Bank of Maharashtra Probationary Officer Exam
General Awareness
(Exam Held on 19-12-2010)
1. Which of the following statements is/are correct about the economy of China ? (It was recently in news).
1. China is the world’s fastest growing economy with average growth rate of 10% for the last 30 years.
2. China is the world’s second largest economy by purchasing power parity.
3. China’s economy was valued a little higher than that of Japan’s.
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) All 1, 2 and 3
(D) Only 2 and 3
(E) Only 1 and 2
Ans : (D)
2. As per the news published a few days back Reliance Power got a huge loan from the US Export-Import Bank for building a coal fired based power plant in India. The plant will be developed in—
(A) Sasan (MP)
(B) Angul (Odisha)
(C) Banswara (Rajasthan)
(D) Barauni (Bihar)
(E) None of these
Ans : (A)
3. As per the reports published in various newspapers, the Reserve Bank of India has directed all core investment companies in India to register themselves with it if their asset size is 100 crore or more. Which of the following is True about the Core Investment Companies (CICs) ?
1. CICs are non-banking finance companies.
2. CICs invest in shares for the purpose of taking stake in a company rather than for trading.
3. CICs are required to register with RBI as most of them were found involved in business in foreign countries and not in India.
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 1 and 2
(C) Only 2 and 3
(D) All 1, 2 and 3
(E) None of these
Ans : (B)
4. As per newspaper reports, the RBI recently divested its stake in NABARD. Now RBI’s stake in it is only—
(A) 10%
(B) 5%
(C) 3%
(D) 1%
(E) None of these
Ans : (D)
5. The Union Commerce and Industry Minister, while talking to press expressed his desire that India and USA both should work together for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). How will this help India ?
1. It is the agreement which allows liberalization of trade in goods by cutting/eliminating tariffs on most or all goods from both the sides.
2. It will help in easing of the flow of investment and special treatment to each other.
3. It will help USA to outsource more jobs to Indian companies and also to employ more Indians without any restriction.
(A) Only 1 and 2
(B) Only 1
(C) Only 2 and 3
(D) Only 1 and 3
(E) None of these
Ans : (D)
6. Immediately prior to Prithviraj Chavan who amongst the following was the Chief Minister of Maharashtra ?
(A) Vilasrao Deshmukh
(B) Ashok Chavan
(C) Ajit Pawar
(D) R.R. Patil
(E) None of these
Ans : (B)
7. The RBI has been asked to study and give a report on the loan waiver scheme announced by the United Progressive Alliance Govt. for farmers in 2008. How much amount was given by the Govt. for the scheme ? About—
(A) 10,000 crore
(B) 20,000 crore
(C) 50,000 crore
(D) 71,680 crore
(E) 2,00,000 crore
Ans : (D)
8. Which of the following organizations/agencies has sought an emergency fund of 1000 crore from banks to tackle acute liquidity crisis, which is coming in the way to give loans to micro borrowers ?
(A) Regional Rural and Cooperative Banks
(B) RBI
(C) Micro Finance Institutions
(D) NABARD
(E) None of these
Ans : (B)
9. The ministry of Finance recently released a comprehensive paper on Govt. debt. Which of the following is/are true about the same ?
1. The paper presents the road map for general debt to be raised by the Govt. of India during the period of 2011-2015 which is the period of the awards of the 13th Finance Commission.
2. As per the estimates, the target debt in the terminal year 2014-15 will be lower than whatever recommended by the 13th Finance Commission.
3. The paper has recommended that the Govt. should try to generate resources in such a way that it does not have to depend much on debt.’ The total debt should not be more than 1/3rd of the total requirements.
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Only 1 and 2
(D) Only 2 and 3
(E) None of these
Ans : (C)
10. As a measure to check inflation, the RBI on November 2, 2010 increased its short term indicative rates Repo and Reverse Repo by—
(A) 25 basis points
(B) 50 basis points
(C) 75 basis points
(D) 100 basis points
(E) None of these
Ans : (A)
11. What is the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) at present ?
(A) 4%
(B) 4•5%
(C) 5%
(D) 5•5%
(E) None of these
Ans : (E)
12. The Finance Ministry has decided to provide 8,700 crore as equity support to public sector banks so that they can raise funds from the capital market without diluting the Govt. holding in them. What is the Govt. holding in most of the public sector banks ?
(A) 49%
(B) 50%
(C) 51%
(D) 59%
(E) None of these
Ans : (C)
13. Which of the following is not amongst the core industries/sectors ?
(A) Coal
(B) Service sector
(C) Crude oil
(D) Power
(E) Steel
Ans : (E)
14. Who amongst the following Indian players won maximum number of Gold Medals (4 gold) in Commonwealth Games 2011 held in Delhi ?
(A) Saina Nehwal
(B) Deepika Kumari
(C) Sushil Kumar
(D) Gagan Narang
(E) None of these
Ans : (D)
15. Mr. Zhou Yong Kang was recently on a visit to India. Who is Mr. Zhou Yong Kang ?
(A) President of China
(B) Member of the Polit Bureau of China
(C) Prime Minister of Vietnam
(D) Member of the Polit Bureau of Vietnam
(E) None of these
Ans : (B)
16. The countries these days are most worried about the currency war. They are arguing about whose actions harmed the world economy the most. What are the views of the rich countries, particularly USA, in this regard ?
1. They feel that it was China who was unwilling to allow the Yuan to rise.
2. They feel that it was India who had snatched jobs in most of the European countries and USA. This made
the situation more grim.
3. Some countries feel that it was Japan who allowed swapping of its currency with other nations and created a grim situation in world market.
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Only 3
(D) All 1, 2 and 3
(E) None of these
Ans : (A)
17. As per reports in various newspapers, Ben Bernanke, the Chairman of the Federal Reserve has predicted a bleak outlook for the economy in his country. This means the economy in which of the following countries is likely to be gloomy in the days to come ?
(A) UK
(B) Australia
(C) Canada
(D) Germany
(E) USA
Ans : (E)
18. India recently signed some agreements of strategic importance with Japan. Which of the following areas are covered under these agreements ?
1. Some mega infrastructure projects in North-Western India.
2. Implementation of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
3. India’s role in resolving crisis in Sudan.
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Only 3
(D) Only 1 and 2
(E) Only 2 and 3
Ans : (D)
19. Which of the following is true about the Sudanese Civil War which is going on since last several years ?
1. The war started in 2003 when the Sudan Liberation Movement Army and some others took up arms against the Govt. of Sudan.
2. The main accusation was that the Govt. is involved in genocide of blacks in favour of Arabs.
3. The main cause of the war is Govt.’s support to European Nations and non willingness to join OPEC. The other party feels Sudan should play active role in OPEC as it is one of the main oil producing nations.
(A) Only 1 and 2
(B) Only 2 and 3
(C) Only 3
(D) All 1, 2 and 3
(E) None of these
Ans : (A)
20. ‘FBTR’ is a term/abbreviated name related to the area of—
(A) Nuclear Power
(B) Agriculture
(C) Economy
(D) Medical Science
(E) Sports
Ans : (A)
21. World’s largest Diamond Bourse was recently inaugurated in—
(A) New Delhi
(B) Kolkata
(C) Hyderabad
(D) Jaipur
(E) Mumbai
Ans : (E)
22. Which of the following summits (17th summit) was organized in Hanoi in October 2010 in which Dr. Manmohan Singh took part ?
(A) G-8
(B) G-15
(C) OPEC
(D) EU
(E) ASEAN
Ans : (E)
23. The European Union is recently considering its membership to Serbia. Years back Serbia decided to become an independent nation by breaking up from—
(A) Russia
(B) Yugoslavia
(C) Armenia
(D) Lithuania
(E) None of these
Ans : (B)
24. Busher Nuclear Plant was recently in news. The plant is located in—
(A) Iraq
(B) Russia
(C) Iran
(D) UAE
(E) North Korea
Ans : (C)
25. N. K. P. Salve Challenger Series is a tournament associated with which of the following games ?
(A) Hockey
(B) Football
(C) Cricket
(D) Lawn Tennis
(E) Badminton
Ans : (C)
26. ‘Irani Trophy’ is associated with—
(A) Hockey
(B) Badminton
(C) Football
(D) Lawn Tennis
(E) Cricket
Ans : (E)
27. Trecia Kaye Smith’s name was in news recently. She is a well known—
(A) Athlete
(B) Journalist
(C) Film Actress
(D) Politician
(E) None of these
Ans : (A)
28. Dilma Rousseff has taken over as the first female President of—
(A) Japan
(B) Brazil
(C) Cameroon
(D) Romania
(E) Portugal
Ans : (B)
29. Miss World 2010 contest in which Alexandria Mills was crowned ‘Miss World’ was organized in —
(A) China
(B) India
(C) Britain
(D) France
(E) None of these
Ans : (A)
30. Roger Federer won the Stockholm open 2010 by defeating—
(A) Leander Paes
(B) Mikhail Youzhny
(C) Rafael Nadal
(D) Gael Monfils
(E) Florian Mayer
Ans : (E)
