CDS (II) 2024 — General Knowledge (Full Question Paper)

Which one among the following is not a micronutrient for plants?

• (a)Iron
• (b)Manganese
• (c)Magnesium
• (d)Chlorine

Xylem in the plants are responsible for the transport of:

• (a)Water
• (b)Water and dissolved minerals
• (c)Gases
• (d)Food

Which one among the following hormones inhibits the growth activity in plants?

• (a)Auxins
• (b)Cytokinins
• (c)Abscisic acid
• (d)Gibberellins

Which of the following category of biomolecules does Starch belong to?

• (a)Protein
• (b)Carbohydrate
• (c)Lipid
• (d)Nucleic acid

Which one among the following is not a feature of Xerophytes?

• (a)Smaller leaves
• (b)Large number of stomata
• (c)Waxy cuticle
• (d)Stomata in pits

Halophytes are the plants that grow on which one, among the following categories of soil?

• (a)Acidic soil
• (b)Saline soil
• (c)Black soil
• (d)Sandy soil

Which one among the following is not a part of vascular bundle in plants?

• (a)Phloem
• (b)Xylem
• (c)Cambium
• (d)Endodermis

In which one among the following mediums would the speed of sound be maximum?

• (a)Distilled water
• (b)Sea water
• (c)Drinking water
• (d)Methanol

Which organelle in animal cells can digest foreign materials?

• (a)Endoplasmic reticulum
• (b)Lysosome
• (c)Golgi body
• (d)Mitochondria

Photosynthesis that converts light energy into chemical energy by the plants, involves the use of green pigments of leaves called chlorophyll. The only structure in a leaf that hosts chlorophyll is:

• (a)Nucleus
• (b)Ribosome
• (c)Chloroplast
• (d)Chromosome

In which of the following colloids is the dispersing medium a liquid?

• (a)Mist
• (b)Foam
• (c)Jelly
• (d)Shaving cream

The two isotopes of elemental chlorine are (isotope notation: mass number superscript, atomic number subscript):

• (a)Chlorine-35 and Chlorine-36 (atomic number 17)
• (b)Chlorine-40 and Chlorine-54 (atomic number 17)
• (c)Chlorine-50 and Chlorine-52 (atomic number 17)
• (d)Chlorine-35 and Chlorine-37 (atomic number 17)

Which one among the following metals is not stored under oil?

• (a)Sodium
• (b)Rubidium
• (c)Potassium
• (d)Lithium

Potassium nitrate is not used:

• (a)as a fertilizer
• (b)in medicine
• (c)in making gunpowder
• (d)as a preservative of meat products

The surface of the concrete structure of a new construction is covered with straw/gunny bags by wetting. This is done to:

• (a)prevent fast evaporation, until hydration has proceeded well
• (b)protect the concrete structure from contamination by dust particles
• (c)prevent development of any fungus on the surface
• (d)give smoother and cleaner surface over cement structure

Which one among the following statements for the gases mentioned below is not correct?

• (a)Hydrogen has 3 isotopes.
• (b)Helium is a commonly used gas in electric bulbs.
• (c)Oxygen is used to burn fuel in rocket engines in spacecraft.
• (d)Nitrogen can be used in gaseous form to replace air in food packaging.

Match List-I (Trade Name) with List-II (Chemical Name) and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists: List-I: A. Bleaching powder; B. Baking soda; C. Washing soda; D. Plaster of Paris. List-II: 1. Sodium bicarbonate; 2. Sodium carbonate, 10 water; 3. Calcium oxychloride; 4. Calcium sulphate, 1/2 water.

Code:

• (a)A-3, B-1, C-2, D-4
• (b)A-3, B-2, C-1, D-4
• (c)A-4, B-2, C-1, D-3
• (d)A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3

Which one among the following statements is not true for glass?

• (a)Sodium silicate is known as water glass.
• (b)Glass is also called super cooled liquid.
• (c)Crystallinity develops on cooling of the molten mass of the glass.
• (d)Coloured glasses can be made by adding different colouring materials.

Which one among the following is responsible for determining the chemical properties of an element?

• (a)Protons
• (b)Electrons
• (c)Neutrons
• (d)Nucleus

Which one among the following is used in bleaching of paper?

• (a)Chloride
• (b)Chlorobenzene
• (c)Ammonium chloride
• (d)Hydrochloric acid

X-rays can be used to: 1. inspect welded joints between two metal parts of a machine; 2. study structure of crystals.

