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Past Questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
Which mountain range forms a natural border between France and Spain?
A)
Alps
B)
Pyrenees
C)
Carpathians
D)
Apennines
The Pyrenees is a mountain range in southwest Europe that forms a natural geographic border between France and Spain, stretching from the Bay of Biscay to the Mediterranean Sea.
Analysis of other options:
- a. Alps: These are located in Central Europe and form borders between France, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia.
- c. Carpathians: These are located in Central and Eastern Europe, primarily spanning Romania, Ukraine, Poland, and Slovakia.
- d. Apennines: This range runs along the entire length of the Italian Peninsula.
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
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) is a National Mission for Financial Inclusion launched by the Government of India on August 28, 2014. Its primary objective is to ensure that every household in India has access to basic financial services, such as a savings account, remittance services, credit facility, insurance, and pension.
Analysis of options:
- Option (a) Promoting digital transactions: While PMJDY facilitates digital payments (via RuPay cards), this is a tool/outcome rather than the primary overarching aim of the scheme.
- Option (b) Providing access to financial services for all: This is the core definition of 'Financial Inclusion,' which is the central goal of PMJDY.
- Option (c) Encouraging entrepreneurship: This is the primary aim of schemes like PM Mudra Yojana or Startup India, not PMJDY.
- Option (d) Reducing direct taxes: This is a matter of fiscal policy and budget amendments, not the purpose of a financial inclusion scheme.
The first Chief Executive Member in the Lushai Autonomous District Council was-
A)
Hrangaia
B)
Lalsawia
C)
R. Vanlawma
D)
Dr. Rosiama
The Lushai Hills District Council (now known as the Mizoram Autonomous District Council) was established under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India in 1954. The first Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Council was Lalsawia. The CEM is the executive head of the District Council, similar to a Chief Minister at the state level. Other options like Hrangaia, R. Vanlawma, and Dr. Rosiama have held various political or administrative roles in Mizoram's history, but they were not the first CEM of the Lushai Autonomous District Council.
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.
The World Bank classifies countries into different income groups based on-
A)
GDP growth rate
B)
Per capita income
C)
Employment rate
D)
Population size
The World Bank classifies economies into four income groups: Low income, Lower-middle income, Upper-middle income, and High income. This classification is based on the Gross National Income (GNI) per capita, which is a measure of per capita income. GNI per capita is calculated by dividing the total Gross National Income of a country by its population.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. GDP growth rate: This measures the speed of economic expansion, not the overall level of wealth or income of the citizens.
- c. Employment rate: This is a labor market indicator and does not determine the income classification of a nation.
- d. Population size: While population is used as a divisor to calculate per capita income, the size of the population itself does not determine whether a country is 'rich' or 'poor'.
The custom of ‘Mitthirawp lam’ belongs to -
A)
Ralte and Lusei clan
B)
Ralte, Lusei, Paite and Hmar clans
C)
All the Mizo tribes
D)
Lusei only
The 'Mitthirawp lam' is a traditional Mizo dance. In the context of Mizo cultural history and ethnographic studies, this specific dance is associated primarily with the Ralte and Lusei clans. While many Mizo dances are shared across various tribes, the Mitthirawp lam is specifically attributed to these two groups. Options b and c are incorrect because they include tribes (like Paite and Hmar) or 'all Mizo tribes' for whom this specific custom is not a primary cultural marker. Option d is incorrect because it excludes the Ralte clan, who also practice this custom.
The Tripartite Struggle was fought by the Palas, Pratiharas and the Rashtakutas for the capture of -
A)
Delhi
B)
Magadha
C)
Amravati
D)
Kanauj
The Tripartite Struggle was a prolonged conflict in early medieval India (approximately 8th to 10th centuries CE) involving three major dynasties: the Palas of Bengal, the Gurjara-Pratiharas of Western India, and the Rashtrakutas of the Deccan. The central objective of this struggle was the control of Kanauj.
1. Why Kanauj? During this period, Kanauj (located in the Gangetic plains of present-day Uttar Pradesh) had replaced Pataliputra as the symbol of imperial sovereignty in North India. Controlling Kanauj provided strategic control over the fertile Gangetic valley and the lucrative trade routes of the region.
2. Analysis of other options:
- Delhi: While Delhi later became a major center of power (especially under the Tomaras and the Delhi Sultanate), it was not the primary objective of the Tripartite Struggle.
- Magadha: Magadha (centered around Pataliputra) was the heartland of the Palas, but the struggle was specifically for the prestige and strategic advantage of Kanauj.
- Amravati: Amravati is located in the Deccan/South India and was not the focal point of this specific three-way conflict between these northern and central powers.
