Search Previous Year Questions

The correct answer is 33.

Key Points

• As of March 2025, India has 33 officially declared Elephant Reserves (ERs) spread across various states.
• The 33^rd Elephant Reserve was notified in Agasthiyamalai, Tamil Nadu, in August 2022, covering an area of approximately 1,197 sq km.
• India is home to nearly 60% of the global Asian elephant population, making the conservation of these reserves vital for biodiversity.
• The Elephant Reserves in India are declared under Project Elephant, a centrally sponsored scheme launched in 1992 to protect elephants, their habitat, and corridors.
• These reserves aim to mitigate human-elephant conflict and ensure the long-term survival of the species through ecological and habitat conservation.

Additional Information

• Project Elephant
• Launched in 1992 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Project Elephant aims to protect elephants, their habitat, and migration corridors.
• The initiative focuses on mitigating human-elephant conflict, ensuring the welfare of captive elephants, and promoting research and education about the species.
• Elephant corridors are identified and conserved to facilitate safe movement of elephants between habitats.

The correct answer is 38^th.

Key Points

• The 38^th edition of the National Games of India is scheduled to be held across various venues in Uttarakhand during January-February 2025.
• The National Games are a multi-disciplinary national-level sporting event organized by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) in coordination with state governments.
• Uttarakhand was selected as the host state for the 38^th National Games due to its infrastructure and commitment to promoting sports.
• The games are expected to feature over 30 sports disciplines with participation from athletes across the country.
• The hosting of the games aims to boost Uttarakhand’s economy, promote tourism, and enhance sports infrastructure in the state.

Additional Information

• National Games of India:
• The National Games of India are a prestigious sporting event held every few years, aimed at promoting sports and identifying talent across the country.
• The first edition was held in Lahore in 1924, and the games have evolved significantly over the decades.
• They serve as a platform for athletes to showcase their skills and prepare for international competitions like the Olympics and Commonwealth Games.
• The games also contribute to the development of sports infrastructure and encourage state governments to invest in sports.

The correct answer is Uttar Pradesh.

Key Points

• Chikankari embroidery is a traditional and intricate hand embroidery style that originated in the state of Uttar Pradesh, particularly in the city of Lucknow.
• The art form has been practiced for over 200 years and is renowned for its delicate and subtle designs, usually done on light fabrics such as cotton, muslin, silk, and chiffon.
• Chikankari involves a variety of stitches such as shadow work, flat stitches, and raised stitches, often depicting floral motifs and geometric patterns.
• This embroidery style was introduced during the Mughal era, with Nur Jahan, the wife of Emperor Jahangir, playing a significant role in popularizing it.
• Chikankari is highly valued for its aesthetic appeal and is widely used in traditional Indian garments like sarees, kurtas, and dupattas.

Additional Information

• West Bengal:
• West Bengal is known for its Kantha embroidery, a traditional hand embroidery technique used to create intricate patterns on sarees, dhotis, and quilts.
• Kantha embroidery involves running stitches and is characterized by motifs inspired by nature, folklore, and mythology.
• This embroidery style is primarily practiced by women in rural areas of Bengal.
• Rajasthan:
• Rajasthan is famous for various embroidery styles, including mirror work, Gota Patti, and Zardozi.
• Gota Patti involves applique work using gold or silver ribbons, while Zardozi uses metallic threads to create elaborate patterns.
• These embroidery styles are often used to embellish traditional Rajasthani attire such as lehengas and dupattas.
• Gujarat:
• Gujarat is renowned for its mirror embroidery, also known as Abhla Bharat, which incorporates small mirrors into intricate designs.
• Another popular embroidery style is Rabari embroidery, practiced by the Rabari community, featuring bold patterns and vibrant colors.
• These embroidery techniques are widely used in traditional garments, accessories, and home decor items.

The correct answer is Carbon monoxide (CO).

Key Points

• Carbon monoxide (CO) has a significantly higher affinity for haemoglobin than oxygen—approximately 200-250 times stronger.
• When inhaled, CO binds with haemoglobin to form carboxyhaemoglobin, which reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood, leading to oxygen deprivation in tissues.
• Exposure to CO can cause symptoms like dizziness, headaches, confusion, and even death in severe cases, as it disrupts cellular respiration.
• CO is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas, making it extremely dangerous because its presence is hard to detect without specialized equipment.
• The primary sources of CO include incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, such as in vehicle emissions, faulty heaters, and gas stoves.

Additional Information

• Carbon dioxide (CO2):
• Unlike CO, carbon dioxide does not bind to haemoglobin with high affinity and is not toxic in normal concentrations.
• CO2 is a natural byproduct of respiration and is exhaled by humans and animals.
• In high concentrations, CO2 can displace oxygen in the air, causing asphyxiation, but it is not as harmful as CO in smaller quantities.
• Methane (CH4):
• Methane is a colourless, odourless gas and a significant component of natural gas.
• It is not directly harmful to haemoglobin but is a potent greenhouse gas contributing to global warming.
• In confined spaces, methane can displace oxygen, leading to suffocation.
• Nitrogen dioxide (NO2):
• Nitrogen dioxide is a toxic gas that irritates the respiratory system but does not affect haemoglobin like CO does.
• It is a major air pollutant produced from vehicle emissions and industrial activities.
• Prolonged exposure to NO2 can lead to respiratory diseases such as asthma and bronchitis.

