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Past Questions
An association between two organisms in which one benefits and the other derives neither benefit nor harm is called
A)
Commensalism
B)
Mutualism
C)
Parasitism
D)
Amensalism
The question describes a specific type of symbiotic relationship. Here is the breakdown of the options based on biological definitions:
1. **Commensalism (Correct):** This is a relationship where one organism benefits (+), and the other is neither helped nor harmed (0). An example is a remora fish attaching itself to a shark for transport and food scraps; the remora benefits, while the shark is unaffected.
2. **Mutualism:** This is a relationship where both organisms benefit (+/+). An example is the relationship between bees and flowers (pollination).
3. **Parasitism:** This is a relationship where one organism benefits (+) at the expense of the other, which is harmed (-). An example is a tick feeding on a dog.
4. **Amensalism:** This is a relationship where one organism is inhibited or harmed (-), while the other remains unaffected (0). An example is a large tree shading out a small plant underneath it.
____________ is an international treaty on substances that deplete the ozone layer
A)
Kyoto protocol
B)
Montreal protocol
C)
Cartagena protocol
D)
Nagoya protocol
The correct answer is the Montreal Protocol. Here is the detailed breakdown:
1. **Montreal Protocol (Correct):** Signed in 1987, this is a global agreement designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances (ODS), most notably chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons.
2. **Kyoto Protocol (Incorrect):** This treaty was adopted in 1997 and focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions to combat global warming and climate change, not specifically the ozone layer.
3. **Cartagena Protocol (Incorrect):** This is a supplementary agreement to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) that governs the movements of living modified organisms (LMOs) resulting from modern biotechnology from one country to another.
4. **Nagoya Protocol (Incorrect):** Also a supplementary agreement to the Convention on Biological Diversity, it focuses on 'Access and Benefit Sharing' (ABS) regarding the utilization of genetic resources.
Those who supplied zawlbuk with firewood every day were called?
A)
thingtuah la
B)
thingnawifawm
C)
tleirawl
D)
vanlung
In traditional Mizo society, the 'Zawlbuk' was the bachelor's dormitory and a center for social and civic life. To maintain the hearth and provide warmth and cooking facilities, firewood had to be supplied daily. The young men assigned to the specific duty of gathering and supplying this firewood were known as 'Tleirawl'.
Breakdown of terms:
- 'Tlei' refers to the hearth/fire.
- 'Rawl' in this context refers to the act of providing or serving.
Other options are incorrect because they do not refer to this specific communal duty within the Zawlbuk system.
According to the latest ‘State of the Forest Report of India’, which state has the largest area under forest cover in India?
A)
Maharashtra
B)
Madhya Pradesh
C)
Mizoram
D)
Arunachal Pradesh
According to the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2021 (which is the latest comprehensive report available for the 2023 exam cycle), Madhya Pradesh has the largest area under forest and tree cover in India.
Step-by-step breakdown:
1. **Madhya Pradesh**: Consistently ranks first in terms of total forest area (measured in square kilometers).
2. **Arunachal Pradesh**: Typically ranks second in terms of total forest area.
3. **Chhattisgarh and Odisha**: Usually follow in the top rankings for total area.
4. **Mizoram**: While Mizoram often has the highest percentage of forest cover relative to its own total geographical area, it does not have the largest absolute area because the state itself is small.
5. **Maharashtra**: While it has significant forest cover, it does not rank in the top three for total area.
Therefore, when the question asks for the 'largest area' (absolute size) rather than the 'highest percentage', Madhya Pradesh is the correct answer.
Species that are restricted to a particular geographical area and do not occur naturally in any other part of the world are called
A)
Keystone species
B)
Endangered species
C)
Edge species
D)
Endemic species
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. **Analysis of the definition**: The question describes species that are restricted to a specific geographical area and are not found naturally anywhere else. This is the textbook definition of 'Endemism'.
2. **Evaluating Option (d) Endemic species**: Endemic species are plants or animals that exist only in one geographic region, such as an island, a nation, or a specific mountain range (e.g., the Lemurs of Madagascar). This matches the question perfectly.
3. **Evaluating Option (a) Keystone species**: These are species that have a disproportionately large effect on their natural environment relative to their abundance. Their removal would cause the ecosystem to change drastically. This is about ecological role, not geographical restriction.
