Which of the following right has been removed from fundamental rights and converted to a simple legal right?
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Answer: (B) Right to property
Explanation
The Right to Property was originally established as a fundamental right under Article 19(1)(f) and Article 31 of the Indian Constitution. During the late 1970s, the government sought to implement land reforms and social welfare legislation which were often hindered by property litigation. To address this, the 44th Amendment Act of 1978 deleted the Right to Property from the list of Fundamental Rights in Part III. It was instead inserted as Article 300A in Part XII of the Constitution, which specifies that no person shall be deprived of his property save by authority of law. This transition transformed it into a legal or constitutional right, meaning it is still protected by law but no longer enjoys the same level of protection or the direct remedial path to the Supreme Court under Article 32 as fundamental rights do.
202General Awareness
Which of the following does not come under Fundamental Duty?
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Answer: (D) To protect freedom of speech and expression
Explanation
Freedom of speech and expression is a Fundamental Right guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution, rather than a Fundamental Duty. Fundamental Duties are enshrined in Part IV-A under Article 51A and represent the moral and civic obligations of citizens toward the nation. These duties were added by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976 based on the recommendations of the Swaran Singh Committee. In contrast, freedom of speech is a justiciable right that allows citizens to express their views and opinions freely, subject to reasonable restrictions. Since it is a liberty granted to individuals to protect them against state interference, it does not qualify as a duty that citizens are expected to perform.
203General Awareness
Which emperor wrote the play 'Nagananda' in Sanskrit language?
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Answer: (B) Harshavadhana
Explanation
Emperor Harshavardhana, the 7th-century ruler of the Pushyabhuti dynasty, was a celebrated scholar and patron of literature. He is the widely acknowledged author of three major Sanskrit dramas: Ratnavali, Priyadarshika, and Nagananda. The play Nagananda is highly regarded for its integration of Buddhist philosophy into the classical Sanskrit theatrical tradition. It narrates the legend of the Vidyadhara prince Jimutavahana, who exemplifies the Buddhist ideal of self-sacrifice by offering himself to the celestial bird Garuda to save the serpent race from destruction. Harsha's literary achievements are corroborated by his court poet Banabhatta in the Harshacharita and by the contemporary accounts of the Chinese pilgrim Xuanzang.
204General Awareness
Match the following.
Social Reform Movement / Founder
1. Arya Samaj
2. Brahmo Samaj
3. Veda Samaj
4. Prathna Samaj
a. Raja Ram Mohan Roy b. Dayanand Saraswati c. Atmaram Pandurang d. Keshab Chandra Sen and K. Sridharalu Naidu
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Answer: (B) 1-b, 2-a, 3-d, 4-c
Explanation
Arya Samaj (1-b) was founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati in 1875 to promote the authority of the Vedas and social reforms like the opposition to idol worship.
Brahmo Samaj (2-a) was established by Raja Ram Mohan Roy in 1828 in Calcutta to advocate for monotheism and the removal of social evils such as Sati and child marriage.
Veda Samaj (3-d) was founded in Madras in 1864, heavily inspired by the Brahmo Samaj after a visit by Keshab Chandra Sen; K. Sridharalu Naidu later became its most prominent leader and translated Brahmo works into Telugu and Tamil.
Prarthana Samaj (4-c) was started in 1867 in Bombay by Dr. Atmaram Pandurang with the aim of making people believe in one God and promoting social reforms like widow remarriage and the education of women.
205General Awareness
The boundary between Earth's crust and mantle is ____.
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Answer: (A) Moho discontinuity
Explanation
The Mohorovičić discontinuity, commonly referred to as the Moho, is the seismic boundary that separates the Earth's crust from the underlying mantle. It was discovered in 1909 by the Croatian seismologist Andrija Mohorovičić, who observed that seismic waves travel faster as they pass from the crust into the mantle. This abrupt change in velocity occurs because of the difference in density and chemical composition between the two layers, specifically the transition from the basaltic or granitic rocks of the crust to the denser, ultramafic rocks like peridotite in the mantle. The depth of the Moho varies globally, lying approximately 7 to 10 kilometers beneath the oceanic crust and averaging about 35 to 40 kilometers beneath the continental crust.
