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Past Questions
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.
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
The question asks for statements that are NOT indicative of the difference between Fundamental Rights (FRs) and Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs). Let's analyze each statement:
I. Correct: FRs are primarily 'negative obligations' (preventing state encroachment to protect individual liberty), while DPSPs are 'positive obligations' aimed at promoting social and economic welfare.
II. Correct: FRs act as limitations on the power of the State (justiciable), whereas DPSPs are guidelines/instructions for the government to establish a socio-economic order (non-justiciable).
III. Incorrect: Both Fundamental Rights (Part III) and Directive Principles (Part IV) were included in the original Constitution adopted in 1949. DPSPs were not added by the first amendment.
IV. Incorrect: Both Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles are amendable by Parliament through the process of constitutional amendment under Article 368. For example, the Right to Property was removed from FRs, and several new DPSPs were added by the 42nd and 86th Amendments.
Since statements III and IV are factually incorrect and do not represent valid differences between the two, they are the correct answer to the question 'which are NOT indicative of the difference'.
The headquarters of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is located in:
A)
New York
B)
Paris
C)
Geneva
D)
Nairobi
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda. Its headquarters are located in Nairobi, Kenya. This makes UNEP one of the few major UN agencies headquartered in the Global South.
Analysis of other options:
- New York: This is the headquarters of the United Nations (UN) Secretariat and the General Assembly.
- Paris: While Paris is the site of the Paris Agreement and hosts UNESCO, it is not the headquarters of UNEP.
- Geneva: Geneva hosts many UN agencies (such as the WHO and WTO) and the UNEP has a significant presence there, but the official headquarters is in Nairobi.
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.
How many members must be present (including the presiding officer) in the Rajya Sabha in order to fulfil the quorum?
A)
25
B)
50
C)
55
D)
75
Option A is correct: 25.
Identify the correct sequence of passing a Budget in the Parliament.
A)
Vote on Account-Finance Bill-Appropriation Bill-Discussion on Budget
B)
Finance Bill- Appropriation. Bill Discussion on Budget-Vote on Accounts
C)
Discussion on Budget-Vote on Account-Finance Bill-Appropriation Bill
D)
Discussion on Budget-Appropriation Bill-Finance Bill-Vote on Account
The process of passing the Budget in the Indian Parliament follows a specific constitutional and procedural sequence.
1. **Vote on Account**: Since the Budget process takes time and the financial year begins on April 1st, the Parliament passes a 'Vote on Account' to grant the government temporary funds to meet expenditures until the full Budget is passed.
2. **Finance Bill**: This bill deals with the taxation proposals (the 'revenue' side of the budget). It must be passed to authorize the government to collect taxes.
3. **Appropriation Bill**: Under Article 114 of the Constitution, no money can be withdrawn from the Consolidated Fund of India without an Appropriation Act. This bill authorizes the 'expenditure' side of the budget.
4. **Discussion on Budget**: While general discussions happen early, the final detailed discussions, voting on demands for grants, and the final closing debates occur throughout the process, culminating in the final passing of the bills.
Note: While the 'Discussion' phase technically starts early (General Discussion), in the context of the sequence of 'passing' and 'legal authorization' provided in the options, Option (a) represents the logical flow of financial authorization (Temporary funds -> Revenue authority -> Expenditure authority -> Finality).
The concept of “Invisible Hand” was introduced by:
A)
Karl Marx
B)
John Maynard Keynes
C)
Adam Smith
D)
David Ricardo
The concept of the 'Invisible Hand' was introduced by Adam Smith, the Scottish philosopher and economist, primarily in his seminal work 'The Wealth of Nations' (1776). The metaphor describes the unintended social benefits resulting from individual self-interested actions; specifically, it suggests that in a free market, individuals seeking their own profit are led as if by an 'invisible hand' to promote the general economic well-being of society.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Karl Marx: Known for his theories on class struggle, communism, and the critique of capitalism (Das Kapital).
- John Maynard Keynes: Known for Keynesian economics, which advocates for government intervention to manage demand and stabilize the economy, often contrasting with the 'laissez-faire' approach of the invisible hand.
- David Ricardo: Known for the theory of Comparative Advantage and the Law of Diminishing Returns.
The first law officer of the Government of India is:
A)
Solicitor General
B)
Law Minister
C)
Chief Justice of India
D)
Attorney General of India
The Attorney General for India is the highest law officer in the country. This office is a constitutional post established under Article 76 of the Constitution of India. The Attorney General is appointed by the President and serves as the chief legal advisor to the Government of India and represents the government in the Supreme Court and other high courts.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Solicitor General: The Solicitor General is the second-highest law officer, appointed by the Government to assist the Attorney General. It is a statutory post, not a constitutional one.