31. Harward Jacobson’s name was recently in news. Who is Harward Jacobson ?
(A) Film Actor
(B) Politician
(C) Author
(D) Sports person
(E) Journalist
Ans : (C)
32. Which of the following is recognized as the biggest cause of Global Hunger in the world ?
(A) Inflation
(B) Poor management of public distribution system
(C) Unemployment and/or underemployment
(D) Malnutrition
(E) All of these
Ans : (D)
33. What is the purpose of National Green Tribunal, which started functioning recently ?
(A) It is a Save Earth Campaign
(B) It will hear the cases related to environmental degradation
(C) It is launched to promote awareness towards climatic changes
(D) Its main aim is to give suggestions–how to protect and increase forest cover in India
(E) None of these
Ans : (B)
34. Shri Nitish Kumar who won the recent elections held in Bihar is from which of the following parties ?
(A) Congress (I)
(B) BSP
(C) JD (U)
(D) Communist Party of India
(E) None of these
Ans : (C)
35. ‘‘The Bridge–The Life and Rise of Barack Obama’’, is a book written by—
(A) Cynthia Tucker
(B) Sarah Palin
(C) Barbara Walters
(D) Michelle Obama
(E) David Remnick
Ans : (E)
36. Human Rights Day is observed on which of the following dates ?
(A) December 15th
(B) December 20th
(C) December 10th
(D) November 15th
(E) November 20th
Ans : (C)
37. The 8th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) was organized in October 2010 in—
(A) New Delhi
(B) Paris
(C) Dhaka
(D) London
(E) Brussels
Ans : (E)
38. Dale T. Mortensen and Christopher A. Pissarides are the joint winners of the Nobel Prize 2010 in—
(A) Medicine
(B) Economics
(C) Literature
(D) Peace
(E) Physics
Ans : (B)
39. Mr. O. N. V. Kurup who is the winner of the Jnanpith Award, announced recently, writes in—
(A) Tamil
(B) Telugu
(C) Malayalam
(D) English
(E) Hindi
Ans : (C)
40. The Govt. of India recently brought an IPO to offload its 10% stake in which of the following companies ?
(A) Hindustan Organic Chemicals Ltd.
(B) Electronics Corporation of India Ltd.
(C) Steel Authority of India Ltd.
(D) Air India Ltd.
(E) Coal India Ltd.
Ans : (E)
41. Which of the following terms is not used in the field of banking and finance ?
(A) Blue chip companies
(B) Commercial paper
(C) Hedge
(D) Premium Bonds
(E) Wobbe Index
Ans : (E)
42. Which of the following prizes/award is not given for excellence in literature ?
(A) Murtidevi Award
(B) Arjuna Award
(C) Vyas Samman
(D) Pulitzer Prize
(E) Saraswati Samman
Ans : (B)
43. Which of the following schemes is not launched by the Govt. of India ?
(A) Mid Day Meal Scheme
(B) Rural Health Mission
(C) Programme for Control of Blindness
(D) Jeevan Anurag
(E) ASHA
Ans : (E)
44. Which of the following programmes is run by the Govt. of India to provide safeguard against starvation during the period of natural calamities ?
(A) Targeted Public Distribution System
(B) Antyodaya Anna Yojana
(C) National Food for work programme
(D) Village Grain Bank Scheme
(E) None of these
Ans : (E)
45. India is not self-sufficient in the production of—
(A) Sugar
(B) Milk
(C) Wheat
(D) Edible oil
(E) Jute
Ans : (E)
46. Which of the following is a famous Pharma Company in India ?
(A) HCL
(B) BPCL
(C) IDPL
(D) Infosys Technology
(E) Grasim Industries
Ans : (C)
47. Rohan Bopanna who represented India in International events is a famous—
(A) Football player
(B) Lawn Tennis player
(C) Cricket player
(D) Hockey player
(E) Athlete
Ans : (B)
48. As per Fortune Magazine who amongst the following Indians is ‘The Businessman of the Year’ ?
(A) Anil Agarwal
(B) Kumarmangalam Birla
(C) Mukesh Ambani
(D) Ratan Tata
(E) None of these
Ans : (E)
49. The World Habitat Day is observed on which of the following dates ?
(A) October 24
(B) October 14
(C) November 4
(D) November 14
(E) None of these
Ans : (E)
50. Chewang Norphel who was given prestigious Jamnalal Bajaj Award 2010 recently, has made contributions in the field of—
(A) Rural development
(B) Literature
(C) Folk art/music
(D) Sports
(E) Film production
Ans : (A)
Bank of Maharashtra clerks Exam Question Paper 2007
1. Four of the following five are alike in a certain way and so form a group.
Which one does not belong to the group?
(1) 48 (2) 24
(3) 15 (4) 35
(5) 65
2. In a row of 40 students facing North, Kailas is 6th to the left of Soman. If
Soman is 30th from the left end of the row, how far is Kailas from the right end
of the row?
(1) 17th (2) 16th
(3) 15th (4) 26th
(5) None of these
3. Which of the following indicates similar relationship as ‘CASE’ has with ‘EASC’?
(1) PICK : KIPC
(2) JAIL : IJLA
(3) DOME : MOED
(4) PILE : EPLI
(5) None of these
4. How many such pairs of digits are there in the number 7326985 each of which
has as many digits between them in the given number as when the digits of the
number are rearranged in ascending order within the number?
(1) Three (2) Nil (3) Two
(4) One (5) None of these
5. P is father of J. S is mother of N who is brother of J. B is son of S. C is sister
of B. How J is related to C?
(1) Data inadequate (2) Cousin
(3) Brother (4) Sister
(5) None of these
6. If A is denoted by 1, B by 2, C by 3, D by 1, E by 2, F by 3 and so on, what
would be the sum of the numbers for the word MULE?
(1) 7 (2) 8
(3) 9 (4) 10
(5) None of these
7. After arranging the letters of the word FOLK in alphabetical order, if each
letter is substituted by the letter immediately preceding to it in the English
alphabet, what will be the resultant form of the word?
(1) GLMP (2) EJKP
(3) EKJN (4) EJKN
(5) None of these
8. If ‘+’ is denoted by ‘#’, ‘÷’ is denoted by ‘_’, ‘×’ is denoted by ‘@’ and ‘–’ is
denoted by ‘$’; then what is the value of ‘40 $ 20 @ 2 # 40 _ 20 # 38’?
(1) 44 (2) 40/58
(3) 40 (4) 44/58
(5) None of these
9. In a certain code GROUP is written as OTNQF. How is THEIR written in that
code?
(1) SJFIU
(2) QHDGS
(3) SGDHQ
(4) QJFIS
(5) None of these
10. In a certain code ‘LOCK’ is written as ‘MPBJ’ and ‘BLOW’ is written as ‘CMNV’.
How is ‘WINE’ written in that code?
(1) VHOF
(2) XJMD
(3) XJOF
(4) VHMD
(5) None of these
11. Four of the following five are alike in a certain way based on the positions of
the letters in the English alphabet and hence form a group. Which one does not
belong to the group?
(1) UX
(2) BE
(3) GJ
(4) KO
(5) NQ
Q. 12-16. Each of the questions below consists of a question and two statements
numbered I and II given
below it. You have to decide whether the data provided in the statements are
sufficient to answer the question.
Read both the statements and—
Give answer:
(1) if the data in Statement I alone are sufficient to answer the question, while
the data in Statement
II alone are not sufficient to answer the question.
(2) if the data in Statement II alone are sufficient to answer the question, while
the data in Statement
I alone are not sufficient to answer the question.
(3) if the data in Statement I alone or in Statement II alone are sufficient to
answer the question.
(4) if the data in both the Statements I and II are not sufficient to answer the
question.
(5) if the data in both the Statements I and II together are necessary to answer
the question.
12. Who is youngest among R, S, T, U and V?
I. T is younger than S and older than R and V.
II. U is younger than T but not the youngest.
13. ‘D’ is in which direction with respect to ‘E’?
I. N is to the West of E and D is to the East of N.
II. P is to the East of E and D is midway between P and E.
14. Among M, N, O, P and Q, who reached the temple first?
I. N was the only one who reached the temple earlier than P.
II. M, who reached the temple earlier than O and Q was not the one to reach
earliest.
15. What is Ketan’s rank in the class of 45 students?
I. Latish, who is 7 ranks above Ketan is 25th from the bottom.
II. Satwik is 20th from the top and 4 ranks above Ketan.
16. What is the code for ‘nail’?
I. ‘best nail polish’ is coded as ‘te lo ni’.
II. ‘sharp nail’ is coded as ‘me te’.
Q. 17-22. To answer these questions, study the following arrangement of digits,
letters and symbols carefully.
