1. For the Karachi session of Indian National Congress in 1931 presided over by Sardar Patel, who drafted the Resolution on Fundamental Rights and Economic Programme?
(a) Mahatma Gandhi
(b) Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru
(c) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
(d) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
Ans. b
Explanation:
In 1931, the Indian National Congress, at its Karachi session, adopted resolutions defining, as well as committing itself to the defence of fundamental civil rights, including socio-economic rights such as minimum wage, the abolition of untouchability and serfdom. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru drafted the Resolution on Fundamental Rights and Economic Programme.
2. Who among the following were official Congress negotiators with Cripps Mission?
(a) Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel
(b) Acharya J.B. Kripalani and C. Rajagopalachari
(c) Pandit Nehru and Maulana Azad
(d) Dr. Rajendra Prasad and Rafi Ahmed Kidwai
Ans. c
Explanation:
Pandit Nehru and Maulana Azad were official Congress negotiators with Cripps Mission. The Cripps mission was an attempt in late March 1942 by the British government to secure Indian cooperation and support for their efforts in World War II.
3. Which one of the following processes in the bodies of living organisms is a digestive process?
(a) Breakdown of proteins into amino acids
(b) Breakdown of glucose into CO2 and H2O
(c) Conversion of glucose into glycogen
(d) Conversion of amino acids into proteins
Ans. a
Explanation:
Digestion is the mechanical and chemical breaking down of food into smaller components that can be absorbed into a blood stream, for instance. eg. Break-down of carbohydrates, proteins and fats into constituent units.
4. From the point of view of evolution of living organisms, which one of the following is the correct sequence of evolution?
(a) Otter - Tortoise - Shark
(b) Shark - Tortoise - Otter
(c) Tortoise - Shark - Otter
(d) Shark - Otter – Tortoise
Ans. b
Explanation:
Otters are semi-aquatic (or in one case aquatic) fish-eating mammals.
5. Consider the following statements:
1. Hepatitis B is several times more infectious than HIV/AIDS
2. Hepatitis B can cause liver cancer 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
Ans. c
Explanation:
Hepatitis B is several times more infectious than HIV/AIDS because HIV is heat sensitive.
Chronic hepatitis B may eventually cause liver cirrhosis and liver cancer—a fatal disease with very poor response to current chemotherapy. The infection is preventable by vaccination.
6. Excessive release of the pollutant carbon monoxide (CO) into the air may produce a condition in which oxygen supply in the human body decreases. What causes this condition?
(a) When inhaled into the human body, CO is converted into CO2
(b) The inhaled CO has much higher affirnity for haemoglobin as compared to oxygen
(c) The inhaled CO destroys the chemical structure of haemoglobin
(d) The inhaled CO adversely affects the respiratory centre in the brain.
Ans. b
Explanation:
The inhaled CO has much higher affirnity for haemoglobin as compared to oxygen. Carbon monoxide mainly causes adverse effects in humans by combining with hemoglobin to form carboxyhemoglobin (HbCO) in the blood. This prevents oxygen binding to hemoglobin, reducing the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, leading to hypoxia.
7.. Consider the following statements:
1. Every individual in the population is equally susceptible host for Swine Flue.
2. Antibiotics have no role in the primary treatment of Swine Flu.
3. To prevent the future spread of Swine Flu in the epidemic area, the swine (pigs) must all be culled.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans. b
Explanation:
People who work with poultry and swine, especially people with intense exposures, are at increased risk of zoonotic (bird and swine flue) infection. People in at-risk groups should be treated with antivirals (oseltamivir or zanamivir) as soon as possible when they first experience flu symptoms. Antibiotics have no role in the primary treatment of Swine Flu. The World Health Organization moved to put the pandemic alert to phase 5 confirms that the situation is not a pig problem but a human problem.
8. With regard to the transmission of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, which one of the following statements is not correct?
(a) The chances of transmission from female to male are twice as likely as from male to female
(b) The chances of transmission are more if a person suffers from other sexually transmitted infections
(c) An infected mother can transmit the infection to her baby during pregnancy, at childbirth and by breast feeding
(d) The risk of contracting infection from transfusion of infected blood is much higher than an exposure to contaminated needle
Ans. a
Explanation:
In high-income countries, the risk of female-to-male transmission is 0.04% per act and male-to-female transmission is 0.08% per act. The transmission of the virus from the mother to the child can occur in utero during the last weeks of pregnancy and at childbirth. Breastfeeding also increases the risk of transmission by about 4 %.
9. What are the possible limitations of India in mitigating the global warming at present and in the immediate future?
1. Appropriate alternate technologies are not sufficiently available.
2. Indian cannot invest huge funds in research and development.
3. Many developed countries have already set up their polluting industries in India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans. a
Explanation:
No need of explanation.
10. Consider the following statements:
1. The Commonwealth has no charter treaty or constitution.
2. All the territories/countries once under the British empire (jurisdiction/rule/mandate) automatically joined the Commonwealth as its members.
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
Ans. a (?)
Explanation: Membership is purely voluntary. A number of territories formerly under British jurisdiction or mandate did not join the Commonwealth like Egypt, Iraq, Myanmar etc..
11. Examine the following statements:
1. All colours are pleasant.
2. Some colours are pleasent.
3. No colour is pleasant.
4. Some colours are not pleasant.
Given that the statement 4 is true, what can be definitely concluded?
(a) 1 and 2 are true
(b) 1 is false
(c) 2 is false
(d) 3 is true
Ans. b
12. In the context of bilateral trade negotiations between Indian and European Union, what is the difference between European Commission and European Council?
1. European Commission represents the EU in trade negotiations whereas European Council participates in the legislation of matters pertaining to economic polices of the European Union.
2. European Commission comprises the Heats of State or government of member countries whereas the European Council comprises of the persons nominated by European Parliament.
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
Ans. d
Explanation:
The European Council is the institution of the European Union (EU) responsible for defining the general political direction and priorities of the Union. It comprises the heads of state or government of EU member states, along with its President and the President of the Commission. The High Representative takes part in its meetings, which are chaired by its President: currently Herman Van Rompuy.
While the European Council has no formal legislative power, it is an institution that deals with major issues and any decisions made are "a major impetus in defining the general political guidelines of the European Union".
13. The approximate representation of land use classification in India is
(a) Net area sown 25%; forests 33%; other areas 42%
(b) Net area sown 58%; forests 17%; other areas 25%
(c) Net area sown 43%; forests 29%; other areas 28%
(d) Net area sown 47%; forests 23%; other areas 30%
Ans. d (most correct answer)
Explanation: India 2010 page-308
According to State of Forest report 2005, the total forest cover of the country as per 2005 assessment is 20.65 of total geographical area of country.
14. With reference to the National Investment Fund to which the disinvestment proceeds are routed, consider the following statements:
1. The assets in the National Investment Fund are managed by the Union Ministry of Finance.
2. The National Investment Fund is to be maintained within the Consolidated Fund of India.
3. Certain Asset Management Companies are appointed as the fund managers.
4. A certain proportion of annual income is used for financing select social sectors.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 3 and 4
(d) 3 only
Ans. c
Explanation:
NIF would be maintained outside the Consolidated Fund of India and would be professionally managed by selected public sector mutual funds to provide sustainable return without depleting the corpus. 75% of annual income of NIF will be used to finance selected social sector schemes. The three AMCs (the UTI Asset Management Company Pvt. Ltd., the SBI Funds Management Pvt. Ltd. and the LIC Mutual Fund Asset Management Company Ltd.) have been appointed as fund managers for NIF, initially for two years, but extendable later on the basis of their performance. Separate agreements were signed with each fund manager.
15. In India, which of the following is regulated by the Forward Markets Commission?
(a) Currency Futures Trading
(b) Commodities Futures Trading
(c) Equity Futures Trading
(d) Both Commodities Futures and Financial Futures Trading.
Ans. b
Explanation:
The Forward Markets Commission (FMC) is the chief regulator of forwards and futures markets in India. It regulates commodity trade in India. It is headquartered in Mumbai and is overseen by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India.
16. Which one of the following is not a feature of Limited Liability Partnership firm?
(a) Partners should be less than 20
(b) Partnership and management need not be separate
(c) Internal governance may be decided by mutual agreement among partners.
(d) It is corporate body with perpetual succession
Ans. a
Explanation:
LLP shall be a body corporate and a legal entity separate from its partners. It will have perpetual succession. Indian Partnership Act, 1932 shall not be applicable to LLPs and there shall not be any upper limit on number of partners in an LLP unlike an ordinary partnership firm where the maximum number of partners can not exceed 20, LLP Act makes a mandatory statement where one of the partner to the LLP should be an Indian. A minimum of two partners will be required for formation of an LLP.
17. With reference to the institution of Banking Ombudsman in India, which one of the statements is not correct?
(a) The Banking Ombudsman is appointed by the Reserve Bank of India
(b) The Banking Ombudsman can consider complaints from Non-Resident Indians having accounts in india
(c) The orders passed by the Banking Ombudsman are final and binding on the parties concerned
(d) The service provided by the Banking Ombudsman is free of any fee
Ans. c
Explanation:
The Banking Ombudsman is a senior official appointed by the Reserve Bank of India to redress customer complaints against deficiency in certain banking services.
The Banking Ombudsman can receive and consider any complaint relating to complaints from Non-Resident Indians having accounts in India in relation to their remittances from abroad, deposits and other bank-related matters; If one is not satisfied with the decision passed by the Banking Ombudsman, one can approach the appellate authority against the Banking Ombudsmen’s decision. Appellate Authority is vested with a Deputy Governor of the RBI.
18. With reference to India, consider the following:
1. Nationalization of Banks
2. Formation of Regional Rural Banks
3. Adoption of villages by Bank Branches
Which of the above can be considered as steps taken to achieve the "financial inclusion" in India?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans. d
Explanation: Steps taken to achieve the "financial inclusion" in India-
a. A hugely expanded bank branch and cooperative network and new organizational forms like RRBs;
b. A greater focus on credit rather than other financial services like savings and insurance, although the banks and cooperatives did provide deposit facilities;
c. Nationalization of Banks
19. What was the immediate reason for Ahmad Shah Abdali to invade India and fight the Third Battle of Panipat?
(a) He wanted to avenge the expulsion by marathas of his viceroy Timur "Shah from Lahore
(b) The frustrated governor of Jullundhar Adina Beg Khan invited him to invade Punjab
(c) he wanted to punish Mughal administration for non-payment of the revenues of the Chahar Mahal (Gujarat, Aurangabad, Sialkot and Pasrur)
(d) He wanted to annex all the fertile plains of Punjab up the borders of Delhi to his kingdom
Ans. a
Explanation:
To counter the Afghans, Peshwa Balaji Bajirao sent Raghunathrao. He succeeded in ousting Timur Shah and his court from India and brought Lahore, Multan, Kashmir and other subahs on the Indian side of Attock under Maratha rule. Thus, upon his return to Kandahar in 1757, Amidst appeals from Muslim leaders like Shah Waliullah, Ahmad Shah chose to return to India and confront the Maratha Confederacy.
20. With reference to Pondicherry (now Pundchery), consider the following statements:
1. The first European power to occupy Pondicherry were the Portuguese.
2. The second European power to occupy Pondicherry were the French.
3. The English never occupied Pondicherry.
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
Ans. c (?)
Explanation:
Joseph François Dupleix became the Governor of the French Territory in India on 15 January 1742 and brought Madras also under French control in September 1746; Madras continued under French rule for 30 years. Internal disturbances in Pondicherry gave the British the opportunity, in August 1793, to gain control of Pondicherry; it was administered as part of Madras till 1815. However, after the Treaty of Paris in 1814, the British restored the settlements, which the French had possessed on 1 January 1792, back to the French in 1816. French rule continued till 31 October 1954.
