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Past Questions
The term ‘Sixth Mass Extinction’ refers to-
A)
A geological phenomenon
B)
A period of increased volcanic activity
C)
Human-induced loss of species
D)
The end of the Ice Age
The 'Sixth Mass Extinction' (also known as the Holocene or Anthropocene extinction) refers to the ongoing extinction event occurring during the present epoch. Unlike the previous five mass extinctions, which were caused by natural phenomena such as asteroid impacts, massive volcanic eruptions, or drastic climate shifts, the current crisis is driven primarily by human activities. These include habitat destruction, overexploitation of species, pollution, the introduction of invasive species, and anthropogenic climate change.
Analysis of other options:
- Option (a) is incorrect because while extinction is recorded in the geological record, the 'Sixth' specifically refers to the biological loss caused by humans, not a general geological phenomenon.
- Option (b) is incorrect because volcanic activity was a primary driver of previous extinctions (like the Permian-Triassic extinction), but not the current one.
- Option (d) is incorrect because the end of the Ice Age refers to the transition from the Pleistocene to the Holocene, which is a climatic shift rather than the defining cause of the current mass extinction event.
Tumphit instrument is made of -
A)
Mithun’s horn
B)
Wooden pieces
C)
Bamboo tubes
D)
Marble
The Tumphit is a traditional Mizo wind instrument. It is specifically crafted from the horn of a Mithun (Bos frontalis), which is a semi-domesticated bovine found in Northeast India and highly valued in Mizo culture. The horn is modified to create a trumpet-like sound.
Analysis of other options:
- b. Wooden pieces: While some Mizo instruments use wood, the Tumphit is specifically a horn instrument.
- c. Bamboo tubes: Bamboo is used for instruments like the 'Khuang' (frame) or various flutes, but not for the Tumphit.
- d. Marble: Marble is not used in the construction of traditional Mizo musical instruments.
What is the chemical symbol for gold?
A)
Au
B)
Ag
C)
Pb
D)
Fe
The chemical symbol for Gold is 'Au', which is derived from the Latin word 'Aurum', meaning 'shining dawn'.
Analysis of other options:
- b. Ag: This is the symbol for Silver (from the Latin 'Argentum').
- c. Pb: This is the symbol for Lead (from the Latin 'Plumbum').
- d. Fe: This is the symbol for Iron (from the Latin 'Ferrum').
Which amendment of the Constitution of India is known as mini-constitution?
A)
Constitution Forty-First Amendment Act, 1976
B)
Constitution Forty-Second Amendment Act, 1976
C)
Constitution Forty-Third Amendment Act, 1977
D)
Constitution Forty-Fourth Amendment Act, 1978
The 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 is widely referred to as the 'Mini-Constitution' because of the sheer volume and breadth of the changes it introduced to the Indian Constitution. It was enacted during the Emergency period under the government of Indira Gandhi.
Key changes introduced by the 42nd Amendment include:
1. Addition of three new words to the Preamble: 'Socialist', 'Secular', and 'Integrity'.
2. Introduction of 'Fundamental Duties' (Part IV-A) based on the Swaran Singh Committee recommendations.
3. Extension of the tenure of the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies from 5 to 6 years (later reversed by the 44th Amendment).
4. Giving primacy to Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) over Fundamental Rights in certain cases.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Option (a): The 41st Amendment dealt with specific administrative/legal adjustments and did not overhaul the constitution.
- Option (c): The 43rd Amendment was a minor amendment regarding the salaries of judges.
- Option (d): The 44th Amendment Act (1978) is significant because it reversed many of the controversial changes made by the 42nd Amendment to restore democratic checks and balances, but it is not called the 'Mini-Constitution'.
Which of the following is a primary sector activity?
A)
Banking
B)
Services
C)
Agriculture
D)
IT
In economics, economic activities are divided into three main sectors:
1. **Primary Sector**: This sector involves the extraction and harvesting of natural resources directly from the earth. Examples include agriculture, forestry, fishing, and mining. Since agriculture involves cultivating land to produce crops, it is a primary sector activity.
