← Group B (Gazetted)
Past Questions
The First Industrial Policy was announced on:
A)
1948
B)
1949
C)
1951
D)
1952
The First Industrial Policy Resolution of independent India was announced on April 6, 1948, by the then Minister of Industry and Supply, Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee. This policy laid the foundation of a mixed economy in India, dividing industries into four categories. The other options are incorrect because: 1949 (b) did not see any major industrial policy announcement; 1951 (c) is the year the Industries (Development and Regulation) Act was enacted to implement the 1948 policy; and 1952 (d) is not associated with the first industrial policy announcement.
Which among the following is not part of fiscal policy?
A)
Income Tax
B)
National Insurance
C)
Interest Rates
D)
GST
Fiscal policy refers to the use of government spending and taxation to influence the economy. Interest Rates (option c) are a tool of monetary policy, which is managed by a country's central bank (such as the Reserve Bank of India or the Federal Reserve) to control the money supply and inflation. On the other hand, Income Tax (option a), National Insurance (option b), and GST (option d) are all forms of government taxation and revenue generation, which are core components of fiscal policy.
Which of the following is related to the “Operation Green” mission?
A)
Production of tomatoes, onion and potatoes
B)
Production of tomato, chilli and potatoes
C)
Production of pulses, onion and potatoes
D)
Production of tomato, onion and cabbage
Operation Greens was launched by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) in the Union Budget 2018-19 with an aim to stabilize the supply of Tomato, Onion, and Potato (TOP) crops and to control their price volatility. Therefore, option 'a' is correct. Options 'b', 'c', and 'd' are incorrect because crops like chilli, pulses, and cabbage were not part of the core 'TOP' scheme of Operation Greens.
The concept of Fundamental Rights in the Constitution of India is borrowed from the Constitution of
A)
U.K.
B)
Irish Republic
C)
Switzerland
D)
USA
The concept of Fundamental Rights in the Constitution of India is borrowed from the Constitution of the USA (specifically from the US Bill of Rights). Here is a brief overview of the options:
1. **USA (Option d - Correct):** The Indian Constitution's Part III, which deals with Fundamental Rights, is inspired by the US Constitution's Bill of Rights.
2. **U.K. (Option a - Incorrect):** The Indian Constitution borrowed features like the Parliamentary form of government, Rule of Law, single citizenship, and bicameralism from the United Kingdom.
3. **Irish Republic (Option b - Incorrect):** The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), the method of election of the President, and the nomination of members to the Rajya Sabha were borrowed from Ireland.
4. **Switzerland (Option c - Incorrect):** Switzerland was not a major source for the core features of the Indian Constitution, and specifically not for Fundamental Rights.
The advance value of LIC policy is linked with :
A)
Face value
B)
Surrender value
C)
Paid up value
D)
Age of the policy holder
The advance (or loan) value of an LIC policy is directly linked to its Surrender Value. Typically, LIC allows policyholders to secure a loan of up to 90% of the policy's accrued surrender value.
- **Why other options are incorrect:**
- **Face value (a):** This is the sum assured payable at maturity or death, not the basis for determining immediate loan eligibility.
- **Paid up value (c):** Although paid-up value is a factor in calculating the surrender value, the loan amount is directly computed as a percentage of the surrender value itself.
- **Age of the policy holder (d):** Age affects premium rates at the time of purchasing the policy, but it does not dictate the loan or advance value of an active policy.
Indus, Sutlej, Ghaghara and Brahmaputra rivers are an example of ______
A)
Ephemeral River
B)
Antecedent rivers
C)
Non-Perennial rivers
D)
Both Ephemeral and Antecedent river
1. **Why Option 'b' is correct**: Antecedent rivers are those that existed before the uplift of mountain ranges (such as the Himalayas) and maintained their original courses by cutting deep gorges through the rising land. The Indus, Sutlej, Ghaghara, and Brahmaputra are classic examples of antecedent drainage as they originate beyond the Himalayas and cut through them.
2. **Why other options are incorrect**:
- **Option 'a' (Ephemeral River)**: Ephemeral rivers flow only briefly in response to precipitation (e.g., the Luni River), whereas these Himalayan rivers are perennial, fed by melting glaciers and snow.
- **Option 'c' (Non-Perennial rivers)**: Non-perennial rivers do not flow throughout the year, but the Indus, Sutlej, Ghaghara, and Brahmaputra are perennial rivers with a continuous year-round flow.
- **Option 'd' (Both Ephemeral and Antecedent)**: Since these rivers are perennial and not ephemeral, this combination is incorrect.
