Which state's Legislative Assembly adopted a new logo consisting of the national emblem and foxtail orchid (Rhynchostylis Retusa), the state flower, in January 2020?
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Answer: (D) Arunachal Pradesh
Explanation
The Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly officially adopted a new logo on January 9, 2020. This redesigned emblem incorporates the national emblem of India, the Lion Capital of Ashoka, positioned prominently above the Foxtail Orchid (Rhynchostylis Retusa). The Foxtail Orchid is the state flower of Arunachal Pradesh and was chosen to represent the state's rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. By integrating the national symbol with this local floral icon, the assembly sought to create a distinct identity that reflects the state's unique indigenous roots while maintaining its connection to the Indian Union. The adoption of the logo was spearheaded by Speaker Pasang Dorjee Sona to modernize the assembly's visual representation.
102General Awareness
In which of the following states is the Madhavpur Mela celebrated?
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Answer: (A) Gujarat
Explanation
The Madhavpur Mela is an annual cultural fair held in the coastal village of Madhavpur Ghed, located in the Porbandar district of Gujarat. The festival commences on Ram Navami in the month of Chaitra to commemorate the mythological marriage of Lord Krishna and Rukmini. According to local folklore and ancient scriptures, Rukmini was the daughter of King Bhishmaka of Vidarbha, and Lord Krishna brought her to Madhavpur to marry her at this site. In recent years, the mela has gained additional significance as a symbol of national integration, highlighting the cultural ties between Western India and Northeast India, as Rukmini is traditionally associated with the Mishmi tribe of Arunachal Pradesh. The event features traditional folk dances, music, and displays of local handicrafts, organized with the support of the Ministry of Culture and the state government.
103General Awareness
Which of the following festivals means "merry marking of the Gods"?
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Answer: (C) Lai Haraoba
Explanation
Lai Haraoba is a significant ritualistic festival celebrated by the Meitei community in Manipur to honor the Umang Lai, who are the traditional forest deities. In the Meitei language, the word Lai refers to Gods or Deities, and Haraoba translates to merry-making or rejoicing. Consequently, the term Lai Haraoba literally means the merry-making of the Gods. The festival involves elaborate ceremonies, folk dances, and oral literature that depict the creation of the world and the history of the Meitei people, aiming to bring peace and prosperity to the community by pleasing the divine spirits.
104General Awareness
Who wrote the play 'Mricchakatika' (The Little Clay Cart), a social drama with touches of grim reality?
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Answer: (D) Sudraka
Explanation
Mricchakatika, which translates to The Little Clay Cart, is a ten-act Sanskrit drama attributed to King Sudraka. Written likely between the 2nd century BCE and the 5th century CE, the play is categorized as a Prakarana, a genre of drama that focuses on invented stories involving common citizens rather than mythological figures or royalty. It tells the story of a noble but impoverished merchant named Charudatta and his love for a wealthy courtesan named Vasantasena. The play is renowned for its realistic portrayal of ancient Indian urban life in Ujjayini, featuring a diverse cast of characters including thieves, gamblers, and political revolutionaries. It blends themes of romance, social justice, and political upheaval, ending with the triumph of virtue over the corruption of the villainous Samsthanaka.
105General Awareness
In which part of India are the Patkai Bum hills located?
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Answer: (B) Eastern part of India
Explanation
The Patkai Bum hills are located in the Eastern part of India, forming a significant segment of the Purvanchal Range. These hills are situated along the international boundary between India and Myanmar, primarily spanning the northeastern states of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland. They represent the eastern extension of the Himalayan mountain system and were formed during the same tectonic movements of the Tertiary period. Characterized by rugged terrain, steep slopes, and dense forest cover, the Patkai Bum hills serve as a natural geographical barrier in the easternmost reaches of the country.
106General Awareness
Which one of the following statements is INCORRECT?
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Answer: (C) The measurable unit of pressure is denoted in Metre.