Darbu consists of -
A)
Two gongs
B)
Three gongs
C)
Four gongs
D)
Five gongs
In Mizo culture, the 'Darbu' is a traditional musical instrument consisting of a set of gongs. Specifically, a Darbu is composed of three gongs of different sizes and pitches, which are played together to create rhythmic melodies. These are often used in traditional ceremonies and festivals. Options a, c, and d are incorrect because the standard composition of a Darbu set is specifically three gongs.
In 1907, the Lakher Pioneer Mission was started by -
A)
Edwin Rowlands
B)
J.H. Lorrain
C)
D.E. Jones
D)
Reginald A. Lorrain
The Lakher Pioneer Mission was established in 1907 to spread Christianity among the Lakher (Lai) people in the southern part of present-day Mizoram. This mission was started by Edwin Rowlands.
Analysis of other options:
- J.H. Lorrain (James Herbert Lorrain) and F.W. Savidge arrived in Mizoram in 1894 to start the mission among the Lushai people, not specifically the Lakher Pioneer Mission of 1907.
- D.E. Jones was a prominent missionary who arrived later (1910) and contributed significantly to the Mizo church and education, but he did not start the Lakher Pioneer Mission in 1907.
- Reginald A. Lorrain is not the founder of this specific mission.
Which of the following is not an utility used as a basket?
A)
Paikawng
B)
Favah
C)
Tlamém
D)
Dawrawn
In Mizo culture, traditional basketry is highly developed for various utility purposes.
1. **Paikawng** is a traditional conical basket carried on the back using a strap, used for transporting goods.
2. **Tlamém** is a type of basket used specifically for carrying items or for storage.
3. **Dawrawn** is a large basket used for storing grains or other household items.
4. **Favah**, however, is not a basket. It refers to a traditional Mizo mat woven from cane or bamboo (or specifically a type of floor covering/matting), which is a flat utility item rather than a container or basket.
Therefore, Favah is the only item listed that is not used as a basket.
What is the main function of mangroves in coastal ecosystems?
A)
Increase ocean depth
B)
Protect against’soil erosion and storm surges
C)
Reduce oxygen levels in water
D)
Prevent fish migration
Mangroves are salt-tolerant trees and shrubs that grow in the intertidal zones of tropical and subtropical coasts. Their main ecological functions include:
1. **Coastal Protection:** Their complex, dense root systems (prop roots and pneumatophores) act as a physical barrier that absorbs and dissipates the energy of incoming waves and storm surges, significantly reducing the impact of cyclones and tsunamis on inland areas.
2. **Soil Stabilization:** The roots bind the sediment together, preventing the coastline from being washed away by tides and currents, thereby protecting against soil erosion.
Analysis of other options:
- Option (a) is incorrect because mangroves actually contribute to land accretion (building up land) by trapping sediments, rather than increasing ocean depth.
- Option (c) is incorrect because mangroves, like all plants, perform photosynthesis and contribute to the overall productivity of the ecosystem; they do not exist to reduce oxygen levels.
- Option (d) is incorrect because mangrove forests serve as critical 'nurseries' for many species of fish and crustaceans, facilitating and supporting fish migration and biodiversity rather than preventing it.
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 ata time
C)
135 people at a time
D)
100 people at atime
Chief Minister Lalduhoma recently inaugurated the first skywalk in Mizoram, located in Aizawl. This architectural addition to the city's tourism and infrastructure is specifically designed with a capacity limit to ensure safety and structural integrity. According to official reports and project specifications released during the inauguration, the skywalk is designed to hold up to 100 people at a time. Options a, b, and c are incorrect as they exceed the designated safety capacity of the structure.
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 is the highest peak in India?
A)
Nanda Devi
B)
Kangchenjunga
C)
Mount Everest
D)
Anamudi
Step-by-step analysis:
1. **Kangchenjunga**: With an elevation of 8,586 meters, it is the highest peak located in India (situated on the border between India and Nepal). It is the third-highest mountain in the world.
2. **Nanda Devi**: This is the highest peak located entirely within Indian territory, but it is lower than Kangchenjunga.
3. **Mount Everest**: While it is the highest peak in the world, it is located in Nepal and China, not in India.
4. **Anamudi**: This is the highest peak in South India (Western Ghats), but it is significantly lower than the Himalayan peaks.
Therefore, among the given options, Kangchenjunga is the highest peak in India.
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, also known as slash-and-burn agriculture, is a traditional farming practice prevalent in Mizoram. The process follows a specific chronological sequence:
1. Selection of land: The farmer first identifies a suitable patch of forest or a fallow area 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 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 take place, the very first step is the selection of the appropriate plot of land.
