Search Previous Year Questions

The correct answer is Kumaragupta.

Key Points

• Nalanda University, one of the oldest centers of learning in the world, was established during the reign of Kumaragupta I (415–455 CE) of the Gupta Dynasty.
• Kumaragupta I is credited for founding Nalanda University as a Buddhist center of education and a renowned hub for knowledge dissemination.
• The university attracted scholars and students from all over India and abroad, including China, Korea, Japan, and Central Asia.
• It housed thousands of students and teachers who studied subjects like astronomy, mathematics, logic, medicine, and various branches of Buddhism.
• Nalanda University flourished under subsequent rulers, with the Gupta dynasty providing initial patronage for its development and expansion.

Additional Information

• Kanishka:
• Kanishka, a Kushan emperor, was a prominent patron of Buddhism, but he is not associated with Nalanda University.
• He is best known for convening the Fourth Buddhist Council in Kashmir and for promoting Mahayana Buddhism.
• Kanishka’s reign marked significant cultural and religious developments, including the spread of Buddhism to Central and East Asia.
• Ashoka:
• Ashoka, the Mauryan emperor, was an ardent supporter of Buddhism and played a crucial role in its propagation.
• He established numerous stupas and monasteries and sent missionaries to spread Buddhism across Asia.
• However, Nalanda University was founded much later, during the Gupta period, and is not linked to Ashoka.
• Chandragupta Vikramaditya:
• Chandragupta Vikramaditya, also known as Chandragupta II, was a Gupta emperor famous for his military conquests and cultural achievements.
• Although he contributed to the prosperity of the Gupta Empire, Nalanda University was established during the reign of his successor, Kumaragupta I.
• Chandragupta Vikramaditya is known for promoting arts, sciences, and literature during the "Golden Age" of India.
• Theme of Nalanda University:
• Nalanda University was an ancient center of learning and excellence in various disciplines, including Buddhist studies.
• It was renowned for its massive library known as "Dharmaganja," which housed millions of manuscripts.
• The university was destroyed during the invasion of Bakhtiyar Khilji in the 12^th century CE, marking the decline of Buddhist education in India.

The logic followed here is:

Hence, "Option 4" is the correct answer.

Given:

Principal (P) = ₹7055

Rate (R) = 15% per annum

Time (T) = 6 years

Formula used:

Simple Interest (SI) = \(\frac{P × R × T}{100}\)

Calculation:

SI = \(\frac{7055 × 15 × 6}{100}\)

⇒ SI = ₹6349.5

∴ The correct answer is option (3).

The correct answer is Baking Soda.

Key Points

• Baking soda, chemically known as sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃), is a white crystalline powder commonly used in baking as a leavening agent.
• When combined with an acid, such as vinegar or lemon juice, baking soda releases carbon dioxide gas, causing dough or batter to rise.
• Baking soda is also widely used for cleaning, deodorizing, and neutralizing acids due to its mild alkaline properties.
• It is an essential ingredient in various household applications, such as removing odors, cleaning surfaces, and even in certain medicinal uses like relieving heartburn.
• Commercially, baking soda is affordable, non-toxic, and an environmentally friendly alternative to many chemical cleaners.

Additional Information

• Bleaching Powder:
• Bleaching powder, chemically known as calcium hypochlorite (Ca(OCl)₂), is a white powder commonly used as a disinfectant and bleaching agent.
• It is often used to purify water, disinfect surfaces, and in the textile industry for bleaching fabrics.
• Unlike baking soda, it has strong oxidizing properties and is not suitable for cooking or food-related applications.
• Soda Ash:
• Soda ash, or sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃), is a white, water-soluble powder used in manufacturing glass, detergents, and paper.
• It is also used for softening water and as a pH regulator in various industrial processes.
• Soda ash is chemically different from baking soda and is not used in household cooking or cleaning.
• Washing Soda:
• Washing soda, also known as sodium carbonate decahydrate (Na₂CO₃·10H₂O), is a chemical compound commonly used in laundry detergents.
• It helps in removing stains and grease from clothes by softening water and increasing detergent efficiency.
• Washing soda is caustic and should not be ingested or used for food-related purposes.

The correct order of words in a logical and meaningful order:

3. Chapter → A collection of paragraphs forming a major section of a text.
4. Paragraph → Paragraphs are structured blocks of sentences that focus on a single idea or topic.
5. Sentence → Sentences are complete thoughts formed by one or more phrases.
6. Phrase → Phrases are the meaningful group of words, often part of a sentence.
7. Words → Words are formed by combining letters.

