26 March 2024

Q1. Consider the following statements about Atal Bhujal Yojana:

1. It is a Central Sector Scheme.
2. It is being implemented by the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
3. It is being funded by the Government of India and the World Bank on a 30:70 basis.

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Ans; (b)

Explanation:

• Statement 3 is wrong.
• It is being implemented by the Ministry of Jal Shakti
• The scheme is being funded by the Government of India and the World Bank on 50:50 basis.

Q2. Consider the following statements:

1. Pichwai art originated in Nathdwara, near Udaipur, and is traditionally created on cloth, typically khadi.
2. The main image portrayed in Pichhwai paintings is Lord Shiva.

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:

• Context: Chennai’s Collage is hosting an art exhibition showcasing Pichwai paintings, some of which date back 350 years.
• Pichwai art originated in Nathdwara, near Udaipur, and is traditionally created on cloth, typically khadi.
• The main image portrayed in Pichhwai paintings is Shrinathji. This 700+ years old form of Krishna, is the presiding deity worshipped at the Shrinathji Temple with many paintings showing the rituals and worship offered to the deity in the temple.

Q3. Consider the following statements:

1. Semiconductors are materials that have high resistance to electric current flow.
2. Semiconductors are only used in electronic devices for energy storage.
3. Semiconductors have no impact on the performance of computer processors.

How many of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• Context: A Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) has been signed between the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology of India and the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry of Japan.
• Option 1 is incorrect because semiconductors actually have relatively low resistance to electric current flow, which is why they are used extensively in electronic devices such as transistors and integrated circuits.
• Option 2 is incorrect because while semiconductors are indeed used in electronic devices, their applications go far beyond energy storage. They are crucial components in various devices, including computer processors, memory chips, solar cells, and many more.
• Option 3 is incorrect because semiconductors play a significant role in the performance of computer processors. The miniaturized transistors and integrated circuits made from semiconductor materials enable the functionality and speed of modern processors.

Q4. Consider the following statements:

1. India’s semiconductor industrial policy is being managed mainly by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
2. India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) focuses on manufacturing, assembly, displays and compound semiconductors.
3. Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) is an R&D organisation under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) that administers the policy for chip design.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• India’s semiconductor industrial policy is being managed mainly by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). The schemes for manufacturing, assembly, displays and compound semiconductors have been assigned to an independent division called India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) within a non-profit company set up by MeitY. The policy for chip design is being administered by C-DAC, an R&D organisation again under the MeitY.

Q5. Consider the following statements:

1. A semiconductor is a material which has an electrical conductivity value falling between that of a conductor and an insulator.
2. Quantum computing and enhanced wireless networks rely on semiconductors.
3. The Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) and Design Linked Incentive (DLI) schemes encourage building a semiconductor ecosystem in India.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• A semiconductor is a material which has an electrical conductivity value falling between that of a conductor, such as copper, and an insulator, such as glass.
• All modern-era digital devices, as well as future innovations, rely on the semiconductor sector. These discrete, yet very sophisticated elements drive almost all upcoming technologies, including AI, cloud computing, quantum computing, enhanced wireless networks, blockchain applications, bitcoin mining, 5G, IoT, self-driving vehicles, drones, robots, gaming, and wearables.
• The Centre has sanctioned the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) and Design Linked Incentive (DLI) schemes to encourage the manufacturing of various semiconductor goods within India.

Q6. Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the National Standards body, working under the aegis of:

(a) Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution

(b) Ministry of Commerce and Industry

(c) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

(d) Ministry of Home Affairs

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is India’s national standards body. It’s part of the Department of Consumer Affairs, which is under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution. The BIS was established by the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, which came into effect on October 12, 2017.
• The BIS is responsible for:
• Standardization, Marking, Quality certification of goods, Hallmarking, Laboratory services, and Training services.

Q7. What can be said about the planet Venus?

(a) Venus is the closest planet to the Sun in our solar system.

(b) Venus is known for its extremely cold and icy surface.

(c) Venus has a rotation that is opposite to the majority of other planets.

(d) Venus has a thick atmosphere primarily composed of oxygen.

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• Context: A new study suggests that Venus, despite being a scorching wasteland, may have once had plate tectonics similar to those on early Earth.
• Venus has a unique and retrograde rotation, meaning it rotates in the opposite direction to the majority of other planets in our solar system. Most planets, including Earth, rotate counterclockwise on their axes, but Venus rotates clockwise.

Q8. What are carbon nanoflorets?

(a) Tiny, flower-like structures made of carbon nanotubes.

(b) A type of carbon allotrope with a diamond-like structure.

(c) Nanoscale materials used for water purification.

(d) Carbon particles used in rocket fuel.

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• Context: Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay have created carbon nanoflorets that can efficiently convert sunlight into heat.
• Carbon nanoflorets are a unique nanostructure composed of carbon atoms arranged in a distinctive floret-like morphology. They have a high surface area and various potential applications in fields such as materials science, electronics, and nanotechnology due to their exceptional properties and structure.

Q9. In which one of the following biogeochemical cycles the weathering of rocks is the main source of release of nutrients to enter the cycle?

(a) Carbon cycle

(b) Nitrogen cycle

(c) Phosphorus cycle

(d) Sulphur cycle

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• In the case of the Phosphorus cycle, the weathering of rocks is the main source of the release of nutrients to enter the cycle.
• Phosphorus, an essential nutrient for living organisms, is primarily found in rocks and minerals. Through the process of weathering, these rocks and minerals break down over time, releasing phosphorus into the environment. This phosphorus then becomes available to plants, which are an integral part of the cycle as they absorb phosphorus from the soil. Animals, in turn, obtain phosphorus by consuming plants or other animals. This cycle is slower and more reliant on geological processes, particularly rock weathering, compared to some other biogeochemical cycles.

Q10. Which of the following are detritivores?

1. Earthworms
2. Jellyfish
3. Millipedes
4. Seahorses
5. Woodlice

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1, 2 and 4 only

(b) 2, 3, 4 and 5 only

(c) 1, 3 and 5 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• Detritivores are organisms that primarily feed on decaying plant and animal material, breaking it down into smaller particles. From the options you’ve provided:
• Earthworms – Yes, earthworms are detritivores. They feed on decaying organic matter in the soil.
• Jellyfish – No, jellyfish are not detritivores. They are typically carnivorous, feeding on small fish and plankton.
• Millipedes – Yes, millipedes are detritivores. They feed on decaying plant material and detritus on the forest floor.
• Seahorses – No, seahorses are not detritivores. They are carnivorous and feed on tiny crustaceans.
• Woodlice – Yes, woodlice (also known as pill bugs or roly-polies) are detritivores. They feed on decaying plant material and detritus, particularly in damp environments.