Search Previous Year Questions

The correct answer is Football.

Key Points

• The "Golden Boot" is awarded to the top goal scorer in football tournaments, including major events like the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship.
• The award recognizes individual excellence in scoring goals and is a prestigious accolade in football.
• The Golden Boot is determined based on the number of goals scored by a player during the competition. If tied, assists and minutes played may be considered.
• Prominent footballers like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Harry Kane have earned the Golden Boot in various tournaments.
• The award encourages players to perform exceptionally in front of the goal and contributes to the excitement of competitive football tournaments.

Additional Information

• FIFA World Cup Golden Boot:
• This award is given to the highest goal scorer in the FIFA World Cup tournament.
• Past winners include Miroslav Klose (Germany), James Rodríguez (Colombia), and Harry Kane (England).
• The award was first introduced in the 1982 FIFA World Cup as the "Golden Shoe," later renamed the "Golden Boot."
• UEFA Champions League Top Scorer:
• While not officially called the Golden Boot, UEFA recognizes the top scorer in its Champions League tournament annually.
• Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have dominated this category for years.
• Golden Boot in Domestic Leagues:
• Many domestic leagues, such as the English Premier League and La Liga, award a Golden Boot to their top scorer each season.
• It symbolizes exceptional performance and goal-scoring prowess in league competitions.
• Golden Boot Criteria:
• If players are tied in goals scored, the number of assists and total minutes played are often used as tie-breakers.
• This ensures fairness in determining the most impactful player.

The correct answer is The creation of barriers to entry for new businesses potentially stifling innovation and leading to inefficiencies..

Key Points

• The License Raj system mandated strict licensing and regulations for businesses, which often resulted in bureaucratic hurdles for entrepreneurs.
• This framework created significant barriers to entry for new businesses, discouraging competition and innovation in the economy.
• The over-reliance on government approvals led to inefficiencies, as companies had to navigate a complex web of red tape.
• Monopolistic tendencies emerged as established players dominated industries, reducing the scope for new entrants and innovation.
• The lack of a competitive environment resulted in low-quality goods and services, impacting India's global trade and industrial development during the period.

Additional Information

• License Raj:
• It refers to the system of elaborate licenses, regulations, and accompanying red tape required to set up and run businesses in India.
• Introduced post-independence to promote self-reliance and prevent foreign domination of Indian industries.
• While aiming to protect domestic industries, it inadvertently stifled growth and innovation.
• Economic Consequences:
• Resulted in significant delays for businesses due to the long bureaucratic approval process.
• Limited foreign investment, further reducing access to advanced technologies and global practices.
• Innovation Stagnation:
• Entrepreneurs faced challenges entering the market, which slowed down industrial innovation.
• Industries largely focused on meeting government quotas rather than improving quality or efficiency.
• Post-1991 Reforms:
• India's economic liberalization in 1991 marked a shift away from the License Raj.
• Reforms included deregulation, reduction of trade barriers, and promotion of foreign investments to address inefficiencies.

The correct answer is A - 5, B - 2, C - 3, D - 1, E - 4.

Key Points

• Anglo-Russian rivalry (A - 5): Led Britain to expand influence in Afghanistan and Persia during the Great Game.
• Subsidiary Treaty 1839 (B - 2): Forced upon the Amirs of Sindh as a precondition for eventual British annexation of Sindh.
• Sir Charles Napier (C - 3): Led the military campaign to annex Sindh and referred to the act of annexation as a "rascality."
• River Sindh (D - 1): Opened Sindh's rivers and roads to British trade, facilitating economic exploitation and strategic control.
• Treaty of 1832 (E - 4): A significant agreement that marked British intervention and influence in Sindh's governance.

