MCQS
Q1:
Consider the following statements about to ‘Association of Renewable Energy Agencies of States (AREAS)’, and choose the incorrect option:
- AREAS is a nodal agency for interaction between various central government bodies in the renewable energy sector.
- Union Minister for New & Renewable Energy is the President of the AREAS.
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer : c
Explanation
Association of Renewable Energy Agencies of States (AREAS) is a State Nodal Agencies (SNAs) for Renewable Energy (RE) interact and learn from each other’s experiences and also share their best practices and knowledge regarding technologies and schemes/programmes.
The Union Minister for New & Renewable Energy (NRE) is the Patron of the Association and Secretary, Ministry of NRE (MNRE) is the ex-officio President of the Association. All SNAs are members of the Association.
Q2:
With regards to the distribution of legislative power in the Indian constitution, consider
the following statements and choose the appropriate option
- Article 246 enshrines distribution of legislative power between the Union and the states.
- States have exclusive power to make laws with respect to residuary subjects.
- Law on the matter of state list can only be framed by the states.
- 1 only
- 2 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Answer : a
Explanation
Article 246 adopts a threefold distribution of legislative power between the Union and the states. The subject-wise distribution of this power is given in the three lists of the Seventh Schedule of the constitution.
List-I- the Union List
List-II- the State List
List-III- the Concurrent List
The power to make laws with respect to residuary subjects i.e. the matters which are not enumerated in any of the three lists is exclusively vested in the Parliament.
The state legislature has powers to make laws with respect to any of the matters enumerated in the State List. However, there are special instances where Parliament can make laws on state list such as during a national emergency, giving effect to the International agreement.
Q3:
Consider the following statements regarding constitution of india, choose the correct option:
- Indian constitution does not recognise religious minorities.
- Article 29 of constitution provides the right to conserve distinct language, script or
culture to minorities only.
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer : d
Explanation
The term “Minority” is not defined in the Indian Constitution. However, the Constitution recognises religious and linguistic minorities.
Article 29 provides that any section of the citizens residing in any part of India having a distinct language, script or culture of its own, shall have the right to conserve the same.
It grants protection to both religious minorities as well as linguistic minorities. However, the Supreme Court held that the scope of this article is not necessarily restricted to minorities only, as use of the word ‘section of citizens’ in the Article includes minorities as well as the majority.
Article 30 says all minorities shall have the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice.
The protection under Article 30 is confined only to minorities (religious or linguistic) and does not extend to any section of citizens (as under Article 29).
Q4:
Sadhu Jana Paripalana Sangham (SJPS) is formed by which of the following reformers?
- K.S. Naamboripad
- Periyar E.V. Ramasamy
- Mahatma Ayyankali
- Mahatma Jyotiba Phule
Correct Answer : c
Explanation
The Prime Minister of India paid tribute to social reformer Mahatma Ayyankali on his 157 birth anniversary.
Ayyankali (1863-1914), born in Kerala, was a leader of the lower castes and Dalits. With his efforts, Dalits got the freedom to walk on public roads, and Dalit children were allowed to join schools. He formed Sadhu Jana Paripalana Sangham (SJPS) to work for low castes.
Q 5:
Which of the following statements are correct with regards to National Mission For Financial Inclusion ?
- This scheme is also known as Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana.
- It offers unbanked persons easy access to banking services and awareness about financial products.
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer : b
Explanation
Prime Minister of India had announced Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana as the National Mission on Financial Inclusion in his Independence Day address on 15 August 2014.
It aims to ensure comprehensive financial inclusion of all the households in the country by providing universal access to banking facilities.