27 January 2024

Q1. What is Nudge Theory?

(a) Nudge Theory is a concept from economics that promotes government intervention in all aspects of the economy.

(b) Nudge Theory is a psychological theory that suggests people can be influenced to make better choices through subtle and indirect prompts.

(c) Nudge Theory is a political ideology advocating for minimal government involvement in citizens’ lives.

(d) Nudge Theory is a marketing strategy that relies on aggressive advertising to persuade consumers.

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Nudge theory, developed by economist Richard Thaler, underlies this concept. It involves placing small stimuli to encourage decisions that benefit individuals in the long term.
• , In governance, nudge policies are used in programmes such as the Swachh Bharat Mission, GiveItUp campaign, and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP), etc.
• What is Persuasion?
• Persuasion is the act of influencing someone’s beliefs, attitudes, or behaviours through communication and reasoning. It involves presenting information in a compelling manner to convince or motivate individuals to adopt a particular viewpoint.
• It often relies on effective communication, empathy, credibility, and the use of persuasive techniques to achieve its objectives.
• Green Nudges use persuasion techniques such as public awareness campaigns, social norms marketing, and community-based initiatives to encourage environmentally friendly choices.

Q2. Consider the following statements about  Bureau of Indian Standards:

1. It is the National Standards Body of India.
2. It works under the aegis of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
3. It also works as WTO-Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) enquiry point for India.

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

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• The Bureau of Indian Standards is the National Standards Body of India under the Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution. It was established by the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016 which came into effect on 12 October 2017.
• It also works as WTO-Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) enquiry point for India.

Q3. Consider the following statements:

1. Paryushan Parv is a significant festival in Jainism.
2. It is observed by both Digambara and Shwetambar communities.

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: (c)

Explanation:

• Context: Paryushan Parv is a significant festival in Jainism, observed by both Digambara and Shwetambar communities.
• It is a time for deep reflection, repentance, and redemption for Jains.

Q4. Consider the following statements with reference to Jaina sects:

1. The Svetambara tradition of Jainism traces their lineage through Sthulabhadra.
2. As per the Digambara sect of Jainism, Bhadrabahu was the last Shruta Kevalin.

Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• Sthulabhadra was the founder of Svetambara Jain order during a 12-year famine in Maurya empire in third or fourth-century BC.
• According to the Digambara sect of Jainism, there were five Shruta Kevalins in Jainism – Govarddhana Mahamuni, Vishnu, Nandimitra, Aparajita and Bhadrabahu.
• Shrutakevalin is a term used in Jainism for those ascetics who have complete knowledge of Jain Agama (texts).

Q5. The concept of Anuvrata was advocated by:

(a) Jainism

(b) Mahayana Buddhism

(c) Lokayata School

(d) Hinayana Buddhism

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• In Jainism, ahimsa is the standard by which all actions are judged. For a householder observing the small vows (anuvrata), the practice of ahimsa requires that one not kill any animal life.