Search Previous Year Questions

The correct answer is Satopanth Glacier.

Key Points

• The Alaknanda River originates from the Satopanth Glacier, which is located near the base of the Chaukhamba peaks in the Uttarakhand region of India.
• Satopanth Glacier is situated at an altitude of approximately 7,000 meters above sea level.
• The glacier feeds the Alaknanda River, one of the two main tributaries that combine to form the Ganga River.
• The Alaknanda River meets the Bhagirathi River at Devprayag, where it officially takes the name "Ganga."
• Satopanth Glacier is a popular trekking destination and holds religious significance in Hindu mythology.

Additional Information

• Satopanth Glacier
• It is named after "Satopanth," a Sanskrit word meaning "True Path."
• It lies in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India, and is surrounded by peaks such as Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, and Balakun.
• Satopanth Glacier is a vital source of freshwater and plays a crucial role in the hydrology of the Ganga Basin.
• Alaknanda River
• It is one of the major headstreams of the Ganga River and is approximately 190 km long.
• It passes through various important confluences (prayags) such as Vishnuprayag, Nandaprayag, Karnaprayag, Rudraprayag, and Devprayag.
• Ganga River
• The Ganga is considered a holy river in India and holds immense cultural, spiritual, and ecological significance.
• It is formed by the confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers at Devprayag.
• Chaukhamba Peaks
• These peaks form the westernmost group of the Garhwal Himalayas and are part of the Gangotri Group.
• They serve as a prominent landmark near the Satopanth Glacier.

The correct answer is SAGAR Policy - Maritime ties in the Indian Ocean.

Key Points

• The SAGAR Policy stands for Security and Growth for All in the Region, which emphasizes India's strategic vision for the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
• It was introduced in 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to enhance maritime cooperation and ensure security in the Indian Ocean.
• The policy aims to safeguard India’s maritime interests, promote sustainable economic growth, and enhance connectivity in the Indian Ocean region.
• It focuses on strengthening maritime ties with IOR littoral states, disaster risk management, and combating maritime threats like piracy and terrorism.
• Key components include promoting blue economy initiatives, ensuring maritime safety, and fostering bilateral and multilateral partnerships in the region.

Additional Information

• Indian Ocean Region (IOR):
• The IOR is a strategically significant region connecting Asia, Africa, and Oceania.
• It houses critical sea lanes that facilitate global trade, carrying nearly 80% of the world’s seaborne oil trade.
• India’s geographical location places it at the center of the IOR, making maritime security vital for its interests.
• Blue Economy:
• The blue economy refers to the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and ocean ecosystem health.
• It includes sectors like fisheries, renewable energy, maritime transport, and tourism.
• India has been actively promoting blue economy initiatives under the SAGAR policy framework.
• Maritime Security Threats:
• Maritime threats in the IOR include piracy, illegal fishing, terrorism, and trafficking of arms, drugs, and humans.
• India collaborates with regional partners to counter these threats and ensure secure sea lanes.
• BIMSTEC vs SAGAR:
• BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) focuses on regional cooperation among South and Southeast Asian countries.
• In contrast, SAGAR is specifically centered on maritime ties and security in the Indian Ocean Region.

The correct answer is Monitoring population growth.

Key Points

• The Happiness Index, also known as the World Happiness Report, is a global measure that assesses the happiness and well-being of countries.
• It focuses on factors such as income, social support, life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and perceptions of corruption.
• The Index is commonly used to influence policies related to healthcare, education, and social services to enhance citizens' quality of life.
• Monitoring population growth is not a direct outcome of the Happiness Index as it does not measure or track demographic changes.
• The Happiness Index aims to provide insights into societal well-being and government performance rather than demographic statistics.

Additional Information

• Happiness Index:
• Published annually by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network.
• It ranks countries based on survey data and six key variables: GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and perception of corruption.
• The 2023 report ranked Finland as the happiest country globally for the sixth consecutive year.
• Population Growth Monitoring:
• Population growth is typically analyzed using demographic tools like the Census, surveys, and population models.
• It focuses on birth rates, death rates, immigration, and emigration trends.
• Demographic data is used for long-term planning in infrastructure, resource allocation, and healthcare services.
• Educational Policies:
• Happiness Index data helps in formulating educational reforms that focus on student mental well-being and equal opportunities.
• Countries like Finland use happiness-driven education systems to reduce stress and improve student satisfaction.
• Healthcare Services:
• Improving healthcare services is a major focus area influenced by the Happiness Index.
• Countries with higher life expectancy and better access to healthcare typically score better on the Index.

The correct answer is Board for Financial Supervision (BFS).

