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PPSC Mock - 1

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Besides UNEP, which other organisation of the UN aided the establishment of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change?

  1. UN Framework Convention on Climate Change

  2. International Union for Conservation of Nature

  3. World Meteorological Organisation

  4. UN General Assembly


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is a scientific intergovernmental body, set up at the request of member governments. It was first established in 1988 by two United Nations organisations, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and later endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly through Resolution 43/53.

Which of the following statements is/are correct in relation to igneous rocks?

  1. They are called ‘primary rocks’.
  2. Extrusive igneous rocks are very fine-grained.
  3. Basalt is a typical example of extrusive igneous rocks.
  1. All 1, 2 and 3

  2. Only 1

  3. Only 1 and 2

  4. Only 2 and 3


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Igneous rocks are also called ‘primary rocks’ because they were the first ones to be formed. ‘Extrusive igneous rock’ is the name given to magma erupting and solidifying on reaching the earth’s surface. As magma cools down rapidly on reaching the earth’s surface, so these rocks are very fine-grained. Basalt is a typical example of extrusive igneous rocks.

Which of the following statements is/are false: a. A solution of sulphuric acid or hydrochloric acid in water conducts electricity. b. The materials that do not allow electric current to pass through them are called poor conductors of electricity. c. A solution of copper sulphate or sodium chloride in water will not conduct electricity.

  1. Only a

  2. Only a and b

  3. Only b

  4. Only b and c

  5. Only c


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Statement ‘c’ is a false statement. Thus, it is the correct option. A compound that allows electric current to pass through itself, when either in a molten state or in an aqueous solution, is called an electrolyte. Solutions of sodium chloride, copper sulphate, dilute sulphuric acid are examples of strong electrolytes. Statement ‘b’ is a correct statement. But, statement ‘c’ is a false statement. Thus, it is a wrong option. A solution of copper sulphate or sodium chloride in water will conduct electricity because they are basic in nature.

Which of the following statements is/are correct?

A. Noble gases are unreactive. B. These gases have stable electronic configuration.

  1. Only A

  2. Only B

  3. Both A and B

  4. Neither A nor B


Correct Option: C

Name the type of agriculture in which crops grown are consumed by the farmer and his family.

  1. Subsistence

  2. Commercial

  3. Mixed

  4. Extensive


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

In this type of agriculture, the main motive of the farmer is to satisfy the needs of his family.

Which of the following conditions characterise the equatorial climates of the world?

  1. Cold winter
  2. Hot summer
  3. Afternoon under shower
  4. Small diurnal range of temperature
  1. 1 and 3

  2. 2 and 3

  3. 1 and 2

  4. 3 and 4


Correct Option: D

Which of the following is not a grassland?

  1. Pampas

  2. Veld

  3. Rockies

  4. Savanna


Correct Option: C

The term ‘occidental’ relates to the culture of

  1. South-East Asia

  2. North-Western Europe

  3. Middle-East

  4. Africa


Correct Option: B

Which of the following statements is wrong?

  1. Soil structure, slope, water velocity and forest covers affect the soil erosion.

  2. Fertility remains the same even after soil erosion.

  3. Soil erosion has bad impact on agriculture.

  4. Afforestation and terraced field can check the soil erosion.


Correct Option: B

Sound waves are

  1. electromagnetic waves

  2. electronic waves

  3. radio waves

  4. longitudinal waves


Correct Option: D

According to Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, which article of the Indian constitution is its ‘heart and soul’?

  1. Article 32

  2. Article 28

  3. Article 19

  4. Article 14


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Correct Answer: Article 32

When was the idea of a Constituent Assembly to frame the Constitution for India mooted?

  1. In 1945, with combined conference of all parties

  2. In 1940, under the 'Muslim League Conference'

  3. In 1928, under the 'Swaraj Party' meeting

  4. None of these


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The idea of a Constituent Assembly to frame the Constitution for India was mooted in 1928.

Renewable Energy Certificate Mechanism has been introduced in order to promote renewable sources of energy. Which of the following agencies is/are responsible for regulating it?

  1. Bureau of Energy Efficiency

  2. State Electricity Commissions

  3. Central Electricity Regulatory Commission

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

India unveiled a policy to help boost power generation from renewable energy sources on 14th Jan 2010. The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC), the central electricity regulator in the country, issued a regulation on the framework of Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) mechanism, intended to facilitate and promote the development of renewable energy sources in the electricity market.

Geothermal gradient is the difference between the temperatures of

  1. two points on the earth’s surface

  2. the core of the planet and its surface

  3. land and water bodies

  4. equatorial and polar regions


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Thermal energy is the energy that determines the temperature of matter. The geothermal energy of the earth's crust originates from the original formation of the planet (20%) and from radioactive decay of minerals (80%). The geothermal gradient, which is the difference in the temperature of the core of the planet and its surface, drives a continuous conduction of thermal energy in the form of heat from the core to the surface.

Consider the following facts:

  1. Since burning of biomass releases carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, it is not a good source of energy to reduce carbon dioxide emission.
  2. Majority of biomass production comes from animal sources.

Which of the above is/are true?

