← MES Jr. Grade
Past Questions
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.
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.
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'.
Thomas Cup is related to which among the following sports?
A)
Table Tennis
B)
Lawn Tennis
C)
Badminton
D)
Golf
The Thomas Cup is the world men's team championship in badminton. It is held every two years and is the counterpart to the Uber Cup, which is the world women's team championship in badminton.
Analysis of other options:
- Table Tennis: Major championships include the World Table Tennis Championships.
- Lawn Tennis: Major championships include the four Grand Slams (Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open) and the Davis Cup (men's team) and Billie Jean King Cup (women's team).
- Golf: Major championships include the Masters, U.S. Open, The Open Championship, and PGA Championship.
Arundhati Bhattacharya is the first woman Chairperson of
A)
ICICI
B)
SBI
C)
Axis Bank
D)
Canara Bank
Arundhati Bhattacharya served as the Chairperson of the State Bank of India (SBI) from October 1, 2013, to October 22, 2017. She was the first woman to hold this prestigious position in the history of India's largest public sector bank.
Analysis of other options:
- ICICI: While ICICI has had prominent women leaders (such as Chanda Kochhar as CEO), Arundhati Bhattacharya was not the first woman Chairperson of ICICI.
- Axis Bank and Canara Bank: She has never served as the Chairperson of these institutions.
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.
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.
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.
Which of the following country is not a member of SAARC?
A)
Nepal
B)
China
C)
Maldives
D)
Afghanistan
SAARC stands for the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation. It is an intergovernmental organization and geopolitical union of states in South Asia. The current member states of SAARC are: 1. Afghanistan, 2. Bangladesh, 3. Bhutan, 4. India, 5. Maldives, 6. Nepal, 7. Pakistan, and 8. Sri Lanka.
Analyzing the options:
- Nepal (Option a) is a founding member of SAARC.
- Maldives (Option c) is a founding member of SAARC.
- Afghanistan (Option d) joined SAARC in 2007.
- China (Option b) is located in East Asia and is NOT a member of SAARC, although it maintains diplomatic relations with the member states.
Who is the first Indian woman to win a medal in the Olympics?
A)
Karnam Malleswari
B)
Mirabai Chanu
C)
P.T. Usha
D)
P.V. Sindhu
Step-by-step reasoning: 1. The question asks for the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal. 2. Karnam Malleswari achieved this milestone at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, where she won a Bronze medal in Weightlifting (69 kg category). 3. Evaluating other options: (b) Mirabai Chanu won a Silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. (c) P.T. Usha is a legendary athlete who narrowly missed an Olympic medal in 1984 (finishing 4th). (d) P.V. Sindhu won Silver at the 2016 Rio Olympics and Bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Therefore, Karnam Malleswari is the correct answer as she was the first.
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.
Tocopherpol is also known as
A)
Vitamin E
B)
Vitamin D
C)
Vitamin A
D)
Vitamin B
Tocopherol is the chemical name for a group of fat-soluble compounds that function as Vitamin E. Specifically, alpha-tocopherol is the most biologically active form of Vitamin E in humans. It acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting cell membranes from oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
Analysis of other options:
- Vitamin D is known as Calciferol.
- Vitamin A is known as Retinol.
- Vitamin B is a complex of several vitamins (e.g., Thiamine, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine), none of which are called Tocopherol.
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'.
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.
Article 21A of the Indian Constitution is about
A)
Girl Education
B)
Tribal Education
C)
University Education
D)
Free and Compulsory Education
Article 21A of the Indian Constitution declares that the State shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of six to fourteen years. This right was inserted into the Constitution by the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002, making education a Fundamental Right. To implement this right, the Government of India enacted the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Option (a) Girl Education: While the state promotes girl education through various schemes (like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao), there is no specific Article 21A dedicated solely to girls; it applies to all children regardless of gender.
