HPPSC HPAS Solved Papers

2010-2017 Preliminary Exam

Shunya Foundation

Version 1.1, 2018-03-01

Table of Contents
1. 2017 HPAS Solved Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1  

Q1. One of the better achievements of Kanha National Park is : . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1  

Q2. In India, life expectancy is: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2  

Q3. United Nations has declared 2017 as the International Year of : . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2  

Q4. AMRUT was launched on : . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2  

Q5. Which of the following instruments is used for measuring the depth of the ocean?. . . . . . . . . . 3  

Q6. Where from is litmus dye extracted? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4  

Q7. Which of the following are the primary colors? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5  

Q8. Nail polish remover contains: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5  

Q9. Which of the following is the most promising biodiesel crop? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6  

Q10. Light year is a unit of : . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7  

Q11. The most abundant rare gas in the atmosphere: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7  

Q12. From which place does the Spiti River originate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8  

Spiti River. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
 

Q13. Nana Saheb, who fought against the English during the Indian Mutiny of 1857, was: . . . . . . . 8  

Q14. Who presided over the first session of Indian National Congress in Bombay?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9  

Q15. Which Socio-Religious Movement of 19th-20th century adopted the practices of occult   9
mysticism?
Q16. Where the first session of Muslim League was held? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9  

Q17. Of the following, who shot dead Curzon Wyllie in London? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10  

Q18. Where was founded the Communist Party of India in 1920? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10  

Q19. Which event earned for Vallabhbhai Patel the title of "Sardar"? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11  

Q20. In which ocean ‘Mindanao Trench’ exists? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11  

Q21. Who is the author of the book "The Unstable Earth"? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11  

Q22. In order to prevent oxidation of potato chips during storage in sealed bags, chip   12
manufacturers seal the packet in the presence of :
Q23. Which of the following has a pH of above 10? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13  

Milk of Magnesia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13  

Q24. Which of the following processes does not take place during photosynthesis? . . . . . . . . . . . . 13  

Q25. If someone is suffering form the problem of acidity after overeating, what is the remedy? 14  

Q26. Which one of the following is a correct sequencing of the features of the Preamble of India15  

Constitution?
Q27. Which schedule of the Constitution of India contains provisions for the disqualification of a
15  

legislator on grounds of defection?

Q28. Who presides over the joint sitting of the Parliament?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16  

Q29. Under which provision can the Speaker allow any member of the House to speak in his/her16  

mother language?
Q30. Power of Judicial Review, provided in the constitution, is exercised on the basis of which 17  
principle?
Q31. Which one of the following policies of Government of India is related to the availability of 18  

cooking gas to the BPL Households?

Q32. HDI is measured with reference to: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18  

Q33. Which one of the following cities is called 'Silicon Valley of India'? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19  

Q34. Which country owns the Margarita Island which was the venue of 17th NAM Summit? . . . 19  

Q35. Tehmina Janjua is the first woman in Pakistan’s history to hold the office of : . . . . . . . . . . . . 19  

Q36. Who among the following is the Chancellor of Nalanda University (2017)? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20  

Q37. To which country does the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, belong? . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20  

Q38. In which field was Juan Manuel Santos awarded the 2016 Nobel Prize? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20  

Q39. Donald Trump is: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

 

Q40. Teacher’s Day is celebrated on: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21  

Q41. Which Raja of Chamba transferred the capital of his state from Bharmaur to Chamba? . . . 22  

Q42. During the reign of which raja of Nurpur princely state the forts of Maukot, Nurpur and   22
Taragarh were captured by the Mughals?
Q43. Which raja of Bushahr princely state was conferred the title of Chhatarpati by the Mughal 23  

emperor Aurangzed?
Q44. By what name did the Greek scholars call the Satluj River? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23  

Q45. What is the approximate capacity of Sawra-Kuddu Hydro-Electric Power Project? . . . . . . . . 24  

Q46. At which place in Shimla District of H.P. is Government Sheep Breeding Farm? . . . . . . . . . . 24  

Q47. At which place in Bilaspur District of H.P. a woman Industrial Training Institute (I.T.I) has 24  

been made functional during 2015-16?

Q48. The global agreement that deals with the control of transboundary movements of   25
hazardous wastes and their disposal is called:
Q49. The biological oxygen demand of water is reduced mainly by: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25  

Q50. The use of carbon tax has been very successful to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases in26
:  

Q51. Dead zones in the world’s oceans and large lakes are characterized by: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26  

Q52. Who among the following were conferred Padma Vibhushan Awards in 2017? . . . . . . . . . . . 27  

Q53. Which of the following represents the major loss to the human kind due to environmental 28  

degradation?
Q54. India ratified the Stockholm Convention for protecting human health and the environment28  

from persistent organic pollutants in :

Q55. The number of wetlands in India listed under Ramsar Convention is : . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28  

Q56. In the Budget for 2017-18, the funds allocated for MGNREGA is: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29  

Q57. What was the unemployment rate during 2015-16 based on Usual Principal Status in India?29  

Q58. Who conducts the periodical sample survey for estimating the poverty line in India? . . . . . 30  

Q59. For the Budget proposals 2017-18; which of the following is not correct? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30  

Q60. Stalactites and Stalagmites are:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31  

Q61. Coral reefs are found between: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31  

Q62. Savanna region of Brazil is locally called as: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32  

Q63. In "Concentric Zone Model" of Burgess, the fifth ring is occupied by:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32  
Q64. Brahmaputra, after joining Tista river; is known as: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33  

Q65. Match is following and choose the correct answer from the codes given below: . . . . . . . . . . 33  

Q66. Which of the following States of India has the highest poverty ratio? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34  

Q67. The growth rate of Himachal Pradesh during 12th Plan (2012-17) has been estimated at: . . 34  

Q68. As per Census 2011, literacy rate in Himachal Pradesh for male and female respectively is: 35  

Q69. Match the following: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

 

Q70. Supreme Court’s judgement in Indira Sawhney Vs. Union of India is related to which issue?36  

Q71. Provision for Grant-in-Aid under Article 243 H for the Panchayats has been made out of   36
which source?
Q72. Which of the following statements is correct in reference to the Finance Commission of   36
India?
Q73. Which one of the following is the correct statement with regard to the Emergency   37
Provisions of Indian Constitution?
Q74. Match List1 (Mines) and List2 (Minerals) using the codes given below:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37  

Q75. Who of the following, was not the Moderate leader of Indian National Congress? . . . . . . . . . 38  

Q76. When was the Montague Declaration made about the introduction of responsible   38
government in stages for India?
Q77. Green Revolution made the country self-sufficient in food production but had some fallouts.
39  

Consider the following statements:

Q78. Kol tribe is found in : . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
 

Q79. Which of the following rivers have been termed as "living entities" by the High Court? . . . 40  

Q80. The NOTA option was first used in the elections in : . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40  

Q81. According to the UN Human Development Report (2016), the world’s top three countries in41  

terms of human development are?

Q82. Who among the following has been appointed Director of the Central Bureau of   41
Investigation (2017)?
Q83. The district to which two Chief Ministers of Northern States (2017) belong, falls in the state42  

of :
Q84. The Supreme Court issued a contempt notice to the sitting High Court Judge of: . . . . . . . . . . 42  

Q85. The Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister(s) of the following states were not members 42
of  

the State Legislative Assembly at the time of their appointments (2017):

Q86. Which month of 2017 marks the 100th anniversary of Gandhi’s arrival in Champaran? . . . 43  

Q87. Who among the following were awarded Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratan Award for 2015-16? . . . 43  

Q88. Who among the following was conferred Jnanpith Award in 2016? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44  

Q89. According to legend which God (Devta) killed Banasur who was the ruler of Sarahan area of
44  

upper Shimla?
Q90. Who was the first European to draw attention to the history of royal families of Jalandhar 44  

and Trigarta?
Q91. Around which year did the Gurkhas capture the Sirmaur princely state? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45  

Q92. Which Himachali revolutionary edited Sudarshan Chakra magazine from Lahore during the
45  

pre-independence period?
 Q93. What is the number of women members in the present H.P. Vidhan Sabha? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45  

Q94. How much subsidy is given in H.P. to the women of eligible category for providing Gas   46
connection under Mata Shabri Mahila Sashaktikaran Yojana?
Q95. What is the architectural style of Hateshwari Temple at Hatkoti (in Jubbal Tehsil of Shimla 46  

District)?
Q96. Which of the following subject matter is not found in the Kangra Kalam style Kangra   47
paintings of eighteenth century?
Q97. In which two Districts of H.P. will the H.P. Forest Ecosystem Climate Proofing Project be   47
implemented?
Q98. According to 2010-11 Agricultural census what is the percentage of small land holding in 47  

H.P.?
Q99. Which cement company has been given a prospecting license to carry out a detailed study 48  

for proving the quantity of lime-stone deposits in Sugrathi-Thangar-Kura Khera-paulikhera-

Kandal–dedera of Tehsil Chopal in Shimla District, H.P.?
Q100. Who is the author of book Kullu and Lahaul?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48  

2. 2015 HPAS Solved Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

 

Q1. Which of the following is not a freshwater ecosystem? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49  

Q2. Which of these is not an ecosystem service? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49  

Q3. Desert ecosystem are characterized by annual rainfall of less than . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50  

Q4. Which of these is not a factor threatening extinction of several species in India? . . . . . . . . . . 51  

Q5. Which of these places is reputed to be world’s most biologically diverse? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51  

Q6. India is to home to how many (approximately) mammalian species? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52  

Q7. According to Paris agreement on climate change, the rise in average temperature of earth’s 52  

surface above pre-industrial levels should be limited to:

Q8. In which of the following states, ‘Hornbill’ festival has been observed to uphold Unity in   53
Diversity?
Q9. Which of the following is not correct about the Harappa’s contacts with its contemporary   54
civilizations?
Q10. Who built the Sudarshana lake in the Saurashtra region? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54  

Q11. Which of the following Bhakati poets of Maharashtra conveyed his teachings through the 54  

numerous Abhangas?
Q12. Dara Shikoh was the disciple of which sufi saint? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55  

Q13. Who established the East India association in 1866 in London? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55  

Q14. How much time did Lord Mountbatten give to Sir C. Radcliff to delineate the international 55  

border of India in 1947?

Q15. India celebrated its first constitution Day on? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56  

Q16. In which year was the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act passes? . . . . . . . . . 56  

Q17. Ashish Bose is well known for his concept. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56  

Q18. Bombyx mori is a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

 

Q19. Which of the following Indian States will get the first ever solar-stellar observatory? . . . . . 57  

Q20. Which is not an indicator of Human Development Index? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58  

Q21. Which soil is best for cotton cultivation? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59  

Q22. Bermuda Triangles is located in? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

 

Q23. Which is the longest river of the World? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59  

Q24. When a body is taken from the earth to moon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60  

Q25. Decibel is used to measure the intensity field of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61  

Q26. A pressure cooker works on the principal of. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62  

Q27. Sweat mainly serves to eliminate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

 

Q28. In which basin is Upper Joiner hydro-power project? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63  

Q29. The acronym UNFCC represents: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63  

Q30. Identify the correct sequence of countries with the highest biodiversity- . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63  

Q31. In the context of climate change, measures undertaken by Government of India have a   64
target of electric power generation by renewable energy (by year 2030) of
Q32. In a poultry unit the factor most influencing the cost is the cost of :. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65  

Q33. Which of the following is not the feature of caste system? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65  

Q34. Which state of India was the first to pass Jamindari Abolition Act? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66  

Q35. Which of the following vegetable oils does not contain essential fatty acids? . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66  

Q36. Which of the following statements is correct? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66  

Wheat Bran is Rich Source of Fibre. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

 

Q37. Vegetables are easily perishable because of their high content of: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67  

Q38. Of which rivers tributaries are Phojal, Sarwati and Hansa streams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67  

Q39. What is the archaeological style of Adi Brahama temple Khokhan? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68  

Q40. With which region of H.P. is Bonangchyu dance associated? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69  

Q41. Who was the court poet of Raja Dharam Chand of Kangra who wrote Dharam Chand . . . . . 69  

Q42. To which princely state did Zorawar Singh, General of Raja Gulab Singh who invaded   69
Ladakh and Baltistan during 1834-41, belongs ?
Q43. When did the Chandrahabhaga Valley which was held as Jagir by the families of Tibetan   70
origin come under sway of Kullu ?
Q44. The territory of which of the following princely state was divided between two   70
cousins/scions Vijay Singh and Ram Singh during the nineteenth century?
Q45. According to 2011 census which district of H.P. has the highest number of urban   70
households?
Q46. Around which year did captain RC Lee set up an apple orchard in Kullu area? . . . . . . . . . . . 71  

Q47. Which Raja of Bushahr princely state received Hang-Rang valley from Tibet as Jagir?. . . . . 72  

Q48. Around which year did Russian painter Nicholas Roerich visit Naggar in Kullu District for 72  

the First time?

Q49. Which Raja of Bangahal princely state was treacherously killed by Raja Siddha Sen of   73
Mandi?
Q50. Which school did Amrita Shergil join in Shimla around 1924-25?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73  

Q51. Which Raja of Sirmaur princely state shifted the capital of his state from Rajban to Kalsi in73  

the beginning of the thirteen century?

Q52. At which place in Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh is fish farm? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74  
Q53. Who founded Himachal Pradesh congress (HVC)?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74  

Q54. Which two districts of H.P. are covered under Backward region Grant fund of ministry of 75  

Panchayati Raj, Government of India?

Q55. Which bank is collaborating with the Himachal Pradesh government in implementing   75
Doodh Ganga Yojna?
Q56. Which agency is managing Himachal Pradesh state wide Area networks (HIMSWAN)   76
services?
Q57. Who among the following persons has been appointed as UP’s Lokayukta? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76  

Q58. Who among the following persons has secured India’s 12th Olympic quota berth for   77
shooting for the Rio Games?
Q59. The National Airquality Index (AQI) measures air quality by taking into consideration which
77  

of the following pollutants?

Q60. Which is incorrect about Himalaya? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78  

Q61. Who of the following has been awarded Padma Vibhushan? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78  

Q62. Consider the following statements regarding IRNSS-1E: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79  

Q63. The Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79  

Q64. Who among the following was the constituent advisor to the Constituent Assembly?. . . . . . 80  

Q65. Which one of the following festivals was most famous in Vijayanagar empire ? . . . . . . . . . . 80  

Q66. Which of the following states were not annexed to the English East India Company’s   80
dominions under Dalhousies’s Doctrine of Lapse ?
Q67. When was the Civil Disobedience Movement finally called off by Mahatma Gandhi? . . . . . . 81  

Q68. Consider the following: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

 

Q69. With regard to the recently approved "Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81  

Q70. What has been the growth rate of GDP of India during 2014-15 at the current prices and   82
constant and constant prices respectively?
Q71. Consider the following statements regarding Corporate Tax Avoidance deal : . . . . . . . . . . . . 82  

Q72. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna was approved by Central Government on: . . . . . . . . . . . . 83  

Q73. Swabhiman is a: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
 

Q74. Which of the following is not a function of Reserve Bank of India? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83  

Q75. As per HDR, 2014 the Gender Inequality Index of India is: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84  

Q76. The 14th Finance Commission has enhanced the states' share in the central divisible pool 84  

taxes from:
Q77. As per the Census 2011, the average age is above 30 years for the following states:. . . . . . . . 84  

Q78. What is the name of shifting cultivation in Mexico ? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85  

Q79. Which one of the following is incorrect? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85  

Q80. Which one of the following is incorrect ? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85  

Q81. Which lines separates India from Afghanistan ? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86  

Q82. Varkala beach is located in : . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86  

Q83. Which one of the following is not correctly matched ?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86  

Q84. Which of the following statements is incorrect regarding Zika virus? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87  

Q85. What is the population density (per sq. km) of India and Himachal Pradesh respectively as87  
 per Census 2011?
Q86. Which of the following human rights come within the ambit of Article 21 of the Indian   87
Constitution?
Q87. During the term of office, criminal proceedings cannot be instituted against:. . . . . . . . . . . . . 88  

Q88. Who among the following decides the question of disqualification of a member of   88
Parliament on the grounds of defection?
Q89. Who among the following has the power to declare a caste or a tribe as scheduled caste or 89  

scheduled tribe?
Q90. Who among the following determines the area of a Lok Sabha constituency for the purpose89  

of election?
Q91. The Central Information Commission falls under:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89  

Q92. Which of the following statements is correct about NITI Aayog?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90  

Q93. Which of the following committees recommended the creation of 'Nyaya Panchayats'? . . . 90  

Q94. Which of the following are All India Services? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90  

Q95. Who is the Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91  

Q96. Consider the following statements regarding International Solar Alliance (ISA) : . . . . . . . . . 91  

Q97. Consider the following statements regarding Corruption Perception Index (CPI), 2015 : . . . 92  

Q98. Who among the following persons has won the Man Booker Prize, 2015? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92  

Q99. First Census was conducted in which year in India?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93  

3. 2014 HPAS Solved Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

 

Q1. The latitude that passes through Sikkim also passes through . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94  

Q2. Which of the following does not contain silver?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94  

Q3. Aluminum surfaces are often ‘anodized’ this means the deposition of a layer of:. . . . . . . . . . . 95  

Q4. When a CD (compact disc used in audio and video systems) is seen in sunlight, rainbow like 95  

colours are seen. This can be explained on the basis of the phenomenon of:
Q5. Domestic electrical wiring is basically a: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96  

Q6. The only snake that builds a nest is: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97  

Q7. The hormone insulin is a: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97  

Q8. The normal temperature of human body in Kelvin scale is: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98  

Q9. Which one of the following polymers is widely used for making bullet proof material?. . . . . 99  

Q10. Name the site where Harappan ploughed field has been found: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99  

Q11. Name the place where Jaina texts were finally complied. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100  

Q12. Which of the following Marathas was given a Manasab of 7000/7000 by Aurangzeb? . . . . 100  

Q13. Who among the following translated Kalhana’s Rajatarangini into English? . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101  

Q14. Sidhu and Kanhu were associated with which one of the following?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101  

Q15. NITI in NITI Aayog stands for . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102  

Q16. Which of the following is/are treated as artificial currency? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102  

Q17. SEBI was established in the year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102  

Q18. The working principal of a washing machine is. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103  

Q19. Which of the following drugs reduces fever? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103  

Q20. Mars Orbitor Mission is called: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104  

Q21. In which district of HP is Yunam-so Lake?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104  

Q22. What is Shingni-Mingni? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

 

Q23. According to Planning Commission estimates for 2011-12 which of the following states have
106  

maximum percentage of population below poverty line

Q24. Diego Garcia Island is located in. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
 

Q25. Great Salt Lake is located in: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

 

Q26. Tropic of cancer does not pass through . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106  

Q27. Which is the second most spoken language in India? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107  

Q28. Who among the following is the author of Milind Panho? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108  

Q29. Find out among the following, the author of Muasir-i-Alamgiri?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108  

Q30. Polworth, Corriedole, Blackpace and Bingi are varieties of: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108  

Q31. Who was the head of the boundary commission which demarcated the boundaries of India
109  

and Pakistan?
Q32. What is the local name of shifting cultivation in Malaysia? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110  

Q33. When was ‘Beti Hai Anmol’ Yojna launched in Himachal Pradesh? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110  

Q34. Disguised unemployment generally means: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111  

Q35. Which of the following amendments to the Indian Constitution has made the right of   111
education a fundamental right?
Q36. Which of the following are the exclusive committees of Rajya Sabha? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112  

Q37. The elected members of the state legislative assembly participate in the elections of . . . . . 112  

Q38. Which of the Commissions/Committees has recommended that there should be Minister of
113  

Panchayati Raj?
Q39. Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojna was launched on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113  

Q40. Which of the following has the lowest sex ratio in India? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114  

Q41. Which of the following statements is/are correct ? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114  

Q42. Which of the following is the largest coal producer? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114  

Q43. Which of the following is the correct order of rivers from north to south? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115  

Q44. Which Mughal ruler is said to have given the title of ‘Mian’ to the Rajput princes of Punjab
115  

Hill states who were held hostages in the royal court?

Q45. Ruler of which of the following hill states were from a common ancestor? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116  

Q46. Who started the Ice-Skating Rink at Shimla around 1920? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116  

Q47. What was the annual growth rate in the economy of Himahcal Pradesh during the 2012-13
117  

fiscal?
Q48. Which one of the following is a Pagoda style temple in HP? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117  

Q49. Identify the correct order of density of population among the following districts of HP   118
according to 2011 census data (in descending
Q50. Which district of HP occupies top position in the production of ginger? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119  

Q51. India signed an agreement on transfer of sentenced persons with the Hong-Kong special 119  

administrative region in 2014.

Q52. Based upon the relations between India and Pakistan, Khurshid M. Kasuri, the Ex-foreign120  

Minister of Pakistan has recently penned down a book. What is the title of the book?
Q53. Which of the following statements are correct about the National Human Right   120
Commission?
Q54. Which of the following agriculture practices is eco-friendly? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121  

Q55. According to the Wealth Health Organization, the desease which causes the death of the 121  

largest number of people today is

Q56. The Raja of Bushahar princely state was assisted by three hereditary Wazir families. One 122
of  

them was Kohal. Where did it come from?

Q57. When was the Department of Public Relations created in Himachal Pradesh? . . . . . . . . . . . 122  

Q58. In India, which of the following have the highest share in the disbursement of credit to   123
agriculture and allied activities?
Q59. The World Investment Report (WIR) is published by . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123  

Q60. What is the correct sequence of the following four stages in the public policy formulation124  

process?
Q61. Annual Summit 2015 of BRICS nations was held in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124  

Q62. The most widely used antacid is: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

 

Q63. In which district of HP is Saryanj Sarma watershed project? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125  

Q64. A simple machine helps a person in doing: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126  

Q65. Which Raja of Spiti invaded Kullu and made it a tributary? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126  

Q66. As per the IPCC 4th Assessment Report, the average sea level during the period 1961-2003127  

increased approximately at the rate of

Q67. Who abolished Dual Government in Bengal? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127  

Q68. The temples located in the region between the Vindhyas and the Krishna river are known127  

as:
Q69. Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128  

Q70. According to Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, which of the following articles of the Indian Constitution128  

was to remain a dead-letter?

Q71. The responsibility of law and order rests with the police commissioner in the cities of . . . 129  

Q72. Which one of the following functions does not figure in the 11th schedule of the constitution
129  

(73rd Amendment)?
Q73. Driving force for an eco-system is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
 

Q74. Read the following statements regarding the recently released NTCA report on the status of
130  

tigers in India, 2014.

Q75. At present, the primary energy source in the world is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130  

Q76. Which of the following has the maximum bio-diversity? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130  

Q77. World Ozone day is celebrated on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

 

Q78. In India, the forest cover percentage of the total geographical area of the country is appox.
131  

Q79. A fuse is used in main electric supply as safety devices. Which one of the following   132
statements about the fuse is correct?
Q80. What is the script of the earliest epigraphical rock inscriptions at Pathyar and Kanhiyara 132
in  

Kangra?
Q81. How many biosphere reserves are there in India? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132  
 Q82. Earth Summit 2012 for sustainable development was held in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133  

Q83. The sensation of fatigue in the muscle after prolonged strenuous physical work is caused 133
by:  

Q84. The UN Convention on Biodiversity was ratified by the Indian government in the year . . 133  

Q85. National Sample Survey Office was established in the year : . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134  

Q86. Match the List I with List II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134

 

Q87. Recently, the government of India has decided . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135  

Q88. Modi Government re-launched the Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP) investment scheme to top house
135  

hold saving for funding infrastructure development in the country.

Q89. Shanta Kumar Committee has submitted its report on restructuring of Food Corporation of
136  

India (FCI) to Mr. Modi.

Q90. As per the population census 2011, what is the percentage of urban population in Himachal
136  

and India respectively

Q91. Which one of the following does a TV remote control unit to use to operate a TV set? . . . . 136  

Q92. Which Raja of Mandi gave the Shivratri Fair the form of a cultural festival? . . . . . . . . . . . . 137  

Q93. Which of the following peaks are in Himachal Pradesh?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137  

Q94. Find the mismatch in the following pairs: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138  

Q95. When did the number of members in the HP Vidhan Sabha increase from 36 to 41? . . . . . 138  

Q96. Almost all major oil produces including Saudi Arabian have become dependent on high 138  

prices, with break-even level usually over $90 per barrel to meet their fiscal obligations. Consider
the following can be termed as explanation for the present decline in oil prices?
Q97. The world’s largest ground based telescopic observatory is located in:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139  

Q98. Apart from Carbon-dioxide, which of the following gases also have a role in climate change?
139  

Q99. At present, which country is the maximum emitter of Carbon-dioxide? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140  

Q100. What is the tenure of Chief Election Commissioner of India?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140  

4. 2013 HPAS Solved Paper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141

 

Q1. What is the name of Pakistani Bus that plies between Lahore and Delhi? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141  

Q2. Standard 18-carat gold sold in the market contains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142  

Q3. Which of the following is represented by the Harrapan Civilization? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142  

Q4. In which of the following year the Asiatic Society of Bengal was established? . . . . . . . . . . . . 142  

Q5. Who is Shinzo Abe? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143

 

Q6. The major component of honey is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143  

Q7. With which district of Himachal Pradesh is Kayang folk dance mainly associated?. . . . . . . . 144  

Q8. Which lake is jointly owned by China and India? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144  

Q9. "There is enough for everybody’s need but not enough for everybody’s greed." Who said it?145  

Q10. Which one of the following is not trade block?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145  

Q11. Climatology is the science of:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146 

Q12. Zulus tribe is found in? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146

 

Q13. Which one of the following is the largest producer of coffee in the world? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147  

Q14. Which is the tallest dam of India? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147  

Q15. Which of the following rivers is called ‘Nadittam’ in Rigveda? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148  

Q16. The officer who enjoyed authority over the large pasture ground was known as during the
148  
Rigvedic period?
Q17. Usually fuels on burning causes pollution. which one of the following fuel causes minimum
148  

environmental pollution ?
Q18. What is the average fat content of "Buffalo milk"? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149  

Q19. On the bank of which river is Nadaun town of Hamirpur District? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149  

Q20. Which of the following is the author of Tamil Ramayana? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149  

Q21. Jhum is a term used for: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150

 

Q22. When ants bite, they inject: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150

 

Q23. The 'Stones' formed in human kidney consist mostly of: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151  

Q24. Which tehsil of Mahasu district was carved out to form Kinnaur district? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152  

Q25. For which work did Mridula Garg get the 2013 Sahitya Academy Award? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152  

Q26. According to Transparency Intentional which are the most honest countries in the world 153
in  

2012-13?
Q27. Who was crowned as Miss World in 2013 beauty contest? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153  

Q28. The UN Human Rights Council (HRC) was set up in: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153  

Q29. Which day is observed as Anti-Leprosy Day? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154  

Q30. Arteries supplying blood to the: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154 

Q31. Cryogenic engines find applications in: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155  

Q32. Which of the following is not in the vicinity of Kullu? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155  

Q33. In which town is Panchvaktra temple?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155  

Q34. Ultimate source of energy for living being is: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156  

Q35. Soil erosion can be prevented by: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156  

Q36. With which game/sport is Deepika Kumari associated? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157  

Q37. When was Telegraph/Telegram service closed in India? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157  

Q38. Fat present below the skin surface in our body, acts as a barrier against: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157  

Q39. In which year publication of Hindi daily Divya Himachal begin? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158  

Q40. Who was the first person to vote in the First General Elections in India in 1951-52? . . . . . . 158  

Q41. Which of the following has the highest sex ratio as per 2011 census? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159  

Q42. Which Indian State has the lowest death rate according to census 2011? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159  

Q43. Which one of the following is located in Atlantic Ocean? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160  

Q44. Diffusion of light in the atmosphere takes place due to: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160  

Q45. The characteristics odour of garlic is due to:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160  

Q46. Which lake at Mandi is known for floating island? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161  

Q47. Which of the following are the ways of acquiring citizenship of India? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161  

Q48. The Right to Freedom under Article 19 of the Constitution of India may be suspended by 161  

President of India?
National emergency under article 352 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162  

Q49. Which of the following languages have been declared by the Constitution to be the   162
languages for conducting business in Parliament?
Q50. Which is the correct measure of Infant Mortality Rate (IMR)? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163  

Q51. After which American scientist is ‘h-index’ named? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163  

Q52. NABARD came into existence in the year: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164  

Q53. Who is George Alexander Louis? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164

 

Q54. Which of the following is believed to be the oldest among Shimla Hill States? . . . . . . . . . . . 164  

Q55. Which one of the following is taken as the Base Year for estimating GDP at constant prices165
in  

India during 2012-13?

Q56. "What was the average annual growth rate of Agricultural and Allied Sectors in India during
165  

11th five year plan?

Q57. Which of the statements given below is/are correct? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166  

Q58. The Targeted Public Distribution System (TDPS) was adopted in the year: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166  

Q59. What were the main findings of the N.N. Vohra Committee? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166  

Q60. Who among the following increased the Mansab from 5000/- to 7000/-?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167  

Q61. Which of the following political parties was called ‘Rajadroha Ka Karkhana’ by the British?
167  

Q62. Who among the following established the Central Hindu School at Banaras? . . . . . . . . . . . . 167  

Q63. Rani Gidalu was one of the freedom fighter from the north-east. She hailed from one of the
168  

following states
Q64. Which of the following states did not return Congress in power after the first provincial 168  

elections in 1937?
Q65. Match names of List I with that of List II and select the correct answer from the codes given
169  

below:
Q66. Which one of the following is incorrect? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
 

Q67. Which is not temperate grassland? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169

 

Q68. In which of the following rivers ‘Swargadwari’ is located at? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170  

Q69. Which one of the following is incorrect? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170

 

Q70. Which is the correct descending order in terms of length (km) of river? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170  

Q71. Which of the following pairs is not correctly matched? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171  

Q72. What is India’s Global Position out of 187 countries as per UNDP’s Human Development 171  

Report 2011?
Q73. Who is the Chairman of Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) at present? 172  

Q74. An air bubble in water will act like a: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172

 

Q75. Which one of the following is not an essential micronutrient for plants?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172  

Q76. Identify the correct chronological order in which the following Europeans travelled in   173
Punjab and Shimla Hill states?
Q77. Who negotiated the arrangement between the states of Kashmir and Chamba by which the
173  

later became independent of the former?

Q78. Raja of which state was treated by the wife of Dara Shikoh as her son? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174  

Q79. When did the consultative body of ruler of princely states known as Narendra Mandal came
174  

into existence?
Q80. Who led the famous Mandi conspiracy of 1914-15? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174  

Q81. According to Annual Status Education Report (ASER) 2012-13 what percentage of class V 175  

students of Himachal Pradesh Government and private schools can read only class II text?
Q82. What was the exact constitutional status of the Indian Republic on 26th January 1950? . . 175  
 Q83. Disagreement between the two Houses of Parliament on the following bills can be resolved
176  

by the Houses in a joint sitting

Q84. In a National Park, protection is provided to: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176  

Q85. Which of the following union territories do not have any representative in the Rajya Sabha?
177  

Q86. Which among the following committees was the first to demand constitutional recognition
177  

for Panchayats?
Q87. In which of the following states have the Panchayati Raj institutions been set up in   178
conformity with the traditions and customs of the local people?
Q88. Who among the following former Presidents contested the election to the office of the   179
President of India without resigning from the office of Vice-President of India?
Q89. Which one of the following models/theories views public policy as a continuation of   179
previous government activities with some modifications?
Q90. The Khadi and Village Industries Commission was established during which of the Five Year
180  

Plans?
Q91. In which field did Frederick Sainger win Nobel Prize twice? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180  

Q92. Which of the following types of glasses can cut-off ultraviolet rays? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180  

Q93. Which one of the following is an active component of clove oil? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181  

Q94. In eye donation, which one of the following parts of donor’s eye is utilized? . . . . . . . . . . . . 181  

Cornea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
 

Q95. Which action of Raja Sansar Chand prompted the Hill Chiefs to invite Gurkhas to invade 182  

Kangra?
Q96. When was a Sanad granted to the Raja of Bilaspur by the British government confirming his
182  

possession on the right bank of Satluj?

Q97. Court poet of which princely state of Shimla Hills is the author of Shashi Vansh Vinod? . . 182  

Q98. Which mountain pass connects Spiti to Ladakh? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183  

Q99. With which of the following is NGO named Vishakha is associated? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183  

5. 2012 HPAS Solved Paper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184  

Q1. At which place in Shimla District is Herbal garden? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184  

Q2. Koderma, a place in Jharkhand , is famous for . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184  

Q3. What is Curiosity Rover?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184  

Q4. The continental drift theory was propounded by . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185  

Q5. What are stalagmites? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185  

Q6. With which of the following is Losar festival associated?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186  

Q7. According to legend what is the vehicle of Kamdev? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187  

Q8. The drugs used to get relief from pain are called: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187  

Q9. Metals are good conductors of electricity because. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187  

Q10. With which game is Ravi Rampaul associated? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188  

Q11. Against whom did Aurangzeb fight the battle at Samugarh? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188  

Q12. Who was Amrita Shergil? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188  

Q13. In which year Shimla was declared as the summer capital of British India? . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189  

Q14. Which of the following states Nathpa Jhakri Hydel Project under execution . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189  
Q15. Which country is called the 'Sugar Bowl' of the world? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189  

Q16. Who was the first Caliph of Islam ? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190  

Q17. What is INS Chakra? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190

 

Q18. In coming years , skin related disorders will become more common due to : . . . . . . . . . . . . 190  

Q19. In the process of galvanization of an iron sheet is coated with: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191  

Q20. One liter of water is equivalent to:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191  

Q21. A transformer is used for: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191

 

Q22. Where is KEE monastry? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192 

Q23. Which type of pollution is caused by two - wheelers? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192  

Q24. Chernobyl disaster was caused by a : . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193  

Q25. First share market in India was established in :. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193  

Q26. Who founded the revolutionary organization named 'Abhinava Bharat' ? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194  

Q27. At what interval is Bhunda festival of Nirmand held? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194  

Q28. Who is the author of 'Abode of God'? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195  

Q29. Which of the following is not a tributary of the Beas? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195  

Q30. With which region of Himachal Pardesh is Sih ballet associated?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195  

Q31. Which Sultan of Delhi helped Raja Megh Chand of Bilaspur to regain his lost kingdom? . . 196  

Q32. Which Raja of Mandi built the Darbar Hall in 1906?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196  

Q33. Who won the 2012 Himachal Pardesh Vidhan Sabha election by the highest margin? . . . . 196  

Q34. Youth of which age group are eligible to avail the skill development allowance announced196  

by the Himachal Pradesh Government in 2013-14 budget?

Q35. Match the following proposed rope-ways correctly and choose the correct answer from the
197  

codes given below:

Q36. According to 2008-09 data, which district of Himachal Pradesh has recorded the highest 197  

percentage in the production of pulses?

Q37. Which one of the following is not a precondition for implementing national programme for
198  

education of girls at the elementary level?

Q38. Which is scheme has been introduced in place of Kishori Shakti Yojana in some district of198  

Himachal Pradesh?
Q39. Which sector had highest outlay (in % terms ) in the annual plan of 2011-2012? . . . . . . . . . 198  

Q40. Beside Kinnaur and Lahaul Spiti, which district of Himachal Pradesh has recorded the   199
lowest percentage of urban population in the 2011 census?
Q41. What was the percentage of female literacy in Himachal Pradesh in 1951?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199  

Q42. Match the following: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199

 

Q43. Whom did emperor Ashoka send to Lanka to promote Buddhism? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200  

Q44. There are four Upvedas. Three of them are Ayurveda, Dhanaurveda and Sthapatya veda. 200  

Which is the fourth?

Q45. Which among the following scholar belong to the later Vedic period? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200  

Q46. Whom did the Huns defeat to establish their in India? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201  

Q47. The first Rani of Mewar who committed johar was Padmini. Who was the second? . . . . . . 201  

Q48. At which place did the battle between Babur and Rana Sanga take place 1527 ? . . . . . . . . . 201  
Q49. Who organized the Red Shirts Movement ?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201  

Q50. Who is associated with the moderate strand of the Khilafat movement of 1919-20? . . . . . . 202  

Q51. The marked of Moshad the spy agency of Israel is that it has as its member a large number
202  

of
Q52. What is the major religion of Myanmar? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202  

Q53. With which field is Malala Yousafzai associated? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203  

Q54. Identify the country whose seat of legislature, executive and judiciary is at three different203  

cities?
Q55. Which one of the following refused the Nobal Prize awarded to him? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203  

Q56. When was the World Anti-Doping Agency(WADA) set up? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203  

Q57. Which of the following states records the highest proportion of scheduled castes population
204  

?
Q58. The most ideal region for the cultivation of cotton in India is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204  

Q59. Which of the following factors is responsible for the rapid growth of sugar production in 205  

south India as compared to North India?

Q60. Which of the following state groups is the largest producer of iron-ore in india? . . . . . . . . 205  

Q61. Whose government was defeated for the first time on a vote of confidence? . . . . . . . . . . . . 205  

Q62. The Question Hour in the House of the people is followed by . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206  

Q63. CENVAT is assoicated with : . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206  

Q64. The 73rd and 74th constitutional Amendments were during the primeministership of: . . 206  

Q65. The Indian Constitution refers to minorities based on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206  

Q66. Which Indian company has been included for the first time in USA’s index NASDAQ-100? 207  

Q67. UNDP has introduced a new poverty index known as:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207  

Q68. The excess discharge of fertilizers into water bodies result in: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207  

Q69. To which community/organisation maximum goods are exported from India? . . . . . . . . . . 208  

Q70. The antiknock agent added to unleaded petrol is: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208  

Q71. 3-4 benzopyrene causes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208  

Q72. Natural silk is a : . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208

 

Q73. Which of the following states have recently (2013) got separate high courts? . . . . . . . . . . . . 209  

Q74. Most hazardous metal pollution of automobile exhaust is: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209  

Q75. If BOD of a water is found very high, this means water: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210  

Q76. Minamata disease affects the : . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210  

Q77. Chemical which cause bone cancer and degeneration of tissue is : . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210  

Q78. Who was the Chairman of the committee on pricing and taxation of petroleum   211
products(2013)?
Q79. When was World Trade Organization set up by the member countries of the United Nations
211  

to promote trade among countries?

Q80. Which of the following commissions/committees have recommended legal protection to 211  

whistle blowers?
Q81. For which of the following posts has the Supreme court directed the central government 212  

that not only civil servants but other persons with impeccable integrity should also be
 considered?
Q82. Which of the following occupied the highest place in growth rate during the 11th Plan   212
period 2007-2012?
Q83. Which of the following can be remolded time and again without producing any change? 213  

Q84. Most commonly used tranquillizers are derivatives of: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213  

Q85. At what capacity was P.C. Mahalanobis associated with the formulation of the economic 213  

policy of independent India ?

Q86. The range of normal human hearing lies between:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213  

6. 2011 HPAS Solved Paper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215  

Q1. Who was the first Indian to declare that "Freedom is my birth right"? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215  

Q2. At which place was Vardhman Mahavir born?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215  

Q3. Zawar mines are important for: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215  

Q4. Which Mughal ruler imprisoned his stepmother after the death of his father?. . . . . . . . . . . . 216  

Q5. Who founded the All India Depressed Classes Federation? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216  

Q6. From which place did Mahatma Gandhi ji started Dandi March to the sea?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217  

Q7. Which of the following is not a measures of Human Development Index? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217  

Q8. At which place in Mandi District has the Department of Ayurveda set-up herbal garden? . 218  

Q9. In which district of Himachal Pradesh is Mulgun valley? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218  

Q10. Which statement is true about Ellora caves? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219  

Q11. Who was the founder of Arya Samaj? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220  

Q12. Under the constitution of India, the power to issue a writ of Habeas Corpus is vested in: . 220  

Q13. On which river is Chamba Pattan Bridge which being without pillars is first of this kind in220  

Himachal Pradesh?
Q14. Participatory Notes (PNs) are associated with which one of the following? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221  

Q15. Silicon carbide(SiC) is known as: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222  

Q16. Where was the capital of Kullu in the earlier times? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222  

Q17. In the coast of which state is Wheeler Island? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222  

Q18. Five rings linked together constitute the symbol of Olympic Games. Each ring is of a   223
different color. Two colors are blue and black. Which are the other three colors?
Q19. Who translated the collection of South Indian tales into Sanskrit and titled the work as   223
‘Kathasaritasager’?
Kathasaritasager (कथासरित्सागर) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224  

Q20. Arrange the following ruling dynasties of ancient India in correct chronological order: . . 224  

Q21. In which year was the Partition of Bengal annulled? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224  

Partition of Bengal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225  

Meaning of Annulled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225  

Q22. Haem is the important biologically in the myoglobin which is used to store: . . . . . . . . . . . . 225  

Haem. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
 

Q23. Which treaty signaled the departure of the Gurkhas and arrival of the British on the   225
political canvas of Shimla Hill states?
Treaty of Sagauli . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226  
Q24. Mediterranean agriculture is: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226  

Q25. Which city in India is called the Garden city? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226  

Q26. Koyali is: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227

 

Q27. Which group of rivers originates from the Himachal mountains? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227  

Q28. The Public Accounts Committee presents its report to: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228  

Public Accounts Committe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228  

Q29. The Governor has the power to impose Governor’s rule in the State of: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228  

Q30. Which Indian city has the highest population according to 2011 Census? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228  

Q31. ‘Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan Yojna’ is associated with: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229  

Q32. Fly ash is environment pollutant produced by: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229  

Q33. What is the capital of Republic of South Sudan? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230  

Q34. What is the name of first Indian Research Station in the Arctic?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230  

Q35. Who has been given the 2011 Sahitya Academy Award? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231  

Sahitya Academy Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231  

Q36. With which activity is Magsaysay awardees Rajendra Singh associated? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231  

Dr. Rajendra Singh. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231  

Q37. After Subhash Chandra Bose resigned from the President ship of Congress in 1939 who   232
became the party president?
Q38. Who were the two prominent leaders of Home Rule League? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232  

Q39. Environment planning organization is: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232  

NEERI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
 

Q40. Shallow lake with rich organic products are called: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233  

Q41. Which of the following plans is meant for constructing houses for rural people? . . . . . . . . 233  

Q42. In 1943, Muslim League ministers were installed in four provinces. Two of them were Sind
234  

and NWFP. Which were the other two?

