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2241. The 'Rowlatt Act' of 1919, which triggered widespread protests including the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, primarily allowed the British government to:
- A. Partition Bengal
- B. Ban Indian-owned newspapers entirely
- C. Detain suspects without trial
- D. Levy additional taxes on salt
Answer: Detain suspects without trial
Explanation: The Rowlatt Act allowed the government to detain suspects without trial for up to two years, triggering nationwide protests and ultimately the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
2242. The classical music tradition of North India, built around 'ragas' performed with tabla accompaniment, is known as:
- A. Qawwali
- B. Carnatic classical music
- C. Dhrupad only
- D. Hindustani classical music
Answer: Hindustani classical music
Explanation: Hindustani classical music is the North Indian classical tradition built around ragas and talas, commonly accompanied by instruments like tabla and sitar.
2243. The 'Montreal Protocol' (1987), a landmark international environmental agreement, specifically targets the phase-out of which category of substances?
- A. Greenhouse gases broadly
- B. Heavy metals in water
- C. Ozone-depleting substances (e.g., CFCs)
- D. Plastic waste
Answer: Ozone-depleting substances (e.g., CFCs)
Explanation: The Montreal Protocol specifically targets phase-out of ozone-depleting substances like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), widely regarded as one of the most successful environmental treaties.
2244. Which process describes the direct conversion of a solid substance into vapour without passing through the liquid state?
- A. Deposition
- B. Sublimation
- C. Evaporation
- D. Condensation
Answer: Sublimation
Explanation: Sublimation is the transition of a substance directly from solid to gas phase without passing through the liquid phase, e.g., dry ice (solid CO2) at room temperature.
2245. Which scientist formulated the three laws of planetary motion, later explained by Newton's law of universal gravitation?
- A. Johannes Kepler
- B. Galileo Galilei
- C. Tycho Brahe
- D. Nicolaus Copernicus
Answer: Johannes Kepler
Explanation: Johannes Kepler formulated the three laws of planetary motion in the early 17th century, describing elliptical orbits, equal areas in equal times, and the period-distance relationship.
2246. In human biology, 'Insulin', a hormone regulating blood glucose levels, is secreted by which part of the pancreas?
- A. Acinar cells
- B. Pancreatic duct cells
- C. Beta cells of the Islets of Langerhans
- D. Alpha cells of the Islets of Langerhans
Answer: Beta cells of the Islets of Langerhans
Explanation: Insulin is secreted by beta cells located within the Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas, lowering blood glucose by promoting cellular uptake.
2247. Which committee's recommendations led to the establishment of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) in 1982?
- A. B. Sivaraman Committee
- B. Tarapore Committee
- C. Chakravarty Committee
- D. Narasimham Committee
Answer: B. Sivaraman Committee
Explanation: The B. Sivaraman Committee recommended the creation of NABARD, established in 1982 to provide credit for agriculture and rural development.
2248. In economics, 'Disguised Unemployment' is most commonly associated with which sector of the Indian economy?
- A. Information Technology
- B. Agriculture
- C. Banking
- D. Organized manufacturing
Answer: Agriculture
Explanation: Disguised unemployment is common in Indian agriculture, where more workers are engaged on land than needed, so removing some would not reduce output.
2249. The 'Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve', one of India's largest, is located in which state?
- A. Arunachal Pradesh
- B. Meghalaya
- C. Sikkim
- D. Assam
Answer: Arunachal Pradesh
Explanation: The Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve, one of India's largest, is located in Arunachal Pradesh and encompasses high mountain and alpine ecosystems.
2250. Which Indian state is the largest producer of natural rubber, concentrated in the Kottayam region?
- A. Tamil Nadu
- B. Karnataka
- C. Tripura
- D. Kerala
Answer: Kerala
Explanation: Kerala produces the vast majority of India's natural rubber, with Kottayam district historically the hub of rubber cultivation and the Rubber Board headquarters.
