← MES Jr. Grade
Past Questions — 2024
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.
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.
‘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.
India signs agreement for Lithium exploration and Mining project with
A)
Brazil
B)
Australia
C)
Argentina
D)
Chile
In January 2024, India signed a significant agreement with Argentina for the exploration and mining of lithium. The agreement was signed between KABIL (Khanij Bidesh India Ltd), a joint venture of three public sector undertakings (NALCO, HCL, and MECL), and the Argentine government. Argentina is part of the 'Lithium Triangle' (along with Chile and Bolivia), which holds some of the world's largest lithium reserves. This strategic move is aimed at securing a steady supply of lithium to support India's transition toward electric vehicles (EVs) and green energy storage. While Australia is a major lithium producer and Chile has vast reserves, the specific recent agreement for exploration and mining projects highlighted in current affairs for 2024 pertains to Argentina.
When will demand become a grant?
A)
When a demand is submitted
B)
After the discussion on demand is over
C)
After the demand is granted
D)
When the budget session is closed
In the context of government budgeting and public finance (specifically within the parliamentary system), a 'Demand for Grants' is a request made by a ministry or department for a specific sum of money to be appropriated from the Consolidated Fund for a particular financial year.
1. **The Process**: The government submits 'Demands' (requests for funds). These are then discussed and voted upon by the legislature (e.g., the Lok Sabha in India).
2. **The Transition**: A 'Demand' remains a request until it is officially approved or 'voted' for by the legislative body.
3. **The Result**: Once the legislature approves the request, the 'Demand' is officially 'granted.' Therefore, the demand becomes a grant only after the process of granting (approval/voting) has occurred.
- Option (a) is incorrect because submission is just the start of the process.
- Option (b) is incorrect because discussion does not imply approval; a demand can be discussed and then rejected or modified.
- Option (d) is incorrect because the closing of the session is a procedural timeline, not the legal trigger for the conversion of a demand into a grant.
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.
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) will come into force with effect from 1 July 2024 throughout the territory of India and it will replace
A)
Indian Penal Code 1860
B)
Code of Criminal Procedure 1973
C)
Indian Evidence Act 1872
D)
Marriage Act 1947
The Government of India introduced three new criminal laws to modernize the justice system and replace colonial-era legislation. These laws came into effect on July 1, 2024.
1. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) replaces the Indian Penal Code (IPC) of 1860. The BNS is the primary substantive law that defines offenses and prescribes punishments.
2. The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) replaces the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) of 1973. This is the procedural law.
3. The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) replaces the Indian Evidence Act of 1872. This governs the admissibility of evidence.
Therefore, since the question specifically asks what the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) replaces, the correct answer is the Indian Penal Code 1860.
Which of the following subjects lies in the concurrent list?
A)
Agriculture
B)
Education
C)
Police
D)
Defense
Under the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India, legislative powers are divided into three lists: the Union List, the State List, and the Concurrent List.
1. **Education (Option b):** This is part of the Concurrent List. Originally, education was a State subject, but it was moved to the Concurrent List by the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976. This allows both the Central Government and State Governments to legislate on it.
2. **Agriculture (Option a):** This falls under the State List (List II), meaning the state governments have primary jurisdiction over it.
3. **Police (Option c):** Public order and Police are key subjects of the State List (List II).
4. **Defense (Option d):** This is a subject of national importance and falls exclusively under the Union List (List I), meaning only the Central Government can make laws regarding defense.
Choose the correct one-word substitute and use it in a sentence: One who hates marriage.
A)
Misologist
B)
Misogamist
The question asks for a one-word substitute for 'one who hates marriage'.
1. **Analysis of Option (b) Misogamist**: This word is derived from the Greek roots 'miso-' (meaning hatred) and 'gamos' (meaning marriage). Therefore, a misogamist is someone who hates or dislikes marriage.
2. **Analysis of Option (a) Misologist**: This word is derived from 'miso-' (hatred) and 'logos' (reason, word, or study). A misologist is someone who hates reason, logic, or enlightenment.
3. **Sentence Usage**: 'Despite being a romantic at heart, he remained a misogamist, fearing that the legal bonds of marriage would stifle his freedom.'
Since option (b) directly matches the definition provided in the question, it is the correct choice.
Choose the correct one-word substitute and use it in a sentence: A place where dead bodies are kept for post mortem.
A)
Mortuary
B)
Morgue
While both 'mortuary' and 'morgue' refer to places where dead bodies are kept, there is a technical distinction in their primary purpose. A 'mortuary' is a general term for a place where bodies are kept before burial or cremation (often associated with funeral homes). A 'morgue' is specifically a place where bodies are kept for identification or for medical examination, such as a post-mortem (autopsy). Therefore, for the specific purpose of 'post mortem', 'morgue' is the most accurate one-word substitute.
