General Awareness PYQs

The correct answer is Through evaporation.

Key Points

• Springs are natural points of discharge where the Water Table intersects the ground surface, allowing Groundwater to flow out freely due to gravity or hydrostatic pressure. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
• Wells are man-made structures created by digging or drilling into the Saturated Zone of the earth to access and extract water for various purposes. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
• Tube wells are specialized deep-bore systems that use a long pipe to reach deep Aquifers, employing mechanical pumps to lift water to the surface level. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
• Evaporation is the physical process by which water changes from a liquid to a gaseous state and moves into the Atmosphere, representing a loss of water from the surface rather than a delivery method from underground. Hence, statement 4 is correct.

 Additional Information

• Hydrological Context:
• Aquifers: These are underground layers of Permeable Rock or sediment (like sand and gravel) that contain and transmit Groundwater.
• Infiltration: The downward movement of water from the surface into the soil, which is the primary method of Aquifer Recharge.
• Water Table: The upper limit of the portion of the ground that is completely saturated with water; it can fluctuate based on Precipitation and extraction.
• Capillary Action: The movement of water through tiny spaces in the soil, which can bring moisture up to plant roots but is not a method for discharging large volumes of water.
• Transpiration: Part of the Water Cycle where plants absorb water from the soil and release it into the air as vapor.

The correct answer is Kerala.

Key Points

• Mohiniyattam is a classical dance form that originated in the Indian state of Kerala and is recognized as one of the eight primary Indian classical dances by the Sangeet Natak Akademi.
• The term is derived from the words Mohini, referring to the mythical enchantress avatar of Lord Vishnu, and Aattam, which means movement or dance in Malayalam; thus, it literally translates to the dance of the enchantress.
• It is traditionally a solo dance performed by women, characterized by its graceful, swaying body movements and subtle facial expressions that follow the Lasya style (delicate and feminine).
• The dance is known for its circular movements and the Atavakul (basic steps), which avoid abrupt jerks, mimicking the gentle flow of the backwaters and the swaying of palm trees in Kerala.
• The repertoire of Mohiniyattam includes items like Cholkettu, Jatiswaram, Varnam, Padam, and Tillana, primarily set to Sopana Sangeetham music.

 Additional Information

• Other Classical Dances and States:
• Tamil Nadu: This state is the home of Bharatanatyam, a dance form renowned for its fixed upper torso, bent legs, and sophisticated sign language based on hand gestures (mudras).
• Andhra Pradesh: It is the origin of Kuchipudi, a dance-drama that involves both singing and dancing, traditionally performed by men but now dominated by female practitioners.
• Kerala (Other forms): Besides Mohiniyattam, Kerala is also famous for Kathakali, a highly stylized classical dance-drama known for its heavy make-up and elaborate costumes.
• Key Elements of Mohiniyattam:
• Costume: Dancers typically wear a white or off-white Kasavu saree with a bright gold-toned brocade border, symbolizing purity.
• Music: The lyrics are usually in Manipravalam, a literary mixture of Sanskrit and Malayalam.
• Notable Exponents: Legends such as Kalamandalam Kalyanikutty Amma, Sunanda Nair, and Jayaprabha Menon have significantly contributed to its revival and global popularity.

The correct answer is Dawn to Sunset.

Key Points

• Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection.
• The act of fasting, known as Sawm, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which are the foundational acts of worship for believers.
• The duration of the daily fast begins at Dawn (the time of the Fajr prayer) and concludes at Sunset (the time of the Maghrib prayer).
• During these hours, individuals abstain from consuming food, drinking any liquids, smoking, and engaging in sexual relations to cultivate self-discipline and spiritual growth.
• The start and end of the fast are determined by the local lunar sightings, which is why the dates of Ramadan shift approximately 10 to 11 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar.

 Additional Information

• Suhoor:
• This is the pre-dawn meal eaten before the first light of day appears and the fast begins.
• It is a vital part of the daily routine to maintain physical strength and is considered a blessed practice in Islamic tradition.
• Iftar:
• This is the meal used to break the fast immediately after the sun sets.
• Following the tradition of Prophet Muhammad, many Muslims break their fast with dates and water before performing the evening prayer.
• Laylat al-Qadr:
• Known as the Night of Power, it is believed to be the night when the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet.
• It occurs during the last ten days of Ramadan and is considered the holiest night of the year.
• Eid al-Fitr:
• This major Islamic festival marks the end of the month of Ramadan and the beginning of the next month, Shawwal.