Gilt-edged market means-
A)
Bullion market
B)
Market of government securities
C)
Market of gold exchanges
D)
Foreign exchange market
The 'Gilt-edged market' refers to the market for government and semi-government securities. These securities are backed by the government, making them extremely safe with virtually zero risk of default, which is why they are termed 'gilt-edged' (meaning of the highest quality).
- Option 'a' (Bullion market) and Option 'c' (Market of gold exchanges) are incorrect because they deal with precious metals like gold and silver, not government debt.
- Option 'd' (Foreign exchange market) is incorrect because it is the market where national currencies are traded, not government securities.
The concept of Village Panchayat been incorporated in Article 40 of the Constitution of India is based upon which ideological principle of the Directive Principle of State Policy
A)
Socialist Principle
B)
Liberal principle
C)
General Principle
D)
Gandhian Principle
Article 40 of the Constitution of India directs the State to organize village panchayats and endow them with such powers and authority as may be necessary to enable them to function as units of self-government. This is based on the Gandhian Principle, as Mahatma Gandhi strongly advocated for 'Gram Swaraj' (village self-rule) and decentralization of power. The other options are incorrect because: Socialist Principles (e.g., Articles 38, 39, 41) focus on social and economic justice; Liberal-Intellectual Principles (e.g., Articles 44, 48, 50) reflect liberal ideologies like a Uniform Civil Code and separation of powers; and 'General Principle' is not a recognized classification of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP).
Politics of regionalism was manifested even to the extent of secessionism by regional party in which of the following state
A)
Assam
B)
Andhra Pradesh
C)
West Bengal
D)
Tamil Nadu
The correct option is 'd' (Tamil Nadu). In the early years after independence, the politics of regionalism in Tamil Nadu, led by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), manifested as a demand for a separate, sovereign southern state called 'Dravida Nadu' (secessionism). The DMK formally dropped this secessionist demand in 1963 following the 16th Amendment to the Indian Constitution, which outlawed secessionist political parties. In contrast, regional parties in Assam (a), Andhra Pradesh (b), and West Bengal (c) fought for regional autonomy, statehood bifurcation, or cultural identity within the framework of the Indian Union, rather than advocating for secession from India.
Which plan was associated with the slogan ‘Garibi Hatao’?
A)
3rd Five Year Plan
B)
4th Five Year Plan
C)
5th Five Year Plan
D)
6th Five Year Plan
The slogan 'Garibi Hatao' (Remove Poverty) is most prominently associated with the 5th Five Year Plan (1974–1978). The primary objectives of the 5th Plan were poverty eradication and the attainment of self-reliance. Although the slogan was coined by Indira Gandhi during her 1971 election campaign (which fell during the 4th Plan period), it was formally incorporated as a core objective and implemented during the 5th Five Year Plan. The 3rd Plan (1961–1966) focused on agriculture and wheat production, the 4th Plan (1969–1974) targeted growth with stability, and the 6th Plan (1980–1985) focused on economic liberalization and infrastructure.
AGMARK is:
A)
Co-operative Marketing
B)
Regulated agriculture markets
C)
Farmers Union
D)
Quality Certification of agriculture products
Based on established principles in Agriculture & Allied Sciences, the correct and most appropriate choice is 'Farmers Union' (Option C).
Perspective planning means:
A)
Planning for 3 years
B)
Planning for 5 years
C)
Planning for 5-10 years
D)
Planning for 15-25 years
Perspective planning refers to long-term planning that sets out broad objectives, targets, and strategies for a long period, typically spanning 15 to 25 years. It provides a visionary framework within which shorter-term plans (such as five-year plans) are formulated. In contrast, option 'a' (3 years) represents short-term action plans, option 'b' (5 years) represents medium-term planning (like India's Five-Year Plans), and option 'c' (5-10 years) also falls under medium-term planning.
The Directive Principles of State Policy are incorporated in
A)
Part II of the Constitution of India
B)
Part III of the Constitution of India
C)
Part IV of the Constitution of India
D)
Part V of the Constitution of India
The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) are incorporated in Part IV of the Constitution of India, spanning Articles 36 to 51. These principles serve as guidelines for the State to promote social and economic welfare.
- Part II (Option a) deals with Citizenship (Articles 5 to 11).
- Part III (Option b) contains the Fundamental Rights (Articles 12 to 35).
- Part V (Option d) deals with the Union government, including the Executive, Parliament, and Judiciary (Articles 52 to 151).
How many nominated members are there in the Lok Sabha?
