Search Previous Year Questions

The correct answer is Qutub-Ud-din-Aibak.

Key Points

• Qutbuddin Aibak was a slave of Muhammad Ghori.
• When Ghori was assassinated, Aibak declared himself Sultan of Delhi in 1206, and his dynasty was recognized as Slave Dynasty.
• Slave dynasty rule from 1206-90 and became the first Muslim dynasty ruled over India.
• Qutbuddin Aibak, Iltutmish, Razia Sultan, Balban were eminent kings of this dynasty.
• Qutbuddin Aibak was succeeded by Aram Shah, and then by his former slave Iltutmish.
• He began the construction of Qutb Minar in Delhi.
• He died while playing Polo or Chaugan.
• He reigned till his death in 1210.
• Dynasty ended when Jalal ud din Firuz Khilji overthrew the last Mamluk ruler Muiz ud din Qaiqabad in 1290.

The Correct Answer is Himalayan Kingfisher.

In News

• Khelo India Water Sports Festival Mascot, Logo unveiled in Srinagar.

Key Points

• First-ever Khelo India Water Sports Festival (KIWSF) announced.
• Logo depicts Shikara on Dal Lake with snow-capped mountains and pine trees.
• Mascot: Himalayan Kingfisher.
• Venue: Dal Lake, Srinagar.
• Over 400 athletes from 36 states & UTs to participate.
• Events: Rowing, Canoeing, and Kayaking.
• Hosted by J&K Sports Council with Union Ministry of Youth Affairs.

The correct answer is Andhra Pradesh

Key Points

• Kuchipudi is a classical dance form originating from the state of Andhra Pradesh in India.
• It is known for its graceful movements, expressive gestures, and strong narrative storytelling.
• Kuchipudi is traditionally performed as a dance-drama, combining dance, music, and acting.
• The dance form has a rich heritage and is deeply rooted in the ancient Hindu Sanskrit text of Natya Shastra.

Additional Information

• Kuchipudi performances often start with an invocation, followed by the introduction of characters and the story.
• The dance form has evolved over the years, incorporating various influences and styles while maintaining its traditional essence.
• Renowned exponents of Kuchipudi include Siddhendra Yogi, who is credited with shaping the dance form in the 17^th century.
• Modern-day practitioners and teachers continue to preserve and promote Kuchipudi, both in India and internationally.

The correct answer is Article 324.

Key Points

• Article 324 of the Indian Constitution empowers the Election Commission of India (ECI) to supervise, direct, and control elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice-President.
• The Election Commission of India was established in 1950 and functions under Article 324 of the Constitution.
• The ECI is responsible for ensuring free and fair elections across India, and its functions are independent of the executive branch.
• Under Article 324, the Election Commission is vested with powers to conduct elections, resolve disputes regarding elections, and ensure compliance with electoral laws.
• The Commission consists of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other Election Commissioners as appointed by the President of India.

Additional Information

• Election Commission of India:
• The Election Commission was established on 25 January 1950, and its headquarters are located in New Delhi.
• The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners are appointed by the President of India.
• It operates as an autonomous constitutional authority under Article 324.
• Free and Fair Elections:
• The ECI ensures transparency in elections by implementing the Model Code of Conduct.
• It uses Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) systems for accurate and reliable voting.
• Constitutional Provisions Related to Elections:
• Articles 325 and 326 prevent discrimination in electoral rolls and provide for universal adult suffrage.
• Article 327 empowers Parliament to make laws regarding elections to Parliament and State Legislatures.
• Article 328 gives State Legislatures the power to regulate elections within the state.
• Recent Developments:
• In 2021, the Election Commission introduced digital platforms for voter registration and awareness campaigns.
• Efforts are ongoing to enhance voter turnout and ensure greater participation in the democratic process.

The correct answer is Batukeshwar Dutt.

Key Points

• Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt threw bombs in the Central Legislative Assembly on 8 April 1929 to protest against the repressive Public Safety Bill and Trade Disputes Bill.
• The intent of the bombing was not to cause harm but to make the "deaf" British rulers hear India's demand for freedom.
• They shouted slogans like "Inquilab Zindabad" (Long live the revolution) and threw pamphlets outlining their cause.
• Both Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt voluntarily surrendered to the police after the bombing and were arrested on the spot.
• This event gained significant attention and brought the Indian independence movement to the global stage.

Additional Information

• Bhagat Singh: A revolutionary socialist, Bhagat Singh is considered one of the most influential freedom fighters in India's struggle for independence. He was known for his radical approach and sacrifice for the nation.
• Batukeshwar Dutt: A close associate of Bhagat Singh, Batukeshwar Dutt was a revolutionary freedom fighter who participated in many activities against British rule, including the Assembly bombing.
• Central Legislative Assembly Bombing: This act was a symbolic protest against British oppression and aimed to spark awareness among Indians about the need for independence.
• Repressive Bills: The Public Safety Bill and Trade Disputes Bill were introduced by the British to curb civil liberties and workers' rights in India, which led to widespread dissent among Indians.
• Outcome: Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt’s actions inspired the youth of India and became a rallying point for the independence movement. They were later tried and convicted for their roles in revolutionary activities.

