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JSSC CGL practice questions

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Question 1General Studies (History, Geography, Polity, Economics, General Science)

The Indian Constitution borrowed the concept of the Directive Principles of State Policy from the constitution of which country?

  1. United States
  2. Australia
  3. Ireland Correct answer.
  4. Canada

Explanation

The Directive Principles of State Policy were inspired by the Irish Constitution, which itself drew on the Spanish model. Part IV of the Indian Constitution contains these non-justiciable guidelines for state policy. The framers adapted them to suit Indian social and economic conditions.

Question 2General Studies (History, Geography, Polity, Economics, General Science)

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

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

Explanation

The Tropic of Cancer at roughly 23.5 degrees north passes through eight Indian states, including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram. Kerala and Tamil Nadu lie entirely south of this latitude. Karnataka also lies south of the Tropic of Cancer.

Question 3General Studies (History, Geography, Polity, Economics, General Science)

Which Mughal emperor is credited with building the Buland Darwaza at Fatehpur Sikri?

  1. Akbar Correct answer.
  2. Aurangzeb
  3. Humayun
  4. Shah Jahan

Explanation

Akbar built the Buland Darwaza around 1575 to commemorate his conquest of Gujarat. It forms the monumental southern gateway of the Jama Masjid at Fatehpur Sikri. It is regarded as one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture.

Question 4General Studies (History, Geography, Polity, Economics, General Science)

Which fundamental right is described in the Constitution as the 'heart and soul' of the Constitution by Dr B. R. Ambedkar?

  1. Right to Freedom
  2. Right against Exploitation
  3. Right to Constitutional Remedies Correct answer.
  4. Right to Equality

Explanation

Dr Ambedkar called Article 32, the Right to Constitutional Remedies, the heart and soul of the Constitution. It allows citizens to move the Supreme Court directly for enforcement of fundamental rights. Without this remedy, the other rights would be ineffective.

Question 5General Studies (History, Geography, Polity, Economics, General Science)

Which of the following is a Kharif crop in Indian agriculture?

  1. Rice Correct answer.
  2. Wheat
  3. Barley
  4. Mustard

Explanation

Kharif crops are sown with the onset of the monsoon and harvested in autumn. Rice, maize, jowar, bajra and cotton are typical Kharif crops. Wheat, mustard and barley are Rabi crops grown in the winter season.

Question 6General Studies (History, Geography, Polity, Economics, General Science)

The chemical name of common table salt is:

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

Explanation

Table salt is sodium chloride, formed from the ionic bonding of sodium and chlorine. Sodium bicarbonate is baking soda and calcium carbonate is chalk or limestone. Potassium nitrate is saltpetre used in gunpowder and fertilisers.

Question 7General Studies (History, Geography, Polity, Economics, General Science)

Which body in India decides the repo rate under the current monetary policy framework?

  1. The Union Finance Ministry
  2. The Securities and Exchange Board of India
  3. The Monetary Policy Committee of the RBI Correct answer.
  4. NITI Aayog

Explanation

The Monetary Policy Committee, a six-member body chaired by the RBI Governor, sets the repo rate to target inflation. It was constituted in 2016 under the amended RBI Act. The Finance Ministry, SEBI and NITI Aayog have no role in setting the repo rate.

Question 8General Studies (History, Geography, Polity, Economics, General Science)

The 'Doctrine of Lapse' was used by the British to annex Indian princely states during the tenure of which Governor-General?

  1. Lord Cornwallis
  2. Lord Wellesley
  3. Lord William Bentinck
  4. Lord Dalhousie Correct answer.

Explanation

Lord Dalhousie, Governor-General from 1848 to 1856, applied the Doctrine of Lapse to annex states such as Satara, Jhansi and Nagpur. Under this policy, states without a natural heir lapsed to the British. Dalhousie's annexations were a major cause of resentment before 1857.

Question 9General Studies (History, Geography, Polity, Economics, General Science)

The Indian Standard Meridian of 82 degrees 30 minutes east passes through which state?

  1. Madhya Pradesh Correct answer.
  2. Bihar
  3. Odisha
  4. West Bengal

Explanation

The standard meridian of India, 82 degrees 30 minutes east, passes through Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh and also through Madhya Pradesh. It determines Indian Standard Time, which is 5 hours 30 minutes ahead of GMT. Bihar, Odisha and West Bengal lie east of this meridian.

