21. Directions : The following five (5) items consist of two statements, S

Directions :
The following five (5) items consist of two statements, Statement I and Statement II. Examine these two statements carefully and select the correct answer using the code given below.

Statement I :
32. Skin cancer is generally caused by the ultraviolet radiation.
Statement II :
Stratosphere allows ultraviolet radiation to enter the earth from the sun.

Both the statements are individually true and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I
Both the statements are individually true but Statement II is not the correct explanation of Statement I
Statement I is true but Statement II is false
Statement I is false but Statement II is true
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2017
Statement I is true, but Statement II is false.
– Statement I: Skin cancer is indeed generally caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds.
– Statement II: The stratosphere, particularly the ozone layer within it, acts as a shield that *absorbs* most of the harmful UV-B and UV-C radiation from the sun, preventing it from reaching the Earth’s surface. Therefore, the stratosphere does not *allow* harmful UV radiation to enter; it blocks it.
While some UV-A radiation does pass through the atmosphere to the surface, and small amounts of UV-B can penetrate depending on ozone depletion, the primary role of the stratospheric ozone layer is protection against the most damaging forms of UV.

22. Devaluation of currency will be more beneficial if prices of

Devaluation of currency will be more beneficial if prices of

domestic goods remain constant
exports become cheaper to importers
imports remain constant
exports rise proportionately
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2017
Devaluation of currency will be more beneficial if prices of domestic goods remain constant.
– Devaluation lowers the foreign currency price of exports, making them cheaper and more attractive to foreign buyers.
– It increases the domestic currency price of imports, making them more expensive and less attractive to domestic buyers.
– The benefit of devaluation, primarily increased export competitiveness, is maximized if domestic costs and prices (especially of exportable goods) do not rise significantly.
– If domestic prices remain constant, the reduction in the foreign currency price of exports fully translates into a competitive advantage. If domestic prices rise, this advantage is eroded, making the devaluation less beneficial.
Option B describes a direct consequence of devaluation, not a condition that makes it *more* beneficial. Option C is incorrect as devaluation makes imports more expensive in domestic currency. Option D describes a desired outcome, not a condition on prices enhancing the benefit. Stable domestic prices (Option A) help preserve the competitive edge gained by devaluation.

23. Which one of the following statements is correct about the PM-JANMAN s

Which one of the following statements is correct about the PM-JANMAN scheme ?

It is a scheme of the Government of India to impart electoral literacy to voters.
It is a scheme of the Government of India for deepening of democracy in the functioning of Panchayati Raj institutions.
It is a scheme of the Government of India for benefitting every member of the tribal community from Government schemes.
It is a scheme of the Government of India for benefitting migrants workers in the unorganized sector.
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2024
The correct option is C. The PM-JANMAN scheme (Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan) is a scheme of the Government of India focused on the welfare of tribal communities, specifically targeting Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
PM-JANMAN is a comprehensive scheme aimed at providing essential facilities and services like safe housing, clean drinking water, sanitation, improved access to education, health and nutrition, road and telecom connectivity, and sustainable livelihood opportunities to PVTGs. While the option mentions ‘every member of the tribal community’, the scheme primarily focuses on the most vulnerable sections, the PVTGs. However, among the given options, only C relates to tribal welfare, making it the most appropriate answer.
The scheme was launched in November 2023. It encompasses 11 critical interventions across 9 Ministries and is implemented by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. There are 75 PVTG communities spread across 18 States and the Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

24. In June 2024, India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with US

In June 2024, India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with USA for supporting Indian Railways to achieve Mission Net Zero Carbon Emission by the year:

2030
2040
2050
2070
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2024
Indian Railways has set a target to become a Net Zero Carbon Emitter by 2030. This ambitious goal involves electrifying railway tracks, adopting renewable energy sources, and improving energy efficiency. The MoU signed with the USA in June 2024 supports India’s efforts towards achieving this existing target.
Indian Railways aims to achieve Net Zero Carbon Emission by 2030.
Achieving this target would make Indian Railways one of the largest green railways in the world. The measures include 100% electrification, harnessing solar and wind energy, and other sustainable practices.

25. Which one of the following countries shares the territorial boundary w

Which one of the following countries shares the territorial boundary with both Russia and Ukraine ?

Estonia
Latvia
Belarus
Poland
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2024
Looking at the geography of Eastern Europe, Belarus shares a land border with both Russia to the north and east, and Ukraine to the south. While Poland also borders Ukraine and Russia (via the Kaliningrad exclave), Belarus shares extensive direct land borders with both contiguous Russia and Ukraine.
Belarus is strategically located between Russia and Ukraine, sharing borders with both.
Other countries bordering Ukraine include Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Moldova. Other countries bordering the main territory of Russia include Norway, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland (via Kaliningrad), Belarus, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, China, Mongolia, and North Korea.

