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
Norway has a long history of supporting digital public goods and is a proud co-founder and member of the DPGA, which provides a registry of certified digital public goods. Norway also recently pledged to become a frontrunner country in the 50-in-5 campaign, which was launched last week by the DPGA, the United Nations Development Programme and others. In this campaign, countries pledge to make at least one national digital goods available globally in the next five years. I can see only benefits in doing so. If taxpayers are paying for the development of national systems which can be shared without creating scarcity nor competition, then the default should be that it should be released globally as a digital public good. As the Minister of International Development, I am happy and proud to see that some of the digital public goods that Norway has already provided are being put to good use across the world.
Norway has a long history of supporting digital public goods and is a proud co-founder and member of the DPGA, which provides a registry of certified digital public goods. Norway also recently pledged to become a frontrunner country in the 50-in-5 campaign, which was launched last week by the DPGA, the United Nations Development Programme and others. In this campaign, countries pledge to make at least one national digital goods available globally in the next five years. I can see only benefits in doing so. If taxpayers are paying for the development of national systems which can be shared without creating scarcity nor competition, then the default should be that it should be released globally as a digital public good. As the Minister of International Development, I am happy and proud to see that some of the digital public goods that Norway has already provided are being put to good use across the world.
Countries also need to ensure the safeguarding of digital sovereignty without tampering with an open, free and secure Internet for all or leading to Internet fragmentation by states and non-state actors. At the end of the day, sovereignty is every country’s first concern, and open solutions such as digital public goods are a good way to ensure not to end up in a vendor-lock or paid subscription mode. In the face of these complex challenges, the good thing is that we have a compass for the journey ahead, based on certifying and pooling our digital public goods under the global lead of the DPGA.
Legal Reasoning
In the realm of contract law, the foundational elements of offer and acceptance form the basis for the formation of legally binding agreements. An offer represents a proposal made by the offeror to the offeree, outlining the terms and conditions under which they are willing to enter into a contract. Conversely, acceptance signifies the offeree’s agreement to the terms of the offer, thereby forming a mutual understanding and commitment between the parties involved.
The timing and communication of acceptance play crucial roles in determining when a contract becomes binding on both parties. As a general rule, acceptance becomes binding against the offeror as soon as it is put in the course of transmission, meaning that it is sent out by the offeree. However, acceptance is binding against the offeree only when it reaches the offeror.
Furthermore, for acceptance to be valid, the offeror must be aware that their offer has been accepted. This requirement ensures that both parties are operating with full knowledge and understanding of the contractual obligations they are entering into. If the acceptor communicates acceptance without the offeror’s knowledge, the acceptance may not be considered valid, and no contract is formed until the offeror becomes aware of the acceptance.
In summary, the principles of offer and acceptance are fundamental to contract formation, delineating the process by which parties enter into legally binding agreements. The timing and communication of acceptance are critical factors that determine when a contract becomes binding on both parties. By ensuring mutual awareness and understanding, offer and acceptance pave the way for the creation of enforceable contractual relationships that govern the rights and obligations of the parties involved.
Logical Reasoning
The human mind is very strange. Mind enables people to be aware of the world and their experiences, to think and reason, to perceive, to judge and to feel. It is the faculty of consciousness and thought. Human being is controlled by its own mind. Hence taking care of one’s mental health is a priority.
Mental health is an essential and important component of a person’s total health status. It includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being of an individual. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines mental health as “a state of well being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community”. Human life is full of stress and strain and individual needs vary from person to person. Thus it is important to follow principles to keep the mental health intact.
Children need special care for their holistic development as they are the assets of the nation. They are vulnerable to problems relating to physical, mental and social health. Although physical health problems can be observed from outside, mental health problems may not be noticed unless one is aware of the signs which indicate the need for professional help.
Parents and family members need to be aware of any change in behavior of their children. A child’s socialization process takes place through the influence of the family, neighborhood and community. According to Karl Meninger- “What is done to children, they will do to the society.”
