Q1. With reference to inflation measurement in India, consider the following statements:
- RBI uses WPI as the primary anchor for inflation targeting.
- CPI includes services while WPI does not.
- CPI is compiled by NSO under MoSPI.
How many statements are correct?
A) Only one
B) Only two
C) All three
D) None
Answer: B) Only two
Explanation:
- Statement 1 – Incorrect
Since 2016, RBI formally adopted Flexible Inflation Targeting (FIT) using CPI-Combined as the nominal anchor (target 4% ±2%). WPI is not used for policy targeting. - Statement 2 – Correct
CPI covers goods + services (education, health, housing, etc.), making it a true cost-of-living index.
WPI covers only goods, hence less reflective of consumer inflation. - Statement 3 – Correct
CPI is compiled by NSO (MoSPI).
WPI is compiled by the Office of Economic Adviser (DPIIT, Commerce Ministry) — a common UPSC trap.
Q2. Which of the following are major causes of Dal Lake degradation?
- Untreated sewage inflow
- Eutrophication due to nutrient loading
- Catchment deforestation
- Coral bleaching
A) 1, 2 and 3 only
B) 2 and 4 only
C) 1 and 4 only
D) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: A) 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
- 1 – Correct
Direct sewage inflow raises BOD, COD, and nutrient levels, degrading water quality. - 2 – Correct
Nutrient enrichment (N & P) leads to algal blooms and weed growth, classic eutrophication. - 3 – Correct
Deforestation increases siltation and runoff, shrinking lake area. - 4 – Incorrect (Trap)
Coral bleaching is a marine phenomenon, irrelevant to freshwater Dal Lake.
Q3. Who decides the admissibility of a substantive motion?
A) President
B) Prime Minister
C) Speaker/Chairman
D) Business Advisory Committee
Answer: C) Speaker/Chairman
Explanation:
- The Speaker (Lok Sabha) or Chairman (Rajya Sabha) examines:
- Relevance
- Clarity
- Conformity with Rules of Procedure
- Sub judice restrictions
- Business Advisory Committee only allocates time; it does not decide admissibility.
Q4. With reference to the Indian-language inscriptions found in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings:
- They are primarily royal inscriptions commissioned by Egyptian rulers.
- They include scripts such as Tamil-Brahmi and Prakrit.
- They are dated roughly between 300 BCE and 200 CE.
Which are correct?
A) 2 and 3 only
B) 1 and 2 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A) 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
- 1 – Incorrect
They are graffiti-style visitor inscriptions, not royal decrees. - 2 – Correct
Scripts include Tamil-Brahmi and Prakrit, showing Indian presence. - 3 – Correct
Paleographic dating matches Sangam-era Tamil-Brahmi (3rd BCE–early CE).
Q5. Which disease has been completely eradicated globally with WHO leadership?
A) Polio
B) Malaria
C) Smallpox
D) Tuberculosis
Answer: C) Smallpox
Explanation:
- Smallpox eradicated in 1980 — only human disease eradicated globally.
Considered WHO’s greatest success. - Polio → Near eradication, but still endemic in a few regions.
- Malaria & TB → Controlled, not eradicated.
