UPSC CISF-AC-EXE Archives

31. Which one of the following is not correct in respect of India’s electi

Which one of the following is not correct in respect of India’s election to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) as a Non-Permanent Member?

There are 10 Non-Permanent Members in the UNSC.

India has already served in the UNSC as a Non-Permanent Member for seven terms in the past.

India had lost to Pakistan in an earlier election to this position.

India has recently been elected for this position unanimously.

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The correct answer is D) India has recently been elected for this position unanimously.

Statement A is correct: There are 10 non-permanent members in the UNSC, elected for two-year terms.
Statement B is correct (depending on the timeframe, but broadly true): India has served multiple terms (8 terms as of the 2021-22 term) as a non-permanent member. Stating 7 terms was correct prior to its most recent term.
Statement C is correct: India lost to Pakistan in the election for a non-permanent seat in the 1975-76 term.
Statement D is incorrect: While India has recently been elected to the UNSC for the 2021-22 term with overwhelming support (184 votes out of 192 members present and voting), it was not a unanimous election in the sense of 100% votes cast. Elections for non-permanent seats often involve contests or formal voting even if the candidate is endorsed by their regional group.

India served its 8th term as a non-permanent member of the UNSC for the period 2021-2022. These elections happen annually in the General Assembly. Five non-permanent members are elected each year. Members are elected by secret ballot in the General Assembly, requiring a two-thirds majority of members present and voting.

32. Giving access to consumption of sugar as a source of energy in diet, f

Giving access to consumption of sugar as a source of energy in diet, for the poorest of the poor sections of the society, has been initiated under

Antyodaya Anna Yojana.

Annapurna Scheme.

Targeted Public Distribution System.

Mid-day Meal Scheme.

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The correct answer is A) Antyodaya Anna Yojana.

Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) is a scheme launched by the Government of India under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) aimed at providing highly subsidised foodgrains to the poorest among the Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. While the central government provides foodgrains, many state governments also distribute additional essential commodities like sugar, pulses, edible oil, etc., at subsidised prices through the TPDS outlets to AAY beneficiaries. Access to sugar for the poorest sections is most directly linked to the provisions often made for beneficiaries under the AAY component of TPDS.

The Annapurna Scheme provides 10 kg of free foodgrains per month to indigent senior citizens who are not receiving pension under the National Old Age Pension Scheme. The Mid-day Meal Scheme provides cooked meals to school children. While the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) is the overall framework, AAY specifically targets the ‘poorest of the poor’ families within the TPDS beneficiaries, making it the most relevant scheme for providing access to commodities like sugar for this specific demographic.

33. Which of the following is/are core infrastructure element(s) of Smart

Which of the following is/are core infrastructure element(s) of Smart Cities Mission?
1. To ensure adequate water supply
2. To ensure adequate electricity supply
3. To ensure efficient urban mobility and transport
Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1 only

2 and 3 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

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The correct answer is D) 1, 2 and 3.

The Smart Cities Mission identifies several core infrastructure elements that cities need to provide. These include: 1. Adequate water supply, 2. Assured electricity supply, 3. Sanitation (including solid waste management), 4. Urban mobility and public transport, 5. Affordable housing (especially for the poor), 6. Robust IT connectivity and digitalization, 7. Safety and security of citizens, 8. Health and education, 9. Sustainable environment, and 10. Area-based development. All three points listed in the question (Adequate water supply, Adequate electricity supply, Efficient urban mobility and transport) are explicitly mentioned as core infrastructure elements of the mission.

The Smart Cities Mission is an urban renewal and retrofitting program by the Government of India with the objective to develop city-solutions that make cities sustainable, inclusive, and improve the quality of life of its citizens. The mission adopts an area-based approach combining retrofitting, redevelopment, and greenfield development.

34. Which one among the following is not related to PRAGATI as part of D

Which one among the following is not related to PRAGATI as part of Digital India implementation ?

Enables faster implementation of Central level projects/schemes

Enables faster implementation of State level projects/schemes

Enables faster implementation of local level projects/schemes

Resolves the grievances between State and Central level departments

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The correct answer is C) Enables faster implementation of local level projects/schemes.

PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance And Timely Implementation) is a multi-modal platform launched by the Prime Minister of India. It is designed to monitor the implementation of Central government projects as well as projects with Central and State government involvement (A and B). It also facilitates the resolution of grievances between Central and State departments (D). While the projects reviewed may have impact at the local level, PRAGATI operates at the Union and State government levels, with the Prime Minister interacting with Union Secretaries and State Chief Secretaries. It is not primarily focused on the direct implementation monitoring of schemes purely at the local level.

PRAGATI is a unique integrating and interactive platform. It uses three technologies: Digital data management, video-conferencing and geo-spatial technology. It is a three-tier system involving the PMO, Union Government Secretaries, and State Chief Secretaries. It serves as a tool for the PM to monitor important programmes, tackle public grievances, and review pending projects.

35. Gram Sabha means a body consisting of persons registered

Gram Sabha means a body consisting of persons registered

in the electoral rolls relating to a village comprised within the area of Panchayat at the village level.

in the electoral rolls of wards within the area of Panchayat.

in the electoral rolls of civic bodies within the area of Panchayat.

in the electoral rolls of several villages within a local body.

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The correct answer is A) in the electoral rolls relating to a village comprised within the area of Panchayat at the village level.

Article 243(b) of the Constitution of India, inserted by the 73rd Amendment Act, defines “Gram Sabha” as a body consisting of persons registered in the electoral rolls relating to a village comprised within the area of Panchayat at the village level. It is essentially the general body of all registered voters residing within the area of a village Panchayat.

