Q1. In context of Tiger Census 2018, consider the following statements:
1) Karnataka have the highest number of tigers, closely followed by Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
2) Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu registered the “maximum improvement” since 2014.
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: B
Q2. Consider the following pairs:
          Tiger Reserves                      States
1) Dampa Tiger Reserve        -      Manipur
2) Kanha Tiger Reserve         -       Madhya Pradesh
3) Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve -      Uttarakhand
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 2 only
d) 1,2 and 3
 ANS: B

Q3. Consider the following statements about the National Commission for Minorities:
1) It shall consist of a Chairperson, a Vice Chairperson and five Members to be nominated by the Central Government from amongst persons of eminence, ability and integrity.
2) The repository of powers to declare a community as 'a minority community' is vested with the commission.
Which of the statement given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
ANS: A

Q4. Consider the following statements about the Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPIs):
1) With FPI, an investor does not actively manage the investments or the companies that issue the investments.
2)  FPI is more liquid than FDI and offers the investor a chance for a quicker return on his money.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
ANS: C

Q5. With reference to ‘Ponzi Scheme’, consider the following statements:
1) It is a type of saving scheme where a specified number of subscribers contribute payments in instalment over a defined period.
2) ‘Ponzimonium’ is an outbreak of Ponzi schemes that take authorities a while to snuff out.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
ANS: B

Mains Question:
Q. Third Party intervention in the resolution of Kashmir Dispute has its own limitations. Comment.

Q1. Consider the following statements about the Great Indian Bustard (GIB):
1) It has been categorized as Extinct in the wild (EW) by IUCN.
2) Mortality of adult GIBs is high due to collision with power lines, as per the recent report of Wildlife Institute of India.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
ANS: B

Q2. With reference to Regional Comprehensive Economic Parternership (RCEP), consider the following  statements:
1) It is a mega-regional economic agreement between the 10 ASEAN governments and their six Free Trade Agreement(FTA) partners.
2) East Asia Summit is an initiative of RCEP only.
Which of the statements given above is /are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
ANS: A

Established in 2005, its membership consists of ten ASEAN Member States, Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation and the USA. EAS is an initiative of ASEAN and is based on the premise of the centrality of ASEAN.
Q3. Consider the following statements about the Wildlife institute of India (WII):
1) It is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Environment, based in New Delhi.
2) One of its objectives is to collaborate with international organizations on wildlife research, management and training.
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: B

Q4. With reference to the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), consider the following statements:
1) It is India’s external intelligence agency, founded in 1968.
2) RAW played a significant role in the formation of Bangladesh and also facilitated the state of Sikkim’s accession to India.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
ANS: C

Q5. In context of the appointment of the Judges of Supreme Court of India, consider the following statements:
1) The President appoints the CJI after consultation with such judges of the Supreme Court and high courts as he deems necessary.
2) He should have been for at least five years an Advocate of a High Court or of two or more such courts in succession.
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: A

Mains question:
Q. “There are issues with cryptocurrencies, but a ban might not be the solution”. Comment.

Q1. Consider the following statements about natural disasters in india:
1) Of the 7,516 Km long coastline, close to 5,700 Km is prone to cyclones and tsunamis.
2) 58.6%of the landmass is prone to earthquakes of moderate to high intensity.
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

Q2. With reference to the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), consider the following statements:
1) It is a ‘Specialist Force’ created to respond to disasters under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
2) No civil activities are carried out by this force.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
ANS:  A

Q3. Consider the following statements about the Deep Ocean Mission:
1) It is targeted to explore the Polymetallic nodules in the Central Indian Ocean Basin.
2) It is to be led by the Ministry of New and Renewable energy.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2

Q4. Consider the following statements:
It is a national park and one of the premier tiger reserves in the country. It is known for its wildlife and has many types of biomes, but dry deciduous forest is dominant. Together with Nagarhole National Park, Mudumalai National Park and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, it forms a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It is
a) Periyar National Park
b) Anamalai Tiger Reserve
c) Bannerghatta National Park
d) Bandipur Tiger Reserve
ANS: D

Q5. Consider the following statements about EL-Nino phenomenon:
1) During this phenomenon, a warm ocean current flows past the Peruvian Coast, in place of the cold Peruvian current, every 2 to 5 years.
2) The average difference in air pressure patterns across the Pacific is traditionally measured using the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI).
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
ANS: C

Mains question:
Q. With the country celebrating 20 years of its victory in the Kargil War, it would be prudent to take stock of current security threats and our preparedness to meet these. Comment.

