Search Previous Year Questions

The correct answer is 'Uniformities'.

Key Points

• In the passage, the word disparities refers to inequalities or differences in healthcare access and costs.
• An antonym should convey the opposite idea — sameness, equality, or uniform conditions.
• The word Uniformities correctly expresses this opposite meaning, indicating consistency and equality.
• Other options like Inequalities, Differences, and Variations are synonyms of disparities, not antonyms.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 2'.

Contextual Reference: The passage highlights that despite efforts to improve healthcare, significant disparities remain. Replacing this with uniformities would imply equal access and consistency across the population.

Additional Information

• Inequalities (असमानताएँ): Synonym of disparities, not opposite.
• Differences (अंतर): Also similar in meaning, not antonym.
• Variations (भिन्नताएँ): Indicates change or difference, again a synonym.
• Uniformities (समानता): Denotes equality and consistency, making it the correct antonym.

The correct answer is 'Surgeries decided by the patient, not immediately necessary'.

Key Points

• In the passage, the term elective procedures refers to medical treatments or surgeries that are scheduled in advance and are not emergencies.
• These procedures are often chosen by the patient or recommended by doctors for improvement of health or quality of life, but they are not immediately life-saving.
• Examples include cosmetic surgeries, joint replacements, or cataract operations — all planned rather than urgent.
• Options like Mandatory emergency surgeries, Government-funded procedures, or Treatments only for elderly patients do not match the meaning of elective procedures.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 1'.

Contextual Reference: The passage notes that universal healthcare systems may lead to longer wait times for elective procedures, meaning non-urgent surgeries that can be scheduled at convenience rather than performed immediately.

Additional Information

• Mandatory emergency surgeries: These are urgent and life-saving, not elective.
• Procedures funded by the government: Funding does not determine whether a procedure is elective.
• Treatments only for elderly patients: Elective procedures are not age-specific.
• Elective procedures: Planned, non-emergency surgeries chosen by patients or doctors.

The correct answer is 'have become'.

Key Points

• The passage discusses the current and ongoing situation regarding medical expenses worldwide.
• The phrase requires a verb that shows a change over time up to the present, making the present perfect tense appropriate.
• "Have become" indicates that medical expenses started being a concern in the past and continue to be so now.
• Other options ("had become", "became", "become") do not fit the grammatical structure or the intended meaning in this context.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 3'.

Complete Passage: Medical expenses have become a significant concern worldwide, impacting individuals and governments alike. In India, the cost of healthcare is generally lower compared to many Western countries, yet it still poses a substantial burden on a large portion of the population. India's healthcare system is a blend of public and private providers, with the private sector accounting for the majority of medical expenditure. Despite relatively affordable treatment costs, many Indians struggle to pay for quality healthcare due to inadequate insurance coverage and low per capita income.

Additional Information

• Had become: Refers to a past situation that no longer continues, which is not suitable here.
• Became: Simple past tense, does not show ongoing relevance.
• Become: Incorrect verb form for the present perfect tense.

The correct answer is 'comprehensive'.

Key Points

• The blank refers to the type of insurance plans people in the U.S. may or may not have.
• An adjective is needed to describe the insurance plans, and "comprehensive" is the correct adjective form.
• "Comprehensive" means covering all or nearly all elements or aspects, which fits the context—those without broad or complete insurance coverage may face higher out-of-pocket expenses.
• Other options (comprehensiveness, comprehensively, comprehend) do not fit grammatically in this context.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 3'.

Complete Passage (excerpt): While insurance coverage is more widespread, out-of-pocket expenses can still be very high, especially for those without comprehensive plans.

Additional Information

• Comprehensiveness: Noun form, not suitable to describe "plans."
• Comprehensively: Adverb, does not describe "plans."
• Comprehend: Verb, unrelated to the context.

The correct answer is 'continue'.

Key Points

• The sentence is: "Medical expenses ________ to rise globally due to factors such as aging populations, increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, and rapid technological advancements."
• The structure requires the base form of the verb after "expenses" as a plural subject: "expenses continue to rise."
• "Continue" is the correct present tense verb form for the plural subject "expenses."
• Other options ("continued", "continues", "continuing") do not fit the grammatical requirements of the sentence.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 1'.

Complete Sentence: Medical expenses continue to rise globally due to factors such as aging populations, increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, and rapid technological advancements.

Additional Information

• Continued: Past tense, does not fit the present context.
• Continues: Singular verb form, but "expenses" is plural.
• Continuing: Present participle, not correct here.

The correct answer is Mock battle.

Key Points

• Hola Mohalla is a significant Sikh festival celebrated annually at Anandpur Sahib in Punjab, typically falling in the month of March.
• The term Hola is the masculine form of Holi, while the word Halla signifies a military charge or attack.
• The word Mohalla literally translates to an organized procession or a military column, specifically in the context of a mock battle.
• It was established by the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, in 1701 as a way to build martial spirit and military discipline among the Sikh Panth.
• The festival serves as a platform for Sikhs to demonstrate their bravery and combat skills, shifting the focus of the traditional Holi festival toward valor and readiness.