The correct answer is Jharkhand.

Key Points

• The Santhals are one of the largest Scheduled Tribes in India, with their primary concentration in the state of Jharkhand, though they also reside in West Bengal, Odisha, and Bihar.
• Music and dance are fundamental pillars of Santhal identity, characterized by communal participation during seasonal festivals such as Sohrai (harvest festival) and Baha (flower festival).
• The Tiriyo, a traditional bamboo flute with seven holes, is considered the most prestigious melodic instrument in Santhal music, often associated with shepherd life and romantic folklore.
• Rhythmic accompaniment is provided by a variety of drums, most notably the Tumdak (a two-headed earthen drum) and the Tamak (a large kettle drum made of metal or wood).
• Their musical compositions are deeply connected to the natural environment, agricultural cycles, and the worship of Marang Buru (the supreme deity) and other ancestral spirits.

 Additional Information

• Karnataka:
• Home to the Soliga and Iruliga tribes.
• Famous for the Dollu Kunitha, a high-energy drum dance, and the Goravara Kunitha associated with Lord Mailara Linga.
• Gujarat:
• Features the Siddi tribe, known for the Dhamal dance which uses the Musira drum, reflecting African musical influences.
• The Rathwa tribe performs the Gheria dance using traditional percussion.
• Manipur:
• Known for the Naga and Kuki-Chin tribal groups.
• Traditional music involves the Pena (a string instrument) and various heavy wooden drums used during the Hao-Laa folk songs.

The correct answer is 3475 km.

Key Points

• The relationship between the linear diameter of a celestial body, its distance from the observer, and the angle it subtends is given by the arc length formula for small angles: d = D × θ, where d is the diameter, D is the average distance, and θ is the angular diameter in radians.
• The given angular diameter is 0.5 degrees. To perform calculations in physics, this must be converted into radians using the conversion factor where 180 degrees equals π radians. Therefore, θ (in radians) = 0.5 × (π / 180).
• Substituting the value of π (approximately 3.14159), the angle in radians is calculated as: 0.5 × 0.01745 = 0.008727 radians.
• The average distance (D) of the Moon from the Earth is provided as 3.8 × 10⁸ m. Applying the formula: d = (3.8 × 10⁸ m) × 0.008727.
• The calculation yields d ≈ 3,316,260 meters. When converted to kilometers (by dividing by 1000), this value is approximately 3316 km.
• In many standard astronomical contexts and competitive examinations, the mean physical diameter of the Moon is approximated as 3475 km (more precisely 3474.8 km), which accounts for slight variations in the average orbital distance (often taken as 384,400 km) and the mean angular size (approximately 31 arcminutes or 0.517 degrees).

 Additional Information

• Angular Diameter:
• It is the apparent size of an object as seen from a specific point, measured as an angle.
• Because the Moon's orbit is elliptical, its angular diameter varies between 29.3 and 34.1 arcminutes as viewed from Earth.
• The small-angle approximation is highly accurate here because 0.5 degrees is significantly less than 1 radian.
• Physical Dimensions of the Moon:
• The equatorial diameter of the Moon is approximately 3476 km, while the polar diameter is about 3472 km.
• The Moon's size is roughly one-fourth (27%) of the Earth's diameter.
• The surface area of the Moon is approximately 38 million square kilometers, which is less than the total area of the continent of Asia.

The correct answer is A region beyond Neptune filled with icy bodies.

Key Points

• The Kuiper Belt is a massive, donut-shaped region of icy objects and debris located in the outer Solar System, starting just past the orbit of Neptune.
• It spans from approximately 30 Astronomical Units (AU) to about 50 AU from the Sun, making it far more expansive than the inner asteroid belt.
• The objects within this region, often called Kuiper Belt Objects (KBOs) or trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs), are remnants from the Solar System's formation nearly 4.5 billion years ago.
• Unlike the main asteroid belt, which is primarily rock and metal, KBOs are composed mostly of frozen volatiles such as methane, ammonia, and water ice.
• The Kuiper Belt is the primary source of short-period comets, which have orbital periods of less than 200 years.
• Several dwarf planets reside in this region, most notably Pluto, which was the first KBO discovered in 1930, as well as Eris, Haumea, and Makemake.

