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Past Questions
What is the primary objective of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative?
A)
To increase India’s exports
B)
To make India a global manufacturing hub
C)
To promote self reliance and reduce imports
D)
To increase foreign direct investments
The 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan' (Self-Reliant India Mission) was launched by the Government of India in May 2020. The primary objective of this initiative is to make India self-reliant by strengthening domestic capabilities, promoting local manufacturing (Vocal for Local), and reducing dependence on imports, particularly in critical sectors. While increasing exports (Option a) and becoming a global manufacturing hub (Option b) are desired outcomes and strategic goals of the mission, they are secondary to the core philosophy of 'self-reliance' (Aatmanirbharta). Similarly, while Foreign Direct Investment (Option d) is encouraged to bring in technology and capital, the primary driver of the initiative is the internal strengthening of the Indian economy to withstand global supply chain disruptions.
If in a closed room, the refrigerator door is kept open for some time, the temperature of the room will:
A)
Increase
B)
Decrease
C)
Remain the same
D)
Become zero
To understand why the temperature increases, we must apply the First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics.
1. **The Refrigerator's Function**: A refrigerator does not 'create' cold; it removes heat from its interior (the evaporator coils) and exhausts it to the exterior (the condenser coils, usually located at the back).
2. **The Closed System**: In a closed room, the refrigerator, the air inside the room, and the electrical power source form a system. When the door is open, the refrigerator attempts to cool the entire room. It absorbs heat from the room air and pumps it back into the same room via the condenser coils.
3. **Energy Input**: The refrigerator is powered by electricity. According to the Law of Conservation of Energy, the electrical energy used by the compressor is converted into heat energy due to mechanical friction and electrical resistance.
4. **Net Result**: The net heat added to the room is equal to the heat moved from the inside to the outside (which cancels out) PLUS the waste heat generated by the motor/compressor. Therefore, the total thermal energy in the room increases, leading to a rise in temperature.
- Option (b) is incorrect because it ignores the heat exhausted by the condenser and the energy input from the power source.
- Option (c) is incorrect because the system is not in equilibrium; energy is being added to the room.
- Option (d) is physically impossible as it would violate the laws of thermodynamics.
DNA fingerprinting was first invented by:
A)
James Watson
B)
Alec Jeffreys
C)
Har Gobind Khorana
D)
Paul Nurse
DNA fingerprinting (also known as DNA profiling) was developed in 1984 by Sir Alec Jeffreys at the University of Leicester. He discovered that certain sequences of DNA (called minisatellites) are highly variable between individuals, allowing for a unique genetic 'fingerprint' to be created for identification purposes.
Why other options are incorrect:
- James Watson: Co-discovered the double-helix structure of DNA in 1953 along with Francis Crick.
- Har Gobind Khorana: Known for his work on the genetic code and the first artificial synthesis of a functional gene.
- Paul Nurse: A geneticist and cell biologist known for his work on the cell cycle (specifically the cdc2 gene).
Which programming language is most commonly used for Artificial Intelligence?
A)
COBOL
B)
Python
C)
Assembly
D)
FORTRAN
Python is currently the most widely used language for Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Data Science. This is due to several key factors: 1) Simple and readable syntax that allows developers to focus on solving AI problems rather than complex language boilerplate. 2) An extensive ecosystem of specialized libraries such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, Keras, Scikit-learn, and NumPy. 3) Strong community support and integration capabilities.
Analysis of other options:
- COBOL (Common Business-Oriented Language): Designed for business, finance, and administrative systems for companies; it is not used for AI.
- Assembly: A low-level language specific to computer architecture. While fast, it is far too complex and rigid for the iterative nature of AI development.
- FORTRAN (Formula Translation): Primarily used for scientific computing and numerical analysis. While it influenced early AI, it has been superseded by Python in modern AI development.
Which gas is released when limestone is dipped in water?
