1. On November 21, 2024, the Assam Government officially renamed the Karimganj district as Sribhumi, along with its headquarters town Karimganj, which will now be called Sribhumi town. The new name was inspired by Rabindranath Tagore’s description of the area over a century ago as ‘Sribhumi’. As per Kabiguru Tagore’s description, the word ‘Sribhumi’ is referred to as
(A) the land of Maa Lakshmi
(B) the land of Maa Durga
(C) the land of Maa Kamakhya
(D) the land of Maa Saraswati
Answer: (A) the land of Maa Lakshmi
Explanation: Rabindranath Tagore described the Karimganj region as ‘Sribhumi,’ which translates to ‘the land of Maa Lakshmi,’ symbolizing prosperity and abundance.
2. The Assam Government’s decision to officially recognize ‘Bathouism’ in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) primarily aims to
(A) promote religious conversion among indigenous communities
(B) preserve and acknowledge the traditional faith of the Bodo community
(C) encourage tourism in the Bodoland region
(D) integrate Bathouism practices into mainstream Hindu rituals
Answer: (B) preserve and acknowledge the traditional faith of the Bodo community
Explanation: The recognition of Bathouism by the Assam Government is a step to preserve and honor the traditional faith of the Bodo community, ensuring its cultural and religious practices are acknowledged and respected.
3. On February 24, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the largest Jhumur event in history, celebrating the 200th anniversary of Assam’s tea industry. Consider the following statements:
(i) The tea garden community migrated from Central India in the 19th century to work in the tea gardens of Assam.
(ii) Jhumur dance originates from the Sadan ethnolinguistic group of the Chota Nagpur region.
(iii) The songs sung during Jhumur performances often depict the struggles of tea plantation workers. They narrate stories of migration and exploitation, depicting the community’s socio-economic challenges.
(iv) Jhumur dance plays a vital role in tea garden festivals, particularly during Tushu Puja and Karam Puja, which celebrate the harvest time.
Which of the above statements is/are not correct?
(A) (ii) only
(B) (i) and (iii) only
(C) (iii) and (iv) only
(D) None of the above
Answer: (D) None of the above
Explanation: All the statements are correct. Jhumur dance is deeply rooted in the cultural traditions of the tea garden community, reflecting their struggles, migration, and celebrations.
4. Which of the following statements about Kaziranga National Park is incorrect?
(A) It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
(B) It is home to the highest population of one-horned rhinoceroses in the world.
(C) It was declared a Tiger Reserve in 2003.
(D) It is situated on the banks of the Brahmaputra River and lies between the Brahmaputra River and the Karbi Hills.
Answer: (D) It is situated on the banks of the Brahmaputra River and lies between the Brahmaputra River and the Karbi Hills.
Explanation: Kaziranga National Park is situated on the floodplains of the Brahmaputra River but does not lie between the Brahmaputra River and the Karbi Hills. The Karbi Hills are located to the south of the park.
5. In February 2025, a significant conservation milestone was achieved in Assam concerning the Greater Adjutant Stork. Which of the following best describes this achievement?
(A) The species was declared ‘extinct in the wild’
(B) The stork population increased from 450 to over 1800 birds
(C) A new sanctuary exclusively for the stork was established
(D) The species was removed from the endangered list
Answer: (B) The stork population increased from 450 to over 1800 birds
Explanation: The Greater Adjutant Stork, once critically endangered, saw a remarkable population increase in Assam due to dedicated conservation efforts, rising from 450 to over 1800 birds.
6. In early 2025, a rare marbled cat was spotted in which National Park of Assam?
(A) Dehing Patkai National Park
(B) Kaziranga National Park
(C) Manas National Park
(D) Nameri National Park
Answer: (A) Dehing Patkai National Park
Explanation: The marbled cat, a rare and elusive species, was sighted in Dehing Patkai National Park, which is known for its rich biodiversity and dense rainforest habitat.
7. In early 2025, concerns arose regarding declining pungency of the Bhut Jolokia chili in Assam. What was identified as the primary cause of it?
(A) Climate change affecting soil temperature
(B) Overuse of fertilizers altering soil quality
(C) Introduction of genetically modified variants
(D) Pests attacking the chili plants
Answer: (A) Climate change affecting soil temperature
Explanation: The declining pungency of Bhut Jolokia chili was attributed to climate change, which has altered soil temperature and affected the chili’s growth conditions.
