Q. 46
Match the following Chief Ministers of Assam (List-I) with their corresponding periods of service (List-II):
| List-I | List-II |
| a. Bishnuram Medhi | 1. 28th Dec, 1957–6th Nov, 1970 |
| b. Mahendra Mohan Choudhury | 2. 26th Jan, 1950–5th Aug, 1950 |
| c. Bimala Prasad Chaliha | 3. 9th Aug, 1950–27th Dec, 1957 |
| d. Gopinath Bordoloi | 4. 11th Nov, 1970–30th Jan, 1972 |
Answer: (A) a-3, b-1, c-2, d-4 (correct chronological match).
Q. 47
Which of the following best explains why courts appoint amicus curiae in criminal matters?
(A) To ensure that the prosecution has adequate resources to argue its case
(B) To expedite the trial process for efficiency
(C) To provide representation to the accused when they are unrepresented
(D) To act as a mediator between the accused and the victim
Answer: (C) Amicus curiae (friend of the court) assists unrepresented accused, especially in complex or public interest cases.
Q. 48
The concept of ‘Rule of Law’ has several elements, some of which are as follows:
(i) Absence of arbitrary power
(ii) Equality before law
(iii) Primacy of the rights of the individual
(iv) Cannot be destroyed by an amendment
Which of the above are applicable to the Indian system?
(A) (i) and (ii) only
(B) (i), (ii) and (iii) only
(C) (ii), (iii) and (iv) only
(D) (i), (ii) and (iv) only
Answer: (B) Indian Rule of Law (per Dicey & Kesavananda) includes (i), (ii), (iii). (iv) is incorrect—basic structure can be amended, not destroyed.
Q. 49
W. W. Rostow’s model of economic development proposes that all countries progress through five stages.
What is the correct sequence of the five stages?
(A) (i) Traditional society,
(ii) Pre-conditions for takeoff,
(iii) Take-off,
(iv) Age of high mass consumption,
(v) Drive to maturity
(B)
(i) Traditional society,
(ii) Take-off,
(iii) Pre-conditions for takeoff,
(iv) Drive to maturity,
(v) Age of high mass consumption
(C)
(i) Traditional society,
(ii) Pre-conditions for takeoff,
(iii) Take-off,
(iv) Drive to maturity,
(v) Age of high mass consumption
(D)
(i) Traditional society,
(ii) Pre-conditions for takeoff,
(iii) Age of high mass consumption,
(iv) Drive to maturity,
(v) Take-off
Answer: (C) Rostow’s stages:
- Traditional → 2. Pre-conditions → 3. Take-off → 4. Drive to maturity → 5. High mass consumption.
Q. 50
Biofuels offer a viable alternative towards environmentally friendly energy landscape.
Which of the following statements regarding use of biofuels to meet energy demands are correct?
(i) Aggressive use and production of first-generation biofuels may threaten food security.
(ii) Production of first-generation biofuels is not environment-friendly.
(iii) A concern regarding biofuels is that extensive cultivation of plants for extracting biofuels may increase deforestation and habitat destruction.
(iv) Bio-fuel production will lead to large amount of toxic metallic waste which may adversely affect human health.
Answer: (A) (i) and (iii) only. First-gen biofuels (from food crops) threaten food security and cause deforestation. (ii) Incorrect (they reduce emissions); (iv) incorrect (no toxic metals).