APPSC Group-I Prelims 2024

378 questions from the 2024 papers, each with the official answer and an explanation.

A question repeated across years is listed once, under one of the years it appeared.

121. Q121Agricultural geography: crops and their regions

     Which of the following cities lie on the banks of the Godavari River? I. Rajamahendravaram II. Bhadrachalam III. Nanded

     • aIt is the second most important cereal crop.
     • bIt is a Rabi crop that requires a cool growing season.
     • cIt is chiefly grown in the Ganga-Satluj plains.
     • dBlack soil region of the Deccan is not suitable for wheat cultivation.Answer

     Explanation coming soon.

122. Q122Industrial location and industrial regions

     Which of the following statements regarding Andhra Pradesh economy and geography are correct? I. Aquaculture is an important economic activity in coastal Andhra Pradesh. II. Andhra Pradesh is a leading producer of marine products. III. Kolleru Lake lies between Krishna and Godavari deltas.

     • aDamodar basin
     • bSubarnarekha basin
     • cHugli basinAnswer
     • dBrahmaputra basin

     Explanation coming soon.

123. Q123Population, settlement and human geography

     Consider the following statements : I. In general, the terrigenous deposits are derived from the land and are mainly deposited on the continental shelves. II. From the shore onwards, there is a gradual increase in the coarseness of the terrigenous deposits. III. The muds, the finest materials, are the terrigenous deposits. IV. The colouring of the muds depends upon their chemical content. Which of the above statements are correct ?

     • aI, II and III
     • bII, III and IV
     • cI, III and IVAnswer
     • dI, II and IV
     ›Explanation

     Option C is correct because statements I, III, and IV are correct descriptions of terrigenous ocean deposits, while statement II is false. Option A: Statement II is incorrect, so including it makes this option wrong. Option B: Statement II is incorrect, and statement I is erroneously omitted. Option D: Statement II is incorrect because coarseness decreases, not increases, away from the coast, while statement III is omitted.

124. Q124Population, settlement and human geography

     Consider the following statements: I. Tsunamis are generated mainly by undersea earthquakes. II. Cyclones derive energy from warm ocean waters. III. Tornadoes are more common in India than in the United States.

     • aIn 1961 census, 1652 languages were listed as mother tongues in India.
     • bKachchi and Sindhi are Indo-European languages.
     • cAustric languages are spoken by the tribal groups in Jharkhand.
     • dDardi is a Sino-Tibetan language.Answer

     Explanation coming soon.

125. Q125Population, settlement and human geography

     Consider the following statements : I. The Great Rift Valley in East Africa forms a series of lakes. II. Most of these lakes are fresh water lakes. III. Lake Malawi is at the southern end in the Rift Valley. IV. Lake Victoria, the largest one, is a part of the Rift Valley. Which of the above statements are correct ?

     • aI, II and IIIAnswer
     • bII, III and IV
     • cI, II and IV
     • dI, III and IV
     ›Explanation

     Option A is correct because the East African Rift Valley contains a series of major lakes, most of which are freshwater bodies, and terminates near Lake Malawi at its southern boundary. Option B: Statement IV is incorrect because Lake Victoria occupies a shallow depression on the plateau between the two rift branches rather than the rift valley itself. Option C: Statement IV is incorrect because Lake Victoria is not formed within the tectonic rift valley. Option D: Statement IV is incorrect because Lake Victoria is geologically distinct from the rift fault depression.

126. Q126World regional geography

     Consider the following statements regarding agriculture in India: I. Green Revolution initially focused on wheat and rice. II. Punjab and Haryana were major beneficiaries of Green Revolution. III. Millets require less water compared to rice.

     • aI, II, III and IV
     • bI, II, IV and V
     • cI, III, IV and VAnswer
     • dI, III and IV only

     Explanation coming soon.

127. Q127World regional geography

     Which of the following statements regarding climate change are correct? I. Greenhouse gases contribute to global warming. II. Carbon dioxide is a major greenhouse gas. III. Paris Agreement aims to limit global temperature rise.

