The Mohiniyattam dance form originated from which state?
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Answer: (A) Kerala
Explanation
Mohiniyattam is one of the eight classical dance forms of India that originated and developed in the state of Kerala. The name is derived from the words Mohini, meaning a mythical enchantress or the female avatar of Lord Vishnu, and yattam, meaning dance. It is traditionally performed by women as a solo recital and is characterized by its graceful, swaying movements and fluid patterns that mimic the natural landscape of Kerala, such as the waving of palm leaves. The dance emphasizes the Lasya style, which focuses on elegance, beauty, and feminine grace. Historically, the art form received significant patronage from the Travancore royal family, especially under the reign of King Swathi Thirunal, and was later revived in the modern era through institutions like the Kerala Kalamandalam.
52General Awareness
The body of the is circular in cross-section, hence, the name roundworms. They may be free living, aquatic and terrestrial or parasitic in plants and animals.
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Answer: (D) Aschelminthes
Explanation
Phylum Aschelminthes consists of organisms whose bodies are circular in cross-section, earning them the common name roundworms. These animals demonstrate significant ecological versatility, existing as free-living forms in terrestrial and aquatic habitats or as specialized parasites within various plants and animals. They are characterized by an organ-system level of body organization, a pseudocoelomate body cavity, and a complete digestive tract featuring a distinct muscular pharynx. Examples of this phylum include Ascaris and Ancylostoma.
53General Awareness
Which French chemist was one of the first scientists to synthesise organic compounds such as formic acid, methane and acetylene from their elements?
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Answer: (C) Marcellin Berthelot
Explanation
Marcellin Berthelot was a prolific French chemist whose work in the mid-19th century was instrumental in the development of synthetic organic chemistry. He is renowned for performing total syntheses, which involved creating organic compounds directly from their constituent elements or simple inorganic precursors. This was a critical scientific milestone because it disproved the theory of vitalism, which suggested that organic molecules could only be formed by living organisms through a special vital force. Berthelot successfully synthesized methane (CH₄) from carbon disulfide and hydrogen sulfide, and produced acetylene (C₂H₂) by passing an electric arc between carbon electrodes in an atmosphere of hydrogen. He also synthesized formic acid (CH₂O₂) from carbon monoxide, establishing that organic chemistry follows the same fundamental laws as inorganic chemistry.
54General Awareness
For which year was Manna Dey honored with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award?
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Answer: (C) 2007
Explanation
Manna Dey, the legendary playback singer renowned for his mastery in blending Indian classical music with contemporary pop and film songs, was conferred with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2007. As the 55th recipient of India's highest honor in cinema, he was recognized for his extraordinary lifetime contribution to the Indian film industry. The award was presented to him by the President of India during the 55th National Film Awards ceremony, honoring a career that spanned over six decades and included thousands of recordings across multiple Indian languages.
55General Awareness
Ugadi is celebrated in which of the following states?
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Answer: (B) Andhra Pradesh
Explanation
Ugadi is the traditional New Year Day for the people of the Deccan region of India, primarily celebrated in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka. The name originates from the Sanskrit words yuga, meaning age, and adi, meaning beginning, collectively signifying the start of a new era. It is observed on the first day of the Hindu lunisolar calendar month of Chaitra, which generally falls in late March or early April. A key cultural element of the festival is the preparation of Ugadi Pachadi, a special dish that combines six different flavors representing the six emotions of life, emphasizing that one must accept all experiences with equanimity in the year ahead.
56General Awareness
Who has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of NITI Aayog in June 2022?
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Answer: (D) Parameswaran Iyer
Explanation
Parameswaran Iyer was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of NITI Aayog in June 2022, succeeding Amitabh Kant. A 1981-batch IAS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, he is widely recognized for his leadership of the Swachh Bharat Mission during his tenure as the Secretary of the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved his appointment for a period of two years, bringing his extensive experience in the water and sanitation sector to the premier policy think tank of the Government of India.
57General Awareness
Which special knowledge or practical experience is NOT a condition for being nominated to Rajya Sabha by the President of India?
