CMAT 2018 General Awareness Question Paper with Answer Key PDFs (January 20 - Forenoon Session)

Step 1: Recall the basic properties of sound.

Sound depends mainly on amplitude, frequency and waveform.

Amplitude represents the maximum displacement of vibrating particles.


Step 2: Link amplitude with loudness.

Greater amplitude means the sound waves carry more energy.

More energy in the wave results in a louder sound.


Step 3: Reject other options.

(2) Modulation is the variation of carrier signals, not related here.

(3) Quality depends on waveform/overtones.

(4) Tone depends mainly on frequency.


Step 4: Conclusion.

Thus, loudness varies directly with amplitude.
Quick Tip: Amplitude \(\uparrow\) \(\Rightarrow\) Loudness \(\uparrow\) and Frequency \(\uparrow\) \(\Rightarrow\) Pitch \(\uparrow\).

Step 1: Understand freezing point depression.

When salt is dissolved in water, it lowers the freezing point.

This is called freezing point depression.


Step 2: Apply to seawater and freshwater.

Freshwater freezes at \(0^\circ C\).

Saltwater contains dissolved salts, so it freezes below \(0^\circ C\) (around \(-2^\circ C\)).


Step 3: Conclusion.

Thus, saltwater freezes at a slightly lower temperature than freshwater.
Quick Tip: Adding impurities like salt lowers the freezing point of water. This is why salt is spread on icy roads.

Step 1: Recall the photopic vision range.

In daylight, human vision is dominated by cone cells.

Cone cells are most responsive around wavelength \(\approx 555\) nm.


Step 2: Identify the color near 555 nm.

The wavelength around 555 nm corresponds to yellowish-green light.


Step 3: Conclusion.

Hence, the human eye is most sensitive to yellowish-green in daylight.
Quick Tip: Daylight vision peak sensitivity = about 555 nm, which corresponds to yellowish-green.

Step 1: Recall standard CD-ROM capacity.

A typical standard CD-ROM stores about 650 MB to 700 MB.

This depends on whether it is a 74-minute or 80-minute CD.


Step 2: Match with the options.

Option (1) exactly matches the standard capacity range.


Step 3: Conclusion.

Thus, the data capacity of a standard CD-ROM is 650–700 MB.
Quick Tip: Standard storage: CD \(\approx\) 700 MB, DVD \(\approx\) 4.7 GB, Blu-ray \(\approx\) 25 GB.

Step 1: Recall the major income sources of Indian Railways.

Indian Railways earns revenue mainly from:

- Passenger services

- Freight services

- Parcel and other sources


Step 2: Identify the largest contributor.

Historically, freight transport (coal, goods, raw material etc.) contributes the largest share of railway revenue.


Step 3: Conclusion.

Therefore, Indian Railways generates the highest revenue from Freight fare.
Quick Tip: Passenger trains are highly used, but freight contributes more revenue due to large-scale goods transport.

Step 1: Understand the role of a hash function.

A hash function converts data into a fixed-length hash value.

Even a small change in the message produces a completely different hash.


Step 2: Link hashing with integrity.

If the hash value changes, it indicates the message was modified.

So hashing ensures that the message has not been altered during transmission.


Step 3: Conclusion.

Thus, a hash function guarantees that the message has not been changed.
Quick Tip: Hashing checks integrity: Same message \(\Rightarrow\) Same hash, Changed message \(\Rightarrow\) Different hash.

Step 1: Recall IPC chapter classification.

Indian Penal Code is divided into chapters based on types of offences.

Sections 299 onwards begin with Culpable Homicide, which belongs to offences against the human body.


Step 2: Verify the section range.

Sections 299–377 include:

- Homicide

- Hurt

- Wrongful restraint

- Assault

- Sexual offences

All of these relate to the human body.


Step 3: Conclusion.

Hence, Sections 299 to 377 are offences affecting the Human Body.
Quick Tip: IPC 299 begins with Culpable Homicide, so the entire range is related to offences against the human body.

Step 1: Understand the scheme’s objective.

Stand Up India promotes entrepreneurship among:

- SC/ST borrowers

- Women entrepreneurs

by providing bank loans for greenfield enterprises.


Step 2: Loan range and eligibility.

The loan amount is Rs. 10 lakh to Rs. 1 crore.

Each bank branch supports at least one SC/ST and one woman entrepreneur.


Step 3: Business sectors covered.

The scheme supports enterprises in manufacturing, services, and trading sectors.


Step 4: Conclusion.

Since statements (1), (2), and (3) are all correct, the answer is All of these.
Quick Tip: Stand Up India = 10 lakh to 1 crore loans for SC/ST and women entrepreneurs for greenfield projects across major sectors.

Step 1: Understand what the question refers to.

Google Maps introduced a feature that suggests routes or shortcuts suitable for smaller vehicles.

Such shortcuts may not be accessible for large cars or heavy vehicles.


Step 2: Identify which vehicle type benefits most.

Two wheelers can take narrow lanes and shortcuts more easily.

Therefore, this feature is mainly designed for two wheelers.


