← Controller of Mines
Past Questions
The first Mizo woman awarded with Padma Shri in Literature was?
A)
Lalsangzuali Sailo
B)
Buangi Sailo
C)
Khawlkungi
D)
Nuchhungi
Lalsangzuali Sailo is a renowned Mizo writer and poet who was awarded the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian honors, for her significant contributions to literature. She is recognized as the first Mizo woman to receive this honor in the field of literature. The other options listed (Buangi Sailo, Khawlkungi, and Nuchhungi) are not recognized as Padma Shri awardees in the field of literature.
According to Central Pollution Control Board, which particulate matter size in diameter (in micrometer) are responsible for causing the greatest harm to human health
A)
10 or less
B)
7.5 or less
C)
5 or less
D)
2.5 or less
Particulate Matter (PM) is categorized by the diameter of the particles. PM10 refers to particles with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less, while PM2.5 refers to particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and global health organizations like the WHO, PM2.5 is considered the most harmful because these 'fine particles' can bypass the natural filtration systems of the upper respiratory tract (nose and throat) and penetrate deep into the alveolar regions of the lungs. From there, they can enter the bloodstream, leading to severe cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, systemic inflammation, and premature death. While PM10 is also harmful, the smaller size of PM2.5 allows for deeper penetration and higher toxicity, making it the primary concern for human health.
Who can dissolve the Lok Sabha prior to completion of its tenure?
A)
President on recommendation of Council of Ministers
B)
President on recommendation of the Speaker
C)
Speaker
D)
President on his own will
Under the Indian Constitution, the President has the power to dissolve the Lok Sabha. However, according to Article 74(1), the President must exercise his functions in accordance with the advice of the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister. Therefore, the President cannot dissolve the Lok Sabha on his own will or on the recommendation of the Speaker; he does so upon the recommendation (advice) of the Council of Ministers.
Breakdown of options:
- Option (a) is correct: The President acts on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers.
- Option (b) is incorrect: The Speaker presides over the house but does not have the constitutional authority to recommend dissolution to the President.
- Option (c) is incorrect: The Speaker has no power to dissolve the house.
- Option (d) is incorrect: The President is a constitutional head and generally cannot act independently (discretionarily) regarding the dissolution of the Lok Sabha unless the Council of Ministers has lost the confidence of the house.
Which of the following method is used for election of President in India?
A)
Open Ballot System
B)
Single Transferable Voteing System
C)
Direct Election
D)
None of these
The President of India is elected through an indirect election process. According to Article 54 and 55 of the Indian Constitution, the President is elected by an Electoral College consisting of the elected members of both Houses of Parliament and the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the States. The specific method used is the 'System of Proportional Representation by means of a Single Transferable Vote'. In this system, voters mark their preferences (1, 2, 3, etc.) for the candidates. If no candidate gets the required quota of votes in the first count, the candidate with the lowest votes is eliminated, and their votes are transferred to the second-preference candidates until a winner is decided.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Option (a) Open Ballot System: The election of the President is conducted via a Secret Ballot to ensure the independence of the electors.
- Option (c) Direct Election: The President is not elected directly by the citizens of India; instead, it is an indirect election via the Electoral College.
Who among the following chief wrote a letter to the British Queen in the year 1897?
A)
Lianphunga
B)
Khamliana
C)
Kamliana
D)
Suakliana
In the history of Mizoram, specifically during the period of British colonization and the aftermath of the Lushai Expedition, various Mizo chiefs interacted with the British administration. Kamliana was a prominent chief who is historically noted for writing a letter to the British Queen in 1897. This act was a significant diplomatic gesture during a time of transition and conflict between the Mizo tribes and the British Empire, reflecting the chiefs' attempts to navigate the new political landscape and seek recognition or favorable terms from the highest authority of the British Crown.
On 24th August 2022, Mizoram government sent a consignment of homegrown pineapples from Sialhawk village to which of the following countries?