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Answer: (C) Eloquence
Explanation
Article 80(3) of the Constitution of India specifies the criteria for the nomination of 12 members to the Rajya Sabha by the President. This provision states that the nominated members must possess special knowledge or practical experience in the fields of Literature, Science, Art, and Social Service. Eloquence, while a valuable skill for a legislator, is not explicitly mentioned as a constitutional requirement or a qualifying category for presidential nomination under this Article. The four specified categories are exhaustive in terms of the constitutional mandate for these nominations.
58General Awareness
Achievement of self-reliance and removal of poverty were twin objectives of which five-year plan?
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Answer: (B) Fifth
Explanation
The Fifth Five-Year Plan, spanning from 1974 to 1978, explicitly defined its two main objectives as the removal of poverty (Garibi Hatao) and the attainment of self-reliance. This plan prioritized the promotion of a high growth rate, better distribution of income, and a significant increase in the domestic rate of savings. To specifically address poverty, it introduced the Minimum Needs Programme, which aimed to provide basic social consumption items like primary education, rural water supply, and health services to the underprivileged sections of society. The focus on self-reliance was intended to reduce the economy's dependence on foreign aid and promote industrial and agricultural productivity.
59General Awareness
Who said the following words? "Sarfaroshi ki tamanna ab hamare dil me hai, dekha hai zor kitna baazu-e-qaati me hai"
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Answer: (A) Ramprasad Bismil
Explanation
Ram Prasad Bismil was a prominent Indian revolutionary who played a leading role in the Kakori Conspiracy of 1925 and was a founding member of the Hindustan Republican Association. Although the patriotic poem was originally penned by Bismil Azimabadi of Patna in 1921, it was Ram Prasad Bismil who immortalized these lines as a revolutionary anthem. He frequently recited the poem to inspire his comrades and famously sang it while being led to the gallows in Gorakhpur Jail on December 19, 1927. Because of his profound association with the verses during the Indian independence movement, they are widely attributed to him in historical and popular discourse.
60General Awareness
Which of the following pairs of countries will host the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup?
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Answer: (D) New Zealand and Australia
Explanation
The FIFA Council selected the joint bid of Australia and New Zealand to host the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup during its meeting on June 25, 2020. This selection was significant as it marked the first time the tournament was co-hosted by two nations and the first time it was held in the Southern Hemisphere. The hosting arrangement involved venues across both countries, representing a collaboration between the Asian Football Confederation (Australia) and the Oceania Football Confederation (New Zealand). The 2023 edition was also the first to feature an expanded field of 32 teams, up from 24 in previous tournaments.
61General Awareness
Which force is responsible for the motion of the moon around earth?
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Answer: (D) Centripetal
Explanation
The motion of the moon around the Earth is governed by centripetal force, which is defined as the force acting on an object moving in a circular path that is directed toward the center around which the body is moving. For the moon to maintain its nearly circular orbit, it must experience a continuous acceleration toward the Earth. This centripetal force is provided by the Earth's gravitational pull. Mathematically, the required centripetal force is expressed as F_c = (mv²)/(r), where m is the mass of the moon, v is its orbital velocity, and r is the radius of the orbit. This gravitational attraction constantly changes the moon's direction of motion without necessarily changing its speed, preventing it from moving away in a straight line tangent to the orbit.
62General Awareness
Who took oath as the 49th Chief Justice of India in August 2022?
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Answer: (C) Uday Umesh Lalit
Explanation
Justice Uday Umesh Lalit was sworn in as the 49th Chief Justice of India on August 27, 2022, succeeding Justice N.V. Ramana. The oath of office was administered by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Justice Lalit served a brief tenure of 74 days before his retirement on November 8, 2022. His appointment was historically significant as he was the second Chief Justice of India to be elevated directly from the Bar to the Supreme Court bench, following Justice S.M. Sikri who served as the 13th CJI. During his short term, he focused on procedural reforms, including the listing of matters and the functioning of Constitution Benches.
63General Awareness
Identify the animal that is NOT a non-chordate
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Answer: (A) Reptiles
Explanation
Reptiles belong to the phylum Chordata and are vertebrates, meaning they possess a notochord at some stage of their development. In contrast, Porifera, Arthropods, and Arachnids (a sub-group of arthropods) are all classified as non-chordates.
