CDS (II) 2023 General Knowledge — Questions with Answers

Every question of the CDS (Combined Defence Services) (II) 2023 General Knowledge — solved with a detailed explanation, key facts, concept diagrams, photos and linked UPSC previous-year questions. The question text has been verified against the official question paper.

1. Q1A person can see near objects clearly through his eyes but cannot see distant objects clearly. The possible reason(s) for this defect could be : 1. Excessive curvature of the eye lens. 2. The eye-ball has become too small. 3. The focal length of the eye lens is too large. 4. Elongation of the eye-ball. Select the correct answer using the code given below :Answer: C — 1 and 4 only
2. Q2Consider a journey by a car represented by the graph given below in three parts A, B and C. The speed of the car in these parts is va, vb and vc respectively : Which one of the following is correct in this case ?Answer: B — vb > va > vc
3. Q3A concave mirror of radius of curvature 50 cm is used to form an image of an object kept at a distance of 25 cm from the mirror on its principal axis. What will be the position of the image from the mirror ?Answer: A — At infinity
4. Q4If the Moon is brought closer to the Earth such that its distance from the Earth becomes half of the original distance, then the gravitational force of attraction between the Earth and the Moon would :Answer: D — increase to four times of its original value
5. Q5Sonic boom is produced when a source of sound travels at a speed :Answer: A — greater than the speed of sound
6. Q6Which one among the following are the correct symbols for the elements gold, tin and lead, respectively ?Answer: C — Au, Sn, Pb
7. Q7How much percentage of carbon dioxide is present in the atmosphere of Venus and Mars?Answer: D — 95 – 97%
8. Q8Which among the following methods is used to separate the constituents present in a compound?Answer: A — Electrochemical method
9. Q9During white-washing of walls, slaked lime reacts slowly with carbon dioxide in air to form a thin layer of calcium carbonate on the walls. Which of the following reactions represents this correctly?Answer: D — Ca(OH)₂ (aq) + CO₂ (g) → CaCO₃ (s) + H₂O (l)
10. Q10Which one of the following equations is the balanced chemical equation for the given reaction? Fe + H₂O → Fe₃O₄ + H₂Answer: C — 3Fe + 4H₂O → Fe₃O₄ + 4H₂
11. Q11The term Phyllotaxy refers to the pattern of :Answer: A — arrangement of leaves.
12. Q12Chromosomes are composed of DNA and :Answer: C — proteins
13. Q13Bacteria have an undefined nuclear region which lacks a nuclear membrane and contains only DNA without proteins. Such a region is called :Answer: D — Nucleoid
14. Q14In the following simplified diagram of a plant cell, five parts/organelles are marked from 1 to 5 : Which one of the following correctly represents the above parts/organelles?Answer: C — 1 – cell wall; 2 – cell membrane; 3 – endoplasmic reticulum; 4 – nucleus; 5 – vacuole
15. Q15Which one of the following is the language of the famous political treatise Amuktmalyada?Answer: D — Telugu
16. Q16Which one of the following statements about the Shvetambara Sect of Jainism is not correct?Answer: B — It refers to monks, who migrated to the south of Vindhyas in 4th century BCE.
17. Q17Where is the Vikramkhol Cave located?Answer: A — Odisha
18. Q18Consider the following statements regarding the 'Levallois Technique' : 1. It refers to making perforated Harappa pottery. 2. It refers to making prehistoric flake tools. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?Answer: B — 2 only
19. Q19Which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. The Bakshali Manuscript written in the Gatha language (a refined version of old Prakrit) using the Sharada script deals with topics such as fractions, square roots, arithmetic and geometric progressions. 2. In the field of geometry, Aryabhatta described the various properties of a circle giving a very accurate value for pi (π) correct to four decimal places at 3.1416. 3. Sharangadhara Samhita is an important text on political system of ancient India. Select the correct answer using the code given below:Answer: C — 1 and 2 only
20. Q20Which one of the following is not correct about the Indian Independence Act, 1947?Answer: B — Act of 1947 laid down the basic framework of the Indian Constitution.
