Search Previous Year Questions

The correct answer is 1 - 3 - 4 - 2.

Key Points

• Bharatanatyam is considered one of the oldest classical dance forms of India, with references dating back to ancient texts such as the Natyashastra, written by Bharata around 200 BCE to 200 CE. It originated in Tamil Nadu and was initially performed in temples as a form of religious expression.
• Kathak, a classical dance form from North India, traces its roots to the storytelling tradition of ancient India. It evolved during the Mughal era and incorporates influences from both Hindu and Muslim cultures. Its historical references date back to the Bhakti movement, which emerged between the 15^th and 17^th centuries.
• Manipuri, originating from Manipur, is closely linked to the Vaishnavite traditions and the worship of Lord Krishna. Manipuri dance developed during the medieval period, particularly under King Bhagyachandra's reign in the 18^th century.
• Mohiniyattam, a classical dance from Kerala, has relatively later references compared to the other forms. It gained prominence during the 18^th century, particularly under the patronage of the rulers of Travancore.

Additional Information

• Bharatanatyam:
• Originated in Tamil Nadu, Bharatanatyam was performed in temples as a form of devotional offering.
• It is deeply rooted in the Natyashastra, which is an ancient treatise on drama and performance arts.
• The dance form is known for its graceful movements, expressions, and intricate footwork.
• It is performed to classical Carnatic music and often depicts stories from Hindu mythology.
• Kathak:
• Developed in North India, Kathak is known for its storytelling roots, derived from the Sanskrit word "Katha" meaning story.
• It reflects a blend of Hindu and Muslim cultural influences, especially during the Mughal era.
• Kathak dancers emphasize spins, facial expressions, and intricate rhythmic patterns.
• It is accompanied by classical Hindustani music and tabla or pakhawaj for rhythm.
• Manipuri:
• It emerged in the Vaishnavite traditions of Manipur.
• The dance form is notable for its soft and graceful movements, often depicting stories of Lord Krishna and Radha.
• Manipuri dancers typically wear traditional costumes, including a cylindrical skirt and intricate jewelry.
• The dance is performed to folk music and devotional songs.
• Mohiniyattam:
• Originated in Kerala, Mohiniyattam is known as the dance of the enchantress.
• It is characterized by gentle and flowing movements, complementing the lasya (feminine) aspect of dance.
• The dance form is performed to classical Carnatic music and often narrates mythological stories.
• It gained prominence under the rulers of Travancore during the 18^th century.

Important Points

• Chronological Order:
• Bharatanatyam: Oldest, references in the Natyashastra (200 BCE - 200 CE).
• Kathak: Developed during the Bhakti movement and flourished under the Mughals.
• Manipuri: Evolved under the Vaishnavite traditions in the 18^th century.
• Mohiniyattam: Gained prominence in Kerala during the 18^th century.
• These classical dances are integral to India's cultural heritage and reflect the country's diverse traditions.
• The Natyashastra serves as the foundational text for most classical dance forms in India.

The correct answer is Phamsana — slabs rising to a point, straight incline.

Key Points

• Phamsana style roofs are characterized by slabs rising upwards in a straight slope toward a central point, forming a pyramidal appearance. Hence, this pair is correctly matched.
• Latina is the most common type of Nagara temple shikhara, marked by a tall curvilinear tower that curves inward gradually toward the top. Therefore, it is not rectangular or wagon-shaped.
• Valabhi roofs are rectangular and wagon-vault shaped, resembling the roof of a barrel vault. Hence, the pair mentioning Valabhi as “tall, curving inward sharply” is incorrect.
• Latina temples are not low and broad with stepped roofing; such stepped or pyramidal forms are associated more with other temple roof styles.
• Option-wise Analysis:
• Latina — rectangular, wagon-shaped – Incorrect.
• Phamsana — slabs rising to a point, straight incline – Correct.
• Valabhi — tall, curving inward sharply – Incorrect.
• Latina — low and broad with stepped roofing – Incorrect.
• Hence, the correct answer is Phamsana — slabs rising to a point, straight incline.

