Search Previous Year Questions

The correct answer is Kenya.

Key Points

• The United States of America recently designated Kenya as its Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) in July 2023.
• This designation allows Kenya to access various benefits such as defense and security assistance programs and closer bilateral collaboration with the USA.
• The designation reflects Kenya's strategic importance in East Africa, particularly in combating terrorism and ensuring regional stability.
• Countries designated as MNNA receive privileges in defense cooperation, including priority delivery of military equipment, access to advanced technology, and participation in joint military exercises.
• Kenya is recognized for its active participation in counterterrorism efforts, particularly against groups like Al-Shabaab in the region.

Additional Information

• Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) Status:
• This is a designation by the United States to countries that are not part of NATO but have a close strategic partnership with the USA.
• Countries with MNNA status can access loan programs for military equipment, participate in joint research and development projects, and are eligible for priority delivery of defense supplies.
• As of 2023, there are 20 countries globally that hold MNNA status, including nations like Israel, Japan, South Korea, and Australia.
• Kenya's Role in Regional Stability:
• Kenya is a key player in East Africa, actively involved in peacekeeping missions and combatting extremist groups such as Al-Shabaab.
• Kenya has been a member of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), which focuses on stabilizing Somalia.
• Its strategic location and robust military cooperation make it an essential ally for counterterrorism and security in the region.
• Benefits of MNNA Designation:
• Countries with MNNA status receive priority access to defense technology and training programs.
• They can participate in joint military exercises and access American loan guarantees for purchasing military equipment.
• MNNA countries can also collaborate on space and defense-related projects with the USA.
• Other MNNA Countries:
• Some of the countries designated as MNNA include Thailand, New Zealand, Bahrain, Egypt, and Pakistan.
• These countries are selected based on their strategic importance and partnership with the USA in areas such as defense, security, and economic cooperation.

Important Points

• Kenya’s Counterterrorism Efforts:
• Kenya has actively engaged in operations against Al-Shabaab to curb terrorism in East Africa.
• It has partnered with the USA on intelligence sharing and joint military training.
• Kenya hosts important regional headquarters for organizations like the UN and African Union, emphasizing its role in peacekeeping.
• Significance of MNNA Status:
• This designation strengthens bilateral ties between Kenya and the USA, fostering economic, political, and defense cooperation.
• It also highlights the USA's commitment to supporting Kenya in addressing regional security challenges.
• Strategic Importance of East Africa:
• East Africa is a region of geopolitical interest due to its proximity to the Indian Ocean and vital trade routes.
• Countries like Kenya play a critical role in stabilizing the region and ensuring security against extremist threats.

Explanation:

Current and Voltage Relationship in a Conductor

Definition: The relationship between current (I), voltage (V), and resistance (R) in a conductor is governed by Ohm's Law. Ohm's Law states that the current flowing through a conductor between two points is directly proportional to the voltage across the two points and inversely proportional to the resistance between them. Mathematically, it is expressed as:

V = IR

We can rearrange this formula to solve for the current (I):

I = V / R

Now, let's consider the initial situation: Let the initial voltage be V₁ and the initial current be I₁. The resistance is R. So, I₁ = V₁ / R

Next, the voltage across the conductor is doubled, so the new voltage V₂ = 2V₁. The resistance remains constant at R. Let the new current be I₂. Using Ohm's Law for the new situation: I₂ = V₂ / R

Substitute the value of V₂ into this equation: I₂ = (2V₁) / R

We can rewrite this as: I₂ = 2 x (V₁ / R)

Since we know that I₁ = V₁ / R, we can substitute I₁ into the equation for I₂: I₂ = 2 x I₁

This means that the new current (I₂) is twice the initial current (I₁). Therefore, when the voltage across a conductor is doubled while keeping the resistance constant, the current through the conductor also doubles.

The correct answer is 2.42.

Key Points

• The refractive index of a material is a measure of how much it bends light.
• Diamonds have a high refractive index of 2.42, which contributes to their brilliant sparkle.
• This high refractive index is due to the dense atomic structure of diamond.
• The property of total internal reflection in diamonds, due to their refractive index, is what gives them their unique brilliance and fire.
• The refractive index is a critical factor in determining the quality and value of a diamond.

