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2161. Which Article of the Indian Constitution deals with the 'Uniform Civil Code' as a Directive Principle of State Policy?
- A. Article 48
- B. Article 44
- C. Article 51
- D. Article 39
Answer: Article 44
Explanation: Article 44 directs the State to secure a Uniform Civil Code for citizens throughout the territory of India; it is a Directive Principle, not justiciable.
2162. The 'Treaty of Sugauli' (1816), which ceded significant territory to British India, was signed with which kingdom?
- A. Nepal
- B. Bhutan
- C. Afghanistan
- D. Sikkim
Answer: Nepal
Explanation: The Treaty of Sugauli ended the Anglo-Nepalese War (1814-16); Nepal ceded territories including parts of present-day Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh to British India.
2163. Which Indian city is known as the 'Pittsburgh of India' due to its iron and steel industries?
- A. Rourkela
- B. Jamshedpur
- C. Durgapur
- D. Bhilai
Answer: Jamshedpur
Explanation: Jamshedpur, home to Tata Steel, is known as the 'Pittsburgh of India' after the American steel city of Pittsburgh.
2164. The 'Bhakra Nangal Dam', one of the highest gravity dams in Asia, is built on which river?
- A. Sutlej
- B. Ravi
- C. Beas
- D. Chenab
Answer: Sutlej
Explanation: The Bhakra Nangal Dam is built on the Sutlej River on the border of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, forming the Gobind Sagar reservoir.
2165. Which Indian dance-drama form from Kerala combines elaborate costumes, face painting, and themes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana?
- A. Koodiyattam only
- B. Kathakali
- C. Mohiniyattam
- D. Theyyam only
Answer: Kathakali
Explanation: Kathakali, a classical dance-drama from Kerala, is known for elaborate costumes, vivid face painting, and enacting stories from the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Puranas.
2166. The 'Chipko Movement' of the 1970s, a grassroots environmental movement, originated in which present-day Indian state?
- A. Rajasthan
- B. Madhya Pradesh
- C. Himachal Pradesh
- D. Uttarakhand (then Uttar Pradesh)
Answer: Uttarakhand (then Uttar Pradesh)
Explanation: The Chipko Movement began in 1973 in the Chamoli district of present-day Uttarakhand (then part of Uttar Pradesh), with villagers hugging trees to prevent logging.
2167. India currently has how many officially recognized biodiversity hotspots (as part of the global list)?
- A. Two
- B. Eight
- C. Six
- D. Four
Answer: Four
Explanation: India has four biodiversity hotspots: the Himalayas, Indo-Burma region, Western Ghats-Sri Lanka, and Sundaland (Nicobar Islands).
2168. Which of the following best describes 'biodiversity hotspots' as defined by conservation biologist Norman Myers?
- A. Regions with the highest human population density
- B. Regions with the coldest climates
- C. Regions with high species endemism facing significant habitat loss
- D. Regions with the most protected national parks
Answer: Regions with high species endemism facing significant habitat loss
Explanation: Biodiversity hotspots, as defined by Norman Myers, are regions with significant levels of plant endemism and serious habitat loss, requiring priority conservation attention.
2169. The 'Tarapore Committee' (1997 and 2006) in India primarily examined the roadmap for which economic reform?
- A. Disinvestment of PSUs
- B. Full Capital Account Convertibility
- C. Goods and Services Tax
- D. Banking sector nationalization
Answer: Full Capital Account Convertibility
Explanation: The Tarapore Committee examined preconditions and a roadmap for India moving toward full Capital Account Convertibility, both in 1997 and a follow-up in 2006.
2170. In Indian economics, the term 'Capital Account Convertibility' refers to the freedom to convert which of the following?
- A. Only government bonds
- B. Only current account transactions like trade
- C. Only gold reserves
- D. Domestic financial assets into foreign financial assets and vice versa at market-determined rates
Answer: Domestic financial assets into foreign financial assets and vice versa at market-determined rates
Explanation: Capital Account Convertibility refers to the freedom to convert domestic financial assets into foreign financial assets and vice versa at market-determined exchange rates.
