IAS 2020

Prelims
TEST SERIES
Test - 16
CURRENT AFFAIRS
(September + October, 2019)

www.iasscore.in
 DO NOT OPEN THIS TEST BOOKLET UNTIL YOU ARE ASKED TO DO SO

PTS2020/PPP-16/112019/26

Test No.
GENERAL STUDIES
CURRENT AFFAIRS
(SEPTEMBER + OCTOBER 2019)
16
Time Allowed: Two Hours Maximum Marks: 200

INSTRUCTIONS

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1. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE EXAMINATION, YOU SHOULD CHECK THAT
THIS TEST BOOKLET DOES NOT HAVE ANY UNPRINTED OR TORN OR MISSING PAGES OR ITEMS,
ETC. IF SO, GET IT REPLACED BY A COMPLETE TEST BOOKLET.
2. Please note that it is the candidate’s responsibility to encode and fill in the Roll Number carefully
without any omission or discrepancy at the appropriate places in the OMR Answer Sheet. Any
omission/discrepancy will render the Answer Sheet liable for rejection.
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3. You have to enter your Roll Number on the test booklet in the Box provided
alongside. DO NOT write anything else on the Test Booklet.
4. This Test Booklet contains 100 items (questions). Each item is printed in English. Each item comprises four
SC
responses (answers). You will select the response which you want to mark on the Answer Sheet. In case you
feel that there is more than one correct response, mark the response which you consider the best. In any case,
choose ONLY ONE response for each item.
5. You have to mark all your responses ONLY on the separate Answer Sheet provided. See directions in the
Answer Sheet.
6. All items carry equal marks.
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7. Before you proceed to mark in the Answer Sheet in response to various items in the Test Booklet, you have to
fill in some particulars in the Answer Sheet as per instructions sent to you with your Admission Certificate.
8. After you have completed filling in all your responses on the Answer Sheet and the examination has concluded,
you should hand over to the Invigilator only the Answer Sheet. You are permitted to take away with you the
Test Booklet.
9. Sheets for rough work are appended in the Test Booklet at the end.
10. Penalty for wrong answers:
THERE WILL BE PENALTY FOR WRONG ANSWERS MARKED BY A CANDIDATE IN THE OBJECTIVE
TYPE QUESTION PAPERS.
(i) There are four alternatives for the answer to every question. For each question for which a wrong answer
has been given by the candidate, one-third of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted as
penalty.
(ii) If a candidate gives more than one answer, it will be treated as a wrong answer even if one of the given
answers happens to be correct and there will be same penalty as above to that question.
(iii) If a question is left blank, i.e., no answer is given by the candidate, there will be no penalty for that
question.

DO NOT OPEN THIS TEST BOOKLET UNTIL YOU ARE ASKED TO DO SO

1 PTS2020/PPP-16/112019/26

PTS2020/PPP-16/112019/26
1. Which one of the following is a Legacy 1. RBI has to maintain the contingency risk
Dispute Resolution scheme which is offered buffer to handle the financial stability in
to those taxpayers who wish to disclose any the country.
previously undisclosed tax liability without
2. It recommended a review of RBI’s
any penalty or prosecution?
Economic Capital Framework in every
(a) Sabka Vishwas Scheme five years.
(b) KALIA Scheme Select the correct answer using the code given
(c) PAHAL Scheme below:

(d) Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Shramev (a) 1 only

Jayate Yojana (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
2. The Directorate of Enforcement is responsible
for the enforcement of which of the following (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Acts?
1. Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 5. Consider the following statements regarding
the Project SURE:

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2. Prevention of Money Laundering Act,
2002 1. It aims to set a sustainable pathway for
3. Foreign Exchange Management Act, India’s food processing industry.
1999 2. It would help in reduction of carbon
4. Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign emissions.
Income and Assets) and Imposition of Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Tax Act, 2015
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(a) 1 only
Select the correct answer using the codes given
below: (b) 2 only
(a) 1 and 4 only (c) Both 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3 only (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(c) 1, 2 and 3 only
6. Consider the following statements regarding
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(d) 2, 3 and 4 only

the World Skills Competition:
1. The 45th World Skills Competition was
3. Which of the following statements is/are
correct regarding the National Sports Day? held at New Delhi, India.
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1. It is celebrated on 29th August, on the 2. It is the biggest vocational education and

birth anniversary of hockey legend skills excellence event in the world which
Udham Singh. is organised every two year.
2. In August 2019, nation-wide Fit India Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Movement was launched on the occasion
(a) 1 only
of National Sports Day.
(b) 2 only
Select the correct answer using the code given
below: (c) Both 1 and 2
(a) 1 only (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(b) 2 only
7. Consider the following Statements regarding
(c) Both 1 and 2
India’s child well-being index:
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
1. This Report is released by World Bank.
2. Kerala topped the chart in the child well-
4. Which of the following statements is/
being index.
are correct as per Bimal Jalan Panels’
recommendation to review RBI’s Economic 3. The index captures the performance of
Capital Framework? each state and union territories.