206General Awareness
Doldrums pressure belts lies in between which of the following latitudes?
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Answer: (A) 5° N to 5° S
Explanation
The Doldrums, scientifically known as the Equatorial Low Pressure Belt, is located in the vicinity of the equator between 5° North and 5° South latitudes. This region receives consistent and intense solar radiation throughout the year, causing the air to heat up, expand, and rise through convection. This vertical movement of air creates a zone of low atmospheric pressure characterized by calm waters and light, shifting winds. It is also the region where the Trade Winds from both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres converge, leading to its identification as the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). Because the air movement is primarily vertical rather than horizontal, sailing ships historically found themselves stranded in these latitudes due to the lack of wind.
207General Awareness
Which component in tobacco makes it harmful for human consumption?
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Answer: (B) Nicotine
Explanation
Nicotine is a potent alkaloid and the primary psychoactive substance found in the tobacco plant. It acts as a powerful stimulant that affects the central nervous system by triggering the release of various neurotransmitters, most notably dopamine, which creates a reinforcing effect that leads to high levels of addiction. Physiologically, nicotine increases heart rate, constricts blood vessels, and raises blood pressure, placing significant strain on the cardiovascular system. Because it is highly addictive, nicotine ensures continued consumption of tobacco, which subsequently exposes the human body to thousands of other toxic chemicals and carcinogens present in tobacco products.
208General Awareness
What is full form of BOD?
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Answer: (C) Biological Oxygen Demand
Explanation
Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a standard measure used in environmental science to determine the amount of dissolved oxygen consumed by aerobic microorganisms when decomposing organic matter in a water sample. This measurement is typically conducted over a five-day period at a constant temperature of 20°C. BOD serves as a critical indicator of the organic quality of water and the level of pollution present; a high BOD value signifies that a large amount of organic material is being broken down, which depletes the available oxygen in the water and can lead to the suffocation of aquatic organisms. It is widely used in wastewater treatment plants to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment processes and ensure that the water being discharged into natural environments does not contain excessive organic loads that would disrupt the local ecosystem.
209General Awareness
Alveoli is related to which of the following system of human body?
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Answer: (D) Respiratory system
Explanation
Alveoli are the functional units of the lungs where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place. These tiny, balloon-like air sacs are located at the terminus of the bronchioles within the respiratory tract. They possess extremely thin walls and are surrounded by a dense network of capillaries, allowing oxygen to diffuse into the blood and carbon dioxide to diffuse out of the blood to be exhaled. The vast number of alveoli provides a massive surface area required for efficient gas exchange to meet the body's metabolic demands.
210General Awareness
What is the SI unit of intensity of sound?
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Answer: (A) Decide
Explanation
The intensity level of sound is measured using the decibel (dB) scale. This unit is a logarithmic representation of the ratio of a sound's power per unit area to a reference intensity, which is commonly set at 10⁻¹² W/m² as the threshold of human hearing. The decibel scale is used because the human ear responds to sound intensity in a logarithmic fashion, allowing a very large range of physical values to be expressed by a smaller, more practical range of numbers. Each increase of 10 units on this scale represents a tenfold increase in the actual physical intensity of the sound.
211General Awareness
Which colour is formed when Blue and Green are mixed?
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Answer: (A) Cyan
Explanation
In the additive color model, which describes the mixing of light, Blue and Green are primary colors. When light of these two colors is mixed together, it results in the formation of Cyan. Cyan is considered a secondary color in this model, representing the combination of the wavelengths associated with blue and green light. This principle is fundamental to the operation of digital screens and color photography, where the Red, Green, and Blue (RGB) system is used to create a wide gamut of colors by varying the intensity and combination of these three primary light sources.
212General Awareness
In computer terminology, what is the full form of FTP?
