Search Previous Year Questions

The correct answer is Influx of refugees, severe food shortage.

Key Points

• During the First Five-Year Plan (1951–56), India faced significant challenges post-independence, including the influx of refugees due to the partition of India in 1947.
• There was a severe food shortage in the country, exacerbated by the partition, which divided agricultural land and resources.
• The plan focused on agriculture and irrigation development to address food shortages and ensure food security.
• Influx of refugees led to a major social and economic crisis, requiring immediate relief and rehabilitation measures.
• To manage these challenges, the government prioritized community development programs and large-scale investments in irrigation and power projects.

Additional Information

• First Five-Year Plan (1951-1956): Addressed refugee rehabilitation, agricultural development (irrigation, dams), and inflation control, based on the Harrod-Domar model.
• Second Five-Year Plan (1956-1961): Emphasized rapid industrialization, particularly heavy industries (steel, machinery) and capital goods, under Mahalanobis's model.
• Third Five-Year Plan (1961-1966): Aimed for food self-sufficiency and increased agricultural output.
• Fourth Five-Year Plan (1969-1974): Focused on growth with stability and achieving self-reliance.
• Fifth Five-Year Plan (1974-1978): Targeted poverty alleviation ("Garibi Hatao"), employment, and justice.
• Sixth Five-Year Plan (1980-1985): Introduced economic liberalization, focusing on technological self-reliance and employment.
• Eighth Five-Year Plan (1992-1997): Centered on infrastructure development and human resource development after major economic reforms.
• Tenth Five-Year Plan (2002-2007): Focused on inclusive growth, aiming to reduce poverty and improve quality of life.

The correct answer is Ring.

Key Points

• The playing area in boxing is called a ring.
• Despite the name, the boxing ring is square in shape and enclosed by ropes.
• The standard dimensions of a boxing ring range from 16 feet to 24 feet on each side, with a height of about 4 feet.
• The ring is designed to ensure safety and provide a clear boundary for the fighters, as well as to facilitate better viewing for spectators.
• It is typically constructed using a raised platform covered with padding and canvas to prevent injuries during falls or strikes.

Additional Information

• Field
• A field typically refers to a large open area used in sports like football, cricket, or hockey.
• It is usually a flat grassy area or artificial turf, designed for outdoor sports.
• Unlike the boxing ring, a field does not have boundaries defined by ropes or raised platforms.
• Court
• A court is a playing area used in sports like basketball, tennis, or badminton.
• Courts are generally rectangular and have specific markings for the sport being played.
• Unlike a boxing ring, courts are not enclosed by ropes and are not raised platforms.
• Mat
• A mat is commonly used in sports like wrestling, judo, or gymnastics.
• It provides a cushioned surface to minimize injuries during falls or throws.
• While mats are used in combat sports, they differ from boxing rings, which are raised and enclosed by ropes.

The correct answer is Mohenjodaro.

Key Points

• The "Dancing Girl" is a world-famous bronze sculpture from the Indus Valley Civilization, discovered in 1926 at Mohenjodaro (modern-day Pakistan).
• This artifact is about 4,500 years old and is considered one of the earliest known examples of metal casting in human history.
• The statue is approximately 10.5 cm tall and depicts a young girl standing confidently with one hand on her hip and the other resting by her side.
• The sculpture reflects advanced metallurgical skills of the Indus Valley people and provides insights into their artistic and cultural sophistication.
• The "Dancing Girl" is interpreted as a representation of a female performer or dancer, symbolizing grace, poise, and a deep cultural appreciation for the arts during the Harappan period.

Additional Information

• Kot-Diji
• Kot-Diji is an important pre-Harappan archaeological site located in Sindh, Pakistan.
• The site is known for the Kot-Diji culture, which predates the mature Indus Valley Civilization.
• Artifacts discovered here include pottery, tools, and evidence of early settlement patterns, but no iconic statues like the "Dancing Girl."
• Ropar
• Ropar (modern-day Rupnagar in Punjab, India) is a significant Harappan site discovered in the 1950s.
• The site revealed burial practices with pottery and ornaments but did not yield any artifacts comparable to the "Dancing Girl."
• It is known for showcasing the transition from the Harappan to the later Vedic period.
• Kalibangan
• Kalibangan, located in Rajasthan, India, is another prominent Indus Valley site.
• It is known for its unique fire altars, which suggest ritualistic practices, and evidence of plowed agricultural fields.
• No bronze sculptures like the "Dancing Girl" have been discovered at Kalibangan.

