Q1. Consider the following statements, with respect to Hoysala Architecture
1. These have multiple shrines grouped around a central pillared hall and laid out in the shape of an intricately- designed star.
2. Soapstone was primarily used as a building material for the temple.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. Only 1
B. Only 2
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Solution: option C.)
Ans. 1 Option C is correct Explanation
• Hoysala Architecture is the building style developed under the rule of the Hoysala Empire between the 11th and 14th centuries, mostly concentrated in southern Karnataka.
• They are known for evolving a distinct style that is ornate with temple architecture following a stellate plan built on a raised platform.
• Stellate plan: Multiple shrines grouped around a central pillared hall and laid out in the shape of an intricately designed star. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• The material used in temple construction is choloritic schist (soapstone), so, the artists were able to carve their sculptures intricately. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• This can be seen particularly in the jewellery of the gods that adorn their temple walls
Q2. Consider the following pairs of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and their Locations
1. The Sacred Ensembles of Hoysalas: Tamil Nadu
2. Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple: Andhra Pradesh
3. Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka: Madhya Pradesh
4. Group of Monuments at Pattadakal: Kerala
How many of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
A. Only one
B. Only two
C. Only three
D. All four
Solution: option A.)
Ans. 2 Option A is the correct Explanation
• The Sacred Ensembles of Hoysalas: Karnataka
• Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple: Telangana
• Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka: Madhya Pradesh
• Group of Monuments at Pattadakal: Karnataka
Q3. With reference to the Bima Sugam Platform, consider the following statements
1. It will be an online portal that will be a one-stop shop for all insurance-related queries and policy purchases only.
2. Web aggregators, brokers, insurance agents, bank agents, etc. would act as facilitators on this platform for selling
insurance policies.
3. It will help to cut down commissions paid to the intermediaries.
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. Only one
B. Only two
C. All three
D. None
Solution: option B.)
Ans. 3 Option B is correct Explanation
• Bima Sugam Platform will be an online portal that will be a one-stop shop for
• Insurance-related queries, policy purchase, claim settlement, insurance advice, and grievance redressal. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
• Web aggregators, brokers, insurance agents, bank agents, etc. would act as facilitators on this platform for selling insurance policies. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• The portal would provide all such facilities to policyholders having an e-insurance account (E-IA).
• It will further act as a window to view all policies, details, and renewal details.
• It will help in eliminating the need to fill out lengthy forms.
• It will help to cut down commissions paid to intermediaries. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
• It will allow for a speedy acceptance of new/sandbox products.
• It will simplify and digitize the insurance marketplace, right from buying policies to renewals, claim settlement, and agent and policy portability.
Q4. Which among the following causes is the primary cause of Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs)?
A. Sudden changes in Earth’s magnetic field
B. Disruption of magnetic loops on the Sun’s surface
C. Realignment of the planets in the solar system
D. Merger of Black holes
Solution: option B.)
Ans. 4 Option B is correct Explanation
• Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) are large expulsions of plasma and magnetic fields from the Sun’s corona that propagate
outward into interplanetary space.
• During a CME, the Sun releases a colossal amount of material that travels at high speeds into space including electrons, protons, and heavier ions as well as magnetic fields.
• CMEs are typically triggered by the destabilization of the Sun’s magnetic fields.
• They often involve the reconfiguration or disruption of magnetic loops on the Sun’s surface. Hence, option B is correct.
• CMEs are distinct from solar flares, although they often occur together.
Q5. With reference to Lithium, consider the following statements
1. It is a soft metal that belongs to the alkali metal group of the periodic table.
2. It has the lowest density among all metals.
3. It occurs as a metal in nature.
4. It reacts vigorously with water.
How many of the statements given above are/are not correct?
A. Only one
B. Only two
C. Only three
D. All four
Solution: option A.)
Ans. 5 Option A is the correct Explanation
• Lithium is a soft, silvery-white metal that belongs to the alkali metals group of the periodic table of the elements. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• It has the lowest density of all metals. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• It is the lightest of the solid elements.
• It reacts vigorously with water. Hence, statement 4 is correct.