Key Points

• The Board for Financial Supervision (BFS) was established in 1994 as a committee of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to ensure the soundness of the financial system in India.
• BFS functions under the RBI and is tasked with supervising commercial banks, financial institutions, and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs).
• The BFS was created as part of the post-1991 banking reforms to strengthen financial stability and improve the efficiency of the supervisory framework.
• It plays a crucial role in monitoring systemic risks and ensuring compliance with prudential regulations in the banking and financial sectors.
• BFS has significantly contributed to fostering transparency, accountability, and resilience within India's financial system.

Additional Information

• Banking Reforms of 1991:
• The 1991 reforms were initiated as part of structural adjustments following the Balance of Payments (BoP) crisis in India.
• Key measures included liberalization, privatization, and globalization to enhance efficiency and competitiveness in the banking sector.
• The reforms aimed to reduce non-performing assets (NPAs), improve capital adequacy, and modernize the banking infrastructure.
• Role of RBI in Financial Supervision:
• As the central bank, the RBI is responsible for maintaining monetary stability and regulating banks and NBFCs.
• The establishment of BFS strengthened the RBI's supervisory capacity by providing a focused oversight mechanism.
• Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs):
• NBFCs are financial institutions that provide banking-like services but do not hold a banking license.
• They are regulated by the RBI and play a vital role in supporting credit access in sectors underserved by traditional banks.
• Systemic Risk Management:
• Systemic risk refers to the risk of collapse of an entire financial system or market.
• The BFS, through its supervisory framework, helps identify and mitigate such risks to ensure the stability of the financial ecosystem.

The correct answer is Option 4: A - 2, B - 3, C - 4, D - 1.

Key Points

• Global Innovation Index is published by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), which measures innovation capabilities and performance across the globe.
• Global Hunger Index is released jointly by Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe, focusing on hunger and undernutrition globally.
• Global Peace Index is published by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), assessing peace levels in countries based on various indicators.
• Human Development Index (HDI) is released by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), measuring human development through education, income, and life expectancy indicators.

Additional Information

• Global Innovation Index (GII):
• The GII ranks countries annually on innovation performance based on institutions, human capital, technology, and creative outputs.
• It is a collaboration between WIPO, Cornell University, and INSEAD.
• Global Hunger Index (GHI):
• The GHI uses indicators such as undernourishment, child wasting, child stunting, and child mortality to rank countries.
• Its goal is to track hunger reduction progress globally and highlight areas needing improvement.
• Global Peace Index (GPI):
• The GPI evaluates nations based on societal safety, levels of violence, and military expenditure.
• It is widely regarded as a benchmark for assessing global peace trends.
• Human Development Index (HDI):
• The HDI measures long-term progress in three dimensions: a long and healthy life, access to knowledge, and a decent standard of living.
• It categorizes countries into four tiers of human development: low, medium, high, and very high.

The correct answer is To protect wildlife and their habitats.

Key Points

• National Parks are designated areas under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, established to conserve and protect wildlife and their habitats from human interference.
• These parks are strictly protected areas where activities like hunting, poaching, and grazing are prohibited.
• National Parks aim to ensure the survival of endangered species and maintain ecological balance.
• They serve as biodiversity hotspots, preserving a wide variety of flora and fauna unique to specific regions.
• National Parks also play a critical role in environmental education and research, promoting sustainable practices for wildlife conservation.

Additional Information

• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972:
• It is the primary legislation enacted by the Indian government to protect wildlife, biodiversity, and natural habitats.
• The Act provides for the creation of protected areas like National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Conservation Reserves.
• It prohibits activities such as hunting, poaching, and trade of wildlife species covered under its schedules.
• Difference Between National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries:
• National Parks have stricter regulations compared to Wildlife Sanctuaries.
• Human activities like tourism and grazing are generally prohibited in National Parks but may be allowed in Wildlife Sanctuaries.
• Both are established under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
• India's First National Park:
• Jim Corbett National Park, established in 1936, is the first National Park in India.
• It is located in Uttarakhand and is renowned for its tiger population under Project Tiger.
• Project Tiger:
• Launched in 1973 by the Government of India, it is a conservation program aimed at protecting tigers and their habitats.
• Many National Parks in India, such as Ranthambore and Sundarbans, are part of this initiative.

The correct answer is Water canal system and choanocytes.

Key Points

• Sponges (Phylum Porifera) are characterized by the presence of a water canal system, which facilitates water circulation for feeding, respiration, and excretion.
• Choanocytes, or collar cells, are specialized cells in sponges responsible for creating water currents and trapping food particles.
• The water canal system includes structures such as ostia (pores), spongocoel (central cavity), and osculum (exit opening), ensuring efficient water flow.
• Sponges lack tissues and organs but have a unique cellular organization that supports their filter-feeding mechanism.
• They exhibit asymmetry or radial symmetry, making them distinct from other animal phyla.

