Search Previous Year Questions

The correct answer is 1 October.

Key Points

• The National Pension System Diwas (NPS Diwas) is observed on 1 October every year.
• This day is celebrated as part of the 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' initiative, which marks 75 years of India's independence.
• The aim of NPS Diwas is to promote financial security and raise awareness about the benefits of the National Pension System in ensuring a secure future for citizens.
• The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) organizes events and campaigns to educate people about the importance of retirement planning.
• The National Pension System (NPS) is a voluntary retirement savings scheme launched by the Government of India in 2004.
• NPS is open to all citizens of India, with a focus on encouraging individuals to save for their retirement through systematic contributions.
• The scheme provides tax benefits under Section 80C and 80CCD of the Income Tax Act, making it financially attractive for contributors.

Additional Information

• 1 September
• This date is significant in the context of other events, but it is not the date on which National Pension System Diwas is observed.
• 10 October
• While 10 October is an important date for other celebrations or observances, it does not relate to the context of NPS Diwas.
• 10 September
• 10 September is not connected to the NPS Diwas but could be relevant for other national or international observances.
• Other Key Points
• The National Pension System is regulated by the PFRDA and is available to employees of both the public and private sectors.
• The NPS Trust oversees the operations of the scheme to ensure transparency and efficient management of funds.
• The scheme allows contributors to invest in a mix of equity, corporate bonds, and government securities, offering flexibility and growth potential.

The Correct answer is Tamil Nadu.

Key Points

• Kalpakkam Nuclear Power Plant, also known as the Madras Atomic Power Station (MAPS), is located in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, India.
• It is one of the first indigenously developed nuclear power plants in India.
• The nuclear power plant is operated by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL).
• Kalpakkam is located approximately 70 kilometers south of Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu.
• The plant houses two Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), each with a capacity of 220 MW.
• It is part of India's nuclear power program aimed at reducing dependence on fossil fuels and promoting the use of clean energy.
• Kalpakkam is also home to the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), which focuses on advanced nuclear research and development.
• The Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) at Kalpakkam is a significant development in nuclear technology, demonstrating India's capabilities in the field.

Additional Information

• Gujarat
• Gujarat is home to the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS), which is located near Surat.
• The Kakrapar plant uses Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) and contributes significantly to India's nuclear power generation.
• Rajasthan
• Rajasthan houses the Rajasthan Atomic Power Station (RAPS), located at Rawatbhata near Kota.
• It was the first nuclear power station in India, built in collaboration with Canada.
• Uttar Pradesh
• Uttar Pradesh has the Narora Atomic Power Station (NAPS), located in the Bulandshahr district.
• It operates two 220 MW PHWRs and plays a key role in the northern electricity grid.

The Correct answer is 2011.

Key Points

• India reported its last case of polio on 13 January 2011, from the Howrah district in the state of West Bengal.
• This achievement marked a significant milestone in India’s public health history, as the country was once considered the epicenter of global polio cases.
• Polio, also known as poliomyelitis, is a highly infectious disease caused by the poliovirus that primarily affects children under the age of five.
• India was declared polio-free by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 27 March 2014, after not reporting any new cases for three consecutive years.
• This success was the result of massive vaccination campaigns under the Pulse Polio Immunization Program, which began in 1995.
• The program ensured that every child received oral polio vaccines (OPV), regardless of their geographic location, with special focus on high-risk areas.
• India’s fight against polio involved the efforts of the government, WHO, UNICEF, Rotary International, and other partners, as well as the active participation of the public.
• Regular surveillance to detect any cases of acute flaccid paralysis (a symptom of polio) and improved sanitation also contributed to this success.

Additional Information

• 2012
• Although India did not report a single polio case in 2012, this year marked the second anniversary of zero polio cases in the country.
• WHO removed India from the list of polio-endemic countries in February 2012.
• 2013
• By 2013, India had entered its third year without any new polio cases, paving the way for its polio-free certification by WHO in early 2014.
• 2014
• 2014 is significant as the year when India was officially declared polio-free by WHO.
• It highlighted the culmination of years of consistent efforts in vaccination, surveillance, and public awareness.

The Correct answer is India has an elected head of the state.

Key Points

• The term Republic signifies that the head of the state is not a hereditary monarch but is instead elected by the people or their representatives.
• India’s head of state is the President, who is elected indirectly by an electoral college comprising members of Parliament and the Legislative Assemblies of States and Union territories.
• This system ensures that the highest office in the country is attained through a democratic process, reinforcing India's status as a Republic.
• The election of the President of India is governed by Article 52 to 62 of the Indian Constitution.
• In a Republic, sovereignty lies with the people and their elected representatives, which aligns with the democratic ideals enshrined in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution.
• The concept of a Republic also promotes equality among citizens, as all individuals are equally eligible to hold public offices, including the position of the head of state.

