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Past Questions — 2025
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.
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.
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 recipient of the Padma Shri Award among the women from Mizoram was -
A)
Khawlkungi
B)
Nuchhungi Renthlei
C)
Buangi Sailo
D)
Lalsangzuali Sailo
Nuchhungi Renthlei was the first woman from Mizoram to be honored with the Padma Shri award. She was recognized for her exceptional contributions to social work and the upliftment of the community in Mizoram. While other women from the state have received prestigious awards for their contributions to arts, literature, and social service, Nuchhungi Renthlei holds the distinction of being the first female recipient of this specific civilian honor from the state.
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 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.
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'.
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.
The father of Indian Nuclear Programme is-
A)
Tessy Thomas
B)
Birbal Sahni
C)
Homi Jehangir Bhabha
D)
MS Swaminathan
Homi Jehangir Bhabha is widely recognized as the 'Father of the Indian Nuclear Programme'. He was a visionary physicist who played a pivotal role in establishing the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) and the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC). He formulated the three-stage nuclear power programme for India to utilize its vast thorium reserves.
Analysis of other options:
- Tessy Thomas: Known as the 'Missile Woman of India' for her leadership in the Agni missile project.
- Birbal Sahni: A renowned paleobotanist who founded the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany.
- MS Swaminathan: Known as the 'Father of the Green Revolution in India' for his contributions to agriculture and food security.
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.
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 Indian biopharma company to develop the first rH-insulin using a Pichia pastoris yeast expression system in the world is-
A)
Bharat Biotech
B)
Novartis
C)
Biocon
D)
Dr Reddy’s Lab
Biocon, an Indian biopharmaceutical company, achieved a global milestone by developing recombinant human insulin (rH-insulin) using the Pichia pastoris yeast expression system. Traditionally, insulin was produced using E. coli or S. cerevisiae; however, Biocon pioneered the use of Pichia pastoris, which allows for higher yields, better folding of the protein, and more efficient secretion, making the production process more cost-effective and scalable.
- Bharat Biotech (a) is primarily known for its vaccines (e.g., Covaxin).
- Novartis (b) is a Swiss multinational pharmaceutical company, not an Indian biopharma company.
- Dr Reddy's Lab (d) focuses heavily on generics and APIs, but the specific breakthrough regarding the Pichia pastoris expression system for insulin is attributed to Biocon.
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.
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.
The Pilgrim’s Progress was translated into Mizo language by -
A)
Liangkhaia
B)
Chuautera
C)
Chhuahkhama
D)
Challiana
The 'Pilgrim's Progress', a famous Christian allegory written by John Bunyan, holds significant historical and religious importance in Mizoram due to the influence of Christian missionaries. The task of translating this influential work into the Mizo language was undertaken by Chuautera. While other figures listed (such as Liangkhaia or Chhuahkhama) may have contributed to Mizo literature or church history, historical records specifically credit Chuautera with the translation of this particular text.
In traditional Mizo society the religious rite ‘Kawngpui siam’ is observed every year before the commencement of -
A)
Pawl kut
B)
Mim kut
C)
Chapchar kut
D)
Khuangchawi
In traditional Mizo society, 'Kawngpui siam' (literally meaning 'making the main road/path') was a ritualistic practice performed before the commencement of Chapchar Kut. Chapchar Kut is the most significant spring festival of the Mizos, celebrated after the completion of 'jhum' (slash-and-burn) clearing. The 'Kawngpui siam' rite was observed to clear the paths and symbolically prepare the community for the festivities and the agricultural cycle, ensuring that the spirits were appeased and the way was open for the celebration.
Other options are incorrect because:
- Pawl kut is a harvest festival celebrated after the gathering of crops.
- Mim kut is a festival associated with the remembrance of the dead and the transition of seasons.
- Khuangchawi is a grand feast/ritual involving the beating of the drum, usually performed for social status or specific religious offerings, rather than a seasonal path-clearing rite.
Pualreng Wildlife Sanctuary is located in which district of Mizoram?
A)
Mamit
B)
Lunglei
C)
Kolasib
D)
Champhai
Pualreng Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Mamit district of Mizoram. It is one of the most significant protected areas in the state, known for its rich biodiversity and as a habitat for various endangered species.
Breakdown of options:
- a. Mamit: Correct. Pualreng is situated here.
- b. Lunglei: While Lunglei district has various forest reserves, Pualreng is not located here.
- c. Kolasib: This district does not house the Pualreng Wildlife Sanctuary.
- d. Champhai: This district is known for other natural sites, but not Pualreng.
