1.
India has extended three Lines of Credits to Bangladesh in the last 7 years amounting to US$ 8billion. Consider the following about a "Line of Credit (LoC)".1. A LoC does not involve any interest rates but has fixed dates of repayment.2. The entire amount offered by LoC must be borrowed and refunded at once within the stipulated time.Which of the above is/are correct?
Justification: This makes Bangladesh the largest recipient of LOG funds from India till date. A line of credit isbasically a flexible loan from a bank or financial institution to an individual or business. Not unlike how a creditcard offers you a limited amount of funds that you can use when, if, and how you wish, a line of credit is alimited/specified amount of money that an Individual can access as needed and then repay immediately orover a pre-specified period of time. It is effectively a source of funds that can readily be tapped at theborrower's discretipn. Interest is paid only on money actually withdrawn. (However, the borrower may berequired to pay an Unused line fee, often an annualized percentage fee on the money not withdrawn.) Lines ofcredit can be secured by collateral, or may be unsecured. As a loan, a line of credit will charge interest assoon as money is borrowed, and borrowers must be approved by the bank (and such approval is a byproductof the borrower's credit rating and/or relationship with the bank). A line of credit addresses the fact thatinstitutions are not very interested in underwriting one-time personal loans, particularly unsecured loans, formost clients. Likewise, it is not economical for a borrower to take out a loan every month or two, repay it, andthen continue the cycle. Lines of credit answer both of these issues by making a specified a|t1(^t of moneyavailable If and when the borrower needs it.
2.
Consider the following statements.1. Jet Streams are faster in winter when the temperature differences between tropical, temperate, and polar aircurrents are greater. ^2. Jet streams travel in the tropopause which is the boundary between the turbulent troposphere and the calm,cold stratosphere.Which of the above is/are correct?
Justification: Statement 2: Jet streams are currents of air high above the EarthN^ly move eastward ataltitudes of about 8 to 15 kilometers (5 to 9 miles). They form where large ternpel^^^e differences exist in theatmosphere. Tropopause is one such spot. Jet streams are so fast and powei&^ airplanes have difficultyflying against them. Pilots either fly with the jet stream or above it; th^d^rfot attempt to fly against it.Statement 1: An air current is a flowing movement of air within a Iarg|^b&i/of air. Air currents flow in theatmosphere, the layers of air surrounding the Earth. They form bec^ffee m sun heats the Earth unevenly. Asthe sun beams down on the Earth, it warms some areas, particularly tl^ tropics, more than others, such as thepoles. As the, Earth is heated, it warms the air just above it. The air expands and becomes lighter thanthe surrounding air. It rises, creating a warm air current. Co^r, ^avfer air then pushes in to replace the warmair, forming a cool air current. Jet streams are air current/pi^ highest part of the atmosphere.
3.
Vertical and horizontal imbalances are common features of most federations and India is noexception to this. Consider the following about it.Assertion (A): VerticaJ imbalances, but not horizontal imbalances, In the distribution of resources tostates can be influenced by the Finance Commission.Reason (R): Horizontal imbalances across States are on account of factors, which include historicalbackgrounds, differential endowment of resources, and capacity to raise resources.In the context of the above, which of these is correct?
Justification: The Constitution assigned taxes ^St^a nation-wide base to the Union to make the country onecommon economic space unhindered by intefnaf^riers to the extent possible. States being closer to peopleand more sensitive to the local needs assigned functional responsibilities involving expendituredisproportionate to their assigned sources o4revenue resulting in vertical imbalances. Horizontal imbalancesacross States are on account of fpctore;a,^ich include historical backgrounds, differential endowment ofresources, and capacity to raise r^^jjrces. Unlike in most other federations, differences in the developmentallevels in Indian Slates are ve^ ^^ps'^ln an explicit recognition of vertical and horizontal imbalances, theIndian Constitution embodies me foj^wing enabling and mandatory provisions to address them through thetransfer of resources from-dhea^mre to the States. The Finance Commission recommends both vertical andhorizontal distribution of-*te
4.
The Belum Caves Is the largest and longest cave system open to the public on the Indiansubcontinent, known for its speleothems, such as stalactite and stalagmite formations. It is found inthe state of
Learning:state of Athe ErramaerjnfCaves are located near Belum Village in Kolimigundia Mandal of Kurnool District in theidesh. Belum is part of a larger complex of caves carved out of the limestone deposits in^jion. The Belum Caves have long passages, galleries, spacious caverns with fresh water andsiphons. This natural cave system was formed over the course of tens of thousands of years by the constantflow of underground water. Belum Caves have a length of 3.229 m (10,593.8 ft), making them the secondlargest natural caves on the Indian Subcontinent after the Krem Liat Prah caves in Meghalaya. It is one of thecentrally protected Monuments of National Importance.
5.
Which of the following argument(s) strengthens the case for participatory democracy?1. Since state decisions affect the public at large, the public should be consulted in the governance of thecountry2. Participatory decision making helps reduce social conflict and generate trust and harmony between agents.Which of the above is/are correct?
