Which of the following statements is correct with respect to chordates?
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Answer: (A) Notochord is present
Explanation
The presence of a notochord is the primary diagnostic feature of all animals belonging to the Phylum Chordata. It is a longitudinal, flexible, rod-like structure derived from the mesoderm, situated between the nerve cord and the digestive tract. The notochord provides essential skeletal support and serves as the main longitudinal axis of the body, allowing for muscle attachment and coordinated movement. While it persists throughout the life of primitive chordates, in higher chordates such as vertebrates, it is usually present during the embryonic stage and is subsequently replaced by the cartilaginous or bony vertebral column.
652General Awareness
The process of wastewater treatment is commonly called ________ treatment.
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Answer: (A) sewage
Explanation
Wastewater refers to the used water generated from domestic, industrial, and commercial activities, which contains various dissolved and suspended impurities. In technical and environmental contexts, this complex mixture of liquid waste is termed sewage. Consequently, the systematic physical, chemical, and biological process of removing contaminants from this water to ensure it can be safely returned to the environment or reused is formally and commonly referred to as sewage treatment. This typically occurs in dedicated facilities known as sewage treatment plants.
653General Awareness
In February 2021, the Finance Minister of India announced the setting up of a Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) for taxpayers with taxable income up to ________ and disputed income up to ________.
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Answer: (B) 50 lakh, 10 lakh
Explanation
In the Union Budget 2021-22, the Finance Minister introduced a new dispute resolution mechanism by proposing the creation of a Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) under Section 245MA of the Income Tax Act. This committee was established to provide an early, efficient, and faceless dispute resolution process for small and medium taxpayers, thereby reducing litigation. The eligibility criteria for approaching the DRC specify that the taxpayer must have a total taxable income of up to ₹50 lakh and the disputed income, which represents the variation proposed in the assessment order, must be up to ₹10 lakh. This move aims to prevent these taxpayers from entering into long-drawn-out legal battles and provide them with a streamlined settlement path.
654General Awareness
The chemical symbol of arsenic is:
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Answer: (A) As
Explanation
The chemical symbol for arsenic is As, derived from its name. Ar is the symbol for argon and Ac is the symbol for actinium.
655General Awareness
Justice ______ was appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India with effect from 24th April 2021.
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Answer: (D) Nuthalapati Venkata Ramana
Explanation
Justice Nuthalapati Venkata Ramana was sworn in as the 48th Chief Justice of India on April 24, 2021. His appointment was made by the President of India under Article 124 of the Constitution, following the recommendation of the outgoing Chief Justice S.A. Bobde. Justice Ramana had been serving as a judge of the Supreme Court since February 2014. Before his elevation to the apex court, he served as the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court and as the Acting Chief Justice of the Andhra Pradesh High Court. He occupied the highest judicial office in the country for a tenure of approximately 16 months until his retirement in August 2022.
656General Awareness
As per the Hindu Succession Act 1956, who amongst the following has the first right over the property of a Hindu woman who dies intestate?
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Answer: (D) Her husband
Explanation
Section 15(1) of the Hindu Succession Act, 1956, defines the rules of succession for a female Hindu who dies intestate. The statute prescribes a specific order of priority among heirs. According to Section 15(1)(a), the property devolves firstly upon the sons and daughters, including the children of any predeceased son or daughter, and the husband. As the husband is explicitly listed in this first category of heirs, he holds the primary right to the property, shared only with the children of the deceased woman. This initial group of heirs must be exhausted before the property can pass to any other relatives mentioned in the subsequent entries of the Act.
657General Awareness
Gross primary deficit is the difference between
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Answer: (D) gross fiscal deficit and net interest liabilities
Explanation
Gross primary deficit is defined as the gross fiscal deficit minus net interest liabilities. The gross fiscal deficit represents the total borrowing requirements of the government to bridge the gap between its total expenditure and its non-debt creating receipts. By subtracting net interest liabilities—which consist of interest payments on past accumulated debt minus interest receipts on loans made by the government—the primary deficit identifies the amount of borrowing needed to meet current expenditures excluding interest obligations. This metric is used to assess the government's current fiscal health and the impact of current policy decisions by removing the burden of historical debt service. The relationship is expressed by the formula Gross Primary Deficit = Gross Fiscal Deficit - Net Interest Liabilities.
