27 April 2024

Q1. Consider the following statements about Sir Syed Ahmad Khan:

1. He argued that India was a federation of ethnic communities based on common descent.
2. His philosophy was very similar to that of the Indian National Congress.
3. The curriculum at the Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental College blended Muslim theology and European empiricism.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Statement 2 is wrong
• The following statements about Sir Syed Ahmad Khan are correct:
• He argued that India was a federation of ethnic communities based on common descent.
• The curriculum at the Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental College blended Muslim theology and European empiricism.
• Therefore, the answer is (b).
• Sir Syed Ahmad Khan was a Muslim reformer and educator who believed in the importance of modern education and social progress for Muslims in India. He was also a strong advocate for Hindu-Muslim unity. He argued that India was a nation of diverse communities, and that Muslims should work with Hindus to build a united and prosperous country.
• The Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental College, which was founded by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan in 1875, was a pioneering institution that blended Muslim theology and European empiricism. The curriculum included courses in English, mathematics, science, and history, as well as Islamic studies. The college produced many prominent Muslim leaders and intellectuals, including Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan.

Q2. Consider the following statements with reference to Electoral Bonds:

1. An electoral bond is like a promissory note that can be bought by any Indian citizen or company incorporated in India.
2. The electoral bonds are available for purchase for 10 days at the beginning of every year.
3. The electoral bonds will not bear the name of the donor.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• S1 and S2: Electoral Bond is a financial instrument for making donations to political parties. The bonds are available for purchase by any person (who is a citizen of India or incorporated or established in India) for a period of ten days each in the months of January, April, July and October as may be specified by the Central Government.
• The bonds are issued in multiples of Rs. 1,000, Rs. 10,000, Rs. 1 lakh, Rs. 10 lakh and Rs. 1 crore without any maximum limit.
• State Bank of India is authorised to issue and encash these bonds, which are valid for fifteen days from the date of issuance.
• These bonds are redeemable in the designated account of a registered political party.
• A person being an individual can buy bonds, either singly or jointly with other individuals.
• S3: Donor’s name is not mentioned on the bond.

Q3. Consider the following statements regarding Electoral Bonds:

1. The electoral bonds were introduced with the Finance Bill, 2016.
2. The bonds are interest-free bearer instruments used to donate money anonymously to political parties.
3. The State Bank of India (SBI) is the only bank authorized to sell them.
4. SBI deposits bonds that a political party hasn’t cashed within 15 days into the Prime Minister’s CARES Fund.

How many of the above statements is/are incorrect?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) All four

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• S1: The electoral bonds were introduced with the Finance Bill, 2017.
• S4: SBI deposits bonds that a political party hasn’t enchased within 15 days into the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund.

Q4. Consider the following statements regarding the laws regarding abortions in India:

1. Abortions were never criminalized under the Indian Penal Code.
2. At present the law allows abortion during the first 20 weeks, without any approval from a medical practitioner.
3. In cases involving a severe foetal anomaly after the 24-week mark, a three-person medical board must confirm the diagnosis with the final decision resting with a judge.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• Only statement 3 is correct.
• Before the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) act of 1971, abortions were criminalised under the Indian Penal Code. The MTP changed that but still imposed heavy restrictions, especially pertaining to unmarried women. As per the 2021 amendment, the act allows abortion in a number of circumstances, most based on the health and safety of the woman.
• The law allows abortion during the first 20 weeks, with approval from a medical practitioner and from the 20 to 24 weeks with authorisation by two medical practitioners. In cases involving a severe foetal anomaly after the 24-week mark, a three-person medical board must confirm the diagnosis with the final decision resting with a judge.

Q5. What is lymphatic filariasis?

(a) A viral infection that primarily affects the respiratory system.

(b) A type of parasitic infection transmitted by mosquitoes.

(c) An autoimmune disease that targets the nervous system.

(d) A genetic disorder causing abnormal growth of the lymphatic system.

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Lymphatic filariasis, also known as elephantiasis, is a parasitic infection caused by filarial worms transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. The parasites primarily affect the lymphatic system, leading to a range of symptoms, including swelling of the limbs and other body parts.