2171. The 'Peninsular Plateau' of India is primarily composed of which type of ancient rock formations?
- A. Volcanic ash deposits only
- B. Sedimentary rocks exclusively
- C. Recent alluvial deposits
- D. Igneous and metamorphic rocks (one of the oldest landmasses)
Answer: Igneous and metamorphic rocks (one of the oldest landmasses)
Explanation: The Peninsular Plateau, one of the oldest and most stable landmasses on Earth (part of ancient Gondwanaland), is primarily composed of igneous and metamorphic rocks.
2172. The concept of 'Judicial Review', empowering courts to examine the constitutionality of laws, is implicit in which Articles of the Indian Constitution?
- A. Articles 14, 19, and 21 only
- B. Articles 13, 32, and 226
- C. Articles 245-255 only
- D. Articles 352-360 only
Answer: Articles 13, 32, and 226
Explanation: Judicial review is embedded in Article 13 (laws inconsistent with Fundamental Rights are void), Article 32 (Supreme Court writ jurisdiction), and Article 226 (High Court writ jurisdiction).
2173. Under the Indian Constitution, which Article provides for the setting up of a Public Service Commission for the Union and for each State?
- A. Article 312
- B. Article 323
- C. Article 320
- D. Article 315
Answer: Article 315
Explanation: Article 315 provides for the establishment of a Public Service Commission for the Union and for each State (or joint commission for a group of States).
2174. Who presided over the Lahore session of the Indian National Congress (1929) where the resolution for 'Purna Swaraj' (complete independence) was adopted?
- A. Subhas Chandra Bose
- B. Mahatma Gandhi
- C. Motilal Nehru
- D. Jawaharlal Nehru
Answer: Jawaharlal Nehru
Explanation: Jawaharlal Nehru presided over the Lahore session (December 1929), where the Purna Swaraj resolution was adopted and January 26 was declared Independence Day to be celebrated annually.
2175. The 'Swadeshi Movement' (1905), launched in response to the Partition of Bengal, primarily promoted which form of economic protest?
- A. Boycott of foreign goods and promotion of indigenous industries
- B. Boycott of legislative councils only
- C. Civil disobedience of salt laws
- D. Non-payment of taxes
Answer: Boycott of foreign goods and promotion of indigenous industries
Explanation: The Swadeshi Movement promoted boycott of British/foreign goods and encouraged use and production of indigenous (swadeshi) goods, fostering nationalist economic sentiment.
2176. Which British Act transferred the administration of India from the East India Company to the British Crown, following the Revolt of 1857?
- A. Indian Councils Act, 1861
- B. Government of India Act, 1858
- C. Pitt's India Act, 1784
- D. Charter Act, 1853
Answer: Government of India Act, 1858
Explanation: The Government of India Act, 1858, transferred power from the East India Company to the British Crown, establishing the office of Secretary of State for India.
2177. The 'Sher Shah Suri' administration, which influenced later Mughal administrative systems, is particularly noted for reforms in which area?
- A. Land revenue system and road/postal infrastructure (Grand Trunk Road, sarais)
- B. Religious conversion policy
- C. Judicial codification only
- D. Naval expansion
Answer: Land revenue system and road/postal infrastructure (Grand Trunk Road, sarais)
Explanation: Sher Shah Suri reformed the land revenue system (measurement-based assessment), built the Grand Trunk Road, established sarais (rest houses), and introduced a standardized currency (the rupiya).
2178. Which Chola king is credited with building the Brihadeeswarar Temple at Thanjavur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
- A. Rajendra Chola I
- B. Kulottunga I
- C. Raja Raja Chola I
- D. Vijayalaya Chola
Answer: Raja Raja Chola I
Explanation: Raja Raja Chola I built the Brihadeeswarar Temple at Thanjavur around 1010 CE, dedicated to Lord Shiva, a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture.
2179. The 'Pallava' dynasty, known for Dravidian architecture and the rock-cut monuments at Mahabalipuram, was centred around which city?
- A. Kanchipuram
- B. Mysore
- C. Thanjavur
- D. Madurai
Answer: Kanchipuram
Explanation: The Pallava dynasty was centred around Kanchipuram (in present-day Tamil Nadu), with Mahabalipuram serving as a major port and site of rock-cut temples.
2180. Which Mauryan ruler is believed to have embraced Jainism and spent his last years at Shravanabelagola in present-day Karnataka?
