← Group B (Gazetted)
Past Questions
A kind of engagement for marriage in Mizo tradition is:
A)
Lungvar
B)
Ran ngo zawng
C)
Khawnthiang
D)
Zawlpuan phah
In Mizo tradition, 'Khawnthiang' is a formal engagement or betrothal ceremony where the groom's family visits the bride's family to officially propose marriage. 'Zawlpuan phah' refers to a marriage ritual involving the spreading of the 'Zawlpuan' (a traditional Mizo shawl symbolizing marital fidelity and status) rather than the engagement itself. 'Ran ngo zawng' and 'Lungvar' are not terms associated with the traditional Mizo engagement process.
India’s first AI teacher robot is:
A)
Iris
B)
Manav
C)
Mitra
D)
RADA
The correct option is 'a' (Iris). 'Iris' is India's first AI teacher robot, unveiled at the KTCT Higher Secondary School in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Developed in collaboration with Makerlabs under the NITI Aayog's Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL) initiative, Iris can speak multiple languages, answer complex questions, and move interactively.
Other options are incorrect because:
- 'Manav' (b) is India's first 3D-printed humanoid robot, developed primarily for research purposes.
- 'Mitra' (c) is a customer-service humanoid robot developed by Invento Robotics, famous for greeting PM Narendra Modi and Ivanka Trump at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit.
- 'RADA' (d) is an AI-powered robot developed by Vistara Airlines to assist passengers at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport.
In the context of India’s strategic materials development, ‘Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited’ (MIDHANI), a DPSU, plays a critical role. It is specialized in the manufacturing of:
A)
Semiconductor wafers and integrated circuits.
B)
High-purity optical fibres for telecommunications.
C)
Superalloys, titanium, and special-purpose steels for defence, space, and atomic energy sectors.
D)
Composite materials for the light combat aircraft.
Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI), established in 1973 under the Ministry of Defence, is a specialized Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU) focused on achieving self-reliance in the research, development, and manufacture of critical strategic materials. Its core expertise lies in manufacturing superalloys, titanium alloys, and special-purpose steels essential for high-tech applications in defence, space, and atomic energy. Other options are incorrect because MIDHANI does not specialize in semiconductor fabrication (Option a), optical fibres (Option b), or primary composite materials for aircraft (Option d), which are handled by other specialized public/private entities.
What were the primary factors leading to the evolution and incorporation of the Sixth Schedule provision in the Constitution of India, which subsequently enabled the emergence of Autonomous District Councils like those in Mizoram?
A)
The British colonial administration’s desire to maintain control over tribal areas and exploit their resources.
B)
The tribal desire for political autonomy and their quest for economic development.
C)
The need to integrate tribal communities fully into the mainstream administrative structure of India.
D)
The recommendations of the Cabinet Mission to establish direct central rule over all tribal regions.
The correct option is 'b'. The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India was formulated based on the recommendations of the Gopinath Bordoloi Committee (a subcommittee of the Constituent Assembly). The primary factor behind its evolution was to address and accommodate the tribal communities' strong desire for political autonomy, self-governance, and economic development, while protecting their distinct cultural identity, land, and traditional customs.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Option 'a' is incorrect because the Sixth Schedule is a post-independence constitutional framework designed to empower tribal populations, rather than a British colonial tool aimed at resource exploitation.
- Option 'c' is incorrect because the Sixth Schedule was designed to provide autonomy and protect tribal distinctiveness, rather than forcing complete integration or assimilation into the mainstream administrative structure of India.
- Option 'd' is incorrect because the Cabinet Mission did not recommend direct central rule over tribal areas; instead, the framework of autonomy was developed by the Constituent Assembly's advisory committees to ensure local self-governance.
