← MES Jr. Grade
Past Questions
A beam AB of length 2 L having a concentrated load P at its mid-span is hinge supported at its two ends A and B on two identical cantilevers as shown in the given figure. The correct value of bending moment at A is
A)
Zero
B)
PL/2
C)
PL
D)
2PL
Option A is correct: Zero.
Which of the following methods is also known as individual wall method?
A)
Centre line method
B)
Alignment method
C)
Long wall and short wall method
D)
Voluminous method
In civil engineering estimation and costing, there are two primary methods used for calculating the quantities of masonry and concrete work in buildings: the Centre Line Method and the Long Wall-Short Wall Method.
1. **Long Wall and Short Wall Method**: This method is also known as the **Individual Wall Method** or the Out-to-Out and In-to-In method. In this approach, the lengths of the long walls and short walls are calculated separately. The long walls are measured from the outer face to the outer face, and the short walls are measured between the inner faces of the long walls. This ensures that no volume is counted twice and each wall is treated as an individual entity.
2. **Centre Line Method**: This method involves calculating the total length of the center line of all walls and multiplying it by the width and height. Deductions are then made at junctions (T-junctions or cross-junctions) to avoid double counting. It is faster but not an 'individual wall' approach.
3. **Alignment and Voluminous methods**: These are not standard technical terms for calculating masonry quantities in building estimation.
Therefore, the Long Wall and Short Wall method is the correct answer as it treats walls individually.
Which of the following is a spring-controlled governor?
A)
Hartnell governor
B)
Hartung governor
C)
Wilson-Hartnell governor
D)
All of these
Governors are devices used to maintain the speed of an engine within specified limits regardless of the load. They are broadly classified into two types: Centrifugal Governors (which are further divided into Pendulum type and Fly-ball type) and Spring-controlled Governors.
1. Hartnell Governor: This is a classic example of a spring-loaded governor where a central spring provides the controlling force to counteract the centrifugal force of the rotating balls.
2. Hartung Governor: This is a specific type of spring-controlled governor where the spring is arranged such that the controlling force remains constant regardless of the lift of the sleeve.
3. Wilson-Hartnell Governor: This is a modification of the Hartnell governor that incorporates an additional spring to provide a more linear relationship between speed and lift, improving the sensitivity and stability of the governor.
Since all three listed governors (Hartnell, Hartung, and Wilson-Hartnell) utilize a spring to provide the controlling force, the correct option is 'All of these'.
Maximum angular velocity of the connecting rod with a crank to connecting rod ratio 1:5 for a crank speed of 3000 rpm is around:
A)
300 rad/s
B)
60 rad/s
C)
30 rad/s
D)
3000 rad/s
Step-by-step calculation:
1. **Given Data**:
- Crank speed (N) = 3000 rpm
- Ratio of crank length (r) to connecting rod length (l) = 1:5. Therefore, n = l/r = 5.
2. **Calculate Angular Velocity of Crank (ω)**:
ω = (2 * π * N) / 60
ω = (2 * π * 3000) / 60 = 100 * π ≈ 314.16 rad/s
3. **Formula for Maximum Angular Velocity of Connecting Rod (ω_con)**:
In a slider-crank mechanism, the angular velocity of the connecting rod is given by:
ω_con = ω * (tan θ) / (n / cos φ) ≈ ω * (sin θ) / n
The maximum angular velocity of the connecting rod occurs approximately when the crank is perpendicular to the connecting rod. A widely accepted approximation for the maximum angular velocity of the connecting rod is:
ω_con_max ≈ ω * (sin θ_max) / n
For a large n, the maximum value occurs when sin θ is maximum (approx 1) or more accurately using the formula:
ω_con_max = ω * (sin θ) / sqrt(n^2 - sin^2 θ)
At the point of maximum angular velocity, sin θ ≈ 1/n (approximately), but for practical engineering calculations in competitive exams, the simplified maximum is often taken as:
ω_con_max ≈ ω / n
4. **Calculation**:
ω_con_max ≈ 314.16 / 5
ω_con_max ≈ 62.83 rad/s
5. **Conclusion**:
Comparing 62.83 rad/s with the given options, the closest value is 60 rad/s.
