Question Number: 1

Question Type: MCQ

Question Difficulty Level: hard
Marking: (+2, -0.66)
Expected time to solve: 60 seconds
Topic: World geography
Concept: World geography through maps
PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION: NO

.1) Arrange the following capital cities of West Asia from west to east direction:

1) Ankara
2) Damascus
3) Tbilisi
4) Muscat
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A) 1-2-3-4
B) 1-3-2-4
C) 2-1-3-4
D) 2-3-1-4
ANS: A
Explanation:
Question Number: 2
Question Type: MCQ
Question Difficulty Level: hard
Marking: (+2, -0.66)
Expected time to solve: 60 seconds
Topic: Indian Geography
Concept: physiography of India
PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION: NO

Q.2) Consider the following statements regarding the Western Ghats

1) Western Ghats are older than the Himalayas.
2) The mountain range is also a “hottest hotspot” of biodiversity.
Select the correct answer using the code given below
A) 1 only
B) 2 only
C) Both 1 and 2
D) Neither 1 nor 2
ANS: C
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct: The Western Ghats are a continuous range of mountain. High
biodiversity and endemism are special features of Western Ghats. Western Ghats are older
than the Himalayas. Hence, 1 is correct.
Statement 2 is correct: The mountain range is also a “Hottest Hotspot” of biodiversity.
The region is in the news in the recent past due to the proposed road tunnel beneath western
ghats. The 7-km tunnel, being described as the third-longest in the country, is part of an 8-
km road cutting through sensitive forests and hills of the Western Ghats. It will connect
Kozhikode with Wayanad.

Question Number: 3
Question Type: MCQ
Question Difficulty Level: medium
Marking: (+2, -0.66)
Expected time to solve: 60 seconds
Topic: Science and Technology
Concept: Science and Technology in India
PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION: NO

Q.3) Recently, India successfully conducted the flight test of a Supersonic Missile Assisted
Release of Torpedo (SMART) system. It is conducted by which of the following institution
A) DRDO
B) ISRO
C) BARC
 D) None of the above.
ANS: A
Explanation: India successfully conducted the flight test of a Supersonic Missile Assisted
Release of Torpedo (SMART) system developed by the Defence Research and
Development Organisation (DRDO).

Question Number: 4
Question Type: MCQ
Question Difficulty Level: easy
Marking: (+2, -0.66)
Expected time to solve: 60 seconds
Topic: Indian Economy
Concept: Taxation
PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION: NO

Q.4) Who is the highest authority for appeals under GST?

A) Ministry of Finance
B) State High Court
C) Supreme Court
D) Central Board of Excise and Customs
ANS: C
Explanation: Under GST, if a person is not satisfied with the decision passed by any lower
court, an appeal can be raised to a higher court, the hierarchy for the same are as follows
(from low to high):
● Adjudicating Authority
● Appellate Authority
● Appellate Tribunal
● High Court
● Supreme Court.
Hence, C is the correct answer.

Question Number: 5
Question Type: MCQ
Question Difficulty Level: easy
Marking: (+2, -0.66)
Expected time to solve: 60 seconds
Topic: Indian Economy
Concept: Taxation
PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION: NO

Q.5) Consider the following statements regarding GST

1) GST is one of the biggest indirect tax reforms in the country.
2) Under the GST (Compensation to States) Act, 2017, states are guaranteed
compensation for loss of revenue on account of implementation of GST.
Select the correct answer using the code given below
A) 1 only
B) 2 only
C) Both 1 and 2
D) Neither 1 nor 2
ANS: C
Explanation: Both the statements are correct. GST is one of the biggest indirect tax reforms in
the country. Under the GST (Compensation to States) Act, 2017, states are guaranteed
compensation for loss of revenue on account of implementation of GST for a transition
period of five years between 2017 and 22. The issue is in the news due to stalemate over GST
compensation in the GST Council meetings.

Question Number: 6
Question Type: MCQ
Question Difficulty Level: easy
Marking: (+2, -0.66)
Expected time to solve: 60 seconds
Topic: Indian Economy
Concept: Banking and Financial inclusion
PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION: NO

Q.6) India’s central bank, RBI performs various functions. Which of these are its functions
according to the RBI act, 1934.
1) managing inflation
2) acting as banker’s bank
3) managing India’s Forex
4) handling the government’s borrowing program
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
A) 2, 3 and 4 only
B) 1, 2 and 3 only
D) 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, 3 and 4
ANS: D
Explanation: RBI’s functions – acting as banker’s bank, managing India’s Forex and
handling govt’s borrowing programme and managing inflation also. Hence, D is the correct
answer.