     • aMoscow to Vladivostok
     • bMoscow to Khabarovsk
     • cSt. Petersburg to VladivostokAnswer
     • dSt. Petersburg to Khabarovsk

     Explanation coming soon.

128. Q128World regional geography

     Following are the regions of Iron and Steel industry in the world : I. The Atlantic coast region : The United States II. The Ural region : Russia III. The Ruhr region : Eastern Europe IV. The North-eastern and Central parts : The United Kingdom Which of the above are correctly matched ?

     • aI, II and III
     • bI, II and IVAnswer
     • cI, III and IV
     • dI, II, III and IV
     ›Explanation

     Option B is correct because regions I, II, and IV are correctly matched to their respective countries, while the Ruhr industrial region is situated in Germany in Western Europe, not Eastern Europe. Option A: Option A includes III, but the Ruhr industrial valley is in Western Europe. Option C: Option C includes the incorrectly matched statement III and omits the correctly matched Ural region of Russia. Option D: Option D includes statement III, which wrongly places the German Ruhr region in Eastern Europe.

129. Q129STATE GEOGRAPHY: the ground both states stand on

     Consider the following statements regarding Andhra Pradesh climate: I. Southwest Monsoon contributes the major share of rainfall. II. Northeast Monsoon is important for coastal districts. III. Cyclones frequently affect the coastal region.

     • aTropical forests found in the Bastar region
     • bTropical evergreen forests of Andaman & Nicobar islands
     • cMoist deciduous forests in the North-eastern states
     • dTemperate forests in the Anaimalai and Palani hillsAnswer

     Explanation coming soon.

130. Q130STATE GEOGRAPHY: the ground both states stand on

     Which of the following statements are correct regarding the Eastern Ghats? I. They are discontinuous mountains. II. They are dissected by major rivers such as Godavari and Krishna. III. Their average elevation is lower than the Western Ghats.

     • aI, II and III
     • bII and III onlyAnswer
     • cI, III and IV
     • dIII and IV only
     ›Explanation

     Option A is correct because the Eastern Ghats are an ancient, highly eroded, discontinuous chain of hill ranges with an average elevation around 600 meters, extensively cut through by peninsular rivers including the Godavari and Krishna. Option B: II and III only wrongly excludes statement I, which correctly describes the discontinuous nature of the range. Option C: I, III and IV includes a non-existent statement IV. Option D: III and IV only includes a non-existent statement IV while omitting the accurate statements I and II.

131. Q131STATE GEOGRAPHY: the ground both states stand on

     Which of the following projects are located on the Krishna River? I. Nagarjuna Sagar Project II. Srisailam Project III. Prakasam Barrage

     • aThe Krishna basin
     • bThe Godavari delta region
     • cThe Kurnool region
     • dThe Chittoor and Nellore regionAnswer

     Explanation coming soon.

132. Q132STATE GEOGRAPHY: the ground both states stand on

     In connection with transport and infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh, which of the following statement/statements is/are valid? I. Andhra Pradesh's first riverine project has been proposed between Muktyala and Madipadu on Krishna river. II. The Bhogapuram Greenfield International Airport had been started with a corpus fund that is sourced from National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF). III. Infrastructure investments in Andhra Pradesh are strictly implemented only with reference to strategic investments like ports and industrial corridors, but not with reference to community assets. IV. Rail Over Bridges (ROBs) are being developed in Andhra Pradesh under the Setu Bandhan Scheme. Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

     • aI, II and III
     • bOnly IV
     • cI and IVAnswer
     • dOnly II
     ›Explanation

     Option C is correct because both statements I and IV are factually valid regarding riverine navigation under National Waterway 4 and the construction of Rail Over Bridges under the Central Setu Bandhan Scheme. Option A: Includes statement II and incorrect statement III, which wrongly asserts that the state does not invest in community infrastructure assets. Option B: Excludes statement I, which is a verified project between Muktyala and Madipadu on the Krishna river. Option D: Considers only statement II, which is inaccurate since the Bhogapuram airport was planned and executed under a public-private partnership model rather than purely with an NIIF corpus fund.

