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Past Questions — 2024
The island of Bombay was given to the English Prince Charles I as dowry by :
A)
The Danish
B)
The Dutch
C)
The Portuguese
D)
The East India Company
The island of Bombay (now Mumbai) was originally under the control of the Portuguese, who had acquired it from the Sultan of Gujarat in 1534. In 1661, as part of the marriage treaty between King Charles II of England (though the question mentions Charles I, historical records confirm it was Charles II) and Catherine of Braganza, the daughter of King John IV of Portugal, the Portuguese gave the seven islands of Bombay to the English crown as a dowry. Later, in 1668, King Charles II leased the islands to the East India Company for a nominal annual rent of 10 pounds.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. The Danish: Denmark had trading posts in India (like Tranquebar), but they never controlled Bombay.
- b. The Dutch: The Dutch East India Company (VOC) was a major rival to the English, but they did not own Bombay.
- d. The East India Company: The Company did not give Bombay as a dowry; rather, they received it as a lease from the English Crown after the Crown had received it from the Portuguese.
In India National Science Day is observed on which on the following date?
A)
January 26
B)
February 26
C)
January 28
D)
February 28
National Science Day in India is celebrated every year on February 28 to commemorate the discovery of the 'Raman Effect' by the legendary Indian physicist Sir C.V. Raman. He discovered this phenomenon on February 28, 1928, which later earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930.
Analysis of other options:
- January 26: This is Republic Day, marking the date the Constitution of India came into effect in 1950.
- February 26: This date does not correspond to a major national science observance in India.
- January 28: This date does not correspond to National Science Day.
Who coined the word ‘ecology’?
A)
Charles Darwin
B)
Ernst Haeckel
C)
Gregory Mendel
D)
Saun Marine
The term 'ecology' was coined in 1866 by the German biologist Ernst Haeckel. He derived the word from the Greek words 'oikos' (meaning house, dwelling place, or household) and 'logos' (meaning study). He defined ecology as the study of the relationship of organisms to their environment.
Analysis of other options:
- Charles Darwin: Known as the father of evolutionary biology for his theory of natural selection, but he did not coin the term ecology.
- Gregory Mendel: Known as the father of genetics for his work on pea plants and the laws of inheritance.
- Saun Marine: This is not a recognized figure in the history of ecological or biological sciences.
Asmall hand-woven cloth of handspun cotton and indigo dye is called-
A)
Kawr-chei
B)
Puan-chei
C)
Ngote-kherh
D)
Hmar-am
In Mizo culture, 'Puan' refers to the traditional wrap-around skirt or cloth. The 'Puan-chei' is one of the most iconic and intricately woven traditional cloths. Historically, it is crafted from handspun cotton and utilizes natural dyes, most notably indigo for the deep blue/black base colors, combined with vibrant red and yellow patterns.
Analysis of other options:
- Kawr-chei: 'Kawr' generally refers to a top or shirt/blouse, not the wrap-around cloth described.
- Ngote-kherh: This refers to a specific type of traditional wrap, but it does not fit the general description of the primary hand-woven indigo-dyed cloth as centrally as Puan-chei does in cultural contexts.
- Hmar-am: This is not a standard term for the general hand-woven indigo cloth of the Mizo people; it refers to specific ethnic variations or different items entirely.
The ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative primarily focuses on:
A)
Providing international loans
B)
Expanding imports
C)
Promoting self-reliance and strengthening the economy
D)
Reducing unemployment in rural areas
The 'Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan' (Self-Reliant India Mission) was launched by the Government of India in May 2020. The primary objective of this initiative is to make India self-reliant by reducing dependence on imports, promoting local manufacturing (Vocal for Local), and strengthening the domestic economy across five key pillars: Economy, Infrastructure, System, Vibrant Demography, and Demand.
Analysis of options:
- Option (a) is incorrect because the initiative focuses on domestic strength, not providing international loans.
- Option (b) is incorrect because the goal is to reduce dependence on imports, not expand them.
- Option (c) is correct as it directly aligns with the literal meaning of 'Atmanirbhar' (Self-Reliant) and the mission's goals.
- Option (d) is a potential outcome or a secondary goal of the economic stimulus packages associated with the mission, but it is not the primary overarching focus of the initiative itself.
The Carnatic wars were fought between the-
A)
British and the French
B)
British and the Portuguese
C)
French and the Nawab of Carnatic
D)
British and the Nawab of Carnatic
The Carnatic Wars were a series of three military conflicts fought between 1746 and 1763 in the Carnatic region of southeastern India. These wars were essentially an extension of the larger global rivalry between the British Empire (represented by the British East India Company) and the French Empire (represented by the Compagnie des Indes). While local Nawabs and rulers were often involved as allies or puppets, the primary combatants and the driving force behind the conflict were the British and the French, who sought to establish colonial hegemony over the Indian subcontinent.