Question 10General Studies (History, Geography, Polity, Economics, General Science)

Which writ is issued by a court to a public authority that has failed to perform a duty imposed on it by law?

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

Explanation

A writ of mandamus commands a public authority to perform a legal duty it has neglected. Habeas corpus protects against unlawful detention, while certiorari quashes an order of a lower court. Quo warranto questions a person's authority to hold a public office.

Question 11General Studies (History, Geography, Polity, Economics, General Science)

Which soil type, rich in iron and aluminium, is typically found in the high-rainfall regions of the Western Ghats and is poor in nitrogen and phosphate?

  1. Laterite soil Correct answer.
  2. Arid soil
  3. Alluvial soil
  4. Black soil

Explanation

Laterite soil forms under heavy rainfall and high temperature through intense leaching, which removes silica and leaves iron and aluminium oxides. It is acidic and deficient in nitrogen and phosphate. Alluvial soil is fertile, black soil is clay-rich, and arid soil is sandy and saline.

Question 12General Studies (History, Geography, Polity, Economics, General Science)

The Reserve Bank of India was nationalised in which year?

  1. 1955
  2. 1949 Correct answer.
  3. 1947
  4. 1935

Explanation

The RBI was established in 1935 as a private shareholders' bank and was nationalised on 1 January 1949. Nationalisation brought it fully under state ownership. India's independence in 1947 preceded this step.

Question 13General Studies (History, Geography, Polity, Economics, General Science)

Which vitamin deficiency causes the disease beriberi?

  1. Vitamin A
  2. Vitamin B1 Correct answer.
  3. Vitamin D
  4. Vitamin C

Explanation

Beriberi results from a deficiency of thiamine, or vitamin B1, which is essential for carbohydrate metabolism and nerve function. The disease affects the nervous and cardiovascular systems. Vitamin A deficiency causes night blindness, while vitamin C causes scurvy and vitamin D causes rickets.

Question 14General Studies (History, Geography, Polity, Economics, General Science)

Which of the following is a classical language recognised by the Government of India?

  1. Marathi
  2. Hindi
  3. Tamil Correct answer.
  4. Bengali

Explanation

Tamil was the first language granted classical status in India, in 2004, because of its ancient literary tradition. Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Odia were added later. Hindi, Bengali and Marathi are not classified as classical languages.

Question 15General Studies (History, Geography, Polity, Economics, General Science)

A person is detained by the police without being informed of the grounds of arrest. Which fundamental right is most directly violated?

  1. Article 22 Correct answer.
  2. Article 21
  3. Article 20
  4. Article 19

Explanation

Article 22 guarantees protection against arrest and detention, including the right to be informed of the grounds of arrest and to consult a legal practitioner. Article 21 protects life and personal liberty more broadly, but Article 22 is the specific provision on arrest safeguards. Article 19 covers freedoms such as speech and assembly, and Article 20 protects against ex post facto laws and double jeopardy.

Question 16General Studies (History, Geography, Polity, Economics, General Science)

The Poona Pact of 1932 was signed between Mahatma Gandhi and which leader?

  1. Muhammad Ali Jinnah
  2. Subhas Chandra Bose
  3. Jawaharlal Nehru
  4. B. R. Ambedkar Correct answer.

Explanation

The Poona Pact was signed in September 1932 by Gandhi and Ambedkar after Gandhi's fast against separate electorates for the depressed classes. It replaced separate electorates with reserved seats in provincial legislatures. The agreement followed the Communal Award of 1932.

Question 17General Studies (History, Geography, Polity, Economics, General Science)

Which of the following is the largest source of electricity generation in India by installed capacity among renewable sources?

  1. Small hydro
  2. Wind power
  3. Biomass power
  4. Solar power Correct answer.

Explanation

Solar power has become the largest renewable source by installed capacity in India, surpassing wind in recent years as large solar parks were commissioned. Wind remains close behind but is now smaller than solar. Small hydro and biomass account for much smaller shares.

Question 18General Studies (History, Geography, Polity, Economics, General Science)

Which law states that the volume of a gas is directly proportional to its absolute temperature at constant pressure?