Question Number: 7
Question Type: MCQ
Question Difficulty Level: medium
Marking: (+2, -0.66)
Expected time to solve: 60 seconds
Topic: Indian Economy
Concept: Current Affairs
PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION: NO

Q.7) Global Competitiveness Report is published by

A) WEF
B) IMF
C) RBI
D) WORLD BANK
ANS: A
Explanation: The Global Competitiveness Report (GCR) is a yearly report published by
the World Economic Forum. The report "assesses the ability of countries to provide high
levels of prosperity to their citizens". This in turn depends on how productively a
country uses available resources. Therefore, the Global Competitiveness Index measures the
set of institutions, policies, and factors that set the sustainable current and medium-term
levels of economic prosperity.

Question Number: 8
Question Type: MCQ
Question Difficulty Level: easy
Marking: (+2, -0.66)
Expected time to solve: 60 seconds
Topic: Indian polity
Concept: Indian Constitution
PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION: NO

Q.8) Which article of the Indian Constitution provides the right to constitutional remedies?
A) article 32
B) article 20
C) article 35
D) article 25
ANS: A
Explanation: Article 32 provides the right to Constitutional remedies which means that a
person has the right to move to the Supreme Court for getting his fundamental rights
protected. Article 32 was called the “soul of the constitution and very heart of it” by Dr
Ambedkar. Supreme Court has included it in basic structure doctrine.

Question Number: 9
Question Type: MCQ
Question Difficulty Level: easy
Marking: (+2, -0.66)
Expected time to solve: 60 seconds
Topic: Indian polity
Concept: Indian Constitution
PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION: NO

Q.9) Consider the following statements regarding fundamental rights

1) Some are not self-executory.
2) Fundamental rights are absolute in nature.
Which of the above statement/s is/are correct?
A) 1 only
B) 2 only
 C) Both 1 and 2
D) Neither 1 nor 2
ANS: A
Explanation: Certain fundamental rights need to enact separate legislation to make it
enforceable. Article 17, 21A, 23, and 24 require separate legislation like protection of the
civil rights act, the prohibition of child labour act etc. Hence, 1 is correct.
Fundamental rights are not absolute in nature. There are reasonable restrictions on the
fundamental rights also. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

Question Number: 10
Question Type: MCQ
Question Difficulty Level: easy
Marking: (+2, -0.66)
Expected time to solve: 60 seconds
Topic: Indian polity
Concept: Indian Constitution
PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION: NO

Q.10) Under Article 19(2) of the Indian constitution, the state may make a law imposing
‘reasonable restrictions’ on the exercise of the right to freedom of speech and expression in
the interest of the public on which of the following grounds?
1) security of state
2) public order
3) contempt of court
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1, and 3 only
D) 1,2 and 3
ANS: D
Explanation: Under Indian law, the freedom of speech and of the press do not confer an
absolute right to express one's thoughts freely. Clause (2) of Article 19 of the Indian
constitution enables the legislature to impose certain restrictions on free speech under the
following heads:
I. security of the State,
II. friendly relations with foreign States,
III. public order,
IV. decency and morality,
V. contempt of court,
VI. defamation,
VII. incitement to an offence, and
VIII. sovereignty and integrity of India.
Hence, D is the correct answer.

Question Number: 11
Question Type: MCQ
Question Difficulty Level: easy
Marking: (+2, -0.66)
Expected time to solve: 60 seconds
Topic: Indian polity
Concept: Indian Constitution
PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION: NO

Q.11) Consider the following statements regarding the concept of secularism:

1. The separation of religion-state is a necessary but not a sufficient ingredient of a secular
state.
2. Under the American model of secularism, religion and state are not considered mutually
exclusive as they interact at a number of points.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: A
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct: To be truly secular, a state must not only refuse to be theocratic but
also have no formal, legal alliance with any religion. The separation of religion-state is,
however, a necessary but not a sufficient ingredient of a secular state.
Statement 2 is incorrect: Under the American model of secularism, separation of religion and
state is understood as mutual exclusion: the state will not intervene in the affairs of religion
and, in the same manner, religion will not interfere in the affairs of the state.