- Option (b) is incorrect because the Portuguese were not the primary antagonists in these specific wars.
- Options (c) and (d) are incorrect because while the Nawab of Carnatic was a central figure and a party to the conflicts, the wars were fundamentally a struggle for supremacy between the two European powers (British and French) rather than a war solely against the Nawab.
What is the largest saltwater lake in India?
A)
Dal Lake
B)
Wular Lake
C)
Chilika Lake
D)
Loktak Lake
Step-by-step analysis:
1. The question asks for the largest saltwater lake (lagoon) in India.
2. Chilika Lake, located in Odisha, is the largest brackish water lagoon in India and the second largest coastal lagoon in the world. It is a designated Ramsar site and a key wintering ground for migratory birds.
3. Evaluating other options:
- Dal Lake (Jammu & Kashmir): A freshwater lake known for its beauty and houseboats.
- Wular Lake (Jammu & Kashmir): One of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia, fed by the Jhelum River.
- Loktak Lake (Manipur): A freshwater lake famous for its floating islands called 'phumdis'.
4. Since Dal, Wular, and Loktak are all freshwater lakes, Chilika Lake is the only saltwater/brackish water option and the largest of its kind in the country.
The Directive Principles of State Policy are:
A)
Justiciable
B)
Non-justiciable
C)
Part of Fundamental Rights
D)
None of the above
The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), contained in Part IV (Articles 36-51) of the Constitution of India, are guidelines given to the federal and state governments.
1. Why 'Non-justiciable' is correct: According to Article 37 of the Indian Constitution, the DPSP are 'non-justiciable,' meaning they are not enforceable by any court. If the government fails to implement a directive principle, a citizen cannot approach the court to compel the state to do so.
2. Why 'Justiciable' is incorrect: Justiciability refers to the ability of a court to hear and decide a matter. Fundamental Rights (Part III) are justiciable, but DPSPs are not.
3. Why 'Part of Fundamental Rights' is incorrect: Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles are two distinct parts of the Constitution. While Fundamental Rights protect individual liberties (negative obligations on the state), DPSPs outline the goals for a welfare state (positive obligations on the state).
The King who did not allow anybody to laugh in his court was?
A)
Balban
B)
Qutub-ud-din Aibak
C)
Ltutmish
D)
Allauddin Khilji
Ghiyas-ud-din Balban, the Sultan of Delhi (1266–1287), is well-known for introducing a rigid and austere court etiquette to restore the prestige of the monarchy. He introduced the Persian customs of 'Sijda' (prostration) and 'Paibos' (kissing the feet of the Sultan). To maintain an atmosphere of absolute awe, fear, and solemnity, he banned laughing, joking, and casual conversation in the royal court. He believed that the Sultan should be seen as a distant, divine figure rather than a common human, and thus enforced a strict code of conduct where the nobility had to remain silent and solemn in his presence.
Comparison with other options:
- Qutub-ud-din Aibak: Known as 'Lakh Baksh' (giver of lakhs) for his generosity; there is no historical record of him banning laughter.
- Iltutmish: A pragmatic administrator who consolidated the Delhi Sultanate; he did not implement such extreme austerity measures.
- Alauddin Khilji: While he was a ruthless administrator and implemented strict market controls and espionage, his court restrictions were focused more on preventing conspiracies among nobles rather than banning laughter as a matter of royal etiquette.
According to the UN Law of the Sea Convention, the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) of a country include -
A)
24 nautical miles from coastal area to the sea
B)
100 nautical miles from coastal area to the sea
C)
200 nautical miles from coastal area to the sea
D)
250 nautical miles from coastal area to the sea
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which was adopted in 1982, defines the maritime zones of a coastal state. The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is an area beyond and adjacent to the territorial sea, extending up to 200 nautical miles (approximately 370 kilometers) from the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured. Within this zone, the coastal state has sovereign rights for the purpose of exploring, exploiting, conserving, and managing the natural resources, whether living (like fish) or non-living (like oil and gas), of the waters superjacent to the seabed and of the seabed and its subsoil.
Analysis of other options:
- Option (a) 24 nautical miles: This is incorrect. The Territorial Sea typically extends to 12 nautical miles, and the Contiguous Zone extends to 24 nautical miles from the baseline.
