Which of the following is a dance form that originated in Assam?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (A) Sattriya
Explanation
Sattriya is a classical dance form that originated in the Sattras, or Vaishnava monasteries, of Assam. It was introduced in the 15th century by the renowned saint and reformer Srimanta Sankaradeva as a medium for the propagation of the Bhakti movement. The dance was traditionally performed by male monks, known as Bhokots, as a religious ritual to depict mythological stories, particularly those centered around Lord Krishna. The performance is accompanied by Borgeets, which are devotional songs composed by Sankaradeva and his disciple Madhavadeva, and played with traditional instruments like the khol and cymbals. Sangeet Natak Akademi officially recognized Sattriya as one of the classical dance forms of India in 2000, acknowledging its distinct grammar and long-standing cultural history within the Assamese community.
1102General Awareness
Who among the following table tennis players won nine Senior National Championships as of April 2021?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (D) A Sharath Kamal
Explanation
Achanta Sharath Kamal created history by winning his ninth Senior National Table Tennis Championship title in February 2019 at the 80th Senior National Table Tennis Championships held in Cuttack. This victory allowed him to surpass the long-standing record of eight national titles previously held by Kamlesh Mehta. As a dominant figure in Indian table tennis, Sharath Kamal further extended his record by winning his tenth national title in February 2021 at the 82nd Senior National Table Tennis Championships in Panchkula. His achievement of winning nine titles marked a significant milestone in Indian sports, establishing him as the most successful men's singles player in the history of the national championships.
1103General Awareness
Which of the following is the study of insects and their relationship to humans? the environment, and other organisms?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (B) Entomology
Explanation
Entomology is the branch of zoology specifically dedicated to the scientific study of insects. It encompasses a wide range of research areas, including the physiology, morphology, genetics, and behavior of insects, as well as their ecological roles. The field investigates the complex interactions insects maintain with their environment, other living organisms, and human civilization, covering aspects such as agricultural impact, disease transmission, and pollination services. Given that insects constitute the largest group of animals on Earth, entomology is essential for understanding biodiversity and maintaining ecological balance.
1104General Awareness
As per the press release dated September 2020 of the Government of India, what is the payment made by the Government of India at Minimum Support Price (MSP) rates in the last 6 years?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (B) 7 lakh crore
Explanation
According to the data released by the Government of India in September 2020, the total expenditure on procurement at Minimum Support Price (MSP) during the six-year period from 2014-15 to 2019-20 amounted to approximately 7 lakh crore. This figure was highlighted to demonstrate the government's increased financial commitment to farmers compared to the preceding six-year period. Specifically, the data showed that payments for paddy procurement reached nearly 4.95 lakh crore and wheat procurement accounted for about 2.97 lakh crore. Additionally, there was a substantial increase in the procurement of pulses and oilseeds, contributing to the cumulative total of 7 lakh crore paid directly into farmers' accounts through various central and state agencies.
1105General Awareness
Which of the following belongs to the family of 'Hominidae'?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (D) Man
Explanation
Biological classification systems place Man within the family Hominidae. This taxonomic family belongs to the order Primates under the class Mammalia. Hominidae, often referred to as the great apes, comprises modern humans (Homo sapiens), their direct ancestors, and other closely related primates such as chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans. Man represents the genus Homo, which is the sole extant genus of the subtribe Hominina within this family. Key characteristics defining members of Hominidae include complex social behaviors, high cognitive abilities, and specific skeletal structures adapted for various forms of locomotion, including the obligate bipedalism seen in Man.
1106General Awareness
What is the atomic mass of oxygen (expressed in 'u')?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (C) 16
Explanation
The atomic mass of an element is determined by the total number of protons and neutrons in its nucleus, expressed in unified atomic mass units (u). Oxygen has an atomic number of 8, which signifies it has 8 protons. Its most prevalent stable isotope, ¹⁶O, contains 8 neutrons. The sum of these nucleons results in a mass number of 16. While the precise relative atomic mass of oxygen is approximately 15.999 u due to the presence of trace isotopes like ¹⁷O and ¹⁸O and nuclear binding energy, it is standard practice in chemistry to use the rounded value of 16 u for general calculations.
