MCQ on Astronomy for ICAR-JEF, ICAR-SRF, ICAR-NET, IBPS-AFO/SO, Pre-PG, BHU Pre-PG, IFFCO-AGT, CCI, FCI, B.sc, M.sc, All Agriculture Competitive Exams. 1. What is the comparison made between ancient Indian and modern methods of weather forecasting? a) Modern methods are more accurate. b) Ancient methods are more accurate. c) Both methods are equally accurate. d) There is no comparison between the two methods. – **Answer: b) Ancient methods are more accurate.** – Explanation: The text suggests that even today, village astrologers in India have a surprisingly high percentage of correct weather predictions, indicating the effectiveness of ancient Indigenous methods. 2. What is stated about the origin of modern scientific knowledge of weather forecasting? a) It originated in India. b) It originated in the West. c) It originated recently. d) It has been around since ancient times. – **Answer: c) It originated recently.** – Explanation: The text mentions that modern scientific knowledge of weather forecasting originated recently. 3. How is meteorology viewed in India compared to the West? a) It is viewed as an ancient science in India but new in the West. b) It is viewed as a new science in India but ancient in the West. c) It is viewed as ancient in both India and the West. d) It is viewed as new in both India and the West. – **Answer: a) It is viewed as an ancient science in India but new in the West.** – Explanation: Meteorology is considered ancient in India but new in the West, according to the text. 4. What are the two categories into which ancient/Indigenous methods of weather forecast are broadly classified? a) Northern and southern methods b) Observational method and theoretical methods c) Solar and lunar methods d) Eastern and western methods – **Answer: b) Observational method and theoretical methods** – Explanation: The ancient/Indigenous methods of weather forecasting are broadly classified into observational method and theoretical methods. 5. What is involved in the observational method of weather forecast? a) Computation of planetary positions b) Study of solar ingress c) Observing indicators d) Conjunctions of stars and planets – **Answer: c) Observing indicators** – Explanation: The observational method involves observing indicators for weather prediction. 6. What is involved in the theoretical methods of weather forecast? a) Observing indicators b) Computation of planetary positions c) Study of solar ingress d) Conjunctions of stars and planets – **Answer: b) Computation of planetary positions** – Explanation: The theoretical methods involve computation of planetary positions and conjunctions of stars and planets. 7. What is mentioned as not required for ancient/indigenous methods of weather forecast? a) Observational data b) Experience c) Costly apparatus d) Technological advancements – **Answer: c) Costly apparatus** – Explanation: Ancient/Indigenous methods of weather forecasting do not require costly apparatus, according to the text. 8. Who are often mentioned as being surprisingly accurate in weather predictions even today? a) Farmers b) Scientists c) Meteorologists d) Village astrologers (pandits) – **Answer: d) Village astrologers (pandits)** – Explanation: Village astrologers (pandits) are often mentioned as being surprisingly accurate in weather predictions even today. 9. What is stated about the rules of meteorology according to the text? a) They are complex and difficult to understand. b) They are simple and easy to understand. c) They are similar to modern scientific methods. d) They are based on Western principles. – **Answer: b) They are simple and easy to understand.** – Explanation: The text mentions that the rules of meteorology are simple and easy to understand. 10. What is emphasized as enhancing the development of meteorology? a) Technological advancements b) Observations coupled with experience over centuries c) Government funding d) Foreign collaboration – **Answer: b) Observations coupled with experience over centuries** – Explanation: Observations coupled with experience over centuries are emphasized as enhancing the development of meteorology. 11. What does the term “Panchang” refer to in Indian astronomy and astrology? a) Five astrological signs b) Five celestial bodies c) Five body parts/limbs d) Five planetary movements **Answer: c) Five body parts/limbs** Explanation: The term “Panchang” originates from the Sanskrit words ‘panch’ meaning ‘five’ and ‘ang’ meaning ‘body part/limb’, referring to the five elements of the calendar. 12. How many tithes are there in a lunar month? a) 28 b) 29 c) 30 d) 31 **Answer: c) 30** Explanation: There are a total of thirty tithis in a lunar month, with fifteen in each fortnight. 13. Which day of the week is known as “Ravivara”? a) Sunday b) Monday c) Tuesday d) Wednesday **Answer: a) Sunday** Explanation: “Ravivara” corresponds to Sunday in the Hindu calendar. 14. What is the significance of “Panchang” for astrologers? a) It provides weather predictions b) It guides farming activities c) It is used for casting horoscopes and making predictions d) It records astronomical phenomena **Answer: c) It is used for casting horoscopes and making predictions** Explanation: “Panchang” serves as a fundamental reference for astrologers to calculate and predict various astrological events. 15. How many “varas” (weekdays) are there in the Hindu calendar? a) Five b) Six c) Seven d) Eight **Answer: c) Seven** Explanation: The Hindu calendar consists of seven “varas” or weekdays. 16. Which of the following is NOT one of the “varas” in the Hindu calendar? a) Mangalavara b) Budhavara c) Suryavara d) Shanivara **Answer: c) Suryavara** Explanation: “Suryavara” is not one of the weekday names in the Hindu calendar. 17. How is “Panchang” used as an astrological guide for farmers? a) It provides agricultural techniques b) It suggests seasonal activities c) It predicts rainfall patterns d) It advises on favorable times for farming activities **Answer: d) It advises on favorable times for farming activities** Explanation: Farmers consult the “Panchang” for auspicious timings to commence farming activities based on astrological considerations. 18. What is the primary purpose of a classical Hindu almanac? a) To record historical events b) To predict natural disasters c) To provide calendrical information and astrological guidance d) To publish religious scriptures **Answer: c) To provide calendrical information and astrological guidance** Explanation: Classical Hindu almanacs, known as “Panchangs,” serve