Question 1. Right to Vote is a _______
a) Legal Right
b) Constitutional Right
c) Fundamental Right
d) Natural Right
Answer. b
Article 326 of the Constitution provides for universal adult suffrage but does not specifically mention the right to vote.
But among the options, the Right to vote is a Constitutional Right.
Question 2. Concerning Indian secularism, consider the following statements:
1. Secularism in India means that the state has no official religion.
2. The Indian Constitution allows the state to intervene in religious matters to ensure equality and social justice.
3. Indian secularism is based on the principle of strict separation of religion from the state.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer. (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct: Secularism in India means that the state has no official religion and treats all religions equally.
Statement 2 is correct: The Indian Constitution allows the state to intervene in religious matters to ensure equality and social justice, as seen in measures like banning untouchability and promoting social reforms.
Statement 3 is incorrect: Unlike the Western concept of secularism which advocates strict separation of religion and state, Indian secularism allows for a principled distance where the state can intervene in religious matters to ensure equality and reform.
Question 3. Among the countries listed above, which of the following shares a land border only with Russia and not with Ukraine?
a) Belarus
b) Poland
c) Slovakia
d) None of the above
Answer. (d) None of the above
Explanation:
- Belarus shares borders with both Russia and Ukraine.
- Poland shares borders with both Russia (Kaliningrad Oblast) and Ukraine.
- Slovakia does not share a land border with Russia, only with Ukraine.
Question 4. Consider the following statements regarding the state of Manipur:
1. Manipur shares its international border with Myanmar.
2. Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in northeastern India, is located in Manipur.
3. Manipur is famous for its traditional Bidriware craft, known for its intricate silver inlay work on black metal.
Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) 3 only
d) 1 and 2 only
Answer. (c) 3 only
Explanation:
– Statement 1 is correct: Manipur shares its international border with Myanmar to the east.
– Statement 2 is correct: Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in northeastern India, is located in Manipur. It is known for its phumdis (floating islands).
– Statement 3 is incorrect: Bidriware craft is not native to Manipur. It is a traditional craft of Karnataka, particularly from the Bidar district, known for its intricate silver inlay work on black metal. Manipur is renowned for its traditional crafts, such as handloom textiles, bamboo crafts, and pottery.
Question 5. Consider the following statements regarding the Anamalai Tiger Reserve:
1. The Anamalai Tiger Reserve is located in the Western Ghats mountain range of southern India.
2. It is home to one of the largest populations of tigers in India, along with significant populations of Asian elephants, leopards, and gaurs.
3. The reserve is part of the Bandipur–Nagarhole Biosphere Reserve, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 1 and 2 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer. (c) 2 and 3 only
Statement 1 is correct: The Anamalai Tiger Reserve is indeed located in the Western Ghats mountain range of southern India, primarily in the Coimbatore and Tiruppur districts of Tamil Nadu, with a smaller portion extending into the Idukki district of Kerala.
Statement 2 is correct: The reserve is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to one of the largest populations of tigers in India, as well as significant populations of Asian elephants, leopards, gaurs, and other species.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The Anamalai Tiger Reserve is not part of the Bandipur–Nagarhole Biosphere Reserve. Instead, it is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve encompasses several protected areas in the Western Ghats, including national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.