A)
1
B)
2
C)
3
D)
4
Historically, under Article 331 of the Constitution of India, the President could nominate 2 members from the Anglo-Indian community to the Lok Sabha if he/she felt the community was not adequately represented. Therefore, '2' (Option b) is the traditionally correct answer. Note that this nomination was discontinued by the 104th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019, which came into effect in January 2020, making the current number of nominated members 0. Options a (1), c (3), and d (4) are incorrect as there was never a provision for nominating these numbers of members to the Lok Sabha.
Arrange the following alluvial landforms from north to south direction – (I) Terai, (II) Bhangar, (III) Bhabar, (VI) Khadar
A)
III – I – II – VI
B)
III – II – I – VI
C)
II – I – III – VI
D)
VI – III – II –II
The correct sequence of the alluvial landforms of the Indo-Gangetic plains from North to South is:
1. **Bhabar (III)**: Located at the immediate foothills of the Shiwaliks (northernmost), characterized by pebbles and gravel where rivers disappear underground.
2. **Terai (I)**: Located south of the Bhabar, a wet, swampy, and marshy region where the rivers re-emerge.
3. **Bhangar (II)**: Older alluvial plains lying further south, forming terrace-like features above the floodplains.
4. **Khadar (VI)**: Newer, younger alluvial deposits found in the low-lying floodplains (southernmost).
Therefore, the correct sequence is **III – I – II – VI** (Option a). Other options are incorrect because they do not follow this geographical progression from the Himalayan foothills to the river valleys.
The main difference between the Fundamental Rights and the Directive Principles of State Policy is
A)
Fundamental Rights are positive while Directive Principles of State Policy are negative
B)
Fundamental Rights are justiciable while Directive Principles of State Policy are not justiciable
C)
Directive Principles of State Policy are given precedence over Fundamental Rights by Courts in all cases
D)
Directive Principles of State Policy are non-justiciable but not positive
The primary and most fundamental distinction between Fundamental Rights (Part III) and Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV) lies in their enforceability.
1. **Why Option B is correct:** Fundamental Rights are justiciable, meaning that if they are violated, citizens can directly approach the judiciary (Supreme Court under Article 32 or High Courts under Article 226) for their enforcement. Conversely, Directive Principles of State Policy are non-justiciable (Article 37), meaning they cannot be enforced by any court of law if the government fails to implement them.
2. **Why other options are incorrect:**
- **Option A** is incorrect because Fundamental Rights are largely negative in character as they place limitations on State action, whereas DPSPs are positive instructions requiring the State to take active measures for welfare.
- **Option C** is incorrect because DPSPs do not have precedence over Fundamental Rights in all cases. The Supreme Court has ruled (e.g., in the Minerva Mills case) that the Constitution exists on a harmonious balance between the two, with Fundamental Rights generally holding primacy except in specific exceptions like Article 31C.
- **Option D** is incorrect because DPSPs are positive in nature as they aim to establish a welfare state.
Rao-Manmohan Singh model was launched in:
A)
5th Five Year Plan
B)
6th Five Year Plan
C)
7th Five Year Plan
D)
8th Five Year Plan
The Rao-Manmohan Singh model of economic development was launched during the 8th Five Year Plan (1992–1997). This plan was initiated under the leadership of Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao and Finance Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, introducing the historic economic reforms of Liberalization, Privatization, and Globalization (LPG) to resolve the balance of payments crisis. The other options are incorrect because: the 5th Five Year Plan (1974–1978) focused on poverty alleviation ('Garibi Hatao') and employment; the 6th Five Year Plan (1980–1985) focused on infrastructural development and family planning; and the 7th Five Year Plan (1985–1990) emphasized foodgrain production, employment, and productivity.
Green revolution in India is associated with increased of food grain production and, which of the following food crop benefited the most?
A)
Rice
B)
Jowar
C)
Wheat
D)
Bajra
The Green Revolution in India, initiated in the mid-1960s, led to a massive increase in the production of food grains. Among all the crops, Wheat (option c) benefited the most, experiencing a spectacular rise in yield and production, which is why the initial phase of the Green Revolution is often termed the 'Wheat Revolution'. Rice (option a) also benefited significantly but to a lesser extent compared to wheat. Coarse cereals like Jowar (option b) and Bajra (option d) did not receive the same level of technological and infrastructural support during the Green Revolution and thus saw minimal benefits.
Which of the following pair is a part of Trans-Himalaya?