The correct answer is United Kingdom.

Key Points

• The legislative procedure in the Indian Constitution is primarily derived from the United Kingdom, reflecting the parliamentary system of governance.
• The Indian parliamentary system incorporates the concept of a bicameral legislature, consisting of the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States), similar to the UK’s House of Commons and House of Lords.
• The principle of collective responsibility of the Council of Ministers to the Lok Sabha is also inspired by the British system.
• The role of the Speaker, the opposition, and the parliamentary debate procedures in India are closely modeled after the UK Parliament.
• While the legislative framework draws from the UK, it has been tailored to suit India’s federal structure and diverse population.

Additional Information

• Bicameral Legislature: A legislative system with two houses, ensuring checks and balances. In India, it consists of the Lok Sabha (lower house) and Rajya Sabha (upper house).
• Parliamentary System: India follows a parliamentary system where the executive (Council of Ministers) is accountable to the legislature (Parliament).
• Collective Responsibility: A concept where the entire Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha, ensuring accountability in governance.
• Role of the Speaker: The Speaker of the Lok Sabha, akin to the Speaker of the House of Commons in the UK, maintains order and decorum during debates.
• Federal Adaptation: While inspired by the UK, the Indian system integrates features like a written constitution and a federal structure, which are absent in the UK's unitary system.

The correct answer is 69^th Constitutional amendment act(1991).

 Key Points

• The 69^th Amendment act of the Indian Constitution granted special status to Delhi.
• In 1991, the amendment was passed and it granted special state to Delhi and it was declared the National Capital Territory.
• It created a state assembly and council of ministers for the state.
• Aditya Nath Jha became the first Lieutenant Governor of Delhi under the act.
• Article 239AA of the Constitution gave the status of Union Territory to Delhi.
• The 42^nd Amendment act is also known as the Mini Constitution.
• 55^th Amendment gave the Union Territory of Arunachal Pradesh the status of a State.
• 60^th Amendment amended Article 276 of the Constitution relating to taxes on professions, trades, callings and employments.

The Correct Answer is Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Jharkhand, Gujarat.

In News

• Fiscal Health Index 2025: Mapping India's State-Level Economic Resilience.

Key Points

• Purpose of FHI: The Fiscal Health Index (FHI) by NITI Aayog aims to assess the fiscal health of Indian states, based on their contribution to GDP, demography, public expenditure, revenues, and fiscal stability.
• Leading States: Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Jharkhand, and Gujarat lead the Fiscal Health Index as of the latest report.
• States’ Role in Economy: States are responsible for about two-thirds of public spending and one-third of total revenue, making their fiscal performance crucial for India's overall economic stability.
• Data Source: The FHI is developed using data from the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) for the financial year 2022-23.
• Debt Sustainability: Focuses on the state's ability to meet both current and future debt obligations without defaulting, considering both solvency and liquidity.
• Debt Index: The Debt Index is the ratio of Interest Payments to Revenue Receipts (IP/RR), indicating the percentage of revenue spent on servicing debt.
• Fiscal Health Evaluation: The FHI provides a composite index to objectively evaluate each state's fiscal health, enabling comparisons with best practices and other states.

The Correct answer is Ajanta.

Key Points

• Ajanta Caves are a group of Buddhist cave temples located in Maharashtra, India.
• The caves include paintings and sculptures considered to be masterpieces of Buddhist religious art, with figures of the Buddha and depictions of the Jataka tales.
• They were built during the period between the 2^nd century BCE and 480 CE.
• The caves were used as monasteries and prayer halls by Buddhist monks.
• Ajanta Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983.

 Additional Information

• Nalanda
• Nalanda was an ancient center of learning located in present-day Bihar, India.
• It was a university during the Gupta period and later, renowned for being one of the first residential universities in the world.
• Nalanda University attracted students from all over the world, including China, Korea, Japan, Tibet, Mongolia, Turkey, Sri Lanka, and South East Asia.
• Khajuraho
• Khajuraho is famous for its Hindu and Jain temples located in Madhya Pradesh, India.
• The temples are renowned for their nagara-style architectural symbolism and their erotic sculptures.
• They were built between 950 and 1050 CE by the Chandela dynasty.
• Bhimbhetka
• Bhimbhetka rock shelters are an archaeological site in Madhya Pradesh, India, that span the prehistoric Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods, as well as the historic period.
• The site includes more than 750 rock shelters and is famous for its rock paintings.
• It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2003.

The Correct Answer is Uttarakhand.

In News

• Uttarakhand launches India’s 1^st yoga policy to become global wellness capital.

Key Points

• Uttarakhand has launched India’s first yoga policy.
• Aim: Establish Uttarakhand as a global capital of yoga and wellness.
• Subsidy up to ₹20 lakh will be given for setting up yoga and meditation centres.
• A grant of up to ₹10 lakh will be provided to support research in yoga, meditation, and naturopathy.
• The state aims to build 5 new yoga hubs by 2030.
• By March 2026, all AYUSH Health & Wellness Centres in the state will offer yoga services.