Q1. With reference to the Elephant Census 2017, consider the following statements:
1) Karnataka has the highest number of elephants, followed by Assam and Kerala.
2) The sighting-based direct count method alone was used for the census.
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: A

Q2. Consider the following statements about Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI):
1) CBI derives powers to investigate from CBI Act, 1946.
2) CBI can take over the investigation of a criminal case registered by the state police .
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: B

Q3. Consider the following statements about the Monetary Policy of India:
1) It consists of a process of drafting, announcing, and implementing the plan of actions taken by the central Bank.
2) Monetary policy tools include open market operations, direct lending to banks, bank reserve requirements, unconventional emergency lending programs and managing market expectations.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
ANS: C

Q4. With reference to the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), consider the following statements:
1)  It is a self-regulating business model that helps a company to be socially accountable to itself, its stakeholders, and the public.
2) Companies implement CSR as per the provisions of Companies Act,1956.
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: A

Q5.Consider the following statements:
 He was a retired Civil Service Officer. He saw a growing political consciousness among the Indians and wanted to give it a safe, constitutional outlet so that their resentment would not develop into popular agitation against the British rule in India. His name was also mentioned in the ‘Safety Valve Theory’ given by Lala Lajpat Rai. He was
a) Lord Dufferin
b) A.O Hume
c) Lord William Bentinck
d) Charles Metcalfe
ANS: B

Mains question:
Q. The northeastern India suffers from many natural disasters. What are its reasons and how could it be mitigated? What role can finance commission play in this regard?

Q1.  Consider the following pairs:
Space Observatory                                   Nation
1) Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA)   -    Antarctica
2) South Pole Telescope (SPT)                          -    Chile
3) Gaia space observatory                                 -    Europe
Which of the pairs given above is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 3 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
ANS: B

Q2. According to the Global Gender Gap Report 2018, the widest gender disparity is in the field of
a) political empowerment
b) higher education
c) health
d) employment
ANS: A

Q3. With reference to BRICS Bank, consider the following statements :
1) It is also known as New Development Bank (NDB), which is headquartered at Shanghai, China.
2) It provides loans only to Sovereign governments not to the private entities.
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: A

Q4. Black Sea is a border of which of the following countries?
1. Turkey
2. Iran
3. Romania
4. Georgia
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 and 3 only
b) 1, 2 and 4 only
c) 3 and 4 only
d) 1, 3 and 4 only
ANS: D

Q5. With reference to the National Anti-Profiteering Authority, consider the following statements:
1) It shall be a five member committee consisting of a Chairman who holds or has held a post equivalent in rank to a Secretary to the Government of India and four Technical Members.
2) Its main aim is to determine whether any reduction in the tax rate or the benefit of input tax credit has been passed on to the recipient, by way of commensurate reduction in prices.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
ANS: C

Mains Question:
Q. Besides several laws and international consensus, the terrorist activities are multiplying manifold. Discuss the causes and suggest some measures.

Q1.  The Global Innovation Index (GII) is published annually by
a) World Economic Forum (WEF)
b) INSEAD, Cornell University, and World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO)
c) United Nations Development Program (UNDP)
d) World Bank
ANS: B

Q2. Recently discovered Dracaena cambodiana in the state of Assam is a
a) fossil of human being of pre-cambrian era.
b) a critically endangered species of an animal.
c) India’s first dragon blood-oozing tree.
d) None of the above.
ANS: C

Q3.With reference to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), consider the following statement:
1) It is a statutory body, established by TRAI Act of 1997.
2) The Digital Communication Commission is the highest decision making body of the Telecom Department.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
ANS: C

Q4. Consider the following statements about the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC):
1) It was set up in 1964 on the recommendations of the Santhanam Committee on Prevention of Corruption.
2) Commission shall consist of a Central Vigilance Commissioner and not more than ten Vigilance Commissioners.
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:A

Q5. Consider the following statements:
1) World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is a United Nations agency charged with protecting intellectual property.
2)  World Trade Organization (WTO) is the only global international organization dealing with the rules of trade between nations.
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

Mains Question:
Q.  Though rightly hailed as a potential tool in citizen centric governance, performance of  RTI Act, 2005 has not come up to the expectations since its inception. Comment.