A)
Dubai and UAE
B)
Dubai and Qatar
C)
Dubai and Egypt
D)
Dubai and Bahrain
On August 24, 2022, the Government of Mizoram achieved a significant milestone in agricultural exports by sending a consignment of homegrown pineapples from Sialhawk village to Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). This initiative was part of the state's effort to promote the export of organic produce and enhance the livelihoods of local farmers. While Dubai is a city/emirate, it is located within the UAE; in the context of this specific news event and the provided options, 'Dubai and UAE' is the designated correct answer to identify the destination of the shipment.
Who among the following Chief was associated with ‘Thlanrawn rawt’ (Massacre)?
A)
Vuttaia
B)
Lallula
C)
Lalsavunga
D)
Mangphawrha
The 'Thlanrawn rawt' (often referred to as the Thlanrawn Massacre) is a significant event in Mizo history associated with the reign of Chief Lallula. Lallula was a powerful and influential chief of the Sailo clan. The event involved a violent conflict and massacre that occurred during the internal power struggles and territorial expansions characteristic of the Mizo chiefdoms before British colonization. Vuttaia, Lalsavunga, and Mangphawrha were other chiefs or figures in Mizo history, but they are not the primary figures associated with the specific event of the Thlanrawn massacre.
Which one of the following is an essential ceremony for a person to perform ‘Thangchhuah’?
A)
Kawngpui Siam
B)
Khuangchawi
C)
Chhawnghnawh
D)
Daibawl
In traditional Mizo culture, 'Thangchhuah' is the highest social status or 'attainment of glory' that a person could achieve. To be recognized as a 'Thangchhuah' person, one had to perform a series of expensive feasts and ceremonies to demonstrate wealth, generosity, and social standing. The most essential and final ceremony required to complete the process of Thangchhuah is the 'Khuangchawi' (the feast of the drum). Once the Khuangchawi was successfully performed, the individual was granted the status of Thangchhuah, allowing them to wear specific ornaments and garments reserved for this elite class.
Regarding the other options:
- Kawngpui Siam: Refers to the construction of a main road/path, not a specific ritual feast for Thangchhuah.
- Chhawnghnawh: This is a traditional Mizo dance/song form, not a status-granting ceremony.
- Daibawl: While feasts involving meat (Dai) were common, the specific ritualistic requirement for the pinnacle of social status was the Khuangchawi.
Which of the following is the name of tax paid by the villagers to the Chief?
A)
Chawng
B)
Fathang
C)
Tlahpawl
D)
Ngawn Chawm
In the traditional Mizo socio-political system, the village Chief (Lal) held significant authority and was entitled to various forms of tribute and taxes from the villagers. 'Tlahpawl' refers to the specific tax or tribute paid by the villagers to the Chief as a mark of allegiance and for the protection and administration provided by the Chief.
Regarding the other options:
- 'Chawng' generally refers to a type of traditional feast or specific social ritual.
- 'Fathang' is not a recognized term for a general village tax in Mizo history.
- 'Ngawn Chawm' typically refers to a specific type of contribution or share related to hunting or specific communal activities, rather than the general tax paid to the Chief.
‘Bayraktar TB2’, one of the most famous military equipment used in Russian-Ukraine conflict and in many other conflicts around the world is made by
A)
USA
B)
UK
C)
Turkey
D)
Russia
The Bayraktar TB2 is a Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV). It is developed and manufactured by Baykar, a Turkish aerospace and defense company. The drone gained global prominence for its significant role in various conflicts, most notably in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the Russian-Ukrainian war, where it was used for reconnaissance and precision strikes.
Analysis of other options:
- a. USA: While the US produces many famous drones (like the MQ-9 Reaper), the TB2 is not American.
- b. UK: The UK develops various defense systems but is not the manufacturer of the TB2.
- d. Russia: Russia is an adversary in the conflict where the TB2 is used against its forces; it does not manufacture this equipment.