658General Awareness
With reference to the Constituent Assembly, which of the following statements is correct?
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Answer: (B) The Constituent Assembly adopted the National Anthem in January 1950.
Explanation
The Constituent Assembly of India officially adopted Jana Gana Mana as the National Anthem on January 24, 1950. This adoption took place during the final session of the Assembly, just two days before India became a Republic. The song was originally composed in Bengali by Rabindranath Tagore and was first sung at the Calcutta Session of the Indian National Congress on December 27, 1911. The Assembly recognized its role in representing the national identity and spirit of the country as it transitioned to a sovereign democratic republic.
659General Awareness
Which of the following folk dances does NOT belong to the state of Madhya Pradesh?
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Answer: (A) Laho
Explanation
Laho is a traditional folk dance originating from the state of Meghalaya, specifically associated with the Pnar people of the Jaintia Hills. It is performed during the Behdienkhlam festival as a celebration of community spirit and togetherness. In this dance, both men and women participate by linking arms and performing synchronized rhythmic steps to the sound of drums and pipes. Since its cultural roots and geographical origin are strictly tied to the tribal traditions of North-East India, it is not a part of the folk dance heritage of Madhya Pradesh.
660General Awareness
Which of the following venues was decided to host the 2022 Asian Games?
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Answer: (A) Hangzhou, China
Explanation
The 19th edition of the Asian Games was scheduled to be held in Hangzhou, China, in September 2022. The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) officially awarded the hosting rights to Hangzhou during its 34th General Assembly held in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, on September 16, 2015. Hangzhou was the sole bidder for the event, becoming the third city in China to host the Asian Games after Beijing in 1990 and Guangzhou in 2010. The preparations for the games involved the construction and renovation of over fifty competition venues across the city and surrounding areas to host forty different sports.
661General Awareness
The Revolutionary Socialist Party was established in
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Answer: (C) 1940
Explanation
The Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) was formally established on March 19, 1940, during the Ramgarh session of the Indian National Congress. The party was founded by members of the Anushilan Samiti, a prominent revolutionary organization in Bengal, under the leadership of Tridib Chaudhuri. The formation of the RSP was the culmination of an ideological transition where the Anushilan group decided to break away from the Congress Socialist Party (CSP) following disagreements over the support for Subhas Chandra Bose and the approach toward the British war effort during World War II. The party adopted a Marxist-Leninist program aimed at overthrowing British colonial rule and establishing a socialist state in India through revolutionary means.
662General Awareness
Which of the following element is more reactive than copper?
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Answer: (B) Zinc
Explanation
The reactivity of metals is determined by their position in the reactivity series, which ranks elements based on their ability to lose electrons and undergo oxidation. Zinc is positioned significantly higher than copper in this series, indicating that it is a more electropositive and chemically active metal. In aqueous solutions, zinc can displace copper from its salts because it has a greater tendency to form positive ions by losing electrons. Metals like gold, silver, and platinum are located below copper in the reactivity series and are categorized as noble metals due to their high resistance to oxidation and corrosion.
663General Awareness
The New Delhi International Arbitration Centre (Amendment) Bill, 2022 was introduced in Lok Sabha on ______.
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Answer: (D) August 5, 2022
Explanation
The New Delhi International Arbitration Centre (Amendment) Bill, 2022 was introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 5, 2022, by the Union Minister of Law and Justice, Kiren Rijiju. The primary objective of the legislation was to rename the institution as the India International Arbitration Centre. This amendment aimed to transition the center from a city-centric identity to a national-level branding, projecting it as a premier destination for both domestic and international arbitration. By renaming the center, the government sought to emphasize its importance as an institution of national significance and to enhance its global visibility and credibility in the field of alternative dispute resolution.
664General Awareness
Who has been named as the next chairperson of the Securities and Exchange Board of India in March 2022?
