1: Which one of the following best describes the term "Merchant Discount Rate" sometimes seen in news ?
(a) The incentive given by a bank to a merchant for accepting payments through debit cards pertaining to that bank.
( b) The amount paid back by banks to their customers when they use debit cards for financial transactions for purchasing goods or services.
(c) The charge to a merchant by a bank for accepting payments from his customers through the bank's debit cards.
(d) The incentive given by the Government, to merchants for promoting digital payments by their customers through Point of Sale (PoS) machines and debit cards.
Correct Answer: C
2: The Archaeological Survey of India is an attached office of the Department / Ministry of :
(a) Culture
(b) Tourism
(c) Science and Technology
(d) Human Resource Development
Correct Answer: A
3: With reference to Indian economy, consider the following statements :
1. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has increased by four times in the last 10 years.
2. The percentage share of Public Sector in GDP has declined in the last 10 years.
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
Correct Answer: B
4: The following persons came to India at one time or another :
I. Fa-Hien
II. I-Tsing
III. Megasthenese
IV. Hieun-Tsang
The correct chronological sequence of their visits is :
(a) III, I, II, IV
(b) III, I, IV, II
(c) I, III, II, IV
(d) I, III, IV, II
Correct Answer: B
5: The hormone insulin is a:
(a) Glycolipid
(b) Fatty acid
(c) Peptide
(d) Sterol
Correct Answer: C
6: Government of India encourages the cultivation of 'sea buckthorn'. What is the importance of this plant?
1. It helps in controlling soil erosion and in preventing desertification.
2. It is a rich source of biodiesel.
3. It has nutritional value and is well-adapted to live in cold areas of high altitudes.
4. Its timber is of great commercial value.
Which of the statements given above is /are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Correct Answer: C
7: Which one of the following organisms is likely to show the highest- concentration of DDT once it has been introduced into the ecosystem ?
(a) Grasshopper
(b) Toad
(c) Snake
(d) Cattle
Correct Answer: C
8: Consider the following statements:
1. Baking soda is used in fire extinguishers.
2. Quicklime is used in the manufacture of glass.
3. Gypsum is used in the manufacture of Plaster of Paris.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: D
9: World Environment Conference to discuss global warming was held in 1997 in
(a) Stockholm
(b) Rio de janeiro
(c) Paris
(d) Kyoto
Correct Answer: D
10: Alauddin Khilji maintained control on price during his reign because:
(a) He wanted to keep large army at lower expenses.
(b) He had mercy with poor people.
(c) He wanted to gain popularity.
(d) All of the above
Correct Answer: A
11: Consider the following statements about the European Union :
I. The European Union was known earlier as the European Community.
II. The Single European Act (1986) and the Maastricht Treaty were milestones in its formation.
III. Citizens of European Union countries enjoy dual citizenship.
IV. Switzerland is a member of the European Union.
Which of the above statements are correct ?
(a) II and IV
(b) I and III
(c) III and IV
(d) I, II and III
Correct Answer: D
12: In which one of the following countries are 75 percent of seats in both Houses of Parliament filled oh the basis of first-past-the-post system and 25 per cent on the basis of Proportional Representation system of elections ?
(a) Germany
(b) Italy
(c) France
(d) Russia
Correct Answer: C
13: Examine the following relationships among members of a family of six persons A, B, C, D, E and F.
I. The number of males equals that of females.
II. A and E are sons of F.
III. D is the mother of two, one boy and one girl.
IV. B is the son of A.
V. There is only one married couple in the family at present.
Which one of the following inferences can be drawn from the above ?
(a) A, B and C are all females
(b) A is the husband of D
(c) E and F are children of D
(d) D is the grand-daughter of F
Correct Answer: B
14: "Bijanti" government is compared to the Chola's for:
(a) Rural democracy
(b) Administrative system
(c) Land revenue collection system
(d) Display of wealth
Correct Answer: D
15: Stripes on the back of the animals are the indication of:
(a) Mating habit
(b) Food habit
(c) Cave dwelling
(d) Matching of skin colour with surroundings
Correct Answer: D
16: Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists :
List I List II
(Bone) (Name)
I. Breast-bone (A) Clavicle
II. Collar-bone (B) Patella
III. Knee-cap (C) Scapula
IV. Shoulder blade (D) Sternum
Codes:
(a) I-D, II-A, III-C, IV-B
(b) I-A, II-D, III-C, IV-B
(c) I-A, II-D, III-B, IV-C
(d) I-D, II-A, III-B, IV-C
Correct Answer: D
17: Neap tides are produced in the first and third quarters of the Moon. Then,
(a) The Moon and the Sun are in conjunction with the other planets
(b) The Moon and the Sun are in opposition with each other
(c) The attractions of the Sun and the Moon are at right angles to each other
(d) The Moon and the Sun are in quadrant position to each other
Correct Answer: C
18: Black Pagoda is in:
(a) Egypt
(b) Konark
(c) Madurai
(d) None of these
Correct Answer: B
19: Which one of the following is located in the Bastar region ?
(a) Rajai National Park
(b) Bandhavgarh National Park
(c) Indravati National Park
(d) Dundeli Sanctuary
Correct Answer: C
20: In India, cluster bean (Guar) is traditionally used as a vegetable or animal feed, but recently the cultivation of this has assumed significance.
Which one of the following statements is correct in this context ?
(a) The oil extracted from seeds is used in the manufacture of biodegradable plastics
(b) The gun made from its seeds is used in the extraction of shale gas
(c) The leaf extract of this plant has the properties of anti-histamines
(d) It is a source of high quality biodiesel
Correct Answer: B