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The correct answer is 18.

Key Points

• The Srimad Bhagavad Gita consists of 18 chapters.
• Each chapter is called a "Yoga" and is designated to address different aspects of life and spirituality.
• The chapters are a conversation between Lord Krishna and the warrior prince Arjuna.
• The text is part of the Indian epic Mahabharata, specifically the Bhishma Parva (Book of Bhishma).

Additional Information

• Significance of Chapters
• Each chapter of the Bhagavad Gita is termed as a "Yoga," meaning a path to spiritual realization.
• For instance, Chapter 2 is called "Sankhya Yoga," which discusses the philosophy of knowledge and understanding.
• Chapter 11, "Vishvarupa Darshana Yoga," reveals the universal form of Krishna.
• Core Themes
• The Gita addresses key themes such as duty (dharma), righteousness, and the nature of reality.
• It provides guidance on how to live a balanced life and achieve spiritual enlightenment.
• Historical Context
• The Bhagavad Gita was written between 5^th and 2^nd century BCE.
• It is considered one of the most important texts in Hindu philosophy and literature.
• Philosophical Impact
• The Gita has influenced many Indian leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi, who considered it his "spiritual dictionary."
• Its teachings extend beyond religion and have universal appeal in the realms of philosophy, ethics, and psychology.

The correct answer is Maharashtra.

Key Points

• Dnyaneshwar, Namdev, Eknath, and Tukaram are renowned saint-poets from Maharashtra.
• They are associated with the Bhakti movement, which emphasized devotion and the personal relationship with God.
• Dnyaneshwar wrote the 'Dnyaneshwari,' a commentary on the Bhagavad Gita in Marathi.
• Tukaram is known for his Abhanga devotional poetry and his role in spreading the Varkari tradition.

Additional Information

• The Bhakti movement was a devotional trend that originated in South India in the 7^th century and spread to the north.
• Saint-poets like Dnyaneshwar and Tukaram are regarded as social reformers who opposed caste discrimination and promoted equality.
• Maharashtra is known for its rich cultural heritage and has produced many influential spiritual leaders.
• The Varkari sect, to which Tukaram belonged, is a prominent religious movement in Maharashtra, characterized by pilgrimage to Pandharpur.
• Namdev's hymns are included in the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism, reflecting his broad influence beyond Maharashtra.

The correct answer is Development officer.

• Panchayat Samiti is an intermediate level of the Panchayati Raj Institutions.
• Chief Executive Officer of Panchayat Samiti is Block Development Officer.
• The development officer is an officer of the State Civil Service.
• Panchayat Samiti is also known by the name of Janpad Panchayat.

Key Points

• Indian polity provides for three-tier Panchayati Raj Institutions in India.
• Gram Panchayat at the village level.
• Janpad Panchayat or Panchayat Samiti at intermediate level.
• Zila Panchayat at the district level.

Additional Information

• The 73^rd Constitutional Amendment Act was passed in 1992, which gave constitutional status to the Panchayati Raj Institutions.
• Generally, the CEO of Zila Panchayat is an IAS officer.
• BDO is the Chief Officer of Janpad Panchayat.
• Secretary is appointed at the village level, he calls the gram sabha and keeps records of its proceedings.

The Correct Answer is ​Kanak.

In News

• Shooter Kanak wins India’s first gold medal at Junior World Cup in Germany.

Key Points 

• Kanak won India’s first gold medal at the ISSF Junior World Cup 2025 in Suhl, Germany.
• She competed in the Women’s 10 metre Air Pistol event.
• Final score: 239 points.
• Defeated:
• Anna Dulce (Moldova), two-time Olympian and European Champion, by 1.7 points.
• Chen Yen-Ching (Chinese Taipei) won bronze.
• Kanak previously won silver at the Junior World Championship in Lima 2024.

The correct answer is - Henry Blochmann

Key Points

• Henry Blochmann
• He was a noted Orientalist and linguist associated with the Asiatic Society of Bengal.
• Translated the first volume of the Ain-i-Akbari into English, which was published in 1873.
• His translation is considered a standard edition for scholarly reference.

Additional Information

• Ain-i-Akbari
• Originally written by Abul Fazl, one of Akbar’s Navratnas and his court historian.
• Part of the larger work Akbarnama, it details the administration, culture, and economy of the Mughal Empire under Akbar.
• Later Volumes
• The second and third volumes of the Ain-i-Akbari were translated by H.S. Jarrett in the years 1891 and 1894 respectively.
• Asiatic Society of Bengal
• Published the English translation in its Bibliotheca Indica series, a prestigious academic collection of oriental texts.

The correct answer is Khizr Khan.

Key Points

• Khizr Khan was the founder of the Sayyid dynasty in India.
• He became the ruler of Delhi in 1414 AD after overthrowing the Tughlaq dynasty.
• Khizr Khan ruled from 1414 AD to 1421 AD.
• He was appointed as the governor of Multan by Timur, who invaded India in 1398 AD.

