Q1. Consider the following statements with reference to Nuclear fission
1. This process often produces free neutrons and gamma photons and releases a very large amount of energy
2. This is an exothermic chain reaction.
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
• In nuclear physics, nuclear fission is a radioactive decay process in which the nucleus of an atom splits into smaller parts [lighter nuclei].
• The fission process often produces free neutrons and gamma photons [gamma rays], and releases a very large amount of energy [exothermic reaction]. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• Exothermic = Liberation of Heat during a reaction. [CaCO3(calcium carbonate or lime) + H2O (water) → Ca(OH)2(calcium hydroxide) + CO2 + HEAT] Hence, statement 2 is correct
• The nuclear fission process may take place spontaneously in some cases or may be induced by the excitation of the nucleus with a variety of particles (neutrons, protons, deuterons, or alpha particles) or with electromagnetic
radiation in the form of gamma rays.
• In the fission process, radioactive products are formed, and several neutrons are emitted.
• These neutrons can induce fission in a nearby nucleus of fissionable material and release more neutrons causing a chain reaction
Q2. Consider the following statements about the GOBAR-DHAN Scheme
1. The GOBAR-DHAN Scheme was Launched by the Ministry of Jal Shakti in 2018 with the aim of augmenting the income of farmers by converting biodegradable waste into compressed biogas.
2. The scheme is being implemented as part of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin).
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 D.)
Ans. 2 Option D is the correct Explanation
• The Ministry of Jal Shakti has launched the GOBAR (Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources) – DHAN scheme. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• The scheme is being implemented as part of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin). Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• The Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) comprises two main components for creating clean villages – creating open defecation-free (ODF) villages and managing solid and liquid waste in villages.
• Keeping villages clean, increasing the income of rural households, and the generation of energy
from cattle waste.
• The scheme also aims at creating new rural livelihood opportunities and enhancing income for farmers and other rural people.
Q3. Which of the following is true with respect to the difference between net national product (NNP) and gross domestic product (GDP) in terms of their calculation?
A. NNP calculates only goods produced within the country, whereas GDP calculates both goods and services.
B. GDP calculates goods and services produced by a country’s citizens, whereas NNP considers domestic
production as well as the production of overseas citizens.
C. The calculation of GDP covers a time period of one year, but NNP considers a time period of two years.
D. GDP reflects the size of the economy, whereas NNP indicates the per-person income in the country.
Solution: option B.)
Ans. 3 Option B is correct Explanation
• GDP calculates goods and services produced by a country’s citizens, whereas NNP considers domestic production as well as the production of overseas citizens. Hence, option B is correct.
• Both economic indicators, i.e., GDP and NNP, calculate the money value of the goods and services produced by a country.
• In the case of GDP, the value is calculated only for domestic production.
• On the other hand, NNP also includes the value of goods and services produced by overseas citizens of the country.
Q4. Consider the following statements about the effect of nanoparticles
1. High concentrations of these droplets increase the proportion of solar radiation reflected back to space,
causing a cooling effect on climate.
2. Long exposures to high concentrations of nanoparticles cause lung problems and cardiovascular disease.
3. Infant mortality, neonatal complications, and birth defects are likely to increase with increasing concentrations of matter smaller than 10 μm.
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. Only one
B. Only two
C. All three
D. None
Solution: option C.)
Ans. 4 Option C is the correct Explanation
• Nanoparticles (NPs) are tiny particles between 1 and 100nm.
• Due to their ultrafine size, they can be suspended in the atmosphere for a long time and can travel longer distances.
• They enter the environment from various sources, including natural, incidental, and manufactured processes.
• High concentrations of these droplets increase the proportion of solar radiation reflected back to space, causing a cooling effect on climate. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• Long exposures to high concentrations of nanoparticles cause lung problems and cardiovascular disease. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• Infant mortality, neonatal complications, and birth defects are likely to increase with increasing concentrations of matter smaller than 10 μm. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
Q5. Consider the following statements regarding the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physics
1. It recognizes the research to measure the rapid processes in which electrons move or change energy.
2. Attosecond physics has potential applications in both electronics and medical diagnostics.
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. 5 Option C is the correct Explanation
• Recently, the Nobel Prize for Physics 2023 was awarded to France’s Pierre Agostini, Hungarian-Austrian Ferenc Krausz, and French-Swedish Anne L’Huillier.
