Learn 98 questions from KAS Prelims Paper-2

KAS Prelims Paper-2 Questions

Promote large-scale commercial agriculture

Abolish tenancy and provide land ownership to tenants

Reducing the number of universities to ensure quality

Eliminating private sector participation in education

Increasing enrolment and improving quality

Replacing general education with technical education

To make government hospitals more people-friendly

To increase the cost of healthcare services

To focus solely on scientific exploration without practical application

To eliminate technology from the education system

To promote research, innovation and sustainable development across the nation

To restrict technological development in order to preserve traditional practices

 Science is solely about theoretical research while technology is limited to manufacturing processes

Science involves systematic inquiry to understand natural phenomena, while technology applies this knowledge for practical benefits

Science and technology are unrelated fields that do not impact everyday life

Technology is the art of invention with no reliance on scientific principles

The set of guidelines for respectful and ethical behavior when communicating online

They primarily lead to increased operational costs and complete job replacement

They enhance automation, increase efficiency, and improve precision across various sectors

They are only applicable in academic research

They have minimal impact on industrial productivity

It is only used for internal communications

It streamlines administration and improves service delivery to citizens

It replaces all traditional governance methods

Focus on the construction of Rural roads to connect remote villages with major highways

Development of a comprehensive 34,800 km network of economic corridors and multi modal logistics parks

Expansion of port infrastructure and waterways for the transportation of goods

Investment in the development of Rural airstrips to promote regional connectivity

To increase the production of coal and lignite in the country

To reduce the requirements of land for ash disposal and address pollution caused by ash

To promote the use of imported coal with lower ash content

Statement I is correct, but statement II is incorrect

Statement I is incorrect, but statement II is correct

Even though it was late, almost midnight – she continued reading her book unable to put it down, knowing that she would regret staying up so late.

Even though it was late almost midnight – she continued reading her book, unable to put it down, knowing that she would regret staying up so late when her alarm rang at 6 a.m

Even though it was late – almost midnight – she continued reading her book, unable to put it down, knowing that she would regret staying up so late

Even though it was late : almost midnight, she continued reading her book unable to put it down, knowing that she would regret staying up so late.

The GST Council is a constitutional body created to make recommendations to the Union and State Governments on important issues related to the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

 The Union cabinet approved setting up of the GST council and 14th September 2016.

 The Union finance minister is the Chairman of GST council of India.

The first meeting of the GST council was held on 30th September 2016.

 India's total exports (merchandise + services) were USD 602.6 billion in the first nine months of FY 25,

India's total imports during April to December 2024 reached USD 682.2 billion.

The gross FDI inflows increased from USD 47.2 billion in first eight months of FY 24 to USD 55.6 billion in the same period of FY 25.

She rarely found books to be her only source of happiness.

She found books rarely to be her only source of happiness.

She found rare books to be her only source of happiness.

She found books to be rarely her only source of happiness.

 India's current account deficit was 1.2% of GDP in Q2 of FY 25,

 India's current account deficit was 1.3% of GDP in Q2 of FY 24.

India's merchandise trade deficit USD 95.3 billion in Q2 of FY 25.

The teacher is explaining the lesson clearly.

The lesson has been explained clearly by the teacher.

The teacher explained the lesson clearly.

The lesson will be explained clearly by teacher.

GSDP real growth for FY 2023–24 stood at 6.52%, compared to national average (~8.2%)—placing Kerala below the Indian average but consistent with its historical 4.8% average from 2012–13 to 2021–22

The primary sector growth increased from 0.9% to 4.7%, while the secondary. sector grew from 3.2% to 4.1%

The tertiary sector recorded a lower growth of 6.5% in 2023-24 compared to 7.0% in 2022-23

The secondary sector growth remained constant at 3.2% in both years

The primary sector showed a negative growth in 2023-24 due to lower agricultural output

Increased political and administrative support.