Fano Dawi ceremony was performed by?
A)
Sadawt
B)
Bawlpu
C)
Daibawl
D)
Sadawi
In traditional Mizo culture, the 'Sadawi' was the village priest or shaman who acted as an intermediary between the human world and the spirit world. The 'Fano Dawi' ceremony was a specific ritual performed by the Sadawi to appease spirits, cure illnesses, or seek divine guidance for the community.
Analysis of options:
- a. Sadawt: This is not a recognized term for the priest in Mizo tradition.
- b. Bawlpu: This refers to a traditional gathering or a specific type of social arrangement, not a person/practitioner.
- c. Daibawl: This is not the term for the ritual practitioner.
- d. Sadawi: The correct term for the traditional Mizo priest who performed rituals like Fano Dawi.
Acid rain is caused by increase in the atmospheric concentration of
A)
SO2 and NO2
B)
SO3 and CO
C)
CO2 and CO
D)
O3 and dust
Acid rain is caused by a chemical reaction that begins when compounds like sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx, specifically NO2) are released into the atmosphere. These substances are primarily emitted from the combustion of fossil fuels (power plants, industrial boilers, and vehicles).
1. **Sulfur Dioxide (SO2):** When SO2 reacts with water vapor and oxygen in the atmosphere, it forms sulfuric acid (H2SO4).
2. **Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2):** When NO2 reacts with water vapor, it forms nitric acid (HNO3).
These acids dissolve in rainwater, significantly lowering the pH of the precipitation, resulting in acid rain.
Why other options are incorrect:
- **Option b:** While SO3 is an intermediate in the formation of sulfuric acid, Carbon Monoxide (CO) does not contribute to acid rain; it is a toxic gas and a precursor to ground-level ozone.
- **Option c:** Carbon Dioxide (CO2) does make rain slightly acidic (forming weak carbonic acid), but it is a natural component of the atmosphere and not the primary cause of the environmental phenomenon known as 'Acid Rain'. CO is not an acid-forming gas.
- **Option d:** Ozone (O3) is a secondary pollutant and a greenhouse gas, and dust consists of particulate matter; neither is the primary chemical cause of acid rain.
Which of the following Articles of the constution on India directs the State government to organize Village Panchayats?
A)
Article 39
B)
Article 48
C)
Article 40
D)
Article 47
The correct answer is Article 40. This Article is part of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) in the Constitution of India. It explicitly states: 'The State shall take steps to organize village panchayats and endow them with such powers and authority as may be necessary to enable them to function as units of self-government.'
Analysis of other options:
- Article 39: Deals with certain principles of policy to be followed by the State (e.g., adequate means of livelihood, distribution of resources).
- Article 48: Relates to the organization of agriculture and animal husbandry and the prohibition of slaughter of cows and calves.
- Article 47: Directs the State to raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living and to improve public health (including the prohibition of intoxicating drinks and drugs).
The first Earth Summit for Convention on Biological Diversity was held at
A)
Johannesburg (2002), South Africa
B)
Rio de Janeiro (1992), Brazil
C)
New York (1990), USA
D)
London (1998), UK
The first Earth Summit, officially known as the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in June 1992. This landmark summit led to the creation of several key international agreements, most notably the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and Agenda 21.
Analysis of other options:
- Option (a): Johannesburg hosted the 'World Summit on Sustainable Development' in 2002, which was a follow-up to the Rio summit, not the first Earth Summit.
- Option (c) and (d): Neither New York (1990) nor London (1998) hosted the first Earth Summit for the Convention on Biological Diversity.
A religious ceremony performed for the villager’s prosperity over animals and enemies was known as?
A)
Khal
B)
Sakung
C)
Khua leh Chawm
D)
Kawngpui Siam
In traditional Mizo culture, 'Khua leh Chawm' was a significant communal religious ceremony. It was performed to seek divine protection and prosperity for the entire village, specifically to safeguard the villagers' livestock (animals) from diseases and predators, and to protect the community from enemies or hostile raids.
