English Comprehension PYQs

The correct answer is Sugar.

Key Points

• Sugar is a compound made up of three atoms:
• carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
• Since these three atoms are chemically linked to each other, they form a compound in nature.
• When sugar is added to water in the required amount it becomes a true solution, if excess sugar is added to water it leads to saturation.

We can classify the given substances as- 

Additional Information

• A substance that is made up of two or more elements and joined by bonds is a term compound.
• A chemical compound is a chemical substance made up of many identical molecules containing atoms of more than one chemical element held together by chemical bonds.
• Therefore, a molecule containing atoms of only one element is not a compound.
• Mixture:
• It is a compound made of one or more pure substances.
• It is a homogenous and heterogenous mixture.
• Homogenous: This mixture is one in which particles are evenly mixed.
• Heterogeneous: This mixture is one in which particles are not evenly mixed.

The correct answer is 94.

Mistake Points

• As per NCERT, Out of 118, only 98 are naturally occurring. But it is an official paper of CDS and the closest option here is 94.
• Source: https://ncert.nic.in/textbook/pdf/kech103.pdf

Key Points

• The first 94 elements of the periodic table are naturally occurring, while the rest from 95 to 118 have only been synthesized in laboratories or nuclear reactors. 
• The atomic numbers 1 through 82 of the 94 naturally occurring elements each have at least one stable isotope (except for technetium, element 43, and promethium, element 61, which have no stable isotopes).
• Six elements are found in extremely small amounts:
• technetium (atomic number 43), promethium (atomic number 61), astatine (atomic number 85), francium (atomic number 87), neptunium (atomic number 93), and plutonium (atomic number 94).

Additional Information

• The Modern periodic law & table was invented by Henry Moseley in 1913.
• The first who was able to arrange all the known elements was Mendeleev, he gave the law called Mendeleev's periodic law.

The correct answer is Oxalic acid is found in tamarind paste.

Key Points

• Tamarind is a tropical fruit that is commonly used in cooking to add sour flavor to dishes.
• While tamarind contains various acids, including tartaric acid and citric acid, it is not known to be a significant source of oxalic acid.
• Oxalic acid is found in some other foods, especially certain vegetables such as spinach, beet greens, and rhubarb.

Additional Information

• Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is a component of gastric juice secreted by the stomach.
• The gastric glands of the stomach produce gastric juice, which contains various substances including hydrochloric acid, enzymes, and mucus.
• Acetic acid (CH₃COOH) is the main component of vinegar.
• Vinegar is a liquid consisting primarily of water and acetic acid along with small amounts of other compounds such as flavorings.
• Acetic acid gives vinegar its characteristic sour taste and pungent odor.
• Lemon juice is rich in citric acid.
• Citric acid is a weak organic acid that gives lemons their sour taste.
• Orange juice contains ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C. Ascorbic acid is an essential nutrient for humans, and it fulfills various biological functions in the body.

The correct answer is Mitochondria - Respiration; Chloroplast - Photosynthesis; Ribosome - Protein Synthesis; Rough endoplasmic reticulum - Transport of proteins.

Key Points

• Mitochondria are responsible for cellular respiration, a process that produces energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) by oxidizing organic molecules such as glucose.
• Chloroplasts are found in plant cells and some algae.
• They are responsible for photosynthesis, a process that converts light energy into chemical energy (glucose) using energy from sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water.
• Ribosomes are cellular structures involved in protein synthesis.
• They read the genetic information in mRNA (messenger RNA) and assemble amino acids into proteins.
• Ribosomes are attached to the surface of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER).
• It plays an important role in the synthesis and processing of proteins.
• Proteins synthesized on the ribosomes of the RER are transported to the endoplasmic reticulum for modification and then transported to other cellular locations or secreted from the cell.
• The rough endoplasmic reticulum has on it ribosomes, which are small, round organelles whose function is to make those proteins.

The correct answer is Tapeworms.

Key Points

• Tapeworms are parasitic flatworms that belong to the phylum Platyhelminthes.
• Unlike plant cells and some other organisms, tapeworms do not have a rigid cell wall.
• Instead, they have a flexible outer covering called a tegument, an adaptation to their parasitic lifestyle.
• The tegument helps tapeworms absorb nutrients from the intestinal lining of their host.