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Answer: (D) File Transfer Protocol
Explanation
File Transfer Protocol is a standard communication protocol used to transfer computer files from one host to another over a TCP-based network, such as the Internet. It is built on a client-server architecture and utilizes separate control and data connections between the client and the server. Developed in the early 1970s, it resides in the Application Layer of the OSI model. Users typically use it to upload files to a server or download them to a local machine, often requiring authentication through a username and password, though anonymous access is sometimes permitted. In operation, it generally uses TCP port 21 for commands and port 20 for data transfer.
213General Awareness
What is an exothermic reaction?
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Answer: (A) Reaction in which heat is released.
Explanation
An exothermic reaction is a chemical process characterized by the release of energy into the surroundings, primarily in the form of heat. In such reactions, the energy required to break the bonds in the reactants is less than the energy released during the formation of new bonds in the products. This net energy surplus is dissipated as thermal energy. From a thermodynamic perspective, the change in enthalpy (Δ H) for an exothermic reaction is negative (Δ H < 0), indicating that the system loses heat to its environment. Common real-world examples include the combustion of hydrocarbons, the reaction of quicklime with water, and the process of cellular respiration.
214General Awareness
What are the main components of Brass Alloy?
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Answer: (A) Copper and Zinc
Explanation
Brass is a metallic alloy primarily composed of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn). Copper serves as the base metal, typically making up about 60% to 90% of the alloy by weight, while zinc is the principal alloying element added to enhance the metal hardness and strength. The combination of these two elements results in a material that is highly malleable, resistant to corrosion, and possesses superior acoustic properties. By varying the ratio of copper to zinc, the color and physical characteristics of the brass can be precisely controlled for specific industrial and decorative applications.
215General Awareness
Which among the following is national water animal of India?
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Answer: (D) Gangetic Dolphin
Explanation
The Gangetic Dolphin, scientifically known as Platanista gangetica, was officially declared as the National Aquatic Animal of India on October 5, 2009. This designation was made during the first meeting of the National Ganga River Basin Authority to highlight the importance of the species as an indicator of the health of the Ganges river ecosystem. These mammals are unique freshwater dolphins that are essentially blind and rely on echolocation to navigate and hunt in the silt-laden waters of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and their tributaries. Their presence is a sign of a healthy aquatic environment because they can only survive in pure and fresh water. The declaration aimed to provide the species with the same level of protection and national pride as the Royal Bengal Tiger and the Asian Elephant, ensuring focused conservation efforts for its survival in the Indian subcontinent.
216General Awareness
Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritwa Abhiyan provides facility of free health check-up and required treatment on _____ day of every month.
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Answer: (B) 9th
Explanation
The Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritwa Abhiyan (PMSMA) was launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to provide assured, comprehensive, and quality antenatal care to all pregnant women in their second and third trimesters. Under this initiative, a minimum package of health check-ups, including physical examinations and diagnostic tests, is provided free of cost on the 9th day of every month at government health facilities. The program aims to identify and track high-risk pregnancies early to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates. By scheduling these services on a fixed day, the government ensures a predictable and accessible healthcare window for expectant mothers across both urban and rural areas.
217General Awareness
What was invented by J. B. Dunlop?
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Answer: (C) Rubber Tyre
Explanation
John Boyd Dunlop was a Scottish inventor who patented the first practical pneumatic or inflatable rubber tire in 1888. His invention was originally developed for his son's tricycle and later became the foundation for the Dunlop Pneumatic Tyre Company.
218General Awareness
At which of the following stadium Sachin Tendulkar scored his 100th international century?
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Answer: (B) Sher-e-Bangla Stadium
Explanation
Sachin Tendulkar achieved the historic milestone of scoring his 100th international century on March 16, 2012, at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka. This landmark occurred during an Asia Cup league match against Bangladesh, where he scored 114 runs off 147 balls. With this innings, Tendulkar became the first and remains the only cricketer to reach a century of international centuries, a tally that includes 51 centuries in Test cricket and 49 in One Day Internationals.
219General Awareness
Who amongst the following is a renowned vocalist?