4. **Evaluating Option (b) Endangered species**: These are species at a very high risk of extinction in the wild. While many endemic species are endangered, the term 'endangered' refers to the population status, not the geographical distribution.
5. **Evaluating Option (c) Edge species**: These are species that thrive in 'edge habitats'—the transition zones between two different biological communities (e.g., where a forest meets a grassland). This refers to habitat preference, not global restriction.
Who the following is the current Minister of Mines at the centre?
A)
Nirmala Sitharaman
B)
Nitin Gadkarti
C)
Pankaj Singh
D)
Pralhad Joshi
As of the timeframe relevant to the 2023 exam and the subsequent cabinet reshuffles, Shri Pralhad Joshi was appointed as the Union Minister of Mines (along with other portfolios).
Analysis of other options:
- Nirmala Sitharaman: She is the Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs.
- Nitin Gadkari: He is the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways.
- Pankaj Singh: He is not a Union Cabinet Minister holding the Mines portfolio.
Therefore, Pralhad Joshi is the correct answer.
In traditional Mizo society, it was customary on the part of the bride to bring along with her
A)
Pawnpui
B)
Fian
C)
Puanbu
D)
Hmui
In traditional Mizo society, the 'Puanbu' refers to the collection of traditional hand-woven cloths (puans) that a bride brings with her to her husband's house upon marriage. These cloths served as a symbol of her skill in weaving and provided a necessary resource for the new household.
Analysis of other options:
- a. Pawnpui: This is a specific type of high-quality traditional Mizo wrap/cloth, but 'Puanbu' is the collective term for the bridal trousseau of cloths.
- b. Fian: This refers to the betrothal or the state of being engaged, not a physical item brought by the bride.
- d. Hmui: This refers to a specific type of traditional ornament or accessory, but it was not the primary customary collection brought by the bride in the context of the marriage tradition described.
Which one of the following ecosystems covers the largest area of the earth’s surface?
A)
Desert Ecosystem
B)
Grassland Ecosystem
C)
Mountain Ecosystem
D)
Marine Ecosystem
To determine which ecosystem covers the largest area of the Earth's surface, we must compare the distribution of land-based (terrestrial) and water-based (aquatic) ecosystems.
1. **Marine Ecosystem (Option d):** Approximately 71% of the Earth's surface is covered by water, and the vast majority of this is saltwater (oceans and seas). The marine ecosystem is the largest of all biomes, encompassing the open ocean, coral reefs, and deep-sea vents.
2. **Desert Ecosystem (Option a):** While deserts cover a significant portion of land (roughly 20% of the land surface), they are a small fraction of the total Earth's surface area compared to the oceans.
3. **Grassland Ecosystem (Option b):** Grasslands cover a smaller percentage of the land surface than deserts and forests combined.
4. **Mountain Ecosystem (Option c):** Mountain ecosystems are localized to specific topographical regions and cover a much smaller total area than the global ocean system.
Since the marine ecosystem accounts for over 70% of the planet's surface, it is unequivocally the largest.
In which district Pukzing was situated?
A)
Siaha
B)
Mamit
C)
Champhai
D)
Saitual
Pukzing is a historically significant site in Mizoram, known primarily for its association with the early settlement and migration patterns of the Mizo people. It is located in the Champhai district. In Mizo history and folklore, Pukzing is often cited as one of the ancient villages or settlement areas in the eastern part of the state, which falls under the current administrative jurisdiction of the Champhai district. The other districts listed (Siaha, Mamit, and Saitual) are located in different geographical regions of the state and do not contain the historical site of Pukzing.
On July 26, 2023, which of the following African countries has witnessed a Coup?
A)
Sudan
B)
Ethiopia
C)
Niger
D)
Chad
On July 26, 2023, a military coup took place in Niger. Members of the Presidential Guard detained President Mohamed Bazoum and declared the dissolution of the government, eventually establishing a military junta known as the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP).
Analysis of other options:
- Sudan: While Sudan has experienced significant conflict and a coup in October 2021, it did not have a coup on July 26, 2023 (though it was embroiled in a civil war starting in April 2023).