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Answer: (B) Madhabi Puri Buch
Explanation
Madhabi Puri Buch was appointed as the Chairperson of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in March 2022, succeeding Ajay Tyagi. Her appointment was significant as she became the first woman to lead the capital markets regulator and the first person from the private sector to hold the top post. Prior to this role, she served as a whole-time member of SEBI from 2017 to 2021 and held various leadership positions in the financial services industry, most notably at ICICI Bank and its subsidiaries. She was chosen for a three-year term following the recommendation of the Financial Sector Regulatory Appointments Search Committee.
665General Awareness
______ is the first woman hockey player to receive the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award.
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Answer: (A) Rani Rampal
Explanation
Rani Rampal, the captain of the Indian women's hockey team, became the first woman hockey player in history to be honored with the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award. She received this highest sporting recognition of India in 2020 for her outstanding performance and leadership. Under her captaincy, the Indian team achieved significant milestones, including winning the silver medal at the 2018 Asian Games and finishing fourth at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Before her achievement, only male hockey players had been conferred with this prestigious award. The award was renamed the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2021, but Rani Rampal remains the pioneering female athlete in the sport of hockey to have earned this distinction.
666General Awareness
In which of the following Indian states will you find the Buxa Fort?
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Answer: (C) West Bengal
Explanation
Buxa Fort is located in the Alipurduar district of West Bengal, situated at an altitude of approximately 867 meters in the Buxa Hills. The fort has significant historical importance as it was a point of contention between the King of Bhutan and the Cooch Behar kings before being captured by the British in 1865 following the Treaty of Sinchula. During the Indian independence movement, the British utilized the fort as a high-security prison and detention camp to confine numerous freedom fighters and revolutionaries due to its remote and inaccessible location within the dense forests of the Dooars region. Today, it is part of the Buxa Tiger Reserve and serves as a popular trekking destination near the India-Bhutan border.
667General Awareness
______ refers to a sanitation system in which toilets collect human excreta in sealable, removable cartridges that are transported to treatment facilities.
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Answer: (B) Container-Based sanitation
Explanation
Container-Based sanitation (CBS) consists of an end-to-end service where human excreta is collected in sealable, removable cartridges. These cartridges are housed in specialized toilets and, once filled, are regularly collected and transported by service providers to treatment facilities for safe disposal or resource recovery. This system is designed as a managed service for dense urban areas and informal settlements where traditional sewer systems or onsite pit latrines are difficult to implement due to space constraints, high water tables, or challenging terrain.
668General Awareness
Who among the following is the author of the book 'Social Harmony'?
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Answer: (C) Narendra Modi
Explanation
Narendra Modi is the author of the book Social Harmony, which is a compilation of his essays and speeches focusing on social justice and the upliftment of the marginalized sections of society. Originally published in Gujarati as Samajik Samrasta, the book reflects his thoughts on the importance of social cohesion and the removal of inequalities. It highlights the contributions of various social reformers, particularly Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, and outlines a vision for an inclusive India where every citizen, regardless of caste or creed, can lead a life of dignity. The text emphasizes that national progress is intrinsically linked to the unity and emotional integration of its diverse population.
669General Awareness
Mangubhai Chhaganbhai Patel was appointed as the Governor of ______ in July 2021.
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Answer: (A) Madhya Pradesh
Explanation
Mangubhai Chhaganbhai Patel was appointed as the Governor of Madhya Pradesh by President Ram Nath Kovind on July 6, 2021. He officially took the oath of office on July 8, 2021, succeeding Anandiben Patel who held the additional charge of the state.
670General Awareness
The number of deaths during the first 28 completed days of life per 1000 live births in a given year or period is defined as
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Answer: (A) neonatal mortality rate
Explanation
The neonatal mortality rate refers to the number of deaths of infants during the first 28 completed days of life per 1,000 live births in a specific year or period. This 28-day window is defined as the neonatal period, and deaths occurring during this time are often linked to factors such as birth complications, prematurity, and neonatal infections. The calculation is represented as:
Neonatal Mortality Rate = (Number of deaths during the first 28 days of life)/(Total number of live births) × 1000
This indicator is a vital health metric used to assess the quality of obstetric and neonatal care. It specifically isolates the risks faced by newborns in their first month, which are distinct from the risks faced by older infants.
