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Past Questions — 2025
Which Indian state has the highest population density as per the latest census?
A)
Maharashtra
B)
Uttar Pradesh
C)
Bihar
D)
West Bengal
Population density is calculated as the number of persons per square kilometer of land area. According to the 2011 Census of India (which remains the latest official census data available for competitive exams), Bihar has the highest population density among all Indian states, with approximately 1,106 persons per square km.
Comparing the options:
- Bihar: ~1,106 persons/sq km (Highest)
- West Bengal: ~1,028 persons/sq km (Second highest)
- Uttar Pradesh: ~829 persons/sq km
- Maharashtra: ~365 persons/sq km
Therefore, Bihar is the correct answer.
Which is the largest continent by land area?
A)
NorthAmerica
B)
Africa
C)
Asia
D)
Europe
To determine the largest continent by land area, we compare the sizes of the options provided:
1. Asia: The largest continent, covering approximately 44.5 million square kilometers (roughly 30% of Earth's total land area).
2. Africa: The second largest continent.
3. North America: The third largest continent.
4. Europe: Significantly smaller than Asia, Africa, and North America.
Based on geographical data, Asia is the largest continent in both land area and population, making option 'c' the correct choice.
Thimkual is -
A)
A brass hairpin
B)
Hair comb
C)
Earrings
D)
Necklaces
In Mizo traditional culture, 'Thimkual' refers to a traditional brass hairpin used by Mizo women to secure their hair buns. It is a piece of traditional jewelry that reflects the cultural heritage and aesthetic practices of the Mizo people. Options b (Hair comb), c (Earrings), and d (Necklaces) refer to different types of ornaments (such as 'Thihna' or other specific traditional jewelry) and do not correspond to the term 'Thimkual'.
The credit for Integrating the Princely States into the Union goes to
A)
Mahatma Gandhi
B)
Jawaharlal Nehru
C)
Sardar Vallabhai Patel
D)
Raja Rammohan Roy
After India gained independence in 1947, there were over 560 princely states that were technically independent. The monumental task of integrating these states into the Indian Union was led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first Home Minister of India, and his secretary V.P. Menon. Patel used a combination of diplomacy, persuasion, and, in some cases (like Hyderabad), military force (Operation Polo) to ensure the territorial integrity of India. For this reason, he is widely known as the 'Iron Man of India' and the 'Unifier of India'.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Mahatma Gandhi: While he was the spiritual and political leader of the independence movement, he did not hold a government office during the administrative process of integration.
- b. Jawaharlal Nehru: Although he was the Prime Minister and supported the integration, the primary responsibility and execution of the integration process rested with the Home Ministry under Patel.
- d. Raja Rammohan Roy: He is known as the 'Father of the Indian Renaissance' and lived in the early 19th century, long before the 1947 independence and integration process.
The term where the villagers are obliged to construct a house of a chief is -
A)
Sachhiah
B)
Thachhiah
C)
Chichhiah
D)
Sechhiah
In traditional Mizo society, 'Thachhiah' refers to a system of compulsory labor or a social obligation where villagers were required to assist the village chief in constructing his house or performing other major tasks. This was a form of community service rendered to the chief as a mark of respect and recognition of his authority. The other options (Sachhiah, Chichhiah, Sechhiah) are not recognized terms for this specific cultural practice in Mizo history and tradition.
Which of the following is a mammal that lays eggs?
A)
Dolphin
B)
Bat
C)
Platypus
D)
Kangaroo
Mammals are generally characterized by giving birth to live young, but there is a small group of mammals called Monotremes that lay eggs. The Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) is a prime example of a monotreme; it possesses mammary glands to feed its young but lays leathery eggs similar to reptiles.
Analysis of other options:
- a. Dolphin: These are placental mammals that give birth to live young.
- b. Bat: These are placental mammals that give birth to live young.
- d. Kangaroo: These are marsupials; they give birth to underdeveloped live young which then continue to develop in a pouch.