21. Q21As per the Cabinet Resolution of 1st January, 2015, the NITI Aayog consists of : 1. Prime Minister of India 2. Governing Council comprising of Chief Minister of all the States and Lieutenant Governors of Union Territories 3. Rural Development Minister 4. Chief Executive Officer to be appointed by the Prime Minister Select the correct answer using the code given below:Answer: B — 1, 2 and 4
22. Q22The executive is given an advance grant to meet temporary and running requirements of Government of India in the beginning of the new financial year until the demands are voted by the legislature. This is known as:Answer: B — Vote on Account
23. Q23Which of the following is/are United Nations Sustainable Development Goal(s)? 1. Decent work and economic growth 2. Peace, justice and strong institutions 3. Responsible consumption and production Select the correct answer using the code given below:Answer: B — 1, 2 and 3
24. Q24Consider the following statements on 'Fog': 1. Fog is simply a cloud that forms close to the ground. 2. Radiation fog is associated with radiation cooling of the land at night. 3. Advection fog forms when moisture is blown over a cold surface and is chilled by contact. Which of the statements given above are correct?Answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
25. Q25Which one of the following landforms is/are formed by wind erosion?Answer: C — Zeugen
26. Q26Which one of the following crops is not cultivated under dryland farming?Answer: C — Sugarcane
27. Q27Which one of the following forms of settlement develops around a lake?Answer: C — Circular
28. Q28How can resources be classified on the basis of their origin?Answer: A — Biotic and abiotic
29. Q29Which one among the following is the highest mountain in Africa?Answer: B — Mount Kilimanjaro
30. Q30Which of the following action(s) by the Government would lead to contraction of money supply in the economy? 1. Purchase of Treasury Bills by the central bank from public 2. Sale of Treasury Bills by the central bank to public 3. Sale of foreign exchange by the central bank 4. Purchase of foreign exchange by the central bank Select the correct answer using the code given below:Answer: C — 2 and 3 only
31. Q31Which of the following are included in the definition of Narrow Money? 1. Currency with the public 2. Demand deposits 3. 'Other' deposits with Reserve Bank of India 4. Banker's deposits with Reserve Bank of India Select the correct answer using the code given below:Answer: C — 1, 2 and 3
32. Q32Which of the following is/are the effects of devaluation or depreciation of currency? 1. It leads to increase in imports and decrease in exports. 2. It leads to increase in exports and decrease in imports. 3. It leads to increase in domestic inflation. 4. It leads to decrease in domestic inflation. Select the correct answer using the code given below:Answer: C — 2 and 3 only
33. Q33Which one of the following taxes is not subsumed under the Goods and Services Tax in India?Answer: D — Taxes on Petroleum and Petroleum Products
34. Q34The following diagram shows a pendulum at different positions. Which one of the following statement is true?Answer: C — The pendulum has minimum potential energy at position R.
35. Q35In which of the following media is the speed of sound the maximum?Answer: B — Stainless steel
36. Q36A charged particle moves through a magnetic field B with a velocity v. Which one of the following statements is true for the force (F) experienced by the particle?Answer: C — F is maximum when v and B are perpendicular to each other.
37. Q37Which one of the following is the correct relation between Celsius and Fahrenheit temperature scales? (Symbols carry their usual meanings)Answer: D — T_F = (9/5)T_C + 32
38. Q38Which one of the following statements is correct regarding the travel of a light beam from a rare to a dense medium?Answer: A — A light beam travelling from a rare medium to a dense medium slows down and bends towards the normal.
39. Q39In which one of the following cases do both physical and chemical changes take place?Answer: A — Burning of candle
40. Q40Which one of the following statements is correct about diamond and graphite?Answer: B — Diamond is hard but graphite is smooth and slippery.
41. Q41Which one among the following substances is a compound?Answer: A — Sugar
42. Q42What is the total number of naturally occurring elements?Answer: B — 94
43. Q43Which one of the following statements regarding acids is not correct?Answer: C — Oxalic acid is found in tamarind paste.
