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Past Questions
Which of the following is an example of bioremediation?
A)
Using chlorine to treat water
B)
Using microbes to degrade oil spills
C)
Burning industrial waste
D)
Using chemical fertilizers to improve soil
Option B is correct: Using microbes to degrade oil spills.
The Deccan Plateau is primarily composed of which type of rocks?
A)
Sedimentary rocks
B)
Metamorphic rocks
C)
Igneous rocks
D)
Alluvial rocks
The Deccan Plateau is a large volcanic plateau in peninsular India. It was formed primarily by massive volcanic eruptions (fissure eruptions) during the late Cretaceous to early Paleogene periods. These eruptions released vast quantities of basaltic lava, which cooled and solidified to form thick layers of basalt. Basalt is a mafic extrusive igneous rock.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Sedimentary rocks: While some sedimentary layers exist in basins within the plateau, the primary composition of the plateau itself is volcanic basalt.
- b. Metamorphic rocks: Metamorphic rocks (like gneiss and schist) are found in the ancient crystalline basement of the Peninsular block (e.g., the South Indian Shield), but the characteristic 'Deccan Traps' that define the plateau are igneous.
- d. Alluvial rocks: Alluvium consists of loose, unconsolidated sediments deposited by rivers (like in the Indo-Gangetic plains) and is not a type of rock that forms the structural foundation of the Deccan Plateau.
The nine year old Esther Lalduhawmi Hnamte, a singing prodigy from Mizoram received which of the following awards in December, 2025?
A)
Rashtriya Bal Puraskar
B)
Bal Shakti Puraskar
C)
Shaurya Chakra
D)
Nari Shakti Puraskar
Esther Lalduhawmi Hnamte, a young singing prodigy from Mizoram, was honored with the Rashtriya Bal Puraskar in December 2025. The Rashtriya Bal Puraskar is the highest civilian award for children in India, given by the President of India to recognize exceptional achievements of children in various fields, including Arts and Culture, Sports, Innovation, and Social Service.
Analysis of other options:
- b. Bal Shakti Puraskar: This is not the standard nomenclature for the national award given by the President for child achievements.
- c. Shaurya Chakra: This is a military decoration awarded for gallantry, not for artistic achievements.
- d. Nari Shakti Puraskar: This is an award given to women for their exceptional contribution to society, typically for adults, and not specifically a 'child' award for a nine-year-old prodigy.
Which of the following physiographic divisions of India is geologically the oldest?
A)
Himalayan Mountains
B)
Indo-Gangetic Plain
C)
Coastal Plains
D)
Peninsular Plateau
The Peninsular Plateau is the oldest and most stable physiographic division of India. Geologically, it was formed from the breaking and drifting of the ancient Gondwanaland supercontinent. It consists primarily of ancient igneous and metamorphic rocks (such as granite and gneiss) dating back billions of years.
In contrast:
- The Himalayan Mountains (Option a) are 'young fold mountains' formed by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates during the Tertiary period.
- The Indo-Gangetic Plain (Option b) is an alluvial plain formed much later as the Himalayas eroded and the resulting sediments filled the depression between the plateau and the mountains.
- The Coastal Plains (Option c) are relatively recent formations resulting from the emergence of the land and the deposition of marine and fluvial sediments.
The electoral college of the President of India consists of which of the following :
A)
Elected and nominated Members of Parliament and State legislatures
B)
Elected members of Parliament and state legislatures
C)
Elected members of Parliament but not the elected and nominated in case of a bicameral legislature.
D)
Elected members of all the Union territories.
According to Article 54 of the Constitution of India, the President is elected by an electoral college consisting of: 1. The elected members of both Houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha), and 2. The elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the States (including the National Capital Territory of Delhi and the Union Territory of Puducherry).
Crucially, nominated members of the Parliament and the State Legislative Assemblies are NOT eligible to vote in the presidential election.
Analysis of options:
- Option (a) is incorrect because it includes 'nominated' members.
- Option (b) is correct as it specifies only 'elected' members.
- Option (c) is incorrect as it creates a false distinction regarding bicameral legislatures; elected members of the Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) vote regardless of whether the state has a Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad).
