Current Affairs: UPSC Previous Year Questions (International Relations and Current Affairs)

Explanation

The Gandhi Peace Prize was instituted in 1995 by the Government to mark the 125th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The Gandhi Peace Prize is awarded for social, economic and political transformation through non-violence, to any deserving person/s or institution/s. The award comprises a citation and an amount of Rs 1 crore. The awardee is selected by a five-member jury composed of the Prime Minster of India, Chief Justice of India, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and two eminent personalities.

Explanation

Statement I is correct: The AI Action Summit was held at the Grand Palais in Paris on February 10-11, 2025, and was co-chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This summit built upon the progress made at the AI Safety Summit held at Bletchley Park in 2023 and the AI Seoul Summit in 2024. The Paris summit emphasized an open, multi-stakeholder, and inclusive approach to AI development.

Statement II is Incorrect: While the Paris summit concluded with the adoption of the "Statement on Inclusive and Sustainable Artificial Intelligence for People and the Planet", which was signed by over 60 countries including France, India, China, and members of the European Union, the United States and the United Kingdom did not sign the declaration. The UK cited concerns about national security and the need for clearer definitions of global AI governance, while the US expressed apprehensions about potential overregulation hindering innovation.

Explanation

The Kho Kho World Cup 2025 concluded in New Delhi with India claiming the men’s and women’s titles after beating Nepal in both finals at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium on January 19.In the men’s division, India outplayed Nepal by a 54-36 scoreline in the summit clash while the women’s title decider finished 78-40 in the hosts’ favour.

Explanation

Statement I is incorrect: In the finals of the 45th Chess Olympiad held in 2024, Gukesh Dommaraju became the youngest world chess champion but not after defeating the Russian Nepomniachtchi. The Indian defeated China’s Ding Liren on December 12, 2024 at age of 18 years and 195 days.

Statement II is correct: Abhimanyu Mishra is the holder of the record for being world’s youngest-ever Grandmaster in history on June 30, 2021, at the age of 12 years, four months, and 25 days. Sergey Karjakin held the record previously at 12 years and seven months.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The CDS serves as the Permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee (CoSC), ensuring coordination and integration among the Army, Navy, and Air Force. This role is a key responsibility of the CDS.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The CDS does not have direct military command over the three service chiefs (Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, and Chief of Air Staff). Each Service Chief retains operational command over their respective force. Instead, the CDS acts as a coordinator and advisor to ensure jointness and integration across the services.

Statement 3 is correct: The CDS acts as the principal military advisor to the Defence Minister, specifically on tri-service (joint military) matters, while individual Service Chiefs advise on service-specific issues. This is one of the primary roles of the CDS.

Explanation

In 1998, the Northern Command of the Indian Army launched Operation Sadbhavana to address the challenges posed by terrorism and assist in rebuilding the socioeconomic fabric of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. The Army acts as a facilitator for development projects, identified collaboratively with the state administration and local communities, focusing on village-level initiatives. This operation aims to uplift remote populations by improving infrastructure, education, healthcare, and community development. Through these efforts, Operation Sadbhavana seeks to foster goodwill, empower local communities, and promote their integration into the national mainstream.

Explanation

Correctly matched equivalent rank in the three services of Indian Defence force are given below:

Army Airforce Navy

1. Brigadier Air Commodore Commodore

2. Major General Air Vice Marshal Rear Admiral

3. Major Squadron Leader Lieutenant Commander

4. Lieutenant Colonel Commander Wing Commander

Explanation

Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister, is the author of the books "The India Way: Strategies for an Uncertain World" and "Why Bharat Matters". "The India Way" (2020) explores India’s foreign policy in a rapidly changing global order, emphasizing strategic autonomy and diplomacy. "Why Bharat Matters" (2024) discusses India’s evolving global role, economic progress, and strategic challenges.

Explanation

Garba is a traditional folk dance from Gujarat, per-formed during Navratri to honor Goddess Durga. It is characterized by graceful circular movements, rhythmic claps, and vibrant attire, often accompanied by live music and devotional songs. The dance symbolizes the cyclical nature of life and devotion to the divine. In December 2023, UNESCO inscribed Garba on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognizing its cultural, spiritual, and artistic significance. Options (a), (b) and (d) are incorrect:

Chhau Dance is a semi-classical Indian dance form that blends elements of martial arts, folk traditions, and storytelling. It is primarily performed in the eastern states of India--Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal--and is often associated with religious themes, mythological narratives, and heroic tales. UNESCO inscribed Chhau Dance in 2010 on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Durga Puja is a grand Hindu festival, primarily celebrated in West Bengal and eastern India, honoring Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura. It is marked by elaborate rituals, artistic pandals, cultural performances, and community feasts. In 2021, UNESCO recognized Durga Puja as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, highlighting its artistic and cultural significance. The festival blends devotion, creativity, and social harmony, attracting millions of devotees and tourists each year. Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, held at four sacred riverbanks in Haridwar, Prayagraj (Allahabad), Nashik, and Ujjain in India. It is celebrated in a 12-year cycle, with the Purna Kumbh occurring every 12 years and the Ardh Kumbh every 6 years. Devotees gather to take a holy dip in the sacred rivers, believing it cleanses them of sins and grants salvation. In 2017, UNESCO inscribed Kumbh Mela on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognizing its deep spiritual and cultural significance.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) guarantees a minimum package of antenatal care (ANC) services only during pregnancy (second and third trimesters). However, it does not provide health care services for six months post-delivery.

Statement 2 is correct: Under PMSMA, private sector doctors (specialists like gynecologists, radiologists, and physicians) can volunteer to provide free maternal health services at government health facilities on the 9th of every month. This public-private partnership aims to improve access to quality maternal health services.