Search Previous Year Questions

The correct answer is "1 and 3 only".

Key Points

• A Great Circle is the largest possible circle that can be drawn on a sphere, whose plane passes through the center of the Earth.
• Equator is a Great Circle because it divides the Earth into two equal halves (Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere). Hence, statement 3 is correct.
• Prime Meridian along with its opposite meridian (180° longitude) forms a Great Circle passing through the poles and the Earth's center. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• Tropic of Cancer is a small circle (parallel of latitude at 23.5° North) and does not pass through the center of the Earth. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
• Hence, the correct answer is "1 and 3 only".

Additional Information

• Latitude: Imaginary horizontal lines measured in degrees north or south of the Equator (0°).
• Longitude: Imaginary vertical lines measured in degrees east or west of the Prime Meridian (0°), which passes through Greenwich, London.
• Great Circles Importance: They represent the shortest distance between two points on the Earth's surface and are used in aviation and navigation.
• Small Circles: All parallels except the Equator (like Tropic of Cancer, Tropic of Capricorn, Arctic Circle) are small circles.
• Key Values: Equator = 0° latitude, Tropic of Cancer = 23.5° N, Tropic of Capricorn = 23.5° S.

Important Points

• All longitudes are parts of great circles when considered with their opposite meridian.
• The Equator is the only latitude that is a Great Circle; all other latitudes are small circles.

The correct answer is option 4.

Key Points

The correct hierarchical classification of plant species from higher to lower order follows this sequence:

• Plant Kingdom (Highest Level) – The broadest category, including all plants.
• Phylum (Division in plants) – The major subdivision within the kingdom.
• Class – A group within a phylum, consisting of related plant species.
• Order – A further division within a class, grouping similar families.

Hierarchy in Taxonomy (Higher to Lower Order):

• Kingdom → Phylum (Division) → Class → Order → Family → Genus → Species

The Correct answer is Article 280

Key Points

• Article 280 of the Indian Constitution provides for the establishment of the Finance Commission.
• The Finance Commission is responsible for recommending the distribution of financial resources between the Union and the States, ensuring a balanced fiscal system.
• The Commission’s role is crucial for maintaining the financial health of the country by addressing fiscal imbalances and ensuring equitable distribution of resources.
• The Finance Commission is a vital institution in the federal structure of India, aimed at maintaining fiscal balance.

 Additional Information

• Article 282
• Article 282 empowers the Union or State to spend money from its funds for any public purpose.
• It is not directly related to the Finance Commission but allows financial allocations for general purposes.
• Article 281
• Article 281 deals with the President’s assent to the Finance Commission’s recommendations.
• It does not establish the Finance Commission but pertains to the procedural part of its functioning.
• Article 283
• Article 283 deals with the custody and auditing of accounts of the Union and State Governments.
• It is unrelated to the functioning of the Finance Commission.

The correct answer is Panchayat Samiti.

Key Points

• The Panchayati Raj system in India is a three-tier structure consisting of the Gram Panchayat at the village level, the Panchayat Samiti at the block level, and the Zila Parishad at the district level.
• The Panchayat Samiti does not operate at the village level. It functions at the block level, acting as an intermediary body between the Gram Panchayat and the Zila Parishad.
• The components of the Panchayati Raj system at the village level include the Gram Sabha, Gram Panchayat, and Nyaya Panchayat.
• The Gram Sabha is the general assembly of all the registered voters in a village, while the Gram Panchayat is the executive body responsible for governance and development activities.
• The Nyaya Panchayat, where established, handles minor disputes and judicial matters at the village level.

Additional Information

• Gram Sabha:
• The Gram Sabha is the foundational body of the Panchayati Raj system, consisting of all the registered voters in a village.
• It plays a key role in decision-making, approving budgets, and monitoring the functioning of the Gram Panchayat.
• Gram Panchayat:
• The Gram Panchayat is the executive body of the village-level Panchayati Raj system.
• It is responsible for implementing development programs, maintaining public infrastructure, and ensuring welfare schemes reach the beneficiaries.
• Nyaya Panchayat:
• Nyaya Panchayats are quasi-judicial bodies established at the village level in some states to handle minor civil and criminal disputes.
• They aim to provide accessible and speedy justice to rural citizens without the need for formal legal proceedings.
• Panchayat Samiti:
• The Panchayat Samiti operates at the block level, coordinating and supervising the activities of the Gram Panchayats under its jurisdiction.
• It is responsible for planning and implementing development programs at the block level.
• Zila Parishad:
• The Zila Parishad is the apex body of the Panchayati Raj system, functioning at the district level.
• It coordinates development activities and provides administrative support to the Panchayat Samitis and Gram Panchayats.

