March 2016

23:12:00 , , ,
Consider the following statements:
1. Infant mortality rate takes into account deaths of infants within a month after birth.
2. Infant mortality rate is the number of infant deaths in a particular year per 100 live births during that year.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation
Infant mortality rate is defined as the number of deaths of infants per 1000 live births under a year of age.
= (Total number of Deaths/Total number of Births of Living child in that year) X 1000
Ans– (d)
Consider the following statements:
1. The first telegraph line in India was laid between Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) and Diamond Harbor.
2. The first Export Processing Zone in India was set-up in Kandla.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation
The first telegraph line in India was laid between Kolkata and Diamond Harbour in 1954. The first Export Processing Zone in India was set-up in Kandla in1965. Hence, Bothe statements are true.
Ans– (c)
Consider the following pairs:
Firm – Group
1. Ashok Leyland – Hinduja
2. Hindalco – A.V. Birla
3. Suzlon – Punj Lloyd
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
The correct matching of pairs are as follow:
Firm – Group
1. Ashok Leyland – Hinduja
2. Hindalco – A.V. Birla
3. Suzlon – Tulsi Tanti (Founder)
Ans– (a)
In the context of global economy which one of the following pair is not correctly matched?
Concern – Provides
(a) JP Morgan Chase – Financial Services
(b) Roche Holding AG – Financial Services
(c) WL Ross & Co. – Private Equity Firm
(d) Warburg Pincus – Private Equity Firm
Explanation
Roche Holding AG is a Switzerland based pharmaceuticals and diagnostic company. This company is engaged in healthcare. Other pairs are correctly matched. Hence, the answer is choice (b).
Ans– (b)
Consider the following houses:
1. Christie’s
2. Osian’s
3. Sotheby’s
Which of the above is/are auctioneer(s)?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
Christie’s, Osian’s and Sotheby’s houses are auctioneers. Christie’s and Sotheby’s houses are the auctioneers of London. Osian’s is the auctioneer of India, which was founded in 2000. Their offices are in Mumbai and Delhi.
Ans– (d)
In the context to independent India’s economy, which one of the following was the earliest event to take place?
(a) Nationalization of Insurance companies
(b) Nationalization of State Bank of India
(c) Enactment of Banking Regulation Act
(d) Introduction of first Five Year Plan
Explanation
Enactment of Banking Regulation Act was done in 1949, while the other events of the question were done after 1949 as given below:
Introduction of First Five Year Plan – 1951
Nationalization of State Bank of India – 1955
Nationalization of Insurance companies – 1956
Hence, above mentioned event in the context of Independent India’s economy, enactment of Banking Regulation Act was the earlier event to take place.
Ans– (c)
Consider the following pairs:
Automotive manufacturer – Headquarters
1. BMW AG – USA
2. Daimler AG – Sweden
3. Renault SA – France
4. Volkswagen AG – Germany
Which of the pair(s) given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 3 and 4
(c) 4 only
(d) 1, 2 and 4
Explanation
The correct matching of above pairs are as following:
Automotive manufacturer – Headquarters
1. BMW AG – Munich (Germany)
2. Daimler AG – Koventary, West Midlands [Britain (UK)]
3. Renault SA – France
4. Volkswagen AG – Germany
Ans– (b)
Consider the following:
1. Fringe Benefit Tax
2. Interest Tax
3. Securities Transaction Tax
Which of the above mentioned is/are direct Tax/Taxes?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
Fringe Benefit Tax, Interest Tax and Securities Transaction Tax are Direct Taxes.
Ans– (d)
Which one of the following is not a drug/pharma company?
(a) Chevron
(b) Nicholas
(c) Pfizer
(d) Zydus Cadila
Explanation
Chevron Corporation is the World’s fourth largest non-government energy. Headquartered in San Ramon, California, USA and active in more than 180 countries. It is engaged in every aspect of the oil and gas industry including exploration and production; refining, marketing and transport; chemical manufacturing and sales; and power generation. Chevron is one of the world’s six super major oil companies.
Ans- (a)
Consider the following statements:
1. The Baglihar Power Project had been constructed within the parameters of the Indus Water Treaty.
2. The Project was completely built by the Union Government with loans from Japan and the World Bank.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation
The Baglihar Power Project had been constructed within the parameters of the Indus Water Treaty of 1960. Pakistan complained to World Bank against this of six parameters, which was saved by World Bank in February 2007. Japan has no role to assist this project. Hence, statement 1 is correct but 2 is incorrect.
