General Awareness PYQs

The correct answer is 1859.

Key Points

• Tantia Tope, born as Ramachandra Pandurang Tope in 1814, was one of the most distinguished military leaders of the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
• He was a close associate of Nana Sahib and served as the commander-in-chief of the rebel forces in Cawnpore (Kanpur).
• Following the fall of Kanpur, he joined forces with Rani Lakshmi Bai to defend Jhansi and later helped in the capture of Gwalior.
• After the death of Rani Lakshmi Bai in June 1858, Tantia Tope successfully conducted a brilliant guerrilla warfare campaign against the British for nearly a year across Central India and Rajasthan.
• He was ultimately betrayed by his trusted friend Man Singh, the Raja of Narwar, while resting in the Paron forests.
• He was captured by British forces on April 7, 1859, and subsequently tried by a military court at Shivpuri.
• Tantia Tope was executed by hanging on April 18, 1859, at Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh, which effectively signaled the end of the major armed resistance of 1857.

 Additional Information

• Nana Sahib:
• The adopted son of Peshwa Baji Rao II who led the revolt in Kanpur.
• He escaped to the Nepal hills after the British regained control, and his fate remains a historical mystery.
• Rani Lakshmi Bai:
• The Queen of Jhansi who became a symbol of resistance; she died on the battlefield on June 18, 1858, while fighting the forces of Sir Hugh Rose.
• Government of India Act 1858:
• Passed in the aftermath of the revolt, it ended the rule of the East India Company and transferred Indian administration directly to the British Crown.
• It created the office of the Secretary of State for India and changed the designation of the Governor-General to Viceroy.
• Shivpuri:
• A statue and a memorial have been erected in Shivpuri to honor the martyrdom of Tantia Tope at the site of his execution.

The correct answer is 50 Newton.

Key Points

• The relationship between force, mass, and acceleration is governed by Newton's Second Law of Motion, which states that the force acting on an object is directly proportional to the product of its mass and acceleration.
• The mathematical formula for this law is F = m × a, where F represents the resultant force, m is the mass of the object, and a is the acceleration.
• In the given problem, the mass (m) of the body is 10 kg and the acceleration (a) is 5 m/s².
• By applying the formula: Force (F) = 10 kg × 5 m/s² = 50 kg·m/s².
• The unit kg·m/s² is equivalent to the Newton (N), which is the standard SI unit of force. Therefore, the resultant force is 50 Newton.

 Additional Information

• Newton (N):
• It is the derived unit of force in the International System of Units (SI).
• One Newton is defined as the force needed to provide a mass of one kilogram with an acceleration of one meter per second squared.
• Joule (J):
• The Joule is the SI unit of work, energy, and heat.
• It is not a unit of force; hence, option 4 (2 Joule) is conceptually incorrect for a force calculation.
• One Joule is equal to the work done by a force of one Newton acting through a distance of one meter.
• Newton's Laws of Motion:
• First Law: An object remains at rest or in uniform motion unless acted upon by an external force (Inertia).
• Third Law: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

The correct answer is Nano.

Key Points

• The International System of Units (SI) employs a standard set of prefixes to express decimal multiples and submultiples of units, facilitating the management of extremely large or small quantities.
• The prefix Nano corresponds specifically to a multiplicative factor of 10⁻⁹, which represents one-billionth of a base unit (0.000000001).
• Derived from the Greek word nanos (meaning dwarf), it is symbolized by the lowercase letter 'n' and is frequently used in nanotechnology, microelectronics, and molecular physics to measure distances at the atomic scale, such as nanometers (nm).
• The use of these prefixes was formally established and expanded by the General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM) to ensure global uniformity in scientific and commercial measurements.

 Additional Information

• Other common SI prefixes for submultiples include:
• Micro: Symbolized by the Greek letter μ, it represents a factor of 10⁻⁶ (one-millionth). It is used for measuring micrometers or microseconds in biology and electronics.
• Milli: Denoted by the symbol 'm', it signifies a factor of 10⁻³ (one-thousandth). Common applications include millimeters (mm) and milligrams (mg).
• Centi: Represented by the symbol 'c', it indicates a factor of 10⁻² (one-hundredth). It is most familiarly used in centimeters (cm) for everyday length measurements.
• Pico: Denoted by 'p', this prefix follows Nano and represents 10⁻¹² (one-trillionth).