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Answer: (D) Pt. Jasraj
Explanation
Pandit Jasraj was a legendary Indian classical vocalist associated with the Mewati Gharana of Hindustani classical music. With a career spanning over eight decades, he became one of the most prominent figures in Indian vocal music, celebrated for his soulful renditions of khayal and devotional bhajans. He was the recipient of India's highest civilian honors, including the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri, as well as the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award. His contribution to the field is further highlighted by his creation of a unique form of jugalbandi called Jasrangi, which involves a male and a female vocalist singing in different ragas and scales simultaneously to create a harmonious blend.
220General Awareness
Which actress has been awarded with 64th National film Awards 2017?
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Answer: (A) Surabhi CM
Explanation
Surabhi Lakshmi, professionally known as Surabhi C. M., was honored with the Best Actress award at the 64th National Film Awards for her performance in the Malayalam film Minnaminungu (The Firefly). The awards, announced in April 2017, recognized her realistic portrayal of a middle-aged mother struggling to raise her daughter in a challenging social environment. This achievement made her the sixth Malayalam actress to win the prestigious National Film Award for Best Actress.
221General Awareness
What is the name of the autobiography of Sachin Tendulkar?
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Answer: (B) Playing it my way
Explanation
Playing It My Way is the autobiography of the legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, co-authored by Boria Majumdar. Released on November 5, 2014, the book provides a detailed account of Tendulkar's life, starting from his early childhood days and his initial interest in the sport to his final match at the Wankhede Stadium. It offers insights into his professional career spanning twenty-four years, including his perspectives on various matches, his relationship with teammates and coaches, and his personal milestones. The book set a record for the highest selling adult hardback in India at the time of its launch.
222General Awareness
India recently notified the Third protocol to amend Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement with which of the following countries?
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Answer: (C) Singapore
Explanation
The Third Protocol to the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) between India and Singapore was signed on December 30, 2016, and notified by the Indian government in March 2017. This amendment was a critical step in India's efforts to curb tax evasion and the practice of round-tripping funds. The protocol amended the 1994 treaty to provide for source-based taxation of capital gains arising from the alienation of shares in a company resident in India. Previously, such gains were taxable only in the country of residence of the investor, which often led to zero or minimal tax liability. The notification of this protocol aligned the tax treaty with Singapore with those recently amended with Mauritius and Cyprus, ensuring a uniform tax regime for investments coming into India from these jurisdictions.
223General Awareness
Match the following.
Country / Currency
1. Bangladesh
2. Myanmar
3. Maldives
4. Bhutan
a. Ngultrum b. Rufiyaa c. Taka d. Kyat
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Answer: (C) 1-c, 2-d, 3-b, 4-a
Explanation
Bangladesh - Taka: The Taka is the official currency of Bangladesh, established as the national legal tender following the country's independence.
Myanmar - Kyat: The Kyat is the currency of Myanmar, used in its current form since 1952 after the country moved away from the rupee system.
Maldives - Rufiyaa: The Rufiyaa is the official currency of the Maldives, which is issued and regulated by the Maldives Monetary Authority.
Bhutan - Ngultrum: The Ngultrum is the official currency of Bhutan and is maintained at a fixed exchange rate of parity with the Indian Rupee.
224General Awareness
Which among the following is not an instrument of fiscal policy?
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Answer: (D) Credit Rationing
Explanation
Credit rationing is a qualitative tool of monetary policy used by the central bank to regulate the volume and direction of credit in the economy. It involves setting limits or quotas on the amount of loans and advances that commercial banks can provide to various sectors. By determining the maximum limit of credit for specific purposes, the central bank can curb inflationary pressures and ensure that credit is diverted from speculative activities toward productive sectors. While fiscal policy is managed by the government through budgetary measures to influence the economy, credit rationing is strictly an administrative measure under the purview of the monetary authority to control the money supply and credit availability.
225General Awareness
Which of the following equation is/are INCORRECT?