Find the Missing number in the series given below: 2,5,10,17,28,41, –, –, –
A)
58,77,100
B)
64,81,100
C)
43,47,53
D)
55, 89,113
To find the missing numbers, we analyze the differences between consecutive terms in the series:
- 5 - 2 = 3
- 10 - 5 = 5
- 17 - 10 = 7
- 28 - 17 = 11
- 41 - 28 = 13
The differences (3, 5, 7, 11, 13) are consecutive prime numbers. Following this pattern, the next three prime numbers to be added are 17, 19, and 23:
- Next term: 41 + 17 = 58
- Next term: 58 + 19 = 77
- Next term: 77 + 23 = 100
Thus, the missing numbers are 58, 77, 100. Other options are incorrect because they do not follow this prime-difference pattern.
The first known organization formed by the Mizos, the ‘Lushai Students’ Association’ (Mizo Zirho Pawl), was established in 1924 by Mizo students in which of the following cities?
A)
Aizawl, Lunglei, and Shillong
B)
Calcutta, Gauhati, and Shillong
C)
Aizawl, Calcutta, and Gauhati
D)
Lunglei, Gauhati, and Shillong
Option B is correct: Calcutta, Gauhati, and Shillong.
Which is the odd word out?
A)
Murmur
B)
Whisper
C)
Hearken
D)
Burble
"Hearken" is the odd word out because it means to listen or pay attention, which is an act of receiving sound. In contrast, "Murmur", "Whisper", and "Burble" all refer to the act of producing low, soft, or continuous sounds or speaking in a certain manner (sound production).
While DigiLocker provides a platform for digital documents, the underlying framework that enables seamless, paperless, and consent-based verification of these documents by service providers is known as:
A)
Aadhaar e-Sign Framework.
B)
Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (DISHA).
C)
National e-Authentication Framework.
D)
Digital Document Execution (DDE) Platform.
The correct option is C (National e-Authentication Framework).
1. **Why the correct option is correct:**
- The **National e-Authentication Framework (NeAF)** is formulated by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India. It provides a standardized, secure, and interoperable framework for e-Authentication across various government and private services. While DigiLocker acts as the repository/platform for digital documents, NeAF is the underlying framework that enables seamless, paperless, and consent-based verification of these documents by service providers (requesters).
2. **Why other options are incorrect:**
- **Option A (Aadhaar e-Sign Framework):** This is a specific mechanism that allows Aadhaar holders to digitally sign documents online. It is a component of the paperless layer but not the overall framework for document verification by service providers.
- **Option B (Digital Saksharta Abhiyan - DISHA):** This is a government scheme aimed at providing digital literacy to citizens, not a technical framework for document verification.
- **Option d (Digital Document Execution - DDE Platform):** This is a platform developed by NeSL (National E-Governance Services Limited) specifically for the digital execution of financial contracts and stamp duty payments, rather than the general verification framework for DigiLocker documents.
Which of the following statements best distinguishes the Chief’s house (Lal In) from that of the commoner’s house in a traditional Mizo village?
A)
The commoner’s house alone had a verandah called “Bahzar” reserved for feasts.
B)
Only the Chief’s house had a passage with rooms for retainers and a private verandah.
C)
The hearth was absent in the Chief’s house due to its symbolic status.
D)
Windows were a universal feature in both houses to allow fresh air inside.
In a traditional Mizo village, the Chief's house (Lal In) was much larger than a commoner's house and had a distinct architectural layout. It featured a long passage with small rooms or cabins on one side to accommodate the Chief's retainers (Bawis) and guests, as well as a private verandah at the back.
- Option 'a' is incorrect because the 'Bahzar' (front verandah) was a common feature and not exclusive to commoners' houses.
- Option 'c' is incorrect because the hearth was an essential feature in all Mizo houses, including the Chief's, for cooking and warmth.
- Option 'd' is incorrect because traditional Mizo houses generally lacked windows, relying on doors and gaps in the bamboo walls for ventilation.
Choose the correct word for ‘mother:child::cloud: ___________’.
A)
Weather
B)
Vapour
C)
Rain
D)
River
The analogy represents a 'producer to product' or 'source to offspring' relationship. A mother gives birth to or produces a child. Similarly, a cloud produces rain. Therefore, 'Rain' is the correct fit. Other options are incorrect because: 'Weather' is a broad atmospheric state rather than a direct product of a cloud; 'Vapour' is what condenses to form a cloud (the reverse relationship); and a 'River' is fed by rain but is not the direct immediate product of a cloud.