The correct answer is Integrate Indian economy with global markets.

Key Points

• Globalisation in India was a central pillar of the New Economic Policy (NEP) launched in July 1991 to tackle a severe Balance of Payments (BoP) crisis and rising inflation.
• The primary objective was the economic integration of the domestic market with the global economy, effectively ending the era of an inward-looking, closed economic system.
• This process involved the systematic reduction of trade barriers, including the slashing of high customs duties and the removal of quantitative restrictions (quotas) on imports and exports.
• By facilitating the free flow of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), technology, and services, India aimed to enhance the competitiveness of its domestic industries on an international scale.
• The reform was designed to increase India's share in world trade and ensure that the nation could benefit from global supply chains and advanced technological innovations.

 Additional Information

• Liberalisation
• Refers to the process of deregulation and the dismantling of the License Raj, giving private enterprises more freedom to expand and diversify without excessive government interference.
• Privatisation
• Involves the disinvestment of government equity in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) to improve efficiency, accountability, and fiscal discipline within the economy.
• Self-Sufficiency and Protectionism
• Before 1991, India followed a policy of Import Substitution, which aimed at national self-sufficiency by restricting foreign trade, often leading to high costs and low-quality domestic production.
• International Institutions
• The 1991 reforms were heavily influenced by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which provided financial assistance on the condition of structural economic adjustments.

The correct answer is 1982.

Key Points

• The first Lok Adalat camp in post-independence India was organized in the state of Gujarat on March 14, 1982.
• This historic event took place at Una in the Junagadh district, marking the formal beginning of the modern people's court system in the country.
• The initiative was spearheaded by Justice P.N. Bhagwati, who was then a judge of the Supreme Court of India and a major proponent of legal aid for the poor.
• The primary goal of organizing this Lok Adalat was to settle disputes through conciliation, mediation, and compromise, providing a faster alternative to the traditional, time-consuming judicial process.
• The success of the Una experiment led to the nationwide adoption of the Lok Adalat mechanism as a key component of the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) system in India.

 Additional Information

• Lok Adalat System:
• It is based on Gandhian principles and is often referred to as the People's Court.
• The system is designed to provide free legal aid and ensure that the operation of the legal system promotes justice on the basis of equal opportunity, as mandated by Article 39A of the Constitution of India.
• The awards passed by a Lok Adalat are deemed to be a decree of a civil court and are final and binding on all parties; no appeal lies against such awards in any court of law.
• Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987:
• Although the first camp was held in 1982, the Lok Adalat system was given statutory status only after the enactment of this Act, which came into force on November 9, 1995.
• The Act led to the establishment of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) to oversee legal aid programs across the nation.
• Jurisdiction:
• Lok Adalats have the power to deal with cases pending before any court (at any stage) and also matters at the pre-litigation stage.
• They typically handle matrimonial disputes, land acquisition cases, labor disputes, and compoundable criminal offenses.

The correct answer is To establish an indigenous space station.

Key Points

• The Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS) is a planned indigenous space station to be constructed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
• The primary objective is to create a permanent human presence in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), enabling Indian astronauts to conduct long-duration microgravity experiments and scientific research.
• The project was formally announced as part of India's expanded space vision, which includes the Gaganyaan mission as a precursor to the station's assembly.
• The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, recently approved the development of the first module of the station, known as BAS-1.
• The station is expected to be fully operational by 2035, marking a significant milestone in India's strategic autonomy in space exploration.

 Additional Information

• Evolution and Design:
• The station will weigh approximately 20 to 25 tonnes in its initial phase, eventually expanding through modular additions.
• It will be positioned in an orbit of approximately 400 kilometers above Earth.
• The Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3) is being upgraded to carry the heavy modules required for the station's construction.
• Strategic Vision:
• The BAS initiative is a critical stepping stone toward India's goal of landing an astronaut on the Moon by 2040.
• It aims to foster innovation in life support systems, space docking technologies, and orbital refueling.
• The project encourages the participation of the Indian industry and startups, strengthening the domestic space ecosystem.