  1. Dalton's law
  2. Charles's law Correct answer.
  3. Boyle's law
  4. Avogadro's law

Explanation

Charles's law states that at constant pressure, the volume of a fixed mass of gas varies directly with absolute temperature. Boyle's law relates pressure and volume at constant temperature. Avogadro's law relates volume to the number of moles, and Dalton's law deals with partial pressures.

Question 19General Studies (History, Geography, Polity, Economics, General Science)

The 'Green Revolution' in India is most closely associated with which crop and scientist?

  1. Cotton and C. Subramaniam
  2. Wheat and Norman Borlaug Correct answer.
  3. Rice and M. S. Swaminathan
  4. Sugarcane and Verghese Kurien

Explanation

The Green Revolution in India was driven by high-yielding dwarf wheat varieties developed by Norman Borlaug and adapted by Indian scientists. It transformed wheat production, especially in Punjab and Haryana. M. S. Swaminathan was a key Indian leader of the programme but is often linked with rice and overall coordination.

Question 20General Studies (History, Geography, Polity, Economics, General Science)

Which Article of the Indian Constitution provides for the appointment of a Finance Commission?

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

Explanation

Article 280 provides for a Finance Commission, constituted every five years to recommend the distribution of taxes between the Union and states. Article 324 deals with the Election Commission, Article 356 with President's Rule, and Article 263 with the Inter-State Council.

Question 21General Studies (History, Geography, Polity, Economics, General Science)

The Deccan Plateau is bounded by which two hill ranges on its western and eastern edges respectively?

  1. Nilgiri and Anaimalai
  2. Satpura and Kaimur
  3. Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats Correct answer.
  4. Aravalli and Vindhya

Explanation

The Deccan Plateau is flanked by the Western Ghats on the west and the Eastern Ghats on the east. The Western Ghats are higher and continuous, while the Eastern Ghats are lower and broken by rivers. The Aravalli and Vindhya ranges lie further north and do not bound the Deccan.

Question 22General Studies (History, Geography, Polity, Economics, General Science)

Which of the following best explains why the Indian Constitution is described as a blend of rigidity and flexibility?

  1. Amendments can be made only by the Supreme Court
  2. Some provisions can be amended by a simple parliamentary majority while others require special majorities and state ratification Correct answer.
  3. All provisions require ratification by every state legislature
  4. All provisions can be amended by a simple majority of Parliament

Explanation

Article 368 provides different procedures for amendment: some articles can be changed by a simple majority, others require a special majority, and federal provisions also need ratification by half the states. This graded procedure gives the Constitution both flexibility and rigidity. A purely simple-majority or fully consensus-based process would not reflect this balance.

Question 23General Studies (History, Geography, Polity, Economics, General Science)

A country's nominal GDP rises by 10 percent while its GDP deflator rises by 6 percent. What is the approximate real GDP growth rate?

  1. 10 percent
  2. 16 percent
  3. 6 percent
  4. 4 percent Correct answer.

Explanation

Real GDP growth is approximately nominal growth minus inflation as measured by the deflator. Subtracting 6 percent from 10 percent gives about 4 percent real growth. Adding the two figures would overstate growth because part of the nominal rise is only a price effect.

Question 24General Studies (History, Geography, Polity, Economics, General Science)

Which of the following pairs correctly matches a Harappan site with its most distinctive archaeological feature?

  1. Kalibangan and a granary complex
  2. Dholavira and a bronze dancing girl figurine
  3. Mohenjo-daro and a ploughed field
  4. Lothal and a tidal dockyard Correct answer.

Explanation

Lothal in Gujarat is best known for its artificial dockyard, which indicates maritime trade with the Persian Gulf. Kalibangan is famous for a ploughed field and fire altars, while Dholavira is known for its water reservoirs and stadium. The bronze dancing girl was found at Mohenjo-daro.

Question 25General Studies (History, Geography, Polity, Economics, General Science)

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'fiscal drag'?