PTS2020/PPP-16/112019/26 2
 Which of the above statements are correct? Which of the statements given above are
correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3
8. Consider the following Statements regarding
International Fund for Animal Welfare 11. Consider the following statements regarding
(IFAW): Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana.
1. It is a global non-profit organisation 1. It has been launched by the Government
helping animals and people thrive of India in its Budget 2019.
together. 2. It is an area based development approach
2. It is involved in rescuing rehabilitating of predominantly dalit villages.
and protecting animals natural habitat. 3. It aimed to achieve integrated
development of selected villages with
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
more than 25% SC population.

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(a) 1 only
Which of the above statements are
(b) 2 only incorrect?
(c) Both 1 and 2 (a) 1 and 2 only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
9.
Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP)
O
Consider the following Statements regarding

1. It gives an option to a company looking

(d) 1, 2 and 3

12. Consider the following statements regarding

for exploring hydrocarbons to select the
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Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY):
exploration blocks on its own, without
waiting for the formal bid round from the 1. The loan under PMMY can be availed for
Government. both farm and non-farm sector income
generating activity.
2. Setting up of National Data Repository is
one of the milestones achieved for Open 2. There is no subsidy for the loan given
Acreage Licensing Policy. under PMMY.

Which of the above statements is/are correct? Which of the above statements is/are correct?
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(a) 1 only
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

13. Which of the following statements is correct

10. Consider the following statements about food
fortification in India:
1. It is the addition of key vitamins and
minerals to staple foods such as rice,
milk and salt.
2. The manufacturers of the fortified
food are required to provide a quality
assurance undertaking.
3. Packaging and labelling of the fortified
food must state the food fortificant added,
logo and the tagline “Sampoorna Poshan
Swasth Jeevan”.
regarding Samudrayaan Project?
(a) It is an ocean project of ISRO to carry
various projects in deep ocean.
(b) It is a pilot project of the Ministry of
Earth Sciences’ for deep ocean mining for
rare minerals.
(c) It is a Ministry of Home project to
strengthen the maritime security.
(d) It is a project under Ministry of defence
to develop indigenous nuclear powered
submarine.

3 PTS2020/PPP-16/112019/26
14. India has recently signed Automatic Exchange
of Information (AEOI) with Switzerland.
Consider the following statements about
Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI).
1. The new global standard on Automatic
Exchange of Information (AEOI) reduces
the possibility for tax evasion.
2. Participating jurisdictions that
implement AEOI send and receive pre-
agreed information each year, without
having to send a specific request.
3. AEOI will enable the discovery of formerly
undetected tax evasion.
18. Consider the following statements regarding
Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
3. Its objective is to reduce stunting
in identified Districts of India with
the highest malnutrition burden by
improving utilization of key Anganwadi
Services and improving the quality of
Anganwadi Services delivery.
Which of the above statement are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Institutions of Eminence (IoE) Scheme.
1. The aim of the scheme is to bring higher
educational institutions selected as

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(b) 2 and 3 only IoEs in top 500 of world ranking in the
(c) 1 and 3 only next 10 years and in top 100 eventually
overtime.
(d) 1, 2 and 3 2. The IoEs will be free to fix and charge
fees from all the students without
15. With which of the following companies/ restriction.
organizations, The Ministry of Electronics 3. Each Institution selected as IoE will be
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and Information Technology (MeitY) has provided financial assistance up to Rs.
signed a statement of intent to roll-out ‘Build 1000 Cr over a period of five years.
for Digital India’ programme? Which of the above statements are
(a) Facebook incorrect?

(b) Microsoft (a) 1 and 2 only

(c) Google (b) 2 and 3 only

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(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) Powerhouse Cooper
(d) 1, 2 and 3
16. Who is the ex-officio chairman of The National
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Board for Wildlife (NBWL)? 19. Consider the following statements about
combatants to Tuberculosis:
(a) Union Minister of Ministry of
1. Rapid molecular, sputum, and culture-
Environment, Forest and Climate
based methods are only 50% accurate
Change in the early detection of Tuberculosis in
(b) Prime Minister patients.