The correct answer is Article 359.

Key Points

• Article 359 of the Indian Constitution empowers the President to suspend the right to move any court for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights during the operation of a National Emergency.
• The 44^th Amendment Act of 1978 introduced a significant safeguard by stipulating that the President cannot suspend the right to move the court for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights guaranteed by Article 20 and Article 21.
• Article 20 provides protection in respect of conviction for offences, while Article 21 guarantees the protection of life and personal liberty; these are considered the most basic rights that remain enforceable even during an emergency.
• Unlike Article 358, which automatically suspends the freedoms under Article 19 (such as speech and assembly) upon a proclamation of emergency due to war or external aggression, Article 359 does not automatically suspend any rights.
• Suspension under Article 359 only occurs when the President issues a specific Presidential Order naming the particular Fundamental Rights whose enforcement is to be suspended.
• The Presidential Order must be submitted to each House of Parliament as soon as possible for approval after it is issued.

 Additional Information

• Article 352:
• Deals with the proclamation of a National Emergency by the President.
• Such a proclamation can be made on the grounds of war, external aggression, or armed rebellion.
• Article 353:
• Describes the effects of the proclamation of emergency on the distribution of powers.
• It grants the Union the authority to extend its executive power to give directions to any State.
• Article 360:
• Contains provisions regarding Financial Emergency.
• It can be declared if the President is satisfied that the financial stability or credit of India or any part of its territory is threatened.

The correct answer is 1970.

Key Points

• The Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan was established on October 15, 1970, as an autonomous organization registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
• It was founded by the Government of India under the Ministry of Education (formerly known as the Ministry of Human Resource Development) to serve as the nodal agency for the implementation of policies related to Sanskrit education.
• The establishment was a direct outcome of the recommendations made by the Sanskrit Commission (1956-1957), which emphasized the need for a central body to coordinate Sanskrit learning and research nationwide.
• The primary objective of the Sansthan is to propagate, develop, and encourage Sanskrit learning in all its forms, including the preservation of traditional Vedic studies and the integration of modern research methodologies.

 Additional Information

• Evolution into Central Sanskrit University:
• In March 2020, the Parliament of India passed the Central Sanskrit Universities Act, which upgraded the Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan into the Central Sanskrit University (CSU).
• Before achieving Central University status, the institution was granted the status of a Deemed to be University by the University Grants Commission (UGC) in 2002.
• It currently operates through multiple campuses located across India in cities such as New Delhi, Jammu, Puri, Bhopal, Lucknow, and Sringeri.
• The university is responsible for conducting examinations, awarding degrees, and managing the Shiksha Shastri (B.Ed.) and Shiksha Acharya (M.Ed.) programs specifically for Sanskrit teachers.
• It plays a pivotal role in the Sanskrit Year celebrations and providing financial assistance to Adarsh Sanskrit Mahavidyalayas across the country.

The correct answer is Judicial Activism.

Key Points

• Judicial Activism refers to the proactive role played by the judiciary in safeguarding the rights of citizens and ensuring justice is delivered, often by overstepping traditional boundaries to address socio-economic issues.
• Public Interest Litigation (PIL) is considered the most potent tool of Judicial Activism in India, as it allows the courts to take cognizance of matters affecting the public at large rather than just individual disputes.
• The concept was introduced in the late 1970s and early 1980s by Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer and Justice P.N. Bhagwati, who transformed the judicial process to be more accessible to the poor and marginalized sections of society.
• Under this approach, the Supreme Court relaxed the traditional rule of Locus Standi, permitting any public-spirited citizen or non-governmental organization to file a petition on behalf of those who cannot approach the court themselves.
• The practice of PIL has led to the expansion of Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty) to include the right to a clean environment, right to free legal aid, and right to privacy, demonstrating the judiciary's active role in law-making and policy oversight.
• Petitions can be filed under Article 32 in the Supreme Court or Article 226 in the High Courts, and even a simple letter or postcard addressed to the Chief Justice can be treated as a writ petition under Epistolary Jurisdiction.