Additional Information

• Diamonds are formed under high-pressure, high-temperature conditions deep within the Earth's mantle.
• The chemical composition of a diamond is carbon, with each carbon atom covalently bonded to four other carbon atoms in a tetrahedral structure.
• Diamonds are the hardest known natural material on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness.
• They are not only prized for their beauty in jewelry but also have various industrial applications due to their hardness and thermal conductivity.
• The process of determining a diamond's quality is known as the Four Cs: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight.

The correct answer is 3) 1 & 2 only.

Key Points

• Article 270 of the Indian Constitution governs the sharing of taxes between the Union and the States. After the 101^st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2016, it was amended to include provisions for the sharing of revenue from Goods and Services Tax (GST). Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• The 101^st Constitutional Amendment added provisions in Article 270 to ensure that the revenue collected through GST is apportioned between the Union and the States based on the recommendations of the Finance Commission. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• The GST Compensation Cess, however, is not shared between the Union and the States under Article 270. It is governed by the GST (Compensation to States) Act, 2017, which ensures compensation to States for any revenue loss due to the implementation of GST. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
• The Finance Commission plays a key role in determining the sharing formula for taxes, including GST, under Article 270.
• It is important to note that the sharing mechanism under Article 270 does not include non-divisible taxes, such as surcharges and cesses, which remain with the Union Government.

Additional Information

• 101^st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2016:
• This amendment introduced the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India, effective from 1^st July 2017.
• It subsumed multiple indirect taxes levied by the Centre and the States, such as excise duty, VAT, and service tax, under a single tax regime.
• It led to the addition of Article 246A, empowering both the Parliament and State Legislatures to make laws on GST.
• It also introduced Article 269A, which deals with the apportionment of GST collected on inter-State trade.
• GST Compensation Cess:
• It is levied under the GST (Compensation to States) Act, 2017 to compensate States for revenue losses arising due to GST implementation.
• The compensation cess is levied on specific luxury and sin goods, such as tobacco, aerated drinks, and automobiles.
• The funds collected through the cess are not part of the divisible pool under Article 270 and are kept in a separate compensation fund.
• Finance Commission:
• It is constituted under Article 280 of the Constitution to recommend the distribution of tax revenues between the Centre and the States.
• The Commission takes into account factors such as population, area, fiscal capacity, and governance when recommending the sharing formula.
• The 15^th Finance Commission, chaired by N.K. Singh, has been tasked with making recommendations for the period 2021-26.
• Key Features of GST:
• GST is a destination-based tax, meaning it is collected at the point of consumption.
• It is levied at multiple rates, categorized into 5%, 18%, and 40%, depending on the goods or services.
• It aims to create a unified tax structure, reducing cascading effects and improving tax compliance.

Important Points

• Revenue Distribution: Taxes collected under GST are distributed between the Centre and the States in a 50:50 ratio. For inter-State supplies, the tax collected is divided between the Centre and the destination State.
• GST Council: The GST Council, established under Article 279A, is responsible for making recommendations on GST rates, exemptions, and other related matters.
• Impact of GST: GST has simplified the tax structure, enhanced transparency, and contributed to the formalization of the economy. However, challenges such as compliance costs and revenue shortfalls for States persist.

The Correct Answer is Masaki Kashiwara.

In News

• Japanese mathematician Masaki Kashiwara awarded the Abel Prize 2025.

Key Points

• Recipient of the 2025 Abel Prize: Masaki Kashiwara, a Japanese mathematician.
• Field of Contribution:
• Algebraic analysis
• Representation theory
• Development of D-modules
• Discovery of crystal bases.
• About the Abel Prize:
• Named after Niels Henrik Abel, a legendary Norwegian mathematician.
• Established by the Norwegian Parliament in 2002 to commemorate Abel's 200^th birth anniversary.
• First awarded in 2003.
• Often regarded as the Nobel Prize equivalent in mathematics.
• Awarded by a committee in consultation with the International Mathematical Union (IMU) and the European Mathematical Society (EMS).
• Includes a cash award and a glass plaque designed by Norwegian artist Henrik Haugan.