The report names Kerala as the top preferred state to work in among Indian youth (both male and female), ahead of Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh

Kerala's high per capita GSDP and low Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI)

The State's top ranking in SDG Goal 4 (Quality Education)

Proactive policy reforms in the State Business Reforms Action Plan (SBRAP) 2022

Kerala has the highest number of women's cooperative societies in India

Youth Co-operative Societies were introduced in Kerala to promote entrepreneurship

Consumer cooperatives are the largest in number among all types of cooperatives

Kerala has over 16,000 registered cooperative societies, but less than 50% are active

Goal 1 (No Poverty) and Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being)

Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) and Goal 4 (Quality Education)

Goal 5 (Gender Equality) and Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy)

Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities)

National Income and Net National Product.

 Consumer price Index and Producer Price Index.

<h3 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">The Fifth Five-Year Plan (1974-1979)</h3><ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);"><li>The Fifth Five-Year Plan was formulated for the period 1974-1979. However, it was terminated one year early in 1978 by the Janata Party government, which came to power in 1977.</li><li>The final draft of this plan was indeed prepared by D.P. Dhar, a prominent economist and politician who served as the Minister of Planning.</li><li>One of the primary objectives and a defining characteristic of the Fifth Plan was its focus on 'Garibi Hatao' (Poverty Eradication) and the attainment of self-reliance. This slogan was popularized by Indira Gandhi during the 1971 general elections.</li><li>The plan aimed for a target growth rate of 4.4%. Impressively, the actual growth rate achieved during this period was 4.8%, exceeding the target. This indicates a relatively successful economic performance despite the global oil crisis of the 1970s.</li><li>A significant program introduced during the Fifth Five-Year Plan was the Minimum Needs Programme (MNP). This program aimed to provide essential social services and improve the living standards of the poor, focusing on areas like primary education, rural health, rural water supply, rural roads, rural electrification, housing for the landless, and environmental improvement of urban slums.</li><li>While employment generation was an integral part of the poverty alleviation strategy, the statement that it 'emphasized employment in contrast to the Nehru model' can be misleading. The Nehru model (primarily the Second Five-Year Plan) focused heavily on heavy industries to build a strong industrial base. Subsequent plans, including the Fifth, broadened the scope to include social justice and poverty alleviation, which naturally involved employment generation, but it wasn't a direct 'contrast' in terms of rejecting industrialization. Employment was a means to achieve poverty eradication and self-reliance.</li><li>After the termination of the Fifth Plan by the Janata Party government, a 'Rolling Plan' was introduced for the period 1978-1980. This concept allowed for annual adjustments to the plan based on economic conditions, rather than a fixed five-year period.</li></ul>

The final draft of the plan was prepared by D.P. Dhar.

It is primarily focused on 'Garibi Hatao'.

The target growth rate was 4.4% while the actual growth rate was 4.8%.

Emphasised on employment in contrast to Nehru model.

<h3 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Understanding NITI Aayog's Core Objectives</h3>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
 <li>
 Genesis of NITI Aayog: NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) was established on January 1, 2015, replacing the erstwhile Planning Commission. This change marked a shift from a command-and-control economy to a more collaborative and consultative approach.
 </li>
 <li>
 Key Objective 1: Policy Formulation and Strategy (Option 1): One of the primary functions of NITI Aayog is to act as a 'think-tank' of the Government of India. It formulates long-term policies and programmes, provides strategic and technical advice to the Centre and States, and monitors their implementation to enhance the country's economic development and growth.
 </li>
 <li>
 Key Objective 2: Promoting Cooperative Federalism (Option 3): NITI Aayog is designed to foster greater involvement of State Governments in the economic policy-making process. It promotes cooperative federalism by ensuring structured support mechanisms and initiatives for collaboration between the Centre and States on various policy matters, moving away from the 'top-down' approach of the Planning Commission.
 </li>
 <li>
 Distinction from Planning Commission – No Fund Allocation (Incorrect Option 2): Unlike the Planning Commission, NITI Aayog does not have the power to allocate funds to states or ministries. Its role is purely advisory. The financial allocation powers primarily rest with the Ministry of Finance and the Finance Commission.
 </li>
 <li>
 No Power to Replace State Governments (Incorrect Option 4): NITI Aayog is an advisory body and has no constitutional or legal authority to evaluate and replace state governments based on their economic performance. Such actions are outside its mandate and fundamental to India's democratic structure.
 </li>
</ul>