 Additional Information

• Judicial Restraint
• A judicial philosophy where judges limit the exercise of their own power and hesitate to strike down laws unless they are clearly unconstitutional.
• It emphasizes the separation of powers and suggests that the Judiciary should defer to the policy decisions made by the Legislature and Executive.
• Judicial Passivism
• A state where the judiciary remains passive and adheres strictly to existing legal precedents without exploring new interpretations to protect human rights or social justice.
• Locus Standi
• A traditional legal doctrine meaning a 'right to appear' in court, which restricted legal action only to the person whose rights were directly infringed.
• The relaxation of this doctrine is what paved the way for the PIL movement in the Indian Judicial System.

The correct answer is Sanae Takaichi.

Key Points

• Sanae Takaichi made history on October 21, 2025, by becoming the first female Prime Minister of Japan since the office was established in 1885.
• Her ascension occurred after she won the leadership election of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), defeating prominent rivals such as Shinjirō Koizumi in the final rounds of voting.
• She succeeded Shigeru Ishiba, who had previously served as the Prime Minister following the resignation of Fumio Kishida in late 2024.
• Following her appointment by the National Diet, Takaichi formed a new coalition government with the Japan Innovation Party (Nippon Ishin no Kai), marking a significant shift in Japanese political alliances after the Komeito party ended its 26-year partnership with the LDP.
• Her appointment was formalized through a vote in both chambers of the Diet, where she secured 237 votes in the Lower House (exceeding the 233 required) and 125 votes in the Upper House.
• In February 2026, she further consolidated her power by leading the LDP to a landslide victory in a snap general election, securing 316 out of 465 seats in the House of Representatives, which provided her with a two-thirds supermajority.

 Additional Information

• Sanae Takaichi:
• She is a staunch conservative and was a long-time protégé of the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, championing Abenomics and strong national defense.
• Before becoming Prime Minister, she served in critical roles including Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications and Minister of State for Economic Security.
• Her administration has focused on expansionary fiscal policies, energy security, and navigating complex geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Yōko Kamikawa:
• A veteran LDP politician who served as Foreign Minister and Minister of Justice. She was considered a top contender for the first female PM role but did not secure the party leadership in 2025.
• Satsuki Katayama:
• She is a member of the House of Councillors and previously served as the Minister for Regional Revitalization. She remains an influential figure in Japanese economic policy.

The correct answer is .pdf.

Key Points

• Portable Document Format (.pdf) was developed by Adobe in 1993 to present documents, including text formatting and images, in a manner independent of application software, hardware, and operating systems.
• The PDF format is a fixed-layout file type, meaning it preserves the exact visual appearance of the document; it embeds fonts, images, and vector graphics so they do not shift or change when opened on a different destination device.
• Because the file is essentially a digital snapshot of the final document, it is not affected by the software version used to view it, ensuring that pagination and alignment remain identical to the original creation.
• Unlike editable document formats, PDFs do not rely on the fonts installed on the recipient system, which prevents the common issue of font substitution that ruins document aesthetics.

 Additional Information

• Editable Microsoft Formats:
• .ppt and .pptx: These are Microsoft PowerPoint formats. .ppt is the older binary format, while .pptx is the XML-based standard. Both are highly susceptible to formatting errors, missing animations, or media playback issues if the destination version of Office differs from the source.
• .docx: This is the default Microsoft Word format. It is reflowable, meaning the layout can change based on printer settings, screen resolution, or the specific word processor version (e.g., Word 2010 vs. Word 365), often causing text wrapping or image displacement.
• Standardization: In 2008, PDF was released as an open standard (ISO 32000-1), further cementing its role as the global standard for secure and consistent document sharing.

The correct answer is Lost-Wax Technique.

Key Points

• The Harappan Civilization (Indus Valley Civilization) was highly proficient in metallurgy, particularly in the production of bronze icons using the Lost-Wax Technique, also known as Cire Perdue.
• In this process, a model was first made of wax and then coated with a thick layer of clay; once the clay dried, the structure was heated so the wax melted and was drained out through a tiny hole.
• Molten bronze, which is an alloy typically composed of copper and tin, was then poured into the hollow clay mold to take the shape of the original wax model.
• The most famous example of this technique from the ancient world is the Dancing Girl statue discovered at Mohenjo-daro, dating back to approximately 2500 BCE.
• Archaeological evidence shows that bronze casting was practiced on a wide scale, with significant findings including a copper dog and bird from Lothal and a bronze buffalo from Kalibangan.

