Secretariat Assistant Mixed Practice Test #962

Question 1

The Bharathapuzha, often referred to as 'Nila', is Kerala's second-longest river and holds immense cultural significance. However, it faces severe ecological challenges, particularly a drastic reduction in water flow during the dry season. Which of the following human-induced factors is most directly responsible for exacerbating the dry season water scarcity and the associated increase in sand mining pressures in the river?

Accepted Answer

C. Excessive and unregulated sand mining from the riverbed, leading to deepening, loss of groundwater recharge, and lowering of the water table. — Excessive and unregulated sand mining is directly responsible for exacerbating dry season water scarcity in the Bharathapuzha. The removal of sand deepens the riverbed, detaching it from the surrounding water table, thereby reducing groundwater recharge and lowering the water table. This makes the river appear dry even when there is subsurface flow. While check dams (A) and deforestation (D) contribute to overall water stress, and pollution (B) affects water quality, sand mining directly impacts the river's physical structure and its ability to retain water during lean periods, making it the m

Answer

A. Construction of numerous check dams and barrages for irrigation in its upper reaches across both Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Answer

B. Uncontrolled discharge of industrial and domestic waste into the river, leading to severe pollution.

Answer

D. Significant deforestation in the catchment area, reducing the capacity for water retention and percolation.

Question 2

The PM Internship Scheme (expanded in 2026) is administered by which ministry?‌​‍

Accepted Answer

Ministry of Corporate Affairs — The PM Internship Scheme is under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, as interns are placed in Indian companies.‌​‍

Answer

Ministry of Labour and Employment

Answer

Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship

Answer

Ministry of Education

Question 3

First AIIMS:

Accepted Answer

Delhi (1956) — AIIMS Delhi 1956.

Answer

Bhopal

Answer

Jodhpur

Answer

Patna

Question 4

The Constitution (103rd Amendment) Act, 2019 provided:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

10% reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) — 103rd Amendment (2019) added Articles 15(6) and 16(6) providing 10% reservation for EWS of unreserved categories.‌​‍

Answer

Reservation for SCs

Answer

Reservation for women

Answer

Creation of UT of Ladakh

Question 5

Kerala Assembly 2021 winner:

Accepted Answer

LDF — LDF retained power.

Answer

UDF

Answer

BJP

Answer

None

Question 6

Which class of diuretics primarily exerts its effect by inhibiting the Na+/Cl- cotransporter in the distal convoluted tubule?

Accepted Answer

C. Thiazide diuretics — Thiazide diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide, primarily act on the distal convoluted tubule to inhibit the reabsorption of sodium and chloride. Loop diuretics act on the loop of Henle, osmotic diuretics increase osmolarity of filtrate, and potassium-sparing diuretics act on the collecting duct.

Answer

A. Loop diuretics

Answer

B. Osmotic diuretics

Answer

D. Potassium-sparing diuretics

Question 7

Fill the blank: 'The Global Positioning System (GPS) helps us to ___.'‌​‍

Accepted Answer

navigate — GPS is used for navigation.‌​‍

Answer

nostalgia

Answer

envelope

Answer

endeavour

Question 8

Pandit Karuppan:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

Backward class reformer — Social reform in Ernakulam.‌​‍

Answer

Actor

Answer

Poet

Answer

Priest

Question 9

In the typical microteaching cycle, what step immediately follows the 'Teach' phase?

Accepted Answer

C. Feedback — The standard microteaching cycle involves 'Teach', followed immediately by 'Feedback' from observers and supervisors. Based on this feedback, the teacher then 'Re-plans' the lesson to refine the specific skill, and subsequently 'Re-teaches' it to a different micro-group.

Answer

A. Re-plan

Answer

B. Re-teach

Answer

D. Skill Introduction

Question 10

Who is competent to remove the Chairman and other members of the State Public Service Commissions?‌​‍

Accepted Answer

President of India — President of India alone can remove State PSC members on grounds of misbehaviour after SC inquiry.‌​‍

Answer

Chief Justice of India

Answer

Chairman of UPSC

Answer

Governor of the concerned State

Secretariat Assistant Mixed Practice Test #962