  1. Only 1

  2. Only 2

  3. Both 1 and 2

  4. Neither 1 nor 2


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Biomass derived energy holds the promise of reducing carbon dioxide emission, a significant contributor to global warming, as carbon dioxide acts as a “greenhouse” gas by trapping heat absorbed by the earth from the sun. Although the burning of biomass releases as much carbon dioxide as the burning of fossil fuels, biomass burning does not release “new carbon” into the atmosphere, which the burning of fossil fuels does. The estimated biomass production in the world is 146 billion tonnes a year, consisting of mostly wild plant growth. Wood remains the largest biomass energy source today.

A habitat corridor

  1. connects wildlife populations separated by human activities
  2. decreases the problems of inbreeding

Which of the above is/are true?

  1. Only 1

  2. Only 2

  3. Both 1 and 2

  4. Neither 1 nor 2


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

A habitat corridor, wildlife corridor or green corridor is an area of habitat connecting wildlife populations separated by human activities or structures (such as roads, development or logging). This allows an exchange of individuals between populations, which may help to prevent the negative effects of inbreeding and reduced genetic diversity (via. genetic drift) that often occur within isolated populations.

The theory of economic drain of India during British imperialism was propounded by

  1. Jawaharlal Nehru

  2. M. K. Gandhi

  3. R. C. Dutt

  4. Dadabhai Naoroji


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Dadabhai Naoroji is known as the Grand Old Man of India, was a Parsi intellectual, educator, cotton trader, and an early Indian political and social leader. His book 'Poverty and Un-British Rule in India' brought attention to the drainage of India's wealth into Britain.

Who among the following is not appointed by the Governor of a State?

  1. The Chief Minister of the State

  2. The Speaker of the Vidhan Sabha

  3. The Chairman of the State Public Service Commission

  4. Other ministers of the State


Correct Option: B

Which among the following is the Upper House of the Indian Parliament?

  1. Lok Sabha

  2. Rajya Sabha

  3. State Legislative Assembly

  4. State Legislative Council


Correct Option: B

Which of the following is/are the principal source of revenue to the State Government in India?

  1. State Excise Duties

  2. Income Tax

  3. Sales Tax

  4. None of these


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Sales Tax is the principal source of revenue to the State Government in India.

Which of the following organisms is responsible for Dengue fever?

  1. Anopheles mosquito

  2. Aedes mosquito

  3. Protozoa

  4. Virus

  5. Bacteria


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Dengue virus cause dengue fever. It is transmitted from affected person to healthy person by Aedes mosquito. 

Which of the following taxes are levied by the State Government?

  1. Value Added Tax (VAT)
  2. Stamp Duty
  3. Land Revenue
  4. Profession Tax
  1. Only 1 and 3

  2. Only 1, 3 and 4

  3. Only 1, 2 and 3

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

India has a well-developed tax structure with clearly demarcated authority between Central and State Governments and local bodies. Central Government levies taxes on income (except tax on agricultural income, which the State Government can levy), customs duties, central excise and service tax. Value Added Tax (VAT), stamp duty, state excise, land revenue and profession tax are levied by the State Governments.

Consider the following statements:

  1. The smell of hot sizzling food reaches several metres away because hot food has higher kinetic energy of the particles.
  2. A hot body radiates heat most rapidly if its surface is white and rough.

Which of the following statements is/are incorrect?

  1. Only 1

  2. Only 2

  3. Both 1 and 2

  4. Neither 1 nor 2


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct. The temperature of hot food is more. Therefore, the particles of hot vapours coming out of hot sizzling food have higher kinetic energy, i.e. they move faster and hence, the smell of hot sizzling food reaches several metres away. Statement 2 is incorrect. A body with black and rough surface absorbs heat most rapidly (it absorbs heat energy).

Under which of the following conditions can the President of India exercise his discretionary powers?

  1. When no party has majority in the Lok Sabha and he has to choose a Prime Minister.
  2. When there is a dispute between the Prime Minister and the Cabinet.
  3. When the ruling party loses its majority in the Lok Sabha and recommends for dissolution of the House.
  4. When he decides to refer the advice of the Union Cabinet back for reconsideration.
  1. Only 1 and 3

  2. Only 1, 3 and 4

  3. Only 2 and 3

  4. Only 1 and 4


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

According to the Indian Constitution, the President does not have the power to use his discretion in case of a dispute between the Prime Minister and the Cabinet.

Which of the following is/are the power(s) of State Legislature?

  1. It plays a role in amendment of the fundamental provisions of the constitution.
  2. It considers reports of the State Public Service Commission.
  3. It takes part in the election of the President.
  1. Only 2

  2. Only 1 and 2

  3. Only 2 and 3

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Statement 1 is wrong: State Legislature has no role in amendment of the fundamental provisions of the constitution. Any amendment to the Constitution of India can only be made by the Parliament, i.e. the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.

Statement 2 is correct: Reports of the State Public Service Commission are considered by the State Legislature. Statement 3 is correct: The President of India is elected by an electoral college that consists of elected members of both the Houses of the Parliament and the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies.

Which of the following statements is/are true?