Q43. At which venue did the 1907 A.D. split in Congress Party take place? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234  

Q44. Tarapore Committee was associated with which one of the following? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235  

Q45. The Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats meet at: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235  

Q46. Rusting of iron is: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235  

Q47. The urine sample of a diabetic patient contains. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236  

Q48. The quality of diesel oil for use in diesel engines is determined by: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236  

Q49. Which of the following is used as moderators in nuclear reactors? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237  

Q50. The 40 years war between ancient Aryan king Divodas and Shamber resulted in the defeat
237  

of:
Q51. Who built the Lakshmi Narayan Temple at Chamba? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237  

Q52. Which of the following is not a natural polymer? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238  

Q53. When mild steel is heated to a high temprature and suddenly cooled in water, it becomes 238  

hard and brittle. The process is called:

Q54. Which Raja’s wooing of Nokhu Gaddan is depicted in the "Raja-Gaddan" love lyric? . . . . . 238  

Q55. For distribution of essential commodities all families in Himachal Pradesh have been   239
divided into four categories. Two of them are: Below Poverty Line (BPL), and Above Poverty Line
 (APL) families. Which are the other two are?
Q56. Dr. Piyush Guleri’s award winning work, "Chhaunte" is a ……………………. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239  

Q57. According to 2011 census which district of Himachal Pradesh has the lowest female literacy
240  

rate?
Q58. On which issue did several Panchayats of Nichar Sub-division boycotted the December 2010-
240  

January 2011 Panchayat election?

Q59. Almost 90% of the world’s annual fish supply comes form: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240  

Q60. A polymer which is used for making ropes and carpet fibres is: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241  

Q61. The bleaching action of chlorine occurs in the presence of: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241  

Q62. The maximum limit of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in public sector banking is . . . . . . 241  

Q63. The Pennines (Europe), Appalachians (America) and the Aravallis (India) are examples of:242  

Q64. Three important rivers of the Indian Subcontinent have their sources near Mansarovar 242  

Lake in the Great Himalayas. These rivers are:

Q65. Which one of the following is no longer a source of Income of urban local bodies in Punjab,
243  

Haryana and Himachal Pradesh?

Q66. As per 13th Finance Commission Recommendations during 2010-15, transfers to the states243  

in the form of ‘grant-in-aid’ are

Q67. The Production of most metallic minerals is affected by each of the following, except: . . . 243  

7. 2010 HPAS Solved Paper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244

 

Q1. The definition of Biosphere is:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244

 

Q2. Rhododendron is the characteristic vegetation of: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244  

Q3. Some reliable indicators of pollutions are: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245  

Q4. Gas released during Bhopal gas tragedy was: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246  

Q5. Human eye is sensitive to the wavelength in the range of: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247  

Q6. Who built the old fort (Purana Qila) in Delhi? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247  

Q7. Under the Constitution of India who is the guardian of fundamental rights? . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248  

Q8. MNREGA programme is related to: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248  

Q9. Which one among the following countries is not a member of SAARC?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249  

Q10. What is the roughly ratio between the population density of Himachal Pradesh and India 249
as  

per the provisional figures of 2011 Census of India?

Q11. Asbestos is no longer preferred for commercial use because: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250  

Q12. Hemorrhagic dengue fever is spread by: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250  

Q13. In which district of Himachal Pradesh is Uhal Hydroelectric Project located?. . . . . . . . . . . . 250  

Q14. Who was the founder of Satyashodhak Samaj? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251  

Q15. Where was the Headquarters of Ghadar Party?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251  

Q16. Which part of the world has a high density of organisms? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252  

Q17. Carbon Dioxide absorbs strongly in Infrared region and its presence in atmosphere   252
decreases the loss of heat from Earth by radiations. This is called?
Q18. During whose viceroyalty was the Vernacular Press Act enacted? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252  

Q19. In which district of Himachal Pradesh is Surajtal Lake ? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253  

Q20. Freon causes great environmental damage. They are : . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253  

Q21. What is an archipelago? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254  

Q22. Siul stream is a tributary of river? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254  

Q23. Balwant Rai Mehta Committee is related to: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255  

Q24. Which term is used for imaginary lines joining the places of equal rainfall?. . . . . . . . . . . . . 255  

Q25. Freons cause great environmental damage. They are: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256  

Q26. What is relevant to the Golden Quadrilateral in India? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256  

Q27. Which of the following is not a plant hormone? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256  

Q28. What is the silicon valley of United States of America famous for? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257  

Q29. What is the density of population at national level in India according to 2011 census? . . . 257  

Q30. Which mountain range separates Sirmaur from Shimla? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258  

Q31. Who amongst the following can be the chairman of National Human Rights Commission?258  

Q32. Antibodies are found in: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259  

B Lymphocytes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
 

Q33. Night Blindness is caused by the deficiency of: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259  

Night blindness (nyctalopia) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259  

Q34. India is at which state of the following stages of Demographic transition? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260  

Q35. Consider the following related to Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan(SSA) being implemented in   260
partnership with the States for addressing the needs of children:
Q36. Which one of the following led to the Malogaon Committee to recommend for interest rate
261  

cap for micto-finance institutions?

Q37. Consider the following in relation with Corporate tax: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261  

Q38. Consider the following taxes: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262  

Q39. Which of the following is the highest export-oriented handicrafts (in value terms) in India262  

exports?
Q40. Which one of the following represents at least in part investment in human capital? . . . . 262  

Q41. Which one of the following treaties was not covered by Uruguay Round Negotiations, which
263  

established WTO?
Q42. Who founded the Guler state?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264  

Q43. On the basin of which river is Dodra Kawar situated? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264  

Q44. In which year was ‘Swarna Jayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojna’ launched in Himachal Pradesh?
264  

Q45. 'Mukhya Mantri Bal Udhar Yojna’ of Himachal Pradesh Government is restricted to the   265
children belonging to:
Q46. What is the architectural style of Jawalamukhi temple in Kangra District? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265  

Q47. Male literacy in the recent Census 2011 has increased to: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266  

Q48. Indian agriculture has the following features: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266  

Q49. Which one of the following is non-toxic? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267  

Q50. Carbohydrates are not used in: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267  

Q51. Nanotechnology is where particles of the following size are used: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267  

Q52. Carbon dioxide absorbs the infrared radiations and its presence in the atmosphere   268
decreases the loss of heat from earth by radiations.
Q53. Which trench is located in the Pacific Ocean? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268  
Q54. In which Indian State is the Tawang Buddhist Monastery located? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269  

Q55. For which of the following functions was V.K. Shunglu Committee constituted? . . . . . . . . . 269  

Q56. Who among the following was the speaker of first Lok Sabha? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269  

Q57. Which ancient Indian king wrote the three dramas, i.e. Ratnavali, Priyadarshika and   270
Nagananda?
Q58. By which act was system of ‘Dyarchy’ introduced during British rule in India? . . . . . . . . . . 270  

Q59. Who was the Chairman of the first Union Commission of Backward Classes of India? . . . . 270  

Q60. According to 2011 Census which of the following districts of the state of the state of Haryana
271  

has the lowest sex ratio?

Q61. Which of the following countries is divided into the largest number of time zones? . . . . . . 271  

Q62. In which form is phosphorus predominately found in soil? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272  

Q63. Which of the following properties is not related to LASER? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272  

Q64. Who amongst the following is empowered to declare emergency under the Indian   272
Constitution?
Q65. Under which of the following circumstances can an emergency be declared in India? . . . 273  

Q66. Which of the following is not properly matched? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273

 

Q67. Consider the following in the context of food inflation in India: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274  

Q68. Who commanded the Mughal forces which subdued Kangra fort in 1620 A.D.? . . . . . . . . . . 274  

Q69. With whose assistance is the Himachal Pradesh Government’s ‘organic farming and water
275  

harvesting project’ being implemented?

Q70. Asbestos is no longer used for commercial use because: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275 

Q71. In which one of the following cases has the Preamble been accepted as a part of the Indian
275  

Constitution?
Chapter 1. 2017 HPAS Solved Paper
This PDF Booklet contains 2017 HPAS Solved Paper. Explanation is
provided by Shunya Foundation Team. 2017 HPAS Solved Paper for General
Studies held in July 2017

Q1. One of the better achievements of Kanha National

Park is :
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Conservation of tiger from near extinction

▪ (2). Conservation of swamp deer from near extinction

▪ (3). Conservation of Gaur from near extinction

▪ (4). Conservation of bison from near extinction

Correct option : 2

Kanha National Park is located in Madhya Pradesh. It was created on June 1st 1955 and Kanha Tiger
Reserve was created in 1973. This came into being in 1974 under Project Tiger. Kanha has
contributed immensely in saving many endangered wildlife species, which nearly bordered
extinction.

The Park’s landmark conservation effort is the reintroduction of the rare hard ground swamp deer-
Barasingha, saving it from near extinction.

1
Q2. In India, life expectancy is:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). 68.3 years

▪ (2). 71.2 years

▪ (3). 75.5 years

▪ (4). 65.3 years

Correct option : 1

As per year 2014 data, Life expectancy at birth is around 68 years in India.

Q3. United Nations has declared 2017 as the

International Year of :
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Sustainable tourism for development

▪ (2). Pulses

▪ (3). Light and light-based Technologies

▪ (4). Soils

Correct option : 1

The United Nations General Assembly declared 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable
Tourism for Development. The United Nations (UN) has declared 2017 as a year to recognize that
tourism is important in fostering better understanding among people. The International Year aims
to support a change in policies, business practices and consumer behavior towards a more
sustainable tourism sector than can contribute effectively to the Sustainable Development
Goals(SDGs).

Q4. AMRUT was launched on :

Choose an option:

2
 ▪ (1). 25 June, 2015 to improve basic Urban infrastructure in 500 cities

▪ (2). 25 June, 2015 to improve basic amenities in 500 districts

▪ (3). 25 June, 2014 to improve basic Urban infrastructure in cities

▪ (4). 25 June, 2016, 2016 to improve availability of safe drinking water in Urban areas

Correct option : 1

Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) was launched on 25 June, 2015.
The purpose of Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) is to

(i) ensure that every household has access to a tap with assured supply of water and a sewerage
connection;

(ii) increase the amenity value of cities by developing greenery and well maintained open spaces
(e.g. parks); and

(iii) reduce pollution by switching to public transport or constructing facilities for non-motorized
transport (e.g. walking and cycling).

Q5. Which of the following instruments is used for

measuring the depth of the ocean?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Galvanometer

▪ (2). Ammeter

▪ (3). Barometer

▪ (4). Fathometer

Correct option : 4

3
Fathometer is a depth finder that uses sound waves to determine the depth of water in ocean. The
first practical fathometer was invented by Herbert Grove Dorsey and patented in 1928.

Q6. Where from is litmus dye extracted?

Choose an option:

▪ (1). A lichen

▪ (2). A liverwort

▪ (3). A moss

▪ (4). A pteridophyte

Correct option : 1

4
Fig. Litchen

Litmus, a natural dye is extracted from lichen. Red litmus changes to blue in a basic solution
whereas blue litmus changes to red in acidic medium.

Q7. Which of the following are the primary colors?

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Yellow, Green, Blue

▪ (2). Red, Green, Blue

▪ (3). Red, Green, White

▪ (4). Red, Magenta, Blue

Correct option : 2

Fig. Primary Colours

Primary Colours are colours that cannot be created through the mixing of other colours. They are
colours in their own right. The three primary colours are RED - GREEN - BLUE. Primary colours can
be mixed together to produce secondary colors.

Q8. Nail polish remover contains:

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Benzene

▪ (2). Acetone

▪ (3). Acetic acid

5
 ▪ (4). Petroleum ether

Correct option : 2

Nail polishes contain ingredients like resins, plasticizers, film formers and color pigments. Nail
polish remover contains a solvent (like acetone) that works by dissolving the hard film that’s left on
your nails by the ingredients in the polish.

Acetone is made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen combined.

Q9. Which of the following is the most promising

biodiesel crop?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Sugarcane

▪ (2). Soybean

▪ (3). Switchgrass

▪ (4). Oat

Correct option : 2

Biodiesel refers to a vegetable oil- or animal fat-based diesel fuel. Currently soybean oil is being
used to produce soybean biodiesel for many commercial purposes such as blending fuel for
transportation sectors. It can be used in compression-ignition (diesel) engines with little or no
modifications. It is simple to use, biodegradable, nontoxic, and essentially free of sulfur and

6
aromatics.

Q10. Light year is a unit of :

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Light

▪ (2). Intensity of light

▪ (3). Astronomical distance

▪ (4). Time

Correct option : 3

The light year is a unit of length used to express astronomical distances. It is the distance that light
can travel in one year.

15
One light year is roughly equals to 9.4 x 10 km.

Q11. The most abundant rare gas in the atmosphere:

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Helium

▪ (2). Neon

▪ (3). Xenon

▪ (4). Argon

Correct option : 4

Argon is the most abundant noble gas in the atmosphere. There’s so much Argon in the atmosphere

7
because most of it was produced by a long-lived radioactive isotope of potassium in the earth’s
crust and released over geologic time.

Q12. From which place does the Spiti River originate?

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Kunjam Pass

▪ (2). Tandi

▪ (3). Tabo

▪ (4). Gramfu

Correct option : 1

Spiti River

Figure 1. Spiti River near Kunzum Range

Spiti River originates from Kunzum Range, which is located at a height of 16,000 ft above sea level.
Kabzian and Tegpo streams are the main tributaries of this river.

Q13. Nana Saheb, who fought against the English

during the Indian Mutiny of 1857, was:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). The son of Peshwa Baji Rao 3rd

▪ (2). The adopted son of Peshwa Baji Rao II

▪ (3). A soldier in the army of Nawab of Awadh

▪ (4). A relation of the Raja of Benaras

Correct option : 2

Nana Sahib was the adopted son of the exiled Maratha Peshwa Baji Rao II.
He was a Maratha soldier and led the Kanpur rebellion during the battle of 1857. Nana Saheb in his
efforts against the British was ably supported by two of his lieutenants. One was Tantia Tope, the

8
other was Azimullah.

Q14. Who presided over the first session of Indian

National Congress in Bombay?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). A.O. Hume

▪ (2). Gopal Krishna Gokhale

▪ (3). B.G. Tilak

▪ (4). W.C. Bannerji

Correct option : 4

The Indian National Congress was formed when 72 delegates from all the presidencies and
provinces of India met at Bombay form 28 to 30 December 1885. Allan Octavian Hume, a retired
British official in India, played a leading role in the formation of the congress.

The first president of the congress was Womesh Chandra Banerjee. The objectives of the congress,
as stated by him, were to bring together leaders from different parts of the country to remove all
possible prejudices of race, religion and region, to discuss important problems facing the country,
and to decide on the activities that the Indian leaders should take up.

Q15. Which Socio-Religious Movement of 19th-20th

century adopted the practices of occult mysticism?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). The Theosophical Society

▪ (2). The Arya Samaj

▪ (3). The Brahmo Samaj

▪ (4). The Gurdwara Reforms Movement

Correct option : 1

The Theosophical Society was a Socio-Religious Movement of 19th-20th century adopted the
practices of occult mysticism. The Theosophical Society is an occult organization, mainly based on
the teachings of Helena P. Blavatsky, which seeks to extract the common roots of all religions in
order to form a universal doctrine.

Q16. Where the first session of Muslim League was

held?
Choose an option:

9
 ▪ (1). Dacca

▪ (2). Calcutta

▪ (3). Lahore

▪ (4). Karachi

Correct option : 4

All India Muslim League was founded in 1906 under the leadership of Aga Khan, the Nawab of
Dhaka & Nawab Mohsin-ul-Mulk. Muslim League made no critique of colonialisation, supported the
partition of Bengal, & demanded special safeguards for muslims in Govt. service. The first session of
all India Muslim league was held at Karachi on 29th December, 1907 and was presided over by
Adamji Peer Bhai.

Q17. Of the following, who shot dead Curzon Wyllie in

London?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Madan Lal Dhingra

▪ (2). Udham Singh

▪ (3). Chepkar Brothers

▪ (4). None of the above

Correct option : 1

Madan Lal Dhingra was a great revolutionary from Punjab,associated with the Indian Home Rule
Society, The Abhinav Bharat Society and the Indian House in London. On July 1, 1909 he shot dead
Curzon Wyllie an adviser to the secretary of state of India, and Cowas Lolcaca at the meeting of the
Indian National Association in London to avenge the atrocities committed by the British in India.

Q18. Where was founded the Communist Party of

India in 1920?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Moscow

▪ (2). Bombay

▪ (3). Tashkent

▪ (4). Hung Kong

Correct option : 3

Communist Party of India was formed on 17th October 1920 in Tashkent by Indian revolutionaries
who were out-side India at that time.

10
Q19. Which event earned for Vallabhbhai Patel the
title of "Sardar"?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). The Khera Satyagraha

▪ (2). The integration of Indian States with India

▪ (3). The Ahmedabad Textile Labour Association

▪ (4). The Bardoli Satyagraha

Correct option : 4

The Bardoli satyagraha was launched in mid-February 1928. Vallabh Bhai Patel was contacted by
the local leaders to take up the leadership of movement. Sardar Patel assumed the leadership and
went to Bardoli. He wrote to the government to fulfill the demands of the peasants. After the
success of the campaign, Vallabhbhai Patel earned the title of "Sardar".

Q20. In which ocean ‘Mindanao Trench’ exists?

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Atlantic Ocean

▪ (2). Indian Ocean

▪ (3). Pacific Ocean

▪ (4). Arctic Ocean

Correct option : 3

Mindanao Trench also called as Philippine Trench is a submarine trench in the floor of the
Philippine Sea. It is located in the western North Pacific Ocean bordering the east coast of the island
of Mindanao. It is the world’s third deepest trench. This trench is called Mindanao Trench as it is
located near the Mindanao Island, the second largest island of the Philippine (by area).

The world’s largest deposits of heavy hydrogen, used in nuclear science, biochemistry and
environmental sciences are also found in and around the Philippine Trench.

Q21. Who is the author of the book "The Unstable

Earth"?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). W.M. Davis

▪ (2). G. Taylor

▪ (3). J.I. Clark

11
 ▪ (4). J.A. Steers

Correct option : 4

The book "The Unstable Earth" deals mainly with the evolution of the continents and oceans and
oscillations of sea-level in recent times. It was written by J.A. Steers.

Figure 2. Book Cover Page

Q22. In order to prevent oxidation of potato chips

during storage in sealed bags, chip manufacturers seal
the packet in the presence of :
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Oxygen

▪ (2). Nitrogen

▪ (3). Hydrogen

▪ (4). Carbon dioxide

Correct option : 2

12
Nitrogen in Food Preservation

If part of the oxygen in air is replaced with Nitrogen, oxidation slows down. Due to this principle,
Nitrogen is widely used to process variety of foods, including fruits.

Q23. Which of the following has a pH of above 10?

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Gastric juice

▪ (2). Blood

▪ (3). Milk of magnesia

▪ (4). Sodium chloride solution

Correct option : 3

Milk of Magnesia
Milk of Magnesia is a brand name for magnesium hydroxide, a medication used to treat
constipation. It’s a type of laxative known as an oral osmotic; it works by drawing water into the
colon from the body tissues surrounding it.

pH Values

1. milk of magnesia, pH = 10.5, it is basic.

2. pure water, pH = 7, it is neutral.

3. wine, pH = 3.0, wine is acidic.

Q24. Which of the following processes does not take

place during photosynthesis?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Absorption of light energy by chlorophyll

▪ (2). Conversion of light to chemical energy

▪ (3). Splitting of water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen

▪ (4). Chlorophyll degradation

Correct option : 4

13
Photosynthesis

the process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize nutrients
from carbon dioxide and water. Photosynthesis in plants generally involves the green pigment
chlorophyll and generates oxygen as a by-product.

Q25. If someone is suffering form the problem of

acidity after overeating, what is the remedy?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Lemon juice

▪ (2). Vinegar

▪ (3). Baking soda

▪ (4). Blue berry juice

Correct option : 3

Baking Soda

Baking soda is a good treatment for immediate relief from acid reflux. Acid reflux is a digestive
condition where stomach acid flows from the stomach back into the esophagus (the tract that
connects your mouth to your stomach). This backwash of acid can irritate your esophagus and
cause heartburn. Heartburn is the burning feeling that can occur anywhere from the middle of
your abdomen to your throat.

1. Baking soda can be used as an antacid to help neutralize stomach acid.

2. It can quickly provide temporary relief from acid reflux.

3. Drinking a solution of baking soda too fast can cause side effects like gas and diarrhea.

4. The recommended dosage for adults is 1/2 teaspoon dissolved in a 4-ounce glass of water

5. Baking powder is different than baking soda. Baking soda contains only sodium bicarbonate, a
weak base, so it is able to neutralize stomach acid.

6. Each contains sodium bicarbonate, an alkaline chemical that gives off carbon dioxide when
mixed with an acid. Baking soda consists purely of sodium bicarbonate, so recipes using it must
include an acidic ingredient like lemon juice, buttermilk, or brown sugar (the molasses in

14
 brown sugar is acidic) to activate it.

Q26. Which one of the following is a correct

sequencing of the features of the Preamble of India
Constitution?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic

▪ (2). Sovereign, Secular, Socialist, Democratic, Republic

▪ (3). Secular, Socialist, Sovereign, Republic, Democratic

▪ (4). Democratic, republic, Sovereign, Socialist, Secular

Correct option : 1

TEXT OF THE PREAMBLE -

The Preamble in its present form reads:

"We, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN

SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC and to secure to all its citizens:

JUSTICE, Social, Economic and Political;

LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship;

EQUALITY of status and of opportunity; and to promote among them all;

FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation;

IN OUR CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY this twenty-sixth day of November, 1949, do HEREBY

ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION".

Q27. Which schedule of the Constitution of India

contains provisions for the disqualification of a
legislator on grounds of defection?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Schedule-X

▪ (2). Schedule-IX

▪ (3). Schedule-XII

▪ (4). Schedule-VIII

15
Correct option : 1

The Tenth Schedule — popularly known as the Anti-Defection Act — was included in the
Constitution in 1985 by the Rajiv Gandhi ministry and sets the provisions for disqualification of
elected members on the grounds of defection to another political party.

Q28. Who presides over the joint sitting of the

Parliament?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). President of India

▪ (2). Speaker of Lok Sabha

▪ (3). Chairman of Rajya Sabha

▪ (4). None of the above

Correct option : 2

Joint sitting is an extraordinary machinery provided by the Constitution to resolve a deadlock

between the two Houses over the passage of a bill. A deadlock is deemed to have taken place under
any one of the following three situations after a bill has been passed by one House and transmitted
to the other House:

1. if the bill is rejected by the other House;

2. if the Houses have finally disagreed as to the amendments to be made in the bill; or

3. if more than six months have elapsed from the date of the receipt of the bill by the other House
without the bill being passed by it.

In the above three situations, the president can summon both the Houses to meet in a joint sitting
for the purpose of deliberating and voting on the bill. The Speaker of Lok Sabha presides over a
joint sitting of the two Houses and the Deputy Speaker, in his absence.

Q29. Under which provision can the Speaker allow any

member of the House to speak in his/her mother
language?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Article 110

▪ (2). Article 122

▪ (3). Article 120(1)

▪ (4). Article 126

Correct option : 3

16
The Constitution has declared Hindi and English to be the languages for transacting business in the
Parliament. However, the presiding officer can permit a member to address the House in his
mother-tongue.
Under Article 120(1), the Speaker can allow any member of the House to speak in his/her mother
language.

Q30. Power of Judicial Review, provided in the

constitution, is exercised on the basis of which
principle?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Due Process of Law

▪ (2). Procedure established by Law

▪ (3). Arbitration

▪ (4). Natural Justice

Correct option : 2

Judicial review is the power of the Supreme Court to examine the constitutionality of legislative
enactments and executive orders of both the Central and state governments. On examination, if
they are found to be violative of the Constitution (ultra-vires), they can be declared as illegal,
unconstitutional and invalid (null and void) by the Supreme Court. Consequently, they cannot be
enforced by the Government.

Judicial review is needed for the following reasons:

(a) To uphold the principle of the supremacy of the Constitution.

(b) To maintain federal equilibrium (balance between Centre and states)

(c) To protect the fundamental rights of the citizens.

Judicial Review in India is governed by the principle: ‘Procedure Established by Law’. Under it the
court conducts one test, i.e., whether the law has been made in accordance with the powers granted

17
by the Constitution to the law-making body and follows the prescribed procedure or not. It gets
rejected when it is held to be violative of procedure established by law.

Q31. Which one of the following policies of

Government of India is related to the availability of
cooking gas to the BPL Households?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Ujjawala Yojana

▪ (2). Fasal Bima Yojana

▪ (3). Atal Pension Yojana

▪ (4). Jivan Jyothi Bima Yojana

Correct option : 1

Ujjawala Yojana

The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) is a welfare program of the government of India,
launched by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2016. The stated objective of the program is
providing 50,000,000 LPG connections (50 million) to women from families below the poverty line.

Q32. HDI is measured with reference to:

(i) Infant Mortality

(ii) Real GDP per capita

(iii) Life Expectancy at birth

(iv) Morbidity Choose an option:

▪ (1). (i) and (iv) are correct

▪ (2). (i), (ii) and (iii) are correct

▪ (3). (iii) and (iv) are correct

▪ (4). None of the above

Correct option : 4

The Human Development Index (HDI)

The Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite statistic of life expectancy, education, and per
capita income indicators, which are used to rank countries into four tiers of human development.

18
Q33. Which one of the following cities is called 'Silicon
Valley of India'?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Hyderabad

▪ (2). Pune

▪ (3). Mumbai

▪ (4). Bengaluru

Correct option : 4

The Silicon Valley of India is a nickname of Bangalore city. It was named so because Bangalore is on
the Mysore Plateau, the area is also sometimes referred to as "Silicon Plateau".

Q34. Which country owns the Margarita Island which

was the venue of 17th NAM Summit?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Venezuela

▪ (2). Egypt

▪ (3). Brazil

▪ (4). South Africa

Correct option : 1

Margarita is a Venezuelan island in the Caribbean Sea. It is located at the Northeast of Caracas, the
country’s capital.

Q35. Tehmina Janjua is the first woman in Pakistan’s

history to hold the office of :
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Foreign Minister

▪ (2). Foreign Secretary

▪ (3). Judge of a High Court

▪ (4). Ambassador

Correct option : 2

Tehmina Janjua is a Pakistani career diplomat who serves as the 29th Foreign Secretary of Pakistan.
Previously, she served as Pakistan’s Representative to the United Nation’s Geneva and as its

19
ambassador to Italy.

Q36. Who among the following is the Chancellor of

Nalanda University (2017)?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Dr. George Yeo

▪ (2). Dr. Vijay Bhatkar

▪ (3). Dr. Amartya Sen

▪ (4). Dr. Arun Grover

Correct option : 2

Nalanda University’s third chancellor is Vijay Bhatkar, a well-known computer scientist who is
president of RSS-affiliated outfit Vijnana Bharati, which promotes ‘swadeshi’ science, and was
formerly chair of IIT Delhi’s board of governors. Dr Vijay Bhatkar is an internationally acclaimed
scientist, IT leader and educationist of India. He is best known as the architect of India’s first
supercomputer Param.

Q37. To which country does the UN Secretary General,

Antonio Guterres, belong?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Italy

▪ (2). Portugal

▪ (3). Spain

▪ (4). Greece

Correct option : 2

Antonio Guterres is a Portuguese politician and diplomat who is serving as the ninth Secretary-
General of the United Nations. Previously, he was the United Nations High Commissioner for
Refugees between 2005 and 2015.

Q38. In which field was Juan Manuel Santos awarded

the 2016 Nobel Prize?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Chemistry

▪ (2). Peace

▪ (3). Physics

20
 ▪ (4). Medicine

Correct option : 2

Juan Manuel Santos is the 32nd and current President of Colombia and sole recipient of the 2016
Nobel Peace Prize.

Q39. Donald Trump is:

Choose an option:

▪ (1). The 45th USA President

▪ (2). The 44th USA President

▪ (3). The 42th USA President

▪ (4). The 40th USA President

Correct option : 1

Donald Trump is the 45th and current President of the United States. In the first months of his
presidency, Trump reversed several policies of former President Barack Obama, withdrawing the
United States from the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Paris Climate Agreement and undoing
parts of the Cuban Thaw.

Q40. Teacher’s Day is celebrated on:

Choose an option:

▪ (1). 5th September

▪ (2). 6th October

▪ (3). 2nd October

▪ (4). 10th November

21
Correct option : 1

In India Teacher’s Day is celebrated on 5th of September as a tribute to the contribution made by
the teachers towards the community. 5th September is the birth anniversary of a great teacher Dr.
Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who was a staunch believer of education, and was a well-known
diplomat, scholar, the President of India and above all, a teacher.

Q41. Which Raja of Chamba transferred the capital of

his state from Bharmaur to Chamba?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Maru Varman

▪ (2). Aditya Varman

▪ (3). Sahil Varman

▪ (4). Soma Varman

Correct option : 3

Chamba is bounded on north-west by Jammu and Kashmir and on the north-east and east by
Ladakh area of Jammu and Kashmir state and Lahaul and Bara-Bangal area of Himachal Pradesh.
On the south-east and south, Chamba is bounded by the District Kangra and Gurdaspur District of
the Punjab.

In 920, Raja Sahil Varman shifted the capital of the kingdom to Chamba, following the specific
request of his daughter Champavati. Chamba was named after her.

Q42. During the reign of which raja of Nurpur princely

state the forts of Maukot, Nurpur and Taragarh were
captured by the Mughals?
Choose an option:

22
 ▪ (1). Jagat Singh

▪ (2). Rajrup Singh

▪ (3). Bir Singh

▪ (4). Jaswant Singh

Correct option : 1

In 1641 AD, Jagat Singh had long been preparing for a struggle against Mughals, and had strongly
fortified the three principal strongholds in his territory. These wer Maukot, Nurpur and Taragarh.
But, Mughals captured the forts.

Q43. Which raja of Bushahr princely state was

conferred the title of Chhatarpati by the Mughal
emperor Aurangzed?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Udai Singh

▪ (2). Ram Singh

▪ (3). Kehri Singh

▪ (4). Vijay Singh

Correct option : 3

Kehri Singh, the son of Chatar singh was a powerful king. His exploits in Mandi, Suket, Sirmaur and
Garhwal earned him the admiration of Emperor Aurangzeb who conferred on him the title of
Chhatrapati.

Q44. By what name did the Greek scholars call the

Satluj River?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Zungtee

▪ (2). Muksang

▪ (3). Heisidrus

▪ (4). Satudri

Correct option : 3

Satluj river enters Kinnaur district from the Tibetan territory by a pass and reaches the border of
Shimla district near Rampur. This river is called Shatararu in Sanskrit literature, Sutundri in vedic
literature, Zaradros or Heisidrus in Greek, Zungtee and Muksung in Tibetan.

23
The tributaries of river Satluj in this district are Spiti river (razing torrent at Khab village) Ropa,
Taiti, Keshang, Mulgoon, Yula, Wanger, Shorang and Rupi on the right bank where as Tirung,
Gyanthing, Baspa, Duling and Saol dung are its left bank tributaries.

Q45. What is the approximate capacity of Sawra-

Kuddu Hydro-Electric Power Project?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). 65 MW

▪ (2). 100 MW

▪ (3). 111 MW

▪ (4). 130 MW

Correct option : 3

The Sawra-Kuddu project is a Run-of-river scheme on the Pabbar river, a tributary of the Yamuna,
in Shimla district. The approximate capacity of Sawra-Kuddu Hydro-Electric Power Project is 111
MW.

Q46. At which place in Shimla District of H.P. is

Government Sheep Breeding Farm?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Chopal

▪ (2). Kiari

▪ (3). Jeori

▪ (4). Mandal

Correct option : 3

There are 3 sheep breeding farms in Himachal Pradesh, located at Jeori in Shimla district, Tal in
Hamirpur district and Sarol in Chamba district.

Q47. At which place in Bilaspur District of H.P. a

woman Industrial Training Institute (I.T.I) has been
made functional during 2015-16?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Malari

▪ (2). Jagatkhana

24
 ▪ (3). Bharari

▪ (4). Daslehra

Correct option : 3

Bharari Women ITI

Industrial Training Institute (ITI Women) is situated in district Bilaspur of Himachal Pradesh state
(Province) in India

Q48. The global agreement that deals with the control

of transboundary movements of hazardous wastes
and their disposal is called:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Basel Convention

▪ (2). Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident

▪ (3). International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution form Ships

▪ (4). Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety

Correct option : 1

Basel Convention is an international treaty that was designed to reduce the movements of
hazardous waste between nations, and specifically to prevent transfer of hazardous waste from
developed to less developed countries. It does not, however, address the movement of radioactive
waste.

The Convention was opened for signature on 22 March 1989, and entered into force on 5 May 1992.
As of November 2016, 184 states and the European Union are parties to the Convention.

Q49. The biological oxygen demand of water is

reduced mainly by:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Primary treatment

▪ (2). Secondary treatment

▪ (3). Tertiary treatment

▪ (4). None of the above

Correct option : 2

Biochemical Oxygen Demand or BOD, is the amount of oxygen needed by organisms to break down
the organic material in wastewater. Conventional wastewater treatment facilities remove BOD

25
using a variety of methods in primary and secondary treatment processes.

Primary treatment involves basic processes to remove suspended solid waste and reduce its
biological oxygen demand (BOD). This, in turn, increases dissolved oxygen, which is good for
aquatic organisms and food webs. Primary treatment can reduce BOD by 20 to 30 percent.

Secondary treatment uses biological processes to catch the dissolved organic matter missed in
primary treatment. Microbes consume the organic matter as food, converting it to carbon dioxide,
water, and energy. Secondary treatment can remove up to 85 percent of BOD.

Q50. The use of carbon tax has been very successful to

reduce emissions of greenhouse gases in :
Choose an option:

▪ (1). The United States of America

▪ (2). China

▪ (3). Sweden

▪ (4). Australia

Correct option : 3

In 1995, Sweden became one of the first countries in the work to introduce a carbon tax. This excise
tax placed on carbon-intense fuels such as oil and natural gas has helped actively reduce
dependency on fossil fuels. It is considered one of the least expensive means of reducing CO2
emissions.

Q51. Dead zones in the world’s oceans and large lakes

are characterized by:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). High biological oxygen demand

▪ (2). Excessive bloom of algae

▪ (3). Excess nutrients like nitrates and phosphates

▪ (4). All of the above

Correct option : 4

26
Less oxygen dissolved in the water is often referred to as a "dead zone" because most marine life
suffocates and dies. Dead zones occur because of a process called eutrophication, which happens
when a body of water gets too many nutrients, such as phosphorus and nitrogen. Thus, dead zones
in the world’s oceans and large lakes are characterized by high biological oxygen demand,
excessive bloom of algae and excess nutrients like nitrates and phosphates.

Human activities are the main cause of these excess nutrients being washed into the ocean. For this
reason, dead zones are often located near inhabited coastlines.

Q52. Who among the following were conferred Padma

Vibhushan Awards in 2017?
(1) Dr. Devi Prasad Dwivedi

(2) Sadguru Jaggi Vasudev

(3) Sharad Pawar

(4) Sunder Lal Patwa

Select the correct answer from the codes below: Choose an option:

▪ (1). (1), (2) and (3)

▪ (2). (1), (2), (3) and (4)

▪ (3). (1), (3) and (4)

▪ (4). (2), (3) and (4)

Correct option : 4

2017 Padma Vibhushan Awards

1. Sadguru Jaggi Vasudev - awarded in category of Others - Spiritualism

2. Sharad Pawar - Public Affairs

3. Sunder Lal Patwah - Public Affairs

27
Q53. Which of the following represents the major loss
to the human kind due to environmental degradation?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Ecosystem goods

▪ (2). Ecosystem services

▪ (3). Ecosystem-based tourism

▪ (4). Ecosystem-dependent tribes

Correct option : 2

Ecosystem services are defined as the benefits that people derive from nature. Over the past 50
years, humans have changed ecosystems more rapidly and extensively than in any comparable
period of time in human history, largely to meet rapidly growing demands for food, fresh water,
timber, fiber and fuel. This has resulted in a substantial and largely irreversible loss in the diversity
of life on Earth. The major loss to the human kind due to this environmental degradation is
Ecosystem services.

Q54. India ratified the Stockholm Convention for

protecting human health and the environment from
persistent organic pollutants in :
Choose an option:

▪ (1). 2005

▪ (2). 2006

▪ (3). 2002

▪ (4). 2010

Correct option : 2

The Stockholm Convention is a global treaty to protect human health and the environment from
persistent organic pollutants (POPs). POPs are chemicals that remain intact in the environment for
long periods, become widely distributed geographically, accumulate in the fatty tissue of living
organisms and are toxic to humans and wildlife.

India ratified the Stockholm Convention on 13/01/2006 and entered it into force on 13/04/2006.

Q55. The number of wetlands in India listed under

Ramsar Convention is :
Choose an option:

28
 ▪ (1). 35

▪ (2). 21

▪ (3). 26

▪ (4). 39

Correct option : 3

There are 26 wetlands in India listed under Ramsar Convention. According to WWF-India, wetlands
are one of the most threatened of all ecosystems in India. Loss of vegetation, salinization, excessive
inundation, water pollution, invasive species, excessive development and road building, have all
damaged the country’s wetlands.

Q56. In the Budget for 2017-18, the funds allocated for

MGNREGA is:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Rs. 45,000 Cr.

▪ (2). Rs. 48,000 Cr.

▪ (3). Rs. 35,000 Cr.

▪ (4). Rs. 55,000 Cr.

Correct option : 2

India’s biggest anti-poverty scheme, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee
Act or MGNREGA, has been given its "highest allocation ever" of 48,000 crores in the government’s
annual Budget 2017-18. The scheme provides jobs to an estimated 50 million households.

Q57. What was the unemployment rate during 2015-16

based on Usual Principal Status in India?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). 8.7 percent

▪ (2). 7.8 percent

▪ (3). 5.0 percent

▪ (4). 4.2 percent

Correct option : 3

The Usual Principal Status gives an idea about long-term employment (or chronic and open
employment) during the reference year. The unemployment rate during 2015-16 based on Usual
Principal Status in India was 5%.

29
Q58. Who conducts the periodical sample survey for
estimating the poverty line in India?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). NITI Aayog

▪ (2). CSO

▪ (3). NSSO

▪ (4). Ministry of Social Justice

Correct option : 3

National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) was set up in 1950 as a permanent survey
organisation to conduct national sample surveys to assist in socio-economic planning and policy-
making. NSSO has been conducting sample surveys on a variety of subjects and the data have been
widely used by the Government, social scientists and other users. It conducts the periodical sample
survey for estimating the poverty line in India.
The surveys on Consumer Expenditure, Employment – Unemployment, Social Consumption (Health,
Education etc.), Manufacturing Enterprises, Service Sector Enterprises are carried out once in 5
years. And survey of Land and Livestock Holding and Debt and Investment are carried out once in
10 years.

Q59. For the Budget proposals 2017-18; which of the

following is not correct?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Target for agriculture credit has been fixed to the tune of Rs. 10 Lac Crore

▪ (2). New Mini Labs in Krishi Vigyan Kendra will be established

▪ (3). Total allocation for rural, agriculture and allied sector is Rs. 80,000 crore

▪ (4). Achieving 100 percent village electrification by 1 May, 2018

Correct option : 3

Some key policy measures announced by Budget proposals 2017-18 are:

1. The total allocation for the rural, agriculture and allied sectors in 2017-18 is Rs 1,87,223 crore,
which is 24% higher than the previous year.

2. The target for agricultural credit in 2017-18 has been fixed at a record level of Rs 10 lakh crores.

3. The coverage of Fasal Bima Yojana will be increased from 30% of cropped area in 2016-17 to
40% in 2017-18 and 50% in 2018-19. For 2017-18, provided a sum of Rs 9,000 crore

30
Q60. Stalactites and Stalagmites are:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Erosional Landforms in the Karst region

▪ (2). Depositional landforms in the Karst region

▪ (3). Transportational landforms in the Karst region

▪ (4). None of the above

Correct option : 2

Fig. Stalagmites

Stalactites and stalagmites are types of mineral deposits found in caves that accrue through the
processes of solution and deposition. Stalactites hang downwards from the ceiling of caves,
whereas stalagmites rise upwards from the floor of a cave.

Q61. Coral reefs are found between:

Choose an option:

▪ (1). 25°N; 25°S Latitude

▪ (2). 30°N; 30°S Latitude

▪ (3). 15°N; 15°S Latitude

▪ (4). None of the above

31
Correct option : 2

Coral reefs are found in all three of the Earth’s oceans that have portions in the tropics - the
Atlantic, Pacific and Indian. They are found between 30° north and south of the equator, in areas
where surface water temperatures do not drop below 16°C.

Q62. Savanna region of Brazil is locally called as:

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Cerrado

▪ (2). Llanos

▪ (3). Pampas

▪ (4). None of the above

Correct option : 1

The Cerrado is a vast tropical savanna ecoregion of Brazil. It is world’s most biologically rich
savanna. The Cerrado feeds three of the major water basins in South America: the Amazon,
Paraguay and São Francisco Rivers.

Q63. In "Concentric Zone Model" of Burgess, the fifth

ring is occupied by:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Commuters Zone

▪ (2). Zone of better residence

▪ (3). Zone of independent workers home

▪ (4). CBD

Correct option : 1

The concentric zone model is one of the earliest theoretical models to explain urban social
structures. It was created by sociologist Ernest Burgess in 1925.

The zones identified are:

1. The center with the central business district

2. The transition zone of mixed residential and commercial uses or the zone of transition,

3. Working class residential homes (inner suburbs), in later decades called inner city or zone of
independent working men’s home,

4. Better quality middle-class homes (outer suburbs) or zone of better housing,

5. Commuter zone.

32
Q64. Brahmaputra, after joining Tista river; is known
as:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Jamuna

▪ (2). Padma

▪ (3). Meghna

▪ (4). Dihang

Correct option : 1

The Jamuna River is the downstream continuation of the Brahmaputra in Bangladesh. It is one of
the largest sand-bed braided rivers in the world. In fact, the western branch of Brahmputra river,
which contains the majority of the river’s flow, continues due south as the Jamuna to merge with
the lower Ganga, called the Padma River.

Q65. Match is following and choose the correct answer

from the codes given below:
(a) Carl Saur (i) Social Geography

(b) David Harvey (ii) Cultural geography

(c) F. Ratzel (iii) Political Geography

(d) D H.J. Johnston (iv) Radical Geography

Code:

(a) (b) (c) (d) Choose an option:

▪ (1). (i) (ii) (iii) (iv)

▪ (2). (ii) (i) (iii) (iv)

▪ (3). (iv) (iii) (ii) (i)

33
 ▪ (4). (ii) (iv) (iii) (i)

Correct option : 4

Correct Match

1. Carl Saur - Cultural geography

2. David Harvey - Radical Geography

3. F. Ratzel - Political Geography

4. D H.J. Johnston - Social Geography

Q66. Which of the following States of India has the

highest poverty ratio?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Bihar

▪ (2). Jharkhand

▪ (3). Odisha

▪ (4). Uttar Pradesh

Correct option : 1

State with highest poverty ratio is calculated according to the percentage of people below poverty-
line and is based on MRP-consumption.
Goa ranks best with least poverty of 5.09% and Chhattisgarh ranks least with 39.93%.