Analysis of other options:
- Khal: Refers to a traditional Mizo feast of merit or a specific social status ritual, not specifically a village-wide prosperity ceremony for animals and enemies.
- Sakung: Generally relates to specific traditional beliefs or rituals but is not the primary term for this communal prosperity rite.
- Kawngpui Siam: Literally translates to 'making a main road' or 'building a highway,' which is a physical infrastructure activity rather than a religious ceremony.
Recently, Vedanta-Foxconn has decided to establish India’s first large scale semiconductor producing units in the state of
A)
Uttar Pradesh
B)
Madhya Pradesh
C)
Gujarat
D)
Maharastra
In 2022, the joint venture between Vedanta Limited and Foxconn announced plans to establish India's first large-scale semiconductor fabrication plant (fab) in Gujarat. The project was envisioned as a critical step toward making India self-reliant in chip manufacturing under the 'India Semiconductor Mission'. The Gujarat government provided significant incentives and land support for this initiative. While the partnership later faced challenges and eventually dissolved, at the time of the exam (2022), the designated state for this project was Gujarat. Other states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra have various industrial hubs, but they were not the site for this specific Vedanta-Foxconn semiconductor venture.
Recently, which of the following organizations was responsible for awarding the Mizoram Police with a prestigious ‘Gold Edition 2022 Certificates’ for seizure of the largest consignment of smuggled exotic animals in May and carrying out a mega disposal of narcotic substances?
A)
Inter-pol Book of Records
B)
Limca Book of Records
C)
World Book of Records
D)
Guinness World Records
In 2022, the Mizoram Police were recognized by the World Book of Records for two significant achievements: the seizure of the largest consignment of smuggled exotic animals (which occurred in May 2022) and the execution of a mega disposal of narcotic substances. The organization awarded them the 'Gold Edition 2022 Certificates' to commemorate these record-breaking law enforcement operations. Other options like Guinness World Records, Limca Book of Records, and Inter-pol Book of Records (which is not a standard record-keeping body for such awards) are incorrect as they were not the issuing authority for this specific certification.
India’s 1st quarter GDP growth rate for the current financial year (FY23) is
A)
12.5 %
B)
13.5 %
C)
14.3 %
D)
15.5 %
The National Statistical Office (NSO) of India released the GDP data for the first quarter (Q1) of the financial year 2022-23 (April-June 2022). According to the official data, India's GDP grew by 13.5% year-on-year in the first quarter of FY23. This growth was primarily driven by a strong recovery in domestic demand and the reopening of the economy following the pandemic restrictions. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. Options (a), (c), and (d) are incorrect as they do not match the official figures released by the NSO for that specific period.
Which of the following is NOT related with Articles 2 and 3 of the Constitution?
A)
Admit new territories as new state of India
B)
Split or merge existing Indian states
C)
Alter the names and boundaries of existing Indian States
D)
Appointment of Governor of the state
Articles 2 and 3 of the Indian Constitution deal with the admission and establishment of new states and the alteration of areas, boundaries, or names of existing states.
1. Article 2 empowers the Parliament to admit into the Union, or establish, new states on such terms and conditions as it thinks fit. This relates to Option (a).
2. Article 3 empowers the Parliament to form a new state by separation of territory from any state, by uniting two or more states, or by altering the boundaries or names of any state. This relates to Option (b) and Option (c).
3. The appointment of the Governor of a state is governed by Article 155 of the Constitution, which states that the Governor of a State shall be appointed by the President. Therefore, Option (d) is not related to Articles 2 and 3.
