Search Previous Year Questions

The correct answer is Mission Mausam.

Key Points

• The Union Government of India officially launched Mission Mausam to significantly scale up India's weather and climate forecasting capabilities, particularly to tackle extreme weather events.
• This initiative was strategically designed to make India Weather-Ready and Climate-Smart by integrating advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML).
• The mission is being implemented under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), ensuring a unified approach toward atmospheric science and observation.
• One of the core objectives of Mission Mausam is to improve the accuracy of forecasts for cloudbursts, heatwaves, cyclones, and heavy rainfall, providing more lead time for disaster management authorities.
• The government approved an initial outlay of Rs. 2,000 crore for the first two years of the mission, emphasizing the urgency of climate resilience.

Additional Information

• Technological Infrastructure:
• The mission involves the deployment of Next-Generation Radars, including Dual-Polarization Doppler Weather Radars, to enhance spatial and temporal resolution in weather monitoring.
• It also focuses on expanding the network of Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) and Automatic Rain Gauges (ARG) across the country, especially in hilly terrains and coastal regions.
• Weather Modification Research:
• A unique component of Mission Mausam is the research into weather modification techniques, such as cloud seeding, to potentially manage droughts or suppress hailstorms.
• This research aim is to provide innovative solutions to the unpredictable Monsoon patterns that affect India's agriculture sector.
• Economic and Social Impact:
• By providing hyper-local and precise weather data, the mission directly benefits farmers, aviation, shipping, and the power sector.
• Improved forecasting helps in reducing the economic loss associated with climate-induced disasters, which currently impacts a significant portion of India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Important Points

• Institutional Support:
• Three key institutions are central to the mission's success: the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), and the National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF).
• These bodies work in tandem to process data from satellites like INSAT-3DR and ocean buoys to create comprehensive climate models.
• Timeline and Goals:
• The first phase of the mission spans from 2024 to 2026, focusing on infrastructure procurement and computational capacity building.
• The long-term goal is to position India as a global leader in atmospheric science and to offer weather-related services to neighboring South Asian and African nations.
• Global Alignment:
• The mission aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Early Warnings for All initiative, reinforcing India's commitment to the Paris Agreement and climate adaptation.

p data-end="57" data-start="0">The correct answer is New Delhi.

Key Points

• In January 2025, the city of New Delhi recorded some of the highest air pollution levels in recent history, frequently crossing the "Severe Plus" category on the Air Quality Index (AQI).
• According to the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) and various meteorological reports, the extreme pollution was exacerbated by a phenomenon known as temperature inversion, where a layer of warm air traps cooler air and pollutants close to the earth's surface.
• The C3S highlighted that climate change has altered traditional weather patterns, leading to more frequent stagnant atmospheric conditions over the Indo-Gangetic Plain during the winter months.
• During this period, the concentration of PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) in New Delhi reached levels more than 30 to 50 times the World Health Organization (WHO) annual safety guideline.
• While coastal cities like Mumbai and Chennai benefit from sea breezes that disperse pollutants, New Delhi's landlocked geography prevents the ventilation of toxic air, especially when wind speeds drop to near zero km/h.

Additional Information

• Temperature Inversion:
• Usually, air temperature decreases with an increase in altitude. However, during an inversion, warmer air sits over cooler air.
• In New Delhi, this acts as a "lid," preventing the vertical mixing of smoke from biomass burning, vehicular emissions, and industrial discharge.
• Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S):
• It is one of the six thematic services provided by the Copernicus Programme of the European Union, managed by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF).
• It provides authoritative data on the past, present, and future climate in Europe and the rest of the world.
• Pollutants and Health Impact:
• PM2.5 refers to particles with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers. These are particularly dangerous because they can enter the bloodstream and lungs, causing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
• The National Air Quality Index (NAQI) in India categorizes an AQI of 401-500 as 'Severe', which affects even healthy people and seriously impacts those with existing diseases.