Select the answer using the code given below.

• (a)1 only
• (b)2 only
• (c)Both 1 and 2
• (d)Neither 1 nor 2

Which one of the following heat transfers is an example of convection?

• (a)Heating of food in a microwave oven
• (b)Boiling water in a pot on a gas stove
• (c)Feeling the warmth in sun
• (d)Heating a brass rod at one end and observing the temperature rise at the other end

The phenomenon of rainbow formation by water droplets involves:

• (a)single refraction of sunlight
• (b)one internal reflection of sunlight
• (c)two internal reflections of sunlight
• (d)both refraction and internal reflection of sunlight

Ozone hole is a region over:

• (a)the Antarctic caused mainly by CFC gases.
• (b)the Antarctic caused mainly by carbon dioxide gas.
• (c)the Arctic caused mainly by CFC gases.
• (d)the Arctic caused mainly by carbon dioxide gas.

Which of the following are the major missions of Indian Space Research Organization in 2023? 1. Chandrayaan-3; 2. Solar Mission Aditya-L1; 3. Liquid fuel powered rockets; 4. Solar powered rockets.

Select the answer using the code given below.

• (a)1 and 2 only
• (b)1, 2 and 3
• (c)3 and 4 only
• (d)1, 2, 3 and 4

Which one of the following is the most appropriate reason for aircraft being equipped with conducting tyres?

• (a)They can transfer the charge accumulated on their surfaces during lightning
• (b)They can transfer the charge accumulated on their surfaces being rubbed by air particles
• (c)They can transfer the charge accumulated on their surfaces due to inflight operation of several gadgets
• (d)For preventing sparks while they land on the ground

Which of the following statements for persons suffering from presbyopia is/are correct? 1. They cannot distinguish colours. 2. It usually develops with ageing. 3. They wear either bi-focal lenses consisting of both concave and convex lenses or progressive lenses.

Select the answer using the code given below.

• (a)1 only
• (b)2 only
• (c)1 and 3
• (d)2 and 3

A sound wave having frequency of 300 Hz is travelling in an unknown medium. Its wavelength is not known. It travels a distance equal to 150 times its wavelength in time t. The value of t is:

• (a)0.5 s
• (b)1 s
• (c)1.5 s
• (d)2 s

Mission Shakti (DRDO) of India is related to which one among the following?

• (a)Launch of multiple satellites using a single rocket
• (b)Launch of heavy satellites
• (c)Use of high power rockets in launching of satellites
• (d)Use of rocket to destroy an orbiting satellite

In Sun-Earth system, the Sun, the Earth and the Lagrange point L4 form:

• (a)an isosceles triangle
• (b)an equilateral triangle
• (c)a straight line
• (d)a scalene triangle

Match List-I (Training Institute) with List-II (Location) and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists: List-I: A. National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes and Narcotics; B. LBS National Academy of Administration; C. National Academy of Audit and Accounts; D. All India Institute of Local Self Government. List-II: 1. Mussoorie; 2. Shimla; 3. Mumbai; 4. Palasamudram.

Code:

• (a)A-3, B-2, C-1, D-4
• (b)A-3, B-1, C-2, D-4
• (c)A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3
• (d)A-4, B-2, C-1, D-3

Consider the following statements: 1. The Flag Code of India superseded the ‘Flag Code-India’. 2. The state emblem of India is an adaptation of the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

• (a)1 only
• (b)2 only
• (c)Both 1 and 2
• (d)Neither 1 nor 2

Which one of the following is not among the thematic areas of National Mission on Sustainable Habitat?

• (a)Energy and Green Building
• (b)Mobility and Air Quality
• (c)Waste Management
• (d)Rural Planning, Green cover and Biodiversity

Which of the following are the components of the Indian Legal System? 1. Basic values and principles enshrined in the Constitution; 2. Rights and obligations conferred by ordinary statutes; 3. Organizational set-up to enforce rights and obligations within the constitutional norms; 4. Legal and judicial persons.

Select the answer using the code given below.

• (a)1, 2, 3 and 4
• (b)1, 2 and 4 only
• (c)1, 2 and 3 only
• (d)3 and 4 only

Which one among the following statements about the objectives of Vibrant Village Programme is correct?

• (a)It is a Centrally sponsored scheme.
• (b)This programme was launched in 2021.
• (c)Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Manipur are the states selected under this scheme.
• (d)Villages of Uttar Pradesh along the Nepal border are selected as flagship villages under this scheme.