21. Why did Buddhism start declining in India in the early medieval times.
1. Buddha was by that time considered as one of the incarnations of Vishnu and thus became a part of Vaishnavism.
2. The invading tribes from Central Asia till the time of last Gupta king adopted Hinduism and presecuted Buddhists.
3. The Kings of Gupta dynasty were strongly opposed to Buddhism.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans. a
Explanation:
The successor Shungas reinstated the sacrifices and persecuted Buddhism. Central Asian and North Western Indian Buddhism weakened in the 6th century following the White Hun invasion, who followed their own religions. The Gupta Empire period was a time of great development of Hindu culture, but even then in the Ganges Plain half of the population supported Buddhism.
22. Consider the following statements: The functions of commercial banks in India include
1. Purchase and sale of shares and securities on behalf of customers.
2. Acting as executors and trustees of wills.
Which of the statement given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. d
Explanation:
The modern Commercial Banks in India cater to the financial needs of different sectors. The main functions of the commercial banks comprise:
• transfer of funds
• acceptance of deposits
• offering those deposits as loans for the establishment of industries
• purchase of houses, equipments, capital investment purposes etc.
• The banks are allowed to act as trustees. On account of the knowledge of the financial market of India the financial companies are attracted towards them to act as trustees to take the responsibility of the security for the financial instrument like a debenture.
• The Indian Government presently hires the commercial banks for various purposes like tax collection and refunds, payment of pensions etc.
23. In India, the tax proceeds of which one of the following as a percentage of gross tax revenue has significantly declined in the last five years?
(a) Service tax
(b) personal income tax
(c) Excise duty
(d) Corporation tax
Ans. c
Explanation: Economic Survey 2009-10 page-42
24. Which one of the following authorities makes recommendation to the Governor of a State as to the principles for determining the taxes and duties which may be appropriated by the Panchayats in that particular State?
(a) District Planning Committees
(b) State Finance Commission
(c) Finance Ministry of that State
(d) Panchayati Raj Ministry of that State
Ans. b
Explanation:
Governor of a State shall after every 5 years constitute a finance commission to review the financial position of Panchayats in that particular State. State Finance Commission makes recommendation to the Governor of a State as to the principles for determining the taxes and duties which may be appropriated by the Panchayats in that particular State.
25. Consider the following statements: In India, taxes on transactions in Stock Exchanges and Futures Markets are
1. levied by the Union
2. collected by the States
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
Ans.
Explanation:
Some taxes are levied and collected by the Centre but the proceeds are to be distributed among States. These include succession and estate duties in respect of property other than agricultural land, terminal tax on goods and passengers, tax on railway fares and freights, taxes on transaction in stock exchanges and future markets, taxes on sale or purchase of newspapers and ads.
26. In India, during the last decade the total cultivated land for which one of the following crops has remained more or less stagnant?
(a) Rice
(b) Oilseeds
(c) Pulses
(d) Sugarcane
Ans. a (Economic Survey 2009-10 page-182)
Explanation:
In India, during the last decade the total cultivated land for rice has remained more or less stagnant.
27. Consider the following statements:
1. The Union Government fixes the Statutory Minimum Price of sugarcane for each sugar season.
2. Sugar and sugarcane are essential commodities under the Essential Commodities Act.
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
Ans. b
Explanation:
The control on sugar is effected mainly through control orders issued under the Essential Commodities Act and some State legislation, like the one in Uttar Pradesh.
Central Government fixes the Statutory Minimum Price (SMP) of sugarcane for each sugar season under the Sugarcane (Control) Order, 1966 for each sugar factory. SMP is fixed on the basis of the recommendations of the commission on Agricultural Costs & Prices (CACP ).Some State Governments announce State Advised Prices (SAP) for sugarcane for their sugar factories. SAPs are higher than SMP. SAPs are not fixed on any scientific basis. SAPs are not statutorily binding.
SMP is now replaced or supplemented by Fair and Reasonable Price (FRP) and State Advised Price (SAP).
28. With reference to Indian economy consider the following statements:
1. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has increased by four times in the last 10 years
2. The percentage share of Public Sector in GDP has declined in the last 10 years.
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
Ans. d (?)
Explanation:
The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has increased by three times in the last 10 years.
29. Consider the following which can be found in the ambient atmosphere:
1. Soot
2. Sulphur hexafluoride
3. Water vapour
Which of the above contribute to the warming up of the atmosphere?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans. d
Explanation:
The main greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere are water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, SF6 is the most potent greenhouse gas that it has evaluated, with a global warming potential of 22,800[5] times that of CO2 when compared over a 100 year period. CO2 is resposible for 40% of earth warming and black carbon for 12%.
30. The International Development Association, a lending agency, is administrated by the
(a) International Bank for Reconstruction and Development
(b) International Fund for Agricultural Development
(c) United Nations Development Programme.
(d) United Nations Industrial Development Organization.
Ans. a
Explanation:
The IDA is administered by the same officers and staff who administer the affairs of the IBRD. The president of the Bank also serves as the president of the IDA, and the governors and the executive directors of the Bank serve in the same capacity in the IDA. As in the IBRD, a member's voting power in the IDA is roughly proportionate to its capital subscription.
31. When you travel in certain parts of India, you will notice red soil. What is the main reason for this colour?
(a) Abundance of magnesium
(b) Accumulated humus
(c) Presence of ferric oxides
(d) Abundance of phosphates
Ans. c
Explanation:
Red soil is formed as a result of the wearing down of the old crystalline rocks. It is less clayey and more of a sandy nature and has a rich content of iron and small Humus content. Red soil is poor in nitrogen, phosphorus and lime. Reddish color of red soil is due to wide diffusion of iron.
32. Which one of the following is the appropriate reason for considering the Gondana rocks as most important of rock systems of India?
(a) More than 90% of limestone reserves of India are found in then
(b) More than 90% of India's coal reserves are found in them
(c) More than 90% of fertile black cotton soils are spread over them
(d) None of the reasons given above is appropriate in this context
Ans. b
Explanation:
Gondwana rocks are economically most important rock system in India containing about 98% of her coal reserve.
33. Which one of the following can one come across is one travels through the Strait of Malacca?
(a) bali
(b) Brunei
(c) Java
(d) Singapore
Ans. d
Explanation:
See any Atlas.
34. With reference to the river Luni, which one of the following statements is correct?
(a) It flows into Gulf of Khambhat
(b) it flows into Gulp of Kuchhh
(c) It flows into pakistan and mergers with a tributary of Indus
(d) It is lost in the marshy land of the Rann of Kuchchh
Ans. d
Explanation:
The Luni is a river of western Rajasthan state, India. It originates in the Pushkar valley of the Aravalli Range, near Ajmer and ends in the marshy lands of Rann of Kutch in Gujarat
35. Which one of the following pairs in not correctly matched?
Dam/Lake River
(a) Govind Sagar Satluj
(b) Kolleru lake Krishna
(c) Ukai Reservoir Tapi
(d) Wular Lake Jhelum
Ans. b
Explanation:
Govind Sagar- Gobind Sagar is a man-made reservoir situated in Bilaspur District, Himachal Pradesh.The reservoir on the river Sutlej, was formed after the hydel dam at Bhakra was constructed and has been named in honour of Guru Gobind Singh. Kolleru lake- Kolleru Lake is the largest freshwater lake in India. It is located in Andhra Pradesh state, India. Kolleru is located between Krishna and Godavari delta. Ukai Reservoir- Ukai Dam, constructed across the Tapti River, is the largest reservoir in Gujarat. Wular Lake- Wular Lake is a large fresh water lake in Bandipore district in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The lake basin was formed as a result of tectonic activity and is fed by the Jhelum River.
36. A geographic region has the following distinct characteristics:
1. Warm and dry climate
2. Mild and wet winter
3. Evergreen oak trees
The above features are the distinct characteristics of which one of the following regions?
(a) Mediterranean
(b) Eastern China
(c) Central Asia
(d) Atlantic coast of North America
Ans. a
Explanation:
Mediterranean region is characterized by Warm and dry climate, Mild and wet winter and Evergreen oak trees.
37. Which reference to the National Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy, 2007, consider the following statements:
1. This policy is applicable only to the persons affected by the acquisition of land for projects and not to the involuntary displacement due to any other reason.
2. This policy has been formulated by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
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
Ans. d
Explanation:
The new Bill provides for benefits and compensation to people displaced by land acquisition purchases or any other involuntary displacement. For large scale displacement, the government shall conduct a social impact assessment, and appoint an Administrator for Rehabilitation and Resettlement to formulate and execute the rehabilitation and resettlement plan. This policy has been formulated by the Ministry of Rural Development.
38. In the context of India's Five Year Plans, a shift in the pattern of industrialization, with lower emphasis on heavy industries and more on infrastructure begins in
(a) Forth Plan
(b) Sixth Plan
(c) Eighth Plan
(d) Tenth Plan
Ans. b (India 2010 page-809)
Explanation:
Strategy adapted during sixth plan was to move simultaneously toward strengthening the infrastructure for both agriculture and industries.
39. Two of the schemes launched by the Government of India for Women's development are Swadhar and Swayam Siddha. As regards the difference between them, consider the following statements:
1. Swayam Siddha is meant for those in difficult cicumstances such as women survivors of natural disasters or terrorism, women prisoners released from jails, mentally challenged women etc. whereas Swadhar is meant for holistic empowerment of women through Self Help Groups.
2. Swayam Siddha is implemented through Local Self Government bodies or reputed Vountary Organizations whereas Swadhar is implemented through the ICDS units set up in the states.
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
Ans. d (India 2010 page-1059,60)
Explanation:
Swayam Sidha is based on formation of women into self help groups and programme is being implemented by ICDS machinery in most of States. The Swadhar Scheme purports to address the specific vulnerability of each of group of women in difficult circumstances through a Home-based holistic and integrated approach.
40. With reference to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, consider the following:
1. The Right to Development
2. The Right to Expression
3. The Right to Recreation
Which of the above is/are the Rights of the child?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans. d
Explanation:
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child is an international statement of the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of children.
41. Three men start together to travel the same way around a circular track of 11 km. Their speeds are 2, 5.5 and 8 kmph respectively. When will they meet at the starting point for the first time?
(a) After 11 hours
(b) After 21 hours
(c) After 22 hours
(d) After 33 hours
Ans. d
Explanation:
Circumference
= 2πr
= 69.14
Time taken by first person
=69.14/4
=17.2 hours
Time taken by second person
=69.14/5.5
= 12.57 hours
Answer should be more than 34.4 hours
42. With reference to the Consumer Disputes Redressal at district level in India, which one of the following statements is not correct?
(a) A State Government can establish more than one District Forum in a district if it deems fit
(b) One of the members of the District Forum shall be a women
(c) The District Forum entertains the complaints where the value of goods or services does not exceed rupees fifty laksh
(d) A complaint in relation to any goods sold or any service provided may be filed with a District Forum by the State Government as a representative of the interests of the consumers in general
Ans. c
Explanation:
Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum to be known as the "District Forum" established by the State Government in each district of the State by notification: Provided that the State Government may, if it deems fit, establish more than one District Forum in a district. Each District Forum shall consist of,— a person who is, or has been, or is qualified to be a District Judge, who shall be its President; two other members, one of whom shall be a woman. Jurisdiction of the District Forum.—(1) Subject to the other provisions of this Act, the District Forum shall have jurisdiction to entertain complaints where the value of the goods or services and the compensation, if any, claimed ''does not exceed rupees twenty lakhs.
