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Past Questions
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.
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.
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.
Which of the following is not an utility used as a basket?
A)
Paikawng
B)
Favah
C)
Tlamém
D)
Dawrawn
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 in the options:
1. **Ganga (Option a):** Originates in India at the Gangotri Glacier in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand.
2. **Yamuna (Option b):** Originates in India at the Yamunotri Glacier on the Bandarpunch peak in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand.
3. **Indus (Option c):** Originates in Tibet (China) near Lake Mansarovar in the Kailash mountain range. It flows northwest through Tibet before entering India in the Ladakh region.
4. **Beas (Option d):** Originates in India at the Beas Kund near the Rohtang Pass in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh.
Since the Indus River originates in Tibet, China, and not in India, it is the correct answer.
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.
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).
The concept of ‘Concurrent List’ in the Indian Constitution is borrowed from which country?
A)
United States
B)
United Kingdom
C)
Canada
D)
Australia
The Indian Constitution is a blend of various global constitutional features. The concept of the 'Concurrent List'—a list of subjects on which both the Central (Union) and State governments can make laws—was borrowed from the Constitution of Australia.
Analysis of other options:
- a. United States: India borrowed the Fundamental Rights, Judicial Review, and the removal of Supreme Court/High Court judges from the US.
- b. United Kingdom: India borrowed the Parliamentary form of government, Rule of Law, and the Single Citizenship from the UK.
- c. Canada: India borrowed the concept of a 'Federation with a strong Centre' and the appointment of State Governors from Canada.
- d. Australia: In addition to the Concurrent List, India also borrowed the concept of joint sitting of the two houses of Parliament from Australia.