- Option (a) 300 rad/s is too high (close to the crank speed).
- Option (c) 30 rad/s is too low.
- Option (d) 3000 rad/s is incorrect as it matches the RPM value, not rad/s.
Hardness is which kind of property?
A)
Isotropic
B)
Anisotropic
C)
Homogenous
D)
Non-homogenous
Hardness is defined as the resistance of a material to localized plastic deformation (such as a small dent or a scratch). In material science, specifically regarding crystalline materials (like metals and ceramics), hardness is an anisotropic property. This is because the arrangement of atoms and the slip planes within a crystal lattice vary depending on the crystallographic direction. Consequently, the resistance to deformation (hardness) differs depending on the direction in which the force is applied relative to the crystal orientation.
Breakdown of other options:
- Isotropic: A material is isotropic if its properties are the same in all directions. While some amorphous materials (like glass) may exhibit isotropic hardness, in the general context of material science and engineering exams, hardness is recognized as anisotropic due to the nature of crystalline structures.
- Homogenous: This refers to a material having the same composition and properties at every point throughout its volume. Homogeneity refers to spatial distribution, not directional dependence.
- Non-homogenous: This refers to a material whose properties vary from one location to another (e.g., a composite material).
Fundamental Duties do not enjoy any
A)
Legal sanction
B)
Moral sanction
C)
Political sanction
D)
Social sanction
Fundamental Duties, enshrined in Part IV-A (Article 51A) of the Indian Constitution, are non-justiciable. This means that they are not legally enforceable by the courts; a citizen cannot be punished by the judiciary solely for failing to perform these duties unless there is a specific separate law enacted by Parliament to penalize such an act (e.g., the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971). Therefore, they lack 'legal sanction' in their own right. In contrast, they carry moral, social, and political weight as they serve as guidelines for citizens to maintain the dignity and unity of the nation.
What does an airbag in a Car contain?
A)
Sodium bicarbonate
B)
Sodium azide
C)
Sodium nitrate
D)
Sodium peroxide
Airbags are designed to inflate almost instantaneously during a collision to protect passengers. This rapid inflation is achieved through a chemical reaction. The primary chemical used in traditional airbag systems is Sodium Azide (NaN3). When a crash is detected, an electrical impulse triggers the decomposition of sodium azide: 2NaN3 → 2Na + 3N2(g). The rapid release of nitrogen gas (N2) fills the airbag in milliseconds.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Sodium bicarbonate (a) is baking soda, which releases CO2 when heated or reacted with acid, but not at the speed or volume required for an airbag.
- Sodium nitrate (c) is an oxidizer used in fertilizers and explosives, but it does not decompose into a gas in the manner required for airbag inflation.
- Sodium peroxide (d) is a strong oxidizing agent used in oxygen generators, but it is not the standard propellant for automotive airbags.
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.
The oath of office is administered to the Governor of a State by the
A)
Chief Justice of India
B)
President
C)
Prime Minister
D)
Chief Justice of the High Court
According to the Constitution of India, the Governor of a State is appointed by the President of India. However, the oath of office and secrecy is administered by the Chief Justice of the High Court of that respective state. In the absence of the Chief Justice, the senior-most judge of that High Court administers the oath.
Analysis of options:
- Option (a) Chief Justice of India: Administers the oath to the President of India, not the Governor.
- Option (b) President: Appoints the Governor but does not administer the oath.
- Option (c) Prime Minister: Has no constitutional role in administering the oath to a Governor.
- Option (d) Chief Justice of the High Court: This is the correct constitutional authority for administering the oath to the Governor.
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.
Indian National Congress was founded by
A)
Michael Hume
B)
Allan Octavian Hume
C)
Mahatma Gandhi
D)
Feroz Shah
The Indian National Congress (INC) was founded in December 1885. It was established by Allan Octavian Hume (A.O. Hume), a retired British Civil Servant, along with other prominent Indian leaders. The first session of the INC was held in Bombay (now Mumbai) and was presided over by Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee.
Analysis of options:
- Option (a) 'Michael Hume' is incorrect; there is no historical record of a Michael Hume founding the INC.
