Q1. Consider the following statements:
- Gross Domestic Product (GDP) measures the value of final goods and services produced within a country’s domestic territory during a given period.
- Gross National Product (GNP) includes income earned by residents from abroad but excludes income generated by foreign residents within the country.
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
Answer: (A)
Explanation:
- Statement 1 – Correct.
GDP measures the total value of final goods and services produced within the geographical boundaries of a country, irrespective of the nationality of producers. - Statement 2 – Incorrect.
GNP includes Net Factor Income from Abroad (NFIA). GDP already includes production by foreign firms operating within the country. When calculating GNP, foreign income earned domestically is adjusted through NFIA.
Key Formula:
GNP = GDP + Net Factor Income from Abroad (NFIA)
Q2. With reference to the concept of the “Creamy Layer” in India, consider the following statements:
- The concept was introduced by the Supreme Court in the Indra Sawhney v. Union of India (1992) case.
- It applies to Other Backward Classes (OBCs) but not to Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).
- It aims to exclude relatively advanced members of backward classes from reservation benefits.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (D)
Explanation:
- Statement 1 – Correct.
The Indra Sawhney (1992) judgment introduced the Creamy Layer exclusion principle. - Statement 2 – Correct.
The creamy layer concept currently applies only to OBC reservations. It has not been applied to SCs and STs. - Statement 3 – Correct.
The objective is intra-group equity, ensuring that reservation benefits reach the most disadvantaged sections within OBCs.
Q3. Which of the following functions are performed by the Election Commission of India (ECI)?
- Conducting elections to Parliament and State Legislatures
- Conducting elections to the offices of the President and Vice President
- Conducting elections to Panchayats and Municipalities
Select the correct answer using the code below:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (A)
Explanation:
The Election Commission of India (ECI) conducts elections for:
- Lok Sabha
- State Legislative Assemblies
- President
- Vice President
However:
- Panchayat and Municipal elections are conducted by State Election Commissions, established under Articles 243K and 243ZA.
Q4. Which of the following phenomena can be studied using gravitational wave astronomy?
- Black hole mergers
- Neutron star collisions
- Supernova explosions
Select the correct answer using the code below:
A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (D)
Explanation:
Gravitational waves are ripples in spacetime generated by extremely energetic cosmic events such as:
- Black hole mergers
- Neutron star collisions
- Supernova explosions
These waves were first detected in 2015 by LIGO observatories, confirming Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity (1916).
Q5. Consider the following statements regarding the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM):
- It was launched in 2019 to provide Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC) to all rural households.
- The mission aims to provide 55 litres per capita per day (LPCD) of safe drinking water.
- The mission is implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
A. Only One
B. Only Two
C. All Three
D. None
Answer: (B)
Explanation:
- Statement 1 – Correct.
Jal Jeevan Mission was launched in 2019 to provide tap water to every rural household. - Statement 2 – Correct.
The mission aims to ensure 55 LPCD of safe and adequate drinking water on a regular basis. - Statement 3 – Incorrect.
The mission is implemented by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, not the Ministry of Rural Development.
