Search Previous Year Questions

The correct answer is India.

Key Points

• Nancy Powell was appointed as the envoy of the U.S.A to India in 2011.

Additional Information

• The Obama administration appointed Nancy J Powell as the ambassador to India in December 2011.
• She is a diplomat who has held several postings in South Asia including Nepal and Pakistan.
• Eric Garcetti has been nominated as the U.S.A's new ambassador to India on 9^th July 2021.
• Taranjit Singh Sandhu is the incumbent ambassador of India to the U.S.A.

The correct answer is India.

Key Points

• Salman Bashir was appointed as the high commissioner of Pakistan to India in April 2012.

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Additional Information

• Aftab Hasan Khan is the current high commissioner of Pakistan to India.
• Dr M. Suresh Kumar is the incumbent deputy high commissioner of India to Pakistan.
• As of July 14, 2021, the office of the High commissioner of India to Pakistan is Vacant.

Source:-https://pakhcnewdelhi.org.pk/our-team/

Source:- https://www.india.org.pk/pages.php?id=12

Additional Information As of 2022:

The correct answer is From 12 - 2 - 1993 to 24 - 10 - 1994.

Key Points

• M.N. Venkatachaliah was Chief Justice of India from 12 - 2 - 1993 to 24 - 10 - 1994.

Additional Information

• M.N. Venkatachaliah was appointed Permanent Judge of the High Court of Karnataka w.e.f. 6.11.1975.
• He was appointed Judge of the Supreme Court of India w.e.f. 5.10.1987.
• He was appointed Chief Justice of India w.e.f. 12.2.1993 and he retired on 24.10.1994.
• The Current (48^th) Chief Justice of India is N.V. Ramana.

Source:-https://main.sci.gov.in/chief-justice-judges

Important Points

• The Chief Justice of India (CJI) is someone who is the senior-most or chief Judge of the Supreme Court.
• CJI is the highest-ranking officer of the Indian federal judiciary.
• The Chief Justice of India and the Judges of the Supreme Court are appointed by the President under clause (2) of Article 124 of the Constitution.
• Appointment to the office of the Chief Justice of India should be of the seniormost Judge of the Supreme Court considered fit to hold the office.
• The Union Minister of Law at the appropriate time, seek the recommendation of the outgoing Chief Justice of India for the appointment of the next Chief Justice of India.
• Whenever there is any doubt about the fitness of the seniormost Judge to hold the office of the Chief Justice of India, consultation with other Judges as envisaged in Article 124 (2) of the Constitution would be made for the appointment of the next Chief Justice of India.
• After receipt of the recommendation of the Chief Justice of India, the Union Minister of Law will put up the recommendation to the Prime Minister who will advise the President in the matter of appointment.
• Powers of the CJI
• The President has to consult the CJI when appointing judges.
• The CJI is the head of the collegium that decides the appointment of judges.
• He is responsible for allocating the cases and appointing constitutional benches.
• He is known as the master of the roster.
• He swears in the President of India.
• In case the office of President and Vice President are both vacant, the CJI acts as the President of the country.
• The Constitution of India has given the power to the Parliament to decide the salaries, allowances, privileges, leave and pension of the judges of the Supreme Court as well as the CJI.
• However, this cannot be altered to their disadvantage after they have been appointed.
• It can be altered only when there is a financial emergency.
• The Supreme Court of India comprises the Chief Justice and not more than 30 other Judges appointed by the President of India.
• Supreme Court Judges retire upon attaining the age of 65 years.
• To be appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court, a person must be:
• A citizen of India and must have been, for at least five years,
• A Judge of a High Court or two or more such Courts in succession for at least 10 years,
• Or an advocate of a High Court or two or more such Courts in succession for at least 10 years
• or he must be, in the opinion of the President, a distinguished jurist.
• A Judge of the Supreme Court cannot be removed from office except by an order of the President passed after an address in each House of Parliament supported by a majority of the total membership of that House and by a majority of not less than two-thirds of members present and voting.
• This address must be presented to the President in the same Session for such removal on the ground of proved misbehaviour or incapacity.

Source:-https://doj.gov.in/sites/default/files/memosc.pdf

Source:-https://legalaffairs.gov.in/sites/default/files/chapter%207.pdf

The correct answer is 65 years.

Key Points

• As per the Indian constitution Chief Justice of India holds office till the age of 65 years.