1107General Awareness
In the year _____, Indira Gandhi, the then Prime Minister of India, issued special stamps titled 'Wheat Revolution' to usher in the Green Revolution.
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (D) 1968
Explanation
In July 1968, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi officially recognized the significant breakthrough in Indian agriculture by releasing a special postage stamp titled Wheat Revolution. This event marked the formal celebration of the Green Revolution's impact, specifically highlighting the record-breaking wheat harvest achieved through the adoption of High Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds. Between 1964 and 1968, India saw a dramatic surge in wheat production from approximately 12 million tonnes to 17 million tonnes. The issuance of this stamp served as a symbolic acknowledgement of the country's transition toward food self-sufficiency and the success of scientific interventions in the farming sector led by agricultural scientists.
1108General Awareness
In October 2020, the Haryana Government launched a ______ under the Jal Jeevan Mission scheme.
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (B) mobile water testing laboratory
Explanation
In October 2020, the Haryana Government launched a state-of-the-art Mobile Water Testing Laboratory van to support the Jal Jeevan Mission. This mobile lab is designed to provide water quality testing services at the doorstep, specifically in rural areas where access to static laboratories is limited. The van is equipped with advanced sensors and instruments capable of analyzing multiple water quality parameters such as pH, alkalinity, total dissolved solids (TDS), hardness, residual chlorine, nitrate, and fluoride. This initiative aims to ensure the supply of safe drinking water by identifying contaminants on-site and facilitating immediate corrective actions.
1109General Awareness
Who among the following was the founder of the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (B) Mahendra Lal Sircar
Explanation
Mahendra Lal Sircar, a prominent homeopathic physician and educationist, established the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS) in Calcutta on January 29, 1876. His primary objective was to create a research institution that would allow Indian scientists to pursue original research in various branches of science without being dependent on government-controlled colonial institutions. Through his persistent efforts and mobilization of funds from local donors and royalty, he transformed the IACS into a major center for scientific learning in India, famously providing the laboratory where C.V. Raman later conducted his Nobel Prize-winning work on the Raman Effect.
1110General Awareness
Who among the following is the author of the book 'Mrs Funnybones'?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (C) Twinkle Khanna
Explanation
Twinkle Khanna is the author of the book Mrs Funnybones: She's just like You and a Lot like Me, which was published in 2015. The book is based on her popular satirical columns and provides a humorous take on the life of a modern Indian woman, family life, and various social observations. Following its publication, the book became a bestseller, establishing her as a successful author and columnist in India.
1111General Awareness
According to the 2011 Census of India, which of the following states has a population density of 17 persons per sq km?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (C) Arunachal Pradesh
Explanation
According to the 2011 Census of India, Arunachal Pradesh recorded the lowest population density among all Indian states, with a value of 17 persons per square kilometer. This density is calculated by dividing the state's total population, which was approximately 1,383,727, by its large geographical area of 83,743 square kilometers. The state's low population density is largely a result of its rugged Himalayan topography, extensive forest cover, and difficult terrain, which naturally limit the distribution and concentration of human settlements across the region.
1112General Awareness
How many protons are there in a lithium nucleus?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (D) 3
Explanation
Lithium is a chemical element with the symbol Li and atomic number 3. By definition, the atomic number of an element represents the total number of protons present in the nucleus of an atom of that element. Since lithium is the third element in the periodic table, its nucleus contains exactly 3 protons. This number is constant for all isotopes of lithium and defines its unique chemical properties and identity.
1113General Awareness
With reference to the administration of Delhi Sultanate, which of the following was the department of State Correspondence?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (D) Diwan-i-insha
Explanation
The Diwan-i-insha was the essential department of the Delhi Sultanate that managed all formal state correspondence and the drafting of royal documents. Headed by the Dabir-i-Khas, who served as the confidential secretary to the Sultan, this department was responsible for preparing and issuing firmans (royal orders) to provincial governors and local officials. It also handled diplomatic communications with foreign rulers. The department served as the primary channel of communication between the central administration and the rest of the empire, ensuring that the Sultan's policies and commands were precisely recorded, authenticated, and dispatched.