  1. The expression “Proclamation of Emergency” as used in the Indian Constitution refers to National Emergency under Article 352.
  2. In India, National Emergency has been proclaimed two times so far.
  1. Only 1

  2. Only 2

  3. Both of these

  4. Neither of these


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct. The expression “Proclamation of Emergency” as used in the Indian Constitution refers to National Emergency under Article 352. Statement 2 is incorrect. In India, National Emergency has been proclaimed three times so far – in 1962, 1971 and 1975.

Consider the following facts:

  1. Tsunami waves are also called tidal waves.
  2. Tsunami waves have shorter wavelength than sea waves.

Which of the above is/are true?

  1. Only 1

  2. Only 2

  3. Both 1 and 2

  4. Neither 1 nor 2


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Tsunami waves do not resemble normal sea waves because their wavelength is far longer. Rather than appearing as a breaking wave, a tsunami may initially resemble a rapidly rising tide and for this reason they are often referred to as tidal waves.

For which of the given reasons is agriculture considered a perquisite for economic development of India?

  1. It is a great source of foreign exchange.
  2. It is a source of supply of basic wage goods.
  3. It is a source of supply of raw material to industries.
  1. Only 3

  2. Only 2 and 3

  3. All 1, 2 and 3

  4. Only 1 and 3


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Agriculture is an important sector of Indian economy. It is source of supply of basic wage goods, i.e. food items to industry as well as people on the whole. It provides raw materials to various agro-based industries. It is also a great source of foreign exchange for the economy, especially for a developing country like India, where a large share of its population depends, directly or indirectly, upon agriculture.

Which of the following statements is/are incorrect?

  1. Kisan Credit Card Scheme was introduced in 1998-99.
  2. Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) was set up with a corpus of Rs. 10,000 crore with NABARD to finance rural infrastructure development projects by states.
  1. Only 1

  2. Only 2

  3. Both of these

  4. Neither of these


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Both the statements given are perfectly correct. Kisan Credit Card Scheme was introduced in 1998-99 to facilitate access to credit from Commercial Banks, Cooperatives and Regional Rural Banks. Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) was set up with a corpus of Rs.10,000 crore with NABARD to finance rural infrastructure development projects by states.

The Indian constitution opted for a federation and consequently the responsibilities and duties were divided among three levels of the government. Which of the following subjects come(s) in the Union List?

  1. Post and Telegraph
  2. Public Health
  3. Agriculture
  4. Police
  1. Only 1 and 2

  2. Only 1

  3. Only 1, 2 and 3

  4. Only 1 and 4


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Public Health, Agriculture and Police are the subjects that come under the State List. It should be noted that the Centre is only responsible for the recruitment of police (through UPSC), not for its maintenance.

The Second Schedule of the Indian Constitution carries provision relating to emoluments, salaries, allowances, etc. of which of the following?

  1. The President
  2. The Prime Minister
  3. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha
  4. The Comptroller and Auditor General
  1. Only 1 and 2

  2. Only 1, 3 and 4

  3. Only 1, 2 and 3

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Second Schedule of the Indian Constitution does not carry provision relating to emoluments, salaries, allowances, etc. of the Prime Minister and the Chief Ministers of different states.

Which of the following features of the Indian constitution are greatly influenced by the Government of India Act, 1935?

(1) Federal scheme (2) Powers of the federal judiciary (3) Office of the governor

  1. (1) and (2)

  2. (1) and (3)

  3. (2) and (3)

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

All the given features are greatly influenced by the Government of India Act, 1935.

Which of the following is/are not connected with proof of the Earth’s shape?

  1. Circumnavigation
  2. Rotation and revolution of the earth
  3. The shadow of the earth on moon during eclipse
  4. Satellite photography
  1. Only 1 and 2

  2. Only 1

  3. 1, 3 and 4

  4. None of these


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Following are the evidences of the Earth’s shape:

  1. Earth's shadow on the moon (at lunar eclipse) is always circular.
  2. The position of the sun and the stars depends on the position of earth, thus earth has to be curved.
  3. Magellan sailed around Earth.
  4. Yuri Gagarin orbited Earth in space.
  5. Pictures of Earth taken from the Moon impressively demonstrate the shape of Earth.
  6. The rotation of Earth can be proven with Foucault's pendulum.
  7. Astronomical observations show that all the other planets are spheres, it is very likely that the Earth is a sphere too.

Which of the following statements is/are correct?

  1. The most commonly used bleaching agent is a chlorine compound.
  2. Vegetable oil undergoes hydrogenation to remain in liquid form.
  1. Only 1

  2. Only 2

  3. Both 1 and 2

  4. Neither 1 nor 2


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct. The chemical name of bleaching powder is calcium hypochlorite (a compound of chlorine), which is used for the disinfection of drinking water or swimming pool water.

Statement 2 is incorrect. A common hydrogenation is the hardening of animal fats or vegetable oils to make them solid at room temperature and improve their stability.

The world’s longest railway platform is in

  1. Storvik, Sweden

  2. New York, USA

  3. Gorakhpur, India

  4. Canberra, Australia


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Gorakhpur became the world's longest railway platform in 2013. After Gorakhpur, Kharagpur has the world's third largest railway platform.

