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Question 1General Studies (History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science, Current Affairs)

Under the Haryana Panchayati Raj Act, 1994, a Gram Panchayat is constituted for a village or a group of villages at which level of the three-tier panchayat structure?

  1. The village level Correct answer.
  2. The block level
  3. The district level
  4. The intermediate level

Explanation

Haryana follows the standard three-tier structure mandated by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment: Gram Panchayat at the village level, Panchayat Samiti at the block (intermediate) level, and Zila Parishad at the district level. The Gram Panchayat is therefore the base tier constituted for a village or a group of villages.

Question 2General Studies (History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science, Current Affairs)

The Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal dispute primarily involves Haryana's claim over the waters of which river system?

  1. The Beas
  2. The Ghaggar
  3. The Ravi
  4. The Sutlej Correct answer.

Explanation

The SYL canal was designed to carry Haryana's allocated share of the waters of the Sutlej and its tributaries under the 1981 water-sharing agreement with Punjab. The dispute centres on construction of the canal portion in Punjab to deliver Sutlej-basin water to Haryana.

Question 3General Studies (History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science, Current Affairs)

Which city in Haryana is home to the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), a premier institute for dairy research in India?

  1. Gurugram
  2. Hisar
  3. Rohtak
  4. Karnal Correct answer.

Explanation

The National Dairy Research Institute, a Deemed University under ICAR, has its headquarters at Karnal in Haryana. It is a leading centre for dairy science research and is distinct from the agricultural university located at Hisar.

Question 4General Studies (History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science, Current Affairs)

Which Article of the Constitution of India provides for the establishment of a Finance Commission every fifth year or earlier?

  1. Article 324
  2. Article 280 Correct answer.
  3. Article 356
  4. Article 263

Explanation

Article 280 mandates that the President constitute a Finance Commission within two years of the commencement of the Constitution and thereafter at the expiration of every fifth year or earlier. Its core function is to recommend the distribution of net tax proceeds between the Union and the States.

Question 5General Studies (History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science, Current Affairs)

The Tropic of Cancer passes through which of the following districts of Haryana?

  1. Karnal
  2. Ambala
  3. Sirsa Correct answer.
  4. Gurugram

Explanation

The Tropic of Cancer at approximately 23.5 degrees north latitude crosses the western and central parts of Haryana, passing through districts such as Sirsa, Fatehabad, Hisar and Bhiwani. Sirsa lies close to this latitude, whereas the other listed districts lie further north.

Question 6General Studies (History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science, Current Affairs)

Which of the following is the principal objective of the Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) operated by the Reserve Bank of India?

  1. To fix the exchange rate of the rupee
  2. To insure deposits held by cooperative banks
  3. To provide long-term development finance to industry
  4. To allow banks to borrow overnight against government securities when interbank liquidity dries up Correct answer.

Explanation

The MSF is an overnight borrowing window under which banks can borrow from the RBI against government securities, including by dipping into their Statutory Liquidity Ratio holdings. It acts as a safety valve when interbank liquidity is tight and sets a ceiling for the call money rate.

Question 7General Studies (History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science, Current Affairs)

The Battle of Panipat fought in 1526 resulted in the establishment of which dynasty's rule in northern India?

  1. The Mughal dynasty Correct answer.
  2. The Lodi dynasty
  3. The Tughlaq dynasty
  4. The Sayyid dynasty

Explanation

In the First Battle of Panipat (1526), Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi, ending Lodi rule and founding the Mughal Empire in India. Panipat's location in present-day Haryana gives the battle particular relevance to the state's history.

Question 8General Studies (History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science, Current Affairs)

Which of the following best explains why wheat is a major rabi crop in Haryana while rice is predominantly a kharif crop?

  1. Rice is a plantation crop that requires frost during maturity
  2. Wheat needs a cool growing season and ripens in warm dry weather, while rice needs high temperature and abundant water Correct answer.
  3. Wheat requires standing water throughout its growth, unlike rice
  4. Wheat is grown only in areas receiving more than 200 cm of rainfall

Explanation

Rabi crops are sown in winter and harvested in spring; wheat thrives in cool growing conditions with warm, dry ripening weather. Kharif crops are sown with the monsoon and rice requires high temperature and plentiful water, which explains the seasonal division.