64General Awareness
Asiad is regulated by
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Answer: (D) Olympic Council of Asia
Explanation
The Asian Games, also known as the Asiad, are regulated by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). The OCA is the governing body of sports in Asia and is one of the five continental associations recognized by the International Olympic Committee. Established in 1982, the OCA is headquartered in Kuwait City and is responsible for the organization and supervision of the Asian Games, which are held every four years. The council ensures that the games are conducted in accordance with the Olympic Charter and the OCA Constitution, overseeing everything from host city selection to the sports program.
65General Awareness
Dhuadhar falls originate from which of the following river?
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Answer: (C) Narmada
Explanation
The Dhuandhar Falls is a spectacular waterfall located at Bhedaghat in the Jabalpur district of Madhya Pradesh. It is formed by the Narmada River as it narrows and plunges over a drop of approximately 30 meters. The name Dhuandhar is derived from the Hindi words Dhuan, meaning smoke, and Dhar, meaning flow, because the intensity of the water falling on the rocks creates a massive mist that resembles a cloud of smoke. This natural wonder is particularly famous for the surrounding marble rocks through which the river carves a deep gorge before the descent.
66General Awareness
In which of the following cases did the Supreme Court of India pronounce the theory of the 'Basic Structure' of the Constitution?
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Answer: (A) Kesavananda Bharati Case, 1973
Explanation
The Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973) judgment is the landmark case where a 13-judge bench of the Supreme Court of India, the largest in its history, propounded the Doctrine of Basic Structure. By a 7-6 majority, the Court held that while Parliament has the power to amend any part of the Constitution under Article 368, including Fundamental Rights, this power is not absolute and cannot be used to alter, damage, or destroy the basic structure or the essential features of the Constitution. This doctrine established that the core identity and the underlying principles of the Indian Constitution are beyond the reach of the amending power of the legislature, ensuring that the constitutional spirit remains preserved against arbitrary political changes.
67General Awareness
The year whose prices are being used to calculate the real GDP is called
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Answer: (C) base year
Explanation
Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is a macroeconomic measure of the value of economic output adjusted for price changes, such as inflation or deflation. To calculate real GDP, the quantities of all goods and services produced in the current period are valued at the prices of a specific reference year, which is designated as the base year. By using prices from the base year rather than current market prices, economists can isolate changes in the actual volume of production from changes in the price level. This allows for an accurate assessment of economic growth and productivity trends over time. The formula used for this calculation involves multiplying the quantity of goods produced in the current year by the prices of those same goods in the base year:
Real GDP = Σ (Quantity_cᵤᵣᵣₑₙₜ × Price_bₐₛₑ)
This methodology ensures that any increase in the GDP figure reflects an increase in output rather than a mere rise in prices, providing a clearer picture of an economy's real growth.
68General Awareness
jmer became the suba headquarters under the
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Answer: (C) Mughals
Explanation
During the reign of the Mughal Emperor Akbar, the administrative structure of the empire was reorganized into provinces known as Subas. In 1580, Akbar divided his expanding territories into twelve original Subas, and Ajmer was established as the headquarters of the Ajmer Suba. This region was of immense strategic and political importance to the Mughals because it functioned as a central administrative hub for managing the various Rajput principalities. The city served as the seat of the Subahdar, the provincial governor, and acted as a military and diplomatic base from which the Mughals exerted their influence over the Rajasthan region.
69General Awareness
The headquarters of the National Institute of Oceanography of India is located at:
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Answer: (D) Goa
Explanation
The National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) is a premier research organization established on 1 January 1966 as one of the constituent laboratories of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Its headquarters is located at Dona Paula, Goa. The institute was founded to conduct multidisciplinary oceanographic research in the Northern Indian Ocean, covering various branches of marine science such as biological, chemical, geological, physical, and archaeological oceanography. It serves as the primary hub for administrative operations and major research facilities, supported by its regional centers situated in Mumbai, Kochi, and Visakhapatnam.
70General Awareness
Unemployment arising due to mismatch between Job availability in the market and skills of available worker is called?