  1. The tendency of progressive taxes and welfare spending to slow economic growth as incomes rise Correct answer.
  2. The loss of purchasing power caused by inflation
  3. The crowding out of private investment by government borrowing
  4. A fall in government revenue caused by a recession

Explanation

Fiscal drag occurs when progressive taxation and income-linked welfare payments automatically slow the economy as incomes grow, because more income is taxed and benefits taper off. It acts as an automatic stabiliser but can restrain demand during expansions. Crowding out is a separate phenomenon involving government borrowing and interest rates.

Question 26General Studies (History, Geography, Polity, Economics, General Science)

Under the Indian Constitution, the power to declare a particular caste as a Scheduled Caste rests with which authority?

  1. The President of India by public notification Correct answer.
  2. The Governor of the concerned state
  3. The Parliament of India by law
  4. The Registrar General of India

Explanation

Article 341 empowers the President to specify the castes, races or tribes deemed Scheduled Castes in relation to a state or union territory through public notification. Parliament can only include or exclude entries from that list by law and cannot alter it independently. State governors have no role in the initial declaration.

Question 27General Studies (History, Geography, Polity, Economics, General Science)

Which atmospheric layer contains the ozone layer that absorbs most of the Sun's ultraviolet radiation?

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

Explanation

The ozone layer lies mainly in the stratosphere, roughly 15 to 35 km above the surface, where ozone molecules absorb harmful ultraviolet radiation. This absorption also warms the stratosphere and creates the temperature inversion that stabilises the layer. The troposphere holds most weather, while the mesosphere and thermosphere lie above the ozone shield.

Question 28General Studies (History, Geography, Polity, Economics, General Science)

The Battle of Plassey in 1757 was fought between the forces of the British East India Company and which Nawab of Bengal?

  1. Siraj-ud-Daulah Correct answer.
  2. Alivardi Khan
  3. Murshid Quli Khan
  4. Mir Qasim

Explanation

Robert Clive defeated Siraj-ud-Daulah at Plassey in 1757, a victory that established Company political power in Bengal. Mir Qasim was installed later and fought at Buxar in 1764. Alivardi Khan and Murshid Quli Khan were earlier Nawabs who did not face the Company at Plassey.

Question 29General Studies (History, Geography, Polity, Economics, General Science)

Which type of unemployment describes a situation where workers are employed for fewer hours or in jobs below their skill level, so that their full productive capacity is not used?

  1. Disguised unemployment Correct answer.
  2. Seasonal unemployment
  3. Frictional unemployment
  4. Structural unemployment

Explanation

Disguised unemployment occurs when more people are engaged in work than are actually needed, so marginal productivity of extra workers is near zero or their skills are underused. It is common in Indian agriculture, where family labour exceeds actual requirement. Seasonal, structural and frictional unemployment refer to timing, skill mismatch and job-search respectively.

Question 30General Studies (History, Geography, Polity, Economics, General Science)

Which of the following is the correct sequence of stages in the human digestive process as food moves through the alimentary canal?

  1. Oesophagus, stomach, duodenum, ileum, colon Correct answer.
  2. Duodenum, stomach, ileum, oesophagus, colon
  3. Oesophagus, duodenum, stomach, ileum, colon
  4. Stomach, oesophagus, duodenum, colon, ileum

Explanation

Food passes from the mouth down the oesophagus into the stomach, then into the small intestine's first section, the duodenum, followed by the ileum and finally the large intestine or colon. The order matters because most chemical digestion and nutrient absorption occur in the small intestine after gastric processing. Any sequence placing the duodenum before the stomach is anatomically impossible.

Question 31General Studies (History, Geography, Polity, Economics, General Science)

Which of the following is the primary function of the Election Commission of India with respect to political parties?

  1. It allocates party symbols after each general election to the ruling party
  2. It decides the internal leadership of registered political parties
  3. It adjudicates criminal cases against candidates
  4. It registers political parties and grants recognition as state or national parties Correct answer.

Explanation

The Election Commission registers political parties under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and grants recognition as state or national parties based on electoral performance. It also allots symbols to candidates and parties. It does not decide party leadership, favour a ruling party, or try criminal cases.

Question 32General Studies (History, Geography, Polity, Economics, General Science)

Which of the following best explains why the monsoon winds reverse direction between summer and winter over the Indian subcontinent?