Question 9General Studies (History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science, Current Affairs)

The 'Doctrine of Basic Structure' was propounded by the Supreme Court in which case?

  1. Golaknath v. State of Punjab
  2. Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India
  3. Minerva Mills v. Union of India
  4. Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala Correct answer.

Explanation

In Kesavananda Bharati (1973), a thirteen-judge bench held that Parliament's amending power under Article 368 cannot destroy the basic structure of the Constitution. Later cases such as Minerva Mills applied and reinforced the doctrine.

Question 10General Studies (History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science, Current Affairs)

In the human digestive system, the enzyme pepsin acts on which substrate, and in what medium does it function optimally?

  1. Starch, in an alkaline medium
  2. Proteins, in an acidic medium Correct answer.
  3. Nucleic acids, in a neutral medium
  4. Fats, in an alkaline medium

Explanation

Pepsin is secreted as inactive pepsinogen by gastric chief cells and is activated by hydrochloric acid in the stomach. It hydrolyses proteins into peptides and works optimally at the strongly acidic gastric pH of about 1.5 to 3.5.

Question 11General Studies (History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science, Current Affairs)

Which of the following statements about the Green Revolution in Haryana is most accurate?

  1. It relied mainly on expansion of cultivated area rather than on yield improvement
  2. It was confined to the southern districts of the state
  3. It centred on high-yielding wheat varieties, assured irrigation and fertiliser use, raising wheat output sharply Correct answer.
  4. It replaced wheat with cotton as the principal crop of the state

Explanation

Haryana was a major theatre of the Green Revolution, which combined semi-dwarf high-yielding wheat varieties with canal and tubewell irrigation, fertilisers and mechanisation. This package raised yields per hectare rather than simply extending the cropped area.

Question 12General Studies (History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science, Current Affairs)

Which Fundamental Duty in Article 51A requires citizens to protect and improve the natural environment?

  1. Article 51A(b)
  2. Article 51A(j)
  3. Article 51A(e)
  4. Article 51A(g) Correct answer.

Explanation

Article 51A(g) casts a duty on every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment, including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures. The Fundamental Duties were inserted by the 42nd Amendment in 1976 on the recommendation of the Swaran Singh Committee.

Question 13General Studies (History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science, Current Affairs)

A Haryana government employee notices that a senior officer is demanding a bribe to process a routine file. Under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 as amended in 2018, which course of action is legally protected?

  1. Paying the bribe and later claiming it as a loan
  2. Ignoring the demand because private complaints are not entertained
  3. Recording the demand only after the bribe has been paid
  4. Reporting the demand to the Lokayukta or Anti-Corruption Bureau before any payment is made Correct answer.

Explanation

The 2018 amendment to the Prevention of Corruption Act protects a person who is compelled to give undue advantage only if the matter is reported to the appropriate authority within seven days. Reporting the demand before payment is the safest and statutorily contemplated route.

Question 14General Studies (History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science, Current Affairs)

Which of the following is the correct sequence of the stages of the Indian monsoon's onset over Haryana?

  1. Maharashtra, then Haryana, then Kerala
  2. Kerala, then Haryana, then Maharashtra
  3. Kerala coast, then Maharashtra, then the Indo-Gangetic plain including Haryana Correct answer.
  4. Haryana, then Kerala, then Maharashtra

Explanation

The southwest monsoon normally sets in over Kerala around 1 June and advances north-westwards, reaching Maharashtra and then the Indo-Gangetic plain including Haryana by late June or early July. Haryana receives the bulk of its rainfall from this advancing monsoon.

Question 15General Studies (History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science, Current Affairs)

The 'Sagarmala' programme of the Government of India is primarily concerned with which of the following?