(c) Secretary to Environment Ministry 2. National Strategic Plan set a target of

(d) Chief Secretary
17. Consider the following statements regarding
the POSHAN Abhiyaan.
1. It is a multi-ministerial convergence
mission with the vision to ensure
attainment of malnutrition free India by
2022.
2. The Ministry of Health and Family
Welfare (MoHFW) is implementing
POSHAN Abhiyaan.
TB elimination by 2025
3. The Health Ministry has signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
with Wadhwani Institute for Artificial
Intelligence (AI) to explore the application
of Artificial Intelligence technology in its
fight against tuberculosis (TB).
4. MDR-TB is not resistant to anti-TB
drugs.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1, 3 and 4 only
(b) 1 only

PTS2020/PPP-16/112019/26 4
 (c) 1, 2 and 3 only (c) Both 1 and 2
(d) 2, 3 and 4 only (d) Neither 1 nor 2

20. Consider the following statements about
National Electronics Policy (NEP), 2019:
1. It aims at making India as a global
hub for Electronics System Design and
Manufacturing (ESDM).
2. It promote domestic manufacturing in the
entire value-chain of ESDM, including
core components and materials.
3. Modified Special Incentive Package
Scheme (M-SIPS) was launched under
this policy in 2019
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
1 only
24. Consider the following statements regarding
“K2-18b”
1. It is a potentially ‘habitable’ planet
2. It is the only planet orbiting a star outside
the Solar System that is known to have
both water and temperatures that can
support life.
3. It is eight times the mass of Jupiter.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only

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(a)
(b) 1 and 2 only (c) 3 only

(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1,2 and 3

(d) 1, 2 and 3
25. Consider the following statements regarding
eSIM technology
21. EX TSENTR is recently seen in news, it is:
O 1. eSIM technology supports multiple
(a) An asteroid which might strike the Earth
surface in recent future. accounts and switching between them is
super easy.
(b) Part of the annual exercises of the
2. It will make devices smaller.
SC
Russian Armed Forces’ annual training
cycle. 3. It could be extremely helpful for wearable
(c) A military exercise between India and devices.
Thailand. Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(d) A vaccine to prevent Malaria in tropical
(a) 1 only
countries.
(b) 1 and 2 only
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22. Saffir-Simpson scale is used to measure (c) 3 only

which one of the following?
(d) 1, 2 and 3
(a) Intensity of earthquake
(b) Size of hurricane 26. Consider the following statements regarding
(c) Height of rainfall uyghur community that was seen recently in
news
(d) To estimate the loss during forest fires
1. The Uyghurs are Turkic-speaking
23. Consider the following statements regarding Muslims from the Central Asian region
Project Miniature Sun: 2. The largest population lives in China’s
1. It is India’s indigenously designed and autonomous Xinjiang region
developed plasma based fusion reactor.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
2. It aims to harness fusion energy by
mimicking the sun and other stars. (a) 1 only

Which of the above statements is/are correct? (b) 2 only

(a) 1 only (c) Both 1 and 2

(b) 2 only (d) Neither 1 nor 2

5 PTS2020/PPP-16/112019/26
27. “Cryodrakon Boreas” that was seen recently (c) 1 and 3 only
in news is related to:
(d) None of the above
(a) It was the largest flying animal which
was a plane-sized reptile
31. Consider the following pairs:
(b) It is a commet which is approaching earth
at a very fast rate Vector Disease
(c) It is an rainbow like reflection seen in 1. Anapheles Japanese
southern hemisphere Mosquito encephalitis
(d) It is an mammal that lives deep in the 2. Sandflies Kala Azar
ocean
3. Aedes mosquito Rift Valley fever

28. Consider the following statements regarding Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly
Bonn Challenge matched?
1. It is a new commitment to the deforested (a) 1 only
and degraded land for their restoration.
(b) 1 and 2 only
2. It is an implementation vehicle for
national priorities such as food and (c) 2 and 3 only

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water security while contributing to the
(d) 1, 2 and 3
achievements of international climate
change commitments.
Which of the above statements is/are correct? 32. Consider the following statements regarding
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana
(a) 1 only (PM-KMY):
(b) 2 only 1. It is a Central Sector Scheme
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(c) Both 1 and 2 administered by the Department of
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 Finance, Ministry of Finance.
2. The Life Insurance Corporation of India
29. Consider the following statements regarding (LIC) is the Pension Fund Manager for
Basel Ban Amendment: the scheme and responsible for Pension
1. It provides for the prohibition of all pay out.
transboundary movements of hazardous Which of the above statements is/are correct?
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wastes from all developed nations to

developing countries. (a) 1 only
2. India has ratified the Basel ban (b) 2 only
amendment.
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(c) Both 1 and 2

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
33. NISHTHA, recently seen in news is:
(c) Both 1 and 2
(a) A scholarship Scheme for encouraging
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 economically weaker differently abled
students to pursue technical education
30. Consider the following statements regarding at Diploma and Degree levels.
African Swine Fever (ASF):
(b) A capacity building programme for
1. It is haemorrhagic viral disease of pigs. Improving Quality of School Education
2. It is related to classical swine fever through Integrated Teacher Training.
(CSF).
(c) A registration portal for new start-ups
3. It severely impacts human health and
related to green projects.
could be lethal.
Which of the above statements is/are correct? (d) A mobile application which serves as a
single window for information regarding
(a) 1 only passenger amenities available at the
(b) 2 and 3 only railway stations.

