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BPSC Screening Test practice questions

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

The Bihar Diwas is celebrated every year on which date, marking the formation of the state in 1912?

  1. 1 April
  2. 15 November
  3. 22 March Correct answer.
  4. 2 October

Explanation

Bihar was carved out of the Bengal Presidency on 22 March 1912 during the viceroyalty of Lord Hardinge, and the state government has observed Bihar Diwas on that date since 2010. The other dates mark unrelated national or historical events and have no connection to Bihar's formation.

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

Which Article of the Constitution of India provides for the appointment of a Governor for each state?

  1. Article 163
  2. Article 161
  3. Article 155
  4. Article 153 Correct answer.

Explanation

Article 153 states that there shall be a Governor for each state, and the same article permits one person to be appointed Governor for two or more states through a 1956 amendment. Articles 155, 161 and 163 deal with appointment, pardoning power and the Governor's discretion respectively.

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

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

  1. Muzaffarpur
  2. Purnia
  3. None of these districts Correct answer.
  4. Bhagalpur

Explanation

Present-day Bihar lies entirely north of the Tropic of Cancer. Its southern boundary is about 24°20′ N, while the tropic is near 23.44° N. Therefore, none of the listed Bihar districts is crossed by the tropic.

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

The Champaran Satyagraha of 1917 was primarily directed against which system?

  1. The ryotwari land tenure
  2. The tinkathia system of indigo cultivation Correct answer.
  3. The zamindari system of permanent settlement
  4. The mahalwari revenue settlement

Explanation

Gandhi's first major Indian satyagraha in Champaran opposed the tinkathia system, under which European indigo planters forced tenants to grow indigo on three-twentieths of their land. The other options describe revenue systems associated with Bengal, the North-Western Provinces and Madras respectively.

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

Which body in Bihar prepares the state's annual budget and presents it before the State Legislature?

  1. The Bihar Public Service Commission
  2. The Accountant General of Bihar
  3. The Bihar Legislative Council Secretariat
  4. The State Finance Department under the Council of Ministers Correct answer.

Explanation

The annual financial statement for a state is prepared by the finance department under the Council of Ministers and laid before the legislature, as required by Article 202. The BPSC, the Accountant General and the Council secretariat have no role in formulating the budget.

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

The Kosi river is popularly known in Bihar by which name because of its frequent course changes?

  1. Sorrow of Bengal
  2. Ganga of the South
  3. Sorrow of Bihar Correct answer.
  4. Lifeline of Mithila

Explanation

The Kosi shifts its channel over wide stretches of the north Bihar plain and causes recurrent floods, earning the name Sorrow of Bihar. The Damodar is called the Sorrow of Bengal, and the other labels do not describe the Kosi.

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

Which of these is a direct tax in India?

  1. Customs duty
  2. Income tax Correct answer.
  3. Excise duty on petroleum products
  4. Goods and Services Tax

Explanation

A direct tax is levied on income or wealth and its burden cannot be shifted, as with income tax. GST, customs duty and excise duty are indirect taxes collected on transactions and passed on to consumers.

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

The Reserve Bank of India primarily controls inflation through which set of instruments?

  1. Fiscal deficit targets and subsidies
  2. Repo rate, reverse repo rate and cash reserve ratio Correct answer.
  3. Direct benefit transfers and employment guarantees
  4. Public distribution quotas and minimum support prices

Explanation

The RBI conducts monetary policy using policy rates such as the repo and reverse repo rate along with reserve requirements like the CRR and SLR. The other options are fiscal tools of the government, not instruments of monetary policy.

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

Which vitamin deficiency causes the disease beriberi?

  1. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
  2. Vitamin D (calciferol)
  3. Vitamin K (phylloquinone)
  4. Vitamin B1 (thiamine) Correct answer.

Explanation

Beriberi results from a deficiency of thiamine, or vitamin B1, which impairs carbohydrate metabolism and nerve function. Deficiencies of vitamins C, D and K produce scurvy, rickets and bleeding disorders respectively.

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

The unit of electric resistance is the ohm. Which relation correctly defines it?

  1. One coulomb per second
  2. One joule per coulomb
  3. One ampere per volt
  4. One volt per ampere Correct answer.

Explanation

By Ohm's law, resistance equals voltage divided by current, so one ohm is the resistance when one volt drives one ampere. Ampere per volt is conductance, joule per coulomb is the volt, and coulomb per second is the ampere.

