accountable. Moreover, human rights principles inform the content of good governance efforts: they may inform the development of legislative frameworks, policies, programmes, budgetary allocations and other measures. On the other hand, without good governance, human rights cannot be respected and protected in a sustainable manner. The implementation of human rights relies on a conducive and enabling environment. This includes appropriate legal frameworks and institutions as well as political, managerial and administrative processes responsible for responding to the rights and needs of the population. The links between good governance and human rights can be organized around four areas:
Good governance, human rights and development The interconnection between good governance, human rights and sustainable development has been made directly or indirectly by the international community in a number of declarations and other global conference documents. For example, the Declaration on the Right to Development proclaims that every human person and all peoples “are entitled to participate in, contribute to, and enjoy economic, social, cultural and political development” (article 1). In the Millennium Declaration, world leaders affirmed their commitment to promote democracy and strengthen the rule of law as well as to respect internationally recognized human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the right to development. According to the United Nations strategy document on the millennium development goals (MDGs), entitled “The United Nations and the MDGs: a Core Strategy', "the MDGs have to be situated within the broader norms and standards of the Millennium Declaration," including those on “human rights, democracy and good governance.” The concept of good governance in the main international human rights instruments From a human rights perspective, the concept of good governance can be linked to principles and rights set out in the main international human rights instruments. Article 21 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights recognizes the importance of a participatory government and article 28 states that everyone is entitled to a social and international order in which the rights and freedoms set forth in the Declaration can be fully realized. The two International Covenants on Human Rights contain language that is more specific about the duties and role of governments in securing the respect for and realization of all human rights. Article 2 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights requires states parties to respect and to ensure the rights recognized in the Covenant and to take the necessary steps to give effect to those rights. In particular, states should provide an effective remedy to individuals when their rights are violated, and provide a fair and effective judicial or administrative mechanism for the determination of individual rights or the violation thereof. Under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, states are obliged to take steps with a view to achieving progressively the full realization of the rights recognized in the Covenant by all appropriate means. The human rights treaty monitoring bodies have given some attention to the different elements of good governance. In general comment No. 12, on the right to food, the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights stated that “Good governance is essential to the realization of all human rights, including the elimination of poverty and ensuring a satisfactory livelihood for all.” The Committee on the Rights of the Child has on several occasions addressed the issue of governments’ capacity to coordinate policies for the benefit of the child and the issue of decentralization of services and policy-making. It has also addressed corruption as a major obstacle to the achievement of the Convention’s objectives. The Human Rights Committee generally addresses issues related to the provision of adequate remedies, due process and fair trial in the context of the administration of justice in each state. It regularly emphasizes the importance of independent and competent judges for the adequate protection of the rights set forth in the Convention. | |
UPSC Civil Service Prelims 2013 Paper 1 - Held on 26th May 2013 – Aryan Classes
1. Priority Sector Lending by
banks in India constitutes the lending to
(a) agriculture
(b) micro and small enterprises
(c) weaker sections
(d) All of the above
2. Which one among the following
industries is the maximum consumer of water in India?
(a) Engineering
(b) Paper and pulp
(c) Textiles
(d) Thermal power – Aryan Classes
3. To obtain full benefits of
demographic dividend, what should India do?
(a) Promoting skill
development
(b) Introducing more social
security schemes
(c) Reducing infant mortality
rate
(d) Privatization of higher
education
4. In the context of cultural
history of India, a pose in dance and dramatics called ‘Tribhanga’ has been a
favourite of Indian artists from ancient times till today. Which one of the
following statements best describes this pose?
(a) One leg is bent and
the body is slightly but oppositely curved at waist and neck
(b) Facial expressions, hand
gestures and make-up are combined to symbolize certain epic or historic characters
(c) Movements of body, face and hands
are used to express oneself or to tell a story
(d) A little smile, slightly
curved waist and certain hand gestures are emphasized to express the feelings of
love or eroticism.
