Search Previous Year Questions

The correct answer is Dama.

Key Points

• The Dama is a traditional percussion instrument, specifically a long, narrow hand drum widely used by tribal communities in the hilly terrains of Meghalaya and Tripura.
• It is most prominently associated with the Garo tribe and serves as a vital cultural element during their major social and religious ceremonies.
• The instrument is traditionally crafted from a hollowed-out wooden log, usually from the Gambhar tree or other local timber, with animal hide (typically goat skin) stretched tightly across the circular ends to produce a resonant sound.
• It plays a central role in the Wangala Festival, popularly known as the One Hundred Drums Festival, which is a harvest celebration dedicated to the Sun God Saljong.

 Additional Information

• Dhak:
• A large barrel-shaped membranophone predominantly used in West Bengal and Bangladesh.
• It is an essential part of the Durga Puja celebrations and is typically played using two thin wooden sticks rather than bare hands.
• Davandi:
• A small, hourglass-shaped drum similar to the damaru, commonly found in the folk music traditions of Maharashtra and Southern India.
• It is often used by wandering folk singers or in specific local rituals to accompany devotional performances.
• Chyabrung:
• The Chyabrung is a traditional drum belonging to the Limbu community residing in Sikkim, Darjeeling, and Nepal.
• It is hung around the neck and played with both hands during the Chyabrung dance (Kelang), performed during harvest festivals like Chasok Tangnam.

The correct answer is Coal and iron ore deposits.

Key Points

• The Chota Nagpur Plateau is a continental plateau in eastern India, covering much of Jharkhand as well as adjacent parts of Odisha, West Bengal, and Chhattisgarh.
• It is famously known as the Mineral Heart of India because it stores a vast variety of minerals, accounting for nearly 40 percent of the country's total mineral wealth.
• The region contains the largest Gondwana coal deposits in the country, primarily located in the Damodar Valley area including Jharia, Raniganj, and Bokaro, which fuel the nation's thermal power and metallurgical sectors.
• Abundant high-grade iron ore (Hematite) is found in the Singhbhum district of Jharkhand and the Mayurbhanj-Keonjhar belt of Odisha, making it the backbone of the Iron and Steel Industry.
• The availability of these two critical resources in close proximity led to the development of major industrial hubs such as Jamshedpur (TISCO), Bokaro, and Durgapur.

 Additional Information

• Mineral Diversity:
• The plateau is also the world's leading producer of Mica, concentrated in the Koderma region, and holds significant Bauxite and Copper reserves.
• Incorrect Options Context:
• Diamond-bearing kimberlite: These are primarily located in the Panna district of Madhya Pradesh and parts of the Raipur district in Chhattisgarh, not the Chota Nagpur Plateau.
• Petroleum and natural gas: These fossil fuels are found in sedimentary basins such as Mumbai High, Assam (Digboi), and the Krishna-Godavari offshore basin.
• Limestone: While present, it is not the defining industrial mineral of this specific plateau; it is more extensively mined for cement in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh.

The correct answer is Visakhapatnam.

Key Points

• The 30^th edition of the CII Partnership Summit was inaugurated by CP Radhakrishnan in the port city of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
• The summit was organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in partnership with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and the State Government of Andhra Pradesh.
• This milestone 30^th edition serves as a premier platform for global leaders, policymakers, and business icons to discuss economic growth, international trade, and investment opportunities.
• The choice of Visakhapatnam, often referred to as the City of Destiny, highlights its strategic importance as an industrial hub and its contribution to India's maritime trade and blue economy.
• The summit focused on themes such as Sustainable Development, Inclusive Growth, and Technological Innovation in a rapidly changing global economic landscape.

 Additional Information

• Confederation of Indian Industry (CII):
• It is a non-government, not-for-profit, industry-led organization founded in 1895.
• Headquartered in New Delhi, it works closely with the Government of India on policy issues to enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of Indian Industry.
• Historical Context of the Summit:
• The Partnership Summit was launched in 1995 to commemorate the Centenary of CII.
• Since its inception, it has emerged as one of the most prominent international investment summits in India, facilitating high-level B2B and B2G networking.
• Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT):
• Operating under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, DPIIT is responsible for formulating and implementing industrial policy and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy.
• It plays a pivotal role in the Make in India and Startup India initiatives to boost the manufacturing sector.

The correct answer is 7.3%.

Key Points

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), during its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting in December 2024, released the growth projections for the financial year 2025-26 (FY26), pegging the real GDP growth at 7.3%.
• The quarterly breakup for the FY26 growth forecast is as follows: Q1 at 7.3%, Q2 at 7.4%, Q3 at 7.2%, and Q4 at 7.1%, indicating a steady economic momentum throughout the year.
• The projection is supported by factors such as resilient investment activity, improving rural demand, and a sustained uptick in the services sector, which continues to be a primary driver of the Indian economy.
• RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das noted that while global headwinds persist, the domestic structural reforms and strong corporate balance sheets provide a cushion for achieving this 7.3% growth target.

