Search Previous Year Questions

The correct answer is option 1.

Key Points

• The Panchayat Raj System in India is a three-tier system of local self-government that operates at the village, block, and district levels. Hence, option 1 is correct.
• Village Level - Gram Panchayat:
• The Gram Panchayat is the lowest level of governance and deals with local issues in rural areas.
• It functions to implement welfare programs, address community concerns, and manage local resources.
• Block Level - Panchayat Samiti:
• The Panchayat Samiti is the intermediary level between the village and district.
• It coordinates the work of multiple Gram Panchayats within a given block and manages resources at a larger scale.
• District Level - Zila Parishad:
• The Zila Parishad operates at the highest level in the Panchayat Raj structure.
• It supervises and coordinates the functioning of Panchayat Samitis and Gram Panchayats at the district level.
• It also handles district-wide policies, developmental programs, and resources.

The correct answer is option 2

Key Points

• Susima (Associated with Chandragupta Maurya)
• Susima was the grandson of Chandragupta Maurya and was initially in line to inherit the throne of the Maurya Empire.
• However, after Chandragupta's abdication in favor of his son Bindusara, Susima was involved in a power struggle and was eventually killed.
• Sanchi 
• While Sanchi is famous for its stupas, particularly the Great Stupa (Stupa No. 1), it is primarily associated with Ashoka, the grandson of Chandragupta Maurya. Ashoka commissioned the construction of the original stupa at Sanchi during his reign.
• Chandragupta Maurya himself is not directly linked to Sanchi, as there is no historical evidence of his involvement in its construction or significance.
• Thus, Sanchi is not associated with Chandragupta Maurya,option 2 is correct.
• Junagadh inscription The Junagadh inscription is from the time of Rudradaman, the Western Kshatrapa ruler (ruler of the western Indian region) who reigned around 150 CE, several centuries after Chandragupta Maurya (who ruled from c. 321–297 BCE).
• This inscription refers to Rudradaman's achievements and his restoration of the Sudarshan Lake, but it is not linked to the Mauryan dynasty or Chandragupta. Vishnugupta (Associated with Chandragupta Maurya)
• Vishnugupta is believed to be another name for Chanakya, the renowned scholar and strategist who helped Chandragupta Maurya establish the Mauryan Empire.
• Chanakya is often credited with the success of Chandragupta's rise to power and his governance principles, which are encapsulated in the text, the Arthashastra.

The correct answer is option 4 

Key Points

• The 33^rd Olympic Games were held in Paris, France, from July 26 to August 11, 2024. The Olympic program included 32 sports, but Cricket was not one of them.
• Other sports like Triathlon, Modern Pentathlon, and Fencing remained part of the Olympics. Hence, option 4 is correct.

The correct answer is option 1 

Key Points

• The Indian Mirror was a nationalist newspaper that actively supported the Indian National Congress and the freedom movement.
• It recognized the INC as the foundation for a future Indian Parliament and highlighted its potential to bring great benefits to the country.
• The newspaper played a crucial role in shaping public opinion in favor of self-governance and democratic institutions. Hence, option 1 is correct.
• The Indian Mirror:
• Founded by: Devendranath Tagore
• Published from: Calcutta (now Kolkata)
• Political Alignment: Strongly supported Indian nationalism and the Indian National Congress (INC)
• Main Focus:
• Advocated for constitutional and political reforms
• Promoted self-governance and democracy in India
• Provided extensive coverage of INC sessions and policies
• Context of the Quote:
• The statement was made in the late 19^th century, when the Indian National Congress (INC) was emerging as the main political platform for Indians.
• The Indian Mirror believed that INC would eventually evolve into a full-fledged Parliament, governing India in the future.
• This was a visionary statement, as INC indeed played a crucial role in India’s independence and later became the dominant political party after 1947.

Additional Information 

• The New York Times – Reported on Indian affairs but did not express such strong support for the INC at that time.
• The Times of India – Though it covered political developments, it was largely British-owned during that period and did not openly support INC in such a manner.

The correct answer is option 3.

Key Point

• The Anopheles mosquito is best known for transmitting Malaria, but it is also a vector for other diseases:
• Malaria: Caused by Plasmodium parasites and exclusively transmitted by female Anopheles mosquitoes.
• Lymphatic Filariasis (Elephantiasis):
• Caused by Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, and Brugia timori.
• Anopheles mosquitoes can transmit this disease in certain regions, although Culex and Aedes mosquitoes are also known vectors.
• Encephalitis (Some Forms):
• Culex mosquitoes are the primary vectors for Japanese Encephalitis (JE) and West Nile Virus, but in some areas, Anopheles mosquitoes can also act as secondary vectors. Hence, option 3 is correct.