5. Annie Besant was
1. Responsible for starting the Home Rule
Movement
2. The founder of the Theosophical Society
3. Once the President of the Indian National
Congress
Select the correct statement / statements
using the codes given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3– Aryan Classes
6. The Ilbert Bill controversy
was related to the
(a) imposition of certain
restrictions to carry arms by the Indians
(b) imposition of restrictions on
newspapers and magazines published in Indian languages
(c) removal of
disqualifications imposed on the Indian magistrates with regard to the trial of
the Europeans
(d) removal of a duty on imported
cotton cloth.
7. A rise in general level of
prices may be caused by
1. an increase in the money supply
2. a decrease in the aggregate level of output
3. an increase in the effective demand
Select the correct answer using the codes
given below.
(a) 1only
(b) 1and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
8. Which one of the following
groups of items is included in India’s foreign – exchange reserves?
(a) Foreign-currency assets,
Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) and loans from foreign countries
(b) Foreign – currency
assets, gold holdings of the RBI and SDRs
(c) Foreign – currency assets,
loans from the World Bank and SDRs
(d) Foreign – currency assets,
gold holdings of the RBI and loans from the World Bank
9. Which one of the following is
likely to be the most inflationary in its effect?
(a) Repayment of public debt
(b) Borrowing from the public to finance
a budget deficit
(c) Borrowing from banks to
finance a budget deficit
(d) Creating new money
to finance a budget deficit
10. Supply of money remaining the
same when there is an increase in demand for money, there will be
(a) a fall in the level of prices
(b) an increase in the
rate of interest
(c) a decrease in the rate of interest
(d) an increase in the level of
income and employment
11. Fruits stored in a cold
chamber exhibit longer storage life because
(a) Exposure to sunlight is
prevented
(b) Concentration of carbon
dioxide in the environment is increased
(c) Rate of respiration
is decreased
(d) There is an increase in
humidity
12. Consider the following fauna
of India:
1. Gharial
2. Leatherback turtle
3. Swamp deer
Which of the above is/are endangered?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3– Aryan Classes
(d) None
13. Ball bearings are used in
bicycles, cars, etc., because
(a) the actual area of contact between
the wheel and axle is increased
(b) the effective area of contact
between the wheel and axle is increased
(c) the effective area
of contact between the wheel and axle is reduced
(d) None of the above statements
is correct
14. Consider the following
phenomena:
1. Size of the sun at dusk
2. Colour of the sun at dawn
3. Moon being visible at dawn
4. Twinkle of stars in the sky
5. Polestar being visible in the sky
Which of the above are optical illusions?
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 3, 4 and 5
(c) 1, 2 and 4
(d) 2, 3 and 5
15. Rainbow is produced when
sunlight falls on drops of rain. Which of the following physical phenomena are
responsible for this?
1. Dispersion
2. Refraction
3. Internal reflection
Select the correct answer using the codes
given below
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
16. Many transplanted seedling do
not grow because
(a) the new soil does not contain
favourable minerals
(b) most of the root hairs grip
the new soil too hard
(c) most of the root
hair are lost during transplantation
(d) leaves get damaged during transplantation
17. Economic growth in country X
will necessarily have to occur if
(a) there is technical progress
in the world economy
(b) there is population growth in
X
(c) there is capital
formation in X
(d) the volume of trade grows in
the world economy
18. Which of the following
statements is/are correct
1. Viruses lack enzymes necessary for the
generation of energy
2. Viruses can be cultured in any synthetic
medium
3. Viruses are transmitted from one organism
to another by biological vectors only.
Select the correct answer using the code
given below codes
(a) 1only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
19. Which of the following leaf modification
occurs/occur in desert areas to inhibit water loss?
1. Hard and waxy leaves – Aryan Classes
2. Tiny leaves or no leaves
3. Thorns instead of leaves
Select the correct answer using the codes
given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
20. The known forces of nature
can be divided into four classes, viz., gravity, electromagnetism, weak nuclear
force and strong nuclear force. With reference to them, which one of the following
statements is not correct?
(a) Gravity is the
strongest of the four
(b) Electromagnetism acts only on
particles with an eclectic charge
(c) Weak nuclear force causes radioactivity
(d) Strong nuclear force holds protons
and neutrons inside the nucleus of an atom
21. The efforts to detect the existence
of Higgs boson particle have become frequent news in the recent past.