A)
Hydrogen
B)
Oxygen
C)
Nitrogen
D)
Carbon dioxide
Limestone is primarily composed of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Under normal conditions, pure limestone is virtually insoluble in pure water. However, in the context of chemistry exam questions of this type, the question typically refers to the reaction of limestone with an acidic solution (like rainwater containing dissolved CO2 or a dilute acid) or the decomposition of limestone. When calcium carbonate reacts with an acid (H+), it produces calcium salts, water, and carbon dioxide gas (CO2). The chemical equation is: CaCO3 + 2HCl → CaCl2 + H2O + CO2↑. Even in pure water, a very slow equilibrium exists where CO2 can be released if the limestone contains impurities or if the water is slightly acidic. Among the given options, Carbon dioxide is the only gas chemically associated with the decomposition or reaction of carbonates. Hydrogen, Oxygen, and Nitrogen are not produced by the reaction of limestone with water.
In which year was the ozone hole discovered?
A)
1980
B)
1985
C)
1990
D)
1995
The 'ozone hole' refers to the severe depletion of the ozone layer over Antarctica. It was officially discovered and brought to global attention in 1985 when scientists Joseph Farman, Brian Gardiner, and Jonathan Shanklin of the British Antarctic Survey published their findings in the journal 'Nature'. They observed a dramatic drop in ozone levels during the Antarctic spring. This discovery led to the acceleration of international efforts to phase out chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), eventually resulting in the Montreal Protocol.
Analysis of other options:
- 1980: While the theory of ozone depletion by CFCs was proposed by Molina and Rowland in 1974, the actual 'hole' (the localized severe depletion) was not empirically documented until 1985.
- 1990: By this time, the Montreal Protocol (signed in 1987) was already being implemented to address the issue.
- 1995: This is well after the discovery and the initial global policy responses.
In which year did the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre take place?
A)
1918
B)
1919
C)
1920
D)
1921
The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre occurred on April 13, 1919, in Amritsar, Punjab. The event took place when British troops, under the command of Brigadier-General Reginald Dyer, opened fire on a large crowd of unarmed civilians who had gathered for the festival of Baisakhi and to peacefully protest the Rowlatt Act (which allowed the government to imprison people without trial).
Analysis of options:
- a. 1918: Incorrect. This was the final year of World War I.
- b. 1919: Correct. The massacre took place on April 13 of this year.
- c. 1920: Incorrect. This year marked the beginning of the Non-Cooperation Movement led by Mahatma Gandhi, partly in response to the massacre.
- d. 1921: Incorrect. This year is associated with the height of the Non-Cooperation Movement and the Moplah Rebellion.
As per the Indian Stamp (Mizoram Amendment) Act, 2024, what is the stamp duty for mortgage of an immovable property by any person who is not a widow?
A)
1%
B)
2.5%
C)
3%
D)
5%
The Indian Stamp (Mizoram Amendment) Act, 2024, introduces revised rates for stamp duties within the state of Mizoram to streamline revenue and property transactions. Under the amended schedule for the mortgage of immovable property, a distinction is made based on the status of the mortgagor to provide social relief to certain groups. For a general person (any person who is not a widow), the prescribed stamp duty for the mortgage of immovable property is set at 3%. In contrast, the Act provides a concessional rate (typically lower, such as 1% or 2%) for widows to encourage financial accessibility for them. Therefore, option (c) is the correct rate for non-widows.
Right to Vote and to be elected in India is a:
A)
Fundamental Right
B)
Natural Right
C)
Constitutional Right
D)
Legal Right
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. **Analysis of the Right to Vote**: In India, the right to vote is granted by the Constitution under Article 326, which provides for Universal Adult Suffrage. Since it is explicitly mentioned and derived from the Constitution, it is categorized as a Constitutional Right.
2. **Why not a Fundamental Right (Option a)**: Fundamental Rights (Part III of the Constitution) are basic human rights guaranteed to all citizens and are enforceable by the Supreme Court via writs. The right to vote is not listed in Part III. The Supreme Court of India has clarified in various judgments that while the right to vote is a precious right, it is a statutory/constitutional right rather than a fundamental one.
3. **Why not a Natural Right (Option b)**: Natural rights are universal rights that are inherent to all humans by nature (e.g., right to life), regardless of government or law. The right to vote is a political right created and regulated by the state/constitution.
4. **Why not a Legal Right (Option d)**: While the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (a law/statute) regulates the process of elections, the source of the power to vote is the Constitution itself (Article 326). Therefore, it is primarily a Constitutional Right, though it is exercised through legal frameworks.
Who among the following has been appointed as the Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre of ISRO?