  1. The seasonal shift of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone combined with differential heating of land and sea Correct answer.
  2. The permanent position of the subtropical high over the Himalayas
  3. The Coriolis force acting alone on the trade winds
  4. The annual migration of the jet stream over the Indian Ocean

Explanation

In summer the ITCZ shifts north and intense heating of the land creates a low-pressure area, drawing moist south-westerly winds from the ocean. In winter the ITCZ moves south and high pressure over the cooler land drives dry north-easterly winds. The reversal therefore results from seasonal heating contrasts and the migration of the convergence zone, modified by the Coriolis force.

Question 33General Studies (History, Geography, Polity, Economics, General Science)

Which Mughal emperor is credited with building the Buland Darwaza at Fatehpur Sikri to commemorate a military victory?

  1. Shah Jahan
  2. Babur
  3. Humayun
  4. Akbar Correct answer.

Explanation

Akbar built the Buland Darwaza around 1575 to mark his conquest of Gujarat. It forms the monumental southern entrance to the Jama Masjid at Fatehpur Sikri. Babur and Humayun ruled earlier and did not build at Fatehpur Sikri, while Shah Jahan's major works include the Taj Mahal.

Question 34General Studies (History, Geography, Polity, Economics, General Science)

Which of the following statements about the Fundamental Duties in the Indian Constitution is correct?

  1. They apply only to citizens holding public office
  2. They were added by the 42nd Amendment on the recommendation of the Swaran Singh Committee Correct answer.
  3. They were part of the Constitution as originally adopted in 1950
  4. They are enforceable directly by writ in the Supreme Court

Explanation

Fundamental Duties were inserted by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976 on the recommendation of the Swaran Singh Committee, which drew on the earlier Sarkaria Commission suggestion. They are listed in Article 51A and are non-justiciable, meaning courts cannot enforce them directly. They apply to all citizens, not only public office holders.

Question 35General Studies (History, Geography, Polity, Economics, General Science)

Which of the following is the correct relation between the money multiplier and the reserve deposit ratio in a simple banking system?

  1. Money multiplier is independent of the reserve deposit ratio
  2. Money multiplier equals one minus the reserve deposit ratio
  3. Money multiplier equals one divided by the reserve deposit ratio Correct answer.
  4. Money multiplier equals the reserve deposit ratio

Explanation

In the simple credit-creation model, the money multiplier is the reciprocal of the reserve deposit ratio, so a lower ratio allows a larger expansion of deposits from each unit of reserves. If banks must hold 20 percent as reserves, the multiplier is five. The relationship is inverse, not additive or independent.

Question 36General Studies (History, Geography, Polity, Economics, General Science)

A solution has a hydrogen ion concentration of 1 x 10^-4 moles per litre. What is its pH and nature?

  1. pH 10, basic
  2. pH 4, acidic Correct answer.
  3. pH 14, neutral
  4. pH 4, basic

Explanation

pH is the negative logarithm of hydrogen ion concentration, so pH equals 4 for a concentration of 10^-4 moles per litre. A pH below 7 indicates an acidic solution at standard temperature. A pH of 10 would correspond to a hydrogen ion concentration of 10^-10.

Question 37General Studies (History, Geography, Polity, Economics, General Science)

Which of the following is a key feature of the Goods and Services Tax introduced in India in 2017?

  1. It is levied only by the Union government on manufacturing
  2. It is applied uniformly at a single rate on all items
  3. It replaces direct taxes such as income tax
  4. It is a destination-based value added tax on supply of goods and services Correct answer.

Explanation

GST is a destination-based indirect tax levied on the supply of goods and services, with input tax credit available along the chain. It is administered jointly by the Centre and states through the GST Council and has multiple slabs rather than one uniform rate. It replaced several indirect taxes but did not replace direct taxes like income tax.

Question 38General Studies (History, Geography, Polity, Economics, General Science)

Which of the following pairs correctly matches an Indian river with the sea or gulf into which it drains?

  1. Narmada - Bay of Bengal
  2. Krishna - Bay of Bengal Correct answer.
  3. Mahanadi - Arabian Sea
  4. Godavari - Arabian Sea

Explanation

The Krishna rises in the Western Ghats and flows east across the Deccan to empty into the Bay of Bengal. The Godavari also drains into the Bay of Bengal, not the Arabian Sea. The Narmada flows west through a rift valley into the Arabian Sea, and the Mahanadi drains into the Bay of Bengal.