• It does not occur as a metal in nature but is found combined in small amounts in igneous rocks. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
• Its reserves are majorly concentrated in the lithium triangle in South America i.e. Argentina, Bolivia & Chile with 50% of the deposits concentrated in these regions
Q6. Consider the following statements
1. The Montreal Protocol aimed to phase out the production and consumption of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
2. The Kigali amendment to the Montreal Protocol addresses the phase-down of ozone-depleting substances.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. Only 1
B. Only 2
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Solution: option D.)
Ans. 6 Option D is the correct Explanation
• Montreal Protocol is a worldwide agreement to phase out the production and consumption of substances causing ozone depletion. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
• It is the only UN treaty ever that has been ratified by every country on Earth – all UN Member States.
• The Kigali Agreement is an amendment to the Montreal Protocol that addresses the phase-down of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) used as replacements for the ozone-depleting substances. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
• It aims to reduce the production and consumption of HFCs with the aim of mitigating their contribution to global warming.
Q7. With reference to the Gold Exchange Traded Funds(ETFs), consider the following statements
1. They are active investment instruments that are based on gold prices and invest in gold bullion.
2. They combine the flexibility of stock investment and the simplicity of gold investments.
Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect?
A. Only 1
B. Only 2
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Solution: option A.)
Ans. 7 Option A is the correct Explanation
• Gold exchange-traded funds are commodity-based exchange-traded funds with an underlying asset as gold.
• They are passive investment instruments that are based on gold prices and invest in gold bullion. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
• Gold ETFs are units representing physical gold which may be in paper or dematerialised form.
• They combine the flexibility of stock investment and the simplicity of gold investments. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• It can be bought and sold continuously at market prices.
• There is complete transparency on the holdings of a Gold ETF due to its direct gold pricing.
Q8. Consider the following statements with reference to the Core Inflation Statement
I: It is the change in the costs of goods and services excluding the food and energy sectors. Statement
II: Food and energy prices are exempted because their prices can be too volatile or fluctuate wildly.
Which one of the following statements is correct?
A. Statement I is correct but Statement II
is incorrect
B. Statement I is incorrect but Statement
II is correct
C. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II is the correct explanation for Statement I
D. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II is not the Correct Explanation for Statement
Solution: option C.)
Ans. 8 Option C is correct Explanation
• Retail Inflation is the rate at which the prices of goods and services that consumers buy for personal use increase over time.
• Core Inflation is the change in the costs of goods and services but does not include those from the food and energy sectors. Hence, statement I is correct.
• Food and energy prices are exempt from this calculation because their prices can be too volatile or fluctuate wildly. Hence, statement II is correct.
Q9. Consider the following statements about the PM-WANI Scheme
1. It was formulated by the Ministry of Communications to increase Wi-Fi access throughout the country.
2. The Public Data Office (PDO) will perform the functions relating to Authorization and Accounting.
3. It was first recommended by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India.
How many of the statements given above is/are not correct?
A. Only one
B. Only two
C. All three
D. None
Solution: option A.)
Ans. 9 Option A is the correct Explanation
• PM WANI (Wi-Fi Access Network Interface) is a scheme formulated by the Ministry of Communications meant to increase Wi-fi access throughout the country. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• The move is aimed at helping accelerate the uptake of broadband Internet services.
• It was first recommended by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) in 2017. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
• This will involve multiple players, including PDOs, Public Data Office Aggregators (PDOA), app providers, and a central registry.
• Public Data Office (PDO) will establish, maintain, and operate only WANI-compliant Wi-Fi Access Points and deliver broadband services to subscribers. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
• Public Data Office Aggregator (PDOA) will be an aggregator of PDOs and perform the functions relating to Authorization and Accounting.
• It will not require the PDOs to get a license or pay a fee.
• Central Registry will maintain the details of App Providers, PDOAs, and PDOs.
Q10. Consider the following countries
1. Egypt
2. USA
3. Oman
4. Germany
How many of the countries mentioned above are/are a part of the India-Middle East- Europe Economic Corridor?
A. Only one
B. Only two
C. Only three
D. All four
Solution: option B.)
Ans. 10 Option B is correct Explanation
• The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor project includes India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the European Union, France, Italy, Germany and the US. Hence, Option B is correct.
• The project will aim to enable greater trade among the involved countries, including energy products.
• It will include a railway and ship-rail transit network and road transport routes.
• The corridor will include a rail link as well as an electricity cable, a hydrogen pipeline, and a high-speed data cable.
• In the coming times, it will be a major medium of economic integration between India, West Asia, and Europe