A selection of 25 solved questions — sign up free to practise all 59.
Q1History & Culture·Gandhian Era (1919-1939)PYQ 2002
Assertion (A): The effect of labour participation in the Indian nationalist upsurge of the early 1930s was weak.
Reason (R): The labour leaders considered the ideology of Indian National Congress as bourgeois and reactionary.
Select the correct answer:
- ABoth A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of ACorrect
- BBoth A and R are individually true but R is not a correct explanation of A
- CA is true but R is false
- DA is false but R is true
Explanation
Correct. Labour participation in the Civil Disobedience Movement of the early 1930s was limited, and communist-oriented labour leaders did view the Congress ideology as bourgeois, which is why they kept their distance. The reason explains the assertion.
Q2Geography·Climatology and Atmospheric CirculationPYQ 2002
For short-term climate prediction, which one of the following events, detected in the last decade, is associated with occasional weak monsoon rains in the Indian subcontinent?
- ALa Nina
- BMovement of Jet Streams
- CEl Nino and Southern OscillationsCorrect
- DGreenhouse effects on global level
Explanation
Correct. El Nino events warm the central-eastern Pacific and weaken the Walker Circulation, often suppressing the Indian monsoon. The coupled El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon is the most important short-term climate predictor for Indian monsoon variability.
Q3History & Culture·Delhi Sultanate and Regional KingdomsPYQ 2002
With reference to medieval Indian rulers, which one of the following statements is correct?
- AAlauddin Khalji first set up a separate ariz's department
- BBalban introduced the branding system of horses of military
- CMuhammad bin Tughlaq was succeeded by his uncle to the Delhi throne
- DFiruz Tughlaq set up a separate department of slavesCorrect
Explanation
Correct. Firuz Shah Tughlaq maintained a vast number of slaves (reportedly 180,000) and established a separate department called Dewan-i-Bandagani to manage them.
Q4Science·Physics in Everyday LifePYQ 2002
Sun's halo is produced by the refraction of light by:
- AIce crystals in cirrus cloudsCorrect
- BWater droplets in nimbus clouds
- CDust particles in the atmosphere
- DWater droplets in cumulus clouds
Explanation
Correct. A sun halo (22° ring) is caused by the refraction and reflection of sunlight through hexagonal ice crystals present in thin, high-altitude cirrus or cirrostratus clouds.
Q5History & Culture·Advent of Europeans and Company RulePYQ 2002
Which one of the following Acts of British India strengthened the Viceroy's authority over his executive council by substituting 'portfolio' or departmental system for corporate functioning?
- AIndian Council Act, 1861Correct
- BGovernment of India Act, 1858
- CIndian Councils Act, 1892
- DIndian Councils Act, 1909
Explanation
Correct. The Indian Councils Act of 1861 introduced the portfolio system whereby each member of the Viceroy's Executive Council was assigned a specific department, replacing the earlier system of collective decision-making.
Q6Indian Economy·Planning in IndiaPYQ 2002
Which body gave the final approval to the Five Year Plans in India?
- APlanning Commission
- BUnion Cabinet
- CNational Development CouncilCorrect
- DParliament
Explanation
Correct. The National Development Council approved Five Year Plans after considering drafts prepared by the Planning Commission.
Q7History & Culture·Bhakti, Sufi and Sikh TraditionsPYQ 2002
With reference to Sufism in Indian history, consider the following statements:
1. Shaikh Ahmad Sarhindi was a contemporary of Ibrahim Lodi.
2. Shaikh Nasiruddin Chiragh-i-Dehlavi was a disciple of Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya.
3. Aurangzeb was a contemporary of Shaikh Salim Chisti.
4. The Qadiri order of Sufis was first introduced in India by Shaikh Niamtullah and Makhdum Muhammad Jilani.
Which of these statements are correct?
- A1 and 2
- B1 and 3
- C2 and 3
- D2 and 4Correct
Explanation
Correct. Nasiruddin Chiragh-i-Dehlavi was indeed a disciple of Nizamuddin Auliya and the last great Chishti saint of Delhi. The Qadiri order was introduced in India by Shaikh Niamtullah and Makhdum Muhammad Jilani during the 15th century.
Q8Geography·Indian Resources and AgriculturePYQ 2002
With reference to Indian agriculture, which one of the following statements is correct?
- AAbout 90 per cent of the area under pulses in India is rainfedCorrect
- BThe share of pulses in the gross cropped area at the national level has doubled in the last two decades
- CIndia accounts for about 15 per cent of the total area under rice in the world
- DRice occupies about 34 per cent of the gross cropped area of India
Explanation
Correct. About 85-90% of the area under pulses in India is rainfed, making pulses highly dependent on monsoon rainfall for their production.