 Additional Information

• Sand Casting Technique:
• Utilizes a mold made of silica sand and a bonding agent. While common in modern industrial casting for engine blocks and heavy machinery, it lacks the fine detail capability used for ancient Harappan artistic figurines.
• Die Casting Technique:
• A modern manufacturing process where molten metal is forced under high pressure into reusable metal molds called dies. This method was developed in the 19^th century for mass production.
• Open Mould Casting:
• The simplest form of casting where metal is poured into an open cavity carved into stone or clay. It was primarily used by early civilizations for flat tools like flat axes, chisels, and knives rather than complex three-dimensional sculptures.

The correct answer is A textile worker loses the job due to industry automation.

Key Points

• Structural unemployment is a long-term form of unemployment caused by fundamental shifts in an economy, leading to a mismatch between the skills workers possess and the skills demanded by employers.
• It often occurs due to technological advancements, such as automation or robotics, which render specific manual or cognitive tasks obsolete within an industry.
• In the case of a textile worker losing their job to industry automation, the worker is displaced because machines can now perform their role more efficiently, making their specific skillset redundant in the current economic structure.
• Unlike other types of unemployment, structural issues cannot be solved simply by an economic upturn; they require workers to undergo significant retraining or vocational education to acquire new, relevant competencies.
• Other contributing factors to structural unemployment include globalization, which may lead to the outsourcing of manufacturing jobs, and changes in consumer preferences that cause entire industries to decline.

 Additional Information

• Frictional Unemployment:
• This is a temporary state where workers are in the process of moving from one job to another or are entering the labor market for the first time.
• It is often considered voluntary and is a sign of a flexible labor market where individuals seek better-matching roles.
• Cyclical Unemployment:
• This type is directly tied to the business cycle, specifically during economic recessions or downturns.
• When the aggregate demand for goods and services falls, businesses reduce production and lay off workers, as seen in a temporary dip in demand.
• Seasonal Unemployment:
• This occurs when the demand for labor changes according to the time of year or specific seasons.
• It is prevalent in sectors like tourism, agriculture, and construction, where activities are restricted by weather or holiday cycles.

The correct answer is Insulin.

Key Points

• Insulin is a critical peptide hormone secreted by the beta cells of the Islets of Langerhans within the pancreas.
• It serves as the primary anabolic hormone in humans, responsible for regulating metabolism by promoting the absorption of glucose from the blood into liver, fat, and skeletal muscle cells.
• The hormone functions by binding to insulin receptors on target cells, which triggers the translocation of GLUT4 (glucose transporter type 4) to the cell membrane, facilitating glucose uptake.
• In the liver and muscle tissues, insulin stimulates glycogenesis, the biochemical process of converting glucose into glycogen for long-term storage.
• It plays a vital role in maintaining blood glucose homeostasis; a deficiency or mismanagement of this hormone leads to Diabetes Mellitus, characterized by chronically high blood sugar levels.

 Additional Information

• Glucagon:
• Secreted by the alpha cells of the pancreas.
• Acts as an antagonist to insulin by increasing blood glucose levels through glycogenolysis (breakdown of glycogen) and gluconeogenesis.
• Cortisol:
• A steroid hormone or glucocorticoid produced by the adrenal cortex.
• It increases blood sugar through gluconeogenesis, especially during periods of stress or fasting.
• Thyroxine (T4):
• A major hormone secreted by the thyroid gland that contains iodine.
• It primarily regulates the body's Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) and influences the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids.

The correct answer is Rudradaman I.

Key Points

• Rudradaman I was a powerful king of the Saka (Western Kshatrapa) dynasty, specifically belonging to the Kardamaka lineage, who ruled over Western India in the 2^nd century AD.
• The Junagarh Rock Inscription, also known as the Girnar Inscription, is dated to approximately 150 AD and is located in the Junagarh district of Gujarat.
• It holds immense linguistic importance as it is the first major long inscription written in classical Sanskrit using the Brahmi script, marking a significant departure from the Prakrit inscriptions of previous eras.
• The inscription primarily records the repair of the Sudarshana Lake, an artificial reservoir that had been severely damaged by a massive storm and subsequent flooding.
• Crucially, the text provides a historical timeline of the lake, mentioning its original construction by Pushyagupta (a provincial governor under Chandragupta Maurya) and the addition of canals by the Yavana king Tushaspa during the reign of Ashoka.
• The record highlights Rudradaman I's benevolence, noting that he funded the repairs from his own private resources without imposing additional taxes (Vishti) or forced labor on his subjects.