44. Q44Which one of the following is the correct combination of organelles and their functions?Answer: A — Mitochondria – Respiration; Chloroplast – Photosynthesis; Ribosome – Protein Synthesis; Rough endoplasmic reticulum – Transport of proteins
45. Q45Cell wall is absent in which one of the following organisms?Answer: D — Tapeworm
46. Q46Water goes up through xylem vessels in tall trees. The process in plants and properties of water that help in upward movement are:Answer: B — Transpiration pull, cohesion and adhesion
47. Q47Energy and nutrients flow from one trophic level to another in an ecosystem. Which one of the following statements correctly describes the direction of flow of energy and nutrients in an ecosystem?Answer: B — Energy flow is unidirectional and nutrient flow is cyclic.
48. Q48Which one of the following is a saprophyte?Answer: B — Rhizopus
49. Q49In ovules of Angiosperms, which one of the following is not a haploid cell ?Answer: A — Nucellus
50. Q50Arrange the following events associated with Shivaji in chronological order : 1. Attack on Afzal Khan 2. Capture of Torna 3. Attack on Shaista Khan 4. Annexation of Javli Select the correct answer using the code given below :Answer: A — 2, 4, 1, 3
51. Q51Who among the following is the author of the book 'The Indian Struggle 1920 – 1942' ?Answer: B — Subhas Chandra Bose
52. Q52Who among the following is not a woman Nayanar saint ?Answer: C — Andal
53. Q53Which one of the following pairs of terms and their meanings is not correctly matched ?Answer: B — Nattar : Male serpent deity
54. Q54Where is the famous Gupta period Deogarh Temple situated ?Answer: A — Uttar Pradesh
55. Q55Consider the following statements with reference to the Nataraj bronze sculpture of Chola period : 1. Shiva is shown balancing himself on his right leg representing tirobhava. 2. Shiva is shown raising his left leg in bhujangatrasita stance, representing kicking away the illusion from the devotee's mind. 3. The main right hand holds the damaru, Shiva's favourite musical instrument. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?Answer: B — 2 only
56. Q56Which of the following statements about ASEAN are correct ? 1. The Chairmanship of ASEAN rotates annually based on the alphabetical order of the English names of Member States. 2. The Chairmanship is decided by voting among the Member States. 3. "One Vision, One Identity, One Community" is the ASEAN motto. 4. 12th August is celebrated as ASEAN Day. Select the correct answer using the code given below :Answer: B — 1 and 3 only
57. Q57Consider the following statements about the Public Distribution System : 1. The Public Distribution System is operated under the joint responsibility of Centre and State/Union Territories. 2. Food Corporation of India has assumed the responsibility for procurement, storage and transportation of food grains to the State Governments. 3. Both Centre and State have the joint responsibility to identify eligible beneficiaries. 4. Some States also distribute additional items of mass consumption through the PDS outlets such as pulses, edible oil, etc. Which of the statements given above are correct ?Answer: B — 1, 2 and 4
58. Q58Which of the following concepts are considered as pillars of Human Development ? 1. Equity 2. Sustainability 3. Productivity 4. Security Select the correct answer using the code given below :Answer: C — 1, 2 and 3 only
59. Q59Which one of the following pairs of events and years is not correctly matched ?Answer: D — Introduction of the World Wide Web (www) : 1995
60. Q60Identify the type of soil on the basis of given characteristics : 1. They contain a large proportion of sodium, potassium and magnesium, and thus, they are infertile. 2. Their structure ranges from sandy to loamy. 3. They are more widespread in western Gujarat, deltas of the eastern coast and in Sunderban areas of West Bengal.Answer: D — Saline soil
61. Q61Which one among the following State capitals is closest to the Equator?Answer: C — Panaji
62. Q62Which is the only country in the world to officially proclaim the Gross National Happiness (GNH) as the measure of the country's progress?Answer: B — Bhutan
63. Q63Consider the following statements about clouds : 1. Two major forms of clouds are stratiform and cumuliform. 2. According to the altitude, clouds are classified as high clouds, middle clouds and low clouds. 3. Stratus, nimbostratus and stratocumulus are types of high clouds. 4. Clouds having nimbo attached to their name produce precipitation. Which of the statements given above are correct?Answer: B — 1, 2 and 4
64. Q64Which one of the following expenditures is subtracted from Fiscal Deficit to arrive at Primary Deficit?Answer: C — Interest payments
