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Past Questions — 2025
What is the primary aim of Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)?
A)
Promoting digital transactions
B)
Providing access to financial services for all
C)
Encouraging entrepreneurship
D)
Reducing direct taxes
The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), launched in August 2014, is a National Mission for Financial Inclusion. Its primary objective is to ensure that every household in India has access to basic financial services, such as a savings bank account, remittance, credit facility, insurance, and pension. This is achieved through the 'JAM' trinity (Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, and Mobile) to ensure direct benefit transfers (DBT) reach the intended beneficiaries without leakages.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Option (a): While PMJDY facilitates digital transactions by providing bank accounts and RuPay cards, its 'primary aim' is financial inclusion (access), not just the promotion of digital payments.
- Option (c): Encouraging entrepreneurship is the primary aim of schemes like Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) or Startup India.
- Option (d): Reducing direct taxes is a fiscal policy decision made by the government during budget presentations and is not the objective of a social welfare scheme like PMJDY.
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.
Why other options are incorrect:
- RP Dutt (Romesh Chunder Dutt) also wrote extensively on the economic history of India and supported the drain theory, but the primary propounder and pioneer of the theory was Naoroji.
- Bal Gangadhar Tilak was a leader of the extremist wing of the Congress known for his 'Swaraj' movement and political activism, rather than economic theorizing.
- Mahatma Gandhi focused on the philosophy of Swadeshi, Non-violence, and Satyagraha, and while he advocated for village industries, he did not originate the Drain of Wealth theory.
Who was the first woman Prime Minister of India?
A)
Pratibha Patil
B)
Indira Gandhi
C)
Sonia Gandhi
D)
Rajkumari Amrit Kaur
Indira Gandhi served as the first and, to date, the only female Prime Minister of India. She held office from January 24, 1966, to March 24, 1977, and again from January 14, 1980, until her assassination on October 31, 1984.
Analysis of other options:
- Pratibha Patil: She was the first woman President of India (2007–2012), not the Prime Minister.
- Sonia Gandhi: While she served as the President of the Indian National Congress, she declined the offer to become Prime Minister in 2004.
- Rajkumari Amrit Kaur: She was India's first Health Minister and a prominent freedom fighter, but she never served as Prime Minister.
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), introduced by the 42nd Amendment Act of 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) states it is the duty 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) states it is the duty 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 is the longest bone in the human body?
A)
Femur
B)
Tibia
C)
Humerus
D)
Radius
The human skeletal system consists of 206 bones. The femur, also known as the thigh bone, 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.
Analysis of other options:
- Tibia (b): This is the shin bone of the lower leg. While it is a large weight-bearing bone, it is shorter than the femur.
- Humerus (c): This is the long bone of the upper arm. It is significantly shorter than the femur.
- Radius (d): This is one of the two bones in the forearm (lateral side). It is much smaller and shorter than the femur.
Alexander the Great conquered India in the year -
A)
326BC
B)
327BC
C)
326BC
D)
325 BC
Alexander the Great, the King of Macedonia, entered 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 toward the Magadha Empire (ruled by the Nanda Dynasty) due to exhaustion and fear of the powerful Nanda army, leading to his retreat starting in 325 BC. Note: In the provided options, 'a' and 'c' are identical (326BC), both of which represent the historically accurate date of his invasion and major conquest in India.
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 physical goods but provides essential services to support the primary and secondary sectors, as well as to consumers. Trade, transport, communication, banking, insurance, and education are classic examples of tertiary activities.
Option (d) 'Economic sector' is a general term encompassing all three sectors and is not a specific classification for these activities.
The Tourism minister of Mizoram is -
A)
Lalrinpuii
B)
Prof. Lalnilawma
C)
Dr. Vanlalthlana
D)
Lalnghinglova Hmar
In the current administration of the Government of Mizoram, Shri Lalnghinglova Hmar holds the portfolio of the Minister for Tourism (along with other portfolios such as Art & Culture and Parliamentary & Grievance).
Analysis of other options:
- Lalrinpuii: Not the Tourism Minister.
- Prof. Lalnilawma: Holds other ministerial responsibilities (such as Education/Higher & Technical Education).
- Dr. Vanlalthlana: Holds other ministerial responsibilities (such as Health & Family Welfare).
Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.
Which planet is known as the “Red Planet”?
A)
Venus
B)
Mars
C)
Jupiter
D)
Mercury
Mars is known as the 'Red Planet' because its surface is covered in iron oxide (rust), which gives it a reddish appearance when viewed from Earth or in photographs.
Analysis of other options:
- Venus: Often called the 'Morning Star' or 'Evening Star' due to its brightness; it has a thick, yellowish-white atmosphere of sulfuric acid and carbon dioxide.
- Jupiter: The largest planet in the solar system, characterized by its stripes of gas and the Great Red Spot, but not referred to as the Red Planet.
- Mercury: The smallest planet and closest to the Sun, it has a grey, rocky, cratered surface similar to the Moon.
Which organization releases the Global Climate Risk Index?
A)
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
B)
World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
C)
Germanwatch
D)
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
The Global Climate Risk Index (CRI) is published by Germanwatch, a non-profit organization based in Germany. The index analyzes the impact of extreme weather events (such as storms, floods, and heatwaves) on countries, ranking them based on their vulnerability and the losses incurred due to climate-related disasters.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme): While it coordinates environmental activities for the UN, it does not publish the CRI.
- b. WWF (World Wildlife Fund): This is an international NGO focused on wilderness preservation and the reduction of human impact on the environment, not the publisher of the CRI.
- d. IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change): The IPCC is a scientific body that provides comprehensive assessments of climate change and its impacts, but it does not produce the specific 'Global Climate Risk Index' ranking.
Which of the following is the world’s largest exporter of oil?
A)
United States
B)
Russia
C)
Saudi Arabia
D)
Iraq
To determine the world's largest exporter of oil, it is important to distinguish between 'production' and 'export'. While Saudi Arabia is often the largest producer and a dominant force in OPEC, the United States has significantly increased its crude oil and petroleum product exports over the last decade due to the shale revolution. According to recent data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) and other global energy trackers, the United States has emerged as the world's largest exporter of total petroleum liquids (including crude oil and refined products).
- Option (a) United States: Correct. It currently leads in total petroleum exports.
- Option (b) Russia: A major exporter, but ranks below the US and Saudi Arabia in total volume.
- Option (c) Saudi Arabia: Historically the leader and often the largest exporter of crude oil specifically, but when considering total petroleum liquids, the US often takes the lead.
- Option (d) Iraq: A significant exporter, but significantly smaller in volume compared to the top three.
In India, which body releases the Poverty Line estimates?
A)
NITI Aayog
B)
Reserve Bank of India
C)
Ministry of Finance
D)
National Statistical Office
In India, the estimation of poverty lines and the calculation of poverty statistics are the responsibility of the National Statistical Office (NSO). The NSO is a wing of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). It was formed by the merger of the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) and the Central Statistics Office (CSO). The NSO conducts large-scale sample surveys (such as the Consumer Expenditure Surveys) to determine the per capita monthly consumption expenditure, which is then used to estimate the poverty line.
Why other options are incorrect:
- NITI Aayog: While NITI Aayog provides policy guidance and monitors the implementation of poverty alleviation programs, it does not conduct the primary statistical data collection or release the official poverty line estimates.
- Reserve Bank of India (RBI): The RBI is India's central bank responsible for monetary policy, currency issuance, and banking regulation; it does not handle social welfare statistics like poverty lines.
- Ministry of Finance: This ministry manages the overall budget and fiscal policy of the country, but the technical task of statistical estimation is delegated to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) via the NSO.
The British East India gained the Diwani Rights of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa after -
A)
The Battle of Buxar 1764
B)
The Battle of Plassey 1757
C)
Regulating Act 1773
D)
Pitts India Act 1784
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. **The Event**: The 'Diwani Rights' refer to the right to collect land revenue and administer civil justice.
2. **The Battle of Buxar (1764)**: This was a decisive victory for the British East India Company against the combined forces of Mir Qasim (Nawab of Bengal), Shuja-ud-Daula (Nawab of Awadh), and Shah Alam II (Mughal Emperor).
3. **The Treaty of Allahabad (1765)**: As a direct consequence of the victory at Buxar, the Treaty of Allahabad was signed in 1765. Under this treaty, the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II granted the Diwani of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa to the East India Company.
