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Past Questions — 2025
The new snake species discovered in Mizoram in 2024 by researchers at the Mizoram University is-
A)
Sinomicrurus gorei
B)
Ahaetulla prasine
C)
Python bivittatus
D)
Smithophis mizoramensis
In 2024, researchers from Mizoram University, in collaboration with other experts, identified and described a new species of snake endemic to the region, naming it 'Smithophis mizoramensis'. This discovery highlights the rich biodiversity of the Indo-Burma hotspot and the specific ecological uniqueness of Mizoram.
Analysis of other options:
- Sinomicrurus gorei: This is a known species of coral snake found in other parts of Asia, not a new 2024 discovery from Mizoram University.
- Ahaetulla prasina: This is the common Green Vine Snake, widely distributed across Asia.
- Python bivittatus: This is the Burmese Python, a well-known large snake species found throughout Southeast Asia.
The most abundant Greenhouse Gas in the atmosphere is -
A)
Methane
B)
Carbon Dioxide
C)
Water Vapour
D)
Nitrous Oxide
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) are gases in Earth's atmosphere that trap heat.
2. When considering the total concentration and volume in the atmosphere, Water Vapour (H2O) is the most abundant greenhouse gas. It exists in varying concentrations depending on temperature and location, but its overall contribution to the natural greenhouse effect is the highest.
3. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is the most significant 'anthropogenic' (human-caused) greenhouse gas and is the most abundant among the long-lived GHGs, but it is not the most abundant overall.
4. Methane (CH4) and Nitrous Oxide (N2O) are present in much smaller concentrations (parts per billion or low parts per million) compared to water vapour and carbon dioxide.
Comparison:
- Water Vapour: Most abundant overall.
- Carbon Dioxide: Most abundant long-lived/anthropogenic GHG.
- Methane/Nitrous Oxide: Trace gases with higher global warming potential per molecule, but much lower abundance.
Puma Zai was replaced by -
A)
Tlanglam zai
B)
Chawngchen zai
C)
Nilen zai
D)
Dawn zai
In the history of Mizo traditional music and folk songs, 'Puma Zai' was a traditional form of singing. Over time, as the cultural and musical preferences of the Mizo people evolved, Puma Zai was replaced by 'Nilen zai'. Nilen zai represents a shift toward a different style of melodic expression and lyrical structure within the Mizo cultural heritage. Tlanglam zai, Chawngchen zai, and Dawn zai are other forms of Mizo songs or chants, but they served different purposes (such as war songs or specific ritualistic chants) and did not specifically replace the Puma Zai tradition.
Which one of the following category is not included in the National Air Quality Index?
A)
Very poor
B)
Severe
C)
Moderately polluted
D)
Highly polluted
The National Air Quality Index (AQI) in India is a tool used to communicate the quality of air to the public. It categorizes air quality into six distinct levels based on the concentration of pollutants. The official categories are:
1. Good (0-50)
2. Satisfactory (51-100)
3. Moderate (101-200)
4. Poor (201-300)
5. Very Poor (301-400)
6. Severe (401-500)
Analyzing the options:
- Option (a) 'Very poor' is a valid category.
- Option (b) 'Severe' is a valid category.
- Option (c) 'Moderately polluted' refers to the 'Moderate' category (though phrased slightly differently, it aligns with the index's scale).
- Option (d) 'Highly polluted' is NOT a term used in the official National AQI classification. The index uses 'Poor', 'Very Poor', and 'Severe' to describe high levels of pollution, but never 'Highly polluted'.
A cave found in Phawngpui tlang was -
A)
Tialpapuk
B)
Sur puk
C)
Tialpari puk
D)
Pukzing
Phawngpui, also known as the Blue Mountain, is the highest peak in Mizoram. It is renowned for its biodiversity and geological features. Tialpapuk is a well-known cave located on Phawngpui tlang. In Mizo, 'Puk' means cave. While Mizoram has numerous caves (such as those in the Vairengte or Champhai regions), Tialpapuk is specifically associated with the Phawngpui area. The other options provided (Sur puk, Tialpari puk, Pukzing) are either not associated with this specific peak or are not the primary recognized cave of that location in standard Mizoram GK texts.