Important Points

• Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP):
• To combat these record-breaking levels in 2025, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage IV of GRAP in the National Capital Region (NCR).
• This included a ban on the entry of truck traffic into Delhi (except for essential commodities) and a halt on construction and demolition activities.
• Role of Western Disturbances:
• In January 2025, a lack of strong Western Disturbances (extra-tropical storms originating in the Mediterranean) meant there was no rain or strong winds to wash away the accumulated aerosols over North India.
• The C3S data indicated that global warming is making these disturbances more erratic, directly impacting the air quality of the Indian subcontinent.

The correct answer is India.

Key Points

• According to the World Bank’s Gini Index report released for the year 2025, India has achieved a landmark ranking as the fourth most equal country globally in terms of income distribution.
• The Gini Index (or Gini Coefficient) is a statistical measure used to represent the income inequality or wealth inequality within a nation or a social group.
• A Gini Index of 0 represents perfect equality, where everyone has the same income, while an index of 100 implies perfect inequality, where one individual has all the income.
• The 2025 ranking signifies a major shift in the socio-economic landscape of South Asia, reflecting the impact of structured direct benefit transfers and inclusive growth policies implemented over the last decade.
• India's performance in this index suggests a narrowing gap between the rich and the poor, as measured by the World Bank's updated methodology which considers consumption expenditure and disposable income.

Additional Information

• Definition of Gini Coefficient:
• Developed by the Italian statistician Corrado Gini in 1912, it is the most commonly used measurement of inequality.
• It is mathematically based on the Lorenz Curve, which plots the cumulative percentages of total income received against the cumulative number of recipients.
• Comparison with Other Nations:
• Sweden: Traditionally ranked among the most equal due to its Nordic model of social welfare, but ranked differently in the 2025 World Bank specific dataset.
• Japan: Maintains a low Gini coefficient due to homogenous wage structures and high inheritance taxes.
• Canada: Often recognized for its redistributive tax system and publicly funded healthcare, which contribute to a lower inequality index compared to its southern neighbors.
• Calculation Methods:
• The World Bank calculates the Gini Index using household survey data from government statistical agencies.
• It often uses Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) exchange rates to ensure cross-country comparability of income levels.

Important Points

• Significance of the Ranking: A high ranking in income equality for a country with a population of over 1.4 billion like India indicates significant structural reforms in rural employment (such as MGNREGA) and digital financial inclusion.
• Impact on Policy: Governments use Gini Index data to formulate fiscal policies, adjust tax brackets, and design social safety nets to prevent wealth concentration.
• Limitations of the Index: While the Gini Index is a robust measure of relative inequality, it does not reflect the absolute wealth of a nation; thus, a poor country and a rich country can have the same Gini score if their income distribution patterns are similar.

The correct answer is The Republic of Mauritius and the United Kingdom.

Key Points

• On October 3, 2024, the governments of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Mauritius issued a joint statement announcing a historic political agreement regarding the Chagos Archipelago.
• Under the terms of this agreement, the United Kingdom will transfer the sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago, including the strategic island of Diego Garcia, to Mauritius.
• A critical component of the deal ensures the continued operation of the strategic military base on Diego Garcia, which is managed by the United Kingdom and the United States. The agreement grants the United Kingdom a 99-year lease to ensure the base's "uninterrupted operation."
• The agreement was reached following years of negotiations and was finalized between British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth.
• This move aims to resolve decades of international legal disputes and address the historical grievances of the Chagossian people, while maintaining regional security in the Indian Ocean.

Additional Information

• Historical Context: The Chagos Archipelago was separated from Mauritius (then a British colony) in 1965, three years before Mauritius gained independence in 1968. It was subsequently designated as the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT).
• Displacement of Inhabitants: Between 1967 and 1973, the United Kingdom forcibly removed approximately 1,500 to 2,000 native Chagossians from the islands to make way for the military base on Diego Garcia. The agreement includes a "right of resettlement" for Chagossians to islands other than Diego Garcia.
• Legal Rulings: In February 2019, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued an advisory opinion stating that the United Kingdom's decolonization of Mauritius was not lawfully completed and that the UK should end its administration of the Chagos Archipelago as rapidly as possible.
• International Pressure: In May 2019, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) voted overwhelmingly (116 to 6) in favor of a resolution demanding that the United Kingdom withdraw its colonial administration from the islands within six months.
• Strategic Importance of Diego Garcia: Located in the central Indian Ocean, Diego Garcia serves as a vital military hub for United States and United Kingdom air and naval operations, providing a platform for missions across the Middle East, South Asia, and East Africa.
• Financial Provisions: As part of the October 2024 treaty, the United Kingdom will provide a package of financial support to Mauritius, including an annual indexed payment and a Mauritius Infrastructure Investment Fund to promote economic development.

