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31. The balance of payments of a country is a systematic record of

The balance of payments of a country is a systematic record of

all import and export transactions of a country during a given period of time, normally a year

goods exported from a country during a year

economic transaction between the government of one country to another

capital movements from one country to another

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The balance of payments (BoP) of a country is a systematic record of all economic transactions between the residents of a country and the rest of the world during a specific period, typically a year.

BoP includes transactions related to trade in goods and services (Current Account), income flows, and capital flows (Capital and Financial Account). Option A, while slightly simplified by focusing only on “import and export transactions,” is the most comprehensive description among the choices, as these trade transactions are a major part of the Current Account. The other options are too narrow (only goods, only government, or only capital).

The BoP is divided into two main accounts: the Current Account and the Capital Account (often presented as Capital and Financial Account). The Current Account records trade in goods and services, income (interest, dividends), and current transfers. The Capital Account records capital transfers and the acquisition/disposal of non-produced non-financial assets. The Financial Account records transactions involving financial assets and liabilities. The BoP should ideally balance over time (Credits = Debits).

32. Quit India Movement was launched in response to

Quit India Movement was launched in response to

Cabinet Mission Plan

Cripps Proposals

Simon Commission Report

Wavell Plan

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The Quit India Movement was launched in response to the failure of the Cripps Proposals.

In March 1942, Sir Stafford Cripps was sent by the British government with proposals to secure India’s full cooperation and support in World War II. The Cripps Proposals offered Dominion Status after the war and permitted provinces to opt out of the proposed Indian Union, among other things. However, they did not offer immediate independence or a concrete plan for transfer of power acceptable to the Indian National Congress, which demanded a provisional government with real power. The failure of the Cripps Mission, combined with growing discontent over British rule and the impact of the war, led Mahatma Gandhi to call for the Quit India Movement in August 1942, demanding the immediate end of British rule in India.

The Quit India Movement was a significant turning point in the Indian independence struggle. It involved widespread civil disobedience and protests, though it faced severe repression by the British authorities.

33. The people of India agitated against the arrival of Simon Commission

The people of India agitated against the arrival of Simon Commission because

Indians never wanted the review of the working of the Act of 1919

Simon Commission recommended the abolition of Dyarchy (Diarchy) in the Provinces

there was no Indian member in the Simon Commission

the Simon Commission suggested the partition of the country

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The primary reason for the widespread agitation and boycott against the Simon Commission was the absence of any Indian member in the commission.

The Indian Statutory Commission, popularly known as the Simon Commission, consisted of seven British Members of Parliament. Its purpose was to report on India’s constitutional progress and suggest reforms. Indian political parties, including the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League, vehemently opposed the commission because it had no Indian representatives. They viewed this as an insult to Indian self-respect and a denial of their right to determine their own constitution. The slogan “Simon Go Back” became popular during the protests.

The boycott of the Simon Commission led to widespread protests across India. The commission’s report, submitted in 1930, was subsequently discussed at the Round Table Conferences. The recommendations formed the basis for the Government of India Act 1935.

34. According to the Constitution of India, which of the following are fun

According to the Constitution of India, which of the following are fundamental for the governance of the country?

Fundamental Rights

Fundamental Duties

Directive Principles of State Policy

Fundamental Rights and Fundamental Duties

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According to the Constitution of India, the Directive Principles of State Policy are fundamental for the governance of the country.

Article 37 of the Constitution of India states: “The provisions contained in this Part [Part IV – Directive Principles of State Policy] shall not be enforceable by any court, but the principles therein laid down are nevertheless *fundamental in the governance of the country* and it shall be the duty of the State to apply these principles in making laws.” This article explicitly declares the DPSP as fundamental for governance. While Fundamental Rights are fundamental for individuals against the state, and fundamental duties are duties of citizens, the DPSP are the constitutional directives guiding the state’s policies and laws, making them fundamental for governance.

The Directive Principles aim at establishing a welfare state and social and economic democracy. They serve as a moral and political guide for the government in framing laws and policies. Although not legally enforceable, courts often consider DPSP when interpreting laws and determining the constitutionality of actions.

35. Which one of the following describes best the concept of Nirvana in

Which one of the following describes best the concept of Nirvana in Buddhism?

The extinction of the flame of desire

The complete annihilation of self

A state of bliss and rest

A mental stage beyond all comprehension

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The concept of Nirvana in Buddhism is best described as the extinction of the flame of desire.

Nirvana (Pali: Nibbana) is the ultimate spiritual goal in Buddhism. It signifies the cessation of suffering (dukkha) and the cycle of rebirth (samsara). This is achieved by extinguishing the “three poisons” or “three fires”: craving (tanha, desire), aversion (hatred), and ignorance (delusion). Therefore, the extinction of desire, which is seen as a primary cause of suffering and attachment, is a central aspect of achieving Nirvana.

Nirvana is not a place, but a state of being. It is characterized by freedom from suffering, samsara, and the causes of suffering. While sometimes associated with peace and liberation, the core concept revolves around the transcendence of the conditioned existence driven by craving and ignorance.

36. Some Buddhist rock-cut caves are called Chaityas, while the others are

Some Buddhist rock-cut caves are called Chaityas, while the others are called Viharas. What is the difference between the two?