Question 39General Studies (History, Geography, Polity, Economics, General Science)

Which of the following describes the doctrine of basic structure as applied by the Supreme Court of India?

  1. Fundamental Rights can be suspended by Parliament during a national emergency
  2. The Preamble can be amended only by a unanimous vote of Parliament
  3. Parliament cannot amend features so fundamental that they destroy the Constitution's identity Correct answer.
  4. State legislatures may amend the Constitution with the President's prior approval

Explanation

In the Kesavananda Bharati case of 1973 the Supreme Court held that Parliament's amending power under Article 368 cannot be used to damage or destroy the basic structure of the Constitution. Features such as supremacy of the Constitution, secularism and judicial review are treated as part of that structure. The doctrine limits amendment, it does not create new amending procedures for states.

Question 40General Studies (History, Geography, Polity, Economics, General Science)

Which of the following is the main reason why the western coast of India receives heavy rainfall while the interior Deccan receives much less during the south-west monsoon?

  1. The Deccan Plateau lies closer to the Equator than the coast
  2. The Western Ghats force moist winds to rise, causing orographic rainfall on the windward side Correct answer.
  3. The interior receives rainfall only from western disturbances
  4. The Arabian Sea is warmer than the Bay of Bengal throughout the year

Explanation

Moist south-westerly monsoon winds strike the Western Ghats and are forced to ascend, cooling and condensing to give heavy orographic rain on the windward slopes. The leeward interior lies in a rain-shadow and receives far less rain. Distance from the Equator, sea temperature differences and western disturbances do not explain this contrast.

Question 41General Studies (History, Geography, Polity, Economics, General Science)

Which of the following was a major recommendation of the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms of 1919?

  1. Introduction of dyarchy in the provinces, dividing subjects into transferred and reserved lists Correct answer.
  2. Introduction of separate electorates only for women
  3. Immediate grant of dominion status to India
  4. Abolition of the office of the Viceroy

Explanation

The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, enacted as the Government of India Act 1919, introduced dyarchy in the provinces, splitting provincial subjects into transferred subjects administered by Indian ministers and reserved subjects retained by the governor. They also expanded legislative councils. They did not grant dominion status, abolish the Viceroy's office, or create women-only electorates.

Question 42General Studies (History, Geography, Polity, Economics, General Science)

Which of the following is the correct order of the taxonomic hierarchy from the broadest to the narrowest category?

  1. Phylum, kingdom, order, class, family, species, genus
  2. Kingdom, class, phylum, family, order, genus, species
  3. Species, genus, family, order, class, phylum, kingdom
  4. Kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, species Correct answer.

Explanation

The standard Linnaean hierarchy runs from kingdom down through phylum, class, order, family, genus and species. Each successive level contains fewer organisms with more shared specific characteristics. Reversing the order or swapping class and phylum breaks the accepted sequence.

Question 43General Studies (History, Geography, Polity, Economics, General Science)

A farmer grows a leguminous crop in rotation with a cereal. Which of the following best explains the agronomic benefit of this practice?

  1. The legume raises soil pH to strongly alkaline levels
  2. Rhizobium bacteria in root nodules fix atmospheric nitrogen, enriching soil fertility Correct answer.
  3. The legume absorbs excess phosphorus and stores it permanently
  4. The legume secretes antibiotics that kill all soil pests

Explanation

Legumes form symbiotic associations with Rhizobium bacteria in root nodules, which convert atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms and add nitrogen to the soil. This reduces the need for nitrogenous fertiliser for the following cereal crop. Legumes do not sterilise soil with antibiotics, make it strongly alkaline, or permanently lock away phosphorus.

Question 44General Studies (History, Geography, Polity, Economics, General Science)

Which of the following correctly describes the role of the Finance Ministry's Department of Expenditure in the union budget process?

  1. It appoints judges to the Supreme Court
  2. It conducts the decadal census of population
  3. It scrutinises and approves expenditure proposals of ministries before budget allocation Correct answer.
  4. It fixes the repo rate for the banking system

Explanation

The Department of Expenditure within the Finance Ministry examines and vets spending proposals from various ministries and helps determine budget allocations. Monetary policy, including the repo rate, is handled by the RBI's Monetary Policy Committee. Census operations and judicial appointments fall under other authorities.