What is/are the importance /importances of
discovering this particle?
1. It will enable us to understand as to why
elementary particles have mass.
2. It will enable us in the near future to
develop the technology of transferring matter from one point to another without
traversing the physical space between them.
3. It will enable us to create better fuels
for nuclear fission.
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
22. Mycorrhizal biotechnology has
been used in rehabilitating degraded sites because mycorrhiza enables the
plants to
1. Resist drought and increase absorptive
area
2. Tolerate extremes of pH
3. Resist disease infestation
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
23. Who among the following
constitute the National Development Council?
1. The Prime Minister
2. The Chairman, Finance Commission
3. Ministers of the Union Cabinet
4. Chief Ministers of the States
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
24. The national income of a
country for a given period is equal to the
(a) Total value of goods and
services produced by the nationals.
(b) Sum of total consumption and investment
expenditure.
(c) Sum of personal income of all
individuals.
(d) Money value of final goods and services produced.
25. Which of the following
grants/grant direct credit assistance to rural households?
1. Regional Rural Banks
2. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural
Development.
3. Land Development Banks.
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
26. Consider the following
statements :
The Parliamentary Committee on Public
Accounts
1. consists of not more than 25 Members of
the Lok Sabha.
2. scrutinizes appropriation and finance
accounts of the Government.
3. examines the report of the Comptroller and
Auditor General of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
27. Consider the following Bhakti
Saints :
1. Dadu Dayal
2. Guru Nanak
3. Tyagaraja
Who among the above was/were preaching when
the Lodi dynasty fell and Babur took over?
(a) 1 and 3
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1 and 2
28. With reference to the food
chains in ecosystems, which of the following kinds of organism is/are known as decomposer
organism/organisms?
1. Virus
2. Fungi – Aryan Classes
3. Bacteria
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
29. The most important fishing
grounds of the world are found in the regions where
(a) warm and cold atmospheric currents
meet
(b) rivers drain out large
amounts of freshwater into the sea
(c) warm and cold oceanic currents meet
(d) continental shelf is
undulating
30. Which of the following is/are
unique characteristic/ characteristics of equatorial forests?
1. Presence of tall, closely set trees with
crowns forming a continuous canopy.
2. Coexistence of a large number of species.
3. Presence of numerous varieties of epiphytes.
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
31. Which of the following
constitute Capital Account
1. Foreign Loans
2. Foreign Direct Investment
3. Private Remittances
4. Portfolio Investment
Select the correct answer using the codes
given below
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 1, 2 and 4
(c) 2, 3 and 4
(d) 1, 3 and 4
32. Consider the following
historical places :
1. Ajanta Caves
2. Lepakshi Temple
3. Sanchi Stupa
Which of the above places is/are also known
for mural paintings?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None
33. With reference to the history
of philosophical thought in India, consider the following statements regarding
Sankhya school :
1. Sankhya does not accept the theory of
rebirth or transmigration of soul.
2. Sankhya holds that it is the selfknowledge
that leads to liberation and not any exterior influence or agent.
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
34. In the context of India,
which of the following principles is/are implied institutionally in the
parliamentary government?
1. Members of the Cabinet are Members of the
Parliament.
2. Ministers hold the office till they enjoy
confidence in the Parliament.
3. Cabinet is headed by the Head of the
State.
Select the correct answer using the codes
given below
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
35. The annual range of
temperature in the interior of the continents is high as compared to coastal
areas. What
is/are the reason/reasons?
1. Thermal difference between land and water.
2. Variation in altitude between continents
and oceans.
3. Presence of strong winds in the interior.
4. Heavy rains in the interior as compared to
coasts.
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, 3 and 4
36. Which of the following is/are
the characteristic/ characteristics of Indian coal?
1. High ash content
2. Low sulphur content
3. Low ash fusion temperature
Select the correct answer using the codes given
below
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
37. Which of the following
statements regarding laterite soils of India are correct?
1. They are generally red in colour.
2. They are rich in nitrogen and potash.
3. They are well-developed in Rajasthan and
UP.
4. Tapioca and cashew nuts grow well on these
soils.