Q9Environment·International Environmental ConventionsPYQ 2002
A World Summit with representation from all the countries was held in Johannesburg in September 2002 on the subject of:
- AAIDS control
- BGlobal terrorism
- CHuman rights
- DSustainable developmentCorrect
Explanation
Correct. The World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) was held in Johannesburg in 2002, a decade after the Rio Earth Summit.
Q10Geography·Places in News and Map-Based GeographyPYQ 2002
On a map, the islands of Seychelles, Chagos, Mauritius and Socotra are marked as 1, 2, 3 and 4 (not necessarily in order). The correct matching is:
- A1-Seychelles, 3-Chagos, 4-Mauritius, 2-Socotra
- B3-Seychelles, 1-Chagos, 2-Mauritius, 4-Socotra
- C1-Seychelles, 3-Chagos, 2-Mauritius, 4-Socotra
- D3-Seychelles, 1-Chagos, 4-Mauritius, 2-SocotraCorrect
Explanation
Correct. Based on the standard map positions of these Indian Ocean islands: Seychelles corresponds to position 3, Chagos to 1, Mauritius to 4, and Socotra to 2.
Q11History & Culture·Indus and PrehistoryPYQ 2002
Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:
List I (Ancient Site) — List II (Archaeological Finding)
A. Lothal — 1. Ploughed field
B. Kalibangan — 2. Dockyard
C. Dholavira — 3. Terracotta replica of plough
D. Banawali — 4. An inscription comprising ten large-sized signs of the Harappan script
Codes:
A B C D
- A1 2 3 4
- B2 1 4 3Correct
- C1 2 4 3
- D2 1 3 4
Explanation
Correct. Lothal is famous for its dockyard (2), Kalibangan for its ploughed field (1), Dholavira for a large Harappan signboard inscription (4), and Banawali for a terracotta replica of a plough (3).
Q12History & Culture·Bhakti, Sufi and Sikh TraditionsPYQ 2002
Who among the following was the first Bhakti saint to use Hindi for the propagation of his message?
- ADadu
- BKabir
- CRamanandaCorrect
- DTulsidas
Explanation
Correct. Ramananda (c. 14th–15th century) is regarded as the first Bhakti saint to use Hindi (rather than Sanskrit) for spreading his devotional message, opening the Bhakti movement to the masses.
Q13History & Culture·Gandhian Era (1919-1939)PYQ 2002
During the Indian freedom struggle, the Khudai Khidmatgars, also known as Red Shirts, called for
- AThe union of Pashtun tribal areas in north-west with Afghanistan
- BThe adoption of terrorist tactics and methods for terrorising and finally ousting the colonial rulers
- CThe adoption of communist revolutionary ideology for political and social reform
- DThe Pathan regional nationalist unity and a struggle against colonialismCorrect
Explanation
Correct. The Khudai Khidmatgars (Servants of God) under Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan called for Pathan regional nationalist unity and a struggle against colonialism through non-violent means, working closely with the Indian National Congress.
Q14Geography·Climatology and Atmospheric CirculationPYQ 2002
Assertion (A): The surface winds spiral inwards upon the centre of the cyclone.
Reason (R): Air descends in the centre of the cyclone.
- ABoth A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
- BBoth A and R are individually true but R is not a correct explanation of A
- CA is true but R is falseCorrect
- DA is false but R is true
Explanation
Correct. Surface winds do spiral inward toward the centre of a cyclone due to low pressure at the core and friction. However, air ascends (rises) in the centre of a cyclone, not descends. Descending air characterises anticyclones.
Q15Polity & Governance·Fundamental RightsPYQ 2002
Which one of the following rights was described by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar as the heart and soul of the Constitution?
- ARight to freedom of religion
- BRight to property
- CRight to equality
- DRight to constitutional remediesCorrect
Explanation
Correct. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar described the Right to Constitutional Remedies under Article 32 as the heart and soul of the Constitution because it makes all other fundamental rights enforceable and justiciable.
Q16History & Culture·Indian Nationalism (1885-1919)PYQ 2002
With reference to the Indian freedom struggle, which one of the following statements is correct?
- AHakim Ajmal Khan was not associated with starting the Ahrar movement
- BWhen the Indian National Congress was formed, Sayyid Ahmad Khan opposed it
- CThe All India Muslim League which was formed in 1906 vehemently opposed the partition of Bengal and separate electoratesCorrect
- DMaulana Barkaullah and Maulana Obeidullah Sindhi were among those who formed a Provisional Government of India in Kabul
Explanation
Correct. The All India Muslim League, formed in 1906 at Dhaka, did oppose the partition of Bengal and supported separate electorates — this is a trick question testing careful reading, as the League actually supported separate electorates rather than opposing them.
Q17Science·General Science Mixed ConceptsPYQ 2002
Among living organisms, which one of the following is the most responsible factor for bringing about the origin of a new species?
- AIsolation
- BMutationCorrect
- CNatural selection
- DSexual reproduction
Explanation
Correct. Mutations introduce new genetic variations in an organism's DNA, which is the raw material for the evolution and origin of new species.