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 first Indian space satellite which was launched in 1975 was -
A)
Bhaskara-I
B)
Rohini
C)
Aryabhatta
D)
IRS-1A
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. The question asks for the first Indian space satellite launched in 1975.
2. Aryabhata was India's first satellite, named after the famous 5th-century Indian astronomer. It was launched on April 19, 1975, using a Soviet Kosmos-3M launch vehicle from Kapustin Yar.
3. Evaluating other options:
- Bhaskara-I: Launched in 1979, it was an experimental satellite for earth observation.
- Rohini: Launched in 1983, it was the first satellite launched by an Indian launch vehicle (SLV-3).
- IRS-1A: Launched in 1988, it was the first Indian Remote Sensing satellite.
Therefore, Aryabhata is the correct answer.
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.
The largest speakers of Dravidian language is-
A)
Kannada
B)
Malayalam
C)
Tamil
D)
Telegu
The Dravidian language family consists of several languages spoken primarily in Southern India. Based on census data (such as the Census of India 2011), Telugu is the most widely spoken Dravidian language in terms of the total number of speakers.
1. Telugu (Option d): It has the highest number of native speakers among the Dravidian group, primarily spoken in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
2. Tamil (Option c): It is the second most spoken Dravidian language, primarily spoken in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
3. Kannada (Option a): It ranks third, primarily spoken in Karnataka.
4. Malayalam (Option b): It has the smallest speaker base among the four major Dravidian languages, primarily spoken in Kerala.
Therefore, Telugu is the largest Dravidian language by speaker population.
One of the problems of India’s Foreign Trade is-
A)
Payment of import in rupees
B)
Increasing quantity of exports
C)
Unfavourable terms of trade
D)
None of these
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. Analysis of Option (a): Payment of imports in rupees is generally not a 'problem' but a goal (Internationalization of the Rupee) to reduce dependence on the US Dollar. Most global trade is still conducted in hard currencies, but paying in local currency is an advantage, not a problem.
2. Analysis of Option (b): Increasing the quantity of exports is a positive economic indicator and a primary goal of any government to boost GDP and foreign exchange reserves. It is a solution, not a problem.
3. Analysis of Option (c): 'Terms of Trade' (ToT) refers to the ratio between export prices and import prices. 'Unfavourable terms of trade' occur when the price of a country's exports declines relative to the price of its imports. Historically, India has faced this issue where it exports low-value primary goods or agricultural products and imports high-value capital goods or crude oil. When import prices rise faster than export prices, the country must export more volume just to maintain the same level of imports, which is a significant structural problem in foreign trade.
4. Conclusion: Option (c) is the only choice that describes a systemic economic challenge facing India's foreign trade.
Which one is not a Constitutional body?
A)
Finance Commission
B)
Election Commission
C)
CAG
D)
NDC
A Constitutional body is an entity established by the Constitution of India, meaning it is mentioned in the articles of the Constitution and its powers and functions are derived from it.
1. Finance Commission: Established under Article 280 of the Constitution. (Constitutional Body)
2. Election Commission: Established under Article 324 of the Constitution. (Constitutional Body)
3. CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General of India): Established under Article 148 of the Constitution. (Constitutional Body)
4. NDC (National Development Council): The NDC is an executive body created by a government resolution in 1952 to strengthen and systematize the process of planning. It is not mentioned in the Constitution of India. (Non-Constitutional/Executive Body)
Therefore, the NDC is not a Constitutional body.
Which of the following Committee is related to poverty study?
A)
Tendulkar
B)
Vijay Kelkar
C)
R.V Easwar
D)
Chelliah
The correct answer is the Tendulkar Committee.
1. **Tendulkar Committee (Option a):** Formed in 2007 and submitting its report in 2009, the committee headed by Suresh Tendulkar redefined the poverty line in India. It moved away from the calorie-based approach to a methodology based on Monthly Per Capita Consumption Expenditure (MPCE) on health and education, providing a more comprehensive measure of poverty.
2. **Vijay Kelkar (Option b):** The Kelkar Committee is primarily associated with tax reforms (Direct and Indirect taxes) and the restructuring of the PPP (Public-Private Partnership) model in India.
3. **R.V. Easwar (Option c):** While there are various administrative committees, R.V. Easwar is not associated with a landmark national committee for poverty estimation in the Indian Economy.
4. **Chelliah (Option d):** The Raj Chelliah Committee is famous for its recommendations on Tax Reforms in India (specifically the Chelliah Committee on Tax Reforms in the 1990s), focusing on simplifying the tax structure and reducing rates.