  1. Desert afforestation
  2. Port-led development and coastal infrastructure Correct answer.
  3. Rural electrification
  4. Urban metro rail expansion

Explanation

Sagarmala is a national programme aimed at port-led development through port modernisation, connectivity enhancement, port-linked industrialisation and coastal community development. Haryana, though landlocked, participates through inland container depots and freight corridors linked to ports.

Question 16General Studies (History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science, Current Affairs)

Which of the following is a correct difference between a star and a planet as observed in the night sky?

  1. Stars twinkle because of atmospheric refraction while planets generally do not Correct answer.
  2. Planets are always larger than stars in physical size
  3. Stars have a fixed position relative to the horizon every night while planets move
  4. Planets emit their own light while stars reflect sunlight

Explanation

Stars appear to twinkle because their point-like light is refracted irregularly by the atmosphere, whereas planets subtend a small but finite disc whose averaged light is steadier. Stars produce their own light through nuclear fusion, while planets shine by reflected sunlight.

Question 17General Studies (History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science, Current Affairs)

Which of the following describes the correct relationship between the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers in the Indian parliamentary system?

  1. The Council of Ministers is individually responsible to the President
  2. The President appoints ministers without consulting the Prime Minister
  3. The Prime Minister is primus inter pares and allocates portfolios among ministers Correct answer.
  4. The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Rajya Sabha

Explanation

Article 74 provides that the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister aids and advises the President, and Article 75 makes the Council collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. Within that body the Prime Minister is first among equals and distributes portfolios.

Question 18General Studies (History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science, Current Affairs)

Which Haryana district is known for the Bhima Devi temple complex and the ancient mound of Thanesar associated with Harshavardhana?

  1. Kurukshetra Correct answer.
  2. Rewari
  3. Panchkula
  4. Jhajjar

Explanation

Thanesar, in Kurukshetra district, was the capital of Harshavardhana and contains the Bhima Devi temple complex with early medieval sculptures. The site is an important archaeological and heritage location in Haryana.

Question 19General Studies (History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science, Current Affairs)

In the context of India's fiscal federalism, which of the following is a correct statement about the Goods and Services Tax Council?

  1. It is a committee of the Rajya Sabha
  2. It is a statutory body chaired by the Union Finance Minister
  3. It is a constitutional body under Article 279A chaired by the Union Finance Minister Correct answer.
  4. It is chaired by the RBI Governor

Explanation

The GST Council was created by the 101st Constitutional Amendment, which inserted Article 279A, making it a constitutional body. It is chaired by the Union Finance Minister and includes the Union Minister of State for Finance and the finance ministers of the States and Union Territories with legislature.

Question 20General Studies (History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science, Current Affairs)

A farmer in Haryana wants to cultivate a crop that fixes atmospheric nitrogen through root nodules. Which of the following crop choices best fits this requirement?

  1. Sugarcane
  2. Maize
  3. Chickpea Correct answer.
  4. Mustard

Explanation

Chickpea is a legume and forms symbiotic associations with Rhizobium bacteria in root nodules, which fix atmospheric nitrogen and enrich the soil. This makes pulses such as chickpea valuable in crop rotations in Haryana's rabi season.

Question 21General Studies (History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science, Current Affairs)

Which of the following best explains why Haryana's groundwater table has declined sharply in districts such as Kurukshetra and Kaithal?

  1. A sudden increase in annual rainfall in these districts
  2. Replacement of tubewells by rainwater harvesting structures
  3. Excessive extraction for paddy irrigation exceeding natural recharge Correct answer.
  4. Prohibition of canal irrigation in the state

Explanation

Paddy cultivation requires large volumes of water, and in Haryana it is heavily supported by tubewell irrigation. Where extraction outpaces recharge, the water table falls; the state has responded with laws restricting paddy sowing in certain blocks and promoting crop diversification.

Question 22General Studies (History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science, Current Affairs)

The 'Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana' differs from its predecessor schemes mainly in which respect?

