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Past Questions — 2025
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is located in -
A)
Meghalaya
B)
Darjeeling
C)
Assam
D)
Manipur
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.
Which of the following is the longest bone in the human body?
A)
Femur
B)
Tibia
C)
Humerus
D)
Radius
The human skeleton consists of 206 bones, categorized by size, shape, and location.
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):** This is the second longest bone in the body, located in the lower leg. While large, it is shorter than the femur.
3. **Humerus:** This is the longest bone of the upper limb (arm), extending from the shoulder to the elbow, but it is significantly shorter than the femur.
4. **Radius:** This is one of the two bones in the forearm (alongside the ulna). It is much shorter than the femur, tibia, and humerus.
Therefore, the femur is correctly identified as the longest bone.
The Paris Agreement aims to-
A)
End all fossil fuel use immediately
B)
Limit global temperature rise to below 2°C
C)
Reduce population growth
D)
Increase greenhouse gas emissions
The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty on climate change adopted by 196 Parties at COP 21 in Paris on 12 December 2015. Its primary goal is to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change by keeping a global temperature rise this century well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Analysis of other options:
- Option (a) is incorrect because the agreement focuses on a transition to low-carbon economies and 'phasing down' or 'phasing out' fossil fuels over time, rather than an immediate total end, which would be economically and logistically impossible.
- Option (c) is incorrect as population growth is not a direct mandate or goal of the Paris Agreement.
- Option (d) is incorrect because the agreement aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to achieve the temperature goals, not increase them.
Which among the following is the supreme law of the land in India?
A)
Indian Penal Code
B)
Constitution of India
C)
Fundamental Rights
D)
Directive Principles of State Policy
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 (Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary), and outlines the relationship between the state and its citizens. Any law passed by the Parliament or State Legislatures that contradicts the provisions of the Constitution can be declared null and void by the judiciary through the power of Judicial Review.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Indian Penal Code: This is a statutory law (a code) created by the legislature to define crimes and punishments; it is subordinate to the Constitution.
- c. Fundamental Rights: These are essential rights guaranteed to citizens, but they are a PART of the Constitution, not the supreme law itself.
- d. Directive Principles of State Policy: These are guidelines for the government to follow while making laws; they are non-justiciable and are also a PART of the Constitution.
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 British ecologist Norman Myers in 1988. He proposed this concept to identify regions that are both rich in endemic species (species found nowhere else on Earth) and 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.
Why other options are incorrect:
- 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; his work predates the modern concept of biodiversity hotspots by over a century.
- 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 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 (along with the Echidna) is a monotreme; it possesses mammary glands to feed its young with milk but lays leathery eggs similar to reptiles.
Analysis of other options:
- a. Dolphin: A placental mammal that gives birth to live young.
- b. Bat: A placental mammal that gives birth to live young.
- d. Kangaroo: A marsupial mammal; it gives birth to underdeveloped live young which then complete their development in a pouch.
Which of the following gases is primarily responsible for the depletion of the ozone layer?
A)
Carbon dioxide
B)
Sulfur dioxide
C)
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
D)
Methane
The depletion of the ozone layer is primarily caused by Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). When CFCs reach the stratosphere, they are broken down by ultraviolet (UV) radiation, releasing chlorine atoms. A single chlorine atom can destroy thousands of ozone (O3) molecules by reacting with them to form oxygen (O2), thereby thinning the ozone layer and allowing more harmful UV radiation to reach the Earth's surface.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Carbon dioxide (CO2): This is a primary greenhouse gas responsible for global warming, but it does not directly cause the chemical depletion of the ozone layer.
- b. Sulfur dioxide (SO2): This gas is primarily associated with acid rain and volcanic activity; it does not play a primary role in ozone depletion.
- d. Methane (CH4): While methane is a potent greenhouse gas and can influence stratospheric chemistry, it is not the primary agent responsible for the depletion of the ozone layer compared to the catalytic destruction caused by CFCs.
What is the chemical symbol for gold?
A)
Au
B)
Ag
C)
Pb
D)
Fe
The chemical symbol for Gold is 'Au', which is derived from the Latin word 'Aurum', meaning 'shining dawn'.
Analysis of other options:
- b. Ag: This is the symbol for Silver (from the Latin 'Argentum').
- c. Pb: This is the symbol for Lead (from the Latin 'Plumbum').
- d. Fe: This is the symbol for Iron (from the Latin 'Ferrum').
