Group B (Gazetted) • 2026 • General Studies-III
With reference to India’s ‘Green Hydrogen Mission’, consider the following statements: 1. Green hydrogen is produced through the electrolysis of water using renewable energy. 2. The mission targets a production capacity of at least 5 MMT (Million Metric Tonne) per annum by 2030. 3. Hydrogen is currently used primarily in the transport sector in India. Which of the statements given above are correct?
A)
1, 2, and 3
B)
2 and 3 only
C)
1 and 3 only
D)
1 and 2 only
Statement 1 is correct: Green hydrogen is produced through the electrolysis of water, where electricity generated from renewable energy sources (like solar or wind) is used to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. Statement 2 is correct: The National Green Hydrogen Mission, launched by the Government of India, explicitly targets building a green hydrogen production capacity of at least 5 MMT (Million Metric Tonne) per annum by 2030. Statement 3 is incorrect: Currently, hydrogen in India is primarily used as a feedstock in industrial sectors such as petroleum refining, ammonia production (fertilizers), and steel manufacturing, rather than the transport sector, which is still in an experimental/pilot phase. Therefore, only statements 1 and 2 are correct.
Group B (Gazetted) • 2026 • General Studies-III
Lalvunga Zai belongs to which category?
A)
Chai hla
B)
Chawngchen zai
C)
Salu lam hla
D)
Hlado
In Mizo traditional literature and folk music, 'Lalvunga Zai' belongs to the category of 'Chawngchen zai'. Chawngchen zai are songs associated with the Chawng festival, and Lalvunga Zai is one of its primary forms. Other options are incorrect because: 'Chai hla' (Option a) are songs sung during the Chapchar Kut festival for the Chai dance; 'Salu lam hla' (Option c) are songs performed to celebrate a successful hunt; and 'Hlado' (Option d) is a chanting song used by hunters to proclaim their victory or success.
Group B (Gazetted) • 2026 • General Studies-III
Which of the following is the primary objective of the ‘FAME-II’ (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) scheme?
A)
To encourage the electrification of public and shared transport through demand incentives.
B)
To manufacture 100% of EV batteries within India by 2024.
C)
To mandate that all petrol pumps must convert to EV charging points by 2026.
D)
To provide free electricity to all EV charging stations.
The primary objective of the FAME-II (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) scheme is to encourage the electrification of public and shared transportation (such as electric buses, three-wheelers, and shared four-wheelers) as well as personal two-wheelers through demand incentives. Option b is incorrect because there is no mandate to manufacture 100% of EV batteries in India by 2024. Option c is incorrect as there is no policy mandating all petrol pumps to convert to EV charging points by 2026. Option d is incorrect because the scheme supports the establishment of charging infrastructure but does not provide free electricity to charging stations.
Group B (Gazetted) • 2026 • General Studies-III
In the context of India’s ‘National Supercomputing Mission’ (NSM), which organization is the lead agency for designing and developing indigenous supercomputers like ‘PARAM Rudra’?
A)
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
B)
National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog)
C)
C-DAC (Centre for Development of Advanced Computing)
D)
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
Under India's National Supercomputing Mission (NSM), which is jointly steered by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) is the lead agency responsible for designing, developing, and deploying indigenous supercomputers, including the 'PARAM' series like 'PARAM Rudra'.
- Option a (ISRO) is incorrect as it is India's space agency focused on space exploration and satellite technology.
- Option b (NITI Aayog) is incorrect as it is a policy think tank of the Government of India.
- Option d (DRDO) is incorrect as it is dedicated to military and defense-related research and development.
Group B (Gazetted) • 2026 • General Studies-III
A criminal who took refuge to the Chief’s house to escape from the consequences of his evil deeds was known as:
A)
Chemsen Bawi
B)
Tukluh Bawi
C)
Inhrang Bawi
D)
Inpuichhung Bawi
In traditional Mizo society, the 'Bawi' system represented a form of social dependency or servitude. The correct option is 'Chemsen Bawi' (literally meaning 'red/bloody knife slave'), which refers to criminals or murderers who fled to the Chief's house to seek asylum and escape the consequences of their crimes. By entering the Chief's house, they became his lifelong dependents, and the Chief protected them from revenge.
- 'Inpuichhung Bawi' refers to those who entered the Chief's household due to poverty, hunger, or destitution.
- 'Inhrang Bawi' refers to dependents who were permitted by the Chief to live in separate houses of their own.
- 'Tukluh Bawi' refers to enemies or prisoners of war who surrendered to the Chief to save their lives.
