Assistant Engineer Civil (SR for ST Only) 2017 Official Paper — Kerala PSC PYQ Practice with Answers

Correct answer (Option C):\nBenjamin Bailey established the first printing press in Kerala at Kottayam in the year 1821. It was known as the CMS Press (Church Mission Society Press). He is widely recognized as the father of printing in Kerala and contributed heavily to the standardization of the Malayalam script and English-Malayalam lexicography. Option C is correct.\n\nWhy others are wrong:\nOption A is incorrect because Kozhikode was not the location of the first press. Option B is incorrect as Kochi received printing infrastructure later. Option D is incorrect as Alapuzha was an active commercial port but not the birthplace of Kerala's first printing press.\n\nRemember:\nBenjamin Bailey translated the Bible into Malayalam and published the first Malayalam-English dictionary at the CMS Press in Kottayam.

Correct answer (Option B):\nThe Right to Information (RTI) Act was enacted by the Indian Parliament in 2005 to replace the earlier, less effective Freedom of Information Act of 2002. The RTI Act provides a robust framework for citizens to secure access to information under the control of public authorities, promoting transparency and accountability. Option B is correct.\n\nWhy others are wrong:\nOption A is incorrect as 2003 was shortly after the enactment of the old 2002 Act. Option C is incorrect because the transition had already been completed by 2005. Option D is incorrect as 2009 is much later than the implementation of the RTI regime.\n\nRemember:\nThe RTI Act was passed on 15 June 2005 and came into full force on 12 October 2005.

Correct answer (Option B):\nAbraham Malpan is revered as the 'Martin Luther of the East' due to his pioneering role in the reformation movement within the Malankara Church. Similar to Martin Luther's European Reformation, Abraham Malpan translated the liturgy into the local language (Malayalam) and fought against outdated rituals and corrupt practices inside the church. Option B is correct.\n\nWhy others are wrong:\nOption A is incorrect because Poikayil Yohannan founded the PRDS and is known for Dalit upliftment. Option C is incorrect as Pambadi John Joseph founded the Cheramar Mahajana Sabha. Option D is incorrect because M.C. Joseph was a prominent rationalist and editor of Yukthivadi.\n\nRemember:\nAbraham Malpan conducted the holy Holy Qurbana in Malayalam for the first time at Maramon church.

Correct answer (Option D):\nThe historic Temple Entry Proclamation was issued by Maharaja Sri Chithira Tirunal Balarama Varma on 12 November 1936 (27 Thulam 1112 ME). This revolutionary decree abolished the restrictions on entry into government-controlled temples for the lower-caste Hindus in Travancore, marking an epochal milestone in Kerala's social reform. Option D is correct.\n\nWhy others are wrong:\nOption A is incorrect as January 1 is New Year's Day. Option B is incorrect as April 13 is associated with the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Option C is incorrect because October 2 is Gandhi Jayanti, although Mahatma Gandhi played a vital role in encouraging the movement.\n\nRemember:\nMahatma Gandhi hailed the Temple Entry Proclamation as 'the miracle of modern times'.

Correct answer (Option D):\n'Sabdikkunna Kalappa' (The Talking Plough) is one of the most celebrated short stories written by Ponkunnam Varkey. It beautifully portrays the deep emotional bond between a farmer named Ouseph and his domestic bull, Kannan, highlighting the agrarian lifestyle and themes of human-animal relationship. Option D is correct.\n\nWhy others are wrong:\nOption A is incorrect as S. K. Pottakkad is famous for travelogues and novels like Oru Desathinte Katha. Option B is incorrect as Basheer is noted for masterpieces like Balyakalasakhi. Option C is incorrect as Kesava Dev is known for Odayil Ninnu.\n\nRemember:\nPonkunnam Varkey was a writer who weaponized literature against social injustice and priestly hypocrisy.