6 N P = @ 7 1 £ R T 3 L B _ E 4 © 8 G H $ 5 K M ? 2 D C
17. If all the symbols in the arrangement are deleted which of the following will
be the 4th to the left of
the 12th element from the left end?
(1) G
(2) L
(3) 3
(4) H
(5) None of these
18. How many such digits are there in the arrangement each of which is
immediately followed by a symbol but not immediately preceded by a letter?
(1) Nil
(2) Three
(3) One
(4) Four
(5) None of these
19. ‘=N’ is to ‘T1’ and ‘B3’ is to ‘G4’ in the same way as ‘EB’ is to:
(1) SH
(2) $8
(3) $G
(4) SG
(5) None of these
20. Four of the following five are alike in a certain way based on the positions of
the elements in the arrangement and hence form a group. Which one does not
belong to the group?
(1) P = 76
(2) £T37
(3) 3L_R
(4) ©8HE
(5) 5K?H
21. If all the digits in the arrangement are deleted which of the following will be
midway between the 3rd and the 15th elements from the left end?
(1) T
(2) _
(3) L
(4) B
(5) None of these
22. If all the letters in the arrangement are deleted, which of the following will
be the third to the right of the 11th element from the right end?
(1) _
(2) £
(3) 1
(4) ©
(5) None of these
Q. 23-28. Study the following information carefully to answer these questions:
(i) P, Q, R, S, T, U & V are sitting alone a circle and are facing the centre.
(ii) P is between T and S.
(iii) U is between Q and V.
(iv) Q is 2nd to the right of T.
23. V is.......
(1) 2nd to the left of P
(2) Between P and U
(3) To the immediate left of U
(4) 4th to the left of T
(5) None of these
24. Which of the following is the correct statement?
(1) S is between R and P
(2) Q is between T and R
(3) P is 3rd to the left of Q
(4) S is to the immediate left of V
(5) None of these
25. What is the position of R?
(1) Cannot be determined
(2) Between Q and T
(3) To the immediate left of T
(4) 2nd to the right of Q
(5) None of these
26. Which of the following pairs has its 2nd member sitting to the immediate left
of the first member?
(1) PT
(2) RQ
(3) UV
(4) SP
(5) None of these
27. Which of the following pairs has its first member sitting second to the right of
the second member?
(1) TS
(2) US
(3) RU
(4) PR
(5) None of these
28. Which of the following is the wrong statement?
(1) S is immediate neighbour of V
(2) R is immediate neighbour of T
(3) Q is immediate neighbour of R
(4) T is immediate neighbour of S
(5) All are correct statements
Q. 29-32. In each question below are given three Statements followed by three
Conclusions numbered I, II and III. You have to take the given Statements to be
true even if they seem to be at variance from commonly
known facts. Read all the Conclusions and then decide which of the given
Conclusions logically follows from the three given Statements disregarding
commonly known facts.
Statements:
29. Some trees are branches.
All buds are branches.
All flowers are trees.
Conclusions:
I. Some branches are buds.
II. Some trees are flowers.
III. Some buds are trees.
(1) Only I follows
(2) Only II follows
(3) Only I and II follow
(4) All follow
(5) None of these Statements:
30. All actors are writers. Some writers are dancers. All poets are writers.
Conclusions:
I. All actors are poets.
II. Some dancers are writers.
III. Some dancers are actors.
(1) None follows
(2) Only I and II follow
(3) Only II and III follow
(4) Only I and III follow
(5) None of these
Statements:
31. Some pots are eatables.
All eatables are drinks.
No banana is pot.
Conclusions:
I. Some pots are drinks.
II. All eatables are pots.
III. Some drinks are eatables.
(1) Only I follows
(2) Only III follows
(3) Only II follows
(4) Only I and III follow
(5) None of these
Statements:
32. All jewels are rings.
Some rings are necklaces.
Some cakes are jewels.
Conclusions:
I. Some necklaces are jewels.
II. Some rings are cakes.
III. No jewel is necklace.
(1) Only II and either I or III follow
(2) Only either I or III follows
(3) Only II and III follow
(4) Only II follows
(5) None of these
Q. 33-37. In each of the questions given below, a group of digits is given
followed by four combinations of letter/symbols numbered (1), (2), (3) and (4).
You have to find out which of the four combinations correctly
represents the group of digits based on the letter/symbol codes and the
conditions given below. If none of the four combinations represents the group of
digits correctly, give (5) i.e. ‘None of these’ as the answer.
Digit : 2 8 3 9 4 7 6 5 1 Letter/Symbol : B = T @ K $ © P C Conditions:
(i) If the first digit is odd and last digit is even, the codes for the first and the
last digits are to be interchanged.
(ii) If the first as well as the last digit is even, both are to be coded by the code
for last digit.
(iii) If the first as well as the last digit is odd, both are to be coded as ‘X’.
(iv) If the first digit is even and last digit is odd, both are to be coded by the
code for the first digit.
33. 8135246
(1) =CTPBK=
(2) ©CTP=K©
(3) ©CTPBK©
(4) =CTPB$=
(5) None of these
34. 4352718
(1) XTPB$CX
(2) KTPB$C =
(3) =TPB$CK
(4) KTPB$CK
(5) None of these
35. 7269534
(1) $B©@PTK
(2) KB©@PT$
(3) $B©@PT$
(4) KB©@P=$
(5) None of these
36. 9256473
(1) XBP©K$T
(2) @BP©K$X
(3) @BP©K$T
(4) XBP©K$X
(5) None of these
37. 2976581
(1) B@$©P=B
(2) C@$©P=C
(3) B@$©P=C
(4) C@$©P=B
(5) None of these
38. How many such 4s are there in the following
number series each of which is immediately followed by
5 but not immediately preceded by 3?
5 4 4 3 3 4 5 4 5 5 3 4 4 3 4 5 4 3 3 5
4 5 4 3 5 4 4 3 5 4
(1) Nil
(2) One
(3) Two
(4) Three
(5) More than three
39. What will come in place of question mark (?) in the following letter-group
series based on English alphabet?
WC RE NI KO ?
(1) JX
(2) JW
(3) IX
(4) IW
(5) None of these
40. L, M, N and P are sitting around a circle and facing the centre. P is to the
immediate left of N. L is
between N & M. What is the position of M?
(1) To the immediate left of L
(2) To the immediate right of P
(3) In front of P
(4) Between L & N
(5) None of these
BANK OF MAHARASHTRA 2008
BANK OF MAHARASHTRA 2008
GENERAL AWARENESS
1. The Govt. of India has taken a decision to open three more IITs during the year 2008-09. These IITs will be in which of the following groups of States ?
(A) Bihar, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh
(B) Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Karnataka
(C) Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala
(D) Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar
(E) None of these
Ans : (A)
2. Which of the following is/are not the highlights of the Union Budget 2008-09 ?
1. A Risk Capital Fund is to be set up and maintained by one of the financial institutes.
2. Allocation for Defence is reduced by 10% to make it Rs. 10,000 crore.
3. Several new schemes to be introduced for providing social security to the people in unorganized sectors.
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Only 3
(D) Both 1 and 2
(E) All 1, 2 and 3
Ans : (B)
3. To help farming community the Govt. of India has decided to raise the Minimum support price of paddy for current Kharif marketing season. What is that price ?
(A) Rs. 800 per quintal
(B) Rs. 900 per quintal
(C) Rs. 950 per quintal
(D) Rs. 1200 per quintal
(E) None of these
Ans : (E)
4. Which of the following is the correct definition of the term commercial papers ?
1. It is nothing but the popular name of the Judicial stamp papers used to register financial transactions.
2. It is one of the instruments through which Corporates raise debt from the market.
3. It is the name of the ‘Certificate of Deposits’ provided by the Banks to its retail customers.
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Only 3
(D) Both 1 and 2
(E) All 1, 2 and 3
Ans : (B)
5. As per the decision taken by the Govt. of India two financial inclusion funds are set up with an overall corpus of Rs. 500 crore each. These funds-Financial Inclusion Fund and Financial Inclusion Technology Fund are to be set up by the initial contribution made by the……
(A) SIDBI, NABARD and UTI
(B) NABARD, UTI and RBI
(C) Govt. of India, NABARD and RBI
(D) SIDBI, Govt. of India and IDBI Bank
(E) None of these
Ans : (C)
6. As per the Railway Budget 2008-09 the Operating ratio of Railways is pitched at which of the following levels ? Approximately……
(A) 70%
(B) 75%
(C) 98%
(D) 90%
(E) 81%
Ans : (E)
7. As per the Govt. policy the provision of the subsidy for interest subvention to co-operative Sugar Mills is done by which of the following agencies / organizations ?