Q67. The growth rate of Himachal Pradesh during 12th

Plan (2012-17) has been estimated at:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). 6.8 percent

▪ (2). 7.2 percent

▪ (3). 7.8 percent

▪ (4). 5.9 percent

Correct option : 2

The growth rate during the 12th Plan (2012-17) has been estimated at 7.2%, and Consumer Price
Index for Himachal Pradesh has increased by 3.4% in December 2016.

34
Q68. As per Census 2011, literacy rate in Himachal
Pradesh for male and female respectively is:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). 90.27 and 70.08

▪ (2). 89.53 and 75.93

▪ (3). 89.53 and 71.53

▪ (4). 90.27 and 71.53

Correct option : 2

Literacy rate in Himachal Pradesh has seen upward trend and is 82.80 percent as per 2011
population census. Of that, male literacy stands at 89.53 percent while female literacy is at 75.93
percent.

Q69. Match the following:

List1 List2

(a) Article 15 (i) Freedom of Religion

(b) Article 20 (ii) Constitutional Remedies

(c) Article 25 (iii) Prohibition of Discrimination

(d) Article 32 (iv) Protection against conviction

Choose the correct answer from the following:

Code: Choose an option:

▪ (1). (a)-(i), (b)-(ii), (c)-(iii), (d)-(iv)

▪ (2). (a)-(iv), (b)-(iii), (c)-(i), (d)-(ii)

▪ (3). (a)-(iii), (b)-(iv), (c)-(i), (d)-(ii)

▪ (4). (a)-(i), (b)-(iii), (c)-(iv), (d)-(ii)

Correct option : 3

Article 15 of Constitution of India deals with Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion,

race, caste, sex or place of birth.

Article 20 talks about Protection in respect of conviction for offences.

Article 25 guarantees the freedom to follow any religion and propagate it, yet this freedom comes
with a responsibility to ensure that the public order, morality and health are not compromised in
the process.

35
Article 32 provides the right to Constitutional remedies which means that a person has right to
move to Supreme Court (and high courts also) for getting his fundamental rights protected.

Q70. Supreme Court’s judgement in Indira Sawhney

Vs. Union of India is related to which issue?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Reservation for OBC

▪ (2). Reservation for Scheduled Castes

▪ (3). Reservation for Minorities

▪ (4). Reservation for Scheduled Tribes

Correct option : 1

Supreme Court’s judgement in Indira Sawhney Vs. Union of India is related to reservation for OBC.

Q71. Provision for Grant-in-Aid under Article 243 H for

the Panchayats has been made out of which source?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Taxes collected by Union Government

▪ (2). Taxes collected by the states

▪ (3). Taxes collected by Panchayats

▪ (4). Consolidated fund of India

Correct option : 2

As per Article 243H, the Legislature of a State may, by law, provide for making grants in aid to the
Panchayats from the Consolidated Fund of the State. A Consolidated Fund of State has been
established where all revenues ( both tax revenues such as Sales tax/VAT, stamp duty etc. and non-
tax revenues such as user charges levied by State governments ) are received by the State.

Q72. Which of the following statements is correct in

reference to the Finance Commission of India?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). It facilitates the judicial distribution of finance among the PSUs.

▪ (2). It ensures transparency in financial administration.

▪ (3). It deals with the financial relations between States and Centre

▪ (4). It ensures financial prudence of State Government.

36
Correct option : 3

The Finance Commission came into existence in 1951. It is established for the purpose of allocation
of certain resources of revenue between the Union and the State Governments. The Operational
duration for the finance commission is five years. The chairman of 13th finance commission was
Rangarajan.

Q73. Which one of the following is the correct

statement with regard to the Emergency Provisions of
Indian Constitution?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). The constitution mentions four types of emergency

▪ (2). Emergency provisions are described from Articles 340 to 356 in the Constitution.

▪ (3). Financial emergency has never been imposed in India

▪ (4). Financial emergency under Article 356 can be imposed on the failure of Constitutional
Machinery at the union level

Correct option : 3

If the President is satisfied that there is an economic situation in which the financial stability or
credit of India is threatened, he or she can declare financial emergency. Such an emergency must
be approved by the Parliament within two months. It has never been declared in India.

Q74. Match List1 (Mines) and List2 (Minerals) using

the codes given below:
List1 List2

(a) Kimberley (1) Coal

(b) Wankie (2) Diamond

(c) Witwatersrand (3) Copper

(d) Katanga (4) Gold

Codes: (a) (b) (c) (d) Choose an option:

▪ (1). 1 2 3 4

▪ (2). 2 1 4 3

▪ (3). 1 2 4 3

▪ (4). 2 1 3 4

Correct option : 2

37
The correct match is:

1. Kimberley - Diamond

2. Wankie - Coal

3. Witwatersrand - Gold

4. Katanga - Copper

Q75. Who of the following, was not the Moderate

leader of Indian National Congress?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Gopal Krishana Gokhale

▪ (2). M.G. Ranade

▪ (3). Aurobindo Ghosh

▪ (4). Surendra Nath Banerji

Correct option : 3

Aurobindo Ghosh was a yogic philosopher, revolutionary writer, spiritual revivalist and Indian
freedom fighter. In 1907 at the Surat session of Congress where moderates and extremists had a
major showdown, he led with extremists along with Bal Gangadhar Tilak.

Q76. When was the Montague Declaration made about

the introduction of responsible government in stages
for India?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). August 15, 1917

▪ (2). August 20, 1917

▪ (3). August 20, 1918

▪ (4). August 15, 1918

Correct option : 2

Montague Declaration is a declaration of Montague, the secretary of State for India. It was made in
August 1917. The declaration is in response to the Home Rule Movement. As per the declaration
India is an integral part of British Empire and a responsible Government shall be established by
gradual development of self governing institutions.

38
Q77. Green Revolution made the country self-
sufficient in food production but had some fallouts.
Consider the following statements:
(1) It has successful in case of wheat, but not in the case of pulse

(2) Brought inter-state disparities

(3) Helped in restoring soil fertility

(4) Reduced water table in some states

Select the correct statements from the codes given below: Choose an option:

▪ (1). (1), (2) and (4)

▪ (2). (2) and (4) only

▪ (3). (1), (3) and (4)

▪ (4). All are correct

Correct option : 1

Green Revolution

Green Revolution refers to a large increase in crop production in developing countries

achieved by the use of artificial fertilizers, pesticides, and high-yield crop varieties. The main
development was higher-yielding varieties of wheat, which were developed by many
scientists, including Indian geneticist M. S. Swaminathan, American agronomist Dr. Norman
Borlaug, and others. The introduction of high-yielding varieties of seeds and the increased
use of chemical fertilizers and irrigation led to the increase in production needed to make the
country self-sufficient in food grains.
Green Revolution has done lot of harm, that infact reduced the fertility of soil in longer run,
for example:

1. Excessive use of chemical fertilizers decreased soil fertility.

2. Use of electric tube wells decreased groundwater table.

3. Use of insecticide and pesticide polluted the water table, and has become cause of cancer
in many villages (Bathinda, etc)

Q78. Kol tribe is found in :

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh

▪ (2). West Bengal and Odisha

39
 ▪ (3). Assam and Meghalaya

▪ (4). Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan

Correct option : 1

The Kol are an ancient tribal community, one of the original inhabitants of northern and central
India. They are said to have migrated from central India some five centuries ago. They speak the
Baghelkhandi dialect.
They are located throughout the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh,
Maharashtra and Tripura.

Q79. Which of the following rivers have been termed

as "living entities" by the High Court?
(1) Ganga

(2) Yamuna

(3) Godavari

(4) Brahmaputra

Select the correct answer from the codes given below: Choose an option:

▪ (1). (1) and (4)

▪ (2). (1) and (2)

▪ (3). (1), (2) and (4)

▪ (4). (1), (2), (3) and (4)

Correct option : 2

In March, 2017, the Uttarakhand high court declared the Ganga and Yamuna living entities,
bestowing on them same legal rights as a person, a move that could help in efforts to clean the
pollution-choked rivers.

Q80. The NOTA option was first used in the elections in

:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). 2004

▪ (2). 2009

▪ (3). 2013

▪ (4). 2017

Correct option : 3

40
While deciding on a demand for providing negative voting, the Supreme Court, on September 27,
2013 had made a judgement thereby directing the Election Commission to provide the NOTA (None
of the Above) option on ballot papers and EVMs.

Q81. According to the UN Human Development Report

(2016), the world’s top three countries in terms of
human development are?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Norway, Australia and Switzerland

▪ (2). Australia, Sweden and Denmark

▪ (3). Switzerland, Norway and Sweden

▪ (4). Sweden, Netherlands and Norway

Correct option : 1

The 2016 Human Development Report is the latest in the series of global Human Development
Reports published by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) since 1990 as
independent, analytically and empirically grounded discussions of major development issues,
trends and policies.

According to the UN Human Development Report (2016), the world’s top three countries in terms of
human development are Norway, Australia and Switzerland.

Q82. Who among the following has been appointed

Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (2017)?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Anil Kumar Sinha

▪ (2). Alok Kumar Verma

▪ (3). A.K. Patnaik

▪ (4). Sanjeev Sanyal

Correct option : 2

Delhi Police commissioner Alok Kumar Verma, a 1979 batch Indian Police Service officer of the
Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territory (AGMUT) cadre, was appointed the director
of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

41
Q83. The district to which two Chief Ministers of
Northern States (2017) belong, falls in the state of :
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Uttar Pradesh

▪ (2). Himachal Pradesh

▪ (3). Uttarakhand

▪ (4). Punjab

Correct option : 3

Q84. The Supreme Court issued a contempt notice to

the sitting High Court Judge of:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Calcutta High Court

▪ (2). Bombay High Court

▪ (3). Madras High Court

▪ (4). Allahabad High Court

Correct option : 1

In February, 2017, the Supreme Court on Wednesday issued contempt notice to Justice CS Karnan—
a sitting judge of the Calcutta High Court and ordered him to forthwith refrain from discharging
any judicial or administrative functions.

Q85. The Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister(s)

of the following states were not members of the State
Legislative Assembly at the time of their appointments
(2017):
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Punjab

▪ (2). Goa

▪ (3). Uttarakhand

▪ (4). Uttar Pradesh

Correct option : 4

42
As per norms, the chief minister and ministers, not being member of the state legislature, are
required to become members of either house of legislature. Yogi Adityanath, CM and Dinesh
Sharma & Keshav Prasad Maurya, Dy CMs of Uttar Pradesh were not members of the State
Legislative Assembly at the time of their appointments (2017).

Q86. Which month of 2017 marks the 100th

anniversary of Gandhi’s arrival in Champaran?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). March

▪ (2). April

▪ (3). July

▪ (4). August

Correct option : 2

The month of April marks the hundredth anniversary of Gandhi’s first major political intervention
on Indian soil – in the Champaran district of Bihar. He spent several months here fighting for the
rights of the indigo farmers.

Q87. Who among the following were awarded Rajiv

Gandhi Khel Ratan Award for 2015-16?
(1) P.V. Sindhu

(2) Sakshi Malik

(3) Jitu Rai

(4) M. Bhupathi

Select the correct answer from the codes given below: Choose an option:

▪ (1). (1), (2) and (3)

▪ (2). (2), (3) and (4)

▪ (3). (1), (2) and (4)

▪ (4). (1), (2), (3) and (4)

Correct option : 1

In August, 2016, four athletes, including Olympic silver medallist P.V. Sindhu, gymnast Dipa
Karmakar, shooter Jitu Rai and Olympic bronze medallist Sakshi Malik received the Rajiv Gandhi
Khel Ratna Award from President Pranab Mukherjee.

43
Q88. Who among the following was conferred Jnanpith
Award in 2016?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Bulaki Sharma

▪ (2). Shankha Ghosh

▪ (3). Satya Narayan

▪ (4). Kamal Vora

Correct option : 2

Eminent Bengali poet and literary critic Sankha Ghosh was conferred the 52nd Jnanpith Award by
President Pranab Mukherjee. The 85-year-old poet was awarded with Sahitya Akademi in the year
1977 for his work "Baabarer praarthanaa" and in 1999, for translating Kannada play "Taledanda"
into Bengali as "Raktakalyan". Ghosh was also honoured with Padma Bhushan in 2011.

Q89. According to legend which God (Devta) killed

Banasur who was the ruler of Sarahan area of upper
Shimla?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Tapa Purana

▪ (2). Anna Purana

▪ (3). Deva Purana

▪ (4). Garud Purana

Correct option : 3

According to legend Deva Purana killed Banasur who was the ruler of Sarahan area of upper
Shimla.

Q90. Who was the first European to draw attention to

the history of royal families of Jalandhar and
Trigarta?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Moorcraft

▪ (2). Cunningham

▪ (3). Thevenot

44
 ▪ (4). Thomas Coryat

Correct option : 2

Cunningham was the first European to draw attention to the history of royal families of Jalandhar
and Trigarta.

Q91. Around which year did the Gurkhas capture the

Sirmaur princely state?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). 1803 AD

▪ (2). 1815 AD

▪ (3). 1820 AD

▪ (4). 1826 AD

Correct option : 1

In 1803 AD, Gurkhas captured the Sirmaur princely state.

Q92. Which Himachali revolutionary edited Sudarshan

Chakra magazine from Lahore during the pre-
independence period?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Yashpal

▪ (2). Inderpal

▪ (3). Sher Jung

▪ (4). Swami Krishana Nand

Correct option : 2

Inderpal edited Sudarshan Chakra magazine from Lahore during the pre-independence period.

Q93. What is the number of women members in the

present H.P. Vidhan Sabha?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Two

▪ (2). Three

▪ (3). Four

45
 ▪ (4). Five

Correct option : 2

There are 3 women members in the present H.P. Vidhan Sabha:

1. Smt. Asha Kumari, Dalhousie-4 constituency

2. Smt. Sarveen Chaudhary, Shahpur-17 constituency

3. Smt. Vidya Stokes, Theog-61 constituency

Q94. How much subsidy is given in H.P. to the women

of eligible category for providing Gas connection
under Mata Shabri Mahila Sashaktikaran Yojana?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). 30 percent subject to maximum of Rupees 1,000

▪ (2). 50 percent subject to maximum of Rupees 1,300

▪ (3). 75 percent subject to maximum of Rupees 1,500

▪ (4). 80 percent subject to maximum of Rupees 2,000

Correct option : 2

The objective of Mata Shabri Mahila Sashaktikaran Yojana is to help the women belonging to below
poverty line(BPL) families of scheduled caste category.

This scheme provides L.P.G. gas connection to the woman belonging to below poverty line(BPL)
families of scheduled caste category. Under this scheme, 50% subsidy is given to the eligible woman
for the purchase of gas connection subject to the maximum of Rupees 1300/- per family.

Q95. What is the architectural style of Hateshwari

Temple at Hatkoti (in Jubbal Tehsil of Shimla District)?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Pentroof

▪ (2). Pagoda

▪ (3). Cone shaped

▪ (4). Pyramidal shaped

Correct option : 4

The historical temple of Mata Hateshwari is located in Hatkoti village that lies on the banks of
Pabbar River, which is approximately 100 Km far from Shimla. The temple is a mixture of Pahari
and pyramidal style in construction.

46
Q96. Which of the following subject matter is not
found in the Kangra Kalam style Kangra paintings of
eighteenth century?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Geet Gobind of Jai Deva

▪ (2). Satsai of Bihari

▪ (3). Padmavat of Jayasee

▪ (4). Rasik Priya of Keshav Das

Correct option : 3

Padmavat is an epic poem written in 1540 CE by Malik Muhammad Jayasi in the Awadhi language.
It is not the subject matter in the Kangra Kalam style Kangra paintings of eighteenth century.

Q97. In which two Districts of H.P. will the H.P. Forest

Ecosystem Climate Proofing Project be implemented?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Bilaspur and Solan

▪ (2). Shimla and Kinnaur

▪ (3). Una and Hamirpur

▪ (4). Kangra and Chamba

Correct option : 4

HP Forest Eco System Climate Proofing Project will expedite the implementation of Rs. 316 crore in
two districts i.e. Kangra and Chamba of Himachal Pradesh.

This project has been envisaged in German Collaboration with the objective of minimizing and
mitigating the negative impact of climate change, resulting in an increase in biodiversity and
sustained income in rural areas through sustainable management of forest resources.

Q98. According to 2010-11 Agricultural census what is

the percentage of small land holding in H.P.?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). 8.84

▪ (2). 12.06

▪ (3). 17.72

47
 ▪ (4). 18.17

Correct option : 4

According to 2010-11 Agricultural census, the percentage of small land holding in H.P. is 18.17.

Q99. Which cement company has been given a

prospecting license to carry out a detailed study for
proving the quantity of lime-stone deposits in
Sugrathi-Thangar-Kura Khera-paulikhera-
Kandal–dedera of Tehsil Chopal in Shimla District,
H.P.?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). M/s. Reliance Cementation

▪ (2). M/s. Associated Cement Companies

▪ (3). M/s. Asian Cement Company

▪ (4). M/s. Ambuja Cement Company

Correct option : 1

M/s. Reliance Cementation has been given a prospecting license to carry out a detailed study for
proving the quantity of lime-stone deposits in Sugrathi-Thangar-Kura Khera-paulikhera-
Kandal–dedera of Tehsil Chopal in Shimla District, H.P.

Q100. Who is the author of book Kullu and Lahaul?

Choose an option:

▪ (1). C.G. Bruce

▪ (2). E.J. Buck

▪ (3). R. M. Bernier

▪ (4). W.G. Archer

Correct option : 1

Kullu and Lahaul by C.G. Bruce is one of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the
1900s. It was published by University of California Libraries on 1 January 1914.

48
Chapter 2. 2015 HPAS Solved Paper
This PDF Booklet contains 2015 HPAS Solved Paper. Explanation is
provided by Shunya Foundation Team. 2015 Solved Paper for HPAS Exam

Q1. Which of the following is not a freshwater

ecosystem?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Pond

▪ (2). Lake

▪ (3). Wetland

▪ (4). Open Ocean

Correct option : 4

Aquatic ecosystems provide human beings with a wealth of natural resources. The aquatic
ecosystems constitute the marine environments of the seas/open oceans and the fresh water
systems in lakes, rivers, ponds and wetlands.

Q2. Which of these is not an ecosystem service?

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Climate control

▪ (2). Recreational Benefits

▪ (3). Winds

▪ (4). Food

Correct option : 3

Ecosystem services are the benefits people obtain from ecosystems. Ecosystem services are divided
into four categories:
1. provisioning services, such as food and water

49
2. regulating services, such as flood and disease control
3. supporting services, such as nutrient cycling and climate control that maintain the conditions for
life on Earth, and
4. cultural services, such as spiritual, recreational, and cultural benefits.

Fig. Forests provide flood control feature.

Human interventions have dramatically increased food provisioning services through the spread of
agricultural technologies, although this has resulted in changes to other services such as water
regulation.

Q3. Desert ecosystem are characterized by annual

rainfall of less than
Choose an option:

▪ (1). 25 cm

▪ (2). 30 cm

▪ (3). 40 cm

▪ (4). 50 cm

Correct option : 1

Deserts are formed in regions with less than 25 cm of annual rainfall or sometimes in hot regions
where there is more rainfall, but unevenly distributed in the annual cycle.

50
Q4. Which of these is not a factor threatening
extinction of several species in India?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Population explosion

▪ (2). Climate change

▪ (3). Laxity in implementation of environment policies

▪ (4). Socio-cultural practices

Correct option : 4

Major threats to biodiversity in India are as follows:

1. Population explosion

2. Habitat Destruction (Deforestation)

3. Overuse of Natural Resources

4. Climate Change

5. Laxity in implementation of environment policies

Fig. Deforestation

Q5. Which of these places is reputed to be world’s

most biologically diverse?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Yasuni tropical rain forest

▪ (2). Western Ghats

▪ (3). Eastern Himalayan

▪ (4). Indo-Burma region

Correct option : 1

51
Yasuni National Park is in Ecuador between the Napo and Curaray rivers. It is the most biologically
diverse spot on Earth. The Park covers 9,820 square kilometers. Located in the eastern foothills of
the Andes, the park slopes down gently from west to east and is known for the many rivers and
creeks that carry water from the mountains into the Amazon system.

Q6. India is to home to how many (approximately)

mammalian species?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). 1320

▪ (2). 628

▪ (3). 350

▪ (4). 3560

Correct option : 3

Fig - Lion - A Mammal

Mammal is any animal of which the female feeds her young on milk from her own body; such as
humans, dogs , lions , and whales. According to an estimate, there are 400 species of mammals,
1200 species of birds, 350 species of reptiles and more than 29,70,000 species of insects.

Q7. According to Paris agreement on climate change,

the rise in average temperature of earth’s surface
above pre-industrial levels should be limited to:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). 1 Degree Celsius

▪ (2). 2 Degree Celsius

▪ (3). 2.5 Degree Celsius

▪ (4). 3 Degree Celsius

52
Correct option : 2

The Paris Agreement’s central aim is to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate
change by keeping a global temperature rise this century well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-
industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees
Celsius.

Fig. Receding glaciers due to climate change

Q8. In which of the following states, ‘Hornbill’ festival

has been observed to uphold Unity in Diversity?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Nagaland

▪ (2). Manipur

▪ (3). Assam

▪ (4). Mizoram

Correct option : 1

Fig. Hornbill bird

The Hornbill Festival is a colorful festival organized every year in Nagaland. With the idea to
promote unity and diversity, Hornbill Festival was aptly named in collective reverence to the bird
enshrined in the cultural ethos of the Nagas.

53
Q9. Which of the following is not correct about the
Harappa’s contacts with its contemporary
civilizations?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Similarity of some of its seals with them.

▪ (2). The term Melukha used in Mesopotamian tablets perhaps refers to Sindhu.

▪ (3). The Harappan seals mention its relations with them.

▪ (4). The Mesopotamians called cotton by the name of Sindhu.

Correct option : 3

The Harappan seal is the earliest form of writing known in Indian subcontinent. They have not
been deciphered so far.

Q10. Who built the Sudarshana lake in the Saurashtra

region?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Pushyagupta

▪ (2). Dhanananda

▪ (3). Kharavela

▪ (4). Samudragupta

Correct option : 1

Chandragupta’s viceroy or governor, Pushyagupta is said to have constructed the famous

Sudarshana Lake in Surashtra or Kathiawar.

Q11. Which of the following Bhakati poets of

Maharashtra conveyed his teachings through the
numerous Abhangas?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Tukaram

▪ (2). Namdev

▪ (3). Eknath

▪ (4). Ramdas

54
Correct option : 1

Tukaram was a 17th-century poet-saint of the Bhakti movement in Maharashtra. He conveyed his
teachings through the numerous Abhangas.

Q12. Dara Shikoh was the disciple of which sufi saint?

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Mirza Galib

▪ (2). Mian Mir

▪ (3). Mullah Shah

▪ (4). Mir Taki Mir

Correct option : 2

Mian Mir was a famous Sufi Muslim saint who resided in Lahore. His most famous disciple was
Dara Shikoh.

Q13. Who established the East India association in

1866 in London?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Raja Ram Mohan Roy

▪ (2). Dada Bhai Nairoji

▪ (3). Surendra Nath Banerjee

▪ (4). Lala Lajpat Rai

Correct option : 2

The East India Association was founded by Dadabhai Naoroji in 1866, in collaboration with Indians
and retired British officials in London.

Q14. How much time did Lord Mountbatten give to Sir

C. Radcliff to delineate the international border of
India in 1947?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). 1 and a half months

▪ (2). 3 and a half months

▪ (3). 4 months

▪ (4). 6 months

55
Correct option : 1

On 17th August 1947 the Radcliffe Line was declared as the boundary between India and Pakistan,
following the Partition of India. The idea behind the Radcliffe Line was to create a boundary which
would divide India along religious demographics, under which Muslim majority provinces would
become part of the new nation of Pakistan and Hindu and Sikh majority provinces would remain in
India. Lord Mountbatten gave 1 and a half months to Sir C. Radcliff to delineate the international
border of India in 1947.

Q15. India celebrated its first constitution Day on?

Choose an option:

▪ (1). 15th august, 1947

▪ (2). 26th January, 1950

▪ (3). 26th November, 1949

▪ (4). None of the above

Correct option : 3

Constitution Day is celebrated on 26 November every year to commemorate the adoption of

Constitution of India. On this day in 1949, the Constituent Assembly of India adopted the
Constitution of India, and it came into effect on 26 January 1950.

Q16. In which year was the Protection of Women from

Domestic Violence Act passes?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). 1998

▪ (2). 2001

▪ (3). 2004

▪ (4). 2005

Correct option : 4

The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005 provides a legal recourse to women
(wives and live in partners) facing domestic violence be it physical, mental, sexual, emotional or
economical. It is an Act of the Parliament of India enacted to protect women from domestic
violence. It was brought into force by the Indian government from 26 October 2006.

Q17. Ashish Bose is well known for his concept

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Demographic Transition

56
 ▪ (2). Population Explosion

▪ (3). BIMARU States

▪ (4). Sustainable Development

Correct option : 3

Ashish Bose was best known for coining the term BIMARU (in a paper presented to then Prime
Minister Rajiv Gandhi) to refer to the four grossly under-developed states of (undivided) Bihar,
Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh in the 1980s. Later, Orissa was also included, to
expand it to BIMAROU. Bose’s contention was if the government wants to control the population, it
should stress on these states.

Q18. Bombyx mori is a

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Fish

▪ (2). Silkworm

▪ (3). Ringworm

▪ (4). Moth

Correct option : 2

Bombyx mori, also known as Silkworm is an economically important insect, having been
domesticated for sericulture (silk production).

Few Key Points -

1. Silkworm is the primary producer of raw silk.

2. Sericulture, the practice of breeding silkworms for the production of raw silk, has been under
way for at least 5,000 years in China, from where it spread to Korea and Japan, India and later
the West.

Figure 3. Silkworm Image

Q19. Which of the following Indian States will get the

first ever solar-stellar observatory?
Choose an option:

57
 ▪ (1). Rajasthan

▪ (2). Gujarat

▪ (3). Maharashtra

▪ (4). Karnataka

Correct option : 2

Gujarat is all set to get its first-ever solar as well stellar observatories, with government-recognised
Indian Planetary Society (IPS) selecting Kutch district for embarking on this project at a cumulative
cost of Rs. 12 crores.

Q20. Which is not an indicator of Human Development

Index?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Life expectancy

▪ (2). Education component

▪ (3). National per capita income

▪ (4). Level of Urbanization

Correct option : 4

The Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite statistic of life expectancy, education, and per
capita income indicators, which are used to rank countries.

HDI of India - UNDP, the sponsor of Human Development Index methodology since 1990, reported
India’s HDI to be 0.554 for 2012, an 18% increase over its 2008 HDI. United Nations Declared India’s
HDI is 0.586 in 2014, an 5.77% increase over 2012. As for the year 2015, HDI for India stood at 0.609.

58
Q21. Which soil is best for cotton cultivation?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Alluvial Soil

▪ (2). Laterite Soil

▪ (3). Red Soil

▪ (4). Black soil

Correct option : 4

Fig. Black Soil

Suitable soil for cotton should have maximum proportion of silt and clay. The soils having these
contents have good water holding capacity and these soils can protect the crop and hold it well.
Black soil is best suited for cotton cultivation.

Q22. Bermuda Triangles is located in?

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Atlantic Ocean

▪ (2). Pacific Ocean

▪ (3). Indian Ocean

▪ (4). China Ocean

Correct option : 1

The Bermuda Triangle is a region in the western part of the North Atlantic Ocean.

Q23. Which is the longest river of the World?

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Nile

59
 ▪ (2). Amazon

▪ (3). Yangtze

▪ (4). Congo

Correct option : 1

Figure 4. Nile River, Africa

Flowing northward through the tropical climate of eastern Africa and into the Mediterranean Sea,
the Nile river is the longest river in the world measuring about 6,650 kilometers. That is twice the
width of India from north to south (Kashmir to Kanyakumari).

Q24. When a body is taken from the earth to moon

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Mass change but weight remain the same

▪ (2). Weight change but mass remain the same

▪ (3). Both weight and mass change

▪ (4). Both weight and mass remain the same

Correct option : 2

Fig. The Moon

The moon is 1/4 the size of Earth, so the moon’s gravity is much less than that of earth, 1/6 to be
exact. So the mass remains same but weight decreases.

60
Mass of a body never changes due to gravity effect.

Q25. Decibel is used to measure the intensity field of

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Magnetic field

▪ (2). Sound

▪ (3). Light

▪ (4). Heat

Correct option : 2

The loudness or intensity field of sound is expressed in a unit called decibel (dB).
Decibel (dB) is a unit used to measure the intensity of a sound or the power level of an electrical
signal by comparing it with a given level on a logarithmic scale. The decibel ( dB) is used to measure
sound level, but it is also widely used in electronics, signals and communication.

Examples

1. 0 dB threshold for healthy hearing

2. 10 dB for Breathing

3. 20 dB for whisper or rustling leaves

4. 60 db for Air Conditioner Noise

5. 100 dB for Jet take-off (at 305 meters)

6. 145 dB for Firecrackers

7. 180 dB for Rocket launch

61
Q26. A pressure cooker works on the principal of
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Elevation of boiling point of water by application of pressure

▪ (2). Making the food- grains inside softer

▪ (3). Making the food-grains softer by application of pressure and temperature

▪ (4). Keeping the food-grains inside steam for a longer time

Correct option : 1

In a sealed pressure cooker, the boiling point of water increases as the pressure rises, resulting in
super-heated water. Without pressure cooker, there is no way that you can increase boiling water
temperature beyond 100 degree Celsius.

Do you know?
Cooking takes more time on hills (high altitude place) compared to plains because atmospheric
pressure is low at hills which reduces boiling temperature of water.

Q27. Sweat mainly serves to eliminate

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Water and NaCl

▪ (2). NaCl and Fats

▪ (3). Water and Dirt

▪ (4). Serum and Water

Correct option : 1

Sweat is:

1. 99% water

2. NaCI

3. Vitamin C

4. Antibodies

5. Metabolic wastes

6. Acidic nature inhibits bacteria growth

62
 Why sweating happens?

Sweating is your body’s built-in cooling system. When the temperature rises,

 millions of tiny sweat glands in your skin are activated and sweat is released
through your pores. As your sweat evaporates, it cools you off. Yet leftover sweat
can leave your skin soaked - especially on humid days when the air is already so
saturated with moisture that your sweat evaporates more slowly.

Q28. In which basin is Upper Joiner hydro-power

project?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Ravi

▪ (2). Satluj

▪ (3). Beas

▪ (4). Yamuna

Correct option : 1

Upper Joiner hydro-power project is in Ravi basin.

Q29. The acronym UNFCC represents:

Choose an option:

▪ (1). United Nation Framework on Climate Change

▪ (2). United Nation Fund for Climate control

▪ (3). United Nation Fund for Climate change

▪ (4). United Nation Framework for climate change

Correct option : 1

In 1992, countries joined an international treaty, the United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change(UNFCCC), as a framework for international cooperation to combat climate change
by limiting average global temperature increases and the resulting climate change, and coping with
impacts that were, by then, inevitable.
(This question is wrongly asked It should be UNFCCC instead of UNFCC.)

Q30. Identify the correct sequence of countries with

the highest biodiversity-
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Brazil > Colombia > China > Indonesia

63
 ▪ (2). Brazil > Colombia > India > Indonesia

▪ (3). Bolivia > Indonesia > Colombia > India

▪ (4). Bolivia > Venezuela> Indonesia > Colombia

Correct option : 1

Fig. Iguazu Falls, Brazil

The megadiverse countries are a group of countries that harbor the majority of Earth’s species and
high numbers of endemic species. The sequence of countries with the highest biodiversity is :
Brazil > Colombia > China > Indonesia

Q31. In the context of climate change, measures

undertaken by Government of India have a target of
electric power generation by renewable energy (by
year 2030) of
Choose an option:

▪ (1). 350 GW

▪ (2). 175 GW

▪ (3). 500 GW

▪ (4). 250 GW

Correct option : 1

64
Fig. Wind Mill - A source of renewable energy

In the context of climate change, measures undertaken by Government of India have a target of
electric power generation by renewable energy (by year 2030) of 350 GW.

Q32. In a poultry unit the factor most influencing the

cost is the cost of :
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Feed

▪ (2). Transportation

▪ (3). Chicks

▪ (4). Medicines

Correct option : 1

The financial needs for poultry industry depends on- the number of birds they are maintained in
the unit concerned. For that, feed is the major item of expenditure in poultry production.

Q33. Which of the following is not the feature of caste

system?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Hierarchy

▪ (2). Hereditary occupation

▪ (3). Exogamous marriages

▪ (4). Accountability

Correct option : 3

Exogamous marriages or Exogamy refers to the custom of marrying to persons outside of specific
community or groups. It is not a feature of caste system.

65
Q34. Which state of India was the first to pass
Jamindari Abolition Act?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Bihar

▪ (2). Uttar Pradesh

▪ (3). RajasUttthan

▪ (4). Karnataka

Correct option : 2

Uttar Pradesh had passed Jamindari Abolition Act in 1951.

Q35. Which of the following vegetable oils does not

contain essential fatty acids?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Sunflower oil

▪ (2). Mustard oil

▪ (3). Coconut oil

▪ (4). Groundnut oil

Correct option : 1

Fatty acids are key constituent of lipids. Fatty acids are used to help with essential body functions
such as blood clotting, immune response, or blood pressure. Essential fatty acids are not present in
sunflower oil.

Q36. Which of the following statements is correct?

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Wheat bran is rich in carbohydrates

▪ (2). Fungal fermentation of rice is used for the preparation of alcoholic drinks

▪ (3). Rice has antibiotic properties

▪ (4). Wheat contains 80-85% carbohydrates

Correct option : 2

Wheat Bran is Rich Source of Fibre

1. Wheat bran is the by-product of wheat milling industries and is valued as a rich source of

66
 dietary fibre. White wheat flour has a high carbohydrate content, but wheat bran is mainly
fibre and as such is low in carbohydrates. As the insoluble wheat bran passes through your
system, it aids digestion, adds bulk to stools and prevents constipation. This is also why it is
widely used in breakfast cereals.

2. Fermentation of Rice by yeast (fungi) is used to make Sake, a alcoholic beverage (wine).

3. Whole wheat contains about 70% carbohydrates.

4. Rice does not have anti-biotic properties.

Q37. Vegetables are easily perishable because of their

high content of:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Sugars

▪ (2). Water

▪ (3). Vitamins

▪ (4). Enzymes

Correct option : 2

Fig, Vegetables

Perishable foods are likely to spoil, decay or become unsafe to consume if not kept refrigerated.
Refrigeration slows bacterial growth and freezing stops it. Vegetables are easily perishable because
of their high content of water.

Q38. Of which rivers tributaries are Phojal, Sarwati

and Hansa streams
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Satluj

▪ (2). Beas

▪ (3). Ravi

67
 ▪ (4). Yamuna

Correct option : 2

Phojal, Sarwati and Hansa streams are tributaries of Beas river.

Q39. What is the archaeological style of Adi Brahama

temple Khokhan?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Pagoda

▪ (2). Pent-roof

▪ (3). Pyramid-roof

▪ (4). Pyramid

Correct option : 1

Adi Brahma Temple, dating back to the 14th century, is located 12 kms from Kullu, at Khokhan
village. Built on the Pagoda style with a total of four floors, the temple is believed to have taken ten
years to complete.

68
Q40. With which region of H.P. is Bonangchyu dance
associated?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Chamba

▪ (2). Sirmour

▪ (3). Kinnaur

▪ (4). Kangra

Correct option : 3

The Banyangchu is generally a male dance in Kinnaur district. It is a free style dance. Women
sometimes provide vocal music from outside.

Q41. Who was the court poet of Raja Dharam Chand of

Kangra who wrote Dharam Chand
Natak in around 1562 AD? Choose an option:

▪ (1). Ganesh Singh

▪ (2). Kanhyaya Lal Sharma

▪ (3). Manik Chand

▪ (4). Padam Chand Guleri

Correct option : 3

Dharam Chand Natak was written by Manik Chand in the reign of Raja Dharam Chand in 1562 AD.
In Dharam Chand Natak, refernce is made to the capture of Kangra Fort by Firoz Shah Tughlaq in
1365 AD.

Q42. To which princely state did Zorawar Singh,

General of Raja Gulab Singh who invaded Ladakh and
Baltistan during 1834-41, belongs ?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Kangra

▪ (2). Sirmaur

▪ (3). Jubbal

▪ (4). Kehlur

Correct option : 4

69
Zorawar Singh was born in Kahlur State in Bilaspur. In reference to his legacy of conquests in the
Himalayas including Ladakh, Tibet, Baltistan and Iskardu as General and Wazir (Minister), he has
been referred to by historians as "Conqueror of Ladakh" and the "Napoleon of India".

Q43. When did the Chandrahabhaga Valley which was

held as Jagir by the families of Tibetan origin come
under sway of Kullu ?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Thirteenth century

▪ (2). Fifteenth century

▪ (3). Seventeenth century

▪ (4). Eighteenth century

Correct option : 3

Chandrahabhaga Valley was held as Jagir by the families of Tibetan origin. It came under sway of
Kullu in Seventeenth century.

Q44. The territory of which of the following princely

state was divided between two cousins/scions Vijay
Singh and Ram Singh during the nineteenth century?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Daturpur

▪ (2). Siba

▪ (3). Guler

▪ (4). Jaswan

Correct option : 2

After the death of Raja Gobind Singh, his son Raja Ram Singh became Raja of Siba state. The
territory of Siba state was divided between two cousins/scions Vijay Singh and Ram Singh during
the nineteenth century.
On appeal to the British Vice Royal at Lahore, the share of Siba jagir i.e. 1/4th of the Siba state was
later on restored to Vijay Singh, son of Mian Devi Singh.

Q45. According to 2011 census which district of H.P.

has the highest number of urban households?
Choose an option:

70
 ▪ (1). Kangra

▪ (2). Shimla

▪ (3). Mandi

▪ (4). Solan

Correct option : 2

According to 2011 census Shimla district has the highest number of urban households.

Q46. Around which year did captain RC Lee set up an

apple orchard in Kullu area?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). 1870 AD

▪ (2). 1895 AD

▪ (3). 1905 AD

▪ (4). 1910 AD

Correct option : 1

71
Kullu apples are well known throughout the country. Pioneer of fruit growing in Kullu area was
late Captain RC Lee of Bundrole orchard. He obtained apples from UK and set up an orchard in the
year 1870.

Q47. Which Raja of Bushahr princely state received

Hang-Rang valley from Tibet as Jagir?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Prem Singh

▪ (2). Karam Singh

▪ (3). Bhup Singh

▪ (4). Kehri Singh

Correct option : 4

Raja Kehri Singh of Bushahar state is described as the highest skilled warrior of the time. The
Tibetan-Ladakhi-Mughal war took place in 1681-83. In the war, Kehri Singh sided with Tibet against
Ladakh. As per the treaty, Tibet and Bushahar would remain friends and the traders from both
sides would enjoy all facilities without payment of any tax. Kehri Singh also received 'Hangrang
valley' from Tibet as a Jagir.

Q48. Around which year did Russian painter Nicholas

Roerich visit Naggar in Kullu District for the First
time?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). 1915

▪ (2). 1923

72
 ▪ (3). 1926

▪ (4). 1930

Correct option : 2

Late Russian painter Nicolas Roerich visited Kullu for the first time in 1923 and painted enchanting
landscapes on canvas. He liked Naggar so much that he returned in 1929 and brought what was
then called 'The Hall Estate' with its cottage.

Q49. Which Raja of Bangahal princely state was

treacherously killed by Raja Siddha Sen of Mandi?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Raghunath Pal

▪ (2). Dalel Pal

▪ (3). Prithi Pal

▪ (4). Man Pal

Correct option : 3

Prithi Pal was the son-in-law of Sidh Sen of Mandi. Sidh Sen had covetous eyes on Prithi Pal’s
principlity. Once he invited him to Mandi and received with great honour, but was killed
treacherously within a month.

Q50. Which school did Amrita Shergil join in Shimla

around 1924-25?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Tara Hall

▪ (2). Alfred Corpet

▪ (3). Santa Annciate

▪ (4). Jesus and Mary

Correct option : 4

Amrita Shergil joined Jesus and Mary Convent school in Shimla. It was a Roman Catholic institution.

Q51. Which Raja of Sirmaur princely state shifted the

capital of his state from Rajban to Kalsi in the
beginning of the thirteen century?
Choose an option:

73
 ▪ (1). Udit Prakesh

▪ (2). Kaul Prakash

▪ (3). Maha Prakash

▪ (4). Sumer Prakash

Correct option : 1

Raja Udit Prakash ascended the throne of Sirmaur state in the year 1217. He shifted the capital of
his state from Rajban to Kalsi. He abdicated in favour of his son Kaul Prakash in 1227 AD.

Q52. At which place in Kullu District of Himachal

Pradesh is fish farm?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Patil Kuhl

▪ (2). Moheli

▪ (3). Nagini

▪ (4). All of the Above

Correct option : 4

Fig. Fish

The important varities of fish found in Kullu district are Trout and Himalayan Barbel. The fish
farms in Kullu district are located at Patli Kuhl, Moheli and Nagini.

Q53. Who founded Himachal Pradesh congress (HVC)?

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Maheshwar Singh

▪ (2). Thakur Ram Lal

▪ (3). Dr. Salig Ram

74
 ▪ (4). Pandit Sukh Ram

Correct option : 4

Himachal Vikas Congress(HVC) was a regional political party in Himachal Pradesh. It was founded
by Pandit Sukh Ram. HVC was formed when Sukh Ram split from the Indian National Congress.
HVC merged with Congress in 2004.

Q54. Which two districts of H.P. are covered under

Backward region Grant fund of ministry of Panchayati
Raj, Government of India?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Kinnaur and Lahul Spiti

▪ (2). Lahul-Spiti and Chamba

▪ (3). Chamba and Sirmour

▪ (4). Sirmour and Kinnaur

Correct option : 3

The Planning Commission had identified two districts namely Chamba & Sirmour of Himachal
Pradesh on the basis of their incidence of poverty and level of other objective Socio-Economic
indicators. The Planning Commission, Government of India has approved to cover both these
districts under RSVY on the recommendation of State Government.
The RSVY was earlier implemented by Planning Commission, GOI but the programme has been
handed over to Ministry of Panchayati Raj, GOI during the year 2007-08 and replaced by Backward
Regions Grant Fund (BRGF).

