Search Previous Year Questions

The correct answer is 'which'.

Key Points

• The sentence is: "...a lack of awareness, (1) ________ hinder the growth of donor registries."
• A relative pronoun is needed to connect "misconceptions, cultural taboos, and a lack of awareness" to the clause "hinder the growth of donor registries."
• "Which" is the correct relative pronoun and introduces a non-defining clause explaining the effect of the previous nouns.
• Other options ("that", "this", "their") do not fit the grammatical structure or meaning required for this sentence.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 4'.

Complete Sentence: In many countries, organ donation remains shrouded in misconceptions, cultural taboos, and a lack of awareness, which hinder the growth of donor registries.

Additional Information

• That: Used for defining clauses but does not fit with the comma before the blank.
• This: Demonstrative pronoun, not suitable here.
• Their: Possessive pronoun, not appropriate in this context.

The correct answer is 'Despite'.

Key Points

• The sentence is: "___________(2) advances in medical science, the demand for transplantable organs far exceeds the supply, resulting in long waiting lists and tragic losses."
• The conjunction should express contrast between the progress in medical science and the ongoing shortage of organs.
• "Despite" is used to indicate a contrast or unexpected outcome, which fits the context perfectly.
• Other options ("while", "as", "hence") do not effectively convey the contrast described in the sentence.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 3'.

Complete Sentence: Despite advances in medical science, the demand for transplantable organs far exceeds the supply, resulting in long waiting lists and tragic losses.

Additional Information

• While: Used for simultaneous actions or contrast, but not as strong as "despite" for this context.
• As: Indicates cause or time, not contrast.
• Hence: Means "as a result," not a conjunction showing contrast.

The correct answer is 'their'.

Key Points

• The sentence refers to "donors or __________ families fully understand the procedure and implications."
• "Their" is the correct possessive pronoun because it refers to "donors or families," both of which are plural or collective nouns.
• Other options ("her," "them," "its") do not fit the plural and possessive requirement.
• "Their" indicates possession, showing that the families or donors fully understand the procedure and implications.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 3'.

Complete Sentence: The principle of informed consent is paramount, ensuring donors or their families fully understand the procedure and implications.

Additional Information

• Her: Refers to a singular female, not suitable here.
• Them: Objective case, not possessive.
• Its: Refers to singular or non-human nouns.

The correct answer is 'generosity'.

Key Points

• "Altruism" refers to selfless concern for the well-being of others, often shown through acts of kindness or generosity.
• The context in the passage describes organ donation as an act that benefits others without expecting anything in return, which aligns with the meaning of "generosity."
• Other options ("selfishness," "ignorance," "hesitation") do not fit the meaning of "altruism."

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 2'.

Explanation: "Altruism" is the principle or practice of unselfish concern for or devotion to the welfare of others, which is synonymous with "generosity."

Additional Information

• Selfishness: The opposite of altruism; caring only about oneself.
• Ignorance: Lack of knowledge or awareness; unrelated to the meaning of altruism.
• Hesitation: The act of pausing or delaying; not related to altruism.

The correct answer is 'emerging'.

Key Points

• "Nascent" refers to something just coming into existence or beginning to develop.
• In the passage, "nascent stages" describes innovations like artificial organs and regenerative medicine that are new and not yet fully developed.
• "Emerging" best matches the meaning of "nascent" in this context.
• Other options ("fully developed," "obsolete," "harmful") do not fit the meaning of "nascent."

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 3'.

Explanation: "Nascent" is used to describe something that is in the early stages of development or just coming into existence, which is synonymous with "emerging."

Additional Information

• Fully developed: The opposite of "nascent."
• Obsolete: No longer in use; unrelated to "nascent."
• Harmful: Causing damage; not related to the meaning of "nascent."

The correct answer is Sattriya.

Key Points

• Sattriya is a major Indian classical dance form that originated in the 15^th century in the state of Assam.
• The dance was introduced by the Vaishnavite saint and social reformer Srimanta Sankardev as a medium for propagating the Bhakti movement.
• It is traditionally performed in Sattras, which are Vaishnavite monasteries, by male monks known as Bhokots as part of their daily religious rituals.
• The core themes of Sattriya are derived from the Bhagavata Purana and Ankiya Naats (traditional one-act plays), focusing primarily on the life and stories of Lord Krishna and Lord Vishnu.
• The dance form was formally recognized as a Classical Dance of India by the Sangeet Natak Akademi on 15 November 2000.
• It features unique elements such as Mati Akhara (ground exercises), Gayan-Bayan (musical invocation), and the use of traditional instruments like the Khol (drum) and Cymbals.