I. NI = NDP + Net Foreign Income
II. GNP = GDP + Net Foreign Income
III. NDP = GNP – Depreciation
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Answer: (B) Only (III)
Explanation
Equation III is incorrect because it incorrectly links Gross National Product (GNP) with Net Domestic Product (NDP). In national income accounting, the subtraction of depreciation from a gross measure always results in the corresponding net measure of the same scope. Thus, GNP - Depreciation = NNP (Net National Product). Conversely, Net Domestic Product (NDP) is defined as Gross Domestic Product (GDP) minus depreciation, expressed as NDP = GDP - Depreciation. Since GNP includes Net Factor Income from Abroad and NDP does not, the two cannot be equated simply by subtracting depreciation from GNP. To derive NDP from GNP, one would need to subtract both depreciation and Net Factor Income from Abroad.
226General Awareness
Comptroller and Auditor General of India is appointed for how many years?
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Answer: (C) 6
Explanation
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India is a constitutional authority appointed by the President under Article 148. According to the provisions of the Comptroller and Auditor-General's (Duties, Powers and Conditions of Service) Act, 1971, the CAG holds office for a fixed term of six years. This tenure is subject to a maximum age limit of 65 years, meaning the officer must vacate the position upon reaching that age even if the six-year term is not yet complete. This specific duration is intended to provide security of tenure and ensure the independence of the office, which serves as the guardian of the public purse and audits the accounts of both the Union and State governments.
227General Awareness
Who is the custodian of Contingency Fund of India?
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Answer: (C) The President
Explanation
The Contingency Fund of India is established under Article 267(1) of the Constitution of India. It is a fund placed at the disposal of the President of India to enable advances to be made for the purposes of meeting unforeseen expenditure, pending authorization of such expenditure by the Parliament under Article 115 or Article 116. While the Secretary to the Government of India in the Ministry of Finance holds this fund on behalf of the President, the constitutional authority and custody of the fund reside with the President. This mechanism ensures the executive branch has immediate access to financial resources for emergencies or urgent requirements before formal legislative approval is secured.
228General Awareness
Who was the first female emperor of India?
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Answer: (B) Razia Sultana
Explanation
Razia Sultana was the daughter of Sultan Iltutmish of the Mamluk dynasty and reigned over the Delhi Sultanate from 1236 to 1240. She is historically recognized as the first female sovereign to sit on the throne of Delhi, effectively becoming the first female emperor in Indian history. Her father chose her as his successor over his sons, citing her superior intelligence and leadership qualities. During her rule, she exercised full sovereign power, issued coins in her own name, and led military expeditions, breaking the traditional gender norms of the 13th-century Islamic world.
229General Awareness
Who was the first Governor General of India?
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Answer: (A) Lord William Bentick
Explanation
The Charter Act of 1833, also known as the Saint Helena Act 1833, centralized the administration of British India by redesignating the Governor-General of Bengal as the Governor-General of India. Lord William Bentinck, who was already serving as the Governor-General of Bengal at the time, became the first person to hold this newly created title. This act vested in him the civil and military government of the entire British territory in India, effectively making him the supreme administrative head of the country. During his tenure, he was responsible for significant social and administrative reforms, including the abolition of Sati and the introduction of English as the medium of instruction.
230General Awareness
Which of the following planet is also known as 'Earth's twin'?
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Answer: (B) Venus
Explanation
Venus is frequently referred to as Earth's twin because the two planets are remarkably similar in size, mass, density, and chemical composition. Venus has a diameter of approximately 12,104 kilometers, which is nearly 95% of Earth's diameter, and its mass is about 81.5% of Earth's mass. Both planets are classified as terrestrial planets, meaning they possess a solid, rocky surface and a similar internal structure consisting of a metallic core, a rocky mantle, and a crust. These shared physical characteristics indicate that the two planets likely formed from the same nebula and followed similar early evolutionary paths.
231General Awareness
Which of the following imaginary lines join places with same level of rainfalls?
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Answer: (C) Isohyets lines
Explanation
Isohyets lines are the cartographic lines used to connect geographic locations that receive an equal amount of rainfall or precipitation over a specific period. Derived from the Greek words isos, meaning equal, and hyetos, meaning rain, these lines are fundamental in the field of meteorology for identifying patterns of wet and dry regions. By plotting these lines on a map, researchers and meteorologists can visualize the spatial distribution of precipitation, which is critical for water resource management, agricultural planning, and understanding climatic variations across different terrains.