Which of the following statements is/are correct?

  1. NABARD was established on the recommendations of Sivaraman Committee.
  2. The RBI was established on the recommendations of Hilton-Young Commission.
  1. Only 1

  2. Only 2

  3. Both of these

  4. Neither of these


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Both the given statements are perfectly correct.

Which government launched Bhagyashree scheme for girl child?

  1. Delhi

  2. Maharashtra

  3. Gujarat

  4. Rajasthan

  5. Karnataka


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Option (2) is the correct answer.

If you travel through the Himalayas, you are likely to see which of the following plants naturally growing there?

  1. Oak
  2. Rhododendron
  3. Sandalwood

Which of the following options is correct?

  1. 1 and 2 only

  2. 3 only

  3. 1 and 3 only

  4. 1, 2 and 3


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

1 and 2 only

With reference to the famous Sattriya dance, consider the following statements:

  1. Sattriya is a combination of music, dance and drama.
  2. It is a centuries-old living tradition of Vaishnaites of Assam.
  3. It is based on classical Ragas and Talas of devotional songs composed by Tulsidas, Kabir and Mirabai.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 only

  2. 1 and 2 only

  3. 2 and 3 only

  4. 1, 2 and 3


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Sattriya dance form was introduced in the 15th century A.D. by the great Vaishnava saint and reformer of Assam, Mahapurusha Sankaradeva as a powerful medium for propagation of the Vaishnava faith. Sankaradeva introduced this dance form by incorporating different elements from various treatises, then prevalent dance forms and local folk dances combined with his own rare outlook. Sattriya dance is a clear indication of the influence of the former on the latter. Other visible influences on Sattriya dance are those from Assamese folk dances namely Bihu, Bodos, etc. Many hand gestures and rhythmic syllables are strikingly similar in these dance forms.

The world's largest oil reserves (about 2/3) are located in

  1. Russia

  2. Middle East

  3. Africa

  4. Europe

  5. Canada


Correct Option: B

Consider the following statements:

  1. A Gram Sabha may exercise such powers and perform such functions at the village level as the Legislature of a State may, by law, provide.
  2. Parliament may, by law, make provisions with respect to maintenance of accounts by Panchayats.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Only 1

  2. Only 2

  3. Both 1 and 2

  4. Neither 1 nor 2


Correct Option: A

The main cause of global climate change is

  1. increase in the content of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

  2. emissions of industrial gases

  3. addition of dust

  4. changes in plant cover

  5. None of these


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Correct option is (1).

Which of the following crops are grown by mixed cropping method?

  1. Cotton and groundnut

  2. Cotton and maize

  3. Maize and rice

  4. Groundnut and rice


Correct Option: A

Arrange the following Himalayan vegetation type in the descending order on the basis of the altitude beginning from the highest.

  1. Coniferous forests
  2. Alpine vegetation
  3. Tropical forests
  4. Evergreen forests

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

  1. 1 – 2 – 4 – 3

  2. 1 – 2 – 3 – 4

  3. 2 – 1 – 4 – 3

  4. 2 – 1 – 3 – 4


Correct Option: C

The Union Executive consists of

(a) The President (b) The Prime Minister (c) The Council of Ministers without the Prime Minister (d) The Attorney General of India (e) The Council of Ministers along with the Prime Minister

  1. a, b, d

  2. a,c

  3. a, e

  4. a, e, d

  5. a, b


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

This option is correct. The Union Executive has the Prime minister with the Council of ministers, the President and the Attorney General.

The Parliament can legislate on the subjects in the State List if the

  1. President issues an order authorising it to do so

  2. Supreme Court gives authority to the Parliament in this regard

  3. Rajya Sabha passes a resolution by two-thirds of its members present and voting, declaring it expedient to legislate on a State matter in the national interest

  4. Prime Minister issues a special order


Correct Option: C

Which Union Territory has the highest sex ratio?

  1. Daman and Diu

  2. Puducherry

  3. Lakshadweep

  4. Chandigarh


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

1038 females per 1000 males

According to the latest judgement of the Supreme Court, to which category do the Transgenders belong?

  1. General category

  2. SC category

  3. Backward category

  4. OBC category


Correct Option: D

Who certifies a bill as a money bill?

  1. Chairman of the Council of States

  2. Speaker of the House of the People

  3. Finance Minister

  4. Prime Minister


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Speaker of the House of the People certifies a bill as a money bill.

The consumer price index is designed to measure the degree to which

  1. incomes are distributed among the poor and rich over time

  2. the cost of purchasing a bundle of consumer goods has changed with time

  3. consumption patterns have changed with time because of higher prices

  4. consumer prices have risen, relative to wages


Correct Option: B

As per Census of India 2011 enumeration, the total number of towns in India approximate to

  1. five thousand

  2. six thousand

  3. seven thousand

  4. eight thousand


Correct Option: D

Which of the following statements is NOT true about the ‘Attorney General’ of India?