1114General Awareness
Chandannagar was established as a French colony in 1673, obtaining permission from the then Nawab of Bengal, to establish a trading post on the right bank of the river Hooghly.
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (C) Ibrahim Khan
Explanation
Ibrahim Khan was the Nawab of Bengal who granted the French East India Company the necessary permissions to establish and consolidate their trading presence at Chandannagar. During his tenure as the Subahdar of Bengal, he maintained a scholarly and relatively lenient administrative style that encouraged European maritime powers to expand their commercial activities in the region. Under his authority, the French were able to secure land on the right bank of the Hooghly River to set up their factory and trading post. This grant was instrumental in allowing the French to compete with other European powers like the British and the Dutch, eventually leading to the development of Chandannagar as the primary French administrative and commercial hub in Bengal.
1115General Awareness
Which Article of the Constitution of India prohibits anyone from employing children below the age of fourteen in factories, mines, etc?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (C) 24
Explanation
Article 24 of the Constitution of India, categorized under the Right against Exploitation, explicitly prohibits the employment of children below the age of fourteen years in any factory, mine, or other hazardous occupations. This constitutional mandate is an absolute prohibition aimed at protecting children from exploitation and ensuring their physical and mental well-being. By forbidding the engagement of young children in dangerous labor environments, Article 24 reinforces the state's commitment to child welfare and aligns with the broader objective of providing a safe environment for the growth and development of the youth.
1116General Awareness
The Open Hand Monument in Chandigarh was designed by
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (C) Le Corbusier
Explanation
The Open Hand Monument is a symbolic structure located in the Capitol Complex of Chandigarh and was designed by the Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier. It serves as the official emblem of the city of Chandigarh, representing the philosophy of being open to give and open to receive.
1117General Awareness
Who among the following became the first Indian woman to score 10,000 runs in international cricket across all formats in March 2021?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (A) Mithali Raj
Explanation
Mithali Raj achieved the milestone of 10,000 runs in international cricket on March 12, 2021, during a One Day International match against South Africa in Lucknow. With this feat, she became the first Indian woman and only the second woman cricketer globally, after England's Charlotte Edwards, to cross the 10,000-run mark across all three formats of the game, including Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. Her achievement solidified her status as one of the most prolific run-scorers in the history of women's cricket, having maintained a high level of performance since her international debut in 1999.
1118General Awareness
Which of the following does NOT come under the category of Public Goods?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (B) Food items
Explanation
Food items are categorized as private goods because they are both rivalrous and excludable. A good is rivalrous if its consumption by one person reduces the amount available for others; when an individual consumes a specific food item, that specific unit is no longer available for anyone else. Excludability refers to the ability of a provider to prevent those who do not pay for a good from accessing it. Food is typically sold in markets where ownership is transferred upon payment, allowing for the straightforward exclusion of non-payers. Because public goods must be non-rivalrous and non-excludable, food items do not meet the fundamental economic criteria required to be classified in that category.
1119General Awareness
'Sangken' is a festival of the
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (C) Buddhists
Explanation
Sangken is the traditional New Year water festival celebrated by the Theravada Buddhist community in North East India, predominantly in Arunachal Pradesh and parts of Assam. It is a major socio-religious event for tribes such as the Khampti, Singpho, and Tangsa. The festival marks the transition from the old year to the new and is centered around the ritual bathing of Buddha idols with scented water in a specially designed temporary structure called the Kyong-fra. This act of pouring water symbolizes purification and the washing away of sins and bad luck from the previous year. Sangken usually coincides with mid-April and shares deep cultural and religious roots with the Songkran festival observed in Southeast Asian Buddhist nations like Thailand and Myanmar. During this period, devotees offer prayers, seek blessings from elders and monks, and participate in community feasts and joyful water-splashing activities.
1120General Awareness
As per the Economic Survey of India 2021, SENSEX and NIFTY resulted in India's market cap to GDP ratio crossing _____ for the first time since October 2010.