Explanation
Pressure is defined as the force applied perpendicular to the surface of an object per unit area over which that force is distributed. The mathematical formula for pressure is P = F/A, where F is the force and A is the area. The SI derived unit of pressure is the Pascal (Pa), which is defined as one Newton per square metre (N/m²). Other common units for measuring pressure include atmospheres (atm), bar, torr, and pounds per square inch (psi). In contrast, the Metre (m) is the SI base unit of length or distance. Since length and pressure are distinct physical quantities with different dimensions, the Metre cannot be used as a unit for pressure.
107General Awareness
Who won the 'ICC (International Cricket Council) Spirit of Cricket, 2019' award?
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Answer: (D) Virat Kohli
Explanation
Virat Kohli was conferred with the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award for 2019 for his notable act of sportsmanship during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup. During a league match against Australia at the Kennington Oval, a section of the Indian crowd was booing Steve Smith and chanting cheater at him, referencing his return from a ball-tampering ban. Kohli, who was batting at the time, intervened by gesturing to the fans to stop the jeering and instead clap for the Australian player. This gesture was recognized by the International Cricket Council as a supreme example of the spirit of the game, marking the first time Kohli received this specific category of ICC awards.
108General Awareness
Ajatashatru, a ruler of the Haryana Dynasty, was the son of
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Answer: (D) Bimbisara
Explanation
Ajatashatru was the son of King Bimbisara, the founder of the Haryanka dynasty of Magadha. He ascended the throne in approximately 492 BCE after imprisoning and killing his father. Under his rule, the kingdom of Magadha underwent significant expansion through successful military campaigns against the Vrijji confederacy and the kingdom of Kashi. Ajatashatru is also known for patronizing the First Buddhist Council held at Rajgriha shortly after the death of Gautama Buddha.
109General Awareness
In which year did the battle of Khanua (Khanwa) take place between Babur and the Rajput forces led by Rana Sanga?
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Answer: (C) 1527
Explanation
The Battle of Khanwa was fought on March 16, 1527, at Khanwa, located near Bharatpur in Rajasthan. It was the second major engagement for Babur in India, occurring shortly after the First Battle of Panipat. This battle pitted the Mughal forces of Babur against a formidable confederacy of Rajput rulers led by Rana Sanga of Mewar, who sought to challenge the expansion of Mughal rule. Babur's victory was achieved through the effective use of gunpowder, artillery, and the tulghuma tactical formation. The outcome was significant as it effectively broke the Rajput confederacy and firmly established Mughal supremacy in Northern India.
110General Awareness
In which year did the Third Round Table Conference take place?
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Answer: (A) 1932
Explanation
The Third Round Table Conference was held in London from November 17 to December 24, 1932. This was the last of the three conferences organized by the British government to discuss constitutional reforms in India based on the recommendations of the Simon Commission. It was poorly attended as the Indian National Congress and the British Labour Party refused to participate. The deliberations of this conference were eventually incorporated into a White Paper published in 1933, which served as the foundation for the Government of India Act 1935.
111General Awareness
Where were the Khelo India Youth Games, 2020 held?
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Answer: (A) Guwahati
Explanation
The third edition of the Khelo India Youth Games was held in Guwahati, Assam, from January 10 to January 22, 2020. This multi-sport event was organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in partnership with the Government of Assam, the School Games Federation of India, and the Indian Olympic Association. The competition featured 20 different sporting disciplines and saw the participation of approximately 6,800 athletes from 37 states and union territories across the country. The opening ceremony took place at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, and the event concluded with Maharashtra finishing at the top of the medal tally.
112General Awareness
Which of the following can be diagnosed with the Widal test?
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Answer: (A) Typhoid fever
Explanation
The Widal test is a serological method used to diagnose typhoid fever, also known as enteric fever. This diagnostic tool detects the presence of specific agglutinating antibodies in a patient's serum that are produced in response to the Salmonella Typhi bacteria. The test specifically measures the levels of antibodies against the somatic O antigen and the flagellar H antigen of the bacterium. When the serum of an infected individual is mixed with these specific bacterial antigens, visible clumping or agglutination occurs, indicating a positive result for the infection. Developed in 1896 by Georges-Fernand Widal, it remains a standard diagnostic approach for identifying infections caused by Salmonella species.
