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Past Questions
The primary sector within a country for the calculation of National Income includes -
A)
Small scale industries
B)
Retail trading
C)
Agriculture
D)
All of these
In the calculation of National Income, the economy is divided into three main sectors:
1. Primary Sector: This sector involves the extraction and production of raw materials directly from nature. It includes agriculture, forestry, fishing, and mining. Since agriculture is the primary source of raw materials, it falls under this category.
2. Secondary Sector: This sector involves the processing of raw materials into finished goods (manufacturing). 'Small scale industries' (Option a) fall under the secondary sector because they involve manufacturing processes.
3. Tertiary Sector: This sector provides services to consumers and other businesses. 'Retail trading' (Option b) is a service-based activity and therefore falls under the tertiary sector.
Since only agriculture belongs to the primary sector, option (c) is the correct answer.
Which town in Mizoram is located on the bank of Khawthlangtuipui River?
A)
Mamit
B)
Zawlnuam
C)
Siaha
D)
Tlabung
The Khawthlangtuipui River (also known as the Kaladan River in other regions) is a major river that flows through the state of Mizoram. Zawlnuam is a town located in the Mamit district of Mizoram and is situated on the banks of the Khawthlangtuipui River.
Analysis of other options:
- Mamit: While Zawlnuam is in the Mamit district, the district headquarters (Mamit town) is not the primary town associated with the banks of this specific river in the context of this geographical question.
- Siaha: This town is located in the southern part of Mizoram and is associated with different river systems.
- Tlabung: Tlabung is located on the banks of the Kolvan River (a tributary of the Palai river system), not the Khawthlangtuipui.
National Development Council was constituted in the year -
A)
1948
B)
1950
C)
1952
D)
1949
The National Development Council (NDC) was established by the Government of India on August 6, 1952. It was created to strengthen and mobilize the effort and resources of the nation in pursuit of the goals set out in the Five-Year Plans. The NDC serves as the highest body for deciding the priorities of the Five-Year Plans and reviewing their progress, acting as a bridge between the Planning Commission (now replaced by NITI Aayog) and the State Governments.
Analysis of options:
- 1948: The Constitution of India was still being drafted; the NDC did not exist.
- 1950: India became a Republic, but the NDC was not yet constituted.
- 1949: This year saw the formation of the Constituent Assembly's final drafts, but not the NDC.
- 1952: This is the correct year of constitution (August 6, 1952).
To which group do the black soils of India belong?
A)
Alluvial
B)
Chernozem
C)
Lateritic
D)
Podzolic
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. Black soils in India, also known as 'Regur soils', are primarily found in the Deccan Trap region (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh).
2. These soils are formed from the weathering of volcanic basaltic rocks and are rich in calcium, magnesium, and potash.
3. Globally, soils that are rich in organic matter, dark in color, and formed in semi-arid to sub-humid climates are categorized as 'Chernozems' (from the Russian words 'chern' meaning black and 'zemlya' meaning earth).
4. While Indian black soil has specific regional characteristics, it is the Indian equivalent/representative of the global Chernozem group due to its high fertility and dark color.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Alluvial soils (a) are deposited by rivers and are found mainly in the Indo-Gangetic plains.
- Lateritic soils (c) are formed due to intense leaching in high-temperature and high-rainfall areas (tropical regions).
- Podzolic soils (d) are typically found in cool, moist climates (like coniferous forests) and are acidic and nutrient-poor.
___ port is situated at the head of Gulf of Kuchchh.
A)
Ennore
B)
Tuticorin
C)
Deendayal (Kandla)
D)
Haldia
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. **Analyze the Geography**: The Gulf of Kuchchh is located on the western coast of India in the state of Gujarat.
2. **Identify the Port**: Deendayal Port (formerly known as Kandla Port) is a major port located at the head of the Gulf of Kuchchh. It is a tidal port and one of the largest ports in India in terms of cargo volume.
3. **Evaluate other options**:
- **Ennore (Kamarajar Port)**: Located in Tamil Nadu on the East Coast (Bay of Bengal).
- **Tuticorin (V.O. Chidambaranar Port)**: Located in Tamil Nadu on the East Coast (Gulf of Mannar).
- **Haldia**: Located in West Bengal on the East Coast (a riverine port connected to the Hooghly River).
4. **Conclusion**: Only Deendayal (Kandla) port matches the geographical location specified in the question.
Which one of the following rivers drains into Arabian Sea?