133. Q133Ecology and ecosystems

     Consider the following statements : Statement I : Coral reefs are often called the 'Rainforests of the Sea'. Statement II : Coral reefs break the power of the waves during storms and hurricanes, thus preventing coastal erosion. Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

     • aStatement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II is the correct explanation for Statement I
     • bStatement I and Statement II are correct, but Statement II is not the correct explanation for Statement IAnswer
     • cStatement I is correct, but Statement II is incorrect
     • dStatement I is incorrect, but Statement II is correct

     Explanation coming soon.

134. Q134Ecology and ecosystems

     Consider the following statements: Statement I: Coral reefs are often called 'rainforests of the sea'. Statement II: Coral reefs break the wave energy and storms during cyclones, thereby preventing coastal erosion. Choose the correct answer using the codes given below:

     • aStatement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II is the correct explanation for Statement I
     • bStatement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II is not the correct explanation for Statement IAnswer
     • cStatement I is correct, but Statement II is false
     • dStatement I is false, but Statement II is correct
     ›Explanation

     Option B is correct because both statements are scientifically true, but Statement II describes the physical coastal protection function of reefs, whereas Statement I refers to their exceptional biological diversity. Option A: Statement II explains coastal protection and dissipation of wave energy, not why coral reefs are called rainforests of the sea, which is based on species richness. Option C: Statement II is an established fact regarding reef shoreline protection, making this option incorrect. Option D: Statement I is universally recognized in marine ecology, making the claim that it is false incorrect.

135. Q135Biodiversity and its loss

     Which among the following in India have been named as 'Hope Spots' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and Mission Blue ?

     • aLakshadweep Islands and Raghopur Diyara Island
     • bAndaman and Nicobar Islands and Keibul Lamjao Island
     • cAndaman and Nicobar Islands and Diu Island
     • dLakshadweep Islands and Andaman and Nicobar IslandsAnswer

     Explanation coming soon.

136. Q136Biodiversity and its loss

     Consider the following statements : Statement I : The researchers from various organizations have identified a new species of burrowing frog in the urban landscape of Karnataka and named it as 'Sphaerotheca Varshaabhu'. Statement II : Sphaerotheca Varshaabhu get its name from its behaviour of changing colours from brown to pale brown in the beginning of monsoon season. Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

     • aStatement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II is the correct explanation for Statement I.
     • bStatement I and Statement II are correct, but Statement II is not the correct explanation for Statement I.
     • cStatement I is correct, but Statement II is incorrect.Answer
     • dStatement I is incorrect, but Statement II is correct.
     ›Explanation

     Option C is correct because Statement I accurately reports the discovery of the burrowing frog species Sphaerotheca varshabhu in Bengaluru, Karnataka, but Statement II falsely attributes its naming to a skin color change. Option A: Statement II is incorrect because varshabhu derives from Sanskrit meaning born of rain, celebrating its emergence from underground burrows following rains. Option B: Statement II is false, making any option affirming both statements invalid. Option D: Statement I is factual and documented.

137. Q137Biodiversity and its loss

     Which of the following statement is correct regarding 'Impatiens Karuppusamyi', seen in the news recently ?

     • aA new aquatic flora discovered by the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) in Thamirabarani river of Tamil Nadu.
     • bA new species of Hoof fungus grown on plant species discovered by the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) in Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve.
     • cA new species of Bamboo-dwelling bat discovered by Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) in Madumalai Tiger Reserve.
     • dA new species of plant discovered by researchers of Botanical Survey of India (BSI) in Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve.Answer
     ›Explanation

     Option D is correct because Impatiens karuppusamyi is a new species of balsam plant documented by researchers from the Botanical Survey of India in the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu. Option A: It is a terrestrial herb from the Western Ghats, not an aquatic plant identified by NIO in the Thamirabarani River. Option B: It is a flowering plant, not a hoof fungus found in the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve. Option C: It belongs to the plant kingdom, not a mammal or bat discovered by ZSI in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve.

