Which of the following states' tourism ministry announced the launch of India's first Labour Movement Museum in January 2021?
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Answer: (C) Kerala
Explanation
The Kerala state government announced the establishment of India's first Labour Movement Museum in January 2021 as part of the Alappuzha Heritage Project. Located in the coastal city of Alappuzha, which is historically recognized as the cradle of the organized labor movement in India, the museum is housed in the New Model Cooperative Society building. The project was initiated by the Kerala Tourism Department to showcase the global history of labor struggles and the specific evolution of the trade union movement in Kerala, particularly within the coir industry. The museum features a comprehensive collection of documents, photographs, and exhibits that depict the growth of labor rights and the socio-political impact of organized workers in the region.
52General Awareness
Which of the following is a coarse grained igneous rock that contains quarts and feldspar?
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Answer: (A) Granite
Explanation
Granite is a plutonic or intrusive igneous rock that forms from the slow cooling and crystallization of magma deep within the Earth's crust. This slow cooling process allows large mineral crystals to form, resulting in a phaneritic or coarse-grained texture where individual grains are visible to the naked eye. Mineralogically, granite is characterized by a high silica content and consists primarily of quartz and feldspar, typically including both orthoclase and plagioclase varieties. These essential minerals define its felsic composition and distinctive appearance.
53General Awareness
is the pattern of veins in the blade of a leaf.
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Answer: (D) Venation
Explanation
Venation is the term used to describe the arrangement and distribution of veins and veinlets in the lamina or blade of a leaf. These veins consist of vascular tissues, namely xylem and phloem, which serve the dual purpose of providing a skeletal framework for structural support and acting as channels for the translocation of water, minerals, and organic nutrients throughout the leaf. In the plant kingdom, venation is generally classified into two main types: reticulate venation, where veins form a net-like pattern typically found in dicotyledonous plants, and parallel venation, where veins run parallel to one another from the base to the tip, characteristic of monocotyledonous plants.
54General Awareness
Which of the following acids is used in the purification of gold and silver?
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Answer: (B) Nitric acid
Explanation
Nitric acid (HNO₃) is a powerful oxidizing agent used extensively in the refining and purification of precious metals like gold and silver. In the metallurgical process known as parting, an alloy containing gold and silver is treated with concentrated nitric acid. The acid reacts with silver to form soluble silver nitrate (AgNO₃), while the gold remains chemically inert and settles as a solid residue. This chemical property allows for the efficient separation of gold from silver and other base metal impurities, as gold only dissolves in aqua regia (a mixture of nitric acid and hydrochloric acid) rather than nitric acid alone.
55General Awareness
Which of the following states inaugurated its first bird festival 'Kalrav' in January 2021?
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Answer: (D) Bihar
Explanation
Bihar inaugurated its first-ever state bird festival, Kalrav, in January 2021 at the Nagi-Nakti Bird Sanctuaries located in the Jamui district. The three-day festival was officially opened by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to promote bird conservation and sensitize the public about migratory birds. Organized by the state department of environment, forest, and climate change, the event aimed to boost eco-tourism in the region. The Nagi-Nakti dams are critical habitats that host a diverse range of avian species, particularly during the winter season when migratory birds arrive from various parts of the world.
56General Awareness
What was the name of the women's regiment in the Indian National Army founded by Subhash Chandra Bose?
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Answer: (C) Rani of Jhansi Regiment
Explanation
The Rani of Jhansi Regiment was the women's wing of the Indian National Army (INA), established by Subhash Chandra Bose in July 1943 during his leadership of the Azad Hind movement in Singapore. The regiment was named in honor of Rani Lakshmibai, the Queen of Jhansi, who was a prominent leader and martyr of the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Captain Lakshmi Sahgal, a physician by profession, was appointed as the commanding officer of this unit. The regiment primarily consisted of volunteer women from the Indian diaspora in Southeast Asia, particularly from Malaya and Singapore. It was one of the first all-female combat units in modern military history, designed to provide military training to women so they could fight alongside men for India's independence from British colonial rule.
57General Awareness
What was the name of the first artificial satellite launched by India in 1975?
