← AD (Town Planning)
Past Questions — 2026
The concept of “Sequent Occupance” in human geography was propounded by:
A)
Vidal de la Blache
B)
Ellen Churchill Semple
C)
Carl Sauer
D)
Derwent Whittlesey
Option D is correct: Derwent Whittlesey.
The Red Data Book is associated with:
A)
Climate change
B)
Endangered species
C)
Wetland management
D)
Soil fertility
Option B is correct: Endangered species.
The Chairman of which of the following parliamentary committees is invariably from the members of the ruling Party?
A)
Estimates Committee
B)
Committee on Public Undertakings
C)
Public Accounts Committee
D)
Committee on Delegated Legislation
Option A is correct: Estimates Committee.
Which of the following is responsible for acid rain?
A)
Carbon dioxide only
B)
Methane only
C)
Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides
D)
Oxygen
Option C is correct: Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.
With reference to the El Niño phenomenon, consider the following statements: 1. It is associated with abnormal warming of surface waters in the eastern Pacific Ocean. 2. It generally weakens the Indian southwest monsoon. 3. It leads to increased upwelling along the coast of Peru. Which of the statements given above 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.
Which of the following is considered a primary indicator of human development?
A)
Gross Domestic Product
B)
Inflation rate
C)
Human Development Index (HDI)
D)
Fiscal deficit
Option C is correct: Human Development Index (HDI).
Which of the following Indus Valley Civilization sites is located in Gujarat?
A)
Harappa
B)
Mohenjo-daro
C)
Lothal
D)
Kalibangan
The question asks for an Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) site located in the modern-day state of Gujarat, India.
1. **Lothal (Option c):** Located in the Ahmedabad district of Gujarat. It is one of the most significant IVC sites, famous for having one of the world's earliest known artificial dockyards, connecting the city to an ancient course of the Sabarmati River.
2. **Harappa (Option a):** Located in the Punjab province of Pakistan. It was the first site of the IVC to be excavated.
3. **Mohenjo-daro (Option b):** Located in the Sindh province of Pakistan. It is known for its advanced urban planning and the 'Great Bath'.
4. **Kalibangan (Option d):** Located in the Hanumangarh district of Rajasthan, India. It is noted for evidence of ploughed fields.
Therefore, Lothal is the only site listed that is located in Gujarat.
Consider the following about ozone in the stratosphere: 1. It absorbs UV-B radiation 2. It protects living organisms from DNA damage 3. Ozone depletion leads to increased risk of skin cancer
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.
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.
Which vitamin is primarily synthesized in the human body when exposed to sunlight?
A)
Vitamin A
B)
Vitamin B12
C)
Vitamin C
D)
Vitamin D
Option D is correct: Vitamin D.
Which of the following is NOT a function of the Election Commission of India?
A)
Preparation of electoral rolls
B)
Conduct of elections
C)
Recognition of political parties
D)
Framing laws related to elections
Option D is correct: Framing laws related to elections.
Which of the following particles has no electric charge?
A)
Electron
B)
Proton
C)
Neutron
D)
Positron
To determine which particle has no electric charge, we examine the fundamental properties of the subatomic particles listed:
1. **Electron (Option a):** An electron is a lepton with a negative electric charge (-1e). It orbits the nucleus of an atom.
2. **Proton (Option b):** A proton is a baryon found in the nucleus with a positive electric charge (+1e).
3. **Neutron (Option c):** A neutron is a baryon found in the nucleus. As its name suggests, it is electrically neutral, meaning it has a net charge of 0.
4. **Positron (Option d):** A positron is the antiparticle of the electron. It has the same mass as an electron but carries a positive electric charge (+1e).
Therefore, the neutron is the only particle among the choices that possesses no electric charge.
The greatest threat to the world’s coral reef system emanates from
A)
UV light
B)
Starvation caused by decline in zooplankton
C)
Cyanide fishing
D)
More frequent coral bleaching
Option D is correct: More frequent coral bleaching.
With reference to the Cabinet Mission Plan (1946), which of the following is correct?
A)
It proposed immediate partition
B)
It rejected a Constituent Assembly
C)
It suggested a weak Centre with strong provinces
D)
It established a federal court
The Cabinet Mission Plan of 1946 was sent by the British government to negotiate the transfer of power to Indian leadership.
1. Why Option (c) is correct: The plan proposed a three-tier structure (Union, Groups of Provinces, and Provinces). The Union (Centre) was to be given only limited responsibilities—specifically Foreign Affairs, Defence, and Communications. All other 'residuary powers' were to be vested in the provinces, effectively creating a weak Centre and strong provinces to accommodate the demands of the Muslim League for autonomy.
2. Why Option (a) is incorrect: The Cabinet Mission explicitly rejected the demand for a separate sovereign state of Pakistan (immediate partition) and instead proposed a loose federation of provinces.
3. Why Option (b) is incorrect: The plan actually proposed the formation of a Constituent Assembly to frame a new constitution for independent India; it did not reject it.
4. Why Option (d) is incorrect: The Federal Court of India had already been established by the Government of India Act, 1935. The Cabinet Mission focused on the political structure of the transition to independence, not the establishment of the court.
In which state is Kudremukh which is famous for iron ore located?
A)
Karnataka
B)
Bihar
C)
Odisha
D)
Assam
Option A is correct: Karnataka.
What is the maximum life of an ordinance promulgated by President of India?
A)
6 months
B)
7.5 months
C)
8 months
D)
10 months
Option B is correct: 7.5 months.
Which of the following schemes addresses nutritional support to pregnant and lactating women in India?