Q1. With reference to Nag Missile, consider the following statements:
1) It is a third-generation fire and forget class missile and uses an imaging infrared seeker in lock-on-before-launch mode.
2) DRDO is developing HeliNa, a variant, designed for air-launch which is capable of being launched from the indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopter (LCH).
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

Q2. Which of the following statements is/are not  correct about Bitcoins:
a)  They are basically lines of computer code that are digitally signed each time they travel from one owner to the next.
b) Bitcoin was launched in 2009 by a person or group of people operating under the name Satoshi Nakamoto.
 c) Transactions can be made anonymously.
d) None of the above.
ANS: D

Q3. The World Economic Outlook Report is being published biannually by
a) World Bank
b) International Monetary Fund (IMF)
c) World Economic Forum (WEF)
d) United Nations Development Program (UNDP)
ANS: B

Q4. Consider the following statements about the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT):
 1) It is a statutory body established under the provisions of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992.
2) SAT could not hear the appeals against orders passed by any other body apart from SEBI.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
ANS: A

Q5. Consider the following statements about the Enforcement Directorate(ED):
1) It is responsible for enforcement of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002.
2) It is composed of officers from the Indian Revenue Service, Indian Corporate Law Service, Indian Police Service and the Indian Administrative Service.
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

Mains Question
Q. “Commitment to end AIDS by 2030 is ambitious, but not impossible to achieve”. Comment.

Q1. Consider the following statements about the Remote Sensing Satellites:
1) GSLV is designed mainly to deliver the “remote-sensing” satellites.
2) Due to their sun-synchronous nature, these satellites are also referred to as Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites.
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: B

Q2. Consider the following statements about the GSLV Mk-3 launch vehicle:
1)  The launch of Chandrayan 2 is the first operational flight of GSLV-Mk-3.
2) It is a three-stage heavy lift launch vehicle, having two solid strap-ons, a core liquid booster and a cryogenic upper stage.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
ANS: C

Q3. Consider the following statements:
1)  If the government has to demonstrate its strength on the floor of the House, it can have a motion of confidence with the consensus of the opposition.
2)  The Speaker can refuse to admit the motion of confidence or no confidence.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
ANS: B

Q4. With reference to the status of Gharials, consider the following statements:
1) The IUCN status of the species is same as that of the Great Indian Bustard.
2)  The last refuge of the gharial is the Mahanadi river in northern India, where the vast majority of the remaining wild population survives.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
ANS: A

Q5. Consider the following statements about the Central Information Commission (CIC):
1) The jurisdiction of the Commission extends over all the Central as well as State Public Authorities.
2) The chairman and members can also be removed for proved misbehavior or incapacity.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
ANS: B

Mains Question:
Q. The Right to Information Act,2005 in India, has been a breakthrough in creating mechanisms and platforms for the practice of continual public vigilance that are fundamental to a democracy. Comment.

Q1. Consider the following statements about the National Infrastructure investment Fund (NIIF):
1) It was set up by the government in 2015, as an investment vehicle for funding commercially viable Greenfield infrastructure projects only.
2) The government’s share in it is only 49% of the total investment.
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: B

Q2. Which of the following statements about the Rotavirus Disease is/are  not correct?
a) It is most common in infants and young children, but older children and adults can get it too.
b) The most common symptom of the disease is diarrhea.
c) No vaccine is available for its cure.
d) None of the above.
ANS: C

Q3. Consider the following statements about the World Bank:
1) It was created at the Breton Woods Conference in 1944.
2) It provides financial support for balance of payments needs, upon the requests made by its member countries.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
ANS: A

Q4. Consider the following statements about the Sriharikota Island:
1) It is a spindle shaped island which acts as a barrier between the Pulicat lake and the Bay of Bengal.
2) It is home to India’s only satellite launch centre.
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

Q5. ‘Interpol’ is a
a) process of voting at different polls simultaneously.
b) global police cooporation agency and a non-governmental organization.
c) method of trading in different nations, which is guided by the same set of laws.
d) None of the above.
ANS: B

Mains Question:
Q. ‘Chandrayaan 2’, India's planned second mission to the moon, is yet another attempt in the field of space research. Examine the key objectives and significance of the mission.

