Economy & Budget
Q451–Q464 | Budget Terms · Banking · Tax · GDP · Inflation · International Finance
Q451EasyCGL+CHSL
Which of the following is a direct tax in India?
AGoods and Services Tax (GST)
BCustoms Duty
CIncome Tax
DExcise Duty
Show Answer
✔ C — Income Tax
A direct tax is levied directly on persons and paid directly to the government. Income Tax is levied on individual/corporate income. ❌ A(GST = indirect, collected by seller from buyer), ❌ B(Customs Duty = indirect), ❌ D(Excise Duty = indirect).
Q452ModerateCGL+CHSL
The term "Fiscal Deficit" means:
AExcess of revenue over expenditure
BExcess of total expenditure over total receipts excluding borrowings
CDifference between exports and imports
DRevenue earned from public sector undertakings
Show Answer
✔ B — Excess of total expenditure over total receipts excluding borrowings
Fiscal Deficit = Total Expenditure − Total Revenue Receipts (excluding borrowings). It indicates how much the government borrows to meet its expenses. ❌ A(that is fiscal surplus), ❌ C(that is trade deficit), ❌ D(incorrect definition).
Q453ModerateCGL+CHSL
Which body in India manages the monetary policy and controls inflation?
AMinistry of Finance
BSEBI
CReserve Bank of India
DNITI Aayog
Show Answer
✔ C — Reserve Bank of India
The RBI is India's central bank and is responsible for monetary policy (controlling money supply and interest rates to manage inflation). ❌ A(Ministry of Finance manages fiscal policy — taxes and expenditure), ❌ B(SEBI = securities market regulator), ❌ D(NITI Aayog = policy think-tank, not a regulator).
Q454EasyCGL+CHSL
GDP stands for:
AGross Domestic Product
BGross Direct Production
CGovernment Development Plan
DGeneral Domestic Progress
Show Answer
✔ A — Gross Domestic Product
GDP = Gross Domestic Product — the total monetary value of all goods and services produced within a country in a specific period. ❌ B,C,D: incorrect expansions.
Q455DifficultCGL only
The Laffer Curve is associated with which concept in economics?
ARelationship between inflation and unemployment
BRelationship between tax rates and tax revenue
CRelationship between savings and investment
DRelationship between imports and GDP
Show Answer
✔ B — Relationship between tax rates and tax revenue
The Laffer Curve shows that at both 0% and 100% tax rates, revenue is zero; there is an optimal rate that maximises revenue. It underpins supply-side economics. ❌ A(that is the Phillips Curve), ❌ C,D: unrelated.
Q456ModerateCGL+CHSL
Which of the following is NOT a function of the Reserve Bank of India?
AIssuing currency notes
BActing as banker to the Government
CRegulating the stock exchanges
DManaging foreign exchange reserves
Show Answer
✔ C — Regulating the stock exchanges
Regulating stock exchanges is the function of SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India), not RBI. ❌ A,B,D: all are genuine RBI functions.
Q457ModerateCGL+CHSL
Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures:
APrices of industrial goods at the factory gate
BChanges in the price level of a basket of consumer goods and services
CStock market performance
DAgricultural commodity prices
Show Answer
✔ B — Changes in the price level of a basket of consumer goods and services
CPI tracks price changes of a representative basket of goods and services purchased by households. It is the primary measure of retail inflation in India. ❌ A(that is WPI — Wholesale Price Index), ❌ C,D: wrong.
Q458EasyCGL+CHSL
Which is the apex body that prepares India's Union Budget?
APlanning Commission
BMinistry of Commerce
CMinistry of Finance
DPrime Minister's Office
Show Answer
✔ C — Ministry of Finance
The Union Budget is prepared by the Ministry of Finance under the guidance of the Finance Minister. ❌ A(Planning Commission was replaced by NITI Aayog in 2015), ❌ B,D: wrong.