The Gram Sabha is the foundation of the Panchayat Raj system. It is vested with powers and functions at the village level as the State Legislature may provide by law. It acts as a forum for direct participation of citizens in local governance, discussing and approving development plans and budgets, and holding the Panchayat accountable.

36. Which one among the following is not the power of the National Commi

Which one among the following is not the power of the National Commission for the Scheduled Castes ?

To investigate all matters to safeguard the Scheduled Castes

To inquire into specific complaints with respect to deprivation of rights of the Scheduled Castes

To prepare reports pertaining to the welfare of the Scheduled Castes

To initiate a judicial enquiry related to the matters of the Scheduled Castes

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The correct answer is D) To initiate a judicial enquiry related to the matters of the Scheduled Castes.

The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC), established under Article 338 of the Constitution, has significant powers including investigating matters related to safeguards for SCs (A), inquiring into specific complaints of rights deprivation (B), and presenting reports to the President (C). However, the Commission does not have the power to initiate a judicial enquiry. Its powers, while investigating or inquiring into complaints, are akin to those of a civil court (summoning witnesses, requiring document production, etc.), but it does not possess the authority to conduct or initiate a judicial process or trial. Judicial powers rest with the judiciary.

The NCSC is a constitutional body tasked with protecting the rights and interests of the Scheduled Castes. Its functions include monitoring the implementation of constitutional and legal safeguards, advising on socio-economic development plans, and submitting annual reports on the working of these safeguards. The reports are laid before Parliament.

37. Who authored the book titled ‘The Idea of India’?

Who authored the book titled ‘The Idea of India’?

Sunil Khilnani

Paul Brass

Atul Kohli

Christophe Jaffrelot

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The correct answer is A) Sunil Khilnani.

‘The Idea of India’ is a renowned book authored by Sunil Khilnani, first published in 1997. The book explores the intellectual history and evolution of India’s identity and its post-independence journey.

Sunil Khilnani is a prominent Indian political scientist and author. The book is considered a significant work in contemporary Indian studies, examining key facets like democracy, secularism, and economic development in the context of India’s complex history. Paul Brass, Atul Kohli, and Christophe Jaffrelot are also well-known scholars in the field of Indian politics and South Asian studies, but ‘The Idea of India’ is specifically associated with Sunil Khilnani.

38. The Vice President of India shall be elected by the electoral college

The Vice President of India shall be elected by the electoral college consisting of the members of

Lok Sabha.

Rajya Sabha.

Both Houses of Parliament.

Both Houses with the support of State Legislatures.

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The correct answer is C) Both Houses of Parliament.

Article 66(1) of the Constitution of India specifies that the Vice President shall be elected by the members of an electoral college consisting of the members of both Houses of Parliament in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote and the voting at such election shall be by secret ballot.

The electoral college for the Vice President’s election is different from that for the President’s election. The President is elected by an electoral college consisting of the elected members of both Houses of Parliament and the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the States and the Union Territories of Delhi and Puducherry. Notably, nominated members of Parliament and members of State Legislative Councils are not part of the electoral college for either election. However, all members (elected and nominated) of both Houses of Parliament participate in the Vice President’s election.

39. Who among the following was the Chairperson of the Fifteenth Finance C

Who among the following was the Chairperson of the Fifteenth Finance Commission ?

A.N. Jha

N.K. Singh

Anoop Singh

Ashok Lahiri

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The Fifteenth Finance Commission (XV-FC) was constituted by the President of India under Article 280 of the Constitution. Mr. N.K. Singh (Nand Kishore Singh), a former Member of Parliament and retired IAS officer, was appointed as the Chairman of the Commission.

The Finance Commission is a constitutional body that recommends the division of tax revenues between the Union and the States, and among the States themselves, based on established criteria. It also suggests principles for grants-in-aid to States from the Consolidated Fund of India. The recommendations of the XV-FC covered the period from 2020-21 to 2025-26.

The XV-FC was initially mandated to submit recommendations for the period 2020-2025 but was later given an extended term and submitted two reports: a report for 2020-21 and a final report for 2021-2026. Other members of the commission included Ajay Narayan Jha (former Finance Secretary), Anoop Singh, Ashok Lahiri, and Ramesh Chand. Shaktikanta Das was also a member initially but resigned later.

40. Who among the following has/have coined the term ‘Bullock Capitalists’

Who among the following has/have coined the term ‘Bullock Capitalists’ ?

Lloyd Rudolph and Susanne Rudolph

Mary Fainsod

Andre Gunder Frank

Karl Marx

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The term ‘Bullock Capitalists’ was coined by political scientists Lloyd Rudolph and Susanne Rudolph. They used this term to describe a class of dominant farmers in India who emerged as a significant political and economic force, particularly after the Green Revolution. These farmers possessed considerable landholdings, invested in modern agricultural technology, and wielded political influence.

The term reflects the transition from traditional agrarian practices (symbolized by the bullock) to more modern, capital-intensive farming (capitalism), highlighting the hybrid nature of this class. The Rudolphs’ work on the political economy of India often analyzed the social and political consequences of economic changes and the structure of power.

Lloyd I. Rudolph and Susanne Hoeber Rudolph were American scholars specializing in South Asian studies. Their notable works include “The Modernity of Tradition: Political Development in India” and “In Pursuit of Lakshmi: The Political Economy of the Indian State.” The concept of ‘Bullock Capitalists’ is part of their analysis of the changing rural power structure and its impact on Indian politics.