← Group B (Gazetted)
Past Questions
The Department of Science and Technology was established in the year
A)
1970
B)
1971
C)
1982
D)
1985
The Department of Science and Technology (DST), under the Ministry of Science and Technology in India, was established on May 3, 1971. Its primary objective is to promote new areas of science and technology and to act as a nodal department for organizing, coordinating, and promoting S&T activities in the country. The other years are incorrect because: 1970 (Option a) saw the establishment of the Department of Electronics; 1982 (Option c) is associated with the creation of the Department of Non-Conventional Energy Sources; and 1985 (Option d) is when the Ministry of Science and Technology was formally structured with its constituent departments.
Which Indian mathematician first framed the rules of operation with zero?
A)
Brahmagupta
B)
CV Raman
C)
APJ Abdul Kalam
Brahmagupta was an ancient Indian mathematician and astronomer who, in his treatise 'Brahmasphutasiddhanta' (written in 628 AD), first established the formal rules for arithmetic operations involving zero (such as addition, subtraction, and multiplication with zero). CV Raman was a 20th-century Nobel laureate physicist famous for the Raman Effect, and APJ Abdul Kalam was a modern aerospace scientist and the 11th President of India, neither of whom were ancient mathematicians.
The first science museum in India is
A)
Visvesvaraya Industrial & Technological Museum (VITM)
B)
Birla Industrial and Technological Museum (BITM)
C)
National Science Museum (NSM)
D)
Nehru Science & Technological Museum (NSTM)
The Birla Industrial and Technological Museum (BITM) in Kolkata, opened on May 2, 1959, is the first science museum in India. It was established under the aegis of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Visvesvaraya Industrial & Technological Museum (VITM) in Bengaluru was opened later in 1965. Nehru Science Centre in Mumbai was opened in 1985, and the National Science Centre in Delhi was established in 1992.
Look at this series: 2, 1, (1/2), (1/4), ... What number should come next?
A)
(1/3)
B)
(1/8)
C)
(2/8)
D)
(1/16)
The given series is a geometric progression where each term is obtained by multiplying the previous term by 1/2 (or dividing by 2). Specifically: 2 * (1/2) = 1; 1 * (1/2) = 1/2; (1/2) * (1/2) = 1/4. Following this pattern, the next term is (1/4) * (1/2) = 1/8, which corresponds to option 'b'. Option 'a' (1/3) does not fit the division-by-2 pattern. Option 'c' (2/8) simplifies to 1/4, which is the current term. Option 'd' (1/16) is the term that would come after 1/8, thereby skipping a step.
Find the odd one out: Car; Scooter; Bus; jeep
A)
Car
B)
Scooter
C)
Bus
D)
Jeep
The correct option is 'b' (Scooter). A scooter is a two-wheeled vehicle, whereas a Car, Bus, and Jeep are all four-wheeled (or multi-wheeled) vehicles. Therefore, Scooter is the odd one out. The other options are incorrect because they all share the common characteristic of having four or more wheels.
Mizo took part in the First World War commonly known to the Mizo as France ram kal in the year
A)
1915
B)
1916
C)
1917
D)
1919
In 1917, during the First World War, 2,100 Mizo men were recruited into the 21st Lushai Labour Corps to assist the Allied forces in Europe. This event is historically referred to in Mizo as 'France ram kal' (Going to France). The corps departed from Aizawl in April 1917 and sailed for France from Bombay in May 1917. Options 'a' (1915) and 'b' (1916) are incorrect because the recruitment had not yet begun. Option 'd' (1919) is incorrect because the war had already ended, and the Mizo corps had returned home by mid-1918.
What was the first satellite launched by ISRO?
A)
INSAT
B)
Rohini
C)
Aryabhata
D)
PSLV-C24
Aryabhata was India's first satellite, built by ISRO and launched on April 19, 1975, from Kapustin Yar, Russia, using a Soviet Kosmos-3M launch vehicle.
- **Rohini (Option b)** was the first satellite to be successfully launched by an indigenous Indian launch vehicle (SLV-3) in 1980.