Additional Information

• ​Bacteria generally have a cell wall.
• The bacterial cell wall is a protective outer layer that maintains the shape of the cell and provides structural support.
• It is composed of peptidoglycan in most bacteria, but there is variation in the composition of the cell wall between different bacterial groups.
• Diatoms are unicellular or multicellular algae, and they have a unique cell wall made of silica.
• The cell wall, known as a frustule, provides protection and rigidity to the diatom cell.
• Fungi, including mushrooms, have a cell wall.
• Fungal cell walls are composed primarily of chitin, a complex sugar.
• The cell wall of fungi functions to maintain the shape of the cell and protect the fungal cell.

The correct answer is Transpiration pull, cohesion and adhesion.

Key Points

• Transpiration Pull:
• The transpiration pull is a biological process in which a force of pull or a suction pull is generated inside the xylem tissue of the plant.
• This suction force assists in the movement of water in the upward direction inside the xylem vessels.
• Transpiration is the loss of water vapor from the aerial parts of the plant, primarily through the stomata in leaves.
• As water evaporates from the leaves, it creates a negative pressure (suction) that pulls water upward from the roots.
• Cohesion:
• Water molecules have cohesive properties, meaning they tend to stick together.
• This cohesion allows water to form a continuous column in the xylem vessels, helping in the upward movement.
• Adhesion:
• Water molecules also adhere to the walls of the xylem vessels.
• This adhesion helps counter the force of gravity and prevents the water column from breaking.
• Adhesion, along with cohesion, contributes to the capillary action that aids in water movement.

The correct answer is Energy flow is unidirectional and nutrient flow is cyclic.

Key Points

• Energy flow:
• ​Energy in an ecosystem flows from producers (plants) to various levels of consumers and decomposers but is not recycled back.
• Once energy is used by organisms, it is lost as heat to the environment.
• It does not return for reuse by plants or other organisms, thus the flow becomes unidirectional.
• Nutrient flow:
• Unlike energy, nutrients such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus are recycled in the ecosystem.
• After decomposition and mineralization, they can be reused by plants, creating a cycle.
• The flow of nutrients occurs cyclically.
• Therefore, the direction of the flow of energy is unidirectional, while the flow of nutrients is cyclic.

The correct answer is Rhizopus.

Key Points

• The organisms that live and feed on dead organic matter and obtain nutrition for their growth are called saprophytes.
• Example- mucor, yeast. Saprophytes are mostly fungi and/or bacteria.
• Saprophytes decompose dead plants and animals and convert complex molecules into simpler molecules.
• Rhizopus is a fungus commonly found in soil.
• It is a saprophyte, meaning it obtains nutrients by decomposing organic matter.
• Rhizopus plays a role in the decomposition of dead plants and other organic material.

Additional Information

• Cuscuta, commonly known as dodder, is a parasitic plant that lacks chlorophyll.
• It attaches itself to a host plant and derives nutrients by tapping into the host's vascular system.
• Spirogyra is a filamentous green algae.
• It is an autotrophic organism, meaning it produces its food through photosynthesis.
• Spirogyra contains chlorophyll and does not rely on external organic matter for nutrition.
• Grass is a type of plant that is generally autotrophic, producing its own food through photosynthesis.
• Grasses typically have chlorophyll and obtain nutrients through the process of photosynthesis.

The correct answer is Nucellus.

Key Points

• The only option that is not a haploid cell in the ovule of an angiosperm is the nucellus.
• Nucellus: In angiosperms, the nucellus is diploid (2n).
• It surrounds and nourishes the female gametophyte (embryo sac) within the ovule.

Additional Information

• Synergid: These are two haploid (n) cells located at the micropylar end of the embryo sac. They play a role in guiding the pollen tube toward the egg cell.
• Egg: This is the single haploid (n) cell of the embryo sac which, if fertilized, develops into the embryo.
• Antipodal:
• These are three haploid (n) cells found at the opposite end of the embryo sac.
• Their exact function is still unclear, but they may contribute to nutrient storage or hormone production.

The correct answer is 2, 4, 1, 3.

Key Points

• Capture of Torna:
• This incident happened in 1646 when Shivaji was only 16 years old.
• Torna was the first fort captured by Shivaji, marking the beginning of his military campaigns to establish an independent Maratha Empire.
• Merger of Javali:
• Shivaji captured the Javali region around 1656.
• This expansion was part of his efforts to consolidate his kingdom and expand Maratha's influence in the Western Ghats.
• Attack on Afzal Khan:
• In 1659, Shivaji faced Afzal Khan, a general of the Adil Shahi dynasty, in a famous encounter near Pratapgarh.
• Shivaji's courage and strategic skills led to the successful assassination of Afzal Khan, which was a significant moment in Shivaji's rise to power.
• Attack on Shaista Khan:
• In 1663, Shivaji launched a daring night attack on the Mughal governor Shaista Khan in Pune.
• Although Shivaji managed to wound Shaista Khan, the governor survived and this incident further increased tensions between the Marathas and the Mughals.