Group B (Gazetted) • 2026 • General Studies-III
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.
Group B (Gazetted) • 2026 • General Studies-III
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, a major uprising against British rule took place in the Lushai Hills (present-day Mizoram). The descendants of Chief Vuttaia, specifically his sons Lianphunga and Kalkhama, led the attacks on the British military garrisons at Changsil fort and Aizawl fort. The other options (Chief Manga, Chief Lianlula, and Chief Rolura) are incorrect because, while they were prominent historical Lushai chiefs, their descendants were not the leaders of this specific September-October 1890 rebellion.
Group B (Gazetted) • 2026 • General Studies-III
Find the odd one out
A)
1
B)
2
C)
3
D)
4
The correct option is 'a' (1). In number theory, 1 is unique because it is neither a prime number nor a composite number. In contrast, the other numbers can be classified under these categories: 2 and 3 are prime numbers, while 4 is a composite number. Therefore, 1 is the odd one out.
Group B (Gazetted) • 2026 • General Studies-III
Which number will come next in the given series? 2, 8, 18, 32, 50, …
A)
78
B)
68
C)
72
D)
70
The given series follows two simple mathematical patterns:
1. **Pattern 1 (Formula $2n^2$):**
- $2 \times 1^2 = 2$
- $2 \times 2^2 = 8$
- $2 \times 3^2 = 18$
- $2 \times 4^2 = 32$
- $2 \times 5^2 = 50$
- Following this, the next term is $2 \times 6^2 = 2 \times 36 = 72$.
2. **Pattern 2 (Differences between consecutive terms):**
- $8 - 2 = 6$
- $18 - 8 = 10$
- $32 - 18 = 14$
- $50 - 32 = 18$
- The differences (6, 10, 14, 18) increase by 4 each time. The next difference must be $18 + 4 = 22$.
- Therefore, the next term is $50 + 22 = 72$.
Other options (a, b, and d) are incorrect because they do not satisfy either of these consistent mathematical patterns.
Group B (Gazetted) • 2026 • General Studies-III
With reference to India’s space sector reforms, consider the following statements: 1. IN-SPACe functions as a single-window facilitator for private space activities. 2. NSIL is responsible for regulating private space launch activities. 3. The reforms aim to decouple regulatory and operational functions of ISRO. Which of the above are correct?
A)
1 only
B)
1 and 3 only
C)
2 and 3 only
D)
1, 2 and 3
Statement 1 is correct: IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center) is an autonomous, single-window nodal agency under the Department of Space (DoS) created to promote, authorize, and facilitate private sector participation in space activities. Statement 2 is incorrect: NSIL (NewSpace India Limited) is the commercial arm of ISRO, responsible for commercializing space technologies and launching satellites on a commercial basis, not for regulating private space activities (which is the mandate of IN-SPACe). Statement 3 is correct: The space sector reforms aim to decouple the roles of ISRO, allowing it to focus primarily on research and development (R&D) and deep space exploration, while transferring commercial operations to NSIL and regulatory/promotional roles to IN-SPACe.
Group B (Gazetted) • 2026 • General Studies-III
A, B and C are sitting in a circle facing centre. L, M and N are also sitting in the same circle but two of them are facing in the opposite direction of the centre. A is second to the left of N. B is second to the right of L. M is third to the left of C. N is second to the right of C and L is seated next to A. Then, which of the following pairs are not facing the centre?
A)
AL
B)
AN
C)
ML
D)
MN
To solve this puzzle, let's place the 6 people in a circle at positions 1 to 6 in clockwise order:
1. **Identify Facing Directions:** A, B, and C face the centre. Out of L, M, and N, two face away from the centre (OUT) and one faces the centre (IN).
2. **Position C, N, and M:** Let's place C at position 1 facing IN.
- Since N is second to the right of C, N is at position 5.
- Since M is third to the left of C, M is at position 4 (directly opposite C).
3. **Determine N's Direction and Position of A:**
- A is second to the left of N. If N faced IN, second to the left of N would be position 1 (occupied by C). Thus, N must face OUT (away from the centre), which makes second to the left of N position 3. So, A is at position 3, and **N faces OUT**.
4. **Position L and B:**
- L is seated next to A. Since position 4 is occupied by M, L must be at position 2. This leaves B at position 6.
5. **Determine L's Direction:**
- B (at 6) is second to the right of L (at 2). For this to be true, L must face IN (towards the centre).
