Search Previous Year Questions

The correct answer is Gaganyaan Program.

Key Points

• The Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) is a part of ISRO's Gaganyaan Programme, which is India's human spaceflight mission to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
• The Gaganyaan Programme was approved in December 2018 and aims to launch human spaceflight missions, laying the foundation for further space exploration.
• The development of BAS is a key component of the Gaganyaan Programme, extending its scope to include long-duration human space missions and the establishment of India's own space station.
• The first module of BAS is expected to be launched by December 2028, with an operational space station by 2035.

Important Points

• Chandrayaan Mission: Focused on lunar exploration, Chandrayaan is unrelated to the development of BAS.
• Mangalyaan Mission: Also known as the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), Mangalyaan is aimed at Mars exploration, not related to BAS.
• Aditya-L1 Mission: This mission is focused on studying the Sun and is not linked to the BAS development.

Additional Information

• Gaganyaan Programme: ISRO's human spaceflight initiative, aiming to develop critical technologies for space exploration and set the stage for future missions beyond Earth orbit.
• Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS): India's first space station, aimed at microgravity-based scientific research and technology development.

The correct answer is April 5.

In News

• The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) celebrated the 62^nd National Maritime Day on April 5, 2025, with central events held in New Delhi.

Key Points

• National Maritime Day is observed annually on April 5 to commemorate the first Indian merchant ship, S.S. Loyalty, which sailed from Mumbai to London in 1919.
• The 2025 celebration marked the 62^nd edition of National Maritime Day.
• The theme for 2025 was “Prosperous Seas – Developed India and Youth for Blue Economy and Green Growth.”
• Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal addressed the event in New Delhi and interacted with maritime cadets and professionals.

Additional Information

• S.S. Loyalty
• First Indian-owned steamship to sail internationally.
• Operated by Scindia Steam Navigation Company Ltd.
• Sailed from Mumbai to London on April 5, 1919.
• National Maritime Day
• First celebrated in 1964 to honor India’s maritime legacy.
• Recognizes the contribution of seafarers and maritime stakeholders to national growth.
• 2025 Celebrations
• Organized by the National Maritime Day Celebration Committee (NMDCC) and MoPSW.
• Events included cultural activities, awards, sports, and seminars across India’s maritime institutions.

The correct answer is National Human Rights Commission.

Key Points

• The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is a statutory body, established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
• It is not a constitutional body as it is not mentioned in the Indian Constitution.
• The NHRC's primary role is to promote and protect human rights, focusing on rights guaranteed by the Constitution and international conventions.
• Constitutional bodies are those established directly by the Constitution of India, such as the Election Commission, Finance Commission, etc.
• Other examples of statutory bodies in India include the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Central Information Commission (CIC).

Additional Information

• Constitutional Bodies:
• These are bodies explicitly mentioned in the Constitution of India.
• Examples include the Election Commission of India, Finance Commission, Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), and Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India.
• Such bodies derive their powers and functions directly from the Constitution.
• Statutory Bodies:
• Statutory bodies are created by an Act of Parliament or a state legislature.
• These include NHRC, National Commission for Women (NCW), and the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC).
• They are not mentioned in the Constitution but derive their authority from specific laws.
• National Human Rights Commission (NHRC):
• NHRC was established on 12 October 1993 under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
• Its main objectives include investigating complaints related to human rights violations and recommending corrective measures.
• The NHRC is headquartered in New Delhi, India.
• Election Commission of India:
• It is a constitutional body established under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution.
• The Election Commission conducts free and fair elections in India.
• It is an autonomous body, independent from the influence of the executive or legislature.

The correct answer is Thyroxin hormone.

Key Points

• Thyroxin hormone is crucial for regulating the body’s metabolic processes, including carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism.
• Iodine is essential for the synthesis of thyroxin, and its deficiency can lead to thyroid-related disorders.
• The thyroid gland absorbs iodine from the bloodstream to produce thyroxin.
• Thyroxin, also known as T4, plays a critical role in growth, development, and metabolic activities.
• A balanced level of thyroxin is necessary for maintaining overall health and homeostasis.

