Search Previous Year Questions

The correct answer is Aastha Poonia.

Key Points

• Aastha Poonia became the Indian Navy's first woman fighter pilot on 3 July 2025.
• She trained at the Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS) for operating advanced fighter jets.
• Aastha Poonia is part of a significant milestone in Indian armed forces, symbolizing gender inclusivity in combat roles.
• This achievement follows the Indian Navy’s decision to allow women in combat aviation roles in 2020.
• As a fighter pilot, she will operate cutting-edge platforms such as the MiG-29K and other naval aircraft.

Additional Information

• Women in Indian Armed Forces:
• Women were first inducted in non-medical roles in the Indian Armed Forces in 1992.
• The Indian Air Force started inducting women as fighter pilots in 2016.
• Combat Roles for Women:
• Combat roles for women have been a gradual policy shift in India.
• It signifies the armed forces' move towards gender neutrality.
• MiG-29K Aircraft:
• The MiG-29K is a fourth-generation, multirole fighter aircraft used by the Indian Navy.
• It is capable of operating from aircraft carriers and conducting air-to-air and air-to-surface missions.
• Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS):
• INAS is the naval aviation arm responsible for training and deploying naval aviation personnel.
• It plays a key role in maintaining the operational readiness of the Indian Navy’s air fleet.

The correct answer is A win.

Key Points

• In chess, "checkmate" occurs when the king is in a position to be captured (in check) and there is no legal move to remove the threat of capture.
• The term signifies the end of the game, with the player delivering the checkmate declared the winner.
• A checkmate can occur at any stage of the game—opening, middle-game, or endgame—depending on the players' strategies.
• The word "checkmate" originates from the Persian phrase "Shah Mat," meaning "the king is dead" or "the king is helpless."
• It is one of the primary objectives of chess, emphasizing strategic planning and tactical execution.

Additional Information

• Check: A situation in chess where the king is under direct threat of capture, but the threat can still be countered.
• Stalemate: A situation where a player has no legal moves left, but their king is not in check, resulting in a draw.
• Resignation: A player may resign the game voluntarily if they believe they cannot avoid checkmate or turn the game in their favor.
• Chess Notation: Moves leading to checkmate are often denoted with the "#" symbol in algebraic notation. For example, "Qh5#."
• Famous Checkmates: Many classic games and puzzles focus on delivering checkmate in a specific number of moves, known as "mate-in-x" problems.

The correct answer is Cellulose - Provides structural strength to plant cells.

Key Points

• Cellulose is a polysaccharide composed of glucose units linked by beta-1,4-glycosidic bonds.
• It is the primary structural component of plant cell walls, providing rigidity and strength to cells.
• Cellulose molecules form microfibrils, which are bundled together to create a strong network in the cell wall.
• Plant cells rely on cellulose for maintaining their shape, preventing collapse under osmotic pressure, and contributing to overall plant stability.
• Cellulose is the most abundant organic polymer on Earth, making it critical for plant life and important in industries like paper and textiles.

Additional Information

• Plasmolysis: Refers to the loss of water from plant cells, causing the plasma membrane to pull away from the cell wall in hypertonic solutions.
• Cell Wall: Made primarily of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, not protein. It provides structural support and protection to plant cells.
• Plasma Membrane: A semi-permeable membrane found inside the cell wall, composed of a phospholipid bilayer and proteins, regulating the movement of substances in and out of the cell.
• The pressure exerted by water inside the cell against the cell wall, which is crucial for maintaining plant rigidity.
• Hemicellulose and Pectin: Other important components of the plant cell wall that provide flexibility and support alongside cellulose.

The correct answer is Both A and R are false.

Key Points

• Stubble burning significantly impacts AQI levels in India, especially during winter. It releases pollutants such as particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), carbon monoxide (CO), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
• The Air Quality Index (AQI) in regions like Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi-NCR spikes during the stubble burning season, often reaching "severe" levels.
• Stubble burning is an uncontrolled practice, contrary to the Reason (R) statement, and contributes to poor air quality and public health concerns.
• According to studies, stubble burning contributes up to 40% of Delhi's air pollution during peak burning periods in November.
• Reason (R) is true because stubble burning releases pollutants; however, the Assertion (A) is false as it contradicts the established impact of stubble burning on AQI levels.

Additional Information

• Air Quality Index (AQI): A numerical scale used to measure air pollution levels. It considers pollutants like PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, CO, and Ozone.
• Particulate Matter (PM): PM2.5 and PM10 are the most concerning pollutants. PM2.5, being smaller, can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream.
• Stubble Burning: A practice where farmers set fire to leftover crop residue after harvesting, primarily in northern India, to clear fields quickly and inexpensively.
• Health Impacts: Prolonged exposure to poor air quality can lead to respiratory issues, cardiovascular diseases, and reduced lung function.
• Policy Interventions: The Indian government promotes alternatives like Happy Seeder machines, crop residue management, and subsidies to reduce stubble burning.