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

Which Mughal emperor is credited with building the tomb complex at Sasaram in Bihar?

  1. Shah Jahan
  2. Akbar
  3. Humayun
  4. Sher Shah Suri Correct answer.

Explanation

The grand domed tomb at Sasaram was built for Sher Shah Suri, the Afghan ruler who founded the Sur dynasty after defeating Humayun. Akbar, Shah Jahan and Humayun are associated with other monuments, such as Fatehpur Sikri, the Taj Mahal and Humayun's tomb in Delhi.

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

The Permanent Settlement of 1793 was introduced in Bihar as part of which province's revenue administration?

  1. Bombay Presidency
  2. Bengal Presidency Correct answer.
  3. Madras Presidency
  4. North-Western Provinces

Explanation

Bihar was administered as part of the Bengal Presidency when Cornwallis introduced the Permanent Settlement in 1793, fixing revenue with zamindars in perpetuity. Bombay and Madras followed ryotwari arrangements, and the North-Western Provinces later used the mahalwari system.

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

Which of the following is the largest source of revenue receipts for the Government of Bihar?

  1. Revenue from state excise on liquor
  2. State's share of central taxes and grants-in-aid Correct answer.
  3. Interest receipts on state investments
  4. Receipts from stamp duty and registration

Explanation

Bihar's own tax and non-tax revenue is modest relative to its expenditure, so transfers from the Centre, comprising the state's share of central taxes and grants-in-aid, dominate revenue receipts. Excise, stamp duty and interest receipts form much smaller shares of the state exchequer.

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

The Nalanda Mahavihara, an ancient centre of learning in Bihar, was patronised in the seventh century by which Chinese pilgrim who studied there?

  1. Fa-Hien
  2. Hiuen Tsang (Xuanzang) Correct answer.
  3. I-Tsing
  4. Megasthenes

Explanation

Xuanzang, known as Hiuen Tsang, studied at Nalanda under Silabhadra in the seventh century during Harsha's reign and left a detailed account of the monastery. Fa-Hien visited earlier in the Gupta period, I-Tsing came later, and Megasthenes was a Greek envoy at Chandragupta Maurya's court.

Question 15General Studies (Indian 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, mesosphere, thermosphere Correct answer.
  2. Troposphere, mesosphere, stratosphere, thermosphere
  3. Mesosphere, troposphere, stratosphere, thermosphere
  4. Stratosphere, troposphere, thermosphere, mesosphere

Explanation

The atmosphere is layered by temperature behaviour: the troposphere lies nearest the surface, followed by the stratosphere containing the ozone layer, then the mesosphere and finally the thermosphere. The other sequences place stratospheric or mesospheric layers below the troposphere, which contradicts the observed temperature profile.

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

The Indian National Congress session of 1922 held at Gaya was notable for which development?

  1. The passing of the Lucknow Pact
  2. The formation of the Swaraj Party by Motilal Nehru and C. R. Das Correct answer.
  3. The adoption of the Purna Swaraj resolution
  4. The launch of the Non-Cooperation Movement

Explanation

At the Gaya session of 1922, Motilal Nehru and C. R. Das pressed for entering legislative councils, and when the Congress declined, they formed the Swaraj Party in 1923. Purna Swaraj was declared at Lahore in 1929, non-cooperation began in 1920, and the Lucknow Pact dates from 1916.

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

Which of the following is the correct order of the planets of the solar system by increasing distance from the Sun?

  1. Venus, Mercury, Earth, Mars
  2. Mercury, Earth, Venus, Mars
  3. Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars Correct answer.
  4. Mars, Earth, Venus, Mercury

Explanation

Mercury is the innermost planet, followed by Venus, Earth and Mars in that order of increasing orbital distance. Any sequence that places Venus or Earth before Mercury, or Mars before Earth, contradicts the observed planetary order.

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

The Mahatma Gandhi Setu, one of the longest river bridges in India, crosses the Ganga to connect Patna with which town?

  1. Hajipur Correct answer.
  2. Mokama
  3. Sonepur
  4. Barh

Explanation

The Mahatma Gandhi Setu links Patna on the south bank of the Ganga with Hajipur in Vaishali district on the north bank. Sonepur, Mokama and Barh lie elsewhere along the river and are not the bridge's northern terminus.