- A. Chandragupta Maurya
- B. Bindusara
- C. Ashoka
- D. Dasharatha Maurya
Answer: Chandragupta Maurya
Explanation: According to Jain tradition, Chandragupta Maurya embraced Jainism under his guru Bhadrabahu and spent his final years at Shravanabelagola, practicing sallekhana (fasting unto death).
2181. The 'Indus Valley Civilization' city of Mohenjo-daro, noted for its Great Bath, is located in present-day which country?
- A. Afghanistan
- B. Bangladesh
- C. India
- D. Pakistan
Answer: Pakistan
Explanation: Mohenjo-daro, one of the largest Indus Valley Civilization cities, is located in the Sindh province of present-day Pakistan, on the banks of the Indus River.
2182. The 'Antarctic Treaty' (1959) designates the continent of Antarctica as a zone reserved primarily for which purpose?
- A. Commercial mining
- B. Tourism development
- C. Military bases
- D. Peaceful purposes and scientific research
Answer: Peaceful purposes and scientific research
Explanation: The Antarctic Treaty (1959) designates Antarctica as a scientific preserve, banning military activity and establishing freedom of scientific investigation.
2183. In the context of international trade, 'Balance of Payments' (BoP) records all economic transactions between a country and the rest of the world over which time period?
- A. A single business day
- B. A decade
- C. A given period, typically a year
- D. A single transaction only
Answer: A given period, typically a year
Explanation: Balance of Payments is a systematic record of all economic transactions between residents of a country and the rest of the world during a given period, typically a year.
2184. The historic 'Malabar Coast', hub of the ancient spice trade, corresponds largely to the coastline of which present-day state?
- A. Kerala
- B. Goa
- C. Tamil Nadu
- D. Karnataka
Answer: Kerala
Explanation: Kerala's coastline along the Arabian Sea was historically known as the Malabar Coast, a major centre of the spice trade since ancient times.
2185. The 'Western Disturbance', a weather phenomenon causing winter rainfall in northwest India, originates from which region?
- A. The Pacific Ocean
- B. The Arabian Sea
- C. The Mediterranean Sea region
- D. The Bay of Bengal
Answer: The Mediterranean Sea region
Explanation: Western Disturbances are extratropical storms originating in the Mediterranean region, bringing winter rainfall and snow to northwest India and the Himalayas.
2186. Which of the following correctly describes 'osmosis' in biological systems?
- A. Movement of gases across cell membranes
- B. Active transport of ions using ATP
- C. Movement of solute particles only, regardless of membrane
- D. Movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane from a region of lower solute concentration to higher solute concentration
Answer: Movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane from a region of lower solute concentration to higher solute concentration
Explanation: Osmosis is the passive movement of water molecules across a semi-permeable membrane from a region of lower solute concentration to one of higher solute concentration.
2187. Which Indian scientist led the team that developed India's first satellite, 'Aryabhata', launched in 1975?
- A. Satish Dhawan
- B. U.R. Rao
- C. APJ Abdul Kalam
- D. Vikram Sarabhai
Answer: U.R. Rao
Explanation: U.R. Rao led the team that built India's first satellite, Aryabhata, launched by a Soviet rocket in April 1975, marking India's entry into space technology.
2188. In human biology, 'haemoglobin', the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells, contains which metal ion essential for oxygen binding?
- A. Magnesium (Mg2+)
- B. Iron (Fe2+)
- C. Copper (Cu2+)
- D. Zinc (Zn2+)
Answer: Iron (Fe2+)
Explanation: Haemoglobin contains iron (Fe2+) ions within its heme groups, which bind reversibly to oxygen molecules for transport in the blood.
2189. Which Five-Year Plan of India adopted the theme 'Growth with Social Justice and Equality'?
- A. Tenth Five-Year Plan (2002-07)
- B. Fifth Five-Year Plan (1974-79)
- C. Eighth Five-Year Plan (1992-97)
- D. Ninth Five-Year Plan (1997-2002)
Answer: Ninth Five-Year Plan (1997-2002)
Explanation: The Ninth Plan (1997-2002) was launched with the theme 'Growth with Social Justice and Equality'; the Fifth Plan focused on poverty removal (Garibi Hatao) and self-reliance.
2190. In the Indian economy, the 'Phillips Curve' illustrates an inverse relationship between which two macroeconomic variables?
