← Group B (Gazetted)
Past Questions
A long railing of bamboo or saplings and creepers fixed up supporting billets of firewood exposed to dry for cooking meat for public feast was known as:
A)
Sathingzar
B)
Thinghawngthlun
C)
Thingman
D)
Bahzar
In traditional Mizo culture, 'Sathingzar' refers to a long railing made of bamboo, saplings, and creepers, constructed to support and dry billets of firewood used for cooking meat during public feasts. The other options refer to different cultural terms: 'Thinghawngthlun' refers to the custom of carrying and piling firewood for a feast or marriage; 'Thingman' refers to the price of firewood or a specific marriage tribute; and 'Bahzar' refers to a verandah or small outer platform of a traditional house.
The ‘valley of death’ in India’s innovation ecosystem refers to:
A)
Brain drain of scientists
B)
Failure of startups after IPO
C)
Gap between research output and commercial deployment
D)
Decline in patent quality
The 'valley of death' in the innovation ecosystem refers to the critical gap between early-stage research/proof-of-concept and its successful commercialization or market deployment. Many promising scientific discoveries and technological innovations fail during this transition phase due to a lack of funding, technical scale-up support, and business expertise. Option 'a' (brain drain) refers to human capital flight, option 'b' (failure after IPO) occurs at a much later stage of a company's lifecycle, and option 'd' (decline in patent quality) refers to intellectual property standards, making them incorrect.
Who introduced the practice of burying a deceased person at thlanmual?
A)
Zosaphluia
B)
Zosapthara
C)
Pu Buanga
D)
C.G.G. Helm
The correct option is B (Zosapthara). Rev. Edwin Rowlands, affectionately known to the Mizos as Zosapthara, introduced the practice of burying the deceased in a common village cemetery (thlanmual) in Mizoram. Prior to this, the traditional Mizo custom was to bury the dead near or underneath their houses.
- Option A: Zosaphluia (Rev. D.E. Jones) was the first Welsh Presbyterian missionary to Mizoram but is not credited with introducing the common cemetery system.
- Option C: Pu Buanga (James Herbert Lorrain) was a pioneer missionary famous for creating the Mizo alphabet, dictionary, and translating scriptures.
- Option D: C.G.G. Helm was a British administrator in the Lushai Hills and was not responsible for this socio-religious reform.
Find the wrong number in the given series: 10, 41, 94, 1624, 2516, 3625
A)
94
B)
2516
C)
10
D)
1624
The given series follows a pattern where each term is formed by concatenating the square of $n$ and the square of $(n-1)$, where $n$ represents the position of the term (starting from $n = 1$):
- **1st term ($n=1$):** $1^2$ and $0^2 \rightarrow 1$ and $0 \rightarrow 10$
- **2nd term ($n=2$):** $2^2$ and $1^2 \rightarrow 4$ and $1 \rightarrow 41$
- **3rd term ($n=3$):** $3^2$ and $2^2 \rightarrow 9$ and $4 \rightarrow 94$
- **4th term ($n=4$):** $4^2$ and $3^2 \rightarrow 16$ and $9 \rightarrow 169$ (but the given term is **1624**)
- **5th term ($n=5$):** $5^2$ and $4^2 \rightarrow 25$ and $16 \rightarrow 2516$
- **6th term ($n=6$):** $6^2$ and $5^2 \rightarrow 36$ and $25 \rightarrow 3625$
Since the 4th term should be 169 instead of 1624, **1624** is the wrong number in the series.
**Why other options are incorrect:**
- **a (94):** Fits the pattern perfectly as $3^2$ and $2^2$.
- **b (2516):** Fits the pattern perfectly as $5^2$ and $4^2$.
- **c (10):** Fits the pattern perfectly as $1^2$ and $0^2$.
Regarding ISRO’s ‘Gaganyaan’ mission, what is the primary objective of the mission’s ‘H1’ flight?
A)
To test a nuclear-powered propulsion system for deep space travel.
B)
To establish a permanent space station in the Lagrange point L1.
C)
To demonstrate human spaceflight capability by sending a crew to an orbit of 400 km for 3 days.