A)
Yamuna
B)
Mahanadi
C)
Krishna
D)
Narmada
To determine which river drains into the Arabian Sea, we analyze the drainage patterns of the Indian subcontinent:
1. **Narmada (Option d):** The Narmada is one of the major west-flowing rivers of India. It originates in the Amarkantak plateau and flows westward through a rift valley between the Vindhya and Satpura ranges, eventually emptying into the Arabian Sea through an estuary in Gujarat. Therefore, this is the correct answer.
2. **Yamuna (Option a):** The Yamuna is a major tributary of the Ganga. It flows eastward and joins the Ganga at Prayagraj; the combined system eventually drains into the Bay of Bengal.
3. **Mahanadi (Option b):** The Mahanadi is an east-flowing river that originates in Chhattisgarh and flows through Odisha to empty into the Bay of Bengal.
4. **Krishna (Option c):** The Krishna is one of the longest east-flowing rivers in India, originating in Mahabaleshwar and draining into the Bay of Bengal on the eastern coast of India.
The present Preamble of the Indian constitution makes India
A)
A sovereign, socialist and democratic republic
B)
A sovereign, socialist, secular and democratic republic
C)
A sovereign republic with a socialist pattern of society
D)
Asocialist, secular and democratic republic
The Preamble to the Constitution of India serves as the introductory statement that outlines the guiding purpose, principles, and philosophy of the document. The current text of the Preamble declares India to be a 'SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC'.
1. Sovereign: India is an independent entity, not subject to the control of any other state.
2. Socialist: Added by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976, indicating a commitment to social and economic equality.
3. Secular: Also added by the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976, meaning the state has no official religion and treats all religions equally.
4. Democratic: The government is elected by the people through universal adult franchise.
5. Republic: The head of state (President) is elected and not a hereditary monarch.
Analysis of options:
- Option (a) is incorrect because it omits 'secular'.
- Option (c) is incorrect as it describes a 'pattern of society' rather than the constitutional status of the state.
- Option (d) is incorrect because it omits 'sovereign'.
The difference between Gross National Product and Depreciation is equal to-
A)
Net National Product
B)
Net Domestic at market price
C)
Net National Product at factor cost
D)
Net Value Added
In macroeconomics, the distinction between 'Gross' and 'Net' measurements of national income is the consumption of fixed capital, commonly known as Depreciation.
1. **The Formula**: The fundamental relationship is:
Net National Product (NNP) = Gross National Product (GNP) - Depreciation.
2. **Reasoning**: GNP measures the total market value of all final goods and services produced by the residents of a country. However, during production, machinery and assets wear out or become obsolete (Depreciation). To find the actual net addition to the economy's wealth, this wear-and-tear must be subtracted from the gross figure.
3. **Analysis of other options**:
- **Option b (Net Domestic at market price)**: This would be derived from Gross Domestic Product (GDP) minus Depreciation, not GNP.
- **Option c (Net National Product at factor cost)**: This is NNP minus Indirect Taxes plus Subsidies. While it is a 'Net' product, the specific subtraction of depreciation from GNP leads directly to NNP (usually at market price unless specified otherwise).
- **Option d (Net Value Added)**: This refers to the value added by a specific firm or industry (Gross Value Added minus Depreciation), rather than the aggregate national product.
Vice President of India presides over the Sessions.
A)
Parliament
B)
Lok Sabha
C)
Rajya Sabha
D)
Cabinet
According to Article 64 of the Constitution of India, the Vice-President of India shall be the ex-officio Chairman of the Council of States (Rajya Sabha). In this capacity, the Vice-President presides over the sessions of the Rajya Sabha, regulates its proceedings, and maintains order in the house.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Option (a) Parliament: The Parliament consists of the President, the Lok Sabha, and the Rajya Sabha. No single person presides over the entire Parliament as a whole; rather, each house has its own presiding officer.
- Option (b) Lok Sabha: The Lok Sabha is presided over by the Speaker, who is elected by the members of the Lok Sabha from among themselves.
- Option (d) Cabinet: The Cabinet is the inner circle of the Council of Ministers and is presided over by the Prime Minister of India.
Why did Mahatma Gandhi suspend the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1922?
A)
Repression by the British government
B)
Internal divisions within the Congress
C)
The Chauri Chaura incident involving violence
D)
Limited support from rural areas
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922) was launched by Mahatma Gandhi with the core principle of 'Ahimsa' (non-violence).