8. The Soliga tribe inhabits the Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple (BRT) Tiger Reserve in Karnataka. Their relationship with the tiger population is very important to conservation efforts. Consider the following statements in connection with Soliga tribe:
(i) The name ‘Soliga’ means ‘children of bamboo’.
(ii) The Soligas worship tigers as sacred beings. They refer to the tiger as Dodda Nayi and maintain a temple dedicated to it.
(iii) The Soligas were the first tribal community to have their forest rights recognized within a tiger reserve.
(iv) The Soliga tribe is confined to the State of Karnataka alone.
Which of the above statements is/are not correct?
(A) (i) only
(B) (ii) and (iii) only
(C) (iv) only
(D) (iii) only
Answer: (C) (iv) only
Explanation: The Soliga tribe is not confined to Karnataka alone; they are also found in other regions. The other statements about their cultural and conservation practices are correct.
9. India plans to issue Sovereign Green Bonds to raise money for green infrastructure projects. Consider the following statements about India’s Sovereign Green Bonds:
Statement 1: The funds raised will be used to finance public projects that lower the economy’s carbon intensity.
Statement 2: India issued its first Sovereign Green Bond in 2023.
Statement 3: Green Bonds are part of India’s strategy to achieve net zero emission by 2070.
Statement 4: Only private investors can subscribe to Green Bonds.
Which of the above statements are correct?
(A) 1 and 4 only
(B) 1, 2 and 3 only
(C) 1, 3 and 4 only
(D) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (B) 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation: Sovereign Green Bonds are issued to finance public projects aimed at reducing carbon intensity. India issued its first Green Bond in 2023, aligning with its net-zero emission goal by 2070. Statement 4 is incorrect as Green Bonds are open to various investors, not just private ones.
10. The National One Health Mission is a recently launched initiative in India aimed at strengthening the country’s response to diseases and promoting a holistic approach to public health. Consider the following statements about India’s One Health Mission:
Statement 1: The One Health Mission integrates human, animal and environmental health under a single framework.
Statement 2: The initiative is funded entirely by the Government of India without any international collaboration.
Statement 3: The Mission aims to track zoonotic diseases like Nipah and avian influenza.
Statement 4: India is the first country in Asia to adopt a One Health approach.
Which of the above statements are correct?
(A) 1 and 3 only
(B) 2 and 4 only
(C) 1, 3 and 4 only
(D) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (A) 1 and 3 only
Explanation: The One Health Mission integrates human, animal, and environmental health and focuses on tracking zoonotic diseases. However, it is not funded entirely by India, nor is India the first country in Asia to adopt this approach.
11. Consider the following statements regarding ‘Eat Right Station’ certification:
Statement 1: It is an initiative by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
Statement 2: As of February 2025, 150 railway stations and 6 metro stations have received the certification.
(A) 1 only
(B) 2 only
(C) Both 1 and 2
(D) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (A) 1 only
Explanation: The ‘Eat Right Station’ certification is an initiative by FSSAI to promote safe and healthy food practices at railway stations. However, the number of certified stations mentioned in Statement 2 is incorrect.
12. The ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ initiative is the Government of India’s visionary road map to transform the nation into a developed country by 2047, making the centenary of its independence. Consider the following four key objectives of the initiative:
Objective 1: Elevate India to become the world’s third largest economy within the next five years, aiming for a $100 trillion economy by 2047.
Objective 2: Empower youth, women, the underprivileged and farmers, recognizing them as pivotal contributors to national development.
Objective 3: Implement strategies to address climate change and promote sustainable practices.
Objective 4: Enhance administrative efficiency and transparency to ensure effective public service delivery.
Which of the above key objectives is/are not correct?
(A) 1 only
(B) 2 only
(C) 1 and 2 only
(D) 3 and 4 only
Answer: (A) 1 only
Explanation: Objective 1 is overly ambitious and not aligned with realistic economic projections. The other objectives are valid and align with the goals of the initiative.
13. Which of the following statements describes tariff in the context of international trade?
(A) It is a tax on imports into a country.
(B) It is a tax imposed by a country on goods crossing its border.
(C) It is a quantitative restriction on traded goods.
(D) It is a reciprocal tax.
Answer: (A) It is a tax on imports into a country.
Explanation: A tariff is a tax imposed on imported goods to regulate trade, protect domestic industries, or generate revenue.
14. What is meant by ‘repo rate’ of the RBI?
(A) It is the rate of interest at which commercial banks offer loans.