The correct answer is Bihar Times

Key Points

• Bihar Times played an effective role in educating the masses and inspiring them to struggle for the creation of Bihar.
• The journal consistently advocated that separating Bihar from Bengal would ease the Bengal administration and benefit the Government of India.
• Over time, Bihar Times also influenced newspapers in neighboring states to support the idea of Bihar’s creation.
• After the death of its first editor, Mahesh Narain, the paper suffered a major setback but continued publication.
• Much later, it transformed into the newspaper Motherland, and in modern times, it survives in a new form on the internet.
• Thus, originating in the 19^th century, the paper has traveled through the 20^th century and entered the 21^st century with renewed zeal to serve the people of Bihar in India and abroad.

Additional Information

• Role of Regional Publications:
• Regional publications like the Bihar Herald were crucial in spreading awareness on socio-political issues in pre-independence India.
• They served as platforms for local leaders and reformers to voice concerns and educate the masses.
• Mahesh Narayan:
• A prominent intellectual and reformer from Bihar known for his efforts in education and journalism.
• His work with the Bihar Herald showcased his commitment to the development of the region.
• 19^th Century Indian Journalism:
• During the late 19^th century, newspapers and magazines often served as tools for social reform and freedom struggle.
• Editors like Mahesh Narayan played a critical role in shaping public opinion and promoting regional identity.
• Legacy of Bihar Herald:
• The magazine remains a symbol of Bihar’s intellectual and reformist legacy during the colonial era.
• It is often studied as an example of early Indian journalism and regional advocacy.

The correct answer is Bisleri International and Observer Research Foundation.

In News

• Bisleri International, in collaboration with the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), launched a book on ‘Water Credits Valuation’ at Raisina Dialogue 2025.
• The book, titled "Trading Blue Gold: A Blueprint for Water Credit Valuation in India," aims to extend the water credit framework beyond the beverage sector.

Key Points

• Water Credits are a market-based mechanism promoting sustainable water management.
• Bisleri International has committed to being a water-positive company by replenishing more water than it extracts.
• The book was developed by Bisleri and ORF, with contributions from experts Nilanjan Ghosh and Soumya Bhowmick.
• The study reinforces sustainable water use and aligns with the "Lifestyle for Environment" (LiFE) initiative launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister.

Additional Information

• Water Credits
• Similar to carbon credits, companies can purchase water credits to offset their water consumption.
• Credits are generated through conservation, rainwater harvesting, wastewater treatment, and efficient water use.
• Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd.
• India's leading packaged drinking water brand, established over 54 years ago.
• Operates 128 plants and has a strong distribution network across India and neighboring countries.
• Observer Research Foundation (ORF)
• A leading public policy think tank in India focused on development studies and sustainability.
• Collaborates with institutions to drive policy innovation and environmental research.
• Raisina Dialogue
• An annual conference hosted in India that brings together global policymakers and industry leaders.
• Focuses on addressing key challenges, including water sustainability and environmental conservation.

The correct answer is Satish Prasad Singh.

Key Points

• Satish Prasad Singh served as the Chief Minister of Bihar for only five days in March 1968, making him the shortest-serving Chief Minister of Bihar.
• He was a member of the Indian Congress (Socialist) faction.
• He succeeded Mahamaya Prasad Sinha and was later succeeded by Bhola Paswan Shastri.
• His brief tenure was a result of political instability and frequent changes in government during that period.
• The political scenario in Bihar during the 1960s and 1970s was characterized by coalition governments and fragmented political alliances.

Additional Information

• Chief Minister of Bihar: The Chief Minister is the head of the government in the Indian state of Bihar, responsible for executive decisions and administration.
• Political Instability in Bihar: The state witnessed frequent political instability during the 1960s and 1970s, with short tenures of several Chief Ministers.
• Coalition Politics: Bihar’s political scene during that era was dominated by coalition governments, which often led to fragmented alliances and short-lived administrations.
• Longest-serving Chief Minister: In contrast, Nitish Kumar has been one of the longest-serving Chief Ministers of Bihar, holding office multiple times since 2005.
• Historical Context: The frequent changes in government during the mid-20^th century in Bihar reflected broader challenges in Indian politics, including ideological differences and the emergence of regional parties.

