August 17-2024 Prelims Practice Questions (PPQs)

Correct

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect

• The Supreme Court, in a 6-1 majority ruling, declared that Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) do not form a socially homogeneous group.
• The judgement reverses the E.V. Chinnaiah ruling, which held that SCs/STs were homogeneous and could not be subdivided for reservations.
• Key Highlights of the Judgement:
  • The Court affirmed that SCs/STs are not a homogeneous group, allowing states to sub-classify them.
  • The President specifies SCs under Article 341(1), while Parliament alone can amend this list under Article 341(2). The inclusion in the Presidential list does not create a uniform, unalterable class.
  • States can identify different levels of social backwardness within SCs under Articles 15(4) and 16(4) and provide special provisions like reservations.

Statement 2 is correct

• Criteria for Sub-Classification:
  • “Effective representation” in public services is emphasized over mere “numerical representation.”
  • ‘Creamy Layer’ Principle: Justice Gavai advocated introducing the ‘creamy layer’ concept for SCs, similar to OBCs, to ensure that only the most disadvantaged benefit from reservations.

Answer: (b) 2 only; Difficulty Level: Medium

Correct

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct

• Cyanide is naturally found in certain foods like cassava (tapioca), apple seeds, and almonds.

Statement 2 is correct

• The WHO has set a limit of 0.19 mg/L for cyanide levels in potable water.

Statement 3 is incorrect

• Cyanide is not only found in natural sources but is also present in man-made substances, such as vehicle exhaust.

Answer: (b) Only two; Difficulty Level: Easy

Correct

Explanation

All pairs are correct

• Mohenjodaro – Indus River
• Rakhigarhi – Saraswati/Ghaggar-Hakra River
• Banawali – Saraswati/Ghaggar-Hakra River
• Dholavira – Mansar and Manhar seasonal streams, near Rann of Kachchh
• Lothal – Sabarmati River, near the Gulf of Khambhat
• Harappa – Ravi River
• Bhirrana – Ghaggar River
• Lahuradewa – Sarayu River, Upper Gangetic Plain

Answer: (c) All four; Difficulty Level: Hard

Correct

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct  and Statement  2 is incorrect

• Appointments Committee of the Cabinet decides higher level appointments in the Central Secretariat, Public Enterprises, Banks and Financial Institutions.
• Members: Prime Minister (Chairman), Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of Cooperation.
• Other Important Cabinet Committees are:
• The Political Affairs Committee:
  • It deals with all policy matters pertaining to domestic and foreign affairs.
  • It consists of the Prime Minister (chairman), Minister of Home Affairs; and Minister of Cooperation, Minister of Defence and other ministers. It is often described as a ‘Super-Cabinet’.
• The Economic Affairs Committee:
  • It directs and coordinates the governmental activities in the economic sphere.
  • It consists of the Prime Minister (chairman), Minister of Home Affairs; and Minister of Cooperation, Minister of Defence and other ministers.

Answer: (a) 1 only; Difficulty Level: Easy

Correct

Explanation

Pair 1 and 2 are correct

• Copyright is the protection for creators of original works, giving them exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, or perform their creations.
• Geographical Indication (GI) is a sign used on products from a specific place, indicating qualities or reputation linked to that location.

Pair 3 is incorrect

• Trademark is a sign (word, symbol, etc.) that distinguishes goods or services of one enterprise from another, helping identify brand.
• Patent is an exclusive right granted for a new invention, allowing the inventor to prevent others from making, using, or selling it.

Answer: (b) Only two; Difficulty Level: Medium

Correct

Explanation

Option (d) is correct

• It is a centralised pension processing software introduced by Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare (DOPPW) to address delays, clerical errors, financial loss, and pensioner harassment.
• The system provides online tracking of pension sanction and payment process by the individual as well as the administrative authorities.

Option (a) is incorrect

• Aatamanirbhar Skilled Employee-Employer Mapping (ASEEM) portal Launched by Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MoSDE), for mapping the demand of skilled workforce.

Option (b) is incorrect

• Bhuvan Panchayat portal aims to provide geo-spatial services to aid gram panchayat development planning process of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.

Option (c) is incorrect

• PENCIL portal (Platform for Effective Enforcement for No Child Labour) launched by Ministry of Labour & Employment.
• To combat the menace of child labour, trafficking and sexual abuse to ensure complete prohibition of child labour and protection of adolescents from hazardous labour ultimately leading to Child Labour Free India.

Answer: (d) Pension sanction and payment tracking; Difficulty Level: Medium