Past Questions — 2025

The human skeleton consists of 206 bones, varying in size and shape. 1. **Femur (Thigh Bone):** This is the longest, heaviest, and strongest bone in the human body. It extends from the hip to the knee and is essential for supporting the weight of the body during standing and locomotion. 2. **Tibia (Shin Bone):** While it is the second longest bone and supports most of the body's weight in the lower leg, it is shorter than the femur. 3. **Humerus (Upper Arm Bone):** This is the longest bone in the upper limb, but it is significantly shorter than the femur. 4. **Radius (Forearm Bone):** This is one of the two bones in the forearm (alongside the ulna) and is much smaller than the femur, tibia, or humerus. Therefore, the femur is correctly identified as the longest bone.

The Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite statistic developed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to measure a country's average achievement in three basic dimensions of human development: 1. **Health (Long and healthy life):** Measured by life expectancy at birth. 2. **Education (Knowledge):** Measured by mean years of schooling for adults aged 25 years and more and expected years of schooling for children of school entering age. 3. **Income (Decent standard of living):** Measured by Gross National Income (GNI) per capita (PPP $). Comparing these to the options: - Option (a) Health is a core dimension. - Option (b) Education is a core dimension. - Option (c) Income is a core dimension. - Option (d) Environmental sustainability, while critical for sustainable development, is NOT a component of the standard HDI calculation. (Note: The UNDP has introduced the 'Planetary pressures-adjusted HDI' or PHDI to account for environmental impact, but the standard HDI remains based on the three dimensions mentioned above).

To solve this question, we must distinguish between 'Social Sector' initiatives and 'Economic/Industrial' initiatives. The social sector focuses on improving the quality of life, human development, and social welfare (e.g., education, health, gender equality, and basic amenities). 1. **Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (Option a):** This is a social sector initiative aimed at preventing gender-biased sex selective elimination and ensuring the survival, protection, and education of the girl child. 2. **Stand-Up India (Option b):** While it involves loans, its primary objective is social inclusion by promoting entrepreneurship among Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and women, thereby addressing social disparities in business ownership. 3. **Ujjwala Yojana (Option c):** This is a social sector initiative providing clean cooking fuel (LPG) to women from below-poverty-line households to improve health and environmental conditions. 4. **Startup India (Option d):** This is primarily an economic and industrial initiative. Its goal is to build a strong ecosystem for innovating startups to drive sustainable economic growth and generate large-scale employment. It focuses on business incubation, tax exemptions, and ease of doing business rather than social welfare or human development. Therefore, Startup India is the correct answer as it is an economic development initiative rather than a social sector initiative.

The Lushai Hills District Council (now known as the Mizoram Autonomous District Council) was established under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India in 1954. The first Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Council was Lalsawia. The CEM is the executive head of the District Council, responsible for administration and implementation of policies within the autonomous region. Other options like Hrangaia, R. Vanlawma, and Dr. Rosiama have held various political or administrative roles in Mizoram's history, but they were not the first CEM of the Lushai Autonomous District Council.

The Constitution of India is the supreme law of the land. It is the foundational legal document that defines the political framework, establishes the structure of government, and determines the fundamental rights and duties of citizens. All other laws, statutes, and regulations enacted by the legislature or executive must be consistent with the Constitution; any law that contradicts the Constitution can be declared null and void by the judiciary through the process of judicial review. Why other options are incorrect: - a. Indian Penal Code: This is a statutory law (a code) that defines crimes and punishments. It is subordinate to the Constitution. - c. Fundamental Rights: These are a critical part of the Constitution (Part III), but they are components of the supreme law, not the supreme law itself. - d. Directive Principles of State Policy: These are guidelines for the government to follow (Part IV) and are non-justiciable, meaning they cannot be enforced in a court of law in the same way the Constitution as a whole governs the state.

The Kalinga War (fought around 261 BCE) was a turning point in the life of Emperor Ashoka of the Maurya Dynasty. After witnessing the massive scale of death, injury, and suffering caused by the conquest of Kalinga, Ashoka experienced deep remorse and a change of heart. He renounced the policy of 'Bherighosha' (conquest by war) and adopted the policy of 'Dhammaghosha' (conquest by righteousness/Dhamma). He embraced Buddhism and promoted a code of conduct known as 'Dhamma,' which emphasized non-violence (ahimsa), tolerance, and moral duty toward parents, teachers, and all living beings. Analysis of other options: - a. Patna War: There is no historically significant 'Patna War' associated with Ashoka's conversion to Dhamma. - b. Magadha War: Magadha was the heart of Ashoka's own empire; while there were internal struggles for the throne, they did not lead to the policy of Dhamma. - d. Palinga War: This is likely a distractor or a misspelling of Kalinga; it is not a recognized historical event leading to Ashoka's transformation.