113General Awareness
Which of the following is one of the Articles of the Constitution of India that mentions the Comptroller and Auditor General of India?
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Answer: (D) 148
Explanation
Article 148 of the Constitution of India establishes the independent office of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India. This article provides that the CAG is appointed by the President of India by warrant under his hand and seal and can only be removed from office in like manner and on like grounds as a Judge of the Supreme Court. It ensures the independence of the office by specifying that the salary and other conditions of service of the CAG shall be determined by Parliament and cannot be varied to his disadvantage after appointment. The CAG acts as the head of the Indian Audit and Accounts Department and is responsible for upholding the Constitution of India and the laws of Parliament in the field of financial administration.
114General Awareness
Who discovered cells in the human body?
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Answer: (B) Robert Hooke
Explanation
Robert Hooke is credited with the discovery of the cell in 1665. Using a primitive compound microscope of his own design, he examined thin slices of cork, which is a type of plant tissue. He observed that the cork was composed of tiny, box-like compartments that resembled the small rooms, or cella, inhabited by monks. Consequently, he coined the term cell to describe these structures. Hooke detailed these observations and included intricate illustrations in his book Micrographia. His discovery marked the first time the basic structural unit of life was identified and named, forming the historical starting point for the field of cell biology and the eventual development of the cell theory.
115General Awareness
Who is the author of the book titled 'The Anarchy: The East India Company, Corporate Violence, and the Pillage of an Empire'?
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Answer: (B) William Dalrymple
Explanation
William Dalrymple is the author of the historical non-fiction book titled The Anarchy, published in 2019. The book provides a detailed account of the rise of the East India Company in the Indian subcontinent between 1739 and 1803. It explores how a private corporation, originally established for trade, used its own private army to seize control of large parts of India following the collapse of the Mughal Empire. Dalrymple highlights the transition of the company from a commercial enterprise into a colonial power characterized by corporate violence and the systematic extraction of wealth from the region.
116General Awareness
Which of the following martial art forms is practiced in the state of Punjab and West Bengal?
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Answer: (A) Lathi
Explanation
Lathi is a traditional Indian martial art that utilizes a bamboo stick or staff as a weapon for combat and self-defense. This practice has deep historical roots in both Punjab and West Bengal. In West Bengal, Lathi Khela is a well-known folk performance and martial sport often displayed during festivals such as Muharram and Durga Puja, where practitioners demonstrate complex striking and parrying movements. In the Punjab region, the lathi has historically served as a vital tool for defense among the rural population and is a significant element of the local martial culture, reflecting the agrarian and warrior traditions of the state. The art emphasizes agility, hand-eye coordination, and various stances used to manipulate the staff effectively against opponents.
117General Awareness
Where was the 107th edition of the Indian Science Congress held?
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Answer: (A) Bengaluru
Explanation
The 107th edition of the Indian Science Congress was held from January 3 to 7, 2020, at the University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK Campus, in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The event was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and focused on the theme Science and Technology: Rural Development. This annual congregation serves as a major platform for scientists, researchers, and academicians to share their findings and discuss the role of modern science in bridging the gap between urban innovation and rural needs. The 2020 session in Bengaluru specifically emphasized the use of cost-effective technologies and scientific interventions to enhance agricultural productivity and improve the quality of life in rural India.
118General Awareness
Which of the following glands is present between the lungs?
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Answer: (A) Thymus
Explanation
The thymus gland is a primary lymphoid organ of the immune system located in the upper anterior part of the chest, within the mediastinum. It is positioned behind the sternum and directly between the lungs, sitting in front of the heart. This gland is responsible for the production and maturation of T-lymphocytes, which play a critical role in the immune response. While it is largest and most active in children, it gradually shrinks and is replaced by fat after puberty through a process called involution.