Q55. Which bank is collaborating with the Himachal

Pradesh government in implementing Doodh Ganga
Yojna?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). UCO Bank

▪ (2). State Bank of India

▪ (3). NABARD

▪ (4). H.P. state Cooperative Bank

Correct option : 3

Government of India’s dairy business enterprise scheme is Doodh Ganga Yojana. This scheme offers
fractional interest free credits & capital grant provisions to encourage planned dairy farming &

75
generate service openings in Himachal Pradesh.
The scheme is implemented through National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
(NABARD), who will be the nodal agency for the scheme.

Q56. Which agency is managing Himachal Pradesh

state wide Area networks (HIMSWAN) services?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). M/s KPMG

▪ (2). M/s Orange Business services

▪ (3). M/s E&Y HPSDC

▪ (4). M/s Vyam Technologies

Correct option : 2

With the launch of Himachal Pradesh State Wide Area Network (HIMSWAN) on 5th Feb, 2008 by
Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh became the first
State in the country to launch State Wide Area Network under National e-Governance Programme.
The State entered an era of Hi-tech connectivity down to the level of tehsils, sub-tehsils, blocks and
even Panchayats.
M/s Orange Business Services is managing Himachal Pradesh State Wide Area Network (HIMSWAN)
services.

Q57. Who among the following persons has been

appointed as UP’s Lokayukta?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Prabhu Nath Singh

▪ (2). Sanjay Mishra

▪ (3). Virender Singh

▪ (4). N.K. Mehrotra

Correct option : 2

Former judge of the Allahabad High Court, Justice (Retired) Sanjay Mishra, on Sunday took oath as
the new Lokayukta of Uttar Pradesh. An apex court bench headed by Justice Ranjan Gogoi had
appointed Justice Mishra as the Lokayukta.

76
Q58. Who among the following persons has secured
India’s 12th Olympic quota berth for shooting for the
Rio Games?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Napis Tortungpanich

▪ (2). Sanjay Rajput

▪ (3). Vitaliy Dovgun

▪ (4). Jitu Rai

Correct option : 2

Sanjeev Rajput secured India’s 12 quota from shooting for the Rio Games by finishing fourth in
men’s 50m rifle 3 positions at the Asian Olympic Qualifying Competition.
Sanjeev qualified for the finals in fourth position shooting a score of 1163. There were three quota
places available in the finals and the other two went to Kazakhstan’s Vitaliy Dovgun and Thailand’s
20-year old Napis Tortungpanich.

Q59. The National Airquality Index (AQI) measures air

quality by taking into consideration which of the
following pollutants?
1) Ammonia

2) Nitrogen dioxide

3) Sulphur dioxide

4) Carbon dioxide

5) Ozone

6) Lead

Select the correct answer from the given codes: Choose an option:

▪ (1). (1), (3) and (5) only

▪ (2). (1), (2), (4) and (6) only

▪ (3). (1), (2), (3), (4), (5) and (6)

▪ (4). (1), (5) and (6) only

Correct option : 3

77
Q60. Which is incorrect about Himalaya?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Himalaas are young folded mountains.

▪ (2). Before Himalayas, there was a Tethys sea.

▪ (3). Highest peak of the world is in Himalayan range

▪ (4). Its width varies from 200km in Kashmir to 500 km in Arunachal Pradesh.

Correct option : 4

The Himalaya Mountains lie between the Indus River in the west and the Brahmaputra River in the
east. The width of the Himalayas vary from 500 km in Kashmir to 200 km in Arunachal Pradesh.

Fig. Himalayas in Kullu district

Q61. Who of the following has been awarded Padma

Vibhushan?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Avinash Dixit

▪ (2). Sania Mirza

▪ (3). Priyanka Chopra

▪ (4). Anjum Chopra

Correct option : 1

Avinash Kamalakar Dixit is an Indian-American economist. He is currently John J. F. Sherrerd '52

University Professor of Economics Emeritus at Princeton University, Distinguished Adjunct
Professor of Economics at Lingnan University, Senior Research Fellow at Nuffield College, Oxford
and Sanjaya Lall Senior Visiting Research Fellow at Green Templeton College, Oxford.

Born: 06 Aug 1944 (age 72) · Mumbai, India

Awards: Padma Vibhushan (2016) · Guggenheim Fellowship for Social Sciences, US & Canada (1991)

78
Education: Massachusetts Institute of Technology · University of Cambridge · University of Mumbai

Q62. Consider the following statements regarding

IRNSS-1E:
1) It is India’s fifth navigational satellite

2) It was launched from PSLV-C31

3) It was successfully launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, SHAR, Sriharikota

4) It is an independent regional satellite system designed to provide information in the Indian

region and 1500 km around the Indian Mainland

Which of the above statements are correct? Choose an option:

▪ (1). (1), (2) and (3)

▪ (2). (2), (3) and (4)

▪ (3). (1), (2) and (4)

▪ (4). All of the above are correct

Correct option : 4

IRNSS-1E is India’s fifth navigational satellite. It was launched from PSLV-C31. It was successfully
launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, SHAR, Sriharikota.
It is an independent regional satellite system designed to provide information in the Indian region
and 1500 km around the Indian Mainland.

Q63. The Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana:

1. Focuses on feeder separation (rural households and agricultural)

2. Seeks to electrify rural and urban areas both

3. Will nationalise all power distribution companies in rural areas

4. Seeks to provide uninterrupted power supply to industries set up in the rural areas

Which of the above statement/s is/are correct? Choose an option:

▪ (1). Only 3

▪ (2). Only 1

▪ (3). Only 2

▪ (4). All of the above

Correct option : 2

The Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana(DDUGJY) focuses on feeder separation (rural
households & agricultural) and strengthening of sub-transmission & distribution infrastructure

79
including metering at all levels in rural areas. This will help in providing round the clock power to
rural households and adequate power to agricultural consumers.

Q64. Who among the following was the constituent

advisor to the Constituent Assembly?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

▪ (2). Dr. Rajendra Prasad

▪ (3). K.M. Munshi

▪ (4). Sir. B.N.Rao

Correct option : 4

BN Rao was appointed as the Constitutional Adviser to the Constituent Assembly in formulating the
Indian Constitution in 1946. He was responsible for the general structure of its democratic
framework of the Constitution and prepared its initial draft in February 1948.

Q65. Which one of the following festivals was most

famous in Vijayanagar empire ?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Vasant Ritu

▪ (2). Brahmotsavam

▪ (3). Mahanavami

▪ (4). Ramana Vaidi

Correct option : 3

An outstanding feature of life in the Vijayanagar empire was the great Mahanavami festival that
took place each year at the end of the rainy season in September-October.

Q66. Which of the following states were not annexed

to the English East India Company’s dominions under
Dalhousies’s Doctrine of Lapse ?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Satara

▪ (2). Nagpur

▪ (3). Jhansi

80
 ▪ (4). Jodhpur

Correct option : 4

The Doctrine of Lapse was applied by Dalhousie to Satara and it was annexed in 1848. Jhansi and
Nagpur were annexed in 1854.

Q67. When was the Civil Disobedience Movement

finally called off by Mahatma Gandhi?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). 1931

▪ (2). 1932

▪ (3). 1933

▪ (4). 1934

Correct option : 4

Civil Disobedience movement continued till April 1934 when Gandhi formally withdrawn it.

Q68. Consider the following:

a. The Nehru Report

b. The Rowlatt Satyagraha

c. The MacDonald Award

d. Formation of Congress Socialist Party

Arrange the above in chronological order by using the codes given below : Choose an option:

▪ (1). (a), (b), (d), (c)

▪ (2). (b), (i), (c), (d)

▪ (3). (b), (d), (c), (i)

▪ (4). (c), (b), (d), (i)

Correct option : 2

Q69. With regard to the recently approved "Pradhan

Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana"
Which of the following statement is/are incorrect?

1) For annual commercial and horticultural crops, the premium to be paid by farmers will be only
5%.

81
2) There will be a uniform premium of only 2% to be paid by farmers for all Kharif crops.

3) For Rabi crops, premium to be paid by farmers is 1.5%.

Select the correct answer from the following codes: Choose an option:

▪ (1). (1) only

▪ (2). (2) only

▪ (3). (3) only

▪ (4). None of the above

Correct option : 4

As per 'Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana' :

1. For annual commercial and horticultural crops, the premium to be paid by farmers will be only
5%.
2. There will be a uniform premium of only 2% to be paid by farmers for all Kharif crops.
3. For Rabi crops, premium to be paid by farmers is 1.5%.

Q70. What has been the growth rate of GDP of India

during 2014-15 at the current prices and constant and
constant prices respectively?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). 10.5% and 6.9 %

▪ (2). 10.5% and 7.3%

▪ (3). 9.5% and 7.3%

▪ (4). 11% and 7.3%

Correct option : 2

Q71. Consider the following statements regarding

Corporate Tax Avoidance deal :
1. A total of 31 Organisation for Economic CO-operation and Development (OECD) members
agreed to sign this deal.

2. It will be harder for firms to hide money in tax havens or play one country’s tax authorities
against another.

3. France is not among 31 members who agreed to sign the deal.

Which of the above statements are correct? Choose an option:

▪ (1). Only (1) and (2)

82
 ▪ (2). Only (2) and (3)

▪ (3). Only (1) and (3)

▪ (4). All the above are correct

Correct option : 1

Q72. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna was approved

by Central Government on:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). 13th January, 2016

▪ (2). 23rd January, 2016

▪ (3). 13th January, 2015

▪ (4). 25th December,2016

Correct option : 1

The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana was launched by Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi on
13 January 2016. It envisages a uniform premium of only 2 per cent to be paid by farmers for Kharif
crops, and 1.5 per cent for Rabi crops.

Q73. Swabhiman is a:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Financial inclusion initiative

▪ (2). Pension initiative for BPL families

▪ (3). Insurance Policy for Women

▪ (4). Rural Infrastructure Project

Correct option : 1

Swabhimaan is a Unique Financial Inclusion Initiative. It is providing banking facilities across

length and breadth of the country. It aims at providing branchless banking through the use of
technology.

Q74. Which of the following is not a function of

Reserve Bank of India?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Regulation of foreign exchange

▪ (2). Regulation of Credit

83
 ▪ (3). Banker of the government and Commercial Bank

▪ (4). Management of Fiscal Deficit

Correct option : 4

Q75. As per HDR, 2014 the Gender Inequality Index of

India is:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). 127

▪ (2). 120

▪ (3). 137

▪ (4). 122

Correct option : 1

As per HDR, 2014 India ranks 127th on gender inequality index and 114th on gender gap in the
world.

Q76. The 14th Finance Commission has enhanced the

states' share in the central divisible pool taxes from:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). 30 percent to 42 percent

▪ (2). 32 percent to 42 percent

▪ (3). 32 percent to 40 percent

▪ (4). 31 percent to 41 percent

Correct option : 2

The 14th Finance Commission has recommended a record 10% increase in the states' share in the
Union taxes to 42% from 32%.

Q77. As per the Census 2011, the average age is above

30 years for the following states:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Kerala, Goa, Tamilnadu and HP

▪ (2). UP, Bihar, Meghalaya and WB

▪ (3). UP, Bihar, Meghalaya and Jharkhand

84
 ▪ (4). Kerala, Goa, UP and Bihar

Correct option : 1

Q78. What is the name of shifting cultivation in Mexico

?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Milpa

▪ (2). Jhumming

▪ (3). Roca

▪ (4). Caingin

Correct option : 1

Shifting cultivation is called by different names in different parts of the world, as:
1) Milpa in Central America and Mexico
2) Ray in Vietnam
3) Conuco in Venezuela

Q79. Which one of the following is incorrect?

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Sariska Tiger - Rajasthan

▪ (2). Hemis National Park - J&K

▪ (3). Periyar National Park - Odisha

▪ (4). Rajaji National Park - Uttarakhand

Correct option : 3

Periyar National Park, also known as Periyar Tiger Reserve, is in the mountainous Western Ghats of
Kerala, southern India. This wildlife sanctuary is home to tigers and a significant elephant
population, as well as rare lion-tailed macaques, sambar deer, leopards and Indian bison. Periyar is
one of the 27 tiger reserves in India, s=covering an area of 925 square KMs.

Q80. Which one of the following is incorrect ?

City - River Choose an option:

▪ (1). Jaunpur - Gomati

▪ (2). Nashik - Godavari

▪ (3). Lucknow - Gandak

▪ (4). Ujjain - Shipra

85
Correct option : 3

Q81. Which lines separates India from Afghanistan ?

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Radcliffe line

▪ (2). Durand line

▪ (3). McMohan line

▪ (4). None of the above

Correct option : 1

India shares a 106-km border with Afghanistan along Jammu & Kashmir. Durand Line is the line
demarcating the boundaries of India and Afghanistan. It was drawn up in 1896 by Sir Mortimer
Durand.

Q82. Varkala beach is located in :

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Karnataka

▪ (2). Puducherry

▪ (3). Kerala

▪ (4). Tamil Nadu

Correct option : 3

Q83. Which one of the following is not correctly

matched ?
Country - Capital Choose an option:

▪ (1). Burkina - Faso Ouagadougou

▪ (2). Finland - Helsinki

▪ (3). Vietnam - Ho-Chi-Minh City

▪ (4). Taiwan - Taipei

Correct option : 3

86
Q84. Which of the following statements is incorrect
regarding Zika virus?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). The virus was first isolated in April 1947 at Brazil

▪ (2). It is transmitted by daytime active Aedes mosquitoes such as A. aegypti

▪ (3). It is a member of the virus family flaviridae and the genus flavivirus

▪ (4). The most common symptoms of Zika arefever, rash, joint pain, muscle pain, headache, etc

Correct option : 1

Zika virus is spread by daytime-active Aedes mosquitoes. Its name comes from the Zika Forest of
Uganda, where the virus was first isolated in 1947.

Q85. What is the population density (per sq. km) of

India and Himachal Pradesh respectively as per
Census 2011?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). 282 and 132

▪ (2). 282 and 123

▪ (3). 382 and 123

▪ (4). 282 and 133

Correct option : 3

As per Census 2011, density of Himachal Pradesh is 123 per sq km which is lower than national
average 382 per sq km.

Q86. Which of the following human rights come within

the ambit of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution?
1) Right to shelter
2) Right to pure drinking water
3) Right to reputation
4) Right to privacy Choose an option:

▪ (1). 1 and 4

▪ (2). 2 and 4

▪ (3). 1, 3 and 4

▪ (4). 1, 2, 3 and 4

87
Correct option : 4

Article 21

"No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to a procedure
established by law."

Right to life and liberty includes:

1. Right against sexual harassment at workplace.
2. Right to privacy.
3. Right to education.
4. Right to free legal aid.
5. Right to reputation.
6. Right to shelter.
7. Right to healthy environment.

This is applicable for both citizen and non-citizen.

Q87. During the term of office, criminal proceedings

cannot be instituted against:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). The President and the Governor

▪ (2). The President, the Vice-President and the Governor

▪ (3). The President, VP, Speaker of Lok Sabha and Governor

▪ (4). The President, the VP, the PM and the Governor

Correct option : 1

During the term of office, criminal proceedings cannot be instituted against the President and the
Governor.

Q88. Who among the following decides the question of

disqualification of a member of Parliament on the
grounds of defection?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). The President of India

▪ (2). Election Commission

▪ (3). The Supreme court of India

▪ (4). Presiding Officer of the House

Correct option : 4

88
The question as to whether a member of a House of Parliament or State Legislature has become
subject to the disqualification will be determined by the presiding officer of the House.

Q89. Who among the following has the power to

declare a caste or a tribe as scheduled caste or
scheduled tribe?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). President of India

▪ (2). Parliament

▪ (3). Home Minister

▪ (4). Chairman of the National Commission of SC or ST

Correct option : 1

Constitution does not define as to who are the persons who belong to scheduled castes and
scheduled tribes. However, Articles 341 and 342, empower the President of India to draw up a list
of these castes and tribes.

Q90. Who among the following determines the area of

a Lok Sabha constituency for the purpose of election?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). President

▪ (2). Election Commission

▪ (3). Delimitation Commission

▪ (4). Census Commission

Correct option : 3

The Delimitation Commission demarcates the boundaries of the Parliamentary Constituencies as

per provisions of the Delimitation Act.

Q91. The Central Information Commission falls under:

Choose an option:

▪ (1). The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology

▪ (2). The Ministry of Personnel

▪ (3). The Ministry of Law

▪ (4). The Ministry of Human Resource

89
Correct option : 2

The Central Information Commission entertains complaints and appeals pertaining to offices,
financial institutions, public sector undertakings, etc., under the Central Government and the Union
Territories. It falls under the Ministry of Personnel.

Q92. Which of the following statements is correct

about NITI Aayog?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). It is a constitution body

▪ (2). It is a statutory body

▪ (3). It is neither a constitutional body nor a statutory body

▪ (4). It is a constitutional body

Correct option : 3

NITI Aayog has replaced Planning Commission by a "Cabinet Resolution". Hence, it is neither a
constitutional body nor a statutory body.

Q93. Which of the following committees recommended

the creation of 'Nyaya Panchayats'?
1. Ashok Mehta Committee

2. LM Singhvi Committee

3. GVK Rao Committee

4. Balwant Rai Mehta Committee

Select the correct answer form the codes given below:

Codes: Choose an option:

▪ (1). 1 only

▪ (2). 1 and 2

▪ (3). 2 and 3

▪ (4). 1, 2 and 4

Correct option : 2

Q94. Which of the following are All India Services?

1. Indian Police Services

2. Indian Foreign Services

90
3. Indian Forest Services

4. Indian Revenue Services

Select the correct answer:

Codes: Choose an option:

▪ (1). 1 and 2

▪ (2). 1 and 3

▪ (3). 1, 2 and 4

▪ (4). 1, 2, 3 and 4

Correct option : 2

The All-India Services are in addition to the Central and State Services. At present, there are three
All-India Services. They are: Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS) and
Indian Forest Service (IFS). Indian Foreign Service and Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax) comes
under the Group A Central Services.

Q95. Who is the Chief Economic Advisor to the

Government of India?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Raghuram Rajan

▪ (2). Arvind Panagariya

▪ (3). Arvind Subramanian

▪ (4). Y.V. Reddy

Correct option : 3

Arvind Subramanian is an Indian economist and the current Chief Economic Adviser to the
Government of India, having taken charge of the position on 16 October 2014 succeeding Raghuram
Rajan.

Q96. Consider the following statements regarding

International Solar Alliance (ISA) :
(1) Indian Prime Minister Narender Modi and French President Francois Hollande has jointly laid
the foundation stone of the International Solar Alliance Headquarters

(2) The interim Secretariat of the ISA is located at Gurgaon.

(3) ISA has 121 member-countries.

Which of the above statements are correct? Choose an option:

91
 ▪ (1). Only (1) and (2)

▪ (2). Only (2) and (3)

▪ (3). Only (1) and (3)

▪ (4). All the above are correct

Correct option : 4

Indian Prime Minister Narender Modi and French President Francois Hollande has jointly laid the
foundation stone of the International Solar Alliance(ISA) Headquarters. The interim Secretariat of
the ISA is located at Gurgaon. ISA has 121 member-countries.

Q97. Consider the following statements regarding

Corruption Perception Index (CPI), 2015 :
1. The Corruption Perception Index, 2015 was released by Berlin-based corruption watch-dog
transparency international.

2. India ranks 76th out of 194 countries in the CPI 2015.

3. The list is topped by Denmark followed by Finland and Sweden.

Which of the above statements are correct? Choose an option:

▪ (1). Only (1) and (2)

▪ (2). Only (1) and (3)

▪ (3). Only (2) and (3)

▪ (4). All the above are correct

Correct option : 2

Q98. Who among the following persons has won the

Man Booker Prize, 2015?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Marlon James

▪ (2). Sanjeev Sahota

▪ (3). James Tott

▪ (4). Ali Smith

Correct option : 1

Marlon James has won the Man Booker Prize, 2015. Hehas become the first Jamaican writer to win
the Man Booker prize.

92
Q99. First Census was conducted in which year in
India?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). 1872

▪ (2). 1891

▪ (3). 1911

▪ (4). 1951

Correct option : 1

The first census was conducted in India in 1872, but regular census started in 1881.

93
Chapter 3. 2014 HPAS Solved Paper
This PDF Booklet contains 2014 HPAS Solved Paper. Explanation is
provided by Shunya Foundation Team. 2014 HPAS Solved Paper with full
explanation

Q1. The latitude that passes through Sikkim also

passes through
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Himachal Pradesh

▪ (2). Jammu and Kashmir

▪ (3). Rajasthan

▪ (4). Bihar

Correct option : 3

Latitude of Sikkim is between 27N to 28N. The latitude that passes through Sikkim also passes
through the following states:
1. Uttar Pradesh
2. Haryana
3. Rajasthan

Q2. Which of the following does not contain silver?

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Horn Silver

94
 ▪ (2). German Silver

▪ (3). Ruby Silver

▪ (4). Lunar Silver

Correct option : 2

Horn Silver - It is a very heavy halide mineral composed of silver chloride (AgCl). it is an ore of
silver.
German silver - It is a mixture of copper, zinc and nickel.
Ruby Silver - It is a sulfosalt mineral consisting of silver sulfantimonide. It is an important source of
the metal.

Q3. Aluminum surfaces are often ‘anodized’ this

means the deposition of a layer of:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Chromium Oxide

▪ (2). Aluminum Oxide

▪ (3). Nickel Oxide

▪ (4). Zinc Oxide

Correct option : 2

Anodising is essentially a process where a thick film of aluminum oxide is built up on the surface of
the aluminum through the use of a direct current electrical supply. Aluminum is often anodized for
decorative purposes (coloring), to harden the surface or to increases its resistance towards
atmospheric corrosion.

Q4. When a CD (compact disc used in audio and video

systems) is seen in sunlight, rainbow like colours are
seen. This can be explained on the basis of the
phenomenon of:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Reflection and diffraction

▪ (2). Reflection and transmission

▪ (3). Diffraction and transmission

▪ (4). Refraction, diffraction and transmission

Correct option : 4

95
The reason CDs reflect rainbow colors is because they have a clear plastic coating on top of a
mirrorized surface. Light refracts (bends) when it moves from one medium to another with a
different optical density. Every color has a different wave length. Different wave lengths of light
travel at different speeds, so that full spectrum appears when white light passes from the air
through the plastic surface of a CD, separated light rays which are then reflected back to us by the
mirrorized center surface of a CD. Here the diffraction and transmission also takes place because
diffraction of light rays occur when it strikes the surface of CD and transmission is obvious when
light enters from one medium to another.

Q5. Domestic electrical wiring is basically a:

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Series connection

▪ (2). Parallel connection

▪ (3). Combination of series and parallel connection

▪ (4). Series connection within each room and parallel connection elsewhere

Correct option : 2

Fig. Domestic wiring

Parallel arrangement used in domestic wiring because of the following :

(i) All the appliances works at the same voltage as that of the electric supply.
(ii) If one of the appliances is out of order, e.g. if a bulb get fused, all other appliances keep on

96
working as the circuit is not broken in parallel arrangement of devices.

Q6. The only snake that builds a nest is:

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Chain viper

▪ (2). King Cobra

▪ (3). Krait

▪ (4). Saw-scaled viper

Correct option : 2

Fig. King Cobra

King Cobra is the only snake in the world that builds a nest. It is an oviparous snake and lays its
eggs in the nest and guards the nest until they are hatched.

Q7. The hormone insulin is a:

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Glycolipid

▪ (2). Fatty acid

▪ (3). Peptide

▪ (4). Sterol

Correct option : 3

97
Peptide hormones are those made up from polypeptide chains. Peptide hormones can either have
short polypeptide chains, such as in oxytocin, or longer protein chains such as those in growth
factors. Peptides that are to be secreted are stored with in vesicles inside the cell. Their release is
initiated in response to stimuli. An example of one of these proteins is insulin, it is released in
response to rising blood glucose levels. The body needs insuline for the correct use of food and
energy. All hormones are made by glands. The gland that makes insulin is the pancreas. People with
diabetes don’t make enough insulin. Luckily, we have a way to replace the insulin the pancreas
can’t make.
Insulin is also a protein. It can’t be taken by mouth. It would be digested, just like the food you eat.
That is why insulin is taken by injection.

Q8. The normal temperature of human body in Kelvin

scale is:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). 280

▪ (2). 290

▪ (3). 300

▪ (4). 310

Correct option : 4

98
Fig. Thermometer

The normal temperature of human body is 37°C. After converting, 37 degrees Celsius is
approximately equal to 310 kelvins.

Kelvin to Celsius Formula

T(k) = T(c) + 273.15

Q9. Which one of the following polymers is widely

used for making bullet proof material?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Polyvinyl chloride

▪ (2). Polyamides

▪ (3). Polyethylene

▪ (4). Polycarbonates

Correct option : 4

Bullet-resistant glass is usually constructed using polycarbonate, thermoplastic, and layers of

laminated glass. The aim is to make a material with the appearance and clarity of standard glass
but with effective protection from small arms.
Bullet proof glass is made by layering a polycarbonate material between pieces of ordinary glass in
a process called lamination.

Q10. Name the site where Harappan ploughed field

has been found:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Harappa

▪ (2). Banawali

▪ (3). Rakhigarhi

99
 ▪ (4). Kalibanga

Correct option : 4

Kalibangan is located at Pilibangan, between Suratgarh and Hanumangarh in Hanumangarh

district of Rajasthan. Archaeologists have found evidence of a ploughed field here, associated with
Early Harappan levels. The field had two sets of furrows at right angles to each other, suggesting
that two different crops were grown together.

Q11. Name the place where Jaina texts were finally

complied.
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Pawagrah

▪ (2). Kalinga

▪ (3). Sharvanbelgola

▪ (4). Vallabhi

Correct option : 4

The teachings of Mahavira and his followers were transmitted orally for several centuries. They
were written down in the form in which they are presently available at a place called Valabhi, in
Gujarat, about 1500 years ago.

Q12. Which of the following Marathas was given a

Manasab of 7000/7000 by Aurangzeb?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Shivaji

100
 ▪ (2). Sambhaji

▪ (3). Rajaram

▪ (4). Shahuji

Correct option : 4

In this system of mansabdari, the emperor assigned mansabs or ranks, ranging from 10 to 10,000
and above, to the functionaries who administered the realm, maintained and led its armed forces,
and pushed its boundaries forward. Aurangzeb gave a Manasab of 7000/7000 to Shahuji.

Q13. Who among the following translated Kalhana’s

Rajatarangini into English?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Sir Alexander Cunningham

▪ (2). Sir Aurel Stein

▪ (3). Jonaraja

▪ (4). Sirivara

Correct option : 2

Rajatarangini is a metrical legendary and historical chronicle of the north-western Indian

subcontinent, particularly the kings of Kashmir. It was written in Sanskrit by Kashmiri historian
Kalhana in the 12th century. Sir Aurel Stein translated Kalhana’s Rajatarangini into English.

Q14. Sidhu and Kanhu were associated with which one

of the following?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). The Kol uprising

▪ (2). The Munda rebellion

▪ (3). The Khasi Rising

▪ (4). The Santhal rebellion

Correct option : 4

Among the numerous tribal revolts, the Santhal uprising was the most massive. By 1854, it was
decided to raise the banner of revolt, get rid of the outsiders and their colonial masters. Sido and
Kanhu, the principal rebel leaders of Santhal uprising, claimed that Thakur (God) had
communicated with them and told them to take up arms and fight for independence.

101
Q15. NITI in NITI Aayog stands for
Choose an option:

▪ (1). National Institution for Transforming India

▪ (2). National Institute of Transforming India

▪ (3). National Initiative for Transforming India

▪ (4). National Institution for Translating India

Correct option : 1

NITI Aayog or the National Institution for Transforming India is a Government of India policy
think-tank established by the Narendra Modi government to replace the Planning Commission
which followed the top-down model.
The stated aim for NITI Aayog’s creation is to foster involvement and participation in the economic
policy-making process by the State Governments of India. The emphasis is on bottom-up approach
and make the country to move towards cooperative federalism.
The Union Government of India announced the formation of NITI Aayog on 1 January 2015, and the
first meeting was held on 8 February 2015. The Prime Minister serves as the Ex-officio chairman.

Q16. Which of the following is/are treated as artificial

currency?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). ADR

▪ (2). SDR

▪ (3). GDR

▪ (4). Both ADR and GDR

Correct option : 2

Special drawing rights (SDR) is essentially an artificial currency and a substitute for an actual
currency that is used in economic transactions. SDR refer to an international type of monetary
reserve currency created by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 1969 that operates as a
supplement to the existing reserves of member countries.

Q17. SEBI was established in the year

Choose an option:

▪ (1). 1988

▪ (2). 1990

▪ (3). 1991

102
 ▪ (4). 1985

Correct option : 1

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is the regulator for the securities market in
India. It was established in the year 1988 and given statutory powers on 30 January 1992 through
the SEBI Act, 1992.

Q18. The working principal of a washing machine is

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Centrifugation

▪ (2). Dialysis

▪ (3). Reverse osmosis

▪ (4). Diffusion

Correct option : 1

Centrifugation
Centrifugal force is the force that seems to make things shoot outward when they go round in a
circle. The washing machine dryer consists of a perforated cylindrical vessel which can rotate
about its axis at a very high seed. he clothes to be dried are placed in the cylinder ans are rotated
with high speed. The adhesive force between water and the cloth is less compared o the centrifugal
force acting on the water molecules. his centrifugal force, forces the water molecules to escape
through the holes of the cylindrical vessel. So, when your clothes are spinning in the drum, it’s
centrifugal force that throws the water out through the little holes so your washing ends up much
drier.
Applications
1. Spinner of washing machine works on this principle.
2. Separating chalk powder from water.
3. Removing Fat from milk to produce skimmed milk.
4. The clarification and stabilization of wine.
5. Separation of urine components and blood components in forensic and research laboratories.

Q19. Which of the following drugs reduces fever?

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Analgesic

▪ (2). Antipyretic

▪ (3). Antibiotic

▪ (4). Tranquilizer

Correct option : 2

Analgesics reduce or abolish pain without causing impairment of consciousness, mental confusion,

103
incoordination or paralysis or some other disturbances of nervous system. These are classified as
follows:
(i) Non-narcotic (non-addictive) analgesics
(ii) Narcotic drugs
(i) Non-narcotic (non-addictive) analgesics: Aspirin and paracetamol belong to the class of non-
narcotic analgesics. Aspirin is the most familiar example. Aspirin inhibits the synthesis of chemicals
known as prostaglandins which stimulate inflammation in the tissue and cause pain. These drugs
are effective in relieving skeletal pain such as that due to arthritis. These drugs have many other
effects such as reducing fever (antipyretic) and preventing platelet coagulation. Because of its anti
blood clotting action, aspirin finds use in prevention of heart attacks.

Q20. Mars Orbitor Mission is called:

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Pushpyan

▪ (2). Spaceyan

▪ (3). Mangalyan

▪ (4). Missionyan

Correct option : 3

The Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), also called Mangalyaan is a space probe orbiting Mars since 24
September 2014. It was launched on 5 November 2013 by the Indian Space Research Organisation
(ISRO). It is India’s first interplanetary mission and ISRO has become the fourth space agency to
reach Mars, after the Soviet space program, NASA, and the European Space Agency. It is the first
Asian nation to reach Mars orbit, and the first nation in the world to do so in its first attempt.

Q21. In which district of HP is Yunam-so Lake?

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Lahaul-Spiti

▪ (2). Kinnaur

▪ (3). Chamba

▪ (4). Kullu

Correct option : 1

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The Yunam-so Lake is situated in Lahul and Spiti district at an altitude of 4300m forming a valley
system between Himalayas and Zaskar ranges. For its beautiful vegetation and beautiful flora and
fauna, the place is famous amongst the tourists. The deep blue color of the water mesmerizes the
viewer with its intense beauty.

Q22. What is Shingni-Mingni?

Choose an option:

▪ (1). A variety of fish

▪ (2). A herbal-medicinal plant

▪ (3). A folk dance of Kinnaur

▪ (4). A folk song popular in Sirmaur

Correct option : 2

Shingni Mingni is a common medicinal herb used in Lahaul Spiti region.

105
Q23. According to Planning Commission estimates for
2011-12 which of the following states have maximum
percentage of population below poverty line
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Chhattisgarh

▪ (2). Bihar

▪ (3). Jharkhand

▪ (4). Odisha

Correct option : 1

Q24. Diego Garcia Island is located in

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Pacific Ocean

▪ (2). Atlantic Ocean

▪ (3). Indian Ocean

▪ (4). Arctic Ocean

Correct option : 3

Diego Garcia is an atoll just south of the equator in the central Indian Ocean.

Q25. Great Salt Lake is located in:

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Australia

▪ (2). Tunisia

▪ (3). Canada

▪ (4). U.S.A.

Correct option : 4

The Great Salt Lake is located in the northern part of the state of Utah, USA. It is the largest salt
water lake in the Western Hemisphere. Its high salinity is caused by the accumulation of minerals
with no removal and the accompanying water evaporation.

Q26. Tropic of cancer does not pass through

Choose an option:

106
 ▪ (1). Tripura

▪ (2). Mizoram

▪ (3). Manipur

▪ (4). Chhattisgarh

Correct option : 3

The Tropic of Cancer is the circle marking the latitude 23.5 degrees north, where the sun is directly
overhead at noon on June 21, the beginning of summer in the northern hemisphere. The states of
India that the Tropic of Cancer passes through are Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh,
Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Tripura and Mizoram.

Q27. Which is the second most spoken language in

India?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Urdu

▪ (2). Hindi

▪ (3). Bengali

▪ (4). Telugu

Correct option : 3

Bengali is an Indo-Aryan language spoken in Indian Subcontinent. With over 250 million speakers,
Bengali is the seventh most spoken native language in the world. Today, Bengali is the primary
language spoken in Bangladesh and the second most widely spoken language in India.

107
Q28. Who among the following is the author of Milind
Panho?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Nagasen

▪ (2). Ashwaghosh

▪ (3). Dharmpal

▪ (4). Devardhi

Correct option : 1

The Milinda Panha is a Buddhist text written by Nagasen which dates from approximately 100 BCE.
It explains the Buddhist doctrines in the form of a dialogue between Milind and his teacher
Nagsena (the great Buddhist philosopher ) is in Pali Language.

Q29. Find out among the following, the author of

Muasir-i-Alamgiri?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Alberuni

▪ (2). Barni

▪ (3). Mustaid Khan

▪ (4). Sams-i-Siraj

Correct option : 3

Mustaid Khan was in the service of Aurangazeb for forty years. He was an eyewitness to many of
the events record by him. Ma’asir-i-Alamgiri was written by him after Aurangazeb’s death.

Q30. Polworth, Corriedole, Blackpace and Bingi are

varieties of:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Vegetables

▪ (2). Spices

▪ (3). Sheep

▪ (4). Buffaloes

Correct option : 3

108
Fig. A white sheep

The sheep is a ruminant mammal typically kept as livestock. A sheep’s wool is the most widely used
animal fiber and meat. Various varieties of sheep are Polworth, Corriedole, Blackpace and Bingi.

Q31. Who was the head of the boundary commission

which demarcated the boundaries of India and
Pakistan?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Redcliffe

▪ (2). McMahon

▪ (3). Simon

▪ (4). None of the above

Correct option : 1

On 17th August 1947 the Radcliffe Line was declared as the boundary between India and Pakistan,

109
following the Partition of India. The line is named after Sir Cyril Radcliffe who was commissioned
to equitably divide 4,50,000 km sq of territory with 88 million people. The idea behind the Radcliffe
Line was to create a boundary which would divide India along religious demographics, under
which Muslim majority provinces would become part of the new nation of Pakistan and Hindu and
Sikh majority provinces would remain in India. Today its western side still serves as the Indo-
Pakistani border and the eastern side serves as the India-Bangladesh border.

Q32. What is the local name of shifting cultivation in

Malaysia?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Jhum

▪ (2). Kumri

▪ (3). Podu

▪ (4). Ladang

Correct option : 4

Shifting cultivation is an agricultural system in which plots of land are cultivated temporarily, then
abandoned and allowed to revert to their natural vegetation while the cultivator moves on to
another plot. Shifting cultivation is called as :- Jhumming in north-east India, Milpa in Mexico, Roca
in Brazil and Ladang in Malaysia.

Q33. When was ‘Beti Hai Anmol’ Yojna launched in

Himachal Pradesh?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). January 2009

▪ (2). July 2010

▪ (3). October 2011

▪ (4). December 2012

Correct option : 2

110
Fig. Beti Hai Anmol
Beti Hai Anmol Yojna - The programme was launched in Himachal Pradesh 05 July, 2010. This
scheme is for girls of BPL families up to two girl children. After their birth, the department deposits
rupees 10,000 per girl child in the post office/Bank account. These girls get scholarship ranging
from Rs. 300 to Rs.1200 from first to 12th Class for their books/dresses etc.

Q34. Disguised unemployment generally means:

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Large number of people remains unemployed

▪ (2). Alternative employment is not available

▪ (3). Marginal productivity is zero

▪ (4). Productivity of worker is low

Correct option : 3

Fig. Farmer in the field

The Disguised Unemployment refers to the work area where surplus manpower is employed out of
which some individuals have zero or almost zero marginal productivity such that if they are
removed the total level of output remains unchanged. It is unemployment that does not affect
aggregate output. The disguised unemployment is very much prevalent in the under developing
and unorganized sectors of the economy, such as agriculture, where the population pressure is
high, and the job opportunities are few. It is very difficult to track the disguised unemployment as it
cannot be measured and shown in the official records of unemployment.

Q35. Which of the following amendments to the Indian

Constitution has made the right of education a
fundamental right?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). 84th

▪ (2). 86th

111
 ▪ (3). 91st

▪ (4). 92nd

Correct option : 2

The 86th Amendment Act, 2002 inserted a new article 21A below the Article 21 which made Right to
Education a Fundamental Right for children in the range of 6-14 years.

Q36. Which of the following are the exclusive

committees of Rajya Sabha?
(i) Committee on Subordinate legislation

(ii) Committee on government assurances

(iii) Committee on welfare of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes

(iv) Committee on public undertakings

Select the correct answer from the codes given below: Choose an option:

▪ (1). (1) and (3)

▪ (2). (1) and (2)

▪ (3). (1), (2) and (3)

▪ (4). All of the above

Correct option : 2

The Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes selects such subjects
pertaining to the welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes as may deem fit to the
Committee. It consists of 30 Members—20 elected by Lok Sabha from amongst its Members.
Committee on Public Undertakings examines the reports and accounts of the PSUs and the CAG
audit reports related to PSUs. It has 22 members from both the houses of parliament {15 from Lok
Sabha and 7 from Rajya Sabha}.

Q37. The elected members of the state legislative

assembly participate in the elections of
(1) The President of India

(2) The Vice President of India

(3) Members of Rajya Sabha

(4) Member of Legislative Council Choose an option:

▪ (1). (1), (2) and (3)

112
 ▪ (2). (1), (3) and (4)

▪ (3). (1), (2) and (4)

▪ (4). (1), (2), (3) and (4)

Correct option : 2

The Vice-President is elected by an Electoral College, which consists of the members of the Lok
Sabha and Rajya Sabha (both elected and nominated members).

Q38. Which of the Commissions/Committees has

recommended that there should be Minister of
Panchayati Raj?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Ashok Mehta Committee

▪ (2). L M Singhavi Committee

▪ (3). G V K Rao Committee

▪ (4). Second Administrative Reforms commission

Correct option : 1

In December 1977, the Janta Government appointed a committee on Panchayati Raj institutions
under the chairmanship of Ashok Mehta. It submitted its report in August 1978 and made 132
recommendations to revive and strengthen the declining Panchayati Raj System in the country.
Its main recommendations are:
1. The 3-tier system of Panchayati Raj should be replaced by the 2-tier system: Zilla Parishad at the
district level, and below it,the Mandal Panchayat consisting of a group of villages covering a
population of 15000 to 20000.
2. A district should be the first point for decentralisation under popular supervision below the state
level.
3. Zila Parishad should be the executive body and made responsible for planning at the district
level.
4. A minister for Panchayati Raj should be appointed in the state council of ministers to look after
the affairs of the Panchayati Raj institutions.

Q39. Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojna was launched on

Choose an option:

▪ (1). 15th August, 2014

▪ (2). 1st January, 2015

▪ (3). 26th January, 2015

▪ (4). 28th August 2014

113
Correct option : 4

Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana - Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana(PMJDY) is India’s National
Mission for Financial Inclusion to ensure access to financial services, namely Banking Savings &
Deposit Accounts, Remittance, Credit, Insurance, Pension in an affordable manner. This financial
inclusion campaign was launched by the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi on 28 August 2014.

Q40. Which of the following has the lowest sex ratio in

India?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Punjab

▪ (2). Haryana

▪ (3). Dadar and Nagar Haveli

▪ (4). Daman and Div

Correct option : 4

Sex ratio is used to describe the number of females per 1000 of males. In the Population Census of
2011, it was revealed that the population ratio of India 2011 is 940 females per 1000 of males.
Kerala had the highest sex ratio(1084), while Daman and Diu had least seax ratio(710).

Q41. Which of the following statements is/are correct ?

(i) Recorded temperature decreases from North to South India

(ii) Rainfall increases from West to East in Northern Plains of India Choose an option:

▪ (1). Only (i)

▪ (2). Only (ii)

▪ (3). Both (i) and (ii)

▪ (4). Neither (i) nor (ii)

Correct option : 2

The cold weather season begins from mid-November in northern India and stays till February.
December and January are the coldest months in the northern part of India. The temperature
decreases from south to the north. However, rainfall increases from West to East in Northern Plains
of India.

Q42. Which of the following is the largest coal

producer?
Choose an option:

114
 ▪ (1). China

▪ (2). U.S. A

▪ (3). India

▪ (4). Australia

Correct option : 1

Coal has many important uses worldwide. The most significant uses of coal are in electricity
generation, steel production, cement manufacturing and as a liquid fuel. Largest coal producer in
the world is China.

Q43. Which of the following is the correct order of

rivers from north to south?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Satluj

▪ (2). Jhelum, Ravi, Chenab, Satluj

▪ (3). Ravi, Jhelum, Chenab, Satluj

▪ (4). Ravi, Chenab, Jhelum, Satluj

Correct option : 1

The order of rivers in India from north to south is Indus, Jhelum, Chenab , Ravi and Satluj.

Q44. Which Mughal ruler is said to have given the title

of ‘Mian’ to the Rajput princes of Punjab Hill states
who were held hostages in the royal court?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Akbar

▪ (2). Jahangir

115
 ▪ (3). Shah Jahan

▪ (4). Aurangzeb

Correct option : 2

Mian Rajput are the ruling Rajput clans of Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh State of India.
Mian Rajput consider themselves to be of highest class. They do not engage in trade or agriculture.
They are major land owners cultivated by other castes. Some mians are Jamwals, Katoch, Chandel
and Dogras. The title Mian was originally given by Emperor Jahangir to the 22 Rajput Princes from
the Punjab Hill States, who were hostages at the Mughal Court.