65. Q65The Wholesale Price Inflation has increased in India during 2021 – 2022 due to which of the following factors? 1. Sharp increase in international prices of crude oil 2. Decrease in economic activity post-Covid 3. Disruption of global supply chain 4. High freight cost Select the correct answer using the code given below:Answer: B — 1, 3 and 4
66. Q66What would be the impact on the economy if people start holding more currency in hand and less in deposits?Answer: B — Money multiplier will decrease
67. Q67SDG India Index, developed by NITI Aayog, includes 17 SDGs for each State. Which one of the following is not included in that index?Answer: B — Reduced unemployment
68. Q68Other things remaining constant, the market supply for a good increases if: 1. its price increases. 2. price of its factors of production decreases. 3. price of other goods decreases. Select the correct answer using the code given below:Answer: A — 1 and 2 only
69. Q69Consider the following statements regarding poverty in India: 1. While determining poverty line in India, a minimum level of food requirement, clothing, footwear, fuel and light, educational and medical requirements, etc. are determined for subsistence. 2. The accepted average calorie requirement in India is 2400 calories per person per day in rural areas and 2100 calories per person per day in urban areas. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?Answer: C — Both 1 and 2
70. Q70Which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Shivaji sent an ambassador to Bombay to negotiate an agreement with the English. 2. His chief motive was to secure English aid against the Siddis of Danda-Rajpuri. 3. He wanted a supply of grenades, mortars and other ammunition. Select the correct answer using the code given below:Answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
71. Q71The famous Hathigumpha inscription of Kharavela mentions that in the eleventh year of his reign, Kharavela destroyed a confederacy of Tamil States, "Tramiradesa Sanghatam", which had long been a source of danger. How old was this confederacy of Tamil States at that time?Answer: D — 113 years old
72. Q72Which of the following statements about the Vaishnava saint of Assam, Shankardeva, is/are correct? 1. His teachings are often known as the Bhagavati dharma. 2. He encouraged the establishment of satras or monasteries and namghars or prayer halls for the transmission of spiritual knowledge. 3. His major compositions include the Kirtana-ghosha. Select the correct answer using the code given below:Answer: C — 1, 2 and 3
73. Q73Abdur Razzaq, an ambassador of the ruler of Persia, was sent to Calicut in the fifteenth century. He was greatly impressed by the :Answer: A — Fortifications of Calicut
74. Q74Which of the following statements about the 'Race to Zero Campaign' is/are correct? 1. One of the main objectives of the Race to Zero Campaign is to build momentum around the shift to a decarbonized economy. 2. It is related to the theory of Zero-Sum Game. Select the correct answer using the code given below:Answer: A — 1 only
75. Q75Which of the following statements about National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) with reference to India is/are correct? 1. It emphasises that maintaining a high growth rate is essential for raising the living standards of the vast majority of the people of India and reducing their vulnerability to the impact of climate change. 2. It was released in 2014. Select the correct answer using the code given below:Answer: A — 1 only
76. Q76What does India's "Blue growth" refer to?Answer: C — A long-term strategy to support sustainable growth in the marine and maritime sectors
77. Q77Which of the following statements about 'Operation Sadbhavana' in Ladakh is/are correct? 1. Indian Army undertakes welfare activities, such as running of Army Goodwill Schools in remote areas of Ladakh. 2. It aims at building harmonious relationships between religious communities in Ladakh. Select the correct answer using the code given below:Answer: A — 1 only
78. Q78Which one of the following is not a permanent member of the UN Security Council?Answer: C — Japan
79. Q79Consider the following statements about some planets in the solar system: 1. Mercury has no atmosphere. 2. Venus has two moons. 3. There is no land on Jupiter. 4. Rings of Saturn are composed of lumps of ice and dust. Which of the statements given above are correct?Answer: D — 1, 3 and 4
80. Q80Which one of the following passes is not located in Indian Himalayan region?Answer: B — Bolan
81. Q81Which one of the following set of trees does not belong to Temperate Floral Zone of Himalaya?Answer: A — Cashewnut and Magnolia
82. Q82Which one of the following statements about plantation agriculture is not correct?Answer: D — Plantation farmers rear the animals for sale.