Select the correct answer using the codes
given below
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1 and 4
(d) 2 and 3 only
38. Consider the following
statements:
1. Natural gas occurs in the Gondwana beds
2. Mica occurs in abundance in Kodarma
3. Charwars are famous for petroleum
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3
(d) None
39. Consider the following crops
:
1. Cotton
2. Groundnut
3. Rice
4. wheat
Which of these are Kharif crops?
(a) 1 and 4
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 2, and 3
(d) 2, 3 and 4
40. “Climate is extreme, rainfall
is scanty and the people used to be nomadic herders”. The above statement best
describes which of the following regions?
(a) African Savannah
(b) Central Asian Steppe
(c) North American Prairie
(d) Siberian Tundra
41. Consider the following
statements:
1. Inflation benefits the debtors.
2. Inflation benefits the bond-holders.
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
42. Disguised unemployment
generally means
(a) large number of people remain
unemployed
(b) alternative employment is not
available
(c) marginal productivity of labour is zero
(d) productivity of workers is
low
43. Consider the following
statements :
1. The Council of Ministers in the Centre
shall be collectively responsible to the Parliament.
2. The Union Ministers shall hold the office
during the pleasure of the President of India.
3. The Prime Minister shall communicate to
the President about the proposals for legislation.
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct ?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
44. Consider the following
statements :
1. National Development Council is an organ
of the Planning Commission.
2. The Economic and Social Planning is kept
in the Concurrent List in the Constitution of India.
3. The Constitution of India prescribes that
Panchayats should be assigned the task of preparation of plans for economic
development and social justice.
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct ?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
45. Consider the following
statements :
1. The Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of
the Rajya Sabha are not the members of that House.
2. While the nominated members of the two
Houses of the Parliament have no voting right in the presidential election,
they have the right to vote in the election of the Vice President.
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
46. With reference to National
Legal Services Authority, consider the following statements:
1. Its objective is to provide free and competent
legal services to the weaker sections of the society on
the basis of equal opportunity.
2. It issues guidelines for the State Legal
Services Authorities to implement the legal programmes
and schemes throughout the country.
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
47. During a thunderstorm, the
thunder in the skies is produced by the
1. meeting of cumulonimbus clouds in the sky.
2. lightning that separates the nimbus
clouds.
3. violent upward movement of air and water
particles.
Select the correct answer using the code
given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3
(d) None of the above produces
the thunder
48. Consider the following pairs
:
Tribe State
1. Limboo (Limbu) : Sikkim
2. Karbi : HimachalPradesh
3. Dongaria Kondh : Odisha
4. Bonda : Tamil
Nadu
Which of the above pairs are correctly
matched ?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
49. Consider the following liquid
assets :
1. Demand deposits with the banks
2. Time deposits with the banks
3. Savings deposits with the banks
4. Currency
The correct sequence of these assets in the
decreasing order of liquidity is
(a) 1-4-3-2
(b) 4-3-2-1
(c) 2-3-1-4
(d) 4-1-3-2
50. In the context of Indian
economy, ‘Open Market Operations’ refers to
(a) borrowing by scheduled banks from
the RBI
(b) lending by commercial banks
to industry and trade
(c) purchase and sale of government securities by the RBI
(d) None of the above
51. Under the Scheduled Tribes
and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act,
2006, who shall be the authority to initiate
the process for determining the nature and extent of individual or
community forest rights or both ?
(a) State Forest Department
(b) District Collector / Deputy Commissioner
(c) Tahsildar / Block Development
Officer / Mandal Revenue Officer
(d) Gram Sabha
52. Improper handling and storage
of cereal grains and oilseeds result in the production of toxins known as
aflatoxins which are not generally destroyed
by normal cooking process. Aflatoxins are produced by
(a) bacteria
(b) protozoa
(c) moulds – Aryan Classes
(d) viruses
53. ‘Economic Justice’ as one of
the objectives of the Indian Constitution has been provided in
(a) the Preamble and the Fundamental
Rights
(b) The Preamble and the Directive Principles of State Policy
(c) The Fundamental Rights and
the Directive Principles of State Policy
(d) None of the above
54. Due to improper /
indiscriminate disposal of old and used computers or their parts, which of the
following
are released into the environment as e-waste
?