119General Awareness
The tidal mouth of a river where fresh and saline water get mixed is known as a/an
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Answer: (D) Estuary
Explanation
An estuary is a partially enclosed coastal body of water where fresh water from a river or stream meets and mixes with the saline water of the sea or ocean. This transition zone is characterized by brackish water and is subject to both marine influences, such as tides and waves, and riverine influences, such as the flow of fresh water and sediment. The tidal action causes a regular influx of salt water into the river mouth, which then mixes with the outflowing fresh water to create a unique and highly productive ecological environment.
120General Awareness
A situation where the expenditure of the government exceeds its revenue is known as _____.
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Answer: (C) Deficit Financing
Explanation
Deficit financing is a budgetary situation where the government's total expenditure exceeds its total revenue, excluding borrowings. To bridge this gap or fiscal deficit, the government resorts to various methods such as borrowing from the central bank (monetized deficit), issuing treasury bills, or raising loans from the market. This policy is typically employed to meet the financial requirements of economic development, especially when tax revenues are insufficient to cover the costs of large-scale public projects, infrastructure investment, or social welfare programs. By injecting more money into the economy than it withdraws through taxes, the government aims to stimulate aggregate demand and promote economic growth.
121General Awareness
Which organisation launched the Agricultural Marketing and Farmer Friendly Reforms Index (AMFFRI) in 2016?
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Answer: (B) NITI Aayog
Explanation
NITI Aayog launched the Agricultural Marketing and Farmer Friendly Reforms Index (AMFFRI) in October 2016 to rank states and union territories based on the degree of reforms they have implemented in the agriculture sector. The index evaluates performance across three major parameters: reforms in agricultural marketing, land leasing, and forestry on private land. By measuring the implementation of the Model APMC Act and other market-friendly policies, the index seeks to encourage states to adopt better practices that reduce market distortions and ensure farmers receive a higher share of the consumer price. This initiative is part of NITI Aayog's mandate to promote competitive federalism and support the transformation of the agrarian economy.
122General Awareness
Who among the following was NOT associated with the revolt of 1857?
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Answer: (D) Bhagat Singh
Explanation
Bhagat Singh was a prominent socialist revolutionary who belonged to the second phase of the Indian revolutionary movement in the 20th century. Born in 1907, his primary contributions to the freedom struggle occurred during the late 1920s and early 1930s through organizations like the Naujawan Bharat Sabha and the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA). He is best known for the 1928 Saunders assassination and the 1929 Central Legislative Assembly bombing, events which took place approximately seventy years after the conclusion of the Revolt of 1857.
123General Awareness
Who among the following was NOT a recipient of the Arjuna Awards in 2019?
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Answer: (B) Mezban Patel
Explanation
Mezban Patel (Merzban Patel) was a recipient of the Dronacharya Award (Life-time Category) in 2019 for his distinguished contribution to coaching in Hockey. While the Arjuna Award is conferred upon sportspersons for their outstanding performance over a period of four years, the Dronacharya Award is specifically designated for coaches who have enabled sportspersons to achieve excellence in international events. Therefore, he was recognized in the coaching category rather than as an athlete receiving the Arjuna Award.
124General Awareness
On which lake is the world's only floating post office situated?
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Answer: (B) Dal Lake
Explanation
The world's only floating post office is located on Dal Lake in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. Formally inaugurated in August 2011, it is housed in a large, intricately carved wooden houseboat anchored on the lake's western bank. This unique post office provides all regular postal services, including registered mail and savings bank facilities, to the local residents living in houseboats and to tourists. It also features a small philately museum and uses a special cancellation stamp that depicts a boatman rowing a shikara, ensuring that every letter sent from here carries a unique mark of its origin.
125General Awareness
Who among the following was known as 'Andhra Kesari'?