PTS2020/PPP-16/112019/26 6
34. Consider the following statements about 37. With reference to Shanghai Cooperation
Inner Line Permit: Organisation (SCO), consider the following
1. It is an official travel document granted statements:
to Indian citizen to travel in protected 1. It is a Eurasian political, economic, and
area for a limited period. security alliance founded in 2001.
2. It is issued by the respective state
2. It is mainly aimed at cooperating against
governments.
non-traditional security challenges like
3. Currently, it is operational in Arunachal terrorism, separatism, and extremism.
Pradesh, Mizoram and Nagaland.
3. India is a founder member of the
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
organisation.
(a) 1 only
Which of the above statements are correct?
(b) 2 only
(a) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3 only

RE
35. Consider the following statements about (d) 1, 2 and 3
Meitei community that was in the news
recently:
38. Which of the following statements is a feature
1. Meiteis are inhabitants of Manipur and of gig economy?
have been protesting for granting them
the Scheduled Tribe status. (a) An economy whose gross national product
2. Meiteis want strict imposition of ILP
O or gross domestic product to a large extent
in Manipur to protect their culture and comes from natural resources.
identity. (b) An economy that has no trade activity
Which of the following statement(s) given with outside economies.
above is/are correct?
SC
(c) An economy that is too dependent on
(a) 1 only unreliable foreign investment to finance
(b) 2 only its growth ambitions.

(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) An economy where flexible jobs are

common place and companies tend
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
toward hiring independent contractors
and freelancers instead of full-time
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36. Consider the following statements about employees.

Market Intervention Scheme that was in the
news recently:
39. Logistics Performance Index is published by:
1. It was introduced for the procurement
and transportation of apples in Jammu (a) World Economic Forum
and Kashmir.
(b) World Bank
2. Under the Scheme the apples will be
procured and transported by National (c) International Monetary Fund
Agricultural Cooperative Marketing
(d) World Trade Organisation
Federation of India Ltd. (NAFED).
3. It would help stablise the price of apples
and maintain a uniform rate in the open 40. Consider the following statements regarding
market across the country. Sant Ravidas:

Which of the above statements is/are correct? 1. He was a famous saint of the Bhakti
Movement.
(a) 1 only
2. He is considered as a spiritual Guru of
(b) 2 only the Meera Bai.
(c) 1 and 2 only 3. He spread the message that “God created
(d) 1, 2 and 3 man and not man created God”.

7 PTS2020/PPP-16/112019/26
 Which of the above statements is/are correct? 2. It will not require citizens to submit RTI
(a) 1 and 3 only application for seeking information.
3. The portal will prevent anomalies and
(b) 2 only
corruption in government.
(c) 2 and 3 only
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(d) 1, 2 and 3
(a) 1, 2 and 3

41. Consider the following statements regarding (b) 1 only

Indian Vulture: (c) 2 and 3 only
1. The IUCN Red Data Book has listed
(d) 2 only
Vulture as “Critically Endangered”.
2. The major reason behind the vulture
population getting nearly wiped out was 45. Consider the following statements about
the drug Diclofenac, found in the carcass Nirvik Scheme:
of cattle the vultures fed on. 1. It is launched to ease the lending
3. Vultures are native to India only. process and enhance loan availability for
exporters.

RE
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
2. It is implemented by Export Credit
(a) 1 and 2 only Guarantee Corporation of India (ECGC)
(b) 3 only Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(c) 1 only (a) 1 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2 only
CO
42. Consider the following statements regarding (c) Both 1 and 2
Hog technology in Railways: (d) Neither 1 nor 2
1. The new technology is expected to
transform the way air conditioners (ACs) 46. Consider the following statements about
run and power is supplied in the railway “Teaser Loan” that was in news recently:
coaches.
1. It is a term used for loans that offer
S

2. It will ensure sustainable use of low, fixed interest rates in the initial
resources. few years, but switch to floating rates
Which of the above statements is/are correct? thereafter.
1 only 2. SBI first introduced it in 2009-10.
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(a)
(b) 2 only Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(c) Both 1 and 2 (a) 1 only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
43. “Rome Statute” sometimes seen in news is
related to what? (d) Neither 1 nor 2

(a) International Criminal Court (ICC)

47. Consider the following statements about Pre-
(b) International Court of Justice (ICJ) natal diagnosis tests:
(c) World Trade Organization 1. Dual Marker and Triple Marker Tests
(d) World Bank look at the level of certain hormones
which are ‘markers’ associated with
Down’s Syndrome.
44. Consider the following statements about Jan
Soochna Portal: 2. The use of Amniocentesis for sex
1. It is the first ever public information determination is prohibited by law but
portal launched by the government of its use for determination of disability in
Rajasthan. foetus is allowed.