Ans– (a)
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23:08:00 , , , ,


Which one of the following suggested the reconstitution of the Viceroy’s Executive Council which all the portfolios including that of War Members were to be held by the Indian leaders?
(a) Simon Commission
(b) Simla Conference
(c) Cripps Proposal
(d) Cabinet Mission
Explanation:
The plan suggested the reconstitution of the Viceroy’s Executive Council. Different Communicates were to get their due share in the council and parity was reserved for cast-Hindus and Muslims. To discuss these proposals with the leadership of Major India parties, a conference was called in Shimla. But the conference broke down on the issue of reconstitution of the Viceroy’s Executive Council. Jinnah demanded that all Muslim members should belong to the league and in the executive council so formed, the Muslim members should have a veto on all important decisions. Such a demand was totally unacceptable to the Congress. It acclaimed that since 1885, it had represented all India’s irrespective of their religion. Even to Wavell, Jinnah’s demand seemed unjust Wavell insisted that one of the Muslim must impresent Punjab, which was Governed by the Unianist Party to loyal to the British. Jinnah’s strength, not agree to go ahead-with the plan without his co-operation. Jinnah probably felt that if he accepted the interim arrangement, Pakistan would be shelved.
Ans- (b)
During the Indian Freedom Struggle, who of the following raised an army called ‘Free India Legion’?
(a) Lala Hardayal
(b) Rash Behari Bose
(c) Subhash Chandra Bose
(d) V.D. Savarkar
Explanation:
During the Indian Freedom struggle, the Free Indian Legion was established by Subhash Chandra Bose. In Singapore, in 1943, Subhash Chandra Bose formed the Azad Hind Fauj (Indian National Army) and gave his famous call ‘Delhi Chalo’. Rash Behari Bose, who had been living in exile in Japan since 1915 joined him. Subhash Chandra Bose popularly known as ‘Netaji’ was born on January 23, 1897, at Cuttack in Orissa, of respectable middle class Bengali Parents. He passed the Indian Civil Service Examination in 1920. He joined the Indian National Congress in 1921. In 1938 he was the President of the Indian National Congress at its Haripura session and in 1939 he was elected President of its Tripura session. He died in a plane crash on August 18, 1945.
Ans- (c)
Who among the following rejected the title of ‘Knighthood’ and refused to accept a position in the Council of the Secretary of State for India?
(a) Motilal Nehru
(b) M. G. Ranade
(c) G.K. Gokhale
(d) B.G. Tilak
Explanation:
In 1905, Gopal Krishna Gokhale had established the Servants of India Society. He had also rejected the title of ‘Knighthood’ and refused to accept a position in the council of secretary of State for India. He was a prominent Indian nationalist. He presided over the 1905 session of the Indian National Congress. He became a member of the Bombay Legislative Council in 1902. His last public duty was to serve as a member of the Indian Public Service Commission (1912-15). He died in 1915.
Ans- (c)
Match List-I with List- II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists:
List-I (Author)
A. Bankimchandra
B. Dinabandhu Mitra
C. Prem Chand
List- II (Work)
  1. Shatranj Ke Khilari
  2. Debi Chaudhrani
  3. Nil Darpan
  4. Chandrakanta
Code: A – B – C
(a) 2 – 4 – 1
(b) 3 – 4 – 2
(c) 2 – 3 – 1
(d) 3 – 1 – 4
Explanation:
Following is the correctly matching of above question
List-I (Author) – List- II (Work)
A. Bankimchandra – 2. Debi Chaudhrani
B. Dinabandhu Mitra – 3. Nil Darpan
C. Prem Chand – 1. Shatranj Ke Khilari
Bankim Chandra Chatterjee was a Bengali Novelist of the 19th century, who’s ‘Anand Math’ consist of National song of India ‘Vande Mataram’. Prem Chand (Dhanpat Rai) was a renowned Hindi and Urdu writer of modern India. His famous literary works are Godan, Gaban, Rangbhumi, Karambhumi, Premashram etc.
Ans- (c)
Who among the following gave a systematic critique of the moderate politics of the India National Congress in a series of articles entitled ‘New Lamps for Old’?
