HSA Mixed Practice Test #614

Question 1

Doctrine of Pleasure:

Accepted Answer

Serve at pleasure of appointer — Civil servants serve during pleasure of President.

Answer

President can remove

Answer

Judicial

Answer

Political

Question 2

Synonym of FICKLE:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

Changeable — Given to change.‌​‍

Answer

Firm

Answer

Steady

Answer

Reliable

Question 3

Hershey-Chase experiment (1952):‌​‍

Accepted Answer

Proved proteins are genetic material — ³²P labeled DNA; ³⁵S labeled protein. ‌​‍Only ³²P entered bacterial host — DNA transmits heredity.

Answer

Proved DNA is genetic material (using T2 phage and ³⁵S/³²P labeling)

Answer

Proved RNA

Answer

No conclusion

Question 4

A significant crude oil spill has occurred along the Kerala coastline, posing severe threats to marine biodiversity and local livelihoods. Considering both efficacy and environmental sustainability, which biotechnological strategy would be the most appropriate for remediation?

Accepted Answer

C. Deploying genetically engineered microorganisms (GEMs) specifically designed for enhanced hydrocarbon degradation, along with biostimulation techniques. — Option C, deploying genetically engineered microorganisms (GEMs) with biostimulation, represents the most advanced and effective biotechnological approach for large-scale crude oil spill remediation. GEMs can be tailored for enhanced and rapid degradation of specific hydrocarbons, offering superior efficiency compared to naturally occurring microbes. Option A, while using natural bacteria, may be less efficient and the introduction of non-native strains from 'other sites' could pose ecological risks. Option B is a chemical method, not biotechnological, and can introduce secondary pollutants. O

Answer

A. Introducing large quantities of naturally occurring, indigenous oil-degrading bacteria collected from other contaminated sites.

Answer

B. Applying chemical dispersants to break down the oil, followed by physical removal.

Answer

D. Implementing phytoremediation using oil-tolerant mangrove species.

Question 5

Smallest district:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

Alappuzha — Alappuzha (~1,414 sq km).‌​‍

Answer

Wayanad

Answer

Kottayam

Answer

Pathanamthitta

Question 6

Consider the following provisions related to the Council of Ministers in India:
1. The total number of ministers, including the Prime Minister, shall not exceed 15% of the total strength of the Lok Sabha.
2. A person who is not a member of either House of Parliament can be appointed as a minister, but must become a member within six months.
3. The salaries and allowances of ministers are determined by the President.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

B. 1 and 2 only — Statement 1 is correct as per the 91st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003, which limited the size of the Council of Ministers to 15% of the Lok Sabha's total strength. Statement 2 is also correct, as per Article 75(5) of the Constitution, which mandates that a non-member minister must gain membership within six months or cease to be a minister. Statement 3 is incorrect because the salaries and allowances of ministers are determined by Parliament, not the President, as per Article 75(6).

Answer

A. 1 only

Answer

C. 2 and 3 only

Answer

D. 1, 2 and 3

Question 7

Indirect form: 'Where is my umbrella?' John asked his mother.

Accepted Answer

John asked his mother where his umbrella was — Reported speech: pronoun shift (my→his) and tense backshift (is→was); no inversion.

Answer

John asked his mother where is my umbrella

Answer

John asked his mother where is his umbrella

Answer

John asked his mother where was his umbrella

Question 8

Arya Samaj founded by:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

Dayananda Saraswati — Swami Dayananda Saraswati (1875) — 'Back to the Vedas'.‌​‍

Answer

Vivekananda

Answer

Ram Mohan Roy

Answer

Aurobindo

Question 9

The Punchhi Commission (2007-10) also studied:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

Centre-State relations — Justice M. ‌​‍M. Punchhi Commission on Centre-State relations submitted a 7-volume report in 2010.

Answer

Anti-terror law

Answer

Water disputes

Answer

Judicial appointments

Question 10

M.T. Vasudevan Nair wrote for:

Accepted Answer

Mathrubhumi Weekly — Long-time Mathrubhumi editor.

Answer

Manorama

Answer

Deshabhimani

Answer

Kalakaumudi

HSA Mixed Practice Test #614