2251. The 'Thar Desert', India's largest desert, lies predominantly in which state?
- A. Gujarat
- B. Punjab
- C. Haryana
- D. Rajasthan
Answer: Rajasthan
Explanation: The Thar Desert, also called the Great Indian Desert, lies predominantly in Rajasthan, extending into parts of Gujarat, Punjab and Haryana.
2252. Which Indian state shares its border with the maximum number of other Indian states?
- A. Chhattisgarh
- B. Uttar Pradesh
- C. Assam
- D. Madhya Pradesh
Answer: Uttar Pradesh
Explanation: Uttar Pradesh shares borders with eight other Indian states (and Nepal), the highest among Indian states.
2253. The 'Anti-Defection Law' in India, dealing with disqualification of legislators on grounds of defection, is contained in which Schedule?
- A. Eleventh Schedule
- B. Ninth Schedule
- C. Eighth Schedule
- D. Tenth Schedule
Answer: Tenth Schedule
Explanation: The Tenth Schedule, added by the 52nd Amendment (1985), contains provisions for disqualification of members on grounds of defection.
2254. Which Schedule of the Indian Constitution lists the official languages recognized under Article 344 and 351?
- A. Seventh Schedule
- B. Eighth Schedule
- C. Ninth Schedule
- D. Tenth Schedule
Answer: Eighth Schedule
Explanation: The Eighth Schedule lists 22 officially recognized languages of India, originally containing 14 languages at the time of the Constitution's adoption.
2255. Under the Indian Constitution, which Article empowers Parliament to form new states or alter boundaries of existing states?
- A. Article 2
- B. Article 4
- C. Article 3
- D. Article 1
Answer: Article 3
Explanation: Article 3 empowers Parliament to form new states, alter boundaries, names, or areas of existing states by simple majority law.
2256. Which Indian leader founded the 'Forward Bloc' in 1939 after resigning from the Indian National Congress presidency?
- A. Subhas Chandra Bose
- B. Jawaharlal Nehru
- C. Rajendra Prasad
- D. Abul Kalam Azad
Answer: Subhas Chandra Bose
Explanation: Subhas Chandra Bose founded the All India Forward Bloc in 1939 after resigning as Congress president due to ideological differences with Gandhi.
2257. The 'Government of India Act, 1919' (Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms) introduced which system of governance in the provinces?
- A. Dyarchy (Diarchy)
- B. Unitary system
- C. Federalism
- D. Presidential system
Answer: Dyarchy (Diarchy)
Explanation: The 1919 Act introduced dyarchy in provinces, dividing subjects into 'transferred' (controlled by Indian ministers) and 'reserved' (controlled by the Governor).
2258. The 'Champaran Satyagraha' of 1917, Gandhi's first major civil disobedience movement in India, addressed the grievances of farmers forced to grow which crop?
- A. Sugarcane
- B. Cotton
- C. Indigo
- D. Opium
Answer: Indigo
Explanation: The Champaran Satyagraha addressed grievances of indigo farmers in Bihar forced under the 'tinkathia' system to grow indigo on a portion of their land.
2259. The 'Vernacular Press Act' of 1878, enacted to curb criticism of British policies in Indian-language newspapers, was repealed in which year?
- A. 1885
- B. 1900
- C. 1882
- D. 1890
Answer: 1882
Explanation: The Vernacular Press Act, 1878, was repealed in 1882 by Lord Ripon, who was seen as more sympathetic to Indian public opinion.
2260. Who was the Maratha king under whom the 'Ashtapradhan' council of eight ministers was formally organized?
- A. Sambhaji
- B. Shivaji
- C. Rajaram
- D. Shahu
Answer: Shivaji
Explanation: Shivaji organized the Ashtapradhan, a council of eight ministers, to assist in the administration of the Maratha kingdom after his coronation in 1674.
2261. The 'Battle of Talikota' (1565), which led to the decline of the Vijayanagara Empire, was fought against a confederacy of which rulers?
- A. The Portuguese
- B. The Mughals
- C. The Marathas
- D. The Deccan Sultanates
Answer: The Deccan Sultanates
Explanation: The Battle of Talikota was fought between Vijayanagara and a confederacy of Deccan Sultanates (Bijapur, Ahmednagar, Golconda, Bidar), leading to the sack of Vijayanagara city.