Q18History & Culture·Indian Nationalism (1885-1919)PYQ 2002
With reference to the period of extremist nationalist movement in India with its spirit of Swadeshi, which one of the following statements is NOT correct?
- ALaikat Hossain led the Muslim peasants of Barisal in their agitationsCorrect
- BIn 1898, the scheme of national education was formulated by Satish Chandra Mukherjee
- CThe Bengal National College was founded in 1906 with Aurobindo as the Principal
- DTagore preached the cult of Atmashakti, the main plank of which was social and economic regeneration of the villages
Explanation
Correct. This statement is NOT correct. The claim about Laikat Hossain leading Muslim peasants of Barisal during the Swadeshi period is historically inaccurate.
Q19Science·General Science Mixed ConceptsPYQ 2002
In the context of organic evolution, the loss of limbs in snakes is explained by the phenomenon of:
- AUse and disuse of organs
- BAdaptation to living in burrowsCorrect
- CNatural selection
- DInheritance of acquired characters
Explanation
Correct. Snakes evolved from lizard-like ancestors, and limb reduction is best explained as an adaptation to a burrowing (fossorial) lifestyle where limbs became a hindrance.
Q20History & Culture·Advent of Europeans and Company RulePYQ 2002
With which one of the following mountain tribes did the British first come into contact after the grant of Diwani in the year 1765?
- AGaro
- BKhasisCorrect
- CKukis
- DTipperahs
Explanation
Correct. After acquiring the Diwani of Bengal in 1765, the British first came into contact with the Khasi tribes of the hills in northeastern India as they expanded their administrative reach.
Q21Science·General Science Mixed ConceptsPYQ 2002
Assertion (A): Human diet should compulsorily contain glycine, serine and tyrosine.
Reason (R): Essential amino acids cannot be synthesised in the human body.
Select the correct answer.
- ABoth A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
- BBoth A and R are individually true but R is not the correct explanation of A
- CA is true but R is false
- DA is false but R is trueCorrect
Explanation
Correct. Glycine, serine and tyrosine are non-essential amino acids that the human body can synthesise, so they need not be compulsorily included in the diet (A is false). R is true because essential amino acids like leucine and lysine must come from food.
Q22History & Culture·Mughal IndiaPYQ 2002
The motive behind Shah Jahan's Balkh campaign was to:
- ASecure a friendly ruler in Balkh and Badakhshan which bordered KabulCorrect
- BConquer Samarkand and Ferghana, the Mughal homelands
- CFix the Mughal frontier on the scientific line, the Amu Darya
- DExpand the Mughal Empire beyond the subcontinent
Explanation
Correct. Shah Jahan's Balkh campaign (1646–1647) was primarily motivated by the desire to install a friendly ruler in Balkh and Badakhshan, regions that bordered Kabul and were vital for the security of the Mughal northwestern frontier.
Q23History & Culture·Advent of Europeans and Company RulePYQ 2002
Match List I (Acts of Colonial Government of India) with List II (Provisions) and select the correct answer:
A. Charter Act, 1813
B. Regulating Act, 1773
C. Government of India Act, 1858
D. Charter Act, 1833
I. Set up Supreme Court at Calcutta
II. Ended Company's trade monopoly in India
III. Created the post of Secretary of State for India
IV. Created the post of Governor-General of India
- AA-II, B-I, C-III, D-IVCorrect
- BA-I, B-III, C-IV, D-II
- CA-II, B-III, C-IV, D-I
- DA-I, B-IV, C-III, D-II
Explanation
Correct. The Charter Act of 1813 ended the Company's Indian trade monopoly (II), the Regulating Act of 1773 established the Supreme Court at Calcutta (I), the Government of India Act of 1858 created the Secretary of State for India (III), and the Charter Act of 1833 created the post of Governor-General of India (IV).
Q24Indian Economy·Monetary Policy & BankingPYQ 2002
Broad Money (M3) in India includes which of the following?
1. Currency with the public
2. Demand deposits with the banking system
3. Time deposits with the banking system
4. Other deposits with the RBI
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A1 and 2 only
- B1 and 3 only
- C2 and 3 only
- D1, 2, 3 and 4Correct
Explanation
Correct. M3 = Currency with public + Demand deposits + Time deposits + Other deposits with RBI. This is the broadest commonly used measure of money supply in India.
Q25Science·Physics in Everyday LifePYQ 2002
Assertion (A): An iron ball floats on mercury but sinks in water.
Reason (R): The specific gravity of iron is more than that of mercury.
- ABoth A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
- BA is true but R is falseCorrect
- CA is false but R is true
- DBoth A and R are false
Explanation
Correct. Iron floats on mercury because mercury (density ~13,600 kg/m³) is denser than iron (~7,800 kg/m³), providing sufficient buoyant force. Iron sinks in water because water is much less dense. The reason is false — iron's specific gravity is less than mercury's, not more.