 Additional Information

• Kathak
• Origin: Developed in Northern India, specifically Uttar Pradesh.
• Feature: It focuses on footwork (Tatkar) and storytelling by performers known as Kathakars in royal courts.
• Manipuri
• Origin: Hails from the state of Manipur in Northeast India.
• Feature: Famous for its Raas Leela, it emphasizes devotional grace and utilizes the Pung (barrel drum) as a central instrument.
• Kuchipudi
• Origin: Named after the Kuchipudi village in Andhra Pradesh.
• Feature: Traditionally performed by male Brahmins, it incorporates both Lasya (graceful) and Tandava (vigorous) elements, often including a dance on a brass plate.

The correct answer is Whether the reservation of a seat in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly exclusively for the Sangha (monastic community) violates the principles of universal adult franchise and equality under the Constitution..

Key Points

• The R.C. Poudyal v. Union of India (1994) case is a landmark judgment that examined the constitutional validity of specific provisions under Article 371F, which was inserted by the 36^th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1975.
• The central legal dispute concerned the reservation of 12 seats for the Bhutia-Lepcha ethnic groups and one seat for the Sangha (the Buddhist religious order) in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly.
• Petitioners argued that reserving a seat for a religious body (the Sangha) and specific ethnic groups violated the Basic Structure of the Constitution, particularly the principles of secularism, democracy, and Article 14 (Right to Equality).
• The Supreme Court of India, in a 3:2 majority, upheld the reservations, ruling that Article 2 of the Constitution gives Parliament the power to admit new states into the Union on such 'terms and conditions' as it thinks fit.
• The Court held that the Sangha seat was not based solely on religion but represented a historical political institution that played a vital role in the social and political life of Sikkim prior to its integration.
• The judgment clarified that while universal adult franchise is the general rule, the unique historical and ethnic background of Sikkim justified these special provisions to ensure a smooth transition and protect minority interests.

 Additional Information

• Article 371F:
• This article provides special provisions for the state of Sikkim to preserve its cultural and social identity.
• It mandates that the Legislative Assembly of Sikkim shall consist of not less than 32 members.
• It grants the Governor a special responsibility for peace and for an equitable arrangement for ensuring the social and economic advancement of different sections of the population.
• 36^th Amendment Act, 1975:
• It transformed Sikkim from an 'associate state' to a full-fledged 22^nd state of the Indian Union.
• It abolished the office of the Chogyal (the hereditary ruler) and integrated the territory into the democratic framework of India.
• Sangha Seat:
• The Sangha seat is unique in the Indian Electoral System because only monks (Lamas) registered in recognized monasteries are eligible to vote for this specific constituency.

The correct answer is The Political Empowerment gender gap remains the most persistent globally, with progress so slow it would take nearly 170 years to close.

Key Points

• The Global Gender Gap Index 2024 indicates that while Educational Attainment (94.9%) and Health and Survival (96%) have high parity scores, neither has fully closed or achieved 100% parity globally. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
• The report states that the global gender gap is 68.5% closed in 2024, and at the current trajectory, it will take 134 years to reach full parity, which is a far longer timeline than 120 years. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
• Political Empowerment remains the dimension with the largest gap, having closed only 22.5% of the disparity; the glacial pace of progress means it would take 169 years (approximately 170 years) to achieve parity. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
• India is ranked 129^th overall out of 146 countries in the 2024 index, and specifically in Economic Participation and Opportunity, it ranks 142^nd, which is among the lowest globally rather than the top 10. Hence, statement 4 is incorrect.

 Additional Information

• World Economic Forum (WEF):
• Established in 1971 as a not-for-profit foundation, it is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
• It is the international organization for public-private cooperation, engaging leaders to shape global, regional, and industry agendas.
• 2024 Report Highlights:
• Iceland has maintained its position as the most gender-equal country for the 15^th consecutive year, closing more than 90% of its gender gap.
• The Economic Participation and Opportunity gap is 60.5% closed globally, but it is projected to take 152 years to close at the current rate.
• Southern Asia as a region ranks seventh, with a gender parity score of 63.7%, showing slight improvements in the Economic Participation scores of countries like India and Bangladesh.