The correct answer is Agra gharana.

Key Points

• Vilayat Hussain Khan was a renowned Hindustani classical vocalist associated with the Agra gharana, one of the prominent styles of Hindustani classical music.
• The Agra gharana is known for its emphasis on intricate ragas, bol-baant (syllable improvisation), and the use of Dhrupad and Khayal traditions.
• Vilayat Hussain Khan was famously known as "Pran Piya", a title he adopted as his pen name for his musical compositions.
• He significantly contributed to the preservation and propagation of the Agra gharana's musical style through his extensive teaching and compositions.
• He was known for his mastery of both Khayal and Thumri forms, showcasing an extraordinary command over laya (tempo) and taan patterns (rapid melodic sequences).

Additional Information

• Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana
• The Jaipur-Atrauli gharana is a prominent school of Hindustani classical music, known for its sophisticated and intricate approach to raga development.
• It was founded by Alladiya Khan, a legendary musician of the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries.
• This gharana focuses on rare and complex ragas, with an emphasis on slow tempo and detailed exploration of musical nuances.
• Rampur-Sahaswan Gharana
• This gharana originated in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, and was established by Ustad Inayat Hussain Khan.
• It emphasizes clarity of notes and a melodious style of singing, with smooth transitions between notes.
• Singers from this gharana are known for their intricate taans and bol-taans, along with a strong emphasis on maintaining the purity of ragas.
• Gwalior Gharana
• The Gwalior gharana is the oldest Hindustani classical vocal gharana, tracing its roots back to the Mughal era.
• Known for its straightforward and balanced approach, the Gwalior gharana emphasizes the development of ragas through Khayal singing.
• It is characterized by a focus on melody, clarity of pronunciation, and the use of both vilambit (slow) and drut (fast) tempos.

The correct answer is Assam.

Key Points

• Sattriya is one of the eight recognized classical dance forms of India and was introduced by the Vaishnavite saint and reformer Sankardev in the 15^th century in Assam.
• It was originally performed in sattras (Vaishnavite monasteries) as a part of religious rituals and storytelling to propagate the teachings of Lord Krishna.
• The dance is deeply rooted in Bhakti movement and is an important medium to narrate mythological and religious stories through intricate footwork, hand gestures, and facial expressions.
• UNESCO recognized Sattriya as an Indian classical dance form in the year 2000, bringing it into the global spotlight.
• Traditionally, Sattriya was performed only by male monks in monasteries, but it has now evolved into a vibrant stage art performed by both men and women.

Additional Information

• Manipur:
• Manipur is famous for its classical dance form called Manipuri, which is a graceful and spiritual dance that revolves around the themes of Radha and Krishna.
• The Manipuri dance is characterized by soft movements, serene expressions, and elegant costumes, depicting the devotional aspects of Vaishnavism.
• It is performed as part of religious and cultural rituals and festivals in Manipur.
• West Bengal:
• West Bengal is renowned for its folk dances such as Chhau and Baul, but it does not have a classical dance form associated with it.
• Chhau dance is a semi-classical martial art dance form performed in Purulia, West Bengal, and it combines storytelling with vigorous movements and masked performances.
• The Baul tradition is a unique folk culture of Bengal, expressing spiritual themes through music and dance.
• Odisha:
• Odisha is home to the classical dance form Odissi, which is considered one of the oldest surviving classical dance forms in India.
• Odissi is known for its fluid body movements, intricate footwork, and graceful expressions, often depicting stories from Hindu mythology, especially Lord Jagannath and Lord Krishna.
• This dance form has a significant connection to temple rituals and sculptures in Odisha.

The correct answer is Pralay.

Key Points

• Pralay is a surface-to-surface short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India.
• The missile is capable of carrying conventional warheads and has a range of 150-500 km, depending on the payload.
• It is powered by a solid-fuel rocket motor and incorporates advanced technologies for greater accuracy and reliability.
• In July 2025, DRDO successfully conducted two flight tests of Pralay, demonstrating its readiness for induction into the armed forces.
• The missile is designed for quick deployment in high-intensity conflict zones and enhances India’s deterrence capabilities against adversaries.

Additional Information

• BrahMos-ER
• The BrahMos Extended Range (ER) is an upgraded version of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.
• It has a range of over 400 km, compared to the standard version's range of 290 km.
• It can be launched from land, sea, air, or submarine platforms and is jointly developed by India and Russia.
• The missile is known for its speed, precision, and versatility, making it a strategic asset for the Indian armed forces.
• Rudram-I
• Rudram-I is an air-launched anti-radiation missile (ARM) developed by DRDO for the Indian Air Force.
• It is designed to target enemy radar systems and other electronic warfare assets.
• The missile has a range of 100-200 km and can be launched from a variety of fighter aircraft, including the Sukhoi Su-30MKI.
• Rudram-I enhances the IAF's capability to suppress enemy air defense systems during combat operations.
• Varunastra
• Varunastra is a heavyweight torpedo developed by DRDO for the Indian Navy.
• It is an advanced underwater weapon designed to target submarines and surface ships.
• The torpedo is powered by an electric propulsion system and is capable of reaching speeds of up to 40 knots.
• Varunastra is equipped with advanced guidance systems and sensors, making it a reliable asset for anti-submarine warfare.

