← Assistant & UDC
Past Questions
The scientist who first discovered that the earth revolves around the sun was?
A)
Copernicus
B)
Galileo
C)
Johannes Kepler
D)
None of these
The correct answer is Nicolaus Copernicus. He is credited with formulating the comprehensive heliocentric model, which placed the Sun, rather than the Earth, at the center of the universe, and proposed that the Earth revolves around the Sun. This was detailed in his seminal work, 'De revolutionibus orbium coelestium' (On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres), published in 1543.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Galileo Galilei (Option b) provided critical observational evidence (such as the phases of Venus and the moons of Jupiter) using a telescope to support the Copernican theory, but he did not discover the heliocentric model himself.
- Johannes Kepler (Option c) refined the model by discovering that planetary orbits are elliptical rather than perfect circles, but he built upon the foundation already established by Copernicus.
How was Mizo Hills District formerly known?
A)
Khasi Hills District
B)
Garo Hills District
C)
Lushai Hills District
D)
Jaintia Hills District
The Mizo Hills District was formerly known as the Lushai Hills District. During the British colonial period, the region was administered as the Lushai Hills District under the province of Assam. The term 'Lushai' was used by the British to refer to the Mizo people. Following the movement for statehood and the reorganization of the region, it became a Union Territory in 1972 and eventually the state of Mizoram in 1987.
Other options are incorrect because:
- Khasi Hills, Garo Hills, and Jaintia Hills are distinct regions located in the state of Meghalaya, named after the Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia tribes respectively.
What is the smallest number by which 392 may be divided so that the quotient is a perfect cube ?
A)
2
B)
4
C)
7
D)
49
To find the smallest number by which 392 must be divided to make the quotient a perfect cube, we must first find the prime factorization of 392.
1. Prime Factorization of 392:
- 392 ÷ 2 = 196
- 196 ÷ 2 = 98
- 98 ÷ 2 = 49
- 49 ÷ 7 = 7
- 7 ÷ 7 = 1
So, 392 = 2 × 2 × 2 × 7 × 7 = 2³ × 7².
2. Analysis for Perfect Cube:
A number is a perfect cube if all the exponents in its prime factorization are multiples of 3.
In the factorization 2³ × 7², the factor 2³ is already a perfect cube. However, 7² (which is 49) is not a perfect cube.
3. Finding the Divisor:
To make the quotient a perfect cube, we must remove the factors that do not form a complete cube. By dividing 392 by 7², we remove the 'extra' factors.
392 ÷ 49 = (2³ × 7²) ÷ 7² = 2³ = 8.
Since 8 is a perfect cube (2³), the smallest number to divide by is 49.
Verification of options:
- a. 392 / 2 = 196 (Not a cube)
- b. 392 / 4 = 98 (Not a cube)
- c. 392 / 7 = 56 (Not a cube)
- d. 392 / 49 = 8 (Perfect cube of 2)
Which of the following will be India’s first Solar Mission to take off in 2019?
A)
Aditya L 1 Mission
B)
Aditya LL Mission
C)
Aditya XI Mission
D)
Aditya XL Mission
The Aditya-L1 mission is India's first dedicated space mission to study the Sun. It is designed to be placed in a halo orbit around the Lagrange point 1 (L1) of the Sun-Earth system, which allows the spacecraft to observe the Sun continuously without any occultations or eclipses. While the question mentions a takeoff in 2019 (likely referring to the initial proposal or planning phase in the context of the exam's source material), the mission was officially launched by ISRO on September 2, 2023. Options b, c, and d (Aditya LL, XI, and XL) are fictitious names and do not correspond to any official ISRO mission.
Who is the current President of Argentina?
A)
Mauricio Macri
B)
Antonio Alegre
C)
Gabriela Michetti
D)
Pedro Pompilio
Based on the options provided in this specific exam paper, Mauricio Macri is the only individual listed who has served as the President of Argentina (serving from 2015 to 2019). While Javier Milei is the current President of Argentina as of 2024, in the context of multiple-choice questions from older exam papers, the 'current' refers to the time the exam was conducted. Among the given choices: (a) Mauricio Macri was the President; (b) Antonio Alegre is a Spanish politician; (c) Gabriela Michetti was a Vice President of the Senate; and (d) Pedro Pompilio is a Brazilian politician. Therefore, option (a) is the only logically correct choice among the provided options.
Name the only Indian who was on Fortune’s ‘Businessperson of the Year 2017’ list?