- b. Law Minister: The Law Minister is a political executive (a member of the Cabinet) responsible for policy and administration of the Ministry of Law and Justice, but not the 'first law officer' in a legal representative capacity.
- c. Chief Justice of India: The CJI is the head of the Judiciary (the Supreme Court), not a law officer of the Government. The judiciary must remain independent of the executive government.
Which of the following best explains the theoretical foundation of the design of the Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA)?
A)
Supply-side skilling and productivity targeting
B)
Structural adjustment for agriculture surplus
C)
Keynesian demand-side rural stimulus model
D)
Monetarist principle of wage flexibility
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) is designed as a 'right to work' program that provides a legal guarantee for 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to every rural household.
1. Why Option (c) is correct: The theoretical foundation of MGNREGA aligns with Keynesian economics, which emphasizes that during periods of economic downturn or unemployment, the government should intervene through public spending to stimulate aggregate demand. By providing guaranteed wages to the rural poor, MGNREGA injects liquidity into the rural economy, increasing the purchasing power of laborers, which in turn stimulates demand for goods and services (a demand-side stimulus).
2. Why Option (a) is incorrect: MGNREGA focuses on providing 'unskilled' manual labor. While some asset creation occurs, its primary goal is employment security and poverty alleviation, not high-end supply-side skilling or productivity targeting.
3. Why Option (b) is incorrect: Structural adjustment usually refers to macroeconomic policies (often mandated by the IMF) to reduce fiscal deficits and shift economic structures. MGNREGA is a social security measure, not a structural adjustment tool for agricultural surplus.
4. Why Option (d) is incorrect: Monetarism emphasizes controlling the money supply and believes in wage flexibility (letting wages drop to clear the labor market). MGNREGA does the opposite by setting a 'floor' wage (the minimum wage), preventing wages from falling below a certain level, which contradicts the monetarist principle of wage flexibility.
When do we celebrate World Environment Day?
A)
April 5
B)
May 5
C)
June 5
D)
November 4
World Environment Day is celebrated annually on June 5th. It was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972 during the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. The day aims to raise global awareness and encourage action for the protection of our environment.
Analysis of options:
- April 5: Not a globally recognized environmental day.
- May 5: Not the date for World Environment Day.
- June 5: The correct official date designated by the UN.
- November 4: Not the date for World Environment Day.
According to the NIRF 2025 rankings, the top college in India is
A)
Miranda House
B)
Hans Raj
C)
St. Stephen’s College
D)
Hindu College
The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) is an initiative by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, to rank higher education institutions. In the 'Colleges' category, Miranda House (University of Delhi) has consistently maintained the top position for several consecutive years due to its excellence in teaching, learning resources, graduation outcomes, and perception. While Hindu College, Hans Raj, and St. Stephen's are also prestigious institutions and often rank within the top 10, Miranda House has held the Rank 1 spot in the most recent cycles leading into the 2025 assessment period.
The speed of light is approximately:
A)
3,000 km/s
B)
3 × 108 m/s
C)
3 × 106 m/s
D)
3 × 105 m/s
The speed of light in a vacuum is a universal physical constant. Its exact value is 299,792,458 meters per second. In scientific notation and for most competitive examinations, this is approximated as 3.00 × 10^8 m/s.
Evaluating the options:
- Option (a) 3,000 km/s is far too slow (it is only 3 × 10^6 m/s).
- Option (b) 3 × 10^8 m/s is the correct scientific approximation (300,000,000 m/s).
- Option (c) 3 × 10^6 m/s is 3,000 km/s, which is incorrect.
- Option (d) 3 × 10^5 m/s is 300 km/s, which is incorrect.
The Human Development Index (HDI) was developed by:
A)
Mahbub ul Haq
B)
Prof. Amartya Sen
C)
Gunnar Myrdal
D)
Paul Krugman
The Human Development Index (HDI) was created in 1990 by Pakistani economist Mahbub ul Haq in collaboration with Indian economist Prof. Amartya Sen. While both contributed to the conceptual framework (specifically Sen's 'capabilities approach'), Mahbub ul Haq is credited as the primary developer who operationalized the index to shift the focus of development from purely economic growth (GDP) to human-centric metrics.
Breakdown of options:
- Option (a) Mahbub ul Haq: Correct. He developed the HDI to emphasize that people and their capabilities should be the ultimate criteria for assessing the development of a country.
- Option (b) Prof. Amartya Sen: While he provided the theoretical foundation (Capability Approach), the index itself is primarily attributed to Haq.