  1. It provides only life insurance to farmers
  2. It caps the premium paid by farmers at a low uniform share and covers both pre-sowing and post-harvest losses Correct answer.
  3. It replaces all state-level crop insurance entirely
  4. It covers only horticultural crops

Explanation

PMFBY introduced a uniform, capped farmer premium of 2 per cent for kharif food and oilseed crops, 1.5 per cent for rabi crops and 5 per cent for commercial and horticultural crops. It also widened coverage to include prevented sowing, standing crop losses and post-harvest losses.

Question 23General Studies (History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science, Current Affairs)

Which of the following correctly pairs a Haryana city with its principal industrial specialisation?

  1. Hisar with tea processing
  2. Gurugram with salt production
  3. Panipat with shipbuilding
  4. Faridabad with tractor and engineering goods manufacturing Correct answer.

Explanation

Faridabad is a major industrial town known for engineering goods, tractors and auto components, forming part of the National Capital Region industrial belt. Panipat is famous for textiles and handlooms, Gurugram for IT and automobiles, and Hisar for steel and agricultural industries.

Question 24General Studies (History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science, Current Affairs)

Consider an economy where the central bank raises the repo rate sharply. Which chain of effects is most consistent with standard monetary transmission?

  1. Borrowing costs fall, investment rises and inflation accelerates
  2. Government expenditure automatically increases to offset the change
  3. Borrowing costs rise, credit demand falls, aggregate demand moderates and inflation pressure eases Correct answer.
  4. The rupee depreciates immediately and exports collapse

Explanation

A repo rate hike raises the cost of bank funds, which is passed on to lending rates. Higher borrowing costs dampen credit demand and investment and consumption, moderating aggregate demand and eventually easing inflationary pressure.

Question 25General Studies (History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science, Current Affairs)

Which of the following is the correct order of the layers of the atmosphere from the Earth's surface upward?

  1. Troposphere, mesosphere, stratosphere, thermosphere
  2. Stratosphere, troposphere, thermosphere, mesosphere
  3. Troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere Correct answer.
  4. Mesosphere, troposphere, stratosphere, thermosphere

Explanation

The atmosphere is layered by temperature profile: the troposphere, where weather occurs, lies closest to the surface, followed by the stratosphere containing the ozone layer, then the mesosphere and the thermosphere. The exosphere lies beyond these principal layers.

Question 26General Studies (History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science, Current Affairs)

Which Article of the Indian Constitution provides for the establishment of a Finance Commission every fifth year or earlier?

  1. Article 324
  2. Article 356
  3. Article 263
  4. Article 280 Correct answer.

Explanation

Article 280 mandates the President to constitute a Finance Commission every five years or earlier to recommend distribution of tax proceeds between the Union and States. It is the constitutional basis for fiscal transfers in India.

Question 27General Studies (History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science, Current Affairs)

The Tropic of Cancer passes through which of the following states of India?

  1. Punjab
  2. Rajasthan Correct answer.
  3. Tamil Nadu
  4. Kerala

Explanation

The Tropic of Cancer (23°30'N) passes through eight Indian states, including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Tripura and Mizoram. It does not pass through Punjab, Kerala or Tamil Nadu.

Question 28General Studies (History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science, Current Affairs)

Which of the following is the correct chemical name for baking soda, commonly used in households?

  1. Sodium bicarbonate Correct answer.
  2. Calcium carbonate
  3. Sodium carbonate
  4. Sodium chloride

Explanation

Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), a mild alkaline compound that releases carbon dioxide when heated or mixed with acid. Sodium carbonate is washing soda, calcium carbonate is limestone, and sodium chloride is common salt.

Question 29General Studies (History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science, Current Affairs)

Which of the following is the primary objective of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS)?

  1. Providing crop insurance to farmers
  2. Providing old-age pensions to rural workers
  3. Providing subsidised food grains to the poor
  4. Providing guaranteed wage employment in rural areas Correct answer.

Explanation

MGNREGS, enacted in 2005, guarantees at least 100 days of unskilled wage employment per rural household in a financial year. It is a demand-driven programme aimed at enhancing livelihood security in rural areas.

Question 30General Studies (History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science, Current Affairs)

Which of the following is the largest gland in the human body?