(A) Commission for Agricultural costs and prices
(B) National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
(C) Ministry of Agriculture
(D) National Commission on Farmers
(E) None of these
Ans : (B)
8. Banks these days have launched a new scheme product known as ‘Reverse Mortgage’. The scheme is designed keeping which of the following groups of society in consideration ?
(A) Youngsters who have just started earning
(B) Defence personnel whose life is always at high risk
(C) Senior Citizen
(D) Women who do not have independent source of income
(E) None of these
Ans : (C)
9. As per the new figures released in recent past what has been the ratio of taxes to Gross Domestic Product (Tax-GDP) in 2007-08 ? Approximately……
(A) 8%
(B) 9%
(C) 10%
(D) 11•5%
(E) 12•5%
Ans : (E)
10. Many a times we read in the newspapers a term ‘Hot Money’. Which of the following is the correct definition of Hot Money ?
1. This is the fund which is dumped into a country to get the advantage of a favourable interest rate and hence brings higher returns.
2. This is the fund which is provided by a bank in US $ at very short notice and at a very high rate of interest and for a longer period of repayment.
3. This is the fund which is pushed into market through Hawala or some other such illegal methods and sometimes referred also as Black Money.
(A) Only 1 is correct
(B) Both 1 and 2 are correct
(C) Only 3 is correct
(D) Both 1 and 3 are true
(E) Only 2 is correct
Ans : (A)
11. As per the report released in the press the Govt. of India has done a study on Special Economic Zones. Which of the following is/are the highlights of the reports ?
1. Report says that SEZs should not be given much preference by the policy makers.
2. Study says that the end benefit in the next few years may be of the tune of Rs. 1,50,000 crores which will be much higher than the estimated revenue losses.
3. Since new SEZs are developed by the Private Sector the investment for infrastructural development is like a net saving for the Govt.
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Only 3
(D) Both 2 and 3
(E) None of these
Ans : (C)
12. As per the new figures released by the Govt. agencies the Foreign Direct Investment inflow to India is at higher level and has increased substantially in recent past. Which of the following is/are the contributory factors which has/have helped in this record growth ?
1. Progressive delicensing of various sectors.
2. Simplification of business procedures in India.
3. Sub Prime crisis in USA.
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Both 1 and 2
(D) Only 3
(E) All 1, 2 and 3
Ans : (C)
13. Which of the following Companies has got “Navratna Status’ recently ?
(A) National Mineral Development
Corporation (NMDC)
(B) National Textile Corporation (NTC)
(C) Maruti Udyog Ltd.
(D) IDBI Bank Ltd.
(E) None of these
Ans : (A)
14. The real return to the investor sometimes gets reduced due to sudden rise in the prices of the commodities. This phenomenon in financial market is known as…
(A) Market risk
(B) Inflation risk
(C) Credit risk
(D) Diversification of funds
(E) None of these
Ans : (B)
15. In the recent times the RBI and Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) have taken various steps to control the flow of capital in Indian economy. Which of the following is/are not included in these step(s) ?
1. Guidelines are issued to restrict unregulated overseas investors through ‘p-notes’.
2. Rs. 60,000 crores out of this fund is being provided to waive the loans on farmers.
3. Borrowers raising external commercial borrowings of over $ 20 million would have to park the proceeds overseas for use as foreign currency expenditure.
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Only 3
(D) Both 1 and 3
(E) All 1, 2 and 3
Ans : (E)
16. Which of the following countries has recently made an agreement with the World Trade Organization which will allow it to join the same as a permanent member ?
(A) Russia
(B) Afghanistan
(C) Zambia
(D) Uganda
(E) Ukraine
Ans : (E)
17. Prime Minister of India on his visit to China a few months back signed a detailed agreement with the same. What is/are the major highlights of the agreement ?
1. Both the countries agreed to continue high level exchange of views. Indian President is invited to China.
2. India to host joint military exercise in 2008.
3. India has decided to raise the issue of Tibet in UNO. China has agreed for the same.
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Both 1 and 2
(D) Only 3
(E) All 1, 2 and 3
Ans : (C)
18. As per the reports in the leading newspapers Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has asked the Mutual Fund industry to stop ‘Misselling’ their schemes to investors. What is ‘Misselling’ of products ?
1. Misselling takes place when mutual funds are sold without telling the likely returns.
2. When agents sell the products without telling investors what are the risks involved in investing in mutual funds.
3. When agents invest somebody’s money in mutual funds without their knowledge, it is called misselling.
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Only 3
(D) All 1, 2 and 3
(E) None of these
Ans : (B)
19. As per the news report SEBI has allowed short selling by FIs/MFs from February 1, 2008. What is ‘short selling’ ?
1. Selling of shares that the seller does not own at the time of trading.
2. Selling of shares on the same day or on the day they were allotted to the trader.
3. Selling of shares on a much lower price due to turbulent market situations.
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Only 3
(D) All 1, 2 and 3
(E) None of these
Ans : (A)
20. Which of the following countries is governed by the Norweigianmediated ceasefire Agreement to end its dispute with a group of rebellions ?
(A) Nepal
(B) Myanmar
(C) Afghanistan
(D) Sri Lanka
(E) None of these
Ans : (D)
21. The USA, as reported in the leading newspapers is proceeding towards ‘recession’. What happens when an economy goes in the grip of ‘recession’ ?
1. GDP growth slows down.
2. People lose their jobs.
3. Foreign exchange reserve goes up substantially as lot of loans/grants start pouring in.
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Only 3
(D) Only 1 and 2
(E) None of these
Ans : (D)
22. The Sensitive Index of the Bombay Stock Exchange keeps on changing positively and negatively both. Which of the following is/are the main reasons which contribute for this sudden change in the same ?
1. Higher GDP Growth.
2. Continuous Foreign Funds Flow.
3. High Volume of Forex Reserves.
4. Recession in USA.
(A) Only 1 and 2
(B) Only 2 and 3
(C) Only 3 and 4
(D) Only 2
(E) All 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans : (B)
23. The Jerusalem and Palestine made an agreement on their peace negotiations. Which of the following is/are the points included in the agreement ?
1. There should be an end to the occupation that began in 1967.
2. The agreement must establish Palestine as a homeland for the Palestinian people just as Israel is the homeland for Jewish people.
3. All the disputes should be solved with the mutual talks only and in presence of US Observers.
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Only 3
(D) Both 1 and 2
(E) None of these
Ans : (D)
24. Who amongst the following agreed to supply aircraft carrier ‘Gorshkov’ to India for its defence services ?
(A) Russia
(B) France
(C) Germany
(D) Italy
(E) None of these
Ans : (A)
25. The Govt. of India has decided to set up a Committee to redraft Right to Education Bill 2005.
What was/were the objection(s) owing to which Govt. has to redraft the bill ?
1. State Governments are required to spend more money on education. Since education is the responsibility of centre and state both, expenditure should be shared equally by both of them.
2. States were advised to ensure that a school is available at the distance of one km for each child.
3. Children in Central schools are not allowed to get free education whereas schools run by States were asked to ensure that.
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Only 3
(D) Both 1 and 2
(E) All 1, 2 and 3
Ans : (B)
26. As per newspaper reports outsourcing has become a profitable business in India and countries like China are trying to learn about it from India. What are the main factors which has/have helped India in attaining this position ?
1. Availability of skilled manpower in abundance.
2. Knowledge of English language.
3. A switch over from farming to other sectors which are creating more job opportunities.
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Both 1 and 2
(D) Only 3
(E) All 1, 2 and 3
Ans : (C)
27. Who amongst the following established the ‘Anandvan’ a rehabilitation centre for Leprosy patients in Maharashtra ?
(A) Baba Amte
(B) Pandurang Shashtri Athawle
(C) Medha Patkar
(D) Asaram Babu
(E) None of these
Ans : (A)
28. Thaksin Shinawatra’s name is associated with which of the following countries ?
(A) Singapore
(B) Thailand
(C) North Korea
(D) South Korea
(E) None of these
Ans : (B)
29. Bhupen Hazarika is the recipient of the Life Time Achievement Award and is provided the status of a Cabinet Minister. Which of the following State Govt. has honoured him in this manner ?