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (C) 100%
Explanation
The Economic Survey 2020-21 highlighted that the Indian stock market experienced a significant recovery and rally following the initial volatility caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This surge in the SENSEX and NIFTY indices resulted in India's market capitalization to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio crossing the 100% mark for the first time since October 2010. The market cap to GDP ratio is a measure used to assess whether a national market is overvalued or undervalued compared to its historical average. The achievement of this milestone reflected a period where the total valuation of all listed companies in India became equal to or exceeded the country's annual economic output, driven by strong foreign portfolio investment inflows and increased retail participation.
1121General Awareness
Who among the following won the 2020 JCB Prize for Literature?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (C) S Hareesh
Explanation
S. Hareesh was awarded the 2020 JCB Prize for Literature for his debut novel Moustache, which was translated from the original Malayalam work Meesha by Jayasree Kalathil. The prize is one of India's most prestigious literary honors, carrying a significant cash award. The novel is set in the Kuttanad region of Kerala and blends magic realism with history to explore themes of caste, power, and identity through the story of Vavachan, a lower-caste man whose performance in a play leads him to grow a moustache that becomes a symbol of defiance and legend. The jury selected the work for its technical mastery and its profound exploration of the social and ecological landscape of Kerala.
1122General Awareness
Which of the following is a type of plant disease?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (C) Blight
Explanation
Blight is a common type of plant disease characterized by the rapid and extensive browning, withering, and death of plant tissues, such as leaves, stems, and flowers. It is typically caused by fungal, bacterial, or oomycete pathogens. A prominent example is late blight in potatoes and tomatoes, caused by the oomycete Phytophthora infestans, which was responsible for the Irish Potato Famine. Another example is fire blight, a destructive bacterial disease caused by Erwinia amylovora that affects pome fruits like apples and pears. Blight spreads quickly under favorable environmental conditions, often leading to significant crop loss.
1123General Awareness
Which of the following was the first development bank in India?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (C) Industrial Finance Corporation of India
Explanation
The Industrial Finance Corporation of India (IFCI) was established on July 1, 1948, as a statutory corporation under the Industrial Finance Corporation Act, 1948. This makes it the first Development Financial Institution (DFI) set up in India to provide long-term credit to industrial units. It was created to address the lack of long-term capital for large-scale industries in the early post-independence period, as existing commercial banks focused primarily on short-term lending. IFCI facilitated industrial growth by providing financial assistance, underwriting shares, and guaranteeing loans to support the expansion and modernization of the Indian industrial sector.
1124General Awareness
Alladi Krishnaswami Ayyar was the chairman of the of the Constituent Assembly of India.
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (D) Credential Committee
Explanation
Alladi Krishnaswami Ayyar was a distinguished jurist and a key member of the Drafting Committee of the Constitution of India. Within the functional framework of the Constituent Assembly, he served as the Chairman of the Credentials Committee. This specific committee was tasked with verifying the identity and election documents of the members to ensure they were validly authorized to participate in the proceedings of the Assembly. His legal acumen and experience as the Advocate General of Madras Presidency were instrumental in the various administrative and drafting roles he performed during the making of the Constitution.
1125General Awareness
Which of the following sages of ancient India wrote the 'Mimamsa-sutras'?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (B) Jaimini
Explanation
The Mimamsa-sutras were authored by Rishi Jaimini, a disciple of the sage Veda Vyasa. This foundational text established the Purva Mimamsa school, one of the six orthodox (astika) schools of Indian philosophy. The work primarily focuses on the systematic interpretation of the Vedas, particularly the ritualistic sections known as the Karma-kanda. Jaimini emphasizes the concept of Dharma as a duty mandated by the Vedic injunctions and explores the philosophy of language and logic to justify the eternal and infallible nature of the Vedas. The sutras provide a methodology for performing Vedic sacrifices and rituals correctly to achieve spiritual and material goals.
1126General Awareness
Honoured with Padma Vibushan and Padma Bhushan, Kishori Amonkar was a renowned personality related to which of the following fields?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (B) Music
Explanation
Kishori Amonkar was a legendary Indian classical vocalist belonging to the Jaipur-Atrauli gharana. She was a preeminent figure in Hindustani classical music, renowned for her innovative approach to the khayal style and her deep mastery of ragas. Her significant contributions to Indian music were recognized with several of the nation's highest honors, including the Padma Bhushan in 1987 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2002. Beyond her technical brilliance, she was celebrated for her ability to infuse emotional depth into traditional compositions, making her one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.
