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Past Questions
Which of the following states has the highest population density?
A)
Kerala
B)
Tamil Nadu
C)
Karnataka
D)
Andhra Pradesh
Population density is calculated as the total population divided by the total land area of a region. Based on the 2011 Census of India (the most authoritative data source for competitive exams unless specified otherwise), Kerala has one of the highest population densities among Indian states.
1. Kerala: Known for its high population density due to its high population growth and relatively smaller land area compared to the other options listed. Its density is approximately 860 persons per sq km.
2. Tamil Nadu: While densely populated, its density is lower than Kerala's (approx 555 persons per sq km).
3. Karnataka: Has a much larger land area, which significantly lowers its overall population density (approx 319 persons per sq km).
4. Andhra Pradesh: Also has a larger land area than Kerala, resulting in a lower density (approx 297 persons per sq km).
Therefore, among the given options, Kerala has the highest population density.
Silver Revolution relates to-
A)
Petroleum
B)
Egg/ Poultry
C)
Fertilizer
D)
Cotton
The 'Silver Revolution' refers to the significant increase in egg and poultry production in India. It was launched to enhance the production of eggs and poultry to meet the growing demand for protein and to provide livelihood opportunities for farmers.
Analysis of other options:
- Option (a) Petroleum: There is no specific 'color revolution' associated with petroleum in the context of Indian agricultural/industrial revolutions.
- Option (c) Fertilizer: While fertilizers are used in various revolutions (like the Green Revolution), there is no 'Silver Revolution' for fertilizers.
- Option (d) Cotton: Cotton is associated with the 'White Revolution' in some contexts of fiber, but the primary 'White Revolution' (Operation Flood) specifically refers to Milk production.
For reference, other major revolutions include:
- Green Revolution: Food grains (Wheat and Rice)
- White Revolution: Milk
- Yellow Revolution: Oilseeds
- Blue Revolution: Fish
- Golden Revolution: Horticulture and Honey
Which of the following is not a credit control objective of RBI?
A)
To achieve stability in the Country’s currency rate and money market.
B)
Controlling the business cycle and meeting the needs of the company.
C)
Toachieve price stability.
D)
To meet financial obligations during a down turn in the economy as well as in regular times.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) uses credit control (monetary policy) to manage the overall economy, not to manage the individual financial obligations of specific entities.
- Option (a) is a core objective: RBI manages the money supply and interest rates to maintain stability in the exchange rate and the money market.
- Option (b) is a core objective: By adjusting credit flow, RBI attempts to smooth out the business cycle (reducing the severity of booms and busts) to ensure sustainable economic growth.
- Option (c) is a core objective: Price stability (controlling inflation) is the primary mandate of the RBI under the current flexible inflation targeting framework.
- Option (d) is incorrect because 'meeting financial obligations' is the responsibility of individual borrowers, companies, or the government (fiscal management), not a macro-economic credit control objective of the central bank. The RBI provides liquidity to the banking system (Lender of Last Resort), but its 'credit control objective' is not to ensure that specific entities meet their debts.
The Goods and Service Tax (GST) has been implemented from -
A)
July 1, 2018
B)
October 1, 2018
C)
July 1, 2017
D)
October 1, 2017
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a comprehensive, multi-stage, destination-based tax that replaced many indirect taxes in India. It was launched by the Government of India on July 1, 2017. The GST was introduced via the 101st Constitution Amendment Act, 2016, and was officially rolled out at a midnight session of Parliament on June 30, 2017, coming into effect from the start of the next day, July 1, 2017.
Analysis of options:
- Option (a) July 1, 2018: Incorrect. GST had already been operational for a year.
- Option (b) October 1, 2018: Incorrect.
- Option (c) July 1, 2017: Correct. This is the official implementation date.
- Option (d) October 1, 2017: Incorrect.
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 process of selling or exchanging it for currency before it can be spent, 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 in 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.
When was the Planning Commission set up?
A)
2000
B)
2019
C)
1947
D)
1950
The Planning Commission of India was established on March 15, 1950, by a Government of India resolution. It was a non-constitutional, non-statutory body created to formulate Five-Year Plans for the economic development of the country.
Analysis of options:
- Option (a) 2000: Incorrect. The Planning Commission was already operational for 50 years by this time.
