Search Previous Year Questions

The correct answer is Neither 1 nor 2.

Key Points

• Statement 1: The first BRICS Summit was held in Brazil.

This statement is incorrect. The first BRICS Summit was held in Yekaterinburg, Russia, on June 16, 2009. Initially, it was a meeting of the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India, and China), and South Africa joined the group in 2010, making it BRICS.

• Statement 2: BRICS Summits were held in New Delhi on three occasions.

This statement is also incorrect. BRICS Summits have been held in New Delhi only twice, in 2012 (4^th Summit) and 2016 (8^th Summit). Thus, the claim of three occasions is factually incorrect.

Additional Information

• BRICS Overview:
• BRICS stands for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
• The grouping aims to promote economic growth, sustainable development, and multilateral cooperation among its members.
• South Africa joined the group in 2010, transforming BRIC into BRICS.
• BRICS Summits Timeline:
• 2009: The 1^st BRICS Summit was held in Yekaterinburg, Russia.
• 2012: The 4^th BRICS Summit was held in New Delhi, India.
• 2016: The 8^th BRICS Summit was held in Goa, India.
• India has hosted BRICS Summits twice, not three times.
• Key Objectives of BRICS:
• To reform global financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.
• To enhance cooperation in areas like trade, health, environment, and technology.
• To address challenges such as climate change, terrorism, and global economic instability.
• New Development Bank (NDB):
• The BRICS countries established the NDB in 2014.
• The NDB aims to provide funding for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other developing nations.

Important Points

• Significance of BRICS:
• The BRICS countries together account for about 41% of the global population, covering a large part of the world's emerging economies.
• They contribute approximately 24% of the global GDP.
• BRICS Summits serve as a platform for member countries to collaborate on regional and global issues.
• BRICS Chairmanship:
• The chairmanship of BRICS rotates annually among its members in accordance with the principle of alphabetical order.
• India chaired the BRICS Summit most recently in 2021.

The correct answer is 2 - 3 - 1.

Key Points

• Advent of Inter-Continental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs):
• The development of Inter-Continental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) began during the Cold War era.
• The first operational ICBM was the Soviet Union's R-7 Semyorka, which was successfully tested on August 21, 1957.
• This event marked a significant milestone in military technology and global geopolitics.
• Hence, this event occurred first.
• Launch of First Communication Satellite:
• The first communication satellite, Telstar 1, was launched by the United States on July 10, 1962.
• It enabled the transmission of live television signals, telephone calls, and other data across the Atlantic Ocean.
• This was a revolutionary advancement in global communication technology.
• Hence, this event happened after the advent of ICBMs.
• Introduction of the World Wide Web (WWW):
• The World Wide Web was invented by Tim Berners-Lee in 1989 and became publicly available in 1991.
• It revolutionized how information was shared and accessed globally, forming the foundation of the modern internet.
• The introduction of WWW represents a more recent technological advancement compared to the other two events.
• Hence, this event occurred last in the sequence.

Additional Information

• Inter-Continental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs):
• Definition: ICBMs are long-range missiles capable of delivering nuclear warheads across continents, with a range exceeding 5,500 kilometers.
• Key Nations: The United States, Russia (formerly USSR), China, and other major powers have developed and deployed ICBMs.
• Significance: ICBMs played a crucial role in the Cold War arms race and continue to influence global military strategy.
• Communication Satellites:
• Telstar 1: This satellite facilitated the first transatlantic television broadcast and symbolized the beginning of satellite communication technology.
• Modern Usage: Communication satellites are now used for television, radio broadcasting, internet, and military communication worldwide.
• Impact: They have significantly enhanced global connectivity and information exchange.
• World Wide Web (WWW):
• Development: Created by Tim Berners-Lee at CERN to enable easy access and sharing of information over the internet.
• Features: The WWW introduced the use of URLs, HTML, and HTTP to structure and access online resources.
• Modern Impact: It is the backbone of the internet, supporting e-commerce, social media, education, and countless other applications.

Important Points

• Timeline Summary:
• 1957: Advent of ICBMs with the R-7 Semyorka.
• 1962: Launch of the first communication satellite, Telstar 1.
• 1991: Public availability of the World Wide Web.
• Technological Significance:
• Each of these events represents a milestone in human history, showcasing advancements in military, communication, and information technology.
• They have profoundly shaped modern society and geopolitics.

The correct answer is 2 only.