138. Q138Biodiversity and its loss

     'Impatiens Karuppusamy' recently appeared in the news, which of the following is the correct statement related to it?

     • aA new aquatic flora discovered by the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) in the Thamirabarani River in Tamil Nadu.
     • bA new species of herb plant belonging to plant species discovered by the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) in West Bengal Tiger Reserve.
     • cA new species of bamboo-dwelling bat discovered by the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve.
     • dA new species of plant discovered by researchers of the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) in Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve.Answer
     ›Explanation

     Option D is correct because Impatiens karuppusamyi is a new plant species belonging to the Balsaminaceae family discovered by researchers from the Botanical Survey of India in the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu. Option A: It is a terrestrial flowering plant from a tiger reserve, not an aquatic flora from the Thamirabarani River discovered by NIO. Option B: It was discovered in the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve of Tamil Nadu, not in a West Bengal tiger reserve. Option C: It is a species of flowering plant, not a bamboo-dwelling bat species.

139. Q139Biodiversity and its loss

     Consider the following statements: Statement I: Researchers from various institutions identified a new species of frog in the urban landscape of Karnataka and named it 'Sphaerotheca varshabhu'. Statement II: It was named Sphaerotheca varshabhu due to its behavior of changing color from brown to light brown at the onset of the monsoon season. Choose the correct answer using the codes given below:

     • aStatement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II is the correct explanation for Statement I.
     • bStatement I and Statement II are correct, but Statement II is not the correct explanation for Statement I.
     • cStatement I is correct, but Statement II is wrong.Answer
     • dStatement I is wrong, but Statement II is correct.
     ›Explanation

     Option C is correct because Statement I is accurate regarding the discovery of the burrowing frog Sphaerotheca varshabhu in Bengaluru, Karnataka, while Statement II is incorrect regarding the origin of its name. Option A: Statement II is wrong because varshabhu is a Sanskrit term meaning born out of rain, chosen because the frog emerges from burrows with the onset of the monsoon, not because it changes color. Option B: Statement II is factually erroneous rather than a true statement that fails to explain Statement I. Option D: Statement I is factual and accurate.

140. Q140Wildlife and forest conservation

     Match the following : List-I (Wildlife Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh) A. Coringa B. Gundla Brahmeswaram C. Rollapadu D. Sri Lankamalleswara List-II (Endangered Species) I. Great Indian Bustard II. Jerdon's Courser III. Saltwater Crocodile IV. Tiger Choose the correct answer using the codes given below : A B C D (1) I II III IV (2) II I IV III (3) III I IV II (4) III IV I II

     • aA-IV, B-II, C-III, D-I
     • bA-II, B-IV, C-I, D-III
     • cA-IV, B-III, C-II, D-I
     • dA-I, B-II, C-III, D-IVAnswer

     Explanation coming soon.

141. Q141Wildlife and forest conservation

     Identify the Biosphere Reserves in India which are not a part of Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme of UNESCO : I. Nokrek Biosphere Reserve II. Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve III. Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve IV. Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve V. Great Rann of Kutch Biosphere Reserve Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

     • aI, II and IV
     • bII, III and IV
     • cI, IV and V
     • dII, IV and VAnswer
     ›Explanation

     Option D is correct because Cold Desert, Dibru-Saikhowa, and Great Rann of Kutch are designated as Indian Biosphere Reserves but have not been included in UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves under the MAB Programme. Nokrek Biosphere Reserve: Included in UNESCO MAB list in 2009 Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve: Included in UNESCO MAB list in 2018 Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve: Not recognized under UNESCO MAB Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve: Not recognized under UNESCO MAB Great Rann of Kutch Biosphere Reserve: Not recognized under UNESCO MAB Option A: Incorrectly includes Nokrek, which is recognized under UNESCO MAB. Option B: Incorrectly includes Khangchendzonga, which was added to the UNESCO MAB network in 2018. Option C: Incorrectly includes Nokrek, which is part of the UNESCO MAB network.