Important Points

• Global Reaction: The United States President Joe Biden welcomed the agreement, citing its importance in securing the future of the Diego Garcia base, which plays a vital role in global security and stability.
• Sovereignty vs. Administration: While Mauritius will hold full sovereignty over the entire archipelago, the United Kingdom will be authorized to exercise the sovereign rights and authorities of Mauritius in respect of Diego Garcia for an initial period of 99 years to manage the base.
• Environmental Protection: The agreement also includes provisions for Mauritius and the United Kingdom to cooperate on environmental protection, maritime security, and the fight against illegal fishing and human trafficking in the Indian Ocean region.

The correct answer is option2. The detailed solution will be updated soon.

The correct answer is Ensure enhanced protection for depositors and investors.

Key Points

• The Banking Laws (Amendment) Act (introduced as a Bill in 2024 and progressed in 2025) was designed to strengthen the governance of the Indian banking sector and ensure enhanced protection for depositors and investors.
• One of the most significant features of this legislation is the overhaul of nomination facilities; it allows a depositor to have up to four nominees for their bank accounts, compared to the earlier limit of only one nominee. Hence, statement 4 is correct.
• The Act provides for simultaneous and successive nominations, which helps in the smooth transfer of funds to legal heirs and significantly reduces the accumulation of unclaimed deposits in the banking system.
• It seeks to amend the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, the Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Acts of 1970 and 1980, and the State Bank of India Act, 1955.
• The legislation also redefines "substantial interest" for bank directorships, increasing the threshold from Rs. 5 lakhs to Rs. 2 crores, reflecting modern economic scales.

Additional Information

• Governance in Cooperative Banks: The Act extends the maximum tenure for directors (excluding the Chairman and whole-time directors) in cooperative banks from 8 years to 10 years, aiming for better administrative stability.
• Regulatory Reporting: It amends the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, to change the reporting frequency for banks from reporting Fridays to fortnightly dates (the 15^th and the last day of the month) to align with standard accounting practices.
• Investor Education: The law proposes transferring unclaimed dividends and shares to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF), allowing investors to claim their rightful money from a centralized government authority.
• Audit Quality: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is granted more autonomy and oversight in the appointment of statutory auditors for public sector banks to ensure transparency and prevent financial discrepancies.

Important Points

• Unclaimed Deposits Data: According to RBI reports, unclaimed deposits in the Indian banking system have reached approximately Rs. 78,000 crore as of March 2024. The new nomination rules are a direct measure to curb this growth.
• Directorship Restrictions: The Act clarifies that a person cannot be a director in more than one banking company or a cooperative bank simultaneously, preventing conflicts of interest.
• Statutory Compliance: The amendments ensure that the definitions of "relative" and "control" are standardized across different banking statutes to provide a uniform regulatory framework for Public Sector Banks (PSBs) and private entities alike.

The correct answer is Indian Institute of Technology Bombay.

Key Points

• In December 2024 (noted in the question context as December 2025), the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, through its business incubator SINE (Society for Innovation and Entrepreneurship), launched the Y-Point Venture Capital Fund.
• This fund is recognized as India’s first incubator-linked deep technology venture capital fund, designed to bridge the funding gap for startups transitioning from laboratory research to commercial scale.
• The Y-Point Venture Capital Fund has a target corpus of approximately INR 500 Crore and focuses specifically on Deep Tech sectors including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Semiconductors, Space Technology, Biotechnology, and Robotics.
• The initiative aims to provide early-stage and Series A funding to startups that have been nurtured within the IIT Bombay ecosystem or other academic research environments.
• By being incubator-linked, the fund leverages the technical expertise and mentorship available at SINE, ensuring that the invested capital is backed by robust scientific validation.

