MCSCCE • 2025 • Paper-I
Which of the following is not a feature of ‘carbon credits’?
A)
The system was ratified in conjunction with Kyoto Protocol.
B)
They are traded at a fixed price under the UNEP.
C)
They are awarded to countries that have reduced their greenhouse gas below their emission quota.
D)
The goal is to limit the increase of carbon emission quota.
Step-by-step analysis of the options:
1. **Option (a) is a feature:** Carbon credits were formally established and ratified as part of the Kyoto Protocol (1997), which introduced market-based mechanisms to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
2. **Option (b) is NOT a feature:** This is the correct answer because carbon credits are NOT traded at a fixed price. They are traded in a market (either compliance markets or voluntary markets) where the price fluctuates based on supply and demand. Furthermore, while the UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) supports environmental goals, the trading mechanisms are governed by specific treaties (like the Kyoto Protocol or the Paris Agreement) and various national/international exchanges, not a fixed-price list managed by UNEP.
3. **Option (c) is a feature:** Carbon credits are essentially permits. If a country or company reduces its emissions below its assigned quota, it earns 'credits' for the surplus reduction, which can then be sold to those exceeding their limits.
4. **Option (d) is a feature:** The overarching goal of the carbon credit system is to create a financial incentive for reducing emissions, thereby limiting the total increase of carbon emissions globally.
MCSCCE • 2025 • Paper-I
Consider the following statements regarding the new railway line in Mizoram:
(i) It connects Bairabi with Sairang.
(ii) The total length of the new railway line is 101 kms.
(iii) The project is divided into four sections – Bairabi-Hortoki, Hortoki-Kawnpui, Kawnpui-Mualkhang, and Mualkhang-Sairang.
(iv) The Commission of Railway Safety (CRS) has recently approved the opening of the railway line from Hortoki to Sairang in Mizoram.
Which of the above statements are correct?
A)
(i), (ii) and (iii) only
B)
(ii), (iii) and (iv) only
C)
(i), (iii) and (iv) only
D)
(i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)
Statements (i), (iii), and (iv) are correct. Statement (ii) is incorrect because the total length of the Bairabi–Sairang railway line is 51.38 km (not 101 km).
MCSCCE • 2025 • Paper-I
Which period in India’s demographic history is marked by a sharp decline in mortality and persistently high fertility rates?
A)
Phase I (1901–1921)
B)
Phase II (1921–1951)
C)
Phase III (1951–1981)
D)
Phase IV (1981–2001)
India's demographic transition is generally divided into four phases.
1. Phase I (1901–1921): Characterized by high birth rates and high death rates. This period saw stagnant population growth and frequent epidemics/famines. 1921 is known as the 'Year of Great Divide' because after this, India's population began to grow steadily.
2. Phase II (1921–1951): This is the period of 'Population Explosion'. Improvements in sanitation, healthcare, and the control of epidemics led to a sharp decline in mortality (death rates). However, fertility rates (birth rates) remained persistently high, leading to a rapid increase in the total population.
3. Phase III (1951–1981): This phase saw a further decline in mortality and the beginning of a gradual decline in fertility rates, though the population continued to grow rapidly due to the momentum of the previous phase.
4. Phase IV (1981–2001): This phase is marked by a more significant decline in fertility rates as family planning measures became more effective, moving India closer to a stable population equilibrium.
Therefore, the specific combination of 'sharp decline in mortality' and 'persistently high fertility' defines Phase II.
MCSCCE • 2025 • Paper-I
Consider the following descriptions:
(i) Annual rainfall is more than 100 cm.
(ii) Average temperate is about 22° C.
(iii) They are generally found in Western Ghats and Northeast India.
(iv) Mahagony, Bamboo, canes, ironwood, rubber are the major species.
What is this type of forest in India?
A)
Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest
B)
Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest
C)
Tropical Evergreen Forest
D)
Mountainous Forest
Let's analyze the given descriptions step-by-step:
1. **Annual Rainfall**: Tropical Evergreen forests typically require high rainfall, generally exceeding 200 cm, but they are the primary forests associated with regions receiving heavy precipitation (well above 100 cm).
2. **Temperature**: An average temperature of around 22°C is characteristic of the tropical humid climate where these forests thrive.
3. **Location**: The Western Ghats (windward side) and Northeast India (Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, etc.) are the primary regions in India where Tropical Evergreen forests are found due to the heavy monsoon rainfall.