(A) Orissa
(B) Assam
(C) West Bengal
(D) Maharashtra
(E) None of these
Ans : (B)
30. The first ever Youth Olympic Games are scheduled to be held in 2010. These games will be organized in……
(A) Moscow
(B) New Delhi
(C) Beijing
(D) Kuala Lumpur
(E) None of these
Ans : (E)
31. Who amongst the following has taken over as the President of Serbia ?
(A) Raul Castro
(B) Steven Spielberg
(C) Boris Tadic
(D) Joes Manuel Ramos Horta
(E) None of these
Ans : (C)
32. International Desert Festival 2008 was organized in February 2008 in……
(A) Bhuj
(B) Ganganagar
(C) Bikaner
(D) Jaiselmer
(E) None of these
Ans : (D)
33. Who amongst the following is the recipient of the ‘Kishore Kumar Award’ given by the Madhya Pradesh Govt. ?
(A) Shabana Azmi
(B) Amitabh Bachchan
(C) Manoj Kumar
(D) Dev Anand
(E) None of these
Ans : (C)
34. The Under 19 Cricket World Cup 2008 was won by which of the following teams ?
(A) Malaysia
(B) India
(C) Pakistan
(D) Australia
(E) England
Ans : (B)
35. Why was the name of Anatolyevich Medvedev in news recently ?
(A) He has taken over as the President of Russia
(B) He has taken over as the Prime Minister of Russia
(C) He is the new President of South Korea
(D) He is the new Prime Minister of South Korea
(E) None of these
Ans : (A)
36. Who amongst the following was the Chief Guest in India’s Republic Day function ?
(A) Samak Sundaravej
(B) Gordon Brown
(C) Boris Tadic
(D) Nicolas Sarkozy
(E) None of these
Ans : (D)
37. The General Elections in Iran are due in 2008. Iran elects its Parliament for a period of……
(A) 2 years only
(B) 3 years only
(C) 4 years only
(D) 5 years only
(E) 6 years only
Ans : (C)
38. Which of the following states tops in primary, upper primary education in India ?
(A) Tamil Nadu
(B) Haryana
(C) Gujarat
(D) Kerala
(E) None of these
Ans : (D)
39. Who amongst the following is the recipient of Padma Vibhushan given away recently ?
(A) Anu Malik
(B) Shan
(C) Asha Bhosle
(D) Sonu Nigam
(E) None of these
Ans : (C)
40. Luciana Aymar who was adjudged the World Hockey Player 2007 is from which of the following countries ?
(A) Germany
(B) Argentina
(C) Italy
(D) Russia
(E) None of these
Ans : (B)
41. Which of the following State Governments has decided to provide ownership Rights to Tribals over forest land being cultivated by them since last 10 years.
(A) Madhya Pradesh
(B) Uttar Pradesh
(C) Maharashtra
(D) Andhra Pradesh
(E) None of these
Ans : (A)
42. Who amongst the following players has completed 16000 runs in One day International Cricket matches recently ?
(A) Anil Kumble
(B) Rahul Dravid
(C) Sourav Ganguly
(D) Irfan Pathan
(E) Sachin Tendulkar
Ans : (E)
43. The 11th Five Year Plan wishes to raise the existing 2% growth in agriculture and allied activities to which of the followings levels by the year 2012 ?
(A) 8%
(B) 6%
(C) 5%
(D) 4%
(E) None of these
Ans : (D)
44. As a policy the Reserve Bank of India wishes to contain inflation at which of the following levels ?
(A) 5%
(B) 4.5%
(C) 4%
(D) 6%
(E) None of these
Ans : (A)
45. The current trend in Agricultural sector in India is a matter of concern for the policy makers these days as it is not showing the expected results. What is/are the major areas of problem(s) being faced by the farmers ?
1. Irrigation facilities are not enough.
2. Use of chemical fertilizers has badly affected the fertility of the land.
3. Govt. has reduced the subsidy in the farming sector. Hence it is no more a profitable activity.
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Only 3
(D) All 1, 2 and 3
(E) None of these
Ans : (A)
46. Which of the following committees recommended the revival of Cooperative Credit institutions in states ?
(A) Vaidyanathan Committee
(B) Rangarajan Committee
(C) Sachchar Committee
(D) Rakesh Mohan Committee
(E) None of these
Ans : (A)
47. ‘World Day for Water’ is observed on which of the following days ?
(A) March 22
(B) February 22
(C) January 22
(D) May 22
(E) None of these
Ans : (A)
48. As we all know Chinese economy is a booming economy and its exports have played a significant role in it. What was the share of China’s export as compared to its GDP in 2007 ?
(A) 20%
(B) 30%
(C) 40%
(D) 50%
(E) None of these
Ans : (C)
49. Delhi won the Ranji Trophy for the seventh time in January 2008 by defeating…
(A) Railways
(B) Haryana
(C) Maharashtra
(D) Gujarat
(E) Uttar Pradesh
Ans : (E)
50. Gagan Narang, who got a silver medal in an international championship held in Munich, is a/an……
(A) 100 metre runner
(B) Badminton player
(C) Chess player
(D) Swimmer
(E) Air Rifle shooter
Ans : (E)
GENERAL AWARENESS
1. The Govt. of India has taken a decision to open three more IITs during the year 2008-09. These IITs will be in which of the following groups of States ?
(A) Bihar, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh
(B) Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Karnataka
(C) Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala
(D) Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar
(E) None of these
Ans : (A)
2. Which of the following is/are not the highlights of the Union Budget 2008-09 ?
1. A Risk Capital Fund is to be set up and maintained by one of the financial institutes.
2. Allocation for Defence is reduced by 10% to make it Rs. 10,000 crore.
3. Several new schemes to be introduced for providing social security to the people in unorganized sectors.
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Only 3
(D) Both 1 and 2
(E) All 1, 2 and 3
Ans : (B)
3. To help farming community the Govt. of India has decided to raise the Minimum support price of paddy for current Kharif marketing season. What is that price ?
(A) Rs. 800 per quintal
(B) Rs. 900 per quintal
(C) Rs. 950 per quintal
(D) Rs. 1200 per quintal
(E) None of these
Ans : (E)
4. Which of the following is the correct definition of the term commercial papers ?
1. It is nothing but the popular name of the Judicial stamp papers used to register financial transactions.
2. It is one of the instruments through which Corporates raise debt from the market.
3. It is the name of the ‘Certificate of Deposits’ provided by the Banks to its retail customers.
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Only 3
(D) Both 1 and 2
(E) All 1, 2 and 3
Ans : (B)
5. As per the decision taken by the Govt. of India two financial inclusion funds are set up with an overall corpus of Rs. 500 crore each. These funds-Financial Inclusion Fund and Financial Inclusion Technology Fund are to be set up by the initial contribution made by the……
(A) SIDBI, NABARD and UTI
(B) NABARD, UTI and RBI
(C) Govt. of India, NABARD and RBI
(D) SIDBI, Govt. of India and IDBI Bank
(E) None of these
Ans : (C)
6. As per the Railway Budget 2008-09 the Operating ratio of Railways is pitched at which of the following levels ? Approximately……
(A) 70%
(B) 75%
(C) 98%
(D) 90%
(E) 81%
Ans : (E)
7. As per the Govt. policy the provision of the subsidy for interest subvention to co-operative Sugar Mills is done by which of the following agencies / organizations ?
(A) Commission for Agricultural costs and prices
(B) National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
(C) Ministry of Agriculture
(D) National Commission on Farmers
(E) None of these
Ans : (B)
8. Banks these days have launched a new scheme product known as ‘Reverse Mortgage’. The scheme is designed keeping which of the following groups of society in consideration ?
(A) Youngsters who have just started earning
(B) Defence personnel whose life is always at high risk
(C) Senior Citizen
(D) Women who do not have independent source of income
(E) None of these
Ans : (C)
9. As per the new figures released in recent past what has been the ratio of taxes to Gross Domestic Product (Tax-GDP) in 2007-08 ? Approximately……
(A) 8%
(B) 9%
(C) 10%
(D) 11•5%
(E) 12•5%
Ans : (E)
10. Many a times we read in the newspapers a term ‘Hot Money’. Which of the following is the correct definition of Hot Money ?
1. This is the fund which is dumped into a country to get the advantage of a favourable interest rate and hence brings higher returns.
2. This is the fund which is provided by a bank in US $ at very short notice and at a very high rate of interest and for a longer period of repayment.
3. This is the fund which is pushed into market through Hawala or some other such illegal methods and sometimes referred also as Black Money.
(A) Only 1 is correct
(B) Both 1 and 2 are correct
(C) Only 3 is correct
(D) Both 1 and 3 are true
(E) Only 2 is correct
Ans : (A)
11. As per the report released in the press the Govt. of India has done a study on Special Economic Zones. Which of the following is/are the highlights of the reports ?
1. Report says that SEZs should not be given much preference by the policy makers.
2. Study says that the end benefit in the next few years may be of the tune of Rs. 1,50,000 crores which will be much higher than the estimated revenue losses.
3. Since new SEZs are developed by the Private Sector the investment for infrastructural development is like a net saving for the Govt.
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Only 3
(D) Both 2 and 3
(E) None of these
Ans : (C)
12. As per the new figures released by the Govt. agencies the Foreign Direct Investment inflow to India is at higher level and has increased substantially in recent past. Which of the following is/are the contributory factors which has/have helped in this record growth ?