83. Q83Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists: List I (Name of Shifting Cultivation) A. Roca B. Chena C. Masole D. Tamarai List II (Country) 1. Sri Lanka 2. Thailand 3. Brazil 4. Zaire Code:Answer: D — A-3 B-1 C-4 D-2
84. Q84Consider the following statements with reference to Paleolithic tools : 1. Isampur was a well-known center of stone tool manufacture located in Gulbarga district of Karnataka and was situated along a small seasonal stream known as Kamta Halla. 2. A Paleolithic blade is a flake tool, the length of which is more than twice its width. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?Answer: C — Both 1 and 2
85. Q85Consider the following statements about science in medieval South India : 1. The Katapayadi system of numerals, which was invented by Vararuchi of Kerala, the author of Chandra Vakyas, was used for calculating the position of Moon on any day of the year. 2. Achyuta Pisharati (1550 – 1621) wrote Uparagakriyakrama, a text on eclipses. 3. Ravi Varma of Mahodayapuram set up an observatory and is also said to have inaugurated the Kollam era. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?Answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
86. Q86Which of the following dynasties of South India issued their documents first in Prakrit and later in Sanskrit?Answer: C — The Pallavas of Tondaimandalam
87. Q87Who was the author of the Gwalior Prashasti of Mihira Bhoja?Answer: C — Baladitya
88. Q88The Sahajiya Cult, which can be traced back to 10th and 11th centuries, is usually associated with :Answer: D — Buddhism
89. Q89The landmark Supreme Court judgment in the case Subhash Sharma v. Union of India (1991) refers to which one of the following basic features of the Constitution of India?Answer: A — Judicial Review
90. Q90Which of the following statements about the Panchayats in India, as per the Constitution of India is/are correct? 1. There is a provision for reservation of seats for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. 2. Panchayats are not authorised to collect taxes. Select the correct answer using the code given below:Answer: A — 1 only
91. Q91Which one of the following statements about Mission Indradhanush, launched by the Government of India in 2014, is correct?Answer: C — It aims to increase the full immunisation coverage for children.
92. Q92Which one of the following amendments to the Constitution of India has introduced reservations in education and in public employment for people from the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) of society?Answer: D — The Constitution (103rd Amendment) Act
93. Q93Which among the following Fundamental Rights is not suspended when an Emergency is declared?Answer: A — Protection in respect of conviction for offences
94. Q94Any question pertaining to the disqualification of a member of the Lok Sabha on the ground of defection is decided by:Answer: B — The Speaker of the Lok Sabha
95. Q95Which one of the following statements about Indian Maritime University (IMU) is not correct?Answer: B — It was established primarily to support the Indian Navy.
96. Q96Which of the following pairs is/are correctly matched? Plateau / Continent 1. Abyssinian : Africa 2. Patagonian : Australia 3. Anatolian : Asia 4. Iberian : North America Select the correct answer using the code given below:Answer: B — 1 and 3 only
97. Q97Which of the following pairs of Isolines and its properties are correctly matched? 1. Isonif : Snowfall 2. Isohel : Sunshine 3. Isohaline : Salinity 4. Isohypse : Cloudiness Select the correct answer using the code given below:Answer: A — 1, 2 and 3
98. Q98Which of the following is the correct order of clouds in ascending order (lowest to highest) of height from surface? 1. Cirrocumulus 2. Nimbostratus 3. Cirrus 4. Altostratus Select the correct answer using the code given below:Answer: D — 2, 4, 1, 3
99. Q99Which of the following pairs of revolution in agriculture sector and its production are correctly matched? 1. Pink revolution : Shrimp production 2. Yellow revolution : Oilseeds production 3. Black revolution : Biodiesel production 4. Golden revolution : Egg production Select the correct answer using the code given below:Answer: A — 1, 2 and 3
100. Q100Which one among the following statements about National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is not correct?Answer: B — NHAI conducts training of Highway Engineers at entry level and in-service.