Additional Information

• Nagara Style: The dominant temple architecture style of North India, identified by curving towers called Shikharas.
• Latina Shikhara: Simple curvilinear tower with smooth vertical projection, commonly found in early Nagara temples.
• Phamsana Roof: Usually broader and shorter than Latina towers, often used for mandapas (assembly halls).
• Valabhi Style: Features a wagon-vault roof, similar to ancient Buddhist chaitya hall roofing patterns.
• Temple Architecture Period: Major developments in Nagara architecture occurred between the 5^th century CE and 13^th century CE.

Important Points

• Latina, Phamsana, and Valabhi are important classifications of Nagara temple superstructures.
• Wagon-vaulted roofs are strongly associated with Valabhi architecture, while curvilinear towers are associated with Latina.

The correct answer is Rangkhothak.

Key Points

• The Pongtu Festival is a significant cultural celebration of the Tutsa tribe in Arunachal Pradesh. This festival marks the post-sowing season and is celebrated primarily before the millet harvesting period.
• The festival is observed to seek blessings from the deity Rangkhothak. The deity is revered for ensuring a bountiful harvest and protecting the crops from natural calamities and pests.
• The Tutsa people express gratitude and hope for prosperity through their rituals and prayers during the festival. Hence, the correct answer is Rangkhothak.
• The Pongtu Festival is characterized by traditional dances, feasts, and offerings to the deity, which are performed to honor the divine forces that influence agriculture.
• It is an integral part of the cultural identity of the Tutsa tribe, symbolizing unity, gratitude, and their connection with nature and agricultural practices.

Additional Information

• About the Pongtu Festival:
• The Pongtu Festival generally lasts for a few days, during which various community activities are organized.
• It involves the consumption of traditional food, such as rice beer and millet-based dishes, which are staples for the Tutsa tribe.
• The festival also includes traditional dance and music performances that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the tribe.
• Role of Rangkhothak:
• Rangkhothak is regarded as the guardian deity of agricultural prosperity among the Tutsa tribe.
• Rituals performed during the Pongtu Festival are specifically aimed at seeking the deity's blessings for a good harvest and overall well-being.
• The deity is also believed to protect the crops from natural disasters and ensure a steady agricultural yield.
• Other Cultural Aspects of the Tutsa Tribe:
• The Tutsa tribe is one of the indigenous tribes of Arunachal Pradesh, known for their rich traditions and agricultural lifestyle.
• They practice shifting cultivation, which is a common agricultural method in the region.
• Their festivals, such as Pongtu, play a vital role in maintaining their cultural heritage and fostering community bonding.
• Comparison with Other Tribes:
• Unlike the Tutsa tribe, other tribes in Arunachal Pradesh, such as the Nyishi and Apatani, have their unique festivals and deities associated with agriculture and nature.
• For instance, the Nyishi tribe celebrates the Nyokum Festival to seek blessings from nature spirits for harmony and prosperity.

Important Points

• About Arunachal Pradesh:
• Arunachal Pradesh is often referred to as the "Land of the Rising Sun" in India.
• The state is home to numerous indigenous tribes, each with its unique culture, language, and festivals.
• Agriculture is a primary source of livelihood in Arunachal Pradesh, with festivals like Pongtu reflecting the agrarian lifestyle of its people.
• Significance of Tribal Festivals:
• Tribal festivals are not just religious events; they play a crucial role in preserving the cultural identity of indigenous communities.
• These festivals act as a platform for intergenerational knowledge transfer, ensuring the continuity of traditions and customs.
• They also promote unity and cooperation within the community, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose.

The correct answer is 9.