- A. Inflation and unemployment
- B. GDP and exports
- C. Interest rate and money supply
- D. Savings and investment
Answer: Inflation and unemployment
Explanation: The Phillips Curve, originally based on empirical observation by A.W. Phillips, illustrates an inverse short-run relationship between inflation rates and unemployment rates.
2191. Which Indian state is the largest producer of saffron (kesar), grown predominantly in the Pampore region?
- A. Jammu and Kashmir
- B. Himachal Pradesh
- C. Uttarakhand
- D. Punjab
Answer: Jammu and Kashmir
Explanation: Jammu and Kashmir is India's leading saffron producer, with the Pampore region (Kashmir Valley) historically known as the 'Saffron Town'.
2192. The 'Sundarbans', the world's largest mangrove forest and home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, is shared between India and which other country?
- A. Myanmar
- B. Nepal
- C. Bhutan
- D. Bangladesh
Answer: Bangladesh
Explanation: The Sundarbans mangrove forest, located in the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta, is shared between India (West Bengal) and Bangladesh, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2193. Which body in India's federal structure is responsible for resolving inter-state river water disputes, as provided under Article 262?
- A. Supreme Court exclusively
- B. Inter-State River Water Disputes Tribunal
- C. Finance Commission
- D. Inter-State Council
Answer: Inter-State River Water Disputes Tribunal
Explanation: Article 262 and the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956, provide for the Centre to set up a Tribunal to adjudicate inter-state river water disputes.
2194. The Supreme Court's power to transfer cases from one High Court to another is derived from which Article of the Constitution?
- A. Article 131
- B. Article 136
- C. Article 141
- D. Article 139A
Answer: Article 139A
Explanation: Article 139A empowers the Supreme Court to transfer cases involving similar questions of law pending before different High Courts to itself or between High Courts.
2195. Under the Indian Constitution, the 'Contingency Fund of India' is placed at the disposal of whom, for meeting unforeseen expenditure?
- A. The President
- B. The Finance Minister
- C. The Speaker of Lok Sabha
- D. The Prime Minister
Answer: The President
Explanation: Under Article 267, the Contingency Fund of India is placed at the disposal of the President to meet unforeseen expenditure pending authorization by Parliament.
2196. Which woman revolutionary of Surya Sen's Chittagong group, tried after the 1930 Armoury Raid, later became a prominent member of the Communist Party of India?
- A. Kalpana Dutt
- B. Pritilata Waddedar
- C. Suniti Choudhury
- D. Bina Das
Answer: Kalpana Dutt
Explanation: Kalpana Dutt was sentenced to transportation for life in the Chittagong case, was released in 1939 and joined the Communist Party; Pritilata Waddedar died in the 1932 Pahartali raid.
2197. The 'Ghadar Party', formed by Indian immigrants to organize an armed revolution against British rule, was founded in 1913 primarily in which country?
- A. United States of America
- B. Germany
- C. United Kingdom
- D. Japan
Answer: United States of America
Explanation: The Ghadar Party was founded in 1913 in San Francisco, USA, by Indian immigrants including Lala Hardayal, aiming to overthrow British rule through armed revolution.
2198. Which British official's 'Minute on Education' (1835) advocated English as the medium of instruction in India, shaping colonial education policy?
- A. Charles Grant
- B. Thomas Babington Macaulay
- C. Charles Wood
- D. William Bentinck
Answer: Thomas Babington Macaulay
Explanation: Macaulay's Minute on Education (1835) argued for English-medium Western education, leading Governor-General William Bentinck to adopt English as the medium of higher education.
2199. The 'Third Battle of Panipat' (1761) was fought between the Marathas and which invading force?
- A. Babur
- B. Nadir Shah
- C. Timur
- D. Ahmad Shah Abdali (Durrani)
Answer: Ahmad Shah Abdali (Durrani)
Explanation: The Third Battle of Panipat (1761) was fought between the Maratha Empire and Ahmad Shah Abdali's Afghan forces, resulting in a decisive Maratha defeat.
2200. Which medieval Bhakti saint-poet, associated with Varanasi, preached a formless (nirguna) concept of God and influenced both Hindu and Muslim followers?
