Search Previous Year Questions

The correct answer is Anju Bobby George.

Key Points

• In December 2021, Anju Bobby George was honored with the 'Woman of the Year Award' by World Athletics.
• The award recognized her efforts in grooming young talent and encouraging Indian girls to take up sports.
• Anju Bobby George is India’s legendary long jumper and the first Indian athlete to win a medal at the World Athletics Championships.
• She has been a vocal advocate for gender equality in sports and has worked tirelessly to break barriers for women athletes in India.
• Her grassroots-level work through the Anju Bobby George Foundation has helped in identifying and nurturing promising young athletes.

Additional Information

• World Athletics:
• World Athletics is the international governing body for the sport of athletics, including track and field, cross country, road running, race walking, and mountain running.
• Established in 1912, it is headquartered in Monaco and works to promote athletics worldwide.
• The organization annually recognizes exceptional contributions to athletics through awards such as 'Athlete of the Year' and 'Woman of the Year'.
• Anju Bobby George’s Achievements:
• Anju won a bronze medal in the long jump at the 2003 World Athletics Championships, making her the first Indian athlete to achieve this feat.
• She was also awarded the prestigious Arjuna Award in 2002 and the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna in 2003.
• Her personal best in the long jump is 6.83 meters, achieved at the Athens Olympics in 2004.
• Gender Equality in Sports:
• Gender equality in sports refers to equal access, participation, and representation of women in athletic activities and leadership positions.
• Efforts like Anju Bobby George’s grassroots initiatives ensure that girls from underprivileged backgrounds get opportunities to pursue sports.
• Promoting gender equality in sports also involves addressing issues such as pay disparity, media representation, and access to facilities.
• Indian Women in Athletics:
• Indian women athletes like PT Usha, Mary Kom, and Hima Das have made significant contributions to global sports.
• India has witnessed a gradual rise in female participation in athletics, supported by government schemes like Khelo India.
• Grassroots-level programs and foundations by athletes like Anju Bobby George play a key role in nurturing future talent.

The correct answer is Rukmini Devi Arundale.

Key Points

• Rukmini Devi Arundale was the first recipient of the Kalidas Samman in the field of classical dance, awarded by the Madhya Pradesh government.
• The Kalidas Samman is one of India's prestigious arts awards, established in 1980, to honor exceptional contributions in the fields of arts, music, dance, and theater.
• Rukmini Devi Arundale is celebrated for her groundbreaking efforts in reviving and popularizing Bharatanatyam, transforming it into a globally recognized art form.
• She is regarded as one of the most prominent figures in Indian classical dance and was instrumental in redefining Bharatanatyam as a respectable and refined performance art.
• Her contributions extended beyond dance, as she was also deeply involved in animal welfare and education, earning her widespread recognition and respect.

Additional Information

• Kalidas Samman:
• Named after the legendary Sanskrit poet Kalidas, the award is presented annually by the government of Madhya Pradesh.
• The Samman recognizes outstanding achievements in literature, classical music, classical dance, and visual arts.
• Recipients are selected for their exceptional contributions and dedication to enriching India's cultural heritage.
• Rukmini Devi Arundale:
• Born on February 29, 1904, in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, she is one of the pioneering figures of Indian classical dance.
• She was the first woman to perform Bharatanatyam on stage, breaking societal taboos associated with the dance form at the time.
• She founded the Kalakshetra Foundation in Chennai, which became a premier institution for the study and practice of Bharatanatyam.
• Bharatanatyam:
• One of the oldest classical dance forms of India, originating in Tamil Nadu.
• It is deeply rooted in Hindu religious themes and often portrays stories from epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
• The dance is characterized by intricate footwork, hand gestures (mudras), and expressive facial movements.
• Other Recipients of Kalidas Samman:
• Prominent artists such as Ustad Amjad Ali Khan (Sarod), Pandit Birju Maharaj (Kathak), and Bhimsen Joshi (Hindustani Classical Music) have also been honored.
• The award carries a cash prize along with a citation and a plaque.

The correct answer is Chausa.