The correct answer is option 2.

Key Points

• Gobi: Mongolia
• Gobi Desert is located primarily in Mongolia (with parts extending into China).
• It is one of the largest deserts in Asia and is known for its cold desert climate.
• Correct match: Gobi Desert is in Mongolia, so this is a valid pair.
• Kalahari: America
• Kalahari Desert is located in Southern Africa, primarily spanning Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa.
• America has no connection to the Kalahari Desert, making this an incorrect pairing.
• Odd Pair: This is the odd pair because Kalahari is in Africa, not in America. Hence, option 2 is correct.
• Thar: India
• Thar Desert is located in the northwestern part of India, particularly in Rajasthan, and extends into Pakistan.
• Correct match: The Thar Desert is mainly in India, so this is a valid pair.
• Sahara: Africa
• Sahara Desert is located in North Africa, stretching across many countries, including Algeria, Egypt, and Sudan.
• Correct match: The Sahara is in Africa, so this is a valid pair.

The correct answer is option 2.

Key Points

• The Permanent Settlement in Bengal was introduced by Lord Cornwallis in 1793. Hence, option 2 is correct.
• Lord Cornwallis was the Governor-General of India from 1786 to 1793.
• The Permanent Settlement was a land revenue system established in Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, and parts of UP under British colonial rule.
• The system was designed to fix land revenue payments permanently, which meant that zamindars (landowners) were responsible for collecting and paying the revenue to the British government.
• Main Features of the Permanent Settlement:
• Fixed Revenue: The amount of revenue to be paid to the British government was fixed at a certain level, which was expected to be paid every year, irrespective of crop yields.
• Zamindar's Role: Zamindars were made the owners of the land (but the actual ownership was vested in the state), and they had the responsibility to collect taxes from the peasants.
• Hereditary Rights: The zamindars had the right to pass on their lands and rights to their heirs.
• Impact of the Permanent Settlement:
• It led to the exploitation of peasants as zamindars often imposed high rents on them.
• The system contributed to the decline of agriculture and increased the vulnerability of peasants, as they had to pay high taxes regardless of agricultural output.

The correct answer is option 4.

Key Points

• The incident of throwing harmless bombs in the Central Legislative Assembly occurred on April 8, 1929, in Delhi as part of a protest against British colonial rule.
• Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt were the individuals involved in throwing the bombs in the Central Legislative Assembly. Hence, option 4 is correct.
• Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt threw bombs in the assembly to protest against the oppressive laws and to gain attention for their cause.
• The bombs were deliberately harmless and meant to make a loud noise to disrupt the proceedings and make a political statement, not to harm anyone.
• Jatin Das was not involved in this specific act of throwing bombs. He is remembered for his role in the hunger strike in prison (1930), during which he died, protesting the treatment of political prisoners.

The correct answer is option 4.

Key Points

• Blood group of an individual is determined by the presence of specific antigens on the surface of red blood cells (RBCs). Specifically, it depends on two main systems:
• ABO Blood Group System:
• Blood groups (A, B, AB, and O) are determined by the presence or absence of A and B antigens on the surface of RBCs.
• Type A has A antigens, type B has B antigens, type AB has both A and B antigens, and type O has neither A nor B antigens.
• Rh Factor:
• The Rh factor (positive or negative) is determined by the presence of the Rh antigen (D antigen) on RBCs.
• If the Rh antigen is present, the blood type is Rh-positive (e.g., A+, B+), and if absent, it is Rh-negative (e.g., A-, B-).
• Thus, blood group is determined by the specific antigens on RBCs, not by haemoglobin, the combination of WBC and RBC, or the shape of RBCs. Hence, option 4 is correct.

The correct answer is option 4.

Key Points

• NNP at Factor Cost:
• NNP (Net National Product) at Factor Cost represents the real earnings of factors of production (land, labor, capital, and entrepreneurship) within a country.
• It excludes depreciation (capital consumption) and indirect taxes/subsidies to reflect the actual income received by factors of production.
• NNP at Factor Cost = National Income
• Breakdown of Economic Terms:
• Gross National Product (GNP) at Market Price:
• GNP at MP = Total value of goods & services produced by a country's citizens (including abroad) at market prices.
• It includes indirect taxes and excludes subsidies.
• Net National Product (NNP) at Market Price:
• NNP at MP = GNP at MP - Depreciation
• This accounts for the wear and tear of capital assets.
• NNP at Factor Cost (or National Income):
• NNP at Factor Cost = NNP at Market Price - Net Indirect Taxes
• This removes the impact of indirect taxes and subsidies to reflect the actual income earned by the people.
• It is also called "National Income." Hence, option 4 is correct.