- **INSAT (Option a)** refers to the Indian National Satellite System, a series of multipurpose geostationary satellites initiated in 1982.
- **PSLV-C24 (Option d)** is a launch vehicle mission (which launched the IRNSS-1B satellite in 2014), not a satellite itself.
Mautam re-occurred in Mizoram
A)
Between 2003-2004
B)
Between 2004-2005
C)
Between 2006-2008
D)
Between 2009-2010
Mautam is a cyclic ecological phenomenon that occurs every 48 years in Mizoram, characterized by the synchronous flowering of the bamboo species Melocanna baccifera. This leads to a massive explosion in the rat population, which destroys crops and causes widespread famine. The most recent occurrence of Mautam in Mizoram took place between 2006 and 2008 (following the previous one in 1958–1959). The other options (2003-2004, 2004-2005, and 2009-2010) do not align with this 48-year cycle.
The first Lushai expedition was launched in
A)
1865 - 1869
B)
1869 – 1870
C)
1871 – 1872
D)
1873- 1875
The First Lushai Expedition was a punitive military campaign launched by the British Indian Government between late 1871 and early 1872 (specifically from November 1871 to March 1872). It was organized in response to repeated raids by the Lushai (Mizo) tribes on British-ruled tea plantations in Assam and Bengal, notably the raid on the Alexandrapur tea estate where a British child, Mary Winchester, was abducted. The expedition successfully rescued her and brought the region under British influence. The other options (1865–1869, 1869–1870, and 1873–1875) are incorrect because they do not represent the timeline of this major historical expedition, although a minor, unsuccessful retaliatory attempt was made in 1869.
Which of the following was not included in the Mizo traditional trapping method?
A)
Thangthleng
B)
Beai
C)
Thangchep
D)
Ngahkuai
Among the options, 'Ngahkuai' (properly spelled 'Nghakuai') is not a traditional trapping method; it is the Mizo term for a fish hook, which is used for fishing. On the other hand, 'Thangthleng', 'Beai', and 'Thangchep' are all authentic traditional Mizo trapping methods ('Thang') used for catching birds, rodents, and other small animals in the forests of Mizoram.
The last Superintendent and the first designated Deputy Commissioner of Lushai Hills was
A)
S.N Barkataki
B)
T.H Lewin
C)
J. Shakespeare
D)
A. Porteous
Satyendra Nath (S.N.) Barkataki was the last Superintendent of the Lushai Hills (serving from 1953 to 1954). In 1954, the designation of the administrative head of the Lushai Hills District was officially changed from 'Superintendent' to 'Deputy Commissioner', making him the first designated Deputy Commissioner of the region.
- **Option b (T.H. Lewin):** He was an early British administrator and pioneer in the Lushai Hills, famously known as 'Thangliana', but not the last Superintendent.
- **Option c (J. Shakespeare):** Major John Shakespear was the first Superintendent of the amalgamated Lushai Hills District in 1898.
- **Option d (A. Porteous):** He was a Political Officer of the North Lushai Hills prior to the amalgamation of the North and South Lushai Hills in 1898.
Which of the following was not included in the village chief’s dues?
A)
Salam
B)
sachhiah
C)
chichhiah
D)
khuaichhiah
In traditional Mizo society, the village chief (Lal) collected various taxes and tributes known as 'chhiah' from the villagers. These included 'sachhiah' (a share of hunted animal meat), 'chichhiah' (a share of salt manufactured), and 'khuaichhiah' (a share of wild honey collected). On the other hand, 'Salam' was not a regular tax or due; it was a judicial fine (usually a pig) paid by the guilty party to the chief and his council of elders (Upas) for settling disputes.
J.M Llyod also translated the term Mizo as
A)
Colonized people
B)
Friend of the people
C)
People of the hills
D)
Hill men
J.M. Lloyd, a prominent missionary and historian who wrote extensively on the history of Mizoram, translated the term 'Mizo' as 'Hill men' (where 'Mi' means people/man and 'Zo' refers to the hills or high altitude). While 'People of the hills' (option c) is a common general translation of the term, Lloyd specifically used 'Hill men' in his translations. Options a and b are incorrect as they do not align with the etymological or historical translation of the word 'Mizo'.
