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Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the Smritis in ancient Indian tradition:
i) Manusmriti and Yajnavalkya Smriti are important examples of Smriti literature.
ii) Smriti texts dealt with subjects such as social duties, legal norms, inheritance, conduct and administration.
iii) Unlike the Shruti tradition, Smritis were regarded as texts based entirely on direct revelation and were therefore considered unchangeable.
iv) The Dharmashastra tradition is closely associated with the Smriti literature.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- Statement 1 is correct. Important examples of Smriti literature include: Manusmriti, Yajnavalkya Smriti, Narada Smriti and Parashara Smriti. Statement 2 is correct. Smriti literature addresses a wide range of issues, including: Duties of individuals, Social obligations, Family relations, Inheritance, Property and Punishments. Statement 3 is incorrect. This statement reverses the distinction between Shruti and Smriti. Traditionally: Shruti = "that which is heard". It includes the Vedas and is associated with revealed or sacred knowledge. Smriti = "that which is remembered". It represents remembered/traditional knowledge and includes texts such as Dharmashastras and epics. Smriti traditions also developed and evolved over time, rather than being treated as a single unchanging corpus. Statement 4 is correct. The Dharmashastra tradition is closely associated with Smriti literature. These texts sought to articulate norms relating to dharma, including duties, social conduct, law and governance.
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Q2. Below are given few statements regarding eluviation and illuviation in soil profiles:
i) Eluviation involves the removal or downward movement of certain materials from an upper soil horizon.
ii) Illuviation involves the accumulation of materials transported from an upper horizon into a lower horizon.
iii) The E horizon of a soil profile is commonly associated with eluviation, while the B horizon can be an important zone of illuviation.
iv) Eluviation and illuviation can occur only in arid climates because substantial soil-water movement is absent in humid regions.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- Statement 1 is correct. Eluviation refers broadly to the removal or downward translocation of materials from an upper soil horizon. The exact material involved depends upon soil-forming conditions. Statement 2 is correct. Illuviation is essentially the complementary process. Material removed from an upper layer may be transported downward and subsequently accumulate in a lower horizon. Statement 3 is correct. The E horizon is commonly associated with eluviation and may become relatively depleted in clay, iron or organic matter. The B horizon frequently acts as a zone where materials transported downward accumulate. Statement 4 is incorrect. These processes are not restricted to arid climates. Water movement through soil is particularly important in regions experiencing sufficient precipitation. Therefore, eluviation and illuviation can be prominent in many humid and sub-humid environments.
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Q3. This tribunal was established under the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985. Its establishment is connected with Article 323A of the Constitution, which permits Parliament to provide for tribunals dealing with disputes concerning recruitment and service conditions of public servants. Decisions of CAT are subject to judicial review by the constitutional courts. Which tribunal is being discussed here?
- The Central Administrative Tribunal was established under the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985. Its establishment is connected with Article 323A of the Constitution, which permits Parliament to provide for tribunals dealing with disputes concerning recruitment and service conditions of public servants. Decisions of CAT are subject to judicial review by the constitutional courts.
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Q4. Consider the following statements regarding Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) in India:
i) FPI generally involves investment by foreign investors in financial assets such as shares, bonds or other securities without necessarily seeking managerial control over the underlying enterprise.
ii) FPI is generally more volatile than foreign direct investment because portfolio investors can alter their holdings relatively quickly.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- Statement 1 is correct. Foreign Portfolio Investment refers broadly to foreign investment in financial securities. Examples include: Equity shares, Government securities, Corporate bonds and Other permitted financial instruments. Unlike FDI, portfolio investment does not necessarily imply an intention to obtain management control over a company. Statement 2 is correct. FPI is generally considered more mobile than FDI. A portfolio investor can potentially: Buy securities, Sell securities, Shift funds between markets and Respond rapidly to changes in interest rates, risk perceptions or global financial conditions. Therefore, FPI flows can be relatively volatile.
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Q5. Consider the following statements regarding the working of sewage treatment plants (STPs):
i) Preliminary treatment commonly involves physical removal of large floating and suspended materials.
ii) Secondary biological treatment uses microorganisms to degrade biodegradable organic matter present in sewage.
iii) In activated-sludge systems, a portion of the biological solids can be returned to the aeration stage to maintain an active microbial population.
iv) Tertiary treatment is invariably unnecessary when secondary biological treatment has been completed.
v) Sludge generated during sewage treatment may require further processing before safe disposal or beneficial use.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- Statement 1 is correct. Preliminary treatment aims to remove large materials that could damage or obstruct downstream equipment. Processes may include: Screening, Grit removal and Removal of large floating material. This protects subsequent treatment units. Statement 2 is correct. Secondary treatment primarily relies on biological processes. Microorganisms consume and break down biodegradable organic matter present in sewage. A simplified sequence is: Organic matter → microorganisms → biomass + treated water + metabolic products Statement 3 is correct. In the activated sludge process, sewage is mixed with microorganisms in an aeration tank. After biological treatment, the mixture enters a settling tank. Some settled biological solids are returned to the aeration tank as return activated sludge. Statement 4 is incorrect. Tertiary or advanced treatment may be required depending on the intended quality of the treated wastewater. It can be used for removing: Nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus Statement 5 is correct. Treatment generates sludge, which contains concentrated solids and microbial biomass. It may undergo processes such as: Thickening, Stabilization, Digestion and Further treatment.