In economics, the economy is divided into three main sectors: Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary. 1. **Primary Sector**: This sector involves the extraction and production of raw materials directly from nature. Examples include agriculture, mining, fishing, forestry, and quarrying. Since agriculture involves cultivating land to produce raw food and materials, it is a primary sector activity. 2. **Secondary Sector**: This sector involves processing raw materials into finished goods (manufacturing). Examples include factories, construction, and textile mills. 3. **Tertiary Sector**: This sector provides services to consumers and other businesses rather than producing tangible goods. - **Banking (Option a)** is a financial service, placing it in the tertiary sector. - **Services (Option b)** is a general term for the entire tertiary sector. - **IT (Option d)** (Information Technology) is a specialized service, placing it in the tertiary sector. Therefore, Agriculture is the only primary sector activity among the given options.

The Sunderbans Delta is the largest river delta in the world, located at the mouth of the Bay of Bengal. It is formed by the confluence of the Ganga (from India) and the Brahmaputra (from Tibet/India) rivers. These two massive river systems carry vast amounts of sediment from the Himalayas, which are deposited as they enter the sea, creating the characteristic mangrove forests and marshlands of the Sunderbans. Analysis of other options: - Option (a): The Ganga and Yamuna merge at Prayagraj (Allahabad) to form the combined Ganga river, but they do not form the Sunderbans delta together as a separate pair from the Brahmaputra. - Option (c): The Brahmaputra and Barak are related (the Brahmaputra is fed by the Tsangpo, and the Barak flows through Manipur/Assam), but they do not form the Sunderbans. - Option (d): The Godavari and Krishna are rivers of Peninsular India that flow into the Bay of Bengal separately and do not form a combined delta like the Sunderbans.

In the Indian Parliamentary system, the Rajya Sabha (the Upper House) has limited powers regarding financial legislation. According to Article 109 of the Constitution of India, a Money Bill can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha (the Lower House). Once passed by the Lok Sabha, it is sent to the Rajya Sabha, which has only 14 days to return the bill with or without recommendations. The Lok Sabha is not bound to accept these recommendations. Regarding the other options: - Option (a): The Rajya Sabha shares equal power with the Lok Sabha in the process of amending the Constitution. - Option (c): The power to declare war is a function of the Parliament of India as a whole (Executive action backed by Parliamentary approval), and the Rajya Sabha participates in the legislative processes and approvals associated with national security and finance. - Option (d): The Rajya Sabha has the power to pass ordinary laws; a bill must generally be passed by both houses to become law.

The 'Four Asian Tigers' (also known as the Four Asian Dragons) refers to the high-growth economies of Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan. These regions are characterized by their rapid industrialization and export-oriented growth between the early 1960s and 1990s. Analysis of options: - Option (a) is incorrect because Japan and India are not part of the 'Four Tigers' group. - Option (b) is correct as it lists the four specific economies: Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan. - Option (c) lists the 'Tiger Cub Economies' (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines), which are a separate group of emerging economies that followed the original Tigers. - Option (d) is incorrect because North Korea and China are not part of this specific economic classification.

Ala-ud-din Khilji is most renowned in history for his sophisticated and stringent 'Market Control Policy' (Price Control System). He implemented this system to maintain a large standing army to defend the Delhi Sultanate against Mongol invasions without draining the treasury. By fixing the prices of essential commodities (grains, cloth, cattle, slaves) and appointing officers like the 'Shahna-i-Mandi' to monitor markets and punish hoarders, he ensured that soldiers could survive on low salaries. While he did implement land reforms (introducing the 'Biswa' measurement) and had a strong military policy, these were secondary to the unique and comprehensive nature of his market regulations, which remain a primary topic of study in medieval Indian history. Religious policy was not a defining characteristic of his fame compared to his administrative innovations.