Vihara is a place of worship, while Chaitya is the dwelling place of the monks

Chaitya is a place of worship, while Vihara is the dwelling place of the monks

Chaitya is the stupa at the far end of the cave, while Vihara is the hall axial to it

There is no material difference between the two

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Chaitya is a Buddhist place of worship, while Vihara is the dwelling place or monastery for monks.

Buddhist rock-cut architecture primarily consists of two types:
1. **Chaitya:** A prayer hall or place of worship. These often have a stupa at one end, which is the object of veneration. The hall typically has a nave, aisles, and an apse surrounding the stupa.
2. **Vihara:** A monastery or dwelling place for monks and nuns. Viharas usually consist of a central hall surrounded by cells for residential purposes.

Famous examples of Buddhist rock-cut caves with both Chaitya and Vihara halls include those at Ajanta, Ellora, Karle, Bhaja, and Kanheri. These sites provide significant insights into early Indian Buddhist art and architecture.

37. In which of the following States is lion-tailed macaque found in its n

In which of the following States is lion-tailed macaque found in its natural habitat?

1. Tamil Nadu
2. Kerala
3. Karnataka
4. Andhra Pradesh

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

1, 2 and 3

2 only

1, 3 and 4 only

1, 2, 3 and 4

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The Lion-tailed Macaque is found in its natural habitat in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka.

The Lion-tailed Macaque (Macaca silenus) is an endangered primate species endemic to the evergreen forests of the Western Ghats mountain range in South India. Its natural habitat is restricted to this region, specifically within the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. It is not naturally found in Andhra Pradesh.

The Lion-tailed Macaque is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Its population is fragmented and threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation due to human activities. Significant populations are found in areas like the Anamalai Hills, Periyar National Park, Silent Valley National Park, and parts of Karnataka’s Western Ghats.

38. Which of the following adds/add nitrogen to the soil? 1. Excretion o

Which of the following adds/add nitrogen to the soil?

1. Excretion of urea by animals
2. Burning of coal by man
3. Death of vegetation

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

1 only

2 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

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Statements 1, 2, and 3 all describe processes that add nitrogen to the soil.

1. Excretion of urea by animals: Urea is a nitrogen-rich organic compound. When animals excrete urea onto the soil, decomposers convert it into inorganic forms like ammonium, which plants can absorb. This is a direct addition of nitrogen to the soil through the nitrogen cycle.
2. Burning of coal by man: Combustion of fossil fuels like coal releases nitrogen oxides (NOx) into the atmosphere. These atmospheric nitrogen compounds can be deposited onto the soil through dry deposition (particles) or wet deposition (acid rain). This process, known as atmospheric nitrogen deposition, adds nitrogen to ecosystems, including soil.
3. Death of vegetation: When plants and other organisms die, their organic matter is decomposed by microorganisms in the soil. This process, called mineralization, breaks down organic nitrogen compounds into inorganic forms (like ammonium), making nitrogen available in the soil for uptake by plants. This is a crucial part of the nitrogen cycle.

Nitrogen is a vital nutrient for plant growth. Nitrogen is added to the soil through various natural processes (like biological nitrogen fixation, atmospheric deposition, decomposition) and human activities (like application of fertilizers, burning fossil fuels leading to deposition). While decomposition and biological fixation are primary natural inputs, anthropogenic activities have significantly altered the global nitrogen cycle, increasing deposition rates in many areas.

39. Consider the following organisms : 1. Agaricus 2. Nostoc 3. Spirog

Consider the following organisms :

1. Agaricus
2. Nostoc
3. Spirogyra

Which of the above is/are used as biofertilizer/biofertilizers?

1 and 2

2 only

2 and 3

3 only

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Nostoc is used as a biofertilizer. Agaricus and Spirogyra are not typically used as biofertilizers.

1. Agaricus is a genus of fungi (mushrooms) and is not generally used as a biofertilizer. Some fungi like mycorrhizal fungi are used as biofertilizers as they enhance nutrient uptake, but Agaricus is not primarily used for this purpose.
2. Nostoc is a genus of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) known for its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen. It is widely used as a biofertilizer, especially in paddy fields.
3. Spirogyra is a genus of filamentous green algae. It is photosynthetic but does not fix nitrogen and is not used as a biofertilizer.

Biofertilizers are substances containing live microorganisms which, when applied to seed, plant surfaces, or soil, colonize the rhizosphere or the interior of the plant and promote growth by increasing the supply or availability of primary nutrients to the host plant. Examples include nitrogen-fixing bacteria (Rhizobium, Azotobacter), cyanobacteria (Anabaena, Nostoc), and phosphorus-solubilizing microorganisms.

40. Consider the following pairs : National Park : River flowing th

Consider the following pairs :

	National Park	:	River flowing through the Park
1.	Corbett	:	Ganga
2.	Kaziranga National Park	:	Manas
3.	Silent Valley National Park	:	Kaveri

Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

1 and 2

3 only

1 and 3

None

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None of the given pairs are correctly matched.

1. Jim Corbett National Park is primarily known for the Ramganga river flowing through it, not the Ganga. The Ramganga is a tributary of the Ganga.
2. Kaziranga National Park is situated on the banks of the Brahmaputra river. The Manas river flows through Manas National Park, another park in Assam.
3. Silent Valley National Park is located in the Western Ghats in Kerala. The major river flowing through it is the Kunthi River, a tributary of the Bharathappuzha river. The Kaveri River flows through Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Correct identification of major rivers flowing through national parks is important for environmental geography. These rivers often form crucial habitats and influence the park’s ecosystem.