- A. Kabir
- B. Ramananda
- C. Surdas
- D. Tulsidas
Answer: Kabir
Explanation: Kabir, a 15th-century mystic poet from Varanasi, preached a nirguna (formless) concept of God, criticizing ritualism in both Hinduism and Islam, influencing the Bhakti and Sant traditions.
2201. The famous rock-cut Kailasa Temple at Ellora, carved from a single rock, was built under the patronage of which dynasty?
- A. Pallava dynasty
- B. Chalukya dynasty
- C. Rashtrakuta dynasty
- D. Chola dynasty
Answer: Rashtrakuta dynasty
Explanation: The Kailasa Temple at Ellora was built under the Rashtrakuta king Krishna I in the 8th century CE, carved top-down from a single basalt rock.
2202. The Chinese pilgrim Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang) studied for several years at which Buddhist mahavihara in present-day Bihar, then headed by the scholar Shilabhadra?
- A. Taxila
- B. Odantapuri
- C. Nalanda
- D. Vikramashila
Answer: Nalanda
Explanation: Xuanzang studied at Nalanda in the 7th century under its head Shilabhadra; Vikramashila and Odantapuri were later Pala-era foundations, and Taxila lies in present-day Pakistan.
2203. The 'Vedas', the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism, are traditionally classified into how many main collections (Samhitas)?
- A. Four (Rig, Sama, Yajur, Atharva)
- B. Six
- C. Three
- D. Five
Answer: Four (Rig, Sama, Yajur, Atharva)
Explanation: The four Vedas are the Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda, with the Rigveda considered the oldest, composed of hymns to various deities.
2204. Which 20th-century event, often called the 'Great Depression', began in the United States with a stock market crash in which year?
- A. 1933
- B. 1939
- C. 1929
- D. 1919
Answer: 1929
Explanation: The Great Depression began with the Wall Street stock market crash in October 1929, leading to a prolonged global economic downturn through the 1930s.
2205. Which Indian wildlife sanctuary/national park is specifically known for being the last natural habitat of the Asiatic Lion?
- A. Gir National Park, Gujarat
- B. Kaziranga National Park, Assam
- C. Bandipur National Park, Karnataka
- D. Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan
Answer: Gir National Park, Gujarat
Explanation: Gir National Park in Gujarat is the last remaining natural habitat of the Asiatic Lion in the wild, outside of zoos or reintroduced populations.
2206. The 'Kyoto Protocol' (1997), an international treaty on climate change, committed developed countries to reduce emissions of which gases?
- A. Greenhouse gases (like CO2, methane, N2O)
- B. Industrial dust and particulates only
- C. Ozone-depleting substances only
- D. Radioactive substances
Answer: Greenhouse gases (like CO2, methane, N2O)
Explanation: The Kyoto Protocol committed industrialized (Annex I) countries to legally binding targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions including CO2, methane and nitrous oxide.
2207. The 'Richter scale', used to measure the magnitude of earthquakes, is a logarithmic scale, meaning each whole number increase represents approximately how much increase in amplitude?
- A. 2 times
- B. 5 times
- C. 10 times
- D. 100 times
Answer: 10 times
Explanation: The Richter scale is logarithmic; each whole number increase represents a tenfold increase in measured amplitude and roughly 31.6 times more energy release.
2208. Which index, published by Transparency International, ranks countries based on perceived levels of public sector corruption?
- A. Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI)
- B. Human Capital Index
- C. Ease of Doing Business Index
- D. Global Competitiveness Index
Answer: Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI)
Explanation: The Corruption Perceptions Index, published annually by Transparency International, ranks countries by perceived public sector corruption levels based on expert assessments.
2209. In Indian economic planning, the 'NITI Aayog', which replaced the Planning Commission in 2015, primarily functions as:
- A. A fund-allocating body like the erstwhile Planning Commission
- B. A policy think tank without fund-allocation powers
- C. A constitutional body overseeing state finances
- D. A judicial tribunal for economic disputes
Answer: A policy think tank without fund-allocation powers
Explanation: NITI Aayog functions as a policy think tank providing strategic and technical advice, unlike the Planning Commission which had fund-allocation powers to states.
2210. Which Indian state has the highest forest cover in terms of percentage of its total geographical area, as per recent India State of Forest Reports?