Additional Information

• Thyroid Gland
• The thyroid gland is located in the neck and is responsible for producing hormones that regulate metabolism.
• It produces two primary hormones: thyroxin (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
• The secretion of thyroid hormones is regulated by the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) produced by the pituitary gland.
• Iodine
• Iodine is a trace element that is crucial for the synthesis of thyroid hormones.
• It is commonly obtained from dietary sources such as iodized salt, seafood, and dairy products.
• Iodine deficiency can lead to goiter and hypothyroidism.
• Metabolism
• Metabolism refers to the chemical processes that occur within a living organism to maintain life.
• It includes catabolic processes that break down molecules to produce energy and anabolic processes that build up molecules.
• Thyroid hormones play a pivotal role in regulating basal metabolic rate (BMR).
• Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism
• Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and depression.
• Hyperthyroidism is the overproduction of thyroid hormones, resulting in symptoms like weight loss, rapid heartbeat, and anxiety.
• Both conditions require medical intervention to restore hormonal balance.

The correct answer is Sir Muhammad Iqbal.

Key Points

• Sir Muhammad Iqbal, a renowned philosopher, poet, and politician in British India, is known for his influential role in the creation of Pakistan.
• In his famous Allahabad Address in 1930, Iqbal proposed the idea of a separate Muslim state in the northwest of India, which laid the foundation for Pakistan.
• Iqbal's vision was for a federated state with autonomous Muslim-majority regions, ensuring the protection of Muslim identity and interests.
• This address became a significant milestone in the history of the Indian subcontinent, leading to the eventual establishment of Pakistan in 1947.

Additional Information

• Allahabad Address (1930)
• The speech was delivered at the annual session of the All India Muslim League.
• Iqbal articulated the need for a separate Muslim state, emphasizing cultural and religious differences between Muslims and Hindus.
• This address is often regarded as the conceptual foundation for the creation of Pakistan.
• Two-Nation Theory
• The idea that Muslims and Hindus are two distinct nations, with their own customs, religion, and traditions, and therefore, should have separate homelands.
• Iqbal's vision in the Allahabad Address was a precursor to the Two-Nation Theory.
• Sir Muhammad Iqbal's Contributions
• Iqbal is also celebrated for his literary works, including Persian and Urdu poetry that inspire Muslim identity and pride.
• He is regarded as Mufakkir-e-Pakistan (The Thinker of Pakistan) and Shair-e-Mashriq (The Poet of the East).
• Formation of Pakistan
• Following Iqbal's vision, the demand for a separate Muslim state gained momentum, leading to the Lahore Resolution in 1940.
• Pakistan was eventually established on August 14, 1947, as a separate nation for Muslims of the Indian subcontinent.

The correct answer is 531

In News

• India’s three new criminal laws — Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam — take effect today (July 1).
• Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita has 531 sections (in place of 484 sections of CrPC). A total of 177 provisions have been changed in the Sanhita and nine new sections as well as 39 new sub-sections have been added to it. The act has added 44 new provisions and clarifications.

Key Points

• Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS):
• Purpose: Official criminal code of the Republic of India.
• Effective Date: Came into effect on 1 July 2024.
• Legislative Background: Passed by the Parliament in December 2023.
• Replaced Legislation: Replaces the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which was established during British India.
• Structure:
• Comprises 20 chapters and 358 sections.
• Structure is similar to the IPC.
• Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS):
• Purpose: Main legislation for the procedure of administering substantive criminal law in India.
• Key Provisions:
• Bail and Plea Bargaining: Makes it more difficult for the accused to secure bail and limits the scope for plea bargaining.
• Digital Devices: Empowers police officers to compel an accused to produce their digital devices for investigation purposes.
• Property Seizure: Allows police the discretion to seize and attach the property of an accused before a trial.
• Preliminary Inquiry: Mandates a preliminary inquiry by the police before lodging an FIR for every cognisable offence punishable for three years or more but less than seven years.
• Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023:
• Purpose: Acts as the Indian Evidence Act.
• Legislative Changes:
• Consists of 170 sections compared to 167 sections in the previous Indian Evidence Act.
• Modifications: 23 sections have been modified, five sections removed, and one new section added.

The correct answer is Lala Lajpat Rai.

Key Points

• Lala Lajpat Rai was an eminent freedom fighter, popularly known as the "Punjab Kesari" or the "Lion of Punjab."
• He started the English weekly newspaper 'Young India' to advocate for Indian self-rule and independence.
• The publication of 'Young India' aimed to raise awareness of colonial injustices and inspire Indians to fight for their rights.
• Lala Lajpat Rai also established the Servants of the People Society in 1921 to further the cause of Indian independence and social reform.
• He played a key role in the Swadeshi movement and was an active member of the Indian National Congress.