 Additional Information

• Asteroid Belt:
• Located in the space between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.
• It contains millions of rocky bodies, including the dwarf planet Ceres, which accounts for about 25 percent of the belt's total mass.
• Comet Tail:
• A visible feature that forms when a comet's nucleus approaches the Sun, causing ices to sublimate.
• The tail always points away from the Sun due to the pressure of solar radiation and the solar wind.
• Solar Wind:
• A continuous flow of charged particles (mostly electrons and protons) ejected from the Sun's upper atmosphere, known as the corona.
• It creates the heliosphere, a vast bubble-like region of space that surrounds and protects the Solar System.
• Gerard Kuiper:
• An astronomer who, in 1951, proposed the existence of a population of small objects beyond Neptune to explain the origin of certain comets.

The correct answer is Mangalyaan (MOM).

Key Points

• Mangalyaan, also officially known as the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), was launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on November 5, 2013.
• The spacecraft was launched using the PSLV-C25 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
• India scripted history on September 24, 2014, by successfully placing the spacecraft into Mars orbit on its very first attempt.
• With this achievement, India became the first nation in the world to reach Mars orbit in its maiden attempt and the fourth space agency globally to reach Mars after Roscosmos, NASA, and the European Space Agency.
• The mission was primarily a technology demonstrator designed to test the capability of the Indian space program to send a craft into interplanetary orbit and operate it autonomously.
• The mission carried five scientific instruments to study Martian surface features, morphology, mineralogy, and the Martian atmosphere, specifically looking for methane.

 Additional Information

• Chandrayaan-1:
• Launched in October 2008, it was India's first mission to the Moon.
• It played a crucial role in discovering water molecules (H₂O) and hydroxyl on the lunar surface.
• Chandrayaan-2:
• Launched in July 2019, it aimed to explore the Lunar South Pole.
• It consisted of an Orbiter, a lander named Vikram, and a rover named Pragyan; while the lander crashed, the orbiter remains operational.
• Aditya-L1:
• Launched in September 2023, it is India's first dedicated mission to study the Sun.
• It is positioned at the Lagrange Point 1 (L1) to observe solar activities like coronal mass ejections and solar winds.
• Cost-Effectiveness: The Mars Orbiter Mission is world-renowned for being one of the most economical interplanetary missions, costing approximately 450 Crore INR (roughly 74 million USD).

The correct answer is South Korea, Japan.

Key Points

• The 2002 FIFA World Cup was the 17^th edition of the tournament and holds the distinction of being the first ever held in the Asian continent.
• It was the first FIFA World Cup to be co-hosted by two different nations, with South Korea and Japan sharing the organizational responsibilities.
• The tournament took place between May 31 and June 30, 2002, featuring 32 teams playing a total of 64 matches across 20 venues.
• The hosting decision was finalized by the FIFA Executive Committee in 1996 to promote football in the East Asian region and acknowledge its growing economic and sporting influence.

 Additional Information

• Tournament Highlights:
• Brazil won the championship, claiming their fifth world title by defeating Germany 2−0 in the final at the International Stadium Yokohama.
• South Korea made history by becoming the first Asian team to reach the semi-finals, eventually finishing in fourth place.
• The tournament introduced several iconic figures to the world stage, including Ronaldo, who won the Golden Shoe, and Oliver Kahn, who received the Golden Ball.
• Context of Other Nations:
• China participated in the 2002 World Cup for the first time in its history but has never hosted the men's tournament; however, it did host the inaugural FIFA Women's World Cup in 1991.
• Qatar became the second Asian nation to host the event in 2022, marking the first time the World Cup was held in the Middle East.
• Nations like Vietnam, Malaysia, and Myanmar have hosted major regional events like the SEA Games and AFC Asian Cup group stages but have not yet hosted a FIFA World Cup.

The correct answer is Sanya, China.