Q459DifficultCGL only
The term "Stagflation" refers to:
AHigh growth with low inflation
BSimultaneous high inflation and economic stagnation
CRapid economic growth followed by sudden contraction
DDeflation combined with low unemployment
Show Answer
✔ B — Simultaneous high inflation and economic stagnation
Stagflation = stagnation (low or no growth, high unemployment) + inflation (rising prices). This combination is particularly difficult to manage since policies for one problem often worsen the other. ❌ A,C,D: incorrect definitions.
Q460ModerateCGL+CHSL
The "Repo Rate" is the rate at which:
ACommercial banks lend money to the public
BRBI lends money to commercial banks
CGovernment borrows from the World Bank
DBanks borrow from each other overnight
Show Answer
✔ B — RBI lends money to commercial banks
Repo Rate (Repurchase Rate) = rate at which RBI lends short-term funds to commercial banks against government securities. Higher Repo Rate → dearer loans → less spending → controls inflation. ❌ A(that is PLR/MCLR), ❌ C,D: wrong.
Q461ModerateCGL+CHSL
Which of the following best describes the term "Disinvestment"?
AGovernment borrowing from IMF
BGovernment selling its stake in public sector enterprises
CReduction in public spending on infrastructure
DWithdrawal of foreign investments from India
Show Answer
✔ B — Government selling its stake in public sector enterprises
Disinvestment = the government selling part or all of its equity in state-owned enterprises (PSUs) to raise revenue and promote efficiency. ❌ A,C,D: incorrect definitions.
Q462DifficultCGL only
Which organisation publishes the "World Economic Outlook" report?
AWorld Bank
BInternational Monetary Fund
CUnited Nations
DWorld Trade Organisation
Show Answer
✔ B — International Monetary Fund (IMF)
The IMF publishes the World Economic Outlook (WEO) twice annually, providing analysis of global economic trends. ❌ A(World Bank publishes World Development Report), ❌ C(UN publishes World Economic Situation and Prospects), ❌ D(WTO focuses on trade, not this report).
Q463EasyCGL+CHSL
GST in India was implemented on which date?
A1 April 2017
B1 July 2017
C26 January 2017
D15 August 2017
Show Answer
✔ B — 1 July 2017
GST (Goods and Services Tax) was implemented in India on 1 July 2017, replacing multiple indirect taxes with a unified tax structure. ❌ A,C,D: wrong dates.
Q464ModerateCGL+CHSL
The "Balance of Payments" (BoP) includes:
AOnly the trade in goods
BTrade in goods and services
CAll economic transactions between a country and the rest of the world
DOnly capital flows between countries
Show Answer
✔ C — All economic transactions between a country and the rest of the world
BoP records all economic transactions (goods, services, income, transfers, capital flows) between residents of a country and the rest of the world in a given period. ❌ A(only goods = trade balance), ❌ B(goods and services = current account, only part of BoP), ❌ D(only capital = capital account, only part).
Polity & Constitution
Q465–Q476 | Fundamental Rights · Directive Principles · Parliament · Judiciary
Q465EasyCGL+CHSL
The Constitution of India was adopted on:
A15 August 1947
B26 January 1950
C26 November 1949
D1 January 1950
Show Answer
✔ C — 26 November 1949
The Constitution was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949 (Constitution Day). It came into force (was enacted) on 26 January 1950 (Republic Day). ❌ A(Independence Day), ❌ B(date of enforcement, not adoption), ❌ D: wrong.
Q466ModerateCGL+CHSL
Which Article of the Indian Constitution abolishes untouchability?
AArticle 14
BArticle 17
CArticle 21
DArticle 25
Show Answer
✔ B — Article 17
Article 17 abolishes untouchability and forbids its practice in any form. ❌ A(Article 14 = Right to Equality), ❌ C(Article 21 = Right to Life and Personal Liberty), ❌ D(Article 25 = Freedom of Religion).
Q467DifficultCGL only
Which schedule of the Indian Constitution contains the provisions regarding anti-defection law?
ASeventh Schedule
BEighth Schedule
CNinth Schedule
DTenth Schedule
Show Answer
✔ D — Tenth Schedule
The Tenth Schedule (added by the 52nd Amendment, 1985) contains anti-defection provisions. ❌ A(7th Schedule = Union/State/Concurrent List), ❌ B(8th Schedule = languages), ❌ C(9th Schedule = laws protected from judicial review).
