Search Previous Year Questions

The correct answer is Gram Panchayat.

Key Points

• The Gram Panchayat is the foundational level of the Panchayati Raj system and operates at the village level.
• It is responsible for local governance and addressing issues within a village or group of villages.
• The Gram Panchayat is elected by the Gram Sabha, which consists of all the eligible voters in the village.
• The head of the Gram Panchayat is known as the Sarpanch, who is elected directly by the villagers.
• Key responsibilities include implementing rural development programs, maintaining village infrastructure, and ensuring the welfare of the residents.

Additional Information

• Panchayati Raj System: It is a three-tier system of governance in India, consisting of Gram Panchayat (village level), Panchayat Samiti (block level), and Zila Parishad (district level).
• Gram Sabha: The Gram Sabha is the assembly of all eligible voters in a village, and it serves as the decision-making body that oversees the functioning of the Gram Panchayat.
• 73^rd Constitutional Amendment: This amendment, passed in 1992, provided constitutional status to the Panchayati Raj institutions and ensured decentralized governance.
• Functions of Gram Panchayat: These include maintaining water supply, sanitation, roads, and public health; executing development schemes; and resolving disputes at the village level.
• Revenue Sources: Gram Panchayats generate revenue through taxes on property, markets, and local businesses, as well as grants from the state government.

The correct answer is Tianjin, China.

In News

• The 25^th SCO Summit was held in Tianjin, China, from August 31 to September 1, 2025.

Key Points

• The 25^th SCO Summit took place in Tianjin, China, with discussions focusing on security, global governance, economic cooperation, and sustainable development.
• PM Modi highlighted India’s vision for SCO under three pillars: security, connectivity, and opportunity.
• The summit resulted in the adoption of the Tianjin Declaration, reaffirming commitments to peace, cooperation, and a shared future.
• India reiterated its support for SCO reforms and the need for a multilateral system that represents the Global South's interests.

Additional Information

• Tianjin Declaration
• The Tianjin Declaration emphasized collective efforts in AI, energy, sustainable development, and shaping a shared future for humanity.
• SCO Vision
• PM Modi presented India’s approach to the SCO, focusing on combating terrorism, promoting infrastructure, and fostering innovation and cultural dialogue.
• Chabahar Port and INSTC
• India reaffirmed its support for the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor to enhance connectivity and trade in the region.
• Civilizational Dialogue Forum
• A proposal by PM Modi to establish a forum under SCO to promote cultural exchanges and understanding among member nations.

The correct answer is Gukesh Dommaraju and Divya Deshmukh.

In News

• Indian Grandmasters Gukesh Dommaraju and Divya Deshmukh clinched two gold medals each at the 2025 European Chess Club Cup, showcasing India’s dominance in international chess tournaments.

Key Points

• Gukesh Dommaraju won two gold medals while representing the team Super Chess.
• Divya Deshmukh, the Women’s World Cup winner, also secured two gold medals playing for Cercle d’échecs de Monte-Carlo in the women’s team event.
• India’s Nihal Sarin also claimed an individual gold medal at the same tournament.
• The 2025 European Chess Club Cup saw Indian players excel in both men’s and women’s competitions, strengthening India’s global chess reputation.

Additional Information

• Gukesh Dommaraju
• Indian Grandmaster and winner of the 2024 Candidates Tournament.
• Represented Team Super Chess in the European Chess Club Cup.
• Ranked among the world’s top young chess players.
• Divya Deshmukh
• Indian Grandmaster and Women’s World Cup 2024 champion.
• Played for Cercle d’échecs de Monte-Carlo in the women’s team event.
• One of India’s most promising young female chess players.
• Nihal Sarin
• Indian Grandmaster who won an individual gold medal at the same event.
• Known for his consistent performance in rapid and classical formats.
• European Chess Club Cup
• An annual team tournament organised by the European Chess Union (ECU).
• Features top club teams from across Europe in both open and women’s categories.
• India’s rising stars made a strong mark in the 2025 edition.

The Correct Answer is ​Talisman Sabre.

In News

• India joins bilateral military exercise in Australia.

Key Points

• India has participated for the first time in Exercise Talisman Sabre, Australia’s largest bilateral military drill.
• The exercise was launched in 2005 as a biennial joint military exercise between the United States and Australia.
• In 2025, it involves over 35,000 personnel from 19 countries.
• Participating nations include: United States, Australia, India, Canada, Fiji, France, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Tonga, and the United Kingdom.
• Malaysia and Vietnam are attending as observers.
• The exercise will be held over three weeks, covering joint operations across land, sea, and air domains.
• India’s participation marks a step forward in strengthening Indo-Pacific defence ties and interoperability.

The correct answer is In 2011 A.D.

Key Points

• The Sahitya Akademi awarded the Bal Sahitya Award to renowned writer Ruskin Bond in 2011 for his outstanding contribution to children's literature.
• Ruskin Bond is known for his beautiful stories set in the Himalayan region, and his books have inspired generations of young readers.
• The Bal Sahitya Award is given by the Sahitya Akademi to authors who have made significant contributions to literature for children.

