Secretariat Assistant Mixed Practice Test #539

Question 1

The Western Ghats play a crucial role in shaping Kerala's climate and monsoon patterns. Which of the following best describes their primary influence on the Southwest Monsoon rainfall distribution in the state?

Accepted Answer

A. They act as a physical barrier, forcing the moisture-laden Southwest Monsoon winds to rise, condense, and cause heavy orographic rainfall on their windward slopes. — The Western Ghats are a major physiographic feature that intercepts the Southwest Monsoon winds. As these winds strike the western slopes (windward side), they are forced to ascend, cool, condense, and precipitate heavy rainfall. This phenomenon, known as orographic rainfall, is the primary reason for the abundant rainfall in Kerala during the Southwest Monsoon. Options B, C, and D describe incorrect or secondary effects, or misrepresent the overall climate.

Answer

B. They facilitate the entry of dry continental air masses, leading to a significant reduction in rainfall across the central districts during the monsoon season.

Answer

C. They cause the Northeast Monsoon to intensify significantly, resulting in prolonged periods of heavy rainfall in the coastal plains during winter months.

Answer

D. They create a strong rain shadow effect on the entire eastern side of Kerala, making it uniformly arid throughout the year.

Question 2

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 3

Complex number i² =‌​‍

Accepted Answer

-1 — i = √-1. i³=-i, i⁴=1. Period 4 in powers.‌​‍

Answer

1

Answer

0

Answer

√-1

Question 4

UPSC's functions:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

Conduct exams, advise — Exams and advisory on service matters.‌​‍

Answer

Appointments

Answer

Disciplinary

Answer

Only exams

Question 5

Who assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914?‌​‍

Accepted Answer

Gavrilo Princip — Gavrilo Princip, a Serbian Black Hand operative, killed the Austrian heir apparent.‌​‍

Answer

Josip Tito

Answer

Nikola Pasic

Answer

Alexander Karadjordjevic

Question 6

Kerala State Election Commission came into existence on:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

3 December 1993 — Kerala SEC established 3 December 1993 — ahead of Panchayati Raj Act.‌​‍

Answer

18 April 1991

Answer

23 April 1994

Answer

1 April 1957

Question 7

Travancore Devaswom Board:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

Oversees temples — Manages 1200+ temples.‌​‍

Answer

Small

Answer

Political

Answer

Judicial

Question 8

'The scissors ___ sharp':

Accepted Answer

are — Scissors — plural verb.

Answer

is

Answer

was

Answer

be

Question 9

Antonym of DARK:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

Light — Dark ↔ light.‌​‍

Answer

Shadow

Answer

Black

Answer

Dim

Question 10

Which of the following is a key recommendation of the NEP 2020 regarding the teaching of mother tongue or local language in schools?

Accepted Answer

A. It should be mandatory till Grade 5, with flexibility thereafter. — The NEP 2020 emphasizes multilingualism and suggests that the medium of instruction should be the mother tongue or local language up to Grade 5, with flexibility for continuation beyond. It does not mandate sole use of local languages or phase out mother tongue instruction prematurely.

Answer

B. It should be the sole medium of instruction in all government schools.

Answer

C. It should be completely phased out in favor of English.

Answer

D. It should be introduced only at the university level.

Secretariat Assistant Mixed Practice Test #539