1127General Awareness
Which of the following musical instruments is also known as a 'Mangal Vadya'?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (C) Shehnai
Explanation
The Shehnai is a traditional wind instrument belonging to the aerophone category, often referred to as Mangal Vadya, which translates to auspicious instrument. Its soulful and resonant sound is considered highly sacred in Indian culture, making it an indispensable part of religious ceremonies, temple rituals, and traditional weddings. Historically, the Shehnai was part of the naubat or traditional ensemble of nine instruments found at royal courts. It was later elevated to the status of a classical concert instrument by the legendary maestro Ustad Bismillah Khan. Because its music is synonymous with new beginnings and festive celebrations, it remains the primary instrument played during the arrival of the groom or during the performance of holy rites.
1128General Awareness
Which of the following events occurred before 1919?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (C) Partition of Bengal
Explanation
The Partition of Bengal was implemented in 1905 during the viceroyalty of Lord Curzon. This administrative action divided the province of Bengal into two separate entities: Bengal and Eastern Bengal and Assam. Since 1905 precedes 1919, this event fulfills the historical timeline required. The partition was a significant milestone in the Indian independence movement as it led to the rise of the Swadeshi Movement and increased political consciousness across the country before its eventual annulment in 1911.
1129General Awareness
William Hawkins met Emperor Jahangir as a representative of the ____ East India Company.
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (A) English
Explanation
William Hawkins was a representative of the English East India Company who arrived at the court of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir in 1608. He carried a personal letter from King James I of England seeking permission to establish a factory at Surat and trade within the Mughal Empire. Because Hawkins was fluent in Turkish, he was able to communicate directly with Jahangir without an interpreter, leading the Emperor to grant him a mansab of 400 and the title of English Khan. This mission marked the first official diplomatic attempt by the English to secure commercial privileges in India.
1130General Awareness
According to World Health Organization (WHO), "Hygiene refers to ____ and practices that help to maintain ____ and ____ the spread of diseases."
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (B) conditions, health, prevent
Explanation
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines hygiene as the conditions and practices that help to maintain health and prevent the spread of diseases. This definition emphasizes that hygiene involves both the environmental conditions in which people live and the specific behavioral practices, such as handwashing or proper food handling, that are necessary to sustain well-being. By ensuring these conditions are met and practices are followed, the transmission of infectious agents is minimized, which is a fundamental component of public health and disease control.
1131General Awareness
Which of the following is an example of 'Arthropod'?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (B) Scorpion
Explanation
Scorpions belong to the class Arachnida within the phylum Arthropoda, which is the largest phylum in the animal kingdom. They are characterized by the presence of jointed appendages and a segmented body, which are defining features of all arthropods. Their body is protected by a rigid exoskeleton composed of chitin that must be periodically shed through a process called molting. Additionally, scorpions possess bilateral body symmetry and an open circulatory system, where hemolymph fills the body cavity to bathe the internal organs directly. These anatomical and physiological traits align perfectly with the biological classification criteria for arthropods.
1132General Awareness
The Economic Survey of 2020-21 mentions that India's fiscal policy should reflect ______ sentiment of 'a mind without fear'.
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (C) Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore's
Explanation
The Economic Survey 2020-21, authored by then Chief Economic Adviser Krishnamurthy Subramanian, invoked the sentiment of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore to advocate for a bold and counter-cyclical fiscal policy. By referencing Tagore's famous poem from Gitanjali, specifically the line Where the mind is without fear, the Survey emphasized that India's fiscal policy should not be constrained by a fear of sovereign credit rating downgrades or temporary debt increases during the COVID-19 pandemic. It argued that economic growth is the primary driver of debt sustainability in India, and therefore, the government must adopt a courageous fiscal stance to stimulate demand and ensure a rapid economic recovery.
1133General Awareness
Which of the following words does NOT precede the word 'Republic' in the Preamble of the Constitution of India?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (A) Federal
Explanation
The Preamble of the Constitution of India declares the nation to be a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic. While the Constitution establishes a federal structure in its substantive provisions, the specific term Federal is not included in the Preamble. The opening statement of the Constitution was amended by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976 to include the words Socialist and Secular, but it has never contained the word Federal. Instead, Article 1 of the Constitution describes India as a Union of States.
