HSA Mixed Practice Test #962

Question 1

The partition of Bengal was carried out under the rule of:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

Lord Curzon — Lord Curzon partitioned Bengal in 1905.‌​‍

Answer

Lord Dalhousie

Answer

Lord Ripon

Answer

Lord Minto

Question 2

Pernicious anaemia is caused by deficiency of:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

Vitamin B₁₂ — B₁₂ (cobalamin) deficiency impairs RBC production → megaloblastic anaemia.‌​‍

Answer

Vitamin C

Answer

Iron

Answer

Folic acid

Question 3

Poorna sang a song. Change into passive:

Accepted Answer

A song was sung by Poorna — Past simple passive: was/were + V3.

Answer

A song is sung by Poorna

Answer

A song has sung by Poorna

Answer

A song is being sung by Poorna

Question 4

The Tarkunde Committee report focused mainly on: (i) Misuse of administrative machinery (ii) Money power in elections (iii) Alternative systems of representation (iv) Anti-corruption

Accepted Answer

Only (i), (ii) and (iii) — Tarkunde Committee (1974-75) recommended electoral reforms on these three fronts.

Answer

Only (i) and (ii)

Answer

Only (i) and (iv)

Answer

Only (iv)

Question 5

The Joint Commissioners of Malabar who freed all trade except pepper were:

Accepted Answer

Jonathan Duncan and Charles Bodden — Jonathan Duncan and Charles Bodden were the Joint Commissioners appointed by the British after the Third Anglo-Mysore War.

Answer

Only Jonathan Duncan

Answer

Jonathan Duncan and William Giffth

Answer

William Giffth and James Stevens

Question 6

Laterite soils are extensively found in the midland regions of Kerala. Considering their formation process and typical properties, which of the following statements accurately describes a key characteristic and its implication for agriculture in the state?

Accepted Answer

C. They are characterized by a high content of iron and aluminum oxides, are generally acidic, and have low fertility due to intense leaching of basic nutrients, requiring liming and fertilization for good yields. — Laterite soils form under hot, humid tropical conditions through intense leaching, which removes silica and most basic cations, leaving behind iron and aluminum oxides. This process makes them acidic and poor in essential plant nutrients and organic matter. Consequently, farmers in Kerala often need to apply lime to neutralize acidity and add fertilizers to improve soil fertility for successful cultivation.

Answer

A. They are highly fertile due to rich organic matter content and excellent water retention, supporting intensive farming without significant amendments.

Answer

B. They are formed through the deposition of river sediments, making them deep, well-aerated, and naturally rich in all macro-nutrients.

Answer

D. They possess a high cation exchange capacity and neutral pH, which allows for a wide variety of crops to thrive naturally even in dry conditions.

Question 7

Akbar's reign spans:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

1556-1605 — Akbar the Great (r. ‌​‍1556-1605) — 50-year rule. Built empire through conquest + diplomacy (Rajput alliances). ‌​‍Promoted Sulh-i-Kul (peace with all).

Answer

1526-1556

Answer

1658-1707

Answer

1605-1627

Question 8

The Mandal Commission was appointed by:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

Morarji Desai — Mandal Commission (B. ‌​‍P. Mandal) set up in 1979 by Janata (Morarji Desai). ‌​‍Report submitted 1980. Implemented by V. ‌​‍P. Singh in 1990.

Answer

V. P. Singh

Answer

Indira Gandhi

Answer

Rajiv Gandhi

Question 9

'I insist (A) to go (B) to the (C) party (D).' Error is in:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

B — 'Insist' takes 'on + gerund'. Correct: 'I insist on going to the party.'‌​‍

Answer

A

Answer

C

Answer

D

Question 10

Silent Valley National Park in Kerala is located in:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

Palakkad — Silent Valley NP lies in Palakkad district; designated NP in 1984.‌​‍

Answer

Wayanad

Answer

Pathanamthitta

Answer

Idukki

HSA Mixed Practice Test #962