06 July 2024

Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project initiated by China:

1. The project aims to connect Kota Bharu in Malaysia to Port Klang on the west coast.
2. The ECRL project was suspended primarily due to environmental concerns raised by ASEAN countries.
3. The ECRL is considered the largest economic cooperation initiative between China and Malaysia.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, and 3

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct as the ECRL project indeed aims to connect Kota Bharu to Port Klang. Statement 2 is incorrect as the project was suspended due to funding and cost issues, not environmental concerns. Statement 3 is correct.

Q2. Consider the following statements regarding the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023:

1. It replaces the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and aims to modernize India’s criminal law.
2. The BNS introduces provisions specific to offenses like terrorism and organized crime.
3. Offences under the terminology ‘Sedition’ remain a punishable offense under the BNS.

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:

• Statement 1 is correct: The BNS 2023 indeed replaces the IPC with updated provisions.
• Statement 2 is correct: The BNS introduces new provisions for offenses such as terrorism and organized crime.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: The BNS removes the offense of sedition and introduces new provisions related to threatening national unity and sovereignty.
• Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

Q3. What are the primary causes of flooding in India?

1. Heavy rainfall during the monsoon season
2. Melting of snow and glaciers
3. Storm surges caused by cyclones
4. Earthquakes triggering river overflow

Select the correct answer using the codes below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 2, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: Heavy monsoon rainfall often exceeds the capacity of soil absorption and drainage systems, causing floods.
• Statement 2 is correct: Snowmelt and glacier melting contribute to increased water levels in rivers, leading to downstream flooding.
• Statement 3 is correct: Cyclones bring heavy rains and storm surges, which can inundate coastal areas.
• Statement 4 is incorrect: Earthquakes do not directly cause river overflow; flooding in India is primarily due to rainfall, snowmelt, and cyclones.

Q4. Which of the following is a non-structural measure for flood management in India?

(a) Building storage reservoirs

(b) Constructing embankments along rivers

(c) Establishing flood forecasting and warning systems

(d) Implementing flood plain zoning

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• Option (a), building storage reservoirs, is a structural measure that helps in flood control by storing excess water.
• Option (b), constructing embankments, is another structural measure that confines water within channels to prevent flooding.
• Option (c), flood forecasting and warning systems, is a non-structural measure that uses data to predict floods and facilitate timely evacuation.
• Option (d), flood plain zoning, is the correct answer as it involves regulating land use in flood-prone areas to minimize damage and promote conservation of natural flood buffers like wetlands and forests.

Q5. Consider the following statements regarding the Balance of Payments (BoP):

1. The BoP records all international financial transactions of a country within a specific timeframe.
2. A BoP surplus indicates that a country’s total imports exceed its exports.
3. The BoP consists of the Current Account, Financial Account, and Capital Account.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, and 3

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: The Balance of Payments (BoP) indeed tracks all international financial transactions of a country over a specified period.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: A BoP surplus occurs when a country’s exports exceed its imports.
• Statement 3 is correct: The BoP is composed of the Current Account, Financial Account, and Capital Account, which collectively capture different types of international transactions.