(a) Aurobindo Ghosh
(b) R.C. Dutt
(c) Syed Ahmad Khan
(d) Viraraghavachari
Explanation:
Aurobindo Ghosh gave a systematic critique of the moderate politics of the Indian National Congress in a series of articles entitled ‘New Lamps for Old’. Aurobindo Ghosh (1872-1950) was an ardent nationalist who later became a saint, was educated in England. His views were readily accepted by Lala Lajpat Rai of Punjab and Bal Gangadhar Tilak of Maharashtra and led to the formation within the ambit of Congress, on an extremist school. He propagated his ideas through journals live the Bande Mataram and Karmayogin. He passed away in 1950.
Ans- (a)
Who among the following used the phrase ‘Un-British’ to criticize the English colonial control of India?
(a) Anandmohan Bose
(b) Badruddin Tyyabji
(c) Dadabhai Naroji
(d) Pherozeshah Mehta
Explanation:
Dadabhai Naroji (1825-1917) was a prominent businessman of Bombay with trading connection with England. He was elected President of Indian National Congress at its second session held in Calcutta in 1886. He was the first Indian to be elected a member of the House of Commons in England on a ticket of Liberal Party. Twice again in 1893 and in 1906, he was elected president of INC. Dadabhai Naroji made poverty his special subject and attributed it to the deliberate British policies, particularly to the drain of wealth through an artificially created export surplus. He died in 1917. He is known as the “Grand Old Man of India”.
Ans- (c)
Who among the following wrote the poem, Subh-e Azadi?
(a) Sahir Ludhiyanvi
(b) Faiz Ahmed Faiz
(c) Muhammad Iqbal
(d) Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
Explanation:
The poem, Subh-e-Azadi has written by Faiz Ahmed Faiz. He is a Pakistani Urdu poet.
ans. b
Consider the following statements:
Assertion (A): The Congress Ministries in all the provinces resigned in the year 1939.
Reason (R): The Congress did not accept the decision of the Viceroy to declare war against Germany in the context of the Second World War.
Codes:
(a) A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) A and R are individually true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false
(d) A is false , but R is true
Explanation:
Indian Viceroy Lord Linlithgo declared India against Germany in Second World War on dated 17 October, 1939. The Indian National Congress Working Committee on 23 October, 1939, decided not to support the World War and asked the Congress ministers to resign, even though the Congress was against any hasty action, like an immediate anti imperialist struggle. So the Congress ministries in all the provinces resign in the year 1939 because the Congress did not accept the decision of the Viceroy to declare war against Germany in the context of the Second World War; So Assertion (A) and Reason (R) , both individually7 true and R is the correct explanation of A. So the answer is option (a).
Ans- (a)
Where was the First Session of the India National Congress held in December, 1885?
(a) Ahmedabad
(b) Bombay
(c) Calcutta
(d) Delhi
Explanation:
In December, 1885, the Indian National Congress was established by A. O. Hume, an ex-ICS officer, dominated the INC till 1892 as its General Secretary. The INC met for the first time on December 28, 1885 in the hall of the Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College, Bombay. Womesh Chandra Bannerji, an eminent Bengal lawyer, was elected its first president. It was attended by 72 delegates. The objective of the INC were declared to be the development of close relations between national workers, the dissolution of all race, creed and provincial pre-gudice and consolidation of national unity among them, recording of the conclusions on vital Indian problems reached by educated Indians after earnest discussion and out ling the programmed of work for the next year.
Ans- (b).
Yom Kippur War was fought between which sides/countries?
(a) Turkey and Greece
(b) Serbs and Croats
(c) Israel, and Arab countries led by Egypt and Syria
(d) Iran and Iraq
Explanation:
Yom Kippur War also known as the 1973 Arab-Israel War and the fourth Arab-Israel War was fought from October 6 to 26, 1973 by a coalition of Arab states led by Egypt and Syria against Israel. The War began with a surprise joint attack by Egypt and Syria on the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur. Egypt and Syria crossed the cease fire lines in the Sinai and Golan Heights, respectively, which had been captured by Israel in 1967 during the six day war.
Ans- (c)
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23:04:00
Major ports in India have been classified into three categories by the Waterways Authority of India: major, minor and intermediate ports. Being one of the biggest peninsulas in the world India coastline covers the area of 7516.6 km. It has 13 major ports, 200 notified minor and intermediate ports, and all are situated in the nine coastal Indian State: Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Orissa, Tamil Nadu and Bengal.
Out of 13 major ports of India, 12 are Government run ports and one, Ennore port of Chennai, is a corporate one, and is located at Coromandel Coast Tamil Nadu along with private Krishapatnam Port.