- Option (b) 'Allan Octavian Hume' is correct; he is widely recognized as the primary organizer and founder.
- Option (c) 'Mahatma Gandhi' is incorrect; while he became the most influential leader of the INC later, he joined the movement long after its inception in 1885.
- Option (d) 'Feroz Shah' is incorrect; this name is not associated with the founding of the Indian National Congress.
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.
Who had observed that ‘Good government was never a good substitute for self-government’?
A)
Swami Vivekananda
B)
Ramakrishna Paramahansa
C)
Swami Dayananda
D)
Aurobindo Ghose
The quote 'Good government was never a good substitute for self-government' is attributed to Swami Vivekananda. He emphasized that the dignity and growth of a nation depend on its ability to govern itself (Swaraj), arguing that even a benevolent or 'good' foreign administration cannot replace the inherent necessity and psychological empowerment of self-rule.
Analysis of other options:
- Ramakrishna Paramahansa: He was a mystic and the spiritual guru of Vivekananda; his teachings focused on the unity of all religions and spiritual realization rather than political governance.
- Swami Dayananda: The founder of Arya Samaj, he advocated for the return to the Vedas and social reform, though he supported the idea of indigenous rule, this specific phrasing is not his.
- Aurobindo Ghose: While a revolutionary and later a philosopher who wrote extensively on nationalism and spiritual evolution, this specific quote is historically linked to Vivekananda's views on national character and self-reliance.
An antibacterial enzyme present in saliva and tears is called
A)
Ribozyme
B)
Lipase
C)
Isomerase
D)
Lysozyme
The correct answer is Lysozyme. Lysozyme is a glycoside hydrolase enzyme found in secretions such as saliva, tears, and mucus. It acts as a primary defense mechanism of the innate immune system by attacking the cell walls of certain bacteria. Specifically, it catalyzes the hydrolysis of 1,4-beta-linkages between N-acetylmuramic acid (NAM) and N-acetylglucosamine (NAG) in peptidoglycan, which causes the bacterial cell wall to rupture (lysis), thereby killing the bacteria.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Ribozyme: These are RNA molecules that have the ability to catalyze specific biochemical reactions, similar to protein enzymes, but they are not antibacterial agents in saliva.
- b. Lipase: These are enzymes that break down fats (lipids) into glycerol and fatty acids. While present in saliva (lingual lipase), their function is digestive, not antibacterial.
- c. Isomerase: These are enzymes that catalyze the structural rearrangement of isomers (converting one isomer into another) and do not possess antibacterial properties.
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.
Which of the following is incorrect:
A)
Gravitational force of attraction is independent of nature of intervening medium
B)
Gravitational forces are central forces
C)
Gravitational forces are non-conservative forces
D)
Gravitational force of attraction varies inversely as the square of the distance.
The question asks to identify the INCORRECT statement regarding gravitational force. Let's analyze each option based on the laws of physics:
1. **Option (a): Gravitational force of attraction is independent of nature of intervening medium.** This is CORRECT. Unlike electrostatic forces (which are affected by the permittivity of the medium), gravity acts the same regardless of whether there is air, water, or a vacuum between two masses.
2. **Option (b): Gravitational forces are central forces.** This is CORRECT. A central force is a force that acts along the line joining the centers of two interacting bodies. Gravitational force always acts along the line connecting the centers of mass of the two objects.
3. **Option (c): Gravitational forces are non-conservative forces.** This is INCORRECT. Gravitational force is a classic example of a CONSERVATIVE force. A force is conservative if the work done by it on an object moving between two points is independent of the path taken. For gravity, the work done depends only on the initial and final positions (height), not the path taken.
4. **Option (d): Gravitational force of attraction varies inversely as the square of the distance.** This is CORRECT. According to Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation, F = G(m1m2)/r², meaning the force is inversely proportional to the square of the distance (r) between the centers of the masses.
Since option (c) is the only false statement, it is the correct answer to the question.
