To arrange the National Parks of Assam in ascending order of their year of declaration, here are their years of declaration:
Manas National Park – 1990
Nameri National Park – 1998
Dibru-Saikhowa National Park – 1999
Raimona National Park – 2021
Ascending Order by Year of Declaration:
(ii) Manas (1990) → (iv) Nameri (1998) → (iii) Dibru-Saikhowa (1999) → (i) Raimona (2021)
Correct Answer: (B) (ii) – (iv) – (iii) – (i)
52.
Match List-I with List-II:
List-I List-II
a. Mulch 1. Variation in species composition across different habitats
b. Niche 2. Movement of nutrient-rich bottom water to ocean’s surface
c. Beta diversity 3. A protective cover on the ground, may be of dried leaves
d. Upwelling 4. The functional role and position of a species in an ecosystem
Correct Matching:
a. Mulch → 3: A protective cover on the ground, may be of dried leaves
b. Niche → 4: The functional role and position of a species in an ecosystem
c. Beta diversity → 1: Variation in species composition across different habitats
d. Upwelling → 2: Movement of nutrient-rich bottom water to ocean’s surface
Final Answer Code:
a – 3, b – 4, c – 1, d – 2
Analysis:
Mulch (Option 3): Mulch is organic or inorganic material spread on the soil surface to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve fertility—often includes dried leaves.
Niche (Option 4): In ecology, a niche describes how an organism or population responds to the distribution of resources and competitors and how it alters those same factors.
Beta diversity (Option 1): This refers to the comparison of diversity between ecosystems, usually measured as the change in species composition from one habitat to another.
Upwelling (Option 2): Oceanographic phenomenon where deep, cold, and nutrient-rich water rises to the surface, promoting high biological productivity.
53.
According to the Assam State Action Plan on Climate Change (2015–2020), which of the following temperature and rainfall changes occurred in Assam during the period 1951–2010?
Options:
(A) Annual mean temperature and annual rainfall have both increased
(B) Annual mean temperature and annual rainfall have both decreased
(C) Annual mean temperature has increased, while annual rainfall has decreased
(D) No noticeable changes in temperature and rainfall trends
Correct Answer: (C)
Annual mean temperature has increased, while annual rainfall has decreased
Explanation:
According to the Assam State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC) 2015–2020:
There has been a rise in average annual temperature in Assam over the period 1951–2010.
At the same time, there has been a decline in average annual rainfall, indicating changing monsoon patterns and increased climate variability.
This reflects the broader climate change trend of warming with disrupted hydrological cycles in the region.
54.
Bioremediation using fungi is known as:
Options:
(A) mycoremediation
(B) phycoremediation
(C) phytoremediation
(D) entomoremediation
Correct Answer: (A) mycoremediation
Explanation:
Mycoremediation: The use of fungi (from Greek myco) to degrade or remove environmental pollutants. Fungi have strong enzymatic capabilities to break down complex organic and inorganic pollutants (e.g., petroleum, pesticides, heavy metals).
Phycoremediation: Involves algae (phyco = algae) in treating wastewater or polluted environments.
Phytoremediation: Use of plants (phyto = plant) to clean up soil, air, and water contaminated with hazardous contaminants.
Entomoremediation: Uses insects (entomo = insect) to assist in breaking down waste or pollutants (a relatively emerging field).
55.
The global warming potential (GWP) of a gas is decided on the basis of:
Options:
(A) the amount of total long-wave radiation a greenhouse gas can trap
(B) the amount of total long-wave radiation a greenhouse gas can trap in comparison to CO₂ over a period of 100 years
(C) the amount of total long-wave radiation a greenhouse gas can trap in comparison to CH₄ over a period of 100 years
(D) the amount of total long-wave radiation a gas can trap over a period of 1 year
Correct Answer: (B)
“The amount of total long-wave radiation a greenhouse gas can trap in comparison to CO₂ over a period of 100 years”
Explanation:
Global Warming Potential (GWP) is a measure of how much energy the emissions of 1 ton of a gas will absorb over a specific period of time, relative to the emissions of 1 ton of CO₂ (carbon dioxide).
The standard timeframe used for GWP calculations is 100 years.
CO₂ is used as the baseline with a GWP of 1, and other greenhouse gases like methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O) are compared against it.