Parents need to practice self-control and self discipline so as to expect the same from their children. Children follow the adults. They learn by observing the behaviors of their parents and other family members. A child’s health depends upon family’s health, lifestyle, culture, customs, traditions, taboos, rituals, religious practices, habits, child bearing and child rearing practices, social relationships, socio-economic conditions, environmental conditions, etc. A child can learn different life skills and gather knowledge in a healthy environment which is beneficial for normal development.”
Quantitative Techniques
Mehta electronics deals in Air conditioners (ACs) of only three companies namely Samsung, LG and Lloyd. Each AC is of one of two types namely split and window. In January, total number of ACs sold by Mehta electronics was 198. The following information is also known about the number of ACs of different companies sold:
For Samsung: Number of windows ACs sold in February was 20% more than that in January. However, number of split ACs sold in February was 25% less than that in January.
For LG: Number of ACs sold in January was 1 more than that in February, even though number of windows ACs sold in February was 8 more than that in January.
For Lloyd: Number of windows ACs to number of split ACs, sold in January were in the ratio 7:8 and this ratio changed to 7:5, in February. Total number of ACs sold in February was 36 more than that in January.
Also,
- Out of total number of windows ACs sold in February, ratio of number of Samsung, LG and Lloyd, window ACs, sold in February was 9:8:14, respectively.
- In January, number of Lloyd ACs sold was equal to number of LG ACs sold. Number of Samsung ACs sold in January was 78.
General Knowledge
The Indian Army is poised to receive its inaugural three AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from Boeing by December 2024. This delivery, initially anticipated between May and July, has faced a delay exceeding six months due to supply chain challenges. Following extensive negotiations between India and the United States, the delivery schedule was prioritized, emphasizing the strategic partnership between the two nations. The Apache helicopters, renowned for their advanced technology and combat capabilities, are specifically engineered for operations in desert environments, excelling in countering armoured threats, including tanks. However, their performance diminishes in high-altitude regions, such as mountainous terrains typical of Northern India.
To mitigate this limitation, India has embarked on developing the indigenous Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) through Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. The LCH, equipped with advanced avionics and weapon systems, is optimized for high-altitude operations and is slated for deployment in the Ladakh region between 2024 and 2025. This dual approach to helicopter procurement enhances the Army’s versatility in various operational contexts. The formation of the 451 Aviation Squadron in Jodhpur in March marks a significant milestone for the Indian Army, as it prepares to operationalize the Apache helicopters. This squadron represents the Army’s second attack helicopter variant, complementing the LCH and underscoring its commitment to strengthening aviation capabilities. The establishment of this unit reflects a broader military strategy aimed at modernizing and expanding India’s aerial combat capabilities, particularly in light of evolving regional security dynamics.
In 2020, India formalized an $800 million procurement agreement with Boeing for six Apache helicopters, which includes comprehensive training for six Indian pilots and 24 technicians in the United States. This initiative not only enhances operational readiness but also fosters defense cooperation between India and the U.S. Additionally, the Indian Army has indicated a keen interest in acquiring more Apache helicopters, with a proposal for an additional 11 aircraft currently under evaluation. Strategically, a review led by the Chief of Defence Staff has highlighted the necessity for 39 heavy attack helicopters across the Indian armed forces. In response to this assessment, the Defence Acquisition Council approved the procurement of 156 LCHs, with an estimated total cost of ₹45,000 crore. This strategic decision reflects India’s commitment to augmenting its aerial warfare capabilities in alignment with its defence policy goals.
Presently, the Indian Army’s operational fleet includes 75 Rudra helicopters, armed variants of the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH). The integration of the Apache, LCH, and Rudra helicopters will significantly enhance the Army’s operational flexibility across diverse terrains, reinforcing its combat capabilities and readiness in a rapidly changing security environment. The emphasis on developing indigenous platforms alongside international collaborations signifies a balanced approach to enhancing national defence.