Search Previous Year Questions

The correct answer is Girl child survival & education.

Key Points

• The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme was launched on 22 January 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Panipat, Haryana.
• The main objective of the scheme is to address the declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR) and promote the survival, protection, and education of the girl child.
• The initiative is a tri-ministerial effort involving the Ministry of Women and Child Development, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and the Ministry of Education (formerly MHRD).
• The scheme focuses on generating awareness and improving the efficiency of welfare services intended for girls across India.
• District-level implementation: The scheme was initially implemented in 100 districts with a low Child Sex Ratio and later expanded to cover all districts in India.

Additional Information

• Child Sex Ratio (CSR): CSR refers to the number of girls per 1,000 boys in the 0-6 age group. A decline in CSR reflects social issues such as gender-based discrimination and female foeticide.
• Key Components of BBBP:
• Advocacy and media campaigns: To create awareness and change societal attitudes towards the girl child.
• Multi-sectoral interventions: In targeted districts to ensure access to education and health services for girls.
• Monitoring: Regular monitoring of CSR and other indicators to evaluate the scheme's impact.
• Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY): A savings scheme under BBBP that promotes financial security for the girl child by offering attractive interest rates and tax benefits.
• Impact of BBBP: The scheme has led to significant improvements in CSR in several districts, increased enrollment of girls in schools, and enhanced awareness about gender equality.
• Global Perspective: BBBP aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5 (Gender Equality) and Goal 4 (Quality Education).

The correct answer is Mixing with vinegar to observe fizzing reaction.

Key Points

• Chalk powder, primarily composed of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), reacts with acids like vinegar (acetic acid) to produce carbon dioxide (CO₂) gas.
• When vinegar is added to adulterated wheat flour containing chalk powder, fizzing or effervescence is observed due to the release of CO₂ gas.
• This simple household method is an effective and quick way to detect the presence of chalk powder in wheat flour.
• The reaction involved is: CaCO₃ + 2CH₃COOH → Ca(CH₃COO)₂ + H₂O + CO₂↑.
• Effervescence or bubbling confirms the presence of calcium carbonate in the adulterated wheat flour.

Additional Information

• Adulteration: It refers to the practice of adding unwanted substances to food items to increase quantity or reduce production costs, often compromising quality and safety.
• Calcium Carbonate: A common compound found in chalk, marble, and limestone. It is harmless in small amounts but is considered an adulterant when added to food products like flour.
• Vinegar: A household acid (acetic acid, CH₃COOH) commonly used in cooking and cleaning, making it a practical tool for such tests.
• Effervescence: The bubbling or fizzing that occurs due to the release of gas during a chemical reaction, such as the reaction of acids with carbonates.
• Food Safety: Regular checks for adulterants in food products are crucial to ensuring health and preventing long-term health risks associated with contaminated food.

The correct answer is Option 2.

Key Points

• Black soils exhibit high moisture-retaining capacity, which is why they often develop deep cracks during dry hot weather.
• They are rich in lime, iron, magnesia, and alumina, but lack sufficient phosphoric content, making them unique in composition.
• These soils are also known as Regur soils and are highly suitable for crops such as cotton.
• The characteristics listed under points 1 and 3 align strongly with the properties of Black soils.
• Point 2 about tea and apple cultivation is more characteristic of soils in cold climates, such as mountain soils, and does not pertain to Black soils.

Additional Information

• Black Soils: They are formed from volcanic rocks and are predominantly found in the Deccan plateau regions of India, including Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh.
• Moisture Retention: Black soils are known for their ability to retain moisture, making them ideal for crops like cotton, which require consistent water availability.
• Cracking Phenomenon: During dry seasons, the soil develops cracks, which helps in aeration and natural tilling of the land.
• Regional Suitability: Black soils are highly suitable for crops like cotton, sugarcane, pulses, and cereals due to their nutrient profile.
• Other Soil Types: Mountain soils, unlike Black soils, are suitable for tea and apple cultivation due to their high organic content and cold climate compatibility.

The correct answer is Statement I is incorrect, Statement II is correct.

Key Points

• Statement I is incorrect: The Industrial Policy Resolution of 1956 aimed at strengthening the public sector, not promoting private sector dominance.
• Statement II is correct: The Industrial Policy Resolution of 1956 categorized industries into three schedules: exclusively government-owned, mixed public-private sector, and private sector.
• The 1956 policy was strongly influenced by the socialist framework, emphasizing the role of the state in industrial development.
• The resolution aimed to reduce income inequalities, promote regional balance, and achieve self-reliance in industrial production.
• It laid the foundation for India's industrial growth by prioritizing heavy industries and infrastructure development under public ownership.

