Q1. With reference to the Second Advance Estimates (SAE) of GDP, consider the following statements:
- The Second Advance Estimates are released after the financial year is over and are based on audited data.
- The base year for India’s GDP series has been revised to 2022–23.
- Advance Estimates are prepared by the National Statistical Office (NSO) under MoSPI.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (B)
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is incorrect — Advance Estimates are released before the financial year ends (January and February) and rely on high-frequency indicators, not audited final data.
- Statement 2 is correct — Base year updated to 2022–23 for improved representativeness.
- Statement 3 is correct — Compiled by NSO under MoSPI, following SNA 2008 framework.
Q2. With reference to the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), consider the following statements:
- NCERT is a constitutional body established under Article 280 of the Constitution.
- NCERT is an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Education.
- NCERT was established in 1961 to assist and advise governments on school education.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (B)
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is incorrect — NCERT is neither constitutional nor statutory; it is a registered society (1961) under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
- Statements 2 and 3 are correct.
Q3. Forests were moved from the State List to the Concurrent List by:
A) 24th Constitutional Amendment
B) 86th Constitutional Amendment
C) 73rd Constitutional Amendment
D) 42nd Constitutional Amendment
Answer: (D)
Explanation:
- The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976 shifted Forests (Entry 17A) to the Concurrent List.
- Also shifted Education and Weights & Measures.
Q4. With reference to meningococcal disease, consider the following statements:
- It is caused by Neisseria meningitidis, a gram-negative bacterium.
- It spreads primarily through contaminated food and water.
- It can cause both meningitis and bloodstream infection.
How many of the above statements are correct?
A) Only one
B) Only two
C) All three
D) None
Answer: (B)
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct.
- Statement 2 is incorrect — Transmission occurs via respiratory droplets, especially in crowded settings.
- Statement 3 is correct — Can cause meningitis and meningococcemia, with 10–15% case fatality rate if untreated.
Q5. Which of the following best describes the doctrinal role of Fast Attack Craft (FAC) in India’s maritime strategy?
A) Sea-based nuclear deterrence
B) Sea control in distant oceans
C) Sea denial in near-coastal waters
D) Strategic air defence
Answer: (C)
Explanation:
- FACs are high-speed, lightly armed vessels designed for rapid interception and sea denial in littoral waters.
- They form part of layered coastal defence, especially post-26/11 reforms.
- Nuclear deterrence role is performed by SSBN submarines, not FACs.
