SOLVED PAPER 2024 (CDS) (I) (General Knowledge)

Total Questions: 120

11. Qubit refers to a two-valued quantity used in

Correct Answer: (c) quantum computers
Solution:Qubit refers to a two valued quantity used in quantum computer. A qubit stands for quantum bit(binary digit). It is the basic unit of information in quantum computing and counterpart to the binary digit in classical computing.

12. Photo 51 refers to an image of

Correct Answer: (b) DNA molecules
Solution:Photo 51 refers to an image of DNA molecules. Photo 51 is an X-ray based fiber diffraction image of paracrystalline gel composed of a DNA fibre taken by Raymond Gosling in 1952.

13. The rest mass of Higgs boson is estimated to be close to

Correct Answer: (c) 100 GeV
Solution:The correct answer is 100 GeV. The rest mass of the Higgs boson is approximately 125 billion electron volts (GeV), which is equivalent to 130 times more massive than a proton. This discovery was confirmed in 2012 when the Higgs boson particle was found at CERN12.

14. Which one of the following correctly describe the Principle of the Working of an atomic clock?

Correct Answer: (c) Resonant frequency in cesium (or rubidium) atom.
Solution:The principle of the working of an atomic clock works on the resonant frequency in cesium or rubidium atom. Atomic clocks use the resonant frequency of cesium or rubidium atoms to precisely measure time. These clocks are essential for applications like GPS navigation, telecommunications, and scientific research. Atomic clocks are incredibly accurate timekeeping devices that rely on the natural oscillations of atoms. Unlike conventional clocks, which use mechanical pendulums or quartz crystals. Atomic clocks achieve unparalleled precision by harnessing the properties of atoms.

15. Political analysis involves both normative and empirical approaches. Which of the following statements is/are correct about the two approaches?

1. Knowledge acquired through the empirical approach is value-loaded.
2. Knowledge acquired through the normative approach is objectively neutral.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

Correct Answer: (a) Only 1
Solution:Knowledge gained through the empirical approach carries inherent values, biases or interpretations. This statement is, accurate as empirical methods involve gathering data and observations influenced by these factors. On the other hand, knowledge obtained through the normative approach is not objectively neutral. Normative methods make judgments about what should be, reflecting subjective perspectives rather than objective neutrality.

16. Which one amongst the following cannot be a feature of a 'totalitarian regime'?

Correct Answer: (d) Autonomy of civil society.
Solution:A feature inconsistent with a 'totalitarian regime' is the autonomy of civil society. Totalitarian regimes usually exercise extensive control over both political and personal aspects of individual lives, monopolies mass communication means and frequently operate as one-party states. Autonomy of civil society contradicts the controlling nature of totalitarian regimes.

17. Which of the following statements are not correct?

1. In world politics, 'hard power' can be exercised by both States and other actors involving use of threat or coercion.
2. Globalisation is necessarily economic, not cultural.
3. The term 'Washington Consensus' refers to a policy that seeks intervention in the market.
4. 'Autarky' is generally understood as economic 'self-sufficiency'

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

Correct Answer: (b) 2 and 3
Solution:Globalisation encompasses the integration of economies, cultures and societies, extending beyond mere economic transactions to include the dissemination of ideas, values and cultural expressions.

The Washington Consensus comprises a collection of economic strategies advocating for privatisation, deregulation and trade liberalisation, typically favoring reduced government involvement in the marketplace.

18. Consider the following statements

1. Under Part III of the Constitution of India, individuals can enforce rights guaranteed by this Part when they are violated by the action of a government authority.
2. Under Part III of the Constitution of India, individuals can enforce rights guaranteed by this Part when they are violated by not only the action of a government authority, but also by its inaction.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Solution:Both 1 and 2 statements are correct. Part III of the Indian Constitution contains the Fundamental Rights guaranteed to Indian citizens. These rights are not only applicable to citizens but also extend to all persons within the territory of India. Individuals can indeed enforce their fundamental rights when they are violated by the action of a government authority.

For instance, if a government official discriminates against someone based on religion, caste or gender, the affected individual can seek legal recourse.

However, the second statement is also correct. Individuals can enforce their fundamental rights not only when there is an active violation by a government authority but also when there is inaction on the part of the government. Inaction refers to situations where the government fails to take necessary steps to protect or uphold these rights.

19. Consider the following statements.

1. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) provides that everyone shall have the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law.
2. Although India agrees in principle with the ethos of ICCPR, it has not yet ratified it fully.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Answer: (a) Only 1
Solution:The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) is a multilateral treaty adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 16th December, 1966. It came into force on 23rd March, 1976.

The treaty commits its parties to respect the civil and political rights of individuals everyone should have the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law. India is one of the signatories to the ICCPR, demonstrating its commitment to upholding civil and political rights as enshrined in the treaty. India ratified the ICCPR in 1979, indicating its acceptance of the covenant's principles.

20. Which of the following statements with respect to the right to have a legal aid is/are correct?

1. Under the Constitution of India, it is given under the Directive Principles of State Policy.
2. It is the duty of the police to inform the nearest Legal Aid Committee immediately after the arrest of a person.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

Correct Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Solution:Both Statements 1 and 2 are correct with respect to the right to have legal aid. The right to legal aid is indeed enshrined in the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) under Article 39-A of the Indian Constitution. It is the duty of the police to immediately inform the nearest Legal Aid Committee of a person's arrest. This is in line with Supreme Court judgements.