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Answer: (A) T.Prakasam
Explanation
Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu, widely known as T. Prakasam, was a prominent freedom fighter, jurist, and politician who served as the first Chief Minister of the erstwhile Andhra State. He earned the title Andhra Kesari, meaning Lion of Andhra, for his remarkable courage during the protests against the Simon Commission in Madras in 1928. When the British police threatened to open fire on the demonstrators, Prakasam bared his chest and challenged them to shoot him, an act of defiance that became legendary in the Indian independence movement. His leadership and sacrifice for the cause of a separate state for Telugu-speaking people solidified his legacy as a towering figure in the history of Andhra Pradesh.
126General Awareness
Which of the following schedules of the Constitution of India has been INCORRECTLY matched with its content?
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Answer: (A) Second Schedule - Languages
Explanation
The Second Schedule of the Constitution of India deals with provisions relating to the emoluments, allowances, privileges, and salaries of constitutional authorities such as the President, Governors of States, Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts, and the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India. The provisions regarding the official languages of India are actually contained in the Eighth Schedule, which currently recognizes 22 languages. Thus, the Second Schedule is incorrectly paired with languages.
127General Awareness
Which of the following is caused by a virus named 'Varicella zoster'?
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Answer: (A) Chickenpox
Explanation
Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease caused by the Varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which belongs to the herpesvirus family. The virus typically enters the body through the respiratory tract and spreads throughout the system, leading to a characteristic skin rash with small, itchy, fluid-filled blisters. While it is most common in children, the primary infection results in a lifelong immunity to chickenpox, although the virus remains dormant in the cranial nerve ganglia or dorsal root ganglia. If the virus reactivates later in life, usually due to a weakened immune system or aging, it manifests as a different condition known as shingles or herpes zoster.
128General Awareness
Which of the following is not a vertebrate?
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Answer: (A) Snail
Explanation
Snails belong to the phylum Mollusca and the class Gastropoda. They are classified as invertebrates because they lack a vertebral column or internal bony skeleton. Instead of a backbone, snails possess a soft, unsegmented body and typically rely on a hard external calcareous shell for structural support and protection. Their nervous system consists of ganglia rather than a spinal cord encased in vertebrae, which distinguishes them from all vertebrate groups.
129General Awareness
Which of the following is used for removing permanent hardness of water?
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Answer: (B) Washing soda
Explanation
Washing soda (sodium carbonate) is used to remove permanent hardness of water because it reacts with the soluble calcium and magnesium chlorides and sulfates to form insoluble precipitates. Lime is primarily used for removing temporary hardness through Clark's process.
130General Awareness
Which law of physics states that the force between the two electric charges reduces to a quarter of its former value when the distance between them is doubled?
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Answer: (A) Coulomb's Law
Explanation
Coulomb's Law states that the electrical force F between two stationary point charges is directly proportional to the product of the magnitudes of the charges and inversely proportional to the square of the distance r between them. This relationship is expressed by the formula F = k (q₁ q₂)/(r²), where k is the electrostatic constant. Because the force is inversely proportional to the square of the distance (F ∝ 1/r²), doubling the distance results in the force being multiplied by a factor of 1/2², which is 1/4. Consequently, the electrostatic force reduces to a quarter of its original value when the distance is doubled.
The binomial expansion follows the algebraic identity (a + b)³ = a³ + 3a²b + 3ab² + b³. To expand the given expression, let a = ˣ⁄₃ and b = ʸ⁄₅.
Calculating each term individually:
The first term is a³ = (ˣ⁄₃)³ = x³{27}.
The second term is 3a²b = 3 · (ˣ⁄₃)² · ʸ⁄₅ = 3 · x²{9} · ʸ⁄₅ = x²y{3 · 5} = x²y{15}.
The third term is 3ab² = 3 · ˣ⁄₃ · (ʸ⁄₅)² = ³ˣ⁄₃ · y²{25} = xy²{25}.
The fourth term is b³ = (ʸ⁄₅)³ = y³{125}.
