Search Previous Year Questions

The correct answer is Reforms.

Key Points

• The Ministry of Defence has declared 2025 as the year of Reforms to streamline and modernize processes within the defense sector.
• This initiative focuses on enhancing efficiency, transparency, and accountability in defense procurement, operations, and management.
• A key objective is the integration of advanced technology and digitization in defense systems to improve operational readiness.
• The reforms aim to strengthen India's defense preparedness by addressing existing challenges in supply chain, indigenous production, and policy frameworks.
• 2025 reforms also align with the broader "Atmanirbhar Bharat" vision, emphasizing self-reliance in defense manufacturing and innovation.

Additional Information

• Defense Procurement Procedure (DPP)
• DPP is a set of guidelines that governs the acquisition process for defense equipment in India.
• It emphasizes transparency, efficiency, and promoting indigenous defense manufacturing.
• Recent updates in DPP focus on fast-tracking acquisitions and encouraging MSMEs in defense production.
• Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO)
• DRDO plays a key role in India's defense reforms by developing cutting-edge technologies for the armed forces.
• It focuses on missiles, combat vehicles, radar systems, and electronic warfare systems.
• Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defense
• This initiative promotes self-reliance by reducing dependency on imports and enhancing domestic manufacturing.
• It includes measures such as indigenization of defense equipment and collaboration with private industries.
• Modernization of Armed Forces
• Modernization efforts include the acquisition of advanced weaponry, upgrading infrastructure, and improving logistics.
• India aims to achieve technological superiority and operational readiness through these reforms.

The correct answer is Option 2: 1 and 2 only.

Key Points

• Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) was launched by the Government of India in 2021 to democratize e-commerce and promote competition in the sector.
• ONDC aims to provide an open-source platform that integrates buyers, sellers, logistics, and payment service providers on a single network.
• The primary goal of ONDC is to reduce monopolistic practices by large e-commerce companies and empower small businesses and retailers.
• The claim that India surpassed China in 2024 in e-retail penetration is incorrect and speculative, as no reliable data supports this assertion.
• ONDC is designed to make e-commerce accessible to all, especially small and medium enterprises, by lowering entry barriers and reducing platform dependency.

Additional Information

• ONDC Overview:
• ONDC is a non-profit initiative under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• It is focused on enabling interoperability and unbundling of various services in e-commerce.
• The platform is expected to foster innovation and create new business opportunities for local sellers and service providers.
• E-commerce in India:
• India's e-commerce market is one of the fastest-growing in the world, driven by increasing internet penetration and digital adoption.
• ONDC seeks to address challenges like high commission fees, restrictive practices, and limited visibility for small sellers.
• Key Features of ONDC:
• ONDC operates on an open network protocol, providing a decentralized framework for e-commerce.
• It allows businesses to join the network without relying on proprietary e-commerce platforms.
• ONDC encourages transparency and fosters competition by eliminating platform-centric biases.
• Global Comparison:
• China has one of the highest e-retail penetration rates globally, and India is steadily growing in this domain but has not surpassed China.
• India’s growth in e-commerce is fueled by initiatives like ONDC and government-backed digital literacy programs.

The correct answer is The school children studying in classes 6-10 in the age group of 10-15 years.

Key Points

• Million Minds Augmenting National Aspirations and Knowledge (MANAK) is a sub-scheme under the flagship programme INSPIRE (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research).
• The MANAK scheme targets school children in classes 6-10, specifically in the age group of 10-15 years.
• Its goal is to inspire and nurture young students by exposing them to the creative and innovative aspects of science and technology.
• Under the scheme, students are encouraged to conceptualize original ideas and innovations that can address societal and environmental challenges.
• The scheme is jointly implemented by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the National Innovation Foundation (NIF) – India.

Additional Information

• INSPIRE Programme:
• INSPIRE stands for Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research.
• It is a flagship programme of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, aimed at attracting talent to study science.
• INSPIRE has five components: Scheme for Early Attraction of Talent (SEATS), Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE), Assured Opportunity for Research Careers (AORC), MANAK, and INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship.
• National Innovation Foundation (NIF):
• NIF is an autonomous body under the DST, established in 2000 to strengthen grassroots technological innovation and outstanding traditional knowledge in India.
• NIF collaborates with various stakeholders to promote innovation and entrepreneurship among students and grassroots innovators.
• Objectives of MANAK:
• To identify and nurture innovative ideas and creativity among young students across India.
• To build a critical mass of innovative children and youth, contributing to India’s knowledge-based economy.
• Selection and Recognition Process:
• Under MANAK, students submit their innovative ideas through their schools, and selected ideas are recognized at district, state, and national levels.
• The best ideas are showcased at the annual National Level Exhibition and Project Competition (NLEPC).