Key Points

• Right to Work: The Right to Work is not included as a Fundamental Right under the Constitution of India. It is part of the Directive Principles of State Policy under Article 41, which directs the state to make provisions for securing the right to work, education, and public assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness, and disability. Hence, Statement 1 is incorrect.
• Right to Privacy: The Right to Privacy was recognized as a Fundamental Right under Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty) by the Supreme Court in its landmark judgment in the Puttaswamy case (2017). This ensures the protection of personal data and privacy from interference by the state or third parties. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
• Right to Free and Compulsory Education: The Right to Education Act (2009) makes education a Fundamental Right for children aged 6 to 14 years under Article 21A of the Constitution. However, the age bracket mentioned in the question (6 to 18 years) is incorrect, as the provision applies only to children aged 6 to 14 years. Hence, Statement 3 is incorrect.
• Fundamental Rights in India: Fundamental Rights are enshrined in Part III of the Constitution and include rights such as equality, freedom, cultural and educational rights, and protection against exploitation.
• Directive Principles: Rights such as the Right to Work are part of Directive Principles, which are guidelines for the state but are not enforceable in a court of law.

Additional Information

• Article 21: The Right to Life and Personal Liberty is guaranteed under Article 21, which includes the right to privacy as per the Supreme Court's judgment in Justice K.S. Puttaswamy (Retd.) v. Union of India (2017). This judgment expanded the scope of Article 21 to include personal privacy as an essential aspect of liberty.
• Article 21A: The Right to Free and Compulsory Education was added by the 86^th Constitutional Amendment Act (2002). It mandates free and compulsory education for children aged 6 to 14 years as a Fundamental Right.
• Directive Principles of State Policy: Articles like 39, 41, and 43 include provisions for the welfare of citizens, including the right to work, education, and public assistance. These are not enforceable but guide the state in policymaking.
• Puttaswamy Judgment: The landmark ruling in 2017 affirmed that privacy is a Fundamental Right under Article 21. This judgment had significant implications for data protection laws in India and the regulation of surveillance and information access by the state.
• Right to Work Globally: Many countries recognize the Right to Work as part of their constitutional framework or social policies, but in India, it remains under the Directive Principles and not as a Fundamental Right.

Important Points

• Fundamental Rights: These are enforceable in a court of law and are aimed at protecting individual freedom and ensuring equality. Examples include Article 14 (Right to Equality), Article 19 (Freedom of Speech), and Article 21 (Right to Life).
• Directive Principles: These are non-enforceable guidelines mentioned in Part IV of the Constitution, aiming to create a welfare state. They include provisions like the Right to Work, equal pay for equal work, and protection of the environment.
• Supreme Court's Role: The judiciary plays a crucial role in interpreting Fundamental Rights and expanding their scope based on landmark judgments like Puttaswamy (2017) and Maneka Gandhi (1978).

The correct answer is 2.

Key Points

• Statement 1: The flag of the European Union (EU) does not have a circle of gold stars on a white background. Instead, it consists of a circle of 12 gold stars on a blue background, symbolizing unity, solidarity, and harmony among the peoples of Europe. Hence, this statement is incorrect.
• Statement 2: The flag of the United Nations (UN) features a world map surrounded by two pairs of olive branches. These olive branches symbolize peace, and the map shows all the countries of the world, emphasizing the organization's global reach. Hence, this statement is correct.
• Statement 3: The flag of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) indeed carries four colors: blue, red, white, and yellow. These colors represent the main hues of the flags of ASEAN member countries. The emblem includes stalks of paddy, symbolizing prosperity and solidarity among ASEAN nations. Hence, this statement is correct.

Additional Information

• European Union Flag:
• The flag was adopted in 1986 and consists of 12 stars, which symbolize perfection and completeness rather than the number of member states.
• The blue background represents the European identity and the unity of its people.
• The stars are arranged in a circle, symbolizing solidarity and harmony.
• United Nations Flag:
• The flag was adopted on October 20, 1947.
• The olive branches are a universally recognized symbol of peace.
• The map on the flag represents a projection of the globe centered on the North Pole, emphasizing the UN's mission to address global issues.
• ASEAN Flag:
• The flag was first adopted in 1997.
• The colors blue, red, white, and yellow are often seen in the national flags of ASEAN member states, symbolizing unity in diversity.
• The ten stalks of paddy represent the ten member countries and their shared goal of economic growth and regional stability.
• Importance of Flags in International Organizations:
• Flags serve as visual representations of an organization's goals, values, and identity.
• They are used in official events, summits, and communications to foster unity among member states.