2. On February 4, 1922, at Chauri Chaura in Gorakhpur district (Uttar Pradesh), a peaceful demonstration turned violent. A mob of protesters clashed with police, eventually setting fire to a police station, which resulted in the deaths of 22-23 policemen.
3. Gandhi, who believed that the movement should remain strictly non-violent and that the Indian people were not yet fully trained in the discipline of non-violence, viewed this incident as a failure of the movement's moral foundation.
4. Consequently, he decided to suspend the movement immediately to prevent further bloodshed and to avoid giving the British government a justification for brutal repression.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Option (a): While the British government did repress the movement, Gandhi's decision to stop it was a proactive moral choice based on the violence committed by his own followers, not a reaction to British repression.
- Option (b): Although there were internal debates within the Congress regarding the sudden withdrawal, these divisions were a result of the suspension, not the cause of it.
- Option (d): The Non-Cooperation Movement actually saw unprecedented support from rural areas and the peasantry, making this statement factually incorrect.
Balance of Payments is an accounting statement that records monetary transactions between -
A)
Residents of a nation and the rest of the world
B)
Non-residents and the rest of the world
C)
Residents of a nation and non-residents
D)
None ofthe above
The Balance of Payments (BoP) is a systematic record of all economic transactions between the residents of a country and the rest of the world over a specific period (usually a year).
1. Why Option (a) is correct: The term 'Residents' includes individuals, businesses, and government agencies located within the country. 'The rest of the world' encompasses all foreign entities. The BoP tracks the flow of goods, services, and capital between these two groups.
2. Why Option (b) is incorrect: Transactions between non-residents of a country do not affect that country's national accounts or its BoP.
3. Why Option (c) is incorrect: While transactions occur between residents and non-residents, the standard economic definition of BoP is framed as the relationship between the 'residents of a nation' and the 'rest of the world' to encompass all global interactions collectively.
Key components of BoP include the Current Account (trade in goods and services) and the Capital Account (investments and loans).
Which mineral belt in India is rich in building materiais?
A)
North-eastern plateau region
B)
South-western plateau region
C)
North-western region
D)
Himalayan region
India's mineral resources are distributed across several distinct belts.
1. **North-western region**: This region (primarily Rajasthan and parts of Gujarat) is exceptionally rich in non-metallic minerals used as building materials. It is the primary source of marble, sandstone, granite, and gypsum, as well as minerals like limestone and salt. Therefore, it is the correct answer for 'building materials'.
2. **North-eastern plateau region**: This region (Chhota Nagpur plateau, covering Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, and Chhattisgarh) is the most mineral-rich belt in India, but it is primarily known for metallic minerals and fuels, such as iron ore, coal, manganese, and bauxite.
3. **South-western plateau region**: This region (Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala) is rich in metallic minerals like iron ore (Kudremukh) and gold (Kolar), but is not the primary hub for general building materials compared to the North-west.
4. **Himalayan region**: While it contains some minerals, it is not characterized as a major mineral belt for industrial building materials due to the complex geological terrain and accessibility issues.
Ankleshwar and Kalol are two oil fields in-
A)
Assam
B)
Gujarat
C)
Maharashtra
D)
Rajasthan
Ankleshwar and Kalol are prominent onshore oil fields located in the state of Gujarat.
1. Ankleshwar: Located in the Bharuch district of Gujarat, it is one of the most productive oil fields in India and was a major discovery that boosted India's domestic oil production.
2. Kalol: Located in the Gandhinagar district of Gujarat, it is another significant oil-producing area managed by ONGC.
Analysis of other options:
- Assam: While Assam is a major oil-producing state (e.g., Digboi, Naharkatiya), Ankleshwar and Kalol are not located there.
- Maharashtra: Maharashtra has offshore fields (Mumbai High) and some onshore fields, but these specific fields are not in Maharashtra.
- Rajasthan: Rajasthan has significant oil fields (e.g., Mangala, Bhagyam in the Barmer basin), but Ankleshwar and Kalol are not located there.
All Members of Parliament alone elect the
A)
Vice President
B)
President
C)
Prime Minister
D)
Chief Justice
The election of the Vice President of India is governed by Article 66 of the Indian Constitution. The Vice President is elected by an Electoral College consisting of all members of both Houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha), including nominated members.
Here is why the other options are incorrect:
- Option (b) President: The President is elected by an Electoral College consisting of the elected members of both Houses of Parliament AND the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the States (and UTs of Delhi and Puducherry). Non-elected/nominated members do not participate.