The correct answer is 1, 2, 3, and 4.

Key Points

• The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award is India's highest sporting honor, awarded annually by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
• In 2024, the award was conferred upon Shri Gukesh D (Chess), Shri Harmanpreet Singh (Hockey), Shri Praveen Kumar (Para-Athletics), and Ms. Manu Bhaker (Shooting).
• Shri Gukesh D became the youngest Indian to break into the top 20 of FIDE world rankings, showcasing exceptional chess skills.
• Ms. Manu Bhaker has been a consistent performer in shooting, winning multiple gold medals in international competitions.
• The contributions of these athletes have significantly elevated India’s status in their respective sports disciplines globally.

Additional Information

• Major Dhyan Chand
• Known as the "Hockey Wizard," Major Dhyan Chand was an iconic Indian hockey player who won three Olympic gold medals for India (1928, 1932, 1936).
• The Khel Ratna Award was renamed in his honor in 2021 to celebrate his legacy in Indian sports.
• Eligibility Criteria for Khel Ratna Award
• The award recognizes athletes for their outstanding performance in sports over a period of four years.
• It is open to athletes from all recognized sports disciplines.
• Selection Process
• A committee constituted by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports evaluates the nominees based on their performance and achievements.
• Recommendations are then sent to the President of India for final approval.
• Other Prestigious Sports Awards in India
• Arjuna Award: Recognizes consistent performance in sports.
• Dronacharya Award: Conferred to outstanding coaches.
• Dhyan Chand Award: Honors lifetime contributions to sports.

The correct answer is Shyam Benegal.

Key Points

Shyam Benegal:

• Birth and Death:
• Born: 14 December 1934, Hyderabad
• Died: 23 December 2024, aged 90, at Wockhardt Hospital in Mumbai (due to chronic kidney disease)
• Profession:
• Indian film director, screenwriter, and documentary filmmaker
• Considered a pioneer of parallel cinema
• Widely regarded as one of the greatest filmmakers post-1970s
• Awards and Honours:
• 18 National Film Awards
• 1 Filmfare Award
• 1 Nandi Award
• Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2005) – India's highest cinematic honour
• Padma Shri (1976) – India's fourth-highest civilian honour
• Padma Bhushan (1991) – India's third-highest civilian honour
• V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award (2018)
• Early Life and Career:
• Father: Sridhar B. Benegal, a prominent photographer
• Started career as a copywriter
• First documentary: Gher Betha Ganga (Gujarati, 1962)
• Notable Films:
• Ankur (1973)
• Nishant (1975)
• Manthan (1976)
• Bhumika (1977)
• These established him as a pioneer of the new wave film movement
• Muslim Women Trilogy:
• Mammo (1994)
• Sardari Begum (1996)
• Zubeidaa (2001)
• All won National Film Awards for Best Feature Film in Hindi
• Other Achievements:
• Won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi seven times

The correct answer is Kuwait.  

In News

• His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait conferred upon Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi - The Order of Mubarak Al- Kabeer, the highest national award of Kuwait.

Key Points

• 🏅 Name: Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer
• 🏛️ Country: Kuwait
• 🎖️ Type: Civilian and military decoration
• 🕰️ Established: In honor of Sheikh Mubarak Al-Kabeer Al-Sabah, the 7^th ruler of Kuwait
• 🎖️ Grades:
• Grand Cordon (highest)
• Commander
• Officer (in some variations)
• 🎯 Purpose:
• Awarded to heads of state, royalty, and high-ranking officials
• Recognizes outstanding service to the State of Kuwait or international diplomacy
• 🧑‍🎓 Notable Recipients:
• Foreign dignitaries such as presidents, monarchs, and prime ministers
• High-ranking military and civil officials from both Kuwait and other nations

The correct answer is USA. 