Key Points

• Sher Shah Suri defeated the Mughal emperor Humayun in the Battle of Chausa, fought in June 1539.
• The battle took place near the town of Chausa, which is located in present-day Bihar, India.
• Sher Shah declared himself the ruler of India after this victory and adopted the title "Sher Shah".
• The battle resulted in a decisive defeat for Humayun, who narrowly escaped with his life by crossing the Ganges River.
• This battle marked the beginning of Sher Shah Suri's rise to power and the temporary end of the Mughal Empire's dominance in India.

Additional Information

• Sher Shah Suri (1486–1545):
• Sher Shah, originally named Farid Khan, was an Afghan ruler who founded the Sur Empire in North India.
• He is best known for administrative reforms, including the introduction of the "Rupiya", the precursor to the modern Indian Rupee.
• He also built the famous Grand Trunk Road, which facilitated trade and communication in India.
• Humayun (1508–1556):
• Humayun was the second Mughal emperor of India and the son of Babur, the founder of the Mughal dynasty.
• After his defeat at Chausa and later at Kannauj, he fled to Persia, where he sought refuge.
• He eventually regained the throne of Delhi in 1555 with Persian support, shortly before his death.
• Battle of Kannauj (1540):
• Following the Battle of Chausa, Sher Shah Suri defeated Humayun again at the Battle of Kannauj (also known as the Battle of Bilgram) in 1540.
• This battle solidified Sher Shah's control over North India and marked the end of Humayun’s rule until his return in 1555.
• Legacy of Sher Shah Suri:
• His reign is remembered for its efficient administration, development of infrastructure, and revenue reforms.
• Sher Shah's policies greatly influenced the later Mughal rulers, including Akbar.

The correct answer is New Delhi.

Key Points

• The 51^st Conference of Governors and Lieutenant Governors was held in New Delhi.
• The conference serves as a platform for discussing policy implementation and coordination between the central and state governments.
• Presided over by the President of India, it includes Governors and Lieutenant Governors from all states and union territories.
• Key topics of discussion in such conferences typically include education, health, skill development, and other national priorities.
• These conferences promote cooperative federalism, ensuring alignment between the central and state policies.

Additional Information

• Role of Governors in India:
• The Governor is the constitutional head of a state, functioning under the advice of the Chief Minister and the Council of Ministers.
• They play a crucial role in approving bills, appointing the Chief Minister, and ensuring the state functions within constitutional limits.
• Lieutenant Governors:
• Lieutenant Governors are appointed for Union Territories and have a role similar to Governors in states.
• For example, Delhi and Puducherry have Lieutenant Governors with powers defined under their respective legislative frameworks.
• Conference of Governors:
• The first Conference of Governors was held in 1949.
• It is an annual event aimed at discussing developmental priorities, governance challenges, and innovative practices.
• Cooperative Federalism:
• Cooperative federalism involves close collaboration between the Union and State governments to achieve developmental goals.
• It is a cornerstone of India's governance framework, ensuring smooth policy implementation across all levels.

The correct answer is Lakshadweep.

Key Points

• 'Attolu Eidu', also known as the Island Festival, is an important cultural celebration in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep.
• The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and signifies the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the islanders.
• It features traditional music, dance, and community gatherings, highlighting the distinct ethnic identity of the local communities.
• The event also includes sports activities, boat races, and a display of Lakshadweep’s unique arts and crafts.
• 'Attolu Eidu' serves as an avenue to promote tourism and create awareness about the pristine beauty and vibrant culture of Lakshadweep.

Additional Information

• Geography of Lakshadweep
• Lakshadweep is India’s smallest Union Territory, consisting of 36 islands, of which only 10 are inhabited.
• It is located in the Arabian Sea, off the southwestern coast of India, and is known for its coral atolls and lagoons.
• Culture of Lakshadweep
• The culture of Lakshadweep is heavily influenced by Islam, as the majority of the population are Muslims.
• Traditional art forms like Kolam, Parichakali, and Lava dances are integral to the island’s cultural identity.
• Tourism in Lakshadweep
• The islands are famous for their scenic beauty, coral reefs, and marine biodiversity.
• Popular tourist attractions include Bangaram Island, Agatti Island, and Kalpeni Island.
• Economy of Lakshadweep
• The economy is primarily based on fishing, coconut cultivation, and coir making.
• Tourism is an emerging sector, contributing significantly to the local economy.