2262. The 'Rajatarangini', an important historical chronicle, documents the history of which region of India?
- A. Kashmir
- B. Gujarat
- C. Bengal
- D. Odisha
Answer: Kashmir
Explanation: Rajatarangini, composed by Kalhana in the 12th century, is a metrical chronicle of the history of Kashmir, considered one of India's earliest attempts at systematic historiography.
2263. Which ruler of the Gupta dynasty is credited with the title 'Vikramaditya' and is associated with a golden age of art, science and literature?
- A. Chandragupta II
- B. Skandagupta
- C. Kumaragupta I
- D. Samudragupta
Answer: Chandragupta II
Explanation: Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya) ruled c. 380-415 CE and his court is associated with the 'Navaratnas' including Kalidasa, marking a golden age of culture.
2264. The 'Treaty of Versailles' (1919), which formally ended World War I, imposed heavy reparations primarily on which country?
- A. Italy
- B. Ottoman Empire
- C. Germany
- D. Austria
Answer: Germany
Explanation: The Treaty of Versailles imposed heavy reparations and territorial losses on Germany, a factor later cited among causes of resentment leading to World War II.
2265. The 'Ajanta Caves', famous for their Buddhist mural paintings and rock-cut architecture, are located in which state?
- A. Karnataka
- B. Odisha
- C. Maharashtra
- D. Madhya Pradesh
Answer: Maharashtra
Explanation: The Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are located in Maharashtra's Aurangabad district, dating from the 2nd century BCE to about 480 CE.
2266. The 'Ramsar Convention' is an international treaty primarily concerned with the conservation of which type of ecosystem?
- A. Rainforests
- B. Coral reefs
- C. Wetlands
- D. Grasslands
Answer: Wetlands
Explanation: The Ramsar Convention (1971), signed at Ramsar, Iran, is the intergovernmental treaty for conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.
2267. Which of the following is classified as a 'greenhouse gas' with a much higher global warming potential than CO2 over a 100-year period?
- A. Oxygen (O2)
- B. Argon (Ar)
- C. Nitrogen (N2)
- D. Methane (CH4)
Answer: Methane (CH4)
Explanation: Methane has a global warming potential roughly 28-36 times that of CO2 over 100 years, making it a key target for climate mitigation despite shorter atmospheric lifetime.
2268. Which part of the human brain is primarily responsible for regulating balance and coordination of voluntary movements?
- A. Medulla oblongata
- B. Hypothalamus
- C. Cerebrum
- D. Cerebellum
Answer: Cerebellum
Explanation: The cerebellum coordinates voluntary movements, balance, posture, and motor learning, located at the back of the brain below the cerebrum.
2269. Which gas law states that at constant temperature, the pressure of a given mass of gas is inversely proportional to its volume?
- A. Avogadro's Law
- B. Charles's Law
- C. Boyle's Law
- D. Gay-Lussac's Law
Answer: Boyle's Law
Explanation: Boyle's Law states PV = constant at constant temperature, meaning pressure and volume are inversely proportional for a fixed amount of gas.
2270. In human physiology, which blood component is primarily responsible for clotting at the site of an injury?
- A. Plasma proteins only
- B. Red blood cells (erythrocytes)
- C. White blood cells (leukocytes)
- D. Platelets (thrombocytes)
Answer: Platelets (thrombocytes)
Explanation: Platelets (thrombocytes) aggregate at injury sites and, with clotting factors, form a plug/clot to stop bleeding.
2271. The Bankruptcy Law Reforms Committee, whose report led to the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016, was chaired by:
- A. Urjit Patel
- B. T.K. Viswanathan
- C. Raghuram Rajan
- D. Arvind Subramanian
Answer: T.K. Viswanathan
Explanation: The Bankruptcy Law Reforms Committee was chaired by T.K. Viswanathan, a former Union Law Secretary; its 2015 report formed the basis of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016.
2272. The 'Human Development Index' (HDI), published annually by UNDP, is a composite measure based on which three dimensions?