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Answer: (D) Aryabhatta
Explanation
Aryabhatta was the first artificial satellite designed and built in India by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It was launched on April 19, 1975, from the Kapustin Yar launch site in the Soviet Union using a Soviet-made Kosmos-3M rocket. The satellite was named after the famous 5th-century Indian astronomer and mathematician Aryabhata. Its primary objectives were to conduct experiments in X-ray astronomy, aeronomics, and solar physics, while also providing India with experience in building and operating a satellite system in space. It successfully operated for several days before a power failure halted its scientific data transmission.
58General Awareness
In which of the following states is the Kolleru Lake located?
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Answer: (D) Andhra Pradesh
Explanation
Kolleru Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in India, situated in the state of Andhra Pradesh. It is located between the deltas of the Krishna and Godavari rivers, spanning across the Krishna and West Godavari districts. The lake acts as a natural flood-balancing reservoir for these two river systems and is fed by several seasonal streams like the Budameru and Tammileru. In 2002, it was designated as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. Additionally, the area is a protected wildlife sanctuary, serving as a vital habitat for numerous migratory bird species, including the Grey Pelican and the Painted Stork.
59General Awareness
Who was appointed as the middle and long distance coach of the Indian athletics team in January 2021?
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Answer: (C) Nikolai Snesarev
Explanation
Nikolai Snesarev was a veteran Belarusian coach who was appointed by the Sports Authority of India in late January 2021 to oversee the training of the Indian middle and long-distance runners. His primary mandate was to prepare elite athletes, including those competing in the 3000m steeplechase and marathon events, for the Tokyo Olympics. Snesarev had previously served multiple stints with the Indian team, where he was instrumental in the success of top runners such as Lalita Babar, Sudha Singh, and Preeja Sreedharan at the international level.
60General Awareness
In which of the following Indian states will you find the 'Kunchikal Falls'?
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Answer: (D) Karnataka
Explanation
Kunchikal Falls is located in the Agumbe valley of the Shimoga district in the state of Karnataka. It is formed by the Varahi River and is recognized as the highest tiered waterfall in India, falling from a total height of approximately 455 meters. The falls are situated within the Western Ghats, a region known for its heavy rainfall and dense evergreen forests. Much of the river's water is now diverted to the Mani Dam for hydroelectric power generation, making the waterfall most prominent during the monsoon season when the water levels are at their peak.
61General Awareness
SP Balasubramaniam was a ______ who was conferred with the Padma Vibhushan posthumously in January 2021.
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Answer: (A) singer
Explanation
S. P. Balasubramaniam was a legendary Indian playback singer and musician who holds the Guinness World Record for recording the highest number of songs, spanning over 40,000 tracks in various languages including Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi. In January 2021, the Government of India announced the Padma Vibhushan, the nation's second-highest civilian honor, for him posthumously in the field of Art. His prolific career in the Indian film industry earned him six National Film Awards for Best Male Playback Singer across four different languages, alongside numerous other state and national honors for his contribution to music.
62General Awareness
Who among the following Indian actors was honoured with the 'Best Actor' award at the Indo-German Film week held in Europe in 2020?
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Answer: (B) Adil Hussain
Explanation
Adil Hussain was conferred with the Best Actor award at the 2020 Indo-German Film Week held in Berlin, Germany. He received this international recognition for his powerful performances in two Indian films: Pareeksha, directed by Prakash Jha, and Nirvana Inn, directed by Vijay Jayapal. In Pareeksha, he portrayed a rickshaw puller in Bihar who struggles against social and economic barriers to provide a quality education for his son. In the psychological thriller Nirvana Inn, he played the lead role of a man haunted by his past. The award highlighted his exceptional range as an actor and his significant contribution to independent and meaningful Indian cinema on a global stage.
63General Awareness
When we cut an onion, the vegetable emits an odour and our eyes tear up. Which of the following compounds is responsible for the tears and odour resulting from freshly cut onions?