A)
Shiv Nadar
B)
Aditya Puri
C)
Azim Premji
D)
Lakhmi Mittal
Fortune's 2017 Businessperson of the Year was Aditya Puri.
Who invented Bicycle?
A)
Macmillan
B)
Torricelli
C)
Albert Einstein
D)
J. Oppenheimer
Step-by-step reasoning: 1. Analysis of the options: Option (b) Torricelli is known for inventing the barometer; Option (c) Albert Einstein is the physicist famous for the theory of relativity; Option (d) J. Oppenheimer is known as the father of the atomic bomb. 2. Evaluating Option (a): While Baron Karl von Drais invented the first steerable two-wheeled vehicle (the 'dandy horse'), the modern bicycle with pedals and a chain drive evolved through several inventors. Kirkpatrick Macmillan is widely credited in many historical textbooks and competitive exam keys as the inventor of the first pedal-driven bicycle (the velocipede) around 1839. 3. Conclusion: Among the provided choices, Macmillan is the only individual associated with the invention of the bicycle, making option (a) the correct answer for this specific multiple-choice question.
Which country has recently declared Yoga as Sports activity?
A)
United Kingdom
B)
Saudi Arabia
C)
Germany
D)
India
The selected option matches the established historical, constitutional, economic, geographical, or Mizoram-specific fact.
A letter of English alphabets is chosen at random. The probability that it is a letter of the word ‘MATHEMATICS’ is
A)
3/13
B)
4/13
C)
5/13
D)
6/13
MATHEMATICS has 8 distinct letters (M, A, T, H, E, I, C, S). Probability = 8/26 = 4/13, option B.
What is the full form of LTTE?
A)
Liberty of Tamil Tigers Environment
B)
Lowest Trading Technology
C)
Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam
D)
Location Tracking and Transmitting Technology
The LTTE stands for the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. It was a militant organization formed in 1976 with the goal of creating an independent state called 'Tamil Eelam' in the northern and eastern parts of Sri Lanka for the Tamil minority. The conflict between the LTTE and the Sri Lankan government lasted for nearly three decades until the organization was defeated in May 2009.
Analysis of other options:
- Option (a) 'Liberty of Tamil Tigers Environment' is a fabricated phrase.
- Option (b) 'Lowest Trading Technology' is unrelated to the historical/political context of the acronym.
- Option (d) 'Location Tracking and Transmitting Technology' is a technical-sounding phrase but is not what LTTE stands for.
Who is the new US Ambassador to India?
A)
Mask Warner
B)
Kenneth Juster
C)
David Friedman
D)
Richard Verma
The selected option matches the established historical, constitutional, economic, geographical, or Mizoram-specific fact.
If 1/2 = 1.414, then the value of 1 / (3 + sqrt(8)) is
A)
5.828
B)
3.127
C)
1
D)
0.172
First, let's address a typographical error in the question prompt: '1/2 = 1.414' is clearly intended to be '√2 = 1.414', as 1.414 is the standard approximation for the square root of 2.
Step 1: Simplify the expression 1 / (3 + √8).
Step 2: Simplify √8. Since 8 = 4 * 2, √8 = √(4 * 2) = 2√2.
Step 3: The expression becomes 1 / (3 + 2√2).
Step 4: Rationalize the denominator by multiplying the numerator and the denominator by the conjugate (3 - 2√2):
1 / (3 + 2√2) * (3 - 2√2) / (3 - 2√2) = (3 - 2√2) / (3² - (2√2)²)
Step 5: Calculate the denominator: 3² = 9 and (2√2)² = 4 * 2 = 8. So, 9 - 8 = 1.
Step 6: The expression simplifies to 3 - 2√2.
Step 7: Substitute the given value √2 = 1.414:
3 - 2(1.414) = 3 - 2.828 = 0.172.
Therefore, the correct value is 0.172.
Topper in the Global Competitiveness Index 2017 released in September 2017
A)
Finland
B)
Singapore
C)
Switzerland
D)
USA
The Global Competitiveness Index (GCI) is published annually by the World Economic Forum (WEF). In the 2017 report released in September, Switzerland was ranked as the most competitive economy in the world. Switzerland consistently ranks at the top of this index due to its high levels of innovation, institutional stability, and efficient infrastructure. Singapore and the USA also typically rank high in the index, but they were not the top-ranked nation for the 2017 edition. Finland, while competitive in specific areas like education, does not typically hold the top spot in the overall GCI.
How many players are there on each side in the game of Basketball?