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Answer: (B) Structural
Explanation
Structural unemployment occurs when there is a fundamental mismatch between the skills that workers in the economy can offer and the skills demanded of workers by employers. This type of unemployment is often the result of technological changes, shifts in the economy, or globalization, which can render certain skill sets obsolete while creating demand for new ones that the current labor force does not yet possess. Unlike temporary fluctuations, structural unemployment is long-term and persistent, requiring significant retraining or geographical relocation of the workforce to align human capital with the evolving requirements of the job market.
71General Awareness
Ravikirti was the court poet of which of the following dynasty ruler?
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Answer: (D) Chalukyas
Explanation
Ravikirti was the court poet of the Chalukya king Pulakeshin II, who reigned during the 7th century from the capital at Badami. He is famously credited with composing the Aihole Inscription dated 634 CE, which is a significant historical eulogy written in Sanskrit using the old Kannada script. The inscription provides a detailed account of the Chalukya lineage and the military achievements of Pulakeshin II, including his famous victory over Emperor Harshavardhana of the Pushyabhuti dynasty on the banks of the Narmada River. Ravikirti, who was a Jain by faith, claimed in this inscription to have attained the fame of great poets like Kalidasa and Bharavi through his literary skills.
72General Awareness
India's First AI-powered, end-to-end digital Lok Adalat was launched in
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Answer: (B) Rajasthan
Explanation
India's first AI-powered, end-to-end digital Lok Adalat was launched by the Rajasthan State Legal Services Authority (RSLSA) during the 18th All India Legal Services Authorities Meet held in Jaipur in July 2022. The platform was inaugurated by the then Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), Justice Uday Umesh Lalit. Developed by the technology partner Jupitice Justice Technologies, this digital system was designed to automate the entire lifecycle of dispute resolution, including case filing, automated scheduling, and the generation of digital awards. By leveraging artificial intelligence and blockchain technology, the initiative aimed to make the judicial process more efficient, transparent, and accessible while significantly reducing the pendency of cases in the state.
73General Awareness
Kayged dance, a customary dance festival which is celebrated annually in Sikkim falls in which month?
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Answer: (C) December
Explanation
Kagyed dance is a traditional ritualistic masked dance performed annually by Buddhist monks in Sikkim, primarily at the Enchey Monastery. This festival is celebrated on the 28th and 29th day of the 10th month of the Tibetan Lunar calendar, which typically corresponds to the month of December in the Gregorian calendar. The dance symbolizes the destruction of evil forces and is performed to ensure peace and prosperity for the coming year. It occurs shortly before the Losoong or the Sikkimese New Year celebrations. The performance features monks dressed in elaborate costumes and masks representing various deities and mythological characters, depicting the victory of good over evil through sacred choreography known as Chham.
74General Awareness
Earth's core is mainly made up of
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Answer: (C) nickel and iron
Explanation
Earth's innermost layer, the core, is primarily composed of heavy metals, specifically nickel and iron. This composition is the reason it is frequently referred to as the Nife layer, where Ni stands for nickel and Fe stands for Ferrum, the Latin word for iron. The core is divided into two distinct parts: a liquid outer core and a solid inner core. The presence of these metallic elements under extreme pressure and temperature conditions is responsible for Earth's magnetic field through the dynamo effect created by the movement of the liquid outer core. Scientific evidence from seismic wave data and Earth's overall density confirms that the core is significantly denser than the crust and mantle, which are dominated by lighter silicate minerals.
75General Awareness
The subject of the Study of Macro Economics is based on which principle?
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Answer: (A) The principle of National Income
Explanation
Macroeconomics is the branch of economics that studies the behavior and performance of an economy as a whole. It focuses on aggregate changes in the economy such as unemployment, growth rate, gross domestic product, and inflation. The core subject matter of macroeconomics is the determination of the aggregate level of income and employment, which is why it is often referred to as the Theory of Income and Employment. The principle of National Income serves as the foundational framework for macroeconomics because it allows for the measurement of the total value of goods and services produced within a country, providing the necessary data to analyze economic stability and growth at a systemic level.