Question 45General Studies (History, Geography, Polity, Economics, General Science)

Which of the following best explains why a lunar eclipse can occur only at full moon?

  1. At full moon the Moon's orbital plane is exactly aligned with the ecliptic
  2. At full moon the Earth lies between the Sun and the Moon, allowing Earth's shadow to fall on the Moon Correct answer.
  3. At full moon the Earth's atmosphere bends sunlight away from the Moon entirely
  4. At full moon the Moon lies between the Earth and the Sun

Explanation

A lunar eclipse happens when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow on the Moon, and this geometry is possible only near full moon. The Moon's orbit is tilted about five degrees to the ecliptic, so eclipses occur only when the alignment is close to a node. The new-moon arrangement produces solar, not lunar, eclipses.

Question 46General Studies (History, Geography, Polity, Economics, General Science)

Which of the following was the main objective of the Permanent Settlement introduced by Lord Cornwallis in Bengal in 1793?

  1. To fix land revenue permanently with zamindars as recognised proprietors of the land Correct answer.
  2. To abolish the zamindari system and give land to cultivators
  3. To replace cash revenue with payment entirely in kind
  4. To introduce a ryotwari system directly with individual peasants

Explanation

The Permanent Settlement fixed the land revenue demand in perpetuity and recognised zamindars as proprietors responsible for collection, aiming to create a loyal, improving class of landlords and stable revenue. It did not abolish zamindari or deal directly with peasants, which was the basis of the later ryotwari system. Revenue was assessed and paid in cash.

Question 47General Studies (History, Geography, Polity, Economics, General Science)

Which of the following is the correct explanation for the occurrence of day and night on Earth?

  1. Earth revolves around the Sun once in about 365 days
  2. Earth rotates on its axis once in about 24 hours Correct answer.
  3. The Moon revolves around the Earth
  4. Earth's axis is tilted at about 23.5 degrees

Explanation

Day and night arise because the Earth spins on its axis, so different longitudes face the Sun at different times, completing one rotation in roughly 24 hours. Revolution around the Sun causes the year and, combined with axial tilt, the seasons. Axial tilt and lunar revolution do not produce the daily alternation of light and dark.

Question 48General Studies (History, Geography, Polity, Economics, General Science)

Which of the following is the correct statement about the composition of India's foreign exchange reserves as published by the Reserve Bank of India?

  1. They are limited to India's quota subscription to the World Bank
  2. They include foreign currency assets, gold, special drawing rights and the reserve tranche position with the IMF Correct answer.
  3. They consist solely of gold bullion held in RBI vaults
  4. They include only foreign currency notes held by commercial banks

Explanation

India's foreign exchange reserves comprise foreign currency assets, gold, special drawing rights and the reserve tranche position with the International Monetary Fund. Foreign currency assets form the largest component and are held mainly in securities and deposits abroad. The reserves are not confined to gold, commercial bank notes, or a World Bank quota.

Question 49General Studies (History, Geography, Polity, Economics, General Science)

A patient suffering from prolonged vomiting loses large amounts of stomach acid. Which of the following acid-base disturbances is most likely to develop?

  1. Metabolic alkalosis Correct answer.
  2. Respiratory acidosis
  3. Respiratory alkalosis
  4. Metabolic acidosis

Explanation

Loss of gastric hydrochloric acid through vomiting removes hydrogen and chloride ions, leaving bicarbonate relatively elevated and producing metabolic alkalosis. Respiratory disturbances arise from changes in ventilation rather than from gastrointestinal loss. Metabolic acidosis would result from loss of bicarbonate or accumulation of acids.

Question 50General Studies (History, Geography, Polity, Economics, General Science)

Which of the following is the primary constitutional source of the President of India's power to promulgate ordinances?

  1. Article 368
  2. Article 356
  3. Article 123 Correct answer.
  4. Article 352

Explanation

Article 123 empowers the President to promulgate ordinances when both Houses of Parliament are not in session, provided immediate action is necessary. Such ordinances must be laid before Parliament and cease to operate unless approved within the prescribed period. Articles 352 and 356 deal with emergencies, and Article 368 with constitutional amendment.