Instructions: –
1. Attempt all the questions.
2. Once you have completed all the questions of a particular section click on the submit button for scores and explanations then move to the next sections.
3. For each correct answer, you receive 1 mark. For this mock, there is no negative marking.
English Language
With the world’s largest population and an upward economic trajectory, India’s impact on the environment is undeniable and set to increase in the medium term. The third biggest emitter of greenhouse gases behind China and the USA, it recorded the highest emissions increase among top contributors in 2022.
True to Newton’s third law, the effects of such environmental harm on the nation’s well-being are also significant. According to the World Bank, environmental degradation costs India 5.7% of Gross Domestic Product. The brunt of this impact is borne disproportionately by the nation’s poor. Promisingly, the government recognises the seriousness of the challenge and has been vocal about its intent to tackle it.
In seeking to foster India’s stewardship in the global fight for our planet’s future, India has made commitments in international fora to reduce its emissions intensity by 45% and restore 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030. However, questions remain about its plan of action, and indeed capacity, to impart content to the rhetoric.
Efforts to safeguard the environment have to negotiate a complex web of ecological, economic and social issues and require informed and innovative action. It is often taken for granted that faster economic growth requires laxer environmental regulation. Various policy decisions of the Indian government over the past few decades have reflected this mindset. However, this is a mistaken view as research and innovation (R&I) can not only be a driver of economic growth but also help to achieve environmental objectives at lower costs and improve the quality of life. R&I, by providing a comprehensive understanding of causes and a demonstrable basis to intervene in the consequences, plays a paramount role in managing environmental challenges.
The renewed, albeit fitful, attention of the Union Government to reinvigorating public research through the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF) is, therefore, a step in the right direction. Passed into law in August 2023 and termed a ‘historic step’ by India’s Science & Technology Minister, the NRF aims to catalyse and converge research, innovation and entrepreneurship across disciplines. A corpus of Rs 50,000 crore for five years has been envisaged for this purpose. The budgetary allocation is expected to be Rs 14,000 crore and a significant contribution is anticipated from the private sector. The bureaucratic machinery is currently churning to draft regulations and appoint the institutional bodies of the NRF.
Legal Reasoning
In contract law, the principle of mitigation requires the non-breaching party to take reasonable steps to reduce the damage resulting from the breach. This obligation ensures that the party suffering from the breach does not passively allow damages to accumulate when they could have reasonably mitigated the losses. The core idea is to prevent the aggrieved party from placing an undue burden on the breaching party by claiming compensation for avoidable damages.
Mitigation must be attempted to a reasonable extent, meaning that the non-breaching party is expected to act prudently and in good faith to minimize their losses. This could involve finding alternative suppliers, seeking substitute goods or services, or taking other practical measures to reduce the impact of the breach. The standard of reasonableness is determined by what an ordinary person in a similar situation would consider appropriate under the circumstances.
Only the damages that could not be reasonably mitigated will be compensated. This means that even if the non-breaching party fails to make an effort to mitigate, they can still claim compensation, but only for the portion of damages that were truly unavoidable. The legal framework emphasizes that damages are awarded to restore the non-breaching party to their original position as much as possible, not to provide a windfall or unjust enrichment.
If the non-breaching party neglects to mitigate their losses, the compensation they receive will be limited to the unmitigated damages. This rule ensures fairness and equity by holding the non-breaching party accountable for their actions (or inactions) following the breach. It also protects the breaching party from being excessively penalized for damages that could have been reasonably avoided.
The mitigation principle is essential in balancing the interests of both parties in a contractual relationship. It promotes responsibility and fairness by ensuring that the non-breaching party takes proactive steps to limit their losses, thus fostering a more equitable outcome. By encouraging reasonable efforts to mitigate damages, the legal system upholds the integrity of contractual obligations while preventing undue hardship on the breaching party. This approach aligns with the overarching goal of contract law: to ensure that justice is served by restoring the aggrieved party as closely as possible to the position they would have been in had the contract been performed, without imposing excessive or avoidable costs on the breaching party.
Logical Reasoning
The National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) of India is in the process of formulating the country’s inaugural written National Security Strategy (NSS). This development marks a significant shift in India’s approach to national security, a topic that has gained prominence in discourse over the past two decades. Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (Retd), a distinguished former Commander-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command, sheds light on the necessity and intricacies of this strategic endeavor.