Additional Information

• Anglo-Russian Rivalry:
• Also known as "The Great Game," it was a political and strategic conflict between the British Empire and the Russian Empire.
• The rivalry focused on gaining influence in Central Asia, particularly Afghanistan and Persia.
• It significantly shaped British foreign policy in the region during the 19^th century.
• Subsidiary Treaties:
• These were agreements imposed by the British on Indian princely states under the guise of "protection."
• The treaties typically restricted the sovereignty of the states and allowed British control over military and foreign affairs.
• Charles Napier's Campaign:
• Napier was a British Army officer who led the conquest of Sindh in 1843.
• His annexation of Sindh was controversial and heavily criticized even within Britain.
• River Sindh and Trade:
• The British exploited Sindh's strategic location and river systems for military and commercial purposes.
• This enabled them to strengthen their economic foothold in the region.

The correct answer is Kuchipudi.

Key Points

• Kuchipudi is a classical dance form that originated in Andhra Pradesh, India.
• It is distinctive as it combines singing and dancing, making it unique among Indian classical dance styles.
• The dance form derives its name from Kuchipudi village in Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh.
• Kuchipudi performances are often based on Hindu religious themes, particularly stories from epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
• It involves elaborate expressions (Abhinaya), intricate footwork, and rhythmic patterns, showcasing both grace and technical skill.

Additional Information

• History of Kuchipudi:
• Kuchipudi traces its origins to the Bhakti movement and was traditionally performed by male Brahmin performers called Bhagavatulu.
• The dance form was formalized in the 17^th century by Siddhendra Yogi, a renowned saint and scholar.
• Initially, Kuchipudi was performed in temples as a way to narrate mythological stories and glorify deities.
• Performance Style:
• Kuchipudi integrates dialogues, music, and dance, often performed in groups or solo acts.
• It employs intricate hand gestures (Mudras) and facial expressions to convey emotions and stories.
• The dance has a unique feature called Tarangam, where the performer dances on a brass plate with precision and balance.
• Music and Costumes:
• The music for Kuchipudi is predominantly Carnatic, with lyrics in Telugu or Sanskrit.
• The costumes are vibrant, featuring traditional silk attire with intricate embellishments, complemented by jewelry and makeup.
• Global Recognition:
• Kuchipudi has gained international acclaim and is performed worldwide by artists trained in this classical art form.
• It is recognized as one of the eight major classical dance forms of India by the Sangeet Natak Akademi.

The correct answer is The birth of Lord Ganesha.

Key Points

• Ganesh Chaturthi is a Hindu festival celebrated to mark the birth of Lord Ganesha, the deity of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune.
• It is observed in the Bhadrapada month of the Hindu calendar, typically in August or September.
• The festival lasts for 10 days, culminating in the immersion (visarjan) of Ganesha idols in water bodies.
• Maharashtra is known for its grand and elaborate celebrations, with public installations of large Ganesha idols and cultural events.
• The festival was popularized in the 19^th century by freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak to unite people during the Indian independence movement.

Additional Information

• Lord Ganesha:
• Lord Ganesha is considered the remover of obstacles and is worshipped before undertaking any new venture.
• He is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
• His iconic attributes include an elephant head, a trunk, and a pot-bellied body, symbolizing wisdom and prosperity.
• Visarjan (Immersion):
• The immersion of Ganesha idols signifies the cycle of creation and dissolution in nature.
• Eco-friendly idols made of biodegradable materials are increasingly used to prevent water pollution.
• Bal Gangadhar Tilak's Role:
• Tilak transformed Ganesh Chaturthi into a community festival to foster unity and cultural pride during British colonial rule.
• Public celebrations helped unite people across social and economic barriers.
• Regional Significance:
• While Maharashtra is famous for its Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, states like Karnataka, Goa, and Andhra Pradesh also observe the festival with zeal.
• Different regions have unique rituals and cultural performances associated with the festival.

The correct answer is Enhancing textile exports and setting up large textile parks.

Key Points

• PM-MITRA stands for Pradhan Mantri Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel scheme.
• The scheme aims to boost India’s textile sector by establishing seven integrated textile parks across the country.
• These parks will serve as hubs for textile manufacturing, export promotion, and job creation.
• The scheme focuses on attracting domestic and foreign investments in the textile sector and enhancing global competitiveness.
• It also emphasizes the creation of a world-class infrastructure ecosystem for the textile industry, integrating spinning, weaving, dyeing, and garmenting facilities.