The correct answer is Iris.

Key Points

• The iris is a circular structure in the eye that controls the size of the pupil and, consequently, the amount of light entering the eye.
• It contains a pigmented layer that gives the eye its color and muscles that adjust the pupil size in response to changes in light intensity.
• When exposed to bright light, the iris causes the pupil to constrict, reducing the amount of light entering the eye.
• In low light conditions, the iris relaxes to allow the pupil to dilate, increasing the amount of light that enters the eye.
• This regulation of light is essential for proper vision and protects the retina from damage due to excessive light exposure.

Additional Information

• Ciliary Muscles:
• The ciliary muscles are responsible for changing the shape of the lens to focus light onto the retina.
• They play a crucial role in the process of accommodation, allowing the eye to focus on objects at varying distances.
• However, they do not control the amount of light entering the eye.
• Cornea:
• The cornea is the transparent, dome-shaped outermost layer of the eye that helps focus incoming light onto the lens.
• It provides most of the eye’s refractive power but does not regulate the amount of light entering the eye.
• Pupil:
• The pupil is the black circular opening in the center of the iris through which light enters the eye.

The correct answer is Atacama.

Key Points

• The Atacama Desert is located in northern Chile and is widely recognized as the driest nonpolar desert on Earth.
• It experiences an average annual rainfall of less than 15 mm, with some areas receiving no rainfall for several decades.
• Its extreme dryness is attributed to a combination of factors, including the Andes Mountains blocking moisture from the Amazon and the cold Humboldt Current preventing evaporation off the Pacific Ocean.
• The desert spans approximately 105,000 square kilometers and is characterized by salt flats, sand dunes, and rugged terrain.
• Despite its aridity, the Atacama Desert is home to unique flora and fauna, including specially adapted plants and animals that thrive in such harsh conditions.

Additional Information

• Sahara Desert:
• The Sahara Desert, located in North Africa, is the largest hot desert in the world, spanning over 9 million square kilometers.
• It is characterized by vast stretches of sand dunes, rocky plateaus, and occasional oases.
• The Sahara receives an average annual rainfall of around 76 mm, making it extremely arid but not as dry as the Atacama.
• Its ecosystems include desert-adapted plants such as date palms and acacia, as well as animals like camels and desert foxes.
• Gobi Desert:
• Located in northern China and southern Mongolia, the Gobi Desert is a cold desert, known for its harsh winters and relatively low rainfall.
• It spans approximately 1.3 million square kilometers and is characterized by rocky terrain, gravel plains, and sparse vegetation.
• Unlike other deserts, the Gobi experiences temperature extremes, ranging from -40°C in winter to 45°C in summer.
• Its unique wildlife includes snow leopards, Bactrian camels, and Gobi bears.
• Kalahari Desert:
• The Kalahari Desert, located in southern Africa, spans parts of Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa.
• It is technically a semi-arid sandy savanna, receiving an average annual rainfall of 100 to 500 mm.
• The region is rich in biodiversity, home to wildlife such as lions, giraffes, and meerkats.
• Unlike the Atacama, the Kalahari supports more vegetation due to its relatively higher rainfall.

The correct answer is 24^th January.

Key Points

• National Girl Child Day is observed annually on 24^th January in India.
• This day was first initiated by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in 2008 to spread awareness about the rights, education, and health of girl children.
• The objective of National Girl Child Day is to highlight the inequalities faced by girls in society and promote gender equality.
• The day serves as a reminder to eliminate discrimination, empower young girls, and provide equal opportunities in all spheres of life.
• Various campaigns, workshops, and awareness programs are conducted on this day to address issues like female infanticide, child marriage, and access to education for girls.

Additional Information

• January 1 – New Year's Day and Global Family Day.
• January 4 – World Braille Day.
• January 9 – Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.
• January 12 – National Youth Day.
• January 13 – Lohri.
• January 14 – Makar Sankranti, Pongal, and Magh Bihu.
• January 15 – Indian Army Day

Given:

LCM of two numbers = 120

HCF of two numbers = 6

One number = 30

Formula used:

Product of two numbers = LCM × HCF

Calculation:

Product of two numbers = 120 × 6 = 720

Let the other number = x

⇒ 30 × x = 720

⇒ x = 720 ÷ 30

⇒ x = 24

∴ The other number is 24.