The formulation of a publicly articulated NSS is imperative for India. It serves as a foundational element for the nation’s existence and well-being, ensuring a unified understanding and approach towards national security. The absence of such a strategy has historically been attributed to a lack of strategic maturity and confidence. However, recent advancements in India’s military and strategic sectors signal a readiness to undertake this critical task.
The NSS is envisioned to be comprehensive, encompassing not just military and internal security, but also economic, diplomatic, human, climate, food, water, and other forms of security crucial for the nation’s prosperity. The multifaceted nature of the strategy necessitates extensive consultations across various ministries, reflecting the complexity and interdependence of the different security aspects.
Given the sensitive nature of the content, the NSS will likely be presented in two formats: a public version and a classified one for restricted audiences. The strategy’s formulation is a meticulous process, requiring iterative revisions and high-level governmental approval, particularly from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).
The NSS will be grounded in a set of guiding principles, likely derived from India’s comprehensive Constitution. These principles will inform the strategy, ensuring alignment with national values and objectives. The strategy, in turn, will influence the formulation of various doctrines at different levels, from national strategic to operational and tactical, across military and internal security domains.
The NSS is not expected to be a static document but a dynamic one, subject to continuous refinement and adaptation in response to evolving circumstances. A tentative timeframe of two years is considered reasonable for its initial release, with ongoing revisions to follow.
Quantitative Techniques
A mobile shopkeeper marks the prices of three different types of mobiles – Nokia 2.2, Vivo V9 and Realme 3i – in the ratio 11 : 16 : 20, respectively. The discount rates offered by the shopkeeper for Nokia 2.2, Vivo V9 and Realme 3i are 10%, 20% and 8%, respectively. Nokia 2.2 is sold at a profit of 20% and the cost price of this mobile is Rs. 4125.
Also, the selling price of a Samsung Galaxy M30 available at this shop after a discount of 16% is Rs. 2500 less than the sum of the marked prices of all three mobiles Nokia 2.2, Vivo V9 and Realme 3i.
Also learn: CLAT Previous Year Question Papers
General Knowledge
Angkor Wat, the majestic temple complex located in the Siem Reap province of Cambodia, has recently garnered significant acclaim as the most photogenic UNESCO World Heritage site in Asia, as declared by Times Travel. This accolade, celebrated by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, underscores not only the aesthetic grandeur of Angkor Wat but also its profound cultural and historical significance. As the largest religious monument in the world, Angkor Wat embodies the zenith of Khmer architecture and serves as a testament to the ingenuity of the civilization that flourished in the region from the 9th to the 15th centuries. The designation of Angkor Wat as the most photogenic site invites a critical examination of its visual and cultural narratives. The temple complex, originally constructed as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu, has transformed over the centuries into a symbol of Cambodian identity and national pride. Its architectural brilliance—characterized by intricate bas-reliefs, soaring towers, and an expansive moat—creates a compelling visual story that resonates with both tourists and scholars alike. The interplay of light and shadow at different times of the day adds to its photogenic allure, enabling photographers to capture breathtaking images that reflect the temple’s grandeur and spiritual significance.
Moreover, Angkor Wat’s recent recognition raises important questions regarding the impact of tourism on heritage sites. While the increased visibility from such accolades can boost tourism and local economies, it also poses significant challenges related to preservation and sustainability. The influx of visitors, eager to capture the perfect photograph, often results in environmental stress and potential damage to the delicate stonework of the temple. Thus, balancing the economic benefits of tourism with the need for conservation becomes a critical discourse surrounding Angkor Wat’s future.
The Times of India’s listing, which includes other iconic landmarks across Asia, further highlights the competitive nature of cultural heritage in the global tourism market. Angkor Wat’s inclusion among such esteemed company underscores the necessity for proactive management strategies that prioritize both the protection of this UNESCO site and the enhancement of visitor experiences. Initiatives aimed at sustainable tourism practices, such as controlled access, guided tours, and educational programs, can foster a deeper understanding of the cultural significance of Angkor Wat while mitigating the adverse effects of mass tourism. In addition to its architectural and cultural importance, Angkor Wat serves as a focal point for national identity in Cambodia. Following decades of turmoil, including the devastating impact of the Khmer Rouge regime, the restoration and international recognition of Angkor Wat symbolize a resurgence of Cambodian culture and heritage. This recognition by Times Travel not only enhances Angkor Wat’s status as a cultural icon but also offers a platform for dialogue about heritage conservation, identity, and the role of cultural sites in a rapidly changing global landscape.