Additional Information

• SINE (Society for Innovation and Entrepreneurship):
• Established in 2004, SINE is one of the oldest and most successful technology business incubators in India, located within the IIT Bombay campus in Powai, Mumbai.
• It has supported over 200 startups and provides infrastructure, intellectual property (IP) support, and networking opportunities to entrepreneurs.
• Deep Technology (Deep Tech):
• Deep Tech refers to startups based on substantial scientific advances and high-tech engineering innovations.
• Unlike general tech (e.g., apps or e-commerce), Deep Tech requires significant Research and Development (R&D) and often involves a longer time to reach the market.
• Common examples include Quantum Computing, Clean Energy, and Advanced Materials.
• Venture Capital (VC) in Academia:
• Linking VC funds directly to academic incubators is a model successfully used by global institutions like Stanford and MIT to commercialize university-led research.
• The Y-Point Fund represents a shift in India’s startup ecosystem, moving toward supporting IP-led innovation rather than just service-based models.
• IIT Bombay Ranking:
• IIT Bombay consistently ranks among the top engineering institutions in India according to the NIRF (National Institutional Ranking Framework) and is recognized globally for its contribution to engineering and entrepreneurship.

Important Points

• Economic Impact: The fund is expected to boost the "Make in India" and "Atmanirbhar Bharat" initiatives by fostering domestic manufacturing of high-end technologies.
• Funding Stages: The Y-Point Venture Capital Fund primarily targets the "Valley of Death"—the critical phase where startups have a prototype but lack the capital to begin mass production.
• Partnerships: The fund involves participation from IIT Bombay alumni, High Net-worth Individuals (HNIs), and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions, showcasing a collaborative model for national development.

The correct answer is 0.06%.

Key Points

• The United Nations Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) released its 2024 report, highlighting significant progress in India's immunization efforts.
• India achieved a major public health milestone by reducing the percentage of zero-dose children from 0.11% in 2023 to 0.06% in 2024.
• A zero-dose child is clinically defined as a child who has not received the first dose of the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP1) vaccine, which is a primary indicator of a child's access to routine health services.
• This sharp decline underscores the success of the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) and intensive outreach activities designed to reach the most vulnerable and marginalized populations in India.
• The reduction in zero-dose cases is a critical factor in lowering the under-five mortality rate and ensuring that children are protected from preventable diseases at an early age.

Additional Information

• UN IGME (United Nations Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation):
• It was formed in the year 2004 to share data on child mortality, improve methods for child mortality estimation, and report on progress towards child survival goals.
• The group includes UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Bank Group, and the United Nations Population Division of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs.
• Universal Immunization Programme (UIP):
• Launched in 1985, it is one of the largest health programs in the world.
• In India, it provides life-saving vaccines to approximately 2.6 crore children and 2.9 crore pregnant women annually, free of cost.
• It targets 12 vaccine-preventable diseases including Polio, Measles, Rubella, and Rotavirus diarrhea.
• Mission Indradhanush:
• Launched in December 2014 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, its goal is to achieve 90% full immunization coverage.
• The Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) focuses on specific locations and districts with low coverage to ensure no child is left behind.

Important Points

• U-WIN Portal: This is a digital platform modeled after Co-WIN, designed to digitize the entire vaccination system in India, allowing health workers to track zero-dose children in real-time.
• SDG Target 3.2: By 2030, the Sustainable Development Goals aim to end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age.
• Data Trends: The 2024 report indicates that while global numbers are improving, India’s rapid reduction from 0.11% to 0.06% places it as a leader in immunization recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Role of Frontline Workers: The success is largely attributed to the functions of ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) and ANM (Auxiliary Nurse Midwife) workers who conduct door-to-door surveys to identify children missed during routine sessions.

The correct answer is Tianjin SCO Summit.

Key Points

• The Tianjin SCO Summit was the designated full-fledged annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) for the year 2025. Hence, the correct answer is Tianjin SCO Summit.
• During this summit, China served as the chair, having taken over the presidency for the 2024-2025 period. The event was held in Tianjin, a major portal city in Northern China.
• The summit served as a critical platform to emphasize multilateral cooperation, particularly focusing on regional security, counter-terrorism, and the promotion of a multipolar world order.
• A central theme of the 2025 summit was economic resilience. Member states discussed strategies to strengthen regional supply chains, enhance trade in local currencies, and reduce external economic vulnerabilities.
• The summit placed a strong emphasis on Global-South development priorities, advocating for the interests of developing nations and fostering collaboration on sustainable development goals, infrastructure, and technology transfer.
• The Shanghai Spirit—characterized by mutual trust, equality, and respect for diverse civilizations—remained the guiding principle for the diplomatic engagements in Tianjin.

