← MES Jr. Grade
Past Questions
The type of mirror used in the headlamps of cars is the:
A)
plane mirror
B)
spherical convex mirror
C)
spherical concave mirror
D)
parabolic concave mirror
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. Objective: The purpose of a car headlamp is to produce a powerful, parallel beam of light that extends far ahead to illuminate the road.
2. Physics Principle: To achieve a parallel beam, the light source (bulb) must be placed at the focal point of a reflecting surface.
3. Concave vs. Convex: A convex mirror diverges light, which would scatter the beam. A concave mirror converges light; however, if the light source is at the focus, it reflects the light as a parallel beam.
4. Spherical vs. Parabolic: A spherical concave mirror suffers from 'spherical aberration,' meaning rays reflecting from the edges of the mirror do not meet perfectly at the same focal point, resulting in a blurred or diffused beam. A parabolic mirror is specifically designed to eliminate spherical aberration; any ray originating from the focus of a parabola is reflected perfectly parallel to the axis of symmetry.
5. Conclusion: Therefore, a parabolic concave mirror is the ideal choice for headlamps to ensure a concentrated, long-range beam of light.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Plane mirror: Reflects light at the same angle it hits; it cannot collimate light into a beam.
- Spherical convex mirror: Diverges light, which is useful for rear-view mirrors (wide field of view) but useless for headlamps.
- Spherical concave mirror: While it can create a beam, it produces a distorted beam due to spherical aberration compared to the parabolic version.
Which Article of the Indian Constitution deals with the prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth?
A)
Article 19
B)
Article 21
C)
Article 15
D)
Article 17
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. The question asks for the specific Article of the Indian Constitution that prohibits discrimination based on religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
2. Article 15 of the Indian Constitution explicitly states that the State shall not discriminate against any citizen on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth or any of them. This is a fundamental right under the 'Right to Equality' (Articles 14-18).
Evaluation of other options:
- Option (a) Article 19: Deals with the protection of six fundamental freedoms (speech, assembly, association, movement, residence, and profession).
- Option (b) Article 21: Deals with the protection of life and personal liberty.
- Option (d) Article 17: Deals with the abolition of untouchability.
Therefore, Article 15 is the correct answer.
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.
When a bus suddenly takes a turn, the passengers are thrown outwards because of:
A)
inertia of motion
B)
acceleration of bus
C)
speed of motion
D)
Both (b) and (c)
The phenomenon described is a classic application of Newton's First Law of Motion, also known as the Law of Inertia. Inertia is the inherent property of an object to resist any change in its state of rest or uniform motion in a straight line.
1. When a bus is moving in a straight line, the passengers are moving at the same velocity as the bus.
2. When the bus suddenly takes a turn, its direction of motion changes.
3. However, due to the 'inertia of motion', the passengers' bodies tend to continue moving in the original straight-line direction.
4. As the bus moves away from that straight path to follow the curve, the passengers feel as though they are being 'thrown outwards' relative to the bus's new direction.
Why other options are incorrect:
- (b) Acceleration of bus: While the bus is accelerating (centripetal acceleration) to make the turn, the 'throwing' sensation is caused by the passenger's resistance to that change, not the acceleration itself.
- (c) Speed of motion: Speed is a scalar quantity. While higher speed increases the magnitude of the effect, the cause of the outward movement is the change in direction (inertia), not the speed itself.
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.
A vehicle stops in 20 sec after applying brakes. If the rate of constant retardation is 1.5 m/sec2, what was the initial velocity of the vehicle?
A)
10 m/sec
B)
20 m/sec
C)
30 m/sec
D)
40 m/sec
To find the initial velocity of the vehicle, we use the first equation of motion: v = u + at.
Given data:
1. Final velocity (v) = 0 m/sec (since the vehicle stops).
2. Time taken (t) = 20 sec.
3. Retardation = 1.5 m/sec². Since retardation is negative acceleration, acceleration (a) = -1.5 m/sec².
4. Initial velocity (u) = ?
Substituting the values into the formula:
0 = u + (-1.5 m/sec² × 20 sec)
0 = u - 30 m/sec
u = 30 m/sec
Therefore, the initial velocity of the vehicle was 30 m/sec.
Comparing with the options:
- Option (a) 10 m/sec is incorrect.
- Option (b) 20 m/sec is incorrect.
- Option (c) 30 m/sec is correct.
- Option (d) 40 m/sec is incorrect.
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.
A person who is not a member of the State Legislature can be the Chief Minister for a maximum period of:
A)
1 month
B)
3 months
C)
6 months
D)
12 months
According to the constitutional conventions and the legal framework governing the State Executive in India, the Chief Minister must be a member of the State Legislature. However, a person who is not a member of the State Legislature (either the Legislative Assembly or the Legislative Council) can be appointed as the Chief Minister by the Governor. Such a person must be elected to the State Legislature within a period of six months from the date of their appointment. If they fail to get elected to either house within this six-month window, they cease to hold the office of the Chief Minister. This rule ensures that the head of the government remains accountable to the legislative body. Therefore, the maximum period a non-member can hold the office is 6 months.