- Option (b) 100 nautical miles: This is not a standard limit defined by UNCLOS for any specific maritime zone.
- Option (d) 250 nautical miles: This exceeds the internationally recognized limit for the EEZ set by UNCLOS.
The famous village of Selesih 7000 was established during-
A)
1730-1740 AD
B)
1740-1750 AD
C)
1750-1760 AD
D)
1760-1770 AD
Selesih 7000 is a historically significant village in Mizo history, representing a period of consolidation and settlement. According to historical records and oral traditions documented in Mizo history, the establishment of Selesih 7000 is dated to the period between 1740 and 1750 AD. This period marks a phase of migration and the formation of organized village settlements before the later movements into the current boundaries of Mizoram. Options a, c, and d are incorrect as they fall outside the historically accepted timeframe for the founding of this specific settlement.
The highest body responsible for the formation of public policy in India:
A)
The President
B)
The Parliament
C)
The Judiciary
D)
The Election Commission
In the Indian democratic system, public policy is formulated through the legislative process. The Parliament is the supreme legislative body of India. While the Executive (Council of Ministers) proposes policies and drafts bills, these policies only gain legal force and official status as 'public policy' once they are debated, voted upon, and passed by the Parliament. The Parliament represents the will of the people, making it the highest body responsible for the formal creation and authorization of public policy.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. The President: The President is the nominal head of state. While bills are passed in the President's name and require their assent, the President does not formulate policy independently.
- c. The Judiciary: The Judiciary interprets laws and ensures they are constitutional (Judicial Review), but it does not formulate public policy; doing so would violate the principle of Separation of Powers.
- d. The Election Commission: This is a constitutional body responsible for the administration of elections, not for the formulation of general public policy for the nation.
What is the Paris Agreement?
A)
International Treaty on Climate Change
B)
International Treaty on Non-Nuclear Proliferation
C)
International Treaty on Global Trade
D)
None of the above
The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty on climate change. It was adopted by 196 Parties at the COP 21 in Paris on 12 December 2015 and entered into force on 4 November 2016. Its primary goal is to limit global warming to well below 2, degrees Celsius, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels.
Analysis of other options:
- Option (b) refers to treaties like the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which is unrelated to the Paris Agreement.
- Option (c) refers to agreements managed by the World Trade Organization (WTO) or regional trade blocs, which is unrelated to the Paris Agreement.
Firms where there is co-existence of large number of buyers and sellers alongside homogeneous products is called-
A)
Perfect Competition
B)
Monopolistic Competition
C)
Duopoly
D)
Oligopoly
The question describes the two primary characteristics of a Perfect Competition market structure: 1) A large number of buyers and sellers (meaning no single agent can influence the market price) and 2) Homogeneous products (meaning the goods are identical, and consumers perceive no difference between products from different sellers).
Why other options are incorrect:
- b. Monopolistic Competition: While there are many buyers and sellers, the products are 'differentiated' (not homogeneous), such as different brands of soap.
- c. Duopoly: This is a market structure where only two sellers dominate the market, contradicting the 'large number of sellers' condition.
- d. Oligopoly: This involves a few large firms dominating the market, which also contradicts the 'large number of sellers' condition.
Which new bill replaced the British-era Criminal Law in India?
A)
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill
B)
Freedom of Speech and Expression Bilt
C)
Indian Penal Reform Bill
D)
Criminal Justice Reform Bill
The Government of India introduced three new criminal laws to replace the colonial-era laws established by the British. Specifically, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) replaced the Indian Penal Code (IPC) of 1860. Additionally, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) replaced the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) replaced the Indian Evidence Act. Option (a) is correct as it identifies the specific bill that replaced the primary substantive criminal law (the IPC). Options (b), (c), and (d) are incorrect as they are not the names of the official legislation passed by the Indian Parliament for this purpose.
The land settlement in the Lushai Hills was introduced by-
A)
L.O.Clarke
B)
B.W. Roy
C)
GH.Loch
D)
J.Shakespeare
The land settlement in the Lushai Hills (modern-day Mizoram) was introduced by L.O. Clarke. During the British administration of the Lushai Hills, the system of land tenure and settlement was formalized to establish administrative control and revenue structures. L.O. Clarke played a pivotal role in implementing these land settlement policies.
Regarding the other options:
- B.W. Roy and GH. Loch were involved in various administrative or military capacities during the colonial era, but they are not credited with the introduction of the land settlement.
- J. Shakespeare was a colonial officer, but the specific historical record for the introduction of land settlement in this region points to L.O. Clarke.