Which one of the following UN organizations has not been awarded the Nobel Prize?

• (a)WFP
• (b)ILO
• (c)UNESCO
• (d)UNHCR

Which of the following areas has been exempted from the purview of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019?

• (a)Ladakh
• (b)Jammu and Kashmir
• (c)The Sixth Schedule Areas
• (d)The Fifth Schedule Areas

Who among the following stated that ‘A just society is that society in which ascending sense of reverence and descending sense of contempt is dissolved into the creation of a compassionate society’?

• (a)Vinoba Bhave
• (b)Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar
• (c)Rammanohar Lohia
• (d)Jayaprakash Narayan

Which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Criminal law is exclusively a subject under the State List of the Constitution of India. 2. Code of Civil Procedure falls under the Concurrent List of the Constitution of India.

Select the answer using the code given below.

• (a)1 only
• (b)2 only
• (c)Both 1 and 2
• (d)Neither 1 nor 2

Arrange the following agreements between India and Pakistan in chronological order: 1. Tashkent Declaration; 2. Indus Water Treaty; 3. Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack Against Each Other's Nuclear Installations and Facilities; 4. Agreement on Reducing the Risk from Accidents Relating to Nuclear Weapons.

Select the answer using the code given below.

• (a)1, 2, 3, 4
• (b)2, 3, 1, 4
• (c)2, 1, 3, 4
• (d)1, 4, 2, 3

Which of the following statements with regard to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is/are correct? 1. The official languages of the SCO are Russian and Chinese. 2. The SCO enjoys observer status in the UN General Assembly. 3. The SCO consists of 13 member states.

Select the answer using the code given below.

• (a)1 only
• (b)1 and 3
• (c)1 and 2
• (d)2 and 3

Financial Action Task Force is:

• (a)A wing under the Central Economic Intelligence Bureau
• (b)A division of Enforcement Directorate
• (c)A global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog
• (d)A UN Anti-Corruption Agency

In which of the following matters placed before the UN General Assembly, a resolution by two-thirds majority of the members present and voting is required? 1. Admission of new members to the UN; 2. Election of the non-permanent members of the Security Council; 3. Election of members of the Economic and Social Council.

Select the answer using the code given below.

• (a)1 and 2 only
• (b)2 and 3 only
• (c)1 and 3 only
• (d)1, 2 and 3

‘Bharat Parv’ was organized by the Government of India during which of the following programmes? 1. Republic Day 2024; 2. National Film Festival 2024; 3. Cannes Film Festival 2024.

Select the answer using the code given below.

• (a)1 and 2 only
• (b)2 and 3 only
• (c)1 and 3 only
• (d)1, 2 and 3

Which one of the following organizations challenged the constitutionality of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code in the Supreme Court of India?

• (a)Naz Foundation (India) Trust
• (b)Bachpan Bachao Andolan
• (c)Sambhav Foundation India
• (d)ActionAid India

As per Article 371G of the Constitution of India, special provisions have been made with respect to the state of Mizoram. Accordingly, no Act of Parliament shall apply on certain matters unless the Legislative Assembly of Mizoram so decides by a resolution. Which one of the following matters is not covered under this Article?

• (a)Religious or social practices of the Mizos
• (b)Mizo customary law and procedure
• (c)Administration of civil and criminal justice involving decisions according to Mizo customary law
• (d)Ownership and transfer of natural resources

Which of the following statements, as per the Information Technology Act, 2000, is/are correct? 1. This Act provides that electronic signature is legally valid in the same manner as the handwritten signature. 2. Both the Central Government and State Governments have been given the power to make rules with respect to electronic signature.

Select the answer using the code given below.

• (a)1 only
• (b)2 only
• (c)Both 1 and 2
• (d)Neither 1 nor 2

Which of the following statements about National Recruitment Agency is correct?

• (a)It is a body to conduct Common Eligibility Test (CET) to shortlist the candidates for vacancies under ‘Group B’ and ‘Group C’ of the Government.
• (b)Employment in private sector is facilitated in all the districts, particularly 117 aspirational districts.
• (c)It was set up in 2014.
• (d)It has been accorded Constitutional status in 2021.

The Research Design and Standards Organization is the R&D wing of which one of the following organizations?

