KAS Prelims Mixed Practice Test #857

Question 1

Kerala's mid-highlands are characterized by specific soil types that support its prominent plantation economy. Which soil type, formed under conditions of high temperature and heavy rainfall, is known for its acidic nature, low inherent fertility (due to intense leaching), and suitability for crops like rubber, tea, and cashew after proper management?

Accepted Answer

B. Laterite soils — Laterite soils are predominantly found in the mid-highlands of Kerala, formed through intense leaching of silica and other bases under tropical conditions of high rainfall and temperature. This process leaves behind oxides of iron and aluminum, making the soil acidic and low in inherent fertility. Despite this, with proper management (liming, fertilization), these soils are well-suited for plantation crops like rubber, tea, and cashew. Alluvial soils are found in river valleys and coastal plains, black soils are rare in Kerala, and red sandy soils, while present, do not fit the description of

Answer

A. Alluvial soils

Answer

C. Black soils

Answer

D. Red sandy soils

Question 2

In an electrolytic cell, the anode is the:

Accepted Answer

Positive electrode (oxidation) — In electrolytic cells: anode = positive (connected to + terminal); oxidation still occurs there.

Answer

Negative electrode

Answer

Neutral

Answer

Same as cathode

Question 3

Smallest district by area:

Accepted Answer

Alappuzha — Alappuzha — 1,414 sq km, smallest.

Answer

Thrissur

Answer

Ernakulam

Answer

Kottayam

Question 4

Article ___ lays down that there shall be a Public Service Commission for the Union and one for each State:

Accepted Answer

Article 315 — Article 315 establishes Union and State PSCs.

Answer

Article 280

Answer

Article 324

Answer

Article 356

Question 5

The Ezhava Memorial submitted on 3 September 1896 was led by:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

Dr. P. Palpu — Dr P. ‌​‍Palpu led the Ezhava Memorial demanding representation of the Ezhava community in Travancore service.

Answer

Kumaran Asan

Answer

G.P. Pillai

Answer

Sree Narayana Guru

Question 6

A person who studies stars and planets is called:

Accepted Answer

Astronomer — Astronomer studies celestial objects scientifically; astrologer predicts fate from stars.

Answer

Astrologer

Answer

Geologist

Answer

Biologist

Question 7

mRNA:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

Protein synthesis template — Messenger RNA carries code.‌​‍

Answer

Enzyme

Answer

DNA storage

Answer

Membrane

Question 8

Jnanpith Award winners from Kerala (count):

Accepted Answer

5 — G. Sankara Kurup, S.K. Pottekkatt, Thakazhi, M.T. Vasudevan Nair, O.N.V. Kurup = 5.

Answer

3

Answer

4

Answer

6

Question 9

Parliament consists of:

Accepted Answer

President + LS + RS — Art 79 — President + Lok Sabha + Rajya Sabha.

Answer

LS + RS

Answer

President + LS

Answer

LS only

Question 10

Kerala's physiographic zones:

Accepted Answer

Highland, Midland, Lowland — West: lowland (coast 590 km). Middle: midland (rice, coconut). East: highland (Western Ghats).

Answer

Only coast

Answer

Only hills

Answer

Only plains

KAS Prelims Mixed Practice Test #857