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Past Questions
The main source of irrigation in India is-
A)
Wells
B)
Canals
C)
Rainwater
D)
Lakes
In India, groundwater irrigation (which includes wells and tube wells) is the primary source of irrigation. According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and various government reports, more than 60% of the total irrigated area in India is covered by groundwater sources.
1. Wells/Tube wells (Option a): These are the most dominant source due to their accessibility and the ability of farmers to control the timing and quantity of water application.
2. Canals (Option b): While significant, especially in Northern India (Punjab, Haryana), canal irrigation covers a smaller percentage of the total irrigated area compared to wells.
3. Rainwater (Option c): Rainwater is the basis for 'rain-fed' agriculture, but by definition, 'irrigation' refers to the artificial application of water to land. Therefore, rainwater is not considered a source of irrigation, but rather a natural source of moisture.
4. Lakes (Option d): Lakes are not a primary or widespread source of systematic irrigation in India.
A trapezoidal canal has a bottom width of 4 m, depth of 2 m, and side slope of 1:1. What is the top width?
A)
6m
B)
8m
C)
10m
D)
12m
To find the top width of a trapezoidal canal, we use the geometry of the cross-section.
1. **Given Data:**
- Bottom width (b) = 4 m
- Depth (d) = 2 m
- Side slope (z) = 1:1 (This means for every 1 unit of vertical rise, there is 1 unit of horizontal run. Therefore, z = 1).
2. **Formula for Top Width (T):**
The top width of a trapezoidal channel is calculated as:
T = b + 2 * (z * d)
3. **Calculation:**
T = 4 + 2 * (1 * 2)
T = 4 + 2 * (2)
T = 4 + 4
T = 8 m
4. **Analysis of Options:**
- Option (a) 6m: Incorrect. This would occur if the side slope was 0.5:1.
- Option (b) 8m: Correct. Matches the calculated value.
- Option (c) 10m: Incorrect. This would occur if the side slope was 1.5:1.
- Option (d) 12m: Incorrect. This would occur if the side slope was 2:1.
Which of the following is NOT a type of irrigation?
A)
Drip irrigation
B)
Sprinkler irrigation
C)
Aquifer irrigation
D)
Surface irrigation
Irrigation is the artificial application of water to soil for the purpose of crop production. The options provided are analyzed as follows:
1. **Surface Irrigation (Option d):** This is the most common method where water is applied across the land surface by gravity (e.g., furrow, basin, or border irrigation).
2. **Sprinkler Irrigation (Option b):** A method of applying water in a spray similar to rainfall, using a system of pipes and nozzles.
3. **Drip Irrigation (Option a):** Also known as trickle irrigation, this method delivers water slowly and precisely to the root zone of plants through a network of valves and emitters.
4. **Aquifer Irrigation (Option c):** An aquifer is a geological formation (rock or sediment) that stores and transmits groundwater. While water is *extracted* from an aquifer to be used for irrigation, 'Aquifer irrigation' is not a recognized technical category or method of applying water to crops. The process of using groundwater is generally categorized under the delivery method (e.g., using a pump to feed a drip or sprinkler system).
Therefore, 'Aquifer irrigation' is not a type of irrigation method.
Which of the following is NOT an advantage of sprinkler irrigation?
A)
Suitable for undulating terrain
B)
Efficient water distribution
C)
Reduces soil erosion
D)
Lowinitial investment cost
Sprinkler irrigation is a pressurized irrigation system. Let's evaluate the options based on engineering principles:
1. **Suitable for undulating terrain (Option a):** This is an ADVANTAGE. Unlike surface irrigation (which requires precise land leveling), sprinklers can be used on slopes and uneven ground because water is delivered under pressure.
2. **Efficient water distribution (Option b):** This is an ADVANTAGE. Sprinklers allow for precise control over the amount of water applied, reducing waste compared to flood irrigation.
3. **Reduces soil erosion (Option c):** This is generally an ADVANTAGE. Because water is applied in small droplets (simulating rain) rather than in heavy flows or floods, it prevents the surface runoff that typically causes soil erosion on slopes.
4. **Low initial investment cost (Option d):** This is NOT an advantage; it is a DISADVANTAGE. Sprinkler systems require a significant initial capital investment for pumps, piping, nozzles, and control valves, making them much more expensive to install than traditional surface irrigation methods.
Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer as it is a drawback, not an advantage.
What is a major disadvantage of surface drainage?
A)
Expensive initial installation
B)
Soil erosion due to rapid water removal
C)
High labor costs
D)
Inability to handle excess water
Surface drainage involves the removal of excess water from the land surface through the construction of open ditches, channels, or land grading.
