Civil Services Examination (CSE) - Quiz

The Indian Constitution is designed to accommodate India's socio-economic diversity, focusing on principles like federalism, parliamentary governance, and separation of powers. Federalism allows power-sharing between the Union and States, while the parliamentary system ensures accountability of the executive to the legislature. Separation of powers divides responsibilities among legislative, executive, and judicial branches, preventing misuse of authority. Unlike a Presidential system seen in the USA, India follows a parliamentary system where the President is a nominal head, and the Prime Minister is the executive head. This model promotes collective responsibility, stability, and democratic accountability.

Fiscal deficit reflects the gap between the government’s total expenditure and its revenue (excluding borrowings). It indicates how much the government needs to borrow to meet its expenses. A high fiscal deficit can impact inflation and interest rates, while a controlled deficit promotes economic stability. In India, fiscal deficit is a critical parameter for assessing the health of public finances and is closely monitored by policymakers and international rating agencies.

Covaxin, developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), was India’s first indigenously developed COVID-19 vaccine. It uses an inactivated virus to stimulate an immune response, ensuring safety and efficacy. Approved for emergency use in January 2021, Covaxin played a pivotal role in India’s vaccination drive, marking a significant achievement in self-reliance and healthcare innovation.

Biogas primarily consists of methane (50-70%), a renewable energy source produced through the anaerobic digestion of organic waste. Other components include carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and traces of nitrogen and hydrogen sulfide. Methane’s high calorific value makes biogas an efficient alternative to fossil fuels. It is widely used for cooking, electricity generation, and organic waste management.

To become a member of the Lok Sabha, a person must be at least 25 years old, as per Article 84 of the Indian Constitution. This age criterion ensures that candidates have the maturity and understanding required to represent the electorate effectively. Along with age, candidates must be Indian citizens and fulfill other conditions prescribed by the Parliament. This provision underscores the importance of a knowledgeable and responsible legislative body for democratic governance.

Black soil, also known as Regur soil, is ideal for cotton cultivation due to its high moisture retention capacity and richness in calcium carbonate, magnesium, and potash. Found primarily in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh, black soil supports crops like cotton, sugarcane, and groundnut. Its clayey texture and nutrient content make it suitable for agriculture in semi-arid regions.

The base year for calculating India’s GDP is 2011-12, chosen to reflect recent economic activities and structural changes. Base years are periodically updated to provide an accurate measure of economic performance and to incorporate updated data sources and methodologies. Using an appropriate base year ensures realistic GDP calculations, aiding policymakers in framing effective economic strategies.

Biodiversity hotspots are regions with high levels of species richness and endemism but are also significantly threatened by human activities. Examples include the Western Ghats, Himalayas, and Indo-Burma region in India. These areas require immediate conservation efforts to protect their unique ecosystems and prevent species extinction.

A catalyst accelerates or decelerates a chemical reaction without undergoing permanent change itself. It lowers the activation energy required for the reaction, making the process more efficient. Catalysts are widely used in industrial processes, including the production of fertilizers, plastics, and pharmaceuticals.

The Dandi March, led by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930, was a key event in the Civil Disobedience Movement. It was a protest against the British salt monopoly, symbolizing the struggle for Swaraj (self-rule). Gandhi’s act of making salt at Dandi inspired nationwide defiance of colonial laws, strengthening the Indian independence movement.