Question Number: 12
Question Type: MCQ
Question Difficulty Level: easy
Marking: (+2, -0.66)
Expected time to solve: 60 seconds
Topic: current affairs
Concept:current affairs
PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION: NO

Q.12) Consider the following statements regarding “Daring Cities Conference”

1) It is a virtual, action-oriented forum to recognize and empower urban leaders.
2) It showcases and catalyses exemplary local climate action to tackle the climate
emergency, including ambitious resilience-building and climate mitigation efforts.
Which of the above statement/s is/are correct?
A) 1 only
B) 2 only
C) Both 1 and 2
D) Neither 1 nor 2
ANS: C
Explanation: This October, ICLEI and the Federal City of Bonn are excited to welcome you
to Daring Cities 2020, a virtual, global forum on climate change for urban leaders
tackling the climate emergency, especially in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Daring Cities 2020 will run from 7-28 October 2020, offering an online array of high level
and visionary speaking sessions, a series of informative workshops and personal networking
opportunities. Over a three-week period, attendees will have access to a variety of virtual
formats to accommodate different topics, time zones, internet bandwidth limits, and
languages. The event will help to set the course to COP26, Daring Cities 2021 and beyond.
Hence, both the statements are correct.

Question Number: 13
Question Type: MCQ
Question Difficulty Level: easy
Marking: (+2, -0.66)
Expected time to solve: 60 seconds
Topic: Indian Polity
Concept:Indian Constitution
PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION: NO

Q.13) Which of the following states is covered under the provisions of the sixth schedule of
the constitution?
1) Assam
2) Meghalaya
3) Tripura
4) Mizoram
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
A) 1,2 and 3 only
B) 2,3 and 4 only
C) 1,2,3 and 4
D) 1,3 and 4 only
ANS: C
Explanation: Sixth Schedule deals with the provisions relating to the administration of tribal
areas in the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram. It allows constitution of
Autonomous District Councils in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura & Mizoram to safeguard the
rights of tribal population. Hence, C is the correct answer.
Recently, Bodoland poll has got Assam Cabinet nod.
The Assam Cabinet on Wednesday decided to request
the State Election Commission to schedule the Bodoland Territorial Council
election in December.

Question Number: 14
Question Type: MCQ
Question Difficulty Level: easy
Marking: (+2, -0.66)
Expected time to solve: 60 seconds
Topic: International Relations
Concept:Indian and the world
PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION: NO
Q.14) The term “QUAD” is in the news in the recent past. Which of the below-mentioned
countries forms this grouping?
1) India
2) Japan
3) USA
4) Australia
A) 1,2 and 3 only
B) 1,2 and 4 only
C) 2,3 and 4 only
D) 1,2,3and 4.
ANS: D
Explanation: The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QSD, also known as the Quad) is an
informal strategic forum between the United States, Japan, Australia and India that is
maintained by semi-regular summits, information exchanges and military drills between
member countries. With the second meeting of the Quadrilateral Strategic
Dialogue of Foreign Ministers in Tokyo on Tuesday, the Quad has entered a decisive phase.

Question Number: 15
Question Type: MCQ
Question Difficulty Level: easy
Marking: (+2, -0.66)
Expected time to solve: 60 seconds
Topic: Indian Economy
Concept: Socio-Economic Issues
PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION: NO

Q.15) Consider the following statements regarding ‘Gig Economy’

1) A gig economy is a free market system in which temporary, flexible jobs are
commonplace and companies tend toward hiring independent contractors and freelancers
instead of full-time employees.
2) A gig economy undermines the traditional economy of full-time workers who
rarely change positions and instead focus on a lifetime career.
Which of the above statement/s is/are correct?
 A) 1 only
B) 2 only
C) Both 1 and 2
D) Neither 1 nor 2
ANS: C
Explanation: A gig economy is a free market system in which temporary positions are
common and organizations hire independent workers for short-term commitments. The term
"gig" is a slang word for a job that lasts a specified period of time. Hence, statement 1 is
correct.
Traditional workers have long term employer-employee relationship in which the worker is
paid by the hour or year, earning a wage or salary. Hence, statement 2 is also correct.