  1. Thyroid
  2. Pancreas
  3. Liver Correct answer.
  4. Salivary gland

Explanation

The liver is the largest gland in the human body, weighing about 1.5 kg in adults. It performs multiple functions including bile secretion, detoxification and storage of glycogen.

Question 31General Studies (History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science, Current Affairs)

Which of the following pairs correctly matches a Haryana city with its well-known industrial activity?

  1. Panipat – Cement manufacturing
  2. Rohtak – Oil refining
  3. Hisar – Shipbuilding
  4. Gurugram – Information technology and business process outsourcing Correct answer.

Explanation

Gurugram has emerged as a major hub for information technology, business process outsourcing and corporate offices. Panipat is known for textiles and handlooms, Hisar for steel and agricultural implements, and Rohtak for education and light engineering.

Question 32General Studies (History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science, Current Affairs)

The Battle of Plassey (1757) was fought between the British East India Company and which Indian ruler?

  1. Mir Jafar
  2. Hyder Ali
  3. Siraj-ud-Daulah Correct answer.
  4. Shah Alam II

Explanation

The Battle of Plassey was fought in 1757 between the British East India Company under Robert Clive and Siraj-ud-Daulah, the Nawab of Bengal. The Company's victory established its political power in Bengal.

Question 33General Studies (History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science, Current Affairs)

Which of the following is the correct sequence of the layers of the atmosphere from the Earth's surface upward?

  1. Troposphere, Stratosphere, Thermosphere, Mesosphere
  2. Stratosphere, Troposphere, Mesosphere, Thermosphere
  3. Troposphere, Stratosphere, Mesosphere, Thermosphere Correct answer.
  4. Troposphere, Mesosphere, Stratosphere, Thermosphere

Explanation

The atmosphere is divided into layers based on temperature variation: troposphere (0–12 km), stratosphere (12–50 km), mesosphere (50–85 km) and thermosphere (above 85 km). This order is standard in physical geography.

Question 34General Studies (History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science, Current Affairs)

Which of the following writs is issued by a court to a public authority to perform a duty that it is legally obligated to perform but has failed to do?

  1. Certiorari
  2. Mandamus Correct answer.
  3. Quo Warranto
  4. Habeas Corpus

Explanation

A writ of mandamus is a command from a court to a public authority to perform a public duty that it has refused or failed to perform. It is available under Article 32 and Article 226 of the Constitution.

Question 35General Studies (History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science, Current Affairs)

In the context of the Indian economy, which of the following best describes 'inflation targeting' as adopted by the Reserve Bank of India?

  1. Fixing the exchange rate of the rupee against the US dollar
  2. Setting a ceiling on the fiscal deficit of the central government
  3. Maintaining a specified range for the consumer price index-based inflation rate Correct answer.
  4. Regulating the minimum support prices for agricultural crops

Explanation

Inflation targeting is a monetary policy framework in which the central bank commits to a specific inflation target, in India's case a CPI-based inflation rate of 4% with a tolerance band of ±2%. It was formally adopted in 2016 through amendments to the RBI Act.

Question 36General Studies (History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science, Current Affairs)

Which of the following best explains why the western disturbances bring winter rainfall to Haryana?

  1. They are extra-tropical cyclones originating in the Mediterranean region that travel eastwards Correct answer.
  2. They are local convective currents generated by the Aravalli range
  3. They are monsoon depressions formed in the Bay of Bengal that move north-westwards
  4. They are remnants of the retreating south-west monsoon

Explanation

Western disturbances are extra-tropical cyclones that originate over the Mediterranean and Caspian Sea regions and move eastwards across Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan to northern India. They cause light to moderate winter rain in Haryana and Punjab, which is beneficial for rabi crops.

Question 37General Studies (History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science, Current Affairs)

Which of the following is the correct order of the stages of mitosis?