The correct answer is To encourage poor women to save.

Key Points

• The thrift-and-credit society initiated in 1995 was aimed at promoting the financial independence of poor women.
• Its primary objective was to encourage women to save and create a habit of disciplined financial management.
• The scheme was designed to empower women economically by providing them access to savings and credit facilities.
• Such initiatives played a crucial role in improving the socio-economic status of women in marginalized communities.
• It also aimed to reduce financial dependency on informal moneylenders who often charged exploitative interest rates.

Additional Information

• Thrift-and-Credit Societies
• These are cooperative organizations aimed at promoting savings among members and providing loans at reasonable interest rates.
• They are often targeted at underprivileged groups, including women, to help them achieve financial independence.
• Such societies operate on the principle of mutual help and self-reliance.
• Importance of Women’s Savings Groups
• Women’s savings groups are essential for fostering financial inclusion in rural and low-income areas.
• These groups provide a platform for women to pool resources and access small loans for entrepreneurial activities.
• They have been instrumental in reducing poverty and enhancing the decision-making power of women in households.
• Challenges Faced by Women in Accessing Financial Resources
• Many women face barriers such as lack of collateral, limited financial literacy, and patriarchal norms.
• Programs like thrift-and-credit societies address these barriers by focusing on collective strength and trust.
• Impact of Financial Empowerment on Women
• Financial empowerment leads to improved education, healthcare, and overall quality of life for families.
• It also boosts women’s participation in local governance and community development.

The correct answer is November 2021.

Key Points

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the RBI Retail Direct Scheme and Reserve Bank-Integrated Ombudsman Scheme on November 12, 2021.
• The RBI Retail Direct Scheme allows retail investors to invest directly in government securities (G-Secs) via an online platform.
• The Reserve Bank-Integrated Ombudsman Scheme aims to enhance grievance redressal mechanisms by integrating three existing ombudsman schemes related to banking, NBFCs, and digital payments.
• Both initiatives aim to improve access to financial markets and ensure customer-centric services in the financial ecosystem.
• The launch event was conducted virtually, with PM Modi emphasizing the government's commitment to financial inclusion and empowerment.

Additional Information

• RBI Retail Direct Scheme:
• This scheme enables retail investors to open a Gilt Securities Account with the RBI, called "Retail Direct Gilt (RDG) Account."
• It provides direct access to the government securities market, which was earlier dominated by institutional players.
• Investors can buy, sell, and hold government securities such as Treasury Bills and Sovereign Gold Bonds.
• The platform is user-friendly, with no fees charged for opening or maintaining the RDG account.
• Reserve Bank-Integrated Ombudsman Scheme:
• This scheme integrates the Banking Ombudsman Scheme (2006), Ombudsman Scheme for NBFCs (2018), and Ombudsman Scheme for Digital Transactions (2019).
• It follows the "One Nation-One Ombudsman" approach, making it easier for customers to file complaints.
• Complaints are managed through a centralized grievance redressal system, accessible via email, portal, or phone.
• The scheme simplifies processes by eliminating jurisdictional constraints and providing a single point of reference for dispute resolution.
• Government Securities (G-Secs):
• G-Secs are debt instruments issued by the government to borrow money from the public.
• They include Treasury Bills (short-term) and Government Bonds (long-term).
• These are considered risk-free investments since they are backed by the government.
• Financial Inclusion:
• It refers to providing affordable financial services to all sections of society, particularly the underprivileged.
• Initiatives like the RBI Retail Direct Scheme and Jan Dhan Yojana aim to enhance financial inclusion.

The correct answer is Jagananna Amma Vodi.