671General Awareness
As per the Union Budget 2021-22, the government plans to continue on the path of fiscal consolidation, achieving a fiscal deficit level below 4.5% of GDP by
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Answer: (D) 2025- 26
Explanation
In the Union Budget 2021-22, the Finance Minister announced a revised fiscal consolidation glide path to account for the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The government set a target to reduce the fiscal deficit steadily to reach a level below 4.5% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by the financial year 2025-26. This approach aimed to balance the need for increased public spending to support economic recovery with the long-term goal of maintaining fiscal stability and sustainability.
672General Awareness
Odisha has set as the target year for providing 100% functional household tap water connections in every rural household.
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Answer: (A) 2023- 24
Explanation
The Government of Odisha has established the financial year 2023-24 as the target for achieving 100% functional household tap water connections in every rural household. This goal is pursued under the Jal Jeevan Mission, which is a centrally sponsored scheme aimed at providing safe and adequate drinking water through individual household tap connections. Odisha has integrated its state-level Basudha scheme with the central mission to expedite the provision of 55 litres of safe drinking water per capita per day. The state strategy involves completing the infrastructure for approximately 85.67 lakh rural households by March 2024, emphasizing the regular monitoring of water quality and the active involvement of local communities to ensure the long-term sustainability of the water supply systems.
673General Awareness
Justice NV Ramana, appointed as the 48th Chief Justice of India, hails from which of the following states?
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Answer: (D) Andhra Pradesh
Explanation
Justice Nuthalapati Venkata Ramana was born on August 27, 1957, in Ponnavaram village, located in the Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh. He began his career as an advocate in 1983, practicing primarily in the High Court of Andhra Pradesh, where he also served as an Additional Advocate General. Before his elevation to the Supreme Court of India and his subsequent appointment as the 48th Chief Justice of India in April 2021, he served as a judge and Acting Chief Justice of the Andhra Pradesh High Court. His legal and judicial roots are firmly established in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
674General Awareness
Why is water fluoridation, which is the controlled adjustment of fluoride to public water supply, done?
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Answer: (A) To prevent tooth decay
Explanation
Water fluoridation is the controlled adjustment of fluoride concentration in a public water supply to improve oral health. Fluoride helps prevent dental caries by promoting the remineralization of tooth enamel. When fluoride ions are present in the mouth, they can replace the hydroxyl groups in the hydroxyapatite (Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂) crystals that make up tooth enamel, forming fluorapatite (Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆F₂). Fluorapatite is significantly harder and more resistant to the organic acids produced by plaque-forming bacteria during the metabolism of dietary sugars. By making the enamel more acid-resistant and interfering with the energy metabolism of bacteria, fluoridation effectively reduces the incidence and severity of tooth decay across the population.
675General Awareness
As per the Economic Survey 2020-21, net FPI (Foreign Portfolio Investment) recorded an all-time monthly high of US9.8 billion in ______.
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Answer: (D) November 2020
Explanation
According to the Economic Survey 2020-21, net Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) inflows reached an unprecedented monthly peak of US$ 9.8 billion in November 2020. This record-breaking inflow was attributed to a strong recovery in global investor sentiment and significant liquidity in international financial markets. The surge reflected increased confidence in the Indian economy's recovery prospects during the latter half of the year, bolstered by positive news regarding COVID-19 vaccines and favorable global monetary conditions that encouraged portfolio investors to allocate substantial capital to emerging markets like India.
676General Awareness
Which of the following cities will be known as 'the sports city of India' from February 2021?
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Answer: (C) Ahmedabad
Explanation
In February 2021, during the inauguration of the Narendra Modi Stadium (the world's largest cricket stadium) at Motera, the foundation stone for the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave was laid by the President of India. During this event, it was announced that the infrastructure development within this enclave would transform Ahmedabad into the sports city of India. The massive complex is designed to house world-class facilities for various sports disciplines and is intended to enable the city to host major international multi-sport events, such as the Olympic Games, in the future.