- Option (b) 2019: Incorrect. By this time, the Planning Commission had already been replaced by NITI Aayog (which happened on January 1, 2015).
- Option (c) 1947: Incorrect. While India gained independence in 1947, the formal body for planning was established a few years later.
- Option (d) 1950: Correct. This is the year the Planning Commission was officially set up.
port is situated at the head of Gulf of Kuchchh.
A)
Ennore
B)
Tuticorin
C)
Deendayal (Kandla)
D)
Haldia
The correct answer is Deendayal Port, formerly known as Kandla Port.
1. **Deendayal (Kandla) Port**: It is located in the Gulf of Kutch in the state of Gujarat. It is a major tidal port and serves as a primary gateway for trade with the Middle East and Africa. It was developed to relieve pressure on Mumbai port after the partition of India.
2. **Why other options are incorrect**:
- **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, serving as a satellite port to Kolkata.
Therefore, only Deendayal (Kandla) is situated at the head of the Gulf of Kuchchh.
Which one of the following communities does NOT practice transhumance?
A)
Gonds
B)
Bakarwals
C)
Bhotiyas
D)
Gaddis
Transhumance is the seasonal movement of livestock between fixed summer and winter pastures.
1. Bakarwals (Option b): They are a nomadic pastoral community from Jammu and Kashmir who migrate between the high mountains in summer and the lowlands in winter.
2. Bhotiyas (Option c): They are a community from the Uttarakhand Himalayas who traditionally practiced transhumance, moving between high-altitude pastures and lower valleys.
3. Gaddis (Option d): They are shepherds from Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir who practice seasonal migration with their sheep and goats.
4. Gonds (Option a): The Gonds are one of the largest tribal groups in India, primarily residing in the central highlands (Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh). They are traditionally settled agriculturists and forest dwellers, not nomadic pastoralists. Therefore, they do not practice transhumance.
The summer monsoon winds travel east to west from Assam to Punjab because-
A)
The path of the winds is diverted by the Himalayas
B)
Assam has high pressure whereas Punjab has low pressure
C)
The summer monsoon winds originate in Assam
D)
Here the trade wind blows from east to west
Step-by-step reasoning: 1. During the summer monsoon, moisture-laden winds (the South-West Monsoon) blow from the Indian Ocean toward the Indian landmass. 2. As these winds move northward, they encounter the massive physical barrier of the Himalayan mountain range, which stretches across the northern border of India. 3. Because the Himalayas are too high for the winds to cross, the winds are forced to deflect and turn westward. 4. This diversion causes the winds to travel from the east (Assam/North-East India) toward the west (Punjab/North-West India), bringing heavy rainfall to the plains of Northern India.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Option b: Pressure gradients generally drive the monsoon from the sea (high pressure) to the land (low pressure), but the specific east-to-west movement across the northern plains is a result of topography, not a pressure difference between Assam and Punjab.
- Option c: The summer monsoon winds originate over the Indian Ocean (specifically the South-West monsoon), not in Assam.
- Option d: Trade winds generally blow from east to west globally, but the specific movement of the monsoon winds across the northern Indian border is a localized effect of the Himalayan barrier.
The primary sector within a country for the calculation of National Income includes -
A)
Small scale industries
B)
Retail trading
C)
Agriculture
D)
All ofthese
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 from nature. It includes activities such as Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, Mining, and Quarrying. Since Agriculture is the core activity of this sector, option (c) is correct.
2. Secondary Sector: This sector involves the processing of raw materials into finished goods (manufacturing). Small-scale industries (option a) fall under this category.
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 (d) 'All of these' is incorrect.
The 1st Plan Holiday in independent India covered the period -
A)
1966 — 1969
B)
1965 — 1968
C)
1964 - 1968
D)
1965 — 1969
The 'Plan Holiday' refers to a period in India's economic history when the government shifted from Five-Year Plans to annual plans due to severe economic instability.
1. **Timeline**: The Third Five-Year Plan (1961–1966) ended in failure due to several crises. Consequently, the government implemented three annual plans from 1966 to 1969, which is known as the first Plan Holiday.
2. **Causes**: The primary reasons for this break were the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, the Sino-Indian War of 1962, and severe droughts leading to food shortages.