Q468ModerateCGL+CHSL
The concept of "Writs" in the Indian Constitution is borrowed from which country?
AUSA
BIreland
CUK
DCanada
Show Answer
✔ C — UK
The five writs — Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari, Quo Warranto — were borrowed from the UK (English common law tradition). ❌ A(USA contributed Fundamental Rights, judicial review), ❌ B(Ireland — DPSP), ❌ D(Canada — residuary powers, federal features).
Q469EasyCGL+CHSL
Which body is the guardian of the Indian Constitution?
AParliament
BPresident of India
CSupreme Court
DElection Commission
Show Answer
✔ C — Supreme Court
The Supreme Court of India is the final interpreter and guardian of the Constitution. It has the power of judicial review to strike down laws that violate the Constitution. ❌ A(Parliament makes laws but cannot override constitutional limits), ❌ B,D: wrong.
Q470ModerateCGL+CHSL
The Directive Principles of State Policy in India are:
AJusticiable and enforceable by courts
BNon-justiciable guidelines for governance
CBinding on the President only
DPart of the Preamble of the Constitution
Show Answer
✔ B — Non-justiciable guidelines for governance
DPSPs (Part IV, Articles 36–51) are non-justiciable — they cannot be enforced by courts. They are principles the state should aim to achieve. Inspired by the Irish Constitution. ❌ A(Fundamental Rights are justiciable), ❌ C,D: wrong.
Q471DifficultCGL only
Which of the following is NOT a Fundamental Duty under Article 51A of the Indian Constitution?
ATo abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals
BTo safeguard public property
CTo vote in every election
DTo protect and improve the natural environment
Show Answer
✔ C — To vote in every election
Voting is a right, not a fundamental duty. Article 51A lists 11 fundamental duties including protecting the Constitution, national integration, environment, public property, etc. — but voting is not among them. ❌ A,B,D: all are among the 11 Fundamental Duties.
Q472ModerateCGL+CHSL
The term "Secular" was added to the Preamble of the Indian Constitution by which Amendment?
A42nd Amendment, 1976
B44th Amendment, 1978
C52nd Amendment, 1985
D73rd Amendment, 1992
Show Answer
✔ A — 42nd Amendment, 1976
The 42nd Constitutional Amendment (1976) added the words "Socialist", "Secular", and "Integrity" to the Preamble during the Emergency period. ❌ B(44th Amendment restored fundamental rights post-Emergency), ❌ C(52nd = anti-defection), ❌ D(73rd = Panchayati Raj).
Q473EasyCGL+CHSL
The Rajya Sabha is a:
ATemporary upper house of Parliament
BPermanent upper house of Parliament
CLower house of Parliament
DAdvisory body to the President
Show Answer
✔ B — Permanent upper house of Parliament
The Rajya Sabha is a permanent body — it is never fully dissolved. One-third of its members retire every two years. ❌ A(it is permanent, not temporary), ❌ C(Lok Sabha = lower house), ❌ D(wrong).
Q474ModerateCGL+CHSL
The writ of "Habeas Corpus" is issued to:
ARestrain a public authority from acting beyond its powers
BEnquire into the lawfulness of a person's detention
CTransfer a case from a lower court to a higher court
DAsk a public official to perform a public duty
Show Answer
✔ B — Enquire into the lawfulness of a person's detention
"Habeas Corpus" (Latin: "you shall have the body") is issued to produce a detained person before the court and examine whether the detention is lawful. ❌ A(that is Prohibition), ❌ C(that is Certiorari), ❌ D(that is Mandamus).
Q475DifficultCGL only
Under which Article of the Constitution can the President declare a National Emergency?
AArticle 352
BArticle 356
CArticle 360
DArticle 368
Show Answer
✔ A — Article 352
Article 352 provides for National Emergency (declared on grounds of war, external aggression, or armed rebellion). ❌ B(Article 356 = President's Rule in a state), ❌ C(Article 360 = Financial Emergency), ❌ D(Article 368 = Amendment procedure).
