Q1. Real GDP in India is predominantly deflated using which index, which the IMF considers methodologically inappropriate for a services-dominated economy?
a) Wholesale Price Index
b) Consumer Price Index
c) Producer Price Index
d) Service Price Index
Correct Answer: a)
Explanation:
• WPI used for manufacturing GVA, GFCF, inventories.
• WPI excludes services → undermines real GDP accuracy.
Q2. Consider the following statements regarding the Labour Codes in India:
- The Industrial Relations Code increases the retrenchment threshold from 100 to 300 workers.
- The OSHWC Code raises the factory licensing threshold, thereby excluding many small units from statutory safety norms.
- The Code on Wages empowers the Centre to set a national floor wage applicable uniformly across all States.
Which of the statements above are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: d)
Explanation:
• IR Code → retrenchment permission threshold raised 100 → 300.
• OSHWC Code → factory thresholds increased; creates safety-net exclusion in MSMEs.
• Wages Code → Central floor wage introduced; States cannot go below it.
Q3. With reference to India’s air-quality governance architecture, consider the following statements:
- The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has overriding powers over State Pollution Control Boards in the NCR.
- CPCB is responsible for implementing the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) at the city level.
- Air pollution governance in India suffers primarily from fragmented institutional responsibility across Union, State and municipal bodies.
Which of the statements above are correct?
a) 1 and 3 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 2 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: a)
Explanation:
• CAQM has statutory overriding powers over SPCBs in the NCR.
• CPCB provides guidelines, but implementation of NCAP is done by States/ULBs, not CPCB alone → Statement 2 incorrect.
• Structural fragmentation is a core cause → correct.
Q4. The regulatory authority responsible for monitoring adulteration using synthetic dyes like Auramine O in India is:
a) BIS
b) MoEFCC
c) FSSAI
d) NDMA
Correct Answer: c)
Explanation:
- The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) under FSSA 2006 sets standards, conducts surveillance, and oversees enforcement via State Food Safety departments.
Q5. The authority responsible for approving names of planetary features such as craters and valleys on Mars is:
a) UN Outer Space Committee
b) International Astronomical Union
c) European Space Agency
d) UN Office for Outer Space Affairs
Correct: b)
Explanation:
- The International Astronomical Union (IAU) is the global body that standardises planetary nomenclature through its Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature (WGPSN).