Additional Information

• Astana SCO Summit (2024):
• The 24^th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO was held in July 2024 in Astana, Kazakhstan.
• A major highlight was the official admission of Belarus as the 10^th full member of the organization. Hence, this option is incorrect for the 2025 summit.
• New Delhi SCO Summit (2023):
• Hosted by India on July 4, 2023, this summit was conducted in a virtual format for the first time under India's chairmanship.
• The theme was "Towards a SECURE SCO", focusing on Security, Economy, Connectivity, Unity, Respect, and Environment. Iran officially became a full member during this summit. Hence, this option is incorrect for the 2025 summit.
• Samarkand SCO Summit (2022):
• This summit took place in September 2022 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
• It was significant for the signing of the Samarkand Declaration and marked the first in-person gathering of SCO leaders since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020. Hence, this option is incorrect for the 2025 summit.
• Overview of SCO:
• The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is a permanent intergovernmental international organization founded on June 15, 2001, in Shanghai, China.
• The current 10 member states are China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, Pakistan, Iran, and Belarus.
• The organization aims to combat the "three evils": terrorism, separatism, and extremism. It has its Secretariat in Beijing and the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) based in Tashkent.

The correct answer is Rafique Baghdadi.

Key Points

• Veteran film critic, historian, and journalist Rafique Baghdadi was honored with the Satyajit Ray Memorial Award during the 21^st Third Eye Asian Film Festival held in 2025.
• The award recognizes his lifelong dedication to film criticism, his profound understanding of world cinema, and his significant contributions to documenting the history of Indian cinema.
• Rafique Baghdadi is widely respected for his deep research into the works of Satyajit Ray and has played a pivotal role in the film society movement in India for over five decades.
• The 21^st edition of the festival celebrated the diversity of Asian cinema, and this award highlighted the importance of scholars and critics who preserve the legacy of legendary filmmakers like Ray.
• Baghdadi is also a prominent chronicler of Mumbai’s heritage and has authored several pieces reflecting the intersection of literature, history, and the silver screen.

Additional Information

• Third Eye Asian Film Festival:
• This festival is organized by the Asian Film Foundation to promote Asian cinema and provide a platform for filmmakers from the continent to showcase their talent.
• It is usually held in Mumbai and features categories such as World Cinema, Asian Panorama, and a dedicated section for Short Films.
• The festival aims to foster cultural exchange and understanding among Asian nations through the medium of film.
• Satyajit Ray Memorial Award:
• Named after the Bharat Ratna recipient and Oscar-winning director Satyajit Ray, this award is given to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to cinema.
• The award emphasizes artistic excellence and the intellectual pursuit of cinematic studies, mirroring the standards set by Ray during his career in the 20^th century.
• Rafique Baghdadi’s Contributions:
• Beyond cinema, Rafique Baghdadi is a noted expert on the life and works of the writer Saadat Hasan Manto.
• He is famous for conducting heritage walks in South Mumbai, particularly in the Mazgaon and Byculla areas, connecting local history with cinematic narratives.
• His work serves as a bridge between literature and film journalism, making him a unique figure in India's cultural landscape.

Important Points

• Satyajit Ray is best known for the Apu Trilogy (Pather Panchali, Aparajito, and Apur Sansar), which brought Indian cinema to the global stage in the 1950s.
• The Asian Film Foundation, which organizes the Third Eye Festival, has been active for over two decades, consistently honoring the legacy of masters through special retrospectives and memorial awards.
• The 2025 festival highlighted the growing influence of digital media and independent storytelling in Asian countries like South Korea, Iran, and India.
• Recipients of such memorial awards are typically chosen by a jury comprising eminent film personalities and scholars based on a lifetime of consistent achievement.