In Mizo folktales, a well-known magical object called ‘Bahhnukte’ is found in -
A)
Rairahtea thawnthu
B)
Chhura leh Naa thawnthu
C)
Nuchhimi thawnthu
D)
Sichangneii thawnthu
In Mizo folklore, 'Bahhnukte' refers to a magical object (often described as a magical bag or pouch) that possesses the power to produce food or wealth. This magical object is a central plot element in the story of 'Rairahtea' (Rairahtea thawnthu), where the protagonist uses the object to overcome poverty or trick others.
- Option (b) 'Chhura leh Naa' is a fable involving a clever man and a tiger, focusing on wit rather than magical objects like Bahhnukte.
- Option (c) 'Nuchhimi' is a tragic tale of a girl and her devotion/suffering.
- Option (d) 'Sichangneii' is another traditional tale, but it does not feature the specific magical object 'Bahhnukte' as its primary motif.
The DRDO Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR) is located in-
A)
Delhi
B)
Mumbai
C)
Bengaluru
D)
Kanpur
The Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR) is a premier laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It is located in Bengaluru, Karnataka. CAIR focuses on the research and development of AI, robotics, and autonomous systems for defense applications.
Analysis of other options:
- Delhi: While DRDO headquarters (DRDO Bhavan) is located in New Delhi, CAIR specifically is not based there.
- Mumbai: Mumbai hosts other DRDO labs (such as HFAL), but not CAIR.
- Kanpur: Kanpur is home to other research institutions and DRDO-related collaborations, but CAIR is situated in the technology hub of Bengaluru.
Aizawi Theological School was established in the year -
A)
1902
B)
1907
C)
1909
D)
1919
The Aizawi Theological School (now known as the Aizawl Theological College) was established in 1919. It was founded to provide formal theological training for local Mizo ministers and leaders to support the growing Christian church in the region. The other dates provided (1902, 1907, 1909) correspond to earlier periods of missionary activity and the establishment of basic education/mission stations, but the specific institution for theological training was formalized in 1919.
Ritu Karidhal is a ISRO scientist who in known for her key role in-
A)
India’s Mars orbiter mission
B)
Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission
C)
GSAT-9
D)
LVM3 rocket
Ritu Karidhal is a distinguished scientist at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). She gained significant national and international recognition for her pivotal role in the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), also known as Mangalyaan. She served as the Deputy Operations Director for the mission, contributing significantly to the navigation and trajectory design that allowed India to become the first nation to reach Martian orbit in its maiden attempt. While she has contributed to other projects, her primary claim to fame in competitive exams and general knowledge is her leadership role in the Mars Orbiter Mission.
Analysis of other options:
- b. Chandrayaan-3: While many ISRO scientists worked on this, Ritu Karidhal is most specifically associated with the MOM mission in standard academic contexts.
- c. GSAT-9: This is a communication satellite; while ISRO manages it, it is not the primary mission associated with Karidhal's public profile.
- d. LVM3 rocket: This is a launch vehicle (hardware), whereas Karidhal's expertise lies in mission operations and navigation.
The first Scientific Policy Resolution in India was adopted in the year -
A)
1971
B)
1949
C)
1958
D)
1963
The first Scientific Policy Resolution (SPR) was adopted by the Government of India in 1958. This landmark resolution aimed to achieve a 'scientific temper' among the people and to promote the application of science and technology for the socio-economic development of the country. It laid the foundation for the institutional framework of science and technology in post-independence India.
Analysis of other options:
- 1949: This was shortly after independence; while scientific institutions were being planned, the formal policy resolution had not yet been adopted.
- 1963: This year is associated with the establishment of various research centers, but not the first SPR.
- 1971: This is far beyond the initial policy-making phase of the early republic.
The National Council of Science Museum based in Kolkata is an autonomous body functioning under which Ministry?
A)
Ministry of Science & Technology
B)
Ministry of Space
C)
Ministry of Culture
D)
Ministry of Earth Sciences
The National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), headquartered in Kolkata, is an autonomous body under the administrative control of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Its primary objective is to promote science awareness through a network of science centers and museums across the country.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Ministry of Science & Technology: While the NCSM deals with science, it is administratively placed under the Ministry of Culture to emphasize the 'museum' and 'educational outreach' aspect of its mission.