677General Awareness
Which bank is referred to as 'The lender of last resort'?
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Answer: (A) Central Bank
Explanation
The Central Bank serves as the lender of last resort within a country's financial system. This function ensures that if a commercial bank or financial institution faces a sudden liquidity crisis and cannot borrow funds from other banks or the market, the Central Bank provides the necessary credit. By acting as the ultimate guarantor of liquidity, the Central Bank maintains public confidence in the banking sector and prevents widespread bank runs or a systemic financial collapse. This role is crucial for maintaining monetary stability and the overall health of the national economy.
678General Awareness
How many female members were part of the Constituent Assembly that framed the Constitution of India?
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Answer: (D) 15
Explanation
The Constituent Assembly of India, formed in 1946 to draft the Constitution of independent India, included 15 women members. These women hailed from diverse backgrounds and regions, actively participating in the deliberations and sub-committees that defined the nation’s constitutional values. The group included prominent figures such as Sarojini Naidu, Rajkumari Amrit Kaur, Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit, Sucheta Kripalani, Dakshayani Velayudhan, and Begum Aizaz Rasul. They advocated for various critical issues, including universal adult franchise, social justice, and secularism, ensuring that the Constitution reflected a commitment to equality and inclusion for all citizens. Their collective contribution was instrumental throughout the drafting process, and many of these members were among the signatories who formally adopted the Constitution on January 24, 1950.
679General Awareness
The pilgrimage sites of Nasik, Triyambak and Bhadrachalam lie on the banks of which of the following rivers?
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Answer: (B) Godavari
Explanation
The Godavari river, the largest river system in Peninsular India, originates in the Brahmagiri range of the Western Ghats at Trimbakeshwar in the Nashik district of Maharashtra. Triyambak is a major pilgrimage center as it is the site of the Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The river then flows through the city of Nashik, which is famous for hosting the Kumbh Mela on the banks of the Godavari. As the river continues its eastward journey towards the Bay of Bengal, it passes through the temple town of Bhadrachalam in Telangana. Bhadrachalam is a significant religious site known for the Sri Sita Ramachandraswamy Temple, which is situated on the banks of the Godavari and is widely regarded as a key site associated with the Ramayana.
680General Awareness
How much purse money was given to a Sangeet Natak Akademi fellow in 2019?
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Answer: (B) 3 lakh
Explanation
The Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship, also known as the Akademi Ratna, is the highest honor conferred by the Sangeet Natak Akademi to recognize eminent practitioners in the field of music, dance, and drama. Since the revision of award amounts in 2009, an Akademi Fellow is presented with a purse money of 3 lakh. This prestigious award is extremely selective, with the number of living fellows restricted to a maximum of 40 at any given time. In addition to the monetary prize, the honor includes a citation and an angavastram, symbolizing the nation's gratitude for the artist's lifelong contribution to the performing arts of India.
681General Awareness
Which of the following is an example of monosaccharides? A. Fructose B. Sucrose C. Starch D. Glucose
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Answer: (B) Both A and D
Explanation
Monosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrates and consist of single sugar units that cannot be hydrolyzed into smaller carbohydrate molecules. Both Glucose and Fructose are classified as monosaccharides because they represent these fundamental building blocks. They share the same molecular formula, C₆H₁₂O₆, and are known as hexoses due to their six-carbon structures. Glucose is an aldohexose that serves as the primary energy source for cellular metabolism in living organisms. Fructose is a ketohexose, commonly found in fruits, and is a functional isomer of glucose. As these molecules do not contain glycosidic bonds and cannot be further simplified by water, they are definitive examples of monosaccharides.
682General Awareness
The efforts of Siddhendra Yogi have brought glory to the dance form called
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Answer: (C) Kuchipudi
Explanation
Siddhendra Yogi is revered as the father of the modern Kuchipudi dance form. An ascetic and scholar who lived in the 14th century in the village of Kuchelapuram, Andhra Pradesh, he is credited with transforming the existing dance traditions of the region into a structured classical dance-drama. He composed the foundational masterpiece Bhama Kalapam, a dance-drama focused on the character of Satyabhama and her devotion to Lord Krishna. Siddhendra Yogi codified the techniques of the art form and motivated the Brahmin families of his village to dedicate themselves to its performance as a religious duty, ensuring the preservation and propagation of Kuchipudi through generations.