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Answer: (B) Sulphuric acid
Explanation
When an onion is cut, its cells are ruptured, releasing enzymes known as alliinases that react with sulfur-containing compounds to produce sulfenic acids. A specific enzyme called lachrymatory factor synthase then converts these acids into a volatile gas known as syn-propanethial-S-oxide (C₃H₆OS). When this gas reaches the eyes, it reacts with the moisture on the ocular surface to form a mild solution of sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄). This acid irritates the nerve endings in the cornea, which triggers the lachrymal glands to produce tears as a reflex to dilute and wash away the irritant.
64General Awareness
Makaravilakku is an annual festival held on Makar Sakranti in which of the following states?
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Answer: (D) Kerala
Explanation
Makaravilakku is a major annual festival held at the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple in Kerala. The festival takes place on the day of Makar Sankranti, marking the climax of the two-month-long pilgrimage season. A significant ritual of the festival is the Thiruvabharanam procession, where the sacred ornaments of Lord Ayyappa are carried from the Pandalam Palace to the temple. The event culminates with the sighting of a symbolic light, known as the Makaravilakku, which appears on the remote hill of Ponnambalamedu. This tradition attracts millions of devotees from across the country to the Western Ghats region of the state to offer prayers and conclude their penance.
65General Awareness
According to Malthusian theory which of the following grows in geometric progression?
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Answer: (B) Population
Explanation
Thomas Robert Malthus, in his 1798 work An Essay on the Principle of Population, proposed that human populations have a natural tendency to increase in a geometric progression. This implies that if left unchecked, the population doubles at regular intervals, following a sequence such as 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, and so on. Malthus argued that this rapid growth occurs because of the inherent biological drive for reproduction, which leads to a much faster rate of increase compared to the growth of resources.
66General Awareness
Who among the following was the first Finance Minister of the independent India?
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Answer: (A) RK Shanmukham Chetty
Explanation
R.K. Shanmukham Chetty served as the first Finance Minister of independent India in Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's first cabinet from 1947 to 1949. He presented the first budget of independent India on November 26, 1947. An accomplished economist and lawyer, he had previously held significant positions such as the President of the Central Legislative Assembly and the Diwan of the Cochin State. His expertise was pivotal in navigating the economic challenges faced by the country immediately following independence and the partition.
67General Awareness
On which of the following days is National Disaster Response Force Raising Day celebrated annually?
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Answer: (B) 19 January
Explanation
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) celebrates its Raising Day on 19 January every year to mark its official formation in 2006. Established under the Disaster Management Act of 2005, the NDRF is a specialized multi-disciplinary force dedicated to disaster response and management in India. It operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs and is trained to handle various emergencies, including floods, earthquakes, and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) disasters. Since its inception on 19 January 2006, the force has evolved into a premier disaster response agency, and this day serves to recognize the courage and professional contribution of its personnel in saving lives during crises.
68General Awareness
Which of the following Articles of the Constitution of India defines for a separate secretarial staff for each House of the Parliament?
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Answer: (B) Article 98
Explanation
Article 98 of the Constitution of India provides for the Secretariat of Parliament. It mandates that each House of Parliament shall have a separate secretarial staff, although it allows for the creation of posts common to both Houses. This provision ensures the administrative independence of the legislature from the executive. Under this Article, Parliament has the power to regulate the recruitment and conditions of service of persons appointed to the secretarial staff of either House. Until Parliament makes such laws, the President may, after consultation with the Speaker of the Lok Sabha or the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, make rules for these purposes.
69General Awareness
Which of the following states launched the scheme 'Sujal - Drink from Tap Mission' that aims to provide quality drinking water directly from tap to all households in urban areas?
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Answer: (A) Odisha
Explanation
The Sujal - Drink from Tap Mission was launched by the Government of Odisha in October 2020 to provide 24x7 quality piped drinking water directly to all households in urban areas. This initiative ensures that the water supplied through taps meets the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) IS 10500 quality specifications, making it safe for drinking without the need for additional filtration or boiling. In July 2021, Puri became the first city in India to achieve the milestone of providing drink-from-tap quality water to its entire population under this mission. The project aims to cover all 114 urban local bodies in the state, utilizing state-of-the-art technology and real-time water quality monitoring to ensure sustainable and safe water access.
70General Awareness
Who has been re-appointed as the MD and CEO of the RBL Bank in January 2021 for three years?