In which season did Aizawl FC win their maiden I-League title?
A)
2014-15
B)
2015-16
C)
2016-17
D)
2017-18
Aizawl FC, a club based in Mizoram, made history by winning the I-League title in the 2017-18 season. This was a landmark achievement as they became the first club from Northeast India to win the top-tier professional football league in India. They secured the title after a dramatic final matchday, finishing at the top of the table. Options a, b, and c are incorrect because the club had not yet won the league title during those seasons.
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.
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.
Which of the following has the highest value of specific heat?
A)
Alcohol
B)
Methane
C)
Kerosene
D)
Water
Specific heat capacity is the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of a unit mass of a substance by one degree Celsius (or Kelvin). Among the given options, water has an exceptionally high specific heat capacity due to its strong hydrogen bonding network, which requires significant energy to break or vibrate before the kinetic energy (temperature) of the molecules increases.
Comparing the approximate specific heat values (at room temperature):
1. Water: ~4184 J/(kg·K)
2. Alcohol (Ethanol): ~2440 J/(kg·K)
3. Kerosene: ~2100 J/(kg·K)
4. Methane: ~2220 J/(kg·K)
Since water's value is significantly higher than that of alcohol, methane, and kerosene, it is the correct answer.
From which city did the Revolt of 1857 start?
A)
Delhi
B)
Jhansi
C)
Meerut
D)
Kanpur
The Revolt of 1857, also known as the First War of Independence, officially began on May 10, 1857, in the garrison town of Meerut. The uprising was triggered by the introduction of the Enfield rifle, which used cartridges rumored to be greased with cow and pig fat, offending both Hindu and Muslim sepoys. After the sepoys in Meerut mutinied and killed their British officers, they marched toward Delhi to proclaim the Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar as the leader of the rebellion.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Delhi: While Delhi became the political center of the revolt and was captured shortly after the Meerut uprising, it was not the starting point.
- Jhansi: Rani Lakshmibai led a significant part of the rebellion in Jhansi, but this occurred later as the revolt spread across Northern and Central India.
- Kanpur: Nana Sahib led the revolt in Kanpur, but this was a regional expansion of the rebellion that had already begun in Meerut.
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.
The ‘Kudankulam’ nuclear power plant is located in:
A)
Andhra Pradesh
B)
Karnataka
C)
Tamil Nadu
D)
Kerala
The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP) is located in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the largest nuclear power stations in the country and was developed with technical assistance from Russia.
Analysis of other options:
- Andhra Pradesh: Does not host the Kudankulam plant; however, it has other energy projects.
- Karnataka: Hosts the Kaiga Atomic Power Station.
- Kerala: Does not currently have a commercial nuclear power plant.
Natural uranium contains: 1. U-235 2. U-238 3. U-234 4. U-233 Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
A)
1 and 2
B)
2 and 3
C)
1, 2 and 3
D)
3 and 4
Natural uranium is composed of three naturally occurring isotopes: Uranium-238, Uranium-235, and Uranium-234.
1. **U-238**: The most abundant isotope, making up approximately 99.27% of natural uranium.
2. **U-235**: The fissile isotope used in nuclear reactors and weapons, making up approximately 0.72% of natural uranium.
3. **U-234**: A trace isotope present in very small quantities (approximately 0.0054%), produced by the decay of U-238.
**U-233** (Option 4) is not found naturally. It is a synthetic isotope produced in breeder reactors by the neutron irradiation of Thorium-232.
Therefore, since natural uranium contains U-235, U-238, and U-234, the correct combination is 1, 2, and 3.
The pressure of the earth’s atmosphere at sea level is due to the:
A)
heating of the atmosphere by the sun
B)
fact that most living things constantly breathe air
C)
evaporation of water from the sea’s and oceans
D)
gravitational attraction of the earth for the atmosphere
Atmospheric pressure is defined as the force per unit area exerted against a surface by the weight of the air above that surface. The air in the atmosphere has mass, and the Earth's gravity pulls this mass toward the center of the planet. At sea level, the column of air extending from the surface to the top of the atmosphere is at its maximum height, meaning the total weight of the air pressing down is greatest at this point.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Option (a): Heating by the sun causes air to expand and move (creating wind and weather patterns), but it does not create the baseline pressure; in fact, heating generally decreases local density.
- Option (b): Respiration by living things changes the composition of gases (e.g., O2 to CO2) but does not significantly alter the total mass or pressure of the atmosphere.
