HSA Mixed Practice Test #164

Question 1

Bakelite is:

Accepted Answer

Thermosetting phenol-formaldehyde polymer — Leo Baekeland (1907) — first fully synthetic plastic. Cross-linked; once set, cannot be remoulded. Electrical insulator.

Answer

Thermoplastic

Answer

Natural

Answer

Rubber

Question 2

'Sati' — self-immolation of widows — was prohibited by law in Bengal in 1829 by the British governor:

Accepted Answer

William Bentinck — Lord William Bentinck banned Sati via Regulation XVII of 1829.

Answer

Sir John Shore

Answer

Warren Hastings

Answer

Wellesley

Question 3

The smallest functional unit of the nervous system is the:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

Neuron — Neuron transmits electrical signals; has dendrites, cell body, axon.‌​‍

Answer

Synapse

Answer

Axon

Answer

Dendrite

Question 4

The Kerala State Government recently introduced a new policy mandating comprehensive digital literacy training for all teachers in government and aided schools. Which state-level body is primarily responsible for the *overall execution, supervision, and administrative coordination* of this policy across all schools in Kerala?

Accepted Answer

B. Directorate of Public Instruction (DPI) — The Directorate of Public Instruction (DPI) is the primary administrative authority responsible for the overall implementation, supervision, and coordination of state-level educational policies and programs across all schools in Kerala. SCERT focuses on academic aspects, SSA on elementary education programs, and DIET on district-level teacher training.

Answer

A. State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT)

Answer

C. Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA)

Answer

D. District Institute of Education and Training (DIET)

Question 5

Retreating monsoon brings rain to:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

Tamil Nadu — Northeast monsoon (Oct-Dec) brings rain to Tamil Nadu.‌​‍

Answer

Kerala

Answer

Karnataka

Answer

Andhra Pradesh

Question 6

Kerala's famous festival calendar:

Accepted Answer

Kollavarsham (Malayalam Era) — Kollavarsham (Malayalam Era) — started 825 CE.

Answer

Saka era

Answer

Vikram samvat

Answer

Hijri

Question 7

The 'social contract' theory was advanced by:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau — Thomas Hobbes ('Leviathan' 1651), John Locke ('Two Treatises' 1689), Jean-Jacques Rousseau ('Social Contract' 1762) — all theorised state as contract.‌​‍

Answer

Mill

Answer

Only Hobbes

Answer

Only Locke

Question 8

DNA full form:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

Deoxyribonucleic Acid — Deoxyribonucleic Acid — carries genetic information.‌​‍

Answer

Di-Nitrogen Acid

Answer

Di-Nucleic Acid

Answer

Deoxyribo Nucleotide Acid

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a mechanism of bacterial resistance to antibiotics?

Accepted Answer

D. Increased synthesis of host cell receptors — Increased synthesis of host cell receptors is not a bacterial resistance mechanism; it is a host response. Beta-lactamase production, target site alteration (e.g., penicillin-binding protein changes), and biofilm formation are well-documented resistance mechanisms.

Answer

A. Production of beta-lactamase enzymes

Answer

B. Alteration of target site to reduce drug binding

Answer

C. Formation of biofilms to protect bacterial communities

Question 10

Where did Velakali, Kerala's spectacular martial ritual folk art, take shape?

Accepted Answer

Ambalapuzha — Velakali originated at the Ambalapuzha Sri Krishna temple, Alappuzha.

Answer

Vadakara

Answer

Edappally

Answer

Kodungallur

HSA Mixed Practice Test #164