43. King Cobra is the only snake that makes its own nest. Why does it make its nest?
(a) It is snake-eater and the nest helps attract other snakes
(b) It is a viviparous snake and needs a nest to given birth to its offspring
(c) It is a viviparous snake and lays its eggs in the nest and guards the nest until they are hatched
(d) It is a large, cold blooded animal and needs a nest to hibernate in the cold season
Ans. c
Explanation:
Before she is ready to lay her eggs, she uses the coils of her long body to gather a big mound of leaf litter. She deposits 20–40 eggs into the mound, which acts as an incubator. The female stays with her eggs and guards the mound tenaciously, rearing up into a threat display if any large animal gets too close. When the eggs start to hatch, instinct causes her to leave the nest and find prey to eat so that she does not eat her young.
44. As a result of their annual survey, the National Geographic Society and an international polling firm Gobe Scan gave India top rank in Greendex 200 score. What is this score?
(a) It is measure of efforts made by different countries in adopting technologies for reducing carbon footprint
(b) It is measure of environmentally sustainable consumber behaviour in different countries.
(c) It is an assessment of programmes/ schemes undertaken by different countries for improving the conservation of natural resources.
(d) It is an index showing the volume of carbon credits sold by different countries
Ans. b
Explanation:
National Geographic and the international polling firm GlobeScan have just conducted their second annual study measuring and monitoring consumer progress toward environmentally sustainable consumption in 17 countries around the world.
Consumers in India, Brazil and China again scored the highest for green behavior among the countries included the Greendex survey -- and U.S. consumers again scored the worst.
45. Consider the following statement:
1. The Taxus tree naturally found in the Himalayas.
2. The Taxus tree is listed in the Red Data Book.
3. A drug called "taxol" is obtained from Taxus tree is effective against Parkinson's disease.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans. b
Explanation:
The Taxus tree naturally found in the Himalayas. The Taxus tree is listed in the Red Data Book. A drug called "taxol" is obtained from Taxus tree is is a mitotic inhibitor used in cancer chemotherapy.
46. P, Q, R and S are four men R is the richest but not the oldest. Q is older than S but not than P or R. P is richer than Q but not than S. The four men can be ordered (descending) in respect of age and richness, respectively, as
(a) PQRS, RPSQ
(b) PRQS, RSPQ
(c) PRQS, RSQP
(d) PRSQ, RSPQ
Ans. b
Explanation:
Consider the following statement-
P is the oldest but not the poorest.
It excludes option c.
Consider the following next statement-
Q is older than S but not than P or R.
It excludes option a and d.
47. What causes wind to deflect toward left in the Southern hemisphere?
(a) Temperature
(b) Magnetic field
(c) Rotation of the earth
(d) Pressure
Ans. c
Explanation:
Moving objects on the surface of the Earth experience a Coriolis force, and appear to veer to the right in the northern hemisphere, and to the left in the southern. The Earth's rotation causes Coriolis force. The Coriolis Effect strongly affects the large-scale oceanic and atmospheric circulation, leading to the formation of robust features like jet streams and western boundary currents.
48. Indiscriminate disposal of used flouorescent electric lamps causes mercury pollution in the environment. Why is mercury used in the manufacture of these lamps?
(a) A mercury coating on the inside of the lamp makes the light bright white
(b) When the lamp is switched on, the mercury in the lamp causes the emission of ultra-violet radiations.
(c) When the lamp is switched on, it is the mercury which converts the ultra-violet energy into visible light
(d) None of the statement given above is correct about the use of mercury in the manufacture of fluorescent lamps
Ans. b
Explanation:
Compact fluorescent bulbs are made of glass tubes filled with gas and a small amount of mercury. CFLs produce light when the mercury molecules are excited by electricity running between two electrodes in the base of the bulb. The mercury emits ultraviolet light, which in turn excites the tube’s phosphor coating, leading it to emit visible light.
49. If there were no Himalayan ranges. Which would have been the most likely geographical impact on India?
1. Much of the country would experience the cold waves from Siberia.
2. Indo-gangetic plain would be devoid of such extensive alluvival soils.
3. The pattern of monsoon would be different from what it is at present.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans. d
Explanation:
Himalayan ranges effectively intercept the summer monsoons coming from the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea and cause precipitation in the form of rain or snow. They also prevent the cold continental air masses of central Asia from entering into India. The great rivers and their tributaries carry enormous quantities of alluvium. This is deposited in the Great Plain of North India in the form of fertile soils. It is therefore, often said it is Gift of the Himalayas.
50. In the context of space technology, what is "Bhuvan", recently in the news?
(a) A mini satellite launched by ISRO for promoting the distance education in India.
(b) The name given to the next Moon Impact Probe, for Chandrayan-II
(c) A geoportal of ISRO with 3 D imaging capabilities of India.
(d) A space telescope developed by India.
Ans. c
Explanation:
ISRO launched the beta version of its web-based 3-D satellite imagery tool, Bhuvan, on August 12, 2009. Bhuvan will offer superior imagery of Indian locations compared to other Virtual Globe software with spatial resolutions ranging from 10 m to 100 m.
51. The latitudes that pass through Sikkim also pass through
(a) Rajasthan
(b) Punjab
(c) Himachal Pradehs
(d) Jammu & Kashmir
Ans. a
Explanation:
See any Atlas.
52. A man fills a basket with eggs in such a way that the number of eggs added on each successive day is the same as the number already present in the basket. This way the basket gets completely filled in 24 days. After how many days the basket was ¼th full?
(a) 6
(b) 12
(c) 17
(d) 22
Ans. d
Explanation:
Available soon
53. The diameters of two circular coins are in the ratio of 1:3. The smaller coin is made to roll around the bigger coin till it returns to the position from where the process of rolling started. How many times the smaller coin rolled around the bigger coin?
(a) 9
(b) 6
(c) 3
(d) 1.5
Ans. c
Explanation:
Available soon
54. The difference between the interest received from two bank Rs. 500 for two years is Rs. 2.50. is the difference between their rate
(a) 0.25%
(b) 0.5%
(c) 1%
(d) 2.5%
Ans. a
Explanation:
Available soon
55. When ten persons shake hands with another, in how many ways is possible?
(a) 20
(b) 25
(c) 40
(d) 45
Ans. d
Explanation:
Available soon
56. A candidate attempted 12 questions and secured full marks in all of them he obtained 60% in the test and questions carried equal marks, then what is the number of questions in the test
(a) 36
(b) 30
(c) 25
(d) 20
Ans. d
Explanation:
Available soon
57. In how many ways can four children make to stand in a line such that two of them. A and B are always together?
(a) 6
(b) 12
(c) 18
(d) 24
Ans. b
Explanation:
Available soon
58. In a meeting, the map of a village was placed in such a manner that south-east becomes north, north-east becomes west and so on. What south become?
(a) North
(b) North-east
(c) North-west
(d) West
Ans. b
Explanation:
While rotating the map , answer can be fined.
59. Consider the following statements:
1. The "Bombay Manifesto" signed in 1936 openly opposed the preaching of socialist ideals.
2. It evoked support from a large section of business community from all across India.
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
Ans. c
Explanation:
Available soon
60. Among following, who was not a proponent of bhakti cult?
(a) Nagarjuna
(b) Tukaram
(c) Tyagaraja
(d) Vallabhacharya
Ans. a
Explanation:
Acharya Nāgārjuna was an Indian philosopher who founded the Madhyamaka school of Mahāyāna Buddhism.
61. Due to their extensive rice cultivation, some regions may be contributing to global warming. To what possible reason/reasons is this attributable?
1. The anaerobic conditions associated with rice cultivation cause the emission of methane.
2. When nitrogen based fertilizers are used, nitrous oxide is emitted from the cultivated soil.
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
Ans. c
Explanation:
Nitrous oxide is produced naturally in soils through the microbial processes of denitrification and nitrification. These natural emissions of N2O can be increased by a variety of agricultural practices and activities, including the use of synthetic and organic fertilizers. The greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide , water vapours, carbon particles etc. Growing rice has an adverse environmental impact because of the large quantities of methane gas it generates.
62. Sustaionable development is described as the development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In this perspective, inherently the concept of sustainable development is intertwined with which of the following concepts?
(a) Social justice and empowerment
(b) Inclusive Growth
(c) Globalization
(d) Carrying capacity
Ans. d
Explanation:
The carrying capacity of a biological species in an environment is the population size of the species that the environment can sustain indefinitely, given the food, habitat, water and other necessities available in the environment. Thus Sustaionable development is intertwined with Carrying capacity.
63. Given below are the names of four energy crops. Which one of them can be cultivated for ethanol?
(a) Jatropha
(b) Maize
(c) Pongamia
(d) Sunflower
Ans. b
Explanation:
In India production of alcohol apart from molasses & sugarcane route the non-molasses route like maize, starch, corn grain, sweet sorghum, tapioca, sugar beet are also equally getting importance as the climatic conditions for such type of agricultural crops suits in India.
64. Consider the following pairs:
Protected area Well-known for
1. Bhiterkanika Salt water
Orissa Crocodile
2. Desert Great Indian
National Park Bustard
Rajasthan
3. Eravikulam, Hoolak Gibbon
Kerala
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans. b
Explanation:
A huge population of saltwater crocodiles is present within the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary of Orissa and they are known to be present in smaller numbers throughout the Indian and Bangladesh portions of the Sundarbans. Great Indian Bustard is mostly found in the Gujrat, Madhya Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and West Rajasthan. It is mainly spotted in the the Desert National Park (Rajasthan) and the Lala-Parjau sanctuary in western Kutch (Gujarat). Hoolock Gibbons are found in several states of North East India - Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura and Nagaland.
65. Some species of plants are insectivorous Why?
(a) Their growth in shady and dark places does not allow them to undertake sufficient photosynthesis and theus they depend on insects for nutrition
(b) They are adapted to grow in nitrogen deficient soils and thus depend on insects for sufficient nitrogenous nutrition.
(c) They cannot synthesize certain vitamins themselves and depend on the insects digested by them
(d) They have remained in that particular stage of evolution as living fossils, a link between autotrophs and heterotrophs
Ans.
Explanation:
Insectivorous plants are adapted to grow in nitrogen deficient soils and thus depend on insects for sufficient nitrogenous nutrition.
66. A person travelled a distance of 50 km in 8 hours. He covered a part of the distance on foot at the rate of 4 km per hour and a part on a bicycle at the rate of 10 km per hour. How much distance did he travel on foot?
(a) 10 km
(b) 20 km
(c) 30 km
(d) 40 km
Ans. b
Explanation:
Available soon
67. In the context of governance, consider the following:
1. Encouraging Foreign Direct Investment inflows
2. Privatization of higher educational Institutions
3. Down-sizing of bureaucracy
4. Selling/offoading the shares of Public Sector Undertakings
Which of the above can be used as measures to control the fiscal deficit in India?
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 2 and 4
(d) 3 and 4 only
Ans. b (Economic Survey 2009-10 page -38)
Explanation:
"To bring the fiscal deficit under control, the government will initiate institutional reform measures which will encompass all aspects of budget such as subsidies, taxes, expenditure and disinvestment".
68. As per the UN-Habitat's Global Report on Human Settlements 2009, which one among the following regions has shown the fastest growth rate of urbanization in the last three decades?
(a) Asia
(b) Europe
(c) Latin America and Caribbean
(d) North America
Ans. a
Explanation:
As per the UN-Habitat's Global Report on Human Settlements 2009 has shown the fastest growth rate of urbanization in the last three decades.
69. In India, which type of forest among the following occupies the largest area?
(a) Montane Wet Temperate Forest
(b) Sub-tropical Dry Evergreen Forest
(c) Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest
(d) Tropical Wet Evergreen Forest
Ans. c
Explanation:
Montane Wet Temperate Forest-3.6%
Sub-tropical Dry Evergreen Forest2.5%
Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest-37%
Tropical Wet Evergreen Forest-8%
70. Inclusive growth as enunciated in the Eleventh Five Year Plan does not include one of the following:
(a) Reduction of poverty
(b) Extension of employment opportunities
(c) Strengthening of capital market
(d) Reduction of gender inequality
Ans. c
Explanation:
Inclusive growth as enunciated in the Eleventh Five Year Plan includes reduction of poverty, extension of employment opportunities and reduction of gender inequality.
