Q1. Onam is a festival celebrated in which Indian state?
(a) Tamil Nadu
(b) Goa
(c) Odisha
(d) Kerala
Ans: (d)
Explanation:
- Onam is celebrated in the state of Kerala.
Q2. Consider the following statements:
- According to Constitution of India, A person who eligible to vote can be made a minister in a state for six months even if he/she is not a member of the legislature of that state.
- According to the representation of people act, 1951, a person convicted of a criminal offence and sentenced to imprisonment for at least five years is permanently disqualified from contesting an election even after his release from prison.
Which of the above given statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (d)
Explanation:
- Every citizen who is 18 years old on the qualifying date (January 1 of the year in case) , unless disqualified, is eligible to be enrolled as a voter.
- If a person who is not an MLA successfully runs for office in the State Legislature within six months of being appointed, they can become a minister. Even though the voting age is 18, a person cannot become an MLA until they are 25 years old.
- Specifically, Section 8 of RPA, 1951 states the grounds for disqualification on conviction of certain offences pursuant to Section 8 of RPA, 1951, in case the candidate is convicted of certain offences specified under sub-section (1) (2) (3) of Sec. 8 and sentenced to indicated fine or imprisonment, then such a candidate is disqualified from being a member of either house of Parliament or State Legislature from the date of such conviction till the stated time. This is not permanent, so S2 is wrong.
Q3. Consider the following statements:
- Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) is an apex organisation under the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises responsible for the promotion and implementation of initiatives for the development of Khadi and other rural industries.
- Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) is the nodal agency for the implementation of Prime Minister Employment Generation Program (PMEGP).
- Gramodyog Vikas Yojana is one of the two components of the Khadi Gramodyog Vikas Yojana which is a Central Sector Scheme (CSS).
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Ans: (c)
Explanation:
- The KVIC is an apex organisation under the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises responsible for the promotion, planning, organisation, and implementation of initiatives for the development of Khadi and other rural industries.
- PMEGP is a central sector scheme administered by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME). Launched in 2008-09, it is a credit-linked subsidy scheme which promotes self-employment through setting up of micro-Enterprises.
Implementation:
- National Level- Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) as the nodal agency.
- State Level- State KVIC Directorates, State Khadi and Village Industries Boards (KVIBs), District Industries Centres (DICs) and banks.
Q4. Which of the following statements about stem cells is correct?
(a) Stem cells can only be found in bone marrow.
(b) Stem cells have limited potential for differentiation.
(c) Embryonic stem cells are derived from adult tissues.
(d) Stem cells can regenerate damaged or injured tissues.
Ans: (d)
Explanation:
- The correct answer is (D). Stem cells can regenerate damaged or injured tissues.
- Statement A: Stem cells can be found in many different tissues in the body, including bone marrow, umbilical cord blood, and skin.
- Statement B: Stem cells have the potential to differentiate into many different cell types. Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent, meaning they can differentiate into any cell type in the body. Adult stem cells are multipotent, meaning they can differentiate into a limited number of cell types.
- Statement C: Embryonic stem cells are derived from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst, which is an early stage of embryonic development. Adult stem cells are derived from mature tissues in the body.
Q5. Which of the following relates to the “nine-dash line” frequently observed in news?
(a) Mediterranean Sea
(b) Bay of Bengal
(c) North Sea
(d) South China Sea
Ans: (d)
Explanation:
- The nine-dash line is a historical demarcation line on a map used by China to assert territorial claims in the South China Sea.
- China asserts a claim to 90% of the South China Sea, primarily based on the historical U-shaped nine-dash line drawn on a map in the 1940s and encompassing several islands, notably the Paracels and Spratlys.
- However, the Permanent Court of Arbitration under UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) has determined that China’s claim in this region lacks a legal foundation.
