Punjab PCS 2021 Previous Year Paper

PUNJAB PCS 2021 GENERAL STUDIES PAPER

Q1. The World Health Organization has declared Africa wild polio-free. The disease is now found only in which of the following countries :

(a) Afghanistan and Pakistan

(b) Afghanistan and Kyrgyzstan

(d) Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan

ANSWER: (A)

Q2. Which of the following statements are correct ?

The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2019 provides for the regulation of use of DNA technology for establishing the identity of certain persons.
DNA is made up of 26 pairs of chromosomes and provides instructions for building an entire organism and proteins.
DNA is composed of two chains, which coil around each other to form a double helix carrying the genetic instructions used in the growth.
Under the Bill, DNA profiling is allowed only in respect of criminal matters.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) Only 1 and 2

(b) Only 2 and 3

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

ANSWER: (C)

Q3. Recently, the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry launched National GIS-enabled Land Bank System. Which of the following statements are correct about the system ?

The platform is created to provide database of industrial clusters over South India.
The information available on the platform includes information about forest, drainage, raw material heat maps (agriculture, horticulture, mineral layers) and multiple layers of connectivity.
It will help India in achieving its target of 5 trillion USD economy in five years by providing transparent mechanism of land identification and procurement.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) Only 1 and 2

(b) Only 2 and 3

(d) 1, 2 and 3

ANSWER: (B)

Q4. Consider the following statements:

Pratheeksha is India’s first Marine Ambulance launched by Kerala Govt.
It aims to save the endangered Indian Mackerel and Olive Ridley Turtles from poachers off the

Kerala Coast.

Choose the incorrect statement(s) :

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

ANSWER: (B)

Q5. ICMR published “National Guidelines for Gene Therapy Product Development and Clinical Trials”.

Which of the following statements are correct about Gene Therapy Product (GTP) ?

It is defined as any biological entity, having the required gene, that could introduce modifications in the genome for therapeutic benefit.
GTPs work by repairing, replacing or dysfunctional deactivating disease-causing genes to restore normal function.
As per the New Drugs and Clinical Trial Rules (2019), the GTPs falls under ‘new drug’ and

shall always be deemed as ‘new drug’.

Thalassemia, Gaucher’s disease, Sickle cell anaemia and Haemophilia fall under the genetically inherited disease category.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) Only 1 and 2

(b) Only 2 and 3

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

ANSWER: (D)

Q6. The Prime Minister of India mentioned the mega plan of “One Sun, One World, One Grid” project in the Independence Day address. Which of the following statements are correct about the project ?

It is a transnational electricity grid supplying solar power project.
The idea of the project was first introduced in 2018 during the first assembly of International Solar Alliance.
China was the only member country to resist this proposal during the ISA meet.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) Only 1 and 2

(b) Only 2 and 3

(d) 1, 2 and 3

ANSWER: (A)

Q7. The Government of India has constituted National Council for Transgender Persons. Which of the following statements are correct about the Council ?

The Council will be headed by the Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment.
The Council is a statutory body found under Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.
State level and District level councils for each State will be set up under this act to address the grievances of transgenders at grassroot level.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) Only 2 and 3

(b) Only 1 and 2

(d) 1, 2 and 3

ANSWER: (B)

Q8. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change recently published the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2020. Which of the following statements are correct about EIA ?

It predicts the effect of a proposed industrial/infrastructural project on the environment.
It prevents the proposed activity/project from being approved without proper oversight or taking adverse consequences into account.
It compares various alternatives for a project and seeks to identify the one which represents the best combination of economic and environmental costs and benefits.
As per the new notification, Coal and non-Coal mineral prospecting and solar photovoltaic projects do not need prior environmental clearance.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) Only 1 and 2

(b) Only 2, 3 and 4

(d) Only 1, 2 and 4

ANSWER: ()

Q9. Recently ‘Decarbonising Transport in India’ project was launched by NITI Aayog in

collaboration with International Transport Forum (ITF). Identify the incorrect statement.

(a) It aims to develop a pathway towards a low carbon transport system for India.

(b) The project will design a tailor-made transport emissions assessment framework for India.

Emerging Economies (DTEE).

(d) None of the above

ANSWER: (C)

Q10. The United Nations Environment Programme and International Energy Agency jointly released a ‘Cooling Emissions and Policy Synthesis Report’ (CEPSR). Which of the following statements is/are correct about the report ?

It is based on assessment of development and climate benefits of efficient and climate-friendly

cooling.

It lays out actions that can be taken to deliver efficient and climate-friendly cooling for all.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

ANSWER: (C)

Q11. Which of the following statements are correct regarding Virtual Water Trade (VWT) ?

