Q1. Consider the following regarding Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation:
- Gravitational force is directly proportional to the product of masses.
- Gravitational force decreases linearly with distance.
- The same law explains both falling apples and planetary motion.
How many statements are correct?
A) Only one
B) Only two
C) All three
D) None
Q1. (B)
Explanation:
- Statement 1 — Correct:
Newton’s law: Force ∝ product of masses. - Statement 2 — Incorrect:
Gravity follows inverse-square law (1/r²), not linear decrease. - Statement 3 — Correct:
Newton unified terrestrial and celestial mechanics under one law — a scientific revolution.
Q2. Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOCs) are strategically important because they:
- Enable global energy transportation
- Facilitate international trade flows
- Are primarily used for naval warfare
Select the correct answer:
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3
Q2. (A)
Explanation:
- Statement 1 — Correct:
~80% of global oil trade moves via SLOCs (Hormuz, Malacca, Bab-el-Mandeb). - Statement 2 — Correct:
~90% of global trade by volume is seaborne (UNCTAD). - Statement 3 — Incorrect:
Naval warfare uses SLOCs, but their primary role is economic, not military.
Q3. Which of the following states are major cashew producers?
- Kerala
- Odisha
- Punjab
- Maharashtra
Select the correct answer:
A) 1, 2 and 4 only
B) 1 and 3 only
C) 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Q3. (A)
Explanation:
- Kerala — Major producer & processor
- Odisha — Large cultivation area
- Maharashtra — Konkan belt significant
- Punjab — NOT suitable climate
Cashew needs tropical coastal climate & lateritic soils.
Q4.
Assertion (A): Bonded labour is prohibited under the Indian Constitution.
Reason (R): Article 23 prohibits traffic in human beings and forced labour.
A) Both A and R are correct and R explains A
B) Both A and R correct but R not explanation
C) A correct, R incorrect
D) A incorrect, R correct
Q4. (A)
Explanation:
- Article 23 = Right against exploitation
- Explicitly bans begar, bonded labour, and forced labour
- Bonded labour = constitutional violation + statutory crime under 1976 Act.
Q5. Island nations like Seychelles are important because:
- They sit near SLOCs
- They aid Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) networks
- They provide Arctic access
- They support anti-piracy efforts
A) 1, 2 and 4 only
B) 1 and 3 only
C) 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Q5. (A)
Explanation:
- 1 — Correct: Near key Indian Ocean SLOCs
- 2 — Correct: Radar networks enhance MDA
- 3 — Incorrect: Arctic unrelated
- 4 — Correct: Western Indian Ocean piracy hotspot
Island states = strategic outposts in Indo-Pacific geopolitics.