1. Why option (b) is correct: Because surface drainage relies on the movement of water across the top of the soil, the velocity of the runoff can become high enough to detach and transport soil particles. This leads to significant soil erosion, particularly on sloped lands, which degrades soil fertility and structure.
2. Why option (a) is incorrect: Surface drainage is generally less expensive to install than subsurface (tile) drainage because it does not require specialized machinery for burying pipes or expensive filter materials.
3. Why option (c) is incorrect: While labor is required for digging ditches, the overall labor and material costs are typically lower than the complex engineering and installation required for subsurface drainage systems.
4. Why option (d) is incorrect: Surface drainage is specifically designed to handle excess water (surface ponding) very efficiently; therefore, inability to handle water is not a disadvantage, but rather the primary purpose of the system.
A trapezoidal canal has a discharge of 10 m3/s. If the velocity is 2 m/s, what is the required cross-sectional area?
A)
2.5 m2
B)
5.0 m2
C)
10.0 m2
D)
15.0 m2
To find the cross-sectional area of the canal, we use the fundamental Continuity Equation for fluid flow:
Discharge (Q) = Area (A) × Velocity (V)
Given values:
- Discharge (Q) = 10 m³/s
- Velocity (V) = 2 m/s
Rearranging the formula to solve for Area (A):
A = Q / V
A = 10 m³/s / 2 m/s
A = 5.0 m²
Regardless of the shape of the canal (trapezoidal, rectangular, or circular), the relationship between discharge, area, and velocity remains the same.
Comparing this result to the options:
- Option (a) 2.5 m² is incorrect (result of 5/2).
- Option (b) 5.0 m² is correct.
- Option (c) 10.0 m² is incorrect (this is the value of the discharge).
- Option (d) 15.0 m² is incorrect.
Which of the following is NOT a type of canal alignment?
A)
Watershed canal
B)
Contour canal
C)
Side slope canal
D)
Lateral canal
In canal engineering, 'alignment' refers to the path or layout of the canal relative to the topography of the land.
1. **Watershed Canal (Option a):** This is a type of alignment where the canal is aligned along the ridge line (watershed) of the area. This allows irrigation to be provided to both sides of the canal by gravity.
2. **Contour Canal (Option b):** This is an alignment that follows a constant elevation (contour line) of the terrain. It is used when the land is hilly or sloping, ensuring the canal maintains a steady grade without excessive cutting or filling.
3. **Lateral Canal (Option d):** While often categorized by function, in terms of layout, a lateral is a branch canal that takes off from a main canal to distribute water to specific fields. It is a recognized part of the canal network alignment system.
4. **Side Slope Canal (Option c):** This is NOT a recognized type of canal alignment. 'Side slope' refers to the geometric slope of the canal banks (the ratio of horizontal to vertical distance) to ensure the stability of the embankment, but it does not describe the path or alignment of the canal across the landscape.
A canal has a bed slope of 1 in 5000, what is the value of S?
A)
0.0001
B)
0.0002
C)
0.0005
D)
0.0010
In hydraulics and civil engineering, the bed slope (S) of a canal is defined as the ratio of the vertical drop (fall) to the horizontal distance.
Given:
Bed slope = 1 in 5000
Calculation:
S = Vertical Drop / Horizontal Distance
S = 1 / 5000
S = 0.0002
Verification of options:
- Option a: 0.0001 corresponds to a slope of 1 in 10,000.
- Option b: 0.0002 corresponds to a slope of 1 in 5,000. (Correct)
- Option c: 0.0005 corresponds to a slope of 1 in 2,000.
- Option d: 0.0010 corresponds to a slope of 1 in 1,000.
Which of the following is an effective way to control waterlogging?
A)
Applying excessive fertilizers
B)
Constructing deep drainage channels
C)
Using excessive irrigation
D)
Eliminating all organic matter from soil
Waterlogging occurs when the soil becomes saturated with water, displacing air from the soil pores and hindering root respiration. To control this, excess water must be removed from the soil profile. Constructing deep drainage channels (surface or subsurface drainage) lowers the water table and allows excess gravitational water to flow away from the root zone, thereby restoring aeration.
Analysis of other options:
- Option (a): Applying excessive fertilizers does not remove water; in some cases, high salt concentrations from fertilizers can actually degrade soil structure, potentially worsening drainage.
- Option (c): Using excessive irrigation is the primary cause of waterlogging, not a solution.
- Option (d): Organic matter improves soil structure and porosity, which actually helps in water infiltration and drainage; eliminating it would likely worsen soil compaction and waterlogging.