 Additional Information

• Nahapana:
• He was a prominent ruler of the Kshaharata dynasty of the Western Kshatrapas.
• He is famous for his rivalry with the Satavahana dynasty and was eventually defeated by Gautamiputra Satakarni.
• Kanishka:
• The most celebrated emperor of the Kushan Empire, he is credited with starting the Saka Era in 78 AD.
• He is well-known for convening the Fourth Buddhist Council in Kashmir.
• Kadphises I:
• Also known as Kujula Kadphises, he was the founder of the Kushan Empire in India.
• He united the five Yuezhi tribes and established dominance in the Gandhara region.

The correct answer is Chandragupta II.

Key Points

• Kalidasa, widely regarded as the greatest poet and dramatist of Classical Sanskrit literature, flourished during the reign of the Gupta Emperor Chandragupta II.
• He was one of the legendary Navaratnas (Nine Gems) who graced the royal court, contributing to the intellectual and cultural peak of the Gupta Empire.
• The emperor Chandragupta II is also known by his title Vikramaditya, and his reign is celebrated as the Golden Age of India due to significant advancements in art, science, and literature.
• Kalidasa created timeless masterpieces such as the play Abhijnanashakuntalam and epic poems like Raghuvamsha and Kumarasambhava, which reflect the sophisticated culture of the Gupta era.

 Additional Information

• Samudragupta:
• Commonly referred to as the Napoleon of India by historian V.A. Smith due to his extensive military conquests across the subcontinent.
• He was a great patron of learning and a talented musician, often depicted on coins playing the Veena; he held the title Kaviraja (King of Poets).
• Chandragupta I:
• He was the first sovereign ruler of the dynasty to adopt the title Maharajadhiraja and is credited with establishing the Gupta Era in 319−320 AD.
• His marriage to the Licchavi princess Kumaradevi significantly enhanced the political power and prestige of the Gupta family.
• Skandagupta:
• He was the last major ruler of the Gupta Dynasty, famous for successfully repelling the invasions of the Hunas (White Huns).
• His achievements and the restoration of the empire's fortunes are detailed in the Bhitari Pillar Inscription located in present-day Uttar Pradesh.

The correct answer is Rajasthan.

Key Points

• The Bhadla Solar Park is located in the Bhadla region of the Phalodi subdivision in the Jodhpur district of Rajasthan.
• It is globally recognized as one of the largest solar power clusters, covering a massive area of approximately 14,000 acres (about 57 square kilometers) of arid wasteland.
• The solar park has a total installed capacity of 2,245 MW, which was commissioned across four phases through a collaborative effort of state and private developers.
• The region was chosen due to its high solar insolation levels, receiving an average of 5.7 to 6.0 kWh/m²/day, making it ideal for large-scale photovoltaic power generation.
• The project was developed under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) Solar Park Scheme and involves key developers like Rajasthan Solar Park Development Company Limited (RSDCL) and Saurya Urja Company of Rajasthan.
• The park plays a critical role in Rajasthan's solar energy policy, helping the state lead India in total renewable energy capacity.

 Additional Information

• Gujarat:
• Home to the Charanka Solar Park and the under-construction Khavda Renewable Energy Park, which is designed to be a 30 GW hybrid renewable energy zone.
• Madhya Pradesh:
• Hosts the Rewa Ultra Mega Solar (750 MW) plant, which became the first solar project in the country to supply power to an institutional customer across state borders (the Delhi Metro).
• Maharashtra:
• The state is developing several major solar initiatives, including the Sakri Solar Plant and floating solar projects at the Ujani Dam.

The correct answer is COP29.

