3. With reference to the Election Commission of India, consider the following statements:
1. Election Commission of India has the sole responsibility to conduct local body
elections.
2. To ensure a free and fair election, the Commission can cancel the polls in the event
of rigging, booth capturing and other irregularities.
3. It accords recognition and allots symbols to the political parties.
1. Election Commission of India has the sole responsibility to conduct local body
elections.
2. To ensure a free and fair election, the Commission can cancel the polls in the event
of rigging, booth capturing and other irregularities.
3. It accords recognition and allots symbols to the political parties.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Anonymous Quiz
1%
(a) 1 and 2 only
83%
(b) 2 and 3 only
8%
(c) 1 and 3 only
8%
(d) All the three
Answer: B
Soln:
● The superintendence, direction and control of the preparation of the electoral rolls
for, and the conduct of, all elections to Parliament and to the Legislature of every
State and of elections to the offices of President and Vice President held under the
Constitution shall be vested in an Election Commission.
● The Election Commission is not responsible for the conduct of local body elections.
State Election Commissions are responsible for local body election. Hence,
statement 1 is incorrect.
● The Election Commission of India has the powers to cancel the polls in the event of
rigging, booth capturing, violence and other irregularities. Hence, statement 2 is
correct.
● It accords recognition to the political parties as national or state parties, on the basis
of poll performance and allots symbols to the political parties for contesting elections. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
Soln:
● The superintendence, direction and control of the preparation of the electoral rolls
for, and the conduct of, all elections to Parliament and to the Legislature of every
State and of elections to the offices of President and Vice President held under the
Constitution shall be vested in an Election Commission.
● The Election Commission is not responsible for the conduct of local body elections.
State Election Commissions are responsible for local body election. Hence,
statement 1 is incorrect.
● The Election Commission of India has the powers to cancel the polls in the event of
rigging, booth capturing, violence and other irregularities. Hence, statement 2 is
correct.
● It accords recognition to the political parties as national or state parties, on the basis
of poll performance and allots symbols to the political parties for contesting elections. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
Anonymous Quiz
16%
A. Only one
58%
B. Only two
25%
C. All the three
1%
D. None of the above
4. Consider the following statements about Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee
Corporation (DICGC).
1. DICGC is a wholly owned subsidiary of RBI.
2. DICGC insures all bank deposits including deposits of state and central government.
3. DICGC does not cover deposits in a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC).
Corporation (DICGC).
1. DICGC is a wholly owned subsidiary of RBI.
2. DICGC insures all bank deposits including deposits of state and central government.
3. DICGC does not cover deposits in a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC).
5. Consider the following statements.
1. Fly ash is a byproduct of coal fired power stations.
2. Fly ash is a non toxic, benign substance.
3. Fly ash is rich in Aluminium oxide.
1. Fly ash is a byproduct of coal fired power stations.
2. Fly ash is a non toxic, benign substance.
3. Fly ash is rich in Aluminium oxide.
Answer: B
Explanation
● Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) is a wholly owned subsidiary
of the RBI, created by an act of parliament in 1961. Hence statement 1 is correct.
● The idea behind the DICGC is to boost the faith of the public in the banking system, and
provide protection against the loss of deposits to a significant extent.
● DICGC insures all deposits such as savings, fixed, current and recurring including accrued
interest.
● Each depositor in a bank is insured up to a maximum of Rs 5 lakh for both principal and
interest amount held by them as on the date of liquidation or failure of a bank.
● Banks covered by Deposit Insurance Scheme: All commercial banks, Local Area Banks,
Regional Rural Banks and Co-operative Banks (Primary cooperative societies are not
insured by the DICGC).
● Deposit insurance facility of DICGC is not available to depositors of NBFCs. Hence,
statement 3 is correct.
● The DICGC insures all deposits such as savings, fixed, current, recurring, etc. deposits except
the following types of deposits
○ Deposits of foreign Governments;
○ Deposits of Central/State Governments; Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
○ Inter-bank deposits;
○ Deposits of the State Land Development Banks with the State co-operative bank;
○ Any amount due on account of and deposit received outside India.
○ Any amount, which has been specifically exempted by the corporation with the
previous approval of Reserve Bank of India
Explanation
● Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) is a wholly owned subsidiary
of the RBI, created by an act of parliament in 1961. Hence statement 1 is correct.
● The idea behind the DICGC is to boost the faith of the public in the banking system, and
provide protection against the loss of deposits to a significant extent.
● DICGC insures all deposits such as savings, fixed, current and recurring including accrued
interest.
● Each depositor in a bank is insured up to a maximum of Rs 5 lakh for both principal and
interest amount held by them as on the date of liquidation or failure of a bank.