Step 3: Conclusion.

Hence, the correct answer is Two wheelers.
Quick Tip: Navigation shortcuts often target two-wheelers because they can pass through narrow roads where cars cannot.

Step 1: Read the question carefully.

The question asks which company launched an e-commerce startup for farm equipment rental.


Step 2: Identify the correct company.

Among the given options, Mahindra and Mahindra is known for launching innovative agri-focused digital platforms including rental and marketplace services.


Step 3: Conclusion.

Therefore, the correct answer is Mahindra and Mahindra.
Quick Tip: Mahindra & Mahindra is a major agri-vehicle brand and frequently launches technology-driven services in the farm sector.

Step 1: Identify what GET2020 refers to.

GET2020 stands for Global Elimination of Trachoma by 2020, launched by WHO.

Its aim is to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem worldwide.


Step 2: Apply the question context.

India was declared to have eliminated trachoma as a public health problem under WHO guidelines.


Step 3: Eliminate incorrect options.

Tuberculosis elimination is still in progress.

Ebola is not a disease targeted under GET2020 for India.

Keratoconus is an eye disorder but not part of GET2020 elimination goals.


Step 4: Conclusion.

Hence, the disease eliminated by India under GET2020 is Trachoma.
Quick Tip: GET2020 is a WHO initiative specifically aimed at eliminating Trachoma globally as a public health problem.

Step 1: Recall the 71st Constitutional Amendment.

The 71st Amendment Act, 1992 added three new languages to the Eighth Schedule.


Step 2: Identify the three languages.

The languages added were:

Konkani, Manipuri and Nepali.


Step 3: Reject other options.

English was never added by this amendment.

Dogri and Maithili were added later by the 92nd Amendment.


Step 4: Conclusion.

Hence, the correct set is Konkani, Manipuri, Nepali.
Quick Tip: 71st Amendment (1992) added: Konkani, Manipuri, Nepali. Dogri and Maithili came later (92nd Amendment).

Step 1: Understand disinfection in sewage treatment.

Disinfection is done to kill harmful microorganisms after water treatment.


Step 2: Identify common disinfectants.

Chlorine is widely used in municipal water treatment.

Ozone is also used as a strong oxidizing disinfectant.


Step 3: Eliminate incorrect option.

Nitrogen has no disinfecting property and is not used for killing microbes.


Step 4: Conclusion.

Thus, the gases used are Ozone and Chlorine.
Quick Tip: Chlorine and Ozone are common disinfectants in water treatment because they destroy bacteria and viruses effectively.

Step 1: Understand the meaning of snap election.

A snap election is held earlier than the scheduled election date.

It is generally called suddenly by the government or leader.


Step 2: Differentiate from other elections.

By-election is held to fill a vacancy.

General election is held at the fixed scheduled term.

Recall election is held to remove an elected representative.


Step 3: Conclusion.

Hence, an election called earlier than expected is a Snap election.
Quick Tip: Snap election = election held earlier than scheduled, often called suddenly due to political advantage or instability.

Step 1: Recall the method used for dating ancient civilizations.

The most widely accepted scientific method for dating ancient organic remains is Radiocarbon dating (Carbon-14 dating).


Step 2: Apply to Harappan Civilization.

The dates (2300–1750 BC) for Harappan Civilization were confirmed after the development of Radiocarbon dating.


Step 3: Compare with other methods.

Dendrochronology applies mainly to tree rings.

Stratification gives relative age, not exact dates.

Carbon isotope study is related but radiocarbon dating is the direct dating technique.


Step 4: Conclusion.

Hence, the method is Radio carbon dating.
Quick Tip: Harappan Civilization dates were fixed accurately using Carbon-14 Radiocarbon Dating.

Step 1: Recall the two processes.

Photosynthesis: Plants produce glucose using sunlight, CO\(_2\), and water.

Respiration: Plants break down glucose to release energy.


Step 2: Compare rates in daylight.

During daylight, photosynthesis is highly active due to sunlight.

Respiration happens all the time but is comparatively slower.


Step 3: Identify the correct statement.

Thus, photosynthesis proceeds at a much faster rate than respiration (in light conditions).


Step 4: Conclusion.

Hence, option (2) is correct.
Quick Tip: Respiration occurs day and night, but photosynthesis occurs only in light and usually dominates during daytime.

Step 1: Check statement 1.

BrahMos is a joint venture between DRDO (India) and NPOM (Russia), not ISRO.

So, statement 1 is incorrect.


Step 2: Check statement 2.

BrahMos can be launched from land, sea, air and submarines and can target both land and sea targets.

So, statement 2 is correct.


Step 3: Check statement 3.

After India entered MTCR, there were range-related discussions and compliance adjustments in missile technology frameworks.

So, statement 3 is considered correct in the context of the question.


Step 4: Conclusion.

Hence, the correct answer is 2 and 3 only.
Quick Tip: BrahMos = DRDO (India) + NPOM (Russia). It is a supersonic cruise missile deployable from land, sea, air and submarines.

Step 1: Understand the aim of the Bill.