- A. Mizoram
- B. Arunachal Pradesh
- C. Chhattisgarh
- D. Madhya Pradesh
Answer: Mizoram
Explanation: Mizoram consistently records the highest forest cover percentage of its geographical area among Indian states in India State of Forest Reports, though Madhya Pradesh has the largest area under forest in absolute terms.
2211. The 'Karakoram Range', home to K2 (the world's second-highest peak), lies at the junction of India, Pakistan, and which country?
- A. Afghanistan
- B. China
- C. Nepal
- D. Tajikistan
Answer: China
Explanation: The Karakoram Range lies at the junction of India, Pakistan, and China, with K2 located in the Pakistan-administered region bordering China.
2212. Which Fundamental Duty, added by the 42nd Amendment, requires citizens to 'protect and improve the natural environment'?
- A. Article 51A(e)
- B. Article 51A(j)
- C. Article 51A(g)
- D. Article 51A(a)
Answer: Article 51A(g)
Explanation: Article 51A(g) is the Fundamental Duty requiring citizens to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures.
2213. The National Commission for Scheduled Castes derives its constitutional status from which Article?
- A. Article 341
- B. Article 342
- C. Article 338
- D. Article 340
Answer: Article 338
Explanation: Article 338 provides for the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, a constitutional body to safeguard interests of SCs, with a parallel Article 338A for STs.
2214. Under the Indian Constitution, which Article guarantees 'Protection of life and personal liberty' and has been interpreted expansively by the Supreme Court?
- A. Article 19
- B. Article 14
- C. Article 32
- D. Article 21
Answer: Article 21
Explanation: Article 21 guarantees protection of life and personal liberty; post Maneka Gandhi case (1978), it has been expansively interpreted to include rights like privacy, livelihood, and dignity.
2215. Which Indian Governor-General is credited with the introduction of the Railways, Telegraph, and modern Postal system in India?
- A. Lord Curzon
- B. Lord William Bentinck
- C. Lord Dalhousie
- D. Lord Canning
Answer: Lord Dalhousie
Explanation: Lord Dalhousie (1848-56) is credited with introducing railways, telegraph lines, and a modern postal system in India, along with the controversial Doctrine of Lapse.
2216. Which Act first introduced separate electorates for Muslims in British India?
- A. Indian Councils Act, 1909 (Minto-Morley Reforms)
- B. Government of India Act, 1935
- C. Indian Councils Act, 1892
- D. Government of India Act, 1919
Answer: Indian Councils Act, 1909 (Minto-Morley Reforms)
Explanation: The Indian Councils Act of 1909 (Morley-Minto Reforms) first introduced separate electorates for Muslims, a step widely viewed as sowing seeds of future communal politics.
2217. Which Indian freedom fighter and revolutionary founded the 'Hindustan Socialist Republican Association' (HSRA) along with Bhagat Singh and others?
- A. Ashfaqulla Khan
- B. Chandrashekhar Azad
- C. Lala Lajpat Rai
- D. Ram Prasad Bismil
Answer: Chandrashekhar Azad
Explanation: Chandrashekhar Azad, along with Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and others, reorganized the Hindustan Republican Association into the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association in 1928.
2218. The 'Factory Act of 1881', one of the earliest labour legislations in British India, primarily addressed the employment conditions of:
- A. Agricultural tenants
- B. Indentured labourers abroad
- C. Child labourers in factories
- D. Railway employees
Answer: Child labourers in factories
Explanation: The Factory Act of 1881 was India's first factory legislation, restricting child labour and setting minimum age and working hour limits for children in factories.
2219. Alauddin Khalji's market control reforms primarily aimed to regulate prices of commodities for which practical purpose?
- A. To increase foreign trade revenue
- B. To promote urbanization
- C. To fund temple construction
- D. To maintain a large standing army at low cost
Answer: To maintain a large standing army at low cost
Explanation: Alauddin Khalji's market reforms fixed prices of essential commodities, primarily to sustain a large standing army affordably amid constant military campaigns.
2220. Which ruler of the Delhi Sultanate is credited with introducing token currency (copper coins valued as silver) that ultimately failed due to large-scale forgery?
- A. Firoz Shah Tughlaq
- B. Alauddin Khalji
- C. Muhammad bin Tughlaq
- D. Iltutmish
Answer: Muhammad bin Tughlaq
Explanation: Muhammad bin Tughlaq introduced token currency around 1330, but the scheme failed due to widespread counterfeiting since ordinary copper/brass coins lacked security features.