(B) It is the percentage of total deposits of commercial banks that is kept in cash.
(C) It is the rate of interest at which commercial banks borrow money from the RBI for short-term needs.
(D) It is the rate at which commercial banks lend to each other.
Answer: (C) It is the rate of interest at which commercial banks borrow money from the RBI for short-term needs.
Explanation: The repo rate is the rate at which the Reserve Bank of India lends money to commercial banks to meet their short-term liquidity needs.
15. Consider the following statements about Kumbh Mela of India:
(i) It is the oldest recorded religious festival of the world.
(ii) The earliest reference to Prayaga and bathing pilgrimage is found in the Rigveda Parishishta (supplement to the Rigveda).
(iii) The frequency of one Purna Kumbh Mela every 12 years coincides with one revolution of Jupiter around the Sun (approx.).
Which of the above statements are correct?
(A) (i) and (ii) only
(B) (ii) and (iii) only
(C) (i) and (iii) only
(D) (i), (ii) and (iii)
Answer: (D) (i), (ii) and (iii)
Explanation: All the statements are correct. The Kumbh Mela is a significant religious festival with historical references in ancient texts, and its timing aligns with Jupiter’s revolution.
16. Which of the following ocean currents is/are warm current(s) in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans?
(A) Benguela Current
(B) Kuroshio Current
(C) Norwegian Current
(D) Peru Current
Answer: (B) Kuroshio Current
Explanation: The Kuroshio Current is a warm ocean current in the Pacific Ocean, flowing northeastward off the coast of Japan. Warm currents like the Kuroshio and Norwegian currents transport heat from equatorial regions to higher latitudes, influencing climate. The Benguela and Peru currents are cold currents.
17. Which of the following pairs concerning canal irrigation of India is/are not correct?
(i) Agra Canal – Yamuna River
(ii) Upper Bari Doab Canal – Jhelum River
(iii) Sirhind Canal – Ravi River
(iv) Bikaner Canal – Satluj River
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(A) (ii) only
(B) (ii) and (iii) only
(C) (ii) and (iv) only
(D) (i), (iii) and (iv) only
Answer: (C) (ii) and (iv) only
Explanation: The Upper Bari Doab Canal is associated with the Ravi River, not the Jhelum River. The Bikaner Canal is part of the Indira Gandhi Canal system, drawing water primarily from the Sutlej and Beas rivers, not exclusively from the Satluj.
18. Which of the following sequences or statements concerning tributaries of the Brahmaputra in Assam is/are not correct?
(i) The North bank tributaries (from West to East): Sankosh, Manas, Puthimari, Pagladiya
(ii) The South bank tributaries (from East to West): Buri Dihing, Bhogdoi, Dhansiri, Kopili
(iii) The North bank tributaries (from East to West): Jiadhal, Subansiri, Ranganadi, Jia Bharali
(iv) The River Barnadi forms a natural boundary between Darrang and Kamrup districts
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(A) (i) only
(B) (i) and (ii) only
(C) (ii) and (iv) only
(D) (i), (ii) and (iii) only
Answer: (B) (i) and (ii) only
Explanation: The sequences of tributaries given in (i) and (ii) are incorrect. The actual geographical order differs from what is mentioned. Statements (iii) and (iv) are correct.
19. Which of the following statements concerning Tinsukia district of Assam is/are correct?
(i) It is the easternmost district of Assam, surrounded by Arunachal Pradesh from three sides.
(ii) It is an industrial district well-known for coal, oil, and tea production.
(iii) The Dhola-Sadiya Bridge, known as Bhupen Hazarika Setu, is constructed on the River Lohit in this district.
(iv) The Maguri Motapung Beel is located in this district.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(A) (i) only
(B) (i) and (ii) only
(C) (ii), (iii) and (iv) only
(D) All the statements are correct
Answer: (D) All the statements are correct
Explanation: Tinsukia is Assam’s easternmost district and borders Arunachal Pradesh on three sides. It is industrially prominent for tea, coal, and oil. The Dhola-Sadiya (Bhupen Hazarika Setu) Bridge crosses the Lohit River here, and the Maguri Motapung Beel is a notable wetland in the region.
20. Rising intensities of floods and damages in Assam are said to have prime explanation(s):
(i) The water flow has become sudden and high, induced by natural and anthropogenic factors as well.
(ii) People have established settlements in low-lying areas.