Additional Information

• Industrial Policy Resolution of 1956: This policy was a major shift from the 1948 Industrial Policy, placing significant emphasis on public sector enterprises.
• Three-category classification:
• Category A: Industries exclusively reserved for state ownership and operation (e.g., defense, atomic energy).
• Category B: Industries where both public and private sectors could operate, but with the public sector taking the lead (e.g., machine tools, fertilizers).
• Category C: All other industries left to the private sector but regulated by the state.
• Significance of the 1956 Policy: It was based on the Nehruvian vision of development and aligned with the Directive Principles of State Policy in the Indian Constitution.
• Public Sector Expansion: The policy led to the establishment of major public sector enterprises like BHEL, SAIL, and NTPC.
• Criticism: The policy was criticized for excessive bureaucracy, inefficiency in public sector enterprises, and limited scope for private sector growth.

The correct answer is A counterpart document executed by one of the parties.

Key Points

• Under Chapter V of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, primary evidence refers to the original document itself, or a counterpart document executed by one of the parties involved in a transaction.
• Primary evidence is defined in Section 62 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, and has been adopted in the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, as the most reliable form of evidence.
• It is considered direct evidence that does not require further corroboration or secondary evidence to prove its authenticity.
• The counterpart document executed by one of the parties is treated as primary evidence when it is authenticated and executed by the parties involved.
• Photocopies, summaries, or typed versions are generally classified as secondary evidence unless authenticated under specific provisions.

Additional Information

• Primary Evidence: Original documents or counterparts executed by the parties involved in a transaction.
• Secondary Evidence: Includes copies, summaries, or reproductions of the original document, which require further authentication.
• Indian Evidence Act, 1872: The foundational legal framework for evidence in India, defining primary and secondary evidence under Sections 62 and 63.
• Authentication: The process of verifying the genuineness of a document by confirming its execution by the parties involved.
• Relevance in Legal Proceedings: Primary evidence is considered more reliable and carries greater probative value in courts compared to secondary evidence.
• Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023: The updated legislation for evidence in India, incorporating modern principles and interpretations of evidence law.

The correct answer is Rajendra Chola I.

Key Points

• Rajendra Chola I, the son of Raja Raja Chola I, ruled the Chola dynasty from 1014 to 1044 CE and expanded its territory significantly.
• He is credited with constructing advanced irrigation systems, including tanks, reservoirs, and canals, to boost agricultural productivity in the Chola Empire.
• The Chola rulers, under Rajendra Chola I, focused on water management and utilized river systems like the Kaveri to create sustainable agricultural practices.
• Rajendra Chola I established the city of Gangaikonda Cholapuram and built extensive infrastructure to support his empire’s agrarian economy.
• His irrigation initiatives were pivotal in transforming the fertile lands of the Tamil region into one of the most prosperous agricultural zones during his reign.

Additional Information

• Chola Dynasty:
• The Chola dynasty was one of the longest-ruling dynasties in Indian history, with its origins tracing back to the 9^th century CE.
• They were renowned for their contributions to art, architecture, administration, and infrastructure development.
• The Cholas built iconic temples such as the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Irrigation Systems:
• Ancient Indian rulers prioritized irrigation systems to ensure sustainable agricultural practices and food security.
• Techniques included the use of canals, tanks, and reservoirs for water storage and distribution.
• The Kaveri delta region was a crucial area for irrigation development during the Chola period.
• Gangaikonda Cholapuram:
• Rajendra Chola I established Gangaikonda Cholapuram as the capital of the Chola Empire.
• The city featured advanced urban planning and infrastructure, including temples and irrigation systems.
• It served as a symbol of Chola power and prosperity during his reign.
• Agrarian Economy:
• The Chola dynasty depended heavily on agriculture for economic stability and expansion.
• Efficient irrigation systems allowed the cultivation of crops like rice, which was a staple food for the population.
• The agrarian economy fueled trade and commerce, making the Chola Empire a prominent player in regional and international trade.

The correct answer is Rabindranath Tagore.

Key Points

• Rabindranath Tagore was the first Indian to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature for his collection of poems, Geetanjali, in 1913.
• The Nobel Prize was awarded to Tagore for his "profoundly sensitive, fresh, and beautiful verse," making him the first non-European to receive this honor.
• Geetanjali, also known as "Song Offerings," is a collection of 103 poems originally written in Bengali and later translated into English by Tagore himself.
• Tagore was not only a poet but also a novelist, painter, philosopher, and composer who made significant contributions to Indian and global literature.
• His Nobel Prize brought Indian literature into the global spotlight, establishing Tagore as an international literary figure.

