Search Previous Year Questions

The correct answer is Testosterone.

Key Points

• Testosterone is the primary androgen (male sex hormone) secreted by the Leydig cells located in the interstitial spaces of the testes.
• During puberty, the hypothalamus releases Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH), which stimulates the anterior pituitary gland to secrete Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH).
• LH specifically triggers the production of testosterone, which is responsible for the development of secondary sexual characteristics in males.
• Key physical changes include the growth of facial, axillary, and pubic hair, as well as the broadening of shoulders and increased muscle mass.
• It promotes the enlargement of the larynx (voice box), resulting in a significantly deeper voice.
• Testosterone is vital for the maturation of male reproductive organs, including the scrotum, testes, and penis, and is essential for spermatogenesis (sperm production).

 Additional Information

• Oestrogen:
• Produced primarily by the ovaries in females.
• Responsible for female secondary sexual characteristics like breast development and hip widening.
• Plays a critical role in regulating the menstrual cycle and maintaining the uterine lining.
• Thyroxin:
• Secreted by the thyroid gland located in the neck region.
• Contains iodine and is responsible for regulating the Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) and the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
• Adrenaline:
• Secreted by the adrenal medulla of the adrenal glands.
• Known as the emergency hormone or fight-or-flight hormone, it increases heart rate, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels during stress.

The correct answer is Dr. Meenakshi Jain.

Key Points

• Dr. Meenakshi Jain is an eminent Indian historian, political scientist, and scholar who has been nominated to the Rajya Sabha for her stellar contributions to history and scholarship.
• She is highly regarded for her extensive research and seminal books on ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly focusing on cultural, religious, and social developments.
• In recognition of her outstanding contributions to literature and education, she was conferred with the prestigious Padma Shri award, India's fourth-highest civilian honor, in the year 2020.
• The nomination of such distinguished citizens is made by the President of India to bring specialized knowledge and elite scholarly perspectives to the legislative debates of the Upper House.

 Additional Information

• Nomination to Rajya Sabha:
• Under Article 80 of the Constitution of India, the President has the power to nominate 12 members to the Rajya Sabha.
• These nominated members are selected from individuals possessing special knowledge or practical experience in fields such as Literature, Science, Art, and Social Service.
• Other Options:
• Ujjwal Nikam: A highly prominent Indian public prosecutor who has represented the state in landmark criminal and terrorism cases, including the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.
• C. Sadanandan Master: A well-known social activist and political figure from Kerala, recognized for his long-standing involvement in public affairs.

The correct answer is Collect statistical data on socio-economic conditions.

Key Points

• The National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) was established in 1950 by the Government of India to conduct large-scale, nationwide sample surveys to assist in socio-economic planning.
• Its core function involves gathering comprehensive statistical data on diverse parameters such as household consumer expenditure, employment and unemployment patterns, housing conditions, and literacy levels.
• The data generated by the NSSO serves as a vital input for the Ministry of Finance and the NITI Aayog for formulating effective public policies and poverty alleviation strategies.
• It operates through four specialized divisions: the Survey Design and Research Division (SDRD), Field Operations Division (FOD), Data Processing Division (DPD), and Survey Coordination Division (SCD).
• While it handles data related to various sectors, its foundational purpose is the systematic collection of socio-economic indicators across rural and urban India. Hence, the statement regarding the collection of statistical data on socio-economic conditions is correct.

 Additional Information

• National Statistical Office (NSO):
• In May 2019, the Government merged the NSSO with the Central Statistics Office (CSO) to form a unified body known as the National Statistical Office (NSO).
• The NSO operates under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), ensuring better coordination in the national statistical system.
• Annual Survey of Industries (ASI):
• The organization conducts the Annual Survey of Industries, which is the principal source of industrial statistics in India, providing data on capital investment and labor productivity.
• Agricultural Surveys:
• Through the Improvement of Crop Statistics (ICS) scheme, the organization monitors the quality of agricultural data collected by state agencies, although its primary mandate is not the direct promotion of agriculture.

The correct answer is Odisha.

Key Points

• The international border between India and Bangladesh is approximately 4,096.7 km long, making it the longest land boundary India shares with any of its neighbors.
• The Indian states that share a land border with Bangladesh include West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.
• Assam shares a boundary with Bangladesh in two separate sectors, namely the Cachar district and the Dhubri district. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
• Odisha is situated on the East Coast of India along the Bay of Bengal. It shares its land borders with West Bengal, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh, but it does not have a boundary with Bangladesh. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• Tripura is unique as it is bordered by Bangladesh on three sides (North, South, and West), sharing an 856 km long border. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
• West Bengal shares the most extensive boundary with Bangladesh, measuring roughly 2,217 km, which accounts for more than half of the total border length. Hence, statement 4 is incorrect.