Select the correct answer from the options given below:
(A) Only (i) is right
(B) Only (ii) is right
(C) Both (i) and (ii) are true, and inclusive to explain the causes of rising intensity
(D) Both (i) and (ii) are true, but inclusive statements to explain intensity of floods, at present state of technology and development
Answer: (C) Both (i) and (ii) are true, and inclusive to explain the causes of rising intensity
Explanation: Flood intensities in Assam are driven by both natural and man-made causes, including sudden water surges due to deforestation and climate change. Settlements in flood-prone lowlands also worsen the impact, making both factors valid contributors.
21. The impact of cyclones and tsunamis in India could be reduced by
(i) preserving mangrove forests
(ii) preserving montane forests
(iii) preserving tropical thorny and scrub forests
(iv) preserving tropical deciduous forests
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(A) (i) only
(B) (i) and (ii) only
(C) (i), (iii) and (iv) only
(D) All are correct
Answer: (A) (i) only
Explanation: Mangrove forests act as natural barriers against cyclones and tsunamis by reducing wave energy and preventing coastal erosion. Other types of forests are important for ecological reasons but do not offer the same coastal protection.
22. Authors Arup Kumar Dutta, Arupjyoti Saikia and Samrat Choudhury have common theme(s) in their writing:
(i) They are acclaimed writers on the Brahmaputra
(ii) They have written on Assam’s social history
(iii) They have written on tea and tea plantation history
(iv) They have written on Assam’s geography
Which of the above is/are correct?
(A) (i) only
(B) (i) and (ii) only
(C) (i), (iii) and (iv) only
(D) All are correct
Answer: (B) (i) and (ii) only
Explanation: These authors are known for their literary focus on the Brahmaputra River and Assam’s social history. While other subjects may be touched upon, they are not the main themes in their collective works.
23. In India during 2001 to 2011, the number of census towns showed rapid growth (increased by a total of 2500 in number) compared to statutory towns (increased by about 250 in number). The rapid growth of census towns was because of
(i) formation of municipal board/committee and notified town area committee, etc.
(ii) rapid growth of population leading to cross the minimum requirement of 5000 inhabitants to qualify as a town
(iii) the town area becoming densely populated with more than 400 persons per square kilometre
(iv) three-fourths of the male workforce found full-time jobs beyond agriculture activities
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(A) (i), (ii) and (iii) only
(B) (ii), (iii) and (iv) only
(C) (i), (iii) and (iv) only
(D) (iv) only
Answer: (B) (ii), (iii) and (iv) only
Explanation: Census towns are identified based on population size, density, and occupational pattern, not on administrative status like having a municipal board. Hence, option (i) is incorrect.
24. Rangsapara village, Goalpara district and Zion village, Dima Hasao district of Assam occupied the limelight in the last decade because
(i) the villages were evaluated as the cleanest villages of the State
(ii) Rangsapara was evaluated as the cleanest, whereas all 25+ age group population of Zion had attained education level graduate and above
(iii) Rangsapara village faced catastrophe caused by flash flood and Zion was devastated by landslides
Select the correct answer from the options given below:
(A) Only (i) is correct
(B) Only (ii) is correct
(C) Only (iii) is correct
(D) All are correct
Answer: (B) Only (ii) is correct
Explanation: Rangsapara was recognized for cleanliness, and Zion stood out for its high education level among adults aged 25+, making statement (ii) accurate. There were no major disasters reported as in (iii).
25. Consider the following statements about oil in Assam:
(i) Assam is home to India’s first oil refinery, established at Digboi in 1901.
(ii) The major oil-producing districts in Assam include Jorhat, Dibrugarh, but not Tinsukia.
(iii) The Assam oil fields contribute over 50% of India’s total crude oil production.
(iv) Oil India Limited (OIL) has its headquarters in Duliajan, Assam.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(A) (i) and (ii) only
(B) (i) and (iv) only
(C) (i) only
(D) (i), (ii) and (iii) only
Answer: (B) (i) and (iv) only
Explanation: Assam has India’s oldest refinery at Digboi, and OIL is headquartered in Duliajan. Tinsukia is also a significant oil-producing district, and Assam’s oil contribution is notable but not over 50% of the national output.
26. Based on the 2011 Census data, which of the following is the correct order of major towns in Assam arranged in descending order of their urban population?
