Q1.
Assertion (A): Tamil Brahmi inscriptions found in Egypt indicate physical presence of Indians in Roman Egypt.
Reason (R): Tamil Brahmi was exclusively used for royal edicts and religious texts.
A. Both A and R are correct, and R explains A
B. Both A and R are correct, but R does not explain A
C. A is correct, R is incorrect
D. A is incorrect, R is correct
Answer: C
Explanation:
- Tamil Brahmi inscriptions in Egypt (1st–3rd CE) strongly suggest actual movement of Indian merchants/travellers into Roman Egypt.
- However, Tamil Brahmi was not exclusive to royal/religious use; it frequently appears in trade records, donations, pottery marks, and memorial graffiti.
- Hence A is correct, R is factually incorrect.
Q2.
With reference to musical roads, consider:
- They work on vibration and acoustic principles.
- They replace the need for traffic enforcement.
- They are a behavioural nudge tool.
- They require constant vehicle speed for melody accuracy.
How many are correct?
A. Only one
B. Only two
C. Only three
D. All four
Answer: C
Explanation:
- Musical roads use tyre friction + groove spacing to create frequencies (physics of sound).
- They act as nudges, not substitutes for policing.
- Correct melody depends on steady speed.
- Statement 2 is incorrect since enforcement is still needed.
Q3.
Which of the following is NOT part of the divisible pool?
A. Corporation tax
B. Personal income tax
C. CGST
D. Surcharge on income tax
Answer: D
Explanation:
- Under Article 270, shareable taxes go into the divisible pool.
- Cess and surcharge are excluded and retained entirely by the Union.
- This exclusion often reduces States’ effective share.
Q4.
With reference to Vande Mataram, consider:
- It was composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.
- It appears in the novel Anandamath.
- It has the same constitutional status as the National Anthem.
- It was associated with the freedom movement.
How many are correct?
A. Only two
B. Only three
C. All four
D. Only one
Answer: B
Explanation:
- Written by Bankim and included in Anandamath (1882).
- Became a nationalist slogan during the Swadeshi movement.
- However, it does not share equal constitutional/legal status with the National Anthem.
- National Song = cultural recognition; Anthem = constitutional protection.
Q5.
With reference to dolphins in India, consider:
- Gangetic dolphin is India’s National Aquatic Animal.
- Irrawaddy dolphin is found in Chilika Lake.
- All Indian dolphins are listed under Schedule I of WPA 1972.
- Dolphins are indicator species for aquatic ecosystem health.
How many statements are correct?
A. Only one
B. Only two
C. Only three
D. All four
Answer: D
Explanation:
- Gangetic dolphin declared National Aquatic Animal (2009).
- Irrawaddy dolphins inhabit Chilika’s brackish waters.
- Indian dolphins receive Schedule I protection (highest level).
- Being top predators, dolphins reflect water quality and ecosystem health, making them bio-indicators.