- A. Trade balance, Inflation, and Employment
- B. GDP, Exports, and Industrial output
- C. Health, Education, and Standard of Living
- D. Population, Literacy, and Urbanization
Answer: Health, Education, and Standard of Living
Explanation: HDI is a composite index of life expectancy (health), education (mean/expected years of schooling), and per capita income (standard of living), published by UNDP.
2273. In economics, 'Stagflation' refers to a situation characterized by:
- A. Simultaneous high inflation, high unemployment, and stagnant growth
- B. Rapid growth with high employment
- C. High growth with low inflation
- D. Deflation with full employment
Answer: Simultaneous high inflation, high unemployment, and stagnant growth
Explanation: Stagflation describes an economy facing high inflation, high unemployment, and stagnant economic growth simultaneously, challenging standard Keynesian policy prescriptions.
2274. The 'Green Revolution' in India during the 1960s was most successful in which crop and region initially?
- A. Cotton in Gujarat
- B. Rice in West Bengal
- C. Sugarcane in Uttar Pradesh
- D. Wheat in Punjab and Haryana
Answer: Wheat in Punjab and Haryana
Explanation: The Green Revolution, led by M.S. Swaminathan's work and high-yielding wheat varieties, was most successful initially in Punjab and Haryana, transforming wheat productivity.
2275. Which Indian state is the largest producer of coffee, concentrated mainly in the districts of Chikmagalur and Kodagu?
- A. Kerala
- B. Karnataka
- C. Tamil Nadu
- D. Andhra Pradesh
Answer: Karnataka
Explanation: Karnataka produces over two-thirds of India's coffee, mainly in Chikmagalur, Kodagu (Coorg) and Hassan districts.
2276. The 'Deccan Trap', a vast volcanic rock formation, covers large parts of which Indian region?
- A. Indo-Gangetic plains
- B. Himalayan foothills
- C. Thar Desert region
- D. Maharashtra and surrounding peninsular India
Answer: Maharashtra and surrounding peninsular India
Explanation: The Deccan Traps formed from volcanic eruptions around 66 million years ago, covering much of Maharashtra and adjoining peninsular India, linked by some to the dinosaur extinction event.
2277. Which Indian river originates from the Amarkantak plateau in Madhya Pradesh and flows westward into the Arabian Sea?
- A. Narmada
- B. Mahanadi
- C. Krishna
- D. Godavari
Answer: Narmada
Explanation: The Narmada originates from Amarkantak plateau in Madhya Pradesh and flows westward through a rift valley into the Arabian Sea at the Gulf of Khambhat.
2278. Which constitutional body is responsible for conducting elections to the offices of President, Vice-President, Parliament, and State Legislatures in India?
- A. Law Commission of India
- B. National Human Rights Commission
- C. Election Commission of India
- D. Union Public Service Commission
Answer: Election Commission of India
Explanation: The Election Commission of India, a constitutional body under Article 324, conducts elections to the President, Vice-President, Parliament and State Legislatures.
2279. The concept of 'Basic Structure' of the Constitution, which cannot be amended by Parliament, was propounded in which landmark case?
- A. Minerva Mills v. Union of India (1980)
- B. Golaknath v. State of Punjab (1967)
- C. Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978)
- D. Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973)
Answer: Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973)
Explanation: The Supreme Court in Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973) propounded the Basic Structure doctrine, holding that Parliament cannot amend the Constitution's basic structure.
2280. Under the Indian Constitution, a 'Money Bill' as defined in Article 110 can be introduced only in which House of Parliament?
- A. Either House
- B. Joint Sitting only
- C. Lok Sabha
- D. Rajya Sabha
Answer: Lok Sabha
Explanation: A Money Bill can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha, and the Rajya Sabha can only make recommendations, which the Lok Sabha may accept or reject.
2281. The 'Poona Pact' of 1932 was signed between Mahatma Gandhi and which leader, concerning separate electorates for depressed classes?