Summing these terms together results in the expanded expression x³{27} + x²y{15} + xy²{25} + y³{125}.
132General Awareness
In which of the following countries was the 95th edition of the prestigious Hastings International Chess Congress held?
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Answer: (C) England
Explanation
The Hastings International Chess Congress is the world's longest-running annual chess tournament, held since 1920 in the seaside town of Hastings on the south coast of England. The 95th edition of the congress took place from 28 December 2019 to 5 January 2020 at the Horntye Park Sports Complex. This prestigious event is a staple of the international chess calendar and traditionally concludes in the first week of January. The Premier tournament of the 95th edition was won by Indian Grandmaster Magesh Chandran Panchanathan.
133General Awareness
When we cut an onion, the synthase enzyme converts the amino acid sulfoxides of the onion into which acid?
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Answer: (A) Sulfenic acid
Explanation
When the cellular structure of an onion is disrupted by cutting, the enzyme alliinase is released. This enzyme reacts with the sulfur-containing compounds in the onion, specifically S-alkenyl cysteine sulfoxides, to produce sulfenic acids. The primary intermediate produced in this reaction is 1-propenesulfenic acid. Following this, another enzyme called lachrymatory factor synthase (LFS) acts on the sulfenic acid to convert it into syn-propanethial-S-oxide, which is the volatile gas that irritates the eyes and causes tearing. Sulfenic acid serves as the critical chemical precursor in this enzymatic pathway triggered by mechanical damage to the onion bulb.
134General Awareness
Which of the following is the major component of vinegar?
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Answer: (D) Acetic acid
Explanation
Vinegar is an aqueous solution consisting primarily of acetic acid (CH₃COOH) and water. It is produced through a two-step fermentation process where sugars are first converted into ethanol by yeast, and subsequently, acetic acid bacteria oxidize the ethanol into acetic acid. In standard table vinegar, the concentration of acetic acid typically ranges from 5% to 8% by volume. This organic acid is the defining component that provides vinegar with its characteristic sour taste and sharp, pungent odor.
135General Awareness
Which of the following was previously known as 'the Lady Willingdon Park'?
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Answer: (D) Lodhi Gardens
Explanation
Lodhi Gardens was originally landscaped and inaugurated on April 9, 1936, by Lady Willingdon, the wife of the then Viceroy of India, Lord Willingdon. At the time of its opening, the park was named Lady Willingdon Park in her honor. The site is historically significant as it contains the tombs of rulers from the Sayyid and Lodi dynasties, such as Mohammed Shah and Sikandar Lodi, dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. After India gained independence in 1947, the park was renamed Lodhi Gardens to reflect the architectural heritage of the Lodi era present within its grounds.
136General Awareness
'Industry 4.0' is a complex cyber-physical system which synergies production with digital technologies. The Ministry of Railways and the Department of Science and Technology have joined hands in partnership with which institution for taking up a unique project on 'Industry 4.0'?
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Answer: (A) IIT Kanpur
Explanation
The Ministry of Railways and the Department of Science and Technology entered into a partnership with IIT Kanpur to implement a pilot project on Industry 4.0 at the Modern Coach Factory in Raebareli. This initiative is designed to integrate advanced digital technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Big Data analytics, and the Internet of Things into the manufacturing process. By utilizing the technical expertise and research capabilities of IIT Kanpur, the project seeks to transform the production unit into a smart factory, enhancing efficiency and precision through real-time data exchange and automated cyber-physical systems.
137General Awareness
Who among the following was honoured with the 50th Dadasaheb Phalke Award?
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Answer: (C) Amitabh Bachchan
Explanation
Amitabh Bachchan was honored with the 50th Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2018 in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema. The announcement was made by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in September 2019, and the award was presented to him by President Ram Nath Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhavan in December 2019. Having debuted in 1969 with the film Saat Hindustani, Bachchan has remained a towering figure in the film industry for five decades, and this award represents the highest honor in Indian cinema, consisting of a Swarna Kamal, a shawl, and a cash prize.