Q1. Consider the following statements about the post of Governor in Indian Constitution:
1) He holds his office at the pleasure of the President in accordance with the constitution of India.
2) President has the right to make laws relating to emoluments, allowances and privileges of the Governor.
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: A

Q2. Krishnaraj Sagar Dam is constructed on the river
a) Godavari
b) Krishna
c) Cauvery
d) Tungabhadra
ANS: C

Q3. Consider the following statements about a ‘Genome’:
1) It is a complete set of DNA of an organism, including all of its genes.
2) It contains DNA nucleotides or bases such as Adenine, Guanine, Cytosine and Thymine.
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

Q4. The material is an antibiotic that is being used increasingly as a ‘last-line’ therapy to treat infections caused by Multi-Drug Resistant Gram-negative bacteria. It is also used in food-producing animals, poultry, aqua farming and animal feed supplements. The material is
a) Colistin
b) Rifampicin
c) Formalin
d) Oxytocin
ANS: A

Q5. Consider the following statements about the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA):
1) It was established by an executive order in 2005.
2) Union minister of Environment acts as a chairman of NTCA.
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: B

Mains Question:
Q. With a vision to become a $5-trillion economy by 2024, should India keep on increasing its investment in agriculture? Discuss the pros and cons of making agriculture as a priority for investment.

Q1. Consider the following statements about the Sagar Maitri Mission-2:
1) It is a unique initiative of Indian Navy which aligns with the broad objective of Prime Minister’s policy declaration “Safety And Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)”.
2) The prime objectives of the mission are data collection from the entire North Indian Ocean, focussing on the the Andaman Sea and adjoining seas and establishing long-term collaboration with eight IOR countries.
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: B

Q2. Consider the following statements about the River Water Projects:
1) Polavaram project is being constructed on the river Godavari.
2) Mekedatu, a multi-purpose reservoir project, is being constructed in the state of Karnataka.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
ANS: C

Q3. With reference to the post of Attorney General of India, consider the following statements:
1) The President shall appoint a person who is qualified to be appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court to be Attorney-General for India.
2) The Attorney-General shall hold the office for the period of five years or 65 years of age, whichever is earlier.
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: A

Q4. With reference to the Indian Agriculture, consider the following statements:
1) Indian agriculture sector accounts for 18 per cent of India's gross domestic product (GDP) and provides employment to 50% of the countries workforce.
2) India is the world’s largest producer of pulses, rice, wheat, spices and spice products.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
ANS: C

Q5. Consider the following statements about the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD):
1) It is an agency under Ministry of Earth Sciences of the Government of India.
2) It is only responsible for the meteorological observations in India.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
ANS: A

Mains Question:
Q. Critically analyse the debate over the use of ‘Three-Language Formula’ in the schools, with Hindi being made a compulsory language, as per the draft National Education Policy 2019.

Q1. Consider the following statements about the Board of Trade:
1) The new board has been formed by the merger of Council of Trade Development and Promotion (CTDP) and earlier Board of Trade.
2) It is chaired by a senior-most IRS civil servant in the Government of India.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2

Q2. With reference to the ‘Thirty Meter Telescope’, consider the following statements:
1) It is the world’s largest ground-based observatory, to be commenced in India.
2) India TMT Coordination Centre, Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) has been established for this purpose at Bengaluru.
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: B

Q3. In context of the outbreak of Ebola disease, consider the following statements:
1) It is transmitted only by coming in contact with the bodily fluids of the infected person or dead animals.
2) Fruit bats are the natural hosts for the disease.
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: B

Q4. Consider the following statements about the Asian Development Bank (ADB):
1) It is headquartered at Manila, Philippines.
2) It is modeled closely on the World Bank, and has a similar weighted voting system where votes are distributed in proportion with members’ capital subscriptions.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
ANS: C

Q5.Consider the following statements about the Organization of Islamic Corporation (OIC):
1) It is the second largest inter-governmental organisation after the United Nations, to raise the collective voice of the Muslim world.
2) India is a member of OIC as about 11% of all the Muslims worldwide lives in India.
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: A

Mains Question:
Q. The target of 5 trillion economy status needs serious brainstorming about measures to increase India’s savings rate. Elucidate.