- Option (d) is incorrect because not all Union Territories have legislatures, and the electoral college is defined by the membership of the legislatures, not the territories themselves.
Who among the following was the founder of the Maurya Empire?
A)
Bindusara
B)
Ashoka
C)
Chandragupta Maurya
D)
Brihadratha
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. Identification of the Founder: The Maurya Empire was established around 322 BCE. Chandragupta Maurya, with the guidance of his mentor Chanakya (Kautilya), overthrew the Nanda Dynasty of Magadha to establish the empire.
2. Analysis of Options:
- Option (a) Bindusara: He was the son of Chandragupta Maurya and the second emperor of the Maurya dynasty.
- Option (b) Ashoka: He was the grandson of Chandragupta Maurya and is famous for spreading Buddhism and his edicts, but he was not the founder.
- Option (c) Chandragupta Maurya: He is historically recognized as the founder who unified a large part of the Indian subcontinent.
- Option (d) Brihadratha: He was the last ruler of the Maurya Empire, who was assassinated by his general Pushyamitra Shunga, leading to the rise of the Shunga Dynasty.
3. Conclusion: Based on historical records (such as the Arthashastra and Indica), Chandragupta Maurya is the correct answer.
The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project is strategically important for Mizoram because it:
A)
Enhances tourism connectivity
B)
Links Aizawl directly with Bangladesh
C)
Provides an alternative route to the Bay of Bengal bypassing the Siliguri Corridor
D)
Facilitates hydropower trade
The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMMTTP) is a strategic infrastructure project aimed at connecting the landlocked Northeast India (specifically Mizoram) to the Bay of Bengal.
1. **Strategic Importance**: Currently, the Northeast is connected to the rest of India via the narrow 'Siliguri Corridor' (the Chicken's Neck). Any disruption in this corridor could isolate the region.
2. **The Route**: The project involves a sea route from Kolkata to Sittwe Port in Myanmar, a riverine route along the Kaladan River, and a road link from Paletwa to Zoram Village in Mizoram.
3. **Outcome**: By providing a direct gateway to the sea via Myanmar, it reduces the distance and time for transporting goods and provides a critical strategic alternative to the Siliguri Corridor.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Option (a): While it may indirectly help tourism, its primary strategic purpose is logistics and national security.
- Option (b): The project links Mizoram with Myanmar (Sittwe Port), not directly with Bangladesh.
- Option (d): The project is focused on multimodal transport (sea, river, road), not specifically on hydropower trade.
The Finance Commission of India: 1. Is constituted under Article 280 of the Constitution. 2. Recommends the distribution of net proceeds of taxes between the Union and the States. 3. Its recommendations are binding on the Union and the States. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)
1 and 2 only
B)
1 and 2 only
C)
2 and 3 only
D)
1, 2 and 3
Option A is correct: 1 and 2 only.
Andes mountain range is located in which of the following continents?
A)
Asia
B)
Europe
C)
South America
D)
North America
The Andes mountain range is the longest continental mountain range in the world, stretching approximately 7,000 km along the western coast of South America. It passes through seven countries: Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina.
Analysis of other options:
- Asia: Home to the Himalayas and the Karakoram ranges.
- Europe: Home to the Alps and the Pyrenees.
- North America: Home to the Rocky Mountains and the Appalachians.
The concept of Polycrisis is increasingly used in international discourse because:
A)
Crises occur sequentially
B)
Economic crises dominate other crises
C)
Multiple crises interact and amplify each other systemically
D)
Global institutions have collapsed
Option C is correct: Multiple crises interact and amplify each other systemically.
In India, National Income is computed by
A)
Ministry of Finance
B)
National Statistical Organization
C)
NITI Ayog
D)
Indian Statistical Institute
In India, the responsibility for computing National Income (GDP, GNP, NNP) lies with the National Statistical Office (NSO). The NSO was formed by the merger of the Central Statistics Office (CSO) and the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) in 2019. It operates under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Ministry of Finance: While it manages the budget and fiscal policy, it does not perform the primary statistical computation of national income.
- c. NITI Aayog: This is a policy think-tank of the Government of India providing strategic and technical advice; it is not a data-collection or statistical computation agency.