Additional Information

• Lala Lajpat Rai's Contributions:
• He was one of the Lal-Bal-Pal trio, along with Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Bipin Chandra Pal, who were influential leaders of India's independence movement.
• He actively opposed the Simon Commission in 1928, during which he suffered injuries in a police lathi charge that eventually led to his death.
• Lala Lajpat Rai wrote several books, including 'Unhappy India' and 'The Story of My Deportation.'
• He was an advocate of education and played a significant role in establishing institutions like the Punjab National Bank and DAV College.
• Young India:
• 'Young India' was an influential publication during India's struggle for freedom, addressing issues of social reform and self-governance.
• This weekly inspired many Indians to join the freedom struggle and oppose British colonial policies.
• Role in Indian National Congress:
• Lala Lajpat Rai was a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress and actively participated in its sessions to demand Swaraj (self-rule).
• He was associated with the extremist faction of the Congress, which sought more radical measures for independence.
• Legacy:
• Lala Lajpat Rai's martyrdom inspired many revolutionaries, including Bhagat Singh, to intensify the fight against British rule.
• Several institutions, roads, and public spaces in India are named in his honor to commemorate his contributions to the nation.

The correct answer is Panipat III.

Key Points

• The Third Battle of Panipat was fought on January 14, 1761, between the Maratha Empire and the Durrani Empire (Afghan forces led by Ahmad Shah Abdali).
• This battle is considered one of the largest and bloodiest fought in the 18^th century, involving over 125,000 soldiers.
• The Marathas were led by their commander-in-chief, Sadashivrao Bhau, while the Afghan forces were commanded by Ahmad Shah Abdali.
• The battle resulted in a decisive victory for the Durrani Empire, marking the end of Maratha expansion in North India.

Additional Information

• Causes of the Battle:
• The Marathas aimed to expand their influence in Northern India, which led to conflicts with regional powers including the Durrani Empire.
• The battle was also a result of the declining Mughal Empire, which left a power vacuum in the region.
• Key Figures:
• Ahmad Shah Abdali, also known as Ahmad Shah Durrani, was the founder of the Durrani Empire and one of the most successful military leaders of his time.
• Sadashivrao Bhau, the Maratha commander-in-chief, was the nephew of the Peshwa and a capable military leader.
• Consequences:
• The defeat at Panipat weakened the Maratha Empire significantly, leading to internal strife and a temporary setback in their quest for dominance.
• The battle also paved the way for the eventual rise of British power in India as the Marathas were one of the main obstacles to their expansion.
• Historical Significance:
• The Third Battle of Panipat is remembered for its high casualties and the significant impact it had on the Indian subcontinent's political landscape.
• It is often studied as a key example of the complex interplay of regional powers during the 18^th century in India.

The correct answer is Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas

In News

• The theme for Republic Day Parade 2025 tableaux is 'Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas', focusing on heritage and development.

Key Points

• 15 states and Union Territories (UTs) selected to showcase their tableaux include Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chandigarh, Dadra Nagar Haveli & Daman and Diu, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
• 11 Union ministries and departments will also present their tableaux at the Kartavya Path in New Delhi on January 26, 2025.
• The Expert Committee shortlists tableaux ideas based on creative criteria due to the limited time allotted in the parade.
• States/UTs not selected for the parade can display their tableaux during Bharat Parv at Red Fort from January 26 to 31.
• Tableaux are a key feature of the Republic Day Parade, celebrating India's cultural heritage and developmental milestones.

The correct answer is A high-performance explosive.

Key Points

• SEBEX 2 is a newly developed high-performance explosive by India.
• It is 2.01 times more lethal than standard TNT (Trinitrotoluene).
• Certified by the Indian Navy after rigorous testing.
• SEBEX 2 aims to revolutionize bombs, artillery shells, and warheads.
• It has been developed by M/s Economic Explosives Limited (EEL), Nagpur.​

Important Points

• SEBEX 2 is considered one of the most powerful non-nuclear explosives in the world.
• The development is part of the Make in India initiative, emphasizing self-reliance in defense.
• It uses a composition based on high-melting explosive (HMX).
• A variant with 2.3 times the explosive power of TNT is also in development.