3. **Outcome**: During this period, the government focused on immediate stabilization and agriculture, eventually leading to the 'Green Revolution'.
Comparing this to the options:
- Option (a) 1966—1969 matches the historical record.
- Options (b), (c), and (d) provide incorrect year ranges that do not align with the official transition between the Third and Fourth Five-Year Plans.
Which of the following indicates the performance of various industrial sectors of the Indian economy?
A)
Index of Industrial Production
B)
Purchasing Managers Index
C)
Wholesale Price Index
D)
Allof these
The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) is the primary indicator used to measure the growth or contraction of various industrial sectors in India. It tracks the volume of production of a basket of industrial products across three main sectors: Mining, Manufacturing, and Electricity.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Purchasing Managers Index (PMI): While PMI provides a snapshot of economic health based on surveys of private sector companies, it is a sentiment-based leading indicator rather than a comprehensive measure of actual industrial output performance across all sectors.
- Wholesale Price Index (WPI): WPI measures the average change in prices of wholesale goods. It is an indicator of inflation (price levels), not a measure of production performance or industrial output.
- All of these: Since WPI measures prices and not industrial performance/output, this option is incorrect.
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 limits in the given sectors:
1. **Power Exchange (Option d):** 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is permitted under the automatic route in the power exchange sector. This is part of the government's effort to liberalize the energy market and attract global capital for infrastructure.
2. **Telecom Sector (Option a):** While the government has recently allowed 100% FDI in telecom via the automatic route, historically it was capped or required government approval for certain percentages. However, in the context of standard competitive exam questions comparing these specific sectors, Power Exchange is a definitive 100% automatic route sector.
3. **Insurance (Option b):** The FDI limit in the insurance sector was increased from 49% to 74% (via the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 2021). It is not 100%.
4. **Banking (Option c):** FDI in the banking sector is generally capped at 74% (under the automatic route for certain categories), but it is not permitted up to 100% due to regulatory requirements and the need for domestic control over the financial system.
Therefore, among the provided options, Power Exchange is the sector where 100% FDI is permitted.
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 (Option d is correct).
2. It has a population density of at least 400 persons per square kilometer (Option a is correct).
3. At least 75% of the male main working population is engaged in non-agricultural pursuits (secondary and tertiary sectors).
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 (Option b is correct).
Option (c) states that more than 75% of the population is engaged in the 'primary sector' (agriculture, forestry, fishing). This is the opposite of the actual census requirement, which mandates that 75% of the male main working population must be engaged in 'non-agricultural' (non-primary) pursuits. Therefore, option (c) is NOT a part of the definition.
Rajya Sabha has got equal powers like the Lok Sabha in the matter of
A)
creating new all India service
B)
amending the constitution
C)
removal of government
D)
making cut motion
In the Indian Parliamentary system, the Lok Sabha (Lower House) and Rajya Sabha (Upper House) have different powers depending on the nature of the legislation.
1. **Amending the Constitution (Option b):** Under Article 368, a Constitutional Amendment Bill must be passed by both Houses of Parliament separately. There is no provision for a joint sitting in the case of a constitutional amendment. Therefore, the Rajya Sabha has equal power to the Lok Sabha; if the Rajya Sabha rejects an amendment bill, the bill cannot become law.
2. **Creating new All India Services (Option a):** Under Article 312, the Rajya Sabha has a special power that the Lok Sabha does not. Only the Rajya Sabha can pass a resolution (by a two-thirds majority) to create a new All India Service, which then empowers Parliament to do so.
3. **Removal of Government (Option c):** The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible only to the Lok Sabha. A 'No-Confidence Motion' can only be introduced and passed in the Lok Sabha. The Rajya Sabha has no power to remove the government from office.
4. **Making Cut Motion (Option d):** Cut motions are related to the Budget (Financial Bills). Since Money Bills can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha and the Lok Sabha has the final say on financial matters, the power to move cut motions effectively rests with the Lok Sabha.
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 Myanmar) is a major river that forms a natural boundary between India (Mizoram) and Myanmar. The town of Zawlnuam is situated on the banks of this river.
Analysis of other options:
- Mamit: While Mamit is a district headquarters in the western part of Mizoram, it is not the primary town associated with the banks of the Khawthlangtuipui.
- Siaha: Located in the southern part of Mizoram, it is far from the Khawthlangtuipui river system.