- A. Madan Mohan Malaviya
- B. B.R. Ambedkar
- C. Tej Bahadur Sapru
- D. M.C. Rajah
Answer: B.R. Ambedkar
Explanation: The Poona Pact was signed between Gandhi and Ambedkar in 1932, replacing separate electorates for depressed classes with reserved seats in joint electorates.
2282. Who established the 'Satyashodhak Samaj' in 1873 to fight caste discrimination and Brahmanical dominance?
- A. E.V. Ramasamy
- B. Narayana Guru
- C. B.R. Ambedkar
- D. Jyotirao Phule
Answer: Jyotirao Phule
Explanation: Jyotirao Phule founded the Satyashodhak Samaj (Society of Truth Seekers) in 1873 in Pune to fight caste oppression and promote education for all.
2283. The 'Indigo Revolt' of 1859-60, depicted in the play 'Nil Darpan', occurred primarily in which region?
- A. Bihar
- B. Bengal
- C. Maharashtra
- D. Punjab
Answer: Bengal
Explanation: The Indigo Revolt occurred in Bengal when peasants (ryots) refused to grow indigo under exploitative conditions imposed by European planters.
2284. The 'Din-i-Ilahi', a syncretic faith promoting religious tolerance, was founded by which Mughal emperor in 1582?
- A. Shah Jahan
- B. Humayun
- C. Akbar
- D. Jahangir
Answer: Akbar
Explanation: Akbar founded Din-i-Ilahi in 1582, drawing elements from various religions to promote tolerance; it had few followers and did not survive his reign.
2285. Who founded the Vijayanagara Empire in 1336 CE, with its capital on the banks of the Tungabhadra river?
- A. Harihara and Bukka
- B. Krishnadevaraya
- C. Rama Raya
- D. Deva Raya II
Answer: Harihara and Bukka
Explanation: Harihara I and Bukka Raya I, brothers, founded the Vijayanagara Empire in 1336 CE with its capital at Vijayanagara on the Tungabhadra river.
2286. The 'Sangam literature' was composed primarily in which language and flourished in which region of ancient India?
- A. Tamil, Tamilakam (South India)
- B. Pali, Kalinga
- C. Sanskrit, Magadha
- D. Prakrit, Avanti
Answer: Tamil, Tamilakam (South India)
Explanation: Sangam literature, composed in Tamil between roughly 300 BCE-300 CE, flourished in Tamilakam under the patronage of assemblies (sangams) in Madurai.
2287. Which Mauryan emperor's edicts were deciphered by James Prinsep in 1837, establishing the Brahmi script reading?
- A. Bindusara
- B. Chandragupta Maurya
- C. Ashoka
- D. Samudragupta
Answer: Ashoka
Explanation: James Prinsep deciphered Ashokan Brahmi inscriptions in 1837, a landmark in Indian epigraphy that confirmed Ashoka as the author of the edicts.
2288. The 'Cripps Mission' came to India in which year to negotiate with Indian leaders during World War II?
- A. 1945
- B. 1942
- C. 1940
- D. 1939
Answer: 1942
Explanation: The Cripps Mission, led by Sir Stafford Cripps, came to India in March 1942 offering Dominion Status after the war, which was rejected by Congress as it did not offer immediate independence.
2289. Which of the following is the correct description of 'Isotopes'?
- A. Atoms with the same number of neutrons but different protons
- B. Molecules with the same chemical formula but different structures
- C. Atoms of different elements with the same mass number
- D. Atoms of the same element with the same number of protons but different number of neutrons
Answer: Atoms of the same element with the same number of protons but different number of neutrons
Explanation: Isotopes are atoms of the same element (same atomic number/protons) but with different numbers of neutrons, hence different mass numbers, e.g., Carbon-12 and Carbon-14.
2290. Which Fundamental Right under the Indian Constitution is available ONLY to citizens, not to foreigners?
- A. Right against exploitation (Article 23)
- B. Right against discrimination (Article 15)
- C. Right to equality before law (Article 14)
- D. Right to life and personal liberty (Article 21)
Answer: Right against discrimination (Article 15)
Explanation: Article 15 (prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex) is available only to citizens; Articles 14, 21 and 23 extend to all persons including foreigners.