- Option (c): Evaporation adds water vapor to the air, which affects humidity and local pressure slightly, but it is not the fundamental cause of atmospheric pressure.
Which of the following statements are true of glass wool? I. It has low thermal conductivity II. It is highly fire-resistant III. It absorbs moisture IV. It has good tensile strength
A)
I and II only
B)
I, II, and III only
C)
I, II and IV only
D)
I, and III only
Let's analyze each statement regarding glass wool (a fibrous form of glass used primarily for insulation):
I. Low thermal conductivity: TRUE. Glass wool is designed specifically as a thermal insulator. It traps air within its fibrous structure, which significantly reduces the transfer of heat, resulting in low thermal conductivity.
II. Highly fire-resistant: TRUE. Since it is made from glass (silica), it is non-combustible and can withstand very high temperatures without catching fire, making it an excellent choice for fire-stopping and thermal insulation in buildings.
III. Absorbs moisture: FALSE. Glass wool is generally hydrophobic or treated to be water-repellent. While it can hold water in the gaps between fibers (capillary action), the material itself does not 'absorb' moisture into its chemical structure like a sponge or organic fiber would. In fact, moisture absorption is a disadvantage that manufacturers try to minimize because wet insulation loses its thermal efficiency.
IV. Good tensile strength: FALSE. Glass wool consists of very fine, fragile fibers. While glass as a bulk material has high compressive strength, glass wool as a fibrous mat has very poor tensile strength; it tears easily and cannot support structural loads.
Conclusion: Only statements I and II are correct. Therefore, option (a) is the correct choice.
Which among the following is the term for the state of economy in which economic activity is low but prices continue to rise?
A)
Inflation
B)
Deflation
C)
Skewflation
D)
Stagflation
The term 'Stagflation' is a portmanteau of 'stagnation' and 'inflation'. It describes a rare and challenging economic condition characterized by three simultaneous factors: slow economic growth (stagnation), high unemployment (low economic activity), and rising prices (inflation).
Here is why the other options are incorrect:
- a. Inflation: This is a general increase in prices and a fall in the purchasing value of money. While it involves rising prices, it does not necessarily imply low economic activity; in fact, demand-pull inflation often occurs during periods of high economic growth.
- b. Deflation: This is the opposite of inflation, where the general price level of goods and services decreases. This is not the case here as the question specifies that prices continue to rise.
- c. Skewflation: This occurs when there is a price rise in one or a few selective sectors of the economy, while prices in other sectors remain stable or fall. It does not specifically describe a state of low overall economic activity combined with general price rises.
The Reserve Bank of India was nationalized in:
A)
1935
B)
1947
C)
1949
D)
1951
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) was established on April 1, 1935, under the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, as a private shareholders' bank. Following India's independence, the government decided to nationalize the central bank to ensure it served the public interest and the economic goals of the newly independent nation. The RBI was nationalized on January 1, 1949, through the Reserve Bank (Transfer to Public Ownership) Act, 1948.
Analysis of other options:
- Option (a) 1935: This is the year the RBI was established, but it was established as a private bank, not nationalized.
- Option (b) 1947: This is the year of India's independence, but the legal process for RBI nationalization was completed later.
- Option (d) 1951: This date is incorrect; the nationalization had already occurred in 1949.
In which State is the Keoladeo National Park located?
A)
Madhya Pradesh
B)
Rajasthan
C)
Gujarat
D)
Chhattisgarh
Keoladeo National Park, formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, is located in the state of Rajasthan, India. It is a world-famous man-made wetland and a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its diverse bird population, especially during the winter months when it hosts thousands of migratory birds.
Analysis of other options:
- Madhya Pradesh: Known for parks like Kanha, Bandhavgarh, and Pench.
- Gujarat: Known for Gir National Park (home to Asiatic lions).
- Chhattisgarh: Known for Indravati and Kanger Valley National Parks.
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).
The ‘Swadeshi Movement’ began in the context of which event?
A)
Partition of Bengal 1905
B)
Non-cooperation Movement
C)
Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
The Swadeshi Movement was a direct response to the decision of the British Viceroy, Lord Curzon, to partition Bengal in 1905. The British claimed the partition was for administrative convenience, but Indian nationalists saw it as a 'divide and rule' tactic to weaken the nationalist movement by splitting the population along religious lines (Hindu and Muslim). The movement advocated for the boycott of British-made goods (especially textiles) and the promotion of indigenous (Swadeshi) products to achieve economic self-reliance and protest British imperialism.
Why other options are incorrect:
- b. Non-cooperation Movement: This was launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920, much later than the Swadeshi Movement, primarily in response to the Rowlatt Act and the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.
- c. Jallianwala Bagh Massacre: This occurred on April 13, 1919, and served as a catalyst for the Non-cooperation Movement, not the Swadeshi Movement.
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.