Past Questions

Step 1: Analyze the meaning of the target word. 'Abate' is a verb that means to become less intense, less active, or to decrease in amount, intensity, or degree (e.g., 'the storm began to abate'). Step 2: Identify the goal. The question asks for an 'antonym,' which is a word with the opposite meaning of 'abate.' Therefore, we are looking for a word that means to increase, intensify, or grow. Step 3: Evaluate the options: - (a) Enlarge: To make larger or increase in size/extent. This is the opposite of decreasing or abating. - (b) Decrease: To make smaller or less. This is a synonym of abate. - (c) Decline: To become smaller, fewer, or less; to decrease. This is a synonym of abate. - (d) Slow: To reduce speed. While related to a reduction in intensity, it is not the opposite of abate. Conclusion: Since 'abate' means to decrease, 'enlarge' (increase/expand) is the most appropriate antonym among the given choices.

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's use of Pichia pastoris allowed for more efficient secretion and folding of the protein, reducing the complexity of the purification process. This innovation positioned Biocon as a leader in the global biosimilars market. Why other options are incorrect: - Bharat Biotech: Primarily known for vaccine development (e.g., Covaxin). - Novartis: A Swiss multinational pharmaceutical company, not an Indian biopharma company. - Dr Reddy's Lab: While a major Indian pharmaceutical company, they focus more on generics and APIs rather than the pioneering development of the Pichia pastoris insulin expression system.

To determine the most abundant greenhouse gas (GHG), we must distinguish between 'natural' abundance and 'anthropogenic' (human-caused) contribution. 1. **Water Vapour (H2O):** This is the most abundant greenhouse gas in the Earth's atmosphere. It acts as a powerful feedback mechanism; as the atmosphere warms, it holds more water vapour, which in turn traps more heat. Its concentration varies significantly by location and temperature, but globally, it contributes the most to the natural greenhouse effect. 2. **Carbon Dioxide (CO2):** While CO2 is the most significant anthropogenic (human-driven) greenhouse gas and is often the primary focus of climate change discussions due to its long atmospheric lifetime, it is less abundant than water vapour. 3. **Methane (CH4) and Nitrous Oxide (N2O):** These gases are much more potent per molecule than CO2 or H2O in terms of Global Warming Potential (GWP), but they exist in much smaller concentrations (parts per billion or low parts per million). Therefore, in terms of sheer volume and abundance in the atmosphere, water vapour is the correct answer.

In traditional Mizo society, the agricultural cycle dictated the social and communal calendar. 'Buh seng' refers to the period after the harvest when the paddy is stored in the granaries. This was a time of abundance and completion of the hardest labor of the year, leading to a period of rest, celebration, and communal festivities, effectively serving as a 'public holiday' or a time of leisure for the village. Other options are incorrect because: - 'Kang ral' refers to the period of clearing or preparing the jungle for cultivation (slash-and-burn), which is a time of intense labor. - 'Lo vah' refers to the act of sowing seeds in the field, which is a critical and busy working period. - 'Rammut' refers to the process of clearing the forest/land for cultivation, which is again a period of heavy physical work rather than a holiday.

In the history of education in Mizoram, the formalization of examinations followed the establishment of schools by Christian missionaries and the British administration. The first Lower Primary Examination in Mizoram was officially conducted on December 2, 1906. This marked a significant milestone in the transition from basic literacy to a structured educational assessment system in the region. Options a, b, and d are incorrect as they do not align with the historical records of the first primary examination date.

Step-by-step reasoning: 1. The question asks for the microscopic pores through which ozone (a gaseous pollutant) enters the leaves of plants. 2. Stomata are tiny pores located primarily on the epidermis of leaves that regulate gas exchange (CO2 intake and O2 release) and transpiration. 3. Gaseous pollutants, including ozone (O3), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen oxides, enter the plant tissue primarily through these stomatal openings via diffusion. 4. Once inside, ozone reacts with the cellular components, causing oxidative stress and damage, which makes certain plants act as bio-indicators of air pollution. 5. Analysis of other options: (a) Xylem is a vascular tissue responsible for transporting water and minerals from roots to leaves; it is not a pore for gas entry. (b) Phloem is a vascular tissue responsible for transporting sugars from leaves to other parts of the plant. (d) Macropores generally refer to larger spaces in soil or specific structural gaps, not the specialized physiological pores used for gas exchange in leaves.