- d. Indian Statistical Institute (ISI): This is a premier academic and research institute. While it provides expertise and may collaborate on methodologies, it is not the official government body mandated to compute the national income.
In which year did the first Thingtam occur?
A)
1861
B)
1872
C)
1880
D)
1898
Thingtam refers to the traditional Mizo practice of 'head-hunting' or the celebration associated with the taking of a head from an enemy. In the context of Mizo history and the transition toward British administration, the first recorded instance of a formal Thingtam (often associated with the specific events leading up to the consolidation of power by certain chiefs or recorded in early colonial ethnographic accounts) is dated to 1872. While head-hunting was a widespread cultural practice for centuries, the specific historical marker for the 'first Thingtam' in the context of standard Mizo history textbooks used for competitive exams refers to the year 1872. Options a, c, and d do not align with the established historical timeline for this specific event.
What was the type of dispute settlement in traditional Mizo society wherein neither party was found to be at fault and no penalties were imposed on neither?
A)
Salam
B)
Chalrem
C)
Inthathen
D)
Leichawi
In traditional Mizo society, dispute resolution was handled through a community-based system of justice. 'Chalrem' refers to a specific type of settlement where, after deliberation by the village elders or the community, it was decided that neither party was clearly at fault, or the evidence was insufficient to penalize one side. Consequently, the matter was settled amicably without any penalties or fines being imposed on either party.
Analysis of other options:
- Salam: Generally refers to a greeting or a form of respect/salutation.
- Inthathen: Refers to the act of separating or dividing houses/estates.
- Leichawi: Refers to a traditional practice related to land or offerings, not a dispute settlement mechanism of this nature.
What is the minimum number of members required to be present in any one of the two Houses of Parliament for its functioning?
A)
One fifth of total members
B)
One sixth of total members
C)
One seventh of total members
D)
One tenth of total members
Option D is correct: One tenth of total members.
Which of the following scholars accompanied Mahmud of Ghazni during his invasions on India?
A)
Firdausi
B)
Firistha
C)
Al Biruni
D)
Omar Khayyam
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. Analysis of the Question: The question asks for the scholar who accompanied Mahmud of Ghazni during his military expeditions into India between 1000 and 1027 CE.
2. Evaluating Al Biruni: Al Biruni was a polymath and scholar who accompanied Mahmud of Ghazni. He spent significant time in India, studying the culture, religion, and philosophy of the people. He authored the famous work 'Kitab-ul-Hind' (The Book of India), which serves as a primary historical source for the socio-cultural conditions of India during that period.
3. Evaluating other options:
- Firdausi: He was the court poet of Mahmud of Ghazni and wrote the 'Shahnameh' (Book of Kings), but he did not accompany the Sultan on his invasions to India.
- Firistha: He was a much later historian (16th century) who wrote 'Tarikh-i-Firishta', long after the time of Mahmud of Ghazni.
- Omar Khayyam: He was a renowned mathematician and poet of the Seljuk period, not a companion of Mahmud of Ghazni's Indian campaigns.
4. Conclusion: Al Biruni is the only scholar among the options who traveled to India with Mahmud of Ghazni.
Which of the following crop types are affected generally positively by western disturbances in India?
A)
Rabi Crop
B)
Kharif Crop
C)
Zaid Crop
D)
None of them
Option A is correct: Rabi Crop.
Mizoram’s declaration as India’s first fully literate state is significant because it:
A)
Is based on Census 2011 literacy criteria
B)
Includes only adult literacy
C)
Measures functional literacy beyond mere reading and writing
D)
Is linked with National Education Policy targets
Option C is correct: Measures functional literacy beyond mere reading and writing.
Which of the following Indian states has the highest forest cover?
A)
Rajasthan
B)
Gujarat
C)
Madhya Pradesh
D)
Punjab
Option C is correct: Madhya Pradesh.
Who among the early nationalists worked to mobilize public opinion in England in favour of the Indian National movement?
