Search Previous Year Questions

The correct answer is 1, 2 and 3

In News

• On June 9, 2026, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi paid tributes to Dharti Aaba Bhagwan Birsa Munda Ji on the occasion of his martyrdom day.

Key Points

• Statement 1 is correct: The news release explicitly refers to him as Dharti Aaba Bhagwan Birsa Munda Ji.
• Statement 2 is correct: The Prime Minister noted that Birsa Munda fought with indomitable courage against foreign rule specifically for the protection of water, forest, and land (Jal, Jangal, Jameen).
• Statement 3 is correct: The tribute was paid on June 9, which is officially noted as his martyrdom day (Balidan Diwas).

Additional Information

• Birsa Munda's entire life was dedicated to protecting the self-respect, culture, and rights of the tribal community.
• His legacy is described as a saga of sacrificing everything for the motherland, intended to infuse patriotism in future generations.

Important Points

• The Prime Minister used social media platform X to convey that Birsa Munda's struggle was marked by indomitable courage against the foreign administration.

The Correct answer is Chhapra.

Key Points

• Chhapra serves as the administrative headquarters of the Saran division in the state of Bihar, India.
• The city is located on the banks of the Ganges River, which plays a significant role in its geography and connectivity.
• It is well-known for its historical importance and its role in the freedom struggle of India.
• Chhapra is part of the Saran district, which is one of the administrative divisions under the Saran Commissionerate.
• The region has a rich cultural heritage and is known for producing several prominent leaders and intellectuals.
• Chhapra is also famous for its contribution to the production of brass and bell metal products.
• Being the divisional headquarters, Chhapra is pivotal in the coordination and administration of government policies and programs across the Saran division.

 Additional Information

• Siwan
• Siwan is another important district in Bihar but does not serve as the headquarters of the Saran division.
• This district is known for its agriculture-based economy and has a rich historical background.
• Siwan is also well known for its association with Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India, as it is close to his birthplace.
• Vaishali
• Vaishali is an ancient city and holds immense historical and religious significance.
• It was the capital of the Vajji Mahajanapada and is associated with the Buddhist and Jain traditions.
• However, it is not part of the Saran division and does not serve as its headquarters.
• Patna
• Patna is the capital city of Bihar and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
• It serves as the administrative hub for the entire state but is not the headquarters of the Saran division.
• Patna is located on the southern bank of the Ganges River and is a key center for education, trade, and governance.

The correct answer is option 1.

Key Points

Based on Census 2011, here are the absolute ST populations in the given districts:

• West Champaran > Katihar > Purnia > Banka

The correct answer is Trucks.

Key Points

• India's first Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (H2ICE) technology was developed through a collaboration between Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) and Ashok Leyland.
• The technology was officially unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the India Energy Week in Bengaluru in February 2023.
• The H2ICE system is specifically integrated into Heavy-Duty Trucks, targeting the 19-tonne to 35-tonne segment to decarbonize the long-haul logistics industry.
• This solution utilizes hydrogen as the primary fuel in a modified internal combustion engine, which allows the vehicle to maintain performance levels comparable to traditional diesel engines while producing near-zero carbon emissions.
• The deployment of H2ICE technology is a significant step toward achieving India's Net Zero carbon emission target by 2070 and reducing the country's dependence on imported fossil fuels.

 Additional Information

• Hydrogen as a Fuel Source:
• Hydrogen possesses a high energy density, making it a superior alternative to heavy battery packs for long-distance transportation.
• Unlike Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV) which use chemical reactions to create electricity, H2ICE burns hydrogen directly in the engine cylinders.
• The combustion process primarily emits water vapor, significantly lowering the environmental impact of heavy vehicular movement.
• National Green Hydrogen Mission:
• Launched by the Government of India, this mission aims to produce 5 million metric tonnes of Green Hydrogen per annum by 2030.
• The introduction of H2ICE trucks aligns with the mission's objective to integrate clean energy into the industrial and transport sectors.
• Technical Infrastructure:
• The truck is equipped with specialized high-pressure hydrogen storage tanks (Type-III cylinders) to ensure safety and fuel efficiency.
• The use of existing Internal Combustion Engine architecture helps in keeping the manufacturing costs lower than those of completely new electric or fuel-cell platforms.