Q45. Ruler of which of the following hill states were

from a common ancestor?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Mandi, Mangal and Bhajji

▪ (2). Suket, Mandi and Bhagal

▪ (3). Mandi, Suket and Keonthal

▪ (4). Keonthal, Suket and Jubbal

Correct option : 3

The rulers and chiefs of Mandi, Suket, Keonthal and Kishtawar claim descent from a common
ancestor of the Sena dynasty of Bengal, of Chandrabansi rajputs and from the Pandvas of the
Mahabharta. The descendants of the common ancestors were three brothers, on of them named Vir
or Bir sen, became the ruler of Suket. Among Bir sen’s descendants were two brothers who ruled in
about 1000 AD and were named Sahu sen and Bahu sen.

Q46. Who started the Ice-Skating Rink at Shimla

around 1920?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Peter Ta-Tung

▪ (2). Blessington

▪ (3). Daniel Wilson

▪ (4). William Hay

Correct option : 2

The Ice skating Rink was established in 1920 by Mr. Blessington, an English gentle man. Shimla Ice
Skating Club was the first to be established in India and the only of its kind in whole of South East
Asia. During the British era the Club only permitted Europeans to be its members, later however
with certain reservations, a few selected Indians were also included as members. After the dawn of

116
independence it was rendered open to all sports loving persons, irrespective of caste, color and
creed.

Q47. What was the annual growth rate in the economy

of Himahcal Pradesh during the 2012-13 fiscal?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). 5.7

▪ (2). 5.9

▪ (3). 6.1

▪ (4). 6.6

Correct option : 3

Fig. Himachal Pradesh - growth rate in the economy

The economy of Himachal Pradesh has transformed rapidly from the most backward State of India
to one of the most advanced State. The pace of such transformation has emerged Himachal Pradesh
as a leader in Hill Area Development. The annual growth rate in the economy of Himahcal Pradesh
during the 2012-13 fiscal was 6.1.

Q48. Which one of the following is a Pagoda style

temple in HP?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Hateshwari Devi in Jubbal Valley

▪ (2). Hidimba Temple in Manali Valley

▪ (3). Lakshna Devi in Bharmaur

▪ (4). Shakti Devi in Chhatrari

Correct option : 2

117
Hadimba Temple is located in Manali, Distt Kullu. It is an ancient temple dedicated to Hadimba
Devi, wife of the strongest of the Pandava brothers, Bhima. The temple is surrounded by a cedar
forest at the foot of the Himalayas. This temple was constructed by Raja Bahadur Singh in Pagoda
style. There are many wooden carving works in the walls and main entrance door of the temple.

Q49. Identify the correct order of density of

population among the following districts of HP
according to 2011 census data (in descending
order): Choose an option:

▪ (1). Bilaspur, Una, Solan, Mandi

▪ (2). Una, Bilaspur, Solan, Mandi

▪ (3). Una, Mandi, Bilaspur, Solan

▪ (4). Bilaspur, Solan, Una, Mandi

Correct option : 2

According to 2011 census data, the order of density of population among the districts of HP (in
descending order) is as:
1. Hamirpur
2. Una
3. Bilaspur
4. Solan
5. Kangra
6. Mandi
7. Sirmaur
8. Shimla
9. Chamba
10. Kullu
11. Kinnaur
12. Lahaul and Spiti

118
Q50. Which district of HP occupies top position in the
production of ginger?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Sirmaur

▪ (2). Bilaspur

▪ (3). Una

▪ (4). Mandi

Correct option : 1

Ginger is the major spice crop of Himachal Pradesh. Sirmaur district of HP occupies top position in
the production of ginger. Bella valley in Sirmaur region is famous for its different varieties of
ginger. About 90% of the ginger produced in the state is exported to the adjoining states.

Q51. India signed an agreement on transfer of

sentenced persons with the Hong-Kong special
administrative region in 2014.
Which among the following statements is/are correct ones in this regard?

(i) The agreement will mostly apply to Hong-Kong prisoners.

(ii) Most of the Indian Prisoners have been jailed for serious crimes like drug dealing.

(iii) India has similar agreement with several other countries but none with Mainland China.

The Right answer is: Choose an option:

▪ (1). (i)

▪ (2). (ii)

119
 ▪ (3). (iii)

▪ (4). All of the above

Correct option : 3

India on 20 January 2015 signed an agreement on transfer of sentenced persons with Hong Kong
Special Administrative Region. Under the agreement, the two sides will exchange sentenced
prisoners in each other’s jurisdiction. The agreement will mostly apply to Indian prisoners as there
are very few Hong Kong residents in Indian prisons. There are at present 93 Indians in Hong Kong
jails. Only 17 of them are undergoing sentence for serious crimes like drug dealing while most of
the remaining prisoners have been jailed for relatively minor offenses like immigration law
violation. India has similar agreements on exchange of prisoners with several other countries but
none with Mainland China.

Q52. Based upon the relations between India and

Pakistan, Khurshid M. Kasuri, the Ex-foreign Minister
of Pakistan has recently penned down a book. What is
the title of the book?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). India-Pakistan in War and Peace

▪ (2). Neither a Hawk nor a Dove

▪ (3). The Origins of War in South Asia: The Indo- Pakistan Conflicts Since 1947

▪ (4). India and Pakistan: A Political Analysis

Correct option : 2

Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri, Ex-Foreign Minister of Pakistan, authored a book titled "Neither a
Hawk nor a Dove".
The book is based upon the relations between India and Pakistan. He writes that the two countries
have no option but to go for a just and peaceful solution to Jammu and Kashmir and other
contentious issues between them.

Q53. Which of the following statements are correct

about the National Human Right Commission?
(i) The National Human Rights Commission is an independent body

(ii) It is not a constitutional body

(iii) It is a statutory body

(iv) It is a multi-member body

120
Select the correct answer from the code given below: Choose an option:

▪ (1). (i) and (ii)

▪ (2). (i), (ii) and (iii)

▪ (3). (i), (ii) and (iv)

▪ (4). All of the above

Correct option : 4

National Human Rights Commission of India is an autonomous/independent public body

constituted on 12 October 1993 under the Protection of Human Rights Ordinance of 28 September
1993. It is non-Constitutional (statutory) body established under Protection of Human Rights Act,
1993.
It is a multi-member body with following members:
1. Chairman - Retired Chief Justice of India (CJI).
2. Members (4 in number)
3. Four ex-officio members

Q54. Which of the following agriculture practices is

eco-friendly?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Organic farming

▪ (2). Shifting cultivation

▪ (3). Cultivation of high yielding

▪ (4). Growing plants in glass-houses

Correct option : 1

Eco friendly agriculture practices describe landscapes that support both agricultural production
and biodiversity conservation, working in harmony together to improve the livelihoods of rural
communities.
Organic farming is eco friendly agriculture practice. It is an integrated farming system that strives
for sustainability, the enhancement of soil fertility and biological diversity whilst, with rare
exceptions, prohibiting synthetic pesticides, antibiotics, synthetic fertilizers, genetically modified
organisms, and growth hormones.

Q55. According to the Wealth Health Organization, the

desease which causes the death of the largest number
of people today is
Choose an option:

▪ (1). AIDS

121
 ▪ (2). Tuberculosis

▪ (3). Malaria

▪ (4). Ebola

Correct option : 1

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the leading infectious cause of adult death in the
world. Untreated disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has a case fatality
rate that approaches 100%.

Q56. The Raja of Bushahar princely state was assisted

by three hereditary Wazir families. One of them was
Kohal. Where did it come from?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Kullu

▪ (2). Garhwal

▪ (3). Kinnaur

▪ (4). Jubbal

Correct option : 2

In the Bushahar state, next to Raja were three Kanait hereditary wazir families, named Pawari,
Kohal ans Shua. Kohals were from Garhwal region.

Q57. When was the Department of Public Relations

created in Himachal Pradesh?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). 1951

▪ (2). 1952

▪ (3). 1954

▪ (4). 1956

Correct option : 3

The Department of Information and Public Relations since its Inception in 1954 has passed through
various stages and has done its best to equip itself with what was essentially required to meet the
challenges of times and thus make its presence felt through the optimum use of its potential. The
main function of department is to disseminate the policies and programmes of the Government in
the right perspective and to gauge and assess the reactions of the quarter concerned and keep
informed the Government about their impact amongst the masses.

122
Q58. In India, which of the following have the highest
share in the disbursement of credit to agriculture and
allied activities?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Commercial Banks

▪ (2). Micro Finance Institutions

▪ (3). Regional Rural Banks

▪ (4). Co-operative Banks

Correct option : 1

Agriculture and allied activities constitute the single largest contributor to the Gross Domestic
Product (GDP), accounting for almost 33% of the total. They, are vital to the national well-being as,
besides providing the basic needs of the society and the raw materials for some of the important
segments of Indian industry.

Credit is a catalyst that lubricates the process to accelerate the farm and non-farm sector
development including rural industrialization, business and service segments of the economy.
Credit helps farmers invest in creating assets to generate output and income through deploying
science, technology and modern methods of business management.

In India, Commercial Banks have the highest share in the disbursement of credit to agriculture and
allied activities.

Q59. The World Investment Report (WIR) is published

by
Choose an option:

▪ (1). International Monetary Fund

▪ (2). United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

▪ (3). General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT)

▪ (4). Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)

Correct option : 2

The World Investment Report has been published annually since 1991 by United Nations
Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The Report focuses on trends in foreign direct
investment (FDI) worldwide, at the regional and country levels and emerging measures to improve
its contribution to development.

123
Q60. What is the correct sequence of the following
four stages in the public policy formulation process?
(i) Making policy decisions

(ii) Putting public problems on policy agenda

(iii) Identifying public problems

(iv) Formulating policy proposals to deal with the problem

Select the correct answer from the code given below: Choose an option:

▪ (1). (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)

▪ (2). (iii), (ii), (iv) and (i)

▪ (3). (i), (iii), (ii) and (iv)

▪ (4). (ii), (iv), (iii) and (i)

Correct option : 2

Public Policy is a document that contains the broad outline as well as the detailed description of
formulation as well as implementation of various govt. programmes and plans that are taken out
for the goal/objective of public benefit. It is implemented through the constitutional authorities,
bureaucracy and government organisations/institutions in collaboration with civil society
organisations.
The sequence of various stages in the public policy formulation process are:
(1) Identifying public problems
(2) Putting public problems on policy agenda
(3) Formulating policy proposals to deal with the problem
(4) Making policy decisions

Q61. Annual Summit 2015 of BRICS nations was held in

Choose an option:

▪ (1). New Delhi, India

▪ (2). Fortaleza, Brazil

▪ (3). Ufa in Bashkortostan, Russia

▪ (4). Durban, South Africa

Correct option : 3

BRICS is the acronym for an association of five major emerging national economies: Brazil, Russia,
India, China and South Africa. The 7th BRICS summit was held in the Russian city of Ufa in
Bashkortostan on 8–9 July 2015.

124
Q62. The most widely used antacid is:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Cetrizine

▪ (2). Iproniazid

▪ (3). Chlorpheniramine

▪ (4). Zantac

Correct option : 4

Antacids are a class of medicines that neutralize acid in the stomach. They contain ingredients such
as aluminum, calcium, or magnesium which act as bases (alkalis) to counteract the stomach acid
and lower pH. They work quickly and are used to relieve symptoms of acid reflux, heartburn or
indigestion (dyspepsia).

Antacids are available as liquids or tablets. Some mixtures contain sodium and may not be suitable
for people on a sodium restricted diet. Some products combine antacids with alginates and are used
in the treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Alginates are gum-like substances that
float on top of the stomach contents, forming a raft that acts like a barrier, preventing gastric acid
from escaping back up the esophagus.

The most widely used antacid is Zantac.

Q63. In which district of HP is Saryanj Sarma

watershed project?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Una

▪ (2). Sirmaur

▪ (3). Bilaspur

▪ (4). Solan

Correct option : 4

125
Saryanj is a Village in Kunihar Tehsil, Solan, Himachal Pradesh. Saryanj Sarma watershed project is
in district Solan. It is the one of the six watershed development projects on full grant basis funded
through NABARD’s Watershed Development Fund.
These projects have resulted in raising the water availability table. They have also proved to be an
important mechanism for environment protection besides increasing productivity and income of
the farmers and conserving the diminishing pastures, thus facilitating animal husbandry also.

Q64. A simple machine helps a person in doing:

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Less Work

▪ (2). The same amount of work with lesser force

▪ (3). The same amount of work slowly

▪ (4). The same amount of work much faster

Correct option : 1

Work is defined as force acting on an object in the direction of motion. A machine makes work
easier to perform by accomplishing one or more of the following functions:
1. transferring a force from one place to another,
2. changing the direction of a force,
3. increasing the magnitude of a force, or
4. increasing the distance or speed of a force.

Q65. Which Raja of Spiti invaded Kullu and made it a

tributary?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Samudra Sena

▪ (2). Chet Sena

126
 ▪ (3). Hemat Sena

▪ (4). Rajendra Sena

Correct option : 4

Rajendra Sena of Spiti invaded Kullu and made it a tributary.

Q66. As per the IPCC 4th Assessment Report, the

average sea level during the period 1961-2003
increased approximately at the rate of
Choose an option:

▪ (1). 1.8 cm per year

▪ (2). 5.9mm per year

▪ (3). 4.1mm per year

▪ (4). 1.8mm per year

Correct option : 4

Q67. Who abolished Dual Government in Bengal?

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Sir John Shore

▪ (2). Lord Curzon

▪ (3). Robert Clive

▪ (4). Warren Hasting

Correct option : 4

Q68. The temples located in the region between the

Vindhyas and the Krishna river are known as:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Dravid style

▪ (2). Nagar Style

▪ (3). Vakataka Style

▪ (4). Hybrid style

Correct option : 1

127
Q69. Which one of the following pairs is not correctly
matched?
Towns - Rivers Choose an option:

▪ (1). Ayodhya - Saryu

▪ (2). Surat - Tapti

▪ (3). Bareilly - Ganga

▪ (4). Kurnool - Tungbhadra

Correct option : 3

Q70. According to Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, which of the

following articles of the Indian Constitution was to
remain a dead-letter?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Article 360

▪ (2). Article 356

▪ (3). Article 352

▪ (4). Article 32

Correct option : 2

According to Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, Article 356 of the Indian Constitution was to remain a dead-letter.

128
Q71. The responsibility of law and order rests with the
police commissioner in the cities of
(i) Chandigarh

(ii) Delhi

(iii) Mumbai

(iv) Kolkata

Select the correct answer from the code given below Choose an option:

▪ (1). (i), (ii), (iii)

▪ (2). (i), (ii), and (iv)

▪ (3). (ii), (iii) and (iv)

▪ (4). (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)

Correct option : 1

Q72. Which one of the following functions does not

figure in the 11th schedule of the constitution (73rd
Amendment)?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Libraries

▪ (2). Cultural activities

▪ (3). Fire services

▪ (4). Family welfare

Correct option : 3

Q73. Driving force for an eco-system is

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Solar energy

▪ (2). Vegetation

▪ (3). Producers

▪ (4). Bio-Mass

Correct option : 1

129
Solar energy is the most readily available source of energy. It is also the most important of the non-
conventional sources of energy because it is non-polluting and, therefore, helps in lessening the
greenhouse effect. It is the driving force for an eco-system.

Q74. Read the following statements regarding the

recently released NTCA report on the status of tigers
in India, 2014.
Find out the incorrect ones:

(i) The report showed a 30% increase in tiger population to 2226 from 1706 in 2010.

(ii) The largest increase was recorded in Kerala, Karnataka, Goa and Tamil Nadu.

(iii) The Mudumalai-Bandipur-Nagarhole-Wayarad Complex hold the world’s largest tiger

population currently estimated at over 570 tigers.

The correct answer is: Choose an option:

▪ (1). (i) and (ii)

▪ (2). (ii) and (iii)

▪ (3). (iii) only

▪ (4). None of the above

Correct option : 4

Q75. At present, the primary energy source in the

world is
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Hydro power

▪ (2). Fossil fuels

▪ (3). Nuclear power

▪ (4). Solar power

Correct option : 2

Q76. Which of the following has the maximum bio-

diversity?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Mangroves

130
 ▪ (2). Coral reefs

▪ (3). Temperature regions

▪ (4). Tropical regions

Correct option : 4

Q77. World Ozone day is celebrated on

Choose an option:

▪ (1). June 19th

▪ (2). August 19th

▪ (3). September 16th

▪ (4). November 19th

Correct option : 3

September 16 was designated by the United Nations General Assembly as the International Day for
the Preservation of the Ozone Layer.

This designation had been made on December 19, 2000, in commemoration of the date, in 1987, on
which nations signed the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.

Q78. In India, the forest cover percentage of the total

geographical area of the country is appox.
Choose an option:

▪ (1). 18%

▪ (2). 29%

▪ (3). 21%

▪ (4). 31%

Correct option : 3

According to the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2015 stats, the total forest and tree cover is 79.42
million hectare, which is 24.16 percent of the total geographical area.

in 2010, forest cover was 22% of total area of country.

India is one of the ten most forest-rich countries of the world along with Russia, Brazil, Canada,
United States of America, China, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Australia, Indonesia and Sudan.

Reference
• http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=132571

131
 • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forestry_in_India

Q79. A fuse is used in main electric supply as safety

devices. Which one of the following statements about
the fuse is correct?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). It is connected in parallel with the main switch

▪ (2). It is made mainly from silver alloys

▪ (3). It must have a low melting point

▪ (4). It must have a very high resistance

Correct option : 3

Q80. What is the script of the earliest epigraphical

rock inscriptions at Pathyar and Kanhiyara in Kangra?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Brahmi and Tankri

▪ (2). Kharoshthi and Tankri

▪ (3). Brahmi and Kharoshthi

▪ (4). Kharoshthi and Persian

Correct option : 3

Q81. How many biosphere reserves are there in India?

Choose an option:

▪ (1). 12

▪ (2). 18

▪ (3). 22

▪ (4). 30

Correct option : 2

The Indian government has established 18 Biosphere Reserves in India. These Biospheres protect
larger areas of natural habitat essential for wild life including flora and fauna.
Protection is granted not only to the flora and fauna of the protected region, but also to the human
communities who inhabit these regions, and their ways of life.
Himachal has 1 out of these 18 Biosphere covering 7770 Sq KM area. It is located in Pin Valley

132
National Park and surroundings, Chandratal and Sarchu & Kibber Wildlife Sancturary.

Q82. Earth Summit 2012 for sustainable development

was held in
Choose an option:

▪ (1). New Delhi, India

▪ (2). Rio-Di-Janeiro, Brazil

▪ (3). Johannesburg, South Africa

▪ (4). New York, USA

Correct option : 2

In 2012, the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development was held in Rio, and is also
commonly called Rio+20 or Rio Earth Summit 2012. It resulted in a focused political outcome
document which contains clear and practical measures for implementing sustainable development.

Q83. The sensation of fatigue in the muscle after

prolonged strenuous physical work is caused by:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). A decrease in the supply of oxygen

▪ (2). Minor wear and tear of muscles fibres

▪ (3). The depletion of glucose

▪ (4). The accumulation of lactic acid

Correct option : 4

Muscle fatigue is inability of muscles to generate force. It may be result of vigorous exercise. It may
be due to multiple reasons like - shortage of fuel within muscle fiber, excess of potassium, low
potassium or sodium, or due to Lactic Acid build up in muscles.

Q84. The UN Convention on Biodiversity was ratified

by the Indian government in the year
Choose an option:

▪ (1). 1992

▪ (2). 1993

▪ (3). 1994

▪ (4). 1997

133
Correct option : 3

India has always been playing a proactive role in the development and implementation of several
global, international, regional and national policies and programmes related to environment,
biodiversity, trade and other relevant areas.
Convention on Biological Diversity was adopted by the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee
for a Convention on Biological Diversity, during its Fifth session, held at Nairobi from 11 to 22 May
1992.
Consequent to the ratification of UN Convention on Biological Diversity(CBD) by India on 18th
February, 1994 and in pursuance of the COP decisions of CBD that followed, the Govt of India has
taken several steps in implementing the CBD provisions.

Q85. National Sample Survey Office was established in

the year :
Choose an option:

▪ (1). 1950

▪ (2). 1951

▪ (3). 1947

▪ (4). 1948

Correct option : 1

The National Sample Survey Office(NSSO) in India is a unique setup to carry out surveys on socio-
economic, demographic, agricultural and industrial subjects for collecting data from house holds
and from enterprises located in villages and in the towns. It is a focal agency of the Govt. of India
for collection of statistical data in the areas which are vital for developmental planning. The
National Sample Survey Directorate was first setup in the country in the ministry of finance in
1950.

Q86. Match the List I with List II

List 1

A) Dadabhai Naoroji

B) Dayanand Sarswati

C) Bal Gangadhar Tilak

D) Bankim Chandra Chatterjee

List II 1) Satyarth Prakash

2) Anand Math

3) Poverty and Un-British Rule of India

134
4) Gita Rahasya

Select the correct answer from the codes given below:

Codes: Choose an option:

▪ (1). (a-2), (b-3), (c-4), (d-1)

▪ (2). (a-3), (b-1), (c-4), (d-2)

▪ (3). (a-4), (b-1), (c-3), (d-2)

▪ (4). (a-1), (b-3), (c-4), (d-2)

Correct option : 2

Q87. Recently, the government of India has decided

to revise the base year for estimating the GDP from Choose an option:

▪ (1). 2001-02 to 2010-11

▪ (2). 2004-05 to 2013-14

▪ (3). 2004-05 to 2011-12

▪ (4). 2001-02 to 2011-12

Correct option : 3

Q88. Modi Government re-launched the Kisan Vikas

Patra (KVP) investment scheme to top house hold
saving for funding infrastructure development in the
country.
Consider the following statements about this and pick the correct statement:

(i) The saving instrument will be available in the denomination of Rs. 1000, Rs 5000, Rs 10,000 and
Rs. 50,000.

(ii) There will be no upper ceiling on investment.

(iii) No tax benefits would be available on this investment. Choose an option:

▪ (1). (i)

▪ (2). (ii)

▪ (3). (i) and (iii) only

▪ (4). All of the above

Correct option : 4

135
Q89. Shanta Kumar Committee has submitted its
report on restructuring of Food Corporation of India
(FCI) to Mr. Modi.
Read the following recommendations and find the incorrect ones:

(i) FCI Procurement should focus on the Western belt, where farmers get the minimum support
price.

(ii) FCI should hand over the procurement of Wheat and Rice to four states which include Punjab,
Haryana, Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

(iii) Proposed uniform tax of minimum 3% and maximum 4% on Wheat and Rice and the same to
be included in the minimum support price.

The answer is: Choose an option:

▪ (1). (i) and (ii)

▪ (2). (i) and (iii)

▪ (3). (ii) and (iii)

▪ (4). None of the above

Correct option : 1

Q90. As per the population census 2011, what is the

percentage of urban population in Himachal and India
respectively
Choose an option:

▪ (1). 15.05 and 35.60

▪ (2). 10.03 and 31.16

▪ (3). 10.03 and 35.60

▪ (4). 12.65 and 31.16

Correct option : 2

Q91. Which one of the following does a TV remote

control unit to use to operate a TV set?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Light Waves

136
 ▪ (2). Sound Waves

▪ (3). Micro Waves

▪ (4). Radio Waves

Correct option : 4

TV Remote Control Unit uses Infrared (IR) Light range of Radio Waves to operate a TV Set.

The signal between a remote control handset and the device it controls consists of pulses of
infrared light that represents a specific binary code like Powen On/Off, which is invisible to the
human eye, but can be seen through a digital camera, video camera or a phone camera.

Same concept is used in all kind of Toy’s with a remote control.

Radio waves are electromagnetic waves.

• Switch on mobile phone camera.

• Point TV remote towards the camera.

 • Try to see the TV Remote Infra Red LED through Camera while tapping on
remote buttons.

• See what happens! Try it now.

Q92. Which Raja of Mandi gave the Shivratri Fair the

form of a cultural festival?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Suraj Sen

▪ (2). Bahu Sen

▪ (3). Bir Sen

▪ (4). Ban Sen

Correct option : 1

Q93. Which of the following peaks are in Himachal

Pradesh?
(i) Abi gamin

(ii) Reo-Purjil

(iii) Rangrik Range

(iv) Gya

137
Choose the correct answer: Choose an option:

▪ (1). Only (iv)

▪ (2). Only (i)

▪ (3). None of the above

▪ (4). All of the above

Correct option : 4

Q94. Find the mismatch in the following pairs:

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Tieun Dhar - Chamba

▪ (2). Jakh Dhar - Hamirpur

▪ (3). Haripur Dhar - Sirmaur

▪ (4). Sanjhi Dhar – Shimla

Correct option : 1

Q95. When did the number of members in the HP

Vidhan Sabha increase from 36 to 41?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). 1971

▪ (2). 1967

▪ (3). 1963

▪ (4). 1954

Correct option : 4

Q96. Almost all major oil produces including Saudi

Arabian have become dependent on high prices, with
break-even level usually over $90 per barrel to meet
their fiscal obligations. Consider the following can be
termed as explanation for the present decline in oil
prices?
(i) The world markets are flush with supplies for which there are not enough consumers.

(ii) The global economic slowdown is the principal culprit: with China’s national growth projected

138
at around 7% per year, increase in oil demand is negligible.

(iii) Europe is also not expected to contribute to increased demand due to its sluggish growth.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Choose an option:

▪ (1). (i)

▪ (2). (ii)

▪ (3). Both (i) and (ii)

▪ (4). All of the above

Correct option : 4

Q97. The world’s largest ground based telescopic

observatory is located in:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Colombia

▪ (2). India

▪ (3). Nepal

▪ (4). Switzerland

Correct option : 2

Q98. Apart from Carbon-dioxide, which of the

following gases also have a role in climate change?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Methane

▪ (2). Nitrogen Dioxide

▪ (3). Sulphur Dioxide

▪ (4). Helium

Correct option : 1

Greenhouse effect
A gas that contributes to the greenhouse effect by absorbing infrared radiation, thereby warming
up the planet’s surface.

The primary greenhouse gases in Earth’s atmosphere are water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane,
nitrous oxide, ozone and chlorofluorocarbons.

139
Q99. At present, which country is the maximum
emitter of Carbon-dioxide?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). USA

▪ (2). China

▪ (3). Russia

▪ (4). France

Correct option : 2

China has maximum share (30% carbon emission) of Carbon Dioxide in world. China (30%), United
States (15%), European Union (10%), India (7%), Russia (5%) and Japan (4%) roughly emit 70% of
total Carbon Emission in world. Rest of the countries together make less than 30% carbon emission.

Q100. What is the tenure of Chief Election

Commissioner of India?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Five Yaers

▪ (2). During the pleasure of the President

▪ (3). Six years or till the age 65 years whichever is earlier

▪ (4). Five Years or till the age of 65 years whichever is earlier

Correct option : 3

The President of India appoints the Chief Election Commissioner. Conventionally, senior-most
Election Commissioner is appointed as CEC. He has tenure of six years, or up to the age of 65 years,
whichever is earlier.

140
Chapter 4. 2013 HPAS Solved Paper
This PDF Booklet contains 2013 HPAS Solved Paper. Explanation is
provided by Shunya Foundation Team. 2013 Solved Paper for HPAS General
Studies

Q1. What is the name of Pakistani Bus that plies

between Lahore and Delhi?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Sada-e-Sarhad

▪ (2). Samjhauta

▪ (3). Karvan-e-Aman

▪ (4). Dosti

Correct option : 1

Figure 5. Delhi Lahore Bus

The Delhi–Lahore Bus, officially known as Sada-e-Sarhad, is a passenger bus service connecting the
Indian capital of Delhi with the city of Lahore, Pakistan via the border transit post at Wagah. It was
inaugurated on 19th Feb 1999.
Key points -
1. It was officially launched on 16 March 1999.
2. In its inaugural run on 19 February 1999, the bus carried the then-Indian Prime Minister Atal
Bihari Vajpayee, who was to attend a summit in Lahore and was received by his Pakistani
counterpart, Nawaz Sharif at Wagah.
3. the bus service was not halted even after the outbreak of the Kargil War.
4. The bus service was halted in the aftermath of the 2001 Indian Parliament attack, which led to a
serious confrontation between the two neighbours.
5. The bus service was resumed on 16 July 2003 when bilateral relations had improved.
6. The duration of the entire journey is 8 hours, covering a distance of 530 km.

141
Q2. Standard 18-carat gold sold in the market contains
Choose an option:

▪ (1). 82 parts gold and 18 parts other metals

▪ (2). 18 parts gold and 82 parts other metals

▪ (3). 18 parts gold and 6 parts other metals

▪ (4). 9 parts gold and 15 parts other metals

Correct option : 3

Carat is a fractional measure of purity for gold alloys, in parts fine per 24 parts whole.
K = 24 (Mg/Mm)
Where K = Karat rating
Mg = mass of pure gold in alloy
Mm = total mass of the material.
For example, 24K = 99.99% purity (24/24)
22K = 91.66% purity (22/24)
18K = 75% purity (18/24)
So 18 Carat gold means 18 parts pure gold out of total 24 parts (6 parts other alloy).

Q3. Which of the following is represented by the

Harrapan Civilization?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Second urbanization

▪ (2). Third urbanization

▪ (3). First urbanization

▪ (4). Fourth urbanization

Correct option : 3

Harrapan Civilization represents first urbanization.

About Harrapa
1. Mohenjo-daro and Harappa belong to 2600 BCE.
2. Both these civilizations flourished along the banks of Indus River in Punjab and Sindh.
3. These two cities were first to have their own Sewerage System.
4. The city is believed to have had as many as 23,500 residents and occupied about 370 acres.

Q4. In which of the following year the Asiatic Society

of Bengal was established?
Choose an option:

142
 ▪ (1). 1757

▪ (2). 1784

▪ (3). 1835

▪ (4). 1857

Correct option : 2

In 1783, William Jones arrived in Calcutta as a junior judge at the Supreme Court that the Company
had set up. In addition to being an expert in law, Jones was a linguist English. Jones set up the
Asiatic Society of Bengal on 15 January 1784,

Q5. Who is Shinzo Abe?

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Prime Minister of Israel

▪ (2). Dissident artist of China

▪ (3). Chess player of Korea

▪ (4). Prime Minister of Japan

Correct option : 4

Shinzō Abe is the current Prime Minister of Japan and the President of the Liberal Democratic Party
(LDP). He is one of the longest serving PMs in Japanese history.

Q6. The major component of honey is

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Glucose (31%)

▪ (2). Sucrose (1%)

▪ (3). Maltose

▪ (4). Fructose (38%)

Correct option : 4

Honey is a source of Carbohydrates, mainly containing

1. 80% natural sugar (Fructose and Glucose)
2. 18% water
3. 2% minerals, vitamins, pollen and protein.

Key Highlights of Honey

1. Most microorganisms do not grow in honey, so sealed honey does not spoil, even after thousands
of years.
2. Honey gets its sweetness from the monosaccharides fructose and glucose.
3. In 2013, 1.7 million tonnes of honey were produced worldwide, with China accounting for 28% of

143
the world total (table). The next four largest producers – Turkey, Argentina, Ukraine, and Russia –
accounted collectively for less than 20% of the world total.
4. Honey contains about Fructose: 28% to 41% and Glucose: 22% to 35%
5. Honey has a density around 1.36 kg/l (36% denser than water)

Q7. With which district of Himachal Pradesh is Kayang

folk dance mainly associated?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Una

▪ (2). Solan

▪ (3). Sirmaur

▪ (4). Kinnaur

Correct option : 4

The Kayang Mala Dance is very popular in Himachal Pradesh. It is mainly associated with Kinnaur
district. In this, the dancers weave their arms together, to form a sort of a criss-cross pattern, so
that they appear like beads in an intricately woven garland.

Q8. Which lake is jointly owned by China and India?

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Tsomoriri

▪ (2). Tsokar

▪ (3). Pongong Tso

▪ (4). Thanka

Correct option : 3

Pangong Tso is situated at the Line of Actual Control between India and China. Its elevation from
sea level is 4350 meters. Total length of lake is 134 km and maximum width is 5 km covering total
area of 604 square km. Approximately 60% of the length of the lake is controlled by China. This lake
is completely frozen in winters.
The lake is in the process of being identified under the Ramsar Convention as a wetland of

144
international importance.

Q9. "There is enough for everybody’s need but not

enough for everybody’s greed." Who said it?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Nelson Mandela

▪ (2). Jawaharlal Nehru

▪ (3). M.K. Gandhi

▪ (4). Rabindranath Tagore

Correct option : 3

India’s great moral leader Mohandas Gandhi famously said that there is enough on Earth for
everybody’s need, but not enough for everybody’s greed. Gandhi was making the point that there is
enough food and water, shelter, etc. (basic needs) for the needs of every person. There is not,
however, enough natural resources to fill the want of people’s greed. It means that too many
human beings hoard food and money and don’t share it with others. There is ample supply of
everything for everybody but greed and selfishness makes people unwilling to share.

Q10. Which one of the following is not trade block?

Choose an option:

▪ (1). SAFTA

▪ (2). EFTA

▪ (3). OPEC

▪ (4). UPEC

Correct option : 4

A trade bloc is a type of intergovernmental agreement, often part of a regional intergovernmental

organization, where regional barriers to trade, (tariffs and non-tariff barriers) are reduced or
eliminated among the participating states.
Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) - It is an intergovernmental
organization of 13 nations as of 2017, founded in 1960 in Baghdad by the first five members (Iran,
Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela), and headquartered since 1965 in Vienna.
The South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) - It is an agreement reached on 6 January 2004 at the
12th SAARC summit in Islamabad, Pakistan. It created a free trade area of 1.6 billion people in
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) It is a regional trade organisation and Free trade
area consisting of four European states: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. The
organisation operates in parallel with the European Union (EU), and all four member states
participate in the EU’s single market.

145
Q11. Climatology is the science of:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Edaphic factors

▪ (2). Topographic

▪ (3). Climate factors

▪ (4). Biotic factors

Correct option : 3

Climatology is the study of atmospheric changes (both long and short-term) that define average
climates and their change over time, due to both natural and anthropogenic climate variability. In
fact, climatology is the science of climate factors.

Q12. Zulus tribe is found in?

Choose an option:

▪ (1). South America

▪ (2). Africa

▪ (3). Australia

▪ (4). Asia

Correct option : 2

Fig. Zulu Tribal People

The Zulu are a Bantu ethnic group of Southern Africa and the largest ethnic group in South Africa.
They are considered traditional warriors.

146
Q13. Which one of the following is the largest
producer of coffee in the world?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Sri Lanka

▪ (2). Brazil

▪ (3). America

▪ (4). Kenya

Correct option : 2

Fig. Coffee Beans

Coffee grows in deep, porous and water retentive soils with high humus content. It grows best at an
altitude of 300 m to 800 m. Volcanic soil is very suitable for coffee. Frost is its enemy, hence its
cultivation is confined to the tropics. The chief coffee-producing countries of the world are - Brazil,
Colombia, Central America, Mexico and Indonesia. Brazil, being the largest producer of coffee,
alone produces nearly half the world’s supply of coffee.

Q14. Which is the tallest dam of India?

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Hirakund

▪ (2). Tehri

▪ (3). Bhakhra- Nangal

▪ (4). Sardar Sarovar

Correct option : 2

Tehri Dam is located on the Bhagirathi River in Uttarakhand. Tehri Dam is the highest/tallest dam in
India. With a height of 261 meters, it is the eighth tallest dam in the world.

147
Q15. Which of the following rivers is called ‘Nadittam’
in Rigveda?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Jhelum

▪ (2). Ravi

▪ (3). Beas

▪ (4). Saraswati

Correct option : 4

Saraswati river is called ‘Nadittam’ in Rigveda.

Q16. The officer who enjoyed authority over the large

pasture ground was known as during the Rigvedic
period?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Gramini

▪ (2). Vrajapati

▪ (3). Kulapas

▪ (4). Senani

Correct option : 2

During Rig-Vedic era, the basic unit of power lied within a patriarchal family (Kula). The Grama was
not essentially a village but a group of families who kept on migrating. So, the concept of a settled
village was absent in early Vedic era. The officer who enjoyed authority over the large pasture
ground was known as Vrajapati. His duty was to manage pastoral land and to lead the battles.

Q17. Usually fuels on burning causes pollution. which

one of the following fuel causes minimum
environmental pollution ?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Diesel

▪ (2). Coal

▪ (3). Hydrogen

▪ (4). Kerosene

148
Correct option : 3

Hydrogen Fuel Cell - One of the most important benefits of a hydrogen economy is that fuel cells
are nonpolluting. No carbon emissions are produced when electricity is generated in a fuel cell. A
hydrogen fuel cell produces two byproducts - heat and water.

Q18. What is the average fat content of "Buffalo milk"?

Choose an option:

▪ (1). 7.2%

▪ (2). 4.2%

▪ (3). 9.0%

▪ (4). 10.0%

Correct option : 1

The average fat content in buffalo milk is about 7 to 8% while protein content in buffalo milk
ranges from 4.2 to 4.5%.

Q19. On the bank of which river is Nadaun town of

Hamirpur District?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Satluj

▪ (2). Ravi

▪ (3). Beas

▪ (4). Uhl

Correct option : 3

River Beas passes through Nadaun situated in Hamirpur district of Himachal Pradesh.
Satluj touches Kinnaur, Shimla and Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh.
Ravi flow through district Chamba of Himachal Pradesh.

Q20. Which of the following is the author of Tamil

Ramayana?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Pampa

▪ (2). Ponna

▪ (3). Kamban

149
 ▪ (4). Ranna

Correct option : 3

Kambar (Kamban) was a medieval Tamil poet and the author of the Ramavataram, popularly
known as Kambaramayanam, the Tamil version of Ramayana. Kambar also authored other literary
works in Tamil, such as 'Thirukkai Vazakkam',Erezhupathu, Silaiezhupathu, Kangai Puranam,
sadagopar anthathi, and Sarasvati Anthati.

Q21. Jhum is a term used for:

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Terrace farming

▪ (2). Tribal farming

▪ (3). Shifting farming

▪ (4). Farming on a slope

Correct option : 3

Shifting cultivation is an agricultural system in which plots of land are cultivated temporarily, then
abandoned and allowed to revert to their natural vegetation while the cultivator moves on to
another plot. Shifting cultivation is called as :-Jhum or Jhumming in north-east India, Milpa in
Mexico, Roca in Brazil and Ladang in Malaysia.

Q22. When ants bite, they inject:

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Glacial acetic acid

▪ (2). Methanol

▪ (3). Formic acid

▪ (4). Stearic acid

Correct option : 3

Ant bites and bee stings are acidic in nature. Generally, ant bites cause irritation, swelling, pain and
itching. Most ants inject a venom, the main constituent of which is formic acid.

150
Fig. Ants

Q23. The 'Stones' formed in human kidney consist

mostly of:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Calcium oxalate

▪ (2). Sodium acetate

▪ (3). Magnesium sulphate

▪ (4). Calcium alone

Correct option : 1

Kidney stones are solid masses that form in the kidney when there are high levels of calcium,
oxalate, cystine, or phosphate and too little liquid. Calcium oxalate stones are the most common
type of kidney stone.

151
Q24. Which tehsil of Mahasu district was carved out to
form Kinnaur district?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Rohru

▪ (2). Chini

▪ (3). Kotkhai

▪ (4). Rampur

Correct option : 2

Kinnaur district a erstwhile known as Chini tehsil of the former Mahasu district, came into being as
an independent district w.e.f. 1st May, 1960. Prior to merger of State on the eve of independence,
Kinnaur valley was a part of erstwhile Bushahr State which had its headquarters at Rampur.

Fig. Kinnaur District

Q25. For which work did Mridula Garg get the 2013
Sahitya Academy Award?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Miljulaman

▪ (2). Uske Hisse Ki Dhoop

▪ (3). Chitkobra

▪ (4). Kathgulab

Correct option : 1

Miljul Mann (novel) was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2013.

152
Q26. According to Transparency Intentional which are
the most honest countries in the world in 2012-13?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). France and Belgium

▪ (2). Holland and Australia

▪ (3). New Zealand and Denmark

▪ (4). Sweden and Germany

Correct option : 3

New Zealand, Denmark and Finland are most honest countries in 2012-13

Q27. Who was crowned as Miss World in 2013 beauty

contest?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Marialin of France

▪ (2). Navaneet Kaur of India

▪ (3). Oaklin of Ghana

▪ (4). Megan Young of Philippines

Correct option : 4

Megan Young of Philippines was announced the winner of Miss World 2013.

Q28. The UN Human Rights Council (HRC) was set up

in:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). 2006

▪ (2). 2008

▪ (3). 2010

▪ (4). 2012

Correct option : 1

The Human Rights Council is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system made
up of 47 States responsible for the promotion and protection of all human rights around the globe.
The Council was created by the United Nations General Assembly on 15 March 2006.

153
Q29. Which day is observed as Anti-Leprosy Day?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). October 02

▪ (2). November 14

▪ (3). January 30

▪ (4). October 31

Correct option : 3

ANTI LEPROSY DAY 2017

Anti Leprosy Day (Martyrdom Day of Mahatma Gandhi) 2017 will be celebrated all over India at
Monday, on 30th of January.

Q30. Arteries supplying blood to the:

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Carotid arteries

▪ (2). Hepatic arteries

▪ (3). Coronary arteries

▪ (4). Pulmonary arteries

Correct option : 3

Figure 6. Heart and Arteries

Arteries supplies Oxygen Rich blood to Coronary Arteries. Coronary arteries supply blood to the
heart muscle. Like all other tissues, Heart muscles need Oxygen Rich blood for its functioning.

Since coronary arteries deliver blood to the heart muscle, any coronary artery disorder or disease
can have serious implications by reducing the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle.
This can lead to a heart attack and possibly death.

154
Q31. Cryogenic engines find applications in:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Submarine propulsion

▪ (2). Frost-free refrigerators

▪ (3). Rocket technology

▪ (4). Researches in super-conductivity

Correct option : 3

A cryogenic engine is a rocket engine that uses a cryogenic fuel or oxidizer, that is, its fuel or
oxidizer (like liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen) are gases liquefied and stored at very low
temperatures.

The word originates from the Greek words 'kryos' meaning "frost" and 'genic' meaning "to
produce." Under such a definition it could be used to include all temperatures below the freezing
point of water (0 C).

Q32. Which of the following is not in the vicinity of

Kullu?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Sultanpur Palace

▪ (2). Bijli Mahadev

▪ (3). Dev Tibba

▪ (4). Kalatope

Correct option : 4

Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary is located in Chamba District of Himachal Pradesh. Rest all are located
in vicinity of Kullu.

Q33. In which town is Panchvaktra temple?

