HSA Mixed Practice Test #79

Question 1

Which Travancore ruler is credited with the development of Thiruvananthapuram as a modern city?

Accepted Answer

Swathi Thirunal — Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma (1829-1847) was a scholar-king who modernised Travancore, established English education, and was a renowned composer of Carnatic and Hindustani music.

Answer

Marthanda Varma

Answer

Uthradam Thirunal

Answer

Sri Chithira Thirunal

Question 2

First elections under 1935 Act:

Accepted Answer

1937 — 1937 provincial elections.

Answer

1946

Answer

1945

Answer

1930

Question 3

Porifera are:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

Sponges — Sponges.‌​‍

Answer

Crabs

Answer

Jellyfish

Answer

Worms

Question 4

Later Vedic 'Rashtra' meant:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

Kingdom/territory — Territorial kingdom concept emerged.‌​‍

Answer

Tribe

Answer

Army

Answer

Family

Question 5

A new state-level policy initiative in Kerala, such as a major infrastructure project or an educational reform, requires comprehensive inter-departmental coordination and high-level administrative oversight before being presented to the State Cabinet for approval. Which of the following officials primarily plays the pivotal role in facilitating this complex coordination and ensuring smooth administrative processing within the Kerala Secretariat?

Accepted Answer

B. Chief Secretary — The Chief Secretary is the administrative head of the Kerala Secretariat and serves as the principal advisor to the Chief Minister. This role inherently involves coordinating policy initiatives across various departments, resolving inter-departmental conflicts, and ensuring that proposals are thoroughly vetted before reaching the Cabinet. While other officials contribute, the Chief Secretary holds the ultimate responsibility for this overarching administrative facilitation.

Answer

A. Secretary of the concerned line department

Answer

C. Additional Chief Secretary, Planning & Economic Affairs

Answer

D. Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister

Question 6

CRISPR-Cas9 technology has revolutionized gene editing. Which of the following statements accurately describes its core principle and application in addressing genetic disorders?

Accepted Answer

B. It utilizes a guide RNA to direct a nuclease enzyme to specific DNA sequences, allowing precise cuts for gene inactivation or correction. — The correct answer is B. CRISPR-Cas9 technology uses a guide RNA (gRNA) to precisely target a specific DNA sequence, where the Cas9 nuclease enzyme then makes a cut. This allows for gene inactivation, correction of mutations, or insertion of new genetic material at a precise location. Option A describes traditional gene therapy methods using viral vectors to deliver entire genes. Option C refers to post-transcriptional or post-translational modifications, not direct gene editing. Option D describes random mutagenesis, which is not the controlled and precise mechanism of CRISPR.

Answer

A. It involves inserting entire functional genes into target cells using viral vectors, replacing defective ones.

Answer

C. It primarily focuses on altering the protein products of genes post-transcription, without directly modifying the DNA sequence.

Answer

D. It induces random mutations across the genome to increase genetic diversity, hoping for a beneficial outcome.

Question 7

Hirakud Dam is built across which river?

Accepted Answer

Mahanadi — Hirakud Dam across the Mahanadi in Odisha is one of the longest dams in the world (26 km including dykes).

Answer

Godavari

Answer

Krishna

Answer

Narmada

Question 8

The idiom 'break the ice' means:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

To start a conversation in a social situation — Common idiom for initiating dialogue with strangers.‌​‍

Answer

To shatter glass

Answer

To cool down

Answer

To be rude

Question 9

Kerala's first film in color:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

Kandam Bacha Kottu (1961) — Kandam Bacha Kottu 1961.‌​‍

Answer

Chemmeen

Answer

Balan

Answer

Neelakuyil

Question 10

Who is the deciding authority for disqualification petitions under the Anti-Defection Law?

Accepted Answer

Speaker of Lok Sabha — The Speaker of Lok Sabha is the deciding authority for disqualification petitions under the Anti-Defection Law.

Answer

President

Answer

Vice-President

Answer

Chief Justice of India

HSA Mixed Practice Test #79