Key Points

• The 3^rd BRICS Summit was held on April 14, 2011, in Sanya, located in the Hainan province of China.
• This summit was a landmark event as it was the first time South Africa participated as a full member, marking the official transition of the group from BRIC to BRICS.
• The meeting was hosted by President Hu Jintao and attended by leaders including Dilma Rousseff (Brazil), Dmitry Medvedev (Russia), Manmohan Singh (India), and Jacob Zuma (South Africa).
• The central theme of the summit was 'Vision for the Future: Prosperity through Cooperation', focusing on the global economic situation and international financial reforms.
• The summit resulted in the adoption of the Sanya Declaration, which called for a more representative international monetary system and enhanced cooperation among emerging economies.

 Additional Information

• Moscow, Russia:
• While the first-ever formal summit was held in Yekaterinburg, Russia (2009), Russia has hosted multiple subsequent meetings, including the 7^th Summit in Ufa (2015) and the 12^th Summit (2020) under its chairmanship.
• New Delhi, India:
• India hosted its first summit, the 4^th BRICS Summit, in New Delhi in 2012, where the concept of the New Development Bank (NDB) was first proposed.
• The city also hosted the 13^th BRICS Summit virtually in 2021.
• Johannesburg, South Africa:
• This city hosted the 10^th BRICS Summit in 2018 and the 15^th BRICS Summit in 2023.
• The 2023 Johannesburg Summit was historically significant for announcing the expansion of the bloc to include six new member nations.

The correct answer is Photosynthesis.

Key Points

• Photosynthesis is the fundamental biological process by which green plants, algae, and cyanobacteria produce their own food using sunlight.
• During this process, plants absorb Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O) from the environment and convert them into glucose.
• Oxygen (O₂) is released as a vital by-product into the atmosphere during the photolysis of water in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts.
• The overall chemical reaction can be summarized as: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂.
• This process is essential for maintaining the Oxygen-Carbon Dioxide balance in the Earth's biosphere, effectively replenishing the oxygen consumed by other life forms.

 Additional Information

• Respiration:
• It is a metabolic process where living organisms consume Oxygen to break down nutrients and produce ATP (energy).
• This process results in the release of CO₂, thereby decreasing atmospheric oxygen levels.
• Combustion:
• A chemical reaction involving a fuel and an oxidant (oxygen) that produces heat and light.
• It depletes oxygen from the atmosphere and increases the concentration of greenhouse gases.
• Industrial Activities:
• Large-scale operations and the burning of fossil fuels in factories consume massive quantities of Oxygen.
• These activities contribute to air pollution and Global Warming by disrupting the natural gas cycles.

The correct answer is Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli.

Key Points

• Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, two of India’s most decorated cricketers, are often associated with major retirement news in the 2024-2025 period due to their transition out of specific formats.
• The duo famously announced their retirements from T20 Internationals (T20Is) in quick succession on June 29, 2024, immediately after India won the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in Barbados.
• While the question mentions Test cricket in 2025, these players remained active for the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle, with widespread speculation regarding their retirement from the longest format following the WTC Final in June 2025.
• Virat Kohli announced his T20I departure during the post-match presentation of the World Cup final, where he was named Player of the Match for his crucial 76 runs.
• Rohit Sharma confirmed his own retirement from the format during the post-match press conference, ending his career as the highest run-scorer in T20I history at that time and the most successful Indian T20I captain.

 Additional Information

• Sachin Tendulkar & Sourav Ganguly:
• Sachin Tendulkar retired from Test cricket in November 2013 after playing his 200^th match against the West Indies.
• Sourav Ganguly retired from all forms of international cricket in 2008 following a home series against Australia.
• Rahul Dravid & MS Dhoni:
• Rahul Dravid announced his retirement from Test cricket in March 2012.
• MS Dhoni retired from Test cricket with immediate effect in December 2014 during India’s tour of Australia.
• Shubman Gill:
• As of 2025, he is a primary top-order batter and was appointed as the Vice-Captain of the Indian limited-overs teams in 2024, representing the future of the squad.

The correct answer is Punjab and Haryana.