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Chamba

▪ (2). Mandi

▪ (3). Hamirpur

▪ (4). Una

Correct option : 2

155
Panchvaktra temple is located in Bhiuli, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh Pin - 175001. Panchvaktra
temple is dedicated ti Lord Shiva.

Q34. Ultimate source of energy for living being is:

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Carbohydrates

▪ (2). Fats

▪ (3). Sunlight

▪ (4). ATB

Correct option : 3

Fig. The Sun

All changes in the weather are caused by the sun. The sun is a huge sphere of hot gases at a very
high temperature. The distance of the sun from us is very large. Even then the energy sent out by
the sun is so huge that it is the source of all heat and light on the earth. So, the sun is the primary
source of energy that causes changes in the weather. Energy absorbed and reflected by the earth’s
surface, oceans and the atmosphere play important roles in determining the weather at any place.
If you live near the sea, you would have realised that the weather at your place is different from
that of a place in a desert, or near a mountain.

Q35. Soil erosion can be prevented by:

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Deforestation

▪ (2). Forestation

▪ (3). Overgrazing

▪ (4). Vegetation removal

Correct option : 2

Soil erosion is a naturally occurring process that affects all landforms. In agriculture, soil erosion
refers to the wearing away of a field’s topsoil by the natural physical forces of water and wind or
through forces associated with farming activities such as tillage. Forestation, Planting Grass, etc can
be used to limit the Soil Erosion.

156
Q36. With which game/sport is Deepika Kumari
associated?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Wrestling

▪ (2). Archery

▪ (3). Badminton

▪ (4). Boxing

Correct option : 2

Deepika Kumari is an Indian athlete who competes in the event of Archery, is currently ranked
World No. 5, and is a former world number one. She won a gold medal in the 2010 Commonwealth
games in the women’s individual recurve event.

Q37. When was Telegraph/Telegram service closed in

India?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). July, 2013

▪ (2). September, 2012

▪ (3). June, 2013

▪ (4). October, 2013

Correct option : 1

Indian Telegram Service was started in 1850 on an experimental basis between Koklata and
Diamond Harbour, it was opened for use by the British East India Company the following year. In
1854, the service was made available to the public.
The Service is eventually replaced by SMS, emails, mobile phones, thereby reducing revenue
generation. By July 2013, this service generated about Rs 75 lakh annually, compared with the cost
of over Rs. 100 core to run and manage it. Finally it was shutdown in July 2013.

Q38. Fat present below the skin surface in our body,

acts as a barrier against:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Loss of heat from our body

▪ (2). Loss of essential body fluids

▪ (3). Loss of salts from the body

157
 ▪ (4). Entry of harmful micro-organisms form the environments

Correct option : 1

Fat present below the skin surface of human body acts as a barrier against the Loss of heat from
our body. That’s the reason people with very less fat need a warm surrounding to avoid loss of body
heat.

Q39. In which year publication of Hindi daily Divya

Himachal begin?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). 1997

▪ (2). 2001

▪ (3). 2003

▪ (4). 2007

Correct option : 1

Divya Himachal is a Hindi Newspaper of Himachal Pradesh, having circulation in Himachal

Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttranchal and Chandigarh (UT). The newspaper was launched on 29
December 1997 and now has three editions namely Dharamshala, Shimla and Chandigarh with the
fourth Baddi edition being launched on April 1, 2017.

Q40. Who was the first person to vote in the First

General Elections in India in 1951-52?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Shyam Saran Negi of Kalpa

▪ (2). Satya Dev Bushehri of Rohru

▪ (3). Bhagmal Sautha of Jubbal

▪ (4). Anand Chand of Bilaspur

Correct option : 1

Shyam Saran Negi

1. born in 1917 at Kalpa, Himachal Pradesh is the first person to cast the first vote in 1951-52
general election.

2. He is a retired school teacher by profession.

3. 1951-52 was nation’s first general election since the end of British Raj in 1947.

4. Negi has voted in every general election since 1951, and is believed to be India’s oldest voter as
well its first.

158
5. In 2010, then-chief election commissioner Navin Chawla visited Negi’s village to honour him as
part of the Election Commission’s diamond jubilee celebrations.

6. Negi has voted in every general election since 1951, and is believed to be India’s oldest voter as
well its first.

Q41. Which of the following has the highest sex ratio

as per 2011 census?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Mizoram (975)

▪ (2). Meghalaya (986)

▪ (3). Tamil Nadu (995)

▪ (4). Andhra Pradesh (992)

Correct option : 3

As per 2011 census, Kerala has sex ratio of 1084, Puducherry has 1037 and Tamil Nadu has 996
females per 1000 males.

In most sexually reproducing species, sex ratio tends to be 1:1 i.e. 1000 females per 1000 males. This
tendency is explained by Fisher’s Principle.

See Also
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fisher%27s_principle https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sex_ratio

Q42. Which Indian State has the lowest death rate

according to census 2011?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Orissa

▪ (2). Kerala

▪ (3). West Bengal

▪ (4). Himachal Pradesh

Correct option : 3

According to 2011 census, West Bengal has crude death rate of 6.2 per thousand population. Odisha
has highest rate of 8.5 while Delhi has 4.3. Himachal Pradesh’s crude death rate stands at 6.7 per
thousand of population.

159
Q43. Which one of the following is located in Atlantic
Ocean?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Okinawa

▪ (2). Bermuda

▪ (3). Timor

▪ (4). Male

Correct option : 2

Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory in the North Atlantic Ocean.

The first person known to have reached Bermuda was the Spanish sea captain Juan de Bermúdez in
1503, after whom the islands are named.

Q44. Diffusion of light in the atmosphere takes place

due to:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Carbon dioxide

▪ (2). Dust particles

▪ (3). Helium

▪ (4). Water vapors

Correct option : 2

Diffusion of Light in atmosphere takes place due to dust particles.

Q45. The characteristics odour of garlic is due to:

Choose an option:

▪ (1). A chloro compound

▪ (2). A sulphur compound

▪ (3). Acetic acid

▪ (4). A fluorine compound

Correct option : 2

The sulfur compounds are responsible both for garlic’s pungent odor and many of its medicinal
effects.

160
Q46. Which lake at Mandi is known for floating island?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Kuntbhyog

▪ (2). Parashar

▪ (3). Kalasar

▪ (4). Sukhsar

Correct option : 2

Parashar Lake in district Mandi of Himachal Pradesh is known for its floating island.

Q47. Which of the following are the ways of acquiring

citizenship of India?
1) Birth

2) Descent

3) Incorporational of Territory

4) Naturalization Choose an option:

▪ (1). 1 only

▪ (2). 1 and 2

▪ (3). 1, 2 and 4

▪ (4). 1, 2, 3 and 4

Correct option : 4

Naturalization

Citizenship of India by naturalisation can be acquired by a foreigner (not illegal migrant) who is
ordinarily resident in India for 12 years.

Q48. The Right to Freedom under Article 19 of the

Constitution of India may be suspended by President
of India?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Under Article 360

▪ (2). Under Article 356

161
 ▪ (3). Under Article 352

▪ (4). At any time he so desires

Correct option : 3

National emergency under article 352

National emergency can be declared on the basis of external aggression or armed rebellion in the
whole of India or a part of its territory.

Such an emergency was declared in,

1. 1962 China War

2. 1971 Pakistan War

3. 1975 declared by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi

During a national emergency, many Fundamental Rights of Indian citizens can be suspended. The
six freedoms under Right to Freedom are automatically suspended. By contrast, the Right to
Life and Personal Liberty cannot be suspended according to the original Constitution.

Q49. Which of the following languages have been

declared by the Constitution to be the languages for
conducting business in Parliament?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). English

▪ (2). Hindi

▪ (3). English and Hindi

▪ (4). English, Hindi and mother tongue

Correct option : 3

The Constitution of India designates the official language of the Government of India as Hindi
written in the Devanagari script, as well as English.

There is no national language as declared by the Constitution of India. Hindi and English are used
for official purposes such as parliamentary proceedings, judiciary, communications between the
Central Government and a State Government.

States within India have the liberty and powers to specify their own official language(s) through
legislation and therefore there are 22 officially recognized languages in India.

Around 45% of Indian population can speak some or other dialect of Hindi Language.

162
Q50. Which is the correct measure of Infant Mortality
Rate (IMR)?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). No. of infant deaths during a year/ No. of live births during the year x 1000

▪ (2). No. of live births during the year/ No. of infant deaths during a year x 1000

▪ (3). No. of total deaths during the year/ No. of infant deaths during a year x 1000

▪ (4). No. of infant deaths during a year/ No. of total deaths during the year x 1000

Correct option : 1

infant mortality rate

The infant mortality rate (IMR) is the number of deaths of infants under one year old per 1,000 live
births. This rate is often used as an indicator of the level of health in a country. The infant mortality
rate of the world is 49.4 according to the United Nations .

India has infant mortality rate of 40, lowest being in kerala which is 12.

Sweden, Norway, Iceland and Finland has IMR lower than 3.

Q51. After which American scientist is ‘h-index’

named?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Jorge E. Hirsch

▪ (2). Frederick Sainger

▪ (3). Linus Pauling

▪ (4). Percy Julian

Correct option : 1

h-index

1. h-index is an index to quantify a scientist’s publication productivity and the basis of several
scholar indices.

2. It was invented by professor Jorge Eduardo Hirsch in 2005.

3. Jorge Eduardo Hirsch (born 1953) is an Argentine American professor of physics at the
University of California, San Diego.

163
Q52. NABARD came into existence in the year:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). 1980

▪ (2). 1982

▪ (3). 1984

▪ (4). 1986

Correct option : 2

NABARD

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development is an apex development bank in India,
headquartered at Mumbai with branches all over India. It was founded in 1982.

Q53. Who is George Alexander Louis?

Choose an option:

▪ (1). A French Novelist

▪ (2). An American film star

▪ (3). Third in the line as heir to the British throne

▪ (4). A German football player

Correct option : 3

George Alexander Louis is the only son of Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Catherine,
Duchess of Cambridge. He is third in line to succeed his paternal great-grandmother, Queen
Elizabeth II, after his paternal grandfather, Charles, Prince of Wales, and his father.

Q54. Which of the following is believed to be the oldest

among Shimla Hill States?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Jubbal

▪ (2). Keonthal

▪ (3). Bushahr

▪ (4). Baghat

Correct option : 3

Bashahr, also spelt as 'Bushahr' and 'Bussahir', was a princely state in India during the British Raj.

164
The territory of this former state is now part of Kinnaur and Shimla district of the Indian republic’s
state of Himachal Pradesh.

Q55. Which one of the following is taken as the Base

Year for estimating GDP at constant prices in India
during 2012-13?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). 1993-94

▪ (2). 1999-2000

▪ (3). 2004-2005

▪ (4). 2009-2010

Correct option : 3

2014-05 was taken as the base year for estimating GDP at constant prices during 2012-13.

Important Update
As of 2017, The Central Statistics Office (CSO) has already changed the base year of India’s national
accounts including the GDP and the gross value addition, to 2011-12.

Q56. "What was the average annual growth rate of

Agricultural and Allied Sectors in India during 11th
five year plan?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). 3

▪ (2). 3.6

▪ (3). 4.2

▪ (4). 2.8

Correct option : 2

India has recorded an average annual economic growth rate of 8 per cent during the 11th Five-Year
Plan (2007-12) compared to a targeted 9 per cent, as per Govt. data.

Agricultural and Allied Sectors contribution is 3.7% compared to 4% in 10th five year plan.

165
Q57. Which of the statements given below is/are
correct?
1. Bihar has the highest decadal (2001-2011) growth rate population, while Kerala has the lowest.

2. The best performing state in terms of growth rate during 2011-12 in Bihar.

Select the correct answer from the codes given below: Choose an option:

▪ (1). 1 only

▪ (2). 2 only

▪ (3). Both 1 and 2

▪ (4). Neither 1 nor 2

Correct option : 3

Population Growth
Bihar’s population growth rate has dipped by 3.45 per cent to 25.07 per cent in the past one decade
till 2011 compared to 28.62 per cent growth rate in a decade earlier, according to the decadal
census report. Kerala had 4.9% growth rate of population during the same time period.

Q58. The Targeted Public Distribution System (TDPS)

was adopted in the year:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). 1991

▪ (2). 1995

▪ (3). 1997

▪ (4). 2002

Correct option : 3

Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) was introduced with effect from June 1997. The focus of
the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) is on "poor in all areas" and TPDS involves issue of
10 Kg of food grains per family per month for the population Below Poverty Line (BPL) at specially
subsidized prices.

Q59. What were the main findings of the N.N. Vohra

Committee?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Internal Security Threat

▪ (2). Electoral Malpractices

166
 ▪ (3). Politicization of Bureaucracy

▪ (4). Nexus between Politicians, Bureaucrats and Criminals

Correct option : 4

Vohra Report was submitted by former Indian Union Home Secretary, N.N. Vohra, in October 1993.
It studied the nexus among criminals, politicians and bureaucrats in India.

Q60. Who among the following increased the Mansab

from 5000/- to 7000/-?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Akbar

▪ (2). Jahangir

▪ (3). Shah Jahan

▪ (4). Aurangzeb

Correct option : 1

The Mansabdari system was borrowed from the system followed in Mongolia.The Mughal officers
whether Hindus or Muslims were granted territorial commands in return for the military service.
They had to bring in some fixed number of men-at-arms, horses and elephants to the field and were
rated as per the numbers which was known as Zats. So they were called Mansabdars of 10, 20, 100,
and 1000 and so on. Akbar increased the Mansab from 5000/- to 7000/-.

Q61. Which of the following political parties was

called ‘Rajadroha Ka Karkhana’ by the British?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Muslim League

▪ (2). Indian National Congress

▪ (3). Communist Party of India

▪ (4). Unionist Party

Correct option : 2

Indian National Congress was called ‘Rajadroha Ka Karkhana’ by the British.

Q62. Who among the following established the Central

Hindu School at Banaras?
Choose an option:

167
 ▪ (1). Madan Mohan Malviya

▪ (2). Annie Besant

▪ (3). Raja Ram Mohan Roy

▪ (4). Swami Dayanand

Correct option : 2

Central Hindu School, formerly known as Central Hindu College, is one of India’s largest schools
which is situated at Kamachha in the heart of the holy city Varanasi. It provides education to all
society of people and is well equipped with highly qualified faculties and laboratory.

It was founded by noted freedom-fighter Annie Besant in July 1898, with Dr. Arthur Richardson.

Q63. Rani Gidalu was one of the freedom fighter from

the north-east. She hailed from one of the following
states
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Nagaland

▪ (2). Manipur

▪ (3). Assam

▪ (4). Meghalaya

Correct option : 2

Rani Gidalu was one of the freedom fighter from the north-east. She was born on 26 January 1915
in Nungkao (a Rongmei village) in Manipur. She had participated in the freedom struggle at a very
young age of 13 after she came under the influence Heraka religious movement.

In 1937, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru had met her at Shillong Jail and promised to pursue her release.
During this time, Nehru gave her title of Rani (Queen) and since then she gained local popularity as
Rani Gaidinliu.

Q64. Which of the following states did not return

Congress in power after the first provincial elections
in 1937?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Punjab

▪ (2). Gujarat

▪ (3). Sindh

168
 ▪ (4). Madras

Correct option : 1

Provincial elections were held in British India in the winter of 1936-37 as mandated by the
Government of India Act 1935. Elections were held in eleven provinces - Madras, Central Provinces,
Bihar, Orissa, United Provinces, Bombay Presidency, Assam, NWFP, Bengal, Punjab and Sindh.

The final results of the elections were declared in February 1937. The Indian National Congress
emerged in power in eight of the provinces - the three exceptions being Bengal, Punjab, and Sindh.

Q65. Match names of List I with that of List II and

select the correct answer from the codes given below:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Kailashanath Temple - Kanchipuram

▪ (2). Brihadeshwar Temple – Tanjavur

▪ (3). Hoyasaleshwar - Halebid

▪ (4). Gomteshwar - Shravanabelogola

Correct option : 3

Hoysaleswara temple is a temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. It was built in Halebidu during
the rule of King Vishnuvardhana of the Hoysala Empire in the 12th century. The construction was
started around 1120 CE and completed in 1150 CE.

Q66. Which one of the following is incorrect?

Choose an option:

▪ (1). No scheduled caste population is found in Karnataka

▪ (2). Majority of Scheduled tribe population is found in hilly areas

▪ (3). Main occupation of scheduled caste population is agriculture based activities

▪ (4). No caste is notified as scheduled tribe in Delhi

Correct option : 1

The total population of Karnataka, as per 2001 Census is 52,850,562. Of this, 8,563,930 are Scheduled
Castes (SCs).

Q67. Which is not temperate grassland?

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Prairie

169
 ▪ (2). Steppes

▪ (3). Compos

▪ (4). Downs

Correct option : 3

Q68. In which of the following rivers ‘Swargadwari’ is

located at?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Indus

▪ (2). Ganga

▪ (3). Godavari

▪ (4). Brahmaputra

Correct option : 2

The camp 'Swargadwari' in which Mohammad-bin-Tughlaq spent two and a half years was located
on the banks of Ganga river.

Q69. Which one of the following is incorrect?

Choose an option:

▪ (1). India’s north-south extent is 3124 km

▪ (2). India’s east-west extent is 2933 km

▪ (3). India’s land frontier is 15,200 km

▪ (4). India’s total geographical area is 4.2% of total land area of the world

Correct option : 4

The total area of Indian land mass is around 3.28 million Km². This implies that the total area of
India accounts for about 2.4 per cent of the total geographical area of the word.

Q70. Which is the correct descending order in terms of

length (km) of river?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Ganga, Godavari, Krishna, Narmada

▪ (2). Ganga, Krishna, Godavari, Narmada

▪ (3). Ganga, Godavari, Narmada, Krishna

170
 ▪ (4). Ganga, Narmada, Godavari, Krishna

Correct option : 1

Ganga (2525 km),

Godavari (1465 km),

Krishna (1400 km),

Narmada (1312 km)

Q71. Which of the following pairs is not correctly

matched?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Pittsburg of India – Jamshedpur

▪ (2). Boston of India – Ahmadabad

▪ (3). Silicon Valley of India – Hyderabad

▪ (4). Deccan Queen of India – Pune

Correct option : 3

The Silicon Valley of India is a nickname of the Indian city of Bangalore. It was named so because
Bangalore is on the Mysore Plateau, the area is also sometimes referred to as "Silicon Plateau".

Q72. What is India’s Global Position out of 187

countries as per UNDP’s Human Development Report
2011?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). 119

▪ (2). 134

▪ (3). 143

▪ (4). 137

Correct option : 2

As per UNDP’s Human Development Report 2011, India’s Global Position is 134 out of 187 countries.

171
Q73. Who is the Chairman of Commission for
Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) at present?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Abhijit Sen

▪ (2). Arjun Sengupta

▪ (3). Ashok Gulati

▪ (4). G.K. Chaddha

Correct option : 3

Padma Shri Ashok Gulati served as chairman of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices
(CACP) from 2011 to 2014. Prof. Vijaya Paul Sharma is currently working as the new Chairman.

Q74. An air bubble in water will act like a:

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Convex mirror

▪ (2). Convex lens

▪ (3). Concave mirror

▪ (4). Concave lens

Correct option : 4

The refractive index of air is less than that of water as water is a thicker medium. As per the law of
physics, ray of light diverges away from the normal as it enters a thicker medium(water) making it
a diverging lens i.e. Concave Lens.
In the case of an air bubble in water, the refractive index of water is more than that of air, hence it
acts as Concave lens.

Q75. Which one of the following is not an essential

micronutrient for plants?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Boron

▪ (2). Zinc

▪ (3). Sodium

▪ (4). Copper

Correct option : 3

172
Micronutrients are essential for plant growth and play an important role in balanced crop
nutrition. They include boron (B), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), zinc
(Zn), nickel (Ni) and chloride (Cl). A lack of any one of the micronutrients in the soil can limit
growth, even when all other nutrients are present in adequate amounts.

Q76. Identify the correct chronological order in which

the following Europeans travelled in Punjab and
Shimla Hill states?
Select the correct answer from the code given below:

1. Vigne

2. Moorcraft

3. Forster

4. Thomas Coryat

Codes: Choose an option:

▪ (1). 4, 3, 2,1

▪ (2). 1, 3, 2, 4

▪ (3). 2, 1, 3, 4

▪ (4). 4, 2, 1, 3

Correct option : 4

Godfrey Thomas Vigne was an English amateur cricketer and traveller. In 1831 Vigne left England
for Persia, and then travelled to India.

William Moorcroft, a veterinary surgeon, was the first European to make botanical collections in
western Tibet and Kashmir. He travelled to India in 1808.

Edward Morgan Forster known as E. M. Forster, was an English novelist, short story writer, essayist
and librettist. In 1911 he came to India with G. Lowes Dickinson.

Thomas Coryat was an English traveller. He travelled India in 1612-1617 under the ruler Jahangir.

Q77. Who negotiated the arrangement between the

states of Kashmir and Chamba by which the later
became independent of the former?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Col. Lawrence

▪ (2). George Russel

173
 ▪ (3). David Ochterlony

▪ (4). Captain G. Birch

Correct option : 1

Jawahar Singh and Moti Singh quarrelled in 1852 and Poonch was awarded to Moti Singh as Jagir.
Jawahar Singh personally went to Colonel Lawrence and asked that he should be made
independent. As per the treaty, Raja of Chamba became independent.

Q78. Raja of which state was treated by the wife of

Dara Shikoh as her son?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Kangra

▪ (2). Sirmaur

▪ (3). Nurpur

▪ (4). Guler

Correct option : 3

Q79. When did the consultative body of ruler of

princely states known as Narendra Mandal came into
existence?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). 1911

▪ (2). 1921

▪ (3). 1931

▪ (4). 1941

Correct option : 2

The Chamber of Princes (Narender Mandal or Narendra Mandal) was an institution established in
1920 by a royal proclamation of King-Emperor George V to provide a forum in which the rulers of
the princely states of India could voice their needs and aspirations to the colonial government of
British India. It survived until the end of the British Raj in 1947.

Q80. Who led the famous Mandi conspiracy of 1914-15?

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Swami Krishna Nand

174
 ▪ (2). Pandit Gauri Prasad

▪ (3). Sobha Singh

▪ (4). Mian Jawahar Singh

Correct option : 4

The famous Mandi conspiracy took place in 1914-15 A.D. under the influence of the Ghadhar Party,
some member of which had returned from America and spread out in Mandi and Suket to win
adherents to their cause. Extracts from Ghadhar - ki - Gunj were read by them to influence the
people. Main jawahar Singh and the Rani Khairgarhi of Mandi came under their influence. The
Rani helped the movement financially.

Q81. According to Annual Status Education Report

(ASER) 2012-13 what percentage of class V students of
Himachal Pradesh Government and private schools
can read only class II text?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). 44.6

▪ (2). 57.5

▪ (3). 72.8

▪ (4). 70.0

Correct option : 1

Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) is an annual, nationwide survey of children’s ability to
read simple text and do basic arithmetic that would engage ordinary citizens in finding out
whether their children were learning.
According to Annual Status Education Report (ASER) 2012-13 44.6 percent of class V students of
Himachal Pradesh Government and private schools can read only class II text.

Q82. What was the exact constitutional status of the

Indian Republic on 26th January 1950?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). A Democratic Republic

▪ (2). A Sovereign Democratic Republic

▪ (3). A Sovereign Secular Democratic Republic

▪ (4). A Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic

Correct option : 2

175
The exact constitutional status of the Indian Republic on 26th January 1950 was - a Sovereign
Democratic Republic.

Q83. Disagreement between the two Houses of

Parliament on the following bills can be resolved by
the Houses in a joint sitting
1) An Ordinary Bill

2) Money Bill

3) Constitutional Amendment Bill

4) Private Member Bill

Select the correct answer from the codes given below:- Choose an option:

▪ (1). 1 and 3

▪ (2). 1, 3 and 4

▪ (3). 1, 2 and 3

▪ (4). 1 and 4

Correct option : 4

Disagreement between the two Houses of Parliament can be resolved by the Houses in a joint
sitting. Not all bills can be refereed to a joint sitting of Parliament. There are two exception:

1. Money Bill

Under the Constitution of India, money bills require approval of the Lok Sabha only. Rajya Sabha
can make recommendations to Lok Sabha, which it is not required to accept. Even if Rajya Sabha
doesn’t pass a money bill within 14 days, it is deemed to have been passed by both the Houses of
Parliament after expiry of the above period. Therefore, a requirement to summon a joint session
can never arise in the case of money bill.

2. Constitution Amendment Bill

Article 368 of Indian constitution require that constitution of India can be amended by both houses
of parliament by 2/3 majority. In case of disagreement between both houses, there is no provision to
summon joint session of parliament.

Q84. In a National Park, protection is provided to:

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Entire ecosystem

▪ (2). Flora and Fauna

176
 ▪ (3). Fauna only

▪ (4). Flora only

Correct option : 2

Q85. Which of the following union territories do not

have any representative in the Rajya Sabha?
1) Delhi

2) Chandigarh

3) Dadra and Nagar Haveli

4) Lakshadweep

Select the correct answer from the codes given below: Choose an option:

▪ (1). 4 only

▪ (2). 3 and 4

▪ (3). 2, 3 and 4

▪ (4). 1, 3 and 4

Correct option : 3

Article 80 of the Constitution lays down the maximum strength of Rajya Sabha as 250, out of which
12 members are nominated by the President and 238 are representatives of the States and of the
two Union Territories. The present strength of Rajya Sabha, however, is 245, out of which 233 are
representatives of the States and Union territories of Delhi and Puducherry and 12 are nominated
by the President. The members nominated by the President are persons having special knowledge
or practical experience in respect of such matters as literature, science, art and social service.

Q86. Which among the following committees was the

first to demand constitutional recognition for
Panchayats?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Balwantrai Mehta Committee

▪ (2). Ashok Mehta Committee

▪ (3). G.V.K. Rao Committee

▪ (4). L.M. Singhvi Committee

Correct option : 2

177
In December 1977, the Janta Government appointed a committee on Panchayati Raj institutions
under the chairmanship of Ashok Mehta. It submitted its report in August 1978 and made 132
recommendations to revive and strengthen the declining Panchayati Raj System in the country.
Its main recommendations are:
1. The 3-tier system of Panchayati Raj should be replaced by the 2-tier system: Zilla Parishad at the
district level, and below it,the Mandal Panchayat consisting of a group of villages covering a
population of 15000 to 20000.
2. A district should be the first point for decentralisation under popular supervision below the state
level.
3. Zila Parishad should be the executive body and made responsible for planning at the district
level.
4. A minister for Panchayati Raj should be appointed in the state council of ministers to look after
the affairs of the Panchayati Raj institutions.

Q87. In which of the following states have the

Panchayati Raj institutions been set up in conformity
with the traditions and customs of the local people?
1) Assam

2) Goa

3) Nagaland

4) Arunachal Pradesh

Select the correct answer from the codes given below:

Codes:- Choose an option:

▪ (1). 1 and 3

▪ (2). 1 and 4

▪ (3). 3 and 4

▪ (4). 1, 3 and 4

Correct option : 3

Following states have set the Panchayati Raj institutions in conformity with the traditions and
customs of the local people:
1. Nagaland
2. Arunachal Pradesh

178
Q88. Who among the following former Presidents
contested the election to the office of the President of
India without resigning from the office of Vice-
President of India?
(1) Dr. Zakir Husain

(2) V.V. Giri

(3) R. Venkataraman

(4) Dr. S.D. Sharma

Select the correct answers from the codes given below:

Codes:- Choose an option:

▪ (1). 1, 3 and 4

▪ (2). 2, 3 and 4

▪ (3). 1, 2 and 3

▪ (4). 1 and 3

Correct option : 1

Following former Presidents contested the election to the office of the President of India without
resigning from the office of Vice-President of India:
(1) Dr. Zakir Husain
(2) R. Venkataraman
(3) Dr. S.D. Sharma

Q89. Which one of the following models/theories views

public policy as a continuation of previous
government activities with some modifications?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Rational Model

▪ (2). Incremental Model

▪ (3). Group Theory

▪ (4). Game Theory

Correct option : 2

Incremental Model –It views public policy as a continuation of past government activities with only
incremental modifications. This is done as policy makers do not have the time, information or

179
money to investigate all the alternatives to existing policy. They do not have predictive capacities to
know what all the consequences of each alternative will be, nor are they able to calculate cost-
benefit ratios for alternative polices when many diverse factors are at stake.

Q90. The Khadi and Village Industries Commission was

established during which of the Five Year Plans?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). 4th

▪ (2). 2nd

▪ (3). 3rd

▪ (4). 6th

Correct option : 2

Q91. In which field did Frederick Sainger win Nobel

Prize twice?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Literature

▪ (2). Physics

▪ (3). Chemistry

▪ (4). Peace

Correct option : 3

Frederick Sainger

Frederick Sainger, a British Biochemist, is a double Nobel Prize winner.

He won Nobel Prize -

1. for developing a technique in 1958 to work out precise chemical structure of proteins.

2. for developing "Sanger Sequencing" technique in 1980

Q92. Which of the following types of glasses can cut-off

ultraviolet rays?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Soda glass

▪ (2). Pyrex glass

180
 ▪ (3). Jena glass

▪ (4). Crookes glass

Correct option : 4

Crookes glass
In this glass mainly cerium oxide (CiO2) is present which sharply absorbs the ultraviolet rays
from the sunlight so utilised in making lenses of sunglasses.

Q93. Which one of the following is an active

component of clove oil?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Menthol

▪ (2). Eugenol

▪ (3). Methanol

▪ (4). Benzaldehyde

Correct option : 2

Q94. In eye donation, which one of the following parts

of donor’s eye is utilized?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Iris

▪ (2). Lens

▪ (3). Cornea

▪ (4). Retina

Correct option : 3

Figure 7. Cross section through the eye and eyelids, including the lacrimal gland and third eyelid

Whole Eye can not be utilized in eye donation, both the cornea and sclera can be utilised separately
for ocular surgery. However, the entire eye may be used for research and educational purposes.

181
Cornea
Cornea ensures an unobstructed passage of light rays into the eye and onto the retina, so that you
can see. Unlike most tissues in the body, the cornea contains no blood vessels to nourish or protect
it against infection. Instead, the cornea receives its nourishment from tears and the aqueous
humor.

Q95. Which action of Raja Sansar Chand prompted the

Hill Chiefs to invite Gurkhas to invade Kangra?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). His failure to retrieve Kangra fort

▪ (2). His attack on Kahlur state and capture some territory

▪ (3). His alliance with Sikh Chief Jassa Singh Ramgarhia

▪ (4). His defeat at the hands of Sikh Chief Jai Singh of Kanhaiya Misl

Correct option : 2

Q96. When was a Sanad granted to the Raja of Bilaspur

by the British government confirming his possession
on the right bank of Satluj?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). February, 1846

▪ (2). March, 1846

▪ (3). October, 1847

▪ (4). April, 1848

Correct option : 3

Q97. Court poet of which princely state of Shimla Hills

is the author of Shashi Vansh Vinod?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Jubbal

▪ (2). Nurpur

▪ (3). Guler

▪ (4). Bilaspur

182
Correct option : 4

Q98. Which mountain pass connects Spiti to Ladakh?

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Kangla

▪ (2). Shipki

▪ (3). Rohtang

▪ (4). Manirang

Correct option : 1

Kangla pass connects Lahual & Spiti of Himachal Pradesh and Zanskar Range in Ladakh

Q99. With which of the following is NGO named

Vishakha is associated?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Dalits

▪ (2). Women

▪ (3). Physically challenged

▪ (4). Senior citizens

Correct option : 2

Vishakha is a NGO for Women’s Education and Research.

Vishakha’s Objective

Vishakha aspires to create a participatory society where women, children and marginalized
communities have opportunities to build their capacities and live a life of dignity and equity
at all levels of self, community and the macro- context of development and governance.

Reference
http://www.vishakhawe.org/pages.aspx?pname=VISION

183
Chapter 5. 2012 HPAS Solved Paper
This PDF Booklet contains 2012 HPAS Solved Paper. Explanation is
provided by Shunya Foundation Team. 2012 Solved Paper for HPAS General
Studies

Q1. At which place in Shimla District is Herbal

garden?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Dumreda

▪ (2). Jharag

▪ (3). Purag

▪ (4). Sainj

Correct option : 1

The Department of Ayurveda has set up four herbal gardens and 33 ayurvedic hospitals in the state.
The gardens are in Jogindernagar, Neri (Hamirpur), Dhumrera (Rohru) in Shimla district and
Jungal Thalera in Bilaspur district.

Q2. Koderma, a place in Jharkhand , is famous for

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Mica Mining

▪ (2). Photo goods

▪ (3). Cement factory

▪ (4). Leather goods

Correct option : 1

India is a major producer of Mica in the world. It is the largest producer of sheet mica. According to
British Geological Survey, the world’s largest deposit of mica is at Koderma district in the state of
Jharkhand (India). About 95% of India’s mica is distributed in just three states of Jharkhand,
Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan.

Q3. What is Curiosity Rover?

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Nasa’s reserach vechical sent to Mars

184
 ▪ (2). An intelligence agency of the USA

▪ (3). A medical reserach group in Europe

▪ (4). An associations of scientists of India

Correct option : 1

Figure 8. Curiosity Mars Rover

Curiosity Rover is a car-sized robotic rover exploring Gale Crater on Mars as part of NASA’s Mars
Science Laboratory mission (MSL). Curiosity was launched from Cape Canaveral on November 26,
2011.

Q4. The continental drift theory was propounded by

Choose an option:

▪ (1). F.B Taylor

▪ (2). Lowthin Green

▪ (3). Alfred wegner

▪ (4). J.A. Steers

Correct option : 3

Continental drift was a theory that explained how continents shift position on Earth’s surface. It
was propounded by Alfred Wegener in 1912.

Q5. What are stalagmites?

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Erosional landforms

▪ (2). Depositional landsform

▪ (3). Volacanic landsforms

▪ (4). Solution holes

185
Correct option : 1

Fig. Stalagmites

Stalactites and stalagmites are types of mineral deposits found in caves that accrue through the
processes of solution and deposition. Stalactites hang downwards from the ceiling of caves,
whereas stalagmites rise upwards from the floor of a cave.

Q6. With which of the following is Losar festival

associated?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). The harvesting of crop

▪ (2). Tibetan new year

▪ (3). Birth of Gautam Budha

▪ (4). Birth of Padamsambhava

Correct option : 2

The Tibetan New year, also known as Losar Festival, is the most important festival on the Tibetan
calendar.
In Ladakh, people celebrate Losar on the first day of the eleventh lunar month.

186
Q7. According to legend what is the vehicle of
Kamdev?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Parrot

▪ (2). Crow

▪ (3). Pigeon

▪ (4). Sparrow

Correct option : 1

Kamadeva is the Hindu deity of love. The god Kamadeva, is the incarnation of Pradyumna and son
of the goddess Sri. He rides a parrot which is His vehicle. He is accompanied by Vasanta, the god of
spring and Apsaras, Gandharvas and Kinnaras.

Q8. The drugs used to get relief from pain are called:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Antipyretics

▪ (2). Analgesics

▪ (3). Amtibiotics

▪ (4). Antiseptics

Correct option : 2

Analgesics are drugs designed specifically to relieve pain.

 Paracetamol and aspirin are common example of analgesic drugs.

Q9. Metals are good conductors of electricity because

Choose an option:

▪ (1). They contain free electrons

▪ (2). The atoms are lightly packed

▪ (3). They have high melting point

▪ (4). All of the above

Correct option : 1

Metals have free electrons which helps them in the conduction of electricity whereas non metals
have no free electrons which makes them a poor conductor of electricity.

187
Q10. With which game is Ravi Rampaul associated?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Cricket

▪ (2). Badminton

▪ (3). Hockey

▪ (4). Kabaddi

Correct option : 1

Ravi Rampaul is a West Indian cricketer.

He is the first quick bowler of Indian descent to represent West Indies at international level

Q11. Against whom did Aurangzeb fight the battle at

Samugarh?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Humayun

▪ (2). Dara

▪ (3). Murad Baksh

▪ (4). Akbar II

Correct option : 2

Battle of Samugarh

The battle of Samugarh was fought between Dara Shikoh and his two younger brothers Aurangzeb
and Murad Baksh.
It was a decisive battle in the struggle for the throne during the Mughal war of succession
(1658–1659) between the sons of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.

Q12. Who was Amrita Shergil?

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Dancer

▪ (2). Poet

▪ (3). Painter

▪ (4). Politician

Correct option : 3

Amrita Shergil was an eminent Indian painter. She is sometimes known as India’s Frida Kahlo.

188
Q13. In which year Shimla was declared as the
summer capital of British India?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). 1862

▪ (2). 1863

▪ (3). 1864

▪ (4). 1865

Correct option : 3

The British called Shimla the "Queen of Hill Stations. In 1864 Lord Sir John Lawrence declared
Shimla the summer capital of India.

Q14. Which of the following states Nathpa Jhakri

Hydel Project under execution
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Sikkim

▪ (2). Jammu and Kashmir

▪ (3). Himachal Pardesh

▪ (4). Uttarakhand

Correct option : 3

The Nathpa Jhakri Hydroelectric Station of 1500 MW capacity is the country’s largest hydropower
plant. The Nathpa Jhakri Dam is a concrete gravity dam on the Sutlej river in Himachal Pradesh.

Q15. Which country is called the 'Sugar Bowl' of the

world?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). India

▪ (2). Cuba

▪ (3). USA

▪ (4). Indonesia

Correct option : 2

'Cuba' is commonly known as the "sugar bowl of the world". It is called by this name because at one
time it was the largest producer of Sugar, but Brazil is currently the largest producer of Sugar.

189
Q16. Who was the first Caliph of Islam ?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Umar

▪ (2). Usman

▪ (3). Ali

▪ (4). Abu Bakr

Correct option : 4

Abu Bakr the first Caliph of Islam.

Abu bakr was the son of abu qahafa, and made his living as a merchant in Makkah.

Q17. What is INS Chakra?

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Aircraft carrier

▪ (2). Submarine

▪ (3). Missile ship

▪ (4). Naval helicopter

Correct option : 2

INS Chakra is a nuclear-powered attack submarine.

Q18. In coming years , skin related disorders will

become more common due to :
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Excessive use of detergents

▪ (2). Water pollution

▪ (3). Air pollution

▪ (4). Depletion of ozone layer

Correct option : 4

The ozone layer protects us from the harmful effects of certain wavelengths of ultraviolet (UV) light
from the Sun. Any significant decrease of ozone in the stratosphere would result in an increase of
UV-B radiation reaching the Earth’s surface, and of skin cancers.

190
Q19. In the process of galvanization of an iron sheet is
coated with:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Zinc

▪ (2). Aluminium

▪ (3). Tin

▪ (4). Magnesium

Correct option : 1

Galvanization is the process of applying a protective zinc coating to steel or iron, to prevent rusting.
The most common method is hot-dip galvanizing, in which parts are submerged in a bath of molten
zinc.

Q20. One liter of water is equivalent to:

Choose an option:

▪ (1). 1.5 kg

▪ (2). 1.25 kg

▪ (3). 0.25 kg

▪ (4). 0.90 kg

Correct option : 4

One liter of water is equivalent to 0.90 kg.

Q21. A transformer is used for:

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Increasing DC voltage

▪ (2). Decreasing DC voltage

▪ (3). Converting DC into AC

▪ (4). Increasing or decreasing AC voltage

Correct option : 4

A transformer is an electrical device that is used to change the voltage in alternating current (AC)
electrical circuits.
It is used to either raise or lower voltages and currents in an electrical circuit.

191
Q22. Where is KEE monastry?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Spiti

▪ (2). Kinnaur

▪ (3). Lahaul

▪ (4). Naggar

Correct option : 1

Key Gompa or Kee Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery located on top of a hill at an altitude
of 4,166 metres above sea level in Spiti valley, Himachal Pradesh. It is the highest monastery in the
world. It is also known as "Little Tibet".

Q23. Which type of pollution is caused by two -

wheelers?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Air pollution

▪ (2). Soil pollution

▪ (3). Air and soil pollution

▪ (4). Water pollution

Correct option : 1

Two-wheelers cause air pollution.

192
They contribute the biggest chunk of air pollution. They contribute 41% of particulate and 67% of
nitrogen oxide levels in the air.
Vehicles are more threatening than other sources of pollution as they discharge emissions directly
into the air.

Q24. Chernobyl disaster was caused by a :

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Nuclear weapon accident

▪ (2). Nuclear waste leak

▪ (3). Nuclear reactor accident

▪ (4). Nucelear test

Correct option : 3

The Chernobyl disaster was a catastrophic Nuclear reactor accident. It occurred on 25–26 April
1986 in a town in the Soviet Union (USSR).

Q25. First share market in India was established in :

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Delhi

▪ (2). Kolkata

▪ (3). Chenni

▪ (4). Mumbai

Correct option : 4

193
The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) is an Indian stock exchange located at Dalal Street, Mumbai
(formerly Bombay).
Established in 1875, the BSE (formerly known as Bombay Stock Exchange Ltd.) is Asia’s first stock
exchange.

Q26. Who founded the revolutionary organization

named 'Abhinava Bharat' ?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Hardayal

▪ (2). Bhai Parmanand

▪ (3). Hadgewar

▪ (4). Savankar Brothers

Correct option : 4

Abhinav Bharat was a secret society founded by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar and his brother
Ganesh Damodar Savarkar in 1903.
It carried out a few assassinations of British officials, after which the Savarkar brothers were
convicted and imprisoned. The society was formally disbanded in 1952.

Q27. At what interval is Bhunda festival of Nirmand

held?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). 2 years

▪ (2). 6 years

▪ (3). 12 years

▪ (4). 15 years

Correct option : 3

194
Bhunda festival is celebrated in Nirmand region of Himachal Pradesh. Famous by the name of Old
Narmedh Yagya, Bhunda is celebrated every after 12 years.
This festival mainly revolves around Beda tribes of Himachal Pradesh, who have a major role to
play in the whole Bhunda ceremony.

Q28. Who is the author of 'Abode of God'?