Key Points

• The 29^th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was held in Baku, Azerbaijan.
• The conference took place from November 11 to November 22, 2024, bringing together world leaders, negotiators, and stakeholders to address the global climate crisis.
• A primary focus of COP29 was climate finance, specifically the negotiation of a New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) to replace the previous 100 billion dollars annual target for supporting developing nations.
• Azerbaijan secured the presidency after a consensus was reached among Eastern European Group members, following geopolitical negotiations involving Armenia and Bulgaria.
• The summit aimed to enhance Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and finalize the operational details of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement regarding international carbon markets.

 Additional Information

• COP28:
• Hosted by Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2023.
• It concluded the first-ever Global Stocktake and resulted in an agreement to transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems.
• COP27:
• Held in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt in 2022.
• The session was notable for the historic agreement to establish a Loss and Damage Fund to assist vulnerable countries facing climate-induced disasters.
• COP26:
• Hosted in Glasgow, United Kingdom in 2021 after a one-year delay due to the pandemic.
• It produced the Glasgow Climate Pact, which included the first explicit mention of phasing down unabated coal power.

The correct answer is Marathi.

Key Points

• Sant Gyaneshwar, also known as Dnyaneshwar, was a 13^th-century Indian philosopher, saint, and poet who belonged to the Nath Vaishnava tradition.
• He composed the Jnaneshwari (also titled Bhavartha Deepika) in 1290 CE as a comprehensive commentary and translation of the Bhagavad Gita into Marathi.
• The work was written in Old Marathi using the Ovi meter, which significantly contributed to the development of Marathi literature and made spiritual wisdom accessible to common people who did not know Sanskrit.
• The Jnaneshwari is a cornerstone of the Warkari (Varkari) movement, emphasizing Bhakti (devotion) and the non-dualistic philosophy of Advaita.
• Sant Gyaneshwar composed this monumental work at Nevasa in the present-day Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra under the patronage of the Yadava king Ramachandra.

 Additional Information

• Sant Gyaneshwar:
• He is credited with laying the foundation of the Bhakti Movement in Maharashtra.
• His other major works include the Amrutannubhav, a treatise on experience and Yoga, and Changdev Pasashti.
• He attained Sanjeevan Samadhi at the young age of 21 in Alandi.
• Other Regional Languages:
• Malayalam: The Bhagavad Gita was later translated into Malayalam by figures like Thunchaththu Ezhuthachan, the father of modern Malayalam literature, during the 16^th century.
• Odia: Balarama Dasa, one of the Panchasakha poets, translated the Gita into Odia in the 16^th century as the Gita Abakasa.
• Punjabi: Early spiritual literature in Punjabi was dominated by the Sufi poets and the Sikh Gurus, with the Guru Granth Sahib being the supreme spiritual text.

The correct answer is Enacting the Universities Act of 1904, which tightened official control over Indian higher education.

Key Points

• Lord Curzon appointed the Raleigh Commission in 1902 to investigate the state of universities in India, leading to the Indian Universities Act of 1904.
• The Universities Act significantly increased government control over higher education by allowing the Viceroy to nominate the majority of the Fellows in the University Senate.
• It granted the government the power to veto regulations passed by the Senate and empowered the executive to decide on the affiliation or disaffiliation of colleges.
• Nationalist leaders, including Gopal Krishna Gokhale, condemned the act as a retrograde measure designed to Europeanize education and suppress the rising political consciousness among the Indian youth.
• The move was viewed as a deliberate attempt to limit the growth of private Indian enterprise in the field of education and to turn universities into government departments.

 Additional Information

• Lord Curzon (1899−1905):
• He was a staunch advocate of imperial efficiency and centralization, which often put him at odds with Indian Nationalists.
• Calcutta Corporation Act (1899): Another controversial policy that reduced the number of elected Indian members in the municipality, increasing official British control.
• Official Secrets Act (1904): Curzon amended this act to include any criticism of the government under the definition of sedition, aiming to stifle the Indian Press.
• Partition of Bengal (1905): His most provocative decision, which divided the province on communal lines and triggered the nationwide Swadeshi Movement.
• Ancient Monuments Preservation Act (1904): One of his constructive measures, which established the Archaeological Survey of India to restore and protect historic Indian sites.