Search Previous Year Questions

The given word is COURAGE.

The operations are:

• Each vowel is changed to the letter immediately following it (+1).
• Each consonant is changed to the letter immediately preceding it (-1).

 

Now, let's identify the positions from the right:​ 5^th from right: V

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 4".

Shortcut Trick

For questions involving the median of algebraic terms, the fastest approach is to test the given options directly.

Test Option 1 (x = 3):

Substitute x = 3 into the set {x + 4, 2x − 3, 5x, x + 1, 3x + 2}.

The values become {7, 3, 15, 4, 11}.

Arranging in ascending order gives: 3, 4, 7, 11, 15.

The middle term (median) is 7, which perfectly matches the question's given condition.

∴ The correct answer is 3.

Alternate Method

Given:

Data set = {x + 4, 2x − 3, 5x, x + 1, 3x + 2}

Condition: x > 1, where x is a natural number.

Median = 7

Formula Used:

The median of an odd number of terms is the middle value when arranged in ascending order: ((n + 1) ÷ 2)^th term.

   1<sup>st</sup> 2<sup>nd</sup> Median 4<sup>th</sup> 5<sup>th</sup> 2x − 3 x + 1 x + 4 = 7 3x + 2 5x Ascending Order of Terms (For x = 3)

Calculations:

⇒ Total number of terms (n) = 5.

⇒ The median will be the 3^rd term when sorted in ascending order.

⇒ Let's analyze the relative values of the given expressions for x > 1.

⇒ Clearly, 5x and 3x + 2 will be the largest terms in the set.

⇒ The three smallest terms are x + 1, 2x − 3, and x + 4.

⇒ If 2x − 3 were the median, 2x − 3 = 7 ⇒ x = 5. However, substituting x = 5 gives {9, 7, 25, 6, 17}, which has a median of 9, not 7.

⇒ Thus, x + 4 naturally takes the 3^rd position and acts as the true median.

⇒ Equating the 3^rd term to the given median: x + 4 = 7.

⇒ x = 7 − 4 = 3.

∴ The correct answer is 3.

Additional Information

Median of Ungrouped Data

To find the median, arrange the data in ascending or descending order. If n is odd, the median is the ((n + 1) ÷ 2)^th term. If n is even, it is the average of the (n ÷ 2)^th and (n ÷ 2 + 1)^th terms.

Mean vs Median

The mean is sensitive to extreme values (outliers), whereas the median provides a more robust and stable measure of central tendency for skewed distributions.

Mode of Data

The mode is the value that appears most frequently in a given data set. A dataset can have a single mode, multiple modes, or no mode at all if all values are unique.

The correct answer is Every 10 minutes.

Key Points

• According to data released by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and UN Women in 2025, a woman or girl was killed by their intimate partners or family members worldwide every 10 minutes in 2024.
• This statistic highlights the pervasive issue of gender-based violence, particularly within households, emphasizing the need for stronger global measures for women’s safety.
• Intimate partner violence is one of the most common forms of violence faced by women globally, as reported by multiple international agencies like the UN Women and World Health Organization (WHO).
• Such killings often occur in the context of domestic abuse, reflecting systemic issues such as inequality, lack of legal protection, and societal norms that perpetuate violence against women.
• The data serves as a call to action for policymakers and governments to strengthen laws, provide support to victims, and implement awareness campaigns to combat this critical issue.

Additional Information

• Gender-Based Violence:
• Gender-based violence refers to harmful acts directed at individuals based on their gender. It includes physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse.
• According to the UNODC, women and girls are disproportionately affected by intimate partner violence compared to men.
• The WHO estimates that nearly 1 in 3 women worldwide have experienced physical or sexual violence, mostly by their intimate partners.
• Role of International Organizations:
• UN Women works globally to promote gender equality and empower women, while addressing issues like violence and discrimination.
• The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) collects and disseminates data on crime and justice, including gender-based violence statistics.
• Legislation and Policies:
• Many countries have implemented laws to protect women from domestic violence. For instance, India’s Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (2005) offers legal remedies to victims.
• International treaties like the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) urge nations to address gender-based violence and discrimination.
• Awareness Campaigns:
• Global campaigns like the UN’s “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” aim to raise awareness about violence against women and promote actionable solutions.
• Programs like HeForShe encourage men and boys to advocate for gender equality.

Important Points

• Global Statistics:
• In 2024, approximately 87,000 women were intentionally killed worldwide, and over 50% were killed by intimate partners or family members.
• Regions such as Asia and Africa report higher rates of gender-based killings due to cultural and systemic factors.
• Impact on Society:
• Violence against women has wide-reaching consequences, including psychological trauma, economic loss, and intergenerational impacts on children.
• It also hampers societal development and equality, creating barriers to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality).
• Need for Stronger Measures:
• Countries must prioritize education, legal reforms, and support systems for victims to address the root causes of violence.
• Collaborative efforts between governments, NGOs, and international organizations are essential to curb gender-based violence effectively.