Additional Information

• Choanocytes:
• These are flagellated cells with a collar-like structure that helps in trapping food particles.
• Choanocytes are essential for the sponge's filter-feeding and water circulation.
• Water Canal System:
• It consists of pathways like ostia, spongocoel, and osculum through which water flows.
• The system aids in nutrient absorption, gas exchange, and waste removal.
• Skeleton of Sponges:
• Sponges possess a skeleton made of spicules (calcium carbonate or silica) or spongin fibers.
• These structures provide support and protection.
• Reproduction in Sponges:
• Sponges reproduce sexually via gametes and asexually via budding or gemmules.
• They are mostly hermaphroditic, with both male and female reproductive cells present in the same organism.
• Ecological Importance:
• Sponges play a crucial role in marine ecosystems as filter feeders, cleaning water and recycling nutrients.
• They also serve as habitats for various microorganisms and small marine organisms.

The correct answer is Prabowo Subianto.

Key Points

• Prabowo Subianto, Indonesia's Defence Minister, was invited as the chief guest for India's 76^th Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2025.
• The invitation to Prabowo Subianto highlights India's strong diplomatic and strategic ties with Indonesia, a key partner in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Indonesia is the largest archipelagic state and holds significant geopolitical importance in South-East Asia, making its Defence Minister's presence symbolically important.
• India and Indonesia share maritime boundaries, and both countries actively cooperate in defense, trade, and cultural exchanges.
• Prabowo Subianto's visit aligns with India's focus on strengthening regional partnerships and promoting shared values of democracy and development.

Additional Information

• Republic Day Chief Guest Tradition:
• India invites prominent global leaders as chief guests for Republic Day celebrations, showcasing its diplomatic priorities and strengthening bilateral ties.
• The tradition started in 1950 when the President of Indonesia, Dr. Sukarno, was the first chief guest.
• The selection of the chief guest reflects India's geopolitical strategy and cultural diplomacy.
• India-Indonesia Relations:
• India and Indonesia share strong historical ties, rooted in trade, culture, and shared colonial experiences.
• Both nations are members of the G20 and partners in ASEAN-India dialogue and the Indo-Pacific cooperation framework.
• Key areas of cooperation include defense, maritime security, counter-terrorism, and economic partnerships.
• Indo-Pacific Strategy:
• India's Indo-Pacific strategy focuses on maintaining a free, open, and inclusive region.
• Indonesia, as a major maritime player, is a crucial partner in India's efforts to ensure regional stability and security.
• Defense Collaboration:
• India and Indonesia regularly conduct joint military exercises and naval patrols to strengthen defense ties.
• Defense cooperation includes technology transfer, capacity building, and sharing of strategic intelligence.

The correct answer is Promoting public sector.

Key Points

• The Industrial Policy Resolution of 1948 marked the beginning of economic planning in India, emphasizing the importance of public sector industries.
• It aimed to establish a mixed economy, where both public and private sectors would play a role in industrial development.
• The policy categorized industries into three groups: those exclusively managed by the state, those progressively managed by the state, and those left to private enterprises.
• Public sector industries were prioritized to ensure equitable resource distribution, reduce regional imbalances, and promote economic self-reliance.
• This resolution laid the foundation for India's industrialization and was a precursor to subsequent industrial policies.

Additional Information

• Mixed Economy Concept: A mixed economy is an economic system combining private and public ownership of industries, aiming to balance efficiency and social welfare.
• Public Sector Industries: These are industries owned and operated by the government, focusing on key sectors like defense, railways, and heavy engineering.
• Private Sector Role: The private sector was encouraged to operate in areas where government intervention was not deemed necessary, fostering entrepreneurship.
• Regional Imbalances: The policy sought to reduce disparities in industrial development across different regions of the country.
• Industrialization Strategy: The resolution emphasized self-reliance and the development of heavy industries to accelerate economic growth and reduce dependency on foreign countries.

The correct answer is Current through R1 is greater than through R2.

Key Points

• When resistors are connected in parallel, the potential difference across each resistor is the same.
• The current through a resistor in a parallel circuit is inversely proportional to its resistance, following Ohm's Law (I = V/R).
• Since R1 < R2, the current through R1 (I1) will be greater than the current through R2 (I2).
• This occurs because a smaller resistance allows more current to flow for the same voltage.
• Hence, the current through R1 is greater than through R2, making Option 3 correct.

Additional Information

• Ohm's Law:
• Ohm's Law states that the current (I) through a conductor between two points is directly proportional to the voltage (V) across the two points and inversely proportional to the resistance (R).
• Mathematically: I = V/R.
• Parallel Circuit Characteristics:
• In a parallel circuit, the voltage across each branch is the same.
• The total current is the sum of the currents through all the parallel branches.
• The effective resistance (Req) is always less than the smallest individual resistance: 1/Req = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + ...
• Resistance and Current Relation:
• Resistance opposes the flow of electric current; lower resistance allows higher current.
• In parallel circuits, a branch with lower resistance carries more current.
• Applications of Parallel Circuits:
• Used in household wiring to ensure each appliance operates independently.
• Common in electrical distribution systems to distribute power efficiently.