6. **Determine M's Direction:**
- Since L faces IN and N faces OUT, and we know two of {L, M, N} face OUT, the remaining person **M must face OUT**.
Thus, the two individuals not facing the centre are **M and N** (pair MN), which corresponds to option **d**.
- **Why other options are incorrect:** Options (a) and (b) contain A, who is already known to face the centre. Option (c) contains L, who is determined to face the centre to satisfy B's position relative to L.
Group B (Gazetted) • 2026 • General Studies-III
With reference to India’s Science and Technology governance, consider the following statements: 1. Mission-mode programmes aim at goal-oriented coordination across institutions. 2. Technology development in India is largely driven by market forces alone. 3. Public-funded research institutions play a significant role in early-stage research. Which of the above are correct?
A)
1 and 2 only
B)
1 and 3 only
C)
2 and 3 only
D)
1, 2 and 3
Statement 1 is correct: Mission-mode programmes (such as the National Quantum Mission or National Supercomputing Mission) are specifically designed to achieve well-defined, time-bound goals through coordinated efforts across various ministries, academic institutions, and research laboratories.
Statement 2 is incorrect: Technology development in India is not driven by market forces alone. Historically, the government and public sector undertakings (such as ISRO, DRDO, and DAE) have been the primary drivers and funders of technology development, as private sector R&D investment in India remains relatively low.
Statement 3 is correct: Public-funded research institutions (like CSIR, IITs, and IISc) play a foundational role in early-stage (low Technology Readiness Level) research, where high risks and long gestation periods typically deter private investment.
Group B (Gazetted) • 2026 • General Studies-III
Who was the first Governor of the Union Territory of Mizoram in 1972?
A)
Hiteswar Saikia
B)
S.K. Chibber
C)
Williamson A. Sangma
D)
S.P. Mukherjee
S.P. Mukherjee (Shanti Priya Mukherjee) was the first Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Mizoram, serving from 21 January 1972 to 27 September 1972 after Mizoram was carved out as a Union Territory.
- **Hiteswar Saikia** (Option a) served as the Governor of Mizoram much later, from 1987 to 1989, and was also a prominent Chief Minister of Assam.
- **S.K. Chibber** (Option b) served as the Lieutenant Governor of Mizoram from 1977 to 1981.
- **Williamson A. Sangma** (Option c) was a major political leader from Meghalaya and served as its first Chief Minister, not as the Governor of Mizoram.
Group B (Gazetted) • 2026 • General Studies-III
In the context of the ‘Deep Ocean Mission’, what is the primary function of the manned submersible ‘Matsya 6000’?
A)
To establish an underwater permanent military base in the Indian Ocean Region.
B)
To explore polymetallic nodules and hydro-thermal sulfides at depths of 6000 meters.
C)
To facilitate underwater tourism in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
D)
To monitor the migration patterns of Blue Whales using sonar technology.
Option 'b' is correct because 'Matsya 6000' is India's indigenous manned submersible developed by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences' 'Deep Ocean Mission'. It is designed to carry three human beings to a depth of 6,000 meters to explore deep-sea mineral resources such as polymetallic nodules, gas hydrates, and hydrothermal sulfides. Option 'a' is incorrect as the mission is purely scientific and resource-oriented, not military. Option 'c' is incorrect because the submersible is built for scientific research and exploration, not commercial tourism. Option 'd' is incorrect because tracking whale migration is not the primary objective of this deep-sea exploration vehicle.
Group B (Gazetted) • 2026 • General Studies-III
Choose the correct ascending order for the following units of measurement: Hrai, Paiper khat, Dan
A)
Hrai, Paiper khat, Dan
B)
Dan, Hrai, Paiper khat
C)
Paiper khat, Hrai, Dan
D)
Paiper khat, Dan, Hrai
In traditional Mizo units of measurement (typically used for measuring grains like paddy/rice), the units in ascending order of their capacity/volume are:
1. **Hrai**: The smallest unit among the three, representing a small measuring cup or container.
2. **Paiper khat**: A medium-sized basket measure, which is larger than a Hrai.
3. **Dan**: The largest unit of measurement among these three, used for measuring bulk quantities of grains.
Therefore, the correct ascending order is Hrai, Paiper khat, Dan (Option a). Other options are incorrect because they do not arrange these traditional units from the smallest to the largest capacity.
Group B (Gazetted) • 2026 • General Studies-III
If ‘Rat is called Dog’, ‘Dog is called Mongoose’, ‘Mongoose is called Lion’, ‘Lion is called Snake’ and ‘Snake is called Elephant’, which animal is reared as pet?