Additional Information

• Textile Sector in India:
• India is the second-largest exporter of textiles and apparel globally.
• The textile and apparel sector contributes approximately 2.3% to India’s GDP and 11% to total merchandise exports.
• It provides employment to over 45 million people directly and 100 million indirectly.
• Features of PM-MITRA Scheme:
• The parks will be developed on the hub-and-spoke model, integrating textile value chains.
• The scheme offers financial support of up to ₹500 crores per park from the central government.
• It promotes sustainability by incorporating environmental and green manufacturing practices.
• Global Competitiveness:
• The scheme is aligned with the government’s goal to make India a global textile hub.
• It supports the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives to boost domestic manufacturing and exports.
• Other Government Initiatives:
• Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for textiles to enhance investment and production.
• Integrated Skill Development Scheme (ISDS) for training workers in the textile sector.

The correct answer is It helps preserve traditional knowledge and boosts rural incomes.

Key Points

• Geographical Indication (GI) tags protect the unique identity of products that are deeply rooted in specific regions, ensuring the preservation of traditional knowledge and skills.
• GI tags contribute to increasing the economic value of artisanal products, which directly boosts rural incomes and promotes economic stability in rural areas.
• They prevent unauthorized use of the registered product name, ensuring that only authorized producers from the designated region can market the product under the GI tag.
• By granting legal protection to traditional products, GI tags promote sustainable development and preserve cultural heritage.
• Examples of GI-tagged products in India include Darjeeling Tea, Channapatna Toys, Kanjeevaram Silk, and Madhubani Paintings, which are globally recognized for their uniqueness.

Additional Information

• Geographical Indication (GI) Definition:
• A GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation due to that origin.
• It is governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 in India.
• Legal Protection:
• GI registration provides legal protection to the product, preventing misuse by unauthorized producers.
• It ensures global recognition of locally produced goods and facilitates access to international markets.
• Economic Impact:
• Products with GI tags often command a premium price, benefiting rural artisans and farmers economically.
• They help in creating rural employment opportunities and ensuring fair trade practices.
• Notable Examples of GI in India:
• Handicrafts: Mysore Silk, Pashmina Shawls, Banarasi Sarees.
• Agricultural Products: Alphonso Mango, Basmati Rice, Nagpur Orange.
• Food Items: Tirupati Laddu, Hyderabadi Haleem.
• International Recognition:
• GI tags are recognized globally under the WTO's Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).
• This ensures that products with GI tags are protected in member countries of the WTO.

The correct answer is North Korea.

Key Points

• North Korea withdrew from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in 2003, marking a significant step toward its nuclear weapons development.
• The decision to withdraw was in response to North Korea’s claims of U.S. aggression and alleged violations of agreements.
• North Korea officially conducted its first nuclear weapons test in October 2006, confirming its status as a nuclear-armed nation.
• It is one of the few countries in the world not bound by the NPT, which aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.
• North Korea's nuclear weapons program has resulted in international sanctions and widespread global condemnation.

Additional Information

• Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)
• The NPT is an international treaty aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
• It came into force in 1970 and currently has 191 member states.
• Countries that possess nuclear weapons under the treaty include the U.S., Russia, China, France, and the U.K.
• North Korea initially joined the NPT in 1985 but later withdrew in 2003.
• North Korea's Nuclear Program
• North Korea's nuclear ambitions date back to the 1960s, with assistance from Soviet-era technology.
• The program intensified after the collapse of the Soviet Union and North Korea's withdrawal from the NPT.
• North Korea has conducted multiple nuclear tests, with the most recent being in 2017.
• Its nuclear arsenal is a key component of its strategy for national defense and political leverage.
• Global Sanctions on North Korea
• North Korea faces extensive international sanctions imposed by organizations such as the United Nations Security Council.
• The sanctions target sectors like arms trade, fuel imports, and luxury goods to curb its nuclear program.
• Despite sanctions, North Korea has continued its missile development and nuclear testing.
• Impact of North Korea's Nuclear Program
• North Korea's nuclear program has heightened tensions in East Asia, especially with South Korea, Japan, and the U.S.
• It has prompted calls for diplomatic solutions, including denuclearization talks, though progress has been limited.
• The program continues to be a major challenge for global nuclear non-proliferation efforts.

