Search Previous Year Questions

The correct answer is Sarmera.

Key Points

• The new Agricultural Research Centre will be established in Sarmera, a town in Nalanda district.
• Sarmera is an agricultural hub in the region, making it an ideal location for an agricultural research center.
• The center will focus on research to improve local agricultural practices and help farmers enhance productivity.
• Its establishment in Sarmera will benefit local farmers through training programs and advanced farming techniques.

Additional Information

• Sarmera is known for its agricultural activities, especially in crop production, which aligns with the centre’s mission to improve farming practices.
• The centre in Sarmera will focus on solving local agricultural challenges such as pest control and water management.
• It will serve as a training hub for farmers, providing them with research-backed solutions to enhance crop yields.
• The choice of Sarmera for the research centre is strategic, considering its potential to benefit from agricultural innovations.
• The centre will also collaborate with local educational institutions to drive sustainable agricultural practices in the region.

The correct answer is Patna.

Key Points

• National Dolphin Research Centre (NDRC): India's first dedicated facility for the conservation and study of the Gangetic river dolphin, inaugurated on March 4, 2024, in Patna, Bihar.
• Strategic Location: Situated near the Ganga River on the Patna University campus, the NDRC provides researchers with proximity to the dolphins' natural habitat.
• The Dolphin Day is celebrated by the State Government of Bihar on 5^th October every year.
• Research Focus: The center aims to study various aspects of Gangetic dolphins, including behavior, survival skills, and causes of mortality, contributing to their conservation.
• Significance: Bihar is home to approximately half of India's estimated 3,000 Gangetic dolphins, highlighting the importance of the NDRC in regional conservation efforts.

Additional Information

• Gangetic River Dolphin: Declared as India's national aquatic animal, these dolphins are found in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems across India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
• Conservation Challenges: The Gangetic dolphin faces threats such as habitat degradation, pollution, and accidental capture in fishing nets, making dedicated research and conservation efforts essential.
• Project Dolphin: Launched in 2021, this initiative aims to protect both riverine and oceanic dolphins in India, with the NDRC playing a pivotal role in its implementation.
• International Recognition: The establishment of the NDRC positions India as a key player in global efforts to study and conserve freshwater dolphin species.
• Educational Outreach: Beyond research, the NDRC is committed to educating local communities, especially fishermen, on sustainable practices to protect dolphin populations.

The correct answer is Bluebird Satellite

In News

• ISRO plans to launch a US communications satellite enabling direct smartphone calls from space, marking the first time an American company's large-scale satellite is launched from an Indian rocket.

Key Points

• The launch is expected in February or March 2025, as stated by Dr. Jitendra Singh, India's Minister of Science and Technology.
• The mission is a commercial initiative led by New Space India Limited (NSIL), with ISRO utilizing its Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (Bahuballi rocket).
• AST SpaceMobile, a Texas-based company, is reportedly the satellite operator, aiming to deliver affordable 5G broadband services to billions of users worldwide.
• The Bluebird satellite features a 64-square-meter antenna and weighs approximately 6000 kilograms, designed to operate in low Earth orbit for direct mobile connectivity.
• The technology claims to connect satellites directly to ordinary smartphones, providing broadband internet without specialized devices.
• The launch reinforces ISRO’s role in global space commercialization and expands its collaboration with international stakeholders.

The correct answer is ESA.

In News

• The European Space Agency's JUICE (JUpiter ICy moons Explorer) mission is set to attempt a groundbreaking Lunar-Earth flyby on August 19 and 20, 2024. This maneuver will be the first-ever double gravity assist involving both the Moon and Earth.

Key Points

• The European Space Agency's JUICE (JUpiter ICy moons Explorer) mission is set to attempt a groundbreaking Lunar-Earth flyby on August 19 and 20, 2024.
• This maneuver will be the first-ever double gravity assist involving both the Moon and Earth.
• JUICE will first pass near the Moon at 21:16 UTC on August 19, reducing its speed. Approximately 25 hours later, it will approach Earth, using Earth's gravity to slow down further before heading towards Venus.
• The maneuver requires exact timing to ensure JUICE aligns correctly with both Earth and the Moon, akin to navigating a narrow corridor at high speed. This precision is crucial for the mission’s success.
• The primary aim of the JUICE mission is to explore Jupiter's icy moons—Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto—to investigate their potential habitability.
• The maneuver will help JUICE enter a precise orbit around Ganymede, facilitating detailed observations.

The correct answer is Temperature.

Key Points

• A bolometer is an instrument designed to measure electromagnetic radiation by observing the temperature rise of a material.
• It is highly sensitive to temperature changes and can detect minute amounts of heat.
• Bolometers are commonly used in astronomy to measure the radiation from stars and galaxies.
• They work by using materials that change resistance with temperature, such as metals or semiconductors.
• The bolometer was invented by Samuel Pierpont Langley in 1878.

Additional Information

• Electromagnetic Radiation:
• Electromagnetic radiation is energy that travels through space in the form of waves.
• It includes radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays.
• Bolometers are particularly effective in measuring infrared and microwave radiation.
• Types of Bolometers:
• There are several types of bolometers, including cryogenic bolometers and semiconductor bolometers.
• Cryogenic bolometers operate at very low temperatures to enhance sensitivity.
• Semiconductor bolometers use materials like silicon or gallium arsenide to detect temperature changes.
• Applications of Bolometers:
• Bolometers are used in various scientific fields, including astronomy, material science, and thermal imaging.
• In astronomy, bolometers help in studying cosmic microwave background radiation and star formation.
• In material science, they are used to measure thermal properties of materials.
• Historical Context:
• Samuel Pierpont Langley's invention of the bolometer in 1878 marked a significant advancement in the field of thermal detection.
• Langley's bolometer was initially used to measure solar radiation.
• Modern bolometers have evolved with advanced materials and technology for greater sensitivity and accuracy.

