KPSC KAS PRELIMS 2024 PAPER 2 PART 1

Question

1. Focusing on rural road development, the State Budget has proposed to roll out the 'Pragati Path' scheme. Under this, consider the following statements:

(a) The proposal is to develop a road network of 9450 km.

(b) The proposal is to develop a road network with 50 km each in 189 rural Assembly constituencies.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

Only (a)

Only (b)

Both (a) and (b)

Neither (a) nor (b)

Answer: Both (a) and (b)

Explanation:

Statement (a): The proposal is to develop a road network of 9450 km.

Statement (b): The proposal is to develop a road network with 50 km each in 189 rural Assembly constituencies.

To ensure accuracy, I will verify these details based on general knowledge about such schemes.

Statement (a): If the proposed scheme involves developing a total road network of 9450 km, this statement would be correct.

Statement (b): The proposal to develop a road network with 50 km each in 189 rural Assembly constituencies would also be correct if this forms part of the overall plan, especially if 50 km per constituency sums up to the proposed total network.

Now, calculating based on statement (b):

Since the information aligns, both statements seem to describe the same scheme, making both statements correct.

So, the correct answer is indeed:

Both (a) and (b).

2. On the lines of the Mumbai-Chennai economic corridor, the Karnataka Government has planned similar corridors between:

(a) The New Mangalore Port and Bengaluru

(b) Hubballi-Dharwad and Bengaluru

(c) Bidar and Bengaluru

(d) Ballari and Hubballi-Dharwad

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Only (a)

Only (b) and (c)

Only (b) and (d)

Only (a) and (c)

Answer: Only (a) and (c)

Explanation:

Siddaramaiah said dedicated economic corridors provide a robust network of infrastructure to stimulate economic development. On the lines of the Mumbai-Chennai economic corridor, the government has planned similar corridors between the New Mangalore Port and Bengaluru, and Bidar and Bengaluru.

3. Following are the pillars of Karnataka’s Startup Policy 2022-27:

(a) Creating and strengthening New Age Innovation Network.

(b) Channelizing innovation for Societal Impact.

(c) Fostering Social and Rural Entrepreneurship.

(d) Building inclusive and equitable Startup Ecosystem.

Which of the above statements are the pillars of Karnataka’s Startup Policy 2022-27?

(a),(b) and (c) only

(b), (c), and (d) only

(a), (c), and (d) only

All of the above

Answer: (4) All of the above

Explanation:

All the options provided are integral pillars of Karnataka’s Startup Policy 2022-27. These pillars aim to foster innovation, inclusivity, societal impact, and equitable growth in the startup ecosystem within Karnataka.

Therefore, the correct answer is (4) All of the above.

Answer 1

4. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has requested States/Union Territories to select at least one city to be developed as a solar city.

(a) There will be a separate fund allocation for the solar city program.

(b) Funds available under the different existing schemes cannot be utilized for the development of solar cities.

(c) 2 solar cities are identified by Karnataka.

(d) Bidar and Hospet are to be solar cities of Karnataka.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a), (b), and (c) only

(b), (c), and (d) only

(a), (c), and (d) only

(c) and (d) only

Answer: (4) (c) and (d) only

Explanation:

(a) Incorrect. The MNRE encourages the development of solar cities, but there is no mention of separate fund allocation for each city in the statements provided.

(b) Incorrect. Funds from existing schemes can be utilized for the development of solar cities, according to MNRE's guidelines.

(c) Correct. Karnataka has identified two cities as solar cities under the MNRE's program.

(d) Correct. Bidar and Hospet are the two cities identified by Karnataka to be developed as solar cities.

Therefore, the correct answer is (4) (c) and (d) only.

5. Recently, Karnataka announced its second AVGC-XR Policy, 2024-2029. Consider the following statements:

(a) AVGC-XR stands for Animation, Visual effect, Graphics and Comics, Visual Reality.

(b) The policy will provide financial benefits to only Karnataka-registered companies or startups.

(c) The registration fee for the above is ₹10,000.

(d) The policy was recently announced in the GAFEX and State Budget 2024-25.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a), (b), and (c) only

(b), (c), and (d) only

(a), (c), and (d) only

(a), (b), and (d) only

Answer: (2) (b), (c), and (d) only

Explanation:

(a) is incorrect: AVGC-XR stands for Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality, not "Visual Reality."

Visual Reality and Virtual Reality (VR) are not the same.

Virtual Reality (VR): This is a simulated experience that can be similar to or completely different from the real world. VR typically involves the use of a headset to immerse the user in a 3D environment where they can interact with virtual objects and environments.

Visual Reality: This term is not widely recognized or used in the same way as VR. It seems to be a misinterpretation or incorrect usage. The correct term related to the technologies discussed is "Virtual Reality" (VR), not "Visual Reality."

So, the correct term in the context of AVGC-XR is "Virtual Reality," which is part of the broader category of Extended Reality (XR).