• (a)Bhabha Atomic Research Centre
• (b)Indian Space Research Organization
• (c)Indian Railways
• (d)Defence Research and Development Organization

Match List-I (Speaker of Lok Sabha) with List-II (Tenure) and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists: List-I: A. Manohar Gajanan Joshi; B. Somnath Chatterjee; C. Meira Kumar; D. Sumitra Mahajan. List-II: 1. 14th Lok Sabha; 2. 13th Lok Sabha; 3. 16th Lok Sabha; 4. 15th Lok Sabha.

Code:

• (a)A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3
• (b)A-2, B-4, C-1, D-3
• (c)A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2
• (d)A-3, B-1, C-4, D-2

Consider the following statements about the Vedanta philosophy: 1. Shankara was the founder of Advaita Vedanta. 2. The philosophy of Dvaita was elaborated by Madhva.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

• (a)1 only
• (b)2 only
• (c)Both 1 and 2
• (d)Neither 1 nor 2

The distribution of charkhas on a wide scale among the people was decided by:

• (a)Congress Working Committee in 1919
• (b)All India Congress Committee in 1921
• (c)Mahatma Gandhi at the start of Dandi March
• (d)All India Congress Committee in 1947

The terms used for cereals in the Rig Veda are:

• (a)Godhuma and Vrihi
• (b)Yava and Dhanya
• (c)Tila and Khala
• (d)Priyangu and Shyamaka

Consider the following statements about the condition of widows in the 18th century India: 1. Raja Sawai Jai Singh of Amber promoted widow remarriage. 2. Maratha General Parshuram Bhau promoted widow remarriage. 3. Raja Ram Mohan Roy opposed Sati.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

• (a)1 and 2 only
• (b)1 and 3 only
• (c)2 and 3 only
• (d)1, 2 and 3

Consider the following statements about the administrative measures of Shivaji: 1. The scheme of Ashta Pradhan (eight ministers) was completed and announced at the time of Shivaji's coronation with regulations and duties properly defined. 2. Shivaji introduced Marathi in place of Persian and coined Sanskrit technical terms for administrative purposes.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

• (a)1 only
• (b)2 only
• (c)Both 1 and 2
• (d)Neither 1 nor 2

With reference to the Mesolithic art in India, consider the following statements: 1. Alexander Burns discovered the first rock paintings in India at Sohagighat in Uttar Pradesh. 2. Bhimbetka rock paintings were discovered when archaeologist V.S. Wakankar noticed the rocks out of a train window while travelling from Bhopal to Itarsi and got off at the nearest railway station to explore the site. 3. The paintings and engravings do not exist in the same shelter in the rock art of Orissa.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

• (a)1 only
• (b)2 only
• (c)2 and 3
• (d)1 and 2

In the decoration of Stupas, what does the term ‘Kinjalkini’ refer to?

• (a)Creepers showing ornaments and textiles
• (b)Scarves and saris
• (c)Mango shaped pendants
• (d)A garland of thousand lotus flowers

Which of the following is/are the correct components of the “Lion Capital” at Sarnath? 1. The shaft (stambha-yashti) or the tall tapering column; 2. An elliptical top part — the abacus, devoid of any carvings; 3. Overflowing inverted petals below the abacus.

Select the answer using the code given below.

• (a)1 only
• (b)1 and 3 only
• (c)2 and 3 only
• (d)1, 2 and 3

Consider the following events leading to the Indian Independence: 1. Lucknow Pact; 2. Return of Subhash Chandra Bose to India; 3. Cripps Mission; 4. Naval Mutiny in Bombay.

Select the chronological sequence of these events (earliest to latest) from the code given below.

• (a)4, 3, 2, 1
• (b)3, 4, 2, 1
• (c)1, 2, 3, 4
• (d)2, 1, 3, 4

Who among the following were famous for their metal-casting skills and used to cast excellent matchlocks during the medieval period?

• (a)Marathas
• (b)Rajputs
• (c)Ahoms
• (d)Gonds

Consider the following statements about the Ancient Hindu metal images in India: 1. The Chola period is well known for the aesthetic and technical finesse of its metal sculpture. 2. The iconography and style of Chola metal images were similar to those of their stone counterparts.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

• (a)1 only
• (b)2 only
• (c)Both 1 and 2
• (d)Neither 1 nor 2

Which one of the following terms was used for the States in the Draft Constitution presented by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on 4th November, 1948?

• (a)Union of States
• (b)Federation of States
• (c)Autonomous States
• (d)Subsidiary States

The antariya was a garment worn by people during the Mauryan period. It was:

• (a)an unstitched length of cloth draped around the body.
• (b)a sewn garment consisting of a sleeved tunic.
• (c)a head covering used exclusively by women.
• (d)made of strips sewn together tied at the waist with a cord.