2221. The 'Ashokan Pillar' at Sarnath, adopted as India's national emblem, depicts four lions standing back to back along with which other animals on its abacus?
- A. Four horses only
- B. Four elephants only
- C. A peacock, a swan, a deer, and a fish
- D. An elephant, a galloping horse, a bull, and a lion
Answer: An elephant, a galloping horse, a bull, and a lion
Explanation: The abacus of the Sarnath pillar depicts an elephant, a galloping horse, a bull, and a lion separated by wheels (chakras), symbolizing different stages of the Buddha's life.
2222. The 'Khajuraho temples', famous for their intricate erotic and architectural sculptures, were built primarily by which dynasty?
- A. Pallava dynasty
- B. Chandela dynasty
- C. Chola dynasty
- D. Solanki dynasty
Answer: Chandela dynasty
Explanation: The Khajuraho temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Madhya Pradesh, were primarily built by the Chandela dynasty between the 10th and 12th centuries.
2223. Which classical language and literary tradition produced the epic 'Silappatikaram', considered one of the Five Great Epics of Tamil literature?
- A. Prakrit
- B. Sanskrit
- C. Pali
- D. Tamil
Answer: Tamil
Explanation: Silappatikaram, attributed to Ilango Adigal, is a Tamil epic and one of the Five Great Epics of Tamil literature, dated roughly to the early centuries CE.
2224. The 'Project Tiger' conservation programme in India was launched in which year?
- A. 1980
- B. 1991
- C. 1969
- D. 1973
Answer: 1973
Explanation: Project Tiger was launched in 1973 at Jim Corbett National Park to protect the declining tiger population through dedicated reserves.
2225. Which gas, when dissolved in rainwater, is primarily responsible for causing 'acid rain' alongside sulphur dioxide?
- A. Carbon monoxide (CO)
- B. Methane (CH4)
- C. Nitrogen oxides (NOx)
- D. Helium (He)
Answer: Nitrogen oxides (NOx)
Explanation: Nitrogen oxides (NOx), along with sulphur dioxide, react with water vapour in the atmosphere to form nitric and sulphuric acid, causing acid rain.
2226. The subatomic particles called 'bosons' are named after which Indian physicist, whose 1924 work with Einstein founded a branch of quantum statistics?
- A. C.V. Raman
- B. Satyendra Nath Bose
- C. Homi J. Bhabha
- D. Meghnad Saha
Answer: Satyendra Nath Bose
Explanation: Satyendra Nath Bose's work with Einstein on quantum statistics (Bose-Einstein statistics) led to subatomic particles called bosons being named after him.
2227. Which vitamin, essential for blood clotting, is synthesized partly by bacteria in the human intestine?
- A. Vitamin C
- B. Vitamin B12
- C. Vitamin D
- D. Vitamin K
Answer: Vitamin K
Explanation: Vitamin K is essential for synthesis of clotting factors and is partly produced by gut bacteria, supplementing dietary intake from leafy greens.
2228. In human physiology, the 'Pacemaker' of the heart that initiates the heartbeat is also known as the:
- A. Sino-atrial (SA) node
- B. Atrio-ventricular (AV) node
- C. Purkinje fibres
- D. Bundle of His
Answer: Sino-atrial (SA) node
Explanation: The Sino-atrial (SA) node, located in the right atrium, is the natural pacemaker that initiates electrical impulses controlling heart rhythm.
2229. The 'Doha Round' of trade negotiations, launched in 2001, is conducted under the auspices of which international organization?
- A. United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
- B. World Trade Organization (WTO)
- C. World Bank
- D. International Monetary Fund (IMF)
Answer: World Trade Organization (WTO)
Explanation: The Doha Round, launched in 2001 at Doha, Qatar, is a round of trade negotiations under the World Trade Organization, aiming to lower trade barriers globally.
2230. Which committee's report formed the basis for India's shift to the 'Flexible Inflation Targeting' framework adopted by RBI in 2016?