It refers to the import and export of hidden water in the form of products such as crop products, textiles, machinery and livestock which require water for production.
The concept was introduced by Tony Allan in 1993 to explain the import of water intensive products in arid and semi-arid regions in the Middle East and North Africa.
The World Water Council is headquartered at Marseille, France.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 2

(d) 1, 2 and 3

ANSWER: (D)

Q12. Recently, the 15th India-European Union Summit was held through a virtual medium. Which of the following are correct about the summit ?

‘India-EU Strategic Partnership : A Roadmap to 2025’ was adopted to guide cooperation between India and the EU over the next five years.
Adopted declarations on Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy.
An agreement between India-Euratom (European Atomic Energy Community) on research and development cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy was signed on the eve of the summit.
An agreement between Europol and CBI signed to combat terrorism and organized crime.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) Only 1 and 4

(b) Only 1 and 3

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

ANSWER: (C)

Q13. The Union Cabinet recently approved the New Education Policy (NEP), 2020. Which of the following statements are correct about the policy ?

Compulsory allocation of 4% of the GDP in Education sector by the Union Govt.
Aims to bring the uncovered age group of 3 – 6 years under school curriculum.
Gross enrolment ratio in Higher Education to be raised to 50% by 2030.
The policy envisages to set up Gender Inclusion Fund.
The National Educational Technology Forum (NETF) to be created to provide a platform for the free exchange of ideas on use of technology to enhance learning.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) Only 1, 2 and 4

(b) Only 1, 3 and 5

(d) Only 2, 3, 4 and 5

ANSWER: ()

Q14. Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) released a report titled ‘Assessment of Climate Change over the Indian Region’. Which of the following statements are true ?

It is a first ever attempt to document and assess climate change in different parts of India.
It highlights the observed and projected changes in various climatic dimensions over the Indian region, their impacts and various policy actions to deal with the regional climate change.
The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) is located at Coimbatore.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) Only 1 and 2

(b) Only 2

(d) 1, 2 and 3

ANSWER: (A)

Q15. The Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), a community-based functionary under National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), have been supporting delivery of health care services to the last mile, especially during COVID-19. Which of the following are the primary duties of ASHAs?

It counsels women on birth preparedness, importance of safe delivery, breastfeeding

complementary and feeding, immunization, contraception and prevention of common infections.

ASHA takes steps to create awareness and provide information to the community on determinants of health such as nutrition, basic sanitation and hygienic practices.
It works with the Village Health and Sanitation Committee of the Gram Panchayat to develop a comprehensive village health plan.
ASHA provides primary medical care for minor ailments such as diarrhea, fevers, and first aid for minor injuries.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) Only 1, 2 and 3

(b) Only 2, 3 and 4

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

ANSWER: (D)

Q16. The Government of India announced linking of Lakshadweep Islands with the mainland through Optical Fibre Cable link.

Which of the following statements is/are true ?

The submarine optical fibre cable link will connect 11 islands of Lakshadweep with Kochi in

mainland India.

The project will be executed in PPP mode through a joint venture of BSNL and RIL.

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

ANSWER: (A)

Q17. India’s first gas exchange, the Indian Gas Exchange (IGX), was launched as a wholly owned subsidiary of Indian Energy Exchange. Which of the following statements are correct ?

It is a digital trading platform that will allow buyers and sellers to trade both in the spot market

and in the forward market for imported natural gas.

It will allow trade across three hubs — Dahej and Hazira in Gujarat and Kakinada in Andhra

Pradesh.

Imported Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) will be regassified and sold to buyers through the exchange, removing the requirement for buyers and sellers to find each other.
Only inter-governmental trade in domestically produced natural gas is allowed at the gas exchange.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) Only 1 and 2

(b) Only 1 and 3

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

ANSWER: (C)

Q18. Consider the following statements :

Angola and Nigeria are one of the largest crude oil suppliers of the sub-Saharan region.
India and Angola signed a bilateral energy cooperation agreement under the framework of India-Africa Forum.

Which among the above statements is/are incorrect ?

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

ANSWER: (B)

Q19. Recently, Pan-India Real Time Market in electricity was launched. Which of the following statements are correct about the market ?

Real time market is an organized market platform enabling buyers and sellers to meet their energy requirement closer to real time operation.
The auctions will be held 50 times a day.
It became operational on two platforms : Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) and Power Exchange India Limited (PXIL).

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) Only 1 and 2

(b) Only 2 and 3

(d) 1, 2 and 3

ANSWER: (C)

Q20. National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX) announced the commencement of trading in the country’s first agriculture futures index called :

(a) AGRODEX

(b) AGRIDEX

(d) CROPDEX

ANSWER: (B)

Q21. Consider the following statements :

Ezulwini consensus calls for a more democratic security council with a permanent seat to Egypt, Turkey and South Africa.
During the recent India – AU Summit, Uniting for Consensus grouping (UfC) strongly supported India’s claim to a permanent seat in the UNSC.