138General Awareness
Who among the following scholars is associated with the Tibet-home theory of the Aryans?
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Answer: (A) Dayanand Saraswat
Explanation
Swami Dayanand Saraswati, the founder of the Arya Samaj, propounded the theory that Tibet was the original homeland of the Aryans. He detailed this perspective in his seminal work, Satyarth Prakash, published in 1875. His conclusion was primarily based on his interpretation of Vedic texts, where he found geographical and climatic descriptions that he believed corresponded most closely with the Tibetan plateau rather than the plains of India or other parts of Eurasia. He argued that the Aryans migrated from the high-altitude regions of Tibet down into the Indian subcontinent. This theory was part of a broader nineteenth-century intellectual effort to determine the origins of the Indo-Aryan people through linguistic and scriptural analysis.
139General Awareness
The Mission of the Ramsar Convention is to conserve ........
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Answer: (A) wetlands
Explanation
The Ramsar Convention, formally known as the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat, is an intergovernmental treaty adopted in 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar. Its mission is the conservation and wise use of all wetlands through local and national actions and international cooperation as a contribution towards achieving sustainable development throughout the world. The convention provides a framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and sustainable use of wetland resources, which include ecosystems such as marshes, fens, peatlands, and bodies of water that are natural or artificial, permanent or temporary.
140General Awareness
Which of the following states does NOT share its boundary with Madhya Pradesh?
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Answer: (A) Odisha
Explanation
Madhya Pradesh is a landlocked state in central India that shares its borders with five states: Uttar Pradesh to the north, Chhattisgarh to the east, Maharashtra to the south, Gujarat to the west, and Rajasthan to the northwest. Odisha is located to the southeast of Chhattisgarh and does not share a geographical boundary with Madhya Pradesh. The two states are separated by the territory of Chhattisgarh, which was carved out of Madhya Pradesh in November 2000.
141General Awareness
What is the velocity of sound in air?
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Answer: (A) 343 m/sec
Explanation
The speed of sound in dry air at a temperature of 20°C (68°F) is approximately 343 m/s. The velocity of sound in a gas is primarily dependent on the temperature and the molecular structure of the medium, described by the formula v = √((γ RT)/(M)). In this equation, γ represents the adiabatic index (approximately 1.4 for diatomic air), R is the molar gas constant, T is the absolute temperature in Kelvin, and M is the molar mass of the gas. As temperature increases, the kinetic energy of the air molecules increases, allowing the longitudinal pressure waves of sound to propagate more rapidly. While the speed of sound is 331.5 m/s at 0°C, it reaches 343 m/s under standard room temperature conditions.
142General Awareness
In which district of Karnataka is the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary located?
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Answer: (D) Kodagu
Explanation
The Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Kodagu district of Karnataka, nestled within the Western Ghats. Established in 1974, the sanctuary spans an area of approximately 181 square kilometers and is named after its highest point, the Brahmagiri peak, which reaches an elevation of 1,608 meters. The region is characterized by evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, interspersed with high-altitude shola-grassland ecosystems. It serves as a critical wildlife corridor, connecting the Nagarhole National Park in Karnataka with the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala, supporting a diverse range of flora and fauna including elephants, tigers, and various endemic bird species.
143General Awareness
In the context of UN Sustainable Development Goals, which of the following pairs is INCORRECT?
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Answer: (B) Quality Education - SDG 3
Explanation
Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3) is Good Health and Well-being, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages. Quality Education is defined as SDG 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. The United Nations adopted these seventeen interconnected global goals in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to provide a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity.
144General Awareness
With reference to dances and their native states, which of the following pairs is correct?