26. India has signed a Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) wit

India has signed a Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with EFTA, which is a regional group consisting of four countries. Which one of the following countries is not a member of this group ?

Switzerland
Norway
Iceland
England
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2024
EFTA (European Free Trade Association) is a regional trade organisation comprising four member states: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. India signed a Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with EFTA in March 2024. England is part of the United Kingdom, which is not a member of EFTA.
EFTA consists of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
The TEPA between India and EFTA aims to boost trade and investment between the two sides. Liechtenstein is often included with Switzerland due to customs union arrangements, but is a separate EFTA member state.

27. Arrange the BRICS countries in ascending order of their rank in the Hu

Arrange the BRICS countries in ascending order of their rank in the Human Development Report 2023-24, released by the UNDP :
1. China
2. India
3. Russia
4. Brazil
5. South Africa
Select the answer using the code given below :

2, 5, 4, 1, 3
2, 4, 5, 3, 1
5, 4, 2, 3, 1
4, 5, 2, 1, 3
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2024
Based on the UNDP Human Development Report 2023-24 (using data up to 2022), the Human Development Index (HDI) ranks for the BRICS countries are as follows:
India: 134
South Africa: 115
Brazil: 89
China: 75
Russia: 56
Arranging these in ascending order of rank (from highest rank number/lowest HDI to lowest rank number/highest HDI): India (134) < South Africa (115) < Brazil (89) < China (75) < Russia (56). The corresponding indices are 2, 5, 4, 1, 3.
Higher HDI rank number indicates lower human development; lower rank number indicates higher human development.
The HDI is a composite index measuring average achievement in three basic dimensions of human development: a long and healthy life, access to knowledge, and a decent standard of living.

28. Which one of the following statements is correct about NISHTHA, a Gove

Which one of the following statements is correct about NISHTHA, a Government of India initiative ?

It is a training module recently introduced in LBSNAA for civil servants.
It is a teacher-training programme.
It is a training programme for the new recruits in Delhi Police to inculcate integrity of service among them.
It is a workshop for newly elected Members of Parliament organized routinely by the Lok Sabha Secretariat.
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2024
NISHTHA stands for National Initiative for School Heads’ and Teachers’ Holistic Advancement. It is a flagship program of the Ministry of Education aimed at capacity building of teachers and school principals at the elementary level and subsequently expanded to other levels.
NISHTHA is focused on improving the quality of teaching through comprehensive teacher training.
The program aims to train teachers on various aspects including pedagogical skills, learning outcomes, school-based assessment, health and well-being, inclusive education, and the integration of ICT in teaching and learning.

29. Which of the following statements related to Indian medicine system is

Which of the following statements related to Indian medicine system is not correct ?

The Siddha system is a holistic system of medicine.
Sowa-Rigpa has been in practice in the Himalayan regions of India.
Unani system of medicine has been dissociated from the Ministry of Ayush.
Sushruta Samhita is a major source of Ayurveda.
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2024
The Unani system of medicine is one of the recognised Indian Systems of Medicine (ISM) and is actively promoted and regulated by the Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy). Therefore, the statement that the Unani system has been dissociated from the Ministry of Ayush is incorrect.
The Ministry of AYUSH oversees the development, promotion, and regulation of various traditional and alternative medicine systems in India, including Unani.
Statements A, B, and D are correct. The Siddha system is indeed a holistic system. Sowa-Rigpa is traditionally practised in the Himalayan regions. The Sushruta Samhita is a foundational text of Ayurveda, particularly regarding surgery.

30. India’s women’s badminton team recently won the Badminton Asia Team Ch

India’s women’s badminton team recently won the Badminton Asia Team Championship, 2024. Who among the following players was not a part of the team ?

P.V. Sindhu
Treesa Jolly
Anmol Kharb
Saina Nehwal
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2024
The Indian women’s badminton team that won the Badminton Asia Team Championship in 2024 included players like P.V. Sindhu, Treesa Jolly, Anmol Kharb, Gayatri Gopichand, Ashmita Chaliha, and Tanvi Sharma, among others. Saina Nehwal, while a celebrated Indian badminton player, was not part of the squad for this specific tournament.
India won its maiden gold medal in the women’s category at the Badminton Asia Team Championships in 2024.
Anmol Kharb played a crucial role in the final and other ties, securing victories in the deciding rubber matches. P.V. Sindhu led the team, while Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand formed a key doubles pair.