Choose the correct statement(s) :

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

ANSWER: (D)

Q22. India recently announced a second phase of Cotton Technical Assistance Programme for African countries. Choose the correct statements among the following :

The grouping of Mali, Benin, Burkina Faso and Chad is popularly called Cotton-4.
Cotton crop is best grown commercially in Red and Lateritic soils in India.
The Cotton Corporation of India Ltd. releases MSP for Fair Average Quality grade Kapas before the start of procurement season.

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 1 and 3

(d) 1, 2 and 3

ANSWER: (A)

Q23. The All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), the first pan-India trade union recently completed 100 years. Who among the following contributed to the formation of AITUC.

Lala Lajpat Rai
Bal Gangadhar Tilak
Joseph Baptista
N.M. Joshi
Diwan Chaman Lall

Choose the correct code :

(a) Only 1, 4 and 5

(b) Only 1, 3 and 4

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

ANSWER: (D)

Q24. The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has recently recognized Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) as a part of World Wide Radio Navigation System (WWRNS). Choose the correct statement(s) among the following :

India has become the fourth country in the world to have its independent navigation satellite system recognized by IMO.
IRNSS provides both Standard Positioning Service (SPS) and Restricted Service (RS).
IRNSS, like GLONASS and GPS is a global navigation system.

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 1 and 2

(d) Only 1, 2 and 3

ANSWER: (B)

Q25. The Bureau of Indian Standards has prepared a draft standard for the supply of piped drinking water, named as “Drinking Water Supply Quality Management System-requirements for piped drinking water supply service”. Which of the following statements are the key features of the draft ?

After treatment the drinking water should conform to Indian Standard (IS) 10500.
Adoption of District Metering Area concept to control leakages.
Water audit should be conducted on quarterly basis.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) Only 1 and 2

(b) Only 2 and 3

(d) 1, 2 and 3

ANSWER: (D)

Q26. Winter Diesel is a specialized fuel that was introduced by Indian Oil Corporation. Choose the incorrect statement about Winter Diesel :

(a) It contains additives to maintain lower viscosity so that it can be used in temperatures as low as – 30°C.

(b) It has lower cetane rating for high performance of engines.

(d) It is highly suitable for high altitude and low-temperature regions such as Ladakh, where ordinary diesel can become unusable.

ANSWER: (B)

Q27. Hydropower sector cooperation is the flagship area of Indo-Bhutan bilateral relations. Choose the correct statement(s) among the following with regard to India’s investment in the hydropower sector in Bhutan :

The Mangdechhu hydroelectric project is a run-of-river power plant being built with Indian

assistance in central Bhutan.

The Kholongchu project is a first Indo-Bhutan joint hydroelectric implemented project venture to be by Kholongchu Hydro Energy Limited.
The Chukha HEP, Kurichhu HEP and Tala HEP are the hydroelectric projects of Bilateral

Cooperation between India and Bhutan.

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 1 and 2

(d) 1, 2 and 3

ANSWER: (D)

Q28. Consider the following statements regarding ‘One Nation, One Ration Card’ scheme.

The scheme allows portability of food security benefits for migrant workers in other States.
Aadhar linkage of ration cards of migrant workers is not mandatory for availing benefits in other States.

Which of the above statements is/are correct ?

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

ANSWER: (A)

Q29. Consider the following statements :

A permanent bridge has been built on River Ravi for connecting Kasowal enclave in Punjab along the India-Pakistan border with the rest of the country.
This 484-meter long bridge has been built by Border Roads Organisation (BRO) under the Project Chetak.

Which of the above statements is/are correct ?

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

ANSWER: (C)

Q30. Consider the following statements regarding Styrene from gas leakage LG Polymers Plant in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh :

Styrene gas that is used in the production of polystyrene plastics and resins is normally stored as liquid in factories.
Short exposure to Styrene gas results in irritation of mucous membrane and gastrointestinal

effects eye, and inhalation problems and long term exposure to the gas causes damage to central nervous system and fatality as well.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

ANSWER: (C)

Q31. JIGYASA programme of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is a/an

(a) National Programme to provide Mentorship and Scholarship support to interested students for pursuing study in Basic Sciences.

(b) Student-Scientist connect programme wherein students across the country are exposed to science and technology.

(c) Innovative programme to attract young talent to the study of science at an early age and to build the required critical human resource pool for strengthening and expanding the Science and Technology system and R & D base.

(d) New programme aimed to foster scientific research on the effects of yoga and meditation on

physical and mental health in healthy people as well as in patients with disorders.

ANSWER: (B)

Q32. Consider the following statements :

‘Ajj Aakhaan Waris Shah Nu’ (Today I Invoke Waris Shah) is a famous poem by the renowned

Punjabi writer Amrita Pritam about the horrors of the partition of the Punjab during the Partition of India in 1947.