Shortcut Trick

Expression: √(1764/2025) × √(625/441) − (3/4)⁻²

We know that 42² = 1764, 45² = 2025, 25² = 625, and 21² = 441.

⇒ (42/45) × (25/21) − (4/3)²

⇒ 2 × (5/9) − 16/9

⇒ 10/9 − 16/9 = −6/9 = −2/3

∴ The correct answer is −2/3.

Alternate Method

Given:

Expression = √(1764/2025) × √(625/441) − (3/4)⁻²

Calculation:

⇒ √1764 = 42

⇒ √2025 = 45

⇒ √625 = 25

⇒ √441 = 21

⇒ (3/4)⁻² = (4/3)² = 16/9

Substituting the values in the expression:

⇒ (42/45) × (25/21) − 16/9

Simplifying the fractions before multiplying:

⇒ (42/21) × (25/45) − 16/9

⇒ 2 × (5/9) − 16/9

⇒ 10/9 − 16/9

⇒ (10 − 16) / 9

⇒ −6/9

⇒ −2/3

∴ The correct answer is −2/3.

Additional Information

BODMAS Rule

Always follow the sequence of Brackets, Orders (powers/roots), Division, Multiplication, Addition, and Subtraction while simplifying expressions.

Laws of Exponents

Negative exponent rule: (a/b)⁻ⁿ = (b/a)ⁿ. This helps in converting fractions with negative powers to positive powers easily.

Square Root of Fractions

The square root of a fraction is the square root of the numerator divided by the square root of the denominator: √(a/b) = √a ÷ √b.

The correct answer is 25MB.

Key Points

• Maximum Attachment Size: Major email providers such as Gmail, Yahoo Mail, and Outlook typically set the maximum size for email attachments at 25MB.
• Standard Limit: The 25MB limit is widely accepted across most email services to ensure compatibility and performance.
• Compression or Splitting: If the attachment exceeds the 25MB limit, users often compress files into ZIP formats or split them into multiple emails to circumvent the restriction.
• Cloud Sharing: For larger files, email providers recommend using cloud services such as Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox to share links instead of direct attachments.
• Technical Reason: The limit helps prevent server overload, ensures faster delivery, and avoids issues related to bandwidth consumption.

Additional Information

• Gmail:
• Gmail allows attachments up to 25MB in size. For files larger than this, users can share via Google Drive.
• Attachments are scanned for security risks, ensuring email safety.
• Yahoo Mail:
• Yahoo Mail also supports a maximum attachment size of 25MB.
• For larger files, users are encouraged to use Dropbox integration to share files.
• Microsoft Outlook:
• Outlook limits attachments to 25MB but integrates with OneDrive for larger file sharing.
• This is part of Microsoft’s initiative to streamline file sharing and storage.
• Alternative Methods:
• Cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive allow users to share files exceeding email attachment limits.
• These services often provide enhanced security, access control, and version management.
• Importance of File Size Limitation:
• Restricting file sizes helps maintain server efficiency and prevents email systems from being overloaded.
• It ensures seamless transmission and avoids delays caused by large file attachments.

Important Points

• Email Protocols:
• Most email providers use MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) to encode files, which can increase the actual size of attachments by around 33%.
• This is why the effective limit for attachments is slightly lower than the stated limit.
• Security Measures:
• Email services often scan attachments for viruses, malware, and phishing threats before delivery.
• Blocked file types include executable files (.exe) and certain scripts for safety reasons.
• Enterprise Solutions:
• For businesses requiring larger attachment limits, enterprise email solutions often provide higher limits or dedicated file-sharing platforms.
• Examples include Microsoft Teams, Slack, and proprietary cloud storage solutions.
• Historical Context:
• The attachment size limits have evolved alongside internet infrastructure improvements and increasing bandwidth availability.
• Earlier email systems had much lower limits, such as 5MB or less, due to limited server capabilities.

The correct answer is Soreng.

Key Points

• Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh launched the Organic Fisheries Cluster in the Soreng district of Sikkim in January 2025.
• Soreng is one of the newly created districts of Sikkim, formed in 2021, known for its scenic beauty and focus on sustainable development initiatives.
• The Organic Fisheries Cluster is aimed at boosting sustainable aquaculture practices in the region, aligning with Sikkim’s status as a 100% organic state.
• Sikkim, recognized as the first organic state in India, has been actively promoting organic farming and sustainable practices across various sectors, including fisheries.
• The initiative is expected to promote self-reliance among local farmers and fishery workers, enhancing livelihoods and contributing to the region's economy.