Additional Information

• Rabindranath Tagore:
• Born on 7 May 1861 in Kolkata, Tagore was a polymath who reshaped Bengali literature, music, and art.
• He founded Visva-Bharati University at Santiniketan, which became a center for cultural and educational exchange.
• Geetanjali:
• Originally written in Bengali, Tagore translated it into English, which led to his Nobel Prize recognition.
• The work reflects themes of spirituality, divine love, and human connection.
• The Nobel Prize:
• Established by Alfred Nobel in 1895, it is awarded annually in categories like Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Literature, Peace, and Economic Sciences.
• Rabindranath Tagore’s Nobel Prize in 1913 was the first for an Asian in the Literature category.
• Tagore's Legacy:
• Tagore composed the national anthems of both India ("Jana Gana Mana") and Bangladesh ("Amar Shonar Bangla").
• He remains a revered figure in Indian and world literature, continuing to inspire generations with his works.

The correct answer is 4) 1 only.

Key Points

• Ramjets operate efficiently at hypersonic speeds (above Mach 5) due to their ability to compress incoming air without moving parts like compressors.
• Ramjets are typically used in applications such as missiles or high-speed aircraft, where sustained high-speed operation is required.
• The operational efficiency of ramjets decreases at lower speeds because they rely on the forward motion of the vehicle to compress air.
• Statement 1 is correct: Ramjets are best suited for speeds ranging from Mach 3 to Mach 6.

Additional Information

• Ramjet: A type of air-breathing jet engine that uses the engine's forward motion to compress incoming air, eliminating the need for a rotary compressor.
• Dual Mode Ramjet (DMRJ): A propulsion system capable of operating in both ramjet and scramjet modes. It works efficiently at supersonic and hypersonic speeds but not at subsonic speeds, making Statement 2 incorrect.
• Hypersonic Speed: Refers to speeds greater than Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound). Hypersonic systems include advanced technologies like scramjets and ramjets.
• Scramjet: A variation of the ramjet engine that operates at hypersonic speeds by allowing supersonic airflow throughout the engine.
• Applications: Ramjets and scramjets are used in advanced military applications, space exploration, and next-generation high-speed travel.

The correct answer is France.

Key Points

• The TRISHNA satellite (Thermal Infrared Imaging Satellite for High-resolution Natural resource Assessment) is being developed jointly by ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) and CNES (National Centre for Space Studies), France.
• It aims to provide high-resolution thermal infrared imaging for applications such as water resource management, urban planning, and climate monitoring.
• TRISHNA will operate in the thermal infrared spectrum and is expected to deliver data with unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution.
• The satellite builds upon the collaborative legacy of previous ISRO-CNES partnerships, such as the Megha-Tropiques and SARAL missions.
• This mission highlights the growing India-France space cooperation, which has spanned over five decades, fostering advancements in Earth observation and space technology.

Additional Information

• Thermal Infrared Imaging:
• Thermal imaging detects heat emitted by objects and is widely used for Earth observation, agriculture, and disaster management.
• It helps in understanding land surface temperatures, water body temperatures, and vegetation health.
• ISRO-CNES Collaboration:
• India and France have a long-standing partnership in space programs, beginning with the launch of India’s first satellite, Aryabhata, in 1975.
• Notable joint missions include Megha-Tropiques (climate monitoring) and SARAL (oceanography).
• Importance of TRISHNA:
• The satellite will assist in climate change studies by providing accurate data on Earth’s heat budget and water cycles.
• It will also support sustainable development goals, particularly in agriculture and water management.
• Earth Observation Satellites:
• Earth observation satellites are used to monitor and assess changes in the planet's surface and atmosphere.
• Examples include ISRO’s CARTOSAT and RISAT series, which cater to mapping, disaster management, and defense needs.

The correct answer is 14.63 meters.

Key Points

• The radius of the striking or shooting circle in hockey is 14.63 meters, as per the official rules of the International Hockey Federation (FIH).
• This circle is often referred to as the "D" or the "shooting circle" due to its semicircular shape.
• The striking circle is the area from where players can legally score a goal if the ball is hit within its boundary.
• The measurement is taken from the center of the goal line to the outer edge of the circle.
• This dimension is standardized for all international hockey games to maintain uniformity in play.

Additional Information

• Shooting Circle: The area where players can shoot the ball to score a goal, provided the ball is touched by an attacker inside this zone.
• Penalty Corner: Awarded to the attacking team for a foul committed by the defending team inside the shooting circle.
• Goal Dimensions: The width of the goal in field hockey is 3.66 meters, and its height is 2.14 meters.
• Field Dimensions: A standard field hockey pitch measures 91.4 meters in length and 55 meters in width.
• Field Markings: In addition to the striking circle, the pitch includes 23-meter lines, a centerline, and sidelines for game organization and rule enforcement.