232General Awareness
What is study of fungus known as?
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Answer: (C) Mycology
Explanation
Mycology is the branch of biology dedicated to the scientific study of fungi, including their genetic and biochemical properties, their taxonomy, and their interactions with other living organisms. The term is derived from the Greek word mykes, which means mushroom, and logos, which means study or discourse. This field covers a wide range of organisms such as yeasts, molds, and mushrooms, focusing on their structure, life cycles, and ecological roles as decomposers or pathogens.
233General Awareness
Which of the following bacteria is responsible for the formation of curd?
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Answer: (C) Lacto-bacillus
Explanation
Lactobacillus is a genus of Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria that play a primary role in the production of curd from milk. These bacteria facilitate the fermentation process by converting the lactose sugar present in milk into lactic acid. As the concentration of lactic acid increases, the pH level of the milk drops, causing the milk protein casein to denature and coagulate. This coagulation results in the thick, semi-solid texture characteristic of curd. Additionally, the acidic environment created during this process prevents the growth of many pathogenic microorganisms, effectively preserving the dairy product.
234General Awareness
How many pairs of ribs are there in human body?
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Answer: (C) 12
Explanation
The human skeletal system typically features 12 pairs of ribs, which together with the sternum and thoracic vertebrae form the rib cage. These 24 ribs serve the primary function of protecting the vital organs within the chest cavity, such as the heart and lungs, while also supporting the respiration process by expanding and contracting. All 12 pairs are attached at the posterior end to the thoracic vertebrae. They are categorized into true ribs, false ribs, and floating ribs based on their anterior connections, but the total count remains consistent at 12 pairs for the vast majority of the population.
235General Awareness
When a ball is thrown vertically upwards, which of the following quantities remains constant during its motion?
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Answer: (A) Energy
Explanation
The Law of Conservation of Energy states that the total mechanical energy of an object remains constant when it moves under the influence of a conservative force, such as gravity, provided that air resistance is neglected. The mechanical energy of the ball is the sum of its kinetic energy, expressed as ½mv², and its gravitational potential energy, expressed as mgh. When the ball is thrown upwards, its kinetic energy decreases as its speed slows down, while its potential energy increases as it reaches greater heights. During the descent, the process is reversed as potential energy is converted back into kinetic energy. Throughout the entire motion, the decrease in one form of energy is exactly balanced by the increase in the other, ensuring that the total mechanical energy remains unchanged at all points during the flight.
236General Awareness
What is the SI unit of heat energy?
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Answer: (A) Joule
Explanation
The Joule (J) is the International System of Units (SI) derived unit for all forms of energy, including heat, work, and internal energy. Heat is defined as the transfer of thermal energy between systems due to a temperature gradient. To ensure consistency across different physical phenomena, the SI system uses the same unit for both mechanical work and heat energy. A Joule is defined as the amount of energy transferred when a force of one Newton acts through a distance of one meter (1 J = 1 N · m). This standardization follows the experiments of James Prescott Joule, who established the mechanical equivalent of heat, proving that heat is a form of energy and can be converted into mechanical work.
237General Awareness
Which system is used by the Digital Computers to encode data and Programs?
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Answer: (B) Binary
Explanation
Digital computers are built using electronic components such as transistors that act as switches, existing in one of two physical states: on or off. The binary system represents these two states using the digits 0 and 1, which correspond to distinct voltage levels. This base-2 numbering system is the fundamental method for encoding all data and programs, as it allows the hardware to perform logic operations and arithmetic through the manipulation of bits. Every instruction and piece of information is ultimately reduced to a sequence of binary digits to be stored in memory and processed by the central processing unit.
238General Awareness
What is the common name of Sodium Bicarbonate?