Additional Information

• India has an elected Parliament
• While an elected Parliament is essential in a democratic system, it alone does not define a Republic. A Republic specifically refers to having an elected head of the state.
• India has an independent and impartial judiciary
• An independent judiciary is crucial for upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice, but it is not a defining characteristic of a Republic.
• India’s judiciary operates under the framework of the Constitution, particularly under Articles 124 to 147 for the Supreme Court and Articles 214 to 231 for High Courts.
• India has an elected head of the government
• The head of the government in India is the Prime Minister, who is the leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha (lower house of Parliament).
• However, the concept of a Republic specifically pertains to the head of the state, not the head of the government.

The Correct answer is Green Revolution.

Key Points

• The Green Revolution refers to the period when agriculture was transformed globally and particularly in developing countries through the adoption of modern tools, techniques, and practices.
• It primarily involved the introduction of High Yield Variety (HYV) seeds, which significantly increased crop productivity.
• Modern irrigation techniques like sprinkler systems and the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides were key components of the Green Revolution.
• The Green Revolution began in the 1960s and was spearheaded by agricultural scientists like Norman Borlaug, who is known as the "Father of the Green Revolution".
• In India, the Green Revolution was introduced during the Third Five-Year Plan (1961-66) and was led by M.S. Swaminathan, referred to as the "Father of the Green Revolution in India".
• It focused primarily on crops like wheat and rice, leading to surplus production and reducing dependence on imports.
• The Green Revolution helped countries achieve food security, significantly reducing the risk of famines in developing nations.
• However, it also led to challenges such as environmental degradation, soil health deterioration due to excessive use of chemicals, and loss of biodiversity.

Additional Information

• Green Technology
• Green technology refers to environmentally friendly technologies designed to reduce carbon footprints and promote sustainable practices.
• Examples include renewable energy sources like solar power, wind energy, and biofuels.
• It is not directly related to agricultural productivity but focuses on tackling environmental challenges.
• Food Revolution
• The term Food Revolution is generally used to describe movements aimed at improving food systems, promoting healthy diets, or transforming food practices globally.
• It is not specific to the use of modern tools and techniques in agriculture.
• Agricultural Technology
• Agricultural technology refers to the application of technological innovations in agriculture, such as machinery, robotics, and AI.
• While it overlaps with the Green Revolution, it is a broader term encompassing modern practices like precision farming, drone usage, and genetic engineering.

The Correct answer is Neeraj Chopra.

Key Points

• Neeraj Chopra, an Indian javelin thrower, was nominated for the prestigious 2022 Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award.
• The nomination came after his historic achievement of winning a gold medal in the javelin throw event at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
• Chopra became the first Indian athlete to win an Olympic gold medal in athletics, making him a national hero.
• The Laureus Awards are globally recognized as one of the highest honors in sports, celebrating outstanding achievements and contributions.
• Neeraj Chopra's Olympic victory was not only a personal milestone but also a significant moment for Indian sports history, inspiring countless young athletes.
• He was nominated alongside other global stars such as Daniil Medvedev, a Russian tennis player, and Pedri, a Spanish footballer.
• Neeraj Chopra's consistent performance has earned him accolades, including the Padma Shri and the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award.
• His nomination for the Laureus Award highlights his growing recognition on the international sports stage.

Additional Information

• Mithali Raj
• Mithali Raj is an Indian cricketer and one of the greatest female cricketers in history.
• She is the highest run-scorer in women's international cricket across all formats.
• Mithali led the Indian women's cricket team to the finals of the 2017 ICC Women's World Cup.
• She has received several accolades, including the Arjuna Award and the Padma Shri.
• PV Sindhu
• PV Sindhu is an Indian badminton player and an Olympic medalist.
• She won a silver medal in the 2016 Rio Olympics and a bronze medal in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
• Sindhu became the first Indian woman to win a gold medal at the BWF World Championships.
• She has received prestigious awards like the Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, and the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award.
• Manpreet Singh
• Manpreet Singh is an Indian hockey player and the captain of the Indian men's hockey team.
• Under his leadership, India won a bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, ending a 41-year Olympic medal drought in hockey.
• He has been honored with the Padma Shri and the Arjuna Award.

The Correct answer is Sat Jan 16 2021.

Key Points

• India launched the world’s largest vaccination drive on January 16, 2021, to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The drive marked a significant milestone in the global fight against the Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2).
• Two vaccines, COVAXIN (developed by Bharat Biotech) and COVISHIELD (developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University, manufactured by Serum Institute of India), were initially used in the campaign.
• The vaccination drive prioritized healthcare workers and frontline workers in the first phase, followed by senior citizens and individuals with comorbidities.
• The initiative was part of India’s effort to achieve herd immunity and curb the spread of the virus.
• India’s vaccination program was supported by the CoWIN platform, which facilitated vaccine registration, appointment scheduling, and monitoring.
• As of the rollout date, India had prepared an extensive network of vaccination centers, trained healthcare personnel, and established cold chain logistics for vaccine storage.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on the day, emphasizing the importance of vaccination in saving lives and reviving the economy.