Justification: Statement 1: For e.g. the 73'^'^ and 74"^ amendment have recognized this important principle.Gram Sabhas are encouraged as institutions of self-governance. People are involved in decision-makingdirectly as It affects them In their day to day life. Statement 2: For e.g. the enactment of PESA, Forest RightsAct that grant additional power to Gram Sabhas (consultation in matters of land, forests, mining etc) hasirnproved the trust gap between the tribals and the government. Similarly, the 5'^ and 6^^ schedule provisionsaim to attain the same.
6.
A member of UPSC (on ceasing to hold office) Is eligible for appointment as1. The chairman of UPSC 2. The Chairman of a State Public Service Commission (SPSC)3. Member of UPSC (re-appointed)Select the correct answer using the codes below.
Justification: Statement 3: The chairman or a member or UPSC is (after having completed his first term) noteligible for reappointment to that office (i.e.. not eligible for second term). Apart from 31 and 32. a member ofUPSC is not eligible for any other employment In the Government of India or a state.The Constitution has made the following provisions to safeguard and ensure the independent and impartialfunctioning of the UPSC;a. The chairman or a member of the UPSC can be rernoved from office by the president only in the mannerand on the grounds mentioned In the Constitution. Therefore, they enjoy security of tenure.b. The conditions of service of the chairman or a member, though determined by the president, cannot bevaried to his disadvantage after his appointment.c. The entire expenses including the salaries, allowances and pensions of the chairman and members of theUPSC are charg ed on the Consolidated Fund of India. Thus, they are not subject to vote of Parliament.d. The chairman of UPSC (on ceasing to hold office) is not eligible for further employment in the Governmentof India or a state
7.
India classifies which of the following countries as 'Emigration Check Required' (ECR) countries?1. Afghanistan 2. Indonesia 3. Saudi ArabiaSelect the correct answer using the codes below.
Justification: Every year number of people from India go abroad for overseas employment purposes. Out ofthese almost 7-8 lakh emigrants go to countries which are notified as ECR. Briefly, the sole purpose ofEmigration Clearance (EC) process is that any Indian who emigrates, should go safely, after appropriate skilldevelopment and pre-departure orientation. These are Afghanistan, Bahrain, Indonesia. Iraq, Jordan. Kuwait.Lebanon. Libya. Malaysia. Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Sudan, Sudan. Syria, Thailand. United ArabEmirates, and Yemen.
8.
Consider the following about the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity andEcosystem Services (IPBES).1. It has the universal membership of all United Nations (UN) states.2. It is administered by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).3. Scientists from all over the world currently contribute to the work of IPBES on a voluntary basis.Select the correct answer using the codes below.
Justification: The mission of IPBES is to strengthen the science-policy interface for biodiversity andecosystem services for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, long-term human well-being andsustainable development.Statement T. It was established in 2012 in Panama by over 100 governments as a mechanism to providescientific information in response to requests from policy makers. Current membership includes 125governments. . .Statement 2: It has been placed under the auspices of UNEP. FAO.UNDP, and UNESCO, and administeredbyUNEP.Statement 3: It is an intergovernmental body which assesses the slate of biodiversity and of the ecosystemservices it provides to society, in response to requests from decision makers. One thousand scientists from allover the world currently contribute to the work of IPBES on a voluntary basis. They are nominated by theirgovernment or an organisation.
9.
With respect to the National Pension Scheme (NPS) for Indian nationals living abroad, consider thefollowing statements.1. It is open to any NRI, between 18-60 years complying with KYC norms.2. PIOs/ OCIs are not eligible for the scheme.3. There is no minimum or maximum limit of contribution to this NPS.Select the correct answer using the codes below,
Justification: NPS is an easily accessible, low cost, tax-efficient, flexible and portable retirement savingsaccount. Uijider the NPS, the individual contributes to his retirement account. NPS is designed on Definedcontribution basis wherein the subscriber contributes to his own account. Statement 3: Contributions in NPS. Minimum Contribution at the time of account opening - Rs.500. Minimum amount per contribution - Rs.500. Minimum contribution - Rs. 6000/- per annumSalient Features of Investment ChoicesPortfolio is adequately diversified across financial securities Judicious mix of investment instruments and assetclasses like Equity (E), Corporate Bonds (C) and /or Government Securities (G) ensures minimal impact on thereturns on subscribers contributions even if there is a market downturn The individual subscriber has a choiceof selecting investment mix (E,C,G), as per his/her risk appetite
10.
Which of the following forest types is common to Andaman and Nicobar Islands, parts ofNorthEastern states and a narrow strip of the Western slope of the Western Ghats?
Justification; Option fa): Mangroves are found in A&N islands and even near the western co^t of India, butnot in NE states, or on the Western slope of Western Ghats.Option fb): Temperate forests are found in temperate latitudes or at higher altitudes. A&NAnd^do not hosttemperate forests. ^ Option fd): Corals are found largely in A&N, Lakshadweep, Gulf of Mannar (near TN).and^|lf of Kutch.Option (c): Tropical moist forests include evergreen forests; Tropical Semi-Ever^en^rests, Tropical MoistDeciduous Forests and Littoral and Swamp Forests. ^. The Middle Andamans harbours mostly moist deciduous forests. North Ar
