Question-1. Consider the following statements regarding the “NOTA” option in Indian elections:
Statement I: NOTA was introduced in India in 2014, allowing voters to express their dissatisfaction with the available candidates by rejecting all contestants.
Statement II: If the NOTA option receives the highest number of votes in an election, the candidate with the second-highest number of votes is declared the winner.
Which of the statements above is/are correct?
A) Statement I only
B) Statement II only
C) Both Statement I and Statement II
D) Neither Statement I nor Statement II
Answer: A) Statement I only
Statement I is correct. NOTA was indeed introduced in India in 2014, allowing voters to express their dissatisfaction with the available candidates by rejecting all contestants. This statement accurately reflects the introduction and purpose of the NOTA option in Indian elections.
Statement II is incorrect. If the NOTA option receives the highest number of votes in an election, it does not affect the outcome of the election. The candidate with the highest number of valid votes, excluding NOTA, is still declared the winner. Therefore, Statement II is inaccurate, as it suggests that the candidate with the second-highest number of votes would be declared the winner if NOTA receives the highest number of votes.
Question-2. Which of the following statements accurately distinguishes between bail and interim bail in the Indian legal system?
A) Bail refers to the temporary release of an accused before trial, whereas interim bail is granted during trial proceedings.
B) Bail is granted with no specific time frame, while interim bail is a temporary release until a final decision is made on the bail application.
C) Bail and interim bail are interchangeable terms used to denote the temporary release of an individual from custody.
D) Bail is granted solely after charges are filed, while interim bail is granted before charges are filed.
Correct Answer: B)
Statement B correctly distinguishes between bail and interim bail. Bail can indeed be granted without a specific time frame and is contingent upon meeting certain conditions until the conclusion of legal proceedings. In contrast, interim bail is specifically granted for a temporary period until a final decision is reached on the regular bail application.
Question-3. Which of the following statements accurately describes the Kalapani region, which has been a subject of dispute?
A) Kalapani is a region in the Kashmir valley, claimed by both India and Pakistan due to its strategic importance.
B) Kalapani is a disputed territory in the Himalayas, claimed by both India and China.
C) Kalapani is a border area between India and Nepal, contested by both countries over sovereignty.
D) Kalapani is an island chain in the Indian Ocean, disputed between India and Myanmar over maritime boundaries.
Correct Answer: C)
Explanation: The Kalapani region, located in the Himalayas, is claimed by both India and Nepal. The dispute stems from differing interpretations of historical treaties and has led to diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
Question-4. Which alternative dispute resolution mechanism involves the imposition of a decision by a neutral third party?
A) Conciliation
B) Mediation
C) Judicial Arbitration
D) Negotiation
Correct Answer: C) Judicial Arbitration
Explanation: In judicial arbitration, a neutral third party, often a judicial officer or a retired judge, imposes a decision that is binding on both parties involved in the dispute. This distinguishes it from conciliation and mediation, where the third party facilitates discussions but does not impose a decision, and negotiation, where the parties themselves negotiate a resolution without the involvement of a neutral third party.
Conciliation involves a neutral third party, known as a conciliator, who assists the disputing parties in reaching a mutually acceptable settlement. Unlike judicial arbitration, the conciliator does not impose a decision but rather facilitates communication and negotiation between the parties to help them find a resolution.
Like conciliation, mediation also involves a neutral third party, known as a mediator, who helps the parties communicate effectively and explore potential solutions to their dispute. However, similar to conciliation, the mediator does not impose a decision on the parties. Instead, they facilitate discussions and assist the parties in reaching their own mutually agreeable settlement.
Negotiation is a direct communication process between the disputing parties themselves, without the involvement of a neutral third party. The parties engage in discussions and bargaining to reach a mutually satisfactory agreement. Unlike conciliation, mediation, and judicial arbitration, negotiation does not involve a third party facilitating or imposing a decision; rather, the parties themselves negotiate the terms of the settlement.
Question-5. Which of the following statements accurately differentiates between RNA vaccines and DNA vaccines?
1. RNA vaccines introduce plasmid DNA into the nucleus of cells, where it is transcribed into mRNA before being translated into protein antigens.
2. DNA vaccines deliver messenger RNA (mRNA) directly into the cytoplasm of cells, where it is translated into protein antigens.
Choose the correct statement(s) :
a) Only 1
b) Only 2
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Correct Answer. d) Neither 1 nor 2
Statement 1 – It inaccurately describes the mechanism of action of RNA vaccines. RNA vaccines deliver messenger RNA (mRNA) directly into the cytoplasm of cells, bypassing the nucleus, where the mRNA is translated into protein antigens.
Statement 2 – It incorrectly characterizes the mechanism of action of DNA vaccines. DNA vaccines do not deliver mRNA directly into the cytoplasm of cells. Instead, they introduce plasmid DNA into the nucleus of cells, where it is transcribed into mRNA before being translated into protein antigens.