71. How many numbers from 0 to 999 are not divisible by either 5 or 7?
(a) 313
(b) 341
(c) 686
(d) 786
Ans. c
Explanation:
Available soon
72. Tamil Nadu is a leading producer of mill-make cotton yarn in the country. What could be the reason?
1. Black cotton soil is the predominant type of soil in the State.
2. Rich pool of skilled labour is available.
Which of the above is/are the correct reasons?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. b
Explanation:
Red soil is the predominant type of soil in the State. Rich pool of skilled labour is main reason for high production of mill-make cotton yarn.
73. Consider the following statements:
1. On the planet Earth, the fresh water available for use amounts to about less than 1% of the total water found.
2. Of the total fresh water found on the planet Earth 95% is bound up in polar ice caps and glaciers.
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
Ans. a
Explanation:
Only 2.75 percent of the water on Earth is freshwater, about two-thirds of it is frozen in glaciers, a quarter is groundwater and only 0.005 percent of it is surface water.
Less than 1 percent of the world's freshwater is readily accessible.
74. Which one of the following reflects back more sunlight as compared to other three?
(a) Sand desert
(b) Paddy crop land
(c) Land covered with fresh snow
(d) Praire land
Ans. c
Explanation:
The albedo of an object is a measure of how strongly it reflects light from light sources such as the Sun. Snow have a very high albedo and can be as high as 0.9. Because trees tend to have a low albedo, removing forests would tend to increase albedo and thereby could produce localized climate cooling. dry sand have low albedo (0.35) as copare to snow.
75. Rivers that pass through Himachal Pradesh are
(a) Beas and Chenab only
(b) Beas and Ravi only
(c) Chenab, Ravi and Satluj only
(d) Beas, Chenab, Ravi, Satluj and Yamuna
Ans. d
Explanation:
The drainage systems of Himachal Pradesh are the Chandra Bhaga or the Chenab, the Ravi, the Beas, the Sutlej and the Yamuna. These rivers are perennial and are fed by snow and rainfall.
76. Who of the following shall cause every recommendations made by the Finance Commission to be laid before each House of Parliament?
(a) The President of India
(b) The Speaker of Lok Sabha
(c) The Prime Minister of India
(d) The Union Finance Minister
Ans. a
Explanation:
Finnance commission submits its report to the president who lays it before both the House of Parliament along with an explanatory memmorandum as to the action taken on its recommendations.
77. Which one of the following is responsible for the preparation and presentation of Union Budget to the Parliament?
(a) Department of Revenue
(b) Department of Economic Affairs
(c) Department of Financial Services
(d) Department of Expenditure
Ans. b
Explanation:
DEA is the nodal agency of the Union Government to formulate and monitor country's economic policies and programmes having a bearing on domestic and international aspects of economic management. A principal responsibility of this Department is the preparation of the Union Budget annually (excluding the Railway Budget).
78. In a group of five persons A, B, C, D and E, there is a professor, a doctor and lawyer. A and D are unmarried ladies, and o not work. Of the married couple in the Group, E is the husband. B is the brother of A and is neither a doctor nor a lawyer. Who the professor?
(a) B
(b) C
(c) A
(d) Cannot be determined with the available data
Ans. a
Explanation:
Available soon
79. Consider the following actions by the Government:
1. Cutting the tax rates
2. Increasing the government spending
3. Abolishing the subsidies
In the context of economic recession, which of the above actions can be considered a part of the "fiscal stimulus" package?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans. a (Economic Survey 2009-10 17)
Explanation:
Steps:
1. Reducing indirect taxes (excise and service tax)
2. Expanding public expenditure
3. Debt relief and subsidies to farmers
80. Half of the villagers of a certain village have their own houses. One-fifth of the villagers cultivate paddy. One-third of the villagers are the literate. Four-fifth of the villagers are below twenty five. Then, which one of the following is certainly true?
(a) All the villagers who have their own houses are literate
(b) Some villagers under twenty five are literate
(c) A quarter of the villagers who have their own houses cultivate paddy
(d) Half of the villagers who cultivate paddy are literate
Ans. b
81. When the Reserve Bank of India announces an increase of the Cash Reserve Ratio, what does it mean?
(a) The commercial banks will have less money to lend
(b) The Reserve Bank of India will have less money to lend
(c) The Union government will have less money to lend
(d) The commercial banks will have more money to lend
Ans. a
Explanation:
This is the amount of money that the banks have to necessarily park with the RBI and reduces lending capacity of commercial banks.
82. Who among the following Governor Generals created the Covenanted Civil Service of India which later came to be known as the Indian Civil Service?
(a) Warren Hastings
(b) Wellesley
(c) Cornwallis
(d) William Bentinck
Ans. c
Explanation:
Cornwallis created the Covenanted Civil Service of India which later came to be known as the Indian Civil Service. A special feature of Covenanted Civil Service of India was the rigid and complete exclusion of Indians from it.
83. What was the immediate cause for the launch of the Swadeshi movement?
(a) The partition of Bengal done by Lord Curzon
(b) A sentence of 18 months rigorous imprisonment imposed on Lokmanya Tilak
(c) The arrest and deportation of Lala Lajpat Rai and Ajit Singh; and passing of the Punjab Colonization Bill
(d) Death sentence pronounced on the Chapekar brothers
Ans. a
Explanation:
Swadeshi Movement emanated from the partition of bengal, 1905 and continued up to 1908. It was the most successful of the pre-Gandhian movements. Chief architects were Aurobindo Ghosh, Veer Savarkar, Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and Lala Lajpat Rai. The Swadeshi Jagaran Manch is an organisation committed to the promotion of Swadeshi (Indigenous) industries and culture.
84. Consider the following statements:
1. Dr. Rajendra Prasad persuaded Mahatma Gandhi to come to Champaran to investigate the problem of peasants.
2. Acharya J.B. Kriplani was one of Mahatma Gandhi's colleagues in his Champaran investigation.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. b
Explanation:
Rajkumar Shukla persuaded Mahatma Gandhi to come to Champaran to investigate the problem of peasants. Accompanied by Babu Rajendra Prasad, J. B. Kripalani, Mahadev Desai Gandhijee reached Champaran and began to conduct a detailed inquiry.
85. By a regulation in 1793, the District Collector was deprived of his judicial powers and made the collecting agent only. What was the reason for such regulation?
(a) Lord Cornwallis felt that the District collector's efficiency of revenue collection would enormously increase without the burden of other work
(b) Lord Cornwallis felt that Judicial power should compulsorily be in the hands of Europeans while Indians can be given the job of revenue collection in the districts
(c) Lord Cornwallis was alarmed at the extent of power concentrated in the District Collector and felt that such absolute power was undesirable in one person
(d) The judicial work demanded a deep knowledge of India and a good training in law and Lord Cornwallis felt that District Collector would be only a revenue collector
Ans. c
Explanation:
Lord Cornwallis was alarmed at the extent of power concentrated in the District Collector and felt that such absolute power was undesirable in one person and thus separated the post of the Civil Judge and the Collector.
86. With reference to India, consider the following statements:
1. The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) in India is available on a monthly basis only.
2. As compared to Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (CPI(IW), the WPI gives less weight to food articles.
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
Ans. c
Explanation:
Available soon
87. Each persons' performance compared with all other persons is to be done to rank them subjectively. How many comparisons are needed in total, if there are 11 persons?
(a) 66
(b) 55
(c) 54
(d) 45
Ans. c
Explanation:
Available soon
88. What is the principle by which a cooling system (Radiator) in a motor car works?
(a) Conduction only
(b) Convection
(c) Radiation only
(d) Both conduction and radiation
Ans. b
Explanation:
In practice, the term "radiator" refers to any of a number of devices in which a fluid circulates through exposed pipes notwithstanding that such devices tend to transfer heat mainly by convection and might logically be called convectors.
89. Which among the following do/does not belong/belongs to the GSM family of wireless technologies?
(a) EDGE
(b) LTE
(c) DSL
(d) Both EDGE and LTE
Ans. c
Explanation:
GSM has a straightforward, cost-effective migration path to 3G through GPRS, EDGE and UMTS-HSPA, as well as beyond 3G via the HSPA Evolution (HSPA+), LTE and System Architecture Evolution (SAE) initiatives.
90. With reference to the treatment of cancerous tumours, a tool called cyberknife has been making the news. In this context, which one of the following statement is not correct?
(a) It is robotic image guided system
(b) It delivers an extremely precise dose of radiation
(c) it has the capability of achieving sub-millimetre accuracy
(d) It can map the spread of tumour in the body
Ans. d
Explanation:
The CyberKnife is a frameless robotic radiosurgery system. The CyberKnife system is a method of delivering radiotherapy, with the intention of targeting treatment more accurately than standard radiotherapy.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Study tips for Group - I Main Examination
After you have formulated a balanced strategy for the Main exam, it’s time to get down to the business of preparation. You may face some difficulties while trying to seriously prepare for the exam. But never lose your cool and keep on moving. Our articles on time and stress management will definitely help you. In this article, we will give you some general study tips which will enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of your preparation. Apply these tips and see the difference.
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While studying anything, highlight the important portions. This saves a lot of time and energy when you go for revision.
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Whatever you highlight must be comprehensive.
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For any particular topic, select one (two in exceptional cases) authentic source. Avoid consulting multiple books, study materials etc. as it may confuse you.
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You must understand what you read. This is the simplest way of memorising things.
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Wherever possible, jot down the important points of a topic. This way, you can revise it very quickly in case you face time crunch.
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Use mnemonics. They are really helpful.
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When you prepare a topic, keep previous year’s questions from the topic handy. Referring to those questions will make your preparation more sharp and precise.
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Revise the topic you have read as soon as possible.
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Practise answer writing to improve your writing skills and speed.
Corruption in Public Life
India is one of the largest and most successful democracies in the world. At present we are moving rapidly towards becoming a developed nation with a high trajectory of economic growth. We have established our impeccable track record in meeting all the democratic credentials. But there are some manmade obstacles within our system which are hindering our path of development. Among such problem most important is the prevalence of rampant corruption throughout the arteries and veins of the whole system.
We have seen, through sting operations that several ministers, leaders of political parties and many members of Parliament and State Legislature accepting bribes red-handedly. Corruption is not confined to political circle only. Rather it is ever vigorous in bureaucratic system now. In our country the roots of corruption are so deep that in some government departments it has become the order of the day. The biggest irony is that in such departments, the bribed and corrupt people are known to be ‘talented’, while an honest official is termed as ‘moron’. Because of this corrupt system many honest people have been victimized. Many such incident come to our mind be it the case of Bhagwati Prasad Dixit of Kanpur or Satyendra Dubey, K. Manjunathan and Manoj Gupta, who became victims of this corrupt system.
This prevalence of rampant corruption in public life is quite clear from our track record in Transparency International’s annual Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). In the latest report published in 2008 India has retained the position of being in the big league of the most corrupt having placed at 85th out of 180 countries. It is one of the bottommost amongst 55 of the 146 countries where corruption is rampant. In fact except for some media reports and some discussions on TV and channels, nobody in the Government, like in the past, has shown any concern or expressed regret at the slide down. The result is that people have got to accept corruption as a part of their lives. Even in the recently held general elections and assembly elections in various state corruption was never an issue of manifesto. Corruption as an issue is periodically raised invariably by the political parties in wilderness when they run short of any other idea or issues.
The report of Transparency International, indicates that Indians pay $ 5 billions or Rs. 32000 crores, as bribes every year. This report only talks of the money paid by the contractors to the public servants, which includes both the political and bureaucratic executives.