2. **Secondary Sector**: This sector involves the processing of raw materials into finished goods (manufacturing). Examples include textile mills, car factories, and construction.
3. **Tertiary Sector**: This sector provides services to consumers and other businesses rather than producing tangible goods.
Evaluating the options:
- **Banking (a)**: This is a service provided to manage money; it belongs to the Tertiary Sector.
- **Services (b)**: This is the general definition of the Tertiary Sector itself.
- **Agriculture (c)**: This involves direct extraction/production from nature; it belongs to the Primary Sector.
- **IT (d)**: Information Technology provides digital services and software; it belongs to the Tertiary Sector.
Which of the following gases is primarily responsible for the depletion of the ozone layer?
A)
Carbon dioxide
B)
Sulfur dioxide
C)
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
D)
Methane
The depletion of the ozone layer is primarily caused by Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). When CFCs reach the stratosphere, they are broken down by ultraviolet (UV) radiation, releasing chlorine atoms. A single chlorine atom can destroy thousands of ozone (O3) molecules by reacting with them to form oxygen (O2), thereby thinning the ozone layer and allowing more harmful UV radiation to reach the Earth's surface.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Carbon dioxide (CO2): This is a primary greenhouse gas responsible for global warming, but it does not directly cause the chemical depletion of the ozone layer.
- b. Sulfur dioxide (SO2): This gas is primarily associated with acid rain and volcanic activity; it does not play a primary role in ozone depletion.
- d. Methane (CH4): While methane is a potent greenhouse gas and can influence stratospheric chemistry, it is not the primary agent responsible for the depletion of the ozone layer compared to the catalytic destruction caused by CFCs.
Which of the following is a mammal that lays eggs?
A)
Dolphin
B)
Bat
C)
Platypus
D)
Kangaroo
Mammals are generally characterized by giving birth to live young, but there is a small group of mammals called monotremes that lay eggs. The Platypus (along with the Echidna) is a monotreme; it possesses mammary glands to feed its young with milk but lays leathery eggs similar to reptiles.
Analysis of other options:
- a. Dolphin: A placental mammal that gives birth to live young.
- b. Bat: A placental mammal that gives birth to live young.
- d. Kangaroo: A marsupial mammal; it gives birth to underdeveloped live young which then complete their development in a pouch.
The term ‘Biodiversity Hotspot’ was coined by-
A)
E.O. Wilson
B)
Norman Myers
C)
Charles Darwin
D)
Rachel Carson
The term 'Biodiversity Hotspot' was coined by British ecologist Norman Myers in 1988. He proposed this concept to identify regions that are both rich in endemic species (species found nowhere else on Earth) and under significant threat of habitat loss. To qualify as a hotspot, a region must meet two strict criteria: it must contain at least 1,500 species of vascular plants as endemics, and it must have lost at least 70% of its original native vegetation.
Why other options are incorrect:
- E.O. Wilson: While he is known as the 'father of biodiversity' and contributed immensely to the study of sociobiology and conservation, he did not coin the specific term 'Biodiversity Hotspot'.
- Charles Darwin: He is the father of evolutionary biology and proposed the theory of natural selection; his work predates the modern concept of biodiversity hotspots by over a century.
- Rachel Carson: She was a marine biologist and conservationist best known for her book 'Silent Spring', which alerted the world to the dangers of pesticides (DDT), but she did not coin this term.
Which among the following is the supreme law of the land in India?
A)
Indian Penal Code
B)
Constitution of India
C)
Fundamental Rights
D)
Directive Principles of State Policy
The Constitution of India is the supreme law of the land. It is the foundational legal document that defines the political framework, establishes the structure of government (Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary), and outlines the relationship between the state and its citizens. Any law passed by the Parliament or State Legislatures that contradicts the provisions of the Constitution can be declared null and void by the judiciary through the power of Judicial Review.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Indian Penal Code: This is a statutory law (a code) created by the legislature to define crimes and punishments; it is subordinate to the Constitution.
- c. Fundamental Rights: These are essential rights guaranteed to citizens, but they are a PART of the Constitution, not the supreme law itself.
