Q1. With reference to India’s gold imports and the external sector, consider the following statements:
- India imports more than 90% of its domestic gold requirement.
- High gold imports can widen the Current Account Deficit (CAD).
- Gold imports directly add to India’s productive capacity.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only One
(b) Only Two
(c) All Three
(d) None
Q1. (b) Only Two
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: India has negligible domestic gold production relative to demand and therefore imports over 90% of the gold consumed in the country.
- Statement 2 is correct: Gold imports require payment in foreign currency, increasing the import bill. Since gold is a major non-oil import, higher purchases can widen the Current Account Deficit.
- Statement 3 is incorrect: Unlike machinery or industrial inputs, gold is mainly used as jewellery and a store of value. It does not directly create productive assets or expand manufacturing capacity.
- Hence, Statements 1 and 2 only are correct.
Q2. With reference to the Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation (TARA) system, consider the following statements:
- It converts conventional unguided bombs into precision-guided stand-off weapons.
- It uses a rocket motor to extend the range of free-fall bombs.
- It is being developed for compatibility with 250–500 kg class warheads.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only One
(b) Only Two
(c) All Three
(d) None
Q2. (b) Only Two
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: TARA is a glide kit that converts “dumb bombs” into smart precision-guided weapons.
- Statement 2 is incorrect: TARA does not use a rocket motor; it relies on deployable wings and aerodynamic glide.
- Statement 3 is correct: It is being developed in variants for 250–500 kg warheads.
- Therefore, exactly two statements (1 and 3) are correct.
Q3.Assertion (A): In a hung Legislative Assembly, the Governor may exercise discretion in appointing the Chief Minister.
Reason (R): The Constitution requires the Governor to appoint the person who is most likely to command majority support in the Legislative Assembly.
Codes:
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
Q3. (a)
Explanation:
- Assertion is true: Under Articles 163 and 164, the Governor normally acts on aid and advice, but in the absence of a clear majority, discretion is exercised to appoint the Chief Minister.
- Reason is true: Although the Constitution does not explicitly use these exact words, constitutional conventions and judicial principles require the Governor to appoint the leader most likely to prove majority support on the floor of the House.
- The need to identify the most viable majority claimant is precisely why discretionary judgment is required.
Q4. With reference to policy measures to reduce dependence on imported physical gold, consider the following statements:
- Sovereign Gold Bond provides an alternative to holding physical gold.
- Gold Monetisation Scheme aims to mobilise idle household gold.
- Both measures seek to reduce the need for fresh gold imports.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only One
(b) Only Two
(c) All Three
(d) None
Q4. (c) All Three
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: Sovereign Gold Bonds allow investors to gain returns linked to gold prices without purchasing physical bullion.
- Statement 2 is correct: Gold Monetisation Scheme encourages households and institutions to deposit idle gold, which can be recycled into the domestic market.
- Statement 3 is correct: By substituting financial products and reusing existing stocks, both schemes aim to reduce demand for newly imported gold.
- Hence, all three statements are correct.
Q5. With reference to the heritage conservation crisis in Awadh, consider the following statements:
- Article 49 of the Constitution directs the State to protect monuments and places of artistic or historic importance.
- The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, 1958 applies to Centrally Protected Monuments and restricts construction in regulated areas around them.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Q5. (c)
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: Article 49, part of the Directive Principles of State Policy, obligates the State to protect monuments, places, and objects of national importance.
- Statement 2 is correct: The Archaeological Survey of India administers the AMASR Act, 1958, which regulates Centrally Protected Monuments and prohibits unauthorized construction within prohibited and regulated zones around them.
- Both provisions form the core constitutional and statutory framework for heritage conservation in India.