4. **Species**: Mahogany, Ebony, Rosewood, Rubber, and various species of Bamboo and Canes are hallmark species of the Tropical Evergreen and Semi-Evergreen forests. Ironwood is also commonly associated with these dense, humid belts.
**Why other options are incorrect:**
- **Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest (a)**: These occur in areas with rainfall between 100-200 cm. While they share some locations, their dominant species are Teak and Sal, and they shed leaves for a short period, unlike evergreen forests.
- **Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest (b)**: These occur in areas with rainfall between 70-100 cm and are characterized by species like Tendu and Bel.
- **Mountainous Forest (d)**: These vary by altitude (Montane forests) and are characterized by conical trees (like Pine, Deodar, and Spruce) in the Himalayas, which does not match the species listed (Mahogany, Rubber).
MCSCCE • 2025 • Paper-I
Mizoram was recently (May 20, 2025) officially declared as India’s first fully literate state under the ULLAS initiative with literacy rate of
A)
99.2 %
B)
98.2 %
C)
100%
D)
97.2 %
The question refers to a specific milestone under the ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) initiative. For a state to be officially declared as 'fully literate,' it must achieve a literacy rate of 100%. While Mizoram has historically maintained one of the highest literacy rates in India (consistently above 91% according to Census data), the specific declaration of being 'India's first fully literate state' implies the attainment of the absolute threshold of 100% literacy. Options a, b, and d represent high literacy rates, but they do not satisfy the definition of 'fully literate' in the context of such an official declaration.
MCSCCE • 2025 • Paper-I
Who was appointed as the new Chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) by the Government of India on June 28, 2025, and what is one of his notable achievements?
A)
Ajit Doval; executed Operation Sindoor in Kashmir.
B)
Parag Jain; led Operation Sindoor targeting terror camps.
C)
Arvind Kumar; launched HUMINT surveillance across borders.
D)
Ravi Sinha; initiated hybrid intelligence operations.
Senior IPS officer Parag Jain was appointed Chief of R&AW in 2025, known for spearheading key strategic operations (option b).
MCSCCE • 2025 • Paper-I
Consider the following statements regarding the expenditure priorities and allocations in the Mizoram Budget 2025-26:
(i) The largest portion of the total estimated expenditure is allocated to the Economic Services Sector, which includes flagship schemes like “Mizoram Bana Kaih”.
(ii) The government has increased the budget for the Health Care Scheme by allocating additional funds from the state’s resources, over and above the revenue typically generated from the State Lottery.
(iii) The allocation for Power Purchase has been increased, while the allocation for Power Subsidy has been reduced for the fiscal year 2025-26 compared to the current year.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)
(i) and (ii) only
B)
(ii) and (iii) only
C)
(i) and (iii) only
D)
(i), (ii) and (iii)
In the Mizoram Budget 2025-26, General Services receives the largest sectoral expenditure allocation (₹6,510.39 crore), making statement (i) incorrect. Statement (ii) is correct as healthcare scheme funds were supplemented from state resources beyond lottery revenue, and statement (iii) is correct as power purchase was increased while power subsidy was reduced.
MCSCCE • 2025 • Paper-I
Consider the following statements:
(i) Light can travel through vacuum while sound cannot do so.
(ii) The speed of light in vacuum is a constant.
(iii) Light year is a unit for measuring distance.
Which of the following statements is/are true?
A)
(i) and (ii) only
B)
(i) and (iii) only
C)
(ii) and (iii) only
D)
(i), (ii) and (iii)
Statement (i) is true as light is an electromagnetic wave capable of vacuum propagation while sound requires a medium. Statement (ii) is true as speed of light in vacuum is constant (c). Statement (iii) is true as a light-year is an astronomical unit of distance.
MCSCCE • 2025 • Paper-I
Which article was presented by ladies to men who returned with enemies’ heads from their head hunting?
A)
Chhawndawl
B)
Arkeziak
C)
Hranghrual
D)
Lenchhawn
In traditional Mizo warrior culture, 'Arkeziak' (a decorative tassel woven from yarn) was presented by maidens/ladies to brave warriors who returned with enemies' heads from headhunting expeditions.
MCSCCE • 2025 • Paper-I
Consider the following statements regarding the Mizoram Universal HealthCare Scheme (MUHCS):
(i) For Contributory Beneficiaries under the Standard Plan, a Premium of Rs. 5000 per family per year allows family to get benefit of 8,00,000/- per family per year in Semi-Private (shared) Ward.