76General Awareness
Who has been appointed as new National e-Governance Division CEO in March 2022?
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Answer: (C) Abhishek Singh
Explanation
Abhishek Singh, a 1995-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Nagaland cadre, was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National e-Governance Division (NeGD) in February 2022. The NeGD is an independent business division within the Digital India Corporation under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). In this role, Singh is responsible for leading the implementation of various mission-mode projects under the Digital India programme. His appointment was cleared by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet as part of a bureaucratic reshuffle, and he was also tasked with holding the additional charge of Managing Director and CEO of Digital India Corporation.
77General Awareness
The Durga temple at Aihole, built about ______ years ago.
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Answer: (D) 1400
Explanation
The Durga temple at Aihole was constructed during the late 7th or early 8th century CE under the patronage of the Chalukya dynasty. According to standard historical records and NCERT texts, the temple is estimated to have been built approximately 1400 years ago. This period aligns with the height of Chalukyan architecture in the Deccan region, particularly at their early capital of Aihole. The temple is architecturally distinct for its apsidal or semi-circular shape, which resembles the layout of a Buddhist chaitya, and is dedicated to Hindu deities, featuring intricate carvings and a high plinth.
78General Awareness
According to the Brihat Samhita, what do you call the process of making scents, mouth perfumes and bath powders?
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Answer: (B) Gandhayukli
Explanation
The term Gandhayukti refers to the traditional Indian science or art of perfumery and the blending of scents as detailed in the Brihat Samhita, an encyclopedic Sanskrit text authored by the polymath Varahamihira in the 6th century. In the chapter specifically dedicated to this subject, Varahamihira outlines various methods, recipes, and chemical processes for creating a wide array of aromatic products. These include the preparation of scented oils, incense, face powders, bath powders, and mouth perfumes used for personal hygiene and ritualistic purposes. The practice involves the systematic combination of diverse aromatic ingredients such as sandalwood, camphor, musk, and various botanical extracts to achieve desired fragrances.
79General Awareness
Which organic compound has the structure R-COOH, with R referring to the alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, or other group?
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Answer: (A) Carboxylic acid
Explanation
Carboxylic acids are organic compounds characterized by the presence of a carboxyl functional group, which has the formula -COOH. This group consists of a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom and single-bonded to a hydroxyl group (-OH). In the general structure R-COOH, the R represents the remainder of the molecule, which can be an alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, or other substituent group. These acids are fundamental in organic chemistry and biochemistry, serving as building blocks for many biological molecules and industrial chemicals. Examples include methanoic acid (HCOOH) and ethanoic acid (CH₃COOH).
80General Awareness
Which Article of the Constitution of India authorises the President to seek the opinion of the Supreme Court in specific categories of matters?
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Answer: (D) Article 143
Explanation
Article 143 of the Constitution of India defines the Advisory Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. It empowers the President of India to consult the Supreme Court on any question of law or fact that is of such a nature and of such public importance that it is expedient to obtain the opinion of the Court. Under this provision, the President may refer two types of matters to the Supreme Court: questions of law or fact of public importance that have arisen or are likely to arise, and disputes arising out of any pre-constitution treaty, agreement, covenant, engagement, or similar instrument. While the Supreme Court may report its opinion to the President after such hearings as it thinks fit, the advice rendered under this Article is purely advisory and is not binding on the President.
81General Awareness
The 'flag-raising' ceremony by the Prime Minister of India on Independence Day is held at which of the following places in Delhi?
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Answer: (D) Red Fort
Explanation
The Red Fort in Delhi is the official venue for the annual Independence Day ceremony held on 15th August. This tradition began in 1947 when India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, hoisted the national flag at the Lahori Gate of the fort to mark the nation's independence from British rule. During the ceremony, the Prime Minister unfurls the tricolour, which is followed by the national anthem and a 21-gun salute. The event concludes with the Prime Minister delivering a speech to the nation from the ramparts of the fort, a practice that has been maintained by every Prime Minister since independence to symbolize national sovereignty and the transition of power.
82General Awareness
The British Parliament transferred the powers of the East India company to the British crown in _____.