The correct answer is Option 3

In News

• Blue Economy was recently highlighted as an important cross-cutting area of cooperation in discussions within the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).

Key Points

• Blue Economy promotes the sustainable use of ocean and marine resources for economic growth, livelihoods, and environmental sustainability. It emphasizes balancing economic development with marine ecosystem conservation. Hence, Statement I is correct.
• Blue Economy includes several economic activities linked to marine and coastal ecosystems such as fisheries, tourism, shipping, offshore energy, and marine biotechnology. Therefore, the statement that it excludes such activities is incorrect. Hence, Statement II is incorrect.
• Blue Economy is not limited to naval warfare or military capabilities.It primarily concerns sustainable ocean-based economic development and governance. Hence, Statement III is incorrect.

Additional Information

• Coastal communities depend significantly on marine resources for livelihoods and employment.
• Sustainable ocean governance is important for long-term economic and ecological resilience.
• Marine pollution, overfishing, and climate change pose major challenges to Blue Economy initiatives.
• Blue Economy discussions increasingly integrate environmental sustainability with trade, connectivity, and resource management.

The correct answer is Option 2

In News

• Recent BRICS meetings have emphasized reforms in global governance institutions and the broader multilateral system to reflect contemporary geopolitical and economic realities.

Key Points

• BRICS countries advocate reforms in global institutions such as the United Nations, IMF, and World Bank to ensure greater representation for emerging and developing economies. Hence, Option B is correct.
• BRICS does not seek the abolition of all international institutions.Instead, it supports reform and greater inclusivity within existing multilateral frameworks. Hence, Option A is incorrect.
• BRICS is a cooperative grouping of countries and not a supranational authority or world government. Hence, Option C is incorrect.
• BRICS members actively participate in multilateral diplomacy through international organizations and forums. Hence, Option D is incorrect.

Additional Information

• Many major international institutions were established in the aftermath of the Second World War.
• The global distribution of economic power has shifted significantly towards emerging economies in recent decades.
• Multipolarity refers to the distribution of power among multiple influential states rather than dominance by a single power.
• Debates over institutional reform often remain politically sensitive due to differing national interests and geopolitical considerations.

The correct answer is -  1–A, 2–B, 3–C, 4–D

Key Points

• Xylem
• Primarily responsible for the transport of water and minerals from roots to other parts of the plant.
• Functions as part of the vascular tissue system, enabling upward movement of water.
• Phloem
• Specialized for the transport of food (sugars) synthesized in leaves to other parts of the plant.
• Maintains the flow of nutrients both upwards and downwards as needed.
• Stomata
• Responsible for gas exchange (intake of CO₂ and release of O₂) and transpiration (water loss in the form of vapor).
• Found mainly on the surface of leaves and are regulated by guard cells.
• Root Hair
• Increases the surface area of roots for absorption of water and minerals from the soil.
• Plays a key role in anchoring the plant and enabling nutrient uptake.

Additional Information

• Vascular tissues
• Comprise xylem and phloem, which are essential for the transport of substances within plants.
• Xylem provides mechanical support in addition to its transport function.
• Stomatal opening and closing
• Regulated by the turgor pressure in guard cells.
• Plays a critical role in photosynthesis and maintaining water balance in plants.
• Root adaptations
• Root hairs are extensions of root epidermal cells, adapted for efficient absorption of nutrients and water.
• Roots often form symbiotic relationships with fungi (mycorrhiza) to enhance nutrient uptake.

The correct answer is Chhattisgarh.

Key Points

• The Muria dance is a traditional folk dance belonging to the Muria Gonds, a tribal community residing in the Bastar district of Chhattisgarh.
• This dance form is deeply rooted in the social fabric of the tribe and is often performed near the Ghotul, a unique community center or youth dormitory where young members of the tribe learn about their culture, music, and dance.
• One of the most popular variations is the Hulki dance, which is performed during various social occasions and festivals, characterized by rhythmic movements in circles or rows.
• The Mandari dance is another significant performance where the dancers carry and play the Mandari (a traditional drum) while performing intricate footwork and synchronized patterns.
• The Gendi dance, or the stilt dance, is a remarkable display of skill by Muria men, where they balance on long bamboo stilts while dancing to celebrate the monsoon season and protect themselves from insects and mud.

