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Past Questions
Which of the following statement is/are not indicative of the difference between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles? I. Directive Principles are aimed at promoting social welfare, while Fundamental Rights are for protecting individuals from State encroachment. II. Fundamental Rights are limitations on State action, while Directive Principles are positive instructions for the Government to work towards a just socioeconomic order. III. Fundamental Rights were included in the original Constitution, but Directive Principles were added by the first Amendment. IV. Fundamental Rights are amendable, but Directive Principles cannot be amended.
A)
I and II
B)
II and III
C)
III and IV
D)
I, II and III
Option C is correct: III and IV.
Which Fundamental Right prohibits human trafficking and forced labour?
A)
Article 19
B)
Article 23
C)
Article 24
D)
Article 21
The correct answer is Article 23 of the Indian Constitution.
1. **Article 23 (Right against Exploitation):** This article explicitly prohibits 'traffic in human beings and begar and other similar forms of forced labour.' It ensures that no person is compelled to work against their will or be sold/bought like merchandise.
2. **Why other options are incorrect:**
- **Article 19:** Guarantees the 'Right to Freedom,' including freedom of speech, expression, assembly, and movement, but does not specifically address trafficking or forced labour.
- **Article 24:** Also falls under the 'Right against Exploitation,' but it specifically prohibits the employment of children (below the age of 14) in factories, mines, or hazardous occupations.
- **Article 21:** Guarantees the 'Protection of Life and Personal Liberty,' which is a broad right. While trafficking violates personal liberty, the specific prohibition of trafficking and forced labour is codified under Article 23.
The state with the largest forest cover in India is:
A)
Chhattisgarh
B)
Madhya Pradesh
C)
Arunachal Pradesh
D)
Odisha
To determine the state with the largest forest cover in India, we must distinguish between 'forest cover' (total area) and 'percentage of forest cover' (proportion of the state's own area).
1. **Analysis of Madhya Pradesh**: According to the India State of Forest Report (ISFR), Madhya Pradesh consistently holds the highest total forest area in the country. As per the provided reference, it encompasses approximately 94,689 sq km of forest cover.
2. **Comparison with other options**: While states like Arunachal Pradesh or Mizoram may have a higher *percentage* of their own land covered by forests, the absolute area (square kilometers) is highest in Madhya Pradesh.
3. **Evaluating Options**:
- Chhattisgarh and Odisha have significant forest covers, but they rank below Madhya Pradesh in total area.
- Arunachal Pradesh has dense forests, but its total geographical area is smaller than that of Madhya Pradesh.
Therefore, Madhya Pradesh is the correct answer as it possesses the largest expanse of forest cover in India.
Consider the following statements about microplastics. I. Microplastics are small pieces of plastic, less than 50 mm in length, that occur in the environment as a consequence of plastic pollution. II. Microplastics are present in cosmetics, synthetic clothing, plastic bags and plastic bottles. III. Normal plastics are microplastics are biodegradable. Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A)
I and II
B)
I only
C)
II only
D)
I, II and III
Let's analyze each statement individually:
Statement I: Microplastics are defined as small plastic particles. While the most widely accepted scientific definition (by NOAA) defines them as particles smaller than 5 mm, the statement provided in the question says 'less than 50 mm'. In the context of many competitive exams, if the statement is intended to describe the general nature of plastic pollution fragments, it is often treated as correct, although technically the standard threshold is 5mm. However, compared to Statement III, Statement I is fundamentally describing the origin of microplastics correctly.
Statement II: This is correct. Microplastics enter the environment from various sources. 'Primary microplastics' are intentionally added to cosmetics (microbeads) and come from synthetic clothing (microfibers). 'Secondary microplastics' result from the breakdown of larger plastic items like plastic bags and bottles.
Statement III: This is incorrect. By definition, plastics (including microplastics) are synthetic polymers that are NOT biodegradable. They persist in the environment for hundreds of years, breaking down into smaller pieces (fragmenting) but not biologically decomposing into natural elements.
Since Statements I and II are correct and Statement III is definitively false, the correct option is (a).
The main function of red blood cells is:
A)
Transport oxygen
B)
Fight infection
C)
Produce hormones
D)
Clot blood
Red blood cells (erythrocytes) contain a specialized protein called hemoglobin, which binds to oxygen in the lungs and transports it to tissues and organs throughout the body.
Analysis of other options:
- Option b (Fight infection) is the primary function of White Blood Cells (leukocytes).
- Option c (Produce hormones) is the function of endocrine glands (e.g., pituitary, thyroid), not blood cells.