Example:
Methane (CH₄) has a GWP of ~28–36 over 100 years, meaning it traps 28 to 36 times more heat than CO₂ per unit mass over that time.
56.
Which of the following soil horizons is present in the soil of forests but absent in cultivated fields?
Options:
(A) O horizon
(B) A horizon
(C) B horizon
(D) C horizon
Correct Answer: (A) O horizon
Explanation:
The O horizon is the organic layer composed of decomposed leaves, twigs, and animal matter — rich in humus.
Commonly found in undisturbed forest soils.
Absent in cultivated fields due to ploughing, clearing, and lack of organic litter.
A horizon: Topsoil; present in both forests and cultivated fields.
B horizon: Subsoil; found in all types of soil.
C horizon: Weathered parent material; also common across soil types.
57.
The ‘Gadgil Committee Report’ and ‘Kasturirangan Committee Report’ are related to:
(i) Ganga Action Plan
(ii) Inter-linking of Indian rivers
(iii) Protection of Western Ghats
(iv) Planning of ecozones of India
Correct Answer: (C) (iii) only
Explanation:
Gadgil Committee Report (2011):
Formed by the MoEF, this expert panel headed by Madhav Gadgil aimed at sustainable development and protection of the Western Ghats. It recommended declaring the region as an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA).
Kasturirangan Committee (2013):
Set up to review the Gadgil report. It proposed a more development-friendly approach but still focused on the conservation of the Western Ghats.
Incorrect Options:
(i) Ganga Action Plan → Not related.
(ii) Interlinking of rivers → Not the focus of either report.
(iv) Ecozones of India → Too broad; not the exact scope.
58.
Which organization/department is the custodian of foreign exchange reserves in India?
Correct Answer: (B) The RBI
Explanation:
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is the official custodian of foreign exchange reserves in India.
These reserves include:
Foreign currencies
Gold
Special Drawing Rights (SDRs)
Reserve Tranche with the IMF
The RBI manages these reserves to ensure:
Exchange rate stability
Liquidity during external shocks
Confidence in the Indian economy
Incorrect Options:
(A) Exim Bank – Facilitates exports/imports but doesn’t hold reserves.
(C) DGFT – Deals with trade policy, not forex reserves.
(D) NITI Aayog – Policy think tank, not involved in forex management.
59.
As per the NITI Aayog’s Multidimensional Poverty Index data for 2022–23, the percentage of Assam’s population classified as poor (i.e., living in multidimensional poverty) is approximately 14.47%:
“Assam has shown a significant decline in its poverty headcount ratio, dropping from 36.97% in 2013–14 to 14.47% in 2022–23.”
Therefore, the correct option is (C) 14.47%.
Context for APSC Aspirants:
Understanding the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) is critical. Unlike income-based poverty, MPI assesses deprivation across 12 key indicators, including health, education, and standard of living. Assam’s marked improvement—from 36.97% in 2013–14 to 14.47% in 2022–23—highlights the impact of social welfare programs, and is aligned with national efforts to meet the SDG target 1.2 of halving poverty by 2030.
60.
Q: What are the main objectives of the ‘Assam Millets Mission’?
(i) Raise nutrition quotient
(ii) Increase farmer’s income
(iii) Contribute to crop diversification
(iv) Employment generation
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(A) (i) and (iii) only
(B) (i), (ii) and (iii) only
(C) (i) and (iv) only
(D) (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)
Analysis:
The Assam Millets Mission is part of India’s larger effort to promote millets for their multiple benefits:
Main Objectives:
Raise nutrition quotient – Millets are nutrient-rich and help combat malnutrition.
Increase farmer’s income – By promoting millet cultivation, farmers get better market prices and reduced input costs.
Contribute to crop diversification – Millets can be grown in dry and marginal lands, reducing reliance on water-intensive crops.
Employment generation – While not the primary objective, promotion of value chains and millet-based industries can create jobs.
Answer Analysis:
Option (B) is correct in listing the three core objectives directly linked to the mission’s mandate.
Option (D) includes (iv) – Employment generation, which is a secondary benefit, not a primary mission objective, though some may consider it valid depending on interpretation.
61.
Which of the following is not a dimension of the Social Progress Index?
