Q1. With reference to Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, consider the following statements:
- It was inserted into the Act by an amendment in 2018.
- It requires prior government sanction before initiating an investigation against a public servant for acts done in discharge of official functions.
- It applies even when a public servant is caught red-handed while accepting a bribe.
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
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: Section 17A was inserted by the 2018 amendment to the PCA.
- Statement 2 is correct: It mandates prior approval before enquiry/investigation for official decision-related acts.
- Statement 3 is incorrect: Trap cases (red-handed bribery) are excluded.
Q2. The Lancet Commission (2025–26) on India’s healthcare system emphasised which of the following?
- Public financing and public provisioning of healthcare
- Insurance-led expansion as the primary reform strategy
- Use of technology as an enabler rather than a substitute for human care
Select the correct answer using the code below:
A. 1 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
- The Commission criticised insurance-only models and stressed public provisioning.
- Technology is meant to support, not replace, clinicians.
Q3.
Assertion (A):
In several Indian river deltas, land subsidence poses a greater immediate risk than sea-level rise.
Reason (R):
Human-induced factors such as groundwater over-extraction and reduced sediment supply are accelerating delta subsidence beyond natural rates.
Choose the correct answer using the code below:
A. Both A and R are correct and R explains A
B. Both A and R are correct but R does not explain A
C. A is correct but R is incorrect
D. A is incorrect but R is correct
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
- Subsidence rates in many Indian deltas exceed regional sea-level rise.
- Human activities are the key accelerators, making subsidence a dominant short-term threat.
Q4. The constitutional provision that deals specifically with the Governor’s address to the State Legislature is:
A. Article 174
B. Article 175
C. Article 176
D. Article 168
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
- Article 176 governs the Governor’s address.
- Article 174 → sessions of the Legislature.
- Article 175 → messages to the House.
Q5. The Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, which suffered a major nuclear accident in 2011, is located in:
A. China
B. Japan
C. South Korea
D. Taiwan
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
- Fukushima Daiichi is located in Japan (Fukushima Prefecture).