1134General Awareness
Which of the following is a group of islands found in the tropical oceans consisting of coral reefs and a central depression?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (B) Atoll
Explanation
An atoll is a ring-shaped coral reef, thicket, or string of closely spaced small coral islands that encircles a central body of water called a lagoon. These formations are found in the warm tropical and subtropical waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, as reef-building corals require specific temperature and light conditions to thrive. The central depression or lagoon is often connected to the open ocean through narrow channels. According to the subsidence theory of reef formation, an atoll develops as a volcanic island slowly sinks beneath the sea level while the surrounding coral reef grows upward, eventually leaving only the circular reef structure and the interior lagoon.
1135General Awareness
In which of the following cities were the first and second test cricket matches (2021) between India and England held?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (A) Chennai
Explanation
The first and second Test matches of the four-match series during England's tour of India in 2021 were conducted at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Due to the logistical challenges and health protocols necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) opted to host multiple matches at a single venue to minimize travel and maintain a secure bio-bubble. The first Test was held from February 5 to 9, 2021, and the second Test followed shortly after at the same venue from February 13 to 16, 2021. After the completion of these two matches in Chennai, the series shifted to Ahmedabad for the final two Test matches.
1136General Awareness
Which of the following is NOT abiotic?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (B) Plant
Explanation
In an ecosystem, the environment is divided into biotic and abiotic components. Biotic components comprise all living organisms that interact with their surroundings. Plants are classified as biotic because they are living entities that undergo essential biological processes such as respiration, growth, and reproduction. As primary producers, they utilize photosynthesis to convert solar energy into chemical energy, making them a fundamental living part of the ecological structure. Because they possess these defining characteristics of life, they are biological organisms rather than physical or chemical non-living elements.
1137General Awareness
Which of the following states won the maximum number of medals at the Khelo India Youth Games 2020?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (A) Maharashtra
Explanation
Maharashtra finished at the top of the medal table during the 2020 Khelo India Youth Games held in Guwahati, Assam. The state won a total of 256 medals, including 78 gold, 77 silver, and 101 bronze medals. This performance marked the second consecutive year that the state led the overall standings, having also finished first in the 2019 edition. The 2020 games featured competition across twenty sports disciplines, and Maharashtra's balanced strength across various events ensured its position as the overall champion.
1138General Awareness
Who among the following was honoured by the Abel Prize of 2021 in Mathematics?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (C) Laszlo Lovasz
Explanation
The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters awarded the 2021 Abel Prize to Laszlo Lovasz, sharing it with Avi Wigderson. They were recognized for their foundational contributions to theoretical computer science and discrete mathematics, and for their leading role in shaping these areas into central fields of modern mathematics. Laszlo Lovasz, a Hungarian-American mathematician, is renowned for his work in combinatorics and graph theory. His contributions include the development of the Lovasz Local Lemma and the LLL lattice reduction algorithm, which have had a significant impact on computer science, particularly in the fields of cryptography and optimization. The Abel Prize is one of the highest honors in mathematics, often described as the Nobel Prize of the field.
1139General Awareness
Which of the following is NOT a chemical coagulant used in water treatment?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (D) Nitrogen dioxide
Explanation
Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) is a gaseous compound primarily known as a major atmospheric pollutant produced during high-temperature combustion in vehicle engines and industrial power plants. In the context of water treatment, it is not used as a coagulant because it lacks the ability to neutralize the electrical charges of suspended colloidal particles. Coagulants are required to provide positively charged ions or polymers that destabilize impurities, allowing them to aggregate into larger masses for removal. Nitrogen dioxide instead reacts with water to form nitric acid (HNO₃) and nitrous acid (HNO₂), which increases the acidity of the water but does not contribute to the physical clumping or sedimentation of dissolved or suspended solids.