A)
5
B)
6
C)
7
D)
8
In a standard game of basketball, as regulated by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the National Basketball Association (NBA), each team is allowed to have five players on the court at one time. While a team roster may include more players (substitutes), only five are active on the court per side during play.
- Option b (6) is incorrect; this is not the standard number for basketball.
- Option c (7) is incorrect; this is not the standard number for basketball.
- Option d (8) is incorrect; this is not the standard number for basketball.
Two pipes can fill a tank in 10 hours and 12 hours respectively, while a third pipe empties the full tank in 20 hours. If all the three pipes operate simultaneously, the tank will be full in
A)
7 hrs 15 min
B)
7 hrs 30 min
C)
7 hrs 45 min
D)
8 hrs
Net filling rate = 1/10 + 1/12 − 1/20 = 2/15 tank/hour; time = 15/2 = 7.5 hours = 7 h 30 min.
Who has been appointed as the new CEO and MD of Infosys?
A)
Pravin Rao
B)
S.D. Shibulal
C)
Salil S. Parekh
D)
Vishal Sikka
Salil S. Parekh was appointed as the CEO and Managing Director of Infosys in January 2018, succeeding Vishal Sikka. He has continued to lead the company since then.
Analysis of other options:
- Pravin Rao: He is a senior executive at Infosys (Chief Operating Officer) but not the CEO/MD.
- S.D. Shibulal: He was one of the co-founders and a former CEO of Infosys, but he stepped down from executive roles years ago.
- Vishal Sikka: He served as the CEO and MD of Infosys from 2014 until 2017, before Salil Parekh took over.
Who has sworn in as the new president of Republic of Kenya?
A)
Jomo Kenyatta
B)
Uhuru Kenyatta
C)
Daniel arap Moi
D)
Mwai Kibaki
Based on the options provided, this question refers to a historical transition of power in Kenya. Uhuru Kenyatta served as the President of Kenya from 2013 to 2022. Looking at the other options: (a) Jomo Kenyatta was the first president of Kenya (1964–1978); (c) Daniel arap Moi served from 1978 to 2002; and (d) Mwai Kibaki served from 2002 to 2013. In the context of competitive exams that use these specific options, the question typically refers to the 2013 election where Uhuru Kenyatta was sworn in. Note: While William Ruto is the current president (sworn in 2022), he is not listed among the options, making Uhuru Kenyatta the only viable answer among the choices provided for a 'new president' context relative to the exam's question bank date.
What is the area of Mizoram?
A)
22,327 sq. km
B)
21,081 sq. km
C)
16,579 sq. km
D)
22,721 sq. km
The selected option matches the established historical, constitutional, economic, geographical, or Mizoram-specific fact.
Which city is called ‘City of bazaars?
A)
Amritsar
B)
Bangkok
C)
Cairo
D)
Dhaka
Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is historically and globally renowned as the 'City of Bazaars' (or 'City of Mosques' and 'City of Markets'). This title stems from its long history as a major center of trade and commerce, particularly during the Mughal era, when it became a hub for the textile trade (especially Muslin) and various other commodities, leading to the proliferation of numerous specialized markets (bazaars) throughout the city.
Comparing other options:
- Amritsar is known as the 'Holy City' due to the Golden Temple.
- Bangkok is often called the 'Venice of the East' due to its extensive canal system.
- Cairo is known as the 'City of a Thousand Minarets'.
A, B and C enter into partnership with capitals of Rs.4500, Rs.5000 and Rs.6000 respectively. At the end of the first year, they make a profit of Rs.1550. Find the share of the profit that goes to A.
A)
Rs.450
B)
Rs.500
C)
Rs.550
D)
Rs.660
In a partnership, if the time period for the investment is the same for all partners, the profit is shared in the ratio of their capitals.
1. **Identify the Capitals:**
- Capital of A = Rs. 4500
- Capital of B = Rs. 5000
- Capital of C = Rs. 6000
2. **Determine the Ratio of Capitals:**
Ratio A : B : C = 4500 : 5000 : 6000
Dividing each term by 500:
Ratio = 9 : 10 : 12
3. **Calculate the Sum of the Ratio Parts:**
Sum = 9 + 10 + 12 = 31 units
4. **Calculate A's Share of the Profit:**
Total Profit = Rs. 1550
A's share = (A's ratio part / Total ratio parts) × Total Profit
A's share = (9 / 31) × 1550
5. **Perform the Calculation:**
1550 ÷ 31 = 50
A's share = 9 × 50 = Rs. 450
Therefore, the share of the profit that goes to A is Rs. 450. Option (a) is correct, while options (b), (c), and (d) are incorrect as they do not match the calculated value.