  1. He holds office during the pleasure of the President.

  2. He must be qualified to be appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court.

  3. He has a right of audience in all courts in India as well as the right to vote.

  4. None of these


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Attorney General of India is the Indian government's chief legal advisor, and its primary lawyer in the Supreme Court of India. The Attorney General of India is appointed by the President of India under Article 76(1) of the Constitution of India and holds office during the pleasure of the President. (Hence Option (1) is correct) He must be a person qualified to be appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court. (Hence Option (2) is also correct) The Attorney General is responsible for giving advice to the Government of India upon such legal matters and to perform such other duties of legal character as may be referred or assigned to him by the President. The Attorney General has the right of audience in all Courts in India as well as the right to participate in the proceedings of the Parliament, though not to vote. (Hence Option (3) is also correct). The Attorney General appears on behalf of the Government of India in all cases(including suits, appeals and other proceedings) in the Supreme Court in which the Government of India is concerned. The Attorney General is to be consulted only in legal matters of real importance and only after the Ministry of Law has been consulted. The Attorney General can accept briefs but cannot appear against the Government. He/She cannot defend an accused in the criminal proceedings and accept the directorship of a company without the permission of the Government.

What is an ECO MARK?

  1. A scheme for labelling pollution-free industrial unit

  2. A scheme for labelling environment friendly consumer product

  3. A cost - effective production technique

  4. An international certification recognising eco-friendly building


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Correct option is (2).

Which of the following gases is not a green house gas?

  1. Methane

  2. Carbon dioxide

  3. Hydrogen

  4. Nitrous oxide

  5. None


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Hydrogen gas is highly flammable and burns in air. So it is not a greenhouse gas.

Which one of the following groups of items is included in India’s foreign exchange reserves?

  1. Foreign currency assets, Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) and loans from countries

  2. Foreign currency assets, gold holdings of the RBI and SDRs

  3. Foreign currency assets, loans from the World Bank and SDRs

  4. Foreign currency assets, holdings of the RBI and loans from the World Bank


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

India’s foreign exchange reserve includes the following: Foreign currency assets Gold reserves SDRs Reserve position in IMF

Directions: Answer the following question by selecting the most appropriate option.

Which one of the following is not a principle of sustainable development?

  1. Maximum use of natural resources

  2. Respect and care for all forms of life

  3. Change in personal attitude and practices towards environment

  4. Improvement in the quality of human life


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. However, excessive use of natural resources will exhaust the resources for future generation. Thus, option (1) is the correct answer. 

Which of the following is not associated with the management of natural resources?

  1. Short-term perspective

  2. Equitable distribution

  3. Plan for safe disposable of wastes

  4. Taking care of the environment


Correct Option: A

The hot deserts of the world are generally found near

  1. the equator

  2. the doldrums

  3. the horse latitude

  4. the Tundras


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Correct option is (3).

World Kidney Day is observed annually on the

  1. 1st Monday of April

  2. 3rd Friday of January

  3. 4th Tuesday of February

  4. 2nd Thursday of March

  5. 3rd Wednesday of May


Correct Option: D

Which one among the following is the correct sequence of basins of major rivers of India beginning from south to north?

  1. Tapi (Tapti)
  2. Godavari
  3. Ganga
  4. Kaveri

Select the answer using the correct code given below.

  1. 2 – 1 – 4 – 3

  2. 4 – 1 – 2 – 3

  3. 2 – 4 – 1 – 3

  4. 4 – 2 – 1 – 3


Correct Option: D

Why does yellow colour appear yellow to our eyes?

  1. Due to reflection of yellow colour

  2. Due to absorption of yellow colour

  3. Due to scattering of yellow colour

  4. Due to refraction of yellow colour


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The colour depends on surface and texture of an object or how it bends light. Light in its natural state is white light. In case of yellow colour, the yellow object reflects yellow colour and absorbs all the other colours. So, it appears as yellow.

Biodiversity hot spots are

  1. areas where large number of different species are found

  2. hot areas where large number of different species are found

  3. areas which become hot due to large number of different species

  4. areas where large spot has been created due to death of number of species


Correct Option: A

Which of the following countries had the first official family planning programme?

  1. Japan

  2. Sri Lanka

  3. Nepal

  4. India


Correct Option: D

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is called ‘gross’ because its computation does not exclude

  1. depreciation of capital (consumption of capital in production process)

  2. subsidies on consumption of goods

  3. earnings of foreign factors in host country

  4. impact of price rise


Correct Option: A

The method in which data from I/O devices to memory and vice-versa is transmitted without the help of C.P.U. is known as

  1. direct memory access

  2. demand paging

  3. data switching

  4. multiplexing


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

 Direct memory access

After heating which one of the following would expand the most?

  1. Air

  2. Alcohol

  3. Glass

  4. Water

  5. Plastic


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Air would expand the most on being heated.

Which of the following is known as the Father of Panchayati Raj in India?

  1. Lord Mayo

  2. Lord Ripon

  3. Balwant Rai Mehta

  4. Ashok Mehta

  5. L M Singhvi


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Balwant Rai Mehta is called the Father of Panchayati Raj in India because it was the recommendations of his committee which laid the foundation of the present day existing Panchayati Raj.