D)
To land an Indian astronaut on the lunar surface.
The primary objective of ISRO's Gaganyaan mission (specifically the crewed 'H1' flight) is to demonstrate India's human spaceflight capability by launching a crew of astronauts to a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) of 400 km for a 3-day mission and bringing them back safely to Earth. Option 'a' is incorrect as Gaganyaan uses liquid and solid chemical propellants, not nuclear propulsion. Option 'b' is incorrect because Lagrange point L1 is associated with solar missions like Aditya-L1, not the Gaganyaan crewed orbit. Option 'd' is incorrect as landing an Indian astronaut on the Moon is a long-term target (envisaged by 2040) and not the objective of the immediate Gaganyaan H1 flight.
With reference to ‘Liquid Nano Urea’, which organization developed the world’s first commercial version of this fertilizer in India?
A)
FCI (Food Corporation of India)
B)
IFFCO (Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited)
C)
(NFL) National Fertilizers Limited
D)
ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research)
The correct option is 'b' because the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) developed the world's first commercial Liquid Nano Urea at its Nano Biotechnology Research Centre (NBRC) in Kalol, Gujarat.
- Option 'a' (FCI) is incorrect as the Food Corporation of India is responsible for food security, procurement, and distribution of food grains, not fertilizer development.
- Option 'c' (NFL) is incorrect because while National Fertilizers Limited is a major public sector producer of chemical fertilizers, it did not develop this nano-fertilizer.
- Option 'd' (ICAR) is incorrect as the Indian Council of Agricultural Research is an apex body for coordinating, guiding, and managing research and education in agriculture, but the commercial development of Liquid Nano Urea was specifically done by the cooperative IFFCO.
Consider the following statements: (1) Chapchar Kût is held soon after the jhums have been cut which lasts about a week or more. (2) Mim Kût is held in honour of those persons who have died in the past, it takes place when Maize is harvested. It lasts a most two days. (3) Pawl Kût is held immediately after the harvest is gathered which may last a week. Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
A)
1 and 2 only
B)
2 and 3 only
C)
1 and 3 only
D)
1, 2 and 3
All three statements are correct descriptions of the traditional festivals (Kûts) of Mizoram:
1. **Chapchar Kût** is celebrated in March after the clearing of forests for jhum (shifting) cultivation. It is a festival of joy that traditionally lasts for a week or more.
2. **Mim Kût** is a festival of remembrance for departed souls, celebrated in August/September after the maize (mim) harvest. It typically lasts for one to two days.
3. **Pawl Kût** is a post-harvest festival celebrated in December after the main paddy harvest is gathered, traditionally lasting for a few days to a week.
Since all statements (1, 2, and 3) are factually correct, option 'd' is the correct choice.
Long term exposure to which of the following element can cause cancer?
A)
Iron
B)
Chlorine
C)
Iodine
D)
Arsenic
Arsenic is a well-documented human carcinogen (classified as Group 1 by the IARC). Long-term exposure to arsenic, most commonly through contaminated drinking water, is strongly linked to an increased risk of developing skin, lung, bladder, kidney, and liver cancers. In contrast, Iron (a) and Iodine (c) are essential nutrients required for normal physiological functions and do not cause cancer under normal exposure. Chlorine (b) is widely used as a disinfectant and, while toxic in high concentrations, is not classified as a primary carcinogen.
In Mizo poetry, Thlang khuandim means:
A)
To marry a husband at another village
B)
To marry a husband at the same village
C)
To marry a wife
D)
To marry a wife from another village
In Mizo poetry and traditional literature, the term 'khuandim' refers to a woman getting married (taking a husband). When prefixed as 'Thlang khuandim', it specifically means 'to marry a husband at another/different village' (Mizo: 'pasal dang khuaa nei'). Therefore, option (a) is correct, while the other options do not accurately define this specific poetic expression.
What is the primary significance of the ‘Bio-RIDE’ scheme recently approved by the Union Cabinet?
A)
It merges existing biotechnology schemes into a single umbrella to promote ‘Bio-manufacturing’ and ‘Bio-foundry’.