4. **Analysis of other options**:
- **Option b (Battle of Plassey 1757)**: While this battle established British influence in Bengal and placed a puppet Nawab on the throne, it did not grant the legal Diwani rights to collect revenue.
- **Option c (Regulating Act 1773)**: This was a British Parliamentary act to regulate the Company's affairs and curb corruption; it was not a military victory or a treaty granting revenue rights.
- **Option d (Pitts India Act 1784)**: This act established a Board of Control to supervise the Company's civil, military, and revenue operations, but it occurred long after the Diwani rights were already acquired.
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.
Reasoning for other options:
- a. Organ: An organ is a collection of tissues that work together to perform a specific 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, meaning it is not the 'basic' unit.
- d. Organism: An organism is an individual living thing, which can be unicellular (one cell) or multicellular (trillions of cells). It is the highest level of biological organization in this context.
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 'Urban Tourism' or 'Commercial Tourism' and has no relation to ecological conservation.
4. Analysis of Option (c): Large-scale industrial tourism focuses on factories and infrastructure, which often contradicts the low-impact nature of ecotourism.
5. Analysis of Option (d): Mining in protected areas is an extractive industrial activity that destroys habitats; it is the opposite of ecotourism.
Conclusion: Option (a) is the only definition that captures the essence of ecological sustainability and community empowerment.
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, c. 1500–1000 BCE) was characterized by the worship of personified forces of nature.
1. **Indra (Option b):** He was the most important deity in the Rig Veda, mentioned in approximately 250 hymns. He was the God of Thunder and Rain and the king of gods.
2. **Agni (Option a):** He was the God of Fire and served as the intermediary between gods and humans. He is the second most important deity in the Rig Veda.
3. **Varuna (Option d):** He was the upholder of the cosmic order (Rta) and the God of the oceans/waters.
**Krishna (Option c)** is a central figure in later Hinduism, specifically associated with the Puranic period and the Mahabharata. The concept of Krishna as a deity did not exist during the composition of the Rig Veda, making him the correct answer as he was not worshipped by the Rig Vedic people.
Asoka followed the policy of Dhamma after which War?
A)
Patna War
B)
Magadha War
C)
Kalinga War
D)
Palinga War
The Kalinga War (c. 261 BCE) was a turning point in the life of Emperor Ashoka of the Maurya Dynasty. After witnessing the immense slaughter, death, and suffering caused by the conquest of Kalinga, Ashoka felt deep remorse and horror. This led him to renounce military conquest (Digvijaya) in favor of cultural and spiritual conquest (Dhammavijaya). He embraced Buddhism and formulated the policy of 'Dhamma' (a set of moral edicts based on non-violence, tolerance, and righteousness) to govern his empire and guide his subjects toward a peaceful coexistence.
Germany and which country jointly developed the Taurus KEPD-350 missile?
A)
China
B)
India
C)
Russia
D)
Sweden
The Taurus KEPD-350 is a long-range, precision-guided cruise missile. It was developed as a joint venture between Germany and Sweden. Specifically, the project was a collaboration between the German company MBDA Deutschland (formerly Taurus Systems GmbH) and the Swedish company Saab. The missile is designed to be launched from aircraft and is capable of penetrating hardened targets.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. China: China develops its own cruise missiles (e.g., DH series) and does not have a joint development partnership with Germany for the Taurus.
- b. India: India develops its own cruise missiles (e.g., BrahMos with Russia) and was not involved in the Taurus project.
- c. Russia: Russia is a geopolitical rival to the NATO countries that utilize the Taurus missile and would not collaborate with Germany on such a weapon system.
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 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 in the 19th century, long before the modern concept of biodiversity hotspots was developed.
- 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 primary sector activity?
A)
Banking
B)
Services
C)
Agriculture
D)
IT
In economics, the economy is divided into three main sectors based on the nature of the activity:
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 physical goods.
Analyzing the options:
- Banking (Option a): This is a service provided to manage money, making it part of the Tertiary Sector.
- Services (Option b): This is the definition of the Tertiary Sector itself.
- IT (Option d): Information Technology provides digital services and software solutions, making it part of the Tertiary Sector.
Therefore, Agriculture is the only primary sector activity listed.
The Sunderbans delta is formed by the confluence of which rivers?