A)
Dog
B)
Mongoose
C)
Lion
D)
Rat
To solve this coding-decoding puzzle, we first identify the real-world answer to the question: 'Which animal is reared as a pet?' The correct real-world answer is 'Dog'. Next, we look at the given code definitions to see what a 'Dog' is called. The problem states that 'Dog is called Mongoose'. Therefore, in this coded language, the animal reared as a pet is called a 'Mongoose'. Option 'a' (Dog) is incorrect because it is the literal name, not the coded name. Option 'c' (Lion) is incorrect because 'Mongoose is called Lion'. Option 'd' (Rat) is incorrect because 'Rat is called Dog'.
Group B (Gazetted) • 2026 • General Studies-III
Which of the following best illustrates the interlinkage between environment policy and science & technology in India?
A)
Using satellite-based remote sensing and GIS to monitor forest cover and plan conservation
B)
Formulating laws without any technical inputs
C)
Relying only on traditional practices for all environmental decisions
D)
Ignoring scientific data while framing pollution control rules
Option 'a' is correct because the use of satellite-based remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a prime example of integrating modern science and technology into environmental policy. In India, organizations like the Forest Survey of India (FSI) use these technologies to monitor forest cover and generate data that directly informs conservation policies and management strategies. Options 'b' and 'd' are incorrect because formulating laws without technical inputs or ignoring scientific data represents a disconnect, rather than an interlinkage, between science and policy. Option 'c' is incorrect because relying solely on traditional practices excludes the vital role of modern scientific and technological advancements in environmental decision-making.
Group B (Gazetted) • 2026 • General Studies-III
Which combination best captures the role of ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce) in India’s digital economy?
A)
An exclusive platform for large enterprises only
B)
A payment gateway competing with UPI for transactions
C)
A centralized marketplace operated by the government with inventory ownership
D)
A protocol network enabling interoperability among buyer, seller, and logistics apps
Option 'd' is correct because the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) is not an application or a centralized platform, but a set of open specifications and protocols. It is designed to enable interoperability in the e-commerce ecosystem, allowing buyers, sellers, and logistics providers on different platforms to seamlessly connect and transact with one another. Option 'a' is incorrect because ONDC aims to democratize e-commerce, specifically empowering small and medium local merchants rather than being exclusive to large enterprises. Option 'b' is incorrect because ONDC is not a payment gateway; it is an e-commerce network protocol that works in tandem with payment systems like UPI. Option 'c' is incorrect because ONDC is a decentralized network and does not operate as a centralized marketplace or own any inventory.
Group B (Gazetted) • 2026 • General Studies-III
Choose the word that most accurately replaces the underlined word: “The decision was based on a plausible explanation.”
A)
Prompt
B)
Reasonable
C)
Certain
D)
False
The word 'plausible' means seeming reasonable, probable, or believable. Therefore, 'Reasonable' is the most accurate synonym in this context.
- 'Prompt' (Option a) means quick or immediate, which is unrelated to believability.
- 'Certain' (Option c) means absolute or known for sure, whereas 'plausible' only implies that something is likely or believable, not guaranteed.
- 'False' (Option d) means untrue, which is the opposite of plausible.
Group B (Gazetted) • 2026 • General Studies-III
The first Political Officer of the North Lushai Hills under the British government was:
A)
CS Murray
B)
Captain J Shakespear
C)
Captain HR Browne
D)
RB McCabe
Captain H.R. Browne was appointed as the first Political Officer of the North Lushai Hills on April 1, 1890, establishing his headquarters at Aizawl. He was unfortunately killed in an ambush by Lushai tribesmen later that year.
- **RB McCabe (Option d)** succeeded Captain Browne as the Political Officer of the North Lushai Hills after his death.
- **CS Murray (Option a)** was the first Superintendent of the South Lushai Hills (under the Bengal administration).
- **Captain J Shakespear (Option b)** served as the Superintendent of the South Lushai Hills and later became the first Superintendent of the unified Lushai Hills District in 1898.
Group B (Gazetted) • 2026 • General Studies-III
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 monumental role in ushering in the Green Revolution during the 1960s by developing, testing, and promoting High-Yielding Varieties (HYVs) of crops, particularly wheat and rice, in collaboration with international scientists like Norman Borlaug.
- **Option b (CSIR)** is incorrect because it focuses on industrial, physical, and general scientific research rather than agricultural development.
