KAS Prelims Mixed Practice Test #196

Question 1

Antarctic stations of India:

Accepted Answer

All three (Dakshin Gangotri inactive) — Maitri, Bharati active; Dakshin Gangotri abandoned.

Answer

Maitri, Bharati

Answer

Only Maitri

Answer

Dakshin Gangotri

Question 2

The People's Planning Campaign (Janakeeya Yojana) in Kerala, initiated in 1996, is considered a landmark initiative. Which of the following statements best describes its principal contribution to sustaining and evolving the Kerala Model of Development?

Accepted Answer

C. It empowered local self-governing institutions by decentralizing planning and resource allocation, fostering participatory development. — The People's Planning Campaign was a pioneering effort in decentralization, transferring substantial planning and financial powers to local self-governing institutions (LSGIs). This aimed to make development more participatory and responsive to local needs, thereby deepening the democratic and social equity aspects of the Kerala Model. Options A, B, and D represent approaches contrary to the spirit of the campaign, which emphasized local empowerment and participatory governance.

Answer

A. It primarily focused on attracting large-scale foreign investments to industrialize the state rapidly.

Answer

B. It centralized fiscal powers and planning authority within the state government to streamline decision-making.

Answer

D. Its main objective was to privatize public sector undertakings to improve efficiency and reduce state expenditure.

Question 3

In the human respiratory system, the primary site for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air and blood is the:

Accepted Answer

C. Alveoli — The alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs with very thin walls, surrounded by capillaries. This structure provides a large surface area and short diffusion distance, making them the most efficient site for the rapid exchange of oxygen into the blood and carbon dioxide out of the blood.

Answer

A. Trachea

Answer

B. Bronchioles

Answer

D. Larynx

Question 4

The highest peak of the Western Ghats is:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

Anamudi — Anamudi in Kerala (2695 m) — highest peak south of the Himalayas.‌​‍

Answer

Mahendragiri

Answer

Doddabetta

Answer

Amba Shankar

Question 5

Thrissur Pooram held at:

Accepted Answer

All of these (as festival site) — Takes place at Vadakkunnathan; organized by Paramekkavu and Thiruvambady devaswoms.

Answer

Vadakkunnathan Temple

Answer

Paramekkavu

Answer

Thiruvambady

Question 6

The 'Basic Structure Doctrine' was established in which case?‌​‍

Accepted Answer

Kesavananda Bharati case — The Kesavananda Bharati v. ‌​‍State of Kerala case (1973) established that Parliament cannot alter the 'basic structure' of the Constitution.

Answer

Golaknath case

Answer

Maneka Gandhi case

Answer

Minerva Mills case

Question 7

Panama Canal connects:

Accepted Answer

Atlantic and Pacific — Atlantic - Pacific Ocean.

Answer

Pacific and Indian

Answer

Atlantic and Indian

Answer

Red and Med

Question 8

Lakshadweep is in the:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

Arabian Sea — Lakshadweep (36 coral islands) is in the Arabian Sea off Kerala's coast. ‌​‍Andaman & Nicobar is in the Bay of Bengal.

Answer

Bay of Bengal

Answer

Indian Ocean

Answer

Gulf of Mannar

Question 9

The 1971 Lok Sabha election slogan of Indira Gandhi was:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

Garibi Hatao — 'Garibi Hatao' (Remove Poverty) was Indira Gandhi's 1971 election slogan. ‌​‍Congress won 352/518 seats.

Answer

India Shining

Answer

Jai Jawan Jai Kisan

Answer

Sarva Shiksha

Question 10

Which of the following soil types in Kerala is predominantly formed by the weathering of lateritic rocks and is known for its high iron oxide content, making it suitable for cashew and rubber cultivation?

Accepted Answer

B. Laterite Soil — Laterite soil, formed by the weathering of lateritic rocks, is rich in iron oxide and aluminum oxide, making it acidic and well-drained. It is ideal for plantations like cashew and rubber in Kerala, unlike alluvial soil (fertile but not iron-rich), black soil (clayey and expansive), or red soil (iron-rich but less weathered).

Answer

A. Alluvial Soil

Answer

C. Black Soil

Answer

D. Red Soil

KAS Prelims Mixed Practice Test #196