1.The debate on using Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) in central–State transfers is primarily linked to which constitutional mechanism?
(a) Goods and Services Tax Council
(b) Finance Commission
(c) Inter-State Council
(d) Planning Commission
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Central–State tax devolution is determined by Finance Commission recommendations, and the 16th FC debate revolves around whether GSDP should receive higher weight.
2. Which of the following best explains why PAN-based tax data is unreliable for measuring State tax contribution?
(a) PAN data excludes GST collections
(b) Taxes are recorded where consumption occurs
(c) Taxes are recorded at the registered office location
(d) PAN data is available only for direct taxes
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Direct taxes are recorded at the registered office, not where production happens, misrepresenting State-level contributions.
3. Consider the following correlations related to GSDP:
Correlation between GSDP and direct tax collections is high.
Correlation between GSDP and GST collections is stronger than with direct taxes.
Which of the above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
GSDP shows 0.75 correlation with direct taxes and 0.91 with GST, indicating strong linkage.
4. Under the current transfer formula (2020–25), which State received the highest share of transfers?
(a) Maharashtra
(b) Bihar
(c) Uttar Pradesh
(d) West Bengal
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Uttar Pradesh received 15.81%, the highest share of total transfers.
5. Which of the following States would gain if transfers were based purely on GSDP share?
Maharashtra
Gujarat
Bihar
Tamil Nadu
Select the correct answer:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 4 only
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
High-contributing States like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu would benefit.
6. The Supreme Court’s practice of issuing repeated interim orders and continuous monitoring is referred to as:
(a) Judicial Review
(b) Judicial Activism
(c) Continuing Mandamus
(d) Advisory Jurisdiction
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Continuing mandamus involves frequent interim directions, often creating governance uncertainty.
7. Which of the following best distinguishes Judicial Activism from Judicial Overreach?
(a) Activism weakens democracy, overreach strengthens it
(b) Activism protects rights, overreach encroaches executive domain
(c) Activism replaces regulators, overreach disciplines them
(d) There is no real distinction
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Judicial activism safeguards rights, while judicial overreach crosses constitutional boundaries.
8. The Supreme Court’s eco-sensitive zone ruling initially mandated a buffer of:
(a) 500 metres
(b) 750 metres
(c) 1 kilometre
(d) 5 kilometres
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
The Court initially mandated a 1 km ESZ buffer, later modified.
9. Which of the following is NOT a concern related to 10-minute delivery platforms?
(a) Road safety risks
(b) Algorithmic control over workers
(c) Guaranteed minimum wages
(d) High attrition rates
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Gig workers do not receive guaranteed minimum wages, making (c) incorrect.
10. According to NITI Aayog, the expected size of India’s gig workforce by 2030 is approximately:
(a) 1 crore
(b) 1.5 crore
(c) 2.35 crore
(d) 5 crore
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Nearly 2.35 crore workers are projected to join the gig economy by 2030.
11. India currently lacks which of the following in its space governance framework?
(a) Commercial space agency
(b) Authorisation body
(c) National space law
(d) Launch vehicle programme
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
India does not yet have a comprehensive national space law, causing role ambiguity.
12. The Next-Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) aims to carry approximately how much payload to Low Earth Orbit?
(a) 10 tonnes
(b) 15 tonnes
(c) 20 tonnes
(d) 30 tonnes
Answer: (d)
Explanation:
NGLV targets 30-tonne payload capacity with reusability.
13. PRAGATI platform is chaired by:
(a) Union Finance Minister
(b) Cabinet Secretary
(c) Prime Minister
(d) NITI Aayog Vice-Chairperson
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
PRAGATI is a PM-chaired digital governance platform.
14. How many power projects have been completed under PRAGATI so far?
(a) 33
(b) 43
(c) 53
(d) 63
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
43 projects worth ₹3.02 lakh crore have been completed.
15. Which entity had the highest number of projects reviewed under PRAGATI?
(a) NTPC
(b) NHPC
(c) THDC
(d) PGCIL
Answer: (d)
Explanation:
Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL) had 22 projects reviewed.
16. Tex-RAMPS scheme primarily focuses on:
(a) Export subsidies
(b) Infrastructure financing
(c) Statistical and research ecosystem
(d) Labour law reforms
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Tex-RAMPS strengthens data, research, and planning in the textile sector.
17. Under Tex-RAMPS, each participating State receives an annual grant of:
(a) ₹5 lakh
(b) ₹10 lakh
(c) ₹12 lakh
(d) ₹25 lakh
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Each State/UT receives ₹12 lakh annually, plus district-level support.
18. Bio-Bitumen is produced using which of the following processes?
(a) Fermentation
(b) Electrolysis
(c) Pyrolysis
(d) Polymerisation
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Bio-bitumen is derived from biomass through pyrolysis.
19. Which CSIR institutes developed Bio-Bitumen technology?
(a) CSIR-NGRI and CSIR-IIP
(b) CSIR-CRRI and CSIR-IIP
(c) CSIR-NEERI and CSIR-CFTRI
(d) CSIR-IMTECH and CSIR-CRRI
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Developed by CSIR-CRRI (Delhi) and CSIR-IIP (Dehradun).
20. Dust Experiment (DEX) was launched aboard which mission?
(a) Gaganyaan Test Flight
(b) Chandrayaan-3
(c) PSLV-C58 XPoSat Mission
(d) Aditya-L1
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
DEX was launched aboard PSLV-C58 XPoSat Mission using the POEM platform.