- Tlabung: Tlabung is located on the banks of the Tlawng River, not the Khawthlangtuipui.
Ankleshwar and Kalol are two oil fields in-
A)
Assam
B)
Gujarat
C)
Maharashtra
D)
Rajasthan
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. Identification of Locations: Ankleshwar and Kalol are prominent onshore oil fields in India.
2. Geographical Location: Both Ankleshwar and Kalol are located in the state of Gujarat. Ankleshwar is one of the most productive oil fields in the Cambay Basin, while Kalol is another significant field in the same region.
3. Evaluating Options:
- Assam: Known for oil fields like Digboi, Naharkatiya, and Moran-Hugrijan.
- Gujarat: Correct. It hosts the Cambay Basin fields, including Ankleshwar and Kalol.
- Maharashtra: Known for offshore fields like Mumbai High.
- Rajasthan: Known for fields like Mangala, Bhagyam, and Aishwarya in the Barmer basin.
4. Conclusion: Since both mentioned fields are situated in Gujarat, option (b) is the correct answer.
Blue Revolution was first launched in India during which of the following Five Year Plan?
A)
5th Five Year Plan
B)
6th Five Year Plan
C)
7th Five Year Plan
D)
8th Five Year Plan
The Blue Revolution, also known as the 'Neel Kranti', refers to the growth and intensification of aquaculture and fisheries production in India. It was officially launched during the 7th Five Year Plan (1985–1990) to increase fish production and improve the socio-economic conditions of fishing communities.
Analysis of options:
- 5th Five Year Plan (1974-78): Focused on poverty alleviation (Garibi Hatao) and employment.
- 6th Five Year Plan (1980-85): Focused on infrastructure and poverty eradication.
- 7th Five Year Plan (1985-90): This period saw the systematic push for the Blue Revolution to harness India's vast coastline and inland water resources.
- 8th Five Year Plan (1992-97): Focused on human resource development and modernization, following the 1991 economic reforms.
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. **Analyzing Option (a):** Payment of imports in rupees is generally a goal (Internationalization of the Rupee) to reduce dependence on the US Dollar and save foreign exchange reserves. It is a solution/strategy, not a problem.
2. **Analyzing Option (b):** Increasing the quantity of exports is a positive economic indicator and a primary objective of any trade policy (Export-led growth). It is not a problem.
3. **Analyzing Option (c):** 'Terms of Trade' (ToT) refers to the ratio between the index of export prices and the index of import prices. 'Unfavourable terms of trade' occur when the prices of a country's exports decline relative to the prices of its imports. India has historically faced this problem because it often exports low-value primary goods or agricultural products (which have volatile/low prices) and imports high-value capital goods, technology, and crude oil (which have high/rising prices). This means India must export more volume to afford the same amount of imports, creating a structural problem in foreign trade.
4. **Conclusion:** Therefore, unfavourable terms of trade is a recognized systemic challenge for the Indian economy.
What is the central concept of M.N. Roy’s Radical Humanism?
A)
Non-cooperation with colonial regimes
B)
Spiritual nationalism
C)
Class struggle as the basis for revolution
D)
Emphasis on individual freedom beyond political ideologies
M.N. Roy began his political career as a militant nationalist and later became a prominent leader of the Communist International. However, in his later years, he moved away from Marxism (which emphasizes class struggle) and developed 'Radical Humanism' (also known as New Humanism). The central concept of Radical Humanism is the belief that the individual is the measure of all things. It emphasizes the sovereignty of the individual, rationalism, and human freedom, arguing that freedom is the primary biological and social need of humans. It rejects the idea that the individual should be subordinated to a class, a nation, or a political party.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Option (a) refers to the strategy of Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian National Congress.
- Option (b) refers to the ideologies of figures like Aurobindo Ghosh or early nationalist thinkers.
- Option (c) is the core tenet of Marxism, which M.N. Roy explicitly moved away from when he formulated Radical Humanism.
The iron-ore mined at Bailadila in Chhattisgarh is mostly-
A)
Hematite
B)
Magnetite
C)
Siderite
D)
Limonite
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. **Location Analysis**: Bailadila is located in the Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh. It is one of the most significant iron-ore mining regions in India.
