1. The Right to Health in India is primarily derived from which constitutional provision?
A) Article 14
B) Article 19
C) Article 21
D) Article 32
Answer: C) Article 21
Explanation:
The Right to Health is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution but has been judicially interpreted under Article 21 (Right to Life). The Supreme Court has expanded its scope to include health and medical care. Article 47 further strengthens this through Directive Principles. Thus, judicial activism has converted welfare goals into enforceable rights.
2. Under the Rajasthan Right to Health Act, 2023, free emergency treatment is provided at:
A) Only public hospitals
B) Only private hospitals
C) Public and designated private hospitals
D) Central government hospitals only
Answer: C) Public and designated private hospitals
Explanation:
The Act mandates free emergency treatment without prepayment at public and designated private institutions. This provision strengthens accessibility and reduces catastrophic health expenditure. It reflects a rights-based healthcare model. The measure addresses India’s high out-of-pocket expenditure burden.
3. India’s public health expenditure currently remains approximately at:
A) 1% of GDP
B) 2–2.5% of GDP
C) 4% of GDP
D) 6% of GDP
Answer: B) 2–2.5% of GDP
Explanation:
India’s health spending remains around 2–2.5% of GDP, below many developing economies. The National Health Policy 2017 targets 2.5%. Low spending contributes to affordability issues. Increasing allocation is crucial for universal health coverage.
4. The Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010 caps operator liability at:
A) ₹500 crore
B) ₹1,000 crore
C) ₹1,500 crore
D) ₹5,000 crore
Answer: C) ₹1,500 crore
Explanation:
Under CLNDA rules, operator liability is capped at ₹1,500 crore. The overall liability is capped at 300 million SDR. This cap has been debated for being inadequate during catastrophic events. Liability limitation is a key issue in nuclear governance.
5. Section 17(b) of CLNDA provides for:
A) Environmental clearance
B) Supplier liability (Right of Recourse)
C) Insurance pool formation
D) Victim compensation tribunal
Answer: B) Supplier liability (Right of Recourse)
Explanation:
Section 17(b) allows operators to seek compensation from suppliers for defective equipment. This is unique compared to global norms under the CSC. It ensures accountability in nuclear safety. Diluting it raises moral hazard concerns.
6. Nuclear energy currently contributes approximately what percentage of India’s electricity generation?
A) 1%
B) 3%
C) 10%
D) 15%
Answer: B) 3%
Explanation:
Nuclear energy contributes around 3% of India’s total electricity generation. Though small, it plays a strategic role in clean energy transition. India aims to expand capacity to 22,480 MW by 2031–32. It supports the Net Zero 2070 commitment.
7. The Dal Lake restoration shift reflects principles of:
A) Command-and-control conservation
B) Market-based regulation
C) Integrated Lake Basin Management
D) Exclusive relocation model
Answer: C) Integrated Lake Basin Management
Explanation:
The new approach emphasizes in-situ conservation and ecosystem-based management. ILBM integrates hydrology, ecology, and community participation. Relocation alone failed to restore ecological balance. Stakeholder inclusion improves sustainability.
8. Eutrophication in Dal Lake is primarily caused by:
A) Acid rain
B) Oil spills
C) Nutrient enrichment
D) Salinity intrusion
Answer: C) Nutrient enrichment
Explanation:
Eutrophication results from excessive nitrates and phosphates entering water bodies. This promotes algal blooms and weed growth. It reduces oxygen levels and harms biodiversity. Agricultural runoff and sewage are major contributors.
9. The Aravalli Range acts as a natural barrier against:
A) Cyclones
B) Floods
C) Desertification from Thar
D) Tsunamis
Answer: C) Desertification from Thar
Explanation:
The Aravallis prevent desert expansion from the Thar Desert into northern India. They also support groundwater recharge and climate moderation. Degradation threatens ecological stability. Judicial intervention seeks to protect this fragile range.