2291. The 'Durand Line' demarcates the boundary between which two countries?
- A. India and Myanmar
- B. India and Afghanistan
- C. Pakistan and Iran
- D. Afghanistan and Pakistan
Answer: Afghanistan and Pakistan
Explanation: The Durand Line, drawn in 1893 by Sir Mortimer Durand, demarcates the boundary between Afghanistan and Pakistan, a source of ongoing dispute.
2292. Which Indian Prime Minister introduced the New Economic Policy (LPG reforms) in 1991?
- A. P.V. Narasimha Rao
- B. V.P. Singh
- C. Rajiv Gandhi
- D. Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Answer: P.V. Narasimha Rao
Explanation: P.V. Narasimha Rao, with Finance Minister Manmohan Singh, introduced the 1991 economic reforms of Liberalization, Privatization and Globalization (LPG).
2293. Which of the following is the correct order of increasing wavelength in the electromagnetic spectrum?
- A. Visible light, X-rays, Gamma rays, Ultraviolet
- B. X-rays, Gamma rays, Visible light, Ultraviolet
- C. Gamma rays, X-rays, Ultraviolet, Visible light
- D. Ultraviolet, Gamma rays, X-rays, Visible light
Answer: Gamma rays, X-rays, Ultraviolet, Visible light
Explanation: In order of increasing wavelength: Gamma rays (shortest) < X-rays < Ultraviolet < Visible light < Infrared < Microwave < Radio waves (longest).
2294. The 'Sun Temple' at Konark, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was built by which dynasty?
- A. Chola Dynasty
- B. Pallava Dynasty
- C. Chalukya Dynasty
- D. Eastern Ganga Dynasty (King Narasimhadeva I)
Answer: Eastern Ganga Dynasty (King Narasimhadeva I)
Explanation: The Konark Sun Temple in Odisha was built in the 13th century by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty, designed as a giant chariot of the Sun god.
2295. Which of the following best defines 'GDP Deflator'?
- A. The difference between exports and imports
- B. Ratio of Nominal GDP to Real GDP, multiplied by 100
- C. The rate of growth of GDP year over year
- D. Per capita income adjusted for inflation
Answer: Ratio of Nominal GDP to Real GDP, multiplied by 100
Explanation: GDP Deflator = (Nominal GDP / Real GDP) × 100, a comprehensive measure of price level changes for all goods and services in the economy.
2296. Which Act abolished the East India Company's trade monopoly with China and tea trade in 1833?
- A. Charter Act of 1853
- B. Charter Act of 1833
- C. Charter Act of 1813
- D. Regulating Act of 1773
Answer: Charter Act of 1833
Explanation: The Charter Act of 1833 ended the East India Company's remaining trade monopoly (including China trade), making it purely an administrative body, and centralized legislative power in the Governor-General of India.
2297. The Earth's crust is primarily composed of which rock type in its continental portions?
- A. Shale
- B. Basalt (Sima)
- C. Granite (Sial)
- D. Limestone
Answer: Granite (Sial)
Explanation: Continental crust is primarily composed of granite rocks (Sial - silica and aluminium), while oceanic crust is composed of basalt (Sima - silica and magnesium).
2298. Which of the following vitamins is synthesized by the human body when the skin is exposed to sunlight?
- A. Vitamin B12
- B. Vitamin A
- C. Vitamin D
- D. Vitamin C
Answer: Vitamin D
Explanation: Vitamin D is synthesized in human skin upon exposure to UVB rays from sunlight, essential for calcium absorption and bone health.
2299. The 'Indian Councils Act of 1909' is also known as:
- A. Mont-Ford Reforms
- B. Morley-Minto Reforms
- C. Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms
- D. Pitt's India Act
Answer: Morley-Minto Reforms
Explanation: The Indian Councils Act 1909 is known as the Morley-Minto Reforms, named after Secretary of State John Morley and Viceroy Lord Minto, which introduced separate electorates for Muslims.