Consider the following statements with reference to the Utpala dynasty of Kashmir: 1. Avantivarman, the founder, devoted his energies to the economic upliftment of his subjects. 2. Avantivarman's period in Kashmir is known for the engineering operations under his minister Suyya, resulting in the enormous increase of grains and fall in prices.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

• (a)1 only
• (b)2 only
• (c)Both 1 and 2
• (d)Neither 1 nor 2

Consider the following pairs of High Offices and concerned Departments in the Mauryan Administration: 1. Samahartri : Chief Collector of Revenue; 2. Dauvarika : Chief of Army; 3. Akshapatala : Records-cum-Audit Officer; 4. Samnidhatri : Treasurer.

Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

• (a)1 and 2 only
• (b)1, 3 and 4 only
• (c)3 and 4 only
• (d)1, 2, 3 and 4

Which kingdom was described by Governor-General Lord Dalhousie as “A cherry that will drop into our mouth one day”?

• (a)Delhi
• (b)Awadh
• (c)Jhansi
• (d)Gwalior

Consider the following statements with reference to Census in India: 1. The first All India Census was attempted in 1872. 2. From 1881, decennial censuses became a regular feature.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

• (a)1 only
• (b)2 only
• (c)Both 1 and 2
• (d)Neither 1 nor 2

Which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. During the Second Round Table Conference held in London in 1931, the British Government refused to accept the basic nationalist demand for freedom. 2. India was granted dominion status in 1932. 3. Viceroy Lord Willingdon adopted a policy of reconciliation with Congress. 4. The Civil Disobedience Movement was started with the breaking of salt laws.

Select the answer using the code given below.

• (a)2 and 3 only
• (b)4 only
• (c)1 and 4 only
• (d)1, 2 and 4

Which of the following statements about Cabinet Mission are correct? 1. It was sent to India in 1946 to negotiate the transfer of power with the Indian leaders. 2. It proposed a two-tiered federal plan while conceding the largest measure of regional autonomy. 3. There was to be a federation of provinces and states, alongside a federal centre. 4. The individual provinces were allowed to form regional unions to which they could surrender some of their powers by mutual agreement.

Select the answer using the code given below.

• (a)1 and 3 only
• (b)1, 2 and 4 only
• (c)2, 3 and 4 only
• (d)1, 2, 3 and 4

Consider the following pairs: 1. Gajapati — Name of a powerful Dynasty in Orissa; 2. Ashvapati — Deccan Sultans; 3. Narapati — Rayas of Vijayanagara.

Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

• (a)1 only
• (b)2 only
• (c)1, 2 and 3
• (d)None of the above

Which of the following pairs of Himalayan Glaciers and their location is/are correctly matched? 1. Siachen — Nubra Valley Region; 2. Chungphar — Kumaon-Garhwal Region; 3. Zemu — Central Nepal Region; 4. Gasherbrum — Pir Panjal Range.

Select the answer using the code given below.

• (a)1 only
• (b)1 and 2
• (c)2 and 3
• (d)3 and 4

Consider the following statements regarding the rivers of India: 1. The Barak River, the head stream of the Meghna, rises in the hills of Meghalaya. 2. The Ghaggar River does not drain out to the sea and gets lost in the Rajasthan desert. 3. Puthimari and Manas are important tributaries of the Brahmaputra.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

• (a)1 only
• (b)2 only
• (c)1 and 2
• (d)2 and 3

Consider the following statements regarding transportation functions associated with important ports: 1. Singapore functions both as a port of call and an entrepot. 2. Karwar in India is an example of a naval port. 3. Dover in England is an example of an outport.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

• (a)1 only
• (b)3 only
• (c)1 and 3
• (d)1 and 2

Cumulonimbus clouds develop from which among the following clouds?

• (a)Cumulus congestus clouds
• (b)Cumulus and Nimbostratus clouds
• (c)Cumulus and Altostratus clouds
• (d)Cirrocumulus clouds

Which of the following Ramsar Wetland sites is not situated in any of the Union Territories of India?

• (a)Hokera Wetland
• (b)Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary
• (c)Tsomoriri Lake
• (d)Wular Lake

Eratosthenes, a Greek philosopher measured the Earth's circumference based on the angle of Sun rays at two different points. Which cities were they?

• (a)Alexandria and Syene
• (b)Syene and Troy
• (c)Alexandria and Troy
• (d)Alexandria and Thebes

Which kind of mass wasting processes are commonly associated with creep?