Government rules are made, on the presumption that the general public is corrupt. They tend to create a web of complicated procedures, which gives birth to corrupt practices. A number of Chartered Accountants have been arrested by the CBI for acting as conduits of the revenue officials either for settlement of the cases or for getting them transferred to the juiciest of the prized wet postings, where such people can line up their pockets.
According to another survey, there is a price tag, which varies from person to person as per his or her capacity to pay to get the government services, which should be normally free. These include getting a ration card, birth & death certificates, driving licenses, admission to schools and colleges, bank loans, customs, excise and income tax or sales or pollution, or tax clearance, getting insurance claims passed, admission to hospitals, allotment of government or DDA built houses, escaping traffic violation or getting married the same day in the court compromising examination system. This list is only illustrative and not exhaustive.
Another reason for the diffusion and dispersal of corruption is that the corrupt people have no apprehension forget about any fear of being brought to the book. Public rightly questions as to why people involved in high profile corruption cases are not only free, but are calling the shots and in some places even ruling roost. The answer to this lies in the fact that a lot of political will is required to reform the criminal justice system, which unfortunately for one consideration or the other is lacking.
The corrupt on a grand scale have a habit of making life unpleasant and often short-lived for whistle-blowers. There have been cases, where such whistle blowers - as happened in the case of an Engineer of National High Way Authority of India, Satendar Dubey- were killed to prevent exposure of corruption in the system.
Corruption in our country is hardly a new phenomenon. Surveys after surveys, cases after cases in CBI have documented a widespread pattern of corruption and racketeering prevails in several departments of the Government. Corruption has been more than a problem for India. Recently, the Supreme Court of India had observed over how did efforts were made, to change the prosecutor in Bihar Fodder Scam case and it correctly found fault with how things had been done under the influence of the powerful politicians
When it comes to rooting out corruption, it seems no matter how much liberalization or progress is claimed to have been made, nothing has really changed. It matters little to charge a few politicians with corruption when they have learned their tactics of attacking corruption cases launched as political vendetta.
Recently, the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, addressing a conference of anti-corruption agencies, admitted that there is a perception that while petty cases get tackled quickly, the “big fish” escape punishment. He said that there is an urgent need to change this. He also said that "high level” corruption has to be aggressively denounced. He said that all such cases should be investigated on priority basis. Hopefully, the top level honest officers would be encouraged with Dr. Manmohan Singh as Prime Minister and they would be able to ‘trap’ a ‘big fish’ as early as possible. Perhaps, then only the common people would say ‘Jai Ho’.
Corruption has neither disappeared nor reduced but has only grown more sophisticated with the help of lawyers and accountants. The reason for all malaises in the country is that some wrong sorts of people are always in power. Perhaps they would not be in power, if they were not so. Many a times, people questions that what can be done to improve the situation and root out corruption. To this Carlyle replied; “Make Yourself an honest man and then you may be sure that there is one less rascal in the world”. There is no doubt that a straight line is the shortest both in morals in geometry. It is also important for our rulers to realize that people are fashioned according to the examples they see. Laws, rules and edicts are less powerful than the models, which our leaders exhibit. It is a matter of dishonour, ignominy and infamy to be branded as the 85th most corrupt country in the world. The onus for this situation as well as the responsibility to rectify it falls on our leaders, who need not be reminded that example is the school of mankind. Said Cicero, “Be a pattern to others and then all will go well, for as a whole city is infected by the licentious passions and vices of great men so it is likewise reformed by their moderation”.Ragging as human rights abuse?
Kalpana KannabiranThe murder of 19-year-old medical student Aman Kachroo is deeply saddening. Aman Kachroo died after being severely beaten up by fellow students in a "ragging" incident at the Dr Rajendra Prasad Medical College in Tanda, Himachal Pradesh on March 8, 2009. Four senior students have been arrested in the case which has caused public outrage.
Ragging has been rampant in the country, especially in colleges of professional education for at least four decades now. As a child, I remember my teenaged uncle discontinuing his studies in engineering in Bhopal in the mid-1970s unable to bear the humiliation of ragging. We have no count of the number of young students, mostly young men, who have lost their lives, taken their lives or made a choice between a professional education and staying alive and sane. It is certainly not a recent phenomenon. While we have a law in place now, it is hardly surprising that the law only comes into operation when there is a serious violation – like this one -- where the gravity of the offence puts it within the purview of criminal law.
The term “ragging” itself is problematic because it masks the fact that the acts it refers to are harassment and battery aimed at diminishing the dignity of those who enter the institution at a time when they are powerless and vulnerable. Fresh out of school, several moving out of the secure confines of home for the first time, groping to find their feet in the world after gaining entry into institutions that will transport them to their dreams, these youngsters are rudely awakened to the fact that violation of dignity and person is a defining trait of the world of their dreams.
The “sporting” way of dealing with it, we are told, is to grin and bear it. There are several who do. But does that mean they do not experience humiliation? How does that experience condition their behaviour and personality in their lives ahead? It is impossible that targeted violence will not leave scars. How many have actually been able to tell their stories? When they have, how many of us have heard them carefully and acted diligently – as parents, teachers and peers?
There are others, like Aman Kachroo, who refuses to submit themselves to such humiliation. And they, the human rights defenders in institutions of higher learning, face the hostility of a negligent, callous and thereby complicit administration on the one side, an indifferent faculty on the other, and a murderous mob closing in on them. This mob, of course, needs no reason to be murderous. It is not violence that needs any justification or rationalisation. While all freshers are vulnerable, those who come from vulnerable social backgrounds are doubly targeted. In Aman’s case, he came in through a quota, and yet he dared to stand up and speak. A little understood dimension of campus violence is that it reproduces the exclusions and silencing outside. And because campuses are closed spaces, insulated from the world outside, the normal protections that may be claimed and that might operate outside, are rejected in favour of non transparent conciliatory processes within that are simply incapable of tackling the gravity of these situations.
The use of the term “ragging” to describe these attacks that range from verbal to physical abuse and murder, aggravates the problem by detracting attention from its seriousness – teachers, parents, friends, in general all those in touch with victims, generally share the view that this is a rite of passage that will pass. The question we need to ask ourselves, however, is, even if it is a rite of passage, even if we are certain it will pass, why must we tolerate or condone intentional humiliation and battery?
This is scarcely the time for us to distance ourselves from the problem by saying it does not happen in our institutions. We need now to take responsibility for a systemic failure that has had tragic consequences, for which we are, as teachers especially, collectively responsible. I have personally heard the head of an institution tell freshers that while ragging is prohibited, before they lodge a formal complaint they must also remember that it is the seniors who will eventually guide them through their academic work. It is not true either that it is only the “lumpen” elements among students who indulge in this behaviour. The brightest, most high performing students figure as kingpins in the lynch mob, providing intellectual grist to the “ragging” mill.
There are those who participate actively and others who buy their peace and inclusion by being passive participant-spectators in these orgies. The participation in violence dehumanises both equally. Can it be argued that having participated in an orgy of this kind, these students will be able to just move on and get their star grades, make it in life, be good teachers, friends and parents, and make peace with themselves? It is not my intention here to essentialise negative character traits or behavioural patterns as never-changing and evil. Rather, what I wish to suggest is that participation in willful violence against a group perceived as powerless has a far-reaching impact on the perpetrators. We have not even begun to grapple with this because we have defined murderous violence down to flippant “teasing” that does not penetrate the surface of consciousness. Perhaps we need to think of how this bearing of witness as violators will influence their response to similar violence against those in their care a generation later.
If it is possible for students in an academic environment to use the fact of belonging to the institution to inflict harm and suffering on an unimaginable scale on younger colleagues, it is time for us to reflect critically on the kind of education we impart and the students we are turning out. What does it tell us about the character of the institutions we have built?
Most urgent of all, it is time for students who are troubled by this violence to come together and form a national coalition against campus violence, making it known and clear to all parties on campuses across the country that there will henceforth be zero tolerance for any infringement of the right to dignity and education in an environment of freedom. It is only this exercise of associational freedom that will call into account all parties responsible for providing and safeguarding fundamental rights of students in vulnerable situations in educational institutions.
Is Gender Equality a Myth?
Equality is a myth, it is true not only in social sphere but also in every aspects of society. Gender inequality refers to inequality between male and female. It is mainly a social construction. Indeed, gender inequality is not one homogeneous phenomenon, but a collection of disparate and interlinked problems. The issue of gender inequality is one which has been publicly reverberating through society for decades. The sociological factors that cause women to have a much more difficult time getting the same benefits, wages, and job opportunities as their male counterparts. The society in which we live has been shaped historically by males.
Man and woman are like two wheels of a bike. No one can ignore other. Each one has equal role for every function. No one can claim other as his or her sub-ordinate. Both man and woman play a vital role in the creation and development of their families in a particular and the society in general. Indeed, the struggle for legal equality has been one of the major concerns of the women’s movement all over the world. In India, since long back, women were considered as an oppressed section of the society and they were neglected for centuries. Woman is the complement of man, and not inferior”. Thus, the first task in post-independent India was to provide a constitution to the people, which would not make any distinctions on the basis of sex. The preamble of constitution promises to secure to all its citizens- “Justice- economical, social, and political”
The constitution declares that the equality before the law and the equal protection of laws shall be available for all . Similarly, there shall be no discrimination against any citizen on the ground of sex . Article 15(1) guarantees equalities of opportunities for all citizens in matters of employment. Article 15(3) provides that the state can make any special provisions for women and children. Besides, directive principle of state policy which concern women directly and have a special bearing on their status directly and have a special bearing on their status include Article 39(a) right to an adequate means of livelihood; (d) equal pay for equal wok both men and women, (e) protection of health and strength of workers –men, women, children and Article 42 provides for just and humane conditions of work and maternity relief.
There are number of laws which have been enacted in order to provide protection to women. For instance the Dowry prohibition Act 1961, The Equal Remuneration Act 1986, The Hindu Marriage Act 1956, The Hindu Succession Act 1956, The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986, the commission of Sati (prevention) Act 1987, Protection of the Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005, etc. But, the laws have hardly implemented in their letter and spirit.
Gender Inequalities refers to the obvious or hidden disparities among individuals based on the performance of gender. This problem in simple term is known as Gender Bias which in simple terms means the gender stratification or making difference between a girl and a boy i.e. a male or a female. In making biasness among the gender India has 10th rank out of 128 countries all over the world which is shameful for us . But this problem is increasing although government has banned the pre-natal sex examination. In India (in the older times) this problem is mainly seen in the rural areas because many rural people think that the girl child is burden on them. But now this is also being seen in the urban areas i.e. in offices, institutions, schools and in society. The afflicted world in which we live is characterized by deeply unequal sharing of the burden of adversities between women and men. Gender Inequality exists in most part of the world, from Japan to Morocco, or from Uzbekistan to United States of America (as stated earlier).However, inequality between men and women can take very many different forms. Indeed, gender inequality is not one homogeneous phenomenon, but a collection of disparate and interlinked problems. The issue of gender inequality is one which has been publicly reverberating through society for decades. The problem of inequality in employment being one of the most pressing issues today. In order to examine this situation one must try to get to the root of the problem and must understand the sociological factors that cause women to have a much more difficult time getting the same benefits, wages, and job opportunities as their male counterparts. The society in which we live has been shaped historically by males.
In terms of employment as well as promotion in work and occupation, women often face greater handicap than men. A country like Japan and India may be quite egalitarian in matters of demography or basic facilities, and even, to a great extent, in higher education, and yet progress to elevated levels of employment and occupation seems to be much more problematic for women than for men.
In many societies the ownership of property can also be very unequal. Even basic assets such as homes and land may be very asymmetrically shared. The absence of claims to property can not only reduce the voice of women, but also make it harder for women to enter and flourish in commercial, economic and even some social activities. This type of inequality has existed in most parts of the world, though there are also local variations. For example, even though traditional property rights have favoured men in the bulk of India.