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

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

  1. Right to freedom of speech under Article 19
  2. Right to life and personal liberty under Article 21
  3. Right to constitutional remedies under Article 32 Correct answer.
  4. Right to equality under Article 14

Explanation

Ambedkar called Article 32, which empowers individuals to move the Supreme Court for enforcement of fundamental rights, the heart and soul of the Constitution. The other articles protect substantive rights but do not provide the enforcement mechanism he singled out.

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

Which of the following soils, found in parts of Bihar's north-western plains, is formed from alluvium deposited by rivers and is highly fertile?

  1. Laterite soil
  2. Red sandy soil
  3. Alluvial soil Correct answer.
  4. Black cotton soil

Explanation

The Gangetic plain of Bihar is dominated by alluvial soil deposited by the Ganga and its tributaries, which is rich in potash and supports intensive cultivation. Laterite, black cotton and red sandy soils belong to other climatic regions of India.

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

The 'Green Revolution' in India during the late 1960s was primarily associated with the adoption of which inputs?

  1. Organic farming methods with no chemical inputs
  2. Mechanised horticulture with drip irrigation
  3. Genetically modified cotton with pest resistance
  4. High-yielding variety seeds coupled with irrigation and fertilisers Correct answer.

Explanation

The Green Revolution relied on high-yielding wheat and rice varieties developed through the work of Norman Borlaug and Indian scientists, combined with assured irrigation, fertilisers and price support. Organic farming, drip horticulture and Bt cotton belong to different phases or technologies.

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

Which of the following is the correct order in which the stages of the Indian monsoon season typically progress over Bihar?

  1. South-West monsoon arrives in October and withdraws by December
  2. South-West monsoon arrives in June and withdraws by September Correct answer.
  3. North-East monsoon arrives in June and withdraws by September
  4. South-West monsoon arrives in March and withdraws by May

Explanation

The South-West monsoon normally reaches Bihar in mid-June and covers the state until withdrawal in September, providing most of the annual rainfall. The North-East monsoon affects the south-eastern coast in winter, and the other timings do not match the monsoon calendar.

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

The 'Bihar Diwas' and the state's foundation are linked to the partition of which presidency in 1912?

  1. Madras Presidency
  2. Bombay Presidency
  3. United Provinces
  4. Bengal Presidency Correct answer.

Explanation

Bihar was separated from the Bengal Presidency on 22 March 1912, with Patna as its capital, following the annulment of the partition of Bengal. Bombay and Madras presidencies and the United Provinces were separate administrative units unaffected by this change.

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

Which of the following is a correct statement about the Rajya Sabha's composition?

  1. Members are elected by the elected members of state legislative assemblies Correct answer.
  2. Members are elected by the Lok Sabha from among its own members
  3. Members are directly elected by the people of each state
  4. Members are nominated only by the President

Explanation

Under Article 80, most Rajya Sabha members are elected by the elected members of state legislative assemblies through proportional representation by single transferable vote, with a few nominated by the President. Direct election by the people, sole presidential nomination or election by the Lok Sabha do not describe the scheme.

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

Which of the following is the correct pairing of a Bihar-based research institution with its primary field?

  1. Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna - research on kala-azar Correct answer.
  2. Aryabhatta Knowledge University, Patna - nuclear physics research
  3. Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour - space science research
  4. National Institute of Technology, Patna - marine biology research

Explanation

The Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences in Patna, run under the ICMR, is known for research on kala-azar (visceral leishmaniasis), a disease endemic to parts of Bihar. The other institutions have different mandated fields and are not primarily dedicated to the subjects listed.

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

Which article of the Indian Constitution provides for the establishment of a Finance Commission to recommend the distribution of net proceeds of taxes between the Union and the States?

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

Explanation

Article 280 mandates that the President constitute a Finance Commission every five years or earlier, with a chairman and four members, to recommend devolution of central taxes and grants-in-aid to states. This is the constitutional basis for vertical and horizontal fiscal transfers in India.

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

The Champaran Satyagraha of 1917 was launched by Mahatma Gandhi in response to the grievances of cultivators against which system?

