1. With reference to Kerala’s efforts in eliminating filariasis, consider the following:
- Kerala’s strategy included using aquaculture to biologically control mosquito larvae.
- Schoolchildren were actively involved in spreading awareness about the disease.
- Salt infused with a low dose of Albendazole was introduced to reduce infection rates.
- A recovered patient was made the mascot of the campaign to encourage treatment.
Which of the above statements are correct?
[A] Only 1 and 2
[B] 1, 2 and 4
[C] 2, 3 and 4
[D] 1, 2 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [1, 2 and 4]
Notes:
In Kerala’s filariasis elimination campaign, aquaculture was adopted to curb mosquito larvae, schoolchildren were mobilized to increase disease awareness, and a recovered patient was made the campaign’s mascot (Statements 1, 2, 4 are correct). However, salt was infused with diethylcarbamazine (DEC) to reduce infection rates, not Albendazole (Statement 3 incorrect). Hence, option 2 is the correct answer.
2. Consider the following challenges associated with applying proportionality strictly as per Article 81(2)(a) in the context of delimitation based on population:
- It would make the Lok Sabha unwieldy with more than 1300 seats.
- It would disproportionately favour States with higher population growth.
- It could dilute the principle of “one person, one vote.”
- It risks undermining the achievements of States with successful population control measures.
Which of the above are true challenges?
[A] 1, 2 and 3 only
[B] 2, 3 and 4 only
[C] 1, 2 and 4 only
[D] 1, 2, 3 and 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2, 3 and 4]
Notes:- Statement 1 is correct. Strictly following population proportionality would increase Lok Sabha seats to around 1374, making the house unwieldy.
- Statement 2 is correct. States with high population growth would gain more seats, disproportionately favouring them.
- Statement 3 is correct. If states have vastly different population-to-seat ratios, the principle of “one person, one vote” could be diluted.
- Statement 4 is correct. States that have successfully controlled their population would risk having their achievements undermined by being allocated relatively fewer new seats.
3. Consider the following statements regarding China’s sixth-generation stealth fighter J-36:
- The J-36 follows a traditional aircraft design with a prominent tail and horizontal stabilizers.
- The J-36 adopts a tri-engine, tailless flying-wing design to enhance stealth and payload capabilities.
- The J-36 has already been formally inducted into the Chinese Navy’s active carrier squadrons.
Which of the above statements is / are correct?
[A] 1 and 2 only
[B] 2 only
[C] 1 and 3 only
[D] 2 and 3 only
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [2 only]
Notes:
J-36 adopts a tri-engine, tailless flying-wing design to enhance stealth and payload capabilities but it has not yet been formally inducted into the Chinese Navy’s active carrier squadrons and not following a traditional aircraft design with a prominent tail and horizontal stabilizers.
4. Consider the cultural significance of rice in Japan and the following statements:
- The term “gohan” in Japanese language refers both to ‘cooked rice’ as well as ‘meal’.
- Rice is utilized in religious offerings at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples.
- Rice only holds significance in culinary traditions and plays a limited role in festivals or language.
Which of these statements are correct?
[A] Only 1 and 2
[B] Only 2 and 3
[C] Only 1 and 3
[D] 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1 and 2]
Notes:
Rice in Japan bears significance beyond just culinary traditions. It finds mention in language as ‘gohan’, which means both ‘cooked rice’ and ‘meal’. Also, it is an integral part of religious practices, being used in offerings at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. Thus, Statement 3 is incorrect.
5. Consider the following:
- Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR)
- Open Market Operations (OMO)
- Repurchase (Repo) Transactions
- Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)
Which of the following is/are conducted at the discretion of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and not at the discretion of banks?
[A] Only 1, 2 and 3
[B] Only 2, 3 and 4
[C] Only 1, 3 and 4
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1, 2 and 3]
Notes:
In terms of management, Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR), Open Market Operations (OMO), and Repurchase (Repo) Transactions are all conducted at the discretion of the Reserve Bank of India. However, access to the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) remains voluntary for banks, not at the discretion of the RBI.