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Answer: (A) Baking Soda
Explanation
Sodium bicarbonate, represented by the chemical formula NaHCO₃, is universally known by the common name baking soda. It is a salt composed of a sodium cation (Na⁺) and a bicarbonate anion (HCO₃⁻). In the culinary arts, it serves as a leavening agent; when combined with moisture and an acidic ingredient such as lemon juice or buttermilk, it undergoes a chemical reaction that produces carbon dioxide bubbles, causing dough or batter to expand and rise. It is also utilized in medical applications as an antacid to neutralize excess stomach acid and in household cleaning for its mild abrasive and deodorizing properties.
239General Awareness
Which of the following is an ore of iron?
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Answer: (C) Siderite
Explanation
Siderite is a mineral composed of iron carbonate with the chemical formula FeCO₃. It is a significant ore of iron, containing approximately 48 percent iron by mass in its pure form. The mineral typically forms in sedimentary environments or hydrothermal veins and is characterized by its rhombohedral crystal structure. Because siderite contains no sulfur or phosphorus, it is an industrially desirable source for producing high-quality pig iron and steel. It belongs to the calcite group of carbonate minerals and often occurs alongside other iron-bearing minerals in bedded deposits.
240General Awareness
Which of the following has maximum bio-diversity?
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Answer: (D) Tropical Region
Explanation
Tropical regions, particularly tropical rainforests, exhibit the highest levels of biodiversity on Earth. This is primarily due to the consistent warm temperatures and high annual rainfall found near the equator, which create ideal conditions for a wide variety of plant and animal life to thrive year-round. These regions receive high amounts of solar energy, leading to high net primary productivity, which supports complex food webs and a vast number of ecological niches. Additionally, tropical ecosystems have remained relatively stable over long evolutionary timeframes compared to higher latitudes, allowing for greater speciation and the accumulation of diverse biological communities.
241General Awareness
Who will be implementing the Varishtha Pension Bima Yojana scheme during financial year 2017-18?
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Answer: (C) Life Insurance of Corporation of India
Explanation
The Varishtha Pension Bima Yojana (VPBY) is a dedicated social security scheme for senior citizens aged 60 years and above, aimed at providing an assured pension based on a guaranteed rate of return. For the financial year 2017-18, the Union Government authorized the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) as the exclusive implementing agency for the Varishtha Pension Bima Yojana 2017. Under this scheme, subscribers receive a guaranteed interest rate of 8% per annum for a period of ten years. The scheme is designed to protect senior citizens against future drops in interest income due to market volatility. LIC manages the collection of premiums, the disbursement of pension payments, and the overall administration of the policy on behalf of the government.
242General Awareness
Albert Sabin is known for developing _____.
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Answer: (B) polio vaccine
Explanation
Albert Sabin was an American medical researcher who developed the oral polio vaccine (OPV). Unlike the earlier inactivated vaccine developed by Jonas Salk, Sabin's vaccine utilized a live-attenuated poliovirus that could be administered orally, often on a sugar cube or via drops. Licensed in the early 1960s, this vaccine became the primary tool for global polio eradication efforts because it was easier to distribute in mass campaigns and provided long-lasting intestinal immunity, which prevented the virus from spreading through the community.
243General Awareness
Who amongst the following is a renowned Indian classical dancer?
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Answer: (C) Sonal Mansingh
Explanation
Sonal Mansingh is a distinguished Indian classical dancer and choreographer who is widely recognized for her mastery of Bharatanatyam and Odissi. Her significant contributions to the field of classical dance have earned her numerous prestigious accolades, including the Padma Bhushan in 1992 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2003. She was the first woman dancer in India to be honored with the Padma Vibhushan. Beyond her performances, she has played a vital role in promoting Indian culture and was nominated to the Rajya Sabha in recognition of her lifelong dedication to the performing arts.
244General Awareness
Who among the following did not receive the 2016 Arjuna award in the field of 'wrestling'?
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Answer: (D) Rajat Chauhan
Explanation
Rajat Chauhan is a distinguished Indian athlete who specializes in compound archery. He was conferred with the Arjuna Award in 2016 specifically for his outstanding achievements in the field of Archery, which included winning a gold medal in the team event at the 2014 Asian Games and a silver medal at the 2015 World Archery Championships. Because his sporting discipline is archery, he was not a recipient of the award in the wrestling category.