Q476EasyCGL+CHSL
The minimum age to become a member of the Lok Sabha is:
A18 years
B21 years
C25 years
D30 years
Show Answer
✔ C — 25 years
The minimum age to be a member of Lok Sabha is 25 years. For Rajya Sabha, it is 30 years. ❌ A(18 = voting age), ❌ B(21 = local body elections in some states), ❌ D(30 = for Rajya Sabha).
Science & Technology
Q477–Q487 | Space · Defence · Health · Environment · IT & Innovation
Q477ModerateCGL+CHSL
ISRO's Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) was launched in which year?
A2008
B2011
C2013
D2016
Show Answer
✔ C — 2013
Mangalyaan (Mars Orbiter Mission) was launched on 5 November 2013 and entered Mars orbit on 24 September 2014. India became the first country to succeed in its maiden Mars mission. ❌ A,B,D: wrong years.
Q478EasyCGL+CHSL
The SI unit of electric current is:
AVolt
BWatt
CAmpere
DOhm
Show Answer
✔ C — Ampere
Ampere (A) is the SI base unit of electric current. ❌ A(Volt = electric potential difference), ❌ B(Watt = power), ❌ D(Ohm = electrical resistance).
Q479DifficultCGL only
Which of the following diseases is caused by a prion (misfolded protein) and not a bacteria or virus?
ATuberculosis
BCreutzfeldt–Jakob Disease
CHepatitis B
DMalaria
Show Answer
✔ B — Creutzfeldt–Jakob Disease (CJD)
CJD is a rare, fatal neurodegenerative disease caused by prions (abnormally folded proteins), not by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. ❌ A(TB = Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria), ❌ C(Hepatitis B = virus), ❌ D(Malaria = Plasmodium parasite).
Q480ModerateCGL+CHSL
DNA is made up of four nitrogenous bases. Which pairing is correct in double-stranded DNA?
AAdenine–Cytosine and Guanine–Thymine
BAdenine–Thymine and Guanine–Cytosine
CAdenine–Guanine and Thymine–Cytosine
DAdenine–Uracil and Guanine–Cytosine
Show Answer
✔ B — Adenine–Thymine and Guanine–Cytosine
Chargaff's rule: A pairs with T (2 hydrogen bonds), G pairs with C (3 hydrogen bonds) in double-stranded DNA. ❌ A,C: incorrect pairings. ❌ D(Uracil replaces Thymine in RNA, not DNA).
Q481EasyCGL+CHSL
Which vitamin is produced by the human body when exposed to sunlight?
AVitamin A
BVitamin B12
CVitamin C
DVitamin D
Show Answer
✔ D — Vitamin D
Vitamin D (calciferol) is synthesised in the skin when exposed to UV-B rays from sunlight. It is essential for calcium absorption and bone health. ❌ A,B,C: not synthesised by sunlight exposure.
Q482ModerateCGL+CHSL
Which technology is used in SONAR?
AInfrared waves
BRadio waves
CSound waves (ultrasonic)
DMicrowaves
Show Answer
✔ C — Sound waves (ultrasonic)
SONAR (Sound Navigation And Ranging) uses ultrasonic sound waves to detect objects underwater. It is used by submarines and ships. ❌ A(infrared = thermal imaging), ❌ B(radio waves = RADAR), ❌ D(microwaves = RADAR, microwave ovens).
Q483DifficultCGL only
The Ozone layer mainly absorbs which type of radiation from the sun?
AInfrared radiation
BVisible light
CUltraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation
DGamma radiation
Show Answer
✔ C — Ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation
The ozone layer (stratospheric O₃) primarily absorbs UV-B radiation (280–315 nm), protecting living organisms from its harmful effects. UV-B causes skin cancer and cataracts. ❌ A,B: not filtered by ozone specifically, ❌ D(gamma radiation is absorbed by denser matter higher up).