Additional Information

• The Chief Justice of India (CJI) is someone who is the senior-most or chief Judge of the Supreme Court.
• CJI is the highest-ranking officer of the Indian federal judiciary.
• The Chief Justice of India and the Judges of the Supreme Court are appointed by the President under clause (2) of Article 124 of the Constitution.
• Appointment to the office of the Chief Justice of India should be of the seniormost Judge of the Supreme Court considered fit to hold the office.
• The Union Minister of Law at the appropriate time, seek the recommendation of the outgoing Chief Justice of India for the appointment of the next Chief Justice of India.
• Whenever there is any doubt about the fitness of the seniormost Judge to hold the office of the Chief Justice of India, consultation with other Judges as envisaged in Article 124 (2) of the Constitution would be made for the appointment of the next Chief Justice of India.
• After receipt of the recommendation of the Chief Justice of India, the Union Minister of Law will put up the recommendation to the Prime Minister who will advise the President in the matter of appointment.
• Powers of the CJI
• The President has to consult the CJI when appointing judges.
• The CJI is the head of the collegium that decides the appointment of judges.
• He is responsible for allocating the cases and appointing constitutional benches.
• He is known as the master of the roster.
• He swears in the President of India.
• In case the office of President and Vice President are both vacant, the CJI acts as the President of the country.
• The Constitution of India has given the power to the Parliament to decide the salaries, allowances, privileges, leave and pension of the judges of the Supreme Court as well as the CJI.
• However, this cannot be altered to their disadvantage after they have been appointed.
• It can be altered only when there is a financial emergency.
• The Supreme Court of India comprises the Chief Justice and not more than 30 other Judges appointed by the President of India.
• Supreme Court Judges retire upon attaining the age of 65 years.
• To be appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court, a person must be:
• A citizen of India and must have been, for at least five years,
• A Judge of a High Court or two or more such Courts in succession for at least 10 years,
• Or an advocate of a High Court or two or more such Courts in succession for at least 10 years
• or he must be, in the opinion of the President, a distinguished jurist.
• A Judge of the Supreme Court cannot be removed from office except by an order of the President passed after an address in each House of Parliament supported by a majority of the total membership of that House and by a majority of not less than two-thirds of members present and voting.
• This address must be presented to the President in the same Session for such removal on the ground of proved misbehaviour or incapacity.

Source:- https://doj.gov.in/sites/default/files/memosc.pdf

Source:- https://legalaffairs.gov.in/sites/default/files/chapter%207.pdf

Important Points

• The first Chief Justice of India was H.J. Kania.
• The Current (48^th) Chief Justice of India is N.V. Ramana.

The correct answer is Cotton.

Key Points

• Black soil is favourable for the cultivation of cotton.

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Additional Information 

• Black Soil
• These soils are also known as the ‘Regur Soil’ or the ‘Black Cotton Soil’.
• The black soils are generally clayey, deep and impermeable.
• They swell and become sticky when wet and shrink when dried.
• So, during the dry season, this soil develops wide cracks. Thus, there occurs a kind of ‘self ploughing’.
• Because of this character of slow absorption and loss of moisture, the black soil retains the moisture for a very long time, which helps the crops, especially, the rain-fed ones, to sustain even during the dry season.
• The black soils are rich in lime, iron, magnesia and alumina. They also contain potash.
• They lack phosphorous, nitrogen and organic matter.
• The colour of the soil ranges from deep black to grey.
• Black soil covers most of the Deccan Plateau which includes parts of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and some parts of Tamil Nadu.
• Along with cotton, the soil is suitable for the cultivation of crops like groundnut, tobacco, chillies, and Jowar.

The correct answer is 12.

Key Points

• In 2012, India was in its 12^th five-year plan.

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Additional Information

• The first five-year plan in India was launched in 1951.
• Until 2015, when the five-year plans were stopped by the Modi government India has had 12 five year plans.
• The 12^th five-year plan is considered the last five-year plan of India.
• The five years plans were formulated by the erstwhile Planning commission which has now been replaced by NITI Aayog.
• The Planning Commission was formed on 15^th March 1950 and dissolved on 17^th August 2014.

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Important Points

• NITI Aayog plays the role of the erstwhile planning commission.
• National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) is an advisory think tank of the government of India.
• It was established on 1^st January 2015.

The correct answer is 1686.

Key Points

• Madanna and Akkanna were murdered on the streets of Golkonda in 1686.

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Additional Information

• Akkanna and Madanna were two brothers, who were strong and loyal supporters of the Qutub Shahi dynasty of Golconda.
• Akkanna was the commander-in-chief of the Golconda army.
• Madanna became the prime minister of the Qutb Shahi kingdom in 1674 AD during the rule of Abul Hasan, the last ruler of the Qutub Shahi dynasty.
• Madanna was a brilliant leader.
• He also made a good relationship with Shivaji, the Maratha ruler by entering into a sort of treaty of friendship with him.
• Akkanna and Madanna streamlined the army of the Qutb Shahi kings and they made sure that regular drills were conducted.
• They brought strict discipline in the army to fight against the strong Mughal force, the new fighting strategies such as guerilla tactics were introduced.
• In 1677 AD, the Golconda army faced the Mughal soldiers and they defeated the Mughals for the time.
• They were also responsible for bringing out new developments in the civil administration to provide better governance to the Qutb Shahi kingdom.
• They were distinguished and the kingdom greatly prospered under their guidance.
• The Mughals after their defeat realised that it was not possible to win Golconda until both these brothers were protecting it.
• The Mughals hatched a conspiracy with the people who were jealous of these brothers in Golconda fort.
• The plan was successful and both the brothers were beheaded by a mob as they came out of their palace one night.
• The Golconda lost its most intelligent and capable minister and the kingdom soon fell to the Mughals.

