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Mixed Deck — All CDS Topics Flashcards

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  1. The Deccan Plateau is bounded on the east by which mountain range?

    Answer: Eastern Ghats

    The Eastern Ghats form the eastern boundary of the Deccan Plateau, running along India's eastern coast.

  2. If the simple interest on $500 at 6% per annum for 3 years is calculated, what is the interest amount?

    Answer: $90

    Simple Interest = (P × R × T) / 100 = (500 × 6 × 3) / 100 = $90.

  3. Fill in the blanks with the most appropriate word or group of words: A journey of a thousand miles _____ with a single step.

    Answer: begins

    Explanation: This sentence is a well-known proverb, often attributed to the Chinese philosopher Laozi. The phrase "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step" implies that every long journey or significant achievement starts with a small, initial action.

  4. The Simon Commission was boycotted by Indians because it had no Indian members. In which year did it arrive?

    Answer: 1928

    The Simon Commission arrived in India in 1928 to review the Government of India Act, and was boycotted by Indians.

  5. Which ancient Indian text contains the teachings given by Krishna to Arjuna on the battlefield?

    Answer: Bhagavad Gita

    The Bhagavad Gita is part of the Mahabharata and records the dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna.

  6. Examine the two statements carefully then select the correct answers: Statement I: El Nino is a temperature-rising phenomenon over the Pacific Ocean and usually causes dry monsoons in South Asia. Statement II: Tsunamis are usually not noticed as the massive ocean waves move silently but assume destructive form as these travel through shallow waters of continental shelves.

    Answer: Both statements are individually true and Statement II is not the correct explanation of Statement I.

    Explanation: Statement I correctly describes El Nino as a temperature-rising phenomenon over the Pacific Ocean, which indeed causes dry monsoons in South Asia. Statement II accurately describes tsunamis as initially unnoticed but becoming destructive as they reach shallow waters. However, there is no direct explanatory link between the two statements.

  7. The Quit India Movement was launched by Mahatma Gandhi in which year?

    Answer: 1942

    The Quit India Movement was launched on August 8, 1942, demanding an end to British rule in India.

  8. The Rajya Sabha is a permanent body. How many members retire every two years?

    Answer: One-third

    One-third of Rajya Sabha members retire every two years, making it a continuous body unlike the Lok Sabha.

  9. Find the proper sequence of the four sentences below: S1: An ancient legend in Galicia, Spain, tells of nine medieval bishops who made vows of poverty in the monastery of Santo Estevo. P: For centuries there was a pilgrimage to the monastery to heal all kinds of diseases. Q: However, over time the rings were lost without a trace and they became little more than a myth. R: After their death, their nine rings were believed to have miraculous healing powers. S: Centuries later, author María Oruña researched these legendary rings, and used them as inspiration for her novel The Forest of the Four Winds. S6: In an extraordinary turn of events, in almost exactly the location María had described in her story, an astonishing discovery was made that could turn legend into reality. The correct sequence should be:

    Answer: RPQS

    Explanation: The sequence starts with the statement (R) about the nine rings believed to have miraculous healing powers. It is followed by the statement (P) about the pilgrimage to the monastery for healing. Then, the narrative proceeds to mention the loss of the rings over time, as stated in sentence (Q). Finally, the sequence concludes with the mention of author María Oruña's research and the discovery that could turn legend into reality, as indicated in sentence (S).

  10. Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, which was abrogated in 2019, related to the special status of which region?

    Answer: Jammu and Kashmir

    Article 370 granted special autonomous status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir, which was abrogated on August 5, 2019.

  11. Fill in the blanks with the most appropriate word or group of words: My grandparents ____ for a movie.

    Answer: took us out

    Explanation: "To take someone out" means to escort or accompany someone to a place for entertainment or leisure purposes, such as going to a movie. Therefore, in this context, the appropriate phrase is "took us out."

  12. Identify the word that has the correct spelling:

    Answer: Questionnaire

    Explanation: The correct spelling of the word is "Questionnaire," which refers to a set of questions used for gathering information or data.

  13. Which is the longest river in India?

    Answer: Ganga

    The Ganga (Ganges) is the longest river in India, stretching approximately 2,525 km.

  14. Approximately how many kilometers are represented by 1 degree of latitude?

    Answer: 111 km

    Explanation: Approximately 1 degree of latitude is equivalent to about 111 kilometers. This value varies slightly due to the Earth's slightly oblate shape, but for most practical purposes, 111 kilometers per degree is a useful approximation for navigation and geographical calculations.

  15. The term 'Disinvestment' in the Indian economy refers to:

    Answer: Sale of government equity in public sector undertakings

    Disinvestment refers to the sale or liquidation of government equity (assets) in public sector undertakings, used to raise revenue and improve efficiency.

  16. The National Defence Academy (NDA) is located in which state?

    Answer: Maharashtra

    The National Defence Academy (NDA) is located at Khadakwasla, near Pune, in Maharashtra.

  17. El Nino associated with the formation of the South-West monsoon of India is ____________.

    Answer: an abnormally warm ocean current

    Explanation: El Niño refers to the abnormal warming of ocean waters in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, which can significantly impact global weather patterns, including the Southwest monsoon of India. This warm ocean current disrupts the normal atmospheric circulation patterns, leading to changes in weather conditions worldwide.

  18. The Siachen Glacier conflict between India and Pakistan began in which year?

    Answer: 1984

    India launched Operation Meghdoot in April 1984 to secure the Siachen Glacier, making it the world's highest battlefield.

  19. The Jallianwala Bagh massacre took place in which city?

    Answer: Amritsar

    The Jallianwala Bagh massacre occurred on April 13, 1919, in Amritsar, Punjab.

  20. The Ashoka Chakra is India's highest peacetime gallantry award. It is given for acts of bravery in what context?

    Answer: Peacetime gallantry

    The Ashoka Chakra is India's highest peacetime gallantry award, given for acts of conspicuous bravery or self-sacrifice away from the battlefield.

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Sources & references

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  1. upsc.gov.in — Test delivery, fees, exam format, passing score, retake policy, time limit · verified Oct 2026