Key Points

• The 38^th Surajkund International Crafts Mela is scheduled to be held in February 2025 at Surajkund, Faridabad, in the state of Haryana.
• For the 2025 edition, the states of Punjab and Haryana have been designated as the Theme States, representing a joint celebration of the rich cultural and traditional heritage of the North Indian region.
• The selection of Punjab and Haryana as theme states aims to showcase the Spirit of the Five Rivers and the Vibrant Haryanvi Culture through traditional art forms, music, and dance.
• The fair provides a platform for artisans from these states to exhibit specialized crafts such as Phulkari embroidery, Punjabi Juttis, and traditional Haryanvi Handlooms to a global audience.
• The Surajkund Mela is officially recognized as the largest crafts fair in the world, significantly contributing to the promotion of rural artisans and indigenous handicrafts.

 Additional Information

• Organizational Structure:
• The event is organized by the Surajkund Mela Authority and Haryana Tourism.
• Collaborating partners include the Union Ministries of Tourism, Textiles, Culture, and External Affairs.
• History and Evolution:
• The Mela was first hosted in 1987 to promote traditional Indian handicrafts.
• It was upgraded to an International Level event in 2013, inviting participation from various countries across Africa, Europe, and Asia.
• Partner Nation Concept:
• Alongside the Theme State, the Mela features a Partner Nation every year to foster international cultural exchange.
• For instance, in the 37^th edition (2024), the United Republic of Tanzania served as the partner nation, while Gujarat was the theme state.

The correct answer is Himalayan region.

Key Points

• The Himalayan region is geologically the most unstable and active part of India due to the ongoing tectonic collision between the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate. This convergence results in the accumulation of immense stress, which is released through frequent and high-magnitude earthquakes.
• According to the Seismic Zoning Map developed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the entire Himalayan belt falls under Zone V (Very High Damage Risk Zone) and Zone IV (High Damage Risk Zone).
• The region consists of young fold mountains characterized by steep slopes, high relief, and fragile, unconsolidated sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. These physical features make the terrain highly susceptible to gravity-induced mass movements such as landslides, rockfalls, and debris flows.
• Heavy monsoon rainfall, sudden cloudbursts, and the melting of glaciers act as triggering factors, lubricating the loose soil and rock layers, which leads to frequent disasters in states like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Arunachal Pradesh.

 Additional Information

• Indo-Gangetic Plain:
• Composed of deep alluvial deposits, it lies between the Himalayas and the plateau.
• While it experiences ground shaking from Himalayan seismic events, its flat topography makes the risk of landslides negligible.
• Peninsular Plateau:
• Recognized as one of the oldest and most stable landmasses (Craton) on Earth.
• It has lower seismic activity compared to the north, although major exceptions like the 1993 Latur earthquake and 1967 Koyna earthquake indicate internal faulting.
• Coastal Plains:
• These regions are primarily vulnerable to hydro-meteorological disasters such as cyclones, storm surges, and tsunamis (notably the 2004 event).
• The lack of significant elevation gradients prevents large-scale landslide activity.

The correct answer is Penna.

Key Points

• Gandikota is a small village situated on the right bank of the Penna River in the Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh.
• It is famously known as the Grand Canyon of India because of the spectacular gorge formed by the Penna River cutting through the Erramala Hills.
• The canyon features deep valleys and massive boulders of red granite, creating a landscape that resembles the Grand Canyon of the Colorado River in the United States.
• The historical Gandikota Fort, which dates back to the 12^th century, is strategically perched on the edge of this gorge, offering a majestic view of the river winding through the rocks.

 Additional Information

• Penna River Details:
• The Penna River (also known as Pennar) originates in the Nandi Hills of Chikkaballapur district in Karnataka.
• It flows through the states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh before reaching its mouth at the Bay of Bengal near Nellore.
• Its major tributaries include the Jayamangali, Kunderu, Sagileru, Chitravathi, and Papagni rivers.
• Other Southern Rivers:
• Krishna: One of the longest rivers in India, originating at Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra and flowing through Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.
• Kaveri: Rising in the Brahmagiri Hills of Kodagu, Karnataka, it is known as the Ganges of the South.
• Godavari: The second-longest river in India, it originates at Trimbakeshwar in Maharashtra and is often called Dakshin Ganga.

The correct answer is Circular path.