2300. The 'Nilgiri Hills' biosphere reserve, India's first biosphere reserve (1986), spans which states?
- A. Odisha and West Bengal
- B. Rajasthan and Gujarat
- C. Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka
- D. Assam and Meghalaya
Answer: Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka
Explanation: The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, India's first (established 1986), spans parts of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka, covering the Western Ghats region.
2301. Which of the following is NOT an exclusive power of the Union List under the Seventh Schedule?
- A. Foreign affairs
- B. Railways
- C. Police and public order
- D. Defence of India
Answer: Police and public order
Explanation: Police and public order are State List subjects, administered by state governments, unlike defence, foreign affairs and railways which are Union List subjects.
2302. Which of the following best describes the 'Multiplier Effect' in economics?
- A. Prices rise exactly in proportion to money supply
- B. A tax cut always reduces government revenue proportionally
- C. An initial increase in spending leads to a greater final increase in national income
- D. Interest rates and inflation move inversely always
Answer: An initial increase in spending leads to a greater final increase in national income
Explanation: The Multiplier Effect (Keynesian concept) means an initial change in spending (like government expenditure) causes a proportionally larger change in national income through successive rounds of spending.
2303. The 'Rann of Kutch' is a seasonal salt marsh located primarily in which state?
- A. Haryana
- B. Punjab
- C. Gujarat
- D. Rajasthan
Answer: Gujarat
Explanation: The Rann of Kutch, divided into Great Rann and Little Rann, is located in Gujarat, known for its unique salt desert ecosystem and the Rann Utsav.
2304. Which Article deals with the imposition of President's Rule in a state?
- A. Article 360
- B. Article 365
- C. Article 356
- D. Article 352
Answer: Article 356
Explanation: Article 356 deals with the failure of constitutional machinery in states, allowing imposition of President's Rule. Article 352 is for national emergency, 360 for financial emergency.
2305. Which of the following is a direct tax in the Indian tax system?
- A. Customs Duty
- B. Income Tax
- C. Excise Duty
- D. GST
Answer: Income Tax
Explanation: Income Tax is a direct tax levied directly on individuals' and entities' income; GST, Customs and Excise duties are indirect taxes passed on to consumers.
2306. Which of the following was a key demand of the 'All India Kisan Sabha', founded in 1936?
- A. Formation of a separate peasant state
- B. Separate electorates for peasants
- C. Abolition of zamindari system
- D. Partition of agricultural land by caste
Answer: Abolition of zamindari system
Explanation: The All India Kisan Sabha, founded in 1936 with Swami Sahajanand Saraswati as first president, demanded abolition of the zamindari system and relief from debt burden for peasants.
2307. Which of the following straits separates Sri Lanka from the Indian mainland?
- A. Bering Strait
- B. Malacca Strait
- C. Strait of Hormuz
- D. Palk Strait
Answer: Palk Strait
Explanation: The Palk Strait, along with the Gulf of Mannar, separates Sri Lanka from Tamil Nadu, India.
2308. Which Indian ruler is credited with building the Qutub Minar's initial structure?
- A. Ala-ud-din Khilji
- B. Iltutmish
- C. Firoz Shah Tughlaq
- D. Qutb-ud-din Aibak
Answer: Qutb-ud-din Aibak
Explanation: Qutb-ud-din Aibak began construction of the Qutub Minar around 1199 CE; it was completed by his successor Iltutmish who added upper storeys.
2309. Which gas is responsible for the characteristic smell during a thunderstorm (after lightning)?
- A. Ozone
- B. Sulphur dioxide
- C. Methane
- D. Carbon monoxide
Answer: Ozone
Explanation: Lightning generates ozone (O3) through electrical discharge splitting oxygen molecules, producing the characteristic fresh smell after thunderstorms.
2310. The term 'Fiscal Deficit' refers to:
- A. Total expenditure minus total receipts excluding borrowings
- B. Total income minus total savings
- C. Revenue expenditure minus revenue receipts
- D. Trade deficit of a country
Answer: Total expenditure minus total receipts excluding borrowings
Explanation: Fiscal Deficit is the difference between the government's total expenditure and its total receipts (excluding borrowings), indicating the total borrowing requirement.