1. Beryllium
2. Cadmium
3. Chromium
4. Heptachlor
5. Mercury
6. Lead
7. Plutonimum
Select the correct answer using the codes
given below.
(a) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only
(b) 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 only
(c) 2, 4, 5 and 7 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7
55. Acid rain is caused by the
pollution of environment by
(a) carbon dioxide and nitrogen
(b) carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide
(c) ozone and carbon dioxide
(d) nitrous oxide and sulphur dioxide
56. With reference to food chains
in ecosystems, consider the following statements :
1. A food chain illustrates the order in
which a chain of organisms feed upon each other.
2. Food chains are found within the populations
of a species.
3. A food chain illustrates the numbers of
each organism which are eaten by others.
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct ?
(a) 1 only (doubt)
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None (Doubt)
57. Consider the following pairs
:
National Park River
flowing through the Park
1. Corbett National Park : Ganga
2. Kaziranga National Park : Manas
3. Silent Valley National Park : Kaveri
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly
matched ?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3
(d) None
58. Consider the following
organisms :
1. Agaricus
2. Nostoc
3. Spirogyra
Which of the above is/are used as
biofertilizer/biofertilizers ?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 3 only
59. Which of the following
adds/add nitrogen to the soil ?
1. Execretion of urea by animals
2. Burning of coal by man
3. Death of vegetation
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
60. In which of the following
States is lion-tailed macaque found in its natural habitat ?
1. Tamil Nadu – Aryan Classes
2. Kerala
3. Karnataka
4. Andhra Pradesh
Select the correct answer using the codes
given below: codes
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
61. Some Buddhist rock-cut caves
are called Chaityas, while the others are called Viharas. What is the
difference between the two?
(a) Vihara is a place of worship,
while Chaitya is the dwelling place of the monks
(b) Chaitya is a place of worship, while Vihara is the dwelling place of the
monks
(c) Chaitya is the stupa at the
far end of the cave, while vihara is the hall axial to it
(d) There is no material
difference between the two
62. Which one of the following
describes best the concept of Nirvana in Buddhism?
(a) The extinction of the flame of desire
(b) The complete annihilation of
self
(c) A state of bliss and rest
(d) A mental stage beyond all comprehension
63. According to the Constitution
of India, which of the following are fundamental for the governance of
the country?
(a) Fundamental Rights
(b) Fundamental Duties
(c) Directive Principles of State Policy
(d) Fundamental Rights and Fundamental
Duties
64. The people of India agitated
against the arrival of Simon Commission because
(a) Indians never wanted the
review of the working of the Act of 1919
(b) Simon Commission recommended the
abolition of Dyarchy (Diarchy) in the Provinces
(c) there was no Indian member in the Simon Commission
(d) the Simon Commission
suggested the partition of the country
65. Quit India Movement was
launched in response to
(a) Cabinet Mission Plan
(b) Cripps Proposals
(c) Simon Commission Report
(d) Wavell Plan
66. The balance of payments of a
country is a systematic record of
(a) all import and export transactions of a country during a given period of
time, normally a year
(b) goods exported from a country
during a year
(c) economic transaction between
the government of one country to another
(d) capital movements from one country
to another
67. The Reserve Bank of India
regulates the commercial banks in matters of
1. liquidity of assets
2. branch expansion
3. merger of banks
4. winding-up of banks
Select the correct answer using the code
given below.
(a) 1 and 4 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
68. An increase in the Bank Rate generally
indicates that the
(a) Market rate of interest is likely to fall
(b) Central Bank is no longer making loans to
commercial banks
(c) Central Bank is following an easy money
policy
(d) Central Bank is
following a tight money policy
69. In India, deficit financing
is used for raising resources for
(a) economic development
(b) redemption of public debt
(c) adjusting the balance of payments
(d) reducing the foreign debt
70. Which of the following
characterizes / characterize the people of Indus Civilization?
1. They possessed great palaces and temples.
2. They worshipped both male and female
deities.
3. They employed horse-drawn chariots in
warfare.