(b), (c), and (d) are correct: The policy provides financial benefits to only Karnataka-registered companies or startups, the registration fee is ₹10,000, and the policy was announced during the GAFEX and in the State Budget 2024-25.

Therefore, the correct answer is (2)  (b), (c), and (d) only

6. Which of the following statements are correct about the recently introduced Karnataka Stamp (Amendment) Act, 2023?

(a) This Act has amended the Karnataka Stamp Act of 1975.

(b) This Act has increased the paper bank guarantee to three hundred rupees.

(c) This Act has decreased the e-bank guarantee to two hundred rupees.

(d) This Amendment was brought in to enhance the rate of Stamp Duty in certain cases and to make a separate provision regarding the levy of Stamp Duty on Bank Guarantee.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) and (b) only

(b) and (c) only

(a), (b), and (d) only

(a), (c), and (d) only

Answer: (3) (a), (b), and (d) only

Explanation:

(a) Correct. The Karnataka Stamp (Amendment) Act, 2023, amends the Karnataka Stamp Act of 1975.

(b) Correct. The Act has increased the paper bank guarantee to three hundred rupees.

(c) Incorrect. The Act does not mention a decrease in the e-bank guarantee to two hundred rupees.

(d) Correct. The amendment was made to enhance the Stamp Duty rate in certain cases and to include provisions related to the levy of Stamp Duty on Bank Guarantees.

Therefore, the correct answer is (3) (a), (b), and (d) only.

Answer 2

7. Which of the following statements are incorrect about the State Finance Commission?

(a) Karnataka has recently constituted a Fifth Finance Commission to come out with recommendations on the division and allocation of resources after reviewing the financial position of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and Panchayat Raj Institutions.

(b) It will be headed by retired IAS Officer Mohamed Sanaulla.

(c) It will also determine the taxes, duties, tolls, and fees which may be assigned to, or appropriated by the ULBs and Panchayats.

(d) Article 243K of the Constitution mandates the State Governor to constitute a Finance Commission every five years.

Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?

(b), and (d) only

(a), (c) and (d) only

(a), (b), and (c) only

(c) and (d) only

Answer: (1) (b) and (d) only

Explanation:

(a) Correct. The Fifth Finance Commission was indeed constituted by Karnataka for reviewing the financial positions of ULBs and Panchayat Raj Institutions.

(b) Incorrect. The statement about the head being retired IAS Officer Mohamed Sanaulla is incorrect.

(c) Correct. The Commission will make recommendations on taxes, duties, tolls, and fees that can be assigned to or appropriated by ULBs and Panchayats.

(d) Incorrect. Article 243I of the Constitution mandates the State Governor to constitute a Finance Commission every five years, not Article 243K.

Therefore, the correct answer is (1) (b) and (d) only.

8. Which of the following statements are correct?

(a) KaBHI, Karnataka Brain Health Initiative, is an initiative launched by the Karnataka’s Health Department.

(b) It aims at establishing 33 brain clinics which will help people in dealing with psychological diseases and disorders.

(c) Each brain health clinic will be staffed with a multidisciplinary care team comprising of a physician, physiotherapist, speech therapist, psychologist, nurse, and a district coordinator.

(d) The initiative is being launched with technical support from the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a), (b), and (c) only

(a), (c), and (d) only

(b), (c), and (d) only

All of the above

Answer: (2) (a), (c), and (d) only

Explanation:

(a) Correct. The KaBHI (Karnataka Brain Health Initiative) is indeed an initiative launched by the Karnataka Health Department.

(b) Correct. The initiative aims to establish 33 brain health clinics to support people dealing with psychological diseases and disorders.

(c) Correct. Each brain health clinic is intended to be staffed with a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive care.

(d) Correct. The initiative is launched with technical support from the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS).

Therefore, the correct answer is (4) All of the above.

9. Consider the following statements:

(a) The Karnataka Government recently permitted a maximum of six months (180 days) of parental leave only.

(b) It is applicable to both Government and private male employees.

(c) Single male parent does not include divorcees.

(d) If during this leave they get married, their leave will automatically end from that day, the order stated.

Which of the above statements are incorrect?

(b) and (c) only

(a) and (b) only

(c) and (d) only

(a) and (c) only

Answer:1.  (b) and (c) only

Explanation:

(a) Correct: The Karnataka Government has indeed permitted up to six months (180 days) of parental leave, but there could be specific conditions or exceptions depending on the exact policy.

(b) InCorrect: The leave policy typically applies to both government and private male employees, but the specific applicability should be checked with the official policy.

(c) Incorrect: The definition of a single male parent often includes divorcees, depending on the policy, making this statement incorrect.

(d) Incorrect: The automatic end of leave upon marriage might not be a standard provision in the policy, making this statement incorrect unless specifically stated in the order.

https://finance.karnataka.gov.in/storage/pdf-files/FD3SRS2023-Dtd-09-06-2023.pdf