B)
It provides subsidized electric bikes to researchers in biotechnology.
C)
It mandates the use of 20% biodiesel in all public transport by 2025.
D)
It focuses exclusively on the genetic mapping of endangered species in the Western Ghats.
The Union Cabinet approved the 'Biotechnology Research, Innovation and Development of Entrepreneurship (Bio-RIDE)' scheme, which merges two existing schemes of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT): 'Biotechnology Research and Development' and 'Industrial & Entrepreneurship Development'. Its primary objective is to promote 'Bio-manufacturing' and 'Bio-foundry' to foster innovation and support India's growing bioeconomy. Option 'b' is incorrect as the scheme has nothing to do with electric bikes. Option 'c' is incorrect because it does not mandate biodiesel targets. Option 'd' is incorrect because the scheme is a broad national biotechnology R&D and entrepreneurship umbrella initiative, not restricted to genetic mapping in the Western Ghats.
Regarding India’s National Hydrogen Mission, which pathway is prioritized to decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors by 2030?
A)
Green hydrogen produced via electrolysis powered by renewables
B)
Blue hydrogen with no carbon capture component
C)
Nuclear-derived pink hydrogen as the dominant national route immediately
D)
Grey hydrogen from natural gas without abatement
Option 'a' is correct because India's National Green Hydrogen Mission specifically prioritizes the production and adoption of Green Hydrogen—produced via the electrolysis of water using renewable energy sources (like solar and wind)—to decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors such as steel, refineries, and fertilizers by 2030. Option 'b' is incorrect because blue hydrogen requires carbon capture and storage (CCS), and it is not the primary focus of the mission. Option 'c' is incorrect because nuclear-derived pink hydrogen is not the prioritized or dominant national route. Option 'd' is incorrect because grey hydrogen relies on unabated fossil fuels, which defeats the decarbonization objective of the mission.
Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are generally more energy-efficient compared to incandescent bulbs due to which of the following reasons?
A)
They produce less heat and convert electricity to light more effectively.
B)
They absorb more heat.
C)
They are made of metallic materials.
D)
They use alternating current (AC).
Option (a) is correct because LEDs work on the principle of electroluminescence, where electrical energy is converted directly into light, producing minimal heat. In contrast, incandescent bulbs rely on heating a filament, wasting about 90% of their energy as heat. Option (b) is incorrect because LEDs do not absorb heat to function efficiently. Option (c) is incorrect because LEDs are made of semiconductor materials (like gallium arsenide), not metals. Option (d) is incorrect because LEDs natively operate on Direct Current (DC), not Alternating Current (AC).
Which ceremony was supposed to make successful hunting probably; foretold the result and performed before a large hunting party started?
A)
Fano dawi
B)
Nau lai hrilh
C)
Kawngpui siam
D)
Vanchung khal
In traditional Mizo culture, 'Kawngpui siam' (literally meaning 'making of the great road') was a ceremony performed on the main path outside the village before a large hunting expedition. It was believed to ensure a successful hunt and foretell the outcome of the expedition. The other options are incorrect because: 'Fano dawi' is a ritual related to domestic prosperity or crop protection; 'Nau lai hrilh' refers to taboos and practices associated with pregnancy and childbirth; and 'Vanchung khal' is a sacrifice offered to the heavenly spirits for health and general well-being.
A sacrifice to the guardian spirit of the clan or family was known as:
A)
Sakhua
B)
Khal
C)
Serh
D)
Hrilh
In traditional Mizo religion and culture, 'Sakhua' refers to the sacrifice offered to the guardian spirit of the clan or family, which was performed to seek protection, blessings, and prosperity for the household. The other options represent different aspects of Mizo rituals: 'Khal' refers to sacrifices performed specifically for curing illnesses and restoring health; 'Serh' denotes sacred taboos, prohibitions, or the specific parts of a sacrificial animal reserved for spirits; and 'Hrilh' refers to the period of abstinence or restriction from work observed after a sacrifice.