The poem is addressed to the historic Punjabi poet ‘Waris Shah’ who is considered as ‘Shakespeare of Punjab’ for his literary work ‘Heer Ranjha’.

Which of the above statements is/are correct ?

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

ANSWER: (C)

Q33. Consider the following statements :

World Bank allocates votes for member countries on the basis of the share of bank’s capital stock held by the member country.
India currently holds more than 5% of the voting power in the World Bank.

Choose the incorrect statement(s) :

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

ANSWER: ()

Q34. Which of the statements given below is correct ?

(a) The Attorney General of India is entitled to all the privileges that are available to a Member of

Parliament.

(b) The Attorney General of India is a member of the Cabinet.

(d) He must be a person who is qualified to be appointed as Judge of a High Court.

ANSWER: (A)

Q35. Consider the following statements :

The Sixth Schedule has conferred the District Councils the power to constitute Village Councils or courts for the trial of cases between persons belonging to Scheduled Tribes.
The Sixth Schedule has recognised the power of the District Councils to impose certain specified taxes.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

ANSWER: (C)

Q36. Consider the following statements :

Matters concerning Trade Unions, industrial and labour disputes fall within the purview of Concurrent list.
The subject of welfare of labour including conditions of work, provident compensation fund,

and workmen’s maternity benefits are included in the State list.

Which of the above statements is/are correct ?

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

ANSWER: (A)

Q37. Consider the following statements :

With respect to the ordinary Bills passed by the State Legislature, the Governor is vested with a discretionary power either to withhold his/her assent or return the Bill for reconsideration by the State Legislature.
If a Bill passed by the State Legislature is derogatory to the powers of the High Court, it is compulsory for the Governor to return the Bill.

Which of the above statements is/are correct ?

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

ANSWER: (A)

Q38. As per the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, who has the authority to initiate the process for determining the nature and extent of individual or family rights ?

(a) State Tribal Department

(b) Gram Sabha

(d) Gram Panchayat

ANSWER: (B)

Q39. Which of the following is not a provision of the Representation of the People Act, 1950 ?

(a) Qualifications and disqualifications for membership of Parliament and State Legislatures

(b) Allocation of seats in the House of the People, the State Legislative Assemblies and the Legislative Councils

(d) Local authorities for purposes of elections to the State Legislative Councils

ANSWER: (A)

Q40. Which of the following categories of borrowers are eligible for taking the benefit of Priority Sector Lending under the Weaker Sections Category ?

Small and Marginal Farmers
Self-Help Groups
Beneficiaries of Differential Rate of Interest (DRI) scheme
Distressed farmers indebted to non-institutional lenders
Minority Communities as notified

Select the correct answer from the choices below :

(a) Only 1 and 2

(b) Only 1, 2 and 3

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

ANSWER: (D)

Q41. Which out of the following sets of industries is not a part of the eight core industries in India?

(a) Coal, crude oil and natural gas

(b) Steel, cement and electricity

(d) Mining, metallurgical operations and pharmaceuticals

ANSWER: (D)

Q42. Which out of the following has been categorised as a Domestic Systematically Important Bank (D-SIB) as per the recent report the RBI ?

(a) ICICI Bank

(b) Punjab National Bank

(d) Kotak Mahindra Bank

ANSWER: (A)

Q43. Which among the following is incorrect with respect to Payment Banks and Small Finance Banks in India ?

(a) Payments Banks can accept deposits but have to keep the customer balance below one lakh rupees, whereas there is no such restriction on the Small Finance Banks.

(b) Payments Banks cannot give loans or issue credit cards whereas Small Finance Banks can.

(c) Mobile Companies and Supermarket Chains owned and controlled by residents are allowed to become eligible promoters for Payments Banks but this is not true for Small Finance Banks.

(d) Payments Banks cannot sell mutual funds, insurance and pension funds but Small Finance Banks can.

ANSWER: (D)

Q44. Consider the following pairings of Non-Performing Assets (NPA) classification in India with their descriptions :

Substandard assets : Assets which have remained NPAs for a period less than or equal to 12 months.
Doubtful assets : Assets which have remained in the substandard category for a period of 12 months.
Loss assets : Assets which are considered uncollectible and of such little value that their continuance as a bankable asset is not warranted, although there may be some salvage or recovery value.

Which out of the above pairings are correct ?

(a) Only 1 and 2

(b) Only 2 and 3

(d) 1, 2 and 3

ANSWER: (D)

Q45. Which among the following is the objective of the Cheque Truncation System (CTS) introduced by the RBI ?

(a) To reduce the flow of cheques in circulation by replacing cheques with digital financial transactions.

(b) To discontinue the flow of physical cheques in the clearing process by transferring an electronic image of the cheque with essential MICR data.

(c) To establish an electronic database that helps in the suspension of the circulation of those cheques that do not have the correct vital details.

(d) To build capacity to enable interbank payments online and facilitate Corporate customer payments.