The 73 Amendment of the Indian Constitution deals with
A)
Minimum age of marriage
B)
Child labour
C)
Panchayati Raj
D)
Conservation of forest
The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 is a landmark legislation in India that granted constitutional status to the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). It added Part IX to the Constitution and introduced the 11th Schedule, which lists 29 functional items over which Panchayats have jurisdiction. This amendment aimed to decentralize power and promote 'Gram Swaraj' (village self-governance).
Analysis of other options:
- Option (a) Minimum age of marriage: This is governed by personal laws and specific acts like the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, not by the 73rd Amendment.
- Option (b) Child labour: This is addressed through the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act and Article 24 of the Constitution.
- Option (d) Conservation of forest: This is primarily managed through the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 and the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
Who received the SASTRA Ramanujan Prize 2023?
A)
Keith Devlin
B)
Terence Tao
C)
Ruixiang Zhang
D)
Timothy Gowers
The SASTRA Ramanujan Prize is an annual award given to a mathematician under the age of 32 for their outstanding contribution to the field of mathematics. For the year 2023, the prize was awarded to Ruixiang Zhang, a mathematician known for his work in number theory and specifically for his contributions to the study of the distribution of prime numbers and the Hardy-Littlewood circle method.
Analysis of other options:
- Keith Devlin: A mathematician and historian of mathematics, not the recipient of the 2023 Ramanujan prize.
- Terence Tao: A world-renowned mathematician and Fields Medalist, but far beyond the age limit for the Ramanujan Prize.
- Timothy Gowers: A Fields Medalist and prominent mathematician, also beyond the age limit for this specific prize.
Which of the following studies is related to herpetology?
A)
Snakes
B)
Fishes
C)
Aquatic plants and animals
D)
Amphibians and Reptiles
Herpetology is the branch of zoology concerned with the study of amphibians (such as frogs, toads, and salamanders) and reptiles (such as snakes, lizards, turtles, and crocodiles).
Breakdown of options:
- Option (a) Snakes: While snakes are studied in herpetology, this is too narrow as it excludes other reptiles and all amphibians.
- Option (b) Fishes: The study of fishes is called Ichthyology.
- Option (c) Aquatic plants and animals: This is a broad field involving Marine Biology or Limnology (for freshwater).
- Option (d) Amphibians and Reptiles: This is the precise and complete definition of Herpetology.
Which professional boxer is nicknamed the “Kid Dynamite”?
A)
Mike Tyson
B)
Muhammad Ali
C)
Joe Frazier
D)
James Toney
Mike Tyson, one of the most famous heavyweight boxers in history, was given the nickname 'Kid Dynamite' early in his career due to his explosive punching power and aggressive fighting style.
Analysis of other options:
- Muhammad Ali: Known as 'The Greatest' and previously 'Cassius Clay'.
- Joe Frazier: Known as 'Smokin' Joe'.
- James Toney: Known for his defensive skills and counter-punching, but not by the nickname 'Kid Dynamite'.
According to the recent Asian Development Bank report, what is the expected growth rate of the Indian economy in 2024?
A)
8.1%
B)
7.8%
C)
7.0%
D)
6.9%
In its 'Asian Development Outlook' (ADO) report released in early 2024, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) projected India's economic growth rate for the financial year 2024-25. The ADB forecasted a growth rate of 7.0%, citing strong domestic demand, a push in public investment, and a recovery in the services sector as primary drivers. While other institutions like the IMF or World Bank may provide slightly different figures, the specific ADB report referenced in the context of 2024 competitive exams points to 7.0%. Options a (8.1%), b (7.8%), and d (6.9%) do not align with the ADB's primary forecast for the 2024 period.
The 7th edition of the Indian Ocean Conference was held in
A)
Dhaka
B)
New Delhi
C)
Male
D)
Perth
The 7th edition of the Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) was held in New Delhi, India, from January 11 to 13, 2024. The conference was organized by the Indian geopolitical think tank, Observer Research Foundation (ORF), in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India. The theme for the 2024 edition was 'Indian Ocean: A Catalyst for Global Stability'. The event brought together diplomats, scholars, and policymakers from various Indian Ocean Rim countries to discuss maritime security, sustainable development, and regional cooperation. Options a (Dhaka), c (Male), and d (Perth) are incorrect as they were not the host cities for the 7th edition of this specific conference.
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.
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.