(A) Basic human need
(B) Foundation of well-being
(C) Opportunity
(D) Per capita income
Correct Answer: (D) Per capita income
Analysis:
The Social Progress Index (SPI) is a comprehensive measure of a country’s social and environmental performance, independent of economic indicators like GDP or per capita income.
The SPI includes 3 key dimensions:
Basic Human Needs – e.g., nutrition, medical care, water, sanitation, shelter, personal safety.
Foundations of Wellbeing – e.g., access to basic knowledge, information, health, and environmental quality.
Opportunity – e.g., personal rights, personal freedom and choice, inclusiveness, and access to advanced education.
Why (D) is Correct:
Per capita income is an economic measure and is not included in the SPI framework.
SPI focuses on non-economic indicators to better reflect the quality of life and human well-being.
Thus, (D) Per capita income is not a dimension of the Social Progress Index.
62.
In which year were the Assam Plantations Labour Rules established?
(A) 1951
(B) 1971
(C) 1953
(D) 1956
Ans D. The Assam Plantations Labour Rules, 1956, were created by the State Government of Assam to implement the Plantation Labour Act, 1951. These rules aim to ensure the health, welfare, and maternity benefits of plantation workers in Assam. They cover various aspects like working hours, housing, recreational and educational facilities, and more.
63.
Which one of the following is the purpose of ‘UDAY’?
(A) Providing technical and financial assistance to start-up entrepreneurs in the field of renewable sources of energy
(B) Providing electricity to every household in the country
(C) Replacing the coal-based power plants with natural gas, nuclear, solar, wind and tidal power plants over a period of time
(D) Providing for financial turnaround and revival of power distribution companies
Correct Answer: (D)
Analysis:
The UDAY (Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana) scheme was launched by the Ministry of Power, Government of India in 2015 with the specific aim of improving the financial health and operational efficiency of State-run power distribution companies (DISCOMs).
Key Objectives of UDAY:
Financial Turnaround: Reduce the debt burden on DISCOMs by allowing state governments to take over 75% of their debts.
Operational Efficiency: Promote reforms like feeder metering, smart metering, reducing AT&C losses (Aggregate Technical and Commercial losses), and demand-side management.
Reduction in Cost of Power: Improve coal linkage, faster completion of transmission lines, and rationalization of power tariffs.
Accountability and Monitoring: Introduction of performance parameters and real-time monitoring.
64.
Economists Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson and James A. Robinson won the Nobel Prize in 2024 in Economics. They were honoured for their work on:
(A) environment
(B) banks and financial crises
(C) institution
(D) labour market
Correct Answer: (C) institution
Analysis:
The 2024 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences was awarded to Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson, and James A. Robinson for their pioneering work on the role of institutions in shaping economic outcomes.
Their research explores:
How political and economic institutions determine the long-term prosperity of nations.
Why some countries develop inclusive institutions (e.g., democratic governance, secure property rights), which promote growth, while others remain under extractive systems that benefit elites.
Key Contributions:
In books like “Why Nations Fail” and “Power and Progress”, they argue that:
Inclusive institutions empower citizens and foster innovation.
Extractive institutions concentrate power and hinder development.
65
Who among the following won the ‘Golden Bat’ in the ICC Champions Trophy, 2025?
(A) Rachin Ravindra
(B) Shreyas Iyer
(C) J. E. Root
(D) B. M. Duckett
Correct Answer: (A) Rachin Ravindra
Analysis:
Golden Bat is awarded to the leading run-scorer of the tournament
Rachin Ravindra of New Zealand topped the scoring charts, amassing 263 runs in four matches, including two centuries—a remarkable performance that also earned him Player of the Tournament honors
66.
What is the time period of the 16th Finance Commission of India which is chaired by Dr. Arvind Panagariya?
(A) 1st April, 2025 to 31st March, 2030
(B) 1st April, 2026 to 31st March, 2031
(C) 1st January, 2025 to 31st December, 2030
(D) 1st January, 2026 to 31st December, 2031
The XVIFC was constituted on 31 st December, 2023, with Dr. Arvind Panagariya, former Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog, as its chairman. The XVIFC is mandated to submit its recommendations by 31 st October, 2025, for the award period of five years commencing from 1 st April, 2026
67.
Which of the following is/are active Indian Research Station(s) in Antarctica continent?