The correct order is '3, 5, 1, 4, 2'.

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 4".

The logic followed is:

SAFE: SECURE → Safe is synonym of secure.

Similarly,

PROTECT: ? → Protect is synonym of guard.

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 3".

Given:

A is 50% larger than C.

B is 25% larger than C.

Formula used:

Percentage difference between A and B = \(\dfrac{A-B}{B}\times100\)

Calculations:

Let C = 100 

⇒ A = 100 + 50 = 150

⇒ B = 100 + 25 = 125

Percentage difference = \(\dfrac{150-125}{125}\times100\)

⇒ \(\dfrac{25}{125}\times100\) = 20%

∴ The correct answer is option (3).

The correct answer is elected by the two houses of Parliament.

Key Points

• The Chairman of Rajya Sabha in India is the Vice President of India.
• The Vice President is elected by an electoral college consisting of members of both the Lok Sabha (Lower House) and Rajya Sabha (Upper House).
• This election is conducted in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote.
• The Vice President serves as the ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha and presides over its proceedings.
• The Vice President does not participate in the deliberations of the Rajya Sabha except in the case of a tie, where he/she has the casting vote.

Additional Information

• Option 1: Elected by Parliament and legislatures of the states jointly
• This option is incorrect because the Vice President, who serves as the Chairman of Rajya Sabha, is elected solely by the members of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha). Legislatures of the states do not participate in this election.
• However, the President of India is elected by an electoral college that includes members of Parliament and members of the Legislative Assemblies of States and Union Territories.
• Option 2: Elected by the members of Rajya Sabha
• This option is incorrect as the election of the Vice President is not limited to Rajya Sabha members alone.
• Instead, the electoral college includes both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members.
• Option 3: Nominated by the President
• This option is incorrect because the Vice President is not nominated by the President but elected through a democratic process.
• In India, nomination by the President is applicable to certain members of Rajya Sabha for contributions in fields like literature, science, art, and social service.
• Topic Overview: Role and Importance of the Chairman of Rajya Sabha
• The Chairman of Rajya Sabha plays a critical role in maintaining decorum and order in the House.
• He/she ensures smooth functioning of the proceedings and adherence to parliamentary rules and procedures.
• In the absence of the Vice President, the Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha presides over the sessions.

The correct answer is Damascus.

Key Points

• Damascus, the capital of Syria, is widely considered the world’s oldest continuously inhabited city.
• Historical records suggest that Damascus has been inhabited since at least the 2^nd millennium BCE.
• It is strategically located on the crossroads of trade routes, which contributed to its long-standing prominence as a cultural and economic center.
• Damascus has been under the control of various civilizations, including the Arameans, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Arabs, shaping its rich cultural heritage.
• The city is renowned for historic landmarks such as the Umayyad Mosque, one of the oldest and largest mosques in the world.

Additional Information

• Oslo:
• Oslo is the capital city of Norway, established in the year 1040 AD.
• It is known for its rich Viking heritage and modern urban infrastructure.
• The city is a hub for maritime industries and home to several museums, including the Viking Ship Museum and Munch Museum.
• Accra:
• Accra is the capital city of Ghana, situated along the Gulf of Guinea.
• It is a relatively modern city that became Ghana’s capital in 1877 during British colonial rule.
• The city is known for its vibrant culture, bustling markets, and historical sites such as Jamestown Lighthouse and Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum.
• Canberra:
• Canberra is the capital city of Australia, officially established as the capital in 1913.
• It was purpose-built as the capital city and is known for its well-planned urban layout.
• Canberra is home to Australia’s Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial, and numerous national institutions.
• Main Theme:
• Capital cities often serve as political, cultural, and economic hubs of their respective countries.
• They are historically significant and may have been chosen due to strategic, economic, or cultural reasons.
• While Damascus is the oldest continuously inhabited capital city, other capitals like Oslo, Accra, and Canberra represent more modern developments.

Given:

First discount = 10%

Second discount = 20%

Formula used:

Effective discount formula: \(\text{Effective Discount} = a + b - \frac{a \cdot b}{100}\)

Where, a = first discount, b = second discount

Calculation:

⇒ Effective Discount = 10 + 20 - \(\frac{10 \cdot 20}{100}\)

⇒ Effective Discount = 30 - \(\frac{200}{100}\) = 28%

∴ The correct answer is option (4).