- Ministry of Space: This ministry oversees space exploration and research (e.g., ISRO) and does not manage general science museums.
- Ministry of Earth Sciences: This ministry focuses on oceanography, meteorology, and seismology, not the administration of public science museums.
It is the major player in India’s aerospace programmes and has developed world class capacity for design, development and fabrication of large components of advanced composites for civilian and combat aircraft, structural testing and analysis, aerospace electronics and system.
A)
Indian Space Research Organisation
B)
National Aerospace Laboratories
C)
Hindustan Aeronautics Pvt. Ltd.
D)
National Space Agency
The description provided in the question specifically matches the mandate and capabilities of the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL).
1. **National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL):** NAL is a premier laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). It focuses on the design, development, and fabrication of advanced aircraft components, specifically specializing in advanced composites, structural testing, and aerospace electronics. It is the primary R&D body for civilian and combat aircraft technology in India (e.g., the SARAS project).
2. **Why other options are incorrect:**
- **Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO):** ISRO focuses on space exploration, satellite development, and launch vehicle technology (rockets), not primarily on the fabrication of components for civilian and combat aircraft.
- **Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL):** While HAL is a major player, it is primarily a manufacturing and production company (PSU) that produces aircraft. The specific phrasing regarding 'capacity for design, development and fabrication of large components of advanced composites' and 'structural testing' as a core R&D capability is the hallmark of NAL's role as a research laboratory.
- **National Space Agency:** India does not have a separate entity by this specific name; space activities are managed by ISRO and the Department of Space.
Several plants are sensitive to ozone and contribute as an indicator of air pollution. Ozone enters leaves through the microscopic pores of-
A)
Xylem
B)
Phloem
C)
Stomata
D)
Macropores
Step-by-step reasoning: 1. The question asks for the microscopic pores through which ozone (a gaseous pollutant) enters the leaves of a plant. 2. Stomata are tiny pores located primarily on the epidermis of leaves that regulate gas exchange (taking in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen and water vapor). 3. Because ozone is a gas, it enters the plant tissue via these same stomatal openings during normal respiration and photosynthesis processes. 4. Once inside, ozone reacts with the internal leaf tissues, causing oxidative stress and damage, which makes certain plants useful as bio-indicators of air pollution.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Xylem (a) and Phloem (b) are vascular tissues used for the transport of water, minerals, and nutrients throughout the plant; they are not external pores for gas entry.
- Macropores (d) generally refer to larger spaces in soil structure, not the microscopic gas-exchange pores of a leaf.
The first Indian to take over as Superintendent of Lushai Hills was -
A)
S.N.Barkataki
B)
Brojo Nath Saha
C)
GN Bardoloi
D)
Rup Nath Brahma
The Lushai Hills (now Mizoram) were administered by British officers for several decades. Following India's independence in 1947, the administration transitioned to Indian officers. S.N. Barkataki was the first Indian to be appointed as the Superintendent of the Lushai Hills, marking a significant shift in the administrative history of the region from British to Indian governance. The other options listed (Brojo Nath Saha, GN Bardoloi, and Rup Nath Brahma) were prominent figures in the politics and administration of Northeast India (particularly Assam), but they did not serve as the first Indian Superintendent of the Lushai Hills.
It is anetwork that is constructed by using public wires/network usually the internet to connect to a private network -
A)
VPN
B)
WAN
C)
LAN
D)
MAN
The question describes a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN creates a secure, encrypted 'tunnel' over a public network (typically the internet) to allow users to access a private network as if they were directly connected to it.
Here is why the other options are incorrect:
- b. WAN (Wide Area Network): This is a broad category of networks that cover large geographical areas. While a VPN often operates over a WAN, a WAN itself is not specifically defined as a tool to connect to a private network via public wires.
- c. LAN (Local Area Network): This is a network restricted to a small area, like a single building or home, and typically uses private cabling rather than public wires.