When a man finds a girl he prefers to his wife and divorces his wife on the same day or the next day and marries the girl, the divorce is known as:
A)
Nupui tlansan
B)
Peksachang
C)
Kawngkasula mâk
D)
Sumlaitan
In Mizo customary law, 'Kawngkasula mâk' (literally meaning 'passing each other at the doorway') refers to a divorce where a husband divorces his wife because he has found another woman he prefers, and marries the new woman immediately (on the same day or the next day).
Brief explanation of other options:
- Nupui tlansan (Option a): Refers to a wife deserting her husband.
- Peksachang (Option b): A form of divorce where the husband divorces his wife without any fault on her part, requiring him to pay the bride price in full.
- Sumlaitan (Option d): A divorce by mutual consent where the bride price is divided equally between the parties.
On April 17, 1975, _________ led by Brig. T.Sailo became a political entity named ‘People’s Conference’.
A)
Human Rights Committee
B)
Mizo Union
C)
Human Resources Committee
D)
Mizo Democratic Front
On April 17, 1975, the Human Rights Committee, led by Brigadier Thenphunga Sailo, was converted into a political party named the 'People's Conference' (later known as the Mizoram People's Conference). Brig. T. Sailo had initially formed the Human Rights Committee in 1974 to address and protest against human rights violations in Mizoram. Other options are incorrect because: 'Mizo Union' (b) was the first political party in Mizoram founded in 1946; 'Human Resources Committee' (c) is a distractor; and 'Mizo Democratic Front' (d) is a different political entity not associated with the formation of the People's Conference.
Name the composer of the song ‘He lei hi chatuan ram a tling lo’.
A)
Patea
B)
Saihnuna
C)
Damhauhva
D)
R.L. Kamlala
The song 'He lei hi chatuan ram a tling lo' (which translates to 'This earth is not an eternal home') was composed by Patea (1894–1950), who is one of the most celebrated and influential early Mizo Christian hymn writers. His compositions often focus on Christian eschatology, the transience of earthly life, and the hope of heaven. The other options (Saihnuna, Damhauhva, and R.L. Kamlala) are also renowned Mizo poets and composers, but they did not compose this specific hymn.
A person whose spirit takes possession of another’s body, the spirit of such a person was called
A)
Khuavang
B)
Khawhring
C)
Huai
D)
Sakhua
In traditional Mizo belief, 'Khawhring' is a spirit that is believed to dwell inside certain individuals (usually women) and can leave its host's body to temporarily possess another person, causing them to speak or behave like the host.
- 'Khuavang' (Option a) refers to a benevolent deity or spirit associated with destiny and fortune.
- 'Huai' (Option c) refers to malevolent nature spirits that inhabit forests, rivers, and mountains.
- 'Sakhua' (Option d) refers to the traditional Mizo religion or clan deity/worship system.
Regarding ‘White Goods’, which sectors are covered under the PLI (Production Linked Incentive) scheme to boost domestic manufacturing?
A)
Air Conditioners and LED Lights.
B)
Automobiles and Auto Components.
C)
Solar PV Modules.
D)
Textiles and Apparel.
The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for White Goods specifically targets the domestic manufacturing of Air Conditioners (ACs) and LED Lights to boost domestic manufacturing and attract investments in these sectors. Other options like Automobiles and Auto Components (Option b), Solar PV Modules (Option c), and Textiles and Apparel (Option d) are covered under separate, dedicated PLI schemes of the Government of India and do not fall under the 'White Goods' category.
Which institution played a key role in India’s Green Revolution through scientific research?
A)
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
B)
Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR)
C)
Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI)
D)
National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is the apex national body responsible for coordinating, guiding, and managing research and education in agriculture in India. It played a pivotal role in the Green Revolution during the 1960s by developing, testing, and introducing High-Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds of wheat and rice in collaboration with international agencies.
- Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) (b) focuses on industrial and general scientific research rather than agricultural research.
- Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) (c) is a premier institute that contributed significantly, but it functions under the umbrella of ICAR, which is the apex governing body.
- National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) (d) is a financial institution established in 1982 to provide credit for rural development, not a scientific research body.