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Answer: (B) 1858
Explanation
The British Parliament passed the Government of India Act 1858 in the immediate aftermath of the Indian Rebellion of 1857. This landmark legislation formally liquidated the British East India Company and transferred its functions, territories, and revenues to the British Crown. The act established that India would henceforth be governed directly in the name of the British Monarch. It created the office of the Secretary of State for India, a member of the British Cabinet who exercised the powers previously held by the Company's directors and the Board of Control. Additionally, the Governor-General of India was given the title of Viceroy to serve as the direct representative of the Crown, marking the formal beginning of the British Raj.
83General Awareness
According to census 2001, sex ratio is ____ females per 1000 males.
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Answer: (C) 933
Explanation
The sex ratio is defined as the number of females per 1000 males in a population. According to the data released in the 2001 Census of India, the national sex ratio was recorded as 933 females per 1000 males. This figure represented an increase from the 1991 Census, which had reported a sex ratio of 927. The census serves as the primary source of demographic data in India, and the 2001 figures reflected the gender distribution across various states and union territories during that decade.
84General Awareness
The Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2022 was passed in Lok Sabha in _____.
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Answer: (A) August
Explanation
The Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2022, was introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 1, 2022, and was subsequently passed by the House on August 3, 2022. This legislation sought to amend the Central Universities Act, 2009, to establish the Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya in Vadodara, Gujarat. The bill converted the existing National Rail and Transportation Institute (NRTI), a deemed-to-be university, into a central university with a broader mandate to provide high-quality teaching, research, and training in the domains of transportation, logistics, and infrastructure. This initiative aligns with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan to create a multidisciplinary curriculum for the transport sector.
85General Awareness
Which city is called the 'Manchester of India'?
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Answer: (D) Ahmedabad
Explanation
Ahmedabad is designated as the Manchester of India because of its historical and economic prominence as a leading textile manufacturing center. This comparison is drawn from Manchester, England, which was the global heart of the textile industry during the Industrial Revolution. The citys geographic advantage, located in the primary cotton-producing belt of the country, ensured a steady supply of raw materials. Following the establishment of its first modern textile mill in 1861, the industry grew rapidly due to the availability of skilled labor and a climate well-suited for spinning cotton yarn. By the early 20th century, Ahmedabad had become the largest producer of cotton textiles in India, significantly contributing to the nations industrial output and export trade.
86General Awareness
Which of the following is used in photography?
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Answer: (B) Sodium thiosulphate
Explanation
Sodium thiosulphate, commonly known as hypo, is used as a fixing agent in traditional silver-based photography. During the development process, after the latent image has been reduced to metallic silver, the film still contains unexposed and unreacted silver halide grains, such as silver bromide (AgBr). Sodium thiosulphate acts by reacting with these insoluble silver halides to form a stable, water-soluble complex called sodium dithiosulphatoargentate(I), which has the formula Na₃[Ag(S₂O₃)₂]. This chemical reaction allows the unexposed silver salts to be washed away, preventing the image from further darkening when exposed to light and ensuring the photograph is permanent.
87General Awareness
Who among the following rulers appointed Ladha and Pira, two gardeners to high administrative post?
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Answer: (B) Muhammad Tughluq
Explanation
Muhammad bin Tughluq was known for his unorthodox administrative policies and his tendency to appoint individuals from humble social backgrounds to high government offices. The contemporary chronicler Ziauddin Barani explicitly recorded that the Sultan appointed people like Aziz Khummar, a wine distiller; Firuz Hajjam, a barber; Manka Tabbakh, a cook; and Ladha and Pira, two gardeners, to significant administrative posts. Barani, who represented the interests of the traditional Turkish aristocracy, viewed these appointments as a sign of the Sultan's loss of political judgement and a degradation of the ruling class. This policy was part of Muhammad bin Tughluq's broader attempt to break the monopoly of the established nobility and create a loyal bureaucracy recruited from diverse social strata.
88General Awareness
Pivoting is related to which of the following sports?