The correct answer is Tamil Nadu.

Key Points

• The Tamil Nadu government announced a subsidy programme in March 2025 to support gig workers in purchasing electric scooters.
• This initiative aimed to promote the adoption of environmentally friendly transportation and reduce carbon emissions.
• Gig workers, such as delivery personnel and ride-hailing drivers, were the primary beneficiaries of this scheme.
• The subsidy provided by the Tamil Nadu government significantly reduced the upfront cost of electric scooters, making them more affordable for gig workers.
• The programme aligned with Tamil Nadu’s focus on boosting the electric vehicle (EV) sector and strengthening its position as a leader in EV manufacturing and adoption.

Additional Information

• Karnataka
• Karnataka has been a leader in electric vehicle adoption and manufacturing, with Bengaluru being a hub for EV startups.
• The state has implemented initiatives like the Karnataka Electric Vehicle & Energy Storage Policy, focusing on EV infrastructure development.
• Although Karnataka is proactive in EV promotion, no specific subsidy programme for gig workers purchasing electric scooters was announced as of March 2025.
• Maharashtra
• Maharashtra launched the EV Policy 2021, which included subsidies for EV buyers, manufacturers, and charging infrastructure development.
• The state aimed to achieve a 10% EV penetration in new vehicle registrations by 2025.
• While Maharashtra provides incentives for EVs, no targeted scheme for gig workers to purchase electric scooters was introduced in March 2025.
• Gujarat
• Gujarat announced the Gujarat Electric Vehicle Policy 2021 to encourage EV adoption by providing financial subsidies to buyers and promoting EV manufacturing.
• Under this policy, Gujarat aimed to make electric vehicles more affordable and accessible for the general population.

The correct answer is Malla Mahal, Almora.

Key Points

• Malla Mahal is located in the historic city of Almora in the state of Uttarakhand, India, which served as the seat of the Chand dynasty.
• The Chand dynasty ruled over the Kumaon region from the 11^th to the 18^th century, leaving a significant cultural and architectural legacy.
• The Malla Mahal is a key part of the Chand dynasty's architectural heritage, showcasing their distinctive style and craftsmanship.
• In 2025, the government has planned to transform the Malla Mahal into a heritage museum to preserve and promote the cultural history of the region.
• The museum aims to display artifacts, historical records, and other cultural relics from the Chand dynasty, making it a significant attraction for tourists and historians.

Additional Information

• RK Narayan's house, Mysuru
• RK Narayan, one of India's most celebrated authors, is known for his contributions to Indian English literature.
• His house in Mysuru has been converted into a museum showcasing his life, literary works, and awards.
• The museum celebrates his famous works like "Malgudi Days" and provides insights into his life as a writer.
• Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, Madurai
• It is a 17^th-century palace built by King Thirumalai Nayak of the Nayak dynasty in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
• The palace is renowned for its grand architecture, including massive pillars and intricate stucco work on its domes and arches.
• It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Madurai and is preserved as a historical monument.
• Jagannath Dham, Digha
• Jagannath Dham refers to temples dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu, widely revered in Hinduism.
• The Jagannath temple in Digha, West Bengal, is a prominent pilgrimage site and attracts devotees from across the region.
• The temple is also a significant cultural landmark, hosting various religious festivals, including the famous Rath Yatra.

The correct answer is Mohan Charan Majhi.

Key Points

• As of August 2025, the Chief Minister of Odisha is Mohan Charan Majhi, who took office in June 2024 after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won the state elections, ending Naveen Patnaik's long tenure.
• He addressed the state on Independence Day in August 2025, focusing on development and welfare.
• Majhi has been actively involved in raising issues concerning the development of Odisha and the rights of its people.

Additional Information

• Sarat Pattanayak
• Sarat Pattanayak is a senior Congress leader from Odisha.
• He has served as a Member of Parliament (MP) from Balangir constituency in Odisha.
• Pattanayak has been associated with the Indian National Congress and has played a significant role in the party's activities in the state.
• Naveen Patnaik
• Naveen Patnaik served as the Chief Minister of Odisha for an uninterrupted 24 years, from March 5, 2000, to June 12, 2024.
• He is the founder and current president of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) political party, established in December 1997 after a split from the Janata Dal.
• He has authored three books, including A Second Paradise: Indian Courtly Life 1590–1947.
• Baijayant Panda
• Baijayant “Jay” Panda is a politician and senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
• He was previously associated with the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and served as a Member of Parliament from Odisha.
• Panda is known for his contributions to policy discussions, particularly on economic and governance-related issues.