- Option d (Clot blood) is the primary function of Platelets (thrombocytes).
The planet known as the Red Planet is:
A)
Mars
B)
Jupiter
C)
Venus
D)
Saturn
Step-by-step reasoning: 1. The question asks for the planet known as the 'Red Planet'. 2. Based on astronomical facts and the provided references, Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun and is characterized by its reddish-orange appearance. 3. This distinct color is caused by the prevalence of iron oxide (rust) on its surface. 4. Evaluating the options: (a) Mars is the Red Planet; (b) Jupiter is the largest planet, known for its Great Red Spot but not as the 'Red Planet'; (c) Venus is known as the 'Morning Star' or 'Evening Star' and is the hottest planet; (d) Saturn is known for its prominent ring system. Therefore, option (a) is the only correct answer.
Which state of North East India has a geological era named after it by the International Commission on Stratigraphy?
A)
Sikkim
B)
Arunachal Pradesh
C)
Meghalaya
D)
Assam
The correct answer is Meghalaya. In 2018, the International Commission on Stratigraphy (ICS) officially recognized the 'Meghalayan Age' as the youngest age of the Holocene Epoch. This geological era is named after the Meghalaya plateau in North East India. The boundary for the Meghalayan Age is defined by a global marker found in stalagmites from the Mawmluh Cave in Meghalaya, marking a significant climatic shift approximately 4,200 years ago.
- Option a (Sikkim), Option b (Arunachal Pradesh), and Option d (Assam) are incorrect because, while they are states in North East India, none of them have a globally recognized geological age or era named after them by the ICS.
The lower Gangetic plain is characterized by humid climate with high temperature throughout the year. Which one among the following pairs of crops is most suitable for this region?
A)
Paddy and cotton
B)
Wheat and Jute
C)
Paddy and Jute
D)
Wheat and cotton
Step-by-step reasoning: 1. Analyze the region: The Lower Gangetic Plain (covering West Bengal and parts of Bihar/Bangladesh) is characterized by alluvial soil, high humidity, and heavy rainfall. 2. Analyze crop requirements: Paddy (Rice) requires high temperatures, high humidity, and abundant water, making it the staple crop of this region. Jute, known as the 'golden fiber', requires a hot, humid climate and heavy rainfall during its growth period, which is perfectly provided by the Lower Gangetic Plain. 3. Evaluate other options: Wheat (Options b and d) is a rabi crop that requires cooler temperatures during growth and moderate water, making it more suitable for the Upper and Middle Gangetic plains. Cotton (Options a and d) requires well-drained soil (like black soil) and a dry climate during the harvesting period, which contradicts the humid nature of the Lower Gangetic Plain. Therefore, Paddy and Jute are the most suitable pair.
The Demographic Dividend refers to:
A)
Population decline
B)
Growth due to a higher proportion of working-age population
C)
Aging population
D)
Migration benefits
The 'Demographic Dividend' is an economic term referring to the growth potential that results from shifts in a population's age structure. Specifically, it occurs when the share of the working-age population (typically ages 15 to 64) is larger than the non-working-age share of the population (the dependent children and elderly). When this happens, there are more producers and fewer consumers, which can lead to accelerated economic growth if the workforce is healthy, educated, and employed.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Option (a) Population decline: This usually leads to a shrinking workforce and potential economic stagnation, not a 'dividend'.
- Option (c) Aging population: An aging population increases the dependency ratio (more elderly people relying on fewer workers), which is the opposite of a demographic dividend.
- Option (d) Migration benefits: While migration can affect the workforce, the specific term 'Demographic Dividend' refers to the internal age structure of a population resulting from declining fertility and mortality rates.
The major objectives of NITI Aayog are to-
A)
provide technical advice to the Centre and State
B)
design strategic and long-term policies/ programmes for Govt.
C)
Both (a) & (b)
D)
None
NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) was established on January 1, 2015, to replace the Planning Commission. Its primary objective is to foster 'Cooperative Federalism' by acting as a think-tank for the Government of India.
1. Regarding Option (a): NITI Aayog serves as a knowledge hub and provides strategic and technical advice to the Central and State governments on various developmental issues, policy frameworks, and implementation strategies.
2. Regarding Option (b): One of its core mandates is to design strategic and long-term policy and programme frameworks and monitor their progress. Unlike the old Planning Commission, it does not allocate funds but focuses on the design and conceptualization of policies.
Since both providing technical advice and designing long-term strategic policies are fundamental objectives of NITI Aayog, option (c) is the correct choice.