2. **Ore Quality**: The iron ore found in the Bailadila range is renowned for its exceptionally high grade (high iron content), often exceeding 60-65%.
3. **Mineral Identification**: High-grade iron ore found in the Bastar plateau and Bailadila hills is primarily 'Hematite'. Hematite is the most important industrial iron ore in India due to its high iron content and suitability for blast furnaces.
4. **Evaluating Options**:
- **Hematite (Correct)**: The dominant ore in Bailadila, known for its reddish color and high purity.
- **Magnetite**: While found in India (primarily in Karnataka and Odisha), it is not the primary ore of the Bailadila mines.
- **Siderite**: A lower-grade iron carbonate ore, not characteristic of the high-grade deposits of Chhattisgarh.
- **Limonite**: A hydrated iron oxide, not the primary commercial ore extracted from the Bailadila range.
Which of the following industry provides job to the maximum number of people?
A)
Iron and 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 India. It is highly labor-intensive, employing millions of people across various stages—from ginning and spinning to weaving and processing. While the Iron and Steel industry is a 'basic' industry and crucial for infrastructure, it is more capital-intensive and relies heavily on automation. The Sugar and Tea industries are agro-based and provide significant seasonal employment, but the scale of permanent and semi-permanent employment in the textile sector (including the vast unorganized powerloom and handloom sectors) far exceeds that of the other options provided. Therefore, Cotton Textiles provides jobs to the maximum number of people among the given choices.
Green Revolution in India mainly related to-
A)
Oilseed
B)
Fish
C)
Foodgrains
D)
Non-Conventional Energy Sources
The Green Revolution refers to a period of significant increase in agricultural productivity in India, starting in the mid-1960s. It was characterized by the introduction of High-Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds, expanded irrigation infrastructure, and the increased use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. While it impacted various crops, its primary focus and most dramatic success were seen in foodgrains, specifically wheat and rice, which helped India move from a state of food deficiency to food self-sufficiency.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Oilseed: While there were later attempts to apply similar techniques to oilseeds (often referred to as the 'Yellow Revolution'), the primary Green Revolution was focused on cereals.
- b. Fish: The increase in fish production is associated with the 'Blue Revolution'.
- d. Non-Conventional Energy Sources: This relates to energy policy and sustainable power (like solar or wind), not agricultural crop production.
The Eastern Ghats join the Western Ghats at-
A)
Palni Hills
B)
Nilgiri Hills
C)
Anaimudi
D)
Shevroy Hills
The Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats are two discontinuous mountain ranges running parallel to the coastlines of India. The Western Ghats are continuous, while the Eastern Ghats are fragmented by river valleys. These two ranges meet and converge at the Nilgiri Hills (Blue Mountains) in Tamil Nadu.
Analysis of options:
- a. Palni Hills: These are part of the Western Ghats system but are not the primary junction point.
- b. Nilgiri Hills: Correct. This is the geographical meeting point of the two ranges.
- c. Anaimudi: This is the highest peak of the Western Ghats (and South India), located in Kerala, not a junction point.
- d. Shevroy Hills: These are part of the Eastern Ghats in Tamil Nadu, but they do not form the junction with the Western Ghats.
Nehru’s approach to planning for India’s development was primarily influenced by:
A)
Gandhian village economy
B)
Free-market capitalism
C)
Soviet-style centralized planning
D)
Integral humanism
Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister, was deeply impressed by the rapid industrialization of the Soviet Union (USSR). He believed that for a newly independent, underdeveloped nation like India to achieve rapid growth and self-reliance, it required a strong state-led mechanism to allocate resources. This led to the establishment of the Planning Commission in 1950 and the adoption of Five-Year Plans, which were directly modeled after the Soviet centralized planning system.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Gandhian village economy: While Nehru respected Gandhi, he disagreed with the Gandhian vision of a decentralized economy based on village industries (Khadi), preferring heavy industrialization.
- b. Free-market capitalism: Nehru was skeptical of unrestrained capitalism, believing it led to inequality and exploitation; he instead advocated for a 'Mixed Economy' with a dominant public sector.
- d. Integral humanism: This is a political and social philosophy developed by Deendayal Upadhyaya and associated with the Bharatiya Jana Sangh/BJP, which is ideologically distinct from Nehru's Fabian socialism.