As per the National Forest Policy (1988), the forest cover to be maintained is
A)
67% for hills & 33% for plains
B)
37% for hills & 11% for plains
C)
17% for hills & 23% for plains
D)
None of the above
The National Forest Policy of 1988 was formulated with the primary goal of environmental stability and ecological balance. One of its key mandates is to ensure that a minimum of 33% of the total land area of the country is under forest or tree cover. To achieve this target and maintain ecological stability, the policy specifies different targets based on topography:
1. In hilly regions, the target is to maintain a forest cover of 67% to prevent soil erosion and landslides.
2. In plain regions, the target is to maintain a forest cover of 33%.
Comparing this to the options:
- Option (a) correctly identifies the 67% for hills and 33% for plains requirement.
- Options (b) and (c) provide incorrect percentages that do not align with the official policy guidelines.
Which among the following authorities decides, how far the fundamental rights can apply to the members of the armed forces in India?
A)
President of India
B)
Parliament of India
C)
Arms Forces themselves
D)
Arms Forces Tribunal
The correct answer is the Parliament of India. This is based on Article 33 of the Constitution of India. Article 33 specifically empowers the Parliament to restrict or abrogate the Fundamental Rights of the members of the Armed Forces, the members of the paramilitary forces, the police forces, and intelligence agencies. The purpose of this provision is to ensure the proper discharge of their duties and the maintenance of discipline among them.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. President of India: While the President is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, the power to legislate on the restriction of fundamental rights lies with the legislative body (Parliament).
- c. Armed Forces themselves: The military cannot unilaterally decide the legal application of constitutional rights; this requires legislative action.
- d. Armed Forces Tribunal: The Tribunal is a judicial body meant for resolving disputes and grievances; it does not have the legislative authority to decide the scope of fundamental rights application.
Dantes’ was planning to:
A)
carve his name
B)
make his escape
C)
tease the guard
D)
call for breakfast
Context of breaking jug – Dantes was planning to make his escape using fragments to dig/tunnel.
Night came on and rain fell heavily
A)
Simple Sentence
B)
Complex Sentence
C)
Compound Sentence
To determine the sentence type, we analyze the grammatical structure:
1. The sentence consists of two independent clauses: 'Night came on' and 'rain fell heavily'.
2. An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought.
- Clause 1: Subject ('Night') + Verb ('came on').
- Clause 2: Subject ('rain') + Verb ('fell').
3. These two independent clauses are joined by the coordinating conjunction 'and'.
Definitions:
- A **Simple Sentence** contains only one independent clause (e.g., 'Night came on').
- A **Complex Sentence** contains one independent clause and at least one dependent (subordinate) clause (e.g., 'When night came on, rain fell heavily').
- A **Compound Sentence** contains at least two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).
Since this sentence joins two independent clauses with 'and', it is a Compound Sentence.
Two convicts _____ from prison last night.
A)
has escaped
B)
escape
C)
escaped
D)
were escaped
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. **Identify the Time Marker**: The sentence contains the phrase 'last night'. This is a specific time marker indicating a completed action in the past.
2. **Determine the Tense**: When a specific past time is mentioned, the Simple Past Tense must be used.
3. **Analyze the Options**:
- **(a) has escaped**: This is Present Perfect tense. Present Perfect cannot be used with specific past time markers like 'last night'.
- **(b) escape**: This is Present Simple tense, used for habits or general truths, not for a specific event that happened last night.
- **(c) escaped**: This is the Simple Past form of the verb 'escape'. It correctly matches the time marker 'last night'.
- **(d) were escaped**: This is a passive construction. 'Escape' is an intransitive verb in this context (the convicts performed the action themselves), so it cannot be used in the passive voice. One does not 'be escaped' by someone else.
4. **Conclusion**: Option (c) is the only grammatically correct choice.
The guard left the fragments because he
A)
didn’t notice them
B)
wished to punish Dantes
C)
was too lazy to bother
D)
wanted Dantes to clear up
Guard left fragments because he didn't notice them in dark cell / thought insignificant; typical comprehension answer is didn't notice.