A)
M. Mohan
B)
S. Somnath
C)
V. Narayanan
D)
K. Sivan
V. Narayanan is the Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), which is a major center of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) responsible for the design and development of liquid propulsion systems for launch vehicles.
Analysis of other options:
- M. Mohan: He is a senior scientist at ISRO, known for his work on the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), but is not the Director of LPSC.
- S. Somnath: He is the current Chairman of ISRO and Secretary of the Department of Space (DoS).
- K. Sivan: He is the former Chairman of ISRO (served from 2018 to 2022).
Silver corrodes in air due to its reaction with:
A)
Oxygen
B)
Carbon dioxide
C)
Nitrogen
D)
Hydrogen sulphide
Silver (Ag) is a noble metal and does not react readily with oxygen or water under normal conditions. However, it is highly sensitive to sulfur compounds. When silver is exposed to air, it reacts with trace amounts of hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) gas present in the atmosphere. This chemical reaction forms a thin layer of silver sulphide (Ag₂S) on the surface of the metal, which appears as a black or grayish-black tarnish. The chemical equation for this process is: 4Ag + 2H₂S + O₂ → 2Ag₂S + 2H₂O.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Oxygen: Silver does not oxidize easily in air to form an oxide layer at room temperature.
- b. Carbon dioxide: Silver does not react with CO₂ under standard atmospheric conditions.
- c. Nitrogen: Nitrogen is an inert gas and does not react with silver.
The ‘Make in India’ logo features which animal?
A)
Tiger
B)
Lion
C)
Elephant
D)
Peacock
The 'Make in India' initiative was launched by the Government of India in September 2014 to encourage companies to manufacture their products in India. The logo of the initiative features a stylized lion made of cogs and gears. The lion symbolizes strength, courage, and power, while the gear/cog mechanism represents manufacturing, industrialization, and engineering precision.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Tiger: While the tiger is the national animal of India, it is not the symbol used for the 'Make in India' logo.
- c. Elephant: The elephant is a cultural symbol of India but is not associated with this specific industrial initiative.
- d. Peacock: The peacock is the national bird of India but does not represent the industrial and manufacturing theme of the 'Make in India' campaign.
Which article of the Indian Constitution deals with the election of the President of India?
A)
Article 54
B)
Article 61
C)
Article 70
D)
Article 75
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. Article 54 of the Indian Constitution specifically defines the 'Electoral College' for the election of the President. It states that the President is elected by an electoral college consisting of the elected members of both Houses of Parliament and the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the States (and the National Capital Territory of Delhi and Puducherry).
2. Analysis of other options:
- Article 61: Deals with the procedure for the impeachment of the President.
- Article 70: Deals with the discharge of the President's functions in other contingencies not provided for in the Constitution.
- Article 75: Deals with other provisions as to Ministers (appointment, tenure, and responsibility), not the President's election.
Therefore, Article 54 is the correct provision regarding the election of the President.
As per the new income tax rates for FY 2025-26 in the Union Budget 2025, what is the income tax rate for a person earning more than Rs. 24 lakhs per annum?
A)
20%
B)
25%
C)
30%
D)
35%
In the Union Budget 2025, the government introduced revised tax slabs under the New Tax Regime for FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27). According to the updated slabs, the income tax structure is as follows:
1. Up to ₹4 lakh: Nil
2. ₹4 lakh to ₹8 lakh: 5%
3. ₹8 lakh to ₹12 lakh: 10%
4. ₹12 lakh to ₹16 lakh: 15%
5. ₹16 lakh to ₹20 lakh: 20%
6. ₹20 lakh to ₹24 lakh: 25%
7. Above ₹24 lakh: 30%
Since the question asks for the rate for a person earning more than Rs. 24 lakhs per annum, the applicable rate is the highest slab of 30%. Options a, b, and d are incorrect as they correspond to lower income brackets or rates not applicable to this specific threshold in the current budget.
The principle of ‘Sustainable Development’ emphasizes:
A)
Economic growth only
B)
Environmental protection only
C)
Growth without compromising future needs
D)
Industrialization only
The concept of 'Sustainable Development' was most famously defined in the 1987 Brundtland Report (Our Common Future) as 'development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.' It seeks to balance three pillars: economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection.