What is the full form of ATM?

  1. Automated Teller Machine

  2. Any Time Money

  3. All Time Money

  4. Auto Limited Teller Machine


Correct Option: A

Which is the largest legislative assembly in India?

  1. Madhya Pradesh

  2. Bihar

  3. Kerala

  4. Uttar Pradesh

  5. None of these


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Uttar Pradesh is the largest legislative assembly in India. 

Which of the following criteria is/are used for classification of biomes?

  1. Availability of soil
  2. Availability of water
  3. Availability of vegetation cover
  1. Only 3

  2. Only 2 and 3

  3. 1, 2 and 3

  4. Only 1 and 3


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

In ecology, a biome is a major regional group of distinctive plant and animal communities best adapted to the region's physical natural environment, latitude, altitude and terrain. A biome is made up of communities at stable steady state and all associated transitional, disturbed, or degraded, vegetation, fauna and soils, but can often be identified by the climax vegetation type. A fundamental classification of biomes is into: Terrestrial (or continental) biomes, and Aquatic biomes. The criteria used for classification of biomes are:

  1. Availability of soil
  2. Availability of water
  3. Availability of vegetation cover

Mercy powers are enjoyed by the President of India and the Governor of a State. Which of the following is/are true in this regard?

i. The President has more powers. ii. The President stands above the Governor, that is, the President can entertain appeals based on the Governor’s actions. iii. There is judicial review after the decisions of the President and the Governor.

  1. i and ii only

  2. ii and iii only

  3. i and iii only

  4. i, ii and iii


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The powers of the Governor and the President are independent of each other. Each has powers within his own jurisdiction - the President has powers in relation to Central laws and the Governor has powers in relation to State laws. Therefore, after the Governor’s decision, there is no appeal allowed to the President. However, judicial review is allowed.

Which one of the following statements best explains the arguments of the feminist movement?

i. Women live longer than men. ii. Gender inequality is rooted in patriarchy. iii. Only men are responsible for gender inequality. iv. Participatory parenthood promotes gender equality.

  1. i, ii, iii

  2. i, iii, iv

  3. ii, iv

  4. ii, iii, iv


Correct Option: C

Which of the following is/are not true about RuPay Debit Card?

A. It provides accidental insurance cover upto Rs. 1.00 lac without any charge to the customer. B. To get benefit of accidental insurance cover, RuPay Debit Card must be used at least once in 60 days.
C. Debit Card expiry date is mentioned on the card itself. D. It is an indigenous domestic debit card introduced by National Pension Corporation of India (NPCI).

  1. A and B

  2. B and D

  3. D only

  4. A and C


Correct Option: B

What makes an election democratic?

(i) Universal Adult Franchise (ii) Fundamental Rights (iii) Directive Principles of State Policy (iv) Free and fair Elections

  1. (ii)

  2. (iii)

  3. (ii) and (iii)

  4. (i) and (iv)

  5. None of these


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Universal Adult Franchise and Free and fair Elections makes the elections democratic. 

The 91st Amendment Act –

  1. amends articles 75 and 164, and a new article 361B
  2. places a limit on the number of Ministers, who cannot be more than 20% of the House of the People at the Union level and concerned Vidhan Sabha at the State level
  1. 1 only

  2. 2 only

  3. 1 and 2 both

  4. Neither 1 nor 2


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

According to the Constitution, the 91st Amendment Act, the number of Ministers cannot be more than 15% of the House of People at the Union level and the concerned Vidhan Sabha at the State level.

Which of the following were suggested to be reserved for public sector in the statement of Industrial Policy, 1991?

(i) Arms and Ammunition (ii) Mineral oils (iii) Mining of Zinc and Tin (iv) Railway Transport

Select the correct answer by using codes given below.

  1. (i), (ii), (iii)

  2. (i), (iii), (iv)

  3. (ii), (iii), (iv)

  4. (i), (ii), (iii), (iv)


Correct Option: D

Which of the following facts are true about stem cells?

  1. They are manufactured in a laboratory.
  2. They can reproduce any kind of tissue in the body.
  3. They are an essential part of the repair system of a body.
  1. 1 and 2

  2. 2 and 3

  3. 1 and 3

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Stem cells are biological cells found in all multi-cellular organisms that can divide (through mitosis) and differentiate into diverse specialised cell types and can self-renew to produce more stem cells. Hence, fact 1 is incorrect.

With reference to Sub-Tropical High Pressure Belt, which of the following statements given is/are correct?

  1. Sub-Tropical High Pressure Belt owes its origin to the rotation of the earth and sinking and settling down of winds.
  2. These winds get deflected towards east due to coriolis force.
  1. 1 only

  2. 2 only

  3. Both 1 and 2

  4. Neither 1 nor 2


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

 Sub-Tropical High Pressure Belt (231/2° - 35° in both the hemispheres) : This belt owes its origin to the rotation of the earth and sinking and settling down of winds. It is, thus, mainly dynamically induced. The air rising at the equatorial belt starts blowing poleward. But, these winds get deflected towards east due to rotation of the earth. This phenomenon was first discovered by the French scientist Coriolis, hence this force exerted by the rotation of the earth is called coriolis force. The quantity of the force keeps increasing with increasing distances from the equatorial belt. This zone of high pressure is called 'Horse Latitude' because of prevalence of frequent calms. In ancient times, the merchants carrying horses in their ships had to throw out some of the horses while passing through this zone of calm in order to lighten their ships. This is why this zone is called 'Horse Latitude'. These are the regions of divergence because winds from these areas blow towards equatorial and subpolar low pressure belts.