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Answer: (D) Basketball
Explanation
In basketball, pivoting occurs when a player who is holding the ball steps once or more than once in any direction with the same foot, while the other foot, called the pivot foot, is kept at its point of contact with the floor. This fundamental movement allows the player to change their orientation, shield the ball from a defender, and create space for passing or shooting without being called for a traveling violation. The pivot foot must remain stationary on the court until the ball is released for a shot, a pass, or to start a dribble.
89General Awareness
Who has been appointed as the country's second Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)?
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Answer: (A) Anil Chauhan
Explanation
General Anil Chauhan, a retired Lieutenant General, was appointed by the Government of India as the second Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) on September 28, 2022. The position had remained vacant for nine months following the untimely demise of the first CDS, General Bipin Rawat, in a helicopter crash in December 2021. General Chauhan is a decorated officer of the 11 Gorkha Rifles and previously served as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Command. In his role as CDS, he functions as the principal military advisor to the Minister of Defence and heads the Department of Military Affairs, focusing on the integration and theatreisation of the Indian Armed Forces.
90General Awareness
To safeguard public property and to abjure violence is a ______ in the Indian Constitution.
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Answer: (A) fundamental duty
Explanation
The duty to safeguard public property and to abjure violence is explicitly listed as a Fundamental Duty under Article 51A(i) of the Indian Constitution. Fundamental Duties were not part of the original Constitution but were added to Part IV-A by the 42nd Amendment Act in 1976, following the recommendations of the Swaran Singh Committee. These duties serve as a constant reminder to citizens that while they enjoy fundamental rights, they also owe certain obligations to the nation and society. Clause (i) specifically emphasizes the importance of protecting common assets and maintaining peaceful conduct as essential requirements for a civilized democratic society.
91General Awareness
In honour of an Indian musician, the US state of Massachusetts proclaimed 20 April as ______ in 1984.
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Answer: (C) Amjad Ali Khan Day
Explanation
Ustad Amjad Ali Khan is a world-renowned Indian classical musician celebrated for his mastery of the sarod. In 1984, the Governor of the US state of Massachusetts officially proclaimed 20 April as Amjad Ali Khan Day in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of music and his role as a cultural ambassador for Indian classical traditions. This international accolade highlights his significant impact on global music and his dedication to the Sarod-ghar lineage, which has earned him numerous prestigious awards across his career.
92General Awareness
Rukmini Devi Arundale is the exponent of which of the following Indian classical dance forms?
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Answer: (A) Bharatanatym
Explanation
Rukmini Devi Arundale was a pioneering figure in the revival of Bharatanatyam, playing a crucial role in transitioning the dance form from its traditional Sadhir style to a respected classical art. In 1936, she established the Kalakshetra Foundation in Chennai to institutionalize the training and preservation of the dance, focusing on its spiritual and aesthetic purity. Her work was instrumental in removing the social stigma associated with the art form and introducing modern stage elements, costumes, and choreography. For her immense contributions to Indian culture, she was the first woman in Indian history to be nominated as a member of the Rajya Sabha and was honored with the Padma Bhushan in 1956.
93General Awareness
In which group are the non-metal elements placed in a vertical column on the right side of the periodic table?
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Answer: (C) Group 17
Explanation
In the modern periodic table, non-metals are situated on the right side, predominantly within the p-block. Group 17 consists of the halogens, which include fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br), iodine (I), and astatine (At). These elements are classic examples of non-metals characterized by high electronegativity and the tendency to gain one electron to achieve a stable octet configuration. Occupying a vertical column near the far right of the table, this group represents a pure collection of non-metallic elements with distinct chemical properties, such as being highly reactive and forming salts when reacted with metals.
94General Awareness
______ measures the aggregate production of final goods and services taking place within the domestic economy during a year.
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Answer: (B) Gross domestic product
Explanation
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) represents the total market value of all final goods and services produced within the geographical boundaries of a country during a specific time period, usually one year. The term domestic emphasizes that the production occurs within the country's borders, regardless of the nationality of the individuals or companies involved. By focusing on final goods and services, GDP avoids double-counting intermediate inputs used in the production process, providing an accurate measure of the aggregate output generated by the economy's productive sectors such as agriculture, industry, and services.
95General Awareness
Nuts, vegetable oil and fish are good source of which of the following?