PTS2020/PPP-16/112019/26 8
 Which of the above statements is/are correct? 51. Consider the following pairs:
(a) 1 only Exercise Countries
(b) 2 only 1. Dharma Guardian India-Japan
(c) Both 1 and 2 2. Shinyuu Maitri India-China

(d) Neither 1 nor 2 3. Cope India India-USA

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly
48. Consider the following statements regarding matched?
NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO)
(a) 1 only
mission:
(b) 1 and 3 only
1. This Exploration Mission was focused
on supporting the extension of human (c) 2 and 3 only
presence in the solar system.
(d) 1, 2 and 3
2. It created the first cosmic ray albedo
proton map of the Moon.
52. According to International Migrant Stock
Which of the above statements is/are correct? released 2019, which of the following

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(a) 1 only statements are correct?
1. India was the leading country of origin
(b) 2 only
of international migrants in 2019 with a
(c) Both 1 and 2 strong diaspora.
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 O 2. The share of women in the total number
of international migrants has seen a
49. Participatory Notes are regulated by which of decrease over the past years.
the following agency? 3. Bangladesh was a top source of migrants
(a) Reserve Bank of India to India.
SC
(b) Security and Exchange Board of India Select the correct answer using the code given
below:
(c) Ministry of Finance
(a) 1 and 2 only
(d) Both options (a) and (b)
(b) 2 and 3 only
50. Consider the following statements regarding (c) 1 and 3 only
National Pension Scheme for Traders and
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(d) 1, 2 and 3
Self Employed Persons,
1. Under this scheme shopkeepers, retail
53. September 21 revolution is related to which
traders and self-employed persons are
of the following countries?
assured a minimum monthly pension of
Rs. 3,000/- month after attaining the age (a) Yemen
of 60 years.
(b) Oman
2. The age limit to enrol for this scheme is
(c) Saudi Arabia
between 18-40 years.
3. The scheme is based on self-declaration (d) Iran
as no documents are required except
Aadhaar and bank account. 54. The theme of World Ozone Day 2019 is:
Which of the above statements are correct? (a) 32 years and healing
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) Keep Cool and Carry On
(b) 1 and 3 only (c) Caring for all life under the sun
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) Ozone and climate: Restored by a World
(d) 1, 2 and 3 United

9 PTS2020/PPP-16/112019/26
55. Consider the following statements regarding (c) 1 and 3 only
Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (d) 2 and 3 only
(AMOC):
1. It is a large system of ocean currents that
58. “Crimea” is situated between which of the
carry cold water from the North Atlantic
following sea(s)?
towards tropics.
2. It is like a conveyor belt which is driven (a) Black sea and Sea of Azov
by differences in temperature, salt (b) Sea of Azov and Caspian Sea
content and the water density.
(c) Black sea only
3. Warming of Indian Ocean will lead
to higher salinity in the waters of the (d) Black sea and Mediterranean Sea
tropical portion of the Atlantic Ocean.
Which of the above statements is/are correct? 59. Consider the following statements about All
India Survey on Higher Education 2018-19:
(a) 1 and 2 only
1. Gross Enrolment Ratio for male
(b) 2 only
population is 26.3% and for females, it is
(c) 2 and 3 only 26.4%.

RE
(d) 1, 2 and 3 2. Their are more female teachers in Higher
Educational Institutions (HEIs) in India
56. Which of the following statements regarding than males.
Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) is/ 3. UP and Karnataka have more female
are correct? enrolment in higher education as
1. It is an organization committed to compared to other states.
CO
improving air quality and protecting the Which of the above statements is/are correct?
climate by reducing super pollutants.
(a) 1 and 2 only
2. Its activities are financed through a multi-
donor Trust Fund which is administered (b) 1 only
through UN Environment.
(c) 1 and 3 only
3. India joined the Climate and Clean
Air Coalition (CCAC) and became 65th (d) 1, 2 and 3
country in the partnership.
S

Select the correct answer using the code given 60. The proposed Higher education Commission
below: of India will replace
(a) 1 only 1. University Grants Commission (UGC)
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(b) 2 only 2. All India Council for Technical Education