ANSWER: (B)

Q46. Which out of the following is the largest network of shared ATMs in India, run by the National Payments Corporation of India ?

(a) National Financial System

(b) National Financial Switch

(d) National Payment System

ANSWER: (D)

Q47. Credit Rating Agencies in India are regulated by which of the following entities ?

(a) Ministry of Corporate Affairs

(b) Ministry of Finance

(d) Reserve Bank of India

ANSWER: (C)

Q48. Which of the following statements is incorrect with respect to TReDS ?

(a) It stands for Trade Related Discounting System.

(b) It is an initiative of the Reserve Bank of India.

(d) It is an online bill discounting platform that enables discounting of invoices/bills of exchanges of MSME sellers against large corporates, including Government departments and PSEs through

an auction mechanism at competitive market rates.

ANSWER: (A)

Q49. Start-ups registered with the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion of the Government of India are exempted from the payment of the “Angel Tax” with conditions. This tax refers to

(a) Tax payable on capital raised by new listed start-up companies via issuance of shares where the share price is seen in excess of fair market value of shares sold.

(b) The tax that start-ups were supposed to pay if they receive a loan at a discounted rate of interest because of higher success ratio.

(c) Tax payable on capital raised by unlisted companies via issuance of shares where the share price is seen in excess of fair market value of shares sold.

(d) The tax that start-ups were supposed to pay when their annual income would cross the specified threshold as per their fair market valuation.

ANSWER: (C)

Q50. ‘Usual Principal Status’, ‘Usual Subsidiary Status’ and ‘Usual Principal and Subsidiary Status’ approaches are measurement of

(a) GDP

(b) Unemployment

(d) Services Sector Growth Rate

ANSWER: (B)

Q51. India has been constantly negotiating for an expansion in the trade in services via Mode 4 as defined under the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS). Consider the following pairings regarding different modes of Services under GATS of the WTO :

Mode 1 : Cross-Border Supply of Services
Mode 2 : Temporary cross-border movement of a natural person to consume services abroad
Mode 3 : Cross-border provision of services via the commercial presence of a company in another country
Mode 4 : Temporary cross-border movement of service providers

Which of the above are correctly paired ?

(a) Only 1 and 4

(b) Only 2 and 3

(d) All of the above

ANSWER: (D)

Q52. Which among the following are sources of non-tax revenue receipts for the Union Government?

Disinvestment Receipts
Spectrum Fees
Dividends from Public Sector Undertakings
Interest Received on Loans given by the Government

Choose the correct answer from the choices given below :

(a) Only 3 and 4

(b) Only 3

(d) All of the above

ANSWER: (C)

Q53. Consider the following statements with respect to Consumer Price Index and Wholesale Price Index in India :

The WPI is calculated for only goods and CPI is calculated for both goods and services.
The WPI is published by the Office of the Economic Advisor in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry while the CPI is published by the Central Statistical Office.
The WPI is published on a weekly basis for primary articles and fuel and power and is published monthly for the rest of the items, whereas the CPI is released on a monthly basis.
The WPI measures inflation in the initial stages of the supply chain whereas the CPI measures inflation in the later stages of the supply chain.

Which among the above given statements are correct ?

(a) Only 1, 2 and 3

(b) Only 1, 3 and 4

(d) All of the above

ANSWER: ()

Q54. Commission for Agriculture Costs and Prices (CACP) submits its recommendation for MSPs of agricultural commodities in form of Price Policy Reports. Consider the following statements :

CACP is a statutory body formed under Agriculture Commission Act, 1962.
Price Currently MSP is devoid of any legal backing except for Sugarcane to some extent.
Before submitting Price Policy Report for any crop, CACP also analyses demand and supply and the implications of MSP on consumers of that product along with the costs of production.

Which among the following statements is/are incorrect ?

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 1 and 3

(d) None of the above

ANSWER: (A)

Q55. Some suggest that India needs to move to an escrow-based payment mechanism to ensure a fearless business environment in the country. Which of the following correctly describes an escrow account ?

(a) A third-party bank account for safeguarding the buyer from the risk of seller defaulting on the quality of goods and services.

(b) A bank account used by individuals/firms for routing the funds through tax havens for the purpose of tax evasion.

(c) A third-party bank account for safeguarding the seller from the risk of the buyer defaulting on the payment to the seller after having received the goods and/or services.

(d) None of the above

ANSWER: (C)

Q56. The Mineral Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020 has recently been passed. Consider the following regarding the same :

With the introduction of this Bill, companies which do not have any prior coal mining experience in India can also participate in the auction of coal blocks.
Private companies will now be able to undertake coal mining for commercial mining purposes,

thereby ending the captive end-use criteria.

A composite license namely Prospecting Licence-Cum-Mining Lease has been introduced in the Bill.
The revenue sharing model detailed in the Bill is based on recommendations of an expert committee headed by Injeti Srinivas.