The correct answer is Subhash Chandra Bose.

Key Points

• Subhash Chandra Bose is the author of the book 'The Indian Struggle 1920-1934'.
• The Indian Struggle, 1920–1942 is a two-part book written by the Indian nationalist leader Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose (the first part from 1920 to 1934 and the second part from 1935 to 1942) covering the 1920–1942 history of the Indian independence movement.
• End British imperial rule over India. It was banned in India by the British colonial government and was published in the country only in 1948, after India became independent.

Additional Information

• Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose:
• He joined the Indian National Congress in 1921 and started the newspaper Swaraj.
• He formed the All India Forward Bloc within Congress in 1939, amidst the differences in ideology with a faction in Congress.

The correct answer is Andal.

Key Points

• There are 3 women Nayanar saints -
• Mangayarkkarasiyar (50^th Nayanar), Isaignaniyar (63^rd Nayanar**), and Karaikkal Ammaiyar (24^th** Nayanar**)**.
• Isaignaniyar is the mother of Sundarar, and the wife of Sadaya Nayanar, both of whom were Nayanar.
• Andal is often regarded as a 10^th-century Tamil poet, revered as a saint in southern parts of India.
• Furthermore, she is considered one of the twelve Alvars (saints) and the only female Alvar (saint) of Vaishnavism (a sect dedicated to Lord Vishnu).
• She is also considered to be an incarnation of Shri Bhoomi Devi (incarnation of Lord Vishnu), the divine wife of Narayana.

Additional Information

• The Nayanars and Alvars were the Tamil poet-saints who played a key role in propagating the Bhakti Movement in Southern India during the 5^th-10^th Centuries. 
• The Nayanars were a group of 63 saints devoted to Lord Shiva who lived during the 6^th to 8^th centuries CE.
• The names of the Nayanars were first compiled by Sundarar.
• The Alvars were Tamil poet-saints of South India who espoused devotion to the Lord Vishnu or his avatar Lord Krishna in their songs of longing, and service.

The correct answer is Nattar : Male serpent deity.

Key Points

• Nagarakkani: It refers to the land owned by Nagaram, a form of urban settlement or administrative unit in ancient and medieval South India.
• Nuttar: This term does not refer to a "male snake deity". In the context of ancient Tamil society, "Nattar" were local chieftains or land-owning aristocrats, not deities.
• Yupa: This is a sacrificial post used in Vedic rituals, often to tie the sacrificial animals.
• Viragal: This term refers to the 'Hero Stone', commonly found in the Tamil Nadu region. These stones are erected in honor of a hero, usually a king or warrior, who lost his life in battle.

The correct answer is Uttar Pradesh.

Key Points

• The Dashavatara Temple is an early sixth-century Hindu temple of Lord Vishnu, located at Deogarh in Uttar Pradesh, 125 kilometers from Jhansi, in the Betwa River valley in north-central India.

Additional Information

• The Gupta period: The Golden Age of Indian Art”.
• The famous Gupta sculpture style appears to have evolved from the Kushan style.
• The Gupta period (4^th-6^th century BC) marks the heyday of art in India. Gupta's art is marked by high aesthetic sense and discipline.
• The main centers of Buddhist art during this period were Mathura, Sarnath and Nalanda in the north.
• Sculptures of the Gupta period are the sculptures of Vishnu in the rock-cut caves at Udayagiri, Samath, Dhamek Stupa at Bhitargaon, Buddhist caves at Ajanta, Ahichchhatra and the Dashavatara temple at Deogarh.

The correct answer is 2 only.

Key Points

• In this Chola period bronze sculpture he has been shown balancing himself on his right leg and suppressing the apasmara, the demon of ignorance or forgetfulness. It does not represents Tirobhava. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
• At the same time, he raises his left leg in Bhujangatrasita Mudra, which represents Tirobhava, removing the curtain of "maya or illusion" from the mind of the devotee. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• His four arms are outstretched and the main right hand is posed in abhaya hasta or the gesture suggesting.
• The upper right hand holds the damaru his favourite musical instrument to keep on the beat tala. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
• The upper left hand carries a flame while the main left hand is held in dola hasta and connects with the abhaya hasta of the right hand.
• His hair locks fly on both the sides touching the circular jvala mala or the garland of flames which surrounds the entire dancing figuration.