- Option (a) is incorrect because focusing only on economic growth often leads to resource depletion and pollution.
- Option (b) is incorrect because environmental protection alone, without considering human development and economic needs, is not 'development'.
- Option (d) is incorrect because industrialization is a means of growth, but if done without sustainability, it destroys the ecosystem.
- Option (c) correctly captures the essence of intergenerational equity, which is the core principle of sustainable development.
The Articles of the Constitution of India which deal with Directive Principles of State Policy are:
A)
26 to 41
B)
30 to 45
C)
36 to 51
D)
40 to 55
The Constitution of India is divided into several parts. Part IV of the Constitution contains the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP). These principles are guidelines for the government to ensure social and economic justice. The DPSP are enumerated from Article 36 to Article 51.
- Article 36 defines the 'State'.
- Article 37 clarifies that these principles are non-justiciable (cannot be enforced by courts) but are fundamental in the governance of the country.
- Article 40 deals with the organization of village panchayats.
- Article 44 deals with the Uniform Civil Code.
- Article 51 deals with the promotion of international peace and security.
Comparing this to the options:
- Option (a) 26 to 41: Incorrect. Articles 25-35 deal with Fundamental Rights.
- Option (b) 30 to 45: Incorrect. This range overlaps Fundamental Rights and DPSP but does not cover the full scope of DPSP.
- Option (c) 36 to 51: Correct. This is the exact range of Part IV of the Constitution.
- Option (d) 40 to 55: Incorrect. This range starts mid-way through DPSP and extends into the provisions regarding the President of India.
Which Sustainable Development Goal is associated with industry, innovation and infrastructure?
A)
SDG 7
B)
SDG 8
C)
SDG 9
D)
SDG 10
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 in 2015.
- SDG 9 is specifically titled 'Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.' Its objective is to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation.
Analysis of other options:
- SDG 7: Focuses on 'Affordable and Clean Energy.'
- SDG 8: Focuses on 'Decent Work and Economic Growth.'
- SDG 10: Focuses on 'Reduced Inequalities.'
Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.
The coil in an electric heater is made of:
A)
Copper
B)
Nichrome
C)
Tungsten
D)
Iron
An electric heater works on the principle of Joule heating, where electrical energy is converted into heat energy. To achieve this, the heating element must possess two key properties: high electrical resistivity and a high melting point (to prevent the coil from melting at high temperatures).
1. Nichrome (an alloy of Nickel and Chromium) is the ideal material because it has high resistivity, which generates significant heat when current flows through it, and it resists oxidation (rusting) even when red-hot.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Copper (a): It has very low electrical resistivity, meaning it conducts electricity too efficiently to generate significant heat for a heater; it is used for wiring, not heating elements.
- Tungsten (c): While it has an extremely high melting point, it is primarily used for light bulb filaments because it glows brightly (incandescence) and is too brittle/expensive for standard heater coils.
- Iron (d): Iron has a lower melting point than Nichrome and oxidizes (rusts) very quickly when heated to high temperatures, making it unsuitable for long-term use in heaters.
Panchayati Raj was first introduced in India in which state?
A)
Maharashtra
B)
Gujarat
C)
Rajasthan
D)
Kerala
The Panchayati Raj system, which aims to establish democratic decentralization in India, was first formally inaugurated in the state of Rajasthan. It was launched on October 2, 1959, at Nagaur district by the then Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. This move was based on the recommendations of the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957), which advocated for a three-tier system of Panchayati Raj (Gram Panchayat at the village level, Panchayat Samiti at the block level, and Zila Parishad at the district level).
Regarding the other options:
- Maharashtra and Gujarat adopted the system shortly after Rajasthan, but they were not the first.
- Kerala has a strong tradition of local self-governance, but the formal introduction of the modern Panchayati Raj system started in Rajasthan.
The ‘Kargil War’ took place in which year?
A)
1987
B)
1999
C)
2001
D)
1995
The Kargil War, also known as the Kargil Conflict, was an armed conflict between India and Pakistan that took place between May and July 1999 in the Kargil district of Kashmir. The conflict began when Pakistani soldiers and militants infiltrated across the Line of Control (LoC) into Indian territory. India launched 'Operation Vijay' to reclaim the high-altitude outposts, eventually succeeding in pushing back the infiltrators.
Analysis of other options:
- 1987: No major war occurred between India and Pakistan in this year.
- 2001: While there were tensions (such as the 2001-2002 standoff), no full-scale 'Kargil War' took place.
- 1995: There was no war between India and Pakistan in 1995.
Which of the following is also known as the law of inertia?
A)
Newton’s first law
B)
Newton’s second law
C)
Newton’s third law
D)
Newton’s fourth law
Newton's First Law of Motion states that an object will remain at rest, or continue to move at a constant velocity in a straight line, unless acted upon by an external net force. This inherent property of matter to resist any change in its state of motion or rest is called 'inertia'. Therefore, Newton's First Law is fundamentally a description of inertia, earning it the name 'The Law of Inertia'.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Newton's second law (b) defines the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration (F=ma).
- Newton's third law (c) describes the interaction between two bodies (for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction).
- Newton's fourth law (d) does not exist; Newton formulated only three laws of motion.
Arrange the following capital cities from northernmost to southernmost. I. Kolkata II. Jaipur III. New Delhi IV. Chandigarh
A)
IV, II, III, I
B)
III, II, IV, I
C)
IV, III, I, II
D)
IV, III, II, I
To arrange the cities from northernmost to southernmost, we look at their approximate latitudes:
1. Chandigarh (IV): Approximately 30.73° N
2. New Delhi (III): Approximately 28.61° N
3. Jaipur (II): Approximately 26.91° N
4. Kolkata (I): Approximately 22.57° N
Comparing these latitudes, Chandigarh is the furthest north, followed by New Delhi, then Jaipur, and finally Kolkata, which is the furthest south among the four.
Therefore, the correct sequence is IV (Chandigarh) → III (New Delhi) → II (Jaipur) → I (Kolkata).
Which is NOT an example of a greenhouse gas?
A)
Methane
B)
Nitrous oxide
C)
Oxygen
D)
Carbon dioxide
Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are gases in Earth's atmosphere that trap heat by absorbing infrared radiation, contributing to the greenhouse effect.
1. **Carbon dioxide (CO2)**: A primary greenhouse gas emitted through natural processes and human activities like burning fossil fuels.
2. **Methane (CH4)**: A potent greenhouse gas emitted during the production of coal, natural gas, and oil, as well as from livestock and organic decay in landfills.
3. **Nitrous oxide (N2O)**: A powerful greenhouse gas emitted from agricultural and industrial activities, as well as during combustion of fossil fuels and solid waste.
4. **Oxygen (O2)**: Oxygen is a diatomic molecule with a symmetric structure. Because of this symmetry, it does not absorb infrared radiation and therefore does not contribute to the greenhouse effect. It is a vital gas for respiration but not a greenhouse gas.
What is the Assembly Constituency number of Dampa Assembly Constituency?
A)
1
B)
2
C)
3
D)
4
In the state of Mizoram, the Assembly Constituencies (AC) are numbered sequentially. According to the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the Delimitation of Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies Order, the constituencies are numbered as follows: 1. Tuipui, 2. Saiha, 3. Dampa, 4. Lawngtlai, and so on. Therefore, Dampa Assembly Constituency is designated as AC number 3. Options a (1), b (2), and d (4) correspond to other constituencies in the state.
Which Indian state is the largest producer of tea?
A)
Assam
B)
West Bengal
C)
Kerala
D)
Tamil Nadu
Step-by-step reasoning: 1. Analysis of Tea Production in India: India is one of the largest producers of tea globally. The production is concentrated in regions with high rainfall, acidic soil, and well-drained slopes. 2. Evaluating Assam: Assam is the leading producer of tea in India, accounting for more than 50% of the total national production. The Brahmaputra valley provides the ideal tropical climate and fertile alluvial soil required for tea cultivation. 3. Evaluating West Bengal: West Bengal is the second-largest producer, primarily known for the high-quality Darjeeling tea and tea from the Dooars region, but its total volume is significantly lower than Assam's. 4. Evaluating Kerala and Tamil Nadu: While both states produce tea (primarily in the Nilgiri hills and Munnar), their production volumes are much smaller compared to the North-Eastern states. Therefore, Assam is the correct answer.
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