  1. The ryotwari system of Madras
  2. The mahalwari settlement of the North-Western Provinces
  3. The tinkathia system of indigo cultivation Correct answer.
  4. The zamindari system of Bengal

Explanation

Under the tinkathia system, tenants in Champaran were compelled to grow indigo on three-twentieths of their land for European planters, often on unfair terms. Gandhi's inquiry into these grievances in 1917 marked his first major satyagraha in India.

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

Which pass in the Himalayas forms the traditional route linking Sikkim with the Chumbi Valley in Tibet?

  1. Shipki La
  2. Rohtang Pass
  3. Zoji La
  4. Nathu La Correct answer.

Explanation

Nathu La lies on the border between Sikkim and the Chumbi Valley of Tibet and historically served as a trade route on the silk route branch. It was reopened for limited trade after 2006.

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

Which of the following is the correct order of the stages of the Indian monsoon season as it typically progresses over Bihar?

  1. Arrival of the Arabian Sea branch, onset over north Bihar, withdrawal from north Bihar
  2. Withdrawal from north Bihar, arrival of the Bay of Bengal branch, onset over north Bihar
  3. Arrival of the Bay of Bengal branch, onset over north Bihar, withdrawal from north Bihar Correct answer.
  4. Onset over north Bihar, arrival of the Bay of Bengal branch, withdrawal from north Bihar

Explanation

The Bay of Bengal branch reaches Bihar first, bringing the monsoon onset to eastern and northern districts, and withdrawal occurs later from the north-western parts of the state. The Arabian Sea branch mainly affects western India before merging with the Bay branch.

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

Which of the following pairs correctly matches a classical dance form with the state where it originated?

  1. Mohiniyattam with Karnataka
  2. Kuchipudi with Tamil Nadu
  3. Odissi with West Bengal
  4. Sattriya with Assam Correct answer.

Explanation

Sattriya originated in the Vaishnava monasteries of Assam and was codified by Srimanta Sankardeva. The other pairings are incorrect because each dance form belongs to a different state.

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

Which of the following statements about the Panchayati Raj system as introduced by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act is correct?

  1. It made the establishment of panchayats at the intermediate level optional for states with a population below twenty lakh Correct answer.
  2. It mandated a uniform three-tier structure for all states without exception
  3. It fixed the term of every panchayat at six years
  4. It provided for direct elections of chairpersons at all tiers including the intermediate level

Explanation

The 73rd Amendment permits states with populations not exceeding twenty lakh to omit the intermediate tier. Territorial seats are filled by direct election at each tier where constituted, while chairpersons at the intermediate and district levels are elected by and from the elected members. Panchayats have a normal five-year term.

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

Which of the following is the correct sequence of the stages in the budgetary process of the Union Government?

  1. Presentation of the budget, voting on demands for grants, general discussion, appropriation bill, scrutiny by departmental standing committees
  2. Scrutiny by departmental standing committees, presentation of the budget, general discussion, appropriation bill, voting on demands for grants
  3. General discussion, presentation of the budget, appropriation bill, voting on demands for grants, scrutiny by departmental standing committees
  4. Presentation of the budget, general discussion, scrutiny by departmental standing committees, voting on demands for grants, appropriation bill Correct answer.

Explanation

The budget is presented first, followed by a general discussion, then detailed scrutiny by departmental standing committees, voting on demands for grants, and finally the appropriation bill to authorise withdrawal from the Consolidated Fund.

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

The Battle of Buxar in 1764 was fought between the British East India Company and a combined force of which rulers?

  1. Mir Qasim, Shuja-ud-Daula and Shah Alam II Correct answer.
  2. Tipu Sultan and the Marathas
  3. Hyder Ali and the Nizam of Hyderabad
  4. Siraj-ud-Daula and the French

Explanation

At Buxar, the Company under Hector Munro defeated the combined forces of Mir Qasim of Bengal, Shuja-ud-Daula of Awadh and the Mughal emperor Shah Alam II. The victory consolidated British political power in northern India.

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

Which of the following is the correct statement about the structure of the Indian Parliament?

  1. The Lok Sabha is a permanent House that cannot be dissolved
  2. The Rajya Sabha is directly elected by the people
  3. The President is an integral part of Parliament but does not sit in either House Correct answer.
  4. The Vice-President presides over the Lok Sabha

Explanation

Article 79 declares that Parliament consists of the President and the two Houses, so the President is part of Parliament although not a member of either House. The Rajya Sabha is indirectly elected and the Lok Sabha is subject to dissolution.