- Option (b) Tribal Education: Education for tribal communities is addressed through various Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) and specific welfare schemes, but not specifically by Article 21A.
- Option (c) University Education: Article 21A specifically covers primary education (ages 6-14). Higher or University education is not a fundamental right under this article.
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.
One of the objectives of NAMASTE Scheme is
A)
Promoting Rain water harvesting in urban areas of India
B)
Enhancing urban infrastructure development
C)
Providing financial assistance for urban housing projects
D)
Promotion of safe and mechanised cleaning of sewers and septic tanks through trained and certified sanitation workers
The NAMASTE scheme stands for 'National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem'. It was launched by the Government of India (Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs) with the primary goal of eliminating hazardous cleaning of sewers and septic tanks. The scheme focuses on transitioning sanitation workers from hazardous manual cleaning to safe, mechanized cleaning by providing them with training, certification, and access to mechanized equipment.
Analysis of other options:
- Option (a) refers to water conservation initiatives (like the Atal Bhujal Yojana or various urban rain harvesting policies), not NAMASTE.
- Option (b) is a general objective of various urban development missions (like AMRUT), but not the specific focus of NAMASTE.
- Option (c) refers to housing schemes such as PMAY (Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana).
Who is the author of Vande Mataram?
A)
Mahatma Gandhi
B)
Rabindranath Tagore
C)
Bankim Chandra Chatterjee
D)
Sarat Chandra Chatterjee
The song 'Vande Mataram' (I bow to thee, Mother) was written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in the 1870s. It was later included in his famous novel 'Anandamath', published in 1882. The song became a rallying cry for Indian nationalists during the struggle for independence from British rule and was eventually adopted as the National Song of India.
Analysis of other options:
- Mahatma Gandhi: He was the primary leader of the Indian independence movement but did not compose this song.
- Rabindranath Tagore: He is the author of India's National Anthem ('Jana Gana Mana') and the national anthem of Bangladesh, but not 'Vande Mataram'.
- Sarat Chandra Chatterjee: He was a renowned novelist known for works like 'Devdas', but he did not write 'Vande Mataram'.
What is the largest natural lake in Mizoram?
A)
TamDil
B)
Palak Dil
C)
Rihdil
D)
Rung Dil
Tam Dil is recognized as the largest natural lake in Mizoram. It is located in the Saiha district and is a significant tourist attraction known for its scenic beauty and local legends.
Comparing the options:
- Tam Dil: The largest natural lake in the state.
- Palak Dil: A beautiful lake located in the Champhai district, but smaller than Tam Dil.
- Rihdil: A lake of great cultural and historical significance to the Mizo people, located on the border with Myanmar, but not the largest by area.
- Rung Dil: A smaller natural lake.
Therefore, based on geographical data of Mizoram, Tam Dil is the correct answer.
What is the minimum age required to be a Prime Minister of India?
A)
21 years
B)
25 years
C)
30 years
D)
35 years
To determine the minimum age for the Prime Minister of India, we must look at the requirements for membership in the Parliament. The Prime Minister must be a member of either the Lok Sabha (House of the People) or the Rajya Sabha (Council of States).
1. If the Prime Minister is a member of the Lok Sabha, the minimum age required under Article 84(a) of the Indian Constitution is 25 years.
2. If the Prime Minister is a member of the Rajya Sabha, the minimum age required is 30 years.
Since the question asks for the 'minimum' age required to hold the office, we take the lower of the two thresholds. Therefore, a person who is 25 years old and a member of the Lok Sabha is eligible to be appointed as the Prime Minister.
Analysis of other options:
- Option (a) 21 years: This is the minimum age to contest elections for local bodies (Panchayats/Municipalities) or to be a voter (18), but not for Parliament.
- Option (c) 30 years: This is the minimum age for the Rajya Sabha, but not the absolute minimum for the PM office.
- Option (d) 35 years: This is the minimum age required to be the President or Vice-President of India.
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 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 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.