- d. Directive Principles of State Policy: These are guidelines for the government to follow while making laws; they are non-justiciable and are also a PART of the Constitution.
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: The most important deity in the Rig Veda, known as the God of Thunder and Rain, and the breaker of forts (Purandara). He has the highest number of hymns dedicated to him.
2. Agni: The God of Fire, acting as the intermediary between gods and humans. He is the second most important deity in the Rig Veda.
3. Varuna: The upholder of the cosmic order (Rta) and the God of water/oceans.
Krishna, on the other hand, is a central figure in the later Puranic and Epic traditions (such as the Mahabharata and the Bhagavad Gita), which emerged significantly later than the composition of the Rig Veda. Therefore, Krishna was not a deity worshipped by the Rig Vedic people.
Which of the following rivers does not originate in India?
A)
Ganga
B)
Yamuna
C)
Indus
D)
Beas
To determine which river does not originate in India, we analyze the source of each river listed:
1. **Ganga (Option a):** Originates from the Gangotri Glacier (Gaumukh) in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India.
2. **Yamuna (Option b):** Originates from the Yamunotri Glacier on the Bandarpunch peaks in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India.
3. **Indus (Option c):** Originates in the Tibetan Plateau near Lake Mansarovar in the Kailash Range (Tibet, China). It flows northwest through Tibet before entering India in the Ladakh region.
4. **Beas (Option d):** Originates from the Beas Kund near the Rohtang Pass in the Kullu hills of Himachal Pradesh, India.
Since the Indus River originates in Tibet (China) and not in India, it is the correct answer.
Alexander the Great conquered India in the year -
A)
326 BC
B)
327 BC
C)
326 BC
D)
325 BC
Alexander the Great, the King of Macedonia, invaded the Indian subcontinent in 326 BC. His most famous engagement in India was the Battle of the Hydaspes, fought in 326 BC against King Porus of the Paurava kingdom. Although he won the battle, his army eventually refused to advance further east toward the Ganges plain due to exhaustion and fear of the powerful Nanda Empire, leading to his retreat from India in 325 BC. Note: In the provided options, 'a' and 'c' are identical (326 BC), both of which represent the historically accurate date of his conquest/invasion.
What is the primary source of energy for the Earth?
A)
The Moon
B)
The Sun
C)
Fossil fuels
D)
Wind
The Sun is the primary source of energy for Earth. It provides solar radiation in the form of light and heat, which drives almost all biological and physical processes on the planet. 1) Photosynthesis: Plants capture sunlight to produce chemical energy, forming the base of the food chain. 2) Weather Patterns: Solar heating causes evaporation and atmospheric pressure differences, driving wind and the water cycle. 3) Temperature: It maintains the Earth's surface temperature to allow liquid water and life to exist.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. The Moon: The Moon does not produce its own energy; it only reflects sunlight and influences tides via gravity.
- c. Fossil fuels: These are secondary energy sources; they are essentially 'stored' solar energy from ancient plants and animals.
- d. Wind: Wind is a result of uneven heating of the Earth's atmosphere by the Sun, making it a derivative source, not the primary one.
What does the term “Social Capital’ refer to?
A)
Government funding for social programs
B)
Economic resources owned by society
C)
Networks of relationships among people ina society
D)
Total wealth of a country
In sociology, 'Social Capital' refers to the collective value of all 'social networks' and the inclinations that arise from these networks to do things for each other (reciprocity). It encompasses the trust, shared norms, and bonds that allow a society to function effectively.
Analysis of options:
- Option (a) is incorrect because government funding is 'Financial Capital' or 'Public Expenditure'.
- Option (b) is incorrect because economic resources (like land or machinery) are 'Physical' or 'Economic Capital'.
- Option (c) is correct as it accurately describes the sociological definition of social capital as the networks of relationships and trust between individuals.
- Option (d) is incorrect as the total wealth of a country is referred to as 'Gross National Product' (GNP) or 'Gross Domestic Product' (GDP).
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.