Which of the above are true?

(a) Only 2 and 3

(b) Only 1 and 3

(d) Only 2, 3 and 4

ANSWER: (C)

Q57. Consider the following pairings of the names of Government initiated portals and the area/industry with which they are associated :

Sambandh : MSME
Prakash Portal : Coal Industry
Government e-Marketplace : For procurement of goods by the Government
E-Nam portal : Agriculture

Which out of the above are correctly paired ?

(a) Only 3 and 4

(b) Only 2, 3 and 4

(d) All of the above

ANSWER: (D)

Q58. Consider the following statements with respect to the Export Preparedness Index, 2020 :

It was published by the NITI Aayog in partnership with the Institute of Competitiveness.
It examines the export ecosystem of Indian States and Union Territories.
Policy, Business Ecosystem, Export Ecosystem and Export Performance are the four pillars of

the Index.

Gujarat Export Preparedness emerged as the top performing State in the ‘Coastal States’ category, followed by Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
In the category of ‘Landlocked States’, Madhya Pradesh is the best performing State. Among ‘Himalayan States’ and ‘City States’, Himachal Pradesh and Delhi are the top performing States respectively.

Which of the above statements are true ?

(a) Only 1, 2 and 3

(b) Only 2, 4 and 5

(d) Only 1, 4 and 5

ANSWER: (A)

Q59. According to the World Bank’s classification of economies into income groups (on the basis of GNI per capita using the Atlas method exchange rates) for the 2020 – 2021 fiscal year, India falls in which of the four incomes groups described below ?

(a) Low Income Country

(b) Lower-Middle Income Country

(d) High Income Country

ANSWER: (B)

Q60. Consider the following products :

Phulkari
Katarni Rice
Sirsi Supari
Chanderi

As of now, Punjab has the Geographical Indicator (GI) tag for which of the above products ?

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 1 and 2

(d) Only 1 and 3

ANSWER: (A)

Q61. Mesothelioma is a malignant tumour that is caused by

Cadmium
Arsenic
Asbestos
Lead

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) Only 2

(b) Only 1 and 4

(d) Only 3

ANSWER: (D)

Q62. Three-way catalytic converter is used in vehicles to reduce

Unburnt Hydrocarbon
Carbon Monoxide
Nitric Oxide
Sulphur dioxide

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) Only 1, 2, and 3

(b) Only 1, 3 and 4

(d) Only 3 and 4

ANSWER: (A)

Q63. Statements about Terrestrial laser scanning are given below :

It is a measurement technique that can acquire millimeter-level of detail from the surrounding area.
It allows rapid, automatic and periodical estimates of many important forest attributes.
It inventory measures the surrounding three-dimensional (3D) space.
It is a satellite-based technique that ensures precise standard surveys.

Which of the above given statements are true ?

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 1, 3 and 4

(d) 1, 2 and 4

ANSWER: (A)

Q64. Read the following and choose the correct statement(s) :

The Pacific nation of Palau became the first country to ban ‘‘Coral reef-toxic’’ sunscreens.
Chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate that are present in most of the sunscreens, absorb UV light and are thus harmful to the Corals.

Choose the correct option :

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

ANSWER: (C)

Q65. Read the following and choose the correct statement(s) :

Statement I : The Himachal Pradesh State Government is to develop India’s first Snow Leopard Conservation Centre of India. The Centre is to be developed by the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Statement II : Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Programme (GSLEP) is an inter-governmental alliance of all 12 snow leopard range countries.

Choose the correct option :

(a) Both statements I and II are correct

(b) Statement I is correct

(d) None of the above

ANSWER: (C)

Q66. The symbol of Indian ecomark is

(a) Earthen pitcher

(b) Straw basket

(d) Bamboo pot

ANSWER: (A)

Q67. Which among the following statements is/are correct about the Palas ?

The Palas were ardent followers of Jainism.
The Palas founded the Oddantapuri University from where the missionaries went to

Tibet to spread Jainism.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

ANSWER: (D)

Q68. Which among the following statements(s) is/are true about the Mughal rule under Akbar ?

Akbar opened the Ibadat Khana to people of all religions; Sufis, Shias, Christians, Jains and

atheists.

Akbar issued the Mahzar-nama to take all religious matters in his own hands.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

ANSWER: (C)

Q69. In the Indian Freedom Struggle, who among the following revolutionaries carried out their activities from abroad ?

Raja Mahendra Pratap
Maulana Barkatullah
Lala Hardayal

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) Only 1 and 2

(b) Only 2 and 3

(d) 1, 2 and 3

ANSWER: (D)

Q70. Which of the following initiatives was/were taken by Sher Shah Suri to promote trade and commerce ?

