2016

31. What is/are the purpose/purposes of ‘District Mineral Foundations’ in

What is/are the purpose/purposes of ‘District Mineral Foundations’ in India?

  • Promoting mineral exploration activities in mineral-rich districts
  • Protecting the interests of the persons affected by mining operations
  • Authorizing State Governments to issue licences for mineral exploration

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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1 and 2 only
2 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
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Statement 1 is incorrect. Promoting mineral exploration is not the primary purpose of District Mineral Foundations (DMFs). Statement 2 is correct. DMFs are established specifically to work for the interest and benefit of persons and areas affected by mining-related operations. Statement 3 is incorrect. The authority to issue mineral exploration licenses lies with the State Governments (for specified minerals) and the Central Government (for others) under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, not with DMFs. Therefore, only statement 2 is correct.
District Mineral Foundations (DMFs) are statutory bodies in India established under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act), as amended in 2015. They are non-profit trusts set up in mining districts to work for the interest and benefit of persons and areas affected by mining-related operations.
The funds for DMFs are collected from mining leaseholders as contributions, calculated as a percentage of the royalty paid. These funds are meant to be used for various developmental and welfare activities identified in the affected areas, such as healthcare, education, sanitation, environmental protection, etc., under the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY).

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32. Recently, India’s first ‘National Investment and Manufacturing Zone’ w

Recently, India’s first ‘National Investment and Manufacturing Zone’ was proposed to be set up in

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Andhra Pradesh
Gujarat
Maharashtra
Uttar Pradesh
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The correct option is A, as India’s first National Investment and Manufacturing Zone (NIMZ) was proposed to be set up in Andhra Pradesh.
– The National Manufacturing Policy (NMP) 2011 proposed the establishment of National Investment and Manufacturing Zones (NIMZs) to promote manufacturing sector growth.
– NIMZs are envisaged as integrated industrial townships with state-of-the-art infrastructure.
– The first NIMZ notified by the Government of India under the NMP 2011 was the Prakasam NIMZ in Andhra Pradesh.
Several other NIMZs are being planned or developed across India, often along proposed industrial corridors like the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (CBIC), etc.

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33. The term ‘Base Erosion and Profit Shifting’ is sometimes seen in the n

The term ‘Base Erosion and Profit Shifting’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of

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mining operation by multinational companies in resource-rich but backward areas
curbing of the tax evasion by multinational companies
exploitation of genetic resources of a country by multinational companies
lack of consideration of environmental costs in the planning and implementation of developmental projects
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The correct option is B, as the term ‘Base Erosion and Profit Shifting’ is seen in the news in the context of curbing tax practices by multinational companies.
– ‘Base Erosion and Profit Shifting’ (BEPS) refers to tax planning strategies used by multinational enterprises (MNEs) to exploit gaps and mismatches in tax rules across different countries.
– These strategies allow MNEs to ‘erode’ their tax base in higher-tax jurisdictions and ‘shift’ profits to lower-tax jurisdictions, often where there is little or no real economic activity, resulting in minimal or no corporate tax being paid.
– The OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) initiated the BEPS project to tackle these issues and ensure that profits are taxed where economic activities generating the profits are performed and where value is created. Thus, it is about curbing tax avoidance (which is legal but exploits loopholes) by multinational companies.
– Options A, C, and D relate to different issues (mining, genetic resources, environmental costs) unrelated to BEPS.
The OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework on BEPS brings together over 140 countries and jurisdictions to collaborate on the implementation of BEPS measures and address remaining BEPS issues.

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34. Which of the following statements is/are correct? Viruses can infect

Which of the following statements is/are correct?
Viruses can infect

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  • bacteria
  • fungi
  • plants

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1 and 2 only
3 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
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The correct option is D, as viruses can infect bacteria, fungi, and plants.
– Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites that infect a vast range of living organisms across all domains of life.
– Statement 1 is correct: Viruses that infect bacteria are called bacteriophages.
– Statement 2 is correct: Viruses that infect fungi are called mycoviruses.
– Statement 3 is correct: Viruses that infect plants are called plant viruses and cause numerous plant diseases.
Viruses are highly specific in their hosts, with different types of viruses infecting different types of organisms. However, collectively, viruses can infect virtually all forms of cellular life, including bacteria, archaea, protists, fungi, plants, and animals.

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35. Satya Shodhak Samaj organized

Satya Shodhak Samaj organized

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a movement for upliftment of tribals in Bihar
a temple-entry movement in Gujarat
an anti-caste movement in Maharashtra
a peasant movement in Punjab
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The correct option is C, as Satya Shodhak Samaj organized an anti-caste movement in Maharashtra.
– Satya Shodhak Samaj (Truth-Seekers’ Society) was founded by Mahatma Jyotirao Phule in Pune, Maharashtra, on 24 September 1873.
– Its primary aim was to work for the emancipation of the Shudras (lower castes) and Dalits (untouchables) and to oppose the caste system and Brahminical dominance. It was a pioneering anti-caste movement.
– Options A, B, and D describe different movements or locations not directly associated with the Satya Shodhak Samaj.
Jyotirao Phule and his wife Savitribai Phule were also pioneers in promoting education for women and girls and fighting against social injustices in Maharashtra.