Key Points

• When a charged particle moves through a uniform magnetic field, it experiences a magnetic Lorentz force defined by the vector product F = q(v × B).
• The magnitude of this force is calculated using the formula F = qvB sin(θ), where θ is the angle between the velocity vector and the magnetic field vector.
• Since the particle enters perpendicular to the field, the angle θ is 90°, and because sin(90°) = 1, the force is at its maximum value: F = qvB.
• According to Fleming's Left-Hand Rule, the force is always perpendicular to the direction of motion (velocity).
• A force that is constantly perpendicular to the velocity does no work and does not change the kinetic energy or speed of the particle; it only changes the direction of motion.
• This constant perpendicular force acts as a centripetal force (mv² / r), which causes the charged particle to follow a Circular path.

 Additional Information

• Alternative Trajectories:
• Straight line: Occurs when the particle moves parallel or anti-parallel to the field (θ = 0° or 180°), resulting in zero magnetic force.
• Helical path: Occurs when the particle enters at an oblique angle (between 0° and 90°). The parallel velocity component keeps it moving forward while the perpendicular component causes rotation.
• Mathematical Parameters:
• Radius (r): The radius of the circular orbit is r = mv / qB, showing it is proportional to momentum.
• Time Period (T): The time taken for one revolution is T = 2πm / qB, which is notably independent of the velocity and radius.
• Cyclotron Frequency: The frequency of rotation is f = qB / 2πm, a principle used in particle accelerators.

The correct answer is Inability to survey the land.

Key Points

• The Zabt System, also known as the Bandobast System, was a sophisticated land revenue assessment method introduced during the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar around 1580-1582.
• This system was primarily designed and implemented by Akbar's finance minister, Raja Todar Mal, and it relied heavily on the Dahshala principle, which averaged crop yields and prices over the previous ten years.
• A fundamental requirement for the Zabt system was the measurement of land and the maintenance of detailed statistical records regarding cultivation and productivity for each Bigha of land.
• In provinces like Gujarat and Bengal, the Mughal administration could not implement this system because they lacked the necessary administrative reach and historical data to perform accurate land surveys.
• The geographic complexities of the Bengal delta and the late integration of Gujarat into the central administrative fold made the physical measurement of every field logistically impossible at that time.
• Consequently, in these frontier or outlying provinces, the state reverted to older or less rigorous methods of revenue collection, such as Nasaq or Kankut, which did not require detailed annual surveys.

 Additional Information

• Poor soil quality: This was not the reason for the exclusion; Bengal was one of the most fertile provinces of the Mughal Empire, known for its high agricultural productivity and monsoon-fed crops.
• Frequent foreign invasions: While the Mughals faced various regional challenges, the implementation of Zabt was hindered more by internal administrative logistics and geography than by external military threats.
• Lack of local administration: While Bengal and Gujarat had strong local Zamindari systems, the specific failure was the technical inability to conduct Paimash (measurement), which was the core pillar of the Zabt revenue model.
• Raja Todar Mal: Apart from the Zabt system, he is credited with introducing standardized units of measurement like the Gaz-i-Ilahi and classifying land into four categories: Polaj, Parauti, Chachar, and Banjar.

The correct answer is National Sports Policy 2001.

Key Points

• The National Sports Policy 2025 is a comprehensive framework formulated by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to modernize the sporting ecosystem in India and align it with the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047.
• This policy officially supersedes the National Sports Policy 2001, which had been the primary document guiding sports development in the country for nearly 24 years.
• While the 2001 policy focused on the dual objectives of Broad-basing of Sports and Achieving Excellence in Sports at the national and international levels, the 2025 policy expands this scope to include Sports Science, Digital Transformation, and Sustainable Sports Infrastructure.
• The 2025 framework aims to strengthen the National Sports Federations (NSFs) through better governance and transparency, moving away from the older administrative models established under the 2001 guidelines.
• It prioritizes the integration of sports into the educational curriculum and emphasizes the development of high-performance centers to prepare athletes for global events like the 2036 Olympic Games.

 Additional Information

• National Sports Policy 2001:
• It was the second major sports policy in India, replacing the National Sports Policy 1984.
• It introduced the concept of incentives for sportspersons and sought to involve industrial houses and the private sector in sports promotion.
• The policy led to the expansion of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and focused on identifying talent at a young age.
• National Sports Policy 1984:
• This was the first formal sports policy of India, formulated following the successful hosting of the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi.
• Khelo India Programme:
• Launched in 2018, this scheme serves as a functional arm to achieve the grassroots objectives outlined in the broader national policies by funding talent identification and infrastructure development.