683General Awareness
A tank is an underground chamber made of concrete, fiberglass, or plastic through which domestic wastewater (sewage) flows for basic treatment.
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Answer: (D) septic
Explanation
A septic tank is a key component of a small-scale sewage treatment system, commonly used in areas not connected to a centralized municipal sewer network. It consists of an underground, watertight container typically made of durable materials such as concrete, fiberglass, or plastic. The tank facilitates basic treatment of domestic wastewater through the processes of settling and anaerobic decomposition. When sewage enters the tank, solids sink to the bottom to form a layer of sludge, while lighter materials like grease and oils float to the surface to create a scum layer. The anaerobic bacterial environment inside the tank breaks down the organic matter in the solids, and the remaining liquid effluent is eventually discharged into a drainage field for further filtration and treatment by the soil.
684General Awareness
The idea of having a provision for a Bicameral Parliament in the Constitution of India was borrowed from the Constitution.
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Answer: (C) British
Explanation
The provision for a bicameral legislature in India is a direct inheritance from the British parliamentary system, often referred to as the Westminster model. Bicameralism involves the division of the legislative body into two separate houses. In the Indian context, these are the Rajya Sabha (Upper House) and the Lok Sabha (Lower House). This tradition began in India with the Government of India Act of 1919, which was a British-era legislation that introduced a two-chambered central legislature. The framers of the Indian Constitution chose to retain this feature from the British constitutional practice to allow for a second look at legislation and to ensure that the interests of the constituent states were represented alongside the direct representation of the people.
685General Awareness
Splashing the mud and racing across the fields, the roaring buffaloes raced by a man are typical sights for which of the following festivals of Karnataka?
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Answer: (C) Kambala
Explanation
Kambala is a traditional annual buffalo race held in the coastal districts of Karnataka, primarily in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi. This folk sport involves a pair of buffaloes, typically lashed together and driven by a whip-lashing farmer, racing through parallel tracks filled with slushy mud and water. Historically, the festival was organized by the farming community to thank the gods for a good harvest and to pray for a successful crop in the coming year. The event is characterized by the intense speed of the buffaloes splashing mud as they gallop across the fields, drawing large crowds to witness the strength and endurance of the animals and their handlers.
686General Awareness
Poor sanitation conditions may NOT be the likely reason behind which of the following diseases/conditions?
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Answer: (C) Arthritis
Explanation
Arthritis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation, swelling, and tenderness of one or more joints. Its primary causes are typically related to autoimmune responses, genetic predisposition, metabolic imbalances such as the buildup of uric acid crystals, or the natural wear and tear of joint cartilage over time. Because it is a non-communicable physiological or degenerative disorder, its occurrence is not influenced by environmental sanitation factors, contaminated water supplies, or inadequate waste management systems.
687General Awareness
Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the mountains? I- Mountains may be arranged in a line known as range. II- The Aravali range in India is one of the oldest fold mountain systems in the world. III- Mt. Kilimanjaro in South America is an example of Volcanic Mountain
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Answer: (A) Only I and II
Explanation
Mountain ranges are formed when mountains are arranged in a line, often stretching for thousands of kilometers. The Aravali Range in India is a prominent example of one of the oldest fold mountain systems in the world, dating back to the Proterozoic era. Mount Kilimanjaro is a volcanic mountain located in the African continent, specifically in Tanzania, rather than in South America.
688General Awareness
______ was conferred the honorary rank of General of the Nepali Army in November 2020.
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Answer: (B) General MM Naravane
Explanation
General MM Naravane, while serving as the Chief of the Army Staff of the Indian Army, was conferred the honorary rank of General of the Nepali Army by President Bidya Devi Bhandari on November 5, 2020. The ceremony took place at Shital Niwas, the official residence of the President in Kathmandu, Nepal. This honor is part of a unique and long-standing tradition between the two nations that began in 1950, where the army chiefs of India and Nepal are reciprocally decorated with the highest honorary military rank of the other country. This practice underscores the historical and close military-to-military ties as well as the special friendship between India and Nepal.