12 major ports in India are

  1. Vizag Port (Andhra Pradesh): Vizag or the port city of Visakhapatnam, one of the India’s largest port and the oldest shipyard, is established on the southeast coast of India in Andhra Pradesh. It is the only natural harbour in the Bay of Bengal. Vizag is situated among the great hills of Estern Ghats. Krishnapatnam port is a privately built deep water port in Andhra Pradesh.
  2. Mormugoa Port (Goa): Situated in South Goa it is the main port of Goa. It holds the position or one of the leading iron ores and raw materials exporter in India. Alongwith the beautiful city of Vasco da Gama and International Airport Dabolin Mormugoa Port is one of the major attractions of Goa. As the natural harbour of Goa it holds the distinction of being one of India’s earliest modern ports.
  3. Kandla Port (Gujarat): Located on the Gulf of Kutch near first special economic zone in India as well as in Asia. It is the hub for major imports like petroleum, chemicals and iron. Grains, salts and textiles are exported from this port. It is one or the highest earning ports in India. Another port situated in Gujarat is Mundra Port that is India’s largest private port.
  4. Panambur Port (Karnataka): Situated near SurathKal railway station in Dakshine Kannada district of Karnataka, This Port is known as the New Mangalore Port. It is a deep water all weather port. Major commodities like manganese, granite stones, coffee and cashew are exported from here and the main imports comprise timber logs, LPG, petroleum products and cargo containers.
  5. Cochin Port (Kerala): The Cochin Port, the major port on the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean Sea route, is situated on two islands of Willingdon and Vallarpadam. This port has the largest container transshipman facility in India. The port is equipped with maritime facilities such as Cochin Refineries and Kochi Marina. For its traditional spices Kochi is famous all over the world.
  6. Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Maharashtra): Situated at the mainland of Konkan area, Maharashtra, it is the King Port of Arabian Sea at the West coast that handles a large volume of International container traffic and domestic cargo traffic. This port’s major exports include machinery, vegetable oils and chemical. It is the largest container port among major ports in India. Formerly it was known as Nhava-Sheva Port.
  7. Mumbai Port: Situated in the mainland of West Mumbai on the West Cost, this is the largest among ports in India. With its four Jitters it deals in bulk cargo traffic for handling Liquid chemicals, Crude and petroleum products. Mumbai Port’s International container traffic is directed to the new and big Nhava Shiva Port.
  8. Port Blair (Andaman): Situated at the Juncture of the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea, Port Blair, the youngest sea port among ports in India, is the capital city of Andaman Nicobar Islands. This Island port is connected to Indian mainland through flight and ship. This port is the principal hub for shipping in Andaman Islands. It is known for its scuba diving, water sports and virgin beaches.
  9. Tuticorin Port (Tamil Nadu): One of the largest container terminal in India, the artificial deep-sea port of Tuticorin is a all-weather port that gets a large volume of International traffic. It is a best port for maritime trade and pearl fishery on the Bay of Bengal.
  10. Chennai Port: The largest port in the Bay of Bengal and the second largest port in the country, Chennai port handle automobiles, a variety of cargo containers, coal terminals comprise of lighthouses, Intra port connectivity, Pipelines and railway terminus.
  11. Paradip Port (Orissa): situated at the conjecture of river Mahanandi and the Bay of Bengal the Jagatsinghpur district of Orissa, Paradip Port is a deep water artificial port of East Coast. Though a national highway connects the port with the Indian road networks, it has its own railway system and cold handling part.
  12. Haldia Port (West Bengal): Located near the Hooghly River of West Bengal Calcutta or Haldia Port is a very important trade center for Kolkata, which gets bulk cargoes of chemicals, petrochemicals and oils. This port also functions as a base of Indian Coast Guard.
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23:03:00 , , , ,
The constitution prescribes that the members of the Vidhan Sabha of each state shall be part of the Electoral College constituted for the election of President. However constitution does not provide specifically whether members of Vidhan Sabha of each state shall be available during election or not. But it was subsequently incorporated by 11th Constitutional Amendment, 1961, that the election of president can not be challenged on the ground of any vacancy in Electoral College, constituted for election of President.
During 1974 elections to the office of the President, the Vidhan Sabha of Gujarat was under dissolution and this matter was referred to the Supreme Court for its legal opinion on this issue. The court held the opinion that the elections to the office of president may be held even during the dissolution of the Vidhan Sabha of the state.
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