Key Points

• Teen Taal is one of the most popular and foundational taals (rhythmic cycles) in Hindustani Classical Music. It consists of 16 matras (beats).
• The structure of Teen Taal is divided into four vibhags (sections), each containing four matras. These divisions are essential for understanding and performing the taal rhythmically.
• The Khali, or the "empty beat," is a significant aspect of Teen Taal. It is marked with a wave of the hand instead of a clap, signifying a moment of rhythmic void or lightness.
• In Teen Taal, the Khali is placed on the 9^th matra. This placement divides the taal into two halves, creating a balance between the claps (taali) and the wave (khali).
• The sequence of Teen Taal is represented as 1 (Sam), 2, 3, Taali on 5, 6, 7, 8, Khali on 9, 10, 11, 12, and Taali on 13, 14, 15, 16. This cyclic pattern is repeated throughout the composition.

Additional Information

• Structure of Teen Taal:
• Teen Taal has 16 beats divided into four sections of four beats each.
• Its notation is represented as + 2 0 3, where "+" denotes the first clap (Sam), "2" is the second clap (Taali on the 5^th matra), "0" is the Khali (empty beat on the 9^th matra), and "3" is the third clap (Taali on the 13^th matra).
• Importance of Khali:
• The Khali, marked by a wave of the hand, provides contrast and adds a sense of lightness to the rhythm cycle.
• It helps distinguish between sections of the taal and guides the performer in maintaining proper rhythm.
• Applications of Teen Taal:
• Teen Taal is widely used in classical music compositions, including khayal, dhrupad, and instrumental music.
• It is also a foundation for tabla solos and accompaniment, where intricate rhythmic patterns are explored.
• Comparison with Other Taals:
• Teen Taal is distinguished by its 16-beat cycle, whereas other taals like Dadra have 6 beats and Ek Taal has 12 beats.
• This versatility makes Teen Taal suitable for a variety of compositions and improvisations.

Important Points

• Sam: The first beat of a taal, denoted by a clap, is called Sam. It is the most emphasized beat and serves as the starting and ending point of the rhythmic cycle.
• Taali: The clapping points in the taal, such as those on the 5^th and 13^th matras in Teen Taal, are called Taali. They help emphasize specific beats.
• Khali: The wave of the hand on the 9^th matra indicates the Khali or empty beat. It provides a sense of contrast and balance within the taal cycle.
• Matra: A matra is a unit of time in Indian rhythm, similar to a beat in Western music. The number of matras determines the length of the rhythmic cycle.

The correct answer is Variations affect bounce, swing, and fairness on standard pitches.

Key Points

• Regulation by ICC: The International Cricket Council (ICC) strictly regulates the weight and circumference of cricket balls in official matches to maintain uniformity and fairness across all formats of the game.
• Impact on performance: Variations in weight and size significantly affect the bounce, swing, and spin of the ball. These factors are crucial in determining the outcome of matches and ensuring equal opportunities for both bowlers and batsmen.
• Standard pitches: Standard pitches are designed with specific dimensions and characteristics. Cricket balls must conform to regulated specifications to ensure predictable behavior on these pitches, contributing to a balanced contest.
• Consistency in gameplay: Uniformity in ball specifications helps ensure consistency in gameplay across different venues and conditions, fostering fair competition.
• Quality assurance: Strict regulations ensure that cricket balls are produced with high-quality materials and standardized manufacturing processes, preventing any unfair advantages or discrepancies.

Additional Information

• Specifications for Cricket Balls:
• The weight of a cricket ball must be between 156 grams and 163 grams as per ICC regulations.
• The circumference should be between 22.4 cm and 22.9 cm.
• Red balls are used in Test matches, while white balls are used in ODIs and T20s.
• Different ball brands such as Kookaburra, Dukes, and SG are used globally, with slight variations in seam and finish.
• Impact of Ball Variations:
• Heavier balls may offer more swing, while lighter balls might favor batsmen due to less movement.
• The seam plays a critical role in generating spin and swing, affecting bowler performance.
• Changes in ball dimensions can disrupt the balance between batting and bowling, leading to unfair outcomes.
• Role of ICC in Cricket:
• The ICC is the governing body for international cricket, responsible for standardizing rules, regulations, and equipment specifications.
• Its guidelines ensure uniformity in gameplay across various formats and tournaments.
• ICC also monitors ball manufacturing to uphold these standards.
• Red vs. White Balls:
• Red balls: Used in longer formats, they have a pronounced seam for better swing and spin.
• White balls: Used in limited-overs formats, they are treated for durability under floodlights.
• White balls tend to deteriorate faster, affecting their performance over time.