- d. MAN (Metropolitan Area Network): This is a network that connects users within a geographic area larger than a LAN but smaller than a WAN (e.g., a city), and does not inherently imply the use of public wires to access a private network.
Grouping of villages was introduced in Mizoram from -
A)
1966
B)
1968
C)
1967
D)
1969
The 'Grouping of Villages' policy was implemented in Mizoram in 1967. This policy was introduced by the Government of India and the state administration during a period of insurgency to isolate the Mizo National Front (MNF) rebels from the civilian population. Under this scheme, small, scattered villages were forcibly relocated and consolidated into larger 'grouped villages' to facilitate better security surveillance and to prevent the villagers from providing food, shelter, or intelligence to the underground insurgents. This policy caused significant hardship to the local population and is a well-documented event in the modern history of Mizoram.
Which one of the following is associated with Lallula?
A)
Khawnglung run
B)
Khuangleng run
C)
Chhim leh hmar indo
D)
Thlanrawn rawt
Lallula was a prominent Mizo chief known for his bravery and leadership. In Mizo cultural heritage and oral history, he is specifically associated with the 'Khuangleng run' (the tradition of the drum-beating warriors). The Khuangleng were the elite warriors of a village who lived in a separate dormitory and were tasked with defending the village; they were characterized by their skill in warfare and the beating of the drum (khuang) to signal alerts or celebrate victories. Lallula is historically remembered as a figure who epitomized the spirit and leadership of the Khuangleng warriors.
- Option (a) Khawnglung run refers to a different cultural context/tradition.
- Option (c) Chhim leh hmar indo refers to the conflicts between the South and North.
- Option (d) Thlanrawn rawt refers to traditional burial or funeral rites.
The famous East- West War called ‘Chhak leh Thiang Indo’ was fought between -
A)
Vanhnuailiana vs Thawmvunga
B)
Lallianvunga vs Lalpuithanga
C)
Vuta and Manga vs Lalsavunga
D)
Rolura vs Vuta
The 'Chhak leh Thiang Indo' (War of the East and West) is a significant conflict in Mizo history. It was a power struggle for supremacy between two powerful chiefs: Vanhnuailiana (representing the West/Thiang) and Thawmvunga (representing the East/Chhak). This war is well-documented in Mizo oral traditions and historical records as a clash between two of the most influential chiefs of the era.
Analysis of other options:
- Option b: Lallianvunga and Lalpuithanga were chiefs, but they are not the primary figures of the Chhak leh Thiang Indo.
- Option c: Vuta and Manga were powerful chiefs, but their conflicts were distinct from the specific East-West war involving Vanhnuailiana and Thawmvunga.
- Option d: Rolura and Vuta were also prominent figures, but they do not define this specific historical conflict.
In Mizo marriage, the principal bride price is known as -
A)
Sum zan jut
B)
Pusum
C)
Sumpui
D)
Manpui
In traditional Mizo society, marriage involves the payment of a bride price. The principal or main bride price is known as 'Pusum'. This is the primary payment made by the groom's family to the bride's family to formalize the marriage.
Breakdown of other terms:
- 'Sum zan jut' refers to additional payments or supplementary gifts given during the marriage process.
- 'Sumpui' and 'Manpui' are not the standard technical terms used to describe the principal bride price in the context of traditional Mizo customary law.
The only approved genetically modified (GM) crop for cultivation in India is-
A)
Bttomato
B)
Golden rice
C)
Btcotton
D)
GM Canola
Step-by-step reasoning: 1. Genetically Modified (GM) crops are plants whose DNA has been modified using genetic engineering techniques. 2. In India, the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, is the regulatory body that approves the commercial release of GM crops. 3. Bt cotton (Bacillus thuringiensis cotton) was approved for commercial cultivation in India in 2002. It is engineered to be resistant to the bollworm pest. 4. While other GM crops like Bt Brinjal and DMH-11 Mustard have been discussed or approved at various stages of trials/regulatory review, Bt cotton remains the only GM crop currently approved for large-scale commercial cultivation in Indian fields. 5. Analysis of other options: (a) Bt tomato is not approved for cultivation in India. (b) Golden rice is a biofortified crop developed to combat Vitamin A deficiency; while tested in some countries, it is not approved for commercial cultivation in India. (d) GM Canola is widely grown in countries like Canada and the USA, but not approved for cultivation in India.