Example sentence: 'The body was taken to the city morgue for a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death.'
Choose the correct antonym of the word: static
A)
dynamic
B)
ceramic
C)
dyslectic
D)
drastic
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. **Analyze the target word**: 'Static' refers to something that is lacking in movement, action, or change; it is characterized by stability or being stationary (e.g., static electricity or a static image).
2. **Identify the requirement**: The question asks for an 'antonym', which is a word with the opposite meaning.
3. **Evaluate the options**:
- **a. dynamic**: This word refers to something characterized by constant change, activity, or progress. It is the direct opposite of static.
- **b. ceramic**: This refers to pots or other articles made from clay hardened by heat. It is a material noun and unrelated to the state of movement/change.
- **c. dyslectic**: This relates to dyslexia (a learning disorder affecting reading). It is completely unrelated to the target word.
- **d. drastic**: This refers to something likely to have a strong or sudden effect; extreme. While it implies change, it describes the intensity of the change rather than the state of being active/changing versus stationary.
4. **Conclusion**: 'Dynamic' is the precise antonym for 'static'.
Choose the correct synonym of the word: perceive
A)
concern
B)
assert
C)
deceive
D)
discern
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. **Analyze the target word**: 'Perceive' means to become aware of something through the senses (especially sight), to recognize, or to understand/interpret something in a particular way.
2. **Evaluate Option (a) 'concern'**: This means to relate to, be about, or to worry. It is not a synonym for perceive.
3. **Evaluate Option (b) 'assert'**: This means to state a fact or belief confidently and forcefully. It relates to speaking or claiming, not perceiving.
4. **Evaluate Option (c) 'deceive'**: This means to deliberately cause someone to believe something that is not true. This is an act of misleading, which is unrelated to the act of perceiving.
5. **Evaluate Option (d) 'discern'**: This means to perceive or recognize something, especially something that is not immediately obvious. Both 'perceive' and 'discern' involve the mental or sensory act of recognizing or detecting something.
Conclusion: 'Discern' is the closest synonym to 'perceive'.
Choose the correct one-word substitute and use it in a sentence: One who sneers at the aims and beliefs of his fellowmen.
A)
Cynic
B)
Novice
Step 1: Analyze the definition provided: 'One who sneers at the aims and beliefs of his fellowmen.' This describes a person who believes that people are motivated purely by self-interest and often expresses a mocking or pessimistic view of human sincerity and virtue.
Step 2: Evaluate Option (a) 'Cynic'. A cynic is defined as a person who believes that people are motivated by self-interest; they are characterized by skepticism and a tendency to sneer at the perceived idealism or sincerity of others. This matches the definition perfectly.
Step 3: Evaluate Option (b) 'Novice'. A novice is a person new to and inexperienced in a job or situation (a beginner). This does not relate to sneering at beliefs or aims.
Step 4: Conclusion. Option (a) is the correct one-word substitute.
Example Sentence: 'Despite the team's genuine enthusiasm for the new project, the office cynic dismissed it as just another corporate ploy to increase productivity.'
Choose the correct one-word substitute and use it in a sentence: A leader of people who sways his followers by his oratory.
A)
Demagogue
B)
Polyglot
Step 1: Analyze the definition provided in the question. The phrase 'A leader of people who sways his followers by his oratory' refers to someone who gains power or influence by appealing to the desires and prejudices of ordinary people rather than by using rational argument.
Step 2: Evaluate Option (a) 'Demagogue'. A demagogue is defined as a political leader who seeks support by appealing to the desires and prejudices of ordinary people, often using emotive and inflammatory oratory. This matches the definition perfectly.
Step 3: Evaluate Option (b) 'Polyglot'. A polyglot is a person who knows and is able to use several languages. This has no relation to leadership or oratory skills used to sway followers.
Step 4: Formulate a sentence for the correct word. Example: 'The politician was accused of being a demagogue, using fear-mongering speeches to manipulate the crowd.'
Choose the correct one-word substitute and use it in a sentence: One who leads an austere life.
A)
Ascetic
B)
Apostate
Step 1: Analyze the definition provided in the question. 'One who leads an austere life' refers to a person who practices severe self-discipline and abstains from all forms of indulgence, typically for religious or spiritual reasons.
Step 2: Evaluate Option (a) 'Ascetic'. An ascetic is defined as a person who practices severe self-denial as a measure of spiritual discipline. This perfectly matches the definition of leading an 'austere' life.