The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, established by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in India, define the ambient air quality standards for noise based on the zoning of the area. For a 'Residential Area', the permissible noise limits are set at 55 dB(A) Leq for the daytime period (6:00 AM to 10:00 PM) and 45 dB(A) Leq for the nighttime period (10:00 PM to 6:00 AM). Breakdown of other zones for context: - Industrial Area: 75 dB (Day) / 70 dB (Night) - Commercial Area: 65 dB (Day) / 55 dB (Night) - Silence Zone: 50 dB (Day) / 40 dB (Night) Therefore, option (a) is the correct standard for residential areas.

In traditional Mizo culture, the selection of a new village site was a spiritual and ritualistic process. The 'Rambual' (village scouts/explorers) and 'Sadawt' (the council of elders/advisors) were responsible for this task. The specific ritual involved spending a night at the proposed location with a cock. According to Mizo folklore and traditional customs, if the cock crowed before the actual dawn, it was interpreted as a divine or supernatural sign that the site was auspicious and suitable for settlement. - Option (b) is incorrect because it attributes the selection only to elders and misstates the condition of the cock's crowing. - Option (c) is incorrect because it limits the selection to only 'ramhual' (likely a typo for rambual) and misstates the condition. - Option (d) is incorrect because the selection was not the responsibility of young men, but of the experienced scouts and elders.

The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), headquartered in Pune, was established in 1988 with the primary objective of designing and developing supercomputers for India. The resulting series of supercomputers is named 'PARAM' (which stands for 'Parallel'). The first supercomputer in this series, PARAM 8000, was launched in 1991. Since then, C-DAC has developed numerous iterations and advanced versions such as PARAM Brahma, PARAM Yuva, and PARAM Siddhi. Options b, c, and d (Arka, Arunika, Mihir) are not recognized series of supercomputers developed by C-DAC.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted by the United Nations in 2015. SDG 9 is titled 'Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.' Its primary objective is to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation. Analysis of other options: - SDG 4 focuses on 'Quality Education,' ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. - SDG 8 focuses on 'Decent Work and Economic Growth,' promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. - SDG 11 focuses on 'Sustainable Cities and Communities,' making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

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 literature, arts, or social service in later years, Nuchhungi Renthlei holds the distinction of being the first female recipient of this specific civilian honor from the state.

To find the actual time when a mirror image of a clock is given, we use the standard formula for mirror images of clocks. A clock face represents 12 hours, so the sum of the mirror time and the actual time is always 12:00 (or 11:60 to make subtraction easier). Step-by-step calculation: 1. Mirror Time = 9:30 2. Formula: Actual Time = 11:60 - Mirror Time 3. Calculation: Hours: 11 - 9 = 2 Minutes: 60 - 30 = 30 4. Result: 2:30 Verification: - If the time is 2:30, the minute hand is at 6 and the hour hand is halfway between 2 and 3. In a mirror, the minute hand remains at 6 (vertical axis), and the hour hand moves from the '2.5' position to the '9.5' position (halfway between 9 and 10), which shows 9:30. Comparing with options: - Option (a) 2:30 is correct. - Option (b) 3:30 would be the mirror image of 8:30. - Option (c) 4:30 would be the mirror image of 7:30. - Option (d) 6:30 would be the mirror image of 5:30.