The Mizo village medicine man was called -
A)
Sadawt
B)
Bawlpi
C)
Tlahpawi
D)
Rambhual
In traditional Mizo society, the 'Sadawt' was the village medicine man or traditional healer. They were believed to possess special knowledge of herbs and spiritual rituals to cure ailments and ward off evil spirits.
Analysis of other options:
- Bawlpi: Refers to a specific type of traditional Mizo attire or a style of wrapping cloth.
- Tlahpawi: This is not a recognized term for a medicine man in Mizo cultural history.
- Rambhual: This is not a recognized term for a medicine man in Mizo cultural history.
The term ‘Sixth Mass Extinction’ refers to-
A)
A geological phenomenon
B)
A period of increased volcanic activity
C)
Human-induced loss of species
D)
The end of the Ice Age
The 'Sixth Mass Extinction' (also known as the Holocene extinction or Anthropocene extinction) refers to the ongoing event in which species are disappearing at a rate significantly higher than the natural background extinction rate. Unlike the previous five mass extinctions, which were caused by natural phenomena such as asteroid impacts, massive volcanic eruptions, or extreme climate shifts, the current extinction event is primarily driven by human (anthropogenic) activities. These include habitat destruction, overexploitation of resources, pollution, the introduction of invasive species, and human-induced climate change.
Analysis of other options:
- Option (a) 'A geological phenomenon' is too broad; while it occurs within a geological timeframe, the specific driver is biological/anthropogenic.
- Option (b) 'A period of increased volcanic activity' describes some of the previous mass extinctions (like the Permian-Triassic extinction), but not the current one.
- Option (d) 'The end of the Ice Age' refers to the transition from the Pleistocene to the Holocene, which involved climate shifts but is not the defining characteristic of the 'Sixth Mass Extinction'.
Which of these diseases is caused by a virus?
A)
Tuberculosis
B)
Malaria
C)
AIDS
D)
Diabetes
Step-by-step analysis of the options:
1. **AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)**: This disease is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). HIV attacks the body's immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (T cells), making the body vulnerable to opportunistic infections. Therefore, it is a viral disease.
2. **Tuberculosis (TB)**: This is caused by the bacterium *Mycobacterium tuberculosis*. Since it is caused by bacteria, not a virus, option (a) is incorrect.
3. **Malaria**: This is caused by plasmodium parasites (protozoa) and is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. Since it is caused by a parasite, option (b) is incorrect.
4. **Diabetes**: This is a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. It is a non-communicable disease caused by genetics or lifestyle factors, not by a pathogen like a virus. Therefore, option (d) is incorrect.
Conclusion: Only AIDS is caused by a virus.
The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) considers which factors?
A)
Only income levels
B)
Health, education, and standard of living
C)
Inflation and unemployment
D)
Agricultural productivity
The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) is a sophisticated measure developed by the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Unlike traditional poverty measures that rely solely on income or consumption (monetary poverty), the MPI recognizes that poverty is complex and manifests in various deprivations. It specifically evaluates poverty across three key dimensions: 1. Health (e.g., nutrition, child mortality), 2. Education (e.g., years of schooling, school attendance), and 3. Standard of Living (e.g., access to clean water, sanitation, electricity, and housing).
Analysis of options:
- Option (a) is incorrect because the MPI was specifically designed to go 'beyond' only income levels.
- Option (c) is incorrect as inflation and unemployment are macroeconomic indicators, not the primary dimensions of the MPI.
- Option (d) is incorrect as agricultural productivity is a sector-specific metric and not a core dimension of the global MPI framework.
What is the basic unit of life?
A)
Organ
B)
Cell
C)
Tissue
D)
Organism
The cell is defined as the basic structural, functional, and biological unit of all known living organisms. According to the Cell Theory, all living things are composed of one or more cells, and the cell is the smallest unit of life capable of performing all the processes necessary for survival.
Analysis of other options:
- a. Organ: An organ is a collection of tissues joined in a structural unit to serve a common function (e.g., the heart). It is a higher level of organization than a cell.