Additional Information

• Sayyid Dynasty
• The Sayyid dynasty ruled the Delhi Sultanate from 1414 to 1451 AD.
• It was the fourth dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate, following the Tughlaq dynasty.
• The dynasty's founders claimed descent from Prophet Muhammad.
• Major rulers included Khizr Khan, Mubarak Shah, Muhammad Shah, and Ala-ud-din Alam Shah.
• Timur's Invasion
• Timur, also known as Tamerlane, invaded India in 1398 AD.
• His invasion led to significant destruction and weakening of the Tughlaq dynasty.
• Timur appointed Khizr Khan as the governor of Multan, which later enabled him to establish the Sayyid dynasty.
• Delhi Sultanate
• The Delhi Sultanate was an Islamic empire based in Delhi that stretched over large parts of the Indian subcontinent for 320 years (1206-1526 AD).
• It comprised five dynasties: the Mamluk, Khalji, Tughlaq, Sayyid, and Lodi dynasties.

The correct answer is Bairath.

Key Points

• Bairath, located in Rajasthan, is an important archaeological site providing evidence of the Mauryan civilization.
• Excavations at Bairath have uncovered the remains of a Buddhist monastery and a circular stupa from the Mauryan period.
• The site also includes Ashokan edicts, which are inscriptions made by Emperor Ashoka, a prominent Mauryan ruler.
• Findings from Bairath highlight the spread of Buddhism during the Mauryan era and the architectural advancements of the time.

Additional Information

• Mauryan Empire
• The Mauryan Empire (322–185 BCE) was the first major empire in the Indian subcontinent and was founded by Chandragupta Maurya.
• It reached its zenith under Ashoka, who promoted the spread of Buddhism and established a centralized form of governance.
• Ashokan Edicts
• These are a series of inscriptions on pillars, rocks, and cave walls made by Emperor Ashoka.
• They provide valuable insights into Ashoka’s policies, including his promotion of Dhamma (moral law) and efforts to spread Buddhism.
• Buddhist Architecture
• The Mauryan period saw significant advancements in Buddhist architecture, including the construction of stupas, viharas (monasteries), and chaityas (prayer halls).
• These structures were often adorned with intricate carvings and inscriptions.
• Archaeological Significance of Bairath
• Bairath’s archaeological findings have been crucial in understanding the early spread of Buddhism in India.
• The site’s artifacts and structures provide evidence of the cultural and religious developments during the Mauryan period.

Concept:

Average Speed = Total Distance/Total time

Calculation:

A man on a trip travels the first 240 km at 120 kmph

Time taken to travel 240 km = 240/120 = 2 hours

The next 150 km at 50 kmph.

Time taken = 150/50 = 3 hours

Total time = 5 hour

Average speed = \(\frac{240\ +\ 150}{5}\) = \(\frac{390}{5}\) = 78 km/hr

∴ His average speed for the whole journey (in Kmph) is 78 km/hr.

Calculation:

The effective rate of 20% for 2years is = 20 + 20 + (20 × 20)/100 = 44%

So, C.I on 1000 for 2 years is = 1000 × 44/100 = 440

Let the principal invest in S.I be P

Now, according to the question,

(P × 4 × 10)/100 = 440/2

⇒ P = 1100/2 = 550

∴  The principal amount be 550

Shortcut Trick

Initial Ratio = 2 : 3 (Difference = 1 unit)

New Ratio = 40 : 57 (Difference = 17 units)

Equating differences: Multiply (2 : 3) by 17 → 34 : 51

Increase in units = 40 − 34 = 6 units ⇒ 6 units = ₹ 2,000

Soham's present salary = 51 units = (2,000 ÷ 6) × 51 = ₹ 17,000

∴ The correct option is B.

Alternate Method

Given: Initial Ratio = 2 : 3, Increase = ₹ 2,000, Final Ratio = 40 : 57

Formula Used: (Initial Salary + Increase) / (Initial Salary + Increase) = New Ratio

Rohan: 34 units + 2000 (6u) Soham: 51 units + 2000 (6u) Total Units (Final): Rohan = 40, Soham = 57

Let the present salaries of Rohan and Soham be 2x and 3x respectively.

⇒ (2x + 2000) / (3x + 2000) = 40 / 57

⇒ 57 × (2x + 2000) = 40 × (3x + 2000)

⇒ 114x + 114,000 = 120x + 80,000

⇒ 120x − 114x = 114,000 − 80,000

⇒ 6x = 34,000

⇒ x = 34,000 ÷ 6 = 17,000 ÷ 3

⇒ Soham's present salary = 3x = 3 × (17,000 ÷ 3) = ₹ 17,000

∴ The correct option is B.

Additional Information

Ratio Balancing Method

When the same value is added to or subtracted from both terms of a ratio A:B, multiply the terms by the difference of the new ratio C:D to make the increment equal in units.

Cross-Multiplication Method

For a ratio a:b becoming c:d after adding k, the value of 1 unit = |(dk − bk)| / |(ad − bc)|. This is a direct formulaic approach for ratio changes.

Duplicate and Sub-duplicate Ratios

The duplicate ratio of a:b is a²:b², and the sub-duplicate ratio is √a:√b. These are frequently used in area and side-length problems.