The correct answer is Patna.

In News

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 7^th Bihar Khelo India Youth Games, held in Patna, Bihar.

Key Points

• The 7^th Bihar Khelo India Youth Games were inaugurated in Patna, emphasizing sports development in the state.
• Over 1,000 Khelo India centres have been opened to nurture young talent, including traditional games like Gatka, Kalarypattu, and Kho Kho.
• The event highlights the government's commitment to promoting sports and youth development in India.

Additional Information

• Khelo India Youth Games
• The Khelo India Youth Games are an initiative by the Government of India to encourage young athletes to take up sports and develop their skills.
• The games also promote traditional Indian sports alongside more popular international sports.
• Traditional Games in Khelo India
• Games like Gatka, Kalarypattu, and Kho Kho are being included to preserve and promote India's rich sporting heritage.

The correct answer is 1894.

Key Points

• The IOC was founded by Pierre de Coubertin in Paris in 1894, marking the revival of the ancient Olympic Games.
• The IOC is the supreme authority of the Olympic Movement, overseeing the organization of the Summer and Winter Olympic Games.
• The Olympic Games are held every four years, alternating between Summer and Winter editions.
• The IOC is guided by the Olympic Charter, which outlines the principles and rules governing the Olympic Movement.
• The IOC works closely with National Olympic Committees (NOCs) from around the world to ensure the participation of athletes in the Olympic Games.

Additional Information

• The original Olympic Games were held in ancient Greece from the 8^th century BC until the 4^th century AD.
• Indian Olympic Association (IOA): The IOA is the national governing body for the Olympic Movement in India.
• Asian Olympic Council (AOC): The AOC is the governing body for the Olympic Movement in Asia.
• The Commonwealth Games are a multi-sport event involving athletes from Commonwealth countries and territories.
• The Asian Games are a multi-sport event involving athletes from Asia.

Shortcut Trick

Difference in Percentage = 82% − 73% = 9%

Given that 9% of the number = 72

Then, 1% of the number = 72 ÷ 9 = 8

Required value (48% of the number) = 48 × 8 = 384

∴ The correct answer is 384.

Alternate Method

Given:

Difference between 82% and 73% of a number = 72

Formula Used:

Value = (Percentage ÷ 100) × Number

0%100%73%82%Difference 9% = 72Target: 48% of the total number

Calculations:

⇒ Let the number be x.

⇒ (82% × x) − (73% × x) = 72

⇒ (82 − 73)% × x = 72

⇒ 9% × x = 72

⇒ (9 ÷ 100) × x = 72

⇒ x = (72 × 100) ÷ 9

⇒ x = 800

⇒ Required value = 48% of 800

⇒ Value = (48 ÷ 100) × 800

⇒ Value = 48 × 8 = 384

∴ The correct answer is 384.

Additional Information

Percentage Difference Rule

When two percentages of the same base are subtracted, the result is equal to the difference of the percentages applied to that base: a% of x − b% of x = (a−b)% of x.

Finding the Whole Number

If p% of a number is v, then the total number is calculated as (v × 100) ÷ p.

Fractional Conversion

Converting common percentages to fractions can speed up calculations: 25% = 1/4, 50% = 1/2, 75% = 3/4, and 20% = 1/5.

Shortcut Trick

For a period of 3 years, the difference (D) between Compound Interest and Simple Interest is given by the formula: D = P(R/100)² × (3 + R/100)

Given: Principal (P) = ₹1000, Rate (R) = 5%

D = 1000 × (5/100)² × (3 + 5/100)

D = 1000 × (1/400) × (3.05) = 2.5 × 3.05 = ₹7.625

Rounding to the nearest option, we get ₹7.6.

∴ The correct answer is ₹7.6.

Alternate Method

Given:

Principal (P) = ₹1000

Rate (R) = 5% per annum

Time (T) = 3 years

Formula Used:

Simple Interest (SI) = (P × R × T) / 100

Compound Interest (CI) = P[(1 + R/100)^T − 1]

Calculations:

⇒ SI = (1000 × 5 × 3) / 100 = ₹150

⇒ CI = 1000[(1 + 5/100)³ − 1]

⇒ CI = 1000[(21/20)³ − 1]

⇒ CI = 1000 × (9261/8000 − 1) = 1000 × 1261/8000

⇒ CI = 1261/8 = ₹157.625

⇒ Difference = CI − SI = 157.625 − 150 = ₹7.625

⇒ Difference ≈ ₹7.6

∴ The correct answer is ₹7.6.

Additional Information

Difference for 2 years

The difference between CI and SI for 2 years is D = P(R/100)².

Effective Rate for CI (3 Years)

The effective interest rate for CI over 3 years is 3R + 3R²/100 + R³/10000 percent.

Finding Principal from Difference

If the 3-year difference (D) is known, Principal (P) = (D × 10⁶) / [R² × (300 + R)].

Given

Ratio of two numbers is 7 : 11

Concept used

Ratio and proportion

Calculation

Let two numbers be x and y

⇒ x : y = 7 : 11  - - (i)

The new ratio 

⇒ x : y = 2 : 3

equating the difference of the two ratios

⇒ (11 - 7) = 4

⇒ (3 - 2) = 1

Multiply the new ratio by 4

⇒ x : y = 2 × 4 : 3 × 4

⇒ x : y = 8 : 12  - - (ii)

As per the question 

Difference of equation i and ii is 7

⇒ 8x - 7x = 7

⇒ x = 7

The smaller number 7x = 49