The maximum mass a white dwarf star can have while remaining stable (beyond which it will collapse under its own gravity, potentially forming a neutron star or a black hole) is known as:
A)
Chandrasekhar limit
B)
Saha Ionisation equation
C)
Bose-Einstein condensate
D)
Wien’s Displacement
The correct option is 'a' (Chandrasekhar limit). The Chandrasekhar limit is the maximum mass a stable white dwarf star can have (approximately 1.4 solar masses). Beyond this limit, electron degeneracy pressure is insufficient to resist gravitational collapse, leading the star to collapse into a neutron star or black hole.
Why other options are incorrect:
- 'b' (Saha Ionisation equation) relates the ionization state of a gas in thermal equilibrium to its temperature and pressure.
- 'c' (Bose-Einstein condensate) is a state of matter formed when a dilute gas of bosons is cooled to temperatures very close to absolute zero.
- 'd' (Wien’s Displacement) is a law of physics stating that the wavelength of peak emission from a black body is inversely proportional to its absolute temperature.
Considering the administrative divisions of Mizoram, which of the following statements accurately reflects the relationship between its districts, sadar sub-divisions, civil sub-divisions, and blocks?
A)
The number of civil sub-divisions is equal to the total number of districts and sadar sub-divisions combined.
B)
Each district in Mizoram contains at least one sadar sub-division and one civil sub-division, ensuring a balanced administrative structure across all 11 districts.
C)
The number of Blocks is exactly double the combined total of districts and civil sub-divisions.
D)
Mizoram has more civil sub-divisions than sadar sub-divisions, while the number of blocks significantly exceeds the number of districts.
In Mizoram, the administrative setup consists of 11 districts, 11 Sadar sub-divisions (one for each district headquarters), 23 Civil sub-divisions, and 26 Rural Development (RD) Blocks. Statement (d) is correct because the number of civil sub-divisions (23) is greater than the number of sadar sub-divisions (11), and the number of RD blocks (26) significantly exceeds the number of districts (11). Statement (a) is incorrect because 23 (civil sub-divisions) is not equal to 11 + 11 = 22. Statement (b) is incorrect because not all districts have a separate civil sub-division. Statement (c) is incorrect because the number of blocks (26) is not double the combined total of districts and civil sub-divisions (11 + 23 = 34; double would be 68).
Siaha District, though now a distinct administrative unit, has a historical connection to another district in Mizoram. In 1998, a division occurred that led to Siaha District’s current form. What was the brief interim name given to the half that eventually became Siaha District immediately after this split?
A)
Mara Autonomous District
B)
Saiha District
C)
Chhimtuipui District
D)
Lunglei District
In 1998, the erstwhile Chhimtuipui District of Mizoram was bifurcated into two districts: Lawngtlai District and Saiha District. The eastern half was initially named 'Saiha District'. Later, the spelling was officially changed to 'Siaha District' to align with the local Mara language (where 'Siaha' translates to 'elephant tooth/tusk'). Option 'a' (Mara Autonomous District) refers to the autonomous council rather than the administrative district itself. Option 'c' (Chhimtuipui District) was the parent district before the split. Option 'd' (Lunglei District) is a separate district in Mizoram.
Pointing to Mrs. D, Mr. R said, “She is the sister of my sister’s father”. How is Mrs. D related to Mr. R?
A)
Aunt
B)
Mother -in-law
C)
Grandmother
D)
Mother
1. Break down the statement: 'My sister's father' is Mr. R's own father.
2. Therefore, 'the sister of my sister's father' translates to the sister of Mr. R's father.
3. A father's sister is one's Aunt. Thus, Mrs. D is Mr. R's Aunt, making option 'a' the correct answer.
4. Other options are incorrect: 'Mother' (option d) is the female parent, 'Grandmother' (option c) is the parent's mother, and 'Mother-in-law' (option b) is the spouse's mother.
Which of the following is not related to Puma Zai?