(ii) No contribution from AB PM-JAY beneficiaries is required.
(iii) Provisional Employees under the Government of Mizoram will have to pay monthly contribution of Rs. 100 for General Ward.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
A)
Only (ii)
B)
Only (iii)
C)
Only (i) and (ii)
D)
(i), (ii) and (iii)
Under the Mizoram Universal HealthCare Scheme (MUHCS), the annual benefit limit under contributory plans is Rs. 5,00,000 (making statement (i) incorrect for stating 8,00,000). AB PM-JAY beneficiaries require no separate contribution (statement (ii) is correct). Thus, Only (ii) is correct.
MCSCCE • 2025 • Paper-I
The word Lushai was altered to Mizo with effect from 1.9.1954 by an Act of Parliament No ______ of 1954.
A)
15
B)
16
C)
17
D)
18
The Lushai Hills District was renamed the Mizo District with effect from September 1, 1954, under the Lushai Hills District (Change of Name) Act, 1954 (Act No. 18 of 1954) passed by the Indian Parliament.
MCSCCE • 2025 • Paper-I
Which of the following statements are correct in respect of the three Round Table Conferences held during 1930-1932?
(i) Indian National Congress boycotted two of the three Round Table Conferences.
(ii) Mahatma Gandhi attended the First Round Table Conference.
(iii) Sarojini Naidu participated in the Second Round Table Conference.
Select the answer using the code given below.
A)
(i) and (ii) only
B)
(ii) and (iii) only
C)
(i) and (iii) only
D)
(i), (ii) and (iii)
Statements (i) and (iii) are correct: The Indian National Congress boycotted two of the three conferences (the First in 1930 and the Third in 1932). Sarojini Naidu attended the Second Round Table Conference (1931) representing Indian women. Statement (ii) is incorrect because Mahatma Gandhi attended only the Second Conference, not the First.
MCSCCE • 2025 • Paper-I
Which of the following statements is true of ‘carrying capacity of an ecosystem’?
A)
The number of organisms that can be carried for one year.
B)
The number of endemic species an ecosystem can support without degradation.
C)
The number of organisms of a species that can be sustainably supported.
D)
The number of exotic species that exists in an ecosystem.
Carrying capacity is defined in ecology as the maximum population size of a biological species that a given ecosystem can sustainably support indefinitely without environmental degradation.
MCSCCE • 2025 • Paper-I
According to the Central Pollution Control Board, what is the noise limit for residential areas during the day?
A)
50dB
B)
55dB
C)
65dB
D)
70dB
Under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 prescribed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the permissible ambient noise limit for residential areas during daytime (6:00 AM to 10:00 PM) is 55 dB(A).
MCSCCE • 2025 • Paper-I
The peace agreement of The First Lushai Expedition was made between TH Lewin and Lalburha on-
A)
18th February, 1872
B)
20th March, 1872
C)
1st February, 1872
D)
27th February, 1872
During the First Lushai Expedition (1871-1872), peace negotiations and formal submission terms were finalized with eastern Lushai chiefs on 18th February, 1872.
MCSCCE • 2025 • Paper-I
The Indian monsoon is fundamentally characterized by:
A)
Constant easterly winds
B)
Seasonal reversal of winds
C)
Permanent high-pressure systems
D)
Continuous rainfall throughout the year
The fundamental characteristic of the monsoon climate system over the Indian subcontinent is the complete seasonal reversal of wind directions between summer (Southwest Monsoon) and winter (Northeast Monsoon).
MCSCCE • 2025 • Paper-I
Consider the following statements:
(i) Kawngpui Siam is performed to get luck in hunting.
(ii) Fano Dawi is performed to ensure good crops.
(iii) Mitthirawp Lam is a feast and dance in honour of the spirits of a man’s ancestors.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
A)
(i) and (ii) only
B)
(ii) and (iii) only
C)
(i) and (iii) only
D)
(i), (ii) and (iii)
All three statements are accurate: Kawngpui Siam is a community sacrificial rite for hunting success and protection, Fano Dawi is performed to protect jhum crops, and Mitthirawp Lam is an ancestral commemorative feast and dance.
MCSCCE • 2025 • Paper-I
Which of the following statements is/are true of ‘Earth Hour’?
