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

Total Questions: 120

41. Which of the following statements with regard to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is/are correct?

1. The official languages of the SCO are Russian and Chinese.

2. The SCO enjoys observer status in the UN General Assembly.

3. The SCO consists of 13 member states.

Select the answer using the codes given below.

Correct Answer: (c) 1 and 2
Solution:Statements (1) and (2) are correct. The official languages of the SCO are indeed Russian and Chinese.

The SCO has observer status at the United Nations General Assembly. In 2004, the SCO established relations with the United Nations.

The SCO consists of 10 member states: China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran (in 2023) and Belarus (in 2024).

42. Financial Action Task Force is

Correct Answer: (c) a global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog
Solution:The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is a global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is an intergovernmental organisation established to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and other related threats to the integrity of the international financial system.

It sets standards and promotes effective implementation of legal, regulatory and operational measures for combating these financial crimes globally.

43. In which of the following matters placed before the UN General Assembly, a resolution by two-thirds majority of the members present and voting is required?

1. Admission of new members to the UN.

2. Election of the non-permanent members of the Security Council.

3. Election of members of the Economic and Social Council.

Select the answer using the codes given below.

Correct Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution:Statements (1), (2) and (3) are correct. Admission of new members to the United Nations requires a recommendation from the Security Council followed by a two-thirds majority vote in the General Assembly.

The election of non-permanent members of the Security Council by the General Assembly requires a two-thirds majority vote.

The election of members to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) also requires a two-thirds majority vote in the General Assembly.

44. 'Bharat Parv' was organised by the Government of India during which of the following programmes ?

1. Republic Day 2024
2. National Film Festival 2024
3. Cannes Film Festival 2024
Select the answer using the codes given below.

Correct Answer: (c) 1 and 3
Solution:The 'Bharat Parv' at Republic Day, 2024 was a celebration held from 26th January to 31st January, 2024. This annual event, organised by the Ministry of Tourism, showcases India's rich cultural diversity.

Highlights included performances, exhibitions and displays representing various States and Union Territories. The event aimed to promote tourism and celebrate India's heritage and unity. India hosted a 'Bharat Parv' at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, for eminent dignitaries and delegates from around the World participating in the festival.

45. Which one of the following organisations challenged the constitutionality of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code in the Supreme Court of India?

Correct Answer: (a) Naz Foundation (India) Trust
Solution:Naz Foundation (India) Trust challenged the constitutionality of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code under Articles 14, 15, 19 and 21 before the Delhi High Court.

The Foundation contended that Section 377 reflects an antiquated understanding of the purpose of sex, namely as a means of procreation, and has no place in modern society. In Navtej Singh Johar vs. Union of India, (2018) case Supreme Court decriminalised homosexuality.

46. As per Article 371G of the Constitution of India, special provisions have been made with respect to the state of Mizoram. Accordingly, no Act of Parliament shall apply on certain matters unless the Legislative Assembly of Mizoram so decides by a resolution. Which one of the following matters is not covered under this Article?

Correct Answer: (d) Ownership and transfer of natural resources
Solution:Ownership and transfer of natural resources is not covered under this Article. Article 371G of the Indian Constitution pertains to the special provisions for the State of Mizoram. According to this Article no Act of Parliament shall apply to the State of Mizoram unless the Legislative Assembly of the State of Mizoram by a resolution so decides, in respect of

(i) Religious or social practices of the Mizos
(ii) Mizo customary law and procedure
(iii) Administration of civil and criminal justice involving decisions according to Mizo customary law
(iv) Ownership and transfer of land

47. Which of the following statements, as per the Information Technology Act, 2000, is/are correct?

1. This Act provides that electronic signature is legally valid in the same manner as the handwritten signature.
2. Both the Central Government and State Governments have been given the power to make rules with respect to electronic signature.
Select the answer using the codes given below:

Correct Answer: (a) Only 1
Solution:Only statement (1) is correct. Under the Information Technology Act of 2000, the Central Government has the authority to make rules regarding electronic signatures, including the standards and procedures for their use.

Electronic signatures are legally valid under the Act, provided they meet the prescribed requirements laid down by the Central Government. These requirements include the use of a reliable method that identifies the signatory and indicates their approval of the information contained in the document.

When electronic signatures conform to these prescribed standards, they are considered equivalent to handwritten signatures, giving them the same legal weight under Indian law.

48. Which of the following statements about National Recruitment Agency is correct?

Correct Answer: (a) It is a body to conduct Common Eligibility Test (CET) to shortlist the candidates for vacancies under 'Group B' and 'Group C' of the Government.
Solution:National Recruitment Agency (NRA) constituted as an autonomous and self-reliant body to conduct a Common Eligibility Test (CET) to shortlist candidates for vacancies of Group 'B' Non-Gazetted posts, Group 'B' Gazetted posts, which are exempted from consultation with UPSC; Group 'C' posts in the Government and equivalent posts.

49. The Research Design and Standards Organisation is the R and D wing of which one of the following organisations?

Correct Answer: (c) Indian Railways
Solution:The Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) is an ISO 9001-certified research and development organisation under India's Ministry of Railways. It serves as a technical advisor and consultant to the Railway Board, Zonal Railways, Railway Production Units, RITES and IRCON International, focusing on the design, standardization, and addressing issues related to railway equipment, construction, operation, and maintenance.

50. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists.

List-I (Speaker of Lok Sabha)List-II (Tenure)
A. Manohar Gajanan Joshi1. 14ᵗʰ Lok Sabha
B. Somnath Chatterjee2. 13ᵗʰ Lok Sabha
C. Meira Kumar3. 16ᵗʰ Lok Sabha
D. Sumitra Mahajan4. 15ᵗʰ Lok Sabha

 

Code:ABCD
(a)2143
(b)2413
(c)3413
(d)3142
Correct Answer: (a)
Solution:The correct matching is A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3.

13ᵗʰ Lok Sabha (1999-2004) GMC Balayogi served as the Speaker from 1998 until his death in 2002, after which Manohar Joshi took over and served until 2004.

14ᵗʰ Lok Sabha (2004-2009) Somnath Chatterjee was the Speaker throughout the 14th Lok Sabha.

15ᵗʰ Lok Sabha (2009-2014) Meira Kumar served as the Speaker, becoming the first woman to hold this position.

16ᵗʰ Lok Sabha (2014-2019) Sumitra Mahajan was the Speaker, serving as the second woman to occupy this role.