Important Points

• Advantages of Standardized Cricket Balls:
• Ensures fair gameplay and equal opportunities for all players.
• Maintains consistency across matches played in different regions and conditions.
• Helps bowlers and batsmen strategize effectively based on predictable ball behavior.
• Examples of ICC Regulations:
• In Test cricket, only red balls conforming to ICC specifications are permitted.
• In ODIs and T20s, white balls are used, but they must meet the same weight and circumference standards as red balls.
• Special cases like pink balls are used for day-night Test matches but are also regulated for consistency.

The correct answer is Harvinder Singh.

Key Points

• Harvinder Singh created history by becoming the first Indian archer to win a Paralympic gold medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
• He won the gold medal in the Men's Individual Recurve Open Archery event, marking a landmark achievement for Indian para-sports.
• Harvinder defeated Poland's Lukasz Ciszek in the final and showcased exceptional consistency throughout the tournament.
• Before winning gold at Paris 2024, Harvinder Singh had won a bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, becoming India's first Paralympic medalist in archery.
• This achievement was India's first-ever Paralympic gold medal in archery, making it a historic moment in Indian sporting history.
• Hence, Harvinder Singh is the correct answer.

Additional Information

• Harvinder Singh:
• Born in Haryana.
• Competes in Para Archery.
• Won Bronze Medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.
• Won Gold Medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.
• Sheetal Devi:
• India's first international armless archer.
• Won medals at the Asian Para Games 2023.
• Did not win India's first Paralympic gold in archery.
• Rakesh Kumar:
• Indian para-archer who competes in compound events.
• Represented India at multiple international competitions.
• Preethi Pal:
• Indian para-athlete specializing in track events.
• Won medals in athletics at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.
• She is not associated with archery.
• Paris 2024 Paralympics:
• Held in Paris, France.
• India recorded its best-ever Paralympic performance.
• Indian athletes achieved several historic milestones across different sports.

Important Points

• Sport: Para Archery
• Event: Men's Individual Recurve Open
• Paralympics: Paris 2024
• Historic Achievement: India's first-ever Paralympic gold medal in archery
• Gold Medal Winner: Harvinder Singh

Mistake Points

Sheetal Devi is not the correct answer for this specific question because of the distinction between winning a medal and winning the first-ever gold.

Sheetal Devi won a Bronze medal (Mixed Team Compound) at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. Harvinder Singh is the correct answer because he won the Gold medal (Men's Individual Recurve), marking India's first-ever gold in the sport.

Hence, the correct answer is "Harvinder Singh".

The correct answer is Pretoria, South Africa.

Key Points

• The Meeting of BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs was held in Pretoria, South Africa on 4 June 2018.
• The meeting aimed to strengthen cooperation among the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) in areas such as economics, trade, and diplomacy.
• South Africa hosted the meeting as part of its role as the chair of BRICS for the year 2018.
• Discussions during the meeting focused on international peace, economic reforms, and strategies to promote sustainable development among member countries.
• BRICS is an important platform for emerging economies, and South Africa plays a significant role as the only African member of this group.

Additional Information

• BRICS Overview:
• BRICS is an acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, representing five major emerging economies.
• These countries collectively account for about 40% of the global population and nearly 25% of the world's GDP.
• It was formed in 2006, initially as BRIC, and South Africa joined in 2010.
• South Africa’s Role in BRICS:
• South Africa joined BRICS in 2010, bringing an African perspective to the grouping.
• It hosted the 6^th BRICS Summit in Durban in 2013 and chaired BRICS meetings in 2018.
• South Africa emphasizes issues like sustainable development, African integration, and socio-economic growth within BRICS discussions.
• Significance of BRICS Meetings:
• BRICS meetings provide a platform for member countries to coordinate on global governance reforms, economic policies, and international diplomacy.
• The grouping works towards a multipolar world order and aims to reduce the dominance of traditional Western powers.
• Key outcomes often include resolutions on trade, investment, technology sharing, and geopolitical challenges.
• Other BRICS Summits:
• The first BRICS Summit was held in Yekaterinburg, Russia in 2009.
• India hosted the 8^th BRICS Summit in Goa in 2016.
• China hosted the 9^th BRICS Summit in Xiamen in 2017.