Question 35General Studies (Indian 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, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, exosphere Correct answer.
  2. Troposphere, mesosphere, stratosphere, thermosphere, exosphere
  3. Troposphere, stratosphere, thermosphere, mesosphere, exosphere
  4. Stratosphere, troposphere, mesosphere, exosphere, thermosphere

Explanation

The atmosphere is layered in the order troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere and exosphere. The ozone layer lies in the stratosphere and most weather phenomena occur in the troposphere.

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

Which of the following is a correct statement about the Reserve Bank of India's monetary policy framework?

  1. The RBI targets the exchange rate of the rupee against the dollar
  2. The RBI targets wholesale price inflation at two per cent with no tolerance band
  3. The RBI targets GDP growth at seven per cent as its primary objective
  4. The RBI targets consumer price inflation at four per cent with a tolerance band of plus or minus two per cent Correct answer.

Explanation

Under the flexible inflation targeting framework adopted in 2016, the RBI's primary objective is to maintain consumer price inflation at four per cent within a band of two to six per cent. This target is set by the Government in consultation with the RBI.

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

Which of the following is a correct statement about the composition of the Rajya Sabha?

  1. The maximum strength is 500, of which 488 represent states and 12 are nominated
  2. The maximum strength is 245, of which 233 represent states and 12 are nominated
  3. The maximum strength is 250, of which 238 represent states and union territories and 12 are nominated Correct answer.
  4. The maximum strength is 250, of which 238 represent states and 12 are elected by the Lok Sabha

Explanation

Article 80 fixes the maximum strength of the Rajya Sabha at 250, with up to 238 members representing states and union territories and 12 nominated by the President for special knowledge in literature, science, art and social service.

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

Which of the following is the correct pairing of a classical Indian text with its subject matter?

  1. Sulba Sutras with medicine
  2. Ashtadhyayi with astronomy
  3. Charaka Samhita with grammar
  4. Arthashastra with statecraft and economic policy Correct answer.

Explanation

Kautilya's Arthashastra deals with statecraft, administration and economic policy. The other pairings confuse the subject matter of well-known Sanskrit texts.

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

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

  1. They are contained in Part IV of the Constitution
  2. They were part of the original Constitution of 1950
  3. They were added by the 42nd Amendment Act on the recommendation of the Swaran Singh Committee Correct answer.
  4. They are enforceable directly by the Supreme Court through writs

Explanation

Fundamental Duties were inserted by the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 in Part IVA on the recommendation of the Swaran Singh Committee. They are moral obligations and are not directly enforceable by courts.

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

The Green Revolution in India during the late 1960s was primarily associated with the adoption of which inputs?

  1. Organic farming techniques with reduced chemical use
  2. Drought-resistant millets with traditional seeds
  3. High-yielding varieties of wheat and rice with assured irrigation and fertilisers Correct answer.
  4. Cash crops such as cotton and jute with canal irrigation

Explanation

The Green Revolution relied on high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice, particularly in Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, combined with assured irrigation, chemical fertilisers and pesticides. This package sharply raised foodgrain output and reduced dependence on imports.

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

Which of the following is a correct statement about the Indian Ocean Dipole and its effect on the Indian monsoon?

  1. A positive dipole with warmer waters in the western Indian Ocean is generally associated with a stronger monsoon Correct answer.
  2. A positive dipole is generally associated with a weaker monsoon
  3. A negative dipole always produces drought over Bihar
  4. The dipole has no recognised influence on the Indian monsoon

Explanation

A positive Indian Ocean Dipole, with warmer sea surface temperatures in the western Indian Ocean and cooler waters in the east, is generally linked to enhanced monsoon rainfall over India. A negative dipole tends to suppress rainfall, though the effect is not deterministic.

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

Which of the following is the correct statement about the Goods and Services Tax Council?

  1. It is a statutory body created by an Act of Parliament
  2. It is a constitutional body under Article 279A with the Union Finance Minister as its chairperson Correct answer.
  3. It is chaired by the Prime Minister of India
  4. Its decisions require unanimity of all members

Explanation

The GST Council was created by the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act as a constitutional body under Article 279A, chaired by the Union Finance Minister. Its decisions are taken by a weighted majority of three-fourths of the members present and voting.