Introduction of gold, silver and copper coins of uniform standard.
Restoration of the Grand Trunk Road.
Simplified the custom duty structure.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 2

(d) 1, 2 and 3

ANSWER: (D)

Q71. Sangam texts suggest several stages of social evolution of Tamil people. In this context consider the following statements:

The narrative texts show that Tamil people of the times were primarily pastoral.
No reference to trade and economic activities has been made in these texts.

Which of the statements given above is/are not correct ?

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

ANSWER: (C)

Q72. Which of the following was/were found in Mohenjodaro ?

Bronze Image of a dancing girl
Steatite image of a bearded man
Terracotta figurine of Mother Goddess

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 2

(d) 1, 2 and 3

ANSWER: (D)

Q73. With reference to the medieval history of India, the terms ‘Dahsala’, ‘Batai’ and ‘Nasaq’ are related to

(a) branding of horses with imperial marks by Samudragupta

(b) rituals conducted during coronation of a new Gupta king

(d) land revenue systems during Akbar’s reign

ANSWER: (D)

Q74. Consider the following statements regarding the administration under Chola Empire:

The Ur and Sabha were village assemblies mentioned under Chola inscriptions.
The village affairs were managed by executive committees which were open for all.
The Dravida style Brihadisvara Temple at Tanjore was built by Rajendra I.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 1 and 3

(d) Only 1, 2 and 3

ANSWER: (A)

Q75. Which of the following statements is/are not correct about the Vijayanagara kingdom?

The Vijayanagara kings maintained complete separation between religion and administration.
Land revenue was the main source of income.
Administration of the villages was carried out through hereditary officers.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) Only 1 and 2

(b) Only 1

(d) 1, 2 and 3

ANSWER: (B)

Q76. With reference to the Udaigiri-Khandagiri caves, which of the following statements is/are correct ?

They are examples of the rock-cut cave tradition.
These caves have inscriptions of Kharavela kings.
The caves were primarily meant for Buddhist monks.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) Only 2

(b) Only 1 and 3

(d) 1, 2 and 3

ANSWER: (C)

Q77. What important influence did John Locke, Baron de Montesquieu, Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Voltaire have on the United States ?

(a) They were Europeans who came to help the Americans fight the British in the Revolution.

(b) They were European political thinkers who influenced the ideas of American leaders at the time of the Revolution.

(d) They were around European philosophers who met with Thomas Jefferson to draft the Declaration of Independence.

ANSWER: (B)

Q78. From July 17 to August 2, 1945, leaders from the Allied nations met at the Potsdam Conference to decide the sanctions to be put in place against the recently defeated Nazi Germany. During the conference, the decision was made that certain industries in Germany would be

(a) brought back to their pre-World War I levels.

(b) governed by the forces occupying the country.

(d) revitalized because the war had damaged them.

ANSWER: (C)

Q79. Match the following :

List I (Personalities)	List II (Misls)
A. Jai Singh	I. Nishanwalia
B. Hira Singh	II. Kanhaya
C. Dasaundha Singh	III. Nakkai
D. Naud Singh	IV. Sukerchakia

A B C D

(a) II III I IV

(b) I II III IV

(d) II I IV III

ANSWER: (A)

Q80. Maharaja Ranjit Singh gave grants to the following religious places :

(a) Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar

(b) Sachkhand Huzoor Sahib, Nanded

(d) All of the above

ANSWER: (D)

Q81. Consider the following statements and choose the correct one(s).

As per 2011 census, the percentage of agricultural labourers constitute more than 30% of total workers in the State of Punjab.
In 2019, Punjab had nearly 25 lakh hectares under Basmati which is less water consuming than other varieties of paddy.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

ANSWER: (D)

Q82. Match the following pairs :

State : Dams and Reservoirs

Madhya Pradesh — Sriram Sagar Reservoir
Andhra Pradesh — Bargi Dam
Tamil Nadu — Sholayar Reservoir

Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched ?

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 2

(d) 1, 2 and 3

ANSWER: (C)

Q83. Consider the following statements about Thal Ghat :

It is also called Kasara Ghat.
It is located in Maikal Hills.
Bhusawal-Kalyan railway line traverses through it.

Which of the statements given above are correct ?

(a) Only 1 and 2

(b) Only 2 and 3

(d) 1, 2 and 3

ANSWER: (C)

Q84. Which among the following is a Glaciatic Wetland ?

(a) Nilnag in Kashmir

(b) Chandertal in Himachal Pradesh

(d) Loktak in Manipur

ANSWER: (B)

Q85. Choose the correct statement(s) :

Statement I : Wild water buffalo is majorly found in North-Eastern and Central India.

Statement II : The Indian landscape is home to more than 85% of the Wild water buffalo population.