To find the number that does not belong to the series, we examine the differences between consecutive terms: 1. 12 - 6 = 6 2. 21 - 12 = 9 3. 32 - 21 = 11 4. 45 - 32 = 13 5. 60 - 45 = 15 Looking at the sequence of differences: 6, 9, 11, 13, 15. We can see that 9, 13, and 15 are multiples of 3 or follow a pattern of increasing by 3 (6, 9, 12, 15). If the difference between the second and third term is 9 (12+9=21) and the difference between the fourth and fifth term is 13, there is a discrepancy. Let's re-evaluate the pattern as an arithmetic progression of differences (adding 3 each time): - 1st difference: 6 - 2nd difference: 6 + 3 = 9 (12 + 9 = 21) - Correct - 3rd difference: 9 + 3 = 12 (21 + 12 = 33) - Here, the series has 32 instead of 33. - 4th difference: 12 + 3 = 15 (33 + 15 = 48) - This doesn't match 45. Let's try another pattern: The differences are consecutive multiples of 3? - 6, 9, 12, 15, 18... - 6 + 6 = 12 - 12 + 9 = 21 - 21 + 12 = 33 (The series says 32) - 33 + 15 = 48 (The series says 45) Let's try the pattern of differences being odd numbers starting from 6 (not possible) or a specific sequence. Wait, let's look at the differences again: 6, 9, 11, 13, 15. Notice that 9, 11, 13, 15 are consecutive odd numbers. If the pattern is 'consecutive odd numbers', the first difference should have been 7. If the first term was 5: 5, 12, 21, 32, 45, 60. Then differences are 7, 9, 11, 13, 15. However, if we look at the differences 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, the number 6 is the only even number. But usually, these patterns follow a consistent mathematical rule. Let's check: 6 + 6 = 12 12 + 9 = 21 21 + 12 = 33 (Series has 32) 33 + 15 = 48 (Series has 45) Let's check the differences again: 12-6 = 6 21-12 = 9 32-21 = 11 45-32 = 13 60-45 = 15 The differences are 6, 9, 11, 13, 15. Apart from the first term, the differences are consecutive odd numbers (9, 11, 13, 15). If the pattern is 'differences are consecutive odd numbers', the first difference should be 7. 6 + 7 = 13 (But we have 12). Let's look at the series as: 3*2 = 6 3*4 = 12 3*7 = 21 3*10.66 = 32 (No) Let's look at the differences again: 6, 9, 11, 13, 15. If the number 32 is replaced by 33: 6, 12, 21, 33, 45, 60 Differences: 6, 9, 12, 12, 15 (No) If the number 32 is replaced by 33, and 45 is replaced by 48... no. Let's look at the differences: 6, 9, 11, 13, 15. If the first number 6 is replaced by 5: 5, 12, 21, 32, 45, 60 Differences: 7, 9, 11, 13, 15. This is a perfect sequence of consecutive odd numbers. However, usually, in these tests, we look for the 'wrong' number in the existing sequence. If we keep 6, 12, 21, 32, 45, 60: Differences: 6, 9, 11, 13, 15. The sequence 9, 11, 13, 15 is perfectly consistent. The only outlier is the first difference (6). To make the first difference 7 (to match the odd sequence), the first number 6 would have to be 5. Wait, let's check the options: a. 6, b. 12, c. 21, d. 32. If we change 32 to 33: 6, 12, 21, 33, 45, 60. Differences: 6, 9, 12, 12, 15. (No) If we change 12 to 13: 6, 13, 21, 32, 45, 60. Differences: 7, 8, 11, 13, 15. (No) If we change 6 to 5: 5, 12, 21, 32, 45, 60. Differences: 7, 9, 11, 13, 15. (Correct pattern) But let's look at the differences again: 6, 9, 11, 13, 15. Is there another pattern? 6 = 1*6 12 = 2*6 21 = 3*7 32 = 4*8 45 = 5*9 60 = 6*10 Let's check this: 1 * 6 = 6 2 * 6 = 12 3 * 7 = 21 4 * 8 = 32 5 * 9 = 45 6 * 10 = 60 In this pattern, the second multiplier increases by 1 starting from the third term (6, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10). The first term is 1*6, the second is 2*6. To maintain the pattern (6, 7, 8, 9, 10), the second term should have been 2*7 = 14. If the series was 6, 14, 21, 32, 45, 60, the multipliers would be (1*6, 2*7, 3*7... no). Let's try: 1*6 = 6 2*6 = 12 3*7 = 21 4*8 = 32 5*9 = 45 6*10 = 60 Wait! Look at the multipliers: Term 1: 1 * 6 = 6 Term 2: 2 * 6 = 12 Term 3: 3 * 7 = 21 Term 4: 4 * 8 = 32 Term 5: 5 * 9 = 45 Term 6: 6 * 10 = 60 The pattern of the second multiplier is 6, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. If the pattern was 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, then the first term would be 1*5 = 5. If the pattern was 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, then the terms would be: 1*6=6, 2*7=14, 3*8=24, 4*9=36, 5*10=50, 6*11=66. Let's go back to the differences: 6, 9, 11, 13, 15. If we change 32 to 33, the differences are 6, 9, 12, 12, 15. If we change 21 to 20, the differences are 6, 8, 12, 13, 15. Let's re-examine the differences: 6, 9, 11, 13, 15. If the pattern is simply 'differences are odd numbers', then 6 is the odd one out (it's even). If the first difference was 7, the first number would be 5. If the first difference was 5, the second number would be 11. Let's look at the options again: 6, 12, 21, 32. If 32 is the wrong one, what should it be? If the differences are 6, 9, 12, 15, 18... 6 + 6 = 12 12 + 9 = 21 21 + 12 = 33 33 + 15 = 48 48 + 18 = 66 This doesn't match 45 and 60. Wait! Let's look at the differences again: 6, 9, 11, 13, 15. Is it possible the pattern is: 6 + 6 = 12 12 + 9 = 21 21 + 11 = 32 32 + 13 = 45 45 + 15 = 60 The differences are 6, 9, 11, 13, 15. All differences except the first one are odd. If the first difference was 7, the first number would be 5. If the first difference was 5, the second number would be 11. Let's try another approach. 6 = 2^2 + 2 12 = 3^2 + 3 21 = 4^2 + 5 32 = 5^2 + 7 45 = 6^2 + 9 60 = 7^2 + 11 Look at the additions: 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11. These are almost all prime numbers (2, 3, 5, 7, 11). 9 is the only composite number. If the addition for 45 was 11 instead of 9, it would be 36 + 11 = 47. Let's try: 6 = 3*2 12 = 4*3 21 = 5*4 + 1 32 = 6*5 + 2 45 = 7*6 + 3 60 = 8*7 + 4 Wait! 6 = (2*3) 12 = (3*4) 21 = (4*5) + 1 32 = (5*6) + 2 45 = (6*7) + 3 60 = (7*8) + 4 This is a consistent pattern! Term 1: (2*3) + 0 = 6 Term 2: (3*4) + 0 = 12 Term 3: (4*5) + 1 = 21 Term 4: (5*6) + 2 = 32 Term 5: (6*7) + 3 = 45 Term 6: (7*8) + 4 = 60 But the first two have +0. That's not a clean pattern. Let's try: 6 = 2^2 + 2 12 = 3^2 + 3 21 = 4^2 + 5 32 = 5^2 + 7 45 = 6^2 + 9 60 = 7^2 + 11 Actually, look at the differences again: 6, 9, 11, 13, 15. If the first number is 6, the differences are 6, 9, 11, 13, 15. If the first number is 5, the differences are 7, 9, 11, 13, 15. If the second number is 11, the differences are 5, 10, 11, 13, 15. Let's look at the options. 32 is an option. If 32 is wrong, what should it be? If the differences are 6, 9, 12, 15, 18... (already checked, doesn't work). Wait, let's look at the differences one more time: 6, 9, 11, 13, 15. What if the pattern is: 6 + 6 = 12 12 + 9 = 21 21 + 12 = 33 33 + 12 = 45 45 + 15 = 60 No. What if the pattern is: 6, 12, 21, 32, 45, 60 Differences: 6, 9, 11, 13, 15 If we change 32 to 33, differences are 6, 9, 12, 12, 15. If we change 21 to 22, differences are 6, 10, 10, 13, 15. Let's try: 6 * 1 = 6 6 * 2 = 12 6 * 3.5 = 21 6 * 5.33 = 32 Let's try: 6 = 1*6 12 = 2*6 21 = 3*7 32 = 4*8 45 = 5*9 60 = 6*10 This pattern is: Term(n) = n * (n + 5) for n=1, 3, 4, 5, 6. For n=1: 1 * (1+5) = 6 For n=2: 2 * (2+5) = 14 (But the series has 12) For n=3: 3 * (3+5) = 24 (But the series has 21) Let's try: Term(n) = n * (something) 6 = 1 * 6 12 = 2 * 6 21 = 3 * 7 32 = 4 * 8 45 = 5 * 9 60 = 6 * 10 Wait! 3 * 7 = 21 4 * 8 = 32 5 * 9 = 45 6 * 10 = 60 This is a perfect pattern for the last 4 terms! The formula is Term(n) = n * (n + 4) for n = 3, 4, 5, 6. Let's check for n=1 and n=2: For n=1: 1 * (1 + 4) = 5 (Series has 6) For n=2: 2 * (2 + 4) = 12 (Series has 12) So, if the pattern is Term(n) = n * (n + 4): n=1: 1 * 5 = 5 n=2: 2 * 6 = 12 n=3: 3 * 7 = 21 n=4: 4 * 8 = 32 n=5: 5 * 9 = 45 n=6: 6 * 10 = 60 In this case, the number 6 is the one that does not belong (it should be 5). Let's double check the differences again: 6, 9, 11, 13, 15. If the first term is 5: 5, 12, 21, 32, 45, 60. Differences: 7, 9, 11, 13, 15. This is a perfect sequence of consecutive odd numbers. Therefore, the number 6 is the one that does not belong to the series.