Which of the following is not the mission of India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change?
A)
National Water Mission
B)
National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem
C)
National Mission on Sustainable Development
D)
National Mission for a Green India
The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) was launched by the Government of India in 2008 with eight core national missions. 'National Mission on Sustainable Development' is not one of these eight missions. The eight missions are: (1) National Solar Mission, (2) National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency, (3) National Mission on Sustainable Habitat, (4) National Water Mission, (5) National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem, (6) National Mission for a Green India, (7) National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture, and (8) National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change. Therefore, options a, b, and d are incorrect as they are all official missions under the NAPCC.
Lianchhiari Lunglen tlang was situated
A)
Sur tlang
B)
Lengteng tlang
C)
Dungtlang
D)
Duntlang village
Lianchhiari Lunglen Tlang is a famous historical rocky cliff associated with the legendary love story of Lianchhiari and Chhalia. It is situated in Dungtlang village, located in the Champhai district of Mizoram. Option 'c' (Dungtlang) is the correct spelling and location. Option 'd' (Duntlang village) is a misspelling of the actual location. Option 'a' (Sur tlang) and Option 'b' (Lengteng tlang) are different geographical features/peaks in Mizoram and are not associated with Lianchhiari Lunglen Tlang.
Ph level of pure water is around
A)
4
B)
5
C)
7
D)
13
Pure water is chemically neutral, meaning it is neither acidic nor basic. On the pH scale, which ranges from 0 to 14, a value of 7 represents neutrality. Therefore, the pH level of pure water is around 7. Options 'a' (4) and 'b' (5) represent acidic solutions, while option 'd' (13) represents a highly basic (alkaline) solution.
The first president of Young Lushai Association was
A)
J.H Lorrain
B)
E.L Mendus
C)
NE Parry
D)
Rev L.Evans
The Young Lushai Association (YLA) was established on June 15, 1935, with the objective of bringing social reform, promoting formal education, and fostering community development among the Lushai (Mizo) people. Rev. L. Evans, a Welsh Christian missionary, was elected as its first President, while Vanthuama served as its first General Secretary. In 1947, the association was renamed the Young Mizo Association (YMA).
- Option 'a' (J.H. Lorrain) is incorrect because James Herbert Lorrain (Pu Buanga) was a pioneer missionary famous for developing the Mizo script and dictionary, not for presiding over the YLA.
- Option 'b' (E.L. Mendus) is incorrect because although Rev. E.L. Mendus was a prominent missionary in Mizoram, he was not the first president of the YLA.
- Option 'c' (N.E. Parry) is incorrect because N.E. Parry was a British administrator who served as the Superintendent of the Lushai Hills and is known for his anthropological work, not for leading the YLA.
Which one of the following is Rabi crop?
A)
Cotton
B)
Maize
C)
Barley
D)
Rice
Barley is a Rabi crop, which is sown in the winter season (typically October to December) and harvested in the spring (April to June). Other major Rabi crops include wheat, gram, peas, and mustard. In contrast, Cotton (option a), Maize (option b), and Rice (option d) are Kharif crops, which are sown at the onset of the monsoon season (June to July) and harvested in autumn (September to October).
The study revealed that location of sugarcane industry in India is shifting from north to south direction because of
A)
Availability of agricultural land
B)
Availability of labour and market
C)
Fertility of soil
D)
High yield higher sucrose content of cane
The sugarcane industry in India is shifting from the North to the South primarily because the tropical climate of South India is highly favorable for sugarcane cultivation. This results in a higher yield per hectare and a significantly higher sucrose content in the cane. Additionally, the South benefits from a longer crushing season. Options 'a', 'b', and 'c' are incorrect because North India (especially the Indo-Gangetic plains) already possesses highly fertile alluvial soil, vast agricultural land, and abundant cheap labor, meaning these factors are not the drivers behind the southward shift.