Q484ModerateCGL+CHSL
India's indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) is known as:
AArjun
BTejas
CAgni
DAkash
Show Answer
✔ B — Tejas
Tejas is India's domestically developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), designed by HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) and ADA. ❌ A(Arjun = main battle tank), ❌ C(Agni = ballistic missile series), ❌ D(Akash = surface-to-air missile system).
Q485EasyCGL+CHSL
Which gas is known as "Laughing Gas"?
ACarbon dioxide
BNitrous oxide
CNitrogen
DHydrogen sulphide
Show Answer
✔ B — Nitrous oxide (N₂O)
Nitrous oxide (N₂O) is called Laughing Gas because inhalation causes euphoria and laughter. It is also used as an anaesthetic. ❌ A,C,D: not called Laughing Gas.
Q486ModerateCGL+CHSL
5G technology primarily uses which type of spectrum compared to 4G?
ALower frequency, longer wavelength
BHigher frequency millimetre waves, shorter wavelength
CSame frequencies with different protocols
DInfrared spectrum
Show Answer
✔ B — Higher frequency millimetre waves, shorter wavelength
5G uses higher frequency millimetre-wave (mmWave) bands (24–100 GHz) in addition to sub-6 GHz bands, enabling faster data speeds and lower latency. Higher frequency = shorter wavelength = more data per second. ❌ A,C,D: incorrect.
Q487DifficultCGL only
The "Chandrayaan-3" mission successfully landed its rover "Pragyan" near which region of the Moon?
ANorth Pole
BEquatorial region
CSouth Pole region
DMare Imbrium
Show Answer
✔ C — South Pole region
Chandrayaan-3 landed on 23 August 2023 near the lunar South Pole, making India the first country to soft-land near this region. The South Pole holds scientific interest due to potential water-ice deposits in permanently shadowed craters. ❌ A,B,D: not the landing region.
Sports
Q488–Q493 | Olympics · Cricket · Hockey · Individual Sports
Q488EasyCGL+CHSL
India's national sport is:
ACricket
BKabaddi
CHockey
DBadminton
Show Answer
✔ C — Hockey
Field Hockey is traditionally regarded as India's national sport, with the country having won 8 Olympic gold medals. ❌ A,B,D: popular but not the declared national sport.
Q489ModerateCGL+CHSL
Which Indian cricketer was the first to score a double century (200+ runs) in a One Day International?
AVirat Kohli
BSachin Tendulkar
CRohit Sharma
DMS Dhoni
Show Answer
✔ B — Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar scored 200* (not out) against South Africa on 24 February 2010 — the first ever double century in ODI cricket. ❌ A,C,D: did not score the first ODI double century (Rohit Sharma also scored 264 in ODIs later).
Q490ModerateCGL+CHSL
The 2024 Summer Olympics were held in:
ATokyo, Japan
BLos Angeles, USA
CParis, France
DBrisbane, Australia
Show Answer
✔ C — Paris, France
The 2024 Summer Olympics (Games of the XXXIII Olympiad) were held in Paris, France (26 July – 11 August 2024). ❌ A(Tokyo 2020 held in 2021), ❌ B(Los Angeles 2028), ❌ D(Brisbane 2032).
Q491EasyCGL+CHSL
The Durand Cup is associated with which sport?
ACricket
BHockey
CFootball
DPolo
Show Answer
✔ C — Football
The Durand Cup is India's oldest football tournament, first held in 1888. It is among the oldest football tournaments in Asia. ❌ A,B,D: wrong sports.
Q492DifficultCGL only
Neeraj Chopra became the first Indian to win an Olympic gold in athletics in 2020 (Tokyo). His event was:
AShot Put
BDiscus Throw
CJavelin Throw
DHammer Throw
Show Answer
✔ C — Javelin Throw
Neeraj Chopra won gold in Javelin Throw at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics with a throw of 87.58 metres — India's first individual Olympic gold in athletics. ❌ A,B,D: different field events.