A farmer installs a drainage system, but over time, its efficiency decreases. What could be the most likely reason?
A)
The soil structure has improved naturally
B)
The drainage system has become clogged with sediments
C)
The drainage system is working better than before
D)
The field has become more fertile
Step-by-step reasoning: 1. The question asks for the most likely reason why a drainage system's efficiency decreases over time. 2. Drainage efficiency refers to the ability of the system to remove excess water from the soil profile. 3. Option (b) describes 'clogging with sediments' (also known as siltation). In agricultural drainage, fine soil particles, organic matter, or mineral precipitates can accumulate inside the drainage pipes or tiles, restricting the flow of water and reducing the system's capacity to drain the field. 4. Option (a) is incorrect because improved soil structure generally enhances natural permeability and would not cause a man-made drainage system to lose efficiency. 5. Option (c) contradicts the premise of the question (efficiency is decreasing, not increasing). 6. Option (d) is incorrect because soil fertility relates to nutrient content and does not directly cause the mechanical failure or efficiency loss of a physical drainage installation.
What is the major disadvantage of side slope canals?
A)
High construction cost
B)
Excessive water loss due to seepage
C)
Prone to landslides and slope instability
D)
Requires pumping stations
In canal engineering, 'side slope canals' (referring to canals with sloping sides rather than vertical walls) have a significantly larger wetted perimeter compared to vertical-walled canals of the same cross-sectional area. The wetted perimeter is the surface area of the canal bed and sides that is in direct contact with the water. Since seepage loss is directly proportional to the wetted perimeter and the permeability of the soil, canals with side slopes experience much higher rates of water loss through infiltration into the surrounding ground.
Analysis of other options:
- (a) High construction cost: Generally, side slope canals are cheaper to construct than vertical walls (which require expensive reinforced concrete or retaining structures).
- (c) Prone to landslides: While slope stability is a design consideration, it is a failure mode rather than a general 'major disadvantage' inherent to the concept of side slopes; in fact, side slopes are used specifically to prevent the collapse that would occur with vertical cuts in loose soil.
- (d) Requires pumping stations: Pumping stations are required based on the topography and the need to lift water, regardless of whether the canal sides are sloped or vertical.
Which factor affects the selection of Manning’s coefficient for a canal?
A)
Water temperature
B)
Roughness of the canal bed and side slopes
C)
Water depth only
D)
Shape of the canal
Manning's equation is used to calculate the velocity of water in open channels. The formula is V = (1/n) * R^(2/3) * S^(1/2), where 'n' is Manning's roughness coefficient.
1. **Manning's Coefficient (n)**: This is an empirical coefficient that represents the resistance to flow offered by the boundary of the channel. It is primarily determined by the surface roughness of the canal bed and the side slopes. For example, a smooth concrete-lined canal has a much lower 'n' value than an earthen canal with vegetation or irregular rocks.
2. **Analysis of Options**:
- **Option a (Water temperature)**: Temperature affects viscosity and density, but it does not determine the roughness coefficient 'n'.
- **Option b (Roughness of the canal bed and side slopes)**: This is the primary factor. The physical texture, material, and alignment of the boundaries directly dictate the friction loss, which is what 'n' quantifies.
- **Option c (Water depth only)**: While depth affects the Hydraulic Radius (R), it does not define the coefficient 'n' itself (though in very shallow flows, relative roughness may play a role, it is not the primary factor for selecting the coefficient).
- **Option d (Shape of the canal)**: The shape affects the Hydraulic Radius (R), not the roughness coefficient (n). A trapezoidal concrete canal and a rectangular concrete canal would generally use the same 'n' value because the material (roughness) is the same.
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?'
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 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.
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.
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.
Who was the leader of the Aligarh Movement?
A)
Sir Syed Ahmad Khan
B)
Muhammad Ali Jinnah
C)
Allama Iqbal
D)
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
The Aligarh Movement was a 19th-century socio-educational reform movement among the Muslims of South Asia. It was founded and led by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, who aimed to modernize Muslim society by promoting Western education and scientific thought while maintaining Islamic values. His most significant contribution was the establishment of the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College in 1875, which later became the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).
Why other options are incorrect:
- Muhammad Ali Jinnah: He was a key political leader and the founder of Pakistan, active much later than the start of the Aligarh Movement.
- Allama Iqbal: He was a philosopher and poet who provided the ideological basis for a separate Muslim state, but he was not the founder of the Aligarh Movement.
- Maulana Abul Kalam Azad: He was a prominent scholar and the first Education Minister of independent India, known for his opposition to the partition of India.