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, calculating the risk based on economic losses and human casualties.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme): While it coordinates environmental activities for the UN, it does not publish the Climate Risk Index.
- 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 publication of this specific risk index.
- d. IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change): The IPCC provides comprehensive scientific assessments and reports on climate change (Assessment Reports), but it does not produce the annual/periodic Global Climate Risk Index.
Mizo language belongs to -
A)
Mon-Khmer
B)
Indo-Chinese
C)
Tibeto-Burman
D)
Karen
The Mizo language is a member of the Kuki-Chin branch of the Tibeto-Burman language family. This family is a major branch of the larger Sino-Tibetan language group, which encompasses languages spoken across East Asia, Southeast Asia, and parts of South Asia.
Analysis of options:
- a. Mon-Khmer: This is a different branch of the Austroasiatic language family (e.g., Khmer, Vietnamese), to which Mizo does not belong.
- b. Indo-Chinese: This is a geographical term rather than a recognized linguistic family classification.
- c. Tibeto-Burman: Correct. Mizo shares linguistic roots with other Tibeto-Burman languages spoken in the Himalayas and the highlands of Myanmar and India.
- d. Karen: While Karen languages are also part of the Sino-Tibetan family, 'Karen' refers to a specific group of languages/ethnicities and is not the overarching family to which Mizo belongs.
Which gas is responsible for acid rain?
A)
Carbon dioxide
B)
Oxygen
C)
Nitrogen
D)
Sulfur dioxide
Acid rain is caused by a chemical reaction that begins when compounds like sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) are released into the atmosphere. These substances rise high into the air, where they mix and react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form mild solutions of sulfuric and nitric acid. Sulfur dioxide, primarily emitted from fossil fuel combustion in power plants and industrial processes, is a primary driver of this phenomenon.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Carbon dioxide (CO2): While CO2 makes rain slightly acidic (forming carbonic acid), it is a natural part of the carbon cycle and is not the primary cause of the damaging 'acid rain' associated with environmental pollution.
- b. Oxygen (O2): Oxygen is a vital gas for respiration and does not form acids when mixed with water.
- c. Nitrogen (N2): Pure nitrogen gas is inert and does not cause acid rain. However, nitrogen oxides (NOx), which are different chemical species, do contribute to acid rain.
What is the maximum number of members in the Rajya Sabha?
A)
180
B)
250
According to Article 80 of the Constitution of India, the maximum strength of the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) is fixed at 250 members. This composition consists of:
1. Not more than 238 representatives of the States and of the Union Territories, elected indirectly by the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the States and Union Territories.
2. Not more than 12 members nominated by the President of India, who have special knowledge or practical experience in fields such as literature, science, art, and social service.
Option (a) 180 is incorrect as it does not align with the constitutional limit. While the current actual strength is 245, the 'maximum number' permitted by the Constitution is 250.
What is the longest river in India?
A)
Ganga
B)
Krishna
C)
Brahmaputra
D)
Godavari
The Ganga is the longest river flowing entirely within India, with a total length of approximately 2,525 km. It originates from the Gangotri Glacier in the Himalayas and flows through the plains of North India before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.
Analysis of other options:
- Krishna: A major peninsular river, but significantly shorter than the Ganga (approx. 1,400 km).
- Brahmaputra: While it is longer than the Ganga in total length (approx. 2,900 km), a vast majority of its course is in Tibet (China). Within the territory of India, it is shorter than the Ganga.
- Godavari: Known as the 'Dakshin Ganga', it is the longest river in Peninsular India (approx. 1,465 km), but it is shorter than the Ganga.
In which states are the Pardhi community primarily found?
A)
Mizoram and Manipur
B)
Bihar and Jharkhand
C)
Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh
D)
Odisha and Tamil Nadu
The Pardhi community is a nomadic and semi-nomadic group traditionally known for hunting and gathering. They are primarily concentrated in the central part of India, specifically in the states of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. Due to colonial-era laws like the Criminal Tribes Act of 1871, they were historically stigmatized as 'criminal tribes,' a label that continued to affect their socio-economic status even after the act was repealed in 1952.
Analysis of other options:
- Option (a) Mizoram and Manipur: These are North-Eastern states where different ethnic and tribal groups reside, not the Pardhis.
- Option (b) Bihar and Jharkhand: While these states have various nomadic groups, the Pardhis are not the primary community associated with this region.
- Option (d) Odisha and Tamil Nadu: These states have their own distinct tribal and nomadic populations, but the heartland of the Pardhi community is Central India.