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

Which of the following is the correct statement about the Preamble to the Constitution of India?

  1. It was amended to add the words socialist and secular by the 44th Amendment
  2. It declares India to be a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic Correct answer.
  3. It was drafted by the Constituent Assembly's Drafting Committee chaired by Jawaharlal Nehru
  4. It is enforceable in a court of law as a source of rights

Explanation

The Preamble declares India a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic committed to justice, liberty, equality and fraternity. The words socialist and secular were added by the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976, and the Preamble is not enforceable in courts.

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

Which of the following is the correct statement about the Indian Standard Time meridian?

  1. It is based on 75 degrees east longitude, which passes through Ahmedabad
  2. It is based on 82 degrees 30 minutes east longitude, which passes through Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh Correct answer.
  3. It is based on 68 degrees 7 minutes east longitude, which passes through Gujarat
  4. It is based on 90 degrees east longitude, which passes through Kolkata

Explanation

Indian Standard Time is calculated from the meridian of 82 degrees 30 minutes east, which passes near Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh. This single meridian gives the country a uniform time despite its east-west extent.

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

Which of the following is the correct statement about the Non-Cooperation Movement launched in 1920?

  1. It was withdrawn after the Chauri Chaura incident of 1922
  2. It was supported by the Justice Party of Madras
  3. It was launched after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre alone
  4. It was approved at the Nagpur session of the Indian National Congress in December 1920 Correct answer.

Explanation

The Non-Cooperation Movement was endorsed at the Nagpur session of the Congress in December 1920, where the party adopted the programme of non-cooperation. It was withdrawn in February 1922 after the Chauri Chaura violence.

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

Which of the following is the correct statement about the National Food Security Act, 2013?

  1. It provides subsidised foodgrains to priority households and covers up to 75 per cent of the rural population Correct answer.
  2. It provides free foodgrains to all households regardless of income
  3. It replaced the Public Distribution System entirely with cash transfers
  4. It covers only urban households below the poverty line

Explanation

The National Food Security Act, 2013 provides subsidised foodgrains to priority households and covers up to 75 per cent of the rural and 50 per cent of the urban population. It continues the targeted Public Distribution System rather than replacing it.

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

Which of the following is the correct statement about the Election Commission of India?

  1. Its Chief Election Commissioner is appointed by the Chief Justice of India
  2. It is a statutory body created by an Act of Parliament
  3. It conducts elections only to the Lok Sabha and not to state assemblies
  4. It is a constitutional body under Article 324 with a Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners Correct answer.

Explanation

Article 324 establishes the Election Commission as a constitutional body with a Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners. It conducts elections to Parliament, state legislatures and the offices of President and Vice-President.

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

Which of the following is the correct statement about the Indian Ocean and its importance to India's monsoon?

  1. The Indian Ocean has no marginal seas
  2. The Indian Ocean lies entirely in the southern hemisphere
  3. The Indian Ocean is the largest ocean by area
  4. The Indian Ocean is the only ocean named after a country and its warmth drives the monsoon circulation Correct answer.

Explanation

The Indian Ocean is unique in being named after a country, and its warm waters are central to the monsoon system that brings rainfall to India. It is the third largest ocean and contains marginal seas such as the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.

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

Which Harappan site is located on the island of Khadir Bet in the Rann of Kutch and is noted for a large stadium-like structure and a water reservoir?

  1. Kalibangan
  2. Lothal
  3. Dholavira Correct answer.
  4. Banawali

Explanation

Dholavira lies on Khadir Bet in the Rann of Kutch and is distinguished by its three-part town plan, a large open ground often described as stadium-like, and an elaborate system of reservoirs. Lothal is a dockyard site in Gujarat, Kalibangan is in Rajasthan, and Banawali is in Haryana.

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

The Permanent Settlement of 1793 was introduced by the East India Company primarily in which set of provinces?

  1. Punjab, Sindh and the North-West Frontier
  2. Assam, Burma and Arakan
  3. Bengal, Bihar and Odisha Correct answer.
  4. Madras, Bombay and Coorg

Explanation

The Permanent Settlement, associated with Lord Cornwallis, fixed land revenue in perpetuity with zamindars in Bengal, Bihar and Odisha. The Ryotwari system dominated Madras and Bombay, while Punjab and Assam were settled later under different arrangements.