• (a)Fast speed with soil
• (b)Slow speed with rock
• (c)Slow speed with ice
• (d)Slow speed with soil

Consider the following statements: 1. Hadley cells are key to understanding the wind patterns of Earth. 2. Hadley cells are formed because the Equator is heated more strongly by the Sun than other places, creating thermal circulations.

With regard to the statements given above, which of the following is correct?

• (a)Both the statements are correct and statement 2 is the correct explanation of statement 1.
• (b)Both the statements are correct, but statement 2 is not the correct explanation of statement 1.
• (c)Statement 1 is correct, but statement 2 is false.
• (d)Statement 1 is false, but statement 2 is correct.

Consider the following statements: 1. Ocean currents are dominated by huge surface gyres that are driven by the global surface wind pattern. 2. Equatorial currents move cold water westward and then poleward along the east coasts of continents.

With regard to the statements given above, which of the following is correct?

• (a)Both the statements are correct and statement 2 is the correct explanation of statement 1.
• (b)Both the statements are correct, but statement 2 is not the correct explanation of statement 1.
• (c)Statement 1 is correct, but statement 2 is false.
• (d)Statement 1 is false, but statement 2 is correct.

As per India State of Forest Report 2021, which one of the following states is not among the top three with reference to maximum area under forest?

• (a)Arunachal Pradesh
• (b)Chhattisgarh
• (c)Madhya Pradesh
• (d)Maharashtra

How is strong pressure gradient represented on a weather map?

• (a)Closely spaced isobars
• (b)Widely spaced isobars
• (c)Closely spaced isobars at the periphery
• (d)A set of two widely spaced isobars followed by two closely spaced isobars

Which one of the following is not an example of chemical weathering?

• (a)Acid action
• (b)Hydrolysis
• (c)Salt Crystal Growth
• (d)Oxidation

Which of the following statements regarding Arc Volcanoes is/are correct? 1. Arc volcanoes are found near divergent plate boundaries. 2. Some of the world's classical examples of cone-shaped stratovolcanoes, such as Mount Fuji in Japan, Mayon in the Philippines are Arc volcanoes. 3. Some of the highest volcanoes on Earth are of the Arc type, notably Nevado Ojos del Salado in the Chilean Andes.

Select the answer using the code given below.

• (a)2 only
• (b)2 and 3 only
• (c)1 and 3 only
• (d)1, 2 and 3

Which one of the following statements regarding S-waves is not correct?

• (a)S-waves are slower than P-waves.
• (b)During an earthquake S-waves are less destructive to structures like buildings and highway overpasses.
• (c)S-waves can travel only through solids and cannot travel through the Earth's outer core.
• (d)Seismologists have concluded that the Earth's outer core must be liquid or fluid.

Which of the following states is/are part of the Ganga Basin? 1. Chhattisgarh 2. Himachal Pradesh 3. Rajasthan

Select the answer using the code given below.

• (a)1 only
• (b)1 and 2 only
• (c)2 and 3 only
• (d)1, 2 and 3

Which peninsular river has a tributary named ‘Kabini’?

• (a)Godavari
• (b)Krishna
• (c)Mahanadi
• (d)Kaveri

Consider the following statements: 1. Bajra is predominantly grown in states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat, while Ragi is mainly cultivated in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. 2. Bajra grows well in sandy and shallow black soils, whereas red and shallow black soil is suited for Ragi.

With regard to the statements given above, which of the following is correct?

• (a)Both the statements are correct and statement 2 is the correct explanation of statement 1.
• (b)Both the statements are correct, but statement 2 is not the correct explanation of statement 1.
• (c)Statement 1 is correct, but statement 2 is false.
• (d)Statement 1 is false, but statement 2 is correct.

Which of the following peaks are situated in India? 1. Dhaulagiri 2. Namcha Barwa 3. Kamet 4. Makalu

Select the answer using the code given below.

• (a)1, 2 and 3
• (b)1 and 3 only
• (c)2 and 3 only
• (d)2 and 4 only

Which of the following statements regarding River Rhine is/are correct? 1. Rhine River is an important pathway for industrial activity in northern Germany. 2. Port of Rotterdam is located at the mouth of the Rhine River.

Select the answer using the code given below.