689General Awareness
Which two kings fought in the Battle of Hydaspes?
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Answer: (B) Alexander and Porus
Explanation
The Battle of Hydaspes was fought in 326 BCE between the Macedonian king Alexander the Great and King Porus of the Paurava Kingdom. The confrontation took place on the banks of the Hydaspes River, known today as the Jhelum River, in the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent. It was a significant engagement during Alexander's Indian campaign, characterized by the effective use of war elephants by the Indian forces and a difficult river crossing by the Greeks during the monsoon season. Despite a hard-fought battle, Alexander emerged victorious but was so impressed by the courage and dignity shown by Porus that he reinstated him as a local satrap and expanded his territory.
690General Awareness
Which of the following animals have a single opening in their digestive system that serves both as a mouth and an anus?
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Answer: (C) Platyhelminthes
Explanation
Platyhelminthes, commonly known as flatworms, possess an incomplete digestive system characterized by a single gastrovascular cavity with only one opening to the exterior. This single opening serves the dual purpose of ingestion (acting as a mouth) and egestion (acting as an anus). In many flatworms like planarians, this opening is located on the ventral surface and leads to a muscular pharynx that extends to take in food. Because there is no separate exit for waste, undigested material must be expelled back through the same opening after nutrients are absorbed in the highly branched gut.
691General Awareness
Under which of the following rulers did Delhi first became a capital?
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Answer: (D) Tomara Rajputs
Explanation
Delhi first became the capital of a kingdom under the Tomara Rajputs in the middle of the twelfth century. The city, originally known as Dhillika, was founded and established as a strategic political center by the Tomara dynasty. Anangpal Tomar is historically recognized as the ruler who developed the city and made it the seat of power for his kingdom. During the reign of the Tomaras, Delhi emerged as an important commercial hub and administrative headquarters, marking the beginning of its long history as a capital city in the Indian subcontinent.
692General Awareness
Which of the following city of India was a coastal settlement where ships unloaded goods from distant lands between 2200 and 1900 years ago?
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Answer: (D) Arikamedu
Explanation
Arikamedu, situated near present-day Puducherry, was a significant coastal settlement and maritime trade center between 2200 and 1900 years ago. Archaeological excavations led by Sir Mortimer Wheeler revealed that the site functioned as a port where ships from distant lands, particularly the Roman Empire, unloaded various goods. Evidence of this extensive trade includes a massive brick structure identified as a warehouse and the presence of Mediterranean pottery such as amphorae, which were tall, double-handled jars used for wine or oil. Additionally, archaeologists found Arretine ware, a type of stamped red-glazed pottery from Italy, and locally made pottery that incorporated Roman designs, confirming Arikamedu as a vital link in the ancient Indo-Roman trade network.
693General Awareness
Which of the following is soda lime?
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Answer: (D) NaOH + CaO
Explanation
Soda lime is a chemical mixture consisting of sodium hydroxide NaOH and calcium oxide CaO. It is typically prepared by treating slaked lime with a concentrated solution of caustic soda and then heating the resulting mixture until it is dry and granular. The name is a combination of its constituent parts: soda (from caustic soda) and lime (from calcium oxide). Its most significant chemical property is its ability to absorb acidic gases, particularly carbon dioxide CO₂, from the atmosphere or closed environments. This makes it indispensable in rebreathers, anesthesia machines, and gas masks. In the reaction process, the sodium hydroxide acts as the primary reactant to capture CO₂, while the calcium oxide facilitates the regeneration of hydroxide ions and manages the moisture produced, ensuring the mixture remains effective for a longer duration.
694General Awareness
The Centre introduced a new bill called the Criminal Procedure (Identification) Bill 2022. This Bill will repeal the Identification of Prisoners Act which was established in ______.