(i) Dakshin Gangotri
(ii) Maitri
(iii) Bharati
(iv) Tushar
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(A) (i) only
(B) (ii) only
(C) (ii) and (iii) only
(D) (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)
Correct Answer: (C) (ii) and (iii) only
Analysis:
India has established three research stations in Antarctica, but only two are currently active.
Active Stations:
Maitri (Established in 1989)
Located in the Schirmacher Oasis.
Second Indian base after Dakshin Gangotri.
Used for atmospheric, biological, and geological studies.
Bharati (Commissioned in 2012)
India’s third research station.
Equipped with state-of-the-art labs.
Focuses on oceanographic and climate research.
Inactive Station:
Dakshin Gangotri (Established in 1983)
First Indian Antarctic station.
Now acts as a supply base and transit camp, not an active research station.
Not an Indian Station:
Tushar: There is no Indian research station in Antarctica by this name.
68.
Who delivered the welcome address in the Hindu Mahasabha Conference, which was held in 1926?
(A) Tarun Ram Phukan
(B) Gopinath Bordoloi
(C) Chandra Nath Sarmah
(D) Pitambar Deva Goswami
Correct Answer: (D) Pitambar Deva Goswami
Analysis:
Hindu Mahasabha, a right-wing Hindu nationalist organization, held one of its significant conferences in 1926.
The welcome address for that session was delivered by Pitambar Deva Goswami, a respected Vaishnavite saint, reformer, and social leader from Assam.
69.
Asom Sangrakshini Sabha was founded by—
(A) Chandra Nath Sarmah
(B) Gopinath Bordoloi
(C) Kuladhar Chaliha
(D) Ambikagiri Raichoudhury
Correct Answer: (D) Ambikagiri Raichoudhury
Analysis:
Asom Sangrakshini Sabha was an organization established to preserve and protect Assamese identity and interests, especially in the context of growing concerns over migration and cultural dilution.
Ambikagiri Raichoudhury, known as the “Agni Kobi” (fiery poet) of Assam, founded the Sabha to mobilize Assamese people towards socio-political consciousness and defend the rights of indigenous communities.
70.
Maitri Ashram, later renamed as Kasturba Ashram, was established at Sarania Hills, Guwahati by—
(A) Amal Prabha Das
(B) Vinoba Bhave
(C) Pushpalata Das
(D) Chandraprabha Saikiani
Correct Answer: (A) Amal Prabha Das
Analysis:
Maitri Ashram, located at Sarania Hills in Guwahati, was founded by Amal Prabha Das, a prominent social reformer and freedom fighter from Assam.
The Ashram was later renamed as Kasturba Ashram in memory of Kasturba Gandhi, and served as a center for Gandhian ideals, especially women empowerment and social welfare.
About Amal Prabha Das:
A pioneering social worker and activist, she contributed to rural development, women’s rights, and the Gandhian movement in Assam.
She was also a devoted follower of Gandhian philosophy, and her work through the ashram included:
Spinning and Khadi promotion
Adult education
Upliftment of underprivileged women
71.
Who among the following martyrs died in police firing at Dhekiajuli police station on 20th September, 1942, who stood at the front, heading the ‘Death Squad’?
(A) Manbar Nath
(B) Tileswari Barua
(C) Ratan Kachari
(D) Mangal Kurku
And A: September 20 is observed in the Dhekiajuli town in Sonitpur district of Assam as Martyrs’ Day, as it is the same day in which Tileswari Barua, who was shot at the age of 12 by the British, during the Quit India Movement, when she and some freedom fighters tried to unfurl the Tricolour atop a police station.
Tileswari went along with a mrityu vahini — a kind of suicide squad — as it marched towards the police station in Dhekiajuli. Fifteen people were killed in the shooting that day. Tileswari was the eldest of four children of Bhabakanta Barua of Nij-Borgaon village on the outskirts of Dhekiajuli. She is believed to have been influenced by the patriotic songs that Congress volunteers were singing every day.
Tileswari was a little behind Monbor Nath, who headed the local mrityu vahini and was leading the group. When Nath defied orders of the police officer and climbed atop the police station, he was gunned down within a few seconds. Other volunteers followed, one by one. Tileswari was the fourth to be hit by the bullet after Nath, Kumoli Devi and Mohiram Koch.
72.
Assertion (A): Purnananda Burhagohain created a standing army.
Reason (R): The king was plotting to kill the Burhagohain.