The correct answer is 10,000 rupees.

In News

• Under the ‘Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana’ in Bihar, each selected woman will receive 10,000 rupees as financial assistance.

Key Points

• The scheme will provide financial assistance to one woman from every family in Bihar to start her own occupation.
• The first instalment of 10,000 rupees will be provided to each selected woman for initiating her employment activity.
• In the next phase, up to 2 lakh rupees may be provided to the selected beneficiary after a six-month assessment.
• Local markets or haat bazaars will be developed for the sale of products made by women under the scheme.

Additional Information

• Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana
• A scheme by the Bihar government aimed at providing employment opportunities and financial support for women.
• Bihar Government
• Under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, the Bihar government is focusing on women’s empowerment and job creation.

The correct answer is Harmanpreet Singh

In News

• Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports announced the National Sports Awards 2024.

Key Points

• National Sports Awards 2024 Announced
• Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports announced the National Sports Awards 2024.
• Awardees will receive their awards from the President of India on 17^th January 2025, at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
• Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2024
• Gukesh D (Chess)
• Harmanpreet Singh (Hockey)
• Praveen Kumar (Para-Athletics)
• Manu Bhaker (Shooting)
• Arjuna Awards 2024 (Outstanding performance in sports)
• Athletics: Jyothi Yarraji, Annu Rani
• Boxing: Nitu, Saweety
• Chess: Vantika Agrawal
• Hockey: Salima Tete, Abhishek, Sanjay, Jarmanpreet Singh, Sukhjeet Singh
• Para-Athletics: Rakesh Kumar, Preeti Pal, Jeevanji Deepthi, Ajeet Singh, Sachin Sarjerao Khilari, Dharambir, Pranav Soorma, Hokato Sema, Simran, Navdeep
• Para-Badminton: Nitesh Kumar, Thulasimathi Murugesan, Nithya Sre Sumathy Sivan, Manisha Ramadass
• Para-Judo: Kapil Parmar
• Para-Shooting: Mona Agarwal, Rubina Francis
• Shooting: Swapnil Suresh Kusale, Sarabjot Singh
• Squash: Abhay Singh
• Swimming: Sajan Prakash
• Wrestling: Aman
• Arjuna Award (Lifetime)
• Athletics: Sucha Singh
• Para-Swimming: Murlikant Rajaram Petkar
• Dronacharya Award for Outstanding Coaches
• Regular Category:
• Subhash Rana (Para-Shooting)
• Deepali Deshpande (Shooting)
• Sandeep Sangwan (Hockey)
• Lifetime Category:
• S Muralidharan (Badminton)
• Armando Agnelo Colaco (Football)
• Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar
• Awarded to Physical Education Foundation of India
• Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy 2024
• Overall Winner University: Chandigarh University
• 1^st Runner-Up: Lovely Professional University (PB)
• 2^nd Runner-Up: Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar

The correct answer is Article 324.

Key Points

• Article 324 of the Indian Constitution provides for the establishment of the Election Commission of India.
• This article empowers the Election Commission to supervise, direct, and control the preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of President and Vice-President.
• Article 324 establishes a multi-member Election Commission, with the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners as deemed necessary by the President.
• The Election Commission of India is an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering election processes in India at both the national and state levels.

Additional Information

• Article 280
• It deals with the composition and functions of the Finance Commission.
• The Finance Commission is constituted by the President to recommend the distribution of revenues between the Union and the States.
• Article 264
• It defines the extent of the executive power of the Union and the States.
• This article specifies that the executive power of the Union and States extends to matters with respect to which Parliament and the State Legislature have the power to make laws.
• Article 26
• It deals with the freedom to manage religious affairs.
• This article ensures that every religious denomination or any section thereof shall have the right to establish and maintain institutions for religious and charitable purposes.
• Election Commission of India
• Established on January 25, 1950, the Election Commission of India is responsible for administering election processes in India.
• The Commission ensures that elections are free, fair, and transparent.