● Banks covered by Deposit Insurance Scheme: All commercial banks, Local Area Banks,
Regional Rural Banks and Co-operative Banks (Primary cooperative societies are not
insured by the DICGC).
● Deposit insurance facility of DICGC is not available to depositors of NBFCs. Hence,
statement 3 is correct.
● The DICGC insures all deposits such as savings, fixed, current, recurring, etc. deposits except
the following types of deposits
○ Deposits of foreign Governments;
○ Deposits of Central/State Governments; Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
○ Inter-bank deposits;
○ Deposits of the State Land Development Banks with the State co-operative bank;
○ Any amount due on account of and deposit received outside India.
○ Any amount, which has been specifically exempted by the corporation with the
previous approval of Reserve Bank of India
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
Anonymous Quiz
7%
A. Only one
78%
B. Only two
15%
C. All the three
1%
D. None of the above
Answer: B
Soln:
Fly Ash
● Fly ash is a fine gray powder consisting mostly of spherical, glassy particles that are
produced as a byproduct in coal-fired power stations. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
● Fly ash has pozzolanic properties, meaning that it forms cement in the presence of water.
Issues with Fly ash
● Fly ash is a highly toxic substance known for causing health and environmental
problems. It can contain lead, arsenic, mercury, cadmium, and uranium. Hence,
statement 2 is incorrect.
● When fly ash is deposited in water bodies they contaminate aquaculture and may leach
into landmasses, leading to toxicity of agricultural land and drinking water.
● Fly ash cannot be disposed-off in the open field because it pollutes the air, soil and
groundwater.
● Long inhalation of fly ash causes serious respiratory problems.
● Fly ash also causes siltation problems.
Uses of Fly ash
● Fly ash composition, rich in silicon dioxide (SiO2), calcium oxide (CaO), and aluminum
oxide (Al2O3), makes it valuable for various applications, transforming potential waste
into useful material. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
● Fly ash can be used as prime material in many cement-based products, such as poured
concrete, concrete block, and brick.
● One of the most common uses of fly ash is in Portland Cement Concrete pavement or PCC
pavement.
● Road construction projects using PCC can use a great deal of concrete, and substituting fly
ash provides significant economic benefits.
● Fly ash can be used in reclamation of wastelands and wastewater treatment.
● Fly ash has also been used as an embankment and mine fill.
Soln:
Fly Ash
● Fly ash is a fine gray powder consisting mostly of spherical, glassy particles that are
produced as a byproduct in coal-fired power stations. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
● Fly ash has pozzolanic properties, meaning that it forms cement in the presence of water.
Issues with Fly ash
● Fly ash is a highly toxic substance known for causing health and environmental
problems. It can contain lead, arsenic, mercury, cadmium, and uranium. Hence,
statement 2 is incorrect.
● When fly ash is deposited in water bodies they contaminate aquaculture and may leach
into landmasses, leading to toxicity of agricultural land and drinking water.
● Fly ash cannot be disposed-off in the open field because it pollutes the air, soil and
groundwater.
● Long inhalation of fly ash causes serious respiratory problems.
● Fly ash also causes siltation problems.
Uses of Fly ash
● Fly ash composition, rich in silicon dioxide (SiO2), calcium oxide (CaO), and aluminum
oxide (Al2O3), makes it valuable for various applications, transforming potential waste
into useful material. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
● Fly ash can be used as prime material in many cement-based products, such as poured
concrete, concrete block, and brick.
● One of the most common uses of fly ash is in Portland Cement Concrete pavement or PCC
pavement.
● Road construction projects using PCC can use a great deal of concrete, and substituting fly
ash provides significant economic benefits.
● Fly ash can be used in reclamation of wastelands and wastewater treatment.
● Fly ash has also been used as an embankment and mine fill.
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CSAT PYQs – Time to put your skills to the test!
No Google help (we're watching! 👀).
Got the answer? Drop it in the comments below!
Let’s see who’s got the sharpest mind in the game!
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Join us for an exclusive seminar by Dr. C. Sylendra Babu, IPS (Retd.), former DGP of Tamil Nadu, as he shares expert strategies to crack the IAS/IPS/IFS exams. Gain insights into preparation techniques, exam patterns, and the life of a civil servant.
📅 Date: March 1, 2025
🕥 Time: 10:30 AM
📍 Venue: Officers IAS Academy, Chennai
🔹 Register Now: https://forms.gle/xxPmb97Hq7eVXt5a9
Parents are also welcome to attend and understand the challenges and opportunities in the UPSC journey. Don't miss this chance to receive valuable guidance from one of the best mentors in the field!