Select the correct statement / statements
using the codes given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None of the statements given above
is correct
71. Which of the following
diseases can be transmitted from one person to another through tattooing?
1. Chikungunya
2. Hepatitis B
3. HIV - AIDS
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
72. Which of the following
statements is/are applicable to Jain doctrine?
1. The surest way of annihilating Karma is to
practice penance.
2. Every object, even the smallest particle has
a soul.
3. Karma is the bane of the soul and must be
ended.
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
73. Which one of the following
terms describes not only the physical space occupied by an organism, but also
its functional role in the community of organisms?
(a) Ecotone
(b) Ecological niche
(c) Habitat
(d) Home range
74. Photochemical smog is a
resultant of the reaction among
(a) NO2, O3 and peroxyacetyl nitrate in the presence of sunlight
(b) CO, O2 and peroxyacetyl nitrate in the
presence of sunlight
(c) CO, CO2 and NO2 at low temperature
(d) high concentration of NO2 O3 and CO in the evening
75. Consider the following
minerals:
1. Calcium – Aryan Classes
2. Iron
3. Sodium
Which of the minerals given above is /are
required by human body for the contraction of muscles?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
76. What will follow if a Money
Bill is substantially amended by the Rajya Sabha?
(a) The Lok Sabha may still proceed with Bill, accepting or not accepting the
recommendations of the Rajya Sabha
(b) The Lok Sabha cannot consider
the Bill further
(c) The Lok Sabha may send the
Bill to the Rajya Sabha for reconsideration
(d) The President may call a
joint sitting for passing the Bill
77. Which one of the following statements
is correct?
(a) In India, the same person
cannot be appointed as Governor for two or more States at the same time
(b) The Judges of the High Court
of the States in India are appointed by the Governor of the State just as the
Judges of the Supreme Court are appointed by the President.
(c) No procedure has been laid down in the Constitution of India for the
removal of a Governor from his/her post
(d) In the case of a Union
Territory having a legislative setup, the Chief Minister is appointed by the Lt.Governor
on the basis of majority support
78. Which one of the following
pairs is correctly matched?
Geographical
Region Feature
(a) Abyssinian Plateau : Arabia
(b) Atlas, Mountains
: North-Western
Africa
(c) Guiana Highlands : South-Western Africa
(d) Okavango Basin : Patagonia
79. With reference to the history
of Indian rock-cut architecture, consider the following statements:
1. The caves at Badami are the oldest
surviving rock-cut caves in India.
2. The Barabar rock-cut caves were originally
made for Ajivikas by Emperor Chandragupta Maurya.
3. At Ellora, caves were made for different
faiths.
Which of the statements given above is/ are
correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
80. Recombinant DNA technology (Genetic
Engineering) allows genes to be transferred
1. across different species of plants
2. from animals to plants
3. from microorganisms to higher organisms
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
81. The Chinese traveler Yuan
Chwang (Hiuen Tsang) who visited India recorded the general conditions and
culture of India at that time. In this context,
which of the following Statements is/are correct?
1. The roads and river-routes were completely
immune from robbery.
2. As regards punishment for offences,
ordeals by fire, water and poison were the instruments for determining the
innocence or guilt of a person.
3. The tradesmen had to pay duties at ferries
and barrier stations.
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
82. Consider the following:
1. Star tortoise
2. Monitor lizard
3. Pygmy hog
4. Spider monkey
Which of the above are naturally found in
India?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2 3 and 4
83. Which of the following can be
found as pollutants in the drinking water in some parts of India?
1. Arsenic
2. Sorbitol
3. Fluoride
4. Formaldehyde
5. Uranium
Select the correct answer using the codes
given below.
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2, 4 and 5 only
(c) 1,3 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
84. With reference to Indian
History, the Members of the Constituent
Assembly from the Provinces were
(a) Directly elected by the
people of those Provinces
(b) Nominated by the Indian National
Congress and the Muslim League
(c) Elected by the Provincial Legislative Assemblies
(d) Selected by the Government
for their expertise in constitutional matters
85. Consider the following
Animals
1. Sea cow
2. Sea horse
3. Sea lion
Which of the above is / are mammal/mammals?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1,2 and 3
86. Consider the following
Statements:
1. An amendment to the Constitution of India
can be initiated by an introduction of a bill in the Lok Sabha only
2. If such an amendment seeks to make changes
in the federal character of the Constitution, the amendment also requires to be
ratified by the legislature of all the States of India
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct?