1. Progressive delicensing of various sectors.
2. Simplification of business procedures in India.
3. Sub Prime crisis in USA.
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Both 1 and 2
(D) Only 3
(E) All 1, 2 and 3
Ans : (C)
13. Which of the following Companies has got “Navratna Status’ recently ?
(A) National Mineral Development
Corporation (NMDC)
(B) National Textile Corporation (NTC)
(C) Maruti Udyog Ltd.
(D) IDBI Bank Ltd.
(E) None of these
Ans : (A)
14. The real return to the investor sometimes gets reduced due to sudden rise in the prices of the commodities. This phenomenon in financial market is known as…
(A) Market risk
(B) Inflation risk
(C) Credit risk
(D) Diversification of funds
(E) None of these
Ans : (B)
15. In the recent times the RBI and Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) have taken various steps to control the flow of capital in Indian economy. Which of the following is/are not included in these step(s) ?
1. Guidelines are issued to restrict unregulated overseas investors through ‘p-notes’.
2. Rs. 60,000 crores out of this fund is being provided to waive the loans on farmers.
3. Borrowers raising external commercial borrowings of over $ 20 million would have to park the proceeds overseas for use as foreign currency expenditure.
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Only 3
(D) Both 1 and 3
(E) All 1, 2 and 3
Ans : (E)
16. Which of the following countries has recently made an agreement with the World Trade Organization which will allow it to join the same as a permanent member ?
(A) Russia
(B) Afghanistan
(C) Zambia
(D) Uganda
(E) Ukraine
Ans : (E)
17. Prime Minister of India on his visit to China a few months back signed a detailed agreement with the same. What is/are the major highlights of the agreement ?
1. Both the countries agreed to continue high level exchange of views. Indian President is invited to China.
2. India to host joint military exercise in 2008.
3. India has decided to raise the issue of Tibet in UNO. China has agreed for the same.
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Both 1 and 2
(D) Only 3
(E) All 1, 2 and 3
Ans : (C)
18. As per the reports in the leading newspapers Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has asked the Mutual Fund industry to stop ‘Misselling’ their schemes to investors. What is ‘Misselling’ of products ?
1. Misselling takes place when mutual funds are sold without telling the likely returns.
2. When agents sell the products without telling investors what are the risks involved in investing in mutual funds.
3. When agents invest somebody’s money in mutual funds without their knowledge, it is called misselling.
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Only 3
(D) All 1, 2 and 3
(E) None of these
Ans : (B)
19. As per the news report SEBI has allowed short selling by FIs/MFs from February 1, 2008. What is ‘short selling’ ?
1. Selling of shares that the seller does not own at the time of trading.
2. Selling of shares on the same day or on the day they were allotted to the trader.
3. Selling of shares on a much lower price due to turbulent market situations.
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Only 3
(D) All 1, 2 and 3
(E) None of these
Ans : (A)
20. Which of the following countries is governed by the Norweigianmediated ceasefire Agreement to end its dispute with a group of rebellions ?
(A) Nepal
(B) Myanmar
(C) Afghanistan
(D) Sri Lanka
(E) None of these
Ans : (D)
21. The USA, as reported in the leading newspapers is proceeding towards ‘recession’. What happens when an economy goes in the grip of ‘recession’ ?
1. GDP growth slows down.
2. People lose their jobs.
3. Foreign exchange reserve goes up substantially as lot of loans/grants start pouring in.
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Only 3
(D) Only 1 and 2
(E) None of these
Ans : (D)
22. The Sensitive Index of the Bombay Stock Exchange keeps on changing positively and negatively both. Which of the following is/are the main reasons which contribute for this sudden change in the same ?
1. Higher GDP Growth.
2. Continuous Foreign Funds Flow.
3. High Volume of Forex Reserves.
4. Recession in USA.
(A) Only 1 and 2
(B) Only 2 and 3
(C) Only 3 and 4
(D) Only 2
(E) All 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans : (B)
23. The Jerusalem and Palestine made an agreement on their peace negotiations. Which of the following is/are the points included in the agreement ?
1. There should be an end to the occupation that began in 1967.
2. The agreement must establish Palestine as a homeland for the Palestinian people just as Israel is the homeland for Jewish people.
3. All the disputes should be solved with the mutual talks only and in presence of US Observers.
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Only 3
(D) Both 1 and 2
(E) None of these
Ans : (D)
24. Who amongst the following agreed to supply aircraft carrier ‘Gorshkov’ to India for its defence services ?
(A) Russia
(B) France
(C) Germany
(D) Italy
(E) None of these
Ans : (A)
25. The Govt. of India has decided to set up a Committee to redraft Right to Education Bill 2005.
What was/were the objection(s) owing to which Govt. has to redraft the bill ?
1. State Governments are required to spend more money on education. Since education is the responsibility of centre and state both, expenditure should be shared equally by both of them.
2. States were advised to ensure that a school is available at the distance of one km for each child.
3. Children in Central schools are not allowed to get free education whereas schools run by States were asked to ensure that.
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Only 3
(D) Both 1 and 2
(E) All 1, 2 and 3
Ans : (B)
26. As per newspaper reports outsourcing has become a profitable business in India and countries like China are trying to learn about it from India. What are the main factors which has/have helped India in attaining this position ?
1. Availability of skilled manpower in abundance.
2. Knowledge of English language.
3. A switch over from farming to other sectors which are creating more job opportunities.
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Both 1 and 2
(D) Only 3
(E) All 1, 2 and 3
Ans : (C)
27. Who amongst the following established the ‘Anandvan’ a rehabilitation centre for Leprosy patients in Maharashtra ?
(A) Baba Amte
(B) Pandurang Shashtri Athawle
(C) Medha Patkar
(D) Asaram Babu
(E) None of these
Ans : (A)
28. Thaksin Shinawatra’s name is associated with which of the following countries ?
(A) Singapore
(B) Thailand
(C) North Korea
(D) South Korea
(E) None of these
Ans : (B)
29. Bhupen Hazarika is the recipient of the Life Time Achievement Award and is provided the status of a Cabinet Minister. Which of the following State Govt. has honoured him in this manner ?
(A) Orissa
(B) Assam
(C) West Bengal
(D) Maharashtra
(E) None of these
Ans : (B)
30. The first ever Youth Olympic Games are scheduled to be held in 2010. These games will be organized in……
(A) Moscow
(B) New Delhi
(C) Beijing
(D) Kuala Lumpur
(E) None of these
Ans : (E)
31. Who amongst the following has taken over as the President of Serbia ?
(A) Raul Castro
(B) Steven Spielberg
(C) Boris Tadic
(D) Joes Manuel Ramos Horta
(E) None of these
Ans : (C)
32. International Desert Festival 2008 was organized in February 2008 in……
(A) Bhuj
(B) Ganganagar
(C) Bikaner
(D) Jaiselmer
(E) None of these
Ans : (D)
33. Who amongst the following is the recipient of the ‘Kishore Kumar Award’ given by the Madhya Pradesh Govt. ?
(A) Shabana Azmi
(B) Amitabh Bachchan
(C) Manoj Kumar
(D) Dev Anand
(E) None of these
Ans : (C)
34. The Under 19 Cricket World Cup 2008 was won by which of the following teams ?
(A) Malaysia
(B) India
(C) Pakistan
(D) Australia
(E) England
Ans : (B)
35. Why was the name of Anatolyevich Medvedev in news recently ?
(A) He has taken over as the President of Russia
(B) He has taken over as the Prime Minister of Russia
(C) He is the new President of South Korea
(D) He is the new Prime Minister of South Korea
(E) None of these
Ans : (A)
36. Who amongst the following was the Chief Guest in India’s Republic Day function ?
(A) Samak Sundaravej
(B) Gordon Brown
(C) Boris Tadic
(D) Nicolas Sarkozy
(E) None of these
Ans : (D)
37. The General Elections in Iran are due in 2008. Iran elects its Parliament for a period of……
(A) 2 years only
(B) 3 years only
(C) 4 years only
(D) 5 years only
(E) 6 years only
Ans : (C)
38. Which of the following states tops in primary, upper primary education in India ?
(A) Tamil Nadu
(B) Haryana
(C) Gujarat
(D) Kerala
(E) None of these
Ans : (D)
39. Who amongst the following is the recipient of Padma Vibhushan given away recently ?
(A) Anu Malik
(B) Shan
(C) Asha Bhosle
(D) Sonu Nigam
(E) None of these
Ans : (C)
40. Luciana Aymar who was adjudged the World Hockey Player 2007 is from which of the following countries ?
(A) Germany
(B) Argentina
(C) Italy
(D) Russia
(E) None of these
Ans : (B)
41. Which of the following State Governments has decided to provide ownership Rights to Tribals over forest land being cultivated by them since last 10 years.