A bilateral naval exercise called Exercise Varuna is between India and which country?
A)
Australia
B)
USA
C)
France
D)
Germany
Exercise Varuna is a bilateral naval exercise conducted between the Indian Navy and the French Navy. It is designed to enhance interoperability, promote maritime security, and strengthen the strategic partnership between India and France.
Analysis of other options:
- Australia: India conducts exercises such as 'AUSINDEX' with Australia.
- USA: India conducts major exercises such as 'Malabar' (which is also multilateral) and 'SIMBEX' (with Singapore, though USA is a key partner in Malabar).
- Germany: While India maintains defense ties with Germany, 'Varuna' is specifically the designated exercise for France.
Alexander the Great conquered India inthe 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 significant 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. Note: In the provided options, 'a' and 'c' are identical (326 BC), but 326 BC is the historically accurate date for his entry and major conquest in India.
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.
“Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados’ Award recently awarded to a leader from India is-
A)
Dr. S. Jaishankar
B)
Narendra Modi
C)
Rajnath Singh
D)
Amit Shah
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the 'Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados' during his visit to Barbados. This is the highest award given by the government of Barbados. The award recognizes the Prime Minister's leadership and India's contribution to the global community, as well as the strengthening of bilateral ties between India and Barbados.
- Option (a) Dr. S. Jaishankar: While he is the External Affairs Minister and manages diplomatic relations, he was not the recipient of this specific award.
- Option (c) Rajnath Singh: The Defence Minister has not been awarded this honor.
- Option (d) Amit Shah: The Home Minister has not been awarded this honor.
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 ofa country
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. **Definition of Social Capital**: In sociology and economics, 'Social Capital' does not refer to financial or material wealth, but rather to the 'capital' derived from social connections. It encompasses the networks, norms, and trust that enable participants to act together more effectively to pursue shared objectives.
2. **Evaluating Option (c)**: This option correctly identifies that social capital refers to the 'networks of relationships.' These relationships facilitate cooperation, reciprocity, and mutual benefit, which aligns perfectly with the academic definition provided in the reference context.
3. **Evaluating Option (a)**: Government funding for social programs is referred to as 'social spending' or 'public expenditure,' not social capital.
4. **Evaluating Option (b)**: Economic resources owned by society generally refer to 'public goods' or 'collective assets.'
5. **Evaluating Option (d)**: The total wealth of a country is measured by indicators like GDP (Gross Domestic Product) or GNI (Gross National Income), which represent 'economic capital' rather than 'social capital.'
Therefore, option (c) is the only correct sociological definition.
In India, which body releases the Poverty Line estimates?
A)
NITIAayog
B)
Reserve Bank of India
C)
Ministry of Finance
D)
National Statistical Office
In India, the estimation of the poverty line is a collaborative process involving data collection and policy analysis. The National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), which is now part of the National Statistical Office (NSO), is responsible for collecting the primary consumption expenditure data. However, the official poverty line estimates and the formulation of poverty benchmarks are traditionally handled by a task force or a planning body. Historically, this was the Planning Commission, which has been replaced by NITI Aayog. NITI Aayog utilizes the data provided by the NSO/NSSO to calculate and release the official poverty estimates.
Why other options are incorrect:
- b. Reserve Bank of India (RBI): The RBI focuses on monetary policy, banking regulation, and currency management, not on social indicators like the poverty line.
- c. Ministry of Finance: While it manages the budget and fiscal policy, it does not independently conduct the statistical analysis to define the poverty line.
- d. National Statistical Office (NSO): The NSO (incorporating NSSO) is the data-gathering agency that provides the raw statistics, but the 'estimation' and 'definition' of the poverty line are the prerogative of the planning body (NITI Aayog).
Which of the following Gods was not worshipped by the Rig Vedic people?
A)
Agni
B)
Indra
C)
Krishna
D)
Varuna
The Rig Vedic period (Early Vedic Period, approx. 1500–1000 BCE) was characterized by the worship of personified forces of nature.
1. Indra: The most important deity in the Rig Veda, known as the God of Thunder and Rain and the 'breaker of forts' (Purandara).
2. Agni: The God of Fire, acting as the intermediary between gods and humans; he is one of the most frequently mentioned deities in the Rig Veda.
3. Varuna: The upholder of the cosmic order (Rta) and the God of Water/Oceans.
In contrast, Lord Krishna is a central figure of the Puranic and Epic periods (Mahabharata and Bhagavad Gita), which occurred significantly later than the composition of the Rig Veda. The concept of 'Avataras' (incarnations) and the specific worship of Krishna did not exist during the Early Vedic/Rig Vedic era.