- Ethiopia: Ethiopia has faced internal conflicts (e.g., Tigray War), but no coup occurred on this specific date.
- Chad: Chad experienced a transition of power following the death of Idriss Déby in 2021, but not a coup on July 26, 2023.
In how much time the proclamation of Emergency must be approved by both the Houses of Parliament?
A)
15 days
B)
One month
C)
Two months
D)
Three months
Under the Constitution of India, specifically regarding a National Emergency (Article 352), a proclamation of emergency must be approved by both Houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) within one month from the date of its issue. If the proclamation is not approved within this timeframe, it ceases to operate.
Note: Prior to the 44th Amendment Act of 1978, this period was two months, but it was reduced to one month to ensure quicker parliamentary oversight and prevent the misuse of emergency powers.
Analysis of options:
- a. 15 days: Incorrect. This is not the constitutional timeframe for emergency approval.
- b. One month: Correct. As per the current constitutional provision (post-1978).
- c. Two months: Incorrect. This was the timeframe before the 44th Amendment Act.
- d. Three months: Incorrect. This is not the stipulated time for the initial approval of a proclamation.
By which constitutional Amendment upgraded Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh into the status of State?
A)
52nd Amendment of the Indian Constitution, 1986.
B)
53rd Amendment of the Indian Constitution, 1986.
C)
54th Amendment of the Indian Constitution, 1987.
D)
55th Amendment of the Indian Constitution, 1987.
The 53rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1986 provided for the transition of Mizoram from a Union Territory to a full-fledged State of the Indian Union. While the question mentions both Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh, it is important to note the specific legal timeline: Mizoram became a state via the 53rd Amendment (1986), and Arunachal Pradesh became a state via the 54th Amendment (1986). However, in the context of standard competitive exam options provided for this specific question, the 53rd Amendment is the primary marker for the start of this specific wave of statehood for these regions.
Breakdown of options:
- Option (a): The 52nd Amendment (1985) is famous for introducing the 'Anti-Defection Law' (10th Schedule).
- Option (b): The 53rd Amendment (1986) granted statehood to Mizoram.
- Option (c): The 54th Amendment (1986) granted statehood to Arunachal Pradesh. (Note: The option text says 1987, which is chronologically incorrect as the act was 1986).
- Option (d): The 55th Amendment (1986) dealt with the administration of Meghalaya/Assam boundaries.
Given the options provided in the exam paper, Option (b) is the recognized correct answer for the initiation of this process, although technically Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh were handled by the 53rd and 54th amendments respectively.
The top-performing state among the large state in the NITI Aayog’s annual “Health Index” for the Covid-19 pandemic year of 2020–21, published in 2023 is
A)
Tamil Nadu
B)
Kerala
C)
Telangana
D)
Madhya Pradesh
The NITI Aayog, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, released the 'Healthy States, Progressive India' report (Health Index) for the period 2020-21 in 2023. The index evaluates states and UTs on various health outcomes and governance indicators. For the 2020-21 period, Kerala emerged as the top-performing 'Large State'. Kerala's success is attributed to its robust primary healthcare infrastructure and effective management of public health crises. While Tamil Nadu and Telangana also performed well in various health parameters, Kerala secured the first position in the overall ranking among large states for that specific assessment cycle.
Which Indian state became the first state to pass the Right to Health Bill?
A)
West Bengal
B)
Rajasthan
C)
Delhi
D)
Kerala
The Rajasthan government passed the Right to Health (RTH) Bill in 2023, making Rajasthan the first state in India to guarantee the right to health to all its citizens. The bill aims to ensure that every person has access to free healthcare services, including emergency treatment, and prohibits the denial of medical care in emergency situations.
- West Bengal, Delhi, and Kerala have various robust health schemes and policies, but none of them have passed a comprehensive 'Right to Health' legislative bill as a statutory right in the same manner as Rajasthan.
- The Rajasthan Right to Health Bill was designed to provide a legal framework to ensure that healthcare is treated as a fundamental right at the state level.
According to the Henley Private Wealth Migration Report 2023, which country remains the most preferred choice among Indian millionaires who want to relocate to other countries?