Step 3: Evaluate Option (b) 'Apostate'. An apostate is a person who renounces a religious or political belief or principle. This refers to the act of abandonment of faith, not the lifestyle of austerity.
Step 4: Conclusion. Option (a) is the correct one-word substitute.
Example sentence: 'The monk lived as an ascetic in the mountains, owning nothing but a simple robe and a bowl.'
Choose the correct antonym of the word: defective
A)
functional
B)
integral
C)
positive
D)
negative
Step 1: Analyze the target word. 'Defective' means imperfect, faulty, or not working correctly due to a flaw (e.g., a defective piece of machinery).
Step 2: Identify the goal. We are looking for an antonym (a word with the opposite meaning). The opposite of something that is faulty or broken is something that works correctly.
Step 3: Evaluate the options:
- (a) 'functional': This means working or operating in a proper or intended way. This is the direct opposite of 'defective'.
- (b) 'integral': This means necessary to make a whole complete; essential. While a defective part might not be integral, the word itself does not mean 'working correctly'.
- (c) 'positive': This refers to a constructive attitude or a mathematical value greater than zero. It is not the opposite of 'defective'.
- (d) 'negative': This refers to a lack of something or a pessimistic outlook. In some contexts, 'defective' has a negative connotation, but 'negative' is not its antonym.
Conclusion: 'Functional' is the most accurate antonym for 'defective'.
Choose the correct antonym of the word: isolated
A)
integrated
B)
polluted
C)
dusted
D)
gusted
Step 1: Analyze the target word. 'Isolated' means far away from other places, buildings, or people; remote; or separated from others.
Step 2: Identify the requirement. The question asks for an 'antonym', which is a word with the opposite meaning. The opposite of being separated or remote is being combined, connected, or unified.
Step 3: Evaluate the options:
- (a) 'integrated': This means with various parts or aspects linked or coordinated. It is the direct opposite of being isolated or separated.
- (b) 'polluted': This refers to contamination (e.g., air or water pollution) and has no semantic relationship to isolation.
- (c) 'dusted': This refers to removing dust or sprinkling powder; it is unrelated to isolation.
- (d) 'gusted': This refers to a sudden strong rush of wind; it is unrelated to isolation.
Step 4: Conclusion. 'Integrated' is the only word that provides the opposite meaning to 'isolated'.
Choose the correct synonym of the word: elucidate
A)
clarify
B)
nullify
C)
reject
D)
subject
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. **Analyze the target word**: 'Elucidate' is a verb derived from the Latin 'lucidus' (clear). It means to make something clear, to explain, or to throw light upon a complex subject to make it easier to understand.
2. **Evaluate Option (a) 'clarify'**: To clarify means to make a statement or situation less confused and more clearly comprehensible. This is a direct synonym of 'elucidate'.
3. **Evaluate Option (b) 'nullify'**: To nullify means to make legally null and void or to invalidate. This is unrelated to explaining or clarifying.
4. **Evaluate Option (c) 'reject'**: To reject means to dismiss or refuse to accept. This is not a synonym for explaining.
5. **Evaluate Option (d) 'subject'**: As a verb, 'subject' means to cause or force to undergo. As a noun, it refers to a topic. Neither usage matches the meaning of 'elucidate'.
Conclusion: 'Clarify' is the only word that matches the meaning of 'elucidate'.
Choose the correct synonym of the word: robust
A)
strong
B)
long
C)
high
D)
low
The word 'robust' is an adjective used to describe something that is sturdy, healthy, or strong in construction.
1. Analysis of the target word: 'Robust' comes from the Latin 'robustus' (meaning 'made of oak'), which implies strength and durability. In a physical sense, it means strong and healthy; in a technical or systemic sense, it means able to withstand adverse conditions.
2. Evaluating the options:
- (a) strong: This is a direct synonym. Both 'robust' and 'strong' describe the capacity to withstand pressure or stress.
- (b) long: This refers to length or duration, which is unrelated to strength.
- (c) high: This refers to vertical distance or intensity, which is unrelated to robustness.
- (d) low: This refers to a small amount or low position, which is the opposite of high and unrelated to strength.
Therefore, 'strong' is the only correct synonym among the given choices.
Choose the correct one-word substitute and use it in a sentence: Holding office without any remuneration.
A)
Anomaly
B)
Honorary
Step 1: Analyze the definition provided in the question: 'Holding office without any remuneration.' Remuneration refers to money paid for work or a service.
Step 2: Evaluate Option (a) 'Anomaly'. An anomaly is something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected. It does not relate to payment or office holding.