101. Q101Which of the following statements about the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) are correct? 1. NCGG was set up by the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy. 2. The National Institute of Administrative Research (NIAR) has been rechristened and subsumed into NCGG. 3. NCGG is an apex-level autonomous body under the Ministry of Home Affairs. 4. The Chairperson of the Governing Body of the NCGG is the Cabinet Secretary to the Government of India. Select the correct answer using the code given below:Answer: B — 2 and 4 only
102. Q102Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists: List I (International Yoga Day) A. 6th Edition B. 7th Edition C. 8th Edition D. 9th Edition List II (Theme) 1. Yoga for well-being 2. Yoga for health – Yoga at home 3. Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam 4. Yoga for Humanity Code:Answer: B — 2 1 4 3
103. Q103The joint multinational maritime exercise named IBSAMAR is conducted by the Navies of which of the following countries?Answer: D — India, Brazil and South Africa
104. Q104In which one of the following cities is the Heliopolis Commonwealth War Grave Cemetery located?Answer: C — Cairo
105. Q105Under which one of the following rivers has India's first underwater metro rail tunnel been constructed?Answer: C — Hooghly
106. Q106Which among the following set of national teams participated in the South Asian Football Federation Championship – 2023?Answer: B — Lebanon, Kuwait, Pakistan
107. Q107Which butterfly species was recently named the official butterfly of Jammu and Kashmir?Answer: D — Blue Pansy
108. Q108Which company operated the ill-fated Titan submersible which recently imploded killing all five passengers while on a dive to visit the Titanic shipwreck under the waters of the North Atlantic?Answer: C — OceanGate Expeditions
109. Q109Which among the following is India's longest road tunnel?Answer: C — Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Tunnel
110. Q110Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists : List I (Padma Vibhushan/Padma Bhushan Awardee, 2023) A. Dilip Mahalanabis (posthumous) B. Sudha Murthy C. S.M. Krishna D. S.L. Bhyrappa List II (Category) 1. Literature & Education 2. Public Affairs 3. Social Work 4. Medicine Code:Answer: A — 4, 3, 2, 1
111. Q111Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists : List I (Festivals of North East India) A. Hornbill Festival B. Chapchar Kut C. Nongkrem Dance Festival D. Saga Dawa List II (State) 1. Meghalaya 2. Sikkim 3. Nagaland 4. Mizoram Code:Answer: C — 3, 4, 1, 2
112. Q112From which one of the following countries has India procured the S-400 Triumf air defence missile system?Answer: D — Russia
113. Q113Abhinav Bindra is the winner of the first ever individual Olympic gold medal for India. He won gold in which shooting event and in which Olympic Games?Answer: C — 10 meter air rifle, Beijing
114. Q114Cheetahs were recently re-introduced to India from Africa. From which language is the name ‘Cheetah’ derived?Answer: D — Sanskrit
115. Q115A new species of pit-viper was discovered in 2019 and named after the State in which it was found. Identify the State from among the following:Answer: B — Arunachal Pradesh
116. Q116Who among the following set of players from India have either won or secured the runner-up position in the All England Badminton Tournament?Answer: B — Pullela Gopichand, Saina Nehwal, Lakshya Sen
117. Q117Who among the following leaders recently won the election to the office of the President of Turkey?Answer: A — Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
118. Q118Georgi Gospodinov Georgiev won the International Booker Prize, 2023 for the darkly comic novel by the name:Answer: C — Time Shelter
119. Q119The Grand Order of the Chain of the Yellow Star is the highest civilian honour of which among the following countries?Answer: D — Suriname
120. Q120Which one among the following correctly represents the theme on which the interiors of the new Parliament Building is based? Lok Sabha Rajya SabhaAnswer: B — Peacock Lotus