A)
Hrangchhawni zai
B)
Mutelen zai
C)
Darpawngi zai
D)
Chalmar zai
Puma Zai is a highly popular Mizo folk song/tune that originated around 1907-1908. As it spread rapidly across different regions of Mizoram, it came to be known by various local names, including 'Mutelen zai', 'Darpawngi zai', and 'Chalmar zai'. On the other hand, 'Hrangchhawni zai' is a distinct, independent traditional Mizo song named after a woman named Hrangchhawni, and it has no relation to the Puma Zai tunes or movement.
Dr MS Swaminathan is often referred to as:
A)
Father of Green Revolution in India
B)
Father of White Revolution in India
C)
Father of Indian Nuclear Program
D)
Father of Indian Space Program
Dr. M.S. Swaminathan is widely recognized as the 'Father of Green Revolution in India' for his monumental role in introducing and developing high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice in India during the 1960s, which significantly increased food production and made the country self-sufficient.
Here is why the other options are incorrect:
- Option b: Dr. Verghese Kurien is known as the 'Father of the White Revolution' in India for his role in Operation Flood, which made India the world's largest milk producer.
- Option c: Dr. Homi J. Bhabha is known as the 'Father of the Indian Nuclear Program'.
- Option d: Dr. Vikram Sarabhai is known as the 'Father of the Indian Space Program'.
Which traditional dress is not correctly paired?
A)
Lai – Hnika
B)
Mara – Dua
C)
Paite – Hnawkhal
D)
Lusei – Puanchei
The pair 'Paite – Hnawkhal' is incorrect because 'Hnawkhal' is a traditional shawl belonging to the Lai tribe (specifically worn by Lai men), not the Paite tribe. The other options are correctly paired: 'Hnika' is the traditional skirt of Lai women, 'Dua' is the traditional loincloth of Mara men, and 'Puanchei' is the highly revered traditional dress/skirt of Lusei (Mizo) women.
Another name for ‘Dingdi puan tah’ is:
A)
Hrangkhupa se dar
B)
Sikeisen
C)
Khiangte zawng zim
D)
Vanpui saihrua
In Mizo traditional weaving and culture, 'Dingdi puan tah' is another name for the traditional pattern known as 'Sikeisen'. The other options, namely 'Hrangkhupa se dar', 'Khiangte zawng zim', and 'Vanpui saihrua', refer to other distinct traditional Mizo patterns and designs, making them incorrect in this context.
Major portion of working population in India is in?
A)
Tertiary sector
B)
Primary sector
C)
Public sector
D)
Secondary sector
The primary sector (primarily agriculture and allied activities) employs the largest portion of the working population in India, accounting for nearly 43-45% of the total workforce. Although its contribution to India's GDP has decreased over time, it remains the largest employer. In contrast, the tertiary (services) sector contributes the most to GDP but employs only about 30% of the workforce (making option 'a' incorrect). The secondary (industrial) sector employs around 25% of the workforce (making option 'd' incorrect). The public sector refers to government-owned enterprises and employs only a small fraction of the total workforce (making option 'c' incorrect).
Public Distribution System was first introduced in India in:
A)
1945
B)
1955
C)
1965
D)
1975
The Public Distribution System (PDS) in India has its origins in the rationing system introduced by the British during World War II. It was first introduced in 1945 to manage severe food shortages and ensure the equitable distribution of food grains, particularly in urban areas.
- Option b (1955) is incorrect because 1955 marked the enactment of the Essential Commodities Act, which supported the PDS but was not its starting point.
- Option c (1965) is incorrect because 1965 saw the establishment of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and the Agricultural Prices Commission to streamline food procurement and distribution, building upon the pre-existing PDS.
- Option d (1975) is incorrect as it is much later than the actual introduction of the system.
Which Chinese strategy has raised concerns for India in the Indian Ocean Region?