Key Points

• Jagananna Amma Vodi is a flagship welfare scheme introduced by the Andhra Pradesh government under the leadership of Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.
• It provides financial assistance of ₹15,000 per annum to mothers or recognized guardians belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) households.
• The scheme is applicable irrespective of the number of children in the family, provided they are studying between Class I to XII in recognized institutions.
• Its primary aim is to promote education by reducing the financial burden on families and ensuring children attend school regularly.
• The financial assistance is directly transferred to the beneficiaries' bank accounts to maintain transparency and accountability.

Additional Information

• Jagananna Vidya Deevana: A related scheme that covers full tuition fees for students belonging to BPL families pursuing higher education.
• Jagananna Vasathi Deevana: Provides financial aid for hostel and mess charges to students pursuing higher education.
• Jagananna Gorumudda: A mid-day meal scheme ensuring nutritious food for school-going children in Andhra Pradesh.
• Education Initiatives in Andhra Pradesh: The government is focused on improving literacy rates through welfare schemes, infrastructure development, and teacher training programs.
• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Most welfare schemes, including Jagananna Amma Vodi, utilize DBT to ensure funds directly reach beneficiaries without intermediaries.

The correct answer is Meghalaya.

Key Points

• According to the Census of India 2011, Meghalaya recorded the highest percentage of decadal growth in population among all Indian states.
• The decadal growth rate of Meghalaya was approximately 27.82%, significantly higher compared to other states.
• Meghalaya is predominantly a tribal state, with the majority of its population belonging to indigenous communities like the Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia tribes.
• The state’s population growth has been attributed to factors such as high fertility rates and improvement in healthcare facilities, which have reduced mortality rates.
• Despite its high growth rate, Meghalaya has a relatively small population when compared to other states, with a total population of 2,964,007 as per the 2011 Census.

Additional Information

• Decadal Growth Rate:
• It refers to the percentage change in the population of a specific area over a decade.
• This metric is commonly used in Census reports to assess population trends and growth dynamics.
• India Census 2011:
• The 2011 Census was the 15^th Census conducted in India, providing comprehensive demographic, economic, and social data.
• India’s total population as per the 2011 Census was 1.21 billion.
• Other States with High Decadal Growth:
• States like Bihar and Jharkhand also recorded high population growth rates, but they were lower than Meghalaya's rate.
• Bihar had a decadal growth rate of 25.42%, and Jharkhand had 22.34% as per the 2011 Census.
• Population Composition in Meghalaya:
• Meghalaya is a predominantly tribal state, with over 86% of its population classified as Scheduled Tribes.
• The state is known for its rich cultural heritage, which plays a significant role in shaping its demographic trends.

The correct answer is Vitamin C.

Key Points

• Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits are rich in Vitamin C, which is essential for maintaining healthy skin, blood vessels, and bones.
• Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
• It plays a crucial role in collagen synthesis, which is vital for wound healing and skin elasticity.
• Vitamin C enhances iron absorption from plant-based foods, making it essential for preventing anemia in individuals with iron-deficient diets.
• It also supports the immune system by promoting the production of white blood cells and improving their function in fighting infections.

Additional Information

• Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
• It is a water-soluble vitamin that is not stored in the body, requiring daily intake through diet or supplements.
• A deficiency in Vitamin C can lead to scurvy, characterized by gum bleeding, joint pain, and fatigue.
• The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for Vitamin C is 90 mg for men and 75 mg for women, according to the National Institutes of Health.
• Major dietary sources of Vitamin C include citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, bell peppers, broccoli, and tomatoes.
• Antioxidants
• Antioxidants are molecules that prevent oxidative damage to cells caused by free radicals.
• Common antioxidants include Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and beta-carotene.
• They are crucial in reducing the risk of chronic diseases like cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders.
• Collagen
• Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and is essential for skin, bone, and connective tissue health.
• Vitamin C is indispensable for the production of collagen, as it helps convert proline into hydroxyproline, a key amino acid in collagen structure.
• Immunity Support
• Vitamin C boosts immunity by increasing the activity of phagocytes, which are cells that engulf harmful pathogens.
• It also promotes the production of lymphocytes, which are critical for adaptive immunity.