2311. The 'Government of India Act, 1935' provided for which of the following?
- A. Abolition of the Governor-General's post
- B. Provincial Autonomy and an All-India Federation (never fully implemented)
- C. Complete independence of India
- D. Partition of India
Answer: Provincial Autonomy and an All-India Federation (never fully implemented)
Explanation: The Government of India Act 1935 introduced provincial autonomy and proposed an All-India Federation, though the federation part was never implemented. Much of independent India's Constitution borrowed structural provisions from it.
2312. Which of the following is the primary source of nitrogen fixation in soil by biological means?
- A. Earthworms
- B. Fungi like Penicillium
- C. Algae in ponds only
- D. Rhizobium bacteria in leguminous root nodules
Answer: Rhizobium bacteria in leguminous root nodules
Explanation: Rhizobium bacteria, living symbiotically in root nodules of leguminous plants, fix atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms like ammonia, enriching soil fertility.
2313. The 'Second Battle of Panipat' (1556) was fought between Akbar's forces and:
- A. Rana Sanga
- B. Hemu (Hemchandra Vikramaditya)
- C. Ibrahim Lodi
- D. Ahmad Shah Abdali
Answer: Hemu (Hemchandra Vikramaditya)
Explanation: The Second Battle of Panipat (1556) was fought between Akbar's forces (led by Bairam Khan) and Hemu, who had briefly proclaimed himself king, resulting in Akbar's victory.
2314. Which Act is regarded as the first attempt by the British to regulate the East India Company's affairs and introduce parliamentary control?
- A. Charter Act of 1813
- B. Regulating Act of 1773
- C. Government of India Act 1858
- D. Pitt's India Act 1784
Answer: Regulating Act of 1773
Explanation: The Regulating Act of 1773 was the first step by the British Parliament to control and regulate the affairs of the East India Company, creating the post of Governor-General of Bengal.
2315. Which of the following is the smallest bone in the human body?
- A. Stapes (ear)
- B. Humerus
- C. Femur
- D. Radius
Answer: Stapes (ear)
Explanation: The stapes, located in the middle ear, is the smallest bone in the human body, about 3mm long, involved in transmitting sound vibrations.
2316. Which Article of the Constitution abolishes 'untouchability' and forbids its practice in any form?
- A. Article 15
- B. Article 24
- C. Article 23
- D. Article 17
Answer: Article 17
Explanation: Article 17 abolishes untouchability and forbids its practice in any form; enforcement of any disability from it is a punishable offence.
2317. Which of the following National Parks is famous for the one-horned Indian Rhinoceros?
- A. Corbett National Park
- B. Gir National Park
- C. Kaziranga National Park
- D. Bandipur National Park
Answer: Kaziranga National Park
Explanation: Kaziranga National Park in Assam hosts the largest population of the one-horned Indian Rhinoceros and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2318. Which strait separates India's Andaman and Nicobar Islands from each other?
- A. Eight Degree Channel
- B. Nine Degree Channel
- C. Ten Degree Channel
- D. Palk Strait
Answer: Ten Degree Channel
Explanation: The Ten Degree Channel separates Andaman Islands from Nicobar Islands. The Nine Degree Channel separates Lakshadweep's Amindivi from Minicoy.
2319. The term 'Repo Rate' refers to:
- A. The rate of inflation
- B. The rate at which commercial banks lend to RBI
- C. The interest rate on savings accounts
- D. The rate at which RBI lends money to commercial banks
Answer: The rate at which RBI lends money to commercial banks
Explanation: Repo Rate is the rate at which the RBI lends short-term funds to commercial banks against government securities; it is a key monetary policy tool.
2320. Which ancient Indian text is considered the earliest treatise on economics and statecraft?
- A. Arthashastra by Kautilya
- B. Manusmriti
- C. Rajatarangini
- D. Ashtadhyayi
Answer: Arthashastra by Kautilya
Explanation: The Arthashastra, written by Kautilya (Chanakya), is an ancient treatise on statecraft, economics, and military strategy during the Mauryan period.
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