<h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Important Facts for Competitive Exams:</h4>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
 <li>
 Full Form: NITI Aayog stands for National Institution for Transforming India.
 </li>
 <li>
 Chairman: The Prime Minister of India serves as the ex-officio Chairman of NITI Aayog.
 </li>
 <li>
 Vice-Chairman: Appointed by the Prime Minister, the Vice-Chairman holds a cabinet minister rank. The first Vice-Chairman was Arvind Panagariya.
 </li>
 <li>
 CEO: The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is appointed by the Prime Minister for a fixed tenure, holding the rank of Secretary to the Government of India.
 </li>
 <li>
 Governing Council: Comprises the Chief Ministers of all States and Union Territories with Legislatures, and Lt. Governors of other Union Territories. This body reflects its commitment to cooperative federalism.
 </li>
 <li>
 Two Hubs: NITI Aayog has two main hubs: the Team India Hub (to facilitate inter-state interaction) and the Knowledge and Innovation Hub (to build a repository of knowledge and expertise).
 </li>
 <li>
 Bottom-Up Approach: NITI Aayog emphasizes a 'bottom-up' approach to development, empowering states to play a more active role in national development strategies.
 </li>
</ul>

Formulate policies and strategies to enhance the economic development of the country.

Directly oversee the allocation of funds for state-level development projects.

Promote cooperative federalism through partnership between the centre and states

Evaluate and replace state governments based on their economic performance.

Kurnool Ultra Mega Solar Park in Andhra Pradesh

Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Park in Madhya Pradesh

<h3 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Understanding the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)</h3>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
 <li>The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) is a flagship scheme of the Government of India launched with the objective of ensuring 'Har Khet ko Pani' (water to every field) and 'More Crop Per Drop'.</li>
 <li>It aims to converge investments in irrigation, expand cultivable area under assured irrigation, improve water use efficiency, and promote water-saving technologies.</li>
</ul>

<h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Launch and Objectives of PMKSY</h4>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
 <li>The PMKSY scheme was officially launched on July 1, 2015. This is a crucial date for competitive exams.</li>
 <li>Its primary focus is on an integrated approach to water management, emphasizing both source creation and distribution, rather than solely providing subsidies for large-scale irrigation projects.</li>
 <li>The scheme promotes various water conservation techniques including rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, and efficient irrigation methods like micro-irrigation (drip and sprinkler).</li>
</ul>

<h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Components and Implementation of PMKSY</h4>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
 <li>PMKSY is an umbrella scheme formed by integrating existing irrigation programs. It has four main components, each managed by different ministries:
 <ol style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
 <li>Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP): Managed by the Department of Water Resources, River Development &amp; Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti. Focuses on faster completion of ongoing Major and Medium Irrigation Projects.</li>
 <li>Har Khet ko Pani (HKKP): Also managed by the Department of Water Resources, River Development &amp; Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti. Aims to enhance physical access to water on the farm and expand cultivable area under assured irrigation. This includes Command Area Development &amp; Water Management (CADWM).</li>
 <li>Per Drop More Crop (PDMC): Managed by the Department of Agriculture &amp; Farmers Welfare (DA&amp;FW), Ministry of Agriculture &amp; Farmers Welfare. Focuses on promoting water use efficiency through micro-irrigation (drip and sprinkler systems).</li>
 <li>Watershed Development Component (WDC): Managed by the Department of Land Resources (DoLR), Ministry of Rural Development. Focuses on natural resource management, including soil and water conservation, regeneration of degraded lands, and rain-fed area development.</li>
 </ol>
 </li>
</ul>