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36. With reference to ‘Agenda 21’, sometimes seen in the news, consider th

With reference to ‘Agenda 21’, sometimes seen in the news, consider the following statements:

  • It is a global action plan for sustainable development.
  • It originated in the World Summit on Sustainable Development held in Johannesburg in 2002.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
This question was previously asked in
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The correct option is A, as statement 1 is correct and statement 2 is incorrect.
– Statement 1 is correct. Agenda 21 is indeed a comprehensive plan of action to be taken globally, nationally, and locally by organizations of the United Nations System, Governments, and Major Groups in every area where human impacts on the environment. It serves as a global action plan for sustainable development.
– Statement 2 is incorrect. Agenda 21 was an outcome of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), also known as the Earth Summit, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992. The World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg in 2002 reviewed the progress made since the Rio Summit and further committed to sustainable development goals.
Agenda 21 is divided into four sections: Social and Economic Dimensions; Conservation and Management of Resources for Development; Strengthening the Role of Major Groups; and Means of Implementation.

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37. With reference to ‘Financial Stability and Development Council’, consi

With reference to ‘Financial Stability and Development Council’, consider the following statements :

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  • 1. It is an organ of NITI Aayog.
  • 2. It is headed by the Union Finance Minister.
  • 3. It monitors macroprudential supervision of the economy.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 and 2 only
3 only
2 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
This question was previously asked in
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The correct option is C, as statements 2 and 3 are correct, while statement 1 is incorrect.
– Statement 1 is incorrect. The Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) was established by the Government of India in December 2010. It is not an organ of NITI Aayog. It is a high-level body within the Ministry of Finance.
– Statement 2 is correct. The FSDC is chaired by the Union Finance Minister of India.
– Statement 3 is correct. One of the key mandates of the FSDC is to monitor macroprudential supervision of the economy, focusing on financial sector stability and inter-regulatory coordination.
The FSDC also aims to strengthen and institutionalize the mechanism for maintaining financial stability, enhancing inter-regulatory coordination, promoting financial sector development, and resolving inter-regulatory disputes. Its members include the heads of financial sector regulators (RBI, SEBI, PFRDA, IRDAI) and other senior officials.

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38. What is ‘Greenhouse Gas Protocol’?

What is ‘Greenhouse Gas Protocol’?

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It is an international accounting tool for government and business leaders to understand, quantify and manage greenhouse gas emissions
It is an initiative of the United Nations to offer financial incentives to developing countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to adopt eco-friendly technologies
It is an inter-governmental agreement ratified by all the member countries of the United Nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to specified levels by the year 2022
It is one of the multilateral REDD+ initiatives hosted by the World Bank
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The correct option is A, which accurately describes the purpose of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol.
– Option A is correct. The Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) is a widely used international accounting tool for governments and business leaders. It provides frameworks and guidance for measuring and managing greenhouse gas emissions from various sources. It was developed by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).
– Option B is incorrect. This describes a potential climate finance mechanism or fund, not a protocol for accounting.
– Option C is incorrect. The GHG Protocol is not an inter-governmental agreement setting emission reduction targets. International agreements like the Paris Agreement set targets.
– Option D is incorrect. This describes an initiative like the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) related to REDD+, not the GHG Protocol.
The GHG Protocol standards are designed to provide a common language and framework for companies, cities, and countries to quantify and manage their greenhouse gas emissions, enabling more transparent and effective climate action.

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39. Which of the following statements is/are correct? Proper design and ef

Which of the following statements is/are correct?
Proper design and effective implementation of UN-REDD+ Programme can significantly contribute to

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  1. protection of biodiversity
  2. resilience of forest ecosystems
  3. poverty reduction

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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1 and 2 only
3 only
2 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
This question was previously asked in
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The correct option is D, as all three statements are correct regarding the potential contributions of a properly designed and effectively implemented UN-REDD+ Programme.
– Statement 1 is correct. By reducing deforestation and forest degradation, REDD+ directly contributes to the protection of forest habitats and the biodiversity they harbour.
– Statement 2 is correct. Sustainable forest management and conservation practices, which are part of the REDD+ framework, enhance the health, structure, and functions of forest ecosystems, increasing their resilience to climate change and other threats.
– Statement 3 is correct. REDD+ initiatives often involve local communities and indigenous peoples living in and around forests. Effective implementation can include benefit-sharing mechanisms, creation of sustainable livelihood opportunities, and recognition of land rights, all of which can contribute to poverty reduction.
UN-REDD+ is a collaborative program of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). It supports developing countries in establishing the technical and institutional capacities needed to implement REDD+ activities.

40. With reference to ‘Red Sanders’, sometimes seen in the news, consider

With reference to ‘Red Sanders’, sometimes seen in the news, consider the following statements :

  • 1. It is a tree species found in a part of South India.
  • 2. It is one of the most important trees in the tropical rain forest areas of South India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2016
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The correct option is A, as statement 1 is correct and statement 2 is incorrect.
– Statement 1 is correct. Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus) is a tree species endemic to a specific region of South India, mainly the Eastern Ghats, particularly in parts of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
– Statement 2 is incorrect. Red Sanders trees are typically found in dry deciduous forests, hilly tracts, and rocky ground, not in tropical rainforest areas of South India.
Red Sanders is known for its rich red colour and is highly valued for its timber, particularly in East Asia, leading to illegal logging and trade. It is listed as ‘Endangered’ by the IUCN and is included in Appendix II of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), regulating its international trade.

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