142. Q142Wildlife and forest conservation

     Consider the following statements regarding 30 by 30 initiative : I. 30 by 30 is a global initiative for governments for ensuring that at least 30% of the energy requirements should be met by renewable sources by 2030 to achieve Net Zero target. II. 30 by 30 initiative was launched by High Ambition Coalition (HAC) for Nature and People. III. India is the first among the BRICS countries to join the High Ambition Coalition (HAC). Which among the above statements are correct ?

     • aI and II only
     • bII and III onlyAnswer
     • cI and III only
     • dAll the above

     Explanation coming soon.

143. Q143Wildlife and forest conservation

     Consider the following statements about Seed Vault: I. The Svalbard Global Seed Vault facility is established on the Norwegian island of Spitsbergen and is the world's largest secure seed storage vault. II. India's Seed Vault is located at Chang La in Ladakh, at a high mountain pass. III. The Indian Seed Vault was jointly built by the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources and the Defence Institute of High-Altitude Research. Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect?

     • aI and II only
     • bI and III only
     • cII only
     • dNoneAnswer
     ›Explanation

     Option D is correct because all three statements are factually accurate, meaning none of the given statements is incorrect. Statement I: Svalbard Global Seed Vault is located on the Norwegian island of Spitsbergen. Statement II: India's high-altitude seed vault is situated at Chang La in Ladakh. Statement III: The Indian vault was jointly set up by NBPGR and DIHAR. Option A: Both statements I and II are correct, so they cannot be selected as incorrect statements. Option B: Both statements I and III are correct, so they cannot be chosen as incorrect. Option C: Statement II is factually true and therefore not incorrect.

144. Q144Climate change: policy and response

     Consider the following statements regarding Global Shield against Climate Risks initiative : I. Global Shield against Climate Risks initiative was launched at COP27 and it is a collaboration between the Vulnerable Twenty (V20) group, the Group of Seven (G7) and other supporting countries. II. The Global Shield will increase protection for vulnerable people and countries by substantially enhancing Climate and Disaster Risk Finance and Insurance (CDRFI). Which among the above statements is/are incorrect ?

     • aI only
     • bII only
     • cBoth I and II
     • dNone of the aboveAnswer

     Explanation coming soon.

145. Q145Climate change: policy and response

     Consider the following statements regarding the 30 by 30 initiative: I. 30 by 30 is a global initiative for governments to ensure that at least 30% of energy needs are met by renewable sources by 2030 to achieve the net-zero target. II. The 30 by 30 initiative was launched by the High Ambition Coalition (HAC) for Nature and People. III. India is the first among BRICS countries to join the High Ambition Coalition (HAC). Which of the above statements is correct?

     • aI and II only
     • bII and III onlyAnswer
     • cI and III only
     • dAll of the above
     ›Explanation

     Option B is correct because statements II and III are accurate, while statement I is wrong because the 30 by 30 initiative targets the conservation of at least 30 percent of the Earth's terrestrial and marine areas by 2030, not a renewable energy threshold. Option A: Wrongly validates statement I, which misstates the nature of the 30 by 30 target as an energy quota. Option C: Accepts the incorrect renewable energy description in statement I while excluding statement II. Option D: Incorrectly accepts statement I as valid alongside statements II and III.

146. Q146Climate change: policy and response

     Consider the following statements regarding the Global Shield against Climate Risks: I. The Global Shield against Climate Risks was launched at COP27 with the cooperation of the Vulnerable 20 (V20) Group, Group of Seven (G7) and other countries. II. The Global Shield reduces the impact of disasters, protects lives and livelihoods, and provides significant development and protection to countries through Climate and Disaster Risk Finance and Insurance (CDRFI). Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?

     • aI only
     • bII only
     • cBoth I and II
     • dNoneAnswer
     ›Explanation

     Option D is correct because neither statement is incorrect, as both accurately outline the launch partners and financial protection mechanism of the Global Shield. Option A: Statement I is factually accurate because the initiative was launched jointly by the V20 and G7 at COP27. Option B: Statement II is factually accurate because the initiative functions through Climate and Disaster Risk Finance and Insurance mechanisms. Option C: Both statements are true, making the claim that either is incorrect false.