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1. Consider the following statements about National Investigation Agency (NIA)
1. It is functioning as the Central Counter Terrorism Law Enforcement Agency in the country.
2. It was created under the NIA Act, 2008.
3. It is headquartered at Bengaluru.
1. It is functioning as the Central Counter Terrorism Law Enforcement Agency in the country.
2. It was created under the NIA Act, 2008.
3. It is headquartered at Bengaluru.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
Anonymous Quiz
10%
A. Only one
66%
B. Only two
21%
C. All the three
2%
D. None of the above
Answer: B
Soln:
National Investigation Agency:
● The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is functioning as the Central Counter Terrorism
Law Enforcement Agency in the country. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
● It is mandated to investigate all the offences:
○ affecting the sovereignty, security and integrity of India, friendly relations
with foreign states, and
○ the offences under the statutory laws enacted to implement international
treaties, agreements, conventions and resolutions of the United Nations, its
agencies and other international organisations.
○ These include terror acts and their possible links with crimes like smuggling of
arms, drugs and fake Indian currency and infiltration from across the borders.
● The agency has the power to search, seize, arrest and prosecute those involved in such
offences.
● Headquartered in Delhi, the NIA has its branches in several parts of the country. Hence,
statement 3 is incorrect.
When did the NIA come into being?
● In the wake of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack in November 2008, the central
government decided to establish the NIA.
● The agency came into existence on December 31, 2008 under the NIA Act, 2008. Hence,
statement 2 is correct.
● NIA was created mainly to specialize in investigations into incidents of terrorist attacks
and bomb blasts in various parts of the country. Majority of such incidents were found to
have complex inter-state and international linkages while at the same time being linked
to drug and arms smuggling among other activities.
● The NIA Act was amended in the year 2019 to enlarge the mandate of the NIA by inclusion
of offences related to human trafficking, manufacture/sale of prohibited arms, cyber-
terrorism and offences under the Explosive Substances Act, 1908 and expanded its
jurisdiction beyond India.
How wide is the NIA's jurisdiction?
● The law under which the agency operates extends to:
○ whole of India and also applies to Indian citizens outside the country;
○ persons in the service of the government wherever they are posted;
○ persons on ships and aircraft registered in India wherever they may be;
○ persons who commit a scheduled offence beyond India against the Indian
citizen or affecting the interest of India.
Soln:
National Investigation Agency:
● The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is functioning as the Central Counter Terrorism
Law Enforcement Agency in the country. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
● It is mandated to investigate all the offences:
○ affecting the sovereignty, security and integrity of India, friendly relations
with foreign states, and
○ the offences under the statutory laws enacted to implement international
treaties, agreements, conventions and resolutions of the United Nations, its
agencies and other international organisations.
○ These include terror acts and their possible links with crimes like smuggling of
arms, drugs and fake Indian currency and infiltration from across the borders.
● The agency has the power to search, seize, arrest and prosecute those involved in such
offences.
● Headquartered in Delhi, the NIA has its branches in several parts of the country. Hence,
statement 3 is incorrect.
When did the NIA come into being?
● In the wake of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack in November 2008, the central
government decided to establish the NIA.
● The agency came into existence on December 31, 2008 under the NIA Act, 2008. Hence,
statement 2 is correct.
● NIA was created mainly to specialize in investigations into incidents of terrorist attacks
and bomb blasts in various parts of the country. Majority of such incidents were found to
have complex inter-state and international linkages while at the same time being linked
to drug and arms smuggling among other activities.
● The NIA Act was amended in the year 2019 to enlarge the mandate of the NIA by inclusion
of offences related to human trafficking, manufacture/sale of prohibited arms, cyber-
terrorism and offences under the Explosive Substances Act, 1908 and expanded its
jurisdiction beyond India.
How wide is the NIA's jurisdiction?
● The law under which the agency operates extends to:
○ whole of India and also applies to Indian citizens outside the country;
○ persons in the service of the government wherever they are posted;
○ persons on ships and aircraft registered in India wherever they may be;
○ persons who commit a scheduled offence beyond India against the Indian
citizen or affecting the interest of India.
2. Consider the following statements about the James Webb Space telescope.
1. It is the largest and most powerful telescope ever built on Earth.
2. It was built in cooperation between NASA, European and Canadian Space agencies.
3. It is positioned at the Earth-Sun L2 Lagrange point.
1. It is the largest and most powerful telescope ever built on Earth.
2. It was built in cooperation between NASA, European and Canadian Space agencies.
3. It is positioned at the Earth-Sun L2 Lagrange point.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Anonymous Quiz
13%
A. Only one
44%
B. Only two
41%
C. All the three
1%
D. None of the above
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Anonymous Quiz
32%
A. 1 only
9%
B. 2 only
43%
C. Both 1 and 2
17%
D. Neither 1 nor 2
3. Consider the following statements with respect to State Emergency
1. A state emergency can be declared by the President in case of an administrative breakdown
in a state.