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Answer: (D) Vishwavir Ahuja
Explanation
In January 2021, the Reserve Bank of India approved the re-appointment of Vishwavir Ahuja as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of RBL Bank. The appointment was set for a three-year term effective from June 30, 2021, to June 29, 2024. Vishwavir Ahuja has led the bank since 2010 and is widely credited with transforming the institution from a small, traditional regional bank into a modern, technology-driven private sector bank with a nationwide presence and a diversified portfolio across retail and corporate banking sectors.
71General Awareness
Who among the following established the Rashtrakuta Kingdom?
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Answer: (A) Dantidurga
Explanation
Dantidurga, also known as Dantivarman, was the founder of the Rashtrakuta dynasty in the mid-8th century. He was initially a feudatory of the Badami Chalukyas but asserted his independence by defeating the last Chalukya king, Kirtivarman II, in 753 CE. To solidify his status as a sovereign monarch, he performed the Hiranya-garbha ritual at Ujjain, symbolizing his transition into a kshatriya ruler. He established his capital at Manyakheta and laid the foundation for an empire that would dominate large parts of the Indian subcontinent for over two centuries.
72General Awareness
In which of the following countries was the headquarters of International Olympic Committee located as of February 2021?
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Answer: (D) Switzerland
Explanation
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has been headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, since April 10, 1915. The move from Paris to Lausanne was initiated by Pierre de Coubertin to safeguard the organization's neutrality during World War I. Lausanne was formally recognized as the Olympic Capital in 1994, celebrating the IOC's 100th anniversary. In June 2019, the organization further solidified its presence in the country by inaugurating its new permanent headquarters, Olympic House, which is located in the Vidy district of Lausanne. This facility serves as the central hub for the administration of the Olympic Games and the coordination of the National Olympic Committees and international sports federations worldwide.
73General Awareness
In which of the following states was India's first gender park inaugurated in February 2021?
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Answer: (A) Kerala
Explanation
India's first Gender Park was inaugurated in Kozhikode, Kerala, in February 2021. The park is an initiative of the Government of Kerala's Department of Women and Child Development and serves as a global hub for gender-related activities. It is designed to promote gender equality and empowerment through entrepreneurship, research, and skill development. The campus houses the International Institute for Gender and Development, a gender library, and a museum, providing a platform for policy-making and social interventions to support women and sexual minorities.
74General Awareness
The scientific study of birds is called
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Answer: (A) ornithology
Explanation
Ornithology is the branch of zoology that encompasses the scientific study of birds, including their physiology, classification, ecology, and behavior. The term is derived from the Ancient Greek words ornis, meaning bird, and logos, meaning knowledge or study. Scientists in this field investigate various aspects of avian life such as migration patterns, nesting habits, and vocalizations to better understand their evolutionary biology and role in global ecosystems.
75General Awareness
Which Indian state won the 'UN Interagency Task Force' ('UNIATF') award this year for prevention and control of non-communicable diseases in the year 2020?
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Answer: (D) Kerala
Explanation
Kerala was conferred with the United Nations Interagency Task Force award in 2020 for its outstanding performance in the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This recognition highlighted the state's success in implementing a multi-sectoral approach to tackle lifestyle diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and cancer. A key factor in this achievement was the Amrutham Arogyam program, which facilitated large-scale screening and treatment at the primary health care level. The award also acknowledged the state's resilience in maintaining NCD services and providing door-to-door delivery of medicines even during the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Kerala became the first state in India to receive this global honor, reflecting its robust public health infrastructure and commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals related to health.
76General Awareness
Which of the following minerals produces green colour in fireworks?
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Answer: (B) Barium
Explanation
Barium salts are the chemical compounds responsible for creating green colors in pyrotechnic displays. When barium compounds such as barium chloride, barium nitrate, or barium chlorate are heated to high temperatures within a firework, the barium ions absorb thermal energy, causing their electrons to jump to higher energy levels. As these excited electrons return to their stable ground state, they emit the excess energy as light. The specific energy gap for barium corresponds to a wavelength of approximately 505 to 535 nanometers, which resides in the green portion of the visible light spectrum.