When an infant died at or soon after birth, it was known as -
A)
Avmilai thi
B)
Sar thi
C)
Raicheh
D)
Hlamzuih
In Mizo traditional practices and terminology regarding death and burial, different terms are used based on the age and circumstances of the deceased. 'Avmilai thi' specifically refers to the death of an infant at or soon after birth (stillbirth or neonatal death). In traditional Mizo culture, such infants were not given a full burial in the village cemetery but were often buried in a different manner due to the belief that they had not yet fully entered the social world of the living.
Breakdown of other options:
- 'Sar thi' generally refers to the death of an animal.
- 'Raicheh' refers to a specific traditional practice or ritual, but not the term for infant death.
- 'Hlamzuih' refers to following in the footsteps or a specific type of succession/imitation, not a term for death.
The Chaff technology developed by DRDO protects fighter aircrafts from-
A)
Hostile radar threats
B)
Cyber threats
C)
Biological threats
D)
Space debris
Chaff is a radar countermeasure that consists of a cloud of small, thin pieces of aluminum, metallized glass fiber, or plastic. When deployed by a fighter aircraft, these particles reflect radar waves, creating a large 'false target' or a 'cloud' on the enemy's radar screen. This masks the actual position of the aircraft, making it difficult for hostile radar systems to track or lock onto the plane for missile guidance.
Why other options are incorrect:
- b. Cyber threats: These are countered by firewalls, encryption, and cybersecurity software, not physical particles.
- c. Biological threats: These are countered by vaccines, PPE, and bio-defense protocols.
- d. Space debris: This is managed through orbital tracking and debris removal technologies, not by deploying reflective clouds from aircraft.
In Mizo divorce or separation, when the husband brings in another woman, it is called -
A)
Kawngka sula mak
B)
Peksachang
C)
Sumchhuah
D)
Sumlaitan
In traditional Mizo customary law regarding marriage and divorce, 'Peksachang' refers to a specific form of separation or divorce that occurs when a husband brings another woman into the home or takes a second wife, effectively displacing the first wife.
Breakdown of other options:
- 'Kawngka sula mak' is not a standard term for this type of divorce.
- 'Sumchhuah' generally refers to the return of the bride price or a payment made during certain types of separation.
- 'Sumlaitan' refers to a situation where the bride price is not returned or is waived during a divorce process.
Therefore, the act of a husband bringing in another woman leading to separation is termed Peksachang.
The number of Mizos who went to France in connection with the First World War was -
A)
2000
B)
2100
C)
2150
D)
2200
During the First World War, the British government recruited a significant number of men from the Lushai Hills (modern-day Mizoram) to serve in the Labour Corps. These recruits were sent to France to provide essential logistical support and labor for the Allied forces. Historical records and Mizoram state history texts specify that the number of Mizos who were sent to France during this period was 2,150. This event is a notable part of Mizoram's colonial history, marking one of the first times a large group of Mizo people traveled far beyond their regional borders for international service.
The name of the technology developed by researchers at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangaluru that mimics the structure and function of brain tissue in a miniature platform, capable of storing and processing data in 16,500 is-
A)
Neural network chip
B)
Brain ona chip
C)
Tissue chip
D)
Mini brain implants
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, developed a sophisticated technology known as 'Brain-on-a-chip'. This bio-mimetic platform is designed to replicate the complex structure and functional dynamics of human brain tissue on a miniature scale. The technology integrates microfluidics and biological scaffolds to create an environment where neurons can grow and interact, allowing scientists to study brain functions, disease progression, and drug responses without relying solely on animal models. The specific mention of storing and processing data in a manner mimicking neural synapses aligns with the objectives of this neuromorphic-inspired biological platform. Option (a) refers to electronic hardware (AI chips), Option (c) is too generic as 'tissue chips' can be for any organ (liver, lung, etc.), and Option (d) refers to medical devices implanted into a living brain, whereas this technology is an in-vitro platform.