Demographic Transition is a theoretical model in demography and sociology that describes the historical shift of a population from high birth rates and high death rates to low birth rates and low death rates as a country develops from a pre-industrial to an industrialized economic system. Step-by-step analysis of options: - Option (a) refers to 'Migration', which is the movement of people, not the transition of demographic rates. - Option (b) is correct as it accurately describes the core mechanism of the Demographic Transition Model (DTM), which tracks changes in fertility and mortality rates over time. - Option (c) refers to agricultural productivity or the 'Green Revolution', which is an economic/agricultural phenomenon, not a demographic one. - Option (d) refers to 'Population Policy' or 'Family Planning', which are interventions used to influence demographics, whereas 'Demographic Transition' is the overall phenomenon/process itself.

Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the state of Assam, India. It is renowned for having the highest density of one-horned rhinoceroses in the world. It is situated on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra river. Analysis of other options: - Meghalaya: Known for sanctuaries like Nokrek and Balpakram, but not Pobitora. - Darjeeling: This is a district in West Bengal, known for the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, not Pobitora. - Manipur: Known for Keibul Lamjao National Park (the only floating park in the world), but not Pobitora.

The Lakher Pioneer Mission was established in 1907 by Edwin Rowlands to bring Christianity to the Lakher (Lai) people. Edwin Rowlands was a missionary who focused his efforts on the southern part of the region. Analysis of other options: - J.H. Lorrain (James Herbert Lorrain) and D.E. Jones (David Evan Jones) are the pioneer missionaries who arrived in Mizoram in 1894 and are credited with starting the mission for the Lushai people and creating the Mizo alphabet. - Reginald A. Lorrain was also involved in missionary work, but the specific initiation of the Lakher Pioneer Mission in 1907 is attributed to Edwin Rowlands.

Chief Zataia of the Sailo clan is historically recognized as the last major Mizo chief to lead a coordinated resistance against British encroachment. In the late 19th century, Zataia attempted to unite various Mizo chiefs to launch an open rebellion to protect their sovereignty from the British Empire. This resistance eventually led to the British military expeditions into the Lushai Hills. While other chiefs like Dothanga and Kairuma were influential in their respective regions and periods, Zataia's effort to unify the chiefs for a collective rebellion marks the final significant organized defiance before the region was fully brought under British administration. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

The Tumphit is a traditional wind instrument of the Mizo people. It is specifically crafted from the horn of a Mithun (Bos frontalis), a large bovine common in Northeast India. The horn is hollowed out and modified to produce sound when blown into. Analysis of other options: - b. Wooden pieces: While some Mizo instruments use wood, the Tumphit is specifically a horn instrument. - c. Bamboo tubes: Bamboo is used for instruments like the 'Khuang' (frame) or various flutes, but not for the Tumphit. - d. Marble: Marble is not used in the construction of traditional Mizo musical instruments.

The Gupta Empire was founded by Sri Gupta in the late 3rd century CE. He is credited as the progenitor of the dynasty, although he held a relatively modest title. His successor, Ghatotkacha, continued the lineage, but it was his grandson, Chandragupta I, who significantly expanded the empire and assumed the title of 'Maharajadhiraja'. Analysis of other options: - b. Samudragupta: He was the son of Chandragupta I and is known as the 'Napoleon of India' for his extensive military conquests, but he was not the founder. - c. Chandragupta II: Also known as Vikramaditya, he was the son of Samudragupta and is famous for the Golden Age of India, but he was a later ruler. - d. Skandagupta: He was a later ruler of the dynasty known for repelling the Huna invasions.

Step-by-step reasoning: 1. The question asks for the first woman Prime Minister of India. 2. Analyzing the options: - Option (a) Pratibha Patil: She was the first woman President of India, not the Prime Minister. - Option (b) Indira Gandhi: She served as the Prime Minister of India from 1966 to 1977 and again from 1980 to 1984, making her the first and only woman to hold this office to date. - Option (c) Sonia Gandhi: While a prominent political leader and former President of the Indian National Congress, she never held the office of Prime Minister. - Option (d) Rajkumari Amrit Kaur: She was India's first Health Minister, not the Prime Minister. 3. Based on historical facts and the provided reference context, Indira Gandhi is the correct answer.

In Mizo culture, traditional utilities are categorized by their materials and usage. 1. **Paikawng** is a traditional basket carried on the back, used for transporting goods. 2. **Tlamém** is a type of basket used for storing or carrying specific items. 3. **Dawrawn** is a large basket used for storage or transporting larger quantities of produce. 4. **Favah**, however, is not a basket. It is a traditional Mizo mat woven from bamboo or cane (often used for sitting or sleeping), making it a flat utility rather than a container/basket. Therefore, Favah is the only item among the options that is not used as a basket.