(A) Madhya Pradesh
(B) Uttar Pradesh
(C) Maharashtra
(D) Andhra Pradesh
(E) None of these
Ans : (A)
42. Who amongst the following players has completed 16000 runs in One day International Cricket matches recently ?
(A) Anil Kumble
(B) Rahul Dravid
(C) Sourav Ganguly
(D) Irfan Pathan
(E) Sachin Tendulkar
Ans : (E)
43. The 11th Five Year Plan wishes to raise the existing 2% growth in agriculture and allied activities to which of the followings levels by the year 2012 ?
(A) 8%
(B) 6%
(C) 5%
(D) 4%
(E) None of these
Ans : (D)
44. As a policy the Reserve Bank of India wishes to contain inflation at which of the following levels ?
(A) 5%
(B) 4.5%
(C) 4%
(D) 6%
(E) None of these
Ans : (A)
45. The current trend in Agricultural sector in India is a matter of concern for the policy makers these days as it is not showing the expected results. What is/are the major areas of problem(s) being faced by the farmers ?
1. Irrigation facilities are not enough.
2. Use of chemical fertilizers has badly affected the fertility of the land.
3. Govt. has reduced the subsidy in the farming sector. Hence it is no more a profitable activity.
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Only 3
(D) All 1, 2 and 3
(E) None of these
Ans : (A)
46. Which of the following committees recommended the revival of Cooperative Credit institutions in states ?
(A) Vaidyanathan Committee
(B) Rangarajan Committee
(C) Sachchar Committee
(D) Rakesh Mohan Committee
(E) None of these
Ans : (A)
47. ‘World Day for Water’ is observed on which of the following days ?
(A) March 22
(B) February 22
(C) January 22
(D) May 22
(E) None of these
Ans : (A)
48. As we all know Chinese economy is a booming economy and its exports have played a significant role in it. What was the share of China’s export as compared to its GDP in 2007 ?
(A) 20%
(B) 30%
(C) 40%
(D) 50%
(E) None of these
Ans : (C)
49. Delhi won the Ranji Trophy for the seventh time in January 2008 by defeating…
(A) Railways
(B) Haryana
(C) Maharashtra
(D) Gujarat
(E) Uttar Pradesh
Ans : (E)
50. Gagan Narang, who got a silver medal in an international championship held in Munich, is a/an……
(A) 100 metre runner
(B) Badminton player
(C) Chess player
(D) Swimmer
(E) Air Rifle shooter
Ans : (E)
BANK OF MAHARASHTRA AO EXAM 2009
Bank of Maharashtra Agriculture Officers Exam. 2009
English Language : Solved Paper
(Held on 30-8-2009)
English Language : Solved Paper
(Held on 30-8-2009)
Directions—(Q. 1–15) Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it. Certain words have been printed in bold to help you locate them while answering some of the questions.
Crude oil has had a long history, and interesting one. It is probably one single natural resource that has been instrumental in producing maximum conflicts and wars during the last century. With such a track record, it is surprising that in the given environment, where in oil prices are breaking all records, and has become the biggest cause of concern across the globe, why is it that there is silence from some parts of the world`? It is intriguing especially when some have been paying a much higher price on fuel, as compared to their poorer counterparts. It is surprising, more so, when one realizes that the number of oil producing nations is only a handful as compared to the number of oil consuming nations. While a proactive action from the mighty and powerful can bring in a huge respite for the world, why is it that they choose to be silent ? Also, keeping in mind the fact that a few nations–both powerful and weak have some of the largest unused oil reserves,their silence and lack of any serious action look all the more aberrant. Looking at the manner things are shaping up, it just cannot be ruled out that possibly these nations have a definite interest in the increasing prices of oil. The question then is what could their underlying interest be ?
In all probability, what we are seeing right now is just a precursor to the larger picture, well laid out by them may be for the good. With rising prices, the OPEC might be delighted right now, but perhaps they are unable to see what is going to hit them. For this unprecedented rise in oil is creating a most demanding environment for alternative fuels. As and when the reserves deplete and demand really grows, more than anyone else, it is OPEC that would be badly hit, much to the glee of some nations having unused reserves which have the most to gain by using blackmailing tactics. Eventually, the countries at the receiving end would be forced to create an enabling environment for alternative energy. This trend is already visible, with India showing the way with its nuclear deal and other countries dangling the carrot of complete conversion to natural gas towards other countries in order to boost their own business. By doing so they are creating a tactical pressure on countries. As they know that the further the oil prices get pushed, the more the globe would become attracted and ready for alternative and non-conventional fuel. Moreover, for many of the countries, it might become more expensive to invest in newer technologies to conform to the emission norms than to shift to alternative sources, making the market even more attractive. And it is then that the organizations which have already invested billions of dollars in alternate fuels would mop up the global energy market completely.
The second possible reason why some nations of the world are not too enthusiastic to mitigate the price of oil is because the rising oil price is perhaps one of the major deterrents to growth of other countries. Perhaps they were hand in glove in the mechanism to raise the oil price and knowing well that this would make these nations feel the pinch. And now, the rising oil prices have put these nations in a fix. As the pressure of inflationary tendencies increases these countries cannot afford either to sit back and remain entrapped in the larger conspiracy. No wonder then that these are frantically looking around the globe – especially Africa – for newer reserves ! As it is said, oil has a long history and the legacy continues.
1. What, according to the passage, is the step that the nations are likely to take with an intolerable rise in oil prices ?
(A) Shift to alternate forms of energy
(B) Come to a state of war with other nations
(C) Put tactical pressure on countries having oil reserves
(D) Formulate more stringent emission norms and apply these across the globe
(E) None of these
Ans : (A)
2. Why is the author surprised with the stance which various nations have taken pertaining to the current global oil crisis ?
(A) The stance is leading to war among the nations for control over oil fields
(B) Powerful nations have been selling oil at a very inflated rate to under developed nations
(C) Many nations have shifted to alternative forms of energy boycotting the use of oil due to inflated prices
(D) Eventhough oil has been a matter of conflict among the nations earlier, many nations have a kept a silence on the current crisis
(E) None of these
Ans : (D)
3. Which nations does the author refer to in the phrase ‘these nations have a definite interest in the increasing prices of oil’ ?
(A) The mighty and powerful nations
(B) Nations having unused oil reserves
(C) Nations which have exhausted their oil reserves
(D) The nations which have shifted to non-conventional fuels
(E) None of these
Ans : (A)
4. Which of the following is not true in context of the passage ?
(A) Some nations have kept a silence upon the rising oil price in order to inhibit the growth of other nations
(B) It is more cost effective to shift to alternative forms of energy than to invest in technology for conforming to the emission norms
(C) Some nations have unused oil reserves which would earn these nations heavy profits once the oil reserves elsewhere deplete
(D) India has had a nuclear deal for its energy needs
(E) All are true
Ans : (E)
5. What does the author mean by ‘dangling the carrot’ in the passage ?
(A) Some countries are stringently opposing the conversion to alternative forms of fuel
(B) Some countries have been luring other countries to change over to alternate fuels in order to boost their own business
(C) Some countries are making the effort to save environment by using natural gas instead of oil as a fuel
(D) Both (A) and (B)
(E) None of these
Ans : (B)
6. Which of the following is intended in the given passage ?
(A) To highlight the plight of OPEC with rising fuel prices
(B) To urge to the government to shift from oil to natural gas since it is more environment friendly
(C) To highlight the vested interest of some nations in maintaining the indifference to rising oil prices
(D) To urge to save the environment by conforming to the emission norms and using alternate energy sources
(E) None of these
Ans : (C)
7. Why, according to the author, OPEC though delighted currently, would be in difficult situation later ?
(A) All the oil reserves on the earth will soon be exhausted
(B) Powerful nations will try and dominate OPEC later on
(C) As the oil reserves which are being used currently deplete in the time to come, nations having unused oil reserves would arm-twist OPEC
(D) Nations will lose faith in OPEC owing to very high fuel prices
(E) None of these
Ans : (C)
8. What, according to the author, makes the market of alternative sources very attractive ?
(A) Many countries have already made a substantial profit in the industry of alternative fuel
(B) Such measures do not cause harm to the environment
(C) Only a few countries of the world will have the access to alternative forms of fuel
(D) The use of alternative sources has been forced upon certain countries by powerful countries
(E) None of these
Ans : (D)
9. Which of the following can be the most appropriate title for the given passage ?
(A) Reasons behind silence on increase in oil prices
(B) Nuclear power as an alternative source of energy
(C) The monopoly of oil reserves by powerful countries
(D) The repercussion of shifting to alternative forms of energy
(E) Oil reserves as deterrent of growth of the nations
Ans : (A)
Directions—(Q. 10–12) Choose the word/group of words which is MOST SIMILAR in meaning to the word printed in bold as used in the passage.