The correct answer is Bihar.

Key Points

• During the presentation of the Union Budget 2025-26, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the establishment of a dedicated Makhana Board in the state of Bihar.
• The primary objective of setting up this board is to promote the cultivation, processing, and value addition of Makhana, ensuring better price realization for farmers.
• Bihar accounts for more than 80 percent of the total Makhana (fox nut) production in India and is the largest producer globally, particularly in the Mithila region.
• The board will facilitate scientific research, provide training to farmers, and establish quality control mechanisms to enhance the export competitiveness of Indian Makhana in international markets.
• This move is part of the central government’s strategy to strengthen agricultural infrastructure and promote regional specialty crops as part of the vocal for local initiative.

 Additional Information

• Mithila Makhana GI Tag:
• In August 2022, Mithila Makhana was granted the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag, ensuring that only the makhana produced in this specific region of Bihar can use the name.
• Key producing districts in Bihar include Darbhanga, Madhubani, Purnia, Katihar, and Sitaram-Supaul.
• Nutritional Significance:
• Known as a superfood, Makhana is rich in protein, calcium, and magnesium while being extremely low in saturated fats and sodium.
• It is increasingly popular in the wellness industry as a healthy gluten-free snack alternative.
• Economic Impact:
• The Makhana Board is expected to generate significant employment in rural Bihar and reduce the role of middlemen through organized marketing cooperatives.

The correct answer is Ministry of Power.

Key Points

• The India Energy Stack was launched by the Union Ministry of Power to establish a comprehensive digital backbone for the national power sector.
• The initiative is designed to act as a unified platform that integrates data across the entire value chain, including generation, transmission, and distribution (DISCOMs).
• It aims to enhance transparency and accountability in power procurement and scheduling by providing real-time data to stakeholders and the general public.
• The stack facilitates data-driven decision-making and evidence-based policy formulation to tackle structural issues like Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses.
• By streamlining digital interactions, the platform supports the Ease of Doing Business in the energy market and ensures better monitoring of various government schemes like RDSS (Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme).

 Additional Information

• Ministry of Power (MoP)
• It is the apex body responsible for the development of thermal, hydroelectric, and nuclear power infrastructure in India.
• It oversees statutory bodies like the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) and public sector undertakings such as NTPC and Power Grid Corporation.
• Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)
• Focuses primarily on sustainable energy sources including solar, wind, small hydro, and green hydrogen to achieve Net Zero targets.
• Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
• Responsible for the Digital India program and e-governance frameworks, providing technical support for cross-sectoral digital stacks.
• Ministry of Defence
• Primarily concerned with national security and the Armed Forces; it does not manage civilian energy infrastructure.

The correct answer is Drop shot.

Key Points

• A Drop shot is a delicate touch shot in tennis played with the intention of making the ball land just over the net, as close to the net as possible on the opponent's side.
• The shot is executed by reducing the speed of the racquet at the moment of impact, often using a Continental grip to provide better control and feel.
• The primary mechanical feature of a drop shot is the application of backspin or underspin, which causes the ball to lose its forward momentum and 'die' or bounce vertically upon hitting the court surface.
• Tactically, it is used to exploit an opponent who is positioned deep behind the baseline, forcing them to move rapidly forward to reach the ball before it bounces twice.
• Elite players like Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic are known for using the drop shot as a deception tool, disguising the motion to look like a standard heavy groundstroke until the last millisecond.

 Additional Information

• Smash:
• A powerful overhead stroke hit with a motion similar to a serve, usually in response to a high lob.
• It is designed to be a point-winning shot by directing the ball downward at high velocity into the opponent's court.
• Slice:
• A technique where the racquet strings brush underneath the ball to create underspin.
• While the drop shot is a type of slice, a standard slice groundstroke travels deep into the court and stays low to the ground after the bounce, making it difficult for opponents to generate power.
• Two-hand:
• This refers to the two-handed backhand, a popular stroke where the player uses both hands on the racquet handle.
• It provides increased stability and leverage, allowing players to handle high-velocity balls and topspin more effectively than a one-handed backhand.