The chief guest in Chapchar Kut is known as -
A)
Kit Pa
B)
Khual lian
C)
Kut thlengtu
D)
Khual tha
Chapchar Kut is the most significant spring festival of the Mizo people, celebrated after the completion of 'jhum' clearing. In the traditional celebration of Kut festivals, the chief guest or the guest of honor is referred to as the 'Khual lian'. The term 'Khual' means guest and 'lian' implies greatness or seniority, thus 'Khual lian' translates to the 'great guest' or chief guest. Other options like 'Kit Pa' or 'Khual tha' do not hold this specific cultural designation in the context of the Chapchar Kut festivities.
The Chief Secretary to the Government of Mizoram is -
A)
KhillaRam Meenu
B)
Khilli Ram Meena
C)
Ram Khilla Singh
D)
Anil Shukla
The Chief Secretary is the highest-ranking civil servant in a state government. As per the current administrative records of the Government of Mizoram, Shri Khilli Ram Meena, an IAS officer, serves as the Chief Secretary to the Government of Mizoram. Option (a) is a misspelling of the name, and options (c) and (d) are incorrect names. Therefore, option (b) is the accurate representation of the official's name.
Which of the following gases is primarily responsible for the greenhouse effect?
A)
Oxygen
B)
Carbon dioxide
C)
Nitrogen
D)
Helium
The greenhouse effect occurs when certain gases in Earth's atmosphere trap heat from the sun, preventing it from escaping back into space and thereby warming the planet.
1. **Carbon dioxide (CO2)** is a primary greenhouse gas. It is released through natural processes (such as respiration and volcanic eruptions) and human activities (such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation). Its molecular structure allows it to absorb and emit infrared radiation, which traps heat in the atmosphere.
2. **Oxygen (a)** and **Nitrogen (c)** make up the bulk of the atmosphere (approximately 21% and 78% respectively). However, because they are homonuclear diatomic molecules (O2 and N2), they do not absorb infrared radiation and therefore do not contribute to the greenhouse effect.
3. **Helium (d)** is a noble gas and is chemically inert; it does not possess the molecular properties required to trap heat in the atmosphere.
Which sector includes activities like trade, transport, and communication?
A)
Primary sector
B)
Secondary sector
C)
Tertiary sector
D)
Economic sector
The economy is divided into three main sectors based on the nature of the activity:
1. Primary Sector: This involves the extraction and production of raw materials from nature. Examples include agriculture, mining, fishing, and forestry.
2. Secondary Sector: This involves the processing of raw materials into finished goods through manufacturing. Examples include factories, construction, and textile mills.
3. Tertiary Sector: Also known as the 'Service Sector,' it does not produce tangible goods but provides essential services to support the primary and secondary sectors, as well as to consumers. Trade, transport, communication, banking, insurance, and tourism are classic examples of tertiary activities.
Option (d) 'Economic sector' is a general term encompassing all three of the above, not a specific category for services.
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.
Which Indian state has the highest population density as per the latest census?
A)
Maharashtra
B)
Uttar Pradesh
C)
Bihar
D)
West Bengal
Population density is calculated as the number of persons per square kilometer of land area. According to the Census of India 2011 (which remains the latest official census data available for competitive exams), Bihar has the highest population density among all Indian states, with approximately 1,106 persons per square km.
Comparing the options:
- Bihar: ~1,106 persons/sq km (Highest)
- West Bengal: ~1,028 persons/sq km (Second highest)
- Uttar Pradesh: ~829 persons/sq km
- Maharashtra: ~365 persons/sq km
Therefore, Bihar is the correct answer.
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 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 Mizo village medicine man was called -
A)
Sadawt
B)
Bawlpa
C)
Tlahpawi
D)
Ramhual
In traditional Mizo society, the 'Sadawt' was the village medicine man or healer. They were believed to possess knowledge of medicinal herbs and the spiritual power to cure ailments.
Analysis of other options:
- Bawlpa: Refers to a person who is an expert in traditional Mizo customs or a traditional leader/elder known for their wisdom in customary law.
- Tlahpawi: This term is not associated with medicine men; it generally refers to specific traditional activities or roles unrelated to healing.
- Ramhual: Literally translates to 'outsider' or 'foreigner' (someone from outside the village or tribe), and is not a professional title for a healer.