Q1. With reference to the Startup India initiative, consider the following statements:
- It was launched in 2016 with the objective of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
- The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) is the nodal agency for start-up recognition.
- The Fund of Funds for Start-ups provides direct equity funding to start-ups.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: Startup India was launched on 16 January 2016.
- Statement 2 is correct: DPIIT is the nodal authority for start-up recognition.
- Statement 3 is incorrect: The Fund of Funds invests indirectly through SEBI-registered AIFs, not directly in start-ups.
Q2. Which of the following correctly distinguishes the Nobel Peace Prize from other Nobel Prizes?
A. It is awarded by the Swedish Academy.
B. It is awarded in Oslo rather than Stockholm.
C. It can be awarded only to individuals, not organisations.
D. It is financed directly by the Government of Norway.
Answer: B
Explanation:
- The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded in Oslo, while other Nobel Prizes are awarded in Stockholm.
- It can be awarded to individuals or organisations and is funded by the Nobel Foundation, not the Norwegian government.
Q3. Kaziranga National Park is best described as which of the following ecosystem types?
A. Tropical evergreen forest ecosystem
B. Mangrove ecosystem
C. Alluvial floodplain grassland ecosystem
D. Alpine meadow ecosystem
Answer: C
Explanation:
- Kaziranga represents a Brahmaputra alluvial floodplain ecosystem characterised by tall grasslands, wetlands, and seasonal flooding.
Q4. Bina Agarwal is best associated with which of the following areas?
A. Electoral reforms and political representation
B. Land rights, gender, and agrarian political economy
C. Urban poverty and slum redevelopment
D. Industrial labour law reforms
Answer: B
Explanation:
- Bina Agarwal is globally recognised for her work on women’s land rights, intra-household power relations, and agrarian gender inequality.
Q5. With reference to the Sangai (Dancing Deer), consider the following statements:
- It is a subspecies of Eld’s deer.
- Its only wild population is confined to Keibul Lamjao National Park.
- It is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: Sangai = Rucervus eldii eldii, a subspecies of Eld’s deer.
- Statement 2 is correct: The only wild population survives in Keibul Lamjao National Park.
- Statement 3 is incorrect: IUCN status is Endangered, not Critically Endangered.