<h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Funding Pattern and Beneficiaries</h4>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
 <li>The PMKSY is implemented as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme. This means the funding is shared between the Central Government and State Governments, not fully funded by the Central Government alone.</li>
 <li>The usual funding pattern is 75:25 (Centre:State) for General States and 90:10 for North-Eastern and Himalayan States.</li>
 <li>Regarding beneficiaries under the watershed component, states with large geographical areas, significant rainfed agriculture, and high populations like Uttar Pradesh often have a high number of beneficiaries. It is plausible for Uttar Pradesh to lead, followed by states like Jharkhand, which also have substantial rain-fed areas requiring watershed interventions. Specific rankings can vary by year but indicate the scale of implementation in these states.</li>
</ul>

The highest number of beneficiaries for the year 2024-25 under the watershed component of PMKSY are Uttar Pradesh followed by Jharkhand

The scheme primarily focuses on providing subsidies for large-scale irrigation projects.

The scheme is fully funded by the Central Government.

<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);"><li>The manufacturing sector is a critical pillar of India's economic development, playing a crucial role in job creation, poverty alleviation, and driving overall economic growth.</li><li>The Economic Survey is an annual document presented by the Government of India, prepared by the Chief Economic Adviser (CEA). It provides a detailed review of the economy's performance over the past year and an outlook for the future, often forming the factual basis for the Union Budget and policy decisions.</li><li>The assertion that the manufacturing sector achieved an average annual growth rate of 5.2% in the last decade and contributed 14.3% to Gross Value Added (GVA) in FY23 reflects the specific statistical data and economic trends captured in official reports like the Economic Survey.</li><li>The statement in the Economic Survey, indicating the manufacturing sector 'remained at the forefront of the Indian Industrial sector,' underscores its pivotal and leading role within the nation's industrial landscape.</li><li>Backward linkages refer to the manufacturing sector's demand for inputs from other sectors, such as raw materials from agriculture and mining, or components and services from other industries. This demand stimulates growth in these supplying sectors.</li><li>Forward linkages describe the supply of manufactured goods as inputs for other sectors. For instance, machinery for agriculture, tools for construction, or intermediate goods for other manufacturing processes originate from this sector, enabling downstream economic activities.</li><li>The existence of strong backward and forward linkages creates a significant multiplier effect throughout the economy. This means that growth in the manufacturing sector leads to amplified growth across various interconnected sectors, directly impacting the overall GVA and national economic expansion.</li><li>The Indian government has actively promoted the manufacturing sector through various initiatives, most notably the 'Make in India' campaign, launched in 2014, aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing and attracting foreign investment.</li><li>Furthermore, the introduction of Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes across multiple sectors since 2020 has significantly incentivized domestic manufacturing, enhancing competitiveness and contributing to the sector's growth rate and GVA share.</li><li>Therefore, the robust performance and significant contribution of the manufacturing sector, as stated in the assertion, are directly attributable to its strategic position and the strong economic interconnections (backward and forward linkages) highlighted by the Economic Survey.</li></ul>

Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)

(A) യും (R) ഉം ശരിയാണ്, എന്നാൽ (R) എന്നത് (A) യുടെ ശരിയായ വിശദീകരണമല്ല.

(A) ശരിയാണ്, എന്നാൽ (R) തെറ്റാണ്.

(A) തെറ്റാണ്, എന്നാൽ (R) ശരിയാണ്.

<h3 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Understanding Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) Classifications</h3>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
 <li>The Government of India classifies Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) into different categories – Maharatna, Navaratna, Miniratna Category-I, and Miniratna Category-II.</li>
 <li>These classifications aim to grant greater financial and operational autonomy to high-performing PSUs, enabling them to expand, make quicker decisions, and compete globally.</li>
</ul>

<h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Maharatna PSUs</h4>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
 <li>The Maharatna scheme was introduced in 2010 to empower large CPSEs to become global giants.</li>
 <li>Criteria: A company must already be a Navaratna, be listed on an Indian stock exchange with minimum prescribed public shareholding, and have achieved specific financial thresholds (e.g., average annual net profit of over ₹5,000 crore for three years, average annual turnover of ₹25,000 crore for three years, and average annual net worth of ₹15,000 crore for three years).</li>
 <li>Key Benefit: Maharatna PSUs can undertake capital expenditure up to ₹5,000 crore without requiring government approval, or 15% of their net worth in a year (subject to a maximum of ₹5,000 crore in any one project), whichever is lower.</li>
 <li>As of late 2023, there are 13 Maharatna CPSEs in India.</li>
 <li>Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) is a prominent Maharatna PSU. It is India's largest commercial oil company, involved in refining, pipeline transportation, and marketing of petroleum products.</li>
</ul>