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Answer: (D) 1920
Explanation
The Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act, 2022, was enacted to replace and repeal the Identification of Prisoners Act, 1920. The 1920 Act was a colonial-era law that authorized police officers to collect specific physical measurements, such as finger impressions and foot-print impressions, from limited categories of convicted and non-convicted persons for criminal investigation purposes. The 2022 legislation was introduced to modernize this legal framework by significantly expanding the scope of data that can be collected, including biological samples, iris and retina scans, and behavioral attributes, while empowering the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) to store and manage these records for seventy-five years.
695General Awareness
Where was the first Jute factory in India established?
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Answer: (C) Rishra, West Bengal
Explanation
The first jute mill in India was established in 1855 at Rishra, situated on the banks of the Hooghly River near Calcutta in West Bengal. This industry was initiated by George Acland, a British entrepreneur, who imported jute spinning machinery from Dundee, Scotland. The mill was known as the Acland Mill. The location was chosen due to its proximity to the jute-producing belts of the Bengal presidency and the availability of water transport for moving raw materials and finished goods. This event marked the transition of the jute industry from a handloom-based cottage industry to a modern power-driven factory system in India.
696General Awareness
In which of the following states was Kudumbashree, women-oriented, community-based, poverty-reduction programme implemented?
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Answer: (B) Kerala
Explanation
Kudumbashree was launched by the Government of Kerala in 1998 as the State Poverty Eradication Mission. It is a comprehensive community-based program designed to eliminate absolute poverty through concerted community action under the leadership of Local Self-Governments. The program is built on a three-tier structure consisting of Neighborhood Groups at the primary level, Area Development Societies at the ward level, and Community Development Societies at the local government level. By organizing women into these self-help groups, Kudumbashree focuses on economic empowerment, social development, and women's rights, making it one of the largest women empowerment projects in India.
697General Awareness
The Nobel Prize in Literature 2020 was awarded to _____.
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Answer: (C) Louise Gluck
Explanation
The Nobel Prize in Literature 2020 was awarded to the American poet Louise Gluck. The Swedish Academy recognized her for her unmistakable poetic voice that, with austere beauty, makes individual existence universal. Her work often draws on classical mythology and personal experiences, exploring themes of trauma, desire, and nature with a distinctive clarity and precision. Prior to receiving the Nobel Prize, Gluck had already established herself as one of America's most prominent contemporary poets, having won numerous prestigious awards including the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award.
698General Awareness
Who among the following was elected as the President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) in January 2021?
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Answer: (D) Jay Shah
Explanation
Jay Shah, the Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), was elected as the President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) on January 30, 2021. He succeeded Nazmul Hassan, the President of the Bangladesh Cricket Board. At age 32, Jay Shah became the youngest person ever to be appointed to this prestigious position. The ACC is the regional administrative body that oversees the development of cricket in Asia and organizes major tournaments like the Asia Cup.
699General Awareness
As a part of Mission Sagar-IV, Indian Naval Ship Jalashwa arrived at Port Anjoun, Comoros on 14 March 2021 to deliver 1,000 metric tonnes of:
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Answer: (A) rice
Explanation
Under the Mission Sagar-IV initiative, Indian Naval Ship (INS) Jalashwa arrived at Port Anjouan, Comoros, on 14 March 2021 to deliver 1,000 metric tonnes of rice. This humanitarian assistance was provided to help the island nation mitigate food security challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. The mission was part of the Government of India's Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) vision, which aims to strengthen maritime cooperation and provide support to India's neighbors in the Indian Ocean Region. This delivery followed previous phases of Mission Sagar, where India provided medical teams, medicines, and essential food items to various countries across the region.
700General Awareness
Which of the following diseases CANNOT be prevented by vaccination?
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Answer: (B) Beri beri
Explanation
Beri beri is a nutritional deficiency disease caused by a chronic lack of thiamine, also known as Vitamin B1, in the diet. Vaccines are biological preparations specifically designed to stimulate the immune system to recognize and fight infectious pathogens such as viruses or bacteria. Because Beri beri is a metabolic disorder resulting from dietary insufficiency rather than an infection by a microorganism, it cannot be addressed through immunization. Prevention and treatment of this condition rely entirely on maintaining a balanced diet or using vitamin supplementation to ensure adequate thiamine levels in the body.