Tumphit instrument is made of -
A)
Mithun’s horn
B)
Wooden pieces
C)
Bamboo tubes
D)
Marble
The Tumphit is a traditional Mizo wind instrument. It is specifically crafted from the horn of a Mithun (Bos frontalis), which is a semi-domesticated bovine found in Northeast India and highly valued in Mizo culture. The horn is modified to create a trumpet-like sound.
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.
Which of the following is a primary sector activity?
A)
Banking
B)
Services
C)
Agriculture
D)
IT
In economics, economic activities are divided into three main sectors:
1. **Primary Sector**: This sector involves the extraction and harvesting of natural resources directly from the earth. Examples include agriculture, forestry, fishing, and mining. Since agriculture involves cultivating land to produce crops, it is a primary sector activity.
2. **Secondary Sector**: This sector involves the processing of raw materials into finished goods (manufacturing). Examples include textile mills, car factories, and construction.
3. **Tertiary Sector**: This sector provides services to consumers and other businesses rather than producing tangible goods.
Evaluating the options:
- **Banking (a)**: This is a service provided to manage money; it belongs to the Tertiary Sector.
- **Services (b)**: This is the general definition of the Tertiary Sector itself.
- **Agriculture (c)**: This involves direct extraction/production from nature; it belongs to the Primary Sector.
- **IT (d)**: Information Technology provides digital services and software; it belongs to the Tertiary Sector.
Which amendment of the Constitution of India is known as mini-constitution?
A)
Constitution Forty-First Amendment Act, 1976
B)
Constitution Forty-Second Amendment Act, 1976
C)
Constitution Forty-Third Amendment Act, 1977
D)
Constitution Forty-Fourth Amendment Act, 1978
The 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 is widely referred to as the 'Mini-Constitution' because of the sheer volume and breadth of the changes it introduced to the Indian Constitution. It was enacted during the Emergency period under the government of Indira Gandhi.
Key changes introduced by the 42nd Amendment include:
1. Addition of three new words to the Preamble: 'Socialist', 'Secular', and 'Integrity'.
2. Introduction of 'Fundamental Duties' (Part IV-A) based on the Swaran Singh Committee recommendations.
3. Extension of the tenure of the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies from 5 to 6 years (later reversed by the 44th Amendment).
4. Giving primacy to Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) over Fundamental Rights in certain cases.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Option (a): The 41st Amendment dealt with specific administrative/legal adjustments and did not overhaul the constitution.
- Option (c): The 43rd Amendment was a minor amendment regarding the salaries of judges.
- Option (d): The 44th Amendment Act (1978) is significant because it reversed many of the controversial changes made by the 42nd Amendment to restore democratic checks and balances, but it is not called the 'Mini-Constitution'.
The Mizo village medicine man was called -
A)
Sadawt
B)
Bawlpa
C)
Tlahpawi
D)
Ramhual
In traditional Mizo society, the 'Sadawt' was the village medicine man or healer. They were believed to possess knowledge of medicinal herbs and the spiritual power to cure ailments.
Analysis of other options:
- Bawlpa: Refers to a person who is an expert in traditional Mizo customs or a traditional leader/elder known for their wisdom in customary law.
- Tlahpawi: This term is not associated with medicine men; it generally refers to specific traditional activities or roles unrelated to healing.
- Ramhual: Literally translates to 'outsider' or 'foreigner' (someone from outside the village or tribe), and is not a professional title for a healer.
Which sector includes activities like trade, transport, and communication?
A)
Primary sector
B)
Secondary sector
C)
Tertiary sector
D)
Economic sector
The economy is divided into three main sectors based on the nature of the activity:
1. Primary Sector: This involves the extraction and production of raw materials from nature. Examples include agriculture, mining, fishing, and forestry.
2. Secondary Sector: This involves the processing of raw materials into finished goods through manufacturing. Examples include factories, construction, and textile mills.
3. Tertiary Sector: Also known as the 'Service Sector,' it does not produce tangible goods but provides essential services to support the primary and secondary sectors, as well as to consumers. Trade, transport, communication, banking, insurance, and tourism are classic examples of tertiary activities.
Option (d) 'Economic sector' is a general term encompassing all three of the above, not a specific category for services.
What is the primary source of energy for the Earth?