10. INSTRUMENTAL
(A) Non-vocal
(B) Reasonable
(C) Creditable
(D) Responsible
(E) Liable
Ans : (D)
11. ABERRANT
(A) Curious
(B) Abnormal
(C) Spoilt
(D) Inferior
(E) Nonfunctional
Ans : (B)
12. PUSHED
(A) Dominated
(B) Pressed
(C) Diverted
(D) Thrown
(E) Increased
Ans : (E)
Directions—(Q. 13–15) Choose the word / phrase which is MOST OPPOSITE in MEANING to the word printed in bold as used in the passage.
13. PROACTIVE
(A) Quick
(B) Over powered
(C) Dormant
(D) Delicate
(E) Brittle
Ans : (C)
14. GLEE
(A) Disappointment
(B) Dishonour
(C) Appreciation
(D) Disillusion
(E) Defeat
Ans : (A)
15. MITIGATE
(A) Fright
(B) Decline
(C) Degeneration
(D) Worsen
(E) Deprivation
Ans : (D)
Directions—(Q. 16–25) Read each sentence to find out whether there is any grammatical error in it. The error, if any, will be in one part of the sentence, the letter of that part will be the answer. If there is no error, mark (E) as the answer. (Ignore errors of punctuation, if any.)
16. The merchant counted (A) / the number of pearls (B) / to make sure that (C) / none of them were missing. (D) No error (E)
Ans : (D)
17. When deep sea diving, (A) / one should always take care (B) / that oxygen cylinder is (C) / tied to the back tightly. (D) No error (E)
Ans : (A)
18. As the salary (A) / did not match (B) / his expectations, he did not (C) / accept the job. (D) No error (E)
Ans : (B)
19. The reason behind his success (A) / in the recent past (B) / is due to hard-work (C) / and presence of mind. (D) No error (E)
Ans : (C)
20. No sooner did the students (A) / seen the principal approach (B) / than they ran (C) / from the playground. (D) No error (E)
Ans : (B)
21. My elder sister and I am (A) / interested in painting (B) / and therefore have joined (C) / the coaching classes. (D) No error (E)
Ans : (A)
22. Only after a lot of persuasion, (A) / did the illiterate villager allow (B) / himself’s girl child (C) / to study in the school. (D) No error (E)
Ans : (C)
23. The need for alternate (A) / sources of energy are (B) / essential to conserve (C) / the environment. (D) No error (E)
Ans : (B)
24. I have being working (A) / in that organization for five years (B) / but now I work (C) / for a different company. (D) No error (E)
Ans : (A)
25. There is no argument against (A) / the fact that (B) / humans are the most intelligent (C) / of all other species. (D) No error (E)
Ans : (E)
Directions—(Q. 26–30) Which of the phrases (A), (B) (C) and (D) given below each statement should replace the phrase printed in bold in the sentence to make it grammatically correct ? If the sentence is correct as it is given and ‘No correction is required’, mark (E) as the answer.
26. Many students waits anxiously at the college gate to know their results—
(A) student waited anxiously
(B) students waiting anxiously
(C) students waited anxiously
(D) students waited anxious
(E) No correction required
Ans : (C)
27. Through a fortuitous circumstance Rakhi met her childhood friend on the bus in which she was travelling.
(A) she was travelled
(B) she did travel
(C) she has travelling
(D) she were travelling
(E) No correction required
Ans : (E)
28. The opposition party has alleged that the prices of essential commodities are soaring like never before on the last three decades—
(A) before on the next
(B) before in the last
(C) before at the last
(D) previously in the next
(E) No correction required
Ans : (B)
29. The salaries and the perks of the employees in this institution are not in according with the rest of the industry—
(A) are not in accordance
(B) is not in accordance
(C) are not according
(D) is not on accordance
(E) No correction required
Ans : (A)
30. The soldiers deployed in the town were instructed exercising restraint and handle the situation
peacefully.
(A) was instructed to exercising
(B) were instructed for exercise
(C) were instructed to exercise
(D) was instructing to exercising
(E) No correction required
Ans : (C)
Directions—(Q. 31–35) Rearrange the following sentences (1), (2), (3), (4), (5) and (6) to make a meaningful paragraph and then answer the questions which follow—
1. The only way in which this problem can be solved is by making artificial blood which has remained a distant dream for science.
2. Donation of blood is considered to be the most noble of all the charities.
3. If they succeed, it would be noted as one of the most important inventions in the history of mankind.
4. This is because this donated magic potion can give life to another person in an emergency.
5. A group of scientists, however, has dedicated themselves towards making this a reality.
6. A growing problem however is that the requirement for safe blood is increasing whereas the number of donors is decreasing.
31. Which of the following sentence should be the FIRST after rearrangement ?
(A) 1
(B) 2
(C) 3
(D) 4
(E) 5
Ans : (B)
32. Which of the following sentence should be the SECOND after rearrangement ?
(A) 1
(B) 2
(C) 3
(D) 4
(E) 6
Ans : (D)
33. Which of the following sentence should be the THIRD after rearrangement ?
(A) 1
(B) 4
(C) 3
(D) 5
(E) 6
Ans : (E)
34. Which of the following sentence should be the FIFTH after rearrangement ?
(A) 1
(B) 2
(C) 3
(D) 5
(E) 6
Ans : (D)
35. Which of the following sentence should be the SIXTH (LAST) after rearrangement ?
(A) 1
(B) 2
(C) 3
(D) 4
(E) 5
Ans : (C)
Directions—(Q. 36–40) Each question below has two blanks, each blank indicating that something has been omitted. Choose the set of words for each blank that best fits the meaning of the sentence as a whole.
36. One of the TV cameramen was …… in the leg by a bullet when he was …… in the middle of a gun fight between two gangs.
(A) hurt, entered
(B) shot, caught
(C) injured, came
(D) stabbed, trapped
(E) beaten, engulfed
Ans : (B)
37. Although the fire was very small everyone …… and rushed out of the cinema hall …… complete chaos.
(A) shouted, leading
(B) died, producing
(C) injured, resulting
(D) scared, making
(E) panicked, causing
Ans : (E)
38. The …… of pesticides and fertilizers while growing the vegetables and fruits is one of the greatest …… to the health these days.
(A) production, dangers
(B) consumption, problem
(C) overuse, threats
(D) application, rewards
(E) amount, injury
Ans : (C)
39. The group’s mission is to ………… peace between the nations and help different people ………… each other better.
(A) maintain, understand
(B) remain, address
(C) keep, interact
(D) advise, find
(E) communicate, friendly
Ans : (A)
40. History ………… the Kings and influential leaders whereas the real battle was ………… by the soldiers who remain little known and celebrated in the texts.
(A) remembers, played
(B) highlights, underwent
(C) biased, lead
(D) glorifies, fought
(E) writes, done
Ans : (D)
Directions—(Q. 41–50) In the following passage there are blanks, each of which has been numbered. These numbers are printed below the passage and against each, five words are suggested one of which fits the blank appropriately. Find out the appropriate word in each case.
Without doubt there is one thing (…41…) to all of us-We have played a game at some time in our lives. Most of us play to relax or have fun, but for many playing a game or a sport is a way to (…42…) poverty behind. Infact, in many African countries, playing a sport professionally can (…43…) the lives of a person’s entire family.
For example, in the samll town of Bekoji, in Ethiopia (…44…) than a hundred boys and girls can be seen running at dawn everyday. Each of these youth is (…45…) and serious and their coach is (…46…) that one of them will be a world champion. This seems like an idle (…47…) but it is virtually a guarantee in this small community (…48…) mainly farmers. Many of the fastest male and female distance runners in the world hail from this small town. A small handpainted sign which greets visitors outside Bekoji (…49…) “Welcome to the Village of Athletes”. Children here start running at an early age, (…50…) great distance to fetch water and firewood or to reach, school. At the Olympics, runners from this small town are likely to win more medals than those from developed countries. It will give their families a way out of poverty.
41. (A) accepted
(B) common
(C) alike
(D) similar
(E) popular
Ans : (B)
42. (A) alleviate
(B) forgot
(C) prevent
(D) reduce
(E) leave
Ans : (E)
43. (A) changes
(B) arrange
(C) control
(D) transform
(E) shift
Ans : (D)
44. (A) further
(B) more
(C) greater
(D) over
(E) larger
Ans : (B)
45. (A) concentrated
(B) rival
(C) focused
(D) playful
(E) performed
Ans : (C)
46. (A) convince
(B) optimist
(C) intended
(D) privilege
(E) confident
Ans : (E)
47. (A) boast
(B) suspicion
(C) risk
(D) worship
(E) precaution
Ans : (A)
48. (A) existing
(B) that
(C) comprising
(D) consisting
(E) for
Ans : (C)
49. (A) warn
(B) inform
(C) notices
(D) reads
(E) wish
Ans : (D)
50. (A) covering
(B) driving
(C) measuring
(D) following
(E) competing
Ans : (A)
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