77General Awareness
Padavali Kirtan refers to songs composed in the medieval period of West Bengal (15th to 17th century) in praise of _____.
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Answer: (C) Vishnu
Explanation
Padavali Kirtan is a classical form of devotional music that originated in Bengal during the medieval period, specifically flourishing between the 15th and 17th centuries. These songs are based on the Padavali literature, which consists of lyrical poems composed by celebrated Vaishnava poets such as Vidyapati and Chandidas. The tradition was deeply influenced by the Bhakti movement and the teachings of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, focusing primarily on the divine love and spiritual pastimes of Radha and Krishna. As Krishna is a principal avatar of Vishnu, these kirtans are dedicated to the worship and glorification of Vishnu within the Vaishnavite tradition of Bengal.
78General Awareness
Who among the following broke the national under-20 record in the 10,000 m race walk in January 2021?
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Answer: (A) Amit Khatri
Explanation
Amit Khatri set a new national under-20 record in the 10,000 m race walk during the 18th National Federation Cup Junior Athletics Championships held in Bhopal in January 2021. He clocked a time of 40:40.97 to secure the gold medal, significantly improving upon the previous national record of 42:00.00. This achievement highlighted his dominance in the junior circuit and served as a precursor to his international success at the World Athletics U20 Championships.
79General Awareness
The problem of choice between relatively scarce commodities due to limited productive resources with the society can be illustrated with the help of a _____.
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Answer: (D) production possibility curve
Explanation
The production possibility curve (PPC) represents the maximum combination of two goods that an economy can produce given its available resources and technology. It serves as a graphical tool to illustrate the fundamental economic problem of scarcity, as the fixed quantity of productive resources limits the total output. Because resources are finite, increasing the production of one commodity necessitates a reduction in the production of another. This trade-off demonstrates the necessity of choice and the concept of opportunity cost. Any point on the curve reflects an efficient allocation of scarce resources, while the curve itself defines the boundary of what is attainable, forcing society to choose a specific point based on its needs and priorities.
80General Awareness
In October 2020, ____ Indian beaches were awarded the 'Bluf Flag' certification by an international jury comprising of eminent members such as UNEP, UNWTO, FEE and IUCN.
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Answer: (C) 8
Explanation
In October 2020, India achieved a global milestone by receiving the Blue Flag certification for eight beaches in a single attempt. This eco-label is awarded by the Denmark-based Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) to beaches that meet 33 stringent criteria regarding environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility standards. The international jury responsible for the selection included representatives from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The eight beaches included Shivrajpur in Gujarat, Ghoghla in Diu, Kasarkod and Padubidri in Karnataka, Kappad in Kerala, Rushikonda in Andhra Pradesh, Golden Beach in Odisha, and Radhanagar in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. India was also awarded the third prize under the International Best Practices for control of pollution in coastal regions during the same period.
81General Awareness
Who was the brand ambassador of World Wildlife Fund India's Environment Education Programme as of January 2021?
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Answer: (B) Viswanathan Anand
Explanation
Viswanathan Anand, the five-time World Chess Champion, was appointed as the brand ambassador for World Wildlife Fund India's Environment Education Programme in April 2020. This partnership was established to help WWF India reach out to children and youth across the country to create a generation of environmentally conscious citizens. The Environment Education Programme has been a core part of WWF India's mission for over five decades, aiming to build capacity and inspire action for nature conservation through formal and informal education systems. As of January 2021, Anand continued to represent this initiative, using his influence to advocate for the protection of biodiversity and the promotion of sustainable living practices among students and educators.
82General Awareness
Which Indian state had the highest number of large dams as of January 2021?
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Answer: (C) Maharashtra
Explanation
Maharashtra possesses the highest number of large dams in India to address the water requirements of its vast semi-arid regions and to support its extensive agricultural and industrial sectors. As per the National Register of Large Dams (NRLD) compiled by the Central Water Commission (CWC), Maharashtra consistently ranks first in the country. By January 2021, the state had more than 2,300 large dams, which includes both completed projects and those under construction. This infrastructure is crucial for irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and providing a stable water supply across the state's diverse topography, particularly in the rain-shadow areas of the Western Ghats.
