UPSC PRELIMINARY MOCK TEST 256

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UPSC PRELIMINARY MOCK TEST 256

Question 91 [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
Consider the following statements regarding Regional Connectivity Scheme 1) There is no lower limit set for hilly, remote, island and security sensitive regions for applicability of the scheme. 2) States are expected to contribute 20 per cent to the Regional Connectivity Fund. 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
Question 91 Explanation: 
Some of Salient features of the regional connectivity scheme are
  • The regional connectivity scheme will be applicable on route length between 200 to 800 km with no lower limit set for hilly, remote, island and security sensitive regions.
  • The Central government will provide concessions to the tune of 2 per cent excise on Value Added Tax (VAT) and service tax at 1/10th the rate and liberal code sharing for regional connectivity scheme airports.
  • A Regional Connectivity Fund (RCF) will be created to fund the scheme via a levy on certain flights. States are expected to contribute 20 per cent to the fund.
Question 92 [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
Recently a bill is proposed to declare six communities in Assam as Scheduled Tribes (ST). In this context consider the following statements. 1) Indian Constitution under article 342 provides the criteria for specification of a community as a Scheduled Tribe 2) President may be law include in or exclude from the list of Scheduled Tribes specified in a notification. Select the statement which is/are correct.
A
1 only
B
2 only
C
Both 1 and 2
D
Neither 1 and 2
Question 92 Explanation: 
The provisions under Article 342:
  • Article 342(1) Scheduled Tribes - the President may with respect to any State or Union Territory after consultation with the Governor by a public notification, specify the tribes or tribal communities as Scheduled Tribe.
  • Parliament may be law include in or exclude from the list of Scheduled Tribes specified in a notification.

Criteria for specification of a community as a Scheduled Tribe

  • Indian Constitution is silent about the criteria for specification of a community as a Scheduled Tribe.
  • The criteria presently followed for specification of a community as a Scheduled Tribe are:
  • Indications of primitive traits
  • Distinctive culture
  • Geographical isolation
  • Shyness of contact with the community at large
  • Backwardness

The largest number of main tribal communities (62) has been specified in the State of Orissa. The Scheduled Tribes have been specified in relation to all the States and Union Territories except Haryana, Punjab, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Pondicherry.

Question 93 [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements: 1. The concept of Bodhisattva is central to Hinayana sect of Buddhism. 2. Bodhisattva is a compassionate one on his way to enlightenment. 3. Bodhisattva delays achieving his own salvation to help all sentient beings on their path to it. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A
a) 1 only
B
2 and 3 only
C
2 only
D
1, 2 and 3
Question 94 [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
'Zinc Fingers' and 'TALENs' are terms that sometimes appear in the news in the context of
A
Energy Innovation
B
Geoengineering technologies
C
Gene-editing technologies
D
Cyber security
Question 94 Explanation: 

Zinc fingers, Talens and Crispr all share the same general concept - they act as a type of satnav (satellite navigation) that finds its way to specific sites in our DNA and a pair of molecular scissors that can edit the DNA.

Improvisation: TH: On genes and ethics ;

From 2015: BBC: Dawn of gene-editing medicine? ; "

Question 95 [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
Recently Supreme Court has banned fireworks manufacturers from using five substances that stoke air and noise pollution. In reference to this, which of the following chemical is not included in list of banned chemicals?
  1. Lithium
  2. Mercury
  3. Antimony
  4. Sulphur
  5. Magnesium
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
A
1,2,3,4 AND 5
B
4 and 5
C
1, 3, 4 AND 5
D
3, 4 AND 5
Question 95 Explanation: 

The Supreme Court has banned fireworks manufacturers from using five substances that stoke air and noise pollution, an order that is likely to mean firecrackers with subdued sound and light effects this Diwali. The substances barred are lithium, antimony, mercury, arsenic and lead.

  • Lithium is a metal used to impart red colour to fireworks, while antimony is used to create glitter effects.
  • Lead oxide provides a special crackling effect which, if inhaled, in high concentration could cause damage to the nervous system.
There are 95 questions to complete.