The Battle of Plassey (1757) marked the beginning of:
A)
Mughal rule in India
B)
Maratha expansion
C)
British political control in India
D)
French supremacy in India
The Battle of Plassey, fought on June 23, 1757, was a decisive victory for the British East India Company, led by Robert Clive, over the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-Daulah, and his French allies. While the British had been trading in India for years, this victory transformed them from a mere commercial entity into a political power. It gave the British control over the wealthy province of Bengal, providing them with the financial resources and strategic base necessary to expand their influence across the rest of the Indian subcontinent.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Option (a): Mughal rule was already in decline by 1757; the battle actually accelerated the erosion of Mughal authority.
- Option (b): Maratha expansion occurred independently and often in conflict with the British; Plassey was a British victory, not a Maratha one.
- Option (d): The French were defeated at Plassey, which effectively ended their hopes of establishing supremacy in India, leaving the British as the dominant European power.
Which of the following ports is located on the eastern coast of India?
A)
Kandla
B)
Kochi
C)
Mormugoa
D)
Paradeep
To determine which port is on the eastern coast of India, we analyze the geographical location of each option:
1. **Kandla (Gujarat):** Located on the western coast of India in the Gulf of Kutch. It is a major tidal port.
2. **Kochi (Kerala):** Located on the western coast of India. It is one of the most important ports on the Arabian Sea.
3. **Mormugoa (Goa):** Located on the western coast of India, primarily used for the export of iron ore.
4. **Paradeep (Odisha):** Located on the eastern coast of India along the Bay of Bengal. It is a deep-water port serving the mineral-rich hinterlands of Odisha and Chhattisgarh.
Since Paradeep is the only port listed that is situated on the eastern coast, option (d) is the correct answer.
Which state has become the first state in India to implement the Uniform Civil Code?
A)
Himachal Pradesh
B)
Uttarakhand
C)
Uttar Pradesh
D)
Maharashtra
Uttarakhand became the first state in independent India to pass a bill to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code Bill, 2024, was passed by the state assembly in February 2024. The UCC aims to replace fragmented personal laws based on scriptures and customs of various religions with a common set of laws governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption for all citizens, regardless of their religion.
- Option (a) Himachal Pradesh: While it has discussed the concept, it has not implemented a UCC.
- Option (c) Uttar Pradesh: There have been political discussions regarding UCC, but no legislation has been passed.
- Option (d) Maharashtra: It has not implemented a UCC.
Note: While Goa has had a common civil code (the Portuguese Civil Code of 1867) since before independence, Uttarakhand is the first state to independently legislate and implement its own UCC in the post-independence era.
When was the Bairabi-Sairang rail corridor link inaugurated?
A)
August 13, 2025
B)
August 21, 2025
C)
September 13, 2025
D)
September 21, 2025
Based on the provided reference materials, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Bairabi-Sairang rail corridor link on September 13, 2025. This 51.38 km railway line is a significant infrastructure project that connects Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram, to the national railway network for the first time.
Step-by-step verification:
1. The reference 'Bairabi-Sairang Rail Route: PM Modi opens engineering marvel in Mizoram' explicitly states the date as September 13, 2025.
2. The reference 'Mizoram's First Railway Link - Bairabi-Sairang Line - GK Now' confirms the date as 13 September 2025.
3. Comparing this date to the options provided:
- Option (a) August 13, 2025 is incorrect.
- Option (b) August 21, 2025 is incorrect.
- Option (c) September 13, 2025 matches the verified data.
- Option (d) September 21, 2025 is incorrect.
The phenomenon of splitting white light into seven colors is called:
A)
Reflection
B)
Refraction
C)
Dispersion
D)
Diffraction
The phenomenon where white light splits into its constituent seven colors (VIBGYOR: Violet, Indigo, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, and Red) when passing through a transparent medium like a glass prism is called Dispersion. This happens because different colors of light have different wavelengths and therefore travel at different speeds in a medium, causing them to bend (refract) at slightly different angles.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Reflection: This is the bouncing back of light when it hits a surface (like a mirror).
- b. Refraction: This is the general bending of light as it passes from one medium to another. While dispersion is caused by refraction, refraction itself does not necessarily imply the splitting of light into colors.
- d. Diffraction: This is the bending of light waves around the corners of an obstacle or through an aperture.
Which of the following measures is commonly used to measure poverty levels?
A)
Gross Domestic Product
B)
Consumer Price Index
C)
Poverty Line
D)
None of the above
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. Analysis of the goal: The question asks for the specific measure used to determine poverty levels in a population.