Consider the following statements:

  1. Article 148-151 of the Indian Constitution contain provision for the Comptroller and Auditor General.
  2. He is empowered to audit the accounts of the Union, the report of which is directly submitted to the Parliament.

Which of the given statements is/are true?

  1. Only 1

  2. Only 2

  3. Both of the above

  4. Neither of the above


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Statement 1 is perfectly correct. Statement 2 is wrong. It needs conceptual clarity to understand that the CAG directly submits his report to the Public Accounts Committee which after detailed study prepares another report which is placed by the President before the Parliament.

Consider the following statements.

  1. The natural vegetation of tropical monsoon lands depends upon the amount of the annual rainfall.
  2. In tropical monsoon forests, trees are normally deciduous because of the marked dry period.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Only 1

  2. Only 2

  3. Both 1 and 2

  4. Neither 1 nor 2


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: One of the principal deciding factors of the type of natural vegetation of a region is the rainfall of that region. This factor becomes more crucial in the case of tropical monsoon lands. Statement 2 is also correct: Monsoons lands are characterised by marked dry period. In such dry periods, trees shed their leaves. Hence, monsoon lands are covered with deciduous trees.

Consider the following facts.

  1. The Indian Army is the third largest army in the world.
  2. The Indian Air Force is the third largest air force in the world.
  3. The Indian Navy is the third largest navy in the world.

Which of the above is/are true?

  1. 1 only

  2. 1 and 2 only

  3. 2 and 3 only

  4. 1, 2 and 3


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Indian army is the third largest in the world, after China and USA. The Indian Air Force is the fourth largest in the world, after USA, Russia and China. The Indian Navy is the fifth largest in the world, after USA, China, Russia and South Korea.

Read the following information.

  1. It represents the upland alluvial tracts of the Great Plains of North India.
  2. It is well drained and the most productive part of the Great Plains of North India.
  3. It contains concretions and nodules of impure calcium carbonate, called Kankar.

Which of the following physiographic divisions of the North Indian Plains does the above given information refer to?

  1. Bhabar

  2. Tarai

  3. Khadar

  4. Bhangar


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

One of the divisions of the North Indian Plains is Bhangar, which is marked by given features:

  1. It represents the upland alluvial tracts of the Great Plains of North India.
  2. It is well drained and the most productive part of the Great Plains of North India.
  3. It contains concretions and nodules of impure calcium carbonate, called Kankar.
  4. The soil is dark in colour, rich in humus content and productive.

Which of the following can act as a source of adult stem cells for transplantation in humans?

  1. Bone marrow
  2. Adipose tissue
  3. Blood
  1. 1 and 2

  2. 2 and 3

  3. 1 and 3

  4. All of the above

  5. None of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

There are three accessible sources of autologous adult stem cells in humans:

Bone marrow, which requires extraction by harvesting, i.e. drilling into bone (typically the femur or iliac crest)

Adipose tissue (lipid cells), which requires extraction by liposuction, and
Blood, which requires extraction through pheresis, wherein blood is drawn from the donor (similar to a blood donation) and passed through a machine that extracts the stem cells and returns other portions of the blood to the donor. Stem cells can also be taken from umbilical cord blood just after birth.

Sir Michael O'Dwyer, Lieutenant Governor of Punjab, who supported General Reginald Dyer's action regarding the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, was shot dead by

  1. Chandrashekhar Azad

  2. Udham Singh

  3. Bhagat Singh

  4. None of these


Correct Option: B

National Agricultural Insurance Scheme is not implemented in

  1. Punjab
  2. Nagaland
  3. Arunachal Pradesh
  4. Lakshadweep
  1. 1 and 2

  2. 1 and 3

  3. Only 4

  4. 1, 2, 3 and 4


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

NAIS is implemented in 25 states and 2 UTs. It does not include Punjab, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Delhi, Chandigarh and Lakshadweep.

Ironically, the Sikhs rather supported the British and helped in recapture of Delhi. Consider the following statements:

(a) Sikhs carried the grudge at the annexation of their empire by company with the help of Easterners (Purabias) and Biharis following 1st and 2nd Anglo-sikh wars. (b) Sikhs felt insulted by the attitude of the sepoys who had beaten Khalsa with British help. (c) The Sikhs were mercilessly presented by the Moghuls and did not want the rule to be reinstated. (d) Hindustani sepoys were assigned a very visible role in Punjab.

Which of the above is/are correct?

  1. (a)

  2. (b)

  3. (c)

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Sikhs were blatantly prejudiced against the Hindu sepoys for king part of the British army, which inflected heavy reverses for Sikhs in their first and second Anglo-sikh wars. They wanted to avenge themselves and hence, acted against the sepoys.