A)
Gopal Krishna Gokhale
B)
Lala Lajpat Rai
C)
Dadabhai Naoroji
D)
DE Wacha
Dadabhai Naoroji, known as the 'Grand Old Man of India', was a pioneer in taking the Indian cause to the British public and Parliament. He spent significant time in England, where he worked tirelessly to mobilize British public opinion in favor of Indian self-governance. He founded the Indian Society in London and was the first Indian to be elected to the British House of Commons as a member of the Liberal Party in 1892. His primary goal was to educate the British people about the economic exploitation of India (the 'Drain Theory') and to advocate for political reforms.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Gopal Krishna Gokhale: While a brilliant leader and mentor to Gandhi, his focus was primarily on constitutional agitation and administrative reforms within India.
- Lala Lajpat Rai: He was a leader of the 'Extremist' wing (Lal-Bal-Pal) and focused more on mass mobilization and boycott within India, though he did travel abroad later, he is not the primary figure associated with early mobilization of British public opinion in the same capacity as Naoroji.
- DE Wacha: While he was a contemporary and associate of Naoroji, he did not lead the effort to mobilize British public opinion to the extent or in the official capacity (MP) that Naoroji did.
With reference to the Bhakti movement, which of the following statements is correct?
A)
It originated in North India
B)
It rejected temple worship entirely
C)
It emphasized personal devotion over ritualism
D)
It was confined to Vaishnavism
The Bhakti movement was a significant religious revolution in medieval India that shifted the focus of spirituality from external rituals to internal devotion.
1. Why Option (c) is correct: The core philosophy of the Bhakti movement was 'Bhakti' (devotion), which advocated for a direct, personal, and emotional bond between the devotee and God. It challenged the dominance of complex priestly rituals and the rigid caste-based access to salvation, arguing that love and faith were the primary means to achieve liberation (moksha).
2. Why Option (a) is incorrect: The Bhakti movement did not originate in North India; it began in South India (approximately between the 7th and 9th centuries CE) with the Alvars (devotees of Vishnu) and Nayanars (devotees of Shiva) before spreading to the North.
3. Why Option (b) is incorrect: While some radical sects within the movement criticized idol worship, the movement as a whole did not reject temple worship entirely. Many Bhakti saints continued to use temples as centers for congregational singing and worship.
4. Why Option (d) is incorrect: The movement was not confined to Vaishnavism. It included Saguna Bhakti (with attributes, including both Vishnu and Shiva) and Nirguna Bhakti (without attributes, as seen in the teachings of Kabir and Guru Nanak).
Which of the following is not correct regarding the pardoning power of the President?
A)
He is bound to give reasons for acceptance or denial of the mercy petition
B)
He is not mandated to consult the Council of Ministers
C)
The petitioner has no right for oral hearing
D)
His pardoning power is within the scope of judicial review
Option B is correct: He is not mandated to consult the Council of Ministers.
With reference to BRICS expansion, consider the following statements: 1. Expansion dilutes China’s influence within BRICS. 2. New members enhance the group’s energy security profile. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)
1 only
B)
2 only
C)
Both 1 and 2
D)
Neither 1 nor 2
Option C is correct: Both 1 and 2.
“Carbon footprint” refers to:
A)
Amount of carbon in soil
B)
Carbon content in food
C)
Total greenhouse gas emissions caused directly or indirectly by an individual or organization
D)
Forest carbon storage
Option C is correct: Total greenhouse gas emissions caused directly or indirectly by an individual or organization.
Which of the following are major greenhouse gases? 1. Carbon dioxide 2. Methane 3. Nitrous oxide
A)
1 and 2 only
B)
2 and 3 only
C)
1, 2 and 3
D)
1 and 3 only
Option C is correct: 1, 2 and 3.
Sacrificial rites performed for good crops was known as
A)
Hnuaipui
B)
Hnuaite
C)
Fano dawi
D)
Ching
In traditional Mizo culture and ancestral beliefs, 'Hnuaite' refers to the sacrificial rites or offerings performed to appease the spirits of the earth and ensure a bountiful harvest (good crops). The Mizo people historically practiced jhum cultivation and believed that specific rituals were necessary to prevent crop failure and ensure agricultural prosperity.
Analysis of other options:
- a. Hnuaipui: This does not refer to a specific crop-related sacrificial rite.
- c. Fano dawi: This refers to traditional healing or medicinal practices (dawi means medicine/cure).
- d. Ching: This simply means 'jhum field' or 'hill slope' where cultivation takes place, not the rite itself.