147. Q147Environmental law, institutions and treaties

     Identify the new sites in India added to the list of Ramsar sites on the eve of World Wetland Day 2024 : I. Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary II. Thol Lake Wildlife Sanctuary III. Pichvaram Mangrove IV. Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve V. Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

     • aI and III only
     • bII and IV only
     • cI and IV onlyAnswer
     • dI and V only
     ›Explanation

     Option C is correct because out of the five new Indian sites recognized on the eve of World Wetland Day 2024, Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary and Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve were included. Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary: designated in 2024 Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve: designated in 2024 Thol Lake Wildlife Sanctuary: designated in 2021 Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary: designated in 2021 Pichavaram Mangrove: designated in 2022 Option A: Pichavaram Mangrove is incorrect because it was added to the Ramsar registry in 2022. Option B: Thol Lake Wildlife Sanctuary is incorrect because it was designated as a Ramsar site in 2021. Option D: Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary is incorrect because it gained Ramsar status in 2021.

148. Q148Environmental law, institutions and treaties

     Consider the following statements regarding the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA): I. The International Big Cat Alliance is a multi-country, multi-agency coalition comprising 96 big cat range countries, non-range countries interested in their conservation, conservation partners, and scientific organizations working in the field of big cat conservation. II. The Union Cabinet has approved a one-time budget allocation of ₹ 150 crore for a period of 2 years from 2023-24 to 2024-2025 and the establishment of the International Big Cat Alliance headquarters in India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

     • aI onlyAnswer
     • bII only
     • cBoth I and II
     • dNeither I nor II
     ›Explanation

     Option A is correct because statement I accurately describes the coalition covering 96 big cat range countries, whereas statement II is incorrect because the Union Cabinet approved the Rs 150 crore budgetary support for a period of 5 years (from 2023-24 to 2027-28), not 2 years. Option B: It incorrectly validates statement II, which gives an erroneous timeframe of 2 years rather than 5 years. Option C: It assumes statement II is fully accurate despite the wrong duration for the financial outlay. Option D: It rejects statement I, which accurately states the composition and range-country scope of the alliance.

149. Q149Environmental law, institutions and treaties

     Recently, among the following, which is the 119th country to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA)?

     • aBrazilia
     • bRomania
     • cZubair
     • dMaltaAnswer
     ›Explanation

     Option D is correct because the Republic of Malta officially joined the International Solar Alliance as its 119th member in February 2024. International Solar Alliance founded: 30 November 2015 Malta signed the ISA Framework Agreement: February 2024 Malta ISA membership position: 119th member Option A: Brazil joined the International Solar Alliance much earlier and became a full member in 2023. Option B: Romania joined the ISA as its 118th member in December 2023. Option C: Zubair is not an independent sovereign country and has not joined the ISA.

150. Q150Environment and health

     Recently, Tamil Nadu state banned the sales of cotton candy due to the presence of which carcinogenic agent?

     • aOrganochloric sales
     • bBenzidine
     • c1,3-Butadiene
     • dRhodamine-BAnswer
     ›Explanation

     Option D is correct because the Tamil Nadu government banned cotton candy after food safety laboratory tests detected Rhodamine-B, a synthetic chemical dye used in textiles and paper manufacturing that is toxic and classified as a potential carcinogen. Option A: Organochloric compounds are pesticide-related chemicals, not the synthetic textile dye found in the cotton candy samples. Option B: Benzidine is an aromatic amine used in dyes, but it was not the specific adulterant flagged by the state food safety department. Option C: 1,3-Butadiene is an industrial gas used in synthetic rubber production, not a food coloring adulterant.

