Q1. With reference to India’s demographic transition and pension coverage, consider the following statements:
- India’s elderly population is projected to more than double by 2050.
- More than 80% of senior citizens are employed in the formal sector.
- A majority of elderly Indians have assured pension coverage.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 2 only
(b) 1 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: (b)
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: Elderly population is projected to rise from 153 million to 347 million by 2050.
- Statement 2 is incorrect: Over 88% of senior citizens work in the informal sector.
- Statement 3 is incorrect: Most elderly Indians lack assured pension and social security.
Q2.Sanchar Saathi platform is linked with which of the following systems?
(a) National Crime Records Bureau
(b) Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR)
(c) Unified Payments Interface (UPI)
(d) National Digital Communications Policy
Correct Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Sanchar Saathi is integrated with the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) to enable blocking and tracking of lost or stolen mobile devices.
Q3.With reference to the Draft Indian Statistical Institute Bill, 2025, consider the following statements:
- It proposes to convert ISI from a statutory body corporate into a registered society.
- It abolishes ISI’s status as an Institution of National Importance.
- It concentrates governance powers in a Board of Governors.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: (c)
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is incorrect: The Bill converts ISI from a registered society to a statutory body corporate, not the reverse.
- Statement 2 is incorrect: ISI’s status as an Institution of National Importance under the 1959 Act is not abolished.
- Statement 3 is correct: Governance powers are concentrated in the Board of Governors.
Q4.With reference to Brain-Stem Death (BSD) under Indian law, consider the following statements:
- BSD is legally recognised as death under the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994.
- In BSD, the heart has permanently stopped beating.
- BSD implies irreversible loss of breathing and consciousness.
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: (c)
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: BSD is legally recognised as death.
- Statement 2 is incorrect: The heart may continue beating with ventilator support.
- Statement 3 is correct: Brain-stem controls breathing and consciousness.
Q5.Cosmic filaments primarily form due to:
(a) Electromagnetic forces between galaxies
(b) Expansion pressure of dark energy
(c) Gravitational collapse driven mainly by dark matter
(d) Supernova-driven shock waves
Correct Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Dark matter provides the gravitational scaffolding that drives matter to collapse into sheets and filaments, shaping the Cosmic Web.