In the first battle of Panipat, Ibrahim Lodhi was defeated by-
A)
Akbar
B)
Muhammed Lodhi
C)
Bahulal Lodhi
D)
Babar
The First Battle of Panipat took place on April 21, 1526. It was fought between the invading forces of Zahir-ud-din Muhammad Babur (the founder of the Mughal Empire) and the Lodi dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate, led by Sultan Ibrahim Lodhi. Babur won the battle primarily due to his superior military tactics, the use of field artillery (cannons), and the 'Tulughma' (flanking) strategy, despite being outnumbered. This victory marked the end of the Delhi Sultanate and the establishment of the Mughal Empire in India.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Akbar: He was the grandson of Babur and the third Mughal Emperor; he fought the Second Battle of Panipat (1556) against Hemu.
- b. Muhammed Lodhi: He was the predecessor of Ibrahim Lodhi and was not the opponent in the First Battle of Panipat.
- c. Bahulal Lodhi: Bahlul Lodhi was the founder of the Lodi dynasty and died long before the First Battle of Panipat.
Grasslands which do not support any trees are called?
A)
Lanos
B)
Campos
C)
Savanna
D)
Steppes
To solve this, we must distinguish between 'Tropical Grasslands' and 'Temperate Grasslands'.
1. **Savanna (Option c):** These are tropical grasslands. They are characterized by a mix of grasses and scattered individual trees or small clumps of trees. Therefore, they *do* support trees.
2. **Campos (Option b):** These are tropical grasslands found in Brazil. Like Savannas, they often feature scattered shrubs and trees.
3. **Lanos (Option a):** This is likely a misspelling of 'Llanos' (tropical grasslands of Colombia/Venezuela), which also typically feature a mix of grass and scattered trees/shrubs.
4. **Steppes (Option d):** These are temperate grasslands (found in Eurasia). Temperate grasslands are characterized by a climate that is too dry to support forests but wet enough to support grasses. Unlike Savannas, true Steppes are virtually treeless plains because the precipitation levels and soil conditions do not support the growth of trees except along riverbanks.
Therefore, among the given options, Steppes are the grasslands that typically do not support trees.
Very strong and icy winds that blows in the polar regions are known as
A)
Typhoons
B)
Tornadoes
C)
Blizzards
D)
Polar winds
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. Analysis of the question: The question asks for the specific term used for very strong, icy winds occurring in polar regions.
2. Evaluating Option (a) Typhoons: Typhoons are mature tropical cyclones that develop in the western North Pacific Ocean. They are warm-core systems, not icy polar winds.
3. Evaluating Option (b) Tornadoes: Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground. While they can occur in various regions, they are not characteristic 'icy winds of the polar regions'.
4. Evaluating Option (c) Blizzards: A blizzard is a severe snowstorm characterized by strong sustained winds (usually over 35 mph) and low visibility due to blowing snow. They are the defining strong, icy wind events of polar and sub-polar regions.
5. Evaluating Option (d) Polar winds: While 'polar easterlies' are a general category of wind in the global circulation model, the term 'Polar winds' is too generic. The specific term for the 'very strong and icy' storm event described is a blizzard.
Conclusion: Blizzards specifically match the description of strong, icy winds in polar regions.
Birsa Munda was associated with:
A)
Satnami Rebellion
B)
Ulgulan Revolt
C)
Santhal Rebellion
D)
Indigo Revolt
Birsa Munda was a prominent tribal leader and folk hero who led the 'Ulgulan' (meaning 'The Great Tumult') revolt in the late 19th century (approximately 1899–1900) in the Chotanagpur plateau region of present-day Jharkhand. The movement aimed to establish a Munda Raj by driving out the British colonial government and the 'dikus' (outsiders/landlords) who were exploiting the tribal people and disrupting their traditional land tenure system (Khuntkatti system).
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Satnami Rebellion: This was a movement led by Ghasidas in Chhattisgarh, primarily focused on social reform and against caste discrimination.
- c. Santhal Rebellion: This occurred earlier (1855–1856) and was led by Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu against the Zamindari system and British rule.
- d. Indigo Revolt: This was a peasant uprising (1859–1860) in Bengal against the forced cultivation of indigo by European planters.
Which period is known as the ‘Golden period’ in the classification of Mizo Literature?
A)
1870-1920
B)
1920-1970
C)
1970 — 2000
D)
2000-present
In the historical classification of Mizo literature, the period from 1920 to 1970 is widely recognized as the 'Golden Period'. This era saw a significant transition and flourishing of literary creativity following the introduction of the Roman script and the establishment of formal education. During this time, there was a surge in the production of poetry, prose, and the development of Mizo journalism and storytelling, moving beyond purely oral traditions to a structured written literary culture.