 Additional Information

• Historical Context:
• The first Hola Mohalla was celebrated at Holgarh Fort to ensure the Khalsa remained battle-ready against the Mughal Empire and local hill chiefs.
• Nihang Sikhs:
• The festivities are led by the Nihangs, the warrior order of the Sikhs, characterized by their blue robes and steer-laden turbans.
• They perform Gatka (a traditional martial art), tent pegging, and bareback horse riding to showcase their agility.
• Cultural Significance:
• The event concludes with a long procession led by the Panj Pyaras, starting from Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib, one of the five Sikh temporal seats.
• It emphasizes community bonding through Langar (community kitchen), where people of all backgrounds eat together.

The correct answer is 3, B-2, C-1.

Key Points

• Thiruvathira Kali is a traditional dance form of Kerala performed by women in a graceful circular motion, primarily during the festival of Onam and on the night of Thiruvathira in the Malayalam month of Dhanu (December-January) to celebrate the birth of Lord Shiva. Hence, A matches with 3.
• Saila is a popular folk dance performed in the regions of Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh by tribes like the Gond and Baiga, usually during the post-harvest season and festivals such as Chaitra Parva to celebrate the agricultural yield. Hence, B matches with 2.
• Rouf (also spelled Rowf) is the most famous traditional folk dance of Jammu and Kashmir, performed by women lined up in rows during the festive occasions of Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha, as well as during weddings and the spring season. Hence, C matches with 1.

 Additional Information

• Thiruvathira Kali:
• It is often referred to as Kaikottikali and follows the Lasya style, emphasizing elegance and feminine charm.
• Performers wear the traditional Kasavu Saree (Mundum Neriyathum) and dance around a Nilavilakku (traditional lamp).
• Saila Dance:
• It is a stick dance where participants use bamboo sticks to create rhythmic sounds, symbolizing coordination and strength.
• The dance is a major cultural expression for the Bhumia and Gond communities after the Kharif crop is harvested.
• Rouf Dance:
• The dance involves a rhythmic movement of the feet known as Chakri, and participants sing folk songs called Wanwun.
• It serves as a celebration of the harvest and the beautiful climate of the Kashmir Valley.

The correct answer is Air Defence Officer – briefed on neutralizing Pakistani drone and missile attacks. The full solution will be update soon.

The correct answer is Gupta Period.

Key Points

• The Iron Pillar of Mehrauli is a 7.21-meter tall structure located within the Qutb Complex in Delhi, representing the peak of ancient Indian metallurgy.
• The pillar is attributed to the Gupta Dynasty, specifically the reign of Chandragupta II (reigned c. 375 to 415 CE), based on the Sanskrit inscription carved on its surface.
• The inscription, written in the Gupta Brahmi script, refers to a powerful monarch named Chandra, who is described as a devotee of Lord Vishnu and a conqueror of the Vanga and Vahlika regions.
• The pillar weighs more than 6 tonnes and is composed of 98% wrought iron, yet it has remained remarkably free from corrosion for over 1,600 years.
• Scientific studies by experts from IIT Kanpur revealed that the rust-resistance is due to the high phosphorus content and the formation of a thin protective layer of misawite (crystalline iron hydrogen phosphate hydrate).

 Additional Information

• Mauryan Period:
• This era (c. 322 to 185 BCE) is primarily known for monolithic sandstone pillars featuring high polish and animal capitals, such as the Lion Capital of Sarnath.
• Kushana Period:
• Under rulers like Kanishka (c. 127 to 150 CE), this period saw the emergence of the Gandhara and Mathura schools of art, primarily focused on Buddhist themes and stone sculptures.
• Pala Period:
• Ruling from the 8^th to 12^th century CE in Bengal and Bihar, the Palas were significant patrons of Mahayana Buddhism and are famous for their terracotta and bronze art.

The correct answer is NAMASTE.

Key Points

• NAMASTE stands for National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem and is a Central Sector Scheme launched to ensure the safety and dignity of sanitation workers in India.
• The scheme is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, aiming to achieve zero fatalities in sanitation work.
• It focuses on identifying Sewer and Septic Tank Workers (SSWs) and providing them with occupational training, safety gear, and access to alternative livelihoods through entrepreneurship.
• Under this scheme, manual scavengers are provided with capital subsidies up to 5 lakh rupees for the procurement of sanitation machinery, facilitating a transition toward mechanized cleaning.
• The project replaced the earlier Self-Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers (SRMS) and aims to integrate workers into the formal economy via Health Insurance under Ayushman Bharat.

 Additional Information

• PM SVANidhi:
• Launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to provide micro-credit facilities.
• Targets Street Vendors to offer collateral-free working capital loans to restart their businesses post-pandemic.
• SHREYAS:
• Stands for Scheme for Higher Education Youth in Apprenticeship and Skills.
• Designed to provide industry apprenticeship opportunities to students in non-technical degree courses to improve employability.
• PRAGATI:
• Stands for Pro-Active Governance And Timely Implementation.
• An ICT-based multi-modal platform used by the Prime Minister to review and monitor Grievance Redressal and major infrastructure projects.