The correct answer is Three baskets/collections, contains Buddhist teachings.

Key Points

• The term Tipitaka (or Tripitaka) translates to "Three Baskets" in Pali and Sanskrit.
• Tipitaka refers to the three core collections of Buddhist scriptures that serve as the foundation of Buddhist teachings.
• The three baskets include:
• Vinaya Pitaka: This contains texts related to monastic discipline, rules, and ethical conduct for monks and nuns.
• Sutta Pitaka: It consists of discourses attributed to the Buddha, covering philosophical teachings and guidance for lay followers and monks.
• Abhidhamma Pitaka: This includes detailed, systematic analysis of Buddhist teachings, focusing on metaphysical and psychological concepts.
• The Tipitaka is regarded as the oldest and most authoritative scripture in Theravāda Buddhism.
• It was initially passed down orally and later written in Pali during the Fourth Buddhist Council in Sri Lanka around 29 BCE.

Additional Information

• Core Teachings & Concepts:
• Four Noble Truths: The foundational framework: Life involves suffering (dukkha); craving and attachment cause suffering; suffering can cease; the Eightfold Path leads to cessation.
• Noble Eightfold Path: The practical guide to liberation, focusing on balance and moderation (the Middle Way).
• Wisdom: Right Understanding, Right Thought
• Ethical Conduct: Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood
• Mental Discipline: Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, Right Concentration (Meditation)
• Nirvana: The ultimate goal, a state of liberation from greed, hatred, ignorance, and the cycle of rebirth (samsara).
• Karma: The law of cause and effect, where wholesome actions lead to positive outcomes and unwholesome actions to suffering.
• Samsara: The continuous cycle of death and rebirth, driven by karma, which humans seek to escape.

The correct answer is Iga Swiatek.

Key Points

• Iga Swiatek is a professional tennis player from Poland and has been one of the dominant players in women's tennis since her debut.
• Swiatek has won multiple Grand Slam titles, including the French Open in 2020, 2022, and 2023, establishing her as one of the top players on clay courts.
• In 2025, Swiatek claimed victory in the women's singles at Wimbledon, showcasing her versatility across different court surfaces.
• She became the first Polish player to win the Wimbledon singles title, further solidifying her position in tennis history.
• Swiatek is known for her aggressive playing style, incredible athleticism, and mental resilience, which have contributed to her success at Grand Slam tournaments.

Additional Information

• Amanda Anisimova:
• Amanda Anisimova is an American tennis player known for her powerful baseline game and strong performances at Grand Slam tournaments.
• She reached the semifinals of the French Open in 2019, marking her as a rising star in tennis.
• Anisimova has yet to win a Grand Slam title as of 2025, but she continues to be a competitive force on the tour.
• Ashleigh Barty:
• Ashleigh Barty is a former world No. 1 tennis player from Australia and a three-time Grand Slam champion.
• She won Wimbledon in 2021, marking her dominance on grass courts.
• Barty retired from professional tennis in March 2022, focusing on other pursuits outside sports.
• Karolina Pliskova:
• Karolina Pliskova is a Czech professional tennis player known for her powerful serve and aggressive baseline play.
• She reached the Wimbledon final in 2021 but lost to Ashleigh Barty.

The correct answer is A ratio of the number of persons per sq. km of land area.

Key Points

• Population density is defined as the number of people living per unit area, typically represented as the number of persons per square kilometer.
• It is calculated using the formula: Population Density = Total Population / Total Land Area.
• Population density provides insights into the distribution of population across a geographic region and helps in urban planning, resource allocation, and infrastructure development.
• Regions with high population density, such as urban cities, often face challenges like overpopulation, congestion, and strain on resources.
• As per the latest data (2023), India’s population density is approximately 464 persons per square kilometer, with states like Bihar and West Bengal having the highest densities.

Additional Information

• Core Population Characteristics
• Population Size: The total number of individuals in a specific area at a given time.
• Population Density: The number of individuals per unit area or volume (e.g., people per square kilometer).
• Population Composition/Structure: The breakdown of the population by specific characteristics such as age, sex, race, education, or occupation.
• Population Distribution: The spatial arrangement of individuals (e.g., clumped, uniform, or random in biology; urban vs. rural in human geography).