- Option (a) 1870-1920 represents the early formative period characterized by the introduction of the alphabet and basic literacy.
- Option (c) 1970-2000 and (d) 2000-present represent the modern and contemporary eras, which, while prolific, are categorized differently from the 'Golden Period' of foundational literary growth.
Which process is responsible for the conversion of organic waste into nutrient-rich material?
A)
Composting
B)
Mining
C)
Photosynthesis
D)
Combustion
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. Analysis of the goal: The question asks for the process that converts organic waste (such as food scraps, leaves, and manure) into nutrient-rich material (humus/fertilizer).
2. Evaluating Option (a) Composting: Composting is the biological decomposition of organic matter by microorganisms (bacteria, fungi) under controlled aerobic or anaerobic conditions. This process breaks down complex organic molecules into simpler, nutrient-rich forms that are beneficial for soil health. This matches the question perfectly.
3. Evaluating Option (b) Mining: Mining is the extraction of minerals or other geological materials from the earth. It does not involve the conversion of organic waste into nutrients.
4. Evaluating Option (c) Photosynthesis: Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create glucose and oxygen. It is a process of energy production, not waste decomposition.
5. Evaluating Option (d) Combustion: Combustion is the process of burning something. While it breaks down organic matter, it converts it into ash, carbon dioxide, and water vapor, destroying the nutrient-rich organic structure rather than creating a nutrient-rich material for soil.
Conclusion: Composting is the only process listed that results in nutrient-rich organic material.
Which of the following type of forest occupies the largest area in India?
A)
Tropical Wet Evergreen Forest
B)
Montane Wet Temperate Forest
C)
Sub-tropical Dry Evergreen Forest
D)
Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest
In India, the forest types are categorized based on rainfall, temperature, and altitude. Among the given options, Tropical Deciduous Forests (which include both Moist and Dry variants) are the most widespread in the country. Specifically, Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests cover a vast area of the foothills of the Himalayas, eastern slopes of the Western Ghats, and Odisha/Chhattisgarh. While 'Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests' are also extremely common, among the specific choices provided in this multiple-choice question, 'Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest' represents the largest share of the listed categories.
Breakdown of other options:
- Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests (a) are restricted to high-rainfall areas like the Western Ghats and North-East India.
- Montane Wet Temperate Forests (b) are limited to high-altitude regions of the Himalayas.
- Sub-tropical Dry Evergreen Forests (c) are found in very specific pockets, primarily in the Coromandel coast (Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh).
Therefore, Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest is the correct answer among the provided options.
The Ring of Fire is associated with which of the following?
A)
Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes
B)
Tsunami
C)
Lightning
D)
None of the above
The 'Ring of Fire' is a major area in the basin of the Pacific Ocean where a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur. It is a horse-shoe shaped zone characterized by intense tectonic activity. This activity is caused by the movement and interaction of several tectonic plates (such as the Pacific Plate, Nazca Plate, and Philippine Plate) through processes called subduction, where one plate slides beneath another.
- Option (a) is correct because the Ring of Fire is defined by the high frequency of volcanic activity and seismic events (earthquakes) resulting from plate tectonics.
- Option (b) is incorrect as a primary association; while tsunamis often occur in this region, they are secondary effects caused by underwater earthquakes or volcanic eruptions, not the defining characteristic of the zone itself.
- Option (c) is incorrect because lightning is an atmospheric electrical phenomenon and is not related to the geological structure of the Ring of Fire.
Who coined the term ‘Satyagraha’ to describe the non-violent resistance in the Indian National Movement?
A)
Jawaharlal Nehru
B)
Subhas Chandra Bose
C)
Mahatma Gandhi
D)
Sardar Patel
The term 'Satyagraha' is derived from the Sanskrit words 'Satya' (truth) and 'Agraha' (holding firmly/insistence). It was coined by Mahatma Gandhi to describe his philosophy of non-violent resistance. Gandhi developed this concept during his time in South Africa and later applied it extensively in the Indian National Movement (e.g., Champaran, Kheda, and the Salt March) to fight against British colonial rule.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Jawaharlal Nehru: While a key leader and disciple of Gandhi, he did not coin the term.
- Subhas Chandra Bose: He advocated for a more militant approach to independence (e.g., the Indian National Army) and differed from Gandhi's philosophy of absolute non-violence.
- Sardar Patel: He was a prominent leader and organizer of the movement, but the ideological framework of Satyagraha was established by Gandhi.
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