With reference to ‘Liquid Nano Urea’, which organization developed the world’s first commercial version of this fertilizer in India?
A)
FCI (Food Corporation of India)
B)
IFFCO (Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited)
C)
(NFL) National Fertilizers Limited
D)
ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research)
The correct option is 'b' (IFFCO). Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) indigenously developed the world's first Nano Urea Liquid at its Nano Biotechnology Research Centre (NBRC) in Kalol, Gujarat, and launched it commercially in 2021.
- Option 'a' (FCI) is incorrect because the Food Corporation of India is responsible for food grain procurement and distribution, not fertilizer research.
- Option 'c' (NFL) is incorrect as National Fertilizers Limited is a state-owned producer of fertilizers but was not the developer of this technology.
- Option 'd' (ICAR) is incorrect because the Indian Council of Agricultural Research is an apex body for agricultural research and education, but the commercial development of Liquid Nano Urea was specifically achieved by the cooperative IFFCO.
Whose descendant attacked the British forces garrisoned at Changsil fort and Aizawl fort during September to early October 1890?
A)
Chief Manga
B)
Chief Lianlula
C)
Chief Rolura
D)
Chief Vuttaia
In September 1890, the descendants of Chief Vuttaia (a prominent and powerful Lushai chief) launched a major armed rebellion against the British forces. They attacked the British garrisons stationed at Changsil fort and Aizawl fort, which led to intense fighting during September and early October 1890. This uprising was triggered by British high-handedness, demands for forced labor, and the imposition of taxes. Chief Manga (a), Chief Lianlula (b), and Chief Rolura (c) are incorrect because, although they were notable historical Mizo chiefs, their descendants were not the primary leaders of this specific 1890 attack on the Changsil and Aizawl garrisons.
On April 17, 1975, _________ led by Brig. T.Sailo became a political entity named ‘People’s Conference’.
A)
Human Rights Committee
B)
Mizo Union
C)
Human Resources Committee
D)
Mizo Democratic Front
On April 17, 1975, the Human Rights Committee, led by Brigadier Thenphunga Sailo, was converted into a political party named the 'People's Conference' (later known as the Mizoram People's Conference). Brig. T. Sailo had initially formed the Human Rights Committee in 1974 to protest against human rights violations and military excesses in Mizoram.
- Option 'b' (Mizo Union) is incorrect because it was Mizoram's first political party, founded in 1946, which merged with the Indian National Congress in 1974.
- Option 'c' (Human Resources Committee) is a distractor and has no historical relevance to this event.
- Option 'd' (Mizo Democratic Front) is incorrect as it was a separate political entity formed much later.
A long railing of bamboo or saplings and creepers fixed up supporting billets of firewood exposed to dry for cooking meat for public feast was known as:
A)
Sathingzar
B)
Thinghawngthlun
C)
Thingman
D)
Bahzar
In traditional Mizo culture, 'Sathingzar' refers to a long railing made of bamboo, saplings, and creepers constructed to support billets of firewood laid out to dry, specifically intended for cooking meat during public feasts.
- **Thinghawngthlun** (Option b) refers to a pile or stack of firewood bound together in a specific manner.
- **Thingman** (Option c) literally translates to the price or value of wood/firewood.
- **Bahzar** (Option d) refers to a different type of shelf or platform structure, not specifically the firewood railing used for public feasts.
India’s first satellite Aryabhata was launched primarily to:
A)
Enable communication services
B)
Monitor weather patterns
C)
Demonstrate indigenous satellite technology
D)
Conduct military reconnaissance
Aryabhata, launched on April 19, 1975, was India's first satellite. Its primary objective was to design, fabricate, and operate an indigenous satellite system, thereby demonstrating India's capability in satellite technology. It also carried scientific instruments for experiments in X-ray astronomy, aeronomy, and solar physics. Other options are incorrect because: (a) India's first experimental communication satellite was APPLE (1981); (b) Weather monitoring capabilities were established later with the INSAT series; (d) Aryabhata was purely a scientific and technological demonstration satellite, with no military or reconnaissance payload.