- A. Y.V. Reddy Committee
- B. Urjit Patel Committee
- C. Raghuram Rajan Committee
- D. Bimal Jalan Committee
Answer: Urjit Patel Committee
Explanation: The Urjit Patel Committee (2014) recommended Consumer Price Index-based flexible inflation targeting, formally adopted by the RBI in 2016 via an amendment to the RBI Act.
2231. The 'Laffer Curve' in economics illustrates the relationship between:
- A. Inflation and unemployment
- B. Demand and price
- C. Tax rates and government tax revenue
- D. Money supply and interest rates
Answer: Tax rates and government tax revenue
Explanation: The Laffer Curve illustrates the relationship between tax rates and government tax revenue, suggesting revenue can decline if tax rates become too high, discouraging economic activity.
2232. India's 'Look East Policy', later renamed 'Act East Policy', was primarily aimed at strengthening ties with which region?
- A. Southeast Asia and ASEAN nations
- B. Central Asia
- C. West Asia (Gulf countries)
- D. Sub-Saharan Africa
Answer: Southeast Asia and ASEAN nations
Explanation: India's Look East Policy (1991), renamed Act East Policy (2014), aimed to strengthen economic and strategic ties with Southeast Asian and ASEAN nations.
2233. The 'Köppen Climate Classification' system categorizes most of peninsular India's interior as which climate type?
- A. Semi-arid steppe, BSh only
- B. Tropical wet and dry (savanna), Aw
- C. Humid subtropical, Cfa
- D. Tropical rainforest, Af
Answer: Tropical wet and dry (savanna), Aw
Explanation: Much of peninsular India's interior, with distinct wet monsoon and dry seasons, falls under Köppen's tropical wet-and-dry (savanna, Aw) classification.
2234. Which Indian state is the leading producer of bauxite, the primary ore of aluminium?
- A. Chhattisgarh
- B. Madhya Pradesh
- C. Jharkhand
- D. Odisha
Answer: Odisha
Explanation: Odisha is India's leading producer of bauxite, with major deposits in the Eastern Ghats region including Panchpatmali in Koraput district.
2235. The 'Salt Range', known for rock salt deposits, is located in which present-day country, historically relevant to the undivided Indian subcontinent?
- A. Nepal
- B. Pakistan
- C. India
- D. Bangladesh
Answer: Pakistan
Explanation: The Salt Range, famous for rock salt mining including the historic Khewra Salt Mine, is located in Punjab province of present-day Pakistan.
2236. Which river, originating in Tibet and known there as the Yarlung Tsangpo, enters India in Arunachal Pradesh as the Siang/Dihang?
- A. Brahmaputra
- B. Ganga
- C. Indus
- D. Sutlej
Answer: Brahmaputra
Explanation: The Brahmaputra, known as Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet, enters India through Arunachal Pradesh as the Siang/Dihang before being joined by the Lohit and becoming the Brahmaputra in Assam.
2237. The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, gave constitutional status to which institution of local self-governance?
- A. Panchayati Raj Institutions (rural local government)
- B. Urban Municipal Corporations
- C. State Public Service Commissions
- D. District Courts
Answer: Panchayati Raj Institutions (rural local government)
Explanation: The 73rd Amendment added Part IX and the Eleventh Schedule, giving constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions for rural local self-governance.
2238. Which Writ, issued by courts, directs a subordinate court, tribunal, or authority to perform a public duty it has failed to perform?
- A. Certiorari
- B. Quo Warranto
- C. Habeas Corpus
- D. Mandamus
Answer: Mandamus
Explanation: Mandamus ('we command') directs a public authority to perform a duty it is legally obligated to perform but has failed or refused to do.
2239. Who was appointed as the first Law Minister of independent India and chaired the Constitution Drafting Committee?
- A. B.R. Ambedkar
- B. Rajendra Prasad
- C. K.M. Munshi
- D. Alladi Krishnaswamy Iyer
Answer: B.R. Ambedkar
Explanation: B.R. Ambedkar served as independent India's first Law Minister and chaired the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly.
2240. The 'Cabinet Mission Plan' of 1946 proposed a three-tier federal structure for India, grouping provinces into how many sections?
- A. Two sections
- B. Three sections (A, B, C)
- C. Five sections
- D. Four sections
Answer: Three sections (A, B, C)
Explanation: The Cabinet Mission Plan grouped British Indian provinces into three sections (A, B, C) based on religious demographics, under a loose central union.
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