(AICTE)
(c) 1 and 3 only
3. Medical Council of India
(d) 1, 2 and 3
4. Central Advisory Board of Higher
Education (CABE)
57. Consider the following statements regarding
Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya: Which of the above statement(s) is/are
correct?
1. He started the monthly “Rashtra
Dharma” meant for spreading the (a) 1 only
ideology of Hindutva nationalism.
(b) 2 only
2. He wrote a Hindi drama on
Chandragupta Maurya and a biography (c) 1, 2 and 3
of Shankaracharya. (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
3. He was elected for Lok Sabha from Uttar
Pradesh. 61. Which of the following countries fall in Golden
Which of the above statements are correct? Triangle?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (a) Laos, Thailand and Myanmar
(b) 1 and 2 only (b) Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran

PTS2020/PPP-16/112019/26 10
 (c) India, Bangladesh and Nepal Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(d) Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgystan (a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
62. The military exercise Maitree-2019 was held
between which countries: (c) 2 and 3 only

(a) India and Vietnam (d) 1, 2 and 3

(b) India and Maldives

66. Consider the following statements regarding
(c) India and Thailand Caribbean Community and Common Market
(d) India and Australia (CARICOM):
1. It was established to replace the
63. Consider the following statements about Caribbean Free Trade Area.
Quad Grouping: 2. Its Seat of Secretariat is in Georgetown,
1. Quad Group is a closed group consisting Guyana.
of India, Australia, Japan & USA. 3. It ensures of standards of living and
2. Japan pioneered the initiative in 2007 as work.

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a coalition of maritime democracies. Which of the above statements is/are correct?
3. First Quad talks were held in India.
(a) 1 and 3 only
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(b) 2 only
(a) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(b) 1 only
1, 2 and 3
(c)
(d)
2 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
O (d)

67. Consider the following statements:

1. Ministry of Environment and forest has
SC
64. Consider the following statements regarding launched a mobile application “Ganga
Global Oceans: Data Collector” under the “Biodiversity
1. The horizontally stratified ocean supplies and Ganga Conservation” project.
99% of the Earth’s biologically-habitable 2. Ganga basin covers Madhya Pradesh,
space. Rajasthan, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh
2. Seawater has a heat capacity four times along with other states.
larger than air. Which of the above statements is/are correct?
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3. The average depth of the global ocean is

(a) 1 only
about 3700 m.
(b) 2 only
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(c) Both 1 and 2
(a) 1 and 3 only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
68. Consider the following statements regarding
(d) 1, 2 and 3 “MOSAIC Mission”:
1. The mission is launched by NASA.
65. Consider the following statements regarding 2. Objective of the mission is to find rare
“vitamin B12”:
earth minerals beneath Earth’s surface.
1. It is fat soluble and helps in the
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
metabolism of every cell in the human
body. (a) 1 only
2. This vitamin is only found in animal meat (b) 2 only
and to a lesser extent in milk products
(c) Both 1 and 2
3. India lacks a nation-wide data on B12
deficiency (d) Neither 1 nor 2

11 PTS2020/PPP-16/112019/26
69. Consider the following statements about bio- 73. Consider the following statements regarding
fencing: ancient town of Mahabalipuram:
1. It is planting of trees or shrubs on farm or 1. Mahabalipuram was the second capital
field boundaries that provide protection of the Pallavas.
against cattle and wildlife. 2. The town was also known as
2. This method is environment-friendly and Mamallapuram, a name given due to the
harvesting of such plants can also be great king Narsimha Varman II.
economical for farmers.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
74. Consider the following statements:
70. Sagittarius A* recently seen in news is: 1. The Antyodaya Express is a fully

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(a) A black hole at the center of the Milky unreserved, super-fast train service for
Way. the common man.
(b) An exoplanet revolving around star 2. UDAY is an air conditioned double decker
Aplha Centauri. train for yatris.
(c) A newly discovered asteroid in the Kupier 3. Tejas is the India’s first private train.
belt. Which of the above statements are correct?
CO
(d) None of the above. (a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
71. Consider the following pairs:
(c) 2 and 3 only
Reservoir/Dam River
(d) 1, 2 and 3
1. Khadakwasla Mutha river
2. Tilaiya Sone river
75. Which of the following statement(s) is/
S

3. Bansagar Barakar river are correct about Pradhan Mantri Kisan

Which of the pair(s) given above is/are correctly Sampada Yojana (PMKSY)?
matched? 1. It is a comprehensive package which
aims to create modern infrastructure
1 only
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(a)
with efficient supply chain management
(b) 2 only from farm gate to retail outlet.
(c) 2 and 3 only 2. PMKSY is implemented by Ministry of
Food Processing Industries (MoFPI).
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Select the correct option using the code given
below:
72. Consider the following statements regarding
UMMID initiative: (a) 1 only
1. It is started by The Department of (b) 2 only
Biotechnology (DBT).
(c) Both 1 and 2
2. It aims to create awareness about genetic
disorders amongst clinicians to establish (d) Neither 1 nor 2
molecular diagnostic in hospitals.
Which of the above statements is/are correct? 76. In the context of ancient India, Kaniyan
Pungundranar was
(a) 1 only
(a) An influential Tamil philosopher from
(b) 2 only the Sangam age.
(c) Both 1 and 2 (b) A painter in the court of Chandragupta
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 II.