- Option (c) Prime Minister: The Prime Minister is not elected by Parliament; they are appointed by the President. Usually, the leader of the party or coalition with a majority in the Lok Sabha is appointed.
- Option (d) Chief Justice: The Chief Justice of India is appointed by the President of India based on the recommendation of the Collegium system, not elected by Parliament.
Which of the following industry provides job to the maximum number of people?
A)
Tronand Steel Industry
B)
Cotton Textiles
C)
Sugar Industry
D)
Tea Processing
In the context of Indian geography and industrial economics, the Cotton Textile industry is one of the oldest and largest organized industries in the country. It is highly labor-intensive, involving a vast chain of employment from ginning and spinning to weaving and processing. Compared to the other options: (a) Iron and Steel is capital-intensive and employs fewer people per unit of output; (c) Sugar industry is seasonal and concentrated in specific belts; (d) Tea processing is localized to specific hilly regions. The Cotton Textile industry's widespread distribution across various states and its massive scale of production make it the largest employer among the given options.
Which of the following monetary measures has the highest liquidity?
A)
Land
B)
Currency
C)
Debenture
D)
Gold
Liquidity refers to the ease and speed with which an asset can be converted into cash (the medium of exchange) without affecting its market price.
1. **Currency (Option b):** Currency is the most liquid asset because it is already in the form of cash. It can be used immediately for transactions without any need for conversion or sale. Therefore, it has the highest liquidity.
2. **Gold (Option d):** While gold is highly liquid compared to real estate, it still requires a transaction (selling it to a jeweler or dealer) to be converted into spendable currency, which takes time and may involve transaction costs.
3. **Debentures (Option c):** These are debt instruments. To get cash from a debenture, one must either wait for the maturity date or sell it on a secondary market, which depends on market demand and takes more time than selling gold or using cash.
4. **Land (Option a):** Real estate is considered an illiquid asset. Selling land involves a lengthy process of finding a buyer, legal verification, and registration, often taking weeks or months to convert into cash.
In India, 100% FDI is permitted in which of the following sector?
A)
Telecom sector
B)
Insurance
C)
Banking
D)
Power exchange
Step-by-step analysis of FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) limits in the given sectors:
1. **Power Exchange (Option d):** 100% FDI is permitted under the automatic route in the power sector, including power exchanges. This is part of the government's effort to attract investment in energy infrastructure.
2. **Telecom sector (Option a):** While the government has recently allowed 100% FDI in telecom via the automatic route (previously it was 49% automatic and 74% government route), in the context of standard competitive exam questions comparing these specific sectors, Power Exchange is a definitive 100% automatic route sector. However, historically, Telecom had stricter caps.
3. **Insurance (Option b):** The FDI limit in the insurance sector was increased from 49% to 74% in 2021. It is not 100%.
4. **Banking (Option c):** FDI in private sector banks is capped at 74%. It is not 100%.
Conclusion: Among the options provided, Power Exchange is the sector where 100% FDI is permitted without restriction.
Which one of the following oil field is located in Assam?
A)
Ankaleshwar
B)
Kalol
C)
Nawagam
D)
Moran
The correct answer is Moran.
1. **Moran Oil Field**: Located in the Tinsukia district of Assam, Moran is one of the oldest and most significant oil-producing fields in Northeast India. It is operated by Oil India Limited (OIL).
2. **Analysis of other options**:
- **Ankaleshwar**: This is a major oil field located in the Bharuch district of Gujarat.
- **Kalol**: This oil field is also located in Gujarat.
- **Nawagam**: This is another oil field situated in Gujarat.
Since Ankaleshwar, Kalol, and Nawagam are all located in the state of Gujarat, the only oil field among the options located in Assam is Moran.
Jawaharlal Nehru was the major advocate of Planning and ___
A)
Industrialization
B)
Agriculture
C)
Village Economy
D)
Service sector
Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, was a strong proponent of a planned economy and rapid industrialization. He believed that for India to achieve economic independence and modernization, it needed to build a strong industrial base. This vision was most evident in the Second Five-Year Plan (the Mahalanobis Model), which prioritized heavy industries (such as steel, chemicals, and machine tools) to make India self-reliant. While he acknowledged the importance of agriculture, his primary strategic focus for national growth was the synergy between state-led planning and large-scale industrialization. Options b, c, and d are incorrect because, although they are parts of the economy, they were not the primary 'advocacy' pillars associated with Nehru's specific vision of modernization in the same way industrialization was.