Important Points

• European Union:
• Founded in 1993 under the Maastricht Treaty.
• Currently has 27 member states.
• Aims to promote economic, political, and social cooperation in Europe.
• United Nations:
• Established on October 24, 1945, after World War II.
• Comprises 193 member states.
• Focuses on maintaining international peace and security, promoting sustainable development, and protecting human rights.
• ASEAN:
• Formed on August 8, 1967, in Bangkok, Thailand.
• Includes 10 Southeast Asian nations.
• Focuses on economic growth, social progress, and cultural development in the region.

The correct answer is Abhijit Sen Committee.

Key Points

• The Balwant Rai Mehta Committee was formed in 1957 to study the working of Community Development Programme (1952) and National Extension Service (1953). It recommended the establishment of democratic decentralization and the introduction of Panchayati Raj institutions. Hence, it is associated with decentralization.
• The Ashok Mehta Committee, constituted in 1977, suggested a two-tier Panchayati Raj system and the inclusion of political parties for better governance. It emphasized the need for decentralization through Panchayati Raj institutions. Hence, it is associated with decentralization.
• The L.M. Singhvi Committee was formed in 1986 to recommend measures to strengthen Panchayati Raj institutions. It proposed the constitutional recognition of Panchayati Raj institutions, which later led to the 73^rd Constitutional Amendment Act in 1992. Hence, it is associated with decentralization.
• The Abhijit Sen Committee, on the other hand, focused on agricultural issues, including the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and food security. It was not related to the decentralization of Panchayati Raj institutions in India. Hence, this is the correct answer.

Additional Information

• Balwant Rai Mehta Committee:
• It introduced the concept of a three-tier Panchayati Raj system, comprising the Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, and Zila Parishad.
• It emphasized the role of elected bodies for local governance and decision-making.
• The committee played a significant role in laying the foundation for decentralized governance in India.
• Ashok Mehta Committee:
• Recommended the two-tier structure for Panchayati Raj, consisting of Zila Parishad and Mandal Panchayat.
• Suggested that Panchayati Raj institutions should have more financial autonomy.
• Advocated for the inclusion of political parties in Panchayati Raj elections.
• L.M. Singhvi Committee:
• Proposed constitutional status for Panchayati Raj institutions, which led to the enactment of the 73^rd Constitutional Amendment Act.
• Highlighted the importance of decentralization for effective governance.
• Recommended regular elections for Panchayati Raj institutions and the establishment of the State Finance Commission.
• Abhijit Sen Committee:
• Focused primarily on issues related to agriculture, food security, and minimum support price (MSP).
• Its recommendations aimed at improving agricultural productivity and ensuring food security for India.
• It had no direct connection with Panchayati Raj institutions or decentralization.

Important Points

• 73^rd Constitutional Amendment Act:
• It was enacted in 1992 and came into force in 1993.
• Provided constitutional recognition to Panchayati Raj institutions.
• Mandated the formation of Gram Sabha, regular elections, and reservation for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women.
• Introduced the concept of State Election Commission and State Finance Commission to strengthen local governance.
• Decentralization in India:
• Decentralization aims to transfer power from the central and state governments to local self-governments like Panchayats and Municipalities.
• It facilitates participatory governance and ensures accountability at the grassroots level.
• Strengthened through various committees like Balwant Rai Mehta, Ashok Mehta, and L.M. Singhvi.
• Role of Panchayati Raj Institutions:
• They function as local self-governments in rural areas.
• They are responsible for implementing rural development programs and ensuring public welfare.
• Promote participatory democracy and decentralized decision-making.

CONCEPT:

Reaction of Carbon Dioxide with Lime Water

• When carbon dioxide gas is passed through lime water (a solution of calcium hydroxide), a reaction occurs that forms calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) and water (H₂O).
• Calcium carbonate is insoluble in water and forms a white precipitate, giving the lime water a milky appearance.
• The reaction is represented as:

Ca(OH)₂ + CO₂ → CaCO₃ + H₂O

EXPLANATION:

• The reaction involves the following steps:
• Lime water contains calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂).
• When carbon dioxide gas (CO₂) is bubbled through lime water, CO₂ reacts with Ca(OH)₂ to form insoluble calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) and water.
• The formation of calcium carbonate as a precipitate is what makes lime water turn milky.
• If excess carbon dioxide is passed, calcium carbonate dissolves in water to form calcium bicarbonate (Ca(HCO₃)₂), making the solution clear again.