The correct answer is National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

Key Points

• The Golden Quadrilateral project was spearheaded by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), an autonomous agency under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
• It is a highway network that connects four major metropolitan cities of India—Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata.
• This ambitious project was initiated under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's administration as part of the National Highways Development Project (NHDP).
• The Golden Quadrilateral spans approximately 5,846 kilometers and is one of the largest highway projects in the world.
• The NHAI was responsible for planning, construction, and maintenance of this network, ensuring improved connectivity and faster transportation across India.

Additional Information

• National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)
• Established in 1988 under the National Highways Authority of India Act, 1988.
• It is responsible for the development, maintenance, and management of national highways in India.
• NHAI operates under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
• The agency ensures seamless connectivity and oversees mega infrastructure projects like NHDP, Bharatmala Pariyojana, and other national highways.
• Golden Quadrilateral Project
• The project was implemented to enhance economic growth and reduce travel time between major cities.
• It is part of the Phase I of the National Highways Development Project (NHDP).
• The road network connects cities in a quadrilateral shape, ensuring efficient transportation and trade.
• Key benefits include reduced fuel consumption, improved logistics, and enhanced industrial growth.
• National Highways Development Project (NHDP)
• Launched in 1998, it aimed at upgrading and expanding India's national highway network.
• NHDP includes multiple phases such as the Golden Quadrilateral, North-South and East-West Corridors, and other projects.
• It is managed by the NHAI and funded through government allocations, loans, and toll revenues.
• The project has significantly improved India's transportation infrastructure and connectivity.
• Bharatmala Pariyojana
• A more recent initiative aimed at developing highways for seamless connectivity across India.
• It focuses on corridor-based approaches, rural road connectivity, and border area infrastructure.
• Managed by NHAI, Bharatmala Pariyojana is a step forward from NHDP to address emerging infrastructure needs.
• The project envisions improving logistics efficiency and reducing transportation costs across the country.

The correct answer is A is false, but R is true.

Key Points

• Assertion (A) is incorrect as there is no evidence to suggest that rows of circular brick platforms at Harappa were used for religious ceremonies.
• Reason (R) is true because these platforms were indeed found to contain traces of wheat and barley grains, indicating their association with storage or processing activities rather than religious purposes.
• Harappan civilization was primarily urban, and its structures often had practical purposes such as granaries, workshops, or drainage systems rather than religious use.
• The presence of grains like wheat and barley aligns with the agricultural economy of the Harappans, which was a key aspect of their livelihood.
• Thus, the correct conclusion is that A is false, but R is true, as the Reason (R) does not support the Assertion (A).

Additional Information

• Harappan Civilization:
• It is also known as the Indus Valley Civilization, flourishing between 2500 BCE and 1900 BCE.
• Prominent sites include Harappa, Mohenjo-daro, Dholavira, Kalibangan, and Lothal.
• The civilization was known for advanced urban planning, drainage systems, and standardized weights and measures.
• Granaries in Harappa:
• Large granaries were discovered at Harappa and Mohenjo-daro, indicating surplus food production and storage.
• These granaries were often located near river banks for easy transport of goods.
• Agriculture in Harappan Society:
• Major crops included wheat, barley, sesame, and peas.
• Irrigation systems were used to support agriculture, although evidence of large-scale canals is limited.
• Religious Practices:
• No specific religious structures like temples have been identified in Harappan sites.
• Seals and figurines suggest the worship of natural elements, animals, and fertility symbols.