Additional Information

• Tue Feb 16 2021
• While this date reflects a period after the initial rollout, it does not mark the official start of the vaccination drive.
• By this time, vaccination efforts had already been expanded to cover more groups, including those over 60 years of age.
• 16 March 2021
• This date does not correspond to the start of the vaccination drive but falls in the period when the government was accelerating vaccination efforts across various priority groups.
• Educational institutions and workplaces were also considered for vaccination by March 2021.
• Fri Apr 16 2021
• By April 2021, the vaccination drive was in its third phase, covering individuals aged 45 and above without comorbidities.
• This period also saw a surge in COVID-19 cases due to the second wave in India, prompting an intensified push for vaccinations.

The Correct answer is founder of Modern Microcredit.

Key Points

• Muhammad Yunus is a renowned Bangladeshi economist and social entrepreneur.
• He is globally recognized as the founder of Modern Microcredit, a financial innovation aimed at providing small loans to underprivileged individuals.
• This concept was revolutionary in helping low-income individuals, especially women, to start small businesses and escape poverty.
• In 1983, he formally established the Grameen Bank, which became a model for microfinance institutions worldwide.
• The Grameen Bank operates on the principle of trust and group accountability, as opposed to requiring collateral.
• For his work in this area, Muhammad Yunus was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006, shared with the Grameen Bank.
• The microcredit model has been implemented in various countries and is considered a key tool for economic development and women's empowerment.
• Yunus has also been an advocate for social business and poverty eradication, contributing significantly to the field of social entrepreneurship.

Additional Information

• Founder of Human Development
• The term Human Development is not directly associated with Muhammad Yunus but is a concept popularized by economists like Amartya Sen and Mahbub ul Haq.
• Human development focuses on improving people's well-being, education, and life expectancy, and is measured using the Human Development Index (HDI).
• Founder of Mudra Loan
• The Mudra Loan scheme was launched in India under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) in 2015.
• It aims to provide financial support to micro and small enterprises but is not related to Muhammad Yunus.
• This initiative is managed by the Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency (MUDRA).
• Founder of Kisan Credit
• The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme was introduced in India in 1998 by the NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development).
• It is designed to provide short-term credit to farmers for their agricultural and allied needs.
• This concept is unrelated to Muhammad Yunus or microfinance.

The Correct answer is Rising.

Key Points

• The Union Cabinet approved the new centrally sponsored scheme named PM SHRI (Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India) in September 2022.
• The scheme is aimed at transforming existing schools into model schools under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
• PM SHRI schools will provide high-quality education and focus on fostering a holistic learning environment.
• These schools will serve as exemplar institutions and showcase the implementation of the NEP 2020.
• The scheme is designed to cover around 14,500 schools across the country.
• Schools will emphasize modern infrastructure, green practices, and inclusive pedagogy.
• The initiative focuses on 21^st-century skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving.
• The funding will be shared between the Central Government and State/UT governments.

Additional Information

• Responsible
• The term responsible refers to accountability or duty, but it is not linked to the name of the PM SHRI scheme.
• Rural
• Rural refers to areas outside cities, but PM SHRI schools are not limited to rural areas and aim for a pan-India implementation.
• Revolutionary
• While the scheme does bring significant changes, the name does not include the term Revolutionary.

The Correct answer is Black Soil.

Key Points

• Black soil, also known as Regur soil, is one of the most important soil types found in India.
• It is particularly suitable for the cultivation of cotton crops, which is why it is sometimes referred to as cotton soil.
• This soil is formed from lava rocks and is predominantly found in the Deccan Plateau region, which includes parts of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
• Its color varies from deep black to light black, and it has a high content of clay, making it moisture-retentive.
• Black soil is rich in calcium carbonate, magnesium, potash, and lime, but it has poor phosphoric content.
• It has a characteristic feature of developing cracks during dry seasons, which helps in aeration but also makes it prone to waterlogging during heavy rains.
• The soil is widely used for growing crops like cotton, sugarcane, tobacco, and cereals, apart from vegetables.
• Its moisture-retentive properties make it ideal for crops that require consistent water supply.

Additional Information

• Arid Soil
• Arid soil is found in regions with low rainfall, such as deserts and semi-arid areas.
• This soil is typically sandy and saline, with low humus content.
• It lacks moisture and has poor fertility, making it unsuitable for most types of crops.
• Arid soil is mainly found in the northwestern regions of India, such as Rajasthan and parts of Gujarat.
• Laterite Soil
• Laterite soil is formed under conditions of high temperature and heavy rainfall.
• This soil is rich in iron oxide and is typically found in hilly areas.
• It is poor in organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphate, but it is suitable for crops like tea, coffee, cashew, and spices.
• Laterite soil is commonly found in the Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, and parts of Karnataka, Kerala, and Odisha.
• Alluvial Soil
• Alluvial soil is the most fertile and widespread soil in India.
• It is formed by the deposition of river sediments and is found in the Indo-Gangetic plains.
• Rich in potash, phosphoric acid, and lime, this soil is ideal for crops like rice, wheat, sugarcane, and legumes.
• It is classified into khadar (new alluvium) and bangar (old alluvium).