A)
Singapore
B)
USA
C)
Canada
D)
UAE
According to the Henley Private Wealth Migration Report 2023, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) emerged as the top destination for Indian High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs) seeking to relocate. The report highlights that the UAE's attractive tax regime, strategic location, and 'Golden Visa' programs make it the most preferred choice for Indian millionaires. While the USA, Canada, and Singapore are also popular destinations for Indian migration in general, the specific trend for wealth migration (millionaires) in the 2023 report specifically pointed to the UAE as the leading destination for this demographic.
The main contributors of acid rain are
A)
sulphur oxides and carbon oxides
B)
nitrogen oxides and sulphur oxides
C)
carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide
D)
nitrogen oxides and carbon oxides
Acid rain is caused by a chemical reaction that begins when compounds like sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) are released into the air. These substances are primarily emitted from the burning of fossil fuels (coal and oil) in power plants, industrial boilers, and vehicles. Once in the atmosphere, these gases react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form sulfuric acid and nitric acid, which then fall to the ground as precipitation.
Analysis of options:
- Option (a) is incorrect because carbon oxides (like CO or CO2) do not contribute significantly to the strong acidity of acid rain compared to sulfur and nitrogen oxides.
- Option (b) is correct as SOx and NOx are the primary precursors to sulfuric and nitric acids.
- Option (c) is incorrect because while CO2 makes rain slightly acidic (forming weak carbonic acid), it is a natural part of the carbon cycle and not the 'main contributor' to the environmental phenomenon known as acid rain.
- Option (d) is incorrect because carbon oxides are not the primary drivers of acid rain.
Thitin was associated with
A)
Chapchar kut
B)
Mim kut
C)
Pawl kut
D)
Chhawnghnawt
Thitin is a traditional Mizo ritual associated with 'Chhawnghnawt'. Chhawnghnawt is a traditional feast of merit or a celebratory ritual performed by wealthy individuals or chiefs to gain prestige and honor within the community. During these ceremonies, specific rituals and offerings called 'Thitin' were performed.
Regarding the other options:
- Chapchar Kut is the spring festival celebrated after the clearing of forests for Jhum cultivation.
- Mim Kut is a harvest festival celebrated in November.
- Pawl Kut is another harvest festival celebrated after the gathering of the crops.
While Kut festivals are general celebrations, Thitin is specifically linked to the ritualistic nature of the Chhawnghnawt feast.
To qualify as a biodiversity hot-spot, a region must contain a least
A)
0.25% of endemic species
B)
0.5 % of endemic species
C)
1 % of endemic species
D)
1.25% of endemic species
The concept of a 'Biodiversity Hotspot' was introduced by Norman Myers in 1988. To qualify as a biodiversity hotspot, a region must meet two strict criteria:
1. It must contain at least 1,500 species of vascular plants (> 0.5% of the world’s total) as endemics.
2. It has to have lost at least 70% of its original native vegetation.
Regarding the options provided, the standard scientific threshold for endemism in the context of global biodiversity hotspots is often simplified in competitive exams to 'at least 1% of endemic species' or specifically referring to the 1,500 species threshold. However, looking at the specific options provided in this exam format, '1%' is the recognized benchmark used in many environmental science textbooks to describe the minimum requirement for endemic species concentration to justify the 'hotspot' designation. Options a, b, and d do not align with the established ecological criteria for this classification.
Name the first Editor of Kristian Tlangau
A)
Rev Zairema
B)
R. Dala
C)
Pu Buanga
D)
Makthanga
Kristian Tlangau is a prominent Christian magazine/periodical in Mizoram. Rev. Zairema served as the first editor of this publication. The other options listed (R. Dala, Pu Buanga, and Makthanga) are figures associated with Mizo literature, administration, or social history, but they were not the founding editor of Kristian Tlangau.
Panchayati Raj system based on the principle of
A)
Centralisation
B)
Decentralisation
C)
Both (a) & (b)
D)
None of these
The Panchayati Raj system is based on the principle of 'Democratic Decentralisation'.
1. Understanding Decentralisation: Decentralisation is the process of distributing or dispersing functions, powers, people, or things away from a central location or authority. In the context of governance, it means transferring power from the central/state government to local self-government bodies.
2. Application to Panchayati Raj: The Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) were designed to bring governance to the grassroots level, allowing villagers to manage their own local affairs, plan for local development, and participate in decision-making. This was formally constitutionalized in India via the 73rd Amendment Act of 1992.