 Additional Information

• Border Demarcation:
• The boundary was established following the Radcliffe Line, which was drawn during the Partition of India in 1947 to divide Bengal into West Bengal (India) and East Bengal (then Pakistan, now Bangladesh).
• State-wise Border Lengths:
• West Bengal: 2,217 km.
• Tripura: 856 km.
• Meghalaya: 443 km.
• Mizoram: 318 km.
• Assam: 262 km.
• Geographical Significance:
• The Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) was ratified by the 100^th Constitutional Amendment Act of India in 2015 to exchange enclaves and simplify the complex border between the two nations.
• Odisha is located significantly south of the international border line, separated from Bangladesh by the entire width of West Bengal.

The correct answer is Progressive fragmentation and declining size of operational holdings.

Key Points

• A major structural challenge in Indian agriculture is the progressive fragmentation of land, which is primarily caused by the laws of inheritance and the sub-division of ancestral property among multiple heirs over generations.
• According to the 10^th Agriculture Census (2015-16), small and marginal holdings (less than 2 hectares) account for approximately 86.21% of the total number of operational holdings in India.
• The average size of operational holdings has seen a steady decline from 2.28 hectares in 1970-71 to just 1.08 hectares in 2015-16, making farming economically unviable for many households.
• Fragmentation hinders the adoption of modern agricultural technology and mechanization, as using heavy machinery like tractors or harvesters is not cost-effective on tiny, scattered plots.
• Small farm sizes restrict the farmer's ability to create efficient irrigation systems, achieve economies of scale, and access formal institutional credit, as small land parcels are often not viewed as sufficient collateral by banks.
• This phenomenon leads to low agricultural productivity, higher input costs, and a lack of market surplus, keeping a large section of the farming community in a cycle of debt and poverty.

 Additional Information

• Analysis of incorrect options and related concepts:
• Rural Population Density: India does not face a sparse rural population; rather, it deals with excessive population pressure on land, resulting in disguised unemployment where more labor is engaged than necessary.
• Agricultural Mechanization: While mechanization is increasing, it is considered a developmental objective to improve efficiency; the challenge lies in its uneven adoption across small landholdings.
• Domestic Demand: With a population of over 1.4 billion, the domestic demand for staple food grains like rice and wheat is growing, supported by schemes like the National Food Security Act (NFSA).
• To counter land fragmentation, the government promotes Land Consolidation (Chakbandi) and the formation of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to help small farmers aggregate their resources and improve their bargaining power in the market.

The correct answer is Kandla.

Key Points

• The Kandla Export Processing Zone (KASEZ) was established in 1965, making it the first Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in India and also the first of its kind in Asia.
• It is located at Gandhidham in the Kutch district of Gujarat, strategically positioned near the Kandla Port, which is now officially known as the Deendayal Port.
• The primary motive behind establishing the Kandla EPZ was to overcome the geographical handicaps of the region, boost foreign exchange earnings, and provide a stimulus to export-oriented industrialization.
• In April 2000, following the introduction of the new Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Policy, the Kandla EPZ was converted into a Special Economic Zone to offer more flexibility and incentives to exporters.

 Additional Information

• Santacruz Electronics Export Processing Zone (SEEPZ):
• Located in Mumbai, it was established in 1973 primarily for the export of electronic goods and later expanded to include gems and jewelry.
• Cochin Export Processing Zone (CEPZ):
• Set up in 1983 in Kerala, it was one of the early zones intended to promote multi-product exports from the southern coastal region.
• Surat:
• While Surat is a major hub for diamond cutting, polishing, and textiles, and hosts a significant SEZ, it was not the site of India's first EPZ.
• Evolution of Export Policy:
• The EPZ model was a precursor to the Special Economic Zones Act, 2005, which aimed to make India a global manufacturing hub by providing tax holidays and single-window clearances.

The correct answer is Charaka.

Key Points

• Charaka is widely recognized as the Father of Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine and lifestyle that originated in India.
• He served as a principal contributor to the Charaka Samhita, which is one of the most foundational and oldest surviving Sanskrit texts on traditional Indian medicine.
• Living around the 1^st Century AD, he was a physician in the court of the Kushana King Kanishka.
• His work heavily emphasizes the Tridosha theory, which balances three bodily humors: Vata (wind), Pitta (bile), and Kapha (phlegm), to maintain optimal health.
• The Charaka Samhita contains exhaustive details on anatomy, physiology, etiology, and the treatment of various diseases using natural herbs and minerals.