In traditional Mizo culture and ancestral belief systems, 'Hnuaipui' refers to a specific type of sacrifice or ritual offering. According to Mizo customary practices and ethnographic records regarding traditional rituals, the 'hnuaipui' sacrifice specifically required the slaughter of a full-grown female pig. This ritual was often associated with seeking protection, healing, or appeasing spirits to ensure the well-being of the community or an individual. Options b, c, and d are incorrect because while mithuns (c) were used in higher-status feasts (Kut or feasts of merit) and hens (d) were used in smaller rituals, the specific requirement for 'hnuaipui' was a mature female pig.

The transition of Mizoram from a district of Assam to a Union Territory occurred following the Mizo Peace Accord of 1986, but the administrative shift began earlier. Mizoram was officially inaugurated as a Union Territory on January 21, 1987, but the process of its creation as a UT was initiated and the decision was finalized during the tenure of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Specifically, the Mizoram (Union Territory) Act was passed in 1986, but the political groundwork and the initial elevation to UT status (separating it from Assam) were driven by the administration of Indira Gandhi. While the final statehood was achieved in 1987 under Rajiv Gandhi, the specific act of establishing it as a Union Territory is historically attributed to the era of Indira Gandhi's leadership and the subsequent implementation of the peace process she initiated. Note: In many competitive exams for Mizo history, Indira Gandhi is credited with the pivotal shift toward the UT status that ended the insurgency.

The administration of the Lushai Hills (now Mizoram) was historically managed by British officers. However, as part of the process of Indianization of the civil services and the transition toward independence, Indian officers began to take over administrative roles. S.N. Barkataki was the first Indian to be appointed as the Superintendent of the Lushai Hills. The Superintendent was the chief administrative head of the district during the colonial and transitional period before the region evolved into a Union Territory and eventually a state. 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.

The 'Chhak leh Thlang Indo' (East-West War) is a significant conflict in Mizo history. It was a power struggle for supremacy among the Mizo chiefs. The war was fought between the forces of Vanhnuailiana (representing the 'West' or Thlang) and Thawmvunga (representing the 'East' or Chhak). This conflict highlighted the fragmented nature of the Mizo chiefdoms before the British annexation. Options b, c, and d list other Mizo chiefs or combinations that were not the primary combatants of this specific historical event.

In traditional Mizo culture, marriage involves the payment of a bride price to the bride's parents as a token of respect and to formalize the union. The principal or main bride price is known as 'Pusum'. - 'Pusum' refers to the primary payment made by the groom's family to the bride's family. - '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 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 general category of network that covers a large geographical area. While the internet is the largest 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). It does not specifically refer to the mechanism of using public networks to access private ones.

In Mizo folklore, 'Bahhnukte' refers to magical objects or 'magic bags/pouches' that possess supernatural powers. These are central to the story of 'Rairahtea', a character known for his wit and the use of magical items to outsmart others or overcome obstacles. - Option (a) Rairahtea thawnthu: Correct. The plot revolves around the acquisition and use of these magical objects. - Option (b) Chhura leh Naa thawnthu: This is a fable involving a clever man (Chhura) and a tiger (Naa), focusing on wit and trickery rather than magical objects like Bahhnukte. - Option (c) Nuchhimi thawnthu: This is a tragic folk tale about a girl and her devotion/suffering, not centered on magical pouches. - Option (d) Sichangneii thawnthu: This is another traditional tale, but it does not feature the 'Bahhnukte' as a primary plot device.

Step-by-step reasoning: 1. The question asks for a medical imaging method that specifically uses X-rays to create detailed images of the inside of the body. 2. Analysis of options: - EEG (Electroencephalogram): Measures electrical activity in the brain using electrodes placed on the scalp. It does not use X-rays. - ECG (Electrocardiogram): Measures the electrical activity of the heart. It does not use X-rays. - CT Scan (Computed Tomography): This technique uses a rotating X-ray machine and a computer to create cross-sectional 'slices' or detailed 3D images of the body's internal structures. It is fundamentally based on X-ray technology. - MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to generate images. It does not use X-rays (and is often preferred when avoiding ionizing radiation). 3. Conclusion: Only the CT Scan fits the description of being based on X-rays to create detailed internal images.

Chief Khawvelthanga is historically recognized as the first Mizo chief to abolish slavery within his jurisdiction. In 1910, he took the progressive step of freeing all his slaves, which was a significant departure from the traditional social structure of the time. This act occurred during the period of British administration in the Lushai Hills, as the influence of Christianity and colonial laws began to challenge the traditional institution of slavery in Mizo society. The other options (Khamliana, Lalluaia, and Lalruma) were prominent chiefs, but they are not credited with this specific historical milestone of freeing all their slaves in 1910.

Phawngpui, also known as the Blue Mountain, is the highest peak in Mizoram. It is renowned for its biodiversity and unique geological formations. Among the various caves and natural landmarks associated with this mountain, 'Tialpari puk' is the specific cave found in the Phawngpui tlang region. The other options listed (Tialpa puk, Sur puk, and Pukzing) are not the recognized names of the cave located specifically on Phawngpui tlang in the context of Mizoram's geographical and cultural records.

Option C is correct: National Council for Science and Technology Communication.

Option C is correct: National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture.