← MES Jr. Grade
Past Questions — 2024
Who advises the Government of India on legal matters?
A)
Attorney General
B)
Chief Justice of Supreme Court
C)
Chairman, Law Commission
D)
Chief Information Commissioner
The Attorney General for India is the chief legal advisor to the Government of India and is appointed by the President under Article 76 of the Constitution of India. The primary duties of the Attorney General include giving advice to the Government of India upon legal matters referred by the President and performing other duties of a legal character assigned by the President.
Why other options are incorrect:
- b. Chief Justice of Supreme Court: The CJI is the head of the judiciary and ensures the administration of justice; they do not act as a legal advisor to the executive branch to maintain the separation of powers.
- c. Chairman, Law Commission: The Law Commission is a non-statutory body that recommends reforms in the law of India; it does not provide day-to-day legal advice to the government on specific cases or matters.
- d. Chief Information Commissioner: This official heads the Central Information Commission and deals specifically with the Right to Information (RTI) Act, not general legal advisory for the government.
Which cells in the human body have no nucleus?
A)
Muscle cells
B)
Phagocytic cells
C)
Red blood cells
D)
Ciliated cells
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. **Analysis of Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes):** In mammals, mature red blood cells undergo a process called enucleation, where they expel their nucleus. This adaptation provides more internal space for hemoglobin, the protein responsible for transporting oxygen, and allows the cell to assume a biconcave shape, which increases the surface area for gas exchange and improves flexibility to squeeze through narrow capillaries.
2. **Evaluation of other options:**
- **Muscle cells:** These are nucleated. Skeletal muscle cells are multinucleated (syncytia) to manage the protein synthesis required for large cells.
- **Phagocytic cells:** These are a type of white blood cell (e.g., macrophages, neutrophils). All white blood cells possess a nucleus to regulate their complex immune functions.
- **Ciliated cells:** These are specialized epithelial cells (found in the respiratory tract or fallopian tubes) that contain a nucleus to control the production and maintenance of cilia.
Therefore, red blood cells are the only cells among the options that lack a nucleus upon maturity.
The RPwD Act, 2016 covered...
A)
7 types of Disabilities
B)
14 types of Disabilities
C)
18 types of Disabilities
D)
21 types of Disabilites
The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016 was enacted by the Government of India to replace the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995. One of the most significant changes introduced by the 2016 Act was the expansion of the list of recognized disabilities. While the 1995 Act recognized only 7 types of disabilities, the RPwD Act 2016 increased this number to 21. These 21 disabilities include physical disabilities (locomotor, visual, hearing), intellectual disabilities, mental illness, and specific conditions such as leprosy, dwarfism, acid attack victims, and blood disorders like Thalassemia, Hemophilia, and Sickle Cell disease. Therefore, option (d) is correct, and options (a), (b), and (c) are incorrect as they do not reflect the current legal framework established by the 2016 Act.
Which Schedule of the Indian Constitution deals with the administration of the tribal areas in the four northeastern states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram?
A)
Sixth Schedule
B)
Seventh Schedule
C)
Eighth Schedule
D)
Ninth Schedule
The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution provides for the administration of tribal areas in the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. It allows for the creation of Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) and Regional Councils, granting them significant autonomy to make laws on land, forests, water, and village administration to protect the indigenous culture and rights of the tribal populations.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Seventh Schedule: Deals with the division of powers between the Union and the States via three lists (Union List, State List, and Concurrent List).
- Eighth Schedule: Lists the official languages recognized by the Constitution of India.
- Ninth Schedule: Was added to protect certain laws (primarily land reform laws) from judicial review.
Which of the following biosphere reserves is spread over three States in India?
A)
Nilgiri
B)
Achanakmar-Amarkantak
C)
Seshachalam
D)
Agasthiyamalai
The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is the first biosphere reserve established in India (1986) and is uniquely spread across three states: Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka.
Analysis of other options:
- b. Achanakmar-Amarkantak: This biosphere reserve is located in the states of Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh (two states).
- c. Seshachalam: This is located entirely within the state of Andhra Pradesh (one state).
- d. Agasthiyamalai: This is spread across the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala (two states).
Therefore, only the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve meets the criteria of being spread over three states.
Who was the first person to reach point Nemo?
A)
Chris Brown
B)
Hrvoje Lukatela
C)
Jules Verne
D)
Vilhjalmur Stefansson
Point Nemo is the oceanic pole of inaccessibility, the place in the ocean that is farthest from land. Because it is so remote, it is rarely visited. In 2009, a team of explorers led by Hrvoje Lukatela (a Croatian adventurer) successfully reached the exact coordinates of Point Nemo.
Analysis of other options:
- Chris Brown: A famous singer, not an explorer.
- Jules Verne: A novelist who wrote 'Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea'; while the name 'Nemo' is borrowed from his character Captain Nemo, Verne himself never visited the geographical Point Nemo.
- Vilhjalmur Stefansson: An Arctic explorer known for his work in the North Pole regions, not the South Pacific.
What is the H-C-H bond angle in a methane molecule?
A)
120°
B)
75°
C)
109.5°
D)
150°
1. Methane (CH₄) consists of a central carbon atom bonded to four hydrogen atoms.
2. According to the Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) theory, the four pairs of bonding electrons around the central carbon atom repel each other to be as far apart as possible to minimize electrostatic repulsion.
3. This arrangement results in a tetrahedral geometry.
4. In a perfect tetrahedron, the angle between the bonds connecting the central atom to the vertices is mathematically calculated as approximately 109.47°, which is commonly rounded to 109.5°.
Analysis of other options:
- 120° is the bond angle for a trigonal planar geometry (e.g., BF₃).
- 75° and 150° are not standard bond angles for simple VSEPR molecular geometries.
Which one of the following is the mascot for the khelo India Winter Games,2024
A)
Bengal Tiger
B)
Hangul
C)
Snow Leopard
D)
Arctic Fox
The Khelo India Winter Games 2024 were held in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir. The mascot chosen for this edition of the games was the 'Hangul' (Kashmir Stag). The Hangul is a critically endangered subspecies of red deer found only in the Dachigam National Park of Jammu and Kashmir, making it a symbol of the region's unique biodiversity and natural heritage.
Analysis of other options:
- Bengal Tiger: While the national animal of India, it is not the mascot for the 2024 Winter Games.
- Snow Leopard: Often associated with high-altitude regions, but was not the official mascot for this specific event.
- Arctic Fox: Not native to the Indian subcontinent and therefore not used as a mascot for a national event in India.
What is Tyndall effect?
A)
Scattering of a beam of light by the particles of a suspension
B)
Refraction of a beam of light by the particles of a solution
C)
Reflection of a beam of light by the particles of a suspension
D)
Scattering of a beam of light by the particles of a colloid
The Tyndall effect is the phenomenon where a beam of light is scattered by particles in its path, making the beam visible. This occurs when the size of the particles is large enough to deflect the light but small enough to remain suspended.
1. Why Option (d) is correct: Colloidal particles (like milk in water or dust in air) have a size range (typically 1 to 1000 nanometers) that is ideal for scattering visible light. This is the classic definition of the Tyndall effect.
2. Why Option (a) is incorrect: While suspensions also scatter light, the Tyndall effect is specifically used as a characteristic test to distinguish colloids from true solutions. In a suspension, particles are often large enough to block light or settle down, whereas the Tyndall effect is the defining optical property of colloids.
3. Why Option (b) is incorrect: Refraction is the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another; it is not the cause of the Tyndall effect. Furthermore, true solutions do not exhibit the Tyndall effect because their particles are too small to scatter light.
4. Why Option (c) is incorrect: The phenomenon is based on scattering (light being sent in many directions), not simple specular reflection.
Sikkim was made an integral part of India under the
A)
36 Amendment
B)
39 Amendment
C)
40th Amendment
D)
42nd Amendment
Sikkim was made an integral part of India by the 36th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1975, which gave Sikkim the status of a full state and inserted it into the First Schedule of the Constitution. The other options are incorrect because the 39th Amendment dealt with election-related matters, the 40th Amendment with territorial waters and other provisions, and the 42nd Amendment with a wide-ranging constitutional overhaul, not Sikkim’s integration.
The world’s first portable hospital ‘Aarogya Maitri Aid Cube’ was unveiled on December 2, 2023 in
A)
Bangalore
B)
Gurugram
C)
Mumbai
D)
Kolkata
The 'Aarogya Maitri Aid Cube' is the world's first portable hospital, designed to be deployed rapidly in disaster-hit areas or remote locations to provide critical healthcare services. It was officially unveiled on December 2, 2023, in Gurugram, Haryana. The project is a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of External Affairs (India) and other partners to enhance India's capacity for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations globally. Therefore, option (b) Gurugram is the correct location of the unveiling.
Which of the following leads to termination of session of house?
A)
Adjournment
B)
Adjournment sine die
C)
Prorogation
D)
Dissolution
To understand the correct answer, it is essential to distinguish between the different terms used for suspending or ending the proceedings of a legislative house:
1. **Adjournment (Option a):** This is a short break in the sitting of the house. It terminates a sitting for a specified time (hours, days, or weeks), but not the session. It is ordered by the presiding officer.
2. **Adjournment sine die (Option b):** 'Sine die' means 'without assigning a day'. This terminates a sitting of the house indefinitely, but it does not terminate the session itself.
3. **Prorogation (Option c):** This is the act of terminating a session of the house. It is done by the head of the state (e.g., the President of India or the Governor of a state). While it ends the session, it does not dissolve the house; pending bills usually do not lapse upon prorogation.
4. **Dissolution (Option d):** This is the most drastic action. It not only terminates the session but also ends the life of the house itself (e.g., the Lok Sabha). After dissolution, fresh elections must be held.
Since the question specifically asks what leads to the termination of a 'session' (rather than a 'sitting' or the 'house' itself), Prorogation is the correct technical term.
According to the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, the term ‘Juvenile’ means:
A)
A child below the age of 21 years
B)
A child below the age of 20 years
C)
A child below the age of 18 years
D)
A child below the age of 16 years
Under Section 2(13) of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, a 'juvenile' or a 'child' is defined as a person who has not completed eighteen years of age. This definition is consistent with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and other Indian laws such as the POCSO Act.
- Option (a) 21 years is incorrect as it exceeds the legal definition of childhood/juvenility.
- Option (b) 20 years is incorrect as it is not the statutory threshold for this Act.
- Option (d) 16 years is incorrect; while certain provisions of the 2015 Act allow for children between 16 and 18 to be tried as adults in cases of heinous offenses (after a preliminary assessment), the general definition of a 'juvenile' remains anyone under 18.
What is ‘Zero Hour’?
A)
When the proposals of the opposition are raised
B)
When matters of utmost importance are raised
C)
Interval between the morning and afternoon sessions
D)
When a money bill is introduced in Lok Sabha
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. Definition: 'Zero Hour' is an Indian parliamentary innovation. It is the time immediately following the Question Hour in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
2. Purpose: During this time, Members of Parliament (MPs) can raise matters of urgent public importance without prior notice to the presiding officer.
3. Analysis of Options:
- Option (a) is incorrect because Zero Hour is not exclusive to the opposition; any member of the house can raise a matter.
- Option (b) is correct as it accurately describes the function of Zero Hour—raising matters of utmost/urgent importance.
- Option (c) is incorrect because the interval between sessions is simply a 'recess' or 'break', not Zero Hour.
- Option (d) is incorrect because the introduction of a Money Bill follows specific constitutional procedures and is not related to the concept of Zero Hour.
4. Conclusion: Zero Hour serves as a tool for members to bring immediate attention to pressing national or local issues.
The greatest direct threats to sustainability of hydro-power dam in Mizoram is
A)
Deforestation
B)
Sedimentation
C)
High infiltration
D)
Evaporation
Step-by-step reasoning: 1. Understanding the Geography: Mizoram is characterized by steep slopes, high rainfall, and fragile soil. These conditions make the region highly prone to soil erosion. 2. The Process: When heavy rains occur, large amounts of soil and debris are washed down the slopes into the river systems. 3. Impact on Dams: When this sediment-laden water enters a hydro-power reservoir, the water velocity decreases, causing the suspended solids to settle at the bottom. This process is called 'sedimentation'. 4. Threat to Sustainability: Sedimentation reduces the active storage capacity of the reservoir, decreases the lifespan of the dam, and can eventually block the intake structures and damage the turbines. 5. Evaluating other options: (a) Deforestation is a cause of erosion, but sedimentation is the direct physical threat to the dam's operation. (c) High infiltration refers to water soaking into the ground, which doesn't directly threaten the dam's structural sustainability. (d) Evaporation occurs in all reservoirs but is not the primary threat in a high-rainfall, humid region like Mizoram compared to the massive influx of silt.
When was Mizoram University established?
A)
1999
B)
2000
C)
2001
D)
2002
Mizoram University (MZU) is a Central University located in Aizawl, Mizoram. It was established by an Act of Parliament in the year 2002. It was created to provide higher education opportunities in the state of Mizoram and operates as a premier institution for research and learning in the region. Options a (1999), b (2000), and c (2001) are incorrect as the university was formally established in 2002.
Who was called the Iron Man of India
A)
Subhas Chandra Bose
B)
Bipin Chandra Pal
C)
Lala Lajpat Rai
D)
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is known as the 'Iron Man of India' due to his uncompromising commitment to national integration and his decisive role in the political integration of over 560 princely states into the Indian Union after independence in 1947.
Analysis of other options:
- a. Subhas Chandra Bose: Known as 'Netaji', he led the Indian National Army (INA) to fight against British rule.
- b. Bipin Chandra Pal: One of the 'Lal-Bal-Pal' trio, he was a key leader of the Swadeshi movement.
- c. Lala Lajpat Rai: Also part of the 'Lal-Bal-Pal' trio, known as 'Punjab Kesari'.
Which of the following is the most populous city in the world?
A)
Shanghai, China
B)
New York, USA
C)
Delhi, India
D)
Tokyo, Japan
When determining the most populous city, geographers and international organizations (such as the United Nations) typically look at the 'Urban Agglomeration' (the city center plus the surrounding suburban areas). According to the UN World Urbanization Prospects, Tokyo, Japan, consistently ranks as the most populous metropolitan area in the world, with a population exceeding 37 million people.
Comparing the options:
- Tokyo, Japan: The largest urban agglomeration globally.
- Delhi, India: Ranks as one of the top three largest, but generally trails Tokyo in total metropolitan population.
- Shanghai, China: One of the largest cities by city-proper population, but smaller than Tokyo's metropolitan area.
- New York, USA: A major global hub, but significantly smaller in population compared to the top Asian megacities.
Who will be the Indian team’s flagbearer for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics?
A)
G Sathiyan
B)
Nayana James
C)
Sunil Chhetri
D)
Sharath Kamal
For the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) appointed veteran table tennis player Sharath Kamal as the flagbearer for the Opening Ceremony. He was chosen for his immense contribution to the sport and his seniority in the Indian sporting community.
Analysis of other options:
- G Sathiyan: A fellow table tennis player and teammate of Sharath Kamal, but not the designated flagbearer.
- Nayana James: An athlete, but not selected as the flagbearer for the opening ceremony.
- Sunil Chhetri: A legendary football player, but football is not a sport in which India qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympics, nor was he appointed as the flagbearer.
An infection constantly maintained at a baseline level in a geographic area without external input is known as
A)
Endemic
B)
Pandemic
C)
Epidemic
D)
Outbreak
The question describes a specific epidemiological pattern where a disease is consistently present in a population or geographic area.
1. **Endemic (Correct):** An endemic disease is one that is permanently present at a baseline or stable level within a particular geographic area or population group. It does not require external input to maintain its presence (e.g., Malaria in certain tropical regions).
2. **Pandemic (Incorrect):** A pandemic is an epidemic that has spread over several countries or continents, usually affecting a large number of people globally (e.g., COVID-19).
3. **Epidemic (Incorrect):** An epidemic occurs when there is a sudden increase in the number of cases of a disease above what is normally expected in that population in that area.
4. **Outbreak (Incorrect):** An outbreak is similar to an epidemic but is typically more localized (e.g., a specific town or a single institution) and often refers to a sudden rise in cases of a specific disease.
In Ecology, an ecotone is a/an:
A)
transition zone between two biomes
B)
community plus its physical environment
C)
association between a species and a group of sites
D)
distinct geographic variety within a species
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. **Definition of Ecotone**: In ecology, an ecotone is a transition area between two biological communities, where two different ecosystems meet and integrate. For example, a marshland is an ecotone between a terrestrial ecosystem and an aquatic ecosystem.
2. **Evaluating Option (a)**: This matches the definition perfectly. A transition zone between two biomes (or ecosystems) is the precise definition of an ecotone. These zones often exhibit higher biodiversity than either of the surrounding communities, a phenomenon known as the 'edge effect'.
3. **Evaluating Option (b)**: A community plus its physical environment is the definition of an **Ecosystem**, not an ecotone.
4. **Evaluating Option (c)**: An association between a species and a group of sites generally refers to a **distribution pattern** or a specific **habitat association**.
5. **Evaluating Option (d)**: A distinct geographic variety within a species is known as a **Subspecies** or a **Race**.
Therefore, option (a) is the only scientifically accurate answer.
The Indian Army launched ‘Operation Sarvashakti’ to flush out terrorists in
A)
Myanmar
B)
Manipur
C)
Jammu and Kashmir
D)
Chhattisgarh
Operation Sarvashakti was launched by the Indian Army in late 2023 and continued into 2024, specifically targeting terrorists hiding in the dense forests and mountainous terrain of the Jammu sector of Jammu and Kashmir. The operation was designed to flush out infiltrators and terrorists who had established hideouts in the region to launch attacks on security forces and civilians.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Myanmar: While the Indian Army conducts operations along the border (such as Operation Sunrise), Operation Sarvashakti is specific to the J&K region.
- Manipur: Security operations in Manipur typically focus on ethnic conflicts or insurgent groups (like the Naga or Meitei militants), not under the banner of 'Operation Sarvashakti'.
- Chhattisgarh: Operations in Chhattisgarh (such as those by the CRPF and Indian Army) primarily target Naxalites/Left Wing Extremism (LWE), not the specific terrorist cells targeted by Operation Sarvashakti.
‘SHRESHTA Scheme’ was launched by
A)
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
B)
Ministry of MSME
C)
Ministry of Power
D)
Ministry of Labour and Empowerment
The SHRESHTA scheme (Scheduled Castes Higher Education After Secondary School) was launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.
1. Objective: The primary goal of the scheme is to provide quality education and coaching to SC students in prestigious institutions (like Navodaya Vidyalayas) to ensure they can compete in competitive exams and pursue higher education.
2. Target Group: It specifically targets students from the Scheduled Castes category who have completed class 10 and are pursuing higher secondary education.
3. Why other options are incorrect:
- Ministry of MSME focuses on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises.
- Ministry of Power focuses on electricity and energy infrastructure.
- Ministry of Labour and Employment focuses on workforce regulations, employment generation, and labor welfare, not specifically on the educational upliftment of SC students through specialized coaching schemes.
The right to vote in India is a
A)
Fundamental right
B)
Legal right
C)
Constitutional right
D)
Natural right
The right to vote in India is classified as a 'Legal Right' (or Statutory Right) rather than a Fundamental Right. Here is the detailed breakdown:
1. Why it is a Legal Right: The right to vote is created and regulated by a statute, specifically the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Because it is granted by law, it can be regulated or restricted by law (e.g., disqualification of certain individuals from voting).
2. Why it is NOT a Fundamental Right: Fundamental Rights are enshrined in Part III of the Constitution and are guaranteed against state interference. 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/legal right and not a fundamental one.
3. Why it is NOT a Constitutional Right: While Article 326 of the Constitution provides for 'Universal Adult Suffrage' (the principle that every citizen above a certain age has the right to vote), the actual exercise of this right is governed by the laws made by Parliament. In legal jurisprudence, the distinction is that a Constitutional Right is derived directly from the Constitution without needing enabling legislation, whereas the right to vote requires the framework of the Representation of the People Act.
4. Why it is NOT a Natural Right: Natural rights are universal rights believed to be inherent to all humans by nature (e.g., the right to life), whereas the right to vote is a civil right granted by a specific political system.
Who is the current Minister incharge of Power and Electricity in Mizoram??
A)
PuLalduhawma
B)
Pu Vanlalhlana
C)
Prof. Lalnilawma
D)
PuF Rodingliana
Based on the current cabinet allocation of the Government of Mizoram, Pu Vanlalhlana is the Minister in charge of the Power and Electricity Department.
Analysis of other options:
- Pu Lalduhawma is the Chief Minister of Mizoram and holds various key portfolios, but the specific charge of Power and Electricity is assigned to Pu Vanlalhlana.
- Prof. Lalnilawma and Pu F. Rodingliana hold other ministerial portfolios within the state cabinet, but they are not the ministers in charge of Power and Electricity.