The bill focuses on prevention, control, and protection of rights of HIV/AIDS affected persons.


Step 2: Verify statement-wise.

Statement 1: True, it prohibits discrimination.

Statement 2: True, it provides access to anti-retroviral therapy.

Statement 3: True, it safeguards property-related rights.

Statement 4: True, it ensures minors have the right to shared household and facilities.


Step 3: Conclusion.

All statements are correct, hence option (4) is correct.
Quick Tip: The HIV/AIDS Bill, 2017 is a rights-based law focusing on non-discrimination, healthcare access and legal protection for HIV-positive individuals.

Step 1: Understand what bleed lines are.

Bleed lines are raised tactile marks on currency notes to help visually impaired persons identify denominations.


Step 2: Recall the \(2000\) note features.

The Indian Rupee 2000 note has 7 angular bleed lines on both left and right sides.


Step 3: Conclusion.

Hence, the number of angular bleed lines is 7.
Quick Tip: New currency notes include tactile features like angular bleed lines to aid visually impaired individuals.

Step 1: Understand what 'manjha' refers to.

Manjha is a kite-flying string, often coated with glass or chemical substances, causing harm to birds, animals and humans.


Step 2: Recall the authority responsible for banning it.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) banned harmful manjha due to environmental and public safety concerns.


Step 3: Conclusion.

Therefore, the ban was imposed by the National Green Tribunal.
Quick Tip: NGT intervenes when an activity harms environment or wildlife. Manjha was banned due to risks to birds and public safety.

Step 1: Understand the context of the statement.

The quote emphasizes that sea power is more important than holding many forts on land.

This reflects a policy where naval supremacy is the key to controlling trade and colonies.


Step 2: Recall who promoted sea dominance.

Francisco de Almeida, the first Portuguese Viceroy of India, strongly promoted the idea of naval power and maritime control.

He believed that the Portuguese should dominate the seas to maintain their influence in Asia.


Step 3: Eliminate other options.

John Cabot, Columbus and Vespucci were explorers, but this quote is related specifically to Portuguese naval strategy.


Step 4: Conclusion.

Hence, the quote is attributed to Da Almeida.
Quick Tip: The policy of Portuguese sea dominance in India is closely linked with Francisco de Almeida.

Step 1: Understand what "Vote on Account" means.

A Vote on Account allows the government to withdraw money from the Consolidated Fund of India for meeting expenses for a short period (usually two months), when the full budget is not yet passed.


Step 2: Recall the Constitutional Article.

Article 116 deals with Vote on Account, Vote of Credit, and Exceptional Grants.


Step 3: Eliminate other options.

Article 121 deals with restriction on parliamentary discussion of Supreme Court judges.

Article 171 relates to Legislative Council composition.

Article 131 relates to original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.


Step 4: Conclusion.

Therefore, Vote on Account is dealt under Article 116.
Quick Tip: Remember: Article 116 = Vote on Account. It allows temporary withdrawal of funds before the full budget is passed.

Step 1: Identify the main threat to Taj Mahal.

The Taj Mahal is made of white marble, which is highly sensitive to air pollution.


Step 2: Understand how pollution affects marble.

Sulphur dioxide (SO\(_2\)) mixes with moisture in the air and forms sulphuric acid.

This acid causes acid rain, which reacts with marble (calcium carbonate) and leads to yellowing and corrosion.


Step 3: Eliminate incorrect options.

CO\(_2\) and CO mainly affect climate and health but are not primary causes of marble corrosion.

Calcium oxide is not an air pollutant threatening the monument.


Step 4: Conclusion.

Thus, Taj Mahal is threatened mainly due to Sulphur dioxide.
Quick Tip: SO\(_2\) causes acid rain, and acid rain is the major factor responsible for marble damage in monuments like the Taj Mahal.

Step 1: Recognize the painting.

'The Persistence of Memory' is famous for its melting clocks and surreal landscape.


Step 2: Recall the painter.

This iconic surrealist artwork was created by Salvador Dalí.


Step 3: Eliminate other options.

Leonardo da Vinci was a Renaissance artist.

Vincent van Gogh is known for Post-Impressionism.

Edvard Munch is known for Expressionism.

The surrealist melting clock painting is Dalí's work.


Step 4: Conclusion.

Hence, the painter is Salvador Dalí.
Quick Tip: If you see melting clocks in a surreal landscape, the painter is almost always Salvador Dalí.

Step 1: Identify the personality in the image.

The portrait shown is associated with India's legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand.


Step 2: Recall why he is famous.

Dhyan Chand is regarded as one of the greatest field hockey players in history.

He played a key role in India’s Olympic hockey dominance and is known as the “Wizard of Hockey.”


Step 3: Eliminate other options.

Syed Abdul Rahim was a football coach.

Farokh Engineer and Ashok Mankad are cricketers.

The iconic portrait in such GK questions typically refers to Dhyan Chand.


Step 4: Conclusion.

Hence, the sports personality is Dhyan Chand.
Quick Tip: Major Dhyan Chand is known as the Wizard of Hockey and is one of India's greatest sports legends.