83General Awareness
In which of the following states does the Governor have special responsibility under Article 371H of the Constitution with respect to law and order and in discharge of his functions in relation thereto?
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Answer: (B) Arunachal Pradesh
Explanation
Article 371H of the Constitution of India, which was inserted by the 55th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1986, grants the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh special responsibility regarding law and order in the state. Under this provision, the Governor is authorized to exercise individual judgment in the discharge of functions related to law and order, provided he consults the Council of Ministers beforehand. This discretionary power is designed to address the specific security and administrative requirements of the state. The special responsibility remains active unless the President of India, based on a report from the Governor or otherwise, directs that it should cease to apply.
84General Awareness
Who among the following is the Chairman of Planning Commission and National Integration Council of India?
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Answer: (D) The Prime Minister
Explanation
The Prime Minister of India serves as the ex-officio Chairman of several key national bodies to ensure coordinated policy formulation and high-level political leadership. The Planning Commission, established in 1950 as an advisory institution, was chaired by the Prime Minister to oversee the five-year plans and resource allocation for national development. Similarly, the National Integration Council was constituted in 1961 to address challenges such as communalism, casteism, and regionalism that affect the unity of the country. The Prime Minister chairs this council, which brings together Union Ministers, Chief Ministers, and leaders of various political and social groups to promote national solidarity and harmony.
85General Awareness
Who among the following was the founder and the first Chairman and Commissioner of the Indian Premier League (IPL)?
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Answer: (C) Lalit Modi
Explanation
Lalit Modi was the visionary and key architect who conceptualized the Indian Premier League. He served as the first Chairman and Commissioner of the league from its inception in 2008 until 2010. Under his leadership, the IPL introduced the franchise-based model to Indian cricket, integrating high-level commercial interests with the Twenty20 format to create a global sporting phenomenon. He managed the initial bidding processes for the eight original franchises and secured significant broadcasting rights that established the league's financial foundation.
86General Awareness
At which of the following places did Lord Buddha give his first sermon on the Four Noble Truths?
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Answer: (B) Sarnath
Explanation
Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon, known as the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta or the Setting in Motion of the Wheel of Dharma, at the Deer Park in Sarnath. Following his enlightenment, he traveled there to share his realizations with his five former companions. In this discourse, he introduced the Four Noble Truths, which serve as the foundation of Buddhist doctrine: the truth of suffering, the cause of suffering, the end of suffering, and the path leading to the end of suffering. This event marked the beginning of the Buddhist Sangha and the formal propagation of his teachings.
87General Awareness
Which of the following is the largest sea bird with the longest wingspan?
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Answer: (C) Wandering Albatross
Explanation
The Wandering Albatross (Diomedea exulans) is recognized for having the largest wingspan of any living bird species, typically ranging from 2.5 to 3.5 meters, with some individuals recorded reaching nearly 3.7 meters. This extraordinary wingspan allows the bird to practice dynamic soaring, an energy-efficient flight technique where it utilizes the wind gradients above ocean waves to glide over vast distances without flapping its wings. Adapted for a pelagic existence, these birds spend most of their lives in flight over the Southern Ocean, covering thousands of kilometers in a single journey. Their large size and specialized wing structure make them the most prominent examples of long-distance oceanic gliders in the avian world.
88General Awareness
Which of the following rivers empties into the Gulf of Cambay of the Arabian Sea, in the state of Gujarat?
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Answer: (D) Tapti
Explanation
The Tapti river, also known as the Tapi, is a major west-flowing river of central India that originates in the Satpura Range near Multai in the Betul district of Madhya Pradesh. It flows westward for approximately 724 km through the states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. The river eventually empties into the Arabian Sea through the Gulf of Khambhat, historically known as the Gulf of Cambay, near the city of Surat in Gujarat. Because it flows through a rift valley between the Satpura and Ajanta hills, the Tapti, along with the Narmada, is one of the few large Indian rivers that flow from east to west and discharge into the Arabian Sea rather than the Bay of Bengal.
89General Awareness
Which of the following movies has been selected as India's official entry for the 'International Feature Film' category at the 93rd Academy Awards?