There are often enough basic inequalities in gender relations within the family or the household, which can take many different forms. Even in cases in which there are no overt signs of anti-female bias in, say, survival or son-preference or education, or even in promotion to higher executive positions, the family arrangements can be quite unequal in terms of sharing the burden of housework and child care. It is, for example, quite common in many societies to take it for granted that while men will naturally work outside the home, women could do it if and only if they could combine it with various inescapable and unequally shared household duties. This is sometimes called “division of labour,” though women could be forgiven for seeing it as “accumulation of labour.” The reach of this inequality includes not only unequal relations within the family, but also derivative inequalities in employment and recognition in the outside world. Also, the established fixity of this type of “division” or “accumulation” of labour can also have far-reaching effects on the knowledge and understanding of different types of work in professional circles.
Tort law is probably one of the most under utilised areas of the law with respect to the problem of gender injustice. The torts that are directly applicable are:
· Assault
· Battery
· Unlawful imprisonment
· Nuisance
· Tort of harassment
· Tort of Medical pre-natal test
It means that there can be punishment under tort law also.
Women Empowerment in India
Let’s have a look at some of the headlines published in the newspapers of late: “Women Empowerment is necessary for the economic development of the country-PM”, “Women Empowerment Bill introduced in the Parliament”, “Court approves reservation for women in Panchayats”, “Give big boost to women empowerment: Information and Broadcasting Minister”, etc. Why is it that we have been talking too much about women empowerment recently?
To answer this question, we must, first, understand what exactly is meant by women empowerment, why there is any need to empower women and what possibly can be done to achieve this feat. Women Empowerment is the ability of women to exercise full control over their actions. This means control over material assets, intellectual resources and even over their ideologies. It involves, at the psychological level, women's ability to assert themselves which has, so far, been constricted by the 'gender roles' assigned to them especially in a culture like India which resists changes.
Gender inequality has been part and parcel of an accepted male-dominated Indian society throughout history. It was embedded within the social hierarchy and this affected how women and men were perceived in leadership roles. Women were expected to be bound to the house, while men went out and worked. This division of labour was one of the major reasons why certain evils like 'Sati Pratha', ‘PardahSystem', 'Child Marriage', 'Dowry System', etc. took birth in our society. The traditional Indian mentality assumes that the place of women is mainly concentrated to the household activities like kitchen work and upbringing of the children. They have been considered as the sex-object and inferior to men in every sphere of knowledge.
Even after 63 years of our independence, women are still one of the mostpowerless and marginalized sections of Indian society. The 2001 Census shows that the sex ratio for India is 933, which is among the lowest in the world. Percentage of female literacy is 54 per cent against male literacy of 75 per cent. Women's representation in Parliament and in the State Assemblies has never gone beyond 8 and 10 per cent respectively. Most of the working women remain outside the organized sector. Mere 2.5 per centwomen are administrators and managers. Violence and atrocities against women are on the rise. Gender discrimination is the major problem, which the Indian women face in the present day society.
One concurrent example of gender discrimination is glass-ceiling effect. The term “glass ceiling” is used to describe an invisible barrier where women are deprived of opportunities at all levels of employment and are discriminated only because they are women. No doubt women have the potential to achieve an equal footing with men. But, it is the social practices and male attitudes that are making an effective and invisible barrier preventing women from rising above a certain point. One consequence of sex stereotypes is that women's achievements tend to be devalued or attributed to luck or effort rather than ability or skill, and therefore this stereotype has the potential to reduce the organizational awards that they deserve to receive. Men are taught to apologize for their weaknesses but women for their strengths.
In fact, the emotional, sexual, and psychological stereotyping of females begins when the doctor says, "It's a girl." Even this stage is a favour to them as it indicates that they have survived the probable stage of foeticide. When a boy is born, friends and relatives exclaim congratulations. A son means insurance. He will inherit his father's property and get a job to help support the family. When a girl is born, the reaction is very different. Some women weep when they find out their baby is a girl because, to them, a daughter is just another expense.
This attitude has resulted in the widespread neglect of baby girls. In many communities, it's a regular practice to breastfeed girls for a shorter time than boys so that women can try to get pregnant again with a boy as soon as possible. As a result, girls miss out on life-giving nutrition during a crucial window of their development, which stunts their growth and weakens their resistance to diseases. The neglect continues as they grow up. Young girls receive less food, healthcare and fewer vaccinations than their male siblings. Tradition calls for women to eat last, their meal often reduced to the leftovers from the male members. A girl can't help but feel inferior when everything around her tells her that she is worth less than a boy. Her identity is forged as her family and society limit her opportunities and declare her to be second-rate.
Even after childhood, extreme poverty and deep biases against women create a remorseless cycle of discrimination that keeps girls from living up to their full potential. It also leaves them vulnerable to severe physical and emotional abuse. But the threat is more severe for girls and women who live in societies where women's rights mean practically nothing. Mothers who lack their own rights can offer little protection to their daughters from male relatives and other authority figures. The frequency of rape and violent attacks against women is alarming.
The government's policies for alleviating poverty have failed to produce any desirable results, as women do not receive appropriate wages for their labour. There is also significant amount of unpaid or non-marketed labour within the household. The increase in gender disparity in wages in the urban areas is also quite marked as it results from the employment of women in different and lower paying activities.
Now that we know the condition of women, the question arises as to how to empower them. The emancipation of women is not a simple matter. Women are the only oppressed group in our society that lives in intimate association with their oppressors. The thing women have yet to learn is nobody gives you power. You just take it. Empowering Women thus aims to inspire women with the courage to break free from the chains of limiting belief patterns and societal or religious conditioning that have traditionally kept women suppressed and unable to see their true beauty and power.It requires the attitudinal change of the husband, other family members and society as a whole to the women.
Empowerment of women could only be achieved if their economic and social status is improved. This could be possible only by adopting definite social and economic policies with a view of total development of women and to make them realize that they have the potential to be strong human beings.
The first and foremost priority should be given to the education of women, which is the grassroot problem. According to Mahatma Gandhi, “If you educate a man you educate an individual, but if you educate a woman you educate an entire family.” Our predominant patriarchal system doesn’t provide enough chances for women to have higher education even if they wish. Girls should be motivated to take up higher education. Universal education for all below 14 years should be strictly implemented. Gender sensitive curricula should be framed at all stages of primary education to address sex-stereotyping menace. It is also necessary to sensitize the other sex towards women. It is important to usher changes in the societal attitudes and perceptions with regard to the role of women in different spheres of life. The education and empowerment of women throughout the world cannot fail to result in a more caring, tolerant, just and peaceful life for all.
Women should be allowed to work and should be provided enough safety and support to work. Legislations such as Equal Remuneration Act, Factories Act, etc, Constitutional safeguards such as maternity relief, and other provisions should be strictly followed. Macroeconomic policies would help in this drive. Through economic empowerment women’s emancipation could be realized. They should be provided with proper wages and work at par with men so that their status can be elevated in society.
Political empowerment of women is necessary for their emancipation. In recent years many steps have been taken so as to increase the participation of women in the political system. The Women's reservation policy bill is however a very sad story as it is repeatedly being scuttled in parliament. Further, there is the Panchayati Raj System, where women have been given 50% representation as a sign of political empowerment.
Apart from these, strict implementation of programs and acts should be there to curb the mal-practices prevalent in the society. Strict measures should be taken for the implementation of Prenatal Diagnostic Techniques Act 1994, which prohibits any prenatal diagnostic techniques and sex selective abortions. Dowry prohibition acts and other legislations pertaining to woman emancipation must be implemented strictly.
The struggle for gender justice will be slow, strenuous and protracted, as the change cannot be brought about easily. It has to be fought at emotional, cognitive and action levels. Swami Vivekananda had said “That nation which doesn’t respect women will never become great now and nor will ever in future” and in pursuit of making India a great nation, let us work towards giving women their much deserved status.
Need for Education Reforms in India
The Macaulayan habits die hard – the clichés will be overworked and the stereotypes reinforced ad nauseam - the reformist fervour of the recent academic and pedagogical discourse has to calm down on the backburner, the cold feet are here to develop and stay- the school examination and admission season has set in. Following an eventful year of public debate on our education system in general and school examination paradigm in particular, these months are poised to have an air of banality, the moments of insipid reality check when the procedural demands of the entrenched system will take precedence over the substantive vision of reforms. It is in this context that the terms of discourse, and the resultant debate, on the education system need to be recast, preventing it from degenerating into a diatribe between ivory tower mandarins and ardent reformists.
The reconfiguring of the public discourse on the education system has in some limited sense captured the popular imagination, fuelled as it has been by an unlikely combination of catalysts- Yashpal Committee’s recommendations, HRD ministry’s proposed reforms and a celluloid product from the tinsel town. However, as the devil of any blueprint for reforms lies in details, the crusaders for reforms have opted to be angelic and serve as obfuscating pedants.
The glaring limitations of the school education system should not act as a red herring for ignoring the dismal state of the higher education system in India. The higher education system in India has a behemoth structure, almost representing a cumbersome monstrosity with 214 universities, 38 institutions ‘deemed-to-be universities,’ 11 institutes of national importance, 9,703 colleges, and 887 polytechnics. The government has gone through perfunctory rounds of critically reviewing the existing system and the diagnosis as well as prescription runs on predictable lines. Last year the final report of the Committee on ‘Renovation and Rejuvenation of Higher Education’ (Prof. Yashpal Committee Report) was another addition to it. Committing itself to implementation of the core of the recommendations, the HRD Ministry sought to blend the reformist orientation with the tenets of access, equity and excellence. However, beyond perfunctory lip service, the qualitative and logistical aspects of the reform need to be addressed with a blend of strong political will and pedagogical imagination.
The question of reforming an entrenched system of pedagogy and academic evaluation is a question concerning socio-economic and cultural milieu, epistemological outlook and the nature of professional classes as well as a question of a society’s quest for excellence, sense of intellectual inquiry and logistical feasibility. Diagnosis of the rut in the academic system has to be sympathetically understood in its historical context and the strange blend of objectives that it sought to achieve for the cross section of professional classes in India.
The Macaulayan minute on Indian educational system had the imprint of Benthamite utilitarianism, wedded to the condescending civlizational objectives of carrying “white man’s burden”. T he utilitarian objectives of equipping the British rule with English educated young men and modern professional classes not only served the British rule in good stead but also ushered in the first serious interface of the educated Indian class with the western science ,philosophy and literature . However, the success and survival of the Indian functionaries in the Government and the educated Indian professional classes was a product
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
APPSC GROUP-2 INDIAN ECONOMY QUESTIONS
1. Frequency density of a class is defined as—
(A) Frequency of the class/Interval of the class
(B) Frequency of the class/ Cumulative frequency for the class
(C) Cumulative frequency for the class/Frequency of the class
(D) Frequency of the class/ Frequency of the previous class
(A) Human Resource Development
(B) Health and Family Welfare
(C) Social Justice and Empowerment
(D) Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution
7. Which of the following associate bank has been taken over by the State Bank of India in 2008?
(A) State Bank of Travancore
(B) State Bank of Hyderabad
(C) State Bank of Mysore
(D) State Bank of Saurashtra
(A) Employment function
(B) Technical progress function
(C) Saving function
(D) Investment function
19. Walra’s Law states that the sum of the excess demand for money, bonds and current output must be?
(A) Less than zero
(B) Equal to zero
(C) Equalto one
(D) More than zero
(A) Frequency of the class/Interval of the class
(B) Frequency of the class/ Cumulative frequency for the class
(C) Cumulative frequency for the class/Frequency of the class
(D) Frequency of the class/ Frequency of the previous class
2. Which of the following is statistics?
(A) Profit of a firm has gone up
(B) The production of wheat has increased
(C) The temperature of Delhi is 5 degree more than the temperature of Mumbai
(D) The birth rate has declined in India
3. At end March 2009, India’s total foreign exchange reserves stood at?
(A) Approximately $ 150 billion
(B) Approximately $ 200 billion
(C) Approximately $ 250 billion
(D) Approximately $ 300 billion
4.A firm is called maximum efficient firm if it has?