Key Points

• 🦅 Bald Eagle Declared Official National Bird of the U.S.
• Announcement Date: December 25, 2024
• By: President Joe Biden
• Action: Signed a bill officially designating the bald eagle as the national bird of the United States
• Why It Matters: Although long considered a national symbol, it had never been officially codified as the national bird in U.S. law
• 🦅 Background and Symbolism of the Bald Eagle:
• The bald eagle has been a symbol of U.S. strength and freedom for over 240 years
• It appears on the Great Seal of the United States (since 1782)
• The seal includes:
• The bald eagle
• Olive branch (peace)
• Arrows (defense)
• Shield, stars, and the motto “E Pluribus Unum”
• Used in:
• U.S. government documents
• Presidential flag
• Military insignia
• U.S. currency
• 🧬 Facts About the Bald Eagle:
• Scientific Name: Haliaeetus leucocephalus
• Physical Features:
• White head
• Yellow beak
• Brown body
• Native To: North America
• Iconic individual: Uncle Sam, a 25-year-old bald eagle featured in the article photo

The correct answer is Nepal. 

Key Points

• The 18^th edition of the joint military exercise "Surya Kiran" between India and Nepal took place in Saljhandi, Nepal, from December 31, 2024, to January 13, 2025.
• This annual exercise, which alternates between the two countries, focuses on enhancing interoperability in jungle warfare, counter-terrorism operations in mountainous terrain, and humanitarian assistance under the United Nations Charter.
• The 18^th edition involved a 334-strong Indian Army contingent and a contingent from the Nepal Army represented by the Srijung Battalion.

The correct answer is Option:2 1 only.

Key Points

• Moidam, the Mound-Burial system of the Ahom dynasty, was included in the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2014.
• The Government of India has conferred the status of classical language to Tamil, Sanskrit, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, and Odia.
• Recently, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved to confer the status of Classical Language to Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali languages.
• Maithili is not designated as classical languages.
• Project PARI (Project Appraisal and Review for Infrastructure) is not an initiative of the Ministry of Education but is associated with other sectors such as infrastructure development.
• Since statement 1 is correct, and statements 2 and 3 are incorrect, the only correct statement is Option 2, which is 1 only as per the options provided.

Additional Information

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
• UNESCO recognizes sites of cultural or natural significance under its World Heritage program.
• India has several World Heritage sites, including the Taj Mahal, Red Fort, and Kaziranga National Park.
• The nomination process involves a tentative list, followed by detailed documentation for final consideration.
• Classical Languages of India:
• Criteria for classical language status include antiquity (1500-2000 years), a rich literary tradition, and independent traditions.
• Currently, six languages have been granted classical status in India.
• Ahom Dynasty:
• The Ahom dynasty ruled Assam for nearly 600 years (1228–1826).
• The Moidam burial system is a distinct cultural practice of the Ahoms.
• Project PARI:
• Project PARI is often associated with infrastructure and not educational initiatives.
• Its goal is to streamline project review and appraisal processes in various sectors.

The correct answer is PSLV C57 - DS-SAR.

Key Points

• PSLV C57 was launched by ISRO to deploy the DS-SAR satellite, a synthetic aperture radar satellite developed collaboratively by Singapore and Israel.
• DS-SAR is not associated with the Indian Space Research Organization's (ISRO) primary mission portfolio as ISRO frequently launches satellites for various nations.
• PSLV C57 was intended for commercial purposes under ISRO's commercial arm, Antrix Corporation or NSIL (NewSpace India Limited).
• The matching of PSLV C57 with DS-SAR is incorrect in terms of ISRO's internal mission objectives.
• PSLV missions are frequently utilized for launching both domestic and international satellites, showcasing ISRO's global satellite launch capabilities.

Additional Information

• PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle)
• PSLV is a third-generation launch vehicle developed by ISRO, known for its versatility and reliability in satellite deployment.
• It is capable of launching satellites into various orbits, such as polar, geostationary transfer, and low Earth orbit.
• PSLV has been used for notable missions like Chandrayaan-1 and Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan).
• SPADEX (Space Docking Experiment)
• SPADEX is an experimental project aimed at developing technologies for autonomous docking in space.
• It supports future human spaceflight missions and space station development by ISRO.
• Proba-3 Mission
• Proba-3 is a European Space Agency (ESA) mission for precise formation flying and solar corona observation.
• It involves two spacecraft flying in tandem to create a solar eclipse for scientific study.
• XPoSat (X-ray Polarimeter Satellite)
• XPoSat is an ISRO mission dedicated to studying cosmic X-ray sources and their polarization properties.
• It aims to provide insights into the extreme environments of the universe, such as neutron stars and black holes.