551: Consider the following statements:

With reference to the Constitution of India, the Directive Principles of State Policy constitute limitations upon
1. legislative function.
2. executive function.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
552: Elements having atomic number higher than 92 in the periodic table are known as

(a) Transitional elements

(b) Rare earth elements

(c) Transuranic elements

(d) Alkaline earth metals
553: Why is a plant called Prosopis juliflora often mentioned in news ?

(a) Its extract is widely used in cosmetics.
(b) It tends to reduce the biodiversity in the area in which it grows.
(c) Its extract is used in the synthesis of pesticides.
(d) None of the above
554: With reference to Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) sometimes mentioned in the news while forecasting Indian monsoon, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. IOD phenomenon is characterized by a difference in sea surface temperature between tropical Western Indian Ocean and tropical Eastern Pacific Ocean.
2. An IOD phenomenon can influence an El Ninos impact on the monsoon.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
555: In the context of Indian economy, which of the following is/are the purpose/purposes of `Statutory Reserve Requirements?

1. To enable the Central Bank to control the amount of advances the banks can create
2. To make the peoples deposits with banks safe and liquid.
3. To prevent the commercial banks from making excessive profits.
4. To force the banks to have sufficient vault cash to meet their day-to-day requirements

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4