 Additional Information

• Sushruta:
• Known as the Father of Surgery and the Father of Plastic Surgery for his pioneering work in surgical techniques.
• He authored the Sushruta Samhita, which describes complex procedures such as rhinoplasty (nose reconstruction) and cataract surgery.
• Nagarjuna:
• Renowned as an ancient Indian chemist and alchemist, often referred to as the Father of Indian Chemistry.
• His major work, Rasaratnakara, explores the transformation of base metals and the medicinal use of mercury and other minerals.
• Ayurveda Foundations:
• The term Ayurveda translates to the Science of Life, derived from the Sanskrit words Ayur (life) and Veda (knowledge or science).
• It focuses on a holistic approach, integrating the body, mind, and spirit through diet, yoga, and herbal remedies.

The correct answer is Ajatashatru.

Key Points

• Ajatashatru was the son of Bimbisara and the second most powerful ruler of the Haryanka Dynasty, which governed the kingdom of Magadha in ancient India.
• Historical records from Buddhist and Jain traditions suggest that Ajatashatru was impatient to inherit the throne and, influenced by Devadatta, imprisoned his father around 492 BCE.
• While the Buddhist text Mahavamsa claims that Bimbisara died due to starvation and torture in prison, Jain sources suggest he may have committed suicide to avoid further humiliation.
• His reign (c. 492 to 460 BCE) was marked by aggressive expansionism where he defeated the Vrijji confederacy and the kingdom of Koshala, securing hegemony over North India.
• Ajatashatru is also famously known for patronizing the First Buddhist Council held at Sattapanni Cave in Rajgriha shortly after the death of Gautama Buddha.

 Additional Information

• Bimbisara:
• He was the founder of the Haryanka Dynasty and was known as Seniya for having the first permanent standing army.
• He established the capital at Rajgriha and strengthened Magadha through matrimonial alliances with powerful neighboring states.
• Maurya Dynasty Figures:
• Chandragupta Maurya: The founder of the Maurya Empire (c. 322 BCE) who overthrew the Nanda Dynasty with the help of Chanakya.
• Bindusara: The son of Chandragupta Maurya and the second Mauryan emperor, known by the title Amitraghata or slayer of enemies.
• Ashoka: The son of Bindusara, he is celebrated for spreading Buddhism across Asia following the Kalinga War in 261 BCE.

The correct answer is 1707.

Key Points

• Aurangzeb, the sixth Mughal Emperor, died on 3 March 1707 at the age of 88.
• He passed away in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, during a long military campaign in the Deccan region.
• His reign lasted for nearly 49 years, beginning in 1658 after he emerged victorious in the war of succession against his brothers.
• The death of Aurangzeb is historically regarded as the end of the era of the Great Mughals, as the empire began to decline rapidly under his successors.
• He was buried in a modest, open-air tomb in Khuldabad, near Aurangabad, in accordance with his own simple and religious wishes.

 Additional Information

• Regnal Titles and Persona:
• Aurangzeb adopted the title Alamgir, which translates to Conqueror of the World.
• He was often called Zinda Pir (the Living Saint) because of his austere lifestyle and strict adherence to Islamic law.
• Territorial Expansion:
• Under his rule, the Mughal Empire reached its maximum geographical extent, stretching across almost the entire Indian subcontinent.
• He successfully annexed the Deccan Sultanates of Bijapur (1686) and Golconda (1687).
• Policies and Succession:
• He is known for re-imposing the Jizya tax on non-Muslim subjects in 1679, a move that sparked significant resistance.
• Following his death in 1707, his sons engaged in a bloody war of succession, resulting in Bahadur Shah I ascending the throne.
• The rise of the Maratha Empire, the Sikhs, and the Jats during and after his reign significantly challenged Mughal hegemony.

The correct answer is 21.

Key Points

• The 73^rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, established a mandatory one-third (33.3%) reservation for women in all tiers of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) across India.
• While the federal law sets a minimum threshold, several states have exercised their legislative powers to increase this reservation to 50% to promote gender equality and grassroots empowerment.
• Bihar was the first state in the country to implement 50% reservation for women in local bodies in 2006.
• As of July 2025, the number of states that have made this 50% provision has reached 21. These states include Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal.
• The implementation of this quota ensures that women hold at least half of the seats and chairperson positions in Gram Panchayats, Panchayat Samitis, and Zila Parishads.

 Additional Information

• Constitutional Mandate:
• Article 243D of the Indian Constitution provides the legal basis for the reservation of seats and offices for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and women.
• The Ministry of Panchayati Raj monitors the implementation and encourages states to enhance female representation beyond the constitutional minimum.
• Governance Structure:
• The Panchayati Raj system is a three-tier structure comprising the village, intermediate, and district levels, aimed at decentralized governance.
• Under the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, Local Government is a State Subject (Entry 5, List II), giving individual states the authority to amend their respective Panchayati Raj Acts.
• Impact:
• High reservation quotas have led to the emergence of over 1.4 million elected women representatives in India, significantly improving the delivery of public services like water, sanitation, and education.