- Option (c) Gunnar Myrdal: A Swedish economist known for the 'Circular Cumulative Causation' theory and work on inequality, but not the creator of HDI.
- Option (d) Paul Krugman: A Nobel laureate known for New Trade Theory and New Economic Geography, unrelated to the creation of the HDI.
Which among these dances is a welcome dance in Mizo culture?
A)
Cheraw
B)
Chheihlam
C)
Khuallam
D)
Rallu Lam
In Mizo culture, 'Khuallam' is specifically known as the 'dance of the guest.' The word 'Khual' means guest or stranger, and 'Lam' means dance. Historically, it was performed to welcome guests or visitors to the village, making it the traditional welcome dance.
Analysis of other options:
- Cheraw: This is the famous 'Bamboo Dance,' typically performed during festivals or as a celebratory dance, but it is not specifically a welcome dance.
- Chheihlam: This is a traditional dance often associated with the celebration of the harvest or specific seasonal festivities.
- Rallu Lam: This is a 'war dance' performed to celebrate victory in battle or to prepare for war.
Which of the following Mizo chiefs helped the missionaries with translations of the New Testament while still holding onto his traditional beliefs?
A)
Lallula
B)
Lalthangliana
C)
Lalphunga
D)
Suaka
Chief Lallula is historically recognized for his unique role during the early missionary period in the Lushai Hills (Mizoram). While he remained steadfast in his traditional Mizo beliefs and did not convert to Christianity, he was highly supportive of the missionaries' linguistic work. He provided critical assistance to the missionaries (such as J.H. Lorrain and F.W. Savidge) in translating the New Testament and other religious texts into the Mizo language, valuing the literacy and the written word even while rejecting the theology of the faith. Options b, c, and d refer to other chiefs or figures who did not play this specific, documented role of assisting in translation while remaining a traditionalist.
The main constituent of natural gas is:
A)
Ethane
B)
Propane
C)
Methane
D)
Butane
Natural gas is a fossil fuel consisting primarily of hydrocarbons. The main constituent of natural gas is Methane (CH4), which typically makes up about 70% to 90% of the gas by volume.
Breakdown of options:
- a. Ethane: Present in natural gas but in much smaller quantities than methane.
- b. Propane: Present in trace amounts; primarily used in LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas).
- c. Methane: The primary component and the simplest alkane, making it the correct answer.
- d. Butane: Present in very small amounts; like propane, it is a major component of LPG rather than natural gas.
Where will you find the most disguised unemployment? Select the correct option from those given below:
A)
In most of the government offices.
B)
In big private companies.
C)
Among agricultural workers working for small farmlands.
D)
Among part-time industrial workers.
Disguised unemployment is a phenomenon where more people are employed in an activity than are actually needed. In this situation, the marginal productivity of the extra workers is zero, meaning that if some workers are removed, the total output remains unchanged.
1. Why Option (c) is correct: In developing economies like India, agriculture is the primary sector. Due to the lack of alternative employment opportunities and the fragmentation of land (small farmlands), entire families often work on a single plot of land. Even if the land only requires 3 people to be managed efficiently, 5 or 6 family members might be working on it. The extra 2-3 people are 'disguisedly unemployed' because their contribution to the total yield is zero.
2. Why other options are incorrect:
- Option (a): While government offices may have inefficiency or overstaffing, it is not the primary or most characteristic example of 'disguised unemployment' as defined in economic theory.
- Option (b): Big private companies are generally profit-driven and optimize their workforce to reduce costs; they rarely maintain a surplus of workers with zero marginal productivity.
- Option (d): Part-time industrial workers are examples of 'underemployment' (where people work fewer hours than they are willing to), but not necessarily 'disguised unemployment' where their marginal output is zero.
The Saubhagya Scheme relates to:
A)
Drinking water supply
B)
Education
C)
Housing
D)
Rural electrification
The Pradhan Mantri Saubhagya Yojana (PMSFY), commonly known as the Saubhagya Scheme, was launched by the Government of India in 2017. Its primary objective is to achieve universal household electrification, ensuring that every household in the country has access to electricity, with a significant focus on rural and underserved areas.
Analysis of other options:
- Option (a) Drinking water supply: This is primarily addressed by schemes like the Jal Jeevan Mission.
- Option (b) Education: This is addressed by schemes such as Samagra Shiksha or Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan.
- Option (c) Housing: This is the focus of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).
Which of the following regions has the highest biodiversity?
