Geography

Q1. Consider the following:

It refers to the dynamic shifting of the boundary between land and water over time due to natural forces such as waves, tides, storms and sea-level rise, as well as human activities such as port construction, infrastructure development and sand mining.

Which one of the following terms best describes the above phenomenon?

(a) Coastal accretion

(b) Shoreline change

(d) Beach nourishment

Ans: (b)

Explanation

Coastal processes along Odisha have resulted in both erosion and accretion, with several stretches identified as vulnerable.
Shoreline change refers to the dynamic movement or shifting of the boundary between land and water over time due to both natural processes and anthropogenic activities.
Coastal accretion refers to the accumulation of sediments, resulting in the seaward growth of land.
Coastal inundation refers to the temporary or permanent submergence of coastal land by seawater.
Beach nourishment is a coastal management measure involving the artificial addition of sand or sediment to a beach.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

Polity

Q2. Consider the following statements:

Statement I:

Legislative privileges cannot automatically override the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression.

Statement II:

Article 194 provides powers, privileges and immunities to the members and Houses of State Legislatures.

Statement III:

Article 19(1)(a) guarantees freedom of speech and expression, subject to reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2).

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

(a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I.

(b) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I.

(d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct.

Ans: (b)

Explanation

The issue has arisen in the context of the Supreme Court examining the constitutional interplay between legislative privilege under Article 194 and the freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a).
Article 194 deals with the powers, privileges and immunities of State Legislatures and their members. However, this statement by itself does not explain why legislative privilege cannot automatically override free speech.
Freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) is constitutionally protected, though subject to reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2). This directly explains the constitutional limitation on treating legislative privilege as automatically overriding free speech.

Hence, both Statement II and Statement III are correct, but only Statement III explains Statement I.

Therefore, option (b) is correct.

Economy

Q3. Consider the following assets and income with reference to disclosures permitted under Foreign Assets of Small Taxpayers – Disclosure Scheme (FAST-DS):

Foreign bank accounts
Immovable property located abroad
Shares and securities held abroad
Jewellery and artistic works located abroad
Unreported Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) or Employee Stock Options (ESOPs), subject to eligibility conditions

How many of the above can be covered under the scheme?

(a) Only two

(b) Only three

(d) All five

Ans: (d)

Explanation

The Foreign Assets of Small Taxpayers – Disclosure Scheme (FAST-DS) provides a one-time window for eligible taxpayers to disclose specified foreign income and assets that were previously not properly reported, subject to prescribed conditions and limits.
The scheme covers a broad range of eligible foreign assets and income, providing an opportunity to regularise specified non-disclosures within the prescribed limits.
Foreign bank accounts and eligible immovable property located outside India can be disclosed. Hence, Statements 1 and 2 are correct.
Shares and securities, as well as assets such as jewellery and artistic works, are also among the categories covered for eligible disclosures. Hence, Statements 3 and 4 are correct.
The scheme can also cover eligible unreported Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) and Employee Stock Option Plans (ESOPs), subject to the scheme's eligibility conditions. Hence, Statement 5 is correct.

Hence, option (d) is correct.

Governance

Q4. With reference to the Saptdhara highlighted during the 80th Independence Day celebrations, consider the following statements:

It includes Manufacturing Power, Technology and Innovation, and Defence Power.
Agriculture and Food Processing and Gati Shakti are also included among its pillars.
Education and Health constitute two separate pillars of the Saptdhara framework.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (a)

Explanation

The Saptdhara was highlighted as a seven-pillar framework to provide new momentum and greater heights to India's journey towards Viksit Bharat.
Manufacturing Power, Technology and Innovation, and Defence Power are among the seven pillars. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
Agriculture and Food Processing and Gati Shakti are also included in the Saptdhara framework. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
The remaining pillars include Green Economy and Blue Economy and Soft Power; Education and Health are not listed as separate pillars. Hence, Statement 3 is not correct.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

Environment

Q5. With reference to the Green India Mission (GIM), consider the following statements:

It is one of the eight missions under India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).
The Mission aims to increase forest and tree cover on 5 million hectares and improve the quality of forest/tree cover on another 10 million hectares.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (a)

Explanation

The Green India Mission (GIM) has been in focus following a CAG audit that highlighted significant gaps in its implementation, including funding, convergence, planning and monitoring.
The Green India Mission is one of the eight missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
The Mission envisages increasing forest and tree cover over 5 million hectares and improving the quality of forest/tree cover over another 5 million hectares, not 10 million hectares. Hence, Statement 2 is not correct.

Hence, option (a) is correct.