The correct answer is The value of the next best alternative forgone when a choice is made..

Key Points

• Opportunity cost refers to the benefits or value of the next best alternative that is forgone when making a decision.
• This concept is a cornerstone of economic theory and is widely used in decision-making processes to evaluate trade-offs.
• Opportunity cost helps individuals and organizations allocate resources efficiently by considering what is sacrificed in choosing one option over another.
• It applies to various contexts, including time management, investment decisions, production choices, and consumption preferences.
• For example, if you choose to spend money on a vacation instead of saving it, the opportunity cost is the foregone interest or future returns on that saved money.

Additional Information

• Definition: Opportunity cost is a key economic term that measures the cost of choosing one option over others in terms of lost potential benefits from the alternatives.
• Sunk Cost: This refers to costs that have already been incurred and cannot be recovered. Unlike opportunity cost, sunk costs do not factor into future decision-making.
• Explicit vs. Implicit Costs: Explicit costs involve direct monetary expenses, while implicit costs account for non-monetary losses, such as time or effort.
• Production Possibility Frontier (PPF): Opportunity cost is visually represented in economics using a PPF, illustrating trade-offs between two goods or services.
• Applications: Opportunity cost is used in investment strategies, time management, resource allocation, and government policy-making to optimize outcomes.

The correct answer is Deccan Sultanates.

Key Points

• The Battle of Talikota was fought on January 26, 1565, between the Vijayanagara Empire and a confederation of Deccan Sultanates.
• The confederation comprised the Bijapur, Golconda, Ahmednagar, and Bidar Sultanates, collectively known as the Deccan Sultanates.
• The Vijayanagara Empire was led by its ruler Aliya Rama Raya, while the Sultanates united under the leadership of Hussain Nizam Shah and Ali Adil Shah.
• Rama Raya was captured and killed during the battle, leading to the defeat and subsequent destruction of Vijayanagara.
• The battle marked a turning point, with the decline of Vijayanagara's dominance in South India and the rise of the Deccan Sultanates.

Additional Information

• Deccan Sultanates
• The Deccan Sultanates were five Islamic kingdoms in the Deccan region of India: Bijapur, Golconda, Ahmednagar, Bidar, and Berar.
• They emerged after the decline of the Bahmani Sultanate and frequently engaged in both alliances and conflicts with each other.
• The Sultanates were known for their contributions to art, architecture, and culture, influencing the region significantly.
• Vijayanagara Empire
• The Vijayanagara Empire was established in 1336 by Harihara I and Bukka Raya of the Sangama dynasty.
• It was a prominent South Indian empire known for its wealth, cultural advancements, and architectural marvels such as Hampi.
• The empire served as a stronghold against the expansion of Islamic rulers in South India.
• Battle of Talikota
• The battle is also referred to as the Rakkasa-Tangadi battle in historical records.
• The Vijayanagara army initially had superior numbers and artillery but was defeated due to strategic errors and betrayal within its ranks.
• Post-battle, the city of Vijayanagara was plundered, marking the end of its prosperity and dominance.
• Impact of the Battle
• The defeat led to the fragmentation of the Vijayanagara Empire into smaller states.
• It allowed the Deccan Sultanates to consolidate their power in the region.
• The battle is considered one of the most significant turning points in South Indian history.

The correct answer is To train officials on the revised fund flow procedure under MPLAD Scheme.

Key Points

• The two-day Hands-on Training Workshop on the e-SAKSHI Portal was organized to train officials on the revised fund flow procedure under the Members of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD) Scheme.
• The workshop focused on equipping officials with the knowledge and skills to navigate and utilize the e-SAKSHI portal effectively for monitoring MPLAD projects.
• The revised fund flow procedure aims at greater transparency and efficiency in the disbursement and utilization of MPLAD funds.
• Participants were trained on the digital processes required for project approval, fund allocation, and monitoring progress through the portal.
• The initiative is part of the government’s push towards digitization and accountability in public schemes.

Additional Information

• MPLAD Scheme:
• Launched in 1993, the MPLAD Scheme enables Members of Parliament to recommend development projects in their constituencies.
• The scheme focuses on creating durable community assets such as roads, schools, health centers, and drinking water facilities.
• Each MP is allocated a fixed amount annually to implement development works.
• e-SAKSHI Portal:
• The e-SAKSHI portal is an online platform designed to track and monitor MPLAD projects in real-time.
• It ensures transparency and accountability in project implementation by providing stakeholders with access to project updates.
• The portal is aligned with the government’s vision of leveraging technology for better governance.
• Fund Flow Procedure:
• The revised fund flow procedure under MPLAD Scheme emphasizes direct electronic transfer of funds to implementing agencies.
• This minimizes delays and ensures timely utilization of allocated resources.
• Training Workshops:
• Workshops like these are critical for capacity building among government officials.
• They help in the adoption of new technologies and procedures for efficient governance.