The correct answer is Article 167.

Key Points

• Article 167 of the Indian Constitution defines the duties of the Chief Minister.
• A chief minister is understood to be "first among equals".
• A Chief Minister must be
• Chief Minister must be a citizen of India.
• Chief Minister should be a member of the state legislature.
• If a person is elected chief minister who is not a member of the legislature, then he/she must take permission from the governor.
• Chief Minister must be 25 years of age or more.

Additional Information

• Article 162
• Deals with the extent of executive power of the State.
• It states that the executive power of a State extends to matters on which the State Legislature has the power to make laws. It does not specifically mention the Chief Minister.
• Article 168
• Relates to the constitution of the State Legislature.
• It provides for a Legislative Assembly and, in some states, a Legislative Council. It has no connection with the powers or functions of the Chief Minister.
• Article 169
• Empowers Parliament to create or abolish the Legislative Council in a State on the recommendation of the State Legislative Assembly.

Correct Answer: To control the level of sugar in the body

Rationale:

• Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that plays a crucial role in regulating blood glucose levels. It allows cells to take in glucose to be used for energy or stored for future use.
• When you eat, carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, which enters the bloodstream. Insulin helps to lower blood glucose levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells, particularly muscle and fat cells.
• Insulin also inhibits the liver from producing more glucose, thereby preventing hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels).
• In the absence or deficiency of insulin, as seen in conditions like diabetes mellitus, blood glucose levels remain elevated, leading to various health complications.

Explanation of Other Options:

To maintain blood pressure

• Rationale: Blood pressure is primarily regulated by hormones such as aldosterone and antidiuretic hormone (ADH), as well as the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Insulin does not have a direct role in maintaining blood pressure.

To help in digestion of food

• Rationale: The digestion of food involves enzymes and digestive juices produced by the stomach, pancreas, and intestines. Insulin is not involved in the breakdown of food; rather, it helps in the utilization of glucose derived from digested food.

To check the level of iodine in the body

• Rationale: The regulation of iodine levels in the body is primarily managed by the thyroid gland and hormones such as thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Insulin has no role in iodine regulation.

Conclusion:

• Insulin is essential for controlling blood sugar levels by promoting the uptake of glucose into cells and inhibiting glucose production by the liver. It is not involved in maintaining blood pressure, aiding in digestion, or regulating iodine levels.

Given:

Height of the first cylinder = 30 cm 

The radius of the first cylinder = 6 cm

Height of the second cylinder = 15 cm

The radius of the second cylinder = 12 cm

Formula used:

Volume of a cylinder = πr²h

Where, r = Radius of the cylinder

h = height of the cylinder

Calculation:

Volume of the cylinder : Volume of second cylinder

= π × 6² × 30 : π × 12² × 15

= 36 × 30 : 144 × 15

= 1080 : 2160

= 1 : 2

∴​ The ratio of the volume of the first cylinder to that of the second cylinder is 1 : 2

Given:

Average salary of all staff = Rs. 10,000

Average salary of 20 teaching staff = Rs. 12,000

Average salary of non-teaching staff = Rs. 5,000

Formula used:

Sum of all observations = Average × Number of observations

Calculation:

Let the number of non-teaching staff be x

Total salary of non-teaching staff = Rs. 5000x

Total salary of teaching staff = Rs. 12000 × 20 = Rs. 240000

Total salary of all staff = Rs. 10000 × (x + 20) = Rs. (10000x + 200000)

⇒ 5000x + 240000 = 10000x + 200000

⇒ 40000 = 5000x

⇒ x = 8

∴ Total non-teaching staff is 8

The Correct answer is Option 2. 

Key Points

• Under Article 243J of the Indian Constitution, the State Legislature is empowered to make provisions regarding the maintenance of accounts by Panchayats. Hence, option 2 is correct.
• Key Details:
• Article 243J falls under Part IX of the Constitution, which deals with the Panchayati Raj System.
• It specifically allows the State Legislature to:
• Prescribe the manner in which Panchayats maintain their accounts.
• Ensure transparency and accountability in the financial management of Panchayats.