A)
The Moon
B)
The Sun
C)
Fossil fuels
D)
Wind
The Sun is the primary source of energy for Earth. It provides solar radiation in the form of light and heat, which drives almost all biological and physical processes on the planet. 1) Photosynthesis: Plants capture sunlight to produce chemical energy, forming the base of the food chain. 2) Weather Patterns: Solar heating causes evaporation and atmospheric pressure differences, driving wind and the water cycle. 3) Temperature: It maintains the Earth's surface temperature to allow liquid water and life to exist.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. The Moon: The Moon does not produce its own energy; it only reflects sunlight and influences tides via gravity.
- c. Fossil fuels: These are secondary energy sources; they are essentially 'stored' solar energy from ancient plants and animals.
- d. Wind: Wind is a result of uneven heating of the Earth's atmosphere by the Sun, making it a derivative source, not the primary one.
Alexander the Great conquered India in the year -
A)
326 BC
B)
327 BC
C)
326 BC
D)
325 BC
Alexander the Great, the King of Macedonia, invaded the Indian subcontinent in 326 BC. His most famous engagement in India was the Battle of the Hydaspes, fought in 326 BC against King Porus of the Paurava kingdom. Although he won the battle, his army eventually refused to advance further east toward the Ganges plain due to exhaustion and fear of the powerful Nanda Empire, leading to his retreat from India in 325 BC. Note: In the provided options, 'a' and 'c' are identical (326 BC), both of which represent the historically accurate date of his conquest/invasion.
Which of the following rivers does not originate in India?
A)
Ganga
B)
Yamuna
C)
Indus
D)
Beas
To determine which river does not originate in India, we analyze the source of each river listed:
1. **Ganga (Option a):** Originates from the Gangotri Glacier (Gaumukh) in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India.
2. **Yamuna (Option b):** Originates from the Yamunotri Glacier on the Bandarpunch peaks in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India.
3. **Indus (Option c):** Originates in the Tibetan Plateau near Lake Mansarovar in the Kailash Range (Tibet, China). It flows northwest through Tibet before entering India in the Ladakh region.
4. **Beas (Option d):** Originates from the Beas Kund near the Rohtang Pass in the Kullu hills of Himachal Pradesh, India.
Since the Indus River originates in Tibet (China) and not in India, it is the correct answer.
What does the term “Social Capital’ refer to?
A)
Government funding for social programs
B)
Economic resources owned by society
C)
Networks of relationships among people ina society
D)
Total wealth of a country
In sociology, 'Social Capital' refers to the collective value of all 'social networks' and the inclinations that arise from these networks to do things for each other (reciprocity). It encompasses the trust, shared norms, and bonds that allow a society to function effectively.
Analysis of options:
- Option (a) is incorrect because government funding is 'Financial Capital' or 'Public Expenditure'.
- Option (b) is incorrect because economic resources (like land or machinery) are 'Physical' or 'Economic Capital'.
- Option (c) is correct as it accurately describes the sociological definition of social capital as the networks of relationships and trust between individuals.
- Option (d) is incorrect as the total wealth of a country is referred to as 'Gross National Product' (GNP) or 'Gross Domestic Product' (GDP).
Which of the following gases is primarily responsible for the greenhouse effect?
A)
Oxygen
B)
Carbon dioxide
C)
Nitrogen
D)
Helium
The greenhouse effect occurs when certain gases in Earth's atmosphere trap heat from the sun, preventing it from escaping back into space and thereby warming the planet.
1. **Carbon dioxide (CO2)** is a primary greenhouse gas. It is released through natural processes (such as respiration and volcanic eruptions) and human activities (such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation). Its molecular structure allows it to absorb and emit infrared radiation, which traps heat in the atmosphere.
2. **Oxygen (a)** and **Nitrogen (c)** make up the bulk of the atmosphere (approximately 21% and 78% respectively). However, because they are homonuclear diatomic molecules (O2 and N2), they do not absorb infrared radiation and therefore do not contribute to the greenhouse effect.
3. **Helium (d)** is a noble gas and is chemically inert; it does not possess the molecular properties required to trap heat in the atmosphere.
The Chief Secretary to the Government of Mizoram is -
A)
KhillaRam Meenu
B)
Khilli Ram Meena
C)
Ram Khilla Singh
D)
Anil Shukla
The Chief Secretary is the highest-ranking civil servant in a state government. As per the current administrative records of the Government of Mizoram, Shri Khilli Ram Meena, an IAS officer, serves as the Chief Secretary to the Government of Mizoram. Option (a) is a misspelling of the name, and options (c) and (d) are incorrect names. Therefore, option (b) is the accurate representation of the official's name.