A)
Ganga and Yamuna
B)
Ganga and Brahmaputra
C)
Brahmaputra and Barak
D)
Godavari and Krishna
The Sunderbans is the largest river delta in the world, formed by the confluence of the Ganga (from India) and the Brahmaputra (from Tibet/India) rivers before they empty into the Bay of Bengal. These rivers carry massive amounts of sediment from the Himalayas, which are deposited at the mouth, creating the vast mangrove forests and deltaic region.
Analysis of other options:
- Option (a) Ganga and Yamuna: The Yamuna is a tributary of the Ganga; they meet at Prayagraj, but they do not form the Sunderbans delta together as a separate confluence at the coast.
- Option (c) Brahmaputra and Barak: While the Brahmaputra and Barak systems are connected, they do not form the Sunderbans delta.
- Option (d) Godavari and Krishna: These are peninsular rivers that flow into the Bay of Bengal separately or via a shared deltaic region in Andhra Pradesh, but they have no relation to the Sunderbans.
Which of the following is NOT a dimension of Human Development Index (HDI)?
A)
Health
B)
Education
C)
Income
D)
Environmental sustainability
The Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite statistic developed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to measure average achievement in key dimensions of human development. It consists of three basic dimensions:
1. **Health (Long and healthy life):** Measured by life expectancy at birth.
2. **Education (Knowledge):** Measured by mean years of schooling for adults aged 25 years and more and expected years of schooling for children of school entering age.
3. **Income (A decent standard of living):** Measured by Gross National Income (GNI) per capita (PPP $).
Option (d) 'Environmental sustainability' is NOT a dimension of the standard HDI. While the UNDP has introduced the 'Planetary pressures-adjusted HDI' (PHDI) to account for environmental impact, it is a separate adjustment and not one of the three core dimensions of the primary HDI.
The first step of jhumming cultivation is
A)
Clearing of land
B)
Demarcation of land
C)
Selection of land
D)
Burning of dried trees
Jhumming (shifting cultivation) is a traditional agricultural practice prevalent in Mizoram. The process follows a specific chronological sequence:
1. Selection of land: The first step is to identify and select a suitable patch of forest or fallow land that has regained its fertility.
2. Clearing of land: Once the land is selected, the undergrowth and smaller trees are cut down (slashing).
3. Drying and Burning: The felled vegetation is left to dry and then set on fire (burning) to create nutrient-rich ash that acts as a natural fertilizer.
4. Sowing: Seeds are sown into the ash-covered soil.
Therefore, before any physical clearing or burning can occur, the farmer must first select the specific plot of land to be cultivated.
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
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. The ozone layer (O3) in the stratosphere protects Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
2. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are synthetic compounds used in refrigeration, air conditioning, and aerosol propellants.
3. When CFCs reach the stratosphere, UV radiation breaks them down, releasing chlorine atoms.
4. A single chlorine atom acts as a catalyst, breaking down thousands of ozone molecules into oxygen molecules (O2), leading to the thinning of the ozone layer (ozone depletion).
Analysis of other options:
- Carbon dioxide (a) and Methane (d) are primary greenhouse gases responsible for global warming, but they do not directly cause the chemical depletion of the ozone layer.
- Sulfur dioxide (b) is primarily associated with acid rain and short-term cooling of the atmosphere, not ozone depletion.
The ‘Four Asian Tigers’ are:
A)
Japan, India, Hong Kong, South Korea
B)
Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan
C)
Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines
D)
Japan, South Korea, North Korea, China
The term 'Four Asian Tigers' (or Four Asian Tigers economies) refers to the high-growth economies of Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan. These four entities underwent rapid industrialization and maintained exceptionally high economic growth rates between the early 1960s and 1990s, transitioning from developing to developed economies through export-oriented industrialization.
Analysis of other options:
- Option (a) is incorrect because Japan and India are not part of the 'Four Tigers' group (Japan was an earlier industrial power, and India's rapid growth occurred later).
- Option (c) refers to the 'Tiger Cub Economies' (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, and Vietnam), which are second-generation fast-growing economies in Southeast Asia.
- Option (d) is incorrect as North Korea is not a high-growth economy and China is categorized as a global superpower/emerging economy rather than one of the original four tigers.