The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), launched on August 28, 2014, is the National Mission for Financial Inclusion. Its primary objective is to ensure that every household in India has access to basic financial services. This includes the opening of basic savings bank accounts, providing access to credit, remittances, insurance, and pension facilities, specifically targeting the weaker sections and low-income groups of society. Analysis of other options: - Option (a) 'Promoting digital transactions' is a byproduct or a tool used within the scheme (via RuPay cards), but not the primary overarching aim. - Option (c) 'Encouraging entrepreneurship' is the primary aim of schemes like PM Mudra Yojana or Startup India, not PMJDY. - Option (d) 'Reducing direct taxes' is a fiscal policy matter handled by the Ministry of Finance through the Union Budget, not a goal of a financial inclusion scheme.

The British East India Company gained the Diwani Rights (the right to collect revenues) of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa through the Treaty of Allahabad in 1765. This treaty was the direct consequence of the British victory in the Battle of Buxar (1764), where the combined forces of Mir Qasim (Nawab of Bengal), Shuja-ud-Daula (Nawab of Awadh), and Shah Alam II (Mughal Emperor) were defeated. The Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II granted the Diwani rights to the Company, effectively making them the financial administrators of these regions. Why other options are incorrect: - b. The Battle of Plassey (1757): While this battle established British influence and placed a puppet Nawab on the throne, it did not grant the legal right to collect revenue (Diwani). - c. Regulating Act 1773: This was a British Parliamentary act to regulate the affairs of the East India Company and establish a Governor-General; it was not a treaty for acquiring territory or rights. - d. Pitts India Act 1784: This act established a Board of Control in London to supervise the Company's civil, military, and revenue operations, but it did not grant the original Diwani rights.

The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015 and signed in 2016, is a legally binding international treaty on climate change. Its primary goal is to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius (2°C) above pre-industrial levels, while pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius (1.5°C). Analysis of options: - Option (a) is incorrect because the agreement focuses on a transition to low-carbon economies and reducing emissions, not an 'immediate' total end to all fossil fuel use, which would be economically and logistically impossible. - Option (b) is correct as it aligns with the central temperature goal of the treaty. - Option (c) is incorrect because population growth is not a mandate or goal of the Paris Agreement. - Option (d) is incorrect because the agreement aims to decrease, not increase, greenhouse gas emissions to combat global warming.

The Pyrenees is a mountain range in southwestern Europe that forms a natural geographic and political border between France and Spain, stretching from the Bay of Biscay (Atlantic Ocean) to the Mediterranean Sea. Analysis of other options: - a. Alps: These mountains are primarily located in Central Europe, forming borders between France, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia. - c. Carpathians: These are located in Central and Eastern Europe, primarily spanning Romania, Ukraine, Poland, and Slovakia. - d. Apennines: This range runs along the entire length of the Italian Peninsula, forming the 'spine' of Italy.

The economy is generally divided into three main sectors based on the nature of the activity: 1. **Primary Sector**: Involves the extraction and production of raw materials from nature (e.g., agriculture, mining, fishing, forestry). 2. **Secondary Sector**: Involves the processing of raw materials into finished goods through manufacturing (e.g., factories, construction, textile mills). 3. **Tertiary Sector**: Also known as the 'Service Sector', it does not produce physical goods but provides essential services to consumers and other businesses. Activities such as trade, transport, communication, banking, education, and healthcare fall under this category because they facilitate the movement and exchange of goods and information produced by the primary and secondary sectors. Option 'd' (Economic sector) is a general term referring to any part of the economy and is not a specific classification like the other three.

The Mizo language is a member of the Kuki-Chin branch of the Tibeto-Burman language family. This family is a large group of languages spoken across East Asia, Southeast Asia, and parts of South Asia (including the Himalayan region and Northeast India). Breakdown of options: - a. Mon-Khmer: This is a branch of the Austroasiatic language family (e.g., Khmer, Vietnamese), which is distinct from the Tibeto-Burman family. - b. Indo-Chinese: This is a geographical/cultural term rather than a recognized linguistic family classification. - c. Tibeto-Burman: Correct. Mizo, along with other languages of the Kuki-Chin-Mizo group, falls under this classification. - d. Karen: While Karen languages are also part of the broader Tibeto-Burman family, 'Karen' refers to a specific subgroup of languages/people, not the overarching family to which Mizo belongs.