Additional Information

• Sikkim as an Organic State:
• Sikkim was declared India’s first organic state in 2016 under the state government's vision to promote sustainable agriculture.
• The state has banned the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, focusing on natural farming methods.
• Sikkim’s organic initiatives have won global recognition, including the Future Policy Award by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
• Organic Fisheries Cluster:
• The Organic Fisheries Cluster aims to promote sustainable aquaculture practices, ensuring environmental conservation and economic benefits.
• It focuses on utilizing organic feed and reducing dependency on harmful chemicals in fish farming.
• This cluster serves as a model for eco-friendly fisheries, supporting India's broader sustainable development goals.
• Role of Union Ministers:
• Union ministers often spearhead initiatives to promote regional development and align them with national policies.
• Rajiv Ranjan Singh, as a Union Minister, has been actively involved in promoting agricultural and fisheries-related projects that emphasize sustainability.
• District Formation in Sikkim:
• Soreng was officially declared a district in 2021, carved out from other regions to enhance administrative efficiency.
• The district is strategically positioned to focus on tourism, organic farming, and fisheries, given its natural resources and organic practices.

Important Points

• Sikkim’s Organic Practices:
• India's first organic state, Sikkim, has set benchmarks for other states, promoting eco-friendly agriculture and sustainable practices.
• The Organic Fisheries Cluster adds to Sikkim’s initiatives, further strengthening its position in organic and sustainable development.
• Economic Impact:
• The Organic Fisheries Cluster is expected to boost economic opportunities for local farmers and fishery workers.
• It aligns with India’s vision of promoting self-reliance, particularly in rural and semi-urban regions.
• Environmental Benefits:
• By eliminating harmful chemicals in fisheries, the cluster contributes to environmental sustainability and preservation of biodiversity.
• Sikkim’s organic model serves as a case study for global sustainable development practices.

The correct answer is By eliminating barriers to women's participation in education and workforce.

Key Points

• Gender equality in education: Eliminating barriers to women's participation in education ensures that women have access to the same opportunities as men. This fosters personal growth, enhances their skills, and enables them to contribute to society and the economy effectively. (Correct statement)
• Workforce inclusion: Removing obstacles to women's workforce participation increases labor force diversity, productivity, and innovation, which are critical for a country's economic growth and human development. (Correct statement)
• Breaking stereotypes: Empowering women in traditionally male-dominated sectors and leadership roles challenges societal stereotypes, promoting a more inclusive environment and equitable opportunities. (Correct statement)
• Health and social benefits: When women are educated and employed, they tend to invest more in their families' health, nutrition, and education, leading to overall better human development outcomes. (Correct statement)
• Global human development: Achieving gender equality aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5, which aims to empower all women and girls, thereby contributing to global human development. (Correct statement)

Additional Information

• Barriers to women's participation: Key barriers include cultural biases, lack of access to quality education, inadequate workplace policies for women, and limited representation in leadership roles.
• Impact of gender equality on GDP: According to a 2020 McKinsey Global Institute report, advancing gender equality could add $12 trillion to global GDP by 2025, demonstrating its economic significance.
• Examples of successful gender equality initiatives: Countries like Sweden and Norway have implemented policies to promote gender equality in education and employment, resulting in higher human development indices.
• Legislation and policies in India: India has introduced several policies like the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme, Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017, and Women's Reservation Bill to encourage women's participation in education and governance.
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Goal 5 of the SDGs explicitly focuses on achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls, emphasizing its critical role in sustainable human development.

Important Points

• Incorrect options explained:
• Option 2: Focusing solely on male-dominated industries ignores the need for inclusive growth and fails to address gender disparities. (Incorrect)
• Option 3: Limiting opportunities for women perpetuates inequality and hinders societal progress. (Incorrect)
• Option 4: Reducing workforce diversity undermines innovation and economic performance. (Incorrect)
• UNDP Human Development Index (HDI): The HDI emphasizes education, health, and income as key dimensions of human development, all of which are positively impacted by gender equality.
• Case study: Countries with high gender equality, such as Finland, consistently rank higher on indices like the Global Gender Gap Index and HDI, showcasing the correlation between equality and development$.

The correct answer is adulterants.

Key Points

• Adulterants are substances that are intentionally added to food products to reduce their quality, increase quantity, or make them unsafe for consumption. This is often done for economic benefits.
• Adulterants can be harmful to human health and may cause short-term illnesses (like food poisoning) or long-term diseases (such as cancer, organ damage, etc.).
• Common examples of adulterants include chalk powder in flour, washing powder in milk, artificial dyes in spices, and others.
• Adulteration is considered a violation of food safety standards and is strictly regulated under food safety laws such as the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 in India.
• Unlike food additives, which are approved substances used to enhance food properties, adulterants are illegal and harmful.