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 (c) One of the ruler of the Lichhavi’s of 80. “INS Nilgiri” recently seen in news is a:
Vaishali.
(a) Stealth frigate
(d) A famous physician in the court of Pallava
(b) Nuclear powered submarine
king Narsimha Varman I.
(c) Aircraft Carrier
77. Consider the following statements regarding (d) Anti-piracy ship
Ratapani Tiger Reserve:
1. This tiger reserve is located in the state 81. Consider the following statements regarding
of Uttar Pradesh. Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus:
2. Rare migratory birds from Tibet, Nepal, 1. EEHV is as a type of herpes virus that
Russia and Siberia visit this reserve. can cause hemorrhagic disease in young
3. The reserve mainly comprises of a teak Asian elephants.
forest. 2. The disease is usually fatal, with a short
course of 28-35 hours.
Which of the above statements are correct?
3. There is no cure for herpes viruses in
(a) 1 and 2 only animals.
(b) 1 and 3 only Which of the above statements are correct?

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(c) 2 and 3 only (a) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
78. Consider the following statements regarding
“Goldschmidtite” which was seen recently in (d) 1, 2 and 3
news:
O
1. It is a new mineral discovered inside a
diamond unearthed from a mine in South
Africa.
82. “Bru refugees” recently seen in news are
related to which state of India?
(a) Mizoram
2. It has high concentrations of niobium,
SC
(b) Nagaland
potassium and the rare earth elements
lanthanum and cerium. (c) Sikkim
Select the correct option using the code given (d) Arunachal Pradesh
below:
(a) 1 only 83. Section 11 of the Representation of the People
Act, 1951 that was in news recently deals
(b) 2 only with:
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(c) Both 1 and 2 (a) It empowers Election Commission to

(d) Neither 1 nor 2 remove any disqualification prescribed by
statuary rule for reasons to be recorded.

79. Consider the following statements regarding (b) Electoral rolls to be issued to political
Bathukamma Festival: parties.
1. It is a vibrant festival of Karnataka. (c) Code of conduct.
2. Bathukamma is a beautiful flower stack, (d) Funding to contestants.
arranged with different unique seasonal
flowers most of them with medicinal 84. Consider the following statements about
values, in seven concentric layers in the World Hindu Economic Forum (WHEF):
shape of temple gopuram.
1. It is as an independent international
Select the correct option using the code given organization committed to make Hindu
below: society prosperous through creation and
(a) 1 only sharing of surplus wealth.
2. It is a non-profit organization of Hindus
(b) 2 only in Ottawa, Canada.
(c) Both 1 and 2 3. 2019 World Hindu Economic Forum was
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 held in Mumbai.

13 PTS2020/PPP-16/112019/26
 Which of the above statements is/are correct? 1. Drone Gun
(a) 1, 2 and 3 2. Advanced Test High Energy Asset
(ATHENA)
(b) 1 only
3. Rafale UAV
(c) 1 and 3 only
4. Sky wall 100
(d) 1 and 2 only
Select the correct answer using the code given
below:
85. The ‘Special Report on the Ocean and
Cryosphere in a Changing Climate’ in 2019 (a) 2 and 3 only
was published by: (b) 1 and 4 only
(a) Intergovernmental panel on Climate (c) 1, 2 and 4
Change (IPCC).
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(b) United Nations Framework Convention
on Climate Change (UNFCCC). 89. Consider the following statements:
(c) United Nations Environmental 1. Guru Nanak was born in Talwandi
Programme (UNEP). and founded the Dera Baba Nanak in

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(d) World Meteorological Organization Kartarpur.
(WMO). 2. Guru Gobind Singh authenticated the
final compilation Guru Granth Sahib in
86. Extinction Rebellion, recently seen in news early 18th century.
is: 3. Guru Nanak emphasized the worship of
one God.
(a) An international movement that uses
CO
non-violent civil disobedience in an Which of the above statements is/are correct?
attempt to halt mass extinction.
(a) 1 only
(b) An international movement started with
(b) 2 only
the cooperation from UNDP to reduce
worldwide corruption. (c) 1 and 2 only
(c) A global movement to end abuses of (d) 1, 2 and 3
human rights.
S