• (a)1 only
• (b)2 only
• (c)Both 1 and 2
• (d)Neither 1 nor 2

With reference to the continent of ‘Antarctica’ which of the following statements are correct? 1. It is larger than Europe in terms of area. 2. It has the highest average elevation as compared to all other continents. 3. Mt. Ross is the highest peak of this continent. 4. Waters of the Southern Ocean (West Wind Drift) move in an anticlockwise direction around it.

Select the answer using the code given below.

• (a)1 and 2 only
• (b)1 and 3 only
• (c)1, 2 and 3
• (d)2, 3 and 4

Consider the following statements: 1. A rupee Vostro account is an account that an Indian bank holds for a foreign bank in the domestic currency (rupee) to enable domestic banks to provide international banking services. 2. Insurance density, i.e., average insurance premium per capita does not fully capture the financing gap in the event of a premature death because most of the insurance products sold in India are savings-linked with a small component of protection.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

• (a)1 only
• (b)2 only
• (c)Both 1 and 2
• (d)Neither 1 nor 2

Consider the following statements: 1. An additional spending by the Government of ₹X is likely to have less impact on income than an additional transfer of ₹X to households. 2. An additional spending by the Government of ₹X is likely to have less impact on income if it is not accompanied by an expansion in money supply.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

• (a)1 only
• (b)2 only
• (c)Both 1 and 2
• (d)Neither 1 nor 2

Long-Term Low Emissions Development Strategy envisions: 1. a transition from fossil fuels in a just, smooth, sustainable manner. 2. increased use of bio-fuels. 3. climate resistant urban development. 4. financing of sustainable development through Green Bonds.

Select the answer using the code given below.

• (a)1 and 2 only
• (b)1, 2 and 3
• (c)2 and 4 only
• (d)1, 3 and 4

Which one among the following was the focus of the Twelfth Five-Year Plan?

• (a)Sustainable and Inclusive Growth
• (b)Social Justice and Equality
• (c)Food, Work and Productivity
• (d)Attainment of Self-reliance

Which of the following is not included in the Capital Account of the Balance of Payments of a country?

• (a)Foreign Direct Investment
• (b)Commercial Borrowing
• (c)Invisibles
• (d)External Assistance

The Atmanirbhar Bharat Scheme announced by the Government helps in: 1. Enhancing India's manufacturing capabilities and exports across the industries 2. Incentivizing foreign investments for domestic production

Select the answer using the code given below.

• (a)1 only
• (b)2 only
• (c)Both 1 and 2
• (d)Neither 1 nor 2

Which one of the following statements for a firm's equilibrium in Perfect Competition is not correct?

• (a)The market price must be greater or equal to average variable cost in the short run.
• (b)The market price must be equal to marginal cost.
• (c)The market price must be equal to average cost in the long run.
• (d)The marginal cost decreases at the equilibrium output.

Which one of the following taxes is not included in the Central Pool to be shared with the States according to the recommendations of Finance Commission of India?

• (a)Personal Income Tax
• (b)Corporate Profit Tax
• (c)Surcharge and Cess
• (d)Excise Duties

Which one of the following dimensions is not included in Human Development Index?

• (a)Life Expectancy at birth
• (b)Mean years of schooling
• (c)Expected years of schooling
• (d)Mortality rate

Suppose there are only two normal goods in the economy, X and Y. If price of good X increases, which would be the correct statement from below?

• (a)Demand for good X decreases and demand for Y is indeterminate.
• (b)Demand for good X decreases and demand for Y decreases.
• (c)Demand for good X increases and demand for Y is indeterminate.
• (d)Demand for good X increases and demand for Y decreases.

If the price index increased from 100 in 2021 to 110 in 2022 to 132 in 2023, then the rate of inflation is:

• (a)10%
• (b)32%
• (c)20%
• (d)Cannot be determined

The Rangarajan Committee methodology for determining the poverty line incorporated which of the following? 1. A food component 2. A normative level of expenditure for essential non-food items 3. A behaviourally determined expenditure for other non-food items

Select the answer using the code given below.

• (a)1 and 2 only
• (b)2 and 3 only
• (c)1, 2 and 3
• (d)1 and 3 only

Which one of the following is not a fund managed by NIIFL (National Investment and Infrastructure Fund Limited)?

• (a)Master Fund
• (b)Fund of Funds
• (c)Strategic Opportunities Fund
• (d)Global Investment Fund

Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay National Welfare Fund was established with the view to help which one of the following groups?

• (a)Medical Practitioners
• (b)Farmers
• (c)Sportspersons
• (d)War Widows

Which one among the following items comprises the major portion of revenue expenditure of the Union Government of India?