(a) only
(b) only
(c) Both 2 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
87. Consider the following
Statements:
Attorney General of India can
1. take part in the proceedings of the Lok
Sabha
2. be a member of a committee of the Lok
Sabha
3. speak in the Lok Sabha
4. vote in the Lok Sabha
Which of the statements given above is / are
correct?
(a) only
(b) and 4
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1 and 3 only
88. With Reference to the
usefulness of the by-products of sugar industry, which of the following
statements
is/are correct?
1. Begasse can be used as biomass fuel for
the generation of energy
2. Molasses can be used as one of the feedstocks
for the production of synthetic chemical fertilizers.
3. Molasses can be used for the production of
ethanol.
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
89. Variations in the length of
daytime and nighttime from season to season are due to
(a) The earth’s rotation on its
axis
(b) The earth’s revolution round
the sun in an elliptical manner
(c) Latitudinal position of the
place
(d) Revolution of the earth on a tilted axis
90. The Narmada river flows to
the west, while most other large peninsular rivers flow to the east. Why?
1. It occupies a linear rift valley.
2. It flows between the Vindhyas and the
Satpuras.
3. The land slopes to the west from Central
India.
Select the correct answer using the codes
given below.
(a) only
(b) and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) None
91. On the planet earth, most of
the freshwater exists as ice caps and glaciers. Out of the remaining freshwater,
the largest proportion
(a) is found in atmosphere as moisture
and clouds
(b) is found in freshwater lakes
and rivers
(c) exists as groundwater
(d) exists as soil moisture
92. Consider the following pairs
:
1. Nokrek Biosphere Reserve : Garo Hills
2. Logtak (Loktak) Lake : Barail Range
3. Namdapha National Park : Dafla Hills
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly
matched?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None
93. Consider the following :
1. Electromagnetic radiation
2. Geothermal energy – Aryan Classes
3. Gravitational force
4. Plate movements
5. Rotation of the earth
6. Revolution of the earth
Which of the above are responsible for
bringing dynamic changes on the surface of the earth?
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only
(b) 1, 3, 5 and 6 only
(c) 2, 4, 5 and 6 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6
94. Which of the following bodies
does not/do not find mention in the Constitution?
1. National Development Council
2. Planning Commission
3. Zonal Councils
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
95. The demand for the Tebhaga
Peasant Movement in Bengal was for
(a) the reduction of the share of the landlords from one-half of the crop to
one-third
(b) the grant of ownership of
land to peasants as they were the actual cultivators of the land
(c) the uprooting of Zamindari system
and the end of serfdom
(d) writing off all peasant debts
96. The Parliament can make any
law for whole or any part of India for implementing international treaties
(a) with the consent of all the
States
(b) with the consent of the
majority of States
(c) with the consent of the
States concerned
(d) without the consent of any State
97. In the grasslands, trees do
not replace the grasses as a part of an ecological succession because of
(a) Insects and fungi – Aryan Classes
(b) Limited sunlight and paucity
of nutrients
(c) Water limits and fire
(d) None of the above
98. Which of the following is the
correct sequence of ecosystems in the order of decreasing productivity?
(a) Oceans, lakes, grasslands, mangroves
(b) Mangroves, oceans,
grasslands, lakes
(c) Mangroves,
grasslands, lakes, oceans
(d) Oceans, mangroves, lakes, grasslands.
99. Contour bunding is a method
of soil conservation used in
(a) Desert margins, liable to
strong wind action
(b) Low flat plains, close to
stream course, liable to flooding
(c) Scrublands, liable to spread
of weed growth
(d) None of the above
100. The Government enacted the Panchayat
Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act in 1996. Which
one of the following is not identified
as its objective?
(a) To provide self-governance
(b) To recognize traditional
rights
(c) To create autonomous regions in tribal areas
(d) To free tribal people from exploitation
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)