- c. Tissue: A tissue is a group of similar cells that work together to perform a specific function. It is composed of cells.
- d. Organism: An organism is an individual living thing. While a unicellular organism is a single cell, multicellular organisms are composed of trillions of cells. Therefore, the organism is the whole, while the cell is the basic unit.
What is the longest river in India?
A)
Ganga
B)
Krishna
C)
Brahmaputra
D)
Godavari
Step-by-step reasoning: 1. The question asks for the longest river located within India. 2. The Ganga (Ganges) is the longest river in India, with a total length of approximately 2,525 km. 3. Comparing the options:
- Ganga: ~2,525 km (Longest in India).
- Godavari: ~1,465 km (The longest river in Peninsular India, often called 'Dakshin Ganga', but shorter than the Ganga).
- Krishna: ~1,400 km.
- Brahmaputra: While the Brahmaputra is longer in total length across Asia, its course within the Indian territory is shorter than that of the Ganga.
Therefore, the Ganga is the correct answer.
The first skywalk in Mizoram which was inaugurated in Aizawl by Chief Minister Lalduhoma is designed to hold upto -
A)
150 people at a time
B)
125 people at atime
C)
135 people at atime
D)
100 people at a time
The first skywalk in Mizoram was inaugurated by Chief Minister Lalduhoma in Aizawl. This architectural landmark was designed as a tourist attraction to provide panoramic views of the city. According to the technical specifications and official announcements made during its inauguration, the skywalk is engineered with a specific load-bearing capacity to ensure safety, which allows it to hold up to 100 people at a single time. Options a, b, and c are incorrect as they exceed the designated safety capacity of the structure.
The rank of India in the Climate Risk Index (CRI) 20235 is -
A)
4h
B)
st
C)
6%
D)
8%
The correct option is **b**. India’s rank in the **Climate Risk Index (CRI) 2023** is **8th**. The CRI ranks countries based on the impacts of extreme weather events, and India is placed at **8th position** in the 2023 index. The other options are incorrect because **4th**, **6th**, and **8%** are not the reported rank; only **8th** matches the official CRI 2023 ranking for India.
Mizo society is a-
A)
Patriarchal society
B)
Matriarchal society
C)
Polyandrous society
D)
Polygamous society
Mizo society is traditionally a patriarchal society. In a patriarchal system, the lineage, inheritance, and family authority are traced through the male line (patrilineal). In Mizo culture, the family name and ancestral property are typically passed from father to son, and the male head of the household traditionally holds the primary decision-making authority.
Why other options are incorrect:
- b. Matriarchal society: This is a system where power and inheritance are passed through the female line (e.g., the Khasi tribe in Meghalaya), which is not the case for the Mizos.
- c. Polyandrous society: Polyandry is a form of marriage where one woman has multiple husbands. This is not a characteristic of Mizo culture.
- d. Polygamous society: While polygamy (specifically polygyny) may have existed in very ancient or rare historical contexts in various tribal societies, the fundamental structural organization of Mizo society is defined by its patriarchal lineage rather than a system of multiple spouses.
Who has the power to dissolve the Lok Sabha?
A)
The President of India
B)
The Prime Minister of India
C)
The Speaker of the Lok Sabha
D)
The Chief Justice of India
According to Article 85(2)(b) of the Constitution of India, the President has the power to dissolve the Lok Sabha. While the President exercises this power, it is typically done on the advice of the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister.
Why other options are incorrect:
- b. The Prime Minister: While the Prime Minister recommends the dissolution, the formal legal authority to dissolve the House rests with the President.
- c. The Speaker: The Speaker presides over the House and can adjourn or suspend sittings, but does not have the constitutional power to dissolve the Lok Sabha.
- d. The Chief Justice of India: The CJI heads the judiciary and has no role in the dissolution of the legislative body.
Which Govt. of India scheme aims to provide housing to all?
A)
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)
B)
Smart Cities Mission
C)
National Urban Livelihoods Mission
D)
Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)
The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) is a flagship mission of the Government of India launched with the objective of providing 'Housing for All'. It is divided into two components: PMAY-Urban (PMAY-U) and PMAY-Gramin (PMAY-G), targeting the urban poor and rural households respectively.