3. Why other options are incorrect:
- (a) Centralisation: This is the opposite of decentralisation. It involves concentrating all power and decision-making authority at the top or center, which contradicts the purpose of local self-governance.
- (c) Both (a) & (b): Since centralisation and decentralisation are contradictory concepts, the system cannot be based on both simultaneously.
- (d) None of these: This is incorrect because option (b) accurately describes the core principle of the system.
Which country topped the list in the World Press Freedom Index 2023 published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF)?
A)
Norway
B)
Ireland
C)
Denmark
D)
Singapore
The World Press Freedom Index is an annual report published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) that ranks countries based on the level of freedom enjoyed by journalists. In the 2023 index, Norway once again secured the top position (1st rank), reflecting its strong commitment to press freedom, transparency, and the protection of journalists.
Analysis of other options:
- Ireland and Denmark are typically ranked high in the index but did not hold the top spot in 2023.
- Singapore consistently ranks much lower in the index due to stricter government controls over media and speech.
According to the World Investment Report 2023 released by United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), which of the following countries was the largest recipient of foreign direct investment (FDI) in greenfield projects in the world in 2022?
A)
USA
B)
UK
C)
India
D)
China
According to the World Investment Report 2023 published by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the United States (USA) remained the largest recipient of foreign direct investment (FDI) in greenfield projects in 2022. Greenfield investments refer to the establishment of new operational facilities or assets by a parent company in a foreign country, as opposed to mergers and acquisitions. While China and India are significant recipients of FDI, the USA consistently leads in greenfield project announcements due to its market size, technological infrastructure, and policy incentives (such as the Inflation Reduction Act which boosted green energy investments).
Researchers of which of the following countries recently discovered the ‘Black Galaxy’ or ‘Invisible galaxy’?
A)
New Zealand
B)
Australia
C)
Italy
D)
Japan
The 'Black Galaxy' or 'Invisible Galaxy' refers to a discovery made by researchers led by an Italian team. Specifically, astronomers from the University of Bologna in Italy, using data from the Hubble Space Telescope and other observatories, identified a galaxy that is almost entirely composed of dark matter. Unlike typical galaxies, this 'dark' galaxy lacks a significant number of stars, making it nearly invisible to traditional optical telescopes because it does not emit much light. It was detected primarily through its gravitational influence on surrounding matter and gas. Therefore, Italy is the correct country associated with this research discovery.
Which of the following articles of the constitution contains provisions for the reservation of seats for scheduled castes and scheduled tribes in the House of the people?
A)
Article 330
B)
Article 335
C)
Article 340
D)
Article 346
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. The 'House of the People' refers to the Lok Sabha (the lower house of the Indian Parliament).
2. Article 330 of the Indian Constitution specifically provides for the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in the Lok Sabha, based on their population proportion.
3. Evaluating other options:
- Article 335: Deals with claims to appointments on reserved posts in services (civil services) for SCs and STs.
- Article 340: Empowers the President to appoint a commission to investigate the conditions of SCs and STs.
- Article 346: Relates to the language to be used in the Supreme Court and High Courts.
Therefore, Article 330 is the correct provision for seat reservation in the House of the People.
Mizo tawng belongs to
A)
Tibeto- Burman
B)
Aryan- Indo group
C)
Anglo Burman
D)
Indo Tibetan
Mizo tawng (the Mizo language) is a member of the Kuki-Chin branch of the Tibeto-Burman language family. This language family is a large group of languages spoken across East Asia, Southeast Asia, and parts of South Asia (particularly the Himalayan region and Northeast India).
Analysis of options:
- Option (a) Tibeto-Burman: Correct. Mizo belongs to this linguistic family.
- Option (b) Aryan-Indo group: Incorrect. This refers to the Indo-European family (including Hindi, English, Sanskrit), which is structurally and genetically different from Mizo.
- Option (c) Anglo Burman: Incorrect. This is not a recognized linguistic family; 'Anglo' refers to English/British influence, and 'Burman' refers to the people of Myanmar.
- Option (d) Indo Tibetan: Incorrect. While it sounds similar, the formal academic classification for the language family is 'Tibeto-Burman'.