(d) A global movement started by World 90. Consider the following statements regarding
Economic Forum for poverty alleviation. National Nutrition Survey:
1. Comprehensive national nutrition survey
was conducted by Ministry of women
GS

87. Which of the following factors are responsible

for skyrocketing onion prices in India? and child development (MoWCD) in
partnership with UNICEF.
1. Traders are illegally hoarding onions and
release the supply when prices increase. 2. Clinical development services was the
monitoring agency for the survey.
2. Erratic monsoons influence the onion
production. Which of the above statements is/are correct?
3. Export of onions lead to decreased (a) 1 only
domestic supply. (b) 2 only
Choose the correct answer using the code (c) Both 1 and 2
given below:
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only 91. To promote use of electric vehicles in India,
(c) 2, and 3 only government recently announced FAME II
scheme. In reference to FAME II scheme
(d) 1, 2 and 3 consider the following statements
1. FAME II scheme will incentivize the
88. Which of the following are anti-drone electric vehicles in commercial vehicles,
technology/technologies? for public transport and two wheelers.

PTS2020/PPP-16/112019/26 14
 2. Department of heavy industries is Which of the above statements is/are correct?
the nodal agency for monitoring and
(a) 1 only
implementation of the scheme.
(b) 2 only
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (c) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only (d) 2 and 3 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

95. Which of the following statement regarding
(d) None of the above. Emperor Penguins is/are incorrect?
1. It is one of the Antarctica’s endemic
92. India slipped to rank 68th in Global species.
competiveness index (GCI). GCI is published
annually by: 2. It is endangered as per IUCN.

(a) World trade organization. Choose the correct answer using the code
given below:
(b) International monetary fund.
(a) 1 only

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(c) United Nations Conference on Trade and
Development. (b) 2 only

(d) World economic forum. (c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2
93. The Nobel Prize in Chemistry for 2019 was
awarded for work on lithium-ion batteries. 96. Consider the following statements:
Which of the following statements are correct
about lithium-ion batteries?
O
1. They are made from lead-acid and are
used to start gasoline and diesel-powered
1. India’s first e-waste clinic would be set
up in Lucknow.
2. The clinic is being conceived in compliance
vehicles. with the Solid Waste Management Rules,
SC
2016.
2. Lithium extraction causes environmental
damage. Which of the statements given above is/are
3. Lithium-ion batteries are lightweight incorrect?
and require little maintenance. (a) 1 only
4. Lithium-ion technology can help create a
(b) 2 only
fossil fuel-free society.
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(c) Both 1 and 2

Select the correct answer using the code given
below: (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(a) 1 and 2 only
97. Consider the following statements regarding
(b) 2 and 3 only
the Pneumoconiosis Fund:
(c) 1 and 3 only 1. Madhya Pradesh has announced the
(d) 2, 3 and 4 only creation of Pneumoconiosis Fund.
2. It would be financed by money from the
94. Consider the following statements regarding District Mineral Foundation (DMF).
Kanyashree Scheme:
3. The Fund will be operating under Social
1. It has received United Nations Public Justice and Empowerment Department.
Service award.
Which of the above statements are correct?
2. It is a Conditional Cash transfer scheme
which contributes towards empowerment (a) 1 and 2 only
of girls in the state of West Bengal. (b) 2 and 3 only
3. All girl children within the age of 6 to 20
(c) 1 and 3 only
in the state of West Bengal are targeted
beneficiaries. (d) 1, 2 and 3

15 PTS2020/PPP-16/112019/26
98. Consider the following statements about C40 Which of the above statements is/are correct?
cities:
(a) 1, 2 and 3
1. It is a network of the world’s megacities
committed to addressing climate change. (b) 2 only

2. C40 cities are involved in actions that (c) 1 and 2 only

reduces global green house gas emission. (d) 1 and 3 only
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only 100. In the context of recently launched “Food
Safety Mitra Scheme” consider the following
(b) 2 only statements:
(c) Both 1 and 2 1. Both “Eat Right Jacket” and “Eat
Right Jhola” initiatives are launched
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
to strengthen the food safety
administration.
99. Consider the following statements regarding
2. The Eat Right Jacket is a jacket that
National Blindness and Visual Impairment
has a smart design to hold technological
Survey 2019:
devices.

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1. According to the survey, cataract is the
3. Eat Right Jhola is using re-usable cloth
leading cause of blindness in people
bag to replace plastic bags.
above 50 years.
2. Blindness is more pronounced among Which of the above statements is/are correct?
illiterates as compared to literates. (a) 1 only
3. The financial constraint is the most (b) 3 only
CO
important barrier in accessing
treatment. (c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

™™™™™
S
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 Space for Rough Work

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O
SC
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