Important Points

• BRICS Goals:
• Promoting economic growth and development in member countries.
• Fostering cooperation on issues like climate change, terrorism, and global governance reforms.
• Enhancing trade, investment, and technological collaboration among member states.
• South Africa’s Contribution:
• South Africa advocates for African regional integration within BRICS discussions.
• It supports infrastructure development and promotes economic opportunities in Africa.

The correct answer is A collection of modern Indian plays on social issues.

Key Points

• "Hot Stage" is a book that brings together a collection of modern Indian plays, focusing on various social issues.
• The book highlights the cultural diversity and social dynamics of India through theatrical works, making it a reflection of contemporary Indian society.
• It aims to use the medium of drama to address societal problems such as inequality, gender discrimination, corruption, and poverty.
• Plays included in the book are written by modern Indian playwrights who contribute to creating awareness and stimulating thought among readers and audiences.
• Hence, the theme of the book aligns directly with social issues portrayed in a theatrical format.

Additional Information

• Role of Theatre in India:
• Theatre has been a powerful medium for storytelling and addressing social issues since ancient times.
• Modern Indian theatre often focuses on themes like poverty, gender issues, caste discrimination, and political corruption.
• Notable playwrights such as Girish Karnad, Mahesh Dattani, and Vijay Tendulkar have significantly contributed to Indian theatre addressing social concerns.
• Social Issues in Indian Plays:
• Plays often serve as a mirror to society, showcasing issues such as domestic violence, economic inequality, and societal norms.
• They act as an educational tool for audiences, creating awareness about the struggles faced by marginalized communities.
• Other Themes in Indian Literature:
• While "Hot Stage" deals with social issues, Indian literature also explores themes of mythology, history, and travel.
• For example, novels like "The Palace of Illusions" delve into ancient Indian mythology, while books like "Freedom at Midnight" focus on historical events such as India's independence movement.
• Difference Between Social Plays and Other Genres:
• Social plays often focus on real-life societal challenges, aiming to drive change through art.
• In contrast, plays based on mythology or history tend to showcase traditional values or revisit the past.

Important Points

• Option 2: "A historical account of India's independence movement" refers to works like "Freedom at Midnight" but does not align with the theme of "Hot Stage."
• Option 3: "A novel about ancient Indian mythology" focuses on works like "The Palace of Illusions" and is unrelated to social issues portrayed in modern plays.
• Option 4: "A travelogue about the Himalayas" pertains to books such as "Into Thin Air", focusing on adventure and exploration rather than societal themes.

The correct answer is Soil pH.

Key Points

• Weather elements are the characteristics used to describe and measure atmospheric conditions. These commonly include temperature, humidity, wind, pressure, and precipitation. Soil pH, however, is related to soil science rather than atmospheric conditions.
• Temperature: It is one of the primary weather elements, indicating the heat level in the atmosphere. It affects human activities, ecosystems, and weather patterns. Hence, temperature is considered a weather element.
• Humidity: It refers to the amount of water vapor in the air and is crucial for understanding precipitation, fog, and dew formation. Thus, humidity is considered a weather element.
• Wind: Wind represents the movement of air from high to low pressure areas and significantly impacts climate and weather. Therefore, wind is a weather element.
• Soil pH: This is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of soil and pertains to soil science. It impacts agriculture and plant growth but is not relevant to weather patterns or atmospheric studies. Hence, soil pH is not considered a weather element.