  1. Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase Correct answer.
  2. Prophase, Anaphase, Metaphase, Telophase
  3. Prophase, Telophase, Anaphase, Metaphase
  4. Metaphase, Prophase, Anaphase, Telophase

Explanation

Mitosis proceeds through prophase (chromosomes condense), metaphase (chromosomes align at the equator), anaphase (sister chromatids separate) and telophase (nuclear envelope reforms). This sequence is fundamental to cell division.

Question 38General Studies (History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science, Current Affairs)

Which of the following Indian rulers is credited with building the Grand Trunk Road's precursor route across northern India?

  1. Ashoka
  2. Sher Shah Suri Correct answer.
  3. Harshavardhana
  4. Akbar

Explanation

Sher Shah Suri, who ruled from 1540 to 1545, is credited with building the Sadak-e-Azam, a major road connecting Bengal to the Punjab region, which was later extended and renamed the Grand Trunk Road. It facilitated trade and administration across northern India.

Question 39General Studies (History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science, Current Affairs)

Which of the following is a correct statement about the 'basic structure' doctrine in Indian constitutional law?

  1. The doctrine is explicitly mentioned in Article 368
  2. Parliament can amend any part of the Constitution without judicial review
  3. Parliament cannot amend the Constitution in a way that destroys its essential features Correct answer.
  4. The doctrine applies only to fundamental rights, not to other constitutional provisions

Explanation

The basic structure doctrine, established in Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973), holds that Parliament's amending power under Article 368 is subject to the condition that it cannot alter or destroy the essential features of the Constitution. These features include supremacy of the Constitution, secularism, federalism and judicial review.

Question 40General Studies (History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science, Current Affairs)

Which of the following best explains why the Green Revolution in Haryana led to a decline in crop diversity?

  1. Farmers were legally prohibited from growing other crops
  2. The package of high-yielding seeds, fertilisers and irrigation was promoted mainly for wheat and rice Correct answer.
  3. The government fixed higher procurement prices for all crops equally
  4. Traditional crops required more irrigation than wheat and rice

Explanation

The Green Revolution strategy focused on a few high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice, supported by assured procurement and subsidies. This incentivised farmers to allocate more area to these crops, reducing the cultivation of pulses, millets and oilseeds.

Question 41General Studies (History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science, Current Affairs)

Under the Constitution of India, which of the following is a correct statement about the office of the Governor of a State?

  1. The Governor is appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
  2. The Governor is appointed by the President and holds office during the pleasure of the President Correct answer.
  3. The Governor is elected by an electoral college of Members of Parliament and State Legislators
  4. The Governor is elected by the members of the State Legislative Assembly

Explanation

Article 155 provides that the Governor of a State is appointed by the President, and Article 156 states that the Governor holds office during the pleasure of the President. There is no election for the office of Governor.

Question 42General Studies (History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science, Current Affairs)

Which of the following is the primary reason for the occurrence of the 'Kal Baisakhi' thunderstorms in Haryana and adjoining regions?

  1. Cold air advection from the Himalayas during winter
  2. Retreat of the south-west monsoon and associated cyclonic circulation
  3. Intense heating of the land surface leading to convective instability in the pre-monsoon season Correct answer.
  4. Advance of the south-west monsoon current over the region

Explanation

Kal Baisakhi are pre-monsoon thunderstorms that occur in April and May due to intense surface heating, which creates strong convective instability. They bring sharp showers and are locally beneficial for agriculture.

Question 43General Studies (History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science, Current Affairs)

Which of the following is the correct order of the stages of the Indian monsoon's onset over Haryana?

  1. Maharashtra coast, Kerala coast, Haryana, central India
  2. Kerala coast, Maharashtra coast, central India, Haryana Correct answer.
  3. Haryana, central India, Maharashtra coast, Kerala coast
  4. Kerala coast, Haryana, Maharashtra coast, central India

Explanation

The south-west monsoon normally arrives over the Kerala coast around 1 June, advances along the west coast and central India, and reaches Haryana by late June or early July. This sequence reflects the northward progression of the monsoon trough.

Question 44General Studies (History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science, Current Affairs)

Which of the following is a correct statement about the 'Repo Rate' and 'Reverse Repo Rate' in India's monetary policy?

