1.
Microbial fuel cells are considered a source of sustainable energy. Why?
1. They use living organisms as catalysts to generate electricity from certain substrates.
2. They use a variety of inorganic materials as substrates.
3. They can be installed in wastewater treatment plants to cleanse water and produce electricity.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct Answer
C. 1 and 3 only
Explanation
Microbial fuel cells are considered a source of sustainable energy because they use living organisms as catalysts to generate electricity from certain substrates. This means that they harness the natural metabolic processes of microorganisms to produce electricity, making them a renewable and environmentally friendly energy source. Additionally, microbial fuel cells can be installed in wastewater treatment plants to cleanse water and produce electricity, further contributing to their sustainability.
2.
Three of the following criteria have contributed to the recognition of western Ghats-Sri Lanka and Indo-Burma regions as hotspots of biodiversity:
1. Species richness
2. Vegetation density
3. Endemism.
4. Ethno-botanical importance
5. Threat perception
6. Adaptation of flora and fauna to warm arid humid conditions
Which three of the above are the correct criteria in this context?
Correct Answer
C. 1,3 and 5
Explanation
The correct criteria in this context are species richness, endemism, and threat perception. The recognition of western Ghats-Sri Lanka and Indo-Burma regions as hotspots of biodiversity is based on these three criteria. Species richness refers to the number of different species present in an area, which indicates high biodiversity. Endemism refers to the presence of species that are unique to a particular region, indicating high levels of biodiversity and ecological importance. Threat perception refers to the level of threat or vulnerability faced by the biodiversity in these regions, which highlights the need for conservation efforts.
3.
India has experienced persistent, and high food inflation in the recent past, what could be the reasons?
1. Due to a gradual switchover to the cultivation of commercial crops, the area under the cultivation of food grains has steadily decreased in the last five years by about 30%.
2. As a consequence of increasing incomes, the consumption patterns of the people have undergone a significant change.
3. The food supply chain has structural constraints,
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Correct Answer
B. 2 and 3 only
Explanation
The correct answer is 2 and 3 only. The first statement suggests that the decrease in the cultivation of food grains could be a reason for high food inflation. However, there is no information provided to support this claim. The second statement, on the other hand, states that the change in consumption patterns due to increasing incomes could be a reason for high food inflation, which is a plausible explanation. The third statement suggests that the food supply chain has structural constraints, which could also contribute to high food inflation. Therefore, the correct answer is 2 and 3 only.
4.
Former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's second and highest-profile son was captured along with several bodyguards by fighters near the town of Obari in Libya's southern desert and taken to Zintan. Name the deceased leader’s son who was captured?
Correct Answer
A. Saif al-Islam Gaddafi
Explanation
Saif al-Islam Gaddafi was the second and highest-profile son of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. He was captured along with several bodyguards by fighters near the town of Obari in Libya's southern desert and taken to Zintan.
5.
When the bark of a tree is removed in a circular fashion all around near its base,it gradually dries up and dies because
Correct Answer
A. Water from soil cannot rise to aerial parts
Explanation
When the bark of a tree is removed in a circular fashion all around near its base, it disrupts the flow of water and nutrients from the roots to the aerial parts of the tree. The bark acts as a conduit for water movement through the xylem vessels, and when it is removed, the water cannot be transported effectively. This leads to the drying up and eventual death of the tree as it is unable to receive the necessary water and nutrients for survival.
6.
Former India captain Ajit Wadekar was selected for the Col C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement award. Which one of the following personalities has not received this award in the past?
Correct Answer
D. Sachin Tendulkar
Explanation
Sachin Tendulkar has not received the Col C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement award in the past.
7.
Union Cabinet on 16 November 2011 agreed to partially allow foreign direct investment (FDI) to enter the pension sector. What percentage FDI has been permitted in the pension sector?
Correct Answer
D. 49%
Explanation
The Union Cabinet in 2011 agreed to partially allow foreign direct investment (FDI) in the pension sector. The correct answer is 49%, indicating that the government permitted up to 49% FDI in the pension sector. This decision aimed to attract foreign investments and promote the growth of the pension industry in India.
8.
At present, scientists can determine the arrangement or relative positions of genes or DNA sequences on a chromosome. How does this knowledge benefit us?
1. It is possible to know the pedigree of livestock.
2. It is possible to understand the causes of all human diseases.
3. It is possible to develop disease-resistant animal breeds,
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct Answer
C. 1 and 3 only
Explanation
The knowledge of the arrangement or relative positions of genes or DNA sequences on a chromosome allows scientists to determine the pedigree of livestock, which is beneficial for breeding and improving the quality of livestock. Additionally, this knowledge enables the development of disease-resistant animal breeds, which can have significant economic and agricultural benefits. Understanding the causes of all human diseases, as stated in option 2, is not entirely accurate, as there are still many diseases whose causes are not fully understood. Therefore, the correct statements are 1 and 3 only.
9.
Which one of the following statements appropriately describes the "fiscal stimulus"?
Correct Answer
B. It is an intense affirmati ve action of the Government to boost economic activity in the country
Explanation
The correct answer is "It is an intense affirmative action of the Government to boost economic activity in the country." This statement accurately describes fiscal stimulus as a government action taken to stimulate economic activity. Fiscal stimulus typically involves increased government spending or tax cuts to encourage consumer spending and investment, thereby boosting the overall economy.
10.
The "New START" treaty was In the news. What is this treaty?
Correct Answer
A. It is a bilateral strategic nuclear arms reduction treaty between the USA and' the Russian Federation
Explanation
The "New START" treaty refers to a bilateral strategic nuclear arms reduction treaty between the USA and the Russian Federation. This treaty aims to limit the number of deployed strategic nuclear warheads and delivery systems, as well as establish a verification regime to ensure compliance. It was in the news because it was set to expire in 2021, and there were discussions about its extension and potential renegotiations.