(A) Tinsukia, Tezpur, Jorhat, Dibrugarh
(B) Dibrugarh, Tezpur, Jorhat, Tinsukia
(C) Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Jorhat, Tezpur
(D) Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Tinsukia, Tezpur
Answer: (C) Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Jorhat, Tezpur
Explanation: According to the 2011 Census, Dibrugarh has the highest urban population among the listed towns, followed by Tinsukia, Jorhat, and Tezpur in descending order.
29. Which of the following statements about Paralympic Games is not correct?
(A) The medals tally of India was the highest so far in any Paralympic event with a total of 29 medals in Paris, 2024.
(B) India made first appearance in the Paralympic event in the year 1968.
(C) The first Paralympic event was held in the year 1968.
(D) The Paralympic motto is ‘Spirit in Motion’.
Answer: (C) The first Paralympic event was held in the year 1968.
Explanation: The first Paralympic Games were held in Rome in 1960, not 1968. India made its debut in the Paralympic Games in 1968. The motto “Spirit in Motion” symbolizes the determination and resilience of Paralympic athletes.
30. What is the recent India-US ‘TRUST’ initiative related to?
(A) It is a bilateral initiative for mutual cooperation in recovery and processing of critical minerals
(B) It is a bilateral initiative to ease certain import-export regulations between the two countries
(C) It refers to a bilateral initiative for transfer of technology for boosting the power sector
(D) None of the above
Answer: (A) It is a bilateral initiative for mutual cooperation in recovery and processing of critical minerals
Explanation: The India-US ‘TRUST’ initiative aims at strategic collaboration for the exploration, recovery, and processing of critical minerals—key components in clean energy, defense, and digital technologies vital to both nations’ economies and security.
31. Who among the following is not a Bharat Ratna awardee of the year 2024?
(A) L. K. Advani
(B) M. S. Swaminathan
(C) Padma Subrahmanyam
(D) Karpoori Thakur
Answer: (A) L. K. Advani
Explanation: In 2024, the Bharat Ratna was awarded to M. S. Swaminathan, Padma Subrahmanyam, and Karpoori Thakur for their outstanding contributions. L. K. Advani, although a prominent leader, was not among the recipients that year.
32. In which of the following areas, the first pig schools of India are to be started to enhance technical know-how and biosecurity about pig farming in partnership with Denmark?
(A) Bodoland Territorial Region
(B) Dima Hasao district of Assam
(C) Dhemaji district of Assam
(D) Panikhaiti near Guwahati
Answer: (A) Bodoland Territorial Region
Explanation: The first pig schools in India are being set up in the Bodoland Territorial Region with support from Denmark to improve knowledge and biosecurity in pig farming, which is vital for livelihoods in that area.
33. Match the following Prime Ministers (List-I) with the biographies/autobiographies on them (List-II):
List-I
a. Narasimha Rao
b. I. K. Gujral
c. Manmohan Singh
d. Narendra Modi
List-II
- The Accidental Prime Minister
- Matters of Discretion
- The Man Who Remade India
- The Paradoxical Prime Minister
(A) a-3, b-4, c-1, d-2
(B) a-3, b-2, c-1, d-4
(C) a-1, b-2, c-3, d-4
(D) a-3, b-2, c-4, d-1
Answer: (B) a-3, b-2, c-1, d-4
Explanation:
- Narasimha Rao: The Man Who Remade India
- I. K. Gujral: Matters of Discretion
- Manmohan Singh: The Accidental Prime Minister
- Narendra Modi: The Paradoxical Prime Minister
34. Consider the following statements on Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023:
(i) It introduces new crimes like organized crime.
(ii) It introduces community service as a punishment.
(iii) It introduces new provisions to eliminate offence on sedition.
(iv) It includes mob lynching as an offence.
(A) Only (i) and (ii) are correct
(B) Only (ii) is correct
(C) None of the statements is correct
(D) All the statements are correct
Answer: (D) All the statements are correct
Explanation: The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 brings in substantial reforms to Indian criminal law, including defining new crimes like organized crime and mob lynching, introducing community service, and removing colonial-era sedition laws.
35. The demarcation of any region as Defence Industrial Corridor (DIC) is to achieve self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Two DICs exist in India and the third one has been negotiated by a State with the Central Government in recent years. Choose the correct combination of the States/Union Territories on the basis of the above statements.
(A) Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu
(B) Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Assam
(C) Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir
(D) Assam, Jammu & Kashmir, Gujarat
Answer: (B) Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Assam
Explanation: India has Defence Industrial Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Assam has recently engaged with the Central Government to set up the third DIC, marking a significant development for the North-Eastern region in defence production.