 Additional Information

• Monetary Policy Committee (MPC):
• The MPC is a statutory body under the RBI Act, 1934, responsible for determining the Policy Repo Rate to achieve the inflation target.
• It consists of six members, including three from the RBI and three external members appointed by the Government of India.
• The primary objective is to maintain price stability while keeping the objective of economic growth in focus, targeting an inflation rate of 4% with a tolerance band of +/- 2%.
• GDP Growth Metrics:
• Real GDP is calculated using constant prices (base year 2011-12 in India) to account for inflation, providing a clearer picture of actual economic expansion.
• The Gross Value Added (GVA) is another critical metric used by the RBI to analyze supply-side performance across sectors like Agriculture, Industry, and Services.
• Sustained Capital Expenditure (Capex) by the Central Government is a key catalyst mentioned by the RBI for achieving high growth rates in FY26.

The correct answer is Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it.

Key Points

• Bal Gangadhar Tilak, also known as Lokmanya Tilak, popularised the iconic slogan Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it to ignite the spirit of independence among Indians.
• The slogan was prominently used during the Home Rule Movement around 1916, signaling a shift in the Indian National Movement toward a more assertive demand for self-governance.
• Tilak was a key leader of the Extremist faction within the Indian National Congress, advocating for Swaraj (Self-Rule) rather than mere administrative reforms.
• By using this slogan, he successfully mobilised the masses, transforming the freedom struggle from an elite-driven movement into a mass movement.
• He was famously described by British colonial authorities as the Father of the Indian Unrest due to his radical nationalist activities and influential writings.

 Additional Information

• Give me blood and I will give you freedom:
• This slogan was given by Subhash Chandra Bose, also known as Netaji.
• It was used to recruit and inspire soldiers of the Indian National Army (INA) or Azad Hind Fauj to fight against the British Empire during World War II.
• Contributions of Bal Gangadhar Tilak:
• He started two influential newspapers: Kesari in Marathi and The Mahratta in English.
• Tilak introduced public celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi and Shivaji Jayanti to build national unity and cultural pride.
• He authored several books, including Gita Rahasya, which he wrote during his imprisonment in Mandalay Jail, and The Arctic Home in the Vedas.
• He was a founding member of the Deccan Education Society and the Fergusson College in Pune.

The correct answer is China.

Key Points

• On September 11, 2024, China formally requested World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute consultations with India.
• The dispute centers on Indian measures affecting the automotive and renewable energy sectors, specifically targeting certain import duties and subsidies provided by the Indian government.
• China claims that these measures are inconsistent with various provisions of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) 1944 and the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (SCM Agreement).
• The request specifically highlights concerns regarding local content requirements and financial incentives that China argues disadvantage foreign products in the Indian market.
• This action marks a significant escalation in trade tensions between the two neighbors, following India's increased scrutiny of Chinese investments and imports under its Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

 Additional Information

• WTO Dispute Settlement Process:
• Consultations: The first stage where parties attempt to resolve differences within 60 days.
• Panel Establishment: If consultations fail, the complaining nation can request a Dispute Settlement Panel to adjudicate the matter.
• India's Strategic Sectors:
• The Automotive sector in India is supported by the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) and Auto Components.
• In Renewable Energy, India has implemented the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) to boost domestic manufacturing of Solar Photovoltaic (PV) modules.
• USA and Brazil:
• While the United States and Brazil have had past trade disagreements with India regarding sugar subsidies and poultry imports, they are not the initiators of this specific 2024 automotive and renewable energy complaint.

The correct answer is Facilitating speedy settlement and rightful return of unclaimed financial assets to legitimate claimants.

Key Points

• The Aapki Punji Aapka Adhikar campaign was launched in 2025 as a nationwide mission to address the growing volume of unclaimed financial assets across the country.
• Its primary objective is to create a centralized and simplified framework that allows legal heirs and legitimate owners to identify and recover funds that have been lying dormant.
• The initiative focuses on various asset classes, including bank deposits, matured insurance policies, unpaid dividends, and matured debentures that have not been claimed for years.
• The campaign employs technological integration to facilitate speedy settlements, reducing the bureaucratic hurdles and lengthy paperwork previously associated with legacy claims.
• It aims to enhance financial justice by ensuring that household savings are returned to the families or individuals who are the rightful beneficiaries.

 Additional Information

• Unclaimed Deposits and Assets:
• In the banking sector, accounts are classified as unclaimed if they remain inoperative or inactive for a continuous period of 10 years.
• Such funds are periodically transferred to the Depositor Education and Awareness (DEA) Fund, which is maintained and monitored by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• Technological Support:
• The campaign heavily utilizes the UDGAM (Unclaimed Deposits-Gateway to Access Information) portal, which acts as a single window for citizens to search for their deposits across multiple banks.
• Advanced KYC (Know Your Customer) verification and biometric authentication are used to prevent fraudulent claims during the settlement process.
• Preventive Measures:
• Beyond recovery, the campaign emphasizes financial literacy by urging account holders to maintain active nominations.
• It encourages periodic updates of contact details and Aadhaar linking to ensure that assets do not become untraceable in the future.