<h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Navaratna PSUs</h4>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
 <li>The Navaratna scheme was introduced in 1997 to identify CPSEs that have a comparative advantage and can become global players.</li>
 <li>Criteria: Companies must be Schedule 'A' Miniratna Category-I CPSEs and achieve a score of 60 or above on various performance indicators (e.g., net profit, net worth, total manpower cost, etc.).</li>
 <li>Key Benefit: Navaratna companies can invest up to ₹1,000 crore or 15% of their net worth, whichever is lower, in a single project without government approval. They can also enter into joint ventures, form alliances, and set up overseas offices.</li>
 <li>As of late 2023, there are 16 Navaratna CPSEs in India.</li>
 <li>Shipping Corporation of India Limited (SCI) is a leading Navaratna PSU. It is India's largest shipping company, playing a crucial role in the country's EXIM (Export-Import) trade and coastal shipping.</li>
</ul>

<h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Miniratna Category-I PSUs</h4>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
 <li>The Miniratna status grants a certain level of financial autonomy to smaller, profitable CPSEs.</li>
 <li>Criteria: Companies must have made profits continuously for the last three years and have a positive net worth.</li>
 <li>Key Benefit: Miniratna Category-I CPSEs can incur capital expenditure up to ₹500 crore or 50% of their net worth, whichever is lower, in a single project without government approval.</li>
 <li>As of late 2023, there are over 60 Miniratna Category-I CPSEs.</li>
 <li>Airports Authority of India (AAI) is a notable Miniratna Category-I PSU. It functions under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, managing a vast network of airports, providing Air Traffic Management (ATM) services, and developing airport infrastructure across India.</li>
</ul>

<h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Miniratna Category-II PSUs</h4>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
 <li>This category provides even more limited financial autonomy compared to Miniratna Category-I.</li>
 <li>Criteria: Companies must have made profits continuously for the last three years and have a positive net worth. However, they generally do not meet the additional qualitative or quantitative criteria of Category-I.</li>
 <li>Key Benefit: Miniratna Category-II CPSEs can incur capital expenditure up to ₹300 crore or 50% of their net worth, whichever is lower, in a single project without government approval.</li>
 <li>As of late 2023, there are over 10 Miniratna Category-II CPSEs.</li>
 <li>National Film Development Corporation Limited (NFDC) is a Miniratna Category-II PSU. Established to promote quality cinema in India, NFDC facilitates various aspects of filmmaking, including production, distribution, and exhibition, under the Ministry of Information &amp; Broadcasting.</li>
</ul>

to make India the Global Hub for production, usage and export of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives

to become competitive with fossil fuel based alternatives in refinery and fertilizer sector

to become self-reliant through clean energy and serve as an inspiration for the global Clean Energy Transition

to promote hydrogen weapons over other nuclear weapons

വീണ്ടും പുനരാലോചന

അജഗജാന്തര വ്യത്യാസം

ഇടതൂർന്ന നിബിഡവനം

to achieve stabilisation in Greenhouse gas concentration

to ensure that food production is not threatened

Clearance from the National Board for Wildlife is required

Permission from the State Forest Department is required

Permission from the State Forest Department is not required

the areas notified under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 around National Parks and sanctuaries, etc

the areas notified under Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 around National Parks and sanctuaries, etc

the areas notified under Forest (conservation) Act, 1980 around National Parks and sanctuaries, etc

Carbon offsets are credits for reductions in greenhouse emissions

 Carbon offsets are tradable unused quota of GHG emissions permitted to the countries

Carbon offsets are quantified and sold in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent

 Carbon offsets are total emissions of GHGs over a period of time by an individual

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