If 36 % of the pupils in a school are girls and the number of boys in the school is 816, then the total number of the pupils is –
A)
1275
B)
1257
C)
1253
D)
1250
Step-by-step solution:
1. **Identify the percentage of boys**: Since the total number of pupils represents 100% and girls make up 36%, the percentage of boys is:
100% - 36% = 64%.
2. **Set up the equation**: We are given that the number of boys is 816. Let the total number of pupils be 'x'. Therefore, 64% of x = 816.
3. **Solve for x**:
(64 / 100) * x = 816
x = (816 * 100) / 64
x = 81600 / 64
4. **Calculation**:
81600 ÷ 64 = 1275.
Verification:
- Total pupils = 1275
- Girls (36% of 1275) = 0.36 * 1275 = 459
- Boys (64% of 1275) = 0.64 * 1275 = 816
- Total = 459 + 816 = 1275.
Comparing this result to the options: Option (a) 1275 matches exactly. Options (b), (c), and (d) are incorrect as they do not satisfy the percentage requirement.
The speed of 36 km/hr is the same as
A)
10 m/sec
B)
7.2 m/sec
C)
2 m/sec
D)
129.6 m/sec
To convert speed from kilometers per hour (km/hr) to meters per second (m/sec), we need to convert the units of distance and time separately:
1. Distance conversion: 1 kilometer (km) = 1,000 meters (m).
2. Time conversion: 1 hour (hr) = 60 minutes × 60 seconds = 3,600 seconds (sec).
Calculation:
Speed = 36 km/hr
Speed = (36 × 1,000 meters) / (3,600 seconds)
Speed = 36,000 / 3,600 m/sec
Speed = 10 m/sec
Shortcut Method:
To convert km/hr to m/sec, multiply the value by 5/18.
36 × (5/18) = 2 × 5 = 10 m/sec.
Analysis of options:
- Option (a) 10 m/sec: Correct.
- Option (b) 7.2 m/sec: Incorrect (this would be the result for 25.92 km/hr).
- Option (c) 2 m/sec: Incorrect (this would be the result for 7.2 km/hr).
- Option (d) 129.6 m/sec: Incorrect (this is the result of 36 × 3.6, which is a common calculation error).
Recently in which state high Court banned the use of pictures of living persons on banners and hoardings?
A)
Karnataka
B)
Tamil Nadu
C)
Kerala
D)
Andhra Pradesh
The Madras High Court order concerned the display of living persons' photographs on banners/hoardings in Tamil Nadu.
Who has been awarded Diktawn Chapcharkut Miss 2017?
A)
C.Lalruatsangi
B)
K.Lalduhawmi
C)
R.Lalrinmawii
D)
Ruth Lalhmingmawii
Based on the provided reference materials from 'exploremizoram.com' and 'LPS ZOOM', Diktawn Magazine conducted the Miss Chapchar Kut competition for the year 2017. The records explicitly state that R. Lalrinmawii, daughter of R. Zosangliana from Govt. Complex, was selected as the winner (Miss Chapchar Kut 2017). Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. Options (a), (b), and (d) are incorrect as they do not match the recorded winner of the 2017 title.
If 0.75 : 1.20:: x:8, then the value of ‘x’ is
A)
15
B)
6
C)
5
D)
8
The given problem is a proportion problem. A proportion is an equation that states that two ratios are equal. The notation 'a : b :: c : d' means that a/b = c/d.
Step 1: Set up the equation based on the given proportion:
0.75 / 1.20 = x / 8
Step 2: Simplify the ratio 0.75 / 1.20.
To remove the decimals, multiply both the numerator and the denominator by 100:
0.75 / 1.20 = 75 / 120
Step 3: Reduce the fraction 75/120 to its simplest form by dividing both by their greatest common divisor (15):
75 ÷ 15 = 5
120 ÷ 15 = 8
So, 0.75 / 1.20 = 5 / 8
Step 4: Substitute this back into the proportion equation:
5 / 8 = x / 8
Step 5: Solve for x.
Since the denominators on both sides are the same (8), the numerators must also be equal:
x = 5
Verification of options:
- Option (a) 15: Incorrect. 15/8 is not equal to 0.625.
- Option (b) 6: Incorrect. 6/8 = 0.75, which is not equal to 0.625.
- Option (c) 5: Correct. 5/8 = 0.625, which matches 0.75/1.20.
- Option (d) 8: Incorrect. 8/8 = 1, which is not equal to 0.625.