  1. Both rates are fixed by the Ministry of Finance
  2. Repo rate is the rate at which banks lend to RBI; reverse repo is the rate at which RBI lends to banks
  3. Repo rate is always lower than the reverse repo rate
  4. Repo rate is the rate at which RBI lends to banks; reverse repo is the rate at which RBI absorbs liquidity Correct answer.

Explanation

The repo rate is the rate at which the Reserve Bank of India lends short-term funds to commercial banks against government securities. The reverse repo rate is the rate at which the RBI absorbs surplus liquidity from banks.

Question 45General Studies (History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science, Current Affairs)

In the human body, which of the following is the primary function of the alveoli in the lungs?

  1. Secretion of digestive enzymes
  2. Filtration of urea from the blood
  3. Production of red blood cells
  4. Exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between air and blood Correct answer.

Explanation

Alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs where gaseous exchange occurs. Oxygen diffuses into the blood capillaries and carbon dioxide diffuses out, facilitated by a thin, moist membrane and a rich blood supply.

Question 46General Studies (History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science, Current Affairs)

Which of the following best explains why Haryana's groundwater table has declined in many parts of the state?

  1. The construction of canals has reduced seepage into aquifers
  2. A decrease in the use of tubewells has led to waterlogging
  3. Excessive rainfall has caused the water table to rise and then fall rapidly
  4. Over-extraction for irrigation exceeds the rate of natural recharge Correct answer.

Explanation

Haryana's agriculture is highly dependent on tubewell irrigation, especially for water-intensive crops like rice and wheat. When extraction exceeds recharge, the water table declines, leading to falling groundwater levels in many blocks.

Question 47General Studies (History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science, Current Affairs)

Which of the following is the correct chronological order of the following events in Indian history? 1. Jallianwala Bagh massacre 2. Partition of Bengal 3. Dandi March 4. Quit India Movement

  1. 2, 3, 1, 4
  2. 3, 2, 1, 4
  3. 1, 2, 3, 4
  4. 2, 1, 3, 4 Correct answer.

Explanation

The Partition of Bengal occurred in 1905, the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919, the Dandi March in 1930 and the Quit India Movement in 1942. Thus the correct order is 2, 1, 3, 4.

Question 48General Studies (History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science, Current Affairs)

Consider a situation where the Reserve Bank of India increases the cash reserve ratio (CRR) significantly. Which of the following is the most likely immediate effect?

  1. Banks' capacity to create credit is reduced Correct answer.
  2. Inflationary pressure increases in the short run
  3. Banks' profits increase due to higher interest income
  4. The money supply in the economy expands

Explanation

An increase in CRR requires banks to hold a larger proportion of their deposits as cash reserves with the RBI, reducing the funds available for lending. This contractionary measure lowers the money multiplier and curbs credit creation.

Question 49General Studies (History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science, Current Affairs)

Which of the following is a correct statement about the jurisdiction of the High Court of Punjab and Haryana?

  1. It has original jurisdiction over disputes between the Government of Punjab and Haryana Correct answer.
  2. It has exclusive jurisdiction over all matters arising under the Constitution in both states
  3. It is the highest court of appeal for both states and exercises writ jurisdiction under Article 226
  4. It can hear appeals only in criminal matters from both states

Explanation

The High Court of Punjab and Haryana, located in Chandigarh, serves as the common high court for both states. It exercises original, appellate and writ jurisdiction, including under Article 226, and hears a wide range of civil and criminal matters.

Question 50General Studies (History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science, Current Affairs)

Which of the following best explains why the Aravalli range is considered a significant geographical feature for Haryana's climate?

  1. It prevents the entry of western disturbances into the state
  2. It acts as a barrier to the southwest monsoon and influences rainfall distribution Correct answer.
  3. It is the source of all major rivers in Haryana
  4. It causes the formation of the Thar Desert in Haryana

Explanation

The Aravalli range runs through southern Haryana and acts as an orographic barrier that influences the direction and amount of monsoon rainfall. Its presence affects local climate and drainage patterns.