Additional Information

• Chhattisgarh State:
• The state was officially formed on 1 November 2000, by bifurcating the state of Madhya Pradesh.
• It is often referred to as the Rice Bowl of India due to its extensive paddy cultivation and diverse varieties of rice.
• The state is rich in mineral resources and has a high percentage of tribal population, particularly the Gonds, Baigas, and Oraons.
• Other Folk Dances of Chhattisgarh:
• Panthi Dance: A famous dance of the Satnami community, performed to the hymns of Guru Ghasidas.
• Raut Nacha: Performed by the Yadav community during Deepawali, symbolizing the battle between Lord Krishna and King Kansa.
• Pandavani: A world-renowned narrative folk ballad that depicts stories from the Mahabharata, popularized by artists like Teejan Bai.
• Karma Dance: Performed by many tribal groups during the Karma festival in August/September to mark the beginning of the spring season.
• States and their Folk Dances:
• Maharashtra: Known for Lavani, Dhangari Gaja, Lezim, and Koli dance.
• West Bengal: Famous for Gambhira, Brita, Chhau, and Kalikapatadi.
• Telangana: Home to Perini Sivatandavam (a warrior dance) and Lambadi folk dance.

Important Points

• The Muria people are a sub-tribe of the Gonds and follow their own religious belief system, often centering around the worship of Lingo Pen, whom they consider their supreme deity.
• Their traditional instruments include the Nishaan (a large drum), Mohiri (a type of trumpet), and various types of flutes made from bamboo.
• The Bastar region, where these dances originate, is considered one of the most culturally vibrant zones in India, hosting the world-famous Bastar Dussehra, which lasts for 75 days.

The correct answer is Both I and II.

Key Points

• The Battle of Plassey took place on 23 June 1757 in the Palashi region of Bengal. Robert Clive, acting as the commander of the British East India Company forces, led a relatively small army to defeat the numerically superior forces of the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-Daulah. Hence, statement I is correct.
• This victory is a landmark event in Indian history because it marked the Company's first major victory against an Indian ruler. It effectively transitioned the Company from a mere mercantile body into a significant political power with territorial control in India. Hence, statement II is correct.

 Additional Information

• Siraj-ud-Daulah:
• He was the last independent Nawab of Bengal who succeeded his grandfather Alivardi Khan in 1756.
• The conflict arose due to the British misuse of trade privileges (Dastaks) and the unauthorized fortification of Calcutta.
• Role of Treachery:
• The British victory was largely due to a conspiracy involving Mir Jafar, the Nawab's chief commander, who remained inactive during the battle in exchange for being promised the Nawabship.
• Other key conspirators included the wealthy banker Jagat Seth and Omichand.
• Consequences:
• After the battle, Mir Jafar was installed as a puppet ruler, and the Company received the Zamindari of the 24 Parganas.
• It set the stage for the Battle of Buxar (1764), which further consolidated British hegemony in the Indian Subcontinent.

The correct answer is Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan

In News

• On June 9, 2026, Union Minister Annapurna Devi marked the completion of 10 years of the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA).

Key Points

• Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA): This visionary initiative has shaped India’s maternal health journey over the past 10 years (2016–2026).
• The initiative has turned safe motherhood into a mass movement by providing timely health checkups and expert consultations.
• It focuses on ensuring that every stage of pregnancy receives safe, healthy, and respectful care for both the mother and the unborn child.
• The program has successfully provided improved maternal health services to millions of pregnant women across the country.

Additional Information

• Annapurna Devi is the Union Minister for Women and Child Development.
• She emphasized that the scheme represents the government's commitment to a healthy future for every mother and child.
• The initiative has been a medium of positive change in the lives of lakhs of mothers over the last decade.

Important Points

• The 10-year milestone highlights the transition of maternal health care from a simple scheme to a widespread social movement.
• The core emphasis remains on safe motherhood and the right to health checkups for every pregnant woman.