151. Q151Sustainable development goals

     Which of the following statement/statements is/are valid in connection with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) ? I. Achieving Goal 10 will require an entire reform of the financial system that promotes equitable pay and decent work for young people. II. NITI Aayog has developed the National Indicator Framework (NIF) for facilitating monitoring of SDGs in India. III. 'Mission LiFE' aims to influence government and industrial policy to support both sustainable consumption and production. IV. The concept of global citizenship embedded in Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) is a reference term that indicates flexible citizenship rights across countries for the purpose of facilitating better labour markets. Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

     • aAll
     • bI, II and IV
     • cOnly IIIAnswer
     • dII and IV
     ›Explanation

     Option C is correct because Mission LiFE focuses on nudging individuals, institutions, and industrial policies toward sustainable consumption and production practices. Option A: Statements I, II, and IV are incorrect because SDG 10 deals with inequalities rather than decent work, the National Indicator Framework was developed by MoSPI rather than NITI Aayog, and SDG 4.7 defines global citizenship as an educational concept rather than an employment passport. Option B: Statements I, II, and IV are all factually inaccurate in their descriptions of targets, institutional custodianship, and educational mandates. Option D: Statement II misidentifies NITI Aayog as the creator of the National Indicator Framework instead of MoSPI, and statement IV misrepresents the meaning of global citizenship.

152. Q152Policy, missions and institutions

     Which of the following programme by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) is to encourage and support senior women scientists to conduct research in interdisciplinary areas of science and technology ?

     • aINSPIRE-SHE
     • bGATI
     • cSERB-POWER
     • dWIDUSHIAnswer
     ›Explanation

     Option D is correct because WIDUSHI (Women's Instinct for Developing and Ushering in Scientific Heights and Innovations) was introduced by DST to provide opportunities and research support to senior and retired women scientists pursuing interdisciplinary research. Option A: INSPIRE-SHE targets undergraduate and postgraduate students with scholarships, not senior women researchers. Option B: GATI is an institutional framework designed to drive gender equity across universities and institutes rather than an individual research grant. Option C: SERB-POWER provides research grants and fellowships to active female researchers across regular stages of their careers, but is not DST's dedicated scheme tailored for senior women scientists.

153. Q153Policy, missions and institutions

     Which of the following programs by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) is designed to encourage and support senior women scientists to conduct research in interdisciplinary fields related to Science and Technology?

     • aINSPIRE-SHE
     • bGATI
     • cSERB-POWER
     • dWIDUSHIAnswer
     ›Explanation

     Option D is correct because WIDUSHI, which stands for Women Instinct for Developing and Ushering in Scientific Heights and Innovations, is a DST initiative created specifically to support senior women scientists, including those superannuating or retired, in pursuing interdisciplinary research. Option A: INSPIRE-SHE is incorrect because the Scholarship for Higher Education is targeted at young undergraduate and postgraduate students pursuing basic and natural sciences. Option B: GATI is incorrect because Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions is an institutional charter aimed at systemic gender equity, not a research grant for individuals. Option C: SERB-POWER is incorrect because it provides research funding and fellowships to active regular women faculty members, rather than targeting senior or retired scientists like WIDUSHI.

154. Q154Policy, missions and institutions

     Among the following, identify the lead institutions which are in collaboration with LIGO Laboratory as a part of LIGO-India project : I. Institute for Plasma Research (IPR), Gandhinagar II. Kepler's Observatory & Research Centre, Haryana III. Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), Pune IV. Raja Ramanna Center for Advanced Technology (RRCAT), Indore V. Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

     • aI, II and III
     • bII, III and V
     • cI, III and IVAnswer
     • dII, III and IV

     Explanation coming soon.

155. Q155Policy, missions and institutions

     Consider the following statements about Seed Vaults : I. Svalbard Global Seed Vault is a facility on a remote Norwegian Spitsbergen Island, and it is the world's largest secure seed storage vault. II. India's Seed Vault is located in a high-altitude mountain pass on the Chang La in Ladakh. III. Indian Seed Vault is a joint venture of National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources and the Defence Institute of High Altitude Research. Which among the above statements is/are incorrect?