2. The proclamation of President's Rule, must be approved and ratified by both the Houses of
Parliament within 2 months from the date of its issue by a special majority.
1. A state emergency can be declared by the President in case of an administrative breakdown
in a state.
2. The proclamation of President's Rule, must be approved and ratified by both the Houses of
Parliament within 2 months from the date of its issue by a special majority.
Answer: C
Soln:
James Webb Space Telescope
About JWST:
● In 2021, NASA launched its James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), the largest, most
powerful space telescope ever built. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
● The telescope, optimised for infrared wavelengths, is an international collaboration
led by NASA in partnership with the European and Canadian space agencies. Hence,
statement 3 is correct.
● The science goals for the Webb can be grouped into four themes.
○ The first is to look back around 13.5 billion years to see the first stars and
galaxies forming out of the darkness of the early universe.
○ Second, to compare the faintest, earliest galaxies to today’s grand spirals and
understand how galaxies assemble over billions of years.
○ Third, to see where stars and planetary systems are being born.
○ And fourth, to observe the atmospheres of extrasolar planets (beyond our solar
system), and perhaps find the building blocks of life elsewhere in the universe.
Orbit
● Hubble orbits the Earth at an altitude of ~570 km. Webb does not orbit the Earth, instead
it sits at the Earth-Sun L2 Lagrange point, 1.5 million km away. Hence, statement 3 is
correct.
● This means that Webb orbits the Sun along with the Earth, but will stay fixed at the
same spot in relation to the Earth and the Sun.
○ At the L2 point, Webb’s solar shield will block the light from the Sun, Earth, and
Moon, which will help it stay cool — important for an infrared telescope.
Significance
● JWST is 100x more powerful than its predecessor the Hubble telescope, NASA’s
flagship telescope that has been in service for more than three decades now.
● It has longer wavelength coverage and greatly improved sensitivity. The longer
wavelengths enable Webb to look further back in time to find the first galaxies that formed
in the early Universe.
● Hubble was designed to look mainly into the ultraviolet and visible regions of the
electromagnetic spectrum. JWST is primarily an infrared telescope, allowing it to peer
through much deeper into the universe, and see through obstructions such as gas clouds.
● Webb’s mirror is much larger than Hubble’s; it can, therefore, look farther back into
time than Hubble. Webb’s primary mirror is approximately 6.5 metres in diameter
compared to Hubble’s mirror has a diameter of 2.4 metres, which means Webb’s collecting
area is around 6.25 times that of Hubble’s.
Soln:
James Webb Space Telescope
About JWST:
● In 2021, NASA launched its James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), the largest, most
powerful space telescope ever built. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
● The telescope, optimised for infrared wavelengths, is an international collaboration
led by NASA in partnership with the European and Canadian space agencies. Hence,
statement 3 is correct.
● The science goals for the Webb can be grouped into four themes.
○ The first is to look back around 13.5 billion years to see the first stars and
galaxies forming out of the darkness of the early universe.
○ Second, to compare the faintest, earliest galaxies to today’s grand spirals and
understand how galaxies assemble over billions of years.
○ Third, to see where stars and planetary systems are being born.
○ And fourth, to observe the atmospheres of extrasolar planets (beyond our solar
system), and perhaps find the building blocks of life elsewhere in the universe.
Orbit
● Hubble orbits the Earth at an altitude of ~570 km. Webb does not orbit the Earth, instead
it sits at the Earth-Sun L2 Lagrange point, 1.5 million km away. Hence, statement 3 is
correct.
● This means that Webb orbits the Sun along with the Earth, but will stay fixed at the
same spot in relation to the Earth and the Sun.
○ At the L2 point, Webb’s solar shield will block the light from the Sun, Earth, and
Moon, which will help it stay cool — important for an infrared telescope.
Significance
● JWST is 100x more powerful than its predecessor the Hubble telescope, NASA’s
flagship telescope that has been in service for more than three decades now.
● It has longer wavelength coverage and greatly improved sensitivity. The longer
wavelengths enable Webb to look further back in time to find the first galaxies that formed
in the early Universe.
● Hubble was designed to look mainly into the ultraviolet and visible regions of the
electromagnetic spectrum. JWST is primarily an infrared telescope, allowing it to peer
through much deeper into the universe, and see through obstructions such as gas clouds.
● Webb’s mirror is much larger than Hubble’s; it can, therefore, look farther back into
time than Hubble. Webb’s primary mirror is approximately 6.5 metres in diameter
compared to Hubble’s mirror has a diameter of 2.4 metres, which means Webb’s collecting
area is around 6.25 times that of Hubble’s.