Why other options are incorrect:
- b. Smart Cities Mission: Focuses on promoting cities that provide core infrastructure and a decent quality of life through 'Smart' solutions, not specifically on universal housing.
- c. National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM): Aims to reduce poverty and vulnerability of urban poor households by enabling them to diversify their livelihoods.
- d. Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT): Focuses on establishing infrastructure that could ensure robust sewage networks and water supply for urban transformation, rather than housing construction.
An earthen pot used for sacrificial purposes is -
A)
Haite
B)
Dumbur
C)
Lampei
D)
Paihper
In traditional Mizo culture, different types of earthen pots were used for specific purposes. A 'Dumbur' is a specific type of earthen pot traditionally used for sacrificial purposes or ritualistic offerings.
Analysis of other options:
- Haite: Not a recognized term for a sacrificial pot in Mizo culture.
- Lampei: Generally refers to a type of traditional dance or specific cultural performance/instrument context, not a pot.
- Paihper: Not the standard term for a sacrificial earthen pot.
Which of the following best describes ‘Social Protection’?
A)
Policies aimed at reducing budget deficits
B)
Programs that provide security against economic risks and vulnerabilities
C)
Privatization of social services
D)
Measures to encourage international trade
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. **Definition Analysis**: According to the United Nations and other international development bodies, 'Social Protection' refers to a set of policies and programs designed to reduce poverty and vulnerability. It aims to protect individuals and families from shocks and risks (such as unemployment, sickness, old age, or disability) that adversely affect their well-being.
2. **Evaluating Option (b)**: This option directly aligns with the definition. 'Security against economic risks and vulnerabilities' encompasses income support, social insurance, and social assistance programs intended to prevent people from falling into poverty.
3. **Evaluating Option (a)**: Reducing budget deficits is a goal of 'Fiscal Policy' or 'Austerity Measures,' not social protection. In fact, social protection programs often increase government spending.
4. **Evaluating Option (c)**: Privatization is the transfer of ownership from the public sector to the private sector. Social protection is typically a state-led or public-interest initiative to ensure basic rights and security.
5. **Evaluating Option (d)**: Encouraging international trade is a goal of 'Trade Policy' or 'Economic Liberalization,' which is unrelated to the specific goal of protecting vulnerable populations from economic hardship.
Which of the following is the main cause of ocean acidification?
A)
Excess oxygen in water
B)
Carbon dioxide absorption by seawater
C)
Oilspills
D)
Marine biodiversity loss
Ocean acidification is a chemical process caused by the absorption of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere into the ocean. When CO2 dissolves in seawater, it reacts with water to form carbonic acid (H2CO3), which then dissociates into bicarbonate and hydrogen ions. An increase in the concentration of hydrogen ions leads to a decrease in the pH level of the water, making it more acidic.
Analysis of other options:
- Option (a) Excess oxygen: Increased oxygen levels do not cause acidification; in fact, low oxygen levels (hypoxia) are a separate environmental concern.
- Option (c) Oil spills: While oil spills cause severe localized pollution and toxicity to marine life, they are not the primary driver of global ocean acidification.
- Option (d) Marine biodiversity loss: This is a consequence (effect) of ocean acidification and other stressors, not the cause of the acidification itself.
The term ‘Biodiversity Hotspot’ was coined by-
A)
E.O. Wilson
B)
Norman Myers
C)
Charles Darwin
D)
Rachel Carson
The term 'Biodiversity Hotspot' was coined by the British ecologist Norman Myers in 1988. He defined these regions as biogeographic areas that possess exceptional levels of plant endemism (species found nowhere else) and are under significant threat of habitat loss. To qualify as a hotspot, a region must meet two strict criteria: it must contain at least 1,500 species of vascular plants as endemics, and it must have lost at least 70% of its original native vegetation.