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, the 'Thachhiah' was a system of forced labor or obligatory service. Under this custom, the villagers were required to provide labor and materials to the village chief (Lal) for specific tasks, most notably the construction of the chief's house or the maintenance of his property. This was a reflection of the chief's authority and the communal obligation of the villagers to support the leadership. Options a, c, and d (Sachhiah, Chichhiah, and Sechhiah) are not recognized terms in Mizo cultural history related to this practice; they appear to be phonetic distractors created for the examination.
Which of the following best defines ‘Ecotourism’?
A)
Sustainable tourism focused on conservation and community benefits
B)
Traveling to cities for shopping
C)
Large-scale industrial tourism
D)
Mining in protected areas
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. Definition: Ecotourism is defined as responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education.
2. Analysis of Option (a): This option aligns perfectly with the core pillars of ecotourism: sustainability, conservation of biodiversity, and providing socio-economic benefits to local communities.
3. Analysis of Option (b): Traveling to cities for shopping is categorized as urban tourism or commercial tourism, which has no inherent link to ecological conservation.
4. Analysis of Option (c): Large-scale industrial tourism focuses on factories and infrastructure, often having a high carbon footprint, which is the opposite of the 'eco-friendly' nature of ecotourism.
5. Analysis of Option (d): Mining in protected areas is an extractive industrial activity that destroys habitats; it is an environmental violation and the antithesis of ecotourism.
Therefore, option (a) is the only correct definition.
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 glucose levels resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. It is a non-communicable disease caused by genetics, lifestyle, or autoimmune factors, not by a pathogen like a virus. Therefore, option (d) is incorrect.
Conclusion: Only AIDS is caused by a virus.
Asoka followed the policy of Dhamma after which War?
A)
Patna War
B)
Magadha War
C)
Kalinga War
D)
Palinga War
Emperor Ashoka, the third ruler of the Mauryan dynasty, waged a brutal war against the state of Kalinga (modern-day Odisha) around 261 BCE. The immense bloodshed and suffering caused by this conflict—resulting in hundreds of thousands of deaths and deportations—filled Ashoka with deep remorse and guilt. Consequently, he abandoned the policy of 'Bherighosha' (conquest by war) and adopted the policy of 'Dhammaghosha' (conquest by righteousness/Dhamma). He converted to Buddhism and promoted a code of ethical conduct known as 'Ashoka's Dhamma,' which emphasized non-violence (ahimsa), tolerance, and respect for all living beings. Options a, b, and d are incorrect as they do not refer to the pivotal conflict that led to Ashoka's spiritual and political transformation.
Which district in India has the highest literacy?
A)
Malappuram district in Kerala
B)
Serchhip district in Mizoram
C)
Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu
D)
Mokokchung district in Nagaland
Based on the Census of India 2011 (which remains the primary official source for district-level demographic data in competitive exams), Serchhip district in Mizoram is recorded as having the highest literacy rate in India, with a literacy rate of approximately 98.23%.
Analysis of other options:
- Malappuram (Kerala): While Kerala is the most literate state, Malappuram is historically one of the districts with lower literacy rates compared to the state average.
- Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu): While highly literate, it does not reach the peak levels seen in the North-Eastern districts like Serchhip.
- Mokokchung (Nagaland): This district has a high literacy rate, but it is lower than that of Serchhip.
Therefore, Serchhip is the correct answer.
Drain of Wealth Theory was propounded by-
A)
RP Dutt
B)
Dadabhai Naoroji
C)
Bal Gangadhar Tilak
D)
Mahatma Gandhi
The 'Drain of Wealth' theory was propounded by Dadabhai Naoroji, often referred to as the 'Grand Old Man of India'. In his seminal work, 'Poverty and Un-British Rule in India', Naoroji argued that a significant portion of India's national wealth was being exported to Britain without any equivalent economic return. This 'drain' occurred through salaries, pensions, interest on public debt, and trade imbalances, which systematically impoverished the Indian economy under British colonial rule.
Why other options are incorrect:
- RP Dutt: While he wrote 'India Today' and analyzed the economic impact of colonialism from a Marxist perspective, he did not originate the Drain of Wealth theory.
- Bal Gangadhar Tilak: He was a prominent nationalist leader known for his 'Swaraj' movement and the Ganpati/Shivaji festivals, but not for this specific economic theory.
- Mahatma Gandhi: He focused on 'Swadeshi' (self-reliance) and the promotion of Khadi to counter economic exploitation, but the formal academic propounding of the Drain Theory predates his primary political leadership and was led by Naoroji.