Choose the correct option :

(a) Only I

(b) Only II

(d) Neither I nor II

ANSWER: (C)

Q86. Choose the correct statement(s) :

Statement I : Corals are an endangered marine species and protected under Schedule I of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Statement II : Rhizangiidae, Caryophylliidae and Dendrophylliidae are the names of Coral families, recently in news as the Maharashtra government gave permission to translocate some coral colonies in order to build a coastal road to ease traffic congestion.

Choose the correct option :

(a) Only I

(b) Only II

(d) Neither I nor II

ANSWER: (C)

Q87. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the vulnerability and plight of sex workers across the world. Which among the following statements are true about the recent advisory related to sex workers issued by NHRC (National Human Rights Commission) ?

Statement I : NHRC advised to change the current statutory status of sex workers from ‘informal workers’ to ‘Women at work’.

Statement II : The advisory says that such workers may be provided benefits on humanitarian grounds that are entitled to informal workers.

Choose the correct option :

(a) Only I

(b) Only II

(d) Neither I nor II

ANSWER: (B)

Q88. Choose the incorrect statements :

The Mediterranean lands account for more than half of the world’s exports of citrus fruits.
The Olive tree, native to the Mediterranean region is a very soil sensitive tree and thrives only in well drained earth.
France leads the world trade in fresh grapes with more than 90% share.
Cork Oaks are typical species of Mediterranean Evergreen forests.

Choose from the code given below :

(a) Only 2

(b) Only 1 and 2

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

ANSWER: (C)

Q89. Choose the correct statements :

The gentle slope of continental shelves of Grand Banks of Newfoundland is one of the reasons for it to emerge among the largest fishing grounds of the world.
Both pelagic and demersal fish are caught commercially here.
Cod is the chief fish caught in the Grand Banks.
St. John’s, Halifax and Yarmouth are chief ports of Newfoundland from where the fish is exported.

Choose the correct option :

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 1 and 3

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

ANSWER: (C)

Q90. Choose the incorrect statement :

Sea of Galilee is an example of lava blocked lake in the Jordan Valley.
The Tafilalet Oasis in Libya is surrounded by a wall to keep out the dust storms, locally called as simooms.

Choose from the code given below :

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

ANSWER: (B)

Q91. Consider the following statements :

The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill 2020 seeks to amend The Medical

Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971.

The Bill sets up State level Medical Boards to decide if a pregnancy may be terminated after 24 weeks in case of substantial foetal abnormalities.
The Bill specifies that survivors of rape, victims of incest and other vulnerable women like differently abled women and minors will now be able to opt for abortion up to 28 weeks on the advice of two doctors.

Choose the correct statement(s) :

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 1 and 2

(d) Only 1, 2 and 3

ANSWER: (B)

Q92. Consider the following statements :

Odisha recently launched “Drink from the tap Mission-Sujal” to ensure the supply of quality drinking water to the people.
Odisha achieved the target of 100 percent household water supply connections in 2020.

Choose the correct statement(s) :

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

ANSWER: (A)

Q93. Which Article of the Constitution provides that it shall be the endeavor of every State to provide adequate facility for instruction in the mother tongue at the primary stage of education to children belonging to linguistic minority groups ?

(a) Article 349

(b) Article 350

(d) Article 361 A

ANSWER: (C)

Q94. Choose the incorrect statement among the following :

The Hausa are a primarily pastoral tribe of Nigeria for whom cattle is a symbol of wealth.
The Bindibu of Australia are primitive hunters and prefer to stay near the source of water.

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

ANSWER: (A)

Q95. As part of ‘Vaccine Maitri’ policy which of the following countries became first recipients of the Made-in-India COVID-19 vaccine.

(a) Nepal and Bhutan

(b) Nepal and Maldives

(d) Bangladesh and Bhutan

ANSWER: (C)

Q96. Recently Jallikattu, again is traditional sport of which Indian State ?

(a) Tamil Nadu

(b) Kerala

(d) Karnataka

ANSWER: (A)

Q97. Which among the following nations, owing to its steady economic growth, has recently graduated from the UN’s official list of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) ?

(a) Maldives

(b) Samoa

(d) Vanuatu

ANSWER: (D)

Q98. Which of the following is not a foreign bank in India ?

(a) Citi Bank

(b) Standard Chartered Bank

(d) HSBC

ANSWER: (C)

Q99. In view of a recent Supreme Court order, consider the following features of coastal regulation zones in India as per the CRZ Notification :

CRZ-1 : Exploration and extraction of natural gas is permitted selectively.
CRZ-2 : Unauthorized structures are allowed to be constructed in this zone.
CRZ-4 : Fishing is permitted in this zone.

Choose the correct matches :

(a) Only 1 and 2

(b) Only 2 and 3

(d) Only 2

ANSWER: (C)

Q100. Which of the following organisms is/are considered as “Benthos” biotic community?

Starfish
Beetles
Oysters

Choose the correct answer using the codes given below :

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 and 3

(d) None of the above

ANSWER: (C)

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