The correct answer is Lagoons and backwaters.

Key Points

• The Western Coastal Plains of India are well-known for their distinct lagoons and backwaters, especially in the states of Kerala and Karnataka.
• These backwaters are formed due to the deposition of sediments and the action of tides, creating an interconnected network of canals, rivers, lakes, and estuaries.
• Kerala’s backwaters, such as the Vembanad Lake, are a major feature and are globally recognized for their ecological and tourism significance.
• Lagoons like Chilika Lake (though located slightly off the Western Coastal Plains) and others are vital for biodiversity conservation, serving as habitats for many species of flora and fauna.
• These features are absent in the Eastern Coastal Plains, which are characterized more by large deltas and riverine systems.

Additional Information

• Western Coastal Plains: These plains lie between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, stretching from Gujarat in the north to Kerala in the south.
• Backwaters: They are brackish water bodies formed by the action of tides and are used for navigation, fishing, and tourism. The Kerala backwaters are a unique and popular feature globally.
• Lagoon: A shallow body of water separated from the sea by a barrier, such as sandbars or coral reefs. In India, important lagoons include Vembanad Lake and Ashtamudi Lake.
• Eastern vs. Western Coastal Plains: The Western Coastal Plains are narrower and feature lagoons and backwaters, while the Eastern Coastal Plains are broader and are home to large river deltas such as those of the Ganga and Godavari.
• Tourism and Economy: Lagoons and backwaters are pivotal for local livelihoods, supporting fishing communities and attracting domestic and international tourists to destinations like Alappuzha and Kochi in Kerala.

The correct answer is Kandariya Mahadeva Temple.

Key Points

• The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is one of the largest and most ornate Hindu temples in the medieval temple group of Khajuraho, located in Madhya Pradesh, India.
• It was built during the reign of King Vidyadhara of the Chandela dynasty in the 10^th-11^th centuries.
• The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and derives its name "Kandariya" from the Sanskrit word meaning "cave" or "mountain," symbolizing Mount Kailash, Lord Shiva's abode.
• It is renowned for its intricate sculptures and carvings, which depict various aspects of life, including deities, celestial beings, and scenes of daily life.
• The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Khajuraho, famous for its architectural brilliance and erotic sculptures.

Additional Information

• Chandela Dynasty: The Chandela dynasty ruled central India between the 9^th and 13^th centuries and is known for its patronage of art and architecture, particularly the Khajuraho Group of Monuments.
• Khajuraho Group of Monuments: This site comprises 85 temples at its peak, with only 22 surviving today, and is divided into three groups: western, eastern, and southern.
• Nagara Style Architecture: The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is an exemplary example of Nagara-style architecture, characterized by a curvilinear shikhara (spire) and intricate ornamentation.
• Erotic Sculptures: The temple features sculptures with sensual and erotic themes, which symbolize the Tantric traditions and the celebration of life and human emotions.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Khajuraho temples were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, recognizing their cultural and artistic significance.

The correct answer is 2021.

Key Points

• UNESCO recognized Durga Puja as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in the year 2021.
• Durga Puja was added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, highlighting its cultural significance.
• The recognition took place during the 16^th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage held in December 2021.
• This marked a significant milestone for India, as Durga Puja became the first festival from India to be included in this prestigious list.
• The inclusion showcases the social practices, rituals, artistry, and festive spirit surrounding Durga Puja, celebrated predominantly in West Bengal.

Additional Information

• UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage:
• The Intangible Cultural Heritage list aims to protect and promote cultural elements that are passed down through generations.
• It includes practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, and skills that are significant to communities worldwide.
• India has several elements inscribed, including Yoga, Kumbh Mela, and the Vedic Chanting.
• Durga Puja:
• Durga Puja is a Hindu festival celebrating Goddess Durga’s victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura.
• It is widely observed in West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, Tripura, and other parts of India.
• The festival involves elaborate rituals, artistic idols, pandal decorations, cultural performances, and community participation.
• Significance of UNESCO Recognition:
• The recognition helps safeguard the cultural practices associated with Durga Puja.
• It promotes awareness of the festival globally, enhancing tourism and cultural exchange.
• It supports the preservation of traditional craftsmanship and rituals tied to the celebration.
• Other Indian Elements on the List:
• India has a rich representation on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, including Traditional Vedic Chanting, Ramlila, and Chhau Dance.
• Yoga and Kumbh Mela are globally recognized as cultural practices with deep roots in Indian tradition.
• These elements demonstrate the diversity and richness of India’s intangible heritage.