Additional Information

• Cholas were one of the three early kingdoms in south India during the Sangam period.
• The big temples of Thanjavur and Gangaikondacholapuram were built during the Chola period.
• The bronze sculpture of Nataraja was cast during the period of the Cholas.
• Chera kingdom occupied a portion of both Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
• The Romans set up two regiments at Muzris in Chola country.
• Pallava kings ruled during the beginning of the 4^th century AD.
• Kanchipuram was the capital of the Pallavas
• Pandyas were first mentioned by the Greek historian Megasthenes.

The correct answer is 1 and 3 only.

Key Points

• The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is a regional organization that was established to promote political and social stability amid rising tensions among the Asia-Pacific's post-colonial states.
• The motto of ASEAN is “One Vision, One Identity, One Community”.
• 8^th August is observed as ASEAN Day.
• The ASEAN Summit is the supreme policy-making body of ASEAN.
• It comprises the heads of state or government of each member state.
• Accordingly, the Chairmanship of ASEAN rotates annually, based on the alphabetical order of the English names of ASEAN member states.

Additional Information

• The Association of Southeast Asian Nations or ASEAN was established on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration) by ASEAN's founding fathers:
• Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.
• Brunei Darussalam joined ASEAN on 7 January 1984, followed by Vietnam on 28 July 1995, Lao PDR and Myanmar on 23 July 1997, and Cambodia on 30 April 1999, making ASEAN ten member states today.

The correct answer is 1, 2 and 4.

Key Points

• ​The Public Distribution System (PDS) is an Indian food security system established under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
• PDS evolved as a system of managing shortages through the distribution of food grains at affordable prices.
• PDS is operated under the joint responsibility of the Central and State Governments. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• The Central Government has taken over the responsibility of procurement, storage, transportation and bulk allocation of food grains to the State Governments through the Food Corporation of India (FCI). Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• The operational responsibilities, including allocation within the state, identification of eligible households, issuance of ration cards, and monitoring the functioning of Fair Price Shops (FPS), primarily rest with the State Governments. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
• The responsibility for the identification of beneficiaries primarily lies with the State governments.
• They identify eligible families and issue ration cards to them.
• Some States also distribute additional items of mass consumption through the PDS outlets such as pulses, edible oil, etc. Hence, statement 4 is correct.

Additional Information

• The Public Distribution System (PDS) is an Indian food security system established under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
• In September 2013, Parliament enacted the National Food Security Act, 2013.
• The Act relies heavily on the existing TPDS to deliver food grains as a legal entitlement to poor households.

The correct answer is 1, 2 and 3 only.

Key Points

• The concepts considered as pillars of Human Development, as defined by the Human Development Index (HDI) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), include:
• Equity
• Sustainability
• Productivity
• Equity, Productivity, empowerment, and sustainability are considered to be the four pillars of human development.
• Human Development can be described as a process of enlarging opportunities, and improving their well-being, and livelihood.
• The concept of Human Development was developed by Mahbub ul Haq.

Important Points

• The four pillars of human development are:
• Equity: It means giving equal access to opportunities available to everybody. It must be equal irrespective of their gender, race, income, and caste.
• Productivity: Productivity in terms of Human Work. Such things must be constantly enriched by building capabilities in people. Efforts to increase their knowledge and better health facilities lead to increased efficiency.
• Empowerment: Good Governance and people-oriented policies are needed to empower people. Empowerment of economically and socially disadvantaged groups is of special importance.
• Sustainability: Everyone must get the same opportunities to have sustainable human development.

Every resource must be used in a way that there is no shortage of resources for future generations.

The correct answer is Introduction of the World Wide Web (www) : 1995.

Key Points

• The World Wide Web (www) was introduced to the public on August 6, 1991, by British computer scientist Tim Berners-Lee.
• Therefore, the correct year for the introduction of the World Wide Web is 1991, not 1995.

Additional Information

• The first communications satellite Launched on July 10, 1962, Telstar 1, developed by the American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T), was the world's first active communications satellite. AT&T used the satellite to test communications infrastructure through space.
• Construction of a continuous fiber-optic cable link around the world was completed in 1997.
• SWIFT was founded by and for its users to support international finance and commerce.
• By the time Swift went live in 1977, 518 institutions in 22 countries were connected to Swift's messaging services.

The correct answer is Saline soil.

Key Points

• Saline soil:
• They contain a large proportion of sodium, potassium and magnesium, and thus, they are infertile: this characteristic is typical of saline soils.
• They have high salt content which makes them less suitable for farming.
• Their composition ranges from sandy to loamy.
• They are more widespread in western Gujarat, deltas of the eastern coast and in Sunderban areas of West Bengal.