- **Option d (NABARD)** is incorrect because it is an apex development bank focused on providing financial credit and policy planning for agriculture and rural development, not scientific research.
- **Option c (IARI)** is incorrect in this context because, although it is a premier institute that conducted vital research, it operates under the aegis of ICAR, which is the overarching national institution credited with leading the Green Revolution's research framework across the country.
Group B (Gazetted) • 2026 • General Studies-III
Who is the pioneer of ‘The Salvation Army’ in Mizoram?
A)
Chalchhuna
B)
Kawlkhuma
C)
Maj. Connor Richards
D)
Chhuahkhama
The correct answer is 'b' (Kawlkhuma). Kawlkhuma (1898–1981) is widely recognized as the pioneer of 'The Salvation Army' in Mizoram, having officially introduced the movement to the region in 1917 after being commissioned as an officer.
- Option 'a' (Chalchhuna) was an early Mizo Christian but not the founder of the Salvation Army in Mizoram.
- Option 'c' (Maj. Connor Richards) is incorrect as he is not associated with the pioneering of the movement in the state.
- Option 'd' (Chhuahkhama) was the first ordained Mizo minister (Presbyterian Church) in 1913, not the pioneer of the Salvation Army.
Group B (Gazetted) • 2026 • General Studies-III
Regarding the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), established by the ANRF Act 2023, consider the following statements: 1. It replaces the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB). 2. The Prime Minister serves as the ex-officio President of the Governing Board. 3. It is mandate is limited solely to funding fundamental research in basic sciences. Which of the statements given above are correct?
A)
1 and 2 only
B)
2 and 3 only
C)
1 and 3 only
D)
1, 2, and 3
To determine the correct option, let's analyze each statement:
1. **Statement 1 is correct**: The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) Act, 2023, repealed the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) Act, 2008, thereby replacing and subsuming SERB into the newly established ANRF.
2. **Statement 2 is correct**: The Governing Board of the ANRF is chaired by the Prime Minister of India, who serves as its ex-officio President.
3. **Statement 3 is incorrect**: The mandate of the ANRF is highly comprehensive and not limited solely to basic sciences or fundamental research. It aims to seed, grow, and promote research and development (R&D) across natural sciences, mathematical sciences, engineering, technology, environmental and earth sciences, health, agriculture, as well as the scientific and technological interfaces of humanities and social sciences.
Since statements 1 and 2 are correct and statement 3 is incorrect, the correct option is 'a' (1 and 2 only).
Group B (Gazetted) • 2026 • General Studies-III
‘Buanhmun pai ang pawm tawh hnu, Chêngtêah lâm ang lêt e, Lalpuithang lêm a.’ This sarcastic rhyme was related to:
A)
North and South War
B)
East and West War
C)
Sailo and Fanai War
D)
Lusei and Sukte War
The sarcastic rhyme 'Buanhmun pai ang pawm tawh hnu, Chêngtêah lâm ang lêt e, Lalpuithang lêm a' is associated with the 'East and West War' (Chhak leh Thlang Indo) in Mizo history. This war was fought between the Eastern Sailo chiefs and the Western Sailo chiefs. Lalpuithanga, an Eastern chief, had agreed to a peace treaty or alliance at Buanhmun but later reneged on his word at Chêngtê, prompting the creation of this sarcastic rhyme mocking his change of heart. The other options (North and South War, Sailo and Fanai War, and Lusei and Sukte War) refer to different historical conflicts in Mizoram and are not related to this specific event.
Group B (Gazetted) • 2026 • General Studies-III
Mizo Academy of Letters Book of the Year, 2000 was awarded to:
A)
Lalsangzuali Sailo-Tlawm Ve Lo Lalnu Ropuiliani
B)
Rev. Zairema- Kan Bible Hi
C)
Dr. Laltluangliana Khiangte- Pasaltha Khuangchera
D)
R. Rozika- Chawngmawii leh Hrangchhuana
The Mizo Academy of Letters (MAL) Book of the Year for 2000 was awarded to 'Pasaltha Khuangchera' written by Dr. Laltluangliana Khiangte.
- Option (a) is incorrect because 'Tlawm Ve Lo Lalnu Ropuiliani' by Lalsangzuali Sailo was awarded the Book of the Year in 1999.
- Option (b) is incorrect because 'Kan Bible Hi' by Rev. Zairema was awarded the Book of the Year in 2001.
- Option (d) is incorrect because 'Chawngmawii leh Hrangchhuana' by R. Rozika was awarded the Book of the Year in 1998.