Which of the following rocks is associated with formations Black soil in Deccan plateau?
A)
Intrusive Igneous Rocks
B)
Extrusive Igneous Rocks
C)
Metamorphic Rock
D)
Sedimentary Rocks
The black soil of the Deccan Plateau (also known as Regur soil) is formed by the weathering of basaltic lava rocks. Basalt is an extrusive igneous rock, which is formed when magma erupts onto the Earth's surface as lava and cools rapidly. Intrusive igneous rocks (like granite) cool slowly beneath the Earth's surface and are not the source of this soil. Metamorphic and sedimentary rocks are also not the primary parent materials for the Deccan trap's black soil.
Balance of payments of a country includes:
A)
Balance of trade
B)
Capital receipts and payments
C)
Both (a) & (b)
D)
Saving and investment accounts
The Balance of Payments (BoP) is a comprehensive record of all economic transactions between residents of a country and the rest of the world. It consists of two main components: 1. The Current Account, which includes the Balance of Trade (export and import of goods) and invisibles. 2. The Capital Account, which records capital receipts and payments (such as foreign investments, loans, and banking capital). Therefore, both (a) and (b) are included in the BoP. Option (d) is incorrect because saving and investment accounts are domestic macroeconomic indicators, not components of international balance of payments.
In the mega merger of public sector banks announced by Central Government, Oriental Bank of Commerce and Punjab National banks are merged with..... and became the 2nd largest public sector banks in India.
A)
Union Bank of India
B)
Allahabad Bank
C)
United Bank of India
D)
Canara Bank
In the mega-merger of public sector banks (effective April 1, 2020), Oriental Bank of Commerce (OBC) and United Bank of India were merged into Punjab National Bank (PNB). This consolidation created the second-largest public sector bank in India, both in terms of business and branch network, after the State Bank of India (SBI).
Why other options are incorrect:
- **Union Bank of India (Option a):** Andhra Bank and Corporation Bank were merged into the Union Bank of India.
- **Allahabad Bank (Option b):** Allahabad Bank was merged into Indian Bank.
- **Canara Bank (Option d):** Syndicate Bank was merged into Canara Bank.
Which of the following sector weighted the most in the Index of Industrial Production?
A)
Steel
B)
Electricity
C)
Refinery Products
D)
Coal
Among the Eight Core Industries that constitute 40.27% of the weight of items included in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), Refinery Products has the highest weight. The individual weights of the options provided are:
1. Refinery Products: 28.04% (Highest)
2. Electricity: 19.85%
3. Steel: 17.92%
4. Coal: 10.33%
Therefore, Refinery Products (option c) is the correct answer as it carries the maximum weight among the choices.
Which of the following is characteristic of census town in India?
A)
A minimum population of 15,000
B)
A density of population of at least 300 persons per sq. km
C)
A minimum population of 10,000
D)
A density of population of at least 400 persons per sq. km
In India, a Census Town is defined by the Census of India based on three specific criteria: (1) A minimum population of 5,000, (2) At least 75% of the male main working population engaged in non-agricultural pursuits, and (3) A density of population of at least 400 persons per sq. km. Therefore, option 'd' is correct. Options 'a' and 'c' are incorrect because the minimum population threshold is 5,000 (not 15,000 or 10,000). Option 'b' is incorrect because the required population density is at least 400 persons per sq. km (not 300).
The subject of Defence in Seventh Schedule in Article 246 is contained in the
A)
Union List
B)
State List
C)
Concurrent List
D)
Residuary powers
The subject of 'Defence of India' is of paramount national importance and requires a uniform policy across the country. Therefore, it is placed under Entry 1 of the Union List (List I) in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India, giving the Parliament exclusive power to legislate on it. The State List (List II) contains subjects of local importance like Police and Public Health, while the Concurrent List (List III) contains subjects of joint jurisdiction like Education. Residuary powers (Article 248) apply only to matters not enumerated in any of the three lists, which does not apply to Defence as it is explicitly listed in the Union List.