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Answer: (D) Jalikattu
Explanation
Jallikattu, a Malayalam film directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery, was selected as India's official entry for the International Feature Film category at the 93rd Academy Awards. The Film Federation of India (FFI) chose this film from a pool of twenty-seven entries across various languages. Based on the short story Maoist by S. Hareesh, the film explores the primal instincts of humans through the narrative of a buffalo that escapes a slaughterhouse in a remote village in Kerala, leading to a frenzied and chaotic hunt by the local community.
90General Awareness
C Rajagopalachari led the Salt Satyagraha in which of the following states?
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Answer: (D) Tamil Nadu
Explanation
C. Rajagopalachari, popularly known as Rajaji, organized and led the Salt Satyagraha in the state of Tamil Nadu. Following the launch of the Civil Disobedience Movement by Mahatma Gandhi with the Dandi March in 1930, Rajagopalachari led a group of approximately 100 volunteers on a march from Tiruchirappalli to the coastal town of Vedaranyam in Tanjore district. This event, known as the Vedaranyam March, took place in April 1930. Upon reaching the coast, the satyagrahis defied the British salt laws by picking up salt from the shore. The march was instrumental in mobilizing public support for the freedom struggle in South India and resulted in the arrest of Rajagopalachari and several other prominent leaders of the Madras Presidency.
91General Awareness
In which of the following states is the 'Eco Retreat' festival held every year?
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Answer: (A) Odisha
Explanation
The Eco Retreat is a flagship glamping festival organized annually by the Department of Tourism, Government of Odisha. First launched in 2019, the event is designed to promote sustainable eco-tourism by providing luxury camping experiences in ecologically sensitive areas. The festival takes place across various scenic locations in the state, including the Ramchandi beach in Konark, the mangrove ecosystems of Bhitarkanika, the hill station of Daringbadi, the Satkosia tiger reserve, and the Hirakud reservoir. By offering high-end accommodations and curated cultural experiences, the initiative aims to showcase Odisha's diverse natural beauty and biodiversity to domestic and international tourists.
92General Awareness
Which of the following states was awarded by the Union Government for being the best state in the fisheries sector amongst hilly and north-eastern states for the year 2019-2020?
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Answer: (D) Assam
Explanation
On the occasion of World Fisheries Day on November 21, 2020, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying awarded Assam as the best state among the hilly and North-eastern states for its outstanding performance in the fisheries sector for the year 2019-2020. This recognition was based on the state's success in increasing fish production, promoting aquaculture, and effectively implementing various developmental schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana. Assam has emerged as a leader in the region by adopting innovative practices and enhancing the livelihoods of its fishing community through improved infrastructure and extension services.
93General Awareness
A type of court called 'Kantakasodhana' was prevalent in the ______ Empire.
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Answer: (C) Mauryan
Explanation
The Kantakasodhana, which literally translates to removal of thorns, was the criminal court system established during the Mauryan Empire. As detailed in Kautilya's Arthashastra, the Mauryan judiciary was bifurcated into two distinct branches: Dharmasthiya for civil litigation and Kantakasodhana for criminal matters. These criminal courts were presided over by a panel of three Pradeshtris (magistrates) and were tasked with maintaining public order by suppressing anti-social elements. Their jurisdiction included investigating crimes such as theft, murder, and high treason, as well as regulating the conduct of artisans and merchants to protect citizens from exploitation. They also played a critical role in addressing administrative corruption and ensuring the internal security of the state.
94General Awareness
Who was the first and last woman ruler of Delhi Sultanate?
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Answer: (D) Razia Sultana
Explanation
Razia Sultana was the daughter of Sultan Shams-ud-din Iltutmish, the third ruler of the Mamluk (Slave) Dynasty. Iltutmish nominated her as his successor because he considered her more capable than his surviving sons, a revolutionary move for the time. She ascended the throne of the Delhi Sultanate in 1236 and ruled until 1240. As a ruler, she was known for her administrative ability and military leadership, famously appearing in public and on the battlefield in male attire and without a veil. She was the first woman in Islamic history to be crowned a Sultan and remains the only female monarch to have ever ruled the Delhi Sultanate.