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Answer: (C) Healthy fats
Explanation
Nuts, vegetable oils, and fish are primary dietary sources of unsaturated fats, which are commonly categorized as healthy fats. Nuts such as walnuts and almonds contain significant amounts of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Vegetable oils like olive, canola, and sunflower oil are rich in liquid unsaturated fats that help maintain cardiovascular health by managing cholesterol levels. Fish, particularly fatty varieties such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines, are exceptionally high in omega-3 fatty acids. These are essential polyunsaturated fats that the human body cannot synthesize independently and must obtain through diet. These healthy fats are vital for reducing systemic inflammation, supporting cell membrane structure, and promoting overall heart and brain health.
96General Awareness
In which of the following years was the Indian National Congress split into two groups named as Moderates and Extremists?
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Answer: (C) 1907
Explanation
The Indian National Congress split into two groups, the Moderates and the Extremists, during the Surat Session in 1907. This historic event is known as the Surat Split. The division emerged due to ideological differences regarding the methods of agitation against British rule and the choice of the Congress President. The Extremists, led by Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, and Bipin Chandra Pal, wanted to extend the Boycott and Swadeshi movements nationwide and adopt more radical approaches. In contrast, the Moderates, led by Gopal Krishna Gokhale and Pherozeshah Mehta, preferred constitutional methods and limited the movement to Bengal. The friction culminated at the 1907 session, resulting in the Moderates retaining control of the Congress organization while the Extremists were excluded for several years.
97General Awareness
Who among the following contemporary style dancers was the first Indian dancer to receive the dance WEB Europe Scholarship? He/She also won the 2002 American Choreography Award for his/her work in the movie 'Lagaan'?
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Answer: (A) Terence Lewis
Explanation
Terence Lewis is a distinguished contemporary dancer and choreographer who achieved the distinction of being the first Indian to receive the prestigious dance WEB Europe Scholarship in Vienna, Austria. This scholarship is a significant honor in the international contemporary dance community, providing intensive training and networking opportunities. His professional excellence was further recognized on the global stage when he won the 2002 American Choreography Award for his exceptional choreography in the Academy Award-nominated film Lagaan. In the movie, his work skillfully integrated traditional Indian elements with contemporary dance techniques, which helped garner international acclaim for the film's musical sequences.
98General Awareness
Which of the given sectors is largely driven by considerations of social welfare?
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Answer: (C) Public
Explanation
The public sector consists of all enterprises and organizations that are owned, managed, and controlled by the government. The primary motive behind the operation of these entities is to provide essential services to the citizens and promote the overall well-being of society. Because the government is responsible for ensuring equitable development and social justice, public sector investments are directed toward areas such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and social security. Unlike other sectors that may focus on profit maximization or specific group interests, the public sector aims to make services accessible and affordable to all sections of the population, particularly the underprivileged, to achieve broad social welfare goals.
99General Awareness
The Hindu college was established in 1791 at
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Answer: (D) Banaras
Explanation
The Hindu College, originally founded as the Sanskrit College, was established in Banaras in 1791. It was initiated by Jonathan Duncan, the British Resident at Banaras, with the support of Lord Cornwallis. The primary objective of the institution was to encourage the study of the Sanskrit language and traditional Hindu law, literature, and philosophy. This initiative was part of the Orientalist policy of the East India Company, which sought to preserve and utilize indigenous knowledge systems to facilitate the administration of justice and to gain the support of the local elite. The college later evolved into the Sampurnanand Sanskrit University.
100General Awareness
In which of the following languages did Jyotiba Phule write 'Gulamgiri' in 1873?
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Answer: (B) Marathi
Explanation
Jyotiba Phule, a seminal social reformer from Maharashtra, authored Gulamgiri (meaning Slavery) in 1873 in the Marathi language. The work was written as a critique of the caste system and the social hierarchies prevalent in Indian society. Phule chose to write in Marathi to communicate his ideas of social justice and equality directly to the masses and the oppressed classes in the Bombay Presidency. In this book, he drew a historical parallel between the condition of the lower castes in India and the enslavement of African Americans in the United States, dedicating the volume to the American abolitionist movement.