Select the correct answer from the options given below:
(A) Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation for (A)
(B) Both (A) and (R) are correct, but (R) is not the correct explanation for (A)
(C) (A) is correct, but (R) is wrong
(D) (A) is not correct, but (R) is correct
Correct Answer: (B) Both (A) and (R) are correct, but (R) is not the correct explanation for (A)
Analysis:
Assertion (A):
Correct. Purnananda Burhagohain, a powerful and reformist Prime Minister (Burhagohain) during the Ahom rule, created a standing army to strengthen the state’s military structure and curb internal disorder.
Reason (R):
Also correct. There was indeed tension between the Ahom monarch and the Burhagohain. According to historical sources, King Gaurinath Singha was suspicious and hostile towards the powerful nobles, especially Burhagohain. It is believed that such plots or tensions did exist.
Why (R) is not the correct explanation for (A):
Although there were political tensions between the king and Burhagohain, Purnananda’s creation of a standing army was more about centralizing power and modernizing the military, especially in the wake of growing external and internal threats—not just because the king plotted to kill him.
73.
Which of the following statements regarding Ahom-Mughal conflict during 1616–1639 is/are false?
(i) Ahom king came to be regarded as the Raja of Assam.
(ii) The defeat of the Mughals had been dramatically described in the Baharistan-i-Ghaibi.
(iii) A Barphukan was appointed with headquarters at Kajali.
(iv) The main grounds for the conflict were in boundary disputes and commercial relations.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(A) (ii) and (iii) only
(B) (i) and (iv) only
(C) (iii) only
(D) All the statements are true
Correct Answer: D
Analysis of Each Statement:
(i) Ahom king came to be regarded as the Raja of Assam
True.
After the Treaty of Asurar Ali (1639), the Mughals recognized the Ahom king as the legitimate ruler of Assam. This was a diplomatic recognition that ended hostilities.
(ii) The defeat of the Mughals had been dramatically described in the Baharistan-i-Ghaibi
True.
This Persian chronicle by Mirza Nathan gives a vivid and detailed account of the Mughal campaigns in Assam, including their failures.
(iii) The main grounds for the conflict were in boundary disputes and commercial relations
True.
Mughal expansion into Assam led to boundary disputes. There were also economic motives, as control over trade routes and access to natural resources were important.
74.
Which of the following statements regarding first Assamese film Joymoti is/are false?
(i) The film was produced by Chitralekha Movietone.
(ii) The film was based on a drama by Padmanath Gohain Baruah.
(iii) The artists were drawn from respectable families.
(iv) The film was the first Indian film to delve into ‘realism’.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(A) (i) and (ii) only
(B) (ii) and (iv) only
(C) (ii) only
(D) (iii) only
Joymoti, released in 1935, added a new chapter in the chronicles of Indian cinema, primarily in the discourse of realism. Further, Jyotiprasad was the only political filmmaker of pre-independent India, though there were many in post-independent India, starting with Ritwik Ghatak. Above all else, Joymoti is a nationalist film in its attempts to create a cultural world using the elements of Assamese society. It is the only work of its kind of that period.
The film Joymoti (1935) was directed and produced by Jyotiprasad Agarwala, under his own banner Chitralekha Movietone. Joymoti was based on a historical play written by Lakshminath Bezbaroa, not Padmanath Gohain Baruah. Many of the cast members came from well-known or respectable families, though acting was still socially stigmatized at the time.
75.
Match the following Buranjis (List–I) with the period they deal with (List–II):
List–I (Buranjis):
a. Satsari Assam Buranji
b. Kali Bharat Buranji
c. Tungkhungia Buranji
d. Weissali Buranji
List–II (Periods):
Kamaleswar Singha to Purandar Singha
1679–1858
1681–1810
Burmese invasion of Assam Ans D
Kali-bharat Buranji”) is a metrical chronicle of Assam written by Dutiram Hazarika. It covers the period from 1679, when Ratnadhwaj Singha Lora Raja came to power, to 1858, when the East India Company’s territories were transferred to the Crown. The chronicle is part of a larger compilation called “Asamar padya-buranji” (A metrical chronicle of Assam) which also includes “Belimarar buranji” by Bisweswar Vaidyadhipa
Weissali Buranji → Burmese invasion of Assam
Deals with the Burmese aggression and its impact on Assam.
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