A)
Green Belt Movement
B)
String of Pearls
C)
Jasmine Revolution
D)
Operation Ocean Ridge
The correct option is 'b' (String of Pearls). This term refers to a geopolitical strategy involving a network of Chinese military and commercial facilities and relationships along its sea lines of communication, extending through the Indian Ocean Region. This network effectively encircles India, raising significant strategic and security concerns for the country. Other options are incorrect because: 'a' (Green Belt Movement) is an environmental organization in Kenya; 'c' (Jasmine Revolution) refers to the 2011 popular uprising in Tunisia; and 'd' (Operation Ocean Ridge) is not a recognized Chinese strategy.
The demarcation of which river’s source has led to boundary tensions between India and Nepal?
A)
Ganga
B)
Brahmaputra
C)
Mahakali (Kali)
D)
Yamuna
The correct option is 'c' (Mahakali (Kali)). The boundary dispute between India and Nepal, particularly concerning the Kalapani-Limpiyadhura-Lipulekh tri-junction, centers on the origin of the Kali River (also known as the Mahakali River). Under the 1816 Treaty of Sugauli, the Kali River was designated as Nepal's western boundary with India. However, both countries have differing interpretations of the river's actual source, leading to territorial disputes. The other options are incorrect because: (a) Ganga and (d) Yamuna flow entirely within India (and Bangladesh for Ganga) and are not boundary rivers between India and Nepal; (b) Brahmaputra flows through China, India, and Bangladesh, and is not involved in India-Nepal border disputes.
The Stock Market deals in which of the following?
A)
Short term securities
B)
Long term securities
C)
Both long term and short term securities
D)
Only secured bonds
The stock market is a major component of the capital market, which deals with long-term securities (such as equity shares, preference shares, and debentures) that have a maturity period of more than one year. In contrast, short-term securities (with a maturity of less than one year, like Treasury Bills and Commercial Paper) are traded in the Money Market, making options 'a' and 'c' incorrect. Option 'd' is incorrect because the stock market deals with a wide variety of instruments, including equities (which represent ownership and are not secured bonds).
Which of the following social issues did Raja Ram Mohan Roy address through his reform movement?
A)
Economic inequality
B)
Untouchability
C)
Apartheid
D)
Political corruption
Raja Ram Mohan Roy, widely regarded as the 'Father of the Indian Renaissance' and founder of the Brahmo Samaj, was a pioneering social reformer who vehemently opposed the rigid caste system and the practice of untouchability, advocating for the equality and dignity of all human beings. Among the other options: 'Economic inequality' (a) was not the primary focus of his social reform movement; 'Apartheid' (c) refers to the 20th-century system of racial segregation in South Africa and is historically irrelevant to his era; and 'Political corruption' (d), while a modern governance issue, was not the target of his social and religious reform campaigns.
Consider the following statements: (i) Harrod – Domar model was adopted in 1st Five Year Plan. (ii) Nehru – Mahalanobis model was adopted in 2nd Five Year Plan. (iii) Gadgil model was adopted in 5th Five Year Plan. (iv) Rao-Manmohan Singh model was adopted in 8th Five Year Plan. Which of the statements given above are correct?
A)
(i), (ii) and (iii) only
B)
(ii), (iii) and (iv) only
C)
(i), (ii) and (iv) only
D)
(i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)
To determine the correct option, let's evaluate each statement:
1. **Statement (i) is correct**: The First Five Year Plan (1951–1956) was based on the Harrod-Domar model, which emphasized increasing savings and investment to boost economic growth, with a primary focus on agriculture.
2. **Statement (ii) is correct**: The Second Five Year Plan (1956–1961) was based on the Nehru-Mahalanobis model, which prioritized rapid industrialization and the development of basic and heavy industries.
3. **Statement (iii) is incorrect**: The Gadgil model (or Gadgil formula for central assistance) was adopted during the Fourth Five Year Plan (1969–1974). The Fifth Five Year Plan (1974–1979) was designed and launched by D.P. Dhar, focusing on poverty alleviation ('Garibi Hatao') and self-reliance.
4. **Statement (iv) is correct**: The Eighth Five Year Plan (1992–1997) was initiated during a period of major economic transition and was based on the Rao-Manmohan Singh model of economic liberalization, privatization, and globalization (LPG reforms).
Since statements (i), (ii), and (iv) are correct, option (c) is the correct choice.