95General Awareness
______ include/s glycogen, poly-β- hydroxybutyrate granules, sulphur granules and gas vesicles.
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Answer: (D) Cytoplasm
Explanation
In prokaryotic cells, the cytoplasm serves as the primary matrix for metabolic activities and the storage of various reserve materials. These materials are often found in the form of inclusion bodies, which are non-living structures suspended within the cytoplasmic fluid. Glycogen granules represent a stored form of carbohydrates, while poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate granules function as a reserve of lipids and energy. Sulphur granules are found in certain bacteria that use hydrogen sulphide as an electron donor. Additionally, gas vesicles are specialized protein cylinders found in the cytoplasm of many aquatic prokaryotes; they provide buoyancy, allowing the cells to position themselves at specific depths in the water column to access light or nutrients. All these structures are characteristic components found within the prokaryotic cytoplasmic environment.
96General Awareness
What is the boiling point at standard atmospheric pressure at sea-level and 45° latitude of water on the Celsius scale?
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Answer: (D) 100°C
Explanation
The boiling point of a liquid is the temperature at which its vapor pressure equals the external pressure surrounding the liquid. At standard atmospheric pressure, defined as 101.325 kPa or 1 atmosphere at sea level and 45° latitude, pure water undergoes a phase change from liquid to gas at 100°C. This specific temperature served as a fundamental calibration point for the Celsius scale, where the interval between the freezing point of water (0°C) and its boiling point (100°C) at one standard atmosphere was divided into 100 equal degrees.
97General Awareness
Who among the following assassinated Sir William Hutt Curzon Wyllie in London?
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Answer: (C) Madan Lal Dhingra
Explanation
Madan Lal Dhingra was a prominent Indian revolutionary and a member of the India House in London. On July 1, 1909, he assassinated Sir William Hutt Curzon Wyllie, an officer of the British Indian Army who was then serving as the political aide-de-camp to the Secretary of State for India. The incident occurred during an evening party organized by the National Indian Association at the Imperial Institute. Dhingra carried out the assassination as a protest against the British colonial administration's policies and the execution of Indian revolutionaries. He was subsequently arrested, tried, and executed by hanging at Pentonville Prison on August 17, 1909.
98General Awareness
Where is the corporate office of RBL Bank located?
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Answer: (B) Mumbai
Explanation
RBL Bank, formerly known as Ratnakar Bank, is an Indian private sector bank founded in 1943. While the bank maintains its registered office in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, its corporate office is located in Mumbai. Situated at One World Center in Lower Parel, the Mumbai corporate office acts as the primary administrative and strategic headquarters, overseeing the bank's business operations, corporate governance, and nationwide expansion efforts. Mumbai's status as the financial capital of India makes it the central location for the bank's executive management and key decision-making processes.
99General Awareness
With which of the following countries did India sign an agreement in February 2021 for the construction of Lalandar (Shatoot) Dam?
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Answer: (D) Afghanistan
Explanation
In February 2021, India and Afghanistan signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the construction of the Lalandar (Shatoot) Dam during a virtual summit between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani. The dam was planned on the Maidan river, a tributary of the Kabul River, to provide safe drinking water to approximately 2 million residents of Kabul city and offer irrigation facilities to surrounding areas. This project marked India's second major dam construction in Afghanistan, following the India-Afghanistan Friendship Dam (Salma Dam) inaugurated in June 2016. The agreement underscored India's developmental partnership and commitment to the socio-economic infrastructure of Afghanistan.
100General Awareness
In which of the following years was the Mughal empire established by Babur?
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Answer: (A) 1526
Explanation
Babur founded the Mughal Empire in 1526 following his victory at the First Battle of Panipat. In this historic encounter, he defeated Ibrahim Lodi, the last Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate. Babur utilized advanced military tactics, including the effective use of field artillery and gunpowder, which provided a significant advantage over the numerically superior Lodi forces. This victory marked the end of the Lodi Dynasty and established Mughal rule in Northern India, with Babur subsequently occupying Delhi and Agra to solidify his control over the region.