Additional Information

• About Ruskin Bond:
• Ruskin Bond is a British-Indian author of children’s books, short stories, and novels. He is best known for his stories set in the Himalayan region, particularly his works that depict the simplicity, beauty, and charm of life in the hills.
• His writing often reflects his experiences of living in the hill stations of India, his love for nature, and his interactions with the people of the region. Some of his famous works include "The Room on the Roof", "The Blue Umbrella", "The Cherry Tree", and many more.

The correct answer is LignoSat.

In News

• Japan is set to test the world's first wooden satellite named LignoSat.

Key Points

• LignoSat was developed by Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry.
• It will be launched next week on a SpaceX rocket to the International Space Station.
• The satellite aims to test how wood withstands the extreme environment of space for six months.
• Wood can burn harmlessly in the atmosphere, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional satellites.

Additional Information

• LignoSat
• The name comes from the Latin word for wood.
• It is an innovative project that combines sustainability with space exploration.
• Takao Doi
• A former astronaut who advocates for using natural materials in space technology.
• Involved in the development of LignoSat as part of a sustainable future initiative.
• Magnolia tree (Japanese honoki)
• The wood used for LignoSat comes from this type of tree.
• It is known for its strength and resistance to shattering.
• Sustainable materials in space
• The concept aims to minimize pollution and use eco-friendly resources in future space missions.
• Wood's natural properties allow it to serve as a potential building material for habitats on other planets.

The correct answer is None of these.

Key Points

• Pushyabhuti Dynasty (Vardhana Dynasty):-
• The Vardhana dynasty, also known as the Pushyabhuti dynasty, was founded by Pushyabhuti.
• Since Pushyabhuti is not among the given options, the correct answer is 'None of these'.
• Prabhakarvardhana was a prominent king of this dynasty, but he was not the founder.
• Harshavardhana was the most famous ruler of this dynasty.

Additional Information

• Harshavardhana:-
• He also known as Harsha, was a 7^th-century Indian emperor who ruled over a vast kingdom in North India.
• He was a member of the Pushyabhuti dynasty and reigned from 606 to 647 CE.
• Banabhatta:-
• He was a Sanskrit poet and writer who lived in the 7^th century CE.
• He was the court poet of Harshavardhana, and he wrote two famous works about the emperor: Harshacharita and Kadambari.

The correct answer is Narendra Modi.

Key Points

• Narendra Modi is the Prime Minister of India since May 2014.
• He has been actively involved in promoting sports and physical fitness in the country through various initiatives such as the Khelo India program.
• The National Games are a significant event in India’s sports calendar, and the inauguration by the Prime Minister underscores its importance.
• The 38^th National Games held in Dehradun in January 2025 saw participation from athletes across various states, showcasing India's sporting talent.

 Additional Information

• Pushkar Singh Dhami
• Pushkar Singh Dhami is the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand since July 2021.
• He is a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
• His role would likely involve overseeing the arrangements for the National Games in Dehradun but not inaugurating it.
• Anurag Thakur
• Anurag Thakur is the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports in India.
• He has been involved in various initiatives to promote sports and fitness across the country.
• While he plays a crucial role in sports administration, the inauguration of significant events like the National Games is usually done by higher dignitaries.
• Droupadi Murmu
• Droupadi Murmu is an Indian politician who served as the Governor of Jharkhand from 2015 to 2021.
• She is a member of the BJP and has been involved in various social and political activities.
• Her role in the context of the National Games would not typically involve inauguration duties.

Correct Answer: 2025

Key Points

• The PM Surya Ghar scheme mandates that all government buildings in India must achieve 100 percent solarisation by the year 2025.
• This includes buildings under the administrative control of the Centre, state, and Union Territories.
• The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued guidelines to ensure the installation of rooftop solar systems across government buildings to meet this target.
• Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) with experience in renewable energy technologies will assist in the deployment of these systems.
• The scheme aims to use available rooftop space for solar installations through either the CAPEX model or the RESCO model, with the goal of achieving technical feasibility and saturation by December 31, 2025.

The correct answer is Both I and II.

Key Points

• Hindustani and Carnatic are two forms of classical music.
• Hindustani Music
• Hindustani music has its influence from Arab, Persian, and Afghan regions.
• Hindustani music consists of 6 major ragas.
• It is mostly associated in parts of North India.
• In Hindustani music, instruments and vocals have equal importance in it.
• The major instruments used are tabla, sitar, and sarangi.
• Hindustani music has the scope of making improvisations and variations.
• Carnatic Music
• Carnatic music has an influence on indigenous music.
• It consists of 72 ragas.
• It is mostly associated in parts of South India.
• In Carnatic music, more importance was given to vocals than musical instruments.
• Instruments used in Carnatic music were mandolin, mridangam, and veena.
• Carnatic music doesn't have possibilities of improvisations and variations.
• The Vedas were the oldest music that contained grammar.
• Samved is considered to be Vedas of chants and melodies.
• Saman means song and Veda means knowledge.
• It contains melodies and is believed to be the oldest existing one.
• It consists of 1549 verses of which 75 verses have been adapted from Rig Veda.

Hence, both statements are correct.