(A) Minimum Total Cost
(B) Minimum Average Cost
(C) Minimum Variable Cost
(D) Minimum Marginal Cost
5. Implicit cost may be considered as?
(A) Social cost
(B) Private cost
(C) Normal cost
(D) Variable cost
(A) Human Resource Development
(B) Health and Family Welfare
(C) Social Justice and Empowerment
(D) Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution
7. Which of the following associate bank has been taken over by the State Bank of India in 2008?
(A) State Bank of Travancore
(B) State Bank of Hyderabad
(C) State Bank of Mysore
(D) State Bank of Saurashtra
8. Which of the following demand curves is not a constant elasticity curve?
(A) Vertical
(B) Horizontal
(C) Linear
(D)Rectangular hyperbola
9. The following theory of profit has been given by J. A. Schumpeter?
(A) Risk theory of profit
(B) Uncertainty bearing theory of profit
(C) Innovation theory of profit
(D) Dynamic theory of profit
10. The formula for determination of number of class-interval for a frequency distribution is given by?
(A) Connor
(B) Spur
(C) Sturges
(D) Secrist
11. In the Union Budget, the term ‘Primary Deficit’ means?
(A) Revenue Deficit — Interest Payment
(B) Fiscal Deficit — Interest Payment
(C) Revenue Expenditure — Revenue Receipts
(D) Total Expenditure — Total Borrowing
12. As a measure to unearth black money, the demonetisation of Rupees 1000 currency notes in
India was done in the year?
(A)1968
(B) 1978
(C)1988
(D)1998
13. The Lead Bank scheme was launched in India on the recommendation of?
(A) M. Narasimhan
(B) F. K. F. Nariman
(C) D. T. Lakdawala
(D) V. M. Dandekar
14. Firms have chronic excess production capacity in?
(A) Duopoly
(B) Oligopoly
(C) Pure competition
(D) Monopolistic competition
15. In a two sector model when consumption is equal to 40 + 0.90 Y and investment is equal to 50, the equilibrium output will be equal to?
(A) 500
(B) 700
(C) 900
(D) 1100
16. The positional average is shown by ?
(A) Mean deviation
(B) Standard deviation
(C) Mean
(D) Median
17. The shutdown point is that level of output of a firm where?
(A) MC=AFC
(B) MC=AVC
(C) MC=TFC
(D) MC=TVC
(A) Employment function
(B) Technical progress function
(C) Saving function
(D) Investment function
19. Walra’s Law states that the sum of the excess demand for money, bonds and current output must be?
(A) Less than zero
(B) Equal to zero
(C) Equalto one
(D) More than zero
20. For a unitary elastic demand curve, when price increases ,the amount spent by a consumer on a /good?
(A) Decreases
(B) Increases
(C) Remains unchanged
(D) Becomes zero
21. Correlation coefficient is significant if it is?
(A) Less than 6 times of pro able error
(B) More than 6 times of probable error
(C) Equal to probable error
(D) Equal to standard error
22. The term rainy day’ used by Keynes is related with?
(A) Effective demand
(B) Precautionary demand
(C) Investment multiplier
(D) Inflationary gap
23. Root mean square of all the deviations is known as?
(A) Mean deviation from median
(B) Mean deviation from mode
(C) Standard deviation
(D) Quartile deviation
24. If there is perfect correlation between two variables, then the regression lines are?
(A) Parallel
(B)Perpendicular
(C)Coincidental
(D)Intersectional
25. A producer’s surplus is equal to?
(A) AR—MC
(B) AR—AC
(C) AR-MR
(D) TR—TC
26. According to 2001 census, the total number of persons living in urban slums was approximately?
(A)1 crore
(B) 2 crore
(C)3crore
(D) 4 crore
27. The tax called CENVAT is related to?
(A) Central Sales Tax
(B) Union Excise Duty
(C) Corporate Tax
(D) Custom Duty
28. The price and quantity,both are indeterminate under?
(A) Pure competition
(B) Perfect competition
(C) Monopoly
(D) Bilateral monopoly
29. Which of the following is not an example of Internal Economies?
(A) Economies of superior technology
(B) Economies of division of labour
(C) Economies of competition
(D) Economies of management
30. Which of the following type of facts are not Considered under the study of statistics
(A) Quantitative facts
(B) Qualitative facts
(C) Comparative facts
(D) Relative facts
31. The statistical calculations in classified data are based on?
(A) The actual values of observations
(B) The upper class limits
(C) The lower class limits
(D) The mid-points of the classes
32. The concept of merit goods has been introduced by?
(A)Buchanan
(B) Musgrave
(C)Samuelson
(D) Tiebout
33. The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 prohibits the employment of Children below the age of?
(A) 10 years
(B) 12 years
(C) 14years
(D) 16years
34.The Prime Lending Rate of Commercial Banks are decided by?
(A)Positive
(B) Negative
(C)Zero
(D) Infinite
35. The cross elasticity of demand for substitute commodities is always?
(A)Positive
(B) Negative
(C)Zero
(D) Infinite
36. The K-factor analysis is related with?
(A)Economic growth rate
(B)Tends in foreign trade
(C)Causes of mortality
(D)Infrastructure facilities
37. The ‘knife-edge equilibrium’ in Harrod’s model is an equality between?
(A) G and Gw
(B) Gw and Gn
(C) G and Gn
(D) G,Gw and Gn
38.Stratified sampling is preferred, where?
(A) Population is homogeneous
(B) Population is heterogeneous
(C) Random sampling is not possible
(D) Small samples are required
39. Pure interest is?
(A) Equal to the gross interest
(B) Less than gross interest
(C) More than gross interest
(D) Not related to gross interest
40. Which of the following is totally different from logical multiplier?
(A) Instant multiplier
(B) Lagless multiplier
(C) Static multiplier
(D) Dynamic multiplier
41.Availability hypothesis explains a country’s
(A) Production capacity
(B) Natural resources availability
(C) Commodity composition of foreign trade
(D) Consumption pattern
42. For a Giffen good
(A) Income effect is positive and substitution effect is negative
(B) Income effect is negative and substitution effect is positive
(C) Income effect and substitution effect both are positive
(D)Income effect and substitution effect both are negative
43. To meet the objective of inflation control, the Central Bank should adopt following policy measures
(A) Increase in cash reserve ratio, along with purchase of securities under open market operations
(B) Increase in cash reserve ratio, along with sale of securities under open market operations
(C) Decrease in cash reserve ratio, alongwith purchase of securities under pen market operations
(D) Decrease in cash reserve ratio, alongwith.sale of securities under open market operations
44. The relative measures of dispersion are generally called?
(A) Dispersion coefficient
(B) Dispersion multiplier
(C) Dispersion accelerator
(D) Dispersion variable
45. Which of the following is not expressed by a transformation curve?
(A) Choice
(B) Scarcity
(C) Factor price
(D) Opportunity cost
46. The central theme of the World Development Report, 2009 pub lished by the World Bank is?
(A) Agriculture for development
(8) Development and next generation
(C) A better investment climate for every one
(D) Reshaping economic geography
47. Under the first degree of price discrimination in discriminating monopoly, the consumer’s surplus will be?
(A)Zero
(B) Maximum
(C) Minimum
(D) Indeterminate
48.A rational consumer moves to a higher indifference curve due to?
(A) Monotonic preference
(B) Polytonic preference
(C) Convex preference
(D) Concave preference
49. When was the concept of core sector introduced in Indian industries ?
(A)1970
(B) 1980
(C)1990
(D) 2000
50 .Which is the apex bank for micro finance in India?
(A) State Bank of India
(B) Industrial Development Bank of India
(C) Small Industries Development Bank of India
(D) National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
Answers:
| 1 | A |
| 2 | C |
| 3 | C |
| 4 | B |
| 5 | B |
| 6 | A |
| 7 | D |
| 8 | C |
| 9 | C |
| 10 | C |
| 11 | B |
| 12 | B |
| 13 | B |
| 14 | D |
| 15 | C |
| 16 | D |
| 17 | B |
| 18 | B |
| 19 | B |
| 20 | C |
| 21 | B |
| 22 | B |
| 23 | C |
| 24 | C |
| 25 | B |
| 26 | D |
| 27 | B |
| 28 | D |
| 29 | C |
| 30 | B |
| 31 | D |
| 32 | B |
| 33 | C |
| 34 | B |
| 35 | A |
| 36 | C |
| 37 | D |
| 38 | B |
| 39 | D |
| 40 | D |
| 41 | B |
| 42 | B |
| 43 | B |
| 44 | A |
| 45 | C |
| 46 | B |
| 47 | A |
| 48 | C |
| 49 | A |
| 50 | D |
APPSC GROUP-2 INDIAN ECONOMY QUESTIONS
1. When the given values of x form geometric series and values of y form arithmetic series, the relationship between The variables is given by
(A) Lemon function
(B) Lemon homogeneous function
(C) Binomial function
(D) Exponential function
2. Statistical distrusts are due to?
(A) Nature of statistics
( B)Limited scope of statistics
(C) insufficient tools of statistics
(D) Misuse of statistics
3. Circular test is satisfied by the following index
(A) Laspeyre’s index
(B) Pasche’s index
(C) Fisher’s index
(D) Kelly’s index
(A) Commercial borrowings
(B) NRI deposits
(C) Multilateral debt
(D) Bilateral debt
5. Tobin tax is related with?
(A) Black money transactions
(B) Commodity transactions
(C) Service transactions
(D) Foreign exchange transactions
6. The terms Static’ and Dynamic’ in economics were first used by?
(A)Malthus
(B) Mill
(C)Marshall
(D) Walras
7. A metropolitan city is one which has a population size of more than?
(A)10 lakh
(B)15 lakh
(C) 20 lakh
(D) 25 lakh
8.According to fifth economic census, the highest number of industrial units in the country are
located in the State of?
(A) Maharashtra
(B) Gujarat
(C) Andhra Pradesh
(D) Tamil Nadu
9. Under perfect competition, the entrepreneur’s power of control over the price of the commodity
Is?
(A)Total
(B) Considerable
(C)Some
(D) None
10.Who has regarded the concept of ‘ideal output’ as an indicator of economic welfare?
(A)Hicks
(B) Pareto
(C)Pigou
(D) Kaldor
11. The technique of presenting data by pictogram was developed by?
(A) Croxton and Cowden
(B) Johnson and Jackson
(C) Otto Neurth
(D) Horace Secrist
12 The monetization of economy is measured by?
(A)M0/GDP
(B) M1/GDP
(C) M2/GDP
(D) M3/GDP
13. The shape of average selling cost curve is?
(A) Hyperbola shaped
(B) Rectangular Hyperbola shaped
(C) L-shaped
(D) U-shaped
(A)Hyderabad
(B) Nagpur
(C)Chandigarh
(D) Noida
15. NABARD is a?
(A) Commercial Bank
(B) Lead Bank
(C) Refinance Bank
(D) Cooperative Bank
16. Cost-plus principle is related with?
(A)Production theory
(B) Value theory
(C) Marginal uti theory
(D) Distribution theory
17. Which one of the following is not a feature of Stagflation?
(A) High input cost
(B) Excess in aggregate demand
(C) High price level
(D) High unemployment level
18.. The Hayek theory of trade cycle is related with?