Additional Information

• Temperature:
• Measured in units such as Celsius, Fahrenheit, or Kelvin.
• Affects evaporation, condensation, and the overall climate.
• Monitoring temperature is crucial for weather forecasting and studying climate change.
• Temperature can vary significantly based on location, altitude, and time of day.
• Humidity:
• Measured using instruments like hygrometers or psychrometers.
• Relative humidity is expressed as a percentage, indicating the air's moisture content relative to its capacity.
• High humidity can lead to discomfort, while low humidity can cause dryness in the atmosphere.
• It influences weather phenomena such as rainfall, snow, and storms.
• Wind:
• Measured using anemometers and wind vanes.
• Wind direction and speed are crucial for understanding weather systems.
• Global wind patterns are influenced by Earth's rotation and temperature differences.
• Strong winds can result in cyclones, hurricanes, and tornadoes.
• Soil pH:
• Measured using pH meters or litmus paper.
• Ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Below 7 is acidic, and above 7 is alkaline.
• Affects nutrient availability and microbial activity in the soil.
• Important for agriculture, as different crops require specific pH ranges for optimal growth.

Important Points

• Instruments used for weather elements:
• Thermometers for temperature.
• Hygrometers for humidity.
• Anemometers for wind speed.
• Barometers for atmospheric pressure.
• Applications:
• Weather forecasting relies on the accurate measurement of weather elements.
• Agriculture benefits from understanding weather patterns, such as rainfall and temperature.
• Climate studies use weather data to predict long-term changes in the atmosphere.

The correct answer is Option 1.

Key Points

• Statement 1: Grandmaster (GM) Karthik Venkataraman won the 61^st National Chess Championship held in Gurgaon and received a prize money of ₹6 lakh. This is correct as per official sources.
• Statement 2: International Master (IM) Neelash Saha finished second in the championship but lost to Surya Sekhar Ganguly in a tiebreak game. This is incorrect because there is no record of such a tiebreak game in the championship between these players.
• The championship was organized under the aegis of the All India Chess Federation (AICF), which is the governing body for chess in India.
• The event witnessed participation from several top-rated players in the country, showcasing their strategic and intellectual prowess in the game.
• The final standings were determined based on performance over multiple rounds, and the monetary rewards were distributed accordingly to the winners.

Additional Information

• Karthik Venkataraman:
• Karthik Venkataraman is a renowned Indian chess Grandmaster.
• He has represented India in various international chess tournaments and is known for his aggressive playing style.
• Winning the 61^st National Chess Championship is one of the significant milestones in his career.
• All India Chess Federation (AICF):
• AICF is the official body for managing and promoting chess in India.
• The federation organizes various national-level chess tournaments, including the National Chess Championship.
• AICF is affiliated with the World Chess Federation (FIDE).
• Chess Tournaments:
• National chess championships are conducted annually to identify the best players in the country.
• These events follow a Swiss format or round-robin system to ensure fair competition.
• The winners often get the opportunity to represent India in international events such as the Chess Olympiad.
• Monetary Rewards in Chess:
• Prize money serves as an incentive for players to perform their best in competitions.
• For the 61^st National Chess Championship, the total prize pool was substantial, with the winner receiving ₹6 lakh.
• It helps in the financial and professional growth of chess players in India.

Important Points

• Grandmaster vs International Master:
• The title of Grandmaster (GM) is the highest title awarded by FIDE to chess players, while International Master (IM) is a lower title.
• Achieving the GM title requires fulfilling specific performance criteria, such as earning three GM norms and a rating of at least 2500 Elo.
• IM titleholders are considered elite players but have not yet reached the GM level.
• Chess in India:
• India has produced many renowned chess players, including Viswanathan Anand, a former World Chess Champion.
• The popularity of chess has grown significantly in India, with increasing participation in tournaments at the grassroots level.
• Initiatives by the government and private organizations aim to promote chess as a mind sport.
• Chess Olympiad 2022:
• The 44^th Chess Olympiad was held in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
• It showcased the country's capability to host international chess events successfully.