Q1. With reference to Avian Influenza (H5N1), consider the following statements:
- It is caused by a DNA virus belonging to the family Orthomyxoviridae.
- Wild aquatic birds act as natural reservoirs of the virus.
- H5N1 is classified as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).
How many of the statements given above are correct?
A. Only one
B. Only two
C. All three
D. None
Q1. Correct Answer: (B) Only two
Explanation:
- Statement 1 — Incorrect
Influenza viruses are single-stranded RNA viruses, not DNA. Family Orthomyxoviridae includes Influenza A, B, C. UPSC often traps with DNA/RNA confusion. - Statement 2 — Correct
Wild aquatic birds (ducks, geese, shorebirds) are natural reservoirs. They are often asymptomatic carriers and spread the virus via migratory flyways. - Statement 3 — Correct
H5N1 is Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), associated with severe disease and high poultry mortality.
Q2. Which of the following sectors are commonly associated with Deep Tech?
- Quantum computing
- Biotechnology
- Food delivery platforms
- Semiconductors
Select the correct answer using the code below:
A. 1, 2 and 4 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Q2. Correct Answer: (A) 1, 2 and 4 only
Explanation:
- Deep Tech = science-driven innovation, not service aggregation.
- Quantum computing & semiconductors → core frontier tech.
- Biotechnology → R&D intensive, IP-driven.
- Food delivery platforms → business-model/platform innovation, not deep tech.
Q3. The Depositor Education and Awareness (DEA) Fund is primarily sourced from:
A. Budgetary allocations
B. Bank penalties
C. Unclaimed deposits
D. Corporate CSR funds
Q3. Correct Answer: (C) Unclaimed deposits
Explanation:
- DEA Fund created by RBI using unclaimed bank deposits (inactive for 10+ years).
- Purpose:
- Depositor protection
- Financial literacy
- Consumer awareness
- Not funded by Union Budget or CSR.
Q4. Which of the following are part of the Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF) framework?
- Repo Rate
- Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)
- Marginal Standing Facility (MSF)
- Bank Rate
Select the correct answer using the code below:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Q4. Correct Answer: (B) 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
- LAF tools:
- Repo Rate → liquidity injection
- SDF → liquidity absorption (floor rate)
- MSF → emergency borrowing window (ceiling rate)
- Bank Rate
- Long-term signalling rate
- Not a day-to-day LAF tool
Q5. Which of the following is a major financial barrier to agroforestry adoption?
A. High fertiliser cost
B. Long gestation periods
C. High irrigation demand
D. Labour shortages
Q5. Correct Answer: (B) Long gestation periods
Explanation:
- Agroforestry trees mature in 5–30 years.
- Banks hesitate to lend due to:
- Delayed returns
- Collateral issues
- Tenure insecurity
- Hence, <5% of agri-credit flows to agroforestry.