Ca(OH)₂ + CO₂ → CaCO₃ + H₂O

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2: Ca(OH)₂ + CO₂ → CaCO₃ + H₂O.

CONCEPT:

Chemical Properties of Salts and Related Compounds

• Water of Crystallization: It is the fixed number of water molecules chemically bonded to a salt in its crystalline form (e.g., CuSO₄·5H₂O).
• Plaster of Paris: Its chemical formula is CaSO₄·0.5H₂O, not CaSO₄·2H₂O, as it contains half a water molecule per formula unit.
• Washing Soda (Na₂CO₃·10H₂O): It is commonly used to remove permanent hardness in water by reacting with calcium and magnesium ions.
• Venus' Atmosphere: The atmosphere of Venus is primarily composed of carbon dioxide (CO₂), with thick clouds of sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄).

EXPLANATION:

• The statement is correct as water of crystallization is indeed the fixed number of water molecules chemically bonded to a salt in its crystalline state.
• The statement is incorrect because the molecular formula of Plaster of Paris is CaSO₄·0.5H₂O, not CaSO₄·2H₂O.
• The statement is correct as washing soda is used to remove permanent hardness of water by precipitating calcium and magnesium ions as insoluble carbonates.
• The statement is correct as Venus' atmosphere indeed contains thick clouds of sulfuric acid along with carbon dioxide.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2, as it is NOT correct.

CONCEPT:

Antacids

• Antacids are substances used to neutralize excess stomach acid, providing relief from indigestion, heartburn, and acidity.
• They are typically composed of weak bases such as magnesium hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide, calcium carbonate, or sodium bicarbonate.
• These substances work by reacting with hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the stomach to produce salt and water, reducing acidity and alleviating symptoms of indigestion.

EXPLANATION:

• Indigestion occurs when there is excessive production of stomach acid, leading to discomfort or a burning sensation.
• The most effective type of medicine to treat indigestion is an antacid, as it directly neutralizes the stomach acid.
• Other types of medicines listed, such as:
• Analgesics: Relieve pain, not relevant to indigestion.
• Antiseptics: Prevent infection by killing germs, not used for indigestion.
• Antibiotics: Treat bacterial infections, not related to stomach acid.

​Therefore, the type of medicine used for treating indigestion is an antacid.

CONCEPT:

Chemical Composition of Cement

• Cement is primarily made up of four major compounds, which are identified based on their chemical composition.
• These compounds are:
• 2CaO.SiO₂ (Dicalcium Silicate, C₂S) - Contributes to the strength of cement over time.
• 3CaO.SiO₂ (Tricalcium Silicate, C₃S) - Responsible for early strength development.
• 3CaO.Al₂O₃ (Tricalcium Aluminate, C₃A) - Reacts with water rapidly and generates heat.
• 4CaO.Al₂Fe₂O₁₀ (Tetracalcium Aluminoferrite, C₄AF) - Contributes to strength but also helps in controlling the heat generated during hydration.
• All these compounds are essential for the properties and performance of cement.

EXPLANATION:

• In the given options, one of the compounds listed is 4CaO.SiO₂.
• 4CaO.SiO₂ is not a standard compound found in cement.
• The standard silicate compounds in cement are 2CaO.SiO₂ (C₂S) and 3CaO.SiO₂ (C₃S).
• Therefore, 4CaO.SiO₂ is not present in cement.

CONCEPT:

Chemical Change vs Physical Change

• A chemical change involves the formation of new substances with different properties through a chemical reaction. Examples include burning, rusting, and reactions between chemicals.
• A physical change does not produce new substances; it only changes the physical state or appearance of the substance. Examples include melting, boiling, and freezing.

EXPLANATION:

1. Burning of coal is a chemical change because it produces new substances like carbon dioxide and ash.
2. Rusting of metal is a chemical change because it involves the formation of new substances such as iron oxide.
3. Melting of ice is a physical change because it only changes the state of water from solid to liquid, without forming new substances.
4. Reaction of acid with base is a chemical change because it forms new substances like water and salt.

• Among the options, melting of ice is NOT a chemical change.

Therefore, the correct answer is Melting of ice.