(A) Over-investment
(B) Price fluctuation
(C) Interaction of multiplier and accelerator
(D) Interaction of saving and investment
19. Which one of the following is a two-dimensional diagram?
(A) Pictogram
(B) Histogram
(C) Bar diagram
(D) Line diagram
20. A firm’s learning curve shows the following relationship between average cost of production and total output over time
(A) Decline in average cost with increase in total output
(B) Decline in average cost with decline in total output
(C) Increase in average cost with decline in total output
(D) Increase in average cost with increase in total output
21. Select the correct statement regarding Harrod’s accelerator and Domar’s accelerator and decide which one is true
(A) Harrod’s accelerator is psychological and Domar’s accelerator is technological
(B) Harrod’s accelerator is technological arid Domar’s accelerator is psychological
(C) Harrod’s accelerator is psychological and Domar’s accelerator is also psychological
(D) 1-larrod’s accelerator is technological and Domar’s accelerator is also technological
22. The transfer payment multiplier in the Keynesian system will be equal to?
(A) MPC/MPS
(B)MPS/MPC
(C)MPS/(1-MPC)
(D)MPC/(1—MPS)
23. The difference between Natural rate’ and ‘Market rate’ of interest has been done by?
(A)Robertson
(B) Keynes
(C)Fisher
(D) Wicksell
24. The quartile deviation for a normal distribution is always equal to?
(A) (2/3)σ
(B) (3/4)σ
(C) (4/5)σ
(D) (5/6)σ
25. Which of the following is not a ’shift factor of demand’?
(A)Income
(B) Price
(C)Fashion
(D) Taste
Answers:
| 1 | D |
| 2 | D |
| 3 | D |
| 4 | A |
| 5 | A |
| 6 | B |
| 7 | A |
| 8 | D |
| 9 | D |
| 10 | C |
| 11 | C |
| 12 | B |
| 13 | D |
| 14 | B |
| 15 | C |
| 16 | D |
| 17 | B |
| 18 | A |
| 19 | B |
| 20 | A |
| 21 | D |
| 22 | A |
| 23 | D |
| 24 | A |
| 25 | B |
APPSC GROUP-2 INDIAN ECONOMY QUESTIONS
1. Under monopolistic competition the cross elasticity of demand for the product of a firm will be?
(A) Perfectly elastic
(B) Perfectly inelastic
(C) Highly elastic
(D) Highly inelastic
2. Which of the following curves is not ‘U’ shaped?
(A) Average Cost Curve
(B) Average Variable Cost Curve
(C) Average Fixed Cost Curve
(D) Marginal Cost Curve
(A) Collection of data
(B) Presentation of data
(C) Classification of data
(D) Interpretation of data
4. Which of the following indices is based on only base year quantities?
(A) Laspeyre’s index
(B) Fisher’s index
(C) Kelley’s index
(D) Pasche’s index
5. The first State in India- which published its State Human Development Report, is?
(A) Kerala
(B) Madhya Pradesh
(C) Gujarat
(D) Andhra Pradesh
6. The Utility Index Number has been developed by?
(A) Marshall and Edgeworth
(B) Hall and Hitch
(C) Neumann and Morgenstern
(D) Hicks and Hanson
7. The following theory is treated as ‘the third root of the logical theory of demand’?
(A) Diminishing marginal utility theory
(B) Equi-marginal utility theory
(C) Revealed preference theory
(D) Theory of consumer’s surplus
8. Employment elasticity of growth is measured as?
(A) Employment growth rate / GDP growth rate
(B) Employment growth rate/Population growth rate
(C) Employment growth rate/Unemployment growth rate
(D) Employment growth rate// Per capita income growth rate
9. The fundamental equation in Harrod’s growth model is defined?
(A) In terms of rate of growth of output
(8) In terms of rate of growth of technology
(C) In relation to the path of capital-labour ratio
(D) In terms of rate of change of capital-output ratio
10. The best average for the construction of index number is?
(A) Geometric mean
(B) Arithmetic mean
(C) Harmonic mean
(D) Weighted mean
11. The minimum price below which the seller will not sell the goods, is known as?
(A) Estimated price
(B) Administered price
(C) Reserve price
(D) Shadow price
12. In the equation C = C0 + alpha,Y, the behavioural coefficient is?
(A)C
(B) C0
(C)alpha
(D)Y
13. Automatic stabilizer is a tool of?
(A) Taxation policy
(B) Employment policy
(C) Population policy
(D) Export policy
14. The price of a commodity will increase if the increase in demand is?
(A) More than increase in supply
(B) Less than increase in supply
(C) Equal to the increase in supply
(D) Not related to the increase in supply,
(A) The economy has two sectors
(B) Capitalists reinvest all theirprofits
(C) Rural wage is determined by marginal product of labour
(D) The supply of rural labour to modern sector is perfectly elastic
16. The Durbin-Watson test is used for?
(A) Autocorrelation
(B) Multiple correlation
(C) Partial correlation
(D) Simple correlation
17. The following Industrial Policy Resolution is known as the Economic Constitution of India?
(A) Industrial Policy, 1948
(B) Industrial Policy, 1956
(C) Industrial Policy, 1980
(D) Industrial Policy, 1991
18. If two regression lines are perpendicular to each other, the correlation coefficient will be?
(A)+1
(B) —1
(C)Zero
(D) Indetermined
19. Under the second degree of price discrimination in discriminating monopoly, the buyers are divided into?
(A) One single group only of all buyers
(B) Two groups only of all buyers
(C) Many groups of buyers according to their demand
(D) Number of groups which is equal to number of buyers
20.If an economy is purely competitive static economy, then the economic profit will be?
(A)Minimum
(B) Maximum
(C)Zero
(D) Negative
21.Who is known as the ‘Architect’ of Indian Planning?
(A) Dadabhai Naoroji
(B) M. Visvesaraia
(C) P. C. Mahalanobis
(D) Ardeshir Dalal
22. The entertainment tax in India was first introduced in the State of?
(A)Bengal
(B) Bihar
(C) Rajasthan
(D) Maharashtra
23. The Laffer curve shows the relationship between?
(A) Per capita income and environmental pollution
(B) Rate of unemployment and rate of inflation
(C) Tax rate and tax revenue
(D) Economic growth and income inequality
24. The shape of the indifference curve indicates?
(A) Income of the consume
(B) Taste of the consumer
(C) Prices of the commodities
(D) Quality of the commodities
25. Which of the following has highest quantitative value in a positively skewed distribution?
(A)Mean
(B) Median
(C)Mode
(D) First quartile
26. Which of the following is also known as mixed sample?
(A) Systematic sample
(B) Stratified sample
(C) Random sample
(D) Multi-stage sample
27.According to Harvey Leibenstein, two types of incentives work in under-developed countries?
(A) Positive-sum incentives and Negative-sum incentives
(B) Zero-sum incentives and negative-sum incentives
(C) Positive-sum incentives and Multiple-sum incentives
(D) Zero-sum intcentives and Positive-sum incentives
28. During recent past, the highest GDP growth rate has been
achieved in the year?
(A)2005-06
(B) 2006-07
(C)2007-08
(D) 2008-09
29 A factor of production is used by a producer at that stage where the marginal production of the factor is?
(A) Increasing, but positive
(B) Increasing, but negative
(C) Decreasing, but positive
(D) Decreasing, but negative
30. The doctrine of consumer’s surplus is based on?
(A) Indifference curve analysis
(B) Revealed preference analysis
(C) Law of substitution
(D) Law of diminishing marginal utility
31. Big-mac index is based on?
(A) Official exchange rate
(B) Real effective exchange rate
(C) Nominal effective exchange rate
(D) Purchasing power parity exchange rate
32. The New Tax Code which is pro posed to come into effect from April 1st, 2011 covers?
(A) Direct taxes only
(B) Indirect taxes only
(C) Both direct and indirect taxes
(D) State level taxes only
33. In the Union Budget 2009-10, total amount of interest payments is estimated?
(A) More than Rs. 1.0 lakh crore
(B) More than Rs. 1.5 lakh crore
(C) More than Rs. 2.0 lakh crore
(D) More than Rs. 2.5 Iakh crore
34. Which of the following is related with monopoly?
(A)Advertisement cost
(B) Selling cost
(C) Price discrimination
(D) Product differentiation
35.The modern money is not?
(A) Token money
(B) Fiat money
(C) Fiduciary money
(D) Full bodied money
36.The outcome budget is a?
(A) Pre-outlay instrument
(B) Post-outlay instrument
(C) Pre-expenditure instrument
(D) Post-expenditure instrument
37. In the theory of kinked demand curve, the lower segment of the demand curve is?
(A) Perfectly inelastic
(B) Perfectly elastic
(C) Highly elastic
(D) Less elastic
38. The catJse of difference between: GDP and NDP is?
(A) Net foreign income
(B) Depreciation
(C) Subsidies
(D) Net indirect tax
39. Arithmetic mean of deviation is always?
(A) A positive value
(B) A negative value
(C) Equal to zero
(D) Equal to one
40. Which one of the following is an item of current account of the balance of payments?
(A) Foreign investment
(B) External commercial borrowings
(C) Foreign grants
(D) Non-resident Indian deposits
41. Charlier’s check for accuracy is used for?
(A)Mean
(B)Median
(C)Correlation
(D) Standard deviation
42.The empirical study of economic theories is considered under?
(A) Aggregate economics
(B) Applied economics
(C) Social economics
(D) Welfare economics
43 Elinor Ostrom, the first woman to win the Nobel Prize in economics in 2009. has been awarded for her contribution in the field of?
(A) Resolving business conflicts
(B) Inflationary trends
(C) Management of common property
(D) Capital market analysis
44. The Kuznet’s curve shows the relationship between?
(A) Economic growth and income inequality
(B) Unemployment and inflation
(C) Tax rate and tax revenue
(D) Economic growth and inflation
45. Slutsky’s substitution effect is based on?
(A) Cost variation
(B) Cost difference
(C) Compensating variation
(D) Compensating difference
46. The correlation coefficient is independent of?
(A) Change of scale only
(B) Change of origin only
(C) Both the changes of scale and origin
(D) Neither the change of origin nor the change of scale
47. The data represented through arithmetic line graph help in understanding?
(A)Trend
(B) Randomness
(C) Cyclicity
(D) Seasonality
48. Select the correct statements regarding the Balanced Growth theory
Statements:
1 It is a static concept
2. It is a dynamic concept
3. It recognises the significance of economic independence
4. It recognises the significance of economic interdependence.
Code
(A) 1 and 4
(B) 2and 3
(C)1 and 3
(D) 2 and 4
49. For setting up new industrial parks and in established industrial parks, the Foreign Direct Investment under automatic route has been allowed?
(A) Upto 26percent
(B) Upto 49 per cent
(C) Upto 74 per cent
(D) Upto 100 per cent
50.The Euler’s theorem is satisfied only with?
(A) Homogeneous function
(B) Heterogeneous function
(C) Endogeneous function
(D) Exogeneous function
Answers:
| 1 | C |
| 2 | C |
| 3 | A |
| 4 | A |
| 5 | A |
| 6 | C |
| 7 | C |
| 8 | A |
| 9 | D |
| 10 | A |
| 11 | C |
| 12 | C |
| 13 | A |
| 14 | A |
| 15 | C |
| 16 | A |
| 17 | B |
| 18 | C |
| 19 | C |
| 20 | C |
| 21 | B |
| 22 | A |
| 23 | C |
| 24 | B |
| 25 | A |
| 26 | B |
| 27 | A |
| 28 | B |
| 29 | C |
| 30 | D |
| 31 | D |
| 32 | A |
| 33 | C |
| 34 | C |
| 35 | D |
| 36 | A |
| 37 | D |
| 38 | B |
| 39 | C |
| 40 | C |
| 41 | A |
| 42 | D |
| 43 | C |
| 44 | A |
| 45 | B |
| 46 | C |
| 47 | A |
| 48 | D |
| 49 | D |
| 50 | A |
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