DAY 6 (21-09-23)
Q1. Consider the following statements regarding Tardigrades, recently seen in news :
- They are extremely tiny animals whose size is measured in micrometres.
- They are known for their extraordinary resilience and survival instincts.
- They are also known as water bears or moss piglets.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct: Tardigrades are extremely tiny animals whose size is measured in micrometres. Their microscopic size, however, belies their toughness. They can be found in almost every habitat on the Earth.
Statement 2 is correct: Tardigrades are known for their extraordinary resilience and survival instincts. Though disarmingly cute, they are also nearly indestructible and can even survive in outer space. They have been known to survive the following extreme conditions:
- temperatures as low as -200 °C (-328 °F) and as high as 151 °C (304 °F)
- freezing and/or thawing processes
- changes in salinity, lack of oxygen, lack of water, etc.
Statement 3 is correct: Tardigrades are often called water bears or moss piglets. They have eight legs, each tipped with four to eight claws or digits, and somewhat resemble the hookah-smoking caterpillar.
Q2. Consider the following statements :
- Hoysala architecture style developed between the 8th and 10th centuries.
- The Hoysala temples show strong influences of the Bhumija mode, Nagara traditions, and Karnataka Dravida mode.
- The Hoysala temples contain multiple shrines grouped around a central pillared hall and laid out in the shape of an intricately-designed star (stellate-plan).
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect: Hoysala architecture is the building style developed under the rule of the Hoysala Empire between the 11th and 14th centuries, mostly concentrated in southern Karnataka.
Statement 2 is correct: The Hoysala temples have a basic Dravidian morphology but show strong influences of the Bhumija mode widely used in Central India, the Nagara traditions of northern and western India, and the Karnataka Dravida modes favored by the Kalyani Chalukyas.
Statement 3 is correct: The Hoysala temples, instead of consisting of a simple inner chamber with its pillared hall, contain multiple shrines grouped around a central pillared hall and laid out in the shape of an intricately-designed star (stellate-plan).
Q3. Consider the following pairs :
- British Constitution – First Past the Post System
- Irish Constitution – Principles of Fraternity
- United States Constitution – Power of Judicial Review
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
(a) Only one pair
(b) Only two pairs
(c) All three pairs
(d) None of the pairs
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
| Constitution | Borrowed Features of Indian Constitution |
| British Constitution | Parliamentary form of government
The idea of the Rule of Law Legislative procedure Single Citizenship Cabinet system Prerogative writs Parliamentary privileges Bicameralism First Past the Post System |
| Irish Constitution | Directive Principles of State Policy
Nomination of members to Rajya Sabha Method of election of the president |
| United States (US) Constitution | Fundamental rights
Independence of judiciary Power of Judicial review Impeachment of the president Post of vice-president |
| French Constitution | Republic
Principles of liberty, equality and fraternity |
Q4. Consider the following statements:
- The TRIPS agreement applies to all WTO members.
- The agreement allows compulsory licensing and government use of a patent without the authorization of its owner.
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
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct: All the WTO agreements (except for a couple of “plurilateral” agreements) apply to all WTO members. The TRIPS Agreement is part of that package. Therefore, it applies to all WTO members.
Statement 2 is correct: Article 31 of the Agreement allows compulsory licensing and government use of a patent without the authorization of its owner. But this can only be done under a number of conditions aimed at protecting the legitimate interests of the right holder.
Q5. The Agreement on Agriculture (AoA) is an international treaty of :
(a) Food and Agriculture Organization
(b) United Nations Framework Conference on Climate Change
(c) World Trade Organization
(d) United Nations Environment Programme
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
The Agreement on Agriculture (AoA) is an international treaty of the World Trade Organization. The Agreement in Agriculture contains a “due restraint” or “peace clause” which regulates the application of other WTO agreements to subsidies in respect of agricultural products. The Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures sets out the basic rules for food safety and animal and plant health standards. It allows countries to set their own standards. But it also says regulations must be based on science.