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Answer: (A) Yakshagana - Karnataka
Explanation
Yakshagana is a traditional theater form that combines dance, music, dialogue, costume, and stage techniques with a unique style and form. It is native to the state of Karnataka, particularly prevalent in the coastal districts and the Malenadu region. This performing art is heavily influenced by the Vaishnava Bhakti movement and typically depicts stories from ancient Indian epics like the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and the Puranas. Performances are traditionally held in the open air during the night, often in temple premises or agricultural fields after the harvest season. The art form is characterized by its elaborate headgear, vibrant makeup, and high-energy dance sequences accompanied by the background music of the bhagavatha, who acts as the narrator and lead singer. Over centuries, it has evolved into two distinct styles known as Tenkutittu and Badagutittu.
145General Awareness
Name the densest stable element known on earth.
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Answer: (A) Osmium
Explanation
Osmium is a transition metal with the atomic number 76 and is recognized as the densest stable element found on Earth. It has a calculated density of approximately 22.59 g/cm³, which is roughly twice the density of lead. This extreme density arises because the atoms of osmium are relatively small but possess a very high atomic mass, resulting in an exceptionally compact arrangement within its hexagonal close-packed crystal lattice. This compact packing is influenced by the lanthanide contraction, where the effective nuclear charge tightly binds the outer electrons, keeping the atomic volume small relative to the mass of the nucleus. It belongs to the platinum group of metals and is primarily used in specialized alloys where extreme hardness and durability are required.
146General Awareness
What does 'A' stand for in 'UDAN', the initiative of the Civil Aviation Ministry?
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Answer: (A) Aam
Explanation
The acronym UDAN stands for Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik. It is a regional airport development and Regional Connectivity Scheme launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in 2016. The scheme aims to make air travel affordable and widespread by developing connectivity to underserved and unserved airports in the country. In this context, the letter A specifically represents Aam, which translates to common in English, signifying the initiative's goal to enable the common citizen of the country to fly.
147General Awareness
Which team won the Federation Cup Football Tournament for the most number of times?
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Answer: (A) Mohun Bagan AC
Explanation
Mohun Bagan AC holds the record for the highest number of Federation Cup titles, having won the tournament 14 times. Since the inception of the competition in 1977, the club established significant dominance, winning their first title in 1978 and their most recent one in 2016. Their record includes several successful title defenses and a notable hat-trick of wins between 1992 and 1994. This level of success in the premier knockout football tournament of India solidified Mohun Bagan's position as the most successful team in the history of the competition before it was replaced by the Super Cup.
148General Awareness
How many carbon and hydrogen atoms are there in Propane, respectively?
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Answer: (D) 3, 8
Explanation
Propane is a saturated hydrocarbon belonging to the alkane series. The general molecular formula for alkanes is CₙH₂ₙ₊₂, where n represents the number of carbon atoms in the molecule. The prefix prop- signifies that the compound contains three carbon atoms (n = 3). By substituting this value into the general formula, the number of hydrogen atoms is determined as 2(3) + 2 = 8. Consequently, a single molecule of propane consists of 3 carbon atoms and 8 hydrogen atoms, giving it the chemical formula C₃H₈.
149General Awareness
Who appoints the Advocate General of states?
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Answer: (D) Governor of the state
Explanation
Under Article 165 of the Constitution of India, the Governor of each state is empowered to appoint the Advocate General for the state. The person appointed must be qualified to be a judge of a High Court. As the highest law officer in the state, the Advocate General provides legal advice to the state government and performs other legal duties assigned by the Governor. The Advocate General holds office during the pleasure of the Governor and receives such remuneration as the Governor may determine.
150General Awareness
In which state The Jaugada Rock Edict of Asoka is located?
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Answer: (B) Odisha
Explanation
The Jaugada Rock Edict of Emperor Ashoka is located in the Ganjam district of Odisha. This site contains a series of Major Rock Edicts inscribed on a large granite mass within an ancient fortified settlement. It is particularly significant for featuring the Separate Rock Edicts, which were specifically addressed to the officials of the newly conquered province of Kalinga after the Kalinga War. In these inscriptions, Ashoka expresses his paternalistic philosophy of kingship, famously declaring that all his subjects are his children and outlining his commitment to their welfare and the principles of Dhamma.