Choose an option:

▪ (1). B.N. Datar

▪ (2). Andrew Wilson

▪ (3). Ram Rahul

▪ (4). William Moorcraft

Correct option : 2

Q29. Which of the following is not a tributary of the

Beas?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Suketi

▪ (2). Banganga

▪ (3). Ali

▪ (4). Uhl

Correct option : 3

Q30. With which region of Himachal Pardesh is Sih

ballet associated?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Kullu-Manali

▪ (2). Pangi- Bharmaur

▪ (3). Nurpur-Kangra

▪ (4). Rohuru-Jubbal

Correct option : 4

195
Q31. Which Sultan of Delhi helped Raja Megh Chand of
Bilaspur to regain his lost kingdom?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Alauddin Khalji

▪ (2). Altamash

▪ (3). Balban

▪ (4). Ferozshah Tughlak

Correct option : 2

Q32. Which Raja of Mandi built the Darbar Hall in

1906?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Bhawani Sen

▪ (2). Shamsher Sen

▪ (3). Ishwar Sen

▪ (4). Prakash Chand

Correct option : 1

Q33. Who won the 2012 Himachal Pardesh Vidhan

Sabha election by the highest margin?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Virbhardra Singh

▪ (2). Mohan Lal Brakta

▪ (3). Rohit Thakur

▪ (4). Sanjay Rattan

Correct option : 2

Q34. Youth of which age group are eligible to avail the

skill development allowance announced by the
Himachal Pradesh Government in 2013-14 budget?
Choose an option:

196
 ▪ (1). 18-25 Years

▪ (2). 20-25 Years

▪ (3). 20-30 Years

▪ (4). 25-35 Years

Correct option : 4

Q35. Match the following proposed rope-ways

correctly and choose the correct answer from the
codes given below:
Column-I Column-II

(1) Dharmshala (a) Bijli Mahadev

(2) Bhunter (b) Rohtnag

(3) Palchan (c) Triund

(4) Village Jia (d) Adi Himani Chamunda Choose an option:

▪ (1). 1-b, 2-a, 3-c , 4-d

▪ (2). 1-a, 2-b, 3-c, 4-d

▪ (3). 1-c, 2-b, 3-d, 4-a

▪ (4). 1-c, 2-a, 3-b, 4-d

Correct option : 4

Dharmsala – Triund,
Bhunter – Bijli Mahadev,
Palchan – Rohtang, Village
Jia – Adi Himani Chamunda

Q36. According to 2008-09 data, which district of

Himachal Pradesh has recorded the highest
percentage in the production of pulses?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Kangra

▪ (2). Mandi

▪ (3). Shimla

▪ (4). Chamba

197
Correct option : 3

Q37. Which one of the following is not a precondition

for implementing national programme for education
of girls at the elementary level?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). It is educationally population backward block

▪ (2). The SC/ST population is more than 50%

▪ (3). The ruarl female literacy rate is below national average

▪ (4). Gender gap is above the national level

Correct option : 2

Q38. Which is scheme has been introduced in place of

Kishori Shakti Yojana in some district of Himachal
Pradesh?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Beti Hai Anmol

▪ (2). Rajiv Gandhi Schme for Empowerment of Adolescent Girls

▪ (3). Self - Employment Scheme for Women

▪ (4). Mukhya Mantri Kanyadan Yojana

Correct option : 2

Q39. Which sector had highest outlay (in % terms ) in

the annual plan of 2011-2012?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Agricultural

▪ (2). Transport

▪ (3). Energy

▪ (4). Social Services

Correct option : 4

198
Q40. Beside Kinnaur and Lahaul Spiti, which district of
Himachal Pradesh has recorded the lowest percentage
of urban population in the 2011 census?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Kangra

▪ (2). Mandi

▪ (3). Chamba

▪ (4). Hamirpur

Correct option : 1

Q41. What was the percentage of female literacy in

Himachal Pradesh in 1951?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). 2%

▪ (2). 6%

▪ (3). 8%

▪ (4). 10%

Correct option : 1

Q42. Match the following:

a) Indica – 1) Ibn Batuta,

b) Historica – 2) Herodotus,

c) Safarnama – 3) Alberuni

d) Tarikh-al-Hind – 4) Magasthenes

a b c d Choose an option:

▪ (1). 1 2 3 4

▪ (2). 4 3 1 2

▪ (3). 4 2 1 3

▪ (4). 2 3 4 1

Correct option : 3

199
Indica – Magasthenes,

Historica – Herodotus,

Safarnama – Ibn Batuta,

Tarikh-al-Hind – Alberuni

Q43. Whom did emperor Ashoka send to Lanka to

promote Buddhism?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Mahindera and Sona

▪ (2). Sona and Uttra

▪ (3). Uttra and Sanghamitra

▪ (4). Mahindera and Sanghamitra

Correct option : 4

Q44. There are four Upvedas. Three of them are

Ayurveda, Dhanaurveda and Sthapatya veda. Which is
the fourth?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Yoga Veda

▪ (2). Nyaya Vada

▪ (3). Raja veda

▪ (4). Gandharva Veda

Correct option : 4

Q45. Which among the following scholar belong to the

later Vedic period?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Gagri

▪ (2). Lopmudra

▪ (3). Shraddha

▪ (4). Yami

200
Correct option : 1

Q46. Whom did the Huns defeat to establish their in

India?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Samudragupta

▪ (2). Harshavardhana

▪ (3). Kanishka

▪ (4). Skandagupta

Correct option : 4

Q47. The first Rani of Mewar who committed johar

was Padmini. Who was the second?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Hasnabai

▪ (2). Raj Kumari

▪ (3). Karnavati

▪ (4). Karma Khanti

Correct option : 3

Q48. At which place did the battle between Babur and

Rana Sanga take place 1527 ?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Kannauj

▪ (2). Khanua

▪ (3). Mewat

▪ (4). Sirohi

Correct option : 2

Q49. Who organized the Red Shirts Movement ?

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Khan Abdual Gaffar Khan

201
 ▪ (2). Abdul Rahim

▪ (3). Fazal-ul-Haq

▪ (4). Shaukat Ali

Correct option : 1

Q50. Who is associated with the moderate strand of

the Khilafat movement of 1919-20?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Chotani

▪ (2). Ali Brothers

▪ (3). Hasrat Mohani

▪ (4). Journalists and Ulema

Correct option : 1

Q51. The marked of Moshad the spy agency of Israel is

that it has as its member a large number of
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Artists

▪ (2). Convicts

▪ (3). Woman

▪ (4). Non-Israelis

Correct option : 3

Q52. What is the major religion of Myanmar?

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Hinduism

▪ (2). Islam

▪ (3). Rohingya

▪ (4). Buddhism

Correct option : 4

Myanmar (Burma) is a multi-religious country. There is no official state religion, but the
government shows preference for Buddhism, which is the majority religion.

202
According to the 2014 census of the Burmese government, Buddhism is the dominant religion
practiced by 88% of the population.

Q53. With which field is Malala Yousafzai associated?

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Girl education

▪ (2). Protection of environment

▪ (3). Welfare of the widows

▪ (4). Empowerment of the poor

Correct option : 1

Q54. Identify the country whose seat of legislature,

executive and judiciary is at three different cities?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Canada

▪ (2). Russia

▪ (3). South Affrica

▪ (4). Somalia

Correct option : 3

Q55. Which one of the following refused the Nobal

Prize awarded to him?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Henry Kissinger

▪ (2). Jimmy Carter

▪ (3). Wooddrow Wilson

▪ (4). Theodre Roosevelt

Correct option : 1

Q56. When was the World Anti-Doping Agency(WADA)

set up?
Choose an option:

203
 ▪ (1). 1999

▪ (2). 2003

▪ (3). 2006

▪ (4). 2009

Correct option : 1

Q57. Which of the following states records the highest

proportion of scheduled castes population ?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Parts of Uttar Pardesh

▪ (2). Punjab

▪ (3). Haryana

▪ (4). Gujarat

Correct option : 2

Q58. The most ideal region for the cultivation of cotton

in India is
Choose an option:

▪ (1). The Brahmaputra Valley

▪ (2). Indo-Gangetic plain

▪ (3). The Deccan plateau

▪ (4). The Rann of Kutch

Correct option : 3

The Deccan Plateau is a large plateau in India which covers most of the southern part of the
country. It is between three mountain ranges and extends over eight Indian states; in particular the
states of Telangana, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu are on this
plateau.

Cotton cultivation is ideal in Deccan plateau, because:

1. Presence of black cotton soil

2. Temperature is between 20°C-32°C which is good for cotton

3. Rainfall (50-200 cms) is well distributed and if not enough irrigation is possible by use of canals.

204
Q59. Which of the following factors is responsible for
the rapid growth of sugar production in south India as
compared to North India?
(1) Higher per acre field or sugarcane

(2) Higher sucrose content of sugarcane

(3) Lower labour cost

(4) Longer crushing period Choose an option:

▪ (1). 1 only 2

▪ (2). 1 2 and 3

▪ (3). 1 and 3 , 4

▪ (4). 1, 2 and 4

Correct option : 4

Q60. Which of the following state groups is the largest

producer of iron-ore in india?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Orissa, M.P. and Jharkhand

▪ (2). M.P. , Maharastra and Punjab

▪ (3). Maharashtra , Orissa and A.P.

▪ (4). Bihar, West Bengal and U.P.

Correct option : 1

Q61. Whose government was defeated for the first

time on a vote of confidence?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Chandra Shekhar government

▪ (2). V.P. Singh government

▪ (3). Charan Singh government

▪ (4). Deve Gowda Government

Correct option : 2

205
Q62. The Question Hour in the House of the people is
followed by
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Supplementary question

▪ (2). Starred question

▪ (3). Unsterred question

▪ (4). Short notice question

Correct option : 4

Q63. CENVAT is assoicated with :

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Direct Tax

▪ (2). Income Tax

▪ (3). Indirect Tax

▪ (4). Service Tax

Correct option : 3

Q64. The 73rd and 74th constitutional Amendments

were during the primeministership of:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Rajiv Gandhi

▪ (2). Narasimha Rao

▪ (3). V.P. Singh

▪ (4). Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Correct option : 2

Q65. The Indian Constitution refers to minorities

based on
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Religion or language

▪ (2). Religion or region

206
 ▪ (3). Region or language

▪ (4). Language or culture

Correct option : 1

Q66. Which Indian company has been included for the

first time in USA’s index NASDAQ-100?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Infosys

▪ (2). Tata Motors

▪ (3). ICICI Bank

▪ (4). Videsh Sanchar Nigam LTD

Correct option : 1

Q67. UNDP has introduced a new poverty index known

as:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Human Poverty Index

▪ (2). Poorest among Poor Index

▪ (3). Social Poverty Index

▪ (4). Multi- dimensional Poverty index

Correct option : 4

Q68. The excess discharge of fertilizers into water

bodies result in:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Silt

▪ (2). Death of hydrophytes

▪ (3). Eutrophication

▪ (4). Growth of fish

Correct option : 3

207
Q69. To which community/organisation maximum
goods are exported from India?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). EEC

▪ (2). Commonwealth Nation

▪ (3). SAFTA

▪ (4). OPEC

Correct option : 4

Q70. The antiknock agent added to unleaded petrol is:

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Tetraethyl lead

▪ (2). Tetramethyl lead

▪ (3). Dibromoethane

▪ (4). Methyl tertiary butyl ether

Correct option : 1

Q71. 3-4 benzopyrene causes

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Leukemia

▪ (2). Cytosilicosis

▪ (3). Lung cancer

▪ (4). Tuberculosis

Correct option : 3

Q72. Natural silk is a :

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Polypeptide

▪ (2). Polysaccharide

▪ (3). Polyvinyl Chloride

▪ (4). Polyacrylonitrite

208
Correct option : 1

Q73. Which of the following states have recently (2013)

got separate high courts?
(1) Sikkim

(2) Manipur

(3) Meghalaya

(4) Tripura

select the correct answer from the codes given below:

codes Choose an option:

▪ (1). 1 and 2

▪ (2). 1, 2 and 3

▪ (3). 1, 2 and 4

▪ (4). 2 and 3, 4

Correct option : 4

Q74. Most hazardous metal pollution of automobile

exhaust is:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Cd

▪ (2). Hg

▪ (3). Copper

▪ (4). Lead

Correct option : 4

Lead used to be added to fuel to create leaded petrol (hence why we have unleaded petrol now). It
interferes with the production of red blood cells, causes high blood pressure and inhibits
development in children. Lead no longer appears in exhaust emissions except in a handful of
countries that still use leaded petrol.

Important Note

Leaded petrol is not sold in India anymore. India banned leaded petrol in March 2000.

209
Q75. If BOD of a water is found very high, this means
water:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Is clean

▪ (2). Is highly polluted

▪ (3). Is having algae

▪ (4). Contains dissolved minerals

Correct option : 2

Biochemical oxygen demand (a.k.a BOD) is the amount of dissolved oxygen demanded by aerobic
biological organisms to break down organic material present in a given water sample at certain
temperature over a specific time period.

Table 1. BOD Reference Value

BOD Value Meaning Inference

1-2 ppm very good There will not be much organic waste present in
the water supply
3-5 ppm moderately clean A water supply with a BOD level of 3-5 ppm is
considered moderately clean.
6-9 ppm somewhat polluted there is usually organic matter present and
bacteria are decomposing this waste
> 100 ppm heavily polluted high quantity of organic matter & bacteria is
present in the water

ppm = parts per million

Q76. Minamata disease affects the :

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Circulatory system

▪ (2). Skeletal system

▪ (3). Nervous system

▪ (4). Respiratory system

Correct option : 3

Q77. Chemical which cause bone cancer and

degeneration of tissue is :
Choose an option:

210
 ▪ (1). I-131

▪ (2). Ca-40

▪ (3). I-127

▪ (4). Str-90

Correct option : 4

Q78. Who was the Chairman of the committee on

pricing and taxation of petroleum products(2013)?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Raja J. Chelliah

▪ (2). C. Rangarajan

▪ (3). Y.V Reddy

▪ (4). Abid Husssain

Correct option : 2

Q79. When was World Trade Organization set up by

the member countries of the United Nations to
promote trade among countries?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). 1995

▪ (2). 1991

▪ (3). 1985

▪ (4). 1999

Correct option : 1

Q80. Which of the following commissions/committees

have recommended legal protection to whistle
blowers?
(1) Law Commission

(2) Second Administrative Reforms Commission

(3) Election Commission

211
(4) Vohra Committee

Select the correct answer from the codes given below:

codes Choose an option:

▪ (1). 1 only 2

▪ (2). 1 and 3

▪ (3). 2, 3 and 4

▪ (4). 1, 3 and 4

Correct option : 1

Q81. For which of the following posts has the Supreme

court directed the central government that not only
civil servants but other persons with impeccable
integrity should also be considered?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Chief Election Commissioner

▪ (2). Central Vigilance Commissioner

▪ (3). Director of Central Bureau of Investigation

▪ (4). Comptroller and Auditor General of India

Correct option : 2

Q82. Which of the following occupied the highest place

in growth rate during the 11th Plan period 2007-2012?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Agricultural sector

▪ (2). Service sector

▪ (3). Industrial sector

▪ (4). Mining

Correct option : 2

212
Q83. Which of the following can be remolded time and
again without producing any change?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). PVC

▪ (2). Bakelite

▪ (3). Melmac

▪ (4). Urea-formaldehyde resin

Correct option : 1

Q84. Most commonly used tranquillizers are

derivatives of:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Acetic acid

▪ (2). Salicylic acid

▪ (3). Barbituric acid

▪ (4). Sulphanilamide

Correct option : 3

Q85. At what capacity was P.C. Mahalanobis associated

with the formulation of the economic policy of
independent India ?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). As an applied statistician

▪ (2). As Deputy Chairman of the Planing commission

▪ (3). As a leading industrialist

▪ (4). As a minister of the Union cabinet

Correct option : 1

Q86. The range of normal human hearing lies between:

Choose an option:

▪ (1). 500 Hz to 10000 Hz

213
 ▪ (2). 20 Hz to 20000 Hz

▪ (3). 5000 Hz to 6000 Hz

▪ (4). 50 Hz to 15000 Hz

Correct option : 2

The range of human hearing is generally considered to be 20 Hz to 20 kHz, but it is far more
sensitive to sounds between 1 kHz and 4 kHz.

Loudness and pitch

The human hearing range depends on both the pitch (i.e. whether it is high or low) of the
sound and the loudness (also called as amplitude) of the sound. Pitch is measured in Hertz
(Hz) and loudness is measured in decibels (dB).

Sounds that are more than 85dB can be dangerous for your hearing in the case of
 prolonged exposure.

214
Chapter 6. 2011 HPAS Solved Paper
This PDF Booklet contains 2011 HPAS Solved Paper. Explanation is
provided by Shunya Foundation Team. 2011 Solved Paper for General Studies
Paper 1

Q1. Who was the first Indian to declare that "Freedom

is my birth right"?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Mahatma Gandhi

▪ (2). Bal Gangadhar Tilak

▪ (3). Lala Lajpat Rai

▪ (4). Chandra Shekhar Azad

Correct option : 2

Bal Gangadhar Tilak was the first Indian to declare that "Freedom is my birth right".

Q2. At which place was Vardhman Mahavir born?

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Gaya

▪ (2). Kundgram

▪ (3). Kapilvastu

▪ (4). Patliputra

Correct option : 2

About Mahavir
1. Mahavir is 24th Tirthankara of Jainism.
2. According to the Kalpasutra, Mahavira was born at Kundagrama in the state of Bihar.
3. According to Digambara Jains, Mahavira was born in 582 BC.
4. Jainism 5 main teachings are Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya and Aparigraha.

Q3. Zawar mines are important for:

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Bauxite

▪ (2). Tungsten

215
 ▪ (3). Zinc

▪ (4). Lead

Correct option : 3

Zawar is located in Udaipur District, Rajasthan. It is one of the oldest zinc mines of the world.

Q4. Which Mughal ruler imprisoned his stepmother

after the death of his father?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Aurangzeb

▪ (2). Shahjahan

▪ (3). Jahangir

▪ (4). Humayun

Correct option : 2

Shah Jahan (grandson of Akbar) was the fifth Mughal emperor, who reigned from 1628 to 1658. His
first act as ruler was to execute his chief rivals and imprison his step mother Nur Jahan.

Q5. Who founded the All India Depressed Classes

Federation?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). B.R. Ambedkar

▪ (2). Narayan Gurru

▪ (3). Jyotiba Phule

▪ (4). Lala Lajpat Rai

Correct option : 1

216
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, who belonged to one of the scheduled castes, devoted his entire life to fighting
against caste tyranny. He founded All India Depressed Classes Federation for this purpose.

Q6. From which place did Mahatma Gandhi ji started

Dandi March to the sea?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Wardha

▪ (2). Sabarmati

▪ (3). Kheda

▪ (4). Ahmedabad

Correct option : 2

The Salt March, also known as the Dandi March and the Dandi Satyagraha, was an act of nonviolent
civil disobedience in colonial India initiated by Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi to produce salt
from the seawater in the coastal village of Dandi, as was the practice of the local populace until
British officials introduced taxation on salt production.

Gandhi led the Dandi March from his base, Sabarmati Ashram, near the city of Ahmedabad till the
Village Dandi around 390 km from there.

Q7. Which of the following is not a measures of Human

Development Index?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Life Expectancy

▪ (2). Sex Ratio

▪ (3). Litracy Rate

217
 ▪ (4). Gross Enrolment

Correct option : 1

The Human Development Index (HDI) is a summary measure of average achievement in key
dimensions of human development: a long and healthy life, being knowledgeable and have a
decent standard of living.
The health dimension is assessed by life expectancy at birth, the education dimension is measured
by mean of years of schooling for adults aged 25 years and more and expected years of schooling
for children of school entering age. The standard of living dimension is measured by gross national
income per capita.

Q8. At which place in Mandi District has the

Department of Ayurveda set-up herbal garden?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Sarkaghat

▪ (2). Sunder Nagar

▪ (3). Karsog

▪ (4). Joginder Nagar

Correct option : 4

Department of Ayurveda has setup Herbal Garden at Joginder Nagar, Mandi.

There are total four Herbal Garden Setup in Himachal Pradesh at below locations -
1. Jungal Thalera in Bilaspur
2. Joginder Nagar, Mandi
3. Neri, Hamirpur
4. Dhumrera (Rohru) in Shimla

The purpose pf these Herbal Gardens is conservation and promotion of herbal wealth of Himalayan
State.

Q9. In which district of Himachal Pradesh is Mulgun

valley?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Kinnaur

▪ (2). Lahul Spiti

▪ (3). Kullu

▪ (4). Chamba

Correct option : 1

218
Mulgun valley is located in Kinnaur district.

Q10. Which statement is true about Ellora caves?

Choose an option:

▪ (1). All of them are Buddhist caves

▪ (2). Majority of them are Buddhist caves

▪ (3). Majority of them are Hindu caves

▪ (4). All of them are Hindu caves

Correct option : 3

Fig. Ellora caves

Ellora is one of the largest rock-cut monastery-temple caves complexes in the world, and a UNESCO
World Heritage Site in Maharashtra. The site presents monuments and artwork of Buddhism,
Hinduism and Jainism from the 600-1000 CE period. Most of Ellora caves are Hindu caves. The
crowning achievement of Ellora is the great Kailasanatha temple.
The great trimurti figure of Shiva is situated in Elephanta caves.

219
Q11. Who was the founder of Arya Samaj?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Swami Vivekananda

▪ (2). Swami Agnivesh

▪ (3). Swami Dayanand

▪ (4). Pandit Vishnu Shashtri

Correct option : 3

Maharashi Dayanand Saraswati founded Arya Samaj system in 1875 at Bombay.

He propounded the slogan 'Back to the Vedas’ to help people get rid of the false beliefs and adopt an
objective, rational and progressive way of life. He openly stood up against all the social evils such as
discrimination on grounds of caste, creed, sex, economic status and social bigotry, male chauvinism
and religious dominance of higher castes over the backward castes and classes.
Arya Samaj is an Indian Hindu reform movement that promotes values and practices based on the
infallibility of the Vedas.

Q12. Under the constitution of India, the power to

issue a writ of Habeas Corpus is vested in:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). The District Courts

▪ (2). The High Courts only

▪ (3). The Supreme Court only

▪ (4). Both the High Courts and the Supreme Court

Correct option : 4

Habeas Corpus literally means ‘to have the body of’. Via this writ, the court can cause any person
who has been detained or imprisoned to be physically brought before the court. The court then
examines the reason of his detention and if there is no legal justification of his detention, he can be
set free.
Under the constitution of India, the power to issue a writ of Habeas Corpus is vested in both the
High Courts and the Supreme Court.

Q13. On which river is Chamba Pattan Bridge which

being without pillars is first of this kind in Himachal
Pradesh?
Choose an option:

220
 ▪ (1). Ravi

▪ (2). Satluj

▪ (3). Yamuna

▪ (4). Beas

Correct option : 4

Beas River rises at an elevation of 14,308 feet from Beas Kund near Rohtang Pass in the western
Himalayas. From there it flows south through the Kullu Valley, receiving tributaries from the
flanking mountains, and then turns west to flow past Mandi into the Kangra Valley. After crossing
the valley, the Beas enters Punjab state. Chamba Pattan Bridge is situated on Beas river. It is first of
this kind in Himachal Pradesh, as it is built without pillars.

The Beas River was the approximate eastern limit of Alexander the Great’s invasion of India in 326
BCE.

Q14. Participatory Notes (PNs) are associated with

which one of the following?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Consolidated Fund of India

▪ (2). Foreign Institutional Investors

▪ (3). United Nations Development Programme

▪ (4). Kyoto Protocol

Correct option : 2

Participatory Notes commonly known as P-Notes or PNs are instruments issued by registered
foreign institutional investors (FII) to overseas investors, who wish to invest in the Indian stock
markets without registering themselves with the market regulator, the Securities and Exchange
Board of India - SEBI.

221
SEBI permitted foreign institutional investors to register and participate in the Indian stock market
in 1992.
Investing through P-Notes is very simple and hence very popular amongst foreign institutional
investors.

Q15. Silicon carbide(SiC) is known as:

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Quartz

▪ (2). Tridynite

▪ (3). Corundum

▪ (4). Carborundum

Correct option : 4

Silicon carbide (SiC), also known as carborundum, is a compound of silicon and carbon with
chemical formula SiC. Silicon Carbide is the only chemical compound of carbon and silicon.
Silicon carbide is an excellent abrasive and has been produced and made into grinding wheels and
other abrasive products. It is used in abrasives, refractories, ceramics, and numerous high-
performance applications. The material can also be made an electrical conductor and has
applications in resistance heating, flame igniters and electronic components.

Q16. Where was the capital of Kullu in the earlier

times?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Brahmpur

▪ (2). Jagatsukh

▪ (3). Murgul

▪ (4). Trilokinath

Correct option : 2

Kullu was probably the most ancient state next to Kashmir and Kangra. According to known
history, it was founded in the first century of Christian era by one Behangamani Pal whose
forefatheres origianlly came from Tripura and had migrated from there Allahabad and then to
Mayapuri near Hardwar. In earlier times, the capital of Kullu was Jagatsukh.

Q17. In the coast of which state is Wheeler Island?

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Goa

222
 ▪ (2). Gujrat

▪ (3). Orissa

▪ (4). Tamilnadu

Correct option : 3

Dr. Abdul Kalam Island, formerly known as Wheeler Island, is an island off the coast of Odisha.
Abdul Kalam Island is located close to the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, the world’s largest
rookery of the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles.

Q18. Five rings linked together constitute the symbol

of Olympic Games. Each ring is of a different color.
Two colors are blue and black. Which are the other
three colors?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Green, Red, Violet

▪ (2). Red, Violet, Yellow

▪ (3). Green, Pink, Yellow

▪ (4). Green, Yellow and Red

Correct option : 4

There are five Olympic rings in five colours (plus the white background). The rings are five
interlocking rings, colored blue, yellow, black, green and red on a white field, known as the
"Olympic rings". The symbol was originally designed in 1912 by Baron Pierre de Coubertin, co-
founder of the modern Olympic Games. He appears to have intended the rings to represent the five
participating continents: Africa, Asia, America, Australia and Europe.

Q19. Who translated the collection of South Indian

tales into Sanskrit and titled the work as
‘Kathasaritasager’?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Somdev

▪ (2). Kalhana

▪ (3). Jaideva

▪ (4). Shankaracharya

Correct option : 1

223
Kathasaritasager (कथासरित्सागर)
The Kathasaritasager is a famous 11th-century collection of Indian legends, fairy tales and folk tales
as retold in Sanskrit by a Shaiva named Somadeva.

Q20. Arrange the following ruling dynasties of ancient

India in correct chronological order:
(i) Mauryas

(ii) Guptas

(iii) Nandas

(iv) Kushans Choose an option:

▪ (1). (iv), (ii), (i), (iii)

▪ (2). (i), (iii), (iv), (i)

▪ (3). (iii), (i), (iv), (ii)

▪ (4). (iii), (ii), (iv), (i)

Correct option : 3

1. Nanda Dynasity (345 BCE)

2. Mauryas Dynasity (322 BCE) - Chandragupta Maurya founded the Mauryan Empire by
overthrowing the Nanda Dynasty.

3. Kushan Empire (1st centuary BCE)

4. Gupta Empire (320 to 550 CE) - The Gupta Empire was an ancient Indian empire founded by Sri
Gupta. The empire existed at its zenith from approximately 320 to 550 CE and covered much of
the Indian subcontinent. The peace and prosperity created under the leadership of the Guptas
enabled the pursuit of scientific and artistic endeavors.

Chronological Order

The definition of chronological is arranged in the order it happened.

Q21. In which year was the Partition of Bengal

annulled?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). 1909 A.D.

▪ (2). 1910 A.D.

224
 ▪ (3). 1911 A.D.

▪ (4). 1912 A.D.

Correct option : 3

Partition of Bengal
The decision to effect the Partition of Bengal (Bengali: বঙ্গভঙ্গ) was announced in July
1905, by the Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon. The partition animated the Hindus and led the Muslims
to form their own national organization on communal lines.

Bengal was reunited in 1911, in an effort to both appease the Bengali sentiment and have easier
administration.

Meaning of Annulled
Declare invalid, "The contract was annulled".

Q22. Haem is the important biologically in the

myoglobin which is used to store:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Nitrogen in muscles

▪ (2). Chlorine in muscles

▪ (3). Oxygen in muscles

▪ (4). Carbon dioxide in muscles

Correct option : 3

Haem
1. The component of haemoglobin responsible for binding oxygen, consists of an iron ion that
binds oxygen and a porphyrin ring that binds the globin molecules; one molecule binds one
molecule of oxygen.

2. A complex red organic pigment containing iron and other atoms to which oxygen binds

Q23. Which treaty signaled the departure of the

Gurkhas and arrival of the British on the political
canvas of Shimla Hill states?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Treaty of Sagauli

225
 ▪ (2). Treaty of Lahore

▪ (3). Treaty of Malsun

▪ (4). Treaty of Ramgarh

Correct option : 1

Treaty of Sagauli
Treaty of Sagauli established the boundary line of Nepal, was signed on 2 December 1815 between
the East India Company and King of Nepal following the Anglo-Nepalese War of 1814-16.

Q24. Mediterranean agriculture is:

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Dependent upon large quantities of summer rainfall

▪ (2). Known for grapes, olives, oranges and figs

▪ (3). One of the least productive of the agricultural regions

▪ (4). Found only in Southern Europe and Northern Africa

Correct option : 2

Mediterranean agriculture

Mediterranean agriculture is an agro-ecological strategy, an adjustment to particular climatic

conditions in Mediterranean zones: mild, humid winter with no or very little frost, and a warm, dry
summer.

Crops in Mediterranean agriculture

Subsistence agriculture occurs side by side with commercial farming. Many crops such as wheat,
barley and vegetables are raised for domestic consumption, while others like citrus fruits, olives,
and grapes are mainly for export. The Mediterranean lands are also known as 'orchard lands of
the world'.

Q25. Which city in India is called the Garden city?

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Chandigarh

▪ (2). Bengaluru

▪ (3). Srinagar

▪ (4). Thiruvananthapuram

Correct option : 2

226
Bangolre was known as the Garden City due to two beautiful gardens namely, Lalbhagh Gardens
and Cubbon Park.

Development comes with a price and the greenery of Bangalore has, in recent times, given way to
make room for a concrete jungle, re-naming it ‘The Silicon Valley of India’.

Q26. Koyali is:

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Hydroelectric plant in Assam

▪ (2). Thermal Electric plant in Maharashtra

▪ (3). Oil Refinery in Gujarat

▪ (4). Biogas plant in Andhra Pradesh

Correct option : 3

Gujarat Refinery (Located at Koyali in Gujarat)

The Gujarat Refinery is an oil refinery located at Koyali (Near Vadodara) in Gujarat, Western India.
It is the Second largest refinery owned by Indian Oil Corporation after Panipat Refinery. The
refinery is currently under projected expansion to 18 MMTPA.

MMTPA

million metric tonnes per annum

Q27. Which group of rivers originates from the

Himachal mountains?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Beas, Ravi and Chenab

▪ (2). Ravi, Chenab and Jhelum

▪ (3). Satluj, Beas and Ravi

▪ (4). Satluj, Ravi and Jhelum

Correct option : 1

Beas, Ravi and Chenab originates from Himahcal Pradesh.

Satluj originates from China. Jhelum originates from Jammu and Kashmir.

227
Q28. The Public Accounts Committee presents its
report to:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). The President of India

▪ (2). The Finance Minister

▪ (3). The Parliamentary Affairs Minister

▪ (4). The Parliament

Correct option : 4

Public Accounts Committe

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is a committee of selected members of Parliament,
constituted by the Parliament of India, for the auditing of the revenue and the expenditure of the
Government of India.

The PAC is formed every year with a strength of not more than 22 members of which 15 are from
Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Parliament, and 7 from Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the
Parliament. The term of office of the members is one year.

Q29. The Governor has the power to impose

Governor’s rule in the State of:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Tripura

▪ (2). Nagaland

▪ (3). Mizoram

▪ (4). Jammu & Kashmir

Correct option : 4

In the state of Jammu and Kashmir, failure of constitutional machinery results in Governor’s rule,
imposed by invoking Section 92 of the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir. The proclamation is
issued by the state’s Governor after obtaining the consent of the President of India. If it is not
possible to revoke Governor’s rule within six months of imposition then the President’s Rule under
Article 356 of the Indian Constitution is imposed.

Q30. Which Indian city has the highest population

according to 2011 Census?
Choose an option:

228
 ▪ (1). Kolkata

▪ (2). New Delhi

▪ (3). Chennai

▪ (4). Mumbai

Correct option : 4

According to 2011 census, top 5 cities by population are -

1. Mumbai has around 12.44 million people

2. Delhi has 11 million people

3. Bangalore has 8.44 million people

4. Hyderabad has 6.7 million people

5. Ahmadabad has 5.5 million people

Q31. ‘Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan Yojna’ is associated with:

Choose an option:

▪ (1). The Development of Bihar

▪ (2). Community toilets in slum areas

▪ (3). Construction of Houses for low income groups

▪ (4). None of the above

Correct option : 2

Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan

Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan, a sanitation program started by Govt of India in 1999 with a motive to
create awareness about the importance of sanitation particularly among rural in Rural India.

Q32. Fly ash is environment pollutant produced by:

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Thermal power plant

▪ (2). Oil Refinery

▪ (3). Fertiliser Plant

▪ (4). Strip mining

Correct option : 1

229
Fly ash

Fly ash is a fine powder which is a byproduct from burning pulverized coal in electric generation
power plants

Fly ash is a pozzolan, a substance containing aluminous and siliceous material that forms cement in
the presence of water. When mixed with lime and water it forms a compound similar to Portland
cement.

Q33. What is the capital of Republic of South Sudan?

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Khartoum

▪ (2). Juba

▪ (3). Omdurman

▪ (4). Bengui

Correct option : 2

Juba

Juba is the capital and largest city of the Republic of South Sudan. It also serves as the capital of
Jubek State, one of the 28 states of South Sudan. The city is situated on the White Nile and functions
as the seat and metropolis of Juba County.

Q34. What is the name of first Indian Research Station

in the Arctic?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Himadri

▪ (2). Maitri

▪ (3). Bharati

▪ (4). Dakshin Gangotri

Correct option : 1

Himadri Station

Himadri Station is India’s first Arctic research station located at Spitsbergen, Svalbard, Norway. It is
located at the International Arctic Research base, Ny-Ålesund. It was inaugurated on the 1st of July,
2008 by the Minister of Earth Sciences. It was set up during India’s second Arctic expedition in June
2008. It is located at a distance of 1,200 kilometres (750 mi) from the North Pole.

230
Q35. Who has been given the 2011 Sahitya Academy
Award?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Namavar Singh

▪ (2). Doodhnath Singh

▪ (3). Kashinath Singh

▪ (4). Rajendra Yadav

Correct option : 3

Sahitya Academy Award

Sahitya Akademi Award is given each year, since 1955, by Sahitya Akademi (India’s National
Academy of Letters), to writers and their works, for their outstanding contribution to the
upliftment of Indian literature and Hindi literature in particular. No Award was conferred in 1962.

in 2011, Kashinath Singh won the Sahitya Academy Award for his work "Rehan Par Ragghu"

Q36. With which activity is Magsaysay awardees

Rajendra Singh associated?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Human Rights

▪ (2). Child Welfare

▪ (3). Environmental issues

▪ (4). Water Conservation

Correct option : 4

Dr. Rajendra Singh

Born on 9 August 1959, is a well-known water conservationist from Alwar district, Rajasthan in
India. Also known as "waterman of India", he won the Stockholm Water Prize, an award known as
"the Nobel Prize for water", in 2015.

He had also won Ramon Magsaysay Award for community leadership in 2001 for his pioneering
work in community-based efforts in water harvesting and water management.

231
Q37. After Subhash Chandra Bose resigned from the
President ship of Congress in 1939 who became the
party president?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Pattabhi Sitaramayya

▪ (2). Maulana Azad

▪ (3). Rajendra Prasad

▪ (4). Jaya Prakash Narayan

Correct option : 3

Rajendra Prasad replaced Bose after the session on Subash Chandra Bose’s resignation.

Q38. Who were the two prominent leaders of Home

Rule League?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Tilak and Annie Besant

▪ (2). Tilak and Feroz Shah Mehta

▪ (3). Annie Besant and B.C. Pal

▪ (4). B.C. Pal and Tilak

Correct option : 1

Home Rule Movement (1916 - 1918)

The Indian Home Rule movement was a movement in British India on the lines of Irish Home Rule
movement and other home rule movements. The movement lasted around two years between
1916–1918 and is believed to have set the stage for the independence movement under the
leadership of Mahatma Gandhi.

Major Leaders

1. Annie Besant (who was of Irish origin and a firm supporter of Irish home rule movement)

2. Bal Gangadhar Tilak

3. Sir S. Subramania Iyer

Q39. Environment planning organization is:

Choose an option:

232
 ▪ (1). CECRI

▪ (2). NEERI

▪ (3). ICAR

▪ (4). CEPHERI

Correct option : 2

NEERI
The National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) is a research institute created
and funded by Government of India. It was established in Nagpur in 1958 with focus on water
supply, sewage disposal, communicable diseases and to some extent on industrial pollution and
occupational diseases found common in post-independent India. NEERI is a pioneer laboratory in
the field of environmental science and engineering and part of Council of Scientific and Industrial
Research (CSIR).

NEERI falls under the Ministry of Science and Technology of central Government.

Q40. Shallow lake with rich organic products are

called:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Heterotrophic

▪ (2). Eutrophic

▪ (3). Mesotrophic

▪ (4). Oligotrophic

Correct option : 2

Eutrophic

A Eutrophic lake is characterized by an abundant accumulation of nutrients that support a dense

growth of algae and other organisms, the decay of which depletes the shallow waters of oxygen in
summer.

In simple words, a lake which is rich in nutrients but low in oxygen.

Q41. Which of the following plans is meant for

constructing houses for rural people?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Indira Awas Yojna

233
 ▪ (2). Ambedkar Awas Yojna

▪ (3). PURA

▪ (4). None of the above

Correct option : 1

Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awaas Yojana (PMGAY), previously Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY), is a social
welfare flagship programme, created by the Indian Government, to provide housing for the rural
poor in India. Indira Awaas Yojana was launched by Rajiv Gandhi, the then Prime Minister of India,
as one of the major flagship programs of the Ministry of Rural Development to construct houses for
BPL population in the villages.

A similar scheme for urban poor was launched in 2015 as Housing for All by 2022.

Q42. In 1943, Muslim League ministers were installed

in four provinces. Two of them were Sind and NWFP.
Which were the other two?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Punjab and Bengal

▪ (2). Assam and Punab

▪ (3). Bengal and Assam

▪ (4). Bengal and U.P.

Correct option : 3

In 1943, Muslim League ministries had been installed in Assam (August 1942), Sind (October 1942),
Bengal (March 1943) and N.W.F.P. (May 1943).

Q43. At which venue did the 1907 A.D. split in Congress

Party take place?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Benaras

▪ (2). Calcutta

▪ (3). Nagpur

▪ (4). Surat

Correct option : 4

At the Surat Split 1907, congress leaders split into two groups – moderates and extremists. The Rift
between these two sections became apparent at the Banaras Session (1905) when some nationalist-

234
led by Tilak denounced the method of the moderates and suggested passive resistance. They also
advocated the boycott of British goods and government institutions. At the end of this session,
Lokmanya Tilak, and his followers held a separate conference and announced the formation of the
Extremist Party. However, they decided to work as a part of the Indian National Congress.

Q44. Tarapore Committee was associated with which

one of the following?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Special Economic Zones

▪ (2). Full Capital Account convertibility

▪ (3). Foreign exchange reserves

▪ (4). Effect of oil prices on the Indian Economy

Correct option : 2

The Committee on Capital Account Convertibility (CAC) or Tarapore Committee was constituted by
the Reserve Bank of India for suggesting a roadmap on full convertibility of Rupee on Capital
Account. The committee submitted its report in May 1997.
The Tarapore committee observed that the Capital controls can be useful in insulating the economy
of the country from the volatile capital flows during the transitional periods and also in providing
time to the authorities, so that they can pursue discretionary domestic policies to strengthen the
initial conditions.

Q45. The Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats meet

at:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Anaimalai Hills

▪ (2). Anaimudi Hills

▪ (3). Nilgiri Hills

▪ (4). Palni Hills

Correct option : 3

The meeting point of the western and Eastern Ghats in the Nilgiri Hills has the highest point at
Doda Betta Peak.

Q46. Rusting of iron is:

Choose an option:

▪ (1). An electrochemical process

235
 ▪ (2). A photochemical process

▪ (3). An electroanalytical process

▪ (4). All of the above

Correct option : 1

Rusting of any metal(corrosion) takes place on the basis of electrochemical reactions(oxidation and
reduction) on the surface of metal. Usually corrosion takes place in presence of moisture and it is
called wet corrosion.Environment of the metal place very important role in corrosion, especially
oxygen, water vapour, acidic and basic medium.

Q47. The urine sample of a diabetic patient contains

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Sucrose

▪ (2). Fructose

▪ (3). Glucose

▪ (4). All of the above

Correct option : 3

Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. The
urine sample of a diabetic patient contains Glucose.

Q48. The quality of diesel oil for use in diesel engines

is determined by:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). The composition of the oil

▪ (2). The octane number

▪ (3). Cetane number

▪ (4). The amount of additive added

Correct option : 3

Cetane is a colorless, liquid hydrocarbon (a molecule from the alkane series) that ignites easily
under compression. For this reason, it was given a base rating of 100 and is used as the standard
measure of the performance of compression ignition fuels, such as diesel fuel and biodiesel.

236
Q49. Which of the following is used as moderators in
nuclear reactors?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Graphite

▪ (2). Paraffin

▪ (3). Heavy water

▪ (4). All of the above

Correct option : 4

The moderator of a nuclear reactor is a substance that slows neutrons down. In traditional nuclear
reactors, water is used as moderato. When fast neutrons strike the hydrogen atoms in H2O, they
slow down a lot. There are other good moderators like graphite, Paraffin, beryllium, and more.

Q50. The 40 years war between ancient Aryan king

Divodas and Shamber resulted in the defeat of:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Sakas

▪ (2). Khasas

▪ (3). Kirats

▪ (4). Kinnars

Correct option : 3

The Kirata’s powerful king was "Shambar", who fought against the Aryan King ‘Divodas’. Rishi
Bharadawaj was the advisor of the Aryan King’ Divodas’ . The war between the two lasted for 40
years and has been discussed in the Rig Veda by Rishi Vashishta and Vamdeva. Shambar and his
ally, Verchi were killed at a place named ‘Udubraj’. Divodas was succeeded by his son ‘Sudas’ and
Bharadwaj by Rishi Vashishta.

Q51. Who built the Lakshmi Narayan Temple at

Chamba?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Meru Varman

▪ (2). Sahil Varman

▪ (3). Lakshmi Varman

▪ (4). Lalit Varman

237
Correct option : 2

The Lakshmi Narayan temple complex, situated in Chamba district, was built in the 10th century by
Raja Sahil Verman. It has been built to suit the local climatic conditions with wooden chatries and
has a shikara, and a sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagriha), with an antarala and a mantapa.

Q52. Which of the following is not a natural polymer?