245General Awareness
Who has written the book 'The Ministry of Utmost Happiness?
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Answer: (D) Arundhati Roy
Explanation
Arundhati Roy is the author of the novel The Ministry of Utmost Happiness, which was published in June 2017. This work marked her return to fiction twenty years after her debut novel, The God of Small Things, won the Man Booker Prize in 1997. The Ministry of Utmost Happiness features a diverse cast of characters and explores complex themes within the Indian socio-political landscape, including the struggle for Kashmiri independence and the lives of the hijra community in Delhi. The book was highly anticipated and earned a place on the longlist for the 2017 Man Booker Prize.
246General Awareness
Which country became seventh member of South Asia Sub regional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) on 31 March 2017?
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Answer: (A) Myanmar
Explanation
Myanmar officially joined the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) program as its seventh member on March 31, 2017. Its membership was formally welcomed during the SASEC Finance Ministers' meeting held in New Delhi in early April 2017. The inclusion of Myanmar is strategically important as it serves as a key land bridge connecting South Asia with Southeast Asia, facilitating better regional connectivity and trade logistics. By joining the existing group of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, Myanmar helps advance the program's goals of cross-border power trade and transport development along established economic corridors.
247General Awareness
How many Indian states share their boundaries with Nepal?
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Answer: (D) 5
Explanation
India shares a boundary of approximately 1,850 km with Nepal, involving five distinct Indian states. In the west, Uttarakhand shares its border with Nepal along the Sharda River. Moving eastward along the southern boundary of Nepal, the states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar share extensive borders through the Terai plains. In the eastern sector, West Bengal shares a boundary with Nepal in the Darjeeling Himalayan region, and Sikkim borders Nepal along the high-altitude ridges of the Himalayas. These five states constitute all the Indian administrative units that have a direct international land border with the neighboring country of Nepal.
248General Awareness
Which of the following is called GDP Deflator?
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Answer: (A) Ratio of nominal to real GDP
Explanation
The GDP deflator is an economic metric that yields the ratio of nominal GDP to real GDP. It serves as a comprehensive measure of inflation by reflecting the price levels of all new, domestically produced, final goods and services in an economy. The formula for calculation is:
GDP Deflator = (Nominal GDP)/(Real GDP) × 100
Nominal GDP measures the total value of goods and services produced in a specific period using current market prices. Real GDP measures the same output but is adjusted for inflation by using the constant prices of a designated base year. Because nominal GDP includes changes in both quantity and price, while real GDP only accounts for changes in quantity, the ratio between the two identifies the portion of GDP growth attributable to price increases rather than actual increases in production.
249General Awareness
Which organisation monitors the banks in actually maintaining cash balance?
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Answer: (B) Reserve Bank of India
Explanation
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) functions as the central bank and the primary regulatory body for the Indian banking system. Under the provisions of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, and the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, the RBI mandates that all scheduled commercial banks maintain a specific portion of their Net Demand and Time Liabilities (NDTL) as cash reserves, known as the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR). The RBI monitors these balances through periodic statutory returns and regular on-site inspections to ensure compliance. This monitoring is essential to regulate liquidity in the economy, control inflation, and ensure that banks have enough ready cash to meet the withdrawal demands of their customers, thereby maintaining the stability of the financial system.
250General Awareness
Which of the following Country doesn't have a written Constitution?
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Answer: (A) United Kingdom
Explanation
The United Kingdom possesses an uncodified constitution, meaning there is no single, consolidated document that defines the fundamental laws and principles of the state. Its constitutional framework is instead drawn from multiple sources, including statutes passed by Parliament, judicial precedents known as common law, political conventions, and historic documents like the Magna Carta and the Bill of Rights 1689. This system provides a high degree of flexibility, as the UK Parliament holds supreme legislative authority and can modify constitutional arrangements through the ordinary legislative process without needing a special amendment procedure.