Additional Information

• Food Additives:
• Food additives are substances added to food to preserve flavor, enhance taste, or improve shelf life.
• Examples include preservatives (like sodium benzoate), emulsifiers, colorants, and flavor enhancers (like monosodium glutamate - MSG).
• They are regulated by food safety authorities and are safe for consumption when used within prescribed limits.
• Chemical Hazards:
• These refer to the harmful chemicals present in food due to contamination or improper handling, such as pesticides, heavy metals, or industrial chemicals.
• Unlike adulterants, chemical hazards are usually unintentional.
• For example, arsenic in water or pesticide residues on vegetables can pose serious health risks.
• Flavouring Agents:
• Flavouring agents are substances added to food to enhance or modify its taste and aroma.
• They are widely used in processed foods and beverages, such as vanilla extract, citric acid, or artificial fruit flavors.
• Approved flavoring agents are generally safe and regulated by food safety authorities.
• Food Adulteration Laws:
• In India, food adulteration is regulated by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
• Severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment, are imposed on individuals or entities found guilty of adulteration.
• Awareness campaigns like "Jaago Grahak Jaago" educate consumers about food safety and adulteration.

Important Points

• Health Risks of Adulteration:
• Adulterants like metanil yellow in turmeric can cause liver damage and cancer.
• Contaminated milk with detergents can lead to gastrointestinal disorders.
• Chalk powder or starch in flour can impair digestion.
• Detection of Adulterants:
• Simple home tests, such as the "water test" for milk adulteration or iodine test for starch in sugar, can help detect common adulterants.
• Advanced lab techniques, like chromatography and spectroscopy, are used for precise detection of adulterants.
• Preventive Measures:
• Consumers should purchase food products from trusted sources and check for FSSAI certification.
• Awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement of food safety regulations can curb adulteration practices.

The logic followed here is:

Each letter of the word is moved +4 positions forward in the English alphabet.

EFHE is related to IJLI :

   E(5)  +4 I(9)  F(6)  +4 J(10)  H(8)  +4 L(12)  E(5)  +4 I(9)

And,

IJLI is related to MNPM :

   I(9)  +4 M(13)  J(10)  +4 N(14)  L(12)  +4 P(16)  I(9)  +4 M(13)

Similarly, PQSP is related to :

   P(16)  +4 T(20)  Q(17)  +4 U(21)  S(19)  +4 W(23)  P(16)  +4 T(20)

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 2".

The correct answer is Mumbai Indians.

Key Points

• Mumbai Indians emerged as the champions of the 3^rd edition of the Women's Premier League (WPL) in 2025.
• The team, owned by Reliance Industries, has been one of the most consistent franchises in both the men's and women's formats of the game.
• Mumbai Indians displayed exceptional performance throughout the tournament with a blend of experienced players and young talents.
• The team was led by Harmanpreet Kaur, one of India’s finest cricketers, who played a pivotal role in guiding the team to victory.
• The final match was a thrilling encounter, and the team showcased outstanding skills in all departments – batting, bowling, and fielding – to secure the title.

Additional Information

• Women's Premier League (WPL):
• The Women's Premier League (WPL) is a franchise-based cricket league in India, modeled after the Indian Premier League (IPL).
• It was officially launched by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in 2023 as a platform to promote women's cricket.
• The league consists of five teams representing different regions of India, namely Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Giants, Delhi Capitals, and UP Warriorz.
• Mumbai Indians in WPL:
• The Mumbai Indians women's team is known for its strong squad, comprising both international superstars and domestic talents.
• In the inaugural edition of WPL in 2023, they also performed remarkably well, laying the foundation for future success.
• Under the leadership of Harmanpreet Kaur, the team has become a dominant force in women's cricket.
• Harmanpreet Kaur:
• Harmanpreet Kaur is a renowned Indian cricketer and the captain of the Mumbai Indians women's team.
• She is known for her aggressive batting style and excellent leadership qualities.
• Her contributions to Indian cricket include several match-winning performances in both domestic and international formats.
• Significance of WPL:
• The WPL has played a crucial role in promoting and developing women's cricket in India.
• It provides a platform for young women cricketers to showcase their talent and gain exposure by playing alongside international stars.
• The league has also helped in increasing viewership and sponsorship for women’s cricket, making it more mainstream.

Important Points

• Royal Challengers Bengaluru:
• Despite having a strong team on paper, they have struggled to convert their performances into consistent victories in the WPL so far.
• Their squad includes several international stars, but they are yet to win a WPL title.
• Gujarat Giants:
• The Gujarat Giants have been competitive in the league but have not yet managed to claim a title.
• They are known for their strong bowling lineup and strategic gameplay.
• Delhi Capitals:
• Delhi Capitals have consistently been one of the top-performing teams in the WPL.
• They have a balanced squad, with a mix of experienced players and emerging talents.