Q1. Consider the following statements about the Ethics committee in Lok Sabha:
- It was first constituted in 2000.
- It consists of not more than fifteen members and nominated by the Speaker.
- It is responsible for examining cases of ethical misconduct among Members of Parliament (MPs).
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Ans: (c)
Explanation:
- The Ethics Committee is a parliamentary body responsible for examining cases of ethical misconduct among Members of Parliament (MPs).
- The members of the Ethics Committee are appointed by the Speaker for a one-year term.
- The Ethics Committee of the Rajya Sabha was established on March 4, 1997, by then Vice President K R Narayanan.
- An ad hoc Ethics Committee was constituted in 2000 (late Speaker G M C Balayogi) and became a permanent part of the House in 2015.
- Complaints can be made by any person through another Lok Sabha MP, with evidence and an affidavit.
- Members can complain without providing an affidavit.
- The Speaker can refer complaints against MPs to the Committee.
- The Committee conducts a Prima Facie inquiry before deciding to examine a complaint.
- It presents its report to the Speaker for House consideration, with provision for discussion on the report.
Q2. What is the Prisoner’s Dilemma?
(a) A negotiation strategy where both parties always cooperate for mutual benefit.
(b) A game theory scenario where two rational individuals may not cooperate, even if it appears that it is in their best interest to do so.
(c) A legal principle that mandates reduced sentences for prisoners who provide information about their fellow inmates.
(d) A competitive game in which prisoners compete for better living conditions in a jail.
Ans: (b)
Explanation:What is the Prisoner’s Dilemma?
- It is a classic concept in game theory that illustrates a situation where individuals can make rational choices that lead to a suboptimal outcome for both. It involves two suspects (prisoners) who can either cooperate by remaining silent or betray each other by confessing to a crime. The possible outcomes are:
- If both remain silent (cooperate), they both get a minimal sentence for a lesser offence.
- If both confess (betray), they both receive a moderate sentence.
- If one remains silent while the other confesses, the one who confesses goes free, and the silent one receives a heavy sentence.
Q3. Consider the following statements about the Competition Commission of India:
- It is the chief national competition regulator in India.
- It is a statutory body within the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
- It looks into cases and investigates them if the same has a negative impact on competition.
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Ans: (c)
Explanation:
- The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is a statutory body that enforces the Competition Act, 2002. The CCI was established in 2009 by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs
Q4. What do you know about the Moon?
(a) The Moon is a star that emits its own light, primarily at night.
(b) The Moon is Earth’s only natural satellite, orbiting our planet.
(c) The Moon is composed mainly of liquid water.
(d) The Moon has a breathable atmosphere that can support human life without the need for spacesuits.
Ans: (b)
Explanation:
- The Moon is Earth’s only natural satellite, and it orbits our planet. It plays a significant role in Earth’s tides and has been the subject of human exploration and study for centuries.
- Context: A recent study using crystals brought back by Apollo astronauts in 1972 has revealed that the Moon is approximately 40 million years older than previously believed.
Q5. Consider the following statements about the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF):
- It was established in 2000 by the United Nations Environment Programme.
- It has universal membership and is composed of all Member States of the United Nations.
- It promotes the management, conservation, and sustainable development of all types of forests
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Ans: (b)
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is wrong.
- The UNFF is an intergovernmental policy forum that promotes the management, conservation, and sustainable development of all types of forests and aims to strengthen long-term political commitment to this end.
- UNFF was established in 2000 by the UN Economic and Social Council. It has universal membership and is composed of all Member States of the United Nations.