10. The Supreme Court’s stance in the Aravalli case reflects which principle?
A) Laissez-faire
B) Precautionary Principle
C) Doctrine of Eclipse
D) Basic Structure Doctrine
Answer: B) Precautionary Principle
Explanation:
The Court applied the Precautionary Principle under environmental jurisprudence. It prioritizes ecological protection despite economic benefits. Article 21 has been expanded to include environmental rights. Prevention is preferred over post-damage compensation.
11. Idukki Dam is built across which river?
A) Narmada
B) Krishna
C) Periyar
D) Kaveri
Answer: C) Periyar
Explanation:
The Idukki Hydroelectric Project harnesses the Periyar River in Kerala. It is the state’s largest hydel project. The project enhances grid stability and energy security. It highlights renewable energy expansion.
12. Idukki Dam is significant because it is:
A) India’s tallest dam
B) Asia’s first double-curvature arch dam
C) Built on Ganga
D) A gravity dam
Answer: B) Asia’s first double-curvature arch dam
Explanation:
Idukki is Asia’s first double-curvature arch dam. It is among the highest arch dams globally. Engineering excellence makes it historically significant. It ranks third in height in India.
13. Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions discovered in Egypt date roughly between:
A) 1000 BCE–500 BCE
B) 3rd century BCE–3rd century CE
C) 7th century CE–10th century CE
D) 15th century CE–18th century CE
Answer: B) 3rd century BCE–3rd century CE
Explanation:
Tamil-Brahmi script flourished between 3rd BCE and 3rd CE. Its presence in Egypt suggests Indo-Roman trade links. It reflects early transnational cultural exchange. Trade routes connected South India to Red Sea ports.
14. Valley of the Kings is associated with which Egyptian period?
A) Old Kingdom
B) Middle Kingdom
C) New Kingdom
D) Ptolemaic Period
Answer: C) New Kingdom
Explanation:
The Valley of the Kings was used during Egypt’s New Kingdom (1539–1077 BCE). It marked the shift from pyramids to rock-cut tombs. It includes Tutankhamun’s tomb. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
15. Vande Mataram was first published in which novel?
A) Gitanjali
B) Anandamath
C) Bharat Durdasha
D) Durgeshnandini
Answer: B) Anandamath
Explanation:
Vande Mataram was composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee. It appeared in his novel Anandamath (1882). It became a rallying cry during the Swadeshi Movement. It symbolizes nationalist awakening.
16. The official version of Vande Mataram prescribed by MHA is approximately:
A) 1 minute
B) 2 minutes
C) 3 minutes 10 seconds
D) 5 minutes
Answer: C) 3 minutes 10 seconds
Explanation:
The MHA guidelines specify a 3-minute 10-second official version. All six stanzas are to be played. It precedes the National Anthem at official functions. The order of performance is clearly defined.
17. Mumbai’s Sangeet Marg produces music through:
A) Embedded speakers
B) Solar panels
C) Engineered rumble strips
D) Magnetic sensors
Answer: C) Engineered rumble strips
Explanation:
Rumble strips carved at precise intervals create vibrations. These vibrations generate sound waves at specific frequencies. When vehicles travel at 60–80 kmph, melody emerges. It combines safety with innovation.
18. India is the ___ largest hydropower producer globally.
A) 2nd
B) 3rd
C) 5th
D) 8th
Answer: C) 5th
Explanation:
India ranks fifth in hydropower production globally. Installed capacity is about 46 GW. Large hydro was classified as renewable in 2019. Hydropower supports grid stability.
19. The Pechora missile system is best described as:
A. Long-range ballistic missile
B. Medium-range surface-to-air missile
C. Anti-ship cruise missile
D. Intercontinental missile
Answer: B
Explanation:
The Pechora (S-125 Neva/Pechora) is a medium-range surface-to-air missile system designed to intercept low- to medium-altitude aerial threats.
20. The Aravalli Range extends across which of the following states?
A) Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi
B) Punjab, Haryana, UP
C) MP, Chhattisgarh
D) Bihar, Jharkhand
Answer: A) Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi
Explanation:
The Aravallis are among the oldest fold mountains. They extend across Gujarat to Delhi. They support groundwater recharge and biodiversity. Urbanization has heavily degraded them.