A)
Desert
B)
Tropical Rainforest
C)
Tundra
D)
Grassland
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem. Tropical Rainforests are recognized as the most biodiverse terrestrial ecosystems on Earth due to several key factors: 1. Climate: They receive abundant rainfall and consistent warm temperatures year-round, which promotes rapid plant growth and high primary productivity. 2. Structural Complexity: The vertical stratification (canopy, understory, forest floor) creates numerous ecological niches, allowing a vast array of species to coexist in the same geographic area. 3. Energy Availability: High solar energy input supports a complex food web.
Comparison with other options:
- Desert (a): Characterized by extreme temperatures and lack of water, limiting the number of species that can survive.
- Tundra (c): Extremely cold temperatures and permafrost result in very low species diversity, dominated by mosses, lichens, and a few hardy animals.
- Grassland (d): While diverse, they lack the vertical layering and consistent moisture of rainforests, resulting in lower overall species richness per unit area.
Which of the following is not a cryptocurrency?
A)
Ethereum
B)
Bitcoin
C)
Tether
D)
Drachma
To determine which option is not a cryptocurrency, we evaluate each term:
1. **Bitcoin (b):** The first and most well-known decentralized cryptocurrency, based on a proof-of-work blockchain.
2. **Ethereum (a):** A decentralized, open-source blockchain with smart contract functionality; its native cryptocurrency is Ether (ETH).
3. **Tether (c):** A 'stablecoin' cryptocurrency pegged to the US Dollar to minimize price volatility.
4. **Drachma (d):** The Drachma was the official currency of Greece before the adoption of the Euro in 2001. It is a traditional 'fiat' currency (government-issued legal tender), not a digital or cryptocurrency.
Therefore, Drachma is the only option that is not a cryptocurrency.
Which blood cells help in clotting?
A)
RBCs
B)
WBCs
C)
Platelets
D)
Plasma
Blood consists of several components, each with a specific function:
1. Platelets (Thrombocytes): These are small, colorless cell fragments that are essential for blood clotting (coagulation). When a blood vessel is injured, platelets adhere to the site of the wound and clump together to form a 'platelet plug,' preventing excessive blood loss.
2. RBCs (Red Blood Cells/Erythrocytes): Their primary role is to transport oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body using a protein called hemoglobin.
3. WBCs (White Blood Cells/Leukocytes): These are part of the immune system and help the body fight infections and foreign invaders.
4. Plasma: This is the liquid component of blood that carries nutrients, hormones, and proteins throughout the body, but it is not a 'cell'.
Therefore, platelets are the specific blood cells responsible for clotting.
The Great Rift Valley is located in:
A)
South America
B)
Eastern Africa
C)
Central Asia
D)
North America
The Great Rift Valley is a massive geological system of contiguous depressions created by the divergence of tectonic plates. It extends approximately 6,000 to 6,500 kilometers from the Red Sea in the north down to Mozambique in the south, cutting primarily through the eastern portion of the African continent.
Step-by-step verification:
1. **Geographic Location**: The rift system is characterized by the East African Rift, which splits the African Plate into the Somali Plate and the Nubian Plate.
2. **Key Features**: It includes deep lakes such as Lake Tanganyika, Lake Malawi (Nyasa), and Lake Victoria, as well as volcanic activity, all located in Eastern Africa.
3. **Evaluating Options**:
- (a) South America: Incorrect. While it has the Andes mountains, it does not have the Great Rift Valley.
- (b) Eastern Africa: Correct. This is the primary location of the rift system.
- (c) Central Asia: Incorrect. This region is characterized by steppes and high plateaus, not this specific rift system.
- (d) North America: Incorrect. North America has various fault lines (like the San Andreas Fault), but not the Great Rift Valley.
The largest river island in the world, Majuli, is located in which river?
A)
Ganga
B)
Yamuna
C)
Brahmaputra
D)
Godavari
Majuli is a large river island located in the Brahmaputra River in the state of Assam, India. It is recognized as the world's largest river island.
Step-by-step verification:
1. Identification: Majuli is a district in Assam and is primarily a river island.
2. Location: It is formed by the braiding of the Brahmaputra River.
3. Evaluation of options:
- Ganga: While the Ganga is a massive river system, it does not contain the island of Majuli.
- Yamuna: A tributary of the Ganga, it does not host this island.
- Brahmaputra: Correct. The island is situated in the Brahmaputra riverbed.
- Godavari: A major river in Southern India, unrelated to Majuli.
Select the pair of words/numbers that has the same analogous relationship as the original pair: River : Ocean
A)
Child : School
B)
Book : Library
C)
Lane : Road
D)
Cloth : Body
Option D is correct: Cloth : Body.
The statistical study of elections and voting is called
A)
Psephology
B)
Sociology
C)
Epidemiology
D)
Ethnography
Option A is correct: Psephology.