Question Number: 16
Question Type: MCQ
Question Difficulty Level: medium
Marking: (+2, -0.66)
Expected time to solve: 60 seconds
Topic: science and technology
Concept: new technologies
PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION: NO

Q.16) CRISPR-Cas9 is often in the news in the recent past. It is related to

A) Blackhole
B) Nuclear research
C) Gene editing technique
D) None of the above
ANS: C
Explanation: Makers of gene ‘scissors’ win Chemistry Nobel. French-American duo
developed CRISPR-Cas9 tool to edit the DNA with precision. Emmanuelle Charpentier of
France and Jennifer Doudna of the U.S. on Wednesday won the Nobel Chemistry
Prize for the gene-editing technique known as the CRISPRCas9 DNA snipping
“scissors”, the first time a Nobel science prize has gone to a women-only team.
Question Number: 17
Question Type: MCQ
Question Difficulty Level: medium
Marking: (+2, -0.66)
Expected time to solve: 60 seconds
Topic: Indian Economy
Concept: fiscal policy
PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION: NO

Q.17) If government provides economic stimulus then

1) In the short-term economy may observe high inflation.
2) In the long term it can give a boost to high economic growth.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A) 1 only
B) 2 only
C) Both 1 and 2
D) Neither 1 nor 2
ANS: C
Explanation:
Statement 1 and 2 are correct: Economic stimulus may act as an agent to boost economic
growth as it can bring investment in the economy. However, in the short term, it may increase
inflation as it will also give a boost to consumption.

Recently, Principal Economic Adviser Sanjeev Sanyal said the government recognised the
need for further stimulus at an appropriate time to perk up demand in the economy,
hit by COVID19.

Question Number: 18
Question Type: MCQ
Question Difficulty Level: easy
Marking: (+2, -0.66)
Expected time to solve: 60 seconds
Topic: Indian Economy
Concept: monetary system
PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION: NO
Q.18) In the context of Indian economy, ‘Open Market Operations’ refers to?
A) Borrowing by Scheduled banks from RBI.
B) Lending by commercial banks to industry and trade.
C) Purchase and sale of government securities by the RBI.
D) None of the above.
ANS: C
Explanation:
Purchase and sale of govt securities by RBI. OMOs are conducted by the RBI via the
sale/purchase of government securities (G-Sec) to/from the market with the primary aim of
modulating rupee liquidity conditions in the market.
The RBI has been often in the news for various reasons. Recently, The Centre has
appointed RBI’s senior-most Executive Director M Rajeshwar Rao as Deputy Governor.

Question Number: 19
Question Type: MCQ
Question Difficulty Level: easy
Marking: (+2, -0.66)
Expected time to solve: 60 seconds
Topic: Indian Economy
Concept: monetary system
PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION: NO

Q.19) Reverse repo rate is a tool used by RBI to?

A) Absorb liquidity
B) Inject liquidity
C) To keep liquidity at one level
D) None of the above
ANA: A
Explanation:
The rate at which the RBI is willing to borrow from the commercial banks is called reverse
repo rate. If the RBI increases the reverse repo rate, it means that the RBI is willing to offer
lucrative interest rate to commercial banks to park their money with the RBI. This results in a
reduction in the amount of money available for the bank’s customers as banks prefer to park
their money with the RBI as it involves higher safety. This naturally leads to a higher rate of
interest which the banks will demand from their customers for lending money to them,
thereby causing reduction in liquidity. Hence, A is the correct answer.
The MPC meetings are in the news recently.
The Reserve Bank has scheduled the next meeting of the MPC for October 7-9.

Question Number: 20
Question Type: MCQ
Question Difficulty Level: medium
Marking: (+2, -0.66)
Expected time to solve: 60 seconds
Topic: World Geography
Concept: Asia
PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION: NO

Q.20) Consider following matches

Nation Capital
1) Kazakhstan Astana
2) Turkmenistan Ashgabat
3) Uzbekistan Tashkent
4) Kyrgyzstan Bishkek
Which of the above pair/s is/are correctly matched?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1,2,3 and 4
D) 2,3 and 4 only
ANS: C
Explanation: All the given pairs are correctly matched. The Central Asia region is in the news
due ongoing protests in Kyrgyzstan. Protesters demonstrating against the results of
Kyrgyzstan’s parliamentary elections stormed a building that houses the country’s parliament
and presidential offices early on Tuesday, according to local media reports.