• They have demonstrated a way to create extremely short pulses of light that can be used to measure the rapid processes in which electrons move or change energy. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• The electrons that travel around an atom’s nucleus move so fast that it is impossible to
observe them in real-time.
• But now, we can observe and study the movement of electrons, by producing pulses of light that last only attoseconds (1×10−18 of a second).
• Attosecond physics gives us the opportunity to understand mechanisms that are governed by
electrons.
• It has potential applications in both electronics and medical diagnostics. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
Q6. Consider the following statements with reference to the Purchasing Managers Index
1. It is a survey-based measure that asks the respondents about changes in their perception of key business variables as compared with the previous month.
2. It is calculated for the manufacturing sector only.
3. It is usually released at the start of every quarter.
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. Only one
B. Only two
C. All three
D. None
Solution: option A.)
Ans. 6 Option A is the correct Explanation
• Purchasing Managers Index is a survey-based measure that asks the respondents about changes in their perception about key business variables as compared with the previous month. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• Purpose: To provide information about current and future business conditions to company decision-makers, analysts, and investors.
• It is calculated separately for the manufacturing and services sectors and then a composite index is also constructed. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
• The PMI is a number from 0 to 100.
• A print above 50 means expansion, while a score below that denotes contraction.
• A reading of 50 indicates no change.
• It is usually released at the start of every month. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
• It is considered a good leading indicator of economic activity.
Q7. Consider the following pairs
1. Shimla agreement 1972: India-Pakistan countries were supposed to take measures not to violate the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.
2. 1914 Simla Convention: the McMahon Line is the demarcation line agreed between Tibet and British Raj as part of it.
Which of the pairs 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. 7 Option C is correct Explanation
• The Shimla agreement of 1972 was more than just a peace treaty, it was the result of the India- Pakistan war of 1971 and sought to countermand the effect of such war.
• Both countries were supposed to take measures not to violate the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir which helps maintain peace among India and Pakistan and acts as a significant CBM. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• The McMahon Line is the demarcation line agreed between Tibet and British Raj as part of the 1914 Simla Convention Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• It separates their respective spheres of influence in the eastern Himalayan region along northeast India and northern Burma (Myanmar).
• The Republic of China was not a party to the agreement, but its representative had agreed to the overall boundary of Tibet, which included the McMahon Line.
Q8. Consider the following statements
1. Credit Rating is an assessment of the creditworthiness of a borrower in general terms or with respect to a particular debt or financial obligation.
2. There is only a single credit rating agency registered under SEBI named CRISIL.
3. The ratings are divided into two categories viz. Investment Grade and Speculative Grade.
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. 8 Option B is correct Explanation
• Credit Rating is an assessment of the creditworthiness of a borrower in general terms or with respect to a particular debt or financial obligation. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• It can be assigned to any entity that seeks to borrow money like an individual, corporation, state or provincial authority, or sovereign government.
• Credit Rating Agency is a company that assigns credit ratings.
• There are six credit rating agencies registered under SEBI namely, CRISIL, ICRA, CARE, SMERA, Fitch India, and Brickwork Ratings. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
• All credit agency businesses use a variety of terminologies to generate credit scores.
• Therefore, ratings are divided into two categories namely Investment Grade and Speculative Grade. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
Q9. The 2023 Nobel Prize for Medicine is associated with
A. CRISPR – Cas9 Technology
B. Somatic Cells
C. Tuberculosis
D. mRNA Technology
Solution: option D.)
Ans. 9 Option D is correct Explanation
• The 2023 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine was recently awarded to Katalin Kariko and Drew Weissman.
• They won the award for developing the mRNA vaccine technology that became the foundation for history’s fastest vaccine development program during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, Option D is correct
• Here, the mRNA is coded to tell the cells to recreate the spike protein of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which causes Covid-19
Q10. Which of the following statements describe the term “Circular Migration”?
A. Permanent relocation of individuals from one country to another.
B. Temporary movement of individuals between two or more places, often for seasonal work.
C. Forced displacement of people due to conflicts or disasters.
D. The process of seeking asylum in another country.
Solution: option B.)
Ans. 10 Option B is correct Explanation
• Circular migration is a repetitive form of migration wherein people move to another place and back according to the availability of employment. Hence, Option B is correct
• It became quite popular in the 60s and 70s with the advent of globalization and development.
• It is a phenomenon mostly among low-income groups who migrate to avail of seasonally available jobs in another country, city, place, etc.
• One is called a circular migrant if he has completed at least ‘two loops’ between two countries.