A)
Mid-Day Meal Scheme
B)
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)
C)
National Health Mission
D)
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. Analyze the requirement: The question asks for a scheme specifically providing nutritional support to pregnant and lactating women.
2. Evaluate Option (a): The Mid-Day Meal Scheme is designed to enhance the nutritional status of school-age children and encourage school attendance; it does not target pregnant women.
3. Evaluate Option (b): Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) is a Maternity Benefit Programme that provides a cash incentive to pregnant and lactating mothers. This financial assistance is intended to compensate for wage loss and enable the woman to take adequate rest and nutrition during pregnancy and early motherhood.
4. Evaluate Option (c): The National Health Mission (NHM) is a broad umbrella program for improving overall health infrastructure and delivery across India, not a specific nutritional scheme for mothers (though it may oversee such programs).
5. Evaluate Option (d): Beti Bachao Beti Padhao is a campaign focused on preventing gender-biased sex selective elimination and ensuring the survival, protection, and education of the girl child.
Conclusion: Option (b) is the only scheme specifically designed for the nutritional and financial support of pregnant and lactating women.
The Basel Convention is an international treaty concerned with
A)
Conservation of biodiversity
B)
Depletion of ozone layer
C)
Control of movement of hazardous wastes and their disposal
D)
Regulation of environmental impact of projects having trans boundary effects
The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal is an international treaty designed to reduce the movements of hazardous waste between nations, specifically to prevent the transfer of hazardous waste from developed to less developed countries.
Analysis of options:
- Option (a) 'Conservation of biodiversity' refers to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
- Option (b) 'Depletion of ozone layer' refers to the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol.
- Option (c) is correct as it describes the primary objective of the Basel Convention.
- Option (d) 'Regulation of environmental impact of projects having trans boundary effects' refers to the Espoo Convention.
Which year was known as ‘Arsi tlak kum”?
A)
1870
B)
1886
C)
1890
D)
1900
In Mizo history, 'Arsi tlak kum' literally translates to the 'Year of the Great Famine' or the year when people had to eat 'arsi' (a type of wild tuber/root) to survive. This refers to the devastating famine of 1886. During this period, crop failures led to extreme scarcity of food, forcing the Mizo people to rely on wild roots and tubers to avoid starvation. This event is a significant marker in the oral and written history of the Mizo people, often cited alongside other major calamities or political shifts during the pre-colonial and early colonial transition periods.
Which of the following was not among the first three Bible books to be translated into Mizo?
A)
Chanchin Tha Luka Ziak
B)
Chanchin Tha Johana Ziak
C)
Tirhkohte Thiltih
D)
Thupuan
The translation of the Bible into the Mizo language was a monumental task led by early missionaries, primarily under the guidance of the Welsh Presbyterian Mission. The first three books of the Bible to be translated and published in Mizo were the Gospel of Luke (Chanchin Tha Luka Ziak), the Gospel of John (Chanchin Tha Johana Ziak), and the Acts of the Apostles (Tirhkohte Thiltih). These were translated to provide the early converts with the core narratives of the life of Christ and the early church. 'Thupuan' (The Book of Revelation) was translated much later in the process of completing the full Mizo Bible. Therefore, Thupuan was not among the first three books translated.
With reference to urbanization in India, which one of the following factors has contributed the most to the growth of metropolitan cities?
A)
Natural increase of population
B)
Expansion of municipal boundaries
C)
Development of satellite towns
D)
Rural–urban migration
Option D is correct: Rural–urban migration.
The belief that economic growth will trickle down to all sectors is known as
A)
Dispersal theory
B)
Decentralized growth theory
C)
Pump priming theory
D)
Trickle-down theory
The 'Trickle-down theory' is an economic concept suggesting that tax breaks and benefits provided to corporations and wealthy individuals will eventually 'trickle down' to the rest of society in the form of job creation and increased investment. In the context of regional development, it posits that growth in a developed urban center (growth pole) will eventually spread to the surrounding rural or underdeveloped areas.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Dispersal theory: This refers to the deliberate movement of economic activity away from concentrated centers to underdeveloped regions to ensure balanced growth.
- b. Decentralized growth theory: This focuses on distributing power and economic resources across various local levels rather than concentrating them in a single center.
- c. Pump priming theory: This is a Keynesian economic concept where the government increases spending to stimulate economic activity during a recession, acting as a 'prime' to get the economic engine running again.
What is the name of the flagship initiative approved by the Union Cabinet to strengthen India’s export competitiveness?
A)
Export Development Programme (EDP)
B)
Export Promotion Mission (EPM)
C)
National Export Facilitation Scheme (NEFS)
D)
Trade and Export Growth Initiative (TEGI)
The Union Cabinet of India approved the 'Export Promotion Mission' (EPM) as a flagship initiative designed to enhance India's export competitiveness. The mission focuses on streamlining processes, reducing logistics costs, and identifying high-potential product categories to increase India's share in global trade.
- Option (a) Export Development Programme (EDP) is a generic term used for various training programs and not a specific flagship mission approved by the current Union Cabinet for this purpose.
- Option (c) National Export Facilitation Scheme (NEFS) and Option (d) Trade and Export Growth Initiative (TEGI) are not the official names of the approved flagship initiative for strengthening export competitiveness.
Identify the phrase or clause of the underlined words: The book that I borrowed is very interesting.
A)
Adverb clause
B)
Noun phrase
C)
Adjective clause
D)
Adverb phrase
Option C is correct: Adjective clause.
Fill in the blank using the appropriate conjunction: _____ I like tea, she prefers coffee.
A)
Since
B)
While
C)
Because
D)
As
Option B is correct: While.