Step 3: Evaluate Option (b) 'Honorary'. The term 'honorary' is used to describe a position or title given as an honor, without the usual requirements or, most importantly, without payment (unpaid).
Step 4: Conclusion. 'Honorary' perfectly matches the definition of holding an office without remuneration.
Example sentence: 'Dr. Smith serves as an honorary chairperson for the local charity organization.'
Choose the correct one-word substitute and use it in a sentence: One who talks continuously.
A)
Loquacious
B)
Iconoclast
Step 1: Analyze the definition provided in the question: 'One who talks continuously.'
Step 2: Evaluate Option (a) 'Loquacious'. The word 'loquacious' is derived from the Latin 'loqui' (to speak). It is an adjective used to describe a person who tends to talk a great deal; talkative.
Step 3: Evaluate Option (b) 'Iconoclast'. An 'iconoclast' is a person who attacks settled beliefs or institutions, or someone who destroys religious images. This does not relate to talking continuously.
Step 4: Conclusion: Option (a) is the correct one-word substitute.
Example sentence: 'The loquacious tour guide provided so many details that the group fell behind schedule.'
Choose the correct synonym of the word: mitigate
A)
deviate
B)
elevate
C)
alleviate
D)
delegate
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. **Analyze the target word**: 'Mitigate' means to make something bad (such as a pain, a problem, or a severity) less severe, serious, or painful.
2. **Evaluate Option (a) 'deviate'**: To deviate means to depart from an established course or standard. This is unrelated to reducing severity.
3. **Evaluate Option (b) 'elevate'**: To elevate means to raise or lift something up to a higher position. This is not a synonym for mitigate.
4. **Evaluate Option (c) 'alleviate'**: To alleviate means to make (suffering, deficiency, or a problem) less severe. This is a direct synonym for 'mitigate'.
5. **Evaluate Option (d) 'delegate'**: To delegate means to entrust a task or responsibility to another person. This is unrelated to reducing severity.
Conclusion: 'Alleviate' is the only word that matches the meaning of 'mitigate'.
Choose the correct one-word substitute and use it in a sentence: Official formality resulting in excessive delay.
A)
Referendum
B)
Red-tapism
The term 'Red-tapism' refers to excessive adherence to official rules and formalities, which typically results in slow progress or delays in administrative processes. The term originates from the historical practice of binding official legal and government documents with red tape.
Analysis of options:
- Option (a) 'Referendum' refers to a general vote by the electorate on a single political question which has been referred to them for a direct decision. It has nothing to do with administrative delays.
- Option (b) 'Red-tapism' perfectly matches the definition of official formality resulting in excessive delay.
Example sentence: 'The project was delayed for months due to the red-tapism prevalent in the government departments.'
Choose the correct antonym of the word: immobile
A)
mobile
B)
gentle
C)
genteel
D)
mopped
Step 1: Analyze the target word. 'Immobile' is an adjective meaning not moving, fixed, or unable to move. The prefix 'im-' acts as a negation of 'mobile'.
Step 2: Identify the goal. The question asks for an 'antonym', which is a word with the opposite meaning.
Step 3: Evaluate the options:
- (a) 'mobile': This means able to move or be moved freely. This is the direct opposite of immobile.
- (b) 'gentle': This means mild in temperament or behavior; it is unrelated to movement.
- (c) 'genteel': This means polite, refined, or respectable, often in an affected way; it is unrelated to movement.
- (d) 'mopped': This is the past tense of the verb 'mop' (to clean a floor); it is unrelated to movement.
Step 4: Conclusion. Since 'mobile' is the direct opposite of 'immobile', option (a) is the correct antonym.
Choose the correct antonym of the word: inaccurate
A)
precise
B)
exercise
C)
excise
D)
exhort
Step 1: Analyze the target word. 'Inaccurate' means not accurate, containing mistakes, or not precise (e.g., an inaccurate measurement).
Step 2: Identify the requirement. The question asks for an 'antonym', which is a word with the opposite meaning. The opposite of 'not accurate' is 'accurate' or 'exact'.
Step 3: Evaluate the options:
- (a) 'precise': Means marked by exactness and accuracy of expression or detail. This is the direct opposite of inaccurate.
- (b) 'exercise': Refers to physical activity or the application of a faculty/right. It is unrelated to accuracy.
- (c) 'excise': Means to cut out surgically or a tax levied on certain goods. It is unrelated to accuracy.
- (d) 'exhort': Means to strongly encourage or urge someone to do something. It is unrelated to accuracy.
Step 4: Conclusion. Since 'precise' is the only word that represents the opposite of 'inaccurate', it is the correct antonym.