The correct answer is Excessive reliance on foreign direct investment (FDI) to fund domestic innovation.

Key Points

• The Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (Self-Reliant India Mission) was launched in May 2020 with an economic package of Rs. 20 lakh crore (equivalent to 10% of India's GDP) to revive the economy post-pandemic.
• A fundamental challenge in achieving true technological sovereignty is the funding gap in domestic Research and Development (R&D). India's gross expenditure on R&D (GERD) has hovered around 0.7% of GDP, which is significantly lower than global leaders like the USA or China.
• While Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) provides necessary capital, heavy reliance on it for innovation often leads to the ownership of Intellectual Property (IP) by foreign parent companies rather than domestic entities.
• The Atmanirbhar philosophy emphasizes 'Vocal for Local', yet many high-tech sectors remain dependent on foreign venture capital. This creates a cycle where Indian startups are acquired or controlled by external investors, hindering the development of an independent industrial base.
• Critical sectors such as semiconductors, defense electronics, and telecommunications require massive, long-term gestation periods that are often at odds with the short-term profit motives of foreign equity, making domestic capital mobilization a key hurdle.

 Additional Information

• Five Pillars of Self-Reliance:
• Economy: Focuses on quantum jumps instead of incremental change.
• Infrastructure: Aims to create a modern identity for India.
• System: Driven by 21^st-century technology and paperless governance.
• Demography: Leveraging India's demographic dividend.
• Demand: Utilizing the full capacity of the domestic supply chain.
• Sectoral Contexts:
• Trade with China: India continues to face a significant trade deficit with China, particularly in Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and electronics, contradicting any claims of a trade surplus.
• Medical Devices: India imports nearly 70% to 80% of its sophisticated medical equipment. The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme was introduced to address this, but full substitution is a multi-decade goal, not a two-year achievement.
• Agriculture: While Atmanirbhar Bharat includes reforms like the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, the sector is characterized more by structural supply-chain inefficiencies than policy-driven overproduction challenges.

The correct answer is The Common Carbon Metric, developed by UNEP and partners, is a standardized methodology for measuring and reporting greenhouse gas emissions from buildings, promoting comparability and transparency in urban carbon accounting..

Key Points

• Statement 1 suggests that the metric is a voluntary carbon trading mechanism for the agriculture sector under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, but the metric actually focuses on measuring the performance of the built environment rather than agricultural trade. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
• Statement 2 attributes the metric to the World Bank as a monetary tool for Kyoto Protocol penalties, whereas it is a reporting framework initiated by the UNEP to provide a consistent global language for building emissions. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
• Statement 3 accurately identifies that the Common Carbon Metric (CCM) was developed by the UNEP Sustainable Buildings and Climate Initiative (UNEP-SBCI) to provide a standardized methodology for measuring greenhouse gas emissions from building operations. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
• Statement 4 claims the metric is an ASEAN regional index for transportation and heavy industry, but the CCM is a global standard specifically designed for the building sector to enhance transparency in urban carbon accounting. Hence, statement 4 is incorrect.
• The CCM is essential for creating baselines and establishing benchmarks, allowing cities to monitor the effectiveness of their energy efficiency policies and track progress toward climate goals.

 Additional Information

• Core Functions of the CCM:
• It addresses the operational phase of buildings, which accounts for approximately 80% to 90% of a building’s total life-cycle energy use.
• The metric utilizes standard units of measure, such as kgCO₂e/m²/year (emissions per unit of floor area) or kgCO₂e/occupant/year.
• By providing reliable data, it supports the inclusion of building-sector mitigation actions in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
• Contextual Terminology:
• UNEP-SBCI: A partnership between the United Nations and the private sector to promote sustainable building practices globally.
• Kyoto Protocol & Paris Agreement: International treaties focused on emission reductions, but the CCM serves as a measurement standard (like ISO 16745) rather than a compliance mechanism itself.
• Built Environment Impact: Globally, buildings are responsible for nearly 40% of energy consumption and one-third of greenhouse gas emissions, making standardized metrics like the CCM vital for urban sustainability.