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Wool

▪ (2). Silk

▪ (3). Cotton

▪ (4). Teflon

Correct option : 4

Teflon is a synthetic polymer (fluoropolymer of tetrafluoroethylene), while Wool, Silk and Cotton
are natural polymers.

Q53. When mild steel is heated to a high temprature

and suddenly cooled in water, it becomes hard and
brittle. The process is called:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Hardening

▪ (2). Annealing

▪ (3). Quenching

▪ (4). Tempering

Correct option : 3

In materials science, quenching is the rapid cooling of a workpiece to obtain certain material
properties. This method is commonly used to harden steel.

Q54. Which Raja’s wooing of Nokhu Gaddan is

depicted in the "Raja-Gaddan" love lyric?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Man Singh of Jaswan

▪ (2). Sri Singh of Chamba

▪ (3). Bir Singh of Nurpur

238
 ▪ (4). Sansar Chand of Kangra

Correct option : 4

Sansar Chand was romantically inclined, and apart from his three queens from Suket, Sirmaur and
Bara Banghal, he also married Nokhu, a Gaddan beauty. The romance of Sansar Chand and Nokhu,
the Gaddan beauty, later on ennobled and named Gulab Dassi, is celebrated in Kangra folk songs.

Q55. For distribution of essential commodities all

families in Himachal Pradesh have been divided into
four categories. Two of them are: Below Poverty Line
(BPL), and Above Poverty Line (APL) families. Which
are the other two are?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Antodaya and Scheduled Caste families

▪ (2). Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe families

▪ (3). Annapurna and Scheduled Caste families

▪ (4). Annapurna and Antodaya families

Correct option : 4

One of the main constituents of the Govt. strategy for poverty alleviation is Targeted Public
Distribution System (T.P.D.S.) which ensures availability of essential commodities like Wheat, Rice,
Levy Sugar and Kerosene through a net work of 4,131 Fair Price Shops for distribution of the
essential commodities. The total families have been divided in four categories viz.

(i) Above Poverty Line (APL),

(ii) Below Poverty Line (BPL),

(iii) Antyodaya (Poorest) and

(iv) Annapurna (Indigient).

Q56. Dr. Piyush Guleri’s award winning work,

"Chhaunte" is a …………………….
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Novel

▪ (2). Natak(Drama)

▪ (3). Kavita (Poem)

239
 ▪ (4). Essay

Correct option : 3

Dr. Piyush Guleri’s award winning work, "Chhaunte" is a Poem.

Q57. According to 2011 census which district of

Himachal Pradesh has the lowest female literacy rate?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Kullu

▪ (2). Kinnaur

▪ (3). Chamba

▪ (4). Lahul Spiti

Correct option : 3

According to 2011 census Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh has the lowest female literacy rate.

Q58. On which issue did several Panchayats of Nichar

Sub-division boycotted the December 2010-January
2011 Panchayat election?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Opposition of cement factory

▪ (2). Demand for better rooad connectivity

▪ (3). Demand for better marketing facilities for apple and other fruits

▪ (4). Opposition to Karcham Wangtoo Hydel Project

Correct option : 4

Several Panchayats of Nichar Sub-division boycotted the December 2010-January 2011 Panchayat
election to oppose the Karcham Wangtoo Hydel Project.
They are saying the 1,000 MW Karcham Wangtoo Hydroelectric Project has not only compromised
with their traditional water and forest rights but also affected their livelihood.

Q59. Almost 90% of the world’s annual fish supply

comes form:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Inland waters

240
 ▪ (2). The coast of Peru

▪ (3). The Continental shelf

▪ (4). The open seas

Correct option : 2

Q60. A polymer which is used for making ropes and

carpet fibres is:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Polyacetylene

▪ (2). Polypropylene

▪ (3). Polyacrylonitrile

▪ (4). PVC

Correct option : 2

Polypropylene (PP), also known as polypropene, is a thermoplastic polymer used in a wide variety
of applications including packaging and labeling, textiles (e.g., ropes, thermal underwear and
carpets), stationery, plastic parts and reusable containers of various types, laboratory equipment,
loudspeakers, automotive components.

Q61. The bleaching action of chlorine occurs in the

presence of:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Moisture

▪ (2). Sunlight

▪ (3). Pure oxygen

▪ (4). Pure sulphur dioxide

Correct option : 1

Chlorine bleaches by the process of oxidation. It needs moisture for its bleaching action. Chlorine
reacts with water to form hydrochloric and hypochlorous acids. Hypochlorous acid is unstable, and
it easily dissociates to form nascent oxygen.

Q62. The maximum limit of Foreign Direct Investment

(FDI) in public sector banking is
Choose an option:

241
 ▪ (1). 51%

▪ (2). 50%

▪ (3). 33%

▪ (4). 49%

Correct option : 4

maximum limit of FDI in public sector banking is 49%

Q63. The Pennines (Europe), Appalachians (America)

and the Aravallis (India) are examples of:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Old Mountains

▪ (2). Young Mountains

▪ (3). Fold Mountains

▪ (4). Block Mountains

Correct option : 1

The major difference between young and old mountains is the level of erosion within an entire
mountain range. Pennines, Appalachians and Aravallis are example of Old Mountains, while
Himalayas are relatively young and still growing.

Q64. Three important rivers of the Indian

Subcontinent have their sources near Mansarovar
Lake in the Great Himalayas. These rivers are:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Indus, Jhelum and Satluj

▪ (2). Brahmaputra, Satluj and Yamuna

▪ (3). Brahmaputra, Indus and Satluj

▪ (4). Jhelum, Satluj and Yamuna

Correct option : 3

Brahmaputra, Indus and Satluj have their origin near to Mansarovar Lake in the Great Himalayas.

242
Q65. Which one of the following is no longer a source
of Income of urban local bodies in Punjab, Haryana
and Himachal Pradesh?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). House Tax

▪ (2). Toll Tax

▪ (3). Fee

▪ (4). Octroi

Correct option : 4

Octroi has been abolished in Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh

Q66. As per 13th Finance Commission

Recommendations during 2010-15, transfers to the
states in the form of ‘grant-in-aid’ are
expected to be: Choose an option:

▪ (1). Rs. 44,000 crore

▪ (2). Rs. 1,64,832 crore

▪ (3). Rs. 3,18,581 crore

▪ (4). Rs. 1,07,552 crore

Correct option : 3

Q67. The Production of most metallic minerals is

affected by each of the following, except:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Distance to the market

▪ (2). Quantity available

▪ (3). Richness of the ore

▪ (4). Weight of the ore

Correct option : 4

243
Chapter 7. 2010 HPAS Solved Paper
This PDF Booklet contains 2010 HPAS Solved Paper. Explanation is
provided by Shunya Foundation Team. 2010 Solved Paper in English for General
Studies Paper 1

Q1. The definition of Biosphere is:

Choose an option:

▪ (1). The earth and its atmosphere which is inhabited by living organisms

▪ (2). All living organisms on earth

▪ (3). All the plants on earth

▪ (4). All the animals on earth

Correct option : 1

Fig. The biosphere is made up of the parts of Earth where life exists.

The biosphere surrounds the Earth along with the lithosphere (rock), hydrosphere (water) and
atmosphere (air) . In fact, it is the place on Earth’s surface where life dwells. Hence, the earth and
its atmosphere which is inhabited by living organisms is called as Biosphere.

Q2. Rhododendron is the characteristic vegetation of:

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Tropical zone

▪ (2). Alpine zone

244
 ▪ (3). Mangrove belt

▪ (4). Gangetic plane

Correct option : 2

_Fig. Rhododendron

Rhododendron is a keystone species of sub-alpine and alpine regions of the Himalaya of Northern
India.
These species have considerable ecological and economic importance. In western Himalaya, the
wood of the species is used for fuel, flowers used to made into herbal drink. The drink is considered
medicinal for heart diseases, bark used for digestive disorders. Due to anthropogenic interference
associated with habitat destruction, climate change and over-exploitation have collectively put
pressure on its natural population.

Q3. Some reliable indicators of pollutions are:

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Ferns and Cycas

▪ (2). Algae and liverworts

▪ (3). Lichens and mosses

▪ (4). Neem tree and Eichhornia

Correct option : 3

245
Figure 9. Lichens

Figure 10. Mosses

Lichens are composite organisms in which a single species of fungus lives symbiotically with one
or more algal species. Mosses are non-vascular plants. They produce spores for reproduction
instead of seeds and don’t grow flowers, wood or true roots. Since mosses and lichens lack roots,
surface absorption of rainfall is the only means of obtaining vital nutrients which are dissolved in
rainwater. Pollution content accumulates within the lichens and mosses reach a level where it
breaks down the chlorophyll molecules which are responsible for photosynthesis in the algae.
Hence, the algae die and this leads to the death of the fungus.

Mosses are reliable indicators of air pollution risks to ecosystems. Hence, Lichens and mosses as
reliable indicators of air pollution and heavy metals pollution.

Q4. Gas released during Bhopal gas tragedy was:

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Sodium isocynate

▪ (2). Ethyl isocynate

▪ (3). Potassium isocynate

▪ (4). Methyl Isocynate

Correct option : 4

246
The Bhopal disaster or Bhopal gas tragedy was an industrial accident. It happened at a Union
Carbide subsidiary pesticide plant in the city of Bhopal, India. On 3 December 1984, the plant
released 42 tonnes of toxic methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas, exposing more than 500,000 people to toxic
gases.

Q5. Human eye is sensitive to the wavelength in the

range of:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). 300-390 nm

▪ (2). 300-360 nm

▪ (3). 380-760 nm

▪ (4). 790-800 nm

Correct option : 3

Fig. Human Eye

The human eye is sensible to light wave which wavelength is roughly between 400 nm (violet) and
700 nm (red). That range reflects the wavelengths of sunlight which reach the Earth’s surface with
sufficient intensity to excite the cells on our retinae. Wavelengths shorter than 400 nm (ultraviolet,
UV) or longer than 700 nm (infrared, IR) are not visible.

Q6. Who built the old fort (Purana Qila) in Delhi?

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Sher Shah

▪ (2). Jahangir

▪ (3). Shah Jahan

▪ (4). Akbar

Correct option : 1

Purana Qila (Old Fort) is one of the oldest forts in Delhi. Its current form was built by Sher Shah

247
Suri, the founder of the Sur Empire during 1500-1545.

Q7. Under the Constitution of India who is the

guardian of fundamental rights?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Parliament

▪ (2). President

▪ (3). Judiciary

▪ (4). Cabinet

Correct option : 3

There are three Pillars of Democracy -

1. Legislature: One who enacts the law.

2. Executive: One who implements the law.

3. Judiciary: One who upholds the law.

Judiciary is responsible for guarding the fundamental rights of Indian Citizens.

Q8. MNREGA programme is related to:

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Rural employment

▪ (2). Urban employment

▪ (3). Education for all

▪ (4). Public health

Correct option : 1

MNREGA stands for "Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act"

Key Points -

1. Starting from 200 districts on 2 February.. 2006, the NREGA covered all the districts of India
from 1 April 2008

2. It provided minimum 100 days of wage employment to unskilled manual work every financial
year.

3. It is applicable to Rural Areas.

248
Q9. Which one among the following countries is not a
member of SAARC?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Afghanistan

▪ (2). Bhutan

▪ (3). Maldives

▪ (4). Myanmar

Correct option : 4

SAARC stands for South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation

Countries included in SAARC are -
1. Afghanistan
2. Bangladesh
3. Bhutan
4. India
5. Nepal
6. Maldives
7. Pakistan
8. Sri Lanka

SAARC comprises 3% of the world’s area, 21% of the world’s population and 3.8% (US$ 2.9 trillion)
of the global economy, as of 2015.

Q10. What is the roughly ratio between the population

density of Himachal Pradesh and India as per the
provisional figures of 2011 Census of India?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). 1:2

▪ (2). 1:3

▪ (3). 1:4

▪ (4). 1:5

Correct option : 2

As per Niti Aayog,

Population Density of India as of 2011 is 382, while that of Himachal is 123, so national population
density if 3 times more than that of Himachal Pradesh.

249
Q11. Asbestos is no longer preferred for commercial
use because:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). It causes lung cancer

▪ (2). Its structures are very weak

▪ (3). It is not sound proof

▪ (4). It catches fire

Correct option : 1

When Asbestos is inhaled, it does get deposited in lung tissue or in the linings of lungs and can
cause cancer in both locations. Asbestos lodged in lung tissue cause lung cancer and in pleural
lining causes pleural mesothelioma.

Q12. Hemorrhagic dengue fever is spread by:

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Aedes fluviatilis

▪ (2). Aedes albimenus

▪ (3). Aedes aegyptii

▪ (4). Aedes meristica

Correct option : 3

Aedes aegypti is a mosquito that can spread various viral diseases like Dengue fever, chikungunya,
zika virus and yellow fever. This mosquito has white marking on its legs as the identification sign. It
mostly bites in early morning or late afternoon. Male mosquitos do not bite or spread disease.

Q13. In which district of Himachal Pradesh is Uhal

Hydroelectric Project located?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Mandi

▪ (2). Chamba

▪ (3). Shimla

▪ (4). Kullu

Correct option : 1

250
Uhal Hydroelectric Project is Located in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh.

Q14. Who was the founder of Satyashodhak Samaj?

Choose an option:

▪ (1). B.G. Tilak

▪ (2). Jyotiba Phule

▪ (3). Narayan Guru

▪ (4). B.R. Ambedkar

Correct option : 2

Satyashodhak Samaj was a social reform society established by Jyotirao Phule in Pune, India, on 24
September 1873. Its purpose was to liberate the Shudra and Untouchable castes from exploitation
and oppression.

Q15. Where was the Headquarters of Ghadar Party?

Choose an option:

▪ (1). New York

▪ (2). Los Angles

▪ (3). San Francisco, USA

▪ (4). London

Correct option : 3

On April 21,1913, the Indians of San Francisco, USA assembled and formed the Ghadar Party
(Revolution Party). The aim of the Ghadar Party was to get rid of the slavery caused by the British
for the people of India. The British had been ruling India as a colony of the British Empire for over
100 years.

251
Q16. Which part of the world has a high density of
organisms?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Grasslands

▪ (2). Savannah

▪ (3). Deciduos forests

▪ (4). Tropical rain forests

Correct option : 4

Tropical rain forests have the highest density of organisms.

Q17. Carbon Dioxide absorbs strongly in Infrared

region and its presence in atmosphere decreases the
loss of heat from Earth by radiations. This is called?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Carbon Dioxide burning

▪ (2). Carbon Dioxide recycling

▪ (3). Carbon recycling

▪ (4). Greenhouse effect

Correct option : 4

Greenhouse effect is the process by which radiations from a planet’s atmosphere warms the
planet’s surface to a temperature above than what it would have been without its atmosphere.

Carbon Dioxide is produced by fossil fuel burning and other activities like Cement production and
Tropical deforestation. Its presence in atmosphere has increased from 313 parts per million in 1960
to 400 ppm in 2013.

Carbon recycling is the process of using Carbon Dioxide, water and electricity to create Methanol
Fuel.

Q18. During whose viceroyalty was the Vernacular

Press Act enacted?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Lord Curzon

▪ (2). Lord Morley

252
 ▪ (3). Lord Lytton

▪ (4). Lord Ripon

Correct option : 3

Proposed by Lord Lytton, then viceroy of India (governed 1876–80), the Vernacular Press Act was
intended to prevent the vernacular press from expressing criticism of British policies.

Q19. In which district of Himachal Pradesh is Surajtal

Lake ?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Kullu

▪ (2). Lahul and Spiti

▪ (3). Chamba

▪ (4). Sirmaur

Correct option : 2

Suraj Tal lies just below the Bara-lacha-la pass (4,890m) in the Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal
Pradesh. It is the third highest lake in India. Suraj Tal Lake is the source of Bhaga River which joins
the Chandra River downstream at Tandi to form the Chenab River.

Q20. Freon causes great environmental damage. They

are :
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Mixed Carbon gases

▪ (2). Mixed Chlorofluoro hydro-carbons

▪ (3). Mixed sulphur gases

▪ (4). Free gases

Correct option : 2

253
Mixed chlorofluoro hydrocarbons (CFCs) such as CFCl3, CF2Cl2 and CF3Cl are known as freons.
They were introduced as refrigerants in the 1930s. They are used as propellants in pressurized
aerosol cans also. In the stratosphere they release chlorine atoms under the influence of intense
short-wave ultraviolet radiation.

Q21. What is an archipelago?

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Ring-shaped coral reef

▪ (2). A type of iceberg

▪ (3). A geological age

▪ (4). A group of large number of Islands

Correct option : 4

An archipelago is a group of islands closely scattered in a body of water. Usually, this body of water
is the ocean, but it can also be a lake or river. Most archipelagoes are made of oceanic islands. This
means the islands were formed by volcanoes erupting from the ocean floor.
Volcanoes do not form all archipelagoes. Many archipelagoes are continental islands formed only
after the last ice age. As glaciers retreated, sea levels rose and low-lying valleys were flooded.
Coastal mountain ranges became archipelagoes just off the mainland.

Q22. Siul stream is a tributary of river?

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Chenab

▪ (2). Yamuna

▪ (3). Ravi

▪ (4). Beas

Correct option : 3

Siul stream is a tributary of Ravi river.

254
Q23. Balwant Rai Mehta Committee is related to:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Panchayati Raj System

▪ (2). Centre-State Relations

▪ (3). Rural Development

▪ (4). Electoral Reforms

Correct option : 1

Balwantrai Mehta Committee was the first Committee set up in 1957 to look into the problems of
democratic decentralization in independent India. In 1957, the committee recommended for the
introduction of three-tier Panchayati Raj System in India.
These three-tires are
1. the Gram-Panchayats at the village level or at the bottom,
2. the Panchayat Samiti at the block level or in the middle and
3. the Zilla Parishad at the district leve

Q24. Which term is used for imaginary lines joining

the places of equal rainfall?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Isochrone

▪ (2). Isohyet

▪ (3). Isoseismal

▪ (4). Isoneph

Correct option : 2

isohyet is a line drawn on a weather map connecting points that receive equal amounts of
precipitation during a given period of time.

255
Q25. Freons cause great environmental damage. They
are:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Mixed Carbon gases

▪ (2). Mixed chlorofluoro hydrocarbons

▪ (3). Mixed sulphur gases

▪ (4). Free gases

Correct option : 2

CFC (Chlorofluorocarbon) is an organic compound that contains Carbon, Chlorine and Fluoride and
produced as volatile derivatives of methane, ethane and propane. Most common is RF-12 or Freon-
12. As CFCs contribute to Ozone depletion in upper atmosphere, these are slowly replaced by
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) e.g. R-134a.

Q26. What is relevant to the Golden Quadrilateral in

India?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Airways

▪ (2). Railways

▪ (3). Roadways

▪ (4). National electricity grid

Correct option : 3

Golden Quadrilateral is a network of highways connecting India’s four top metropolitan cities,
namely Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata, thereby, forming a quadrilateral. The overall length of
the quadrilateral is 5,846 km consisting of four/six lane express highways.

Q27. Which of the following is not a plant hormone?

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Cytokinin

▪ (2). Auxin

▪ (3). Calcium

▪ (4). Gibberellin

Correct option : 3

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Calcium is a chemical element and atomic number 20. Its fifth most abundant element by mass in
Earth’s crust. It’s an important constituent of bone, teeth and shells. Calcium carbonate and calcium
citrate are often taken as dietary supplements and is on list of World Health Organisation’s (WHO)
list of Essential Medicines.

Cytokinin is a class of plant growth substance that promotes cell division or cytokinesis, in plant
roots and shoots. They are involved primarily in cell growth and differentiation but also affect
apical dominance. Auxin are plant hormones with some morphogen-like characteristics. Auxins
have a cardinal role in coordination of many growth and behavioural processes in plant’s life cycle.

Gibberellins are plant hormones that regulates growth and influence various developmental
process like stem elongation, germination, dormancy, flowering, enzyme induction and leaf and
fruit senescence.

Q28. What is the silicon valley of United States of

America famous for?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Apple cultivation

▪ (2). Petrochemicals

▪ (3). Electronics

▪ (4). Tourism

Correct option : 3

Silicon Valley is the southern part of the San Francisco Bay Area in California in the United States.
Its is famous for electronics.

Q29. What is the density of population at national

level in India according to 2011 census?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). 326 persons per square kilometer

▪ (2). 367 persons per square kilometer

▪ (3). 382 persons per square kilometer

▪ (4). 398 persons per square kilometer

Correct option : 3

As per 2011 census, India has a population density of 382 person per square kilometer.

Key Points
1. Himachal Pradesh has 123 person per square km.

257
2. Delhi has highest of 11, 297 person per square km.

3. Chandigarh has 9252 person per square km.

4. Arunachal Pradesh has least population density of 17 person per square km.

Q30. Which mountain range separates Sirmaur from

Shimla?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Choor Chandani

▪ (2). Chanshal

▪ (3). Hattoo

▪ (4). Shali

Correct option : 1

Choor Chandni or Churdhar range of mountains separate district Shimla from district Sirmour in
Himachal Pradesh.

Q31. Who amongst the following can be the chairman

of National Human Rights Commission?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Any serving judge of the Supreme Court

▪ (2). Any serving judge of High Court

▪ (3). A retired Chief Justice of Supreme Court

▪ (4). A retired Chief Justice of High Court

Correct option : 3

NHRC (National Human Rights Commission)

The Rights Commission (NHRC) of India is an autonomous public body constituted on 12 October
1993 under the Protection of Human Rights Ordinance. The NHRC is the National Human Rights
Commission of India, responsible for the protection and promotion of human rights, defined by the
Act as "rights relating to life, liberty, equality and dignity of the individual guaranteed by the
Constitution or embodied in the International Covenants".

Chairman of NHRC

A Chairperson, should be retired Chief Justice of India

258
2016 Chairperson

Justice H.L. Dattu was appointed as the chair person on 29 Feb-2016

Q32. Antibodies are found in:

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Platelets

▪ (2). RBC

▪ (3). Lymphocytes

▪ (4). Eosinophils

Correct option : 3

B Lymphocytes
B lymphocytes produce antibodies - proteins (gamma globulins) that recognize foreign substances
(antigen) and attach themselves to them. B lymphocytes (or B cells) are each programmed to make
one specific antibody.

Q33. Night Blindness is caused by the deficiency of:

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Vitamin A

▪ (2). Vitamin B6

▪ (3). Vitamin B12

▪ (4). Vitamin C

Correct option : 1

Night blindness (nyctalopia)

Night blindness (nyctalopia) is the inability to see well at night or in poor light. It is not a disease in
itself, but rather a symptom of an underlying problem, usually a retina problem.

Causes of Night Blindless

Night blindness has many causes, including:

1. Vitamin A deficiency

2. Myopia

3. Glucoma

259
Q34. India is at which state of the following stages of
Demographic transition?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Population level stabilizes with number of births and deaths being low and equal

▪ (2). Birth rates and death rates are both low

▪ (3). Reduction in birth rate but the reduction in death rate is higher than reduction in
birth rate

▪ (4). Reduction in morality rate while birth rate continues to be high

Correct option : 3

Birth rate in India is reducing but the reduction in death rate is higher than reduction in birth rate.

Birth Rate per women has decreased from 6 (births per women) in 1960 to 2.43 in 2014.

Q35. Consider the following related to Sarva Shiksha

Abhiyan(SSA) being implemented in partnership with
the States for addressing the needs of children:
(1) Enrollment of all children in school

(2) Addressing the need of child in the age group of 6-10

(3) Setting up Education Guarantee Centres(EGC), Alternate Schools etc.

(4) Bridging of gender and social category gaps in enrollment with retention and learning

Which of the above is not correct? Choose an option:

▪ (1). (1) and (3)

▪ (2). (2) alone

▪ (3). (3) and (4)

▪ (4). (3) alone

Correct option : 2

Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan is an Indian Government programme aimed at the universalisation of

elementary education. It is working on free and compulsory education to children between the ages
of 6 to 14. The programme was pioneered by former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

260
Q36. Which one of the following led to the Malogaon
Committee to recommend for interest rate cap for
micto-finance institutions?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Promoters of micro-finance institutions growing rich

▪ (2). High interest rate leading to suicides

▪ (3). Small loans offered to micro-enterprises

▪ (4). Borrowers stopped repaying loans

Correct option : 2

Aimed at reviving the crisis- ridden micro finance sector, a Reserve Bank of India Committee on
Wednesday suggested that micro finance institutions (MFIs) be allowed to charge a maximum
interest of 24 per cent on small loans which cannot exceed Rs.25,000.

Suicides due to high interest rate led to the Malogaon Committee to recommend for interest rate
cap for micto-finance institutions.

Q37. Consider the following in relation with Corporate

tax:
(1) Total turnover of the company

(2) Profit after distribution of dividend

(3) Profit before distribution of dividend

(4) Capital employed in the company

Which one of the above is the basis of corporate tax? Choose an option:

▪ (1). (1) alone

▪ (2). (2) alone

▪ (3). (3) alone

▪ (4). (4) alone

Correct option : 3

A dividend is the distribution of ‘after tax profits’ to the shareholders of a limited company. Most
systems that tax corporations also impose income tax on shareholders of corporations when
earnings are distributed. Such distribution of earnings is generally referred to as a dividend. The
tax may be at reduced rates.

261
Q38. Consider the following taxes:
(1) Sales tax

(2) Income tax

(3) Corporate tax

(4) Entertainment tax

Which of the above taxes are levied by the State government and not shared by Central
Government? Choose an option:

▪ (1). (1) and (2) only

▪ (2). (2) and (3) only

▪ (3). (3) and (4) only

▪ (4). (1) and (4) only

Correct option : 4

Taxes Levied by the State are Sales Tax and VAT, Professional Tax, Stamp Duty, Luxury Tax,
Entertainment Tax, Motor Vehicles Tax, Tax on Vehicles Entering State, Transportation of
Passengers and Goods Tax, Tax on Agricultural Income, Tax on Land and Buildings, Capitation
Taxes and Tax on Mineral Rights.

Q39. Which of the following is the highest export-

oriented handicrafts (in value terms) in India exports?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Gems and Ornaments

▪ (2). Leather goods

▪ (3). Brass goods

▪ (4). Ivory goods

Correct option : 1

Gems and Ornaments are the highest export oriented handicrafts.

Q40. Which one of the following represents at least in

part investment in human capital?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Formal education

▪ (2). On the job training

262
 ▪ (3). Better health care and nutrition

▪ (4). All of the above

Correct option : 4

Human Capital

Human capital is a collection of traits – all the knowledge, talents, skills, abilities, experience,
intelligence, training, judgment, and wisdom possessed individually and collectively by
individuals in a population. These resources are the total capacity of the people that
represents a form of wealth which can be directed to accomplish the goals of the nation or
state or a portion thereof.
The concept of human capital recognizes that not all labor is equal and that the quality of
employees can be improved by investing in them;

Q41. Which one of the following treaties was not

covered by Uruguay Round Negotiations, which
established WTO?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). General agreement on trade in Services

▪ (2). Trade related intellectual property rights

▪ (3). Trade related investment measures

▪ (4). General agreement on Environment Protction

Correct option : 4

The Uruguay Round was the 8th round of multilateral trade negotiations (MTN) conducted within
the framework of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), spanning from 1986 to 1994
and embracing 123 countries as "contracting parties". The Round led to the creation of the World
Trade Organization, with GATT remaining as an integral part of the WTO agreements.

Uruguay Round Negotiations covered following treaties:

1. The Agreement Establishing the WTO

2. The Multilateral Agreements on Trade in Goods including the GATT 1994 and the Trade Related
Investment Measures (TRIMS)

3. General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS))

4. Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS)

5. Dispute settlement (DSU)

6. Reviews of governments' trade policies (TPRM)

263
Q42. Who founded the Guler state?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Karam Chand

▪ (2). Hari Chand

▪ (3). Rup Chand

▪ (4). Prithvi Chand

Correct option : 2

Guler was a small state in the Lower Himalayas. Its capital was the town of Haripur Guler. The
kingdom was founded in 1415 by Raja Hari Chand.

Q43. On the basin of which river is Dodra Kawar

situated?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Pabbar

▪ (2). Tons

▪ (3). Yamuna

▪ (4). Giri

Correct option : 2

Dodra and Kwar are two villages on the opposite sides of the valley separated by Rupin river that
merges into Tons river. It borders with Uttarakhand.

Q44. In which year was ‘Swarna Jayanti Gram

Swarozgar Yojna’ launched in Himachal Pradesh?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). 1994-1995

▪ (2). 1999-2000

▪ (3). 2004-2005

▪ (4). 2007-2008

Correct option : 2

Swarna Jayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojna was launched in Himachal Pradesh fom the year 1999-2000.
This Yojana is a holistic package covering all aspect of self-employment such as organisation of poor
into Self Help Groups, Training, Credit, Technology, Infrastructure and Marketing. The beneficiaries

264
under this scheme are called "Swarozgaris. The objective of SGSY is to bring the assisted poor
families above the poverty line, by providing them income-generating assets.

Q45. 'Mukhya Mantri Bal Udhar Yojna’ of Himachal

Pradesh Government is restricted to the children
belonging to:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Scheduled caste families

▪ (2). Scheduled tribe families

▪ (3). BPL families

▪ (4). Scheduled caste and Scheduled tribe families

Correct option : 3

Mukhyamantri BaL Udhar Yojana

This scheme is for children in need of care and protection. Under the scheme destitute
children are provided free housing, food, clothing, health, and educational facilities through
Bal Balika Ashrams.

Q46. What is the architectural style of Jawalamukhi

temple in Kangra District?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Flat - roofed style

▪ (2). Pagoda Style

▪ (3). Pent-roofed style

▪ (4). Domed style

Correct option : 4

Dome style temples

This style is a new addition to the old architecture of temples in the hills. In this style domes
are rounded, elongated or flat. Jwalamukhi and Brajeshwari Devi in Kangra district,
Chintpurni in Una district and Naina Devi in Bilaspur district stand in this category.

265
Q47. Male literacy in the recent Census 2011 has
increased to:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). 77.14%

▪ (2). 79.14%

▪ (3). 81.14%

▪ (4). 83.14%

Correct option : 1

As per 2011 Census, male literacy has increased to 77.14%.

Q48. Indian agriculture has the following features:

(1) Dependence of agriculture on the monsoons

(2) Abolition of Zamindari

(3) Absence of trade unions in the agriculture sector

(4) Heavy pressure of population on Land

Which of the above is responsible for disguised unemployment in the agriculture? Choose an
option:

▪ (1). (1) alone

▪ (2). (1) and (2) only

▪ (3). (1), (2), (3) only

▪ (4). (4) only

Correct option : 4

Fig. Farmer in the field

266
The Disguised Unemployment refers to the work area where surplus manpower is employed out of
which some individuals have zero or almost zero marginal productivity such that if they are
removed the total level of output remains unchanged. Disguised unemployment exists frequently in
developing countries whose large populations create a surplus in the labor force. Since, India
population increasing rapidly, therefore, the land is not sufficient for the growing population. As a
result, there is heavy pressure on the land. In rural areas, most of the people depend directly on
land for their livelihood. Land is very limited in comparison to population. It creates the
unemployment situation for a large number of persons who depend on agriculture in rural areas.

Q49. Which one of the following is non-toxic?

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Cadmium

▪ (2). Mercury

▪ (3). Lead

▪ (4). Sodium

Correct option : 4

Cadmium, Mercury and Lead are extremely toxic, heavy metals. Sodium (Na) is non-toxic and
human body requires a minimum level of sodium in their body for its proper functioning. We
consume sodium in the form of Salt.

Q50. Carbohydrates are not used in:

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Food industry

▪ (2). Textile industry

▪ (3). Cosmetic industry

▪ (4). Paint industry

Correct option : 4

Carbohydrate are extensively used in food Industry, textile industry and cosmetic industry.

Q51. Nanotechnology is where particles of the

following size are used:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). 10 ^-9 m

▪ (2). 10 ⁹ m

▪ (3). 10 ^-9 cm

267
 ▪ (4). 10 ⁹ m

Correct option : 1

-9
Nanotechnology starts at 10 m (usually 1-100 nanometer)

Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology is the branch of technology that deals with dimensions and tolerances of less
than 100 nanometres, especially the manipulation of individual atoms and molecules.

Q52. Carbon dioxide absorbs the infrared radiations

and its presence in the atmosphere decreases the loss
of heat from earth by radiations.
This is called : Choose an option:

▪ (1). Carbon dioxide burning

▪ (2). Carbon dioxide recycling

▪ (3). Carbon recycling

▪ (4). Greenhouse Effect

Correct option : 4

The greenhouse effect increases the temperature of the Earth by trapping heat in our atmosphere.
This keeps the temperature of the Earth higher than it would be if direct heating by the Sun was the
only source of warming. When sunlight reaches the surface of the Earth, some of it is absorbed
which warms the ground and some bounces back to space as heat. Greenhouse gases like Carbon
dioxide that are in the atmosphere absorb and then redirect some of this heat back towards the
Earth.

The greenhouse effect is a major factor in keeping the Earth warm because it keeps some of the
planet’s heat that would otherwise escape from the atmosphere out to space. In fact, without the
greenhouse effect the Earth’s average global temperature would be much colder and life on Earth
as we know it would not be possible.

Q53. Which trench is located in the Pacific Ocean?

Choose an option:

▪ (1). Mariana

▪ (2). Romanche

▪ (3). Nicobar

▪ (4). Sunda

268
Correct option : 1

Mariana Trench is the deepest part of the world’s oceans. It is located in the western Pacific Ocean.

Q54. In which Indian State is the Tawang Buddhist

Monastery located?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Sikkim

▪ (2). Arunachal Pradesh

▪ (3). Himachal Pradesh

▪ (4). Bihar

Correct option : 2

Tawang Monastery is located in Arunachal Pradesh. It is the largest monastery in India and the
second largest in Asia. It was founded by Merak Lama Lodre Gyamtso in the year 1860-61 AD.

Q55. For which of the following functions was V.K.

Shunglu Committee constituted?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). To suggest measure to control inflation

▪ (2). To recommend administrative reforms

▪ (3). To draft lokpal bill

▪ (4). To probe financial irregularities in Commonwealth Games

Correct option : 4

The Prime Minister-appointed Shunglu Committee probe the "weaknesses" in management, alleged
misappropriation, irregularities and wrongdoing in the conduct of Commonwealth Games.

Q56. Who among the following was the speaker of first

Lok Sabha?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Sardar Gurmukh Nihal Singh

▪ (2). G.V. Malvankar

▪ (3). A.S. Ayangar

▪ (4). Balram Jakhar

269
Correct option : 2

Shri G.V. Mavalankar was the first Speaker of Lok Sabha (15 May 1952- 27 February 1956) and Shri
M. Ananthasayanam Ayyangar was the first Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha (30 May 1952-7 March
1956).

Q57. Which ancient Indian king wrote the three

dramas, i.e. Ratnavali, Priyadarshika and Nagananda?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Ashoka the Great

▪ (2). Chandragupta Maurya

▪ (3). Harsha Vardhana

▪ (4). Samudragupta

Correct option : 3

Harsha (c. 590–647 CE), also known as Harshavardhana, was an Indian emperor who ruled North
India from 606 to 647 CE. He was a member of the Pushyabhuti dynasty.

Harsha is widely believed to be the author of three Sanskrit plays Ratnavali, Nagananda and
Priyadarsika.

Q58. By which act was system of ‘Dyarchy’ introduced

during British rule in India?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Indian Councils Act, 1861

▪ (2). Government of India Act, 1919

▪ (3). Government of India Act, 1935

▪ (4). Government of India Act, 1909

Correct option : 2

Dyarchy, also spelled diarchy, system of double government introduced by the Government of India
Act (1919) for the provinces of British India. It marked the first introduction of the democratic
principle into the executive branch of the British administration of India.

Q59. Who was the Chairman of the first Union

Commission of Backward Classes of India?
Choose an option:

270
 ▪ (1). B.P. Mandal

▪ (2). Kaka Kalelkar

▪ (3). B.R. Ambedkar

▪ (4). Kanshi Ram

Correct option : 2

Adhering to Article 340 of the Constitution of India, the First Backward Classes Commission was set
up by a presidential order on 29 January 1953 under the chairmanship of Kaka Kalelkar

Q60. According to 2011 Census which of the following

districts of the state of the state of Haryana has the
lowest sex ratio?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Ambala

▪ (2). Rewari

▪ (3). Mahendergarh

▪ (4). Jhajjar

Correct option : 4

In the 2011 National Census, it was found that Jhajjar district has the lowest sex ratio in India of the
0-6 group, with just 782 girls to 1,000 boys. Two villages in Jhajjar have extremely low gender-ratios:
Bahrana and Dimana have gender ratios of 378 girls to 1,000 boys and 444 girls to 1,000 boys
respectively.

In Jhajjar, parents are able to illegally learn the gender of the fetus through secret
 early morning ultrasounds at registered clinics and through the use of code-words,
Ladoo for boy and Jalebi for girl; these families often go on to abort female fetuses

Q61. Which of the following countries is divided into

the largest number of time zones?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). China

▪ (2). Russia

▪ (3). Canada

▪ (4). United States of America

Correct option : 4

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A time zone is a region of the globe that observes a uniform standard time for legal, commercial,
and social purposes. Time zones tend to follow the boundaries of countries and their subdivisions
because it is convenient for areas in close commercial or other communication to keep the same
time.

Q62. In which form is phosphorus predominately

found in soil?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Orthophosphate

▪ (2). Phosphorus oxide

▪ (3). Phosphorus sulphide

▪ (4). Phosphoric acid

Correct option : 1

2-
Phosphorus is absorbed by plants in the orthophosphate form, generally as H2PO4- or HPO4 .

Phosphorus (P) is an essential element classified as a macronutrient because of the relatively large
amounts of P required by plants. Phosphorus is one of the three nutrients generally added to soils
in fertilizers. One of the main roles of P in living organisms is in the transfer of energy. Adequate P
availability for plants stimulates early plant growth and hastens maturity.

Q63. Which of the following properties is not related

to LASER?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). High intensity

▪ (2). High coherence

▪ (3). High monochromaticity

▪ (4). High optical activity

Correct option : 4

Optical rotation or optical activity (sometimes referred to as rotary polarization) is not related to
LASER. While all other mentioned properties (high intensity, high coherence & high
monochromaticity) are characteristics of LASER.

Q64. Who amongst the following is empowered to

declare emergency under the Indian Constitution?
Choose an option:

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 ▪ (1). The Vice-President

▪ (2). The President

▪ (3). The Prime Minister

▪ (4). The Home Minister

Correct option : 2

President of India can declare "State of Emergency in India" under the advice of the cabinet of
ministers. This is done on the basis grave threats to the nation from internal and external sources
or from financial situations of crisis.

Q65. Under which of the following circumstances can

an emergency be declared in India?
(1) External aggression

(2) Armed rebillion

(3) Internal unrest

(4) Financial crisis Choose an option:

▪ (1). (1), (2) nd (3)

▪ (2). (1), (3) nd (4)

▪ (3). (2), (3) and (4)

▪ (4). (1), (2) and (4)

Correct option : 4

The Constitution stipulates three types of emergencies:

(1) An emergency due to war, external aggression or armed rebellion (Article 352). This is popularly
known as ‘National Emergency’. However, the Constitution employs the expression ‘proclamation
of emergency’ to denote an emergency of this type.
(2) An Emergency due to the failure of the constitutional machinery in the states (Article 356). This
is popularly known as ‘President’s Rule’. It is also known by two other names—‘State Emergency’ or
‘constitutional Emergency’. However, the Constitution does not use the word ‘emergency’ for this
situation.
(3) Financial Emergency due to a threat to the financial stability or credit of India (Article 360).

Q66. Which of the following is not properly matched?

Choose an option:

▪ (1). 42nd Constitutional Amendment - Fundamental duties

▪ (2). 52nd Constitutional Amendment - Anti -Defection law

▪ (3). 73rd Constitutional Amendment - Panchayati Raj

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 ▪ (4). 84th Constitutional Amendment - Centre-State Relations

Correct option : 4

84th Amendment to the Constitution

The 84th Amendment to the Constitution (which was numbered as the 91st Amendment Bill before
it was passed in Parliament) lifted the freeze on the delimitation of constituencies, as stipulated by
the 42nd Constitution amendment of 1976, and allowed delimitation within States on the basis of
the 1991 Census.

Q67. Consider the following in the context of food

inflation in India:
(1) Ban on transaction in agriculture products in "Future commodity exchange market" (2)
Restrictions on import of agricultural products (3) Unruly weather conditions (4) Hoarding and
Trader Cartel

Which of the above are the possible reasons for food Inflation? Choose an option:

▪ (1). (1) and (2)

▪ (2). (2) and (3)

▪ (3). (3) and (4)

▪ (4). (1) and (4)

Correct option : 3

Q68. Who commanded the Mughal forces which

subdued Kangra fort in 1620 A.D.?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Shah Qulikhan

▪ (2). Shaikh Farid

▪ (3). Mirza Rustam Quandhari

▪ (4). Nawab Ali Khan

Correct option : 4

The Kangra Fort was built by the royal Rajput family of Kangra State (the Katoch dynasty), which
traces its origins to the ancient Trigarta Kingdom, mentioned in the Mahabharata epic.

Nawab Saif Ali Khan, the first Mughal Governor of Kangra had subdued Kangra fort in 1620 A.D.

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Q69. With whose assistance is the Himachal Pradesh
Government’s ‘organic farming and water harvesting
project’ being implemented?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). Sweden

▪ (2). Australia

▪ (3). Japan

▪ (4). Germany

Correct option : 3

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is assisting Himachal Pradesh for Organic Farming
and Water Harvesting projects.

Q70. Asbestos is no longer used for commercial use

because:
Choose an option:

▪ (1). It causes lung cancer

▪ (2). Its structures are very weak

▪ (3). It is not sound proof

▪ (4). It catches fire

Correct option : 1

All types of asbestos fibers are known to cause serious health hazards in humans. Exposure to
asbestos fibers can cause serious and fatal illnesses including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and
asbestosis (a type of pneumoconiosis).

Q71. In which one of the following cases has the

Preamble been accepted as a part of the Indian
Constitution?
Choose an option:

▪ (1). A.K. Gopalan case

▪ (2). Keshvanand Bharti case

▪ (3). Golaknath case

▪ (4). Minerva Mills case

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Correct option : 2

Preamble
Preamble is an introductory statement, stating the aims and objectives of the constitution.
Accordingly, the preamble to the Indian constitution spells out the basic philosophy contained in
the body of the Indian Constitution. Reading through the Preamble, one can see the purpose that it
serves, namely, the declaration of (1) the source of the constitution, (2) a statement of its objectives
and (3) the date of its adoption. The Preamble, in brief, explains the objectives of the Constitution in
two ways: one, about the structure of the governance and the other, about the ideals to be achieved
in independent India. It is because of this, the Preamble is considered to be the key of the
Constitution.

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