(i) It is an initiative of the United Nations Environment Programme.
(ii) Participants switch off the lights for one hour on a certain day every year.
(iii) The aim is to raise awareness on climate change and need for energy convention.
(iv) It is observed only in India
A)
(i) only
B)
(i) and (ii) only
C)
(ii) and (iii) only
D)
(i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)
Earth Hour is a WWF-led initiative (not UNEP) and is a global event (not just in India). Participants switch off lights to raise awareness on climate change.
MCSCCE • 2025 • Paper-I
Virat Kohli has recently announced his retirement from test cricket. Which of the following statements regarding him is not correct?
A)
He was born in Mumbai in 1982.
B)
He was named Cricketer of the Decade for 2011 to 2020 by ICC.
C)
He was awarded with the Khel Ratna Award in 2018.
D)
He is married to Anushka Sharma.
Virat Kohli was born in New Delhi on November 5, 1988, not in Mumbai in 1982. The remaining statements are correct.
MCSCCE • 2025 • Paper-I
Which among the following is related to poultry farming?
A)
Silver Revolution
B)
Grey Revolution
C)
Pink Revolution
D)
Golden Revolution
The Silver Revolution in India pertains to the immense growth in egg and poultry production (led by Indira Gandhi's initiatives).
MCSCCE • 2025 • Paper-I
Which of the following is not one of the Sustainable Development Goals?
A)
Life below water
B)
Life on land
C)
Life on Air
D)
Climate action
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a collection of 17 interlinked global goals designed to be a 'blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all,' established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015.
1. Option (a) 'Life below water' corresponds to SDG 14, which focuses on conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas, and marine resources.
2. Option (b) 'Life on land' corresponds to SDG 15, which focuses on protecting, restoring, and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably managing forests, combating desertification, and halting and reversing land degradation and biodiversity loss.
3. Option (d) 'Climate action' corresponds to SDG 13, which calls for urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
4. Option (c) 'Life on Air' is not a recognized Sustainable Development Goal. While air quality and atmospheric health are addressed within other goals (like SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities), there is no standalone goal titled 'Life on Air'.
MCSCCE • 2025 • Paper-I
Consider the following statements:
(i) Fathang is the due payable to a Chief by each household or family in kind or cash.
(ii) Sachhiah is the due payable to a Chief by anyone who shoots or traps a wild animal.
(iii) Ramhual are the people who advise a Chief where fish should be caught.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
A)
(i) and (ii) only
B)
(ii) and (iii) only
C)
(i) and (iii) only
D)
(i), (ii) and (iii)
Statements (i) and (ii) are correct traditional Mizo customary tributes to chiefs (Fathang = paddy tribute, Sachhiah = animal hunt tribute). Statement (iii) is incorrect because Ramhual were agricultural experts advising on Jhum land selection, not fishing.
MCSCCE • 2025 • Paper-I
Amphibians of the plant kingdom are-
A)
Algae
B)
Bryophytes
C)
Pteridophytes
D)
Gymnosperms
Bryophytes are known as the amphibians of the plant kingdom because they inhabit terrestrial soil but depend strictly on water for the movement of flagellated antherozoids to achieve fertilization.
MCSCCE • 2025 • Paper-I
‘Churning poor’ in the context of poverty refers to:
A)
Individuals who frequently move in and out of poverty due to vulnerable livelihoods.
B)
Individuals who are always below the poverty line and depend entirely on government assistance.
C)
Individuals that have recently escaped poverty and are unlikely to fall back.
D)
Urban homeless populations with no formal identity or income records.
In poverty classification (e.g. Planning Commission/NCERT Economics), 'churning poor' refers to transient poor individuals (such as small farmers and seasonal workers) who regularly move in and out of poverty.
MCSCCE • 2025 • Paper-I
Which of the following statements is/ are correct?
(i) The magnitude of earthquakes is measured on Richter scale.
(ii) The longest mountain range in the world is Himalayas.
(iii) The Himalayas are formed due to folding of a geo-syncline called Tethys.
A)
(i) and (ii) are correct
B)
(i) and (iii) are correct
C)
(ii) and (iii) are correct
D)
All are correct
Statement (i) is correct (magnitude is measured on Richter scale) and (iii) is correct (Himalayas formed by folding of Tethys geosyncline sediments). Statement (ii) is false because the Andes is the longest mountain range in the world.