Q1. ‘Vienna Convention’ of 1961, is related to
a) the prevention of money laundering
b) the diplomatic relations
c) the international security
d) None of the above
ANS: B

Q2. The ‘World Press Freedom index’ is released annually by
a) World Economic Forum
b) Transparency International
c) Reporters Without Borders
d) Institute for Economics and Peace
ANS: C

Q3. Consider the following statements about The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY):
1) It was launched after rolling back earlier schemes National Agriculture Insurance Scheme (NAIS), Weather-based Crop Insurance scheme and Modified National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (MNAIS).
2) Under the scheme, the target is to cover 50% of the total cropped area.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
ANS: A

Q4. Bimal Jalan Committee has been formed by the government on
a) Economic Capital Framework
b) Prison reforms
c) Electoral reforms
d) Counter terrorism
ANS: A

Q5. Consider the following statements about the Finance Commission of India:
1) The Finance Commission has been appointed every year and consists of a chairman and four other members.
2) It is a statutory body, established by an act of Parliament in the year 1951.
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: D

Mains question:
Q. What are the potentialities of ‘Blockchain Technology’ and possible challenges associated with it. Examine.

Q1. Consider the following statements about the steps taken for the conservation of water in India:
1)  A new ministry of Jal Shakti has been formed, under which all the water related works will be merged.
2) National Water Quality Monitoring Programme is being implemented by the Central Pollution Control Board(CPCB).
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

Q2. Consider the following statements about the ‘KUSUM’ scheme of the government of India:
1) It has been launched by the ministry of agriculture and farmers’ welfare, for achieving the aim of doubling the farmer’s income by 2022.
2)  Under this scheme, farmers having barren or agriculturally unproductive land will be provided with financial assistance to setup solar power plants.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
ANS: B

Q3. Consider the following statements about the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI):
1) It was established by an executive order, in the year 1992.
2)  A Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) has been constituted to protect the interest of entities that feel aggrieved by SEBI’s decision.
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: B

Q4. With reference to the growth of renewable energy in India, consider the following statements:
1)  India’s Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC), includes the development of a cumulative electric power capacity of 40 per cent from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources is to be installed by 2030.
2) A dedicated CPSU to the Solar Energy sector, has been formed under the administrative control of the ministry of new and renewable energy.
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

Q5. With reference to the ‘Bio-medical waste Management Rules, 2016, consider the following statements:
1) They require the establishment of a Bar-Code System for bags or containers containing bio-medical waste for disposal.
2) These were notified by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), to take stringent actions against the defaulters.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
ANS: A

Mains Question:
Q. Community services have played crucial role in fighting against the menace of HIV/AIDS in India.  More investment in the communities, can make our progress faster towards reaching UNAIDS Fast –track targets. Comment.  

Q1. Consider the following statements about the ‘No Confidence’ motion:
1) It is introduced either during the first session of a newly-elected Lok Sabha, if it is not clear whether a party command a majority in the house, or at any time during the five-year tenure of the house.
2) In the Indian Parliament, it can be introduced in both the houses.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
ANS: A

Q2. Consider the following statements about the ‘National AYUSH Mission’:
1) It was launched by the health ministry in 2014.
2) One of its objective was to provide cost effective AYUSH Services, with a universal access through upgrading AYUSH Hospitals and Dispensaries, co-location of AYUSH facilities at Primary Health Centres, Community Health Centres and District Hospitals.
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

Q3. With reference to the ‘Blue Flag Certification’ programme, consider the following statements:
1) This programme for beaches and marinas is run by the international, non-governmental organization,  Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).
2) Till now, no beach from India got the Blue Flag certification.
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: A

Q4. Consider the following statements about the Solicitor General of India:
1) He is the second law officer of the country, who assists the Attorney General, and is himself assisted by four Additional Solicitors General for India.
2) He also gives legal advice to the government of India.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
ANS: A

Q5. Consider the following statements about the Protection of Children from Sexual offences (POCSO) Act, 2012:
1) The act defines a child as any person below 16 years of age.
2) The Act recognizes that the Intent to commit an offence, even when unsuccessful for whatever reason, needs to be penalized.
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: B

Mains Question:
Q. Discuss the merits and demerits of altruistic surrogacy in the light of the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2019, which seeks to allow ethical altruistic surrogacy to the intending infertile Indian married couple.