• (a)Salaries
• (b)Interest Payments
• (c)Road Transport and Highways
• (d)Defence Services

India's women's badminton team recently won the Badminton Asia Team Championship, 2024. Who among the following players was not a part of the team?

• (a)P.V. Sindhu
• (b)Treesa Jolly
• (c)Anmol Kharb
• (d)Saina Nehwal

Which of the following statements related to Indian medicine system is not correct?

• (a)The Siddha system is a holistic system of medicine.
• (b)Sowa-Rigpa has been in practice in the Himalayan regions of India.
• (c)Unani system of medicine has been dissociated from the Ministry of Ayush.
• (d)Sushruta Samhita is a major source of Ayurveda.

Which one of the following statements is correct about NISHTHA, a Government of India initiative?

• (a)It is a training module recently introduced in LBSNAA for civil servants.
• (b)It is a teacher-training programme.
• (c)It is a training programme for the new recruits in Delhi Police to inculcate integrity of service among them.
• (d)It is a workshop for newly elected Members of Parliament organized routinely by the Lok Sabha Secretariat.

Arrange the BRICS countries in ascending order of their rank in the Human Development Report 2023-24, released by the UNDP: 1. China 2. India 3. Russia 4. Brazil 5. South Africa

Select the answer using the code given below.

• (a)2, 5, 4, 1, 3
• (b)2, 4, 5, 3, 1
• (c)5, 4, 2, 3, 1
• (d)4, 5, 2, 1, 3

India has signed a Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with EFTA, which is a regional group consisting of four countries. Which one of the following countries is not a member of this group?

• (a)Switzerland
• (b)Norway
• (c)Iceland
• (d)England

Which one of the following countries shares the territorial boundary with both Russia and Ukraine?

• (a)Estonia
• (b)Latvia
• (c)Belarus
• (d)Poland

In June 2024, India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with USA for supporting Indian Railways to achieve Mission Net Zero Carbon Emission by the year:

• (a)2030
• (b)2040
• (c)2050
• (d)2070

Which one of the following statements is correct about the PM-JANMAN scheme?

• (a)It is a scheme of the Government of India to impart electoral literacy to voters.
• (b)It is a scheme of the Government of India for deepening of democracy in the functioning of Panchayati Raj institutions.
• (c)It is a scheme of the Government of India for benefitting every member of the tribal community from Government schemes.
• (d)It is a scheme of the Government of India for benefitting migrants workers in the unorganized sector.

Which of the following statements is not correct?

• (a)SAGAR-SETU is a mobile app, which aims to improve the Ease of Doing Business.
• (b)Harit Sagar aims at achieving Zero Carbon Emission Goal.
• (c)Sagar Manthan is a mission launched by Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, to increase fish production.
• (d)Costa Serena is the first international cruise liner in India.

ISRO, in its studies, has revealed that there is a 178% increase in the size of the Ghepang Ghat Glacial Lake. In which of the following States/UTs is this lake located?

• (a)Jammu & Kashmir
• (b)Ladakh
• (c)Himachal Pradesh
• (d)Uttarakhand

Which of the following State/s is/are common to Bru-Reang Agreement, NLFT (SD) Agreement and Tripartite Agreement with TIPRA?

• (a)Tripura
• (b)Assam and Tripura
• (c)Tripura and Mizoram
• (d)Manipur and Mizoram

Which of the following movies won the 96th Academy Award 2024 in the Best Picture category?

• (a)Anatomy of a Fall
• (b)Oppenheimer
• (c)Barbie
• (d)Killers of the Flower Moon

India's first dedicated OPD for the Transgenders was opened at which one among the following hospitals?

• (a)AIIMS, New Delhi
• (b)PGIMER, Chandigarh
• (c)KGMU, Lucknow
• (d)RML Hospital, New Delhi

Which one of the following statements about ‘INS Tarmugli’ is not correct?

• (a)It is a fast attack craft commissioned by the Indian Navy.
• (b)It was commissioned at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam.
• (c)It was given by the Government of India to Sri Lankan Naval Force in 2006 and returned to the Indian Navy in May 2023.
• (d)It is supposed to be used for coastal surveillance.

Which one of the following resolutions in the final agreement reached at COP28 is associated with the target of achieving ‘Net Zero by 2050’?

• (a)Fossil fuel phase-out
• (b)Methane emission cuts
• (c)Global goal on adaptation
• (d)Climate resilience