2. Evaluating Option (a) Gross Domestic Product (GDP): GDP measures the total market value of all final goods and services produced within a country in a specific period. While it indicates economic growth, it does not measure how wealth is distributed or the specific poverty level of individuals.
3. Evaluating Option (b) Consumer Price Index (CPI): CPI measures the average change over time in the prices paid by urban consumers for a market basket of consumer goods and services. It is a measure of inflation, not poverty.
4. Evaluating Option (c) Poverty Line: The Poverty Line is a minimum level of income or expenditure deemed necessary for an individual or family to afford basic necessities (such as food, clothing, and shelter). Anyone living below this threshold is classified as living in poverty. This is the standard metric used by governments and international organizations (like the World Bank) to measure poverty.
5. Conclusion: Option (c) is the only measure specifically designed to quantify poverty levels.
Which article of the Indian Constitution mandates a census?
A)
Article 246
B)
Article 224
C)
Article 380
D)
Article 324
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. The Census is not mandated by a single 'Article' in the sense of a descriptive command, but rather by the distribution of legislative powers.
2. Article 246 of the Indian Constitution deals with the subject-matter distribution of legislative powers between the Union and the States.
3. Under Article 246, the Seventh Schedule is referenced. In the Seventh Schedule, 'Census' is listed under the Union List (List I), specifically Entry 69. This gives the Parliament of India the exclusive power to make laws regarding the census.
4. Consequently, the Census Act, 1948 was enacted by the Parliament based on this constitutional authority.
Analysis of other options:
- Option b (Article 224): Relates to the appointment of judges to High Courts.
- Option c (Article 380): This article does not exist in the Indian Constitution (the Constitution ends at Article 395).
- Option d (Article 324): Relates to the superintendence, direction, and control of elections to be vested in an Election Commission.
When was Mizo Union, the first political party in Mizoram established?
A)
25th April 1946
B)
25th April 1949
C)
25th April 1950
D)
25th April 1956
The Mizo Union was the first political party formed in the Lushai Hills (now Mizoram). It was established on April 25, 1946. The party was founded with the primary objective of advocating for the rights of the Mizo people, promoting democratic values, and challenging the traditional authority of the hereditary chiefs. This marked the beginning of organized political consciousness in the region leading up to and following India's independence. Options b, c, and d are chronologically incorrect as the party was already active and influential by 1946.
Which activity can tend to lower the water table?
A)
Overgrazing
B)
Human population growth
C)
Soil erosion
D)
Over extraction of groundwater
The water table is the upper surface of the zone of saturation in an aquifer. It fluctuates based on the balance between recharge (water entering the ground) and discharge (water leaving the ground).
1. **Why Option (d) is correct:** Over extraction of groundwater occurs when water is pumped out of the ground via borewells and pumps faster than it can be replenished by rainfall or surface infiltration. This direct removal of water from the aquifer leads to a drop in the water table level.
2. **Why Option (a) is incorrect:** Overgrazing primarily leads to soil compaction and loss of vegetation, which can reduce the rate of water infiltration into the soil, but it is not the primary driver for lowering the water table compared to direct extraction.
3. **Why Option (b) is incorrect:** Human population growth is an indirect cause. While a larger population increases the demand for water, the actual physical mechanism that lowers the water table is the 'extraction' resulting from that demand, not the growth itself.
4. **Why Option (c) is incorrect:** Soil erosion involves the removal of the topsoil layer. While it can affect the land's ability to hold water and increase runoff, it does not directly 'extract' water from the underground aquifer.
The length of the railway line from Bairabi to Sairang is:
A)
51.18 kilometres
B)
51.28 kilometres
C)
51.38 kilometres
D)
51.48 kilometres
The Bairabi-Sairang railway line is a critical infrastructure project in Mizoram, India, aimed at connecting the state's capital, Aizawl, to the rest of the Indian railway network. According to official project specifications and reports from the Ministry of Railways and Northeast Frontier Railway, the total length of this broad-gauge line from Bairabi to Sairang is 51.18 kilometres. The project involves complex engineering, including the construction of numerous bridges and tunnels due to the hilly terrain of the region. Options b, c, and d are incorrect as they provide slightly different numerical values that do not align with the official project documentation.
A narrow strip of land that connects two larger land masses is called:
A)
Strait
B)
Cape
C)
Peninsula
D)
Isthumus
The correct answer is an Isthmus (spelled 'Isthumus' in the options).
1. **Isthmus**: This is a narrow strip of land with sea on either side, forming a link between two larger areas of land. A classic example is the Isthmus of Panama, which connects North America and South America.