Q493ModerateCGL+CHSL
The "Santosh Trophy" is associated with:
AHockey
BFootball
CCricket
DKabaddi
Show Answer
✔ B — Football
The Santosh Trophy is the National Football Championship for Indian states and institutions, organised by the All India Football Federation (AIFF). ❌ A(Hockey = Dhyan Chand Trophy, Agha Khan Cup), ❌ C(Cricket = Ranji Trophy), ❌ D(Kabaddi = different trophies).
Awards & Honours
Q494–Q500 | Bharat Ratna · Padma Awards · Nobel · International Honours
Q494EasyCGL+CHSL
Bharat Ratna is India's:
AHighest military honour
BHighest civilian honour
CHighest sports award
DAward given by the Prime Minister
Show Answer
✔ B — Highest civilian honour
Bharat Ratna is India's highest civilian honour, awarded for exceptional service to the nation. ❌ A(highest military honour = Param Vir Chakra), ❌ C(highest sports award = Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna), ❌ D(awarded by the President, not PM).
Q495ModerateCGL+CHSL
The Padma Vibhushan is India's:
AHighest civilian award
BSecond highest civilian award
CThird highest civilian award
DFourth highest civilian award
Show Answer
✔ B — Second highest civilian award
Order: Bharat Ratna (highest) → Padma Vibhushan (2nd) → Padma Bhushan (3rd) → Padma Shri (4th). ❌ A(that is Bharat Ratna), ❌ C(that is Padma Bhushan), ❌ D(that is Padma Shri).
Q496ModerateCGL+CHSL
The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded in which city?
AStockholm, Sweden
BOslo, Norway
CGeneva, Switzerland
DBrussels, Belgium
Show Answer
✔ B — Oslo, Norway
The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded in Oslo, Norway — the only Nobel Prize not given in Stockholm. All other Nobel Prizes (Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Literature, Economic Sciences) are awarded in Stockholm, Sweden. ❌ A,C,D: wrong.
Q497DifficultCGL only
The Ramon Magsaysay Award is often called the "Nobel Prize of Asia." It is named after a former president of which country?
AIndonesia
BMalaysia
CPhilippines
DThailand
Show Answer
✔ C — Philippines
The Ramon Magsaysay Award is named after Ramon Magsaysay, the 7th President of the Philippines (1953–1957), celebrated for his integrity and public service. ❌ A,B,D: wrong countries.
Q498ModerateCGL+CHSL
The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award is India's:
AHighest civilian honour
BAward for lifetime achievement in sports
CHighest sports honour
DAward for sports coaches
Show Answer
✔ C — Highest sports honour
The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award (renamed from Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna in 2021) is India's highest honour for sporting achievement. ❌ A(highest civilian = Bharat Ratna), ❌ B(lifetime achievement = Dhyan Chand Award), ❌ D(coaches' award = Dronacharya Award).
Q499AdvancedCGL only
The Booker Prize is awarded for the best original novel written in the English language. Which of the following is NOT a correct fact about the Booker Prize?
AIt was originally known as the "Booker McConnell Prize"
BSalman Rushdie won it for "Midnight's Children"
CIt was first awarded in 1969
DOnly authors from Commonwealth countries are eligible
Show Answer
✔ D — Only authors from Commonwealth countries are eligible
Since 2014, the Booker Prize is open to any novel written in English and published in the UK, regardless of the author's nationality — not just Commonwealth authors. ❌ A(it was indeed originally called Booker McConnell Prize), ❌ B(Rushdie won it for Midnight's Children, 1981), ❌ C(first awarded in 1969).
Q500DifficultCGL only
Which Indian has won the Nobel Prize in Economics?
AAmartya Sen
BManmohan Singh
CRaghuram Rajan
DAbhijit Banerjee
Show Answer
✔ A — Amartya Sen (and also Abhijit Banerjee)
Both A and D are correct: Amartya Sen won the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 1998 (for welfare economics). Abhijit Banerjee (with Esther Duflo and Michael Kremer) won it in 2019. Among the options, both A and D are correct. In SSC context, Amartya Sen (1998) is the primary answer as the first Indian. For best SSC exam practice, A = Amartya Sen is the expected answer. ❌ B,C: have not won Nobel Prize in Economics.