August 23-2024 Prelims Practice Questions (PPQs)

Correct

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct

• India, known as the ‘pharmacy of the world,’ provides over 50% of global vaccines, 40% of US generic drugs, and 25% of UK medicines, with a current market value of US$ 50 Billion.
• The domestic industry includes 3,000 drug companies and 10,500 manufacturing units and holds 8% of the global API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) market.
• 100% FDI is allowed for greenfield projects, and 74% for brownfield projects.

Statement 2 is incorrect

• It ranks 3rd in pharmaceutical production by volume and 14th by value, contributing 1.72% to GDP.
• Government Initiatives:
  • In FY25: Rs. 1,000 crores for bulk drug parks, Rs. 1,300 crores for industry development.
  • In FY24: Jan Aushadhi scheme funding increased to Rs. 284.5 crore.
  • National Medical Devices Policy, 2023: To enhance growth in access, affordability, and innovation.
  • Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission: Focuses on improving digital health records.

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

Correct

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct

• UPSC is an independent constitutional body under Part XIV (Article 315-323) of the Indian Constitution, which conducts merit-based examinations for direct recruitment of officers to the All-India Services and the Central Civil Services (Group A and B).
• It was established on 1 October 1926 as the Public Service Commission, which was later reconstituted as the Federal Public Service Commission by the Government of India Act 1935.
• It was renamed the Union Public Service Commission after independence in 1947.

Statement 2 is incorrect

• Article 316: The Commission comprises the chairman and other members appointed by the President.
• One-half of the members should be persons who have held office for at least ten years, either under the Government of India or the Government of a state.
• Every member holds office for six years or until he attains the age of sixty-five, whichever is earlier. They are ineligible for reappointment to that office, but a member can be appointed chairman.
• A member may also resign by submitting their written resignation to the President.

Statements 3 and 4 are correct

• The Chairman or any other member of UPSC shall only be removed from his/her office by order of the President of India on the grounds of misbehavior.
• The Chairman or any other member of UPSC may be removed if he/she/they:
• is adjudged insolvent.
• Engages during his/her term of office in any paid employment outside the duties of his/her office.
• is, in the opinion of the President, unfit to continue in office by reason of infirmity of mind or body.
• On the ground of proved misbehavior and incapacity after the Supreme Court has held the ground for removal of the chairman or the member.
• Under the provisions of the Constitution, the advice tendered by the Supreme Court in this regard is binding on the president.

Answer: (c) 1, 3 and 4; Difficulty Level: Hard

Correct

Explanation

• Integrated core policing system (iCoPS) is an application software indigenously developed by Kerala police along with Tata Consultancy Services for basic policing at police stations and higher offices.
• It has been developed with the intention to subsume all other applications to a single system to ensure “one data, one entry“.

Answer: (a) It is a software application developed by the Kerala Police and Tata Consultancy Services for streamlining basic policing functions, ensuring “one data, one entry” across police stations and higher offices; Difficulty Level: Very Easy

Correct

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct

• Kalamezhuthu is a communal ritual art widely believed to be originated in the 9th century AD to worship the great Gods of the land including Bhadrakaali, Ayyappan and Vettakkorumakan.
• It is also known as Kalam Pattu, Kalamezhuthu Pattu, Dhumakkali in Kerala and Kalam Karuppai in Tamil Nadu.

Statement 2 is correct

• Only natural products are used for the ritual to make the Kalam.

Statement 3 is correct

• The artists have traditionally belonged to the Kurups, Theyyampadi Nambiars, Theeyadi Nambiars and Theeyadi Unnis communities, each having their own unique kalam traits.
• It requires a lot of concentration, as it must be drawn according to religious guidelines similar to Thangka paintings. Coloured powders extracted from plants are used to make beautiful drawings on the floor.
• These are erased at the end of the ritual, with the rhythms of various musical instruments like the ilathalam, veekkanchenda, kuzhal, kombu and chenda, acting as accompaniment.

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

Correct

Explanation

• The newly inaugurated Humayun Museum in New Delhi offers a detailed and neutral portrayal of Mughal ruler Humayun and his era.
• His Reign: 1530-1540, 1555-1556. Died from a fall from his library in 1556.

Statement 1 is correct

• Contributions of Humayun in Painting and Literature:
• Laid the foundation for Mughal painting. He gave patronage for painting and calligraphy.
• He invited two Persian artists—Mir Sayyid Ali and Abdus Samad to establish a studio in his court.
• He founded the Nigaar Khana – painting workshop.
• He started the project of illustration of Hamza Nama, which was continued by Akbar.
• His sister, Gul Badan Begum authored ‘Humayun-Nama’.
• Contributions in Architecture
  • Built Dinpanah City in Delhi.
  • His wife, Hamida Benu Begum constructed Humayun’s Tomb (UNESCO WHS).

Statement 2 is correct

• His major Battles
  • Battle of Kannauj, 1540: Sher Shah Suri defeated Humayun and established Sur Empire. Humayun took refuge in the court of the Safavid Persian ruler, Shah Tahmasp.
  • Battle of Dadrah, 1532: Defeated the Afghans and besieged Chunar fort (Gateway of eastern India).
  • Battle of Chausa (Buxar), 1539: Got defeat by Sher Shah Suri.
  • Battle of Sirhind, 1555: Defeated Sikander Suri and occupied Delhi.

Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2; Difficulty Level: Easy

Correct

Explanation

Statements 1 and 2 are correct

• The Indian National Flag was officially adopted on July 22, 1947; initially designed by Pinkali Venkayya.

Specifications:

• The saffron symbolizes strength and courage, while white represents peace and truth. The green colour denotes fertility and growth.
• Ashoka Chakra: Navy blue wheel with 24 spokes, representing the eternal nature of law and order.
• Ratio: Rectangular with a 3:2 length-to-width ratio.

• Historical Milestones:
  • 1906: First flag hoisted in Kolkata, featuring red, yellow, and green stripes with Vande Mataram.
  • 1907: Madame Cama’s group hoisted an Indian flag in Germany.
  • 1917: Annie Besant and Tilak introduced a flag with red and green stripes and a Union Jack.
  • 1931: Congress adopted the design by Venkayya, adding saffron (earlier red) and the Ashoka Chakra.

Statement 3 is incorrect

• Legal Aspects:
  • The Flag Code of India (2002) governs its display and use.
  • Article 51A(a) mandates respect for the flag and anthem.
• Under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, offenses related to the flag or anthem result in a 6-year election disqualification.

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only; Difficulty Level: Medium