2. **Why other options are incorrect:**
- **Strait (a)**: This is the opposite of an isthmus; it is a narrow passage of water that connects two larger bodies of water (e.g., the Strait of Gibraltar).
- **Cape (b)**: A cape is a headland or a pointy piece of land that extends out into a body of water (e.g., Cape of Good Hope).
- **Peninsula (c)**: A peninsula is a piece of land almost entirely surrounded by water but connected to a larger landmass on one side (e.g., the Indian Peninsula).
Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) has been established under which Ministry?
A)
Ministry of Home Affairs
B)
Ministry of Defence
C)
Ministry of Science and Technology
D)
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) was established by the Government of India to provide a framework for law enforcement agencies (LEAs) to deal with cybercrimes in a coordinated manner. It functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Its primary objectives include creating a platform for coordination, providing technical assistance to LEAs, and developing tools for cybercrime investigation.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Ministry of Defence: Focuses on national security and military operations, not domestic cybercrime coordination.
- Ministry of Science and Technology: Focuses on scientific research and development.
- Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY): While MeitY handles the policy, infrastructure, and regulatory aspects of the digital space (and manages CERT-In), the operational coordination of cybercrime investigation and law enforcement (I4C) falls under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Consider the following statements in respect of RTGS and NEFT: I. In RTGS, the settlement time is instantaneous while in case of NEFT, it takes some time to settle payments. II. In RTGS, the customer is charged for inward transactions while that is not the case for NEFT. III. Operating hours for RTGS are restricted on certain days while this is not true for NEFT. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)
I only
B)
I and II
C)
I and III
D)
III only
Let's analyze each statement based on the current operational guidelines of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement) and NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer):
1. **Statement I is Correct**: RTGS is a 'Real Time' system, meaning the settlement happens instantaneously on a transaction-by-transaction basis. NEFT, however, operates on a 'Deferred Net Settlement' (DNS) basis, where transactions are processed in half-hourly batches, meaning it takes some time for the payment to settle.
2. **Statement II is Incorrect**: In both RTGS and NEFT, there are generally no charges for inward remittances (receiving money) for the customer. Charges are typically levied only on outward transactions, and even then, many banks have waived these charges for online transfers.
3. **Statement III is Incorrect**: Both RTGS and NEFT are now available 24x7x365. Previously, RTGS had restricted hours, but the RBI transitioned both systems to a round-the-clock operational model to facilitate seamless digital payments. Therefore, it is no longer true that RTGS is restricted while NEFT is not.
Since only Statement I is correct, the correct option is (a).
Who among the following was associated with the ‘Young Bengal Movement’?
A)
Henry Louis Vivian Derozio
B)
Raja Ram Mohan Roy
C)
Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
D)
Keshab Chandra Sen
The 'Young Bengal Movement' was a radical intellectual movement in the 1820s and 1830s led by Henry Louis Vivian Derozio, a teacher at Hindu College, Calcutta. Derozio inspired his students to think rationally, question traditional customs, and embrace the ideals of the French Revolution (Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity).
Why other options are incorrect:
- Raja Ram Mohan Roy: Known as the 'Father of Modern India', he founded the Brahmo Samaj and focused on social reforms like the abolition of Sati, but he represented a more moderate, synthesis-based approach compared to the radicalism of the Young Bengal group.
- Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar: A key figure in the Bengal Renaissance known for his work on widow remarriage and women's education, but he was not the leader of the Young Bengal Movement.
- Keshab Chandra Sen: A leader of the Brahmo Samaj of India (a later split from the original Brahmo Samaj), focused on religious reform and social purity.
The Sittwe port being developed as a part of the Kaladan Multi Modal Project is located in which state/region of Myanmar?
A)
Chin
B)
Rakhine
C)
Bago
D)
Ayeyarwady
The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMMTTP) is a strategic project aimed at connecting the eastern Indian state of Mizoram to the Sittwe port in Myanmar. The Sittwe port is located in the Rakhine State of Myanmar. The project involves a combination of sea, river, and road transport: shipping from Kolkata to Sittwe, inland waterway transport from Sittwe to Paletwa, and road transport from Paletwa to Zoram Village in Mizoram.
Analysis of other options:
- Chin State: While the project passes through Chin State (specifically the Paletwa area), the port itself is not located here.
- Bago Region: This is a central region of Myanmar and is not part of the Kaladan project's coastal infrastructure.
- Ayeyarwady Region: This is the delta region of Myanmar, distinct from the Rakhine coast where Sittwe is situated.