To conquer and annex Peshawar and Punjab, Mahmud of Ghazni defeated

  1. Ghurids

  2. Arabs

  3. Karkotakas

  4. Hindushalis

  5. Kurds


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The name of dynasty that ruled on Kashmir during the invention of mahamood was Hindushahi. Jaipal was the first ruler of this dynasty. Anandpal was the son of Jaipal. Jaipal was defeated and committed suicide.

Who among the following were associated with the Trade Union Movement in India?

  1. B. P. Wadia
  2. N. M. Joshi
  3. Dhundiraj Thengdi
  4. K. Kamaraj
  5. Vitthal Bhai Patel

Choose the correct answer from the codes given below.

  1. 1 and 2 only

  2. 1, 2 and 3

  3. 1, 3 and 4

  4. 3, 4 and 5


Correct Option: B

Which of the following methods are used to restrict soil erosion? A. Ploughing along contour lines B. Strip cropping C. Jhumming D. Mixed farming

  1. A and B

  2. A and C

  3. B and D

  4. B and C


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Ploughing along the contour lines can decelerate the flow of water down the slopes (contour ploughing). Large fields can be divided into strips. Strips of grass are left to grow between the crops. This method is called strip cropping.

Water power potential of India is great, but it has not been developed to its full extent. The major deterrent being that

  1. coal is available in plenty, therefore it is not necessary to develop water power

  2. raw materials required for the production of electric transformers are not available in India

  3. rainfall is seasonal and as such requires costly storage reservoirs

  4. lack of technical skill hinders the development of water power


Correct Option: C

What is the tagline of "Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana"?

  1. Mera Khata Mera Naam

  2. Mera Khata Bhagya Vidhata

  3. Mera Khata Anna Daata

  4. Mera Khata Mera Rakhwala

  5. Mera Khata Mere Pahechan


Correct Option: B

Who among the following won the Nobel Prize for Peace in 2014?

  1. Malala Yousafzai

  2. Eric Betzig

  3. Hiroshi Amano

  4. Jean Tirole

  5. NA


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

She won the Nobel Prize for Peace in 2014. She worked for female education for which she received the Nobel Prize. Hence, it is correct.

Consider the following statements:

  1. The Theosophical Society allied itself to the Hindu revival from the very beginning.
  2. The Theosophical Society’s activities were confined to Southern India only.
  3. The Theosophical Society supported the belief in occult mysticism.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. 1, 2 and 3

  2. 1 and 2 only

  3. 2 and 3 only

  4. 1 and 3 only


Correct Option: D

The Wild Ass sanctuary is located in

  1. Junagadh

  2. Jamnagar

  3. Ranthambore

  4. Little Rann of Kutch


Correct Option: D

Which of the following is an anti-tank missile?

  1. Agni

  2. Nag

  3. Prithvi

  4. Tankas


Correct Option: B

Consider the following statements:

(i) The energy losses from machines are mostly dissipated as sound energy. (ii) When current is supplied by a battery, the chemical energy is converted into electrical energy.

Which of the given statements is/are correct?

  1. Only (i)

  2. Only (ii)

  3. Both (i) and (ii)

  4. Neither (i) nor (ii)


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Statement (i) is incorrect. The energy losses from machines are mostly dissipated as heat energy. Statement (ii) is correct. When current is supplied by a battery, the chemical energy stored in the battery converts into electrical energy.

Which of the following is/are NOT internet browser(s)?

  1. Netscape
  2. Drupal
  3. Chrome
  4. Opera
  5. World Wide Web
  1. Only 2

  2. Only 2 and 5

  3. Only 1, 4 and 5

  4. Only 1, 2 and 4


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Among all, Drupal and World Wide Web are not web browsers. Drupal is an application server software to handle the processing and delivery of a large amount of data. World Wide Web is a system of interlinked hypertext documents through which we can view web pages that may contain text, images, videos, etc.

Which of the following statements is/are correct?

  1. Silk is the ‘golden fiber’ of Indian sub-continent.
  2. India was the first to develop hybrid cotton variety.
  3. Jute grows on well-drained fertile soils in highlands.
  1. Only 1

  2. Only 2

  3. Only 2 and 3

  4. 1, 2 and 3


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Jute is the ‘golden fiber’ of Indian sub-continent. India was the first to develop hybrid cotton variety. Alluvial soils in the delta regions of rivers like Ganga and Brahmaputra, are the best for the cultivation of jute and not in highlands.

Who presides over the joint session of both the houses of the Indian Parliament?

  1. Speaker of the Lok Sabha

  2. President

  3. Chairman of the Rajya Sabha

  4. Prime Minister


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The joint session of both the houses is presided over by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.

A mirage is observed in deserts due to the phenomenon of

  1. interference of light

  2. total internal reflection

  3. scattering of light

  4. double refraction of light


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

A mirage is observed in deserts due to the phenomenon of total internal reflection. As we move up from the surface  the temperature  of the layers of the air   decreases because of  which the refractive index of the air increases hence total internal reflection takes place.

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