Analysis of other options:
- E.O. Wilson: While he is known as the 'father of biodiversity' and contributed immensely to the study of sociobiology and conservation, he did not coin the specific term 'Biodiversity Hotspot'.
- Charles Darwin: He is the father of evolutionary biology and proposed the theory of natural selection, long before the modern concept of biodiversity hotspots was established.
- Rachel Carson: She was a marine biologist and conservationist best known for her book 'Silent Spring', which alerted the world to the dangers of pesticides (DDT), but she did not coin this term.
Which is the largest planet in the Solar System?
A)
Saturn
B)
Earth
C)
Neptune
D)
Jupiter
Step-by-step reasoning: 1. The Solar System consists of eight major planets. 2. To determine the largest planet, we compare their equatorial diameters. 3. Jupiter is a gas giant with a mean radius of approximately 69,911 km, making it the largest planet in our solar system. 4. Comparing the options: Saturn is the second largest, Neptune is the fourth largest, and Earth is the fifth largest. Therefore, Jupiter is the correct answer.
The Earth’s core is mainly composed of which two elements?
A)
Oxygen and Nitrogen
B)
Iron and Nickel
C)
Carbon and Hydrogen
D)
Silicon and Magnesium
The Earth's interior is divided into three main layers: the crust, the mantle, and the core. The core is the innermost part of the Earth and is primarily composed of heavy metallic elements. Specifically, it consists mainly of Iron (Fe) and Nickel (Ni), which is why it is often referred to as the 'NiFe' layer.
Breakdown of options:
- Option (a) Oxygen and Nitrogen: These are the primary components of the Earth's atmosphere, not the core.
- Option (b) Iron and Nickel: Correct. These dense metals sank to the center of the Earth during the process of planetary differentiation.
- Option (c) Carbon and Hydrogen: These are organic building blocks and common in the universe, but they do not make up the bulk of the Earth's core.
- Option (d) Silicon and Magnesium: These are the primary components of the Earth's mantle (peridotite) and crust (silicates), but not the core.
Which of the following is not a Fundamental Duty?
A)
To abide by the Constitution
B)
To vote in elections
C)
To protect the sovereignty of India
D)
To protect the environment
Fundamental Duties are listed under Article 51A of the Indian Constitution (Part IV-A), added by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976.
1. Option (a) 'To abide by the Constitution' is a Fundamental Duty: Article 51A(a) states it is the duty of every citizen to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions.
2. Option (c) 'To protect the sovereignty of India' is a Fundamental Duty: Article 51A(c) mandates citizens to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.
3. Option (d) 'To protect the environment' is a Fundamental Duty: Article 51A(g) mandates citizens to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife.
4. Option (b) 'To vote in elections' is a legal and civic right/responsibility, but it is NOT listed as a Fundamental Duty under Article 51A of the Constitution. Therefore, it is the correct answer to the question 'Which of the following is NOT a Fundamental Duty?'
Which of the following refers to a relationship between a cultural group and its natural environment?
A)
Cultural ecology
B)
Cultural convergence
C)
Cultural diffusion
D)
Cultural assimilation
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. **Analyze the Question**: The question asks for the term that describes the relationship between a cultural group and its natural environment.
2. **Evaluate Option (a) Cultural ecology**: By definition, cultural ecology is the study of how human cultures adapt to their physical environment and how they, in turn, modify that environment. It focuses specifically on the interaction between culture and nature. This matches the question perfectly.
3. **Evaluate Option (b) Cultural convergence**: This refers to the process where different cultures become more similar to one another as they interact (often due to globalization), not the relationship with the natural environment.
4. **Evaluate Option (c) Cultural diffusion**: This is the spread of cultural beliefs and social activities from one group to another (e.g., the spread of a religion or language), which is a social process rather than an environmental one.
5. **Evaluate Option (d) Cultural assimilation**: This occurs when a minority group or individual gradually adopts the customs and attitudes of a prevailing dominant culture, losing their original cultural identity in the process.
Conclusion: Only 'Cultural ecology' addresses the man-nature relationship.