     • aI and II only
     • bI and III only
     • cII only
     • dNone of the aboveAnswer
     ›Explanation

     Option D is correct because none of the statements are incorrect; all three provide accurate descriptions of global and national seed preservation facilities. Option A: Statements I and II are both factually correct regarding the Svalbard facility in Norway and the Chang La facility in Ladakh. Option B: Statements I and III correctly identify the Arctic vault and the collaborative bodies running the Indian seed vault. Option C: Statement II accurately notes that India's seed repository is stationed at a high-altitude pass at Chang La.

156. Q156Policy, missions and institutions

     Which organization developed India's indigenous Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) with a capacity of 500 MWe at Kalpakkam?

     • aBhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC)
     • bCentral Institute of Mining and Fuel Research (CIMFR)
     • cIndira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR)
     • dBharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI)Answer

     Official answer shown. The explanation is under review.

157. Q157Policy, missions and institutions

     Consider the following statements about the indigenous Green Propulsion System successfully demonstrated in space during ISRO's PSLV-C58 mission: I. It was developed by Bellatrix Aerospace Private Limited under DRDO's Technology Development Fund scheme. II. The Green Propulsion System is an innovative technology, a non-toxic and eco-friendly propulsion system useful in low orbit space. III. The Green Propulsion System is suitable for space missions with high thrust requirements. Which of the above statements are correct?

     • aI and II only
     • bII and III only
     • cI and III only
     • dAll of the aboveAnswer
     ›Explanation

     Option D is correct because all three statements accurately describe the indigenous Green Propulsion System tested on the POEM-3 platform aboard the PSLV-C58 mission. Developed by Bellatrix Aerospace under DRDO's Technology Development Fund scheme Provides an eco-friendly, non-toxic alternative to toxic hydrazine for low earth orbit applications Engineered specifically to cater to satellite and space missions requiring high thrust performance Option A: Omits statement III, which is a verified capability of this propulsion setup as highlighted by DRDO. Option B: Omits statement I, ignoring the critical funding and development framework led by Bellatrix Aerospace and DRDO TDF. Option C: Omits statement II, failing to account for the primary green, non-toxic operational benefit of the propulsion module.

158. Q158Space technology

     Consider the following statements about the indigenous Green propulsion system that was successfully demonstrated in space on ISRO's PSLV-C58 mission: I. It was developed by Bellatrix Aerospace Private Limited under the Technology Development Fund scheme of DRDO. II. Green propulsion system is an an innovative technology which is a non-toxic and environmentally-friendly propulsion system for low orbit space. III. Green propulsion system is ideal for space missions with high thrust requirement. Which among the above statements are correct?

     • aI and II only
     • bII and III only
     • cI and III only
     • dAll the aboveAnswer

     Explanation coming soon.

159. Q159Space technology

     What is the name of the launch vehicle used by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for launching NVS-01 navigation satellite into orbit in May 2023?

     • aGSLV-F12Answer
     • bGSLV-F14
     • cGSLV-F16
     • dGSLV-F18
     ›Explanation

     Option A is correct because ISRO deployed the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle mission GSLV-F12 to launch the first second-generation navigation satellite, NVS-01, on 29 May 2023. Option B: GSLV-F14 is incorrect because it launched the INSAT-3DS meteorological satellite in February 2024. Option C: GSLV-F16 is incorrect because it is designated for the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar mission. Option D: GSLV-F18 is incorrect because it is a future mission designation not used for NVS-01.

160. Q160Space technology

     Consider the following statements regarding GSAT-N2 : I. It is the first demand driven satellite mission that is fully funded and owned by New Space India Limited (NSIL). II. GSAT-N2 satellite will be lifted by using SpaceX's Falcon-9 rocket rocket and scheduled in the 2nd quarter of 2025. III. The collaboration of NSIL with SpaceX was made due to the current limitation of India's rockets, which are lacking in the capacity to lift large communication satellites. Which among the above given statements are correct?

     • aI and II
     • bII and III
     • cI and IIIAnswer
     • dI, II and III

     Explanation coming soon.