The Hooghly basin is famous for-
A)
Iron and Steel Industries
B)
Cotton Industries
C)
Chemical Industries
D)
Jute Industries
The Hooghly basin, located in West Bengal, is the primary hub for the jute industry in India. Several factors contribute to this concentration: 1) Proximity to the jute-growing areas of the Ganga-Brahmaputra delta. 2) Availability of abundant soft water from the Hooghly River for processing raw jute. 3. Presence of a cheap labor force from neighboring states. 4) Proximity to the port of Kolkata for easy export.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Iron and Steel Industries: These are primarily concentrated in the Chota Nagpur Plateau region (e.g., Jamshedpur, Bokaro) due to the availability of iron ore and coal.
- Cotton Industries: These are predominantly located in Maharashtra and Gujarat (e.g., Mumbai, Ahmedabad) due to the availability of raw cotton and port facilities.
- Chemical Industries: While present in West Bengal, they are not the defining characteristic of the Hooghly basin compared to the global significance of its jute mills.
Which of the following defines depreciation?
A)
Destruction ofa plant in a fire accident
B)
Loss of equipment over time due to wear and tear
C)
Closure of a plant due to labour trouble
D)
Closure ofa plant due to lockout
In economics and accounting, depreciation refers to the gradual decrease in the value of a physical asset over time. This occurs primarily due to three reasons: normal wear and tear from usage, obsolescence (becoming outdated), or the natural passage of time.
Step-by-step analysis of options:
- Option (a) 'Destruction of a plant in a fire accident' is considered a 'capital loss' or an unexpected casualty, not depreciation. Depreciation is a predictable, gradual process.
- Option (b) 'Loss of equipment over time due to wear and tear' perfectly matches the definition of depreciation, as it describes the gradual consumption of the asset's value through use.
- Option (c) 'Closure of a plant due to labour trouble' is an operational or management issue resulting in a loss of production, not a loss in the value of the physical asset itself.
- Option (d) 'Closure of a plant due to lockout' is similar to option (c); it is a temporary cessation of activity and does not define the accounting concept of depreciation.
Which one of the following is NOT a part of the definition of a town as per the Census of India?
A)
Population density of 400 persons per sq km
B)
Presence of municipality
C)
More than 75% of the population engaged in primary sector
D)
Population size of more than 5,000 persons
According to the Census of India, a settlement is classified as a 'Town' if it satisfies the following three criteria: 1. It has a minimum population of 5,000. 2. At least 75% of the male main working population is engaged in non-agricultural (secondary and tertiary) pursuits. 3. It has a density of population of at least 400 persons per sq km. Additionally, any settlement with a municipality, corporation, cantonment board, or notified town area committee is automatically classified as a town regardless of the above criteria.
Analyzing the options:
- Option (a) is a correct criterion (400 persons per sq km).
- Option (b) is a correct criterion (Presence of a municipality).
- Option (d) is a correct criterion (Population > 5,000).
- Option (c) is INCORRECT because the Census requires more than 75% of the population to be engaged in NON-agricultural (non-primary) sectors. Engagement in the primary sector (agriculture) is a characteristic of a village, not a town.
Policy that deals with the taxation and expenditure decisions of the Government is-
A)
Monetary Policy
B)
Labour market Policies
C)
Trade Policy
D)
Fiscal Policy
The correct answer is Fiscal Policy. Here is the detailed breakdown:
1. **Fiscal Policy (Correct):** This is the means by which a government adjusts its spending levels and tax rates to monitor and influence a nation's economy. It involves two primary tools: Government Expenditure (spending on infrastructure, healthcare, education, etc.) and Taxation (direct and indirect taxes). The goal is typically to promote sustainable economic growth and maintain price stability.
2. **Monetary Policy (Incorrect):** This policy is managed by the central bank (e.g., RBI in India). It deals with the management of money supply, interest rates, and credit availability to control inflation and stabilize the currency. It does not involve government taxation or spending.
3. **Labour Market Policies (Incorrect):** These are policies designed to affect the supply and demand of labor, such as minimum wage laws, vocational training, and unemployment insurance. While they impact the economy, they do not define the overall taxation and expenditure framework of the government.
4. **Trade Policy (Incorrect):** This refers to the regulations and agreements that govern how a country trades goods and services with other nations, including tariffs, quotas, and trade agreements. While tariffs are a form of tax, trade policy is a subset of broader economic strategy and does not encompass general government expenditure.
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 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.