The correct answer is Kuwaiti Dinar.

Key Points

• In terms of Indian currency, the most valuable foreign currency is Kuwaiti Dinar.
• 1 Kuwaiti Dinar is exchanged for somewhat around 245 INR.

​

Additional Information

• The Highest Currency is based on the high value of that currency when exchanged with another currency like Indian Rupee.
• An exchange rate is the value of a country's currency vs. that of another country or economic zone.
• Most exchange rates are free-floating and will rise or fall based on supply and demand in the market.
• A free-floating exchange rate rises and falls due to changes in the foreign exchange market.
• While some currencies are not free-floating and have restrictions.
• A restricted currency can have its value set by the government.
• In terms of Indian currency, Kuwaiti Dinar is the most expensive currency.
• 1 Kuwaiti dinar is exchanged for somewhat around 245 INR.
• Whereas 1 US Dollar is exchanged for 74 INR.
• US Dollar is the most frequently and widely used foreign currency.
• These exchange rates keep on changing according to the market forces as India have a free-floating currency.

The correct answer is Gina Rinehart.

Key Points

• According to the report of Business review Weekly in 2012, Gina Rinehart was the world's wealthiest woman.

Additional Information

• A preview of the respected BRW Rich 200 list put Gina Rinehart's personal fortune at Aus$29.17 billion (US$28.48 billion) in 2012.
• She replaced Walmart's heiress Christy Walton as the world's wealthiest woman.
• Gina Rinehart is an Australian mining tycoon.
• Business review Weekly was an Australian business magazine published by the Fairfax Media group.
• The headquarters of the magazine was situated in Melbourne.
• BRW provided news and commentary on the economy, business and investment in Australia.
• On 4 March 2016, Fairfax announced the closure of the BRW website, with staff and the BRW website to be redirected to a new section of The Australian Financial Review.
• According to Forbes, Françoise Bettencourt Meyers is the richest woman in the world as of March 2021.
• Her personal fortune is around $73.6 Billion.
• Her source of wealth is cosmetics giant L’Oréal.
• As of March 2021, Gina Rinehart is the world's ninth richest woman in the world as per Forbes.
• Jeff Bezos the founder of retail giant Amazon is the richest man in the world$.

The correct answer is 155 countries.

Key Points

• Amnesty International's "The State of the World's Human Right's 2012 Report" documented the state of human rights in 155 countries.

Additional Information

• The Amnesty International Report 2020/21 documents the human rights situation in 149 countries in 2020, as well as providing global and regional analysis. 
• It presents Amnesty international's concerns and calls for action to governments and others.
• In 2020, the world was rocked by COVID-19.
• The pandemic and measures taken to tackle it impacted everyone, but also threw into stark relief, and sometimes aggravated, existing inequalities and patterns of abuse. 
• The  Amnesty International Report 2020/21 on India:
• Freedom of expression was guaranteed selectively, and dissent was repressed through unlawful restrictions on peaceful protests and by silencing critics.
• Human rights defenders, including students, academics, journalists and artists, were arbitrarily arrested, often without charge or trial.
• Despite a Supreme Court ruling to reduce prison overcrowding to curb the spread of COVID-19, the authorities continued to incarcerate many who were critical of the government.
• The authorities failed to adequately investigate or punish perpetrators of violence based on caste, sex and gender and carried out reprisals against those who reported rape and caste-based crimes.
• There was widespread impunity and a lack of accountability for murders and attacks carried out by vigilante mobs and police officers against religious minorities.
• Some restrictions to curb the pandemic also threatened the right to privacy.
• For the full report on India - https://www.amnesty.org/en/countries/asia-and-the-pacific/india/report-india/
• For the full report on all countries - https://www.amnesty.org/download/Documents/POL1032022021ENGLISH.PDF
• Amnesty International is a global movement of more than 10 million people who take injustice personally.
• It campaigns for a world where human rights are enjoyed by all.
• It is independent of any political ideology, economic interest or religion.
• It investigates and exposes the facts, whenever and wherever abuses happen.
• It lobbies governments and other powerful groups such as companies. Making sure they keep their promises and respect international law.
• Amnesty has grown from seeking the release of political prisoners to upholding the whole spectrum of human rights.
• Their work protects and empowers people - from abolishing the death penalty to protecting sexual and reproductive rights, and from combatting discrimination to defending refugees and migrants’ rights.
• Amnesty International is headquartered in London, England.

Source:-https://www.amnesty.org/en/who-we-are/