The correct answer is Human security.

Key Points

• The Human Development Index (HDI) is a summary measure of average achievement in key dimensions of human development, developed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
• It was created by Pakistani economist Mahbub ul Haq and Indian economist Amartya Sen in 1990 to emphasize that people and their capabilities should be the ultimate criteria for assessing development.
• The index is calculated using three specific dimensions: a long and healthy life, being knowledgeable, and a decent standard of living.
• Human security is a distinct conceptual framework introduced in the 1994 Human Development Report that addresses freedom from fear and freedom from want, but it is not used as a quantitative variable in the primary HDI calculation.

 Additional Information

• A long and healthy life:
• This dimension is assessed by the Life Expectancy at Birth indicator.
• It reflects the overall health status of a population and the effectiveness of the healthcare system.
• Being knowledgeable:
• Measured through two indicators: Mean years of schooling for adults aged 25 years and older, and Expected years of schooling for children of school-entering age.
• These metrics provide a holistic view of the educational attainment and potential within a country.
• A decent standard of living:
• Measured by Gross National Income (GNI) per capita adjusted for Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) in international dollars.
• This accounts for the differences in the cost of living and inflation rates across different nations.
• Other Related Indices:
• The UNDP also publishes the Inequality-adjusted HDI (IHDI), the Gender Development Index (GDI), and the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) to provide a more comprehensive view of social progress.

The correct answer is 42^nd Amendment, 1976.

Key Points

• The 42^nd Amendment Act, passed in 1976, is historically significant as it remains the only time the Preamble of the Constitution of India has been amended to date.
• This amendment officially inserted three specific terms into the Preamble: Socialist, Secular, and Integrity, thereby redefining the nature of the Indian State.
• The description of India was transformed from a Sovereign Democratic Republic to a Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic.
• Furthermore, the phrase unity of the Nation was amended to read unity and integrity of the Nation to emphasize national cohesion.
• The amendment was enacted during the National Emergency under the administration of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, following the recommendations of the Swaran Singh Committee.

 Additional Information

• Mini-Constitution:
• The 42^nd Amendment is widely known as the Mini-Constitution due to the extensive and sweeping changes it introduced across various Articles and Schedules.
• It added Part IV-A (Fundamental Duties) and Part XIV-A (Administrative Tribunals) to the Constitution.
• 24^th Amendment, 1971:
• This act affirmed the Parliamentary power to amend any part of the Constitution, including Fundamental Rights, in response to the Golaknath case.
• 44^th Amendment, 1978:
• Introduced by the Janata Government to restore democratic safeguards and notably removed the Right to Property from the list of Fundamental Rights, making it a legal right under Article 300A.
• 52^nd Amendment, 1985:
• Introduced the Anti-Defection Law by adding the Tenth Schedule to the Constitution to curb political instability caused by floor-crossing.

The correct answer is Government of India Act of 1919.

Key Points

• The Government of India Act of 1919, popularly known as the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, was enacted based on the recommendations of Edwin Montagu (Secretary of State) and Lord Chelmsford (Viceroy).
• A fundamental shift in the fiscal administration occurred when this Act separated Provincial budgets from the Central budget for the first time in British Indian history.
• The legislation empowered Provincial Legislatures to formulate and enact their own budgets, thereby granting a degree of financial independence to the provinces from the Government of India.
• The Act demarcated and separated the Central and Provincial subjects, relaxing the central control over the provinces by allowing them to make laws on their respective lists of subjects.
• It introduced the system of Dyarchy (dual government) in the eight major provinces, where provincial subjects were further divided into Transferred and Reserved categories.
• The Transferred subjects were administered by the Governor with the help of ministers responsible to the Legislative Council, while Reserved subjects were handled by the Governor and his executive council without responsibility to the legislature.
• The Act also provided for the establishment of a Public Service Commission, which led to the setting up of the Central Public Service Commission in 1926 for recruiting civil servants.

 Additional Information

• Indian Councils Act of 1909:
• Also known as the Morley-Minto Reforms, it significantly increased the size of the legislative councils.
• It introduced separate electorates for Muslims, effectively legalizing communalism in the Indian political structure.
• It allowed for the first time the association of Indians with the executive councils of the Viceroy and Governors; Satyendra Prasad Sinha became the first Indian to join the Viceroy's Executive Council.
• Government of India Act of 1935:
• Proposed the establishment of an All-India Federation consisting of provinces and princely states as units.
• It abolished Dyarchy in the provinces and introduced Provincial Autonomy in its place.
• The Act provided for the establishment of the Reserve Bank of India to control the currency and credit of the country.
• Indian Councils Act of 1892:
• Increased the number of non-official members in the Central and Provincial Legislative Councils.
• It increased the functions of legislative councils and gave them the power of discussing the budget, though they could not yet vote on it or separate it from the central budget.