A)
Karakoram – Ladakh
B)
Zaskar – Himadri
C)
Namcha Barwa – Nanga Parbat
D)
Himachal – Purvanchal
The Trans-Himalaya region lies to the north of the Great Himalayas and consists of the Karakoram, Ladakh, Zaskar, and Kailash ranges. Therefore, the pair 'Karakoram – Ladakh' is part of the Trans-Himalayas. Other options are incorrect because: Himadri (in option b) refers to the Great Himalayas; Namcha Barwa and Nanga Parbat (in option c) are the eastern and western terminal peaks of the Great Himalayas; Himachal (in option d) refers to the Lesser Himalayas, and Purvanchal refers to the Eastern Hills.
During 2018, India replaces ......... in the production of Crude steel and became the world’s 2nd largest producer of crude steel.
A)
US
B)
China
C)
Japan
D)
UK
In 2018, India overtook Japan to become the world's second-largest producer of crude steel, behind only China. Therefore, Japan (option c) is the correct answer. China (option b) remains the world's largest producer of crude steel and was not overtaken by India. The US (option a) and the UK (option d) rank much lower in global steel production and were not replaced by India for the second spot.
Which of the following represented the eastern most part of Satpura range?
A)
Amarkantak Plateau
B)
Ratanpur Plateau
C)
Malwa Plateau
D)
Cardamom hills
The Satpura Range is a series of hills in central India that extends from Gujarat in the west, through Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, to Chhattisgarh in the east. The Maikal Hills form the eastern part of the Satpura Range, and the Amarkantak Plateau is situated in this region, representing its easternmost extension.
- Malwa Plateau (Option c) lies to the north of the Vindhya Range and is not part of the Satpura Range.
- Cardamom Hills (Option d) are located in the southern Western Ghats of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
- Ratanpur Plateau (Option b) is not the easternmost representation of the Satpura Range.
Which of the following is included under fiscal policy in India?
A)
Open Market Operations
B)
Deficit Financing
C)
Moral Suasion
D)
Margin Requirement
Fiscal policy in India is formulated by the Government of India (Ministry of Finance) and involves taxation, public expenditure, and public debt. 'Deficit Financing' (Option b) is a key tool of fiscal policy where the government spends more than its revenue and covers the gap through borrowing or other means. On the other hand, 'Open Market Operations' (Option a), 'Moral Suasion' (Option c), and 'Margin Requirement' (Option d) are monetary policy instruments used by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to control the money supply and credit flow in the economy.
The literal meaning of Satyagraha as stated by Mahatma Gandhi is
A)
Peace force
B)
Non-violence force
C)
Non-cooperation force
D)
Truth force
The term 'Satyagraha' is a Sanskrit compound word consisting of 'Satya' (meaning 'truth') and 'Agraha' (meaning 'insistence', 'holding firmly', or 'force'). Therefore, Mahatma Gandhi literally defined Satyagraha as 'Truth force' or 'Soul force'. Option 'a' (Peace force) is incorrect because peace translates to 'Shanti'. Option 'b' (Non-violence force) is incorrect because non-violence translates to 'Ahimsa', which is a core principle of Satyagraha but not its literal translation. Option 'c' (Non-cooperation force) is incorrect because non-cooperation translates to 'Asahyog', which was a specific method of protest used within the broader Satyagraha movement.
Which of the following is responsible for the formation of Great Indian Desert?
A)
Continental landmass
B)
Direction of Monsoon
C)
Distance from the sea
D)
Aravali Range blocking south west monsoon
The Aravalli Range is primarily responsible for the formation of the Great Indian Desert (Thar Desert). It lies parallel to the Arabian Sea branch of the South-West Monsoon, allowing these moisture-laden winds to pass by without being forced to rise and cause rainfall. Additionally, the range acts as a barrier to the Bay of Bengal branch of the monsoon, creating a dry rain-shadow region on its western side.
- **Why other options are incorrect:**
- **a (Continental landmass):** While continentality causes extreme temperatures, it is not the primary driver of the extreme aridity of this region.
- **b (Direction of Monsoon):** The direction of the monsoon winds alone does not create a desert; it is their interaction with geographical barriers (like the Aravallis) that determines precipitation.
- **c (Distance from the sea):** The Thar Desert is relatively close to the Arabian Sea, so distance from the sea is not the main cause of its dry climate.
Which of the following city is recently emerged as electronic capital of India?
A)
Chennai
B)
Bangalore
C)
Hyderabad
D)
New Delhi
Bangalore (Bengaluru) is widely recognized as the 'Electronic Capital of India' (as well as the 'Silicon Valley of India') due to its status as the nation's leading hub for information technology, electronics manufacturing, and software services. Chennai is known as the 'Detroit of India' for its automobile industry. Hyderabad, though a major IT hub often called 'Cyberabad', is not the primary electronic capital. New Delhi is the political capital of India.