1140General Awareness
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae is commonly used to make
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (D) bread
Explanation
Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a species of unicellular fungus widely known as baker yeast. In the production of bread, this yeast is added to the dough where it performs fermentation by breaking down sugars. This metabolic process releases carbon dioxide (CO₂) and ethanol. The CO₂ gas becomes trapped within the dough matrix, causing it to expand and rise, a process known as leavening. This aeration is what gives bread its characteristic light, porous, and soft texture. During the subsequent baking process, the yeast cells are inactivated and the ethanol evaporates, leaving the aerated structure intact.
1141General Awareness
Right to Information Act mandates timely response to citizen requests for government information.
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (B) 2005
Explanation
The Right to Information (RTI) Act was enacted by the Indian Parliament in 2005 to provide a legal framework for citizens to access information under the control of public authorities. The Act aims to promote transparency and accountability in the functioning of the government. It mandates that Public Information Officers must provide the requested information within 30 days of receiving the application, or within 48 hours if the information concerns the life or liberty of a person. The legislation received Presidential assent on June 15, 2005, and came into full effect on October 12, 2005, replacing the previous Freedom of Information Act.
1142General Awareness
How many sodium atoms are there in one molecule of sodium peroxide?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (C) Two
Explanation
Sodium peroxide is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula Na₂O₂. It is produced by treating sodium metal with an excess of oxygen. The molecular structure of sodium peroxide consists of two sodium cations Na⁺ and one peroxide anion O₂²⁻. In the peroxide ion, the two oxygen atoms are connected by a single covalent bond. According to its chemical formula Na₂O₂, there are exactly two atoms of sodium and two atoms of oxygen present in each molecule of the compound.
1143General Awareness
Bimbavati Devi is an exponent of which Indian dance form?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (B) Manipuri
Explanation
Bimbavati Devi is a distinguished exponent of Manipuri dance, one of the eight primary Indian classical dance forms. She is the daughter of the renowned Manipuri dance gurus, Guru Bipin Singh and Kalavati Devi, who were instrumental in popularizing and codifying the dance form. Raised in a family of masters, she received intensive training from a young age at the Manipuri Nartanalaya. Her work is celebrated for maintaining the traditional essence of the Manipuri style, characterized by its graceful, fluid movements and its deep roots in Vaishnavism and the Meitei culture of Manipur. Beyond traditional performances like the Ras Leela, she is also known for her innovative choreography that integrates contemporary themes while remaining strictly within the grammar and aesthetics of the Manipuri classical tradition.
1144General Awareness
It is the duty of every citizen to uphold and protect the unity and integrity of India.
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (C) sovereignty
Explanation
Article 51A of the Constitution of India, which was added by the 42nd Amendment Act in 1976, prescribes the Fundamental Duties of every citizen. Clause (c) of Article 51A specifically mandates that it shall be the duty of every citizen of India to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India. This provision emphasizes the obligation of citizens to defend the nation's supreme power and territorial wholeness against any threats.
1145General Awareness
Which of the following statements about the Vice President of India is INCORRECT?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (D) He can be removed from his office by the President approved through a resolution passed by the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
Explanation
Article 67(b) of the Constitution of India stipulates that the Vice-President may be removed from office by a resolution of the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) passed by a majority of all the then members of the Council (effective majority) and agreed to by the House of the People (Lok Sabha). This removal process must originate in the Rajya Sabha, and the role of the Lok Sabha is limited to agreeing to the resolution passed by the upper house. The President of India has no constitutional role, discretionary power, or requirement to approve the removal; the office becomes vacant immediately upon the passing and agreement of the resolution by the two Houses. The statement is incorrect because it falsely grants the President the authority to remove the Vice-President and misrepresents the specific legislative procedure required.
1146General Awareness
The Kuchipudi classical dance is accompanied with which type of music?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (C) Carnatic Music
Explanation
Kuchipudi is a classical dance form that originated in the Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh. Being a South Indian art form, it is traditionally performed to Carnatic music, which serves as its melodic and rhythmic foundation. The performance is accompanied by a musical ensemble that typically includes a vocalist, a mridangam player for percussion, and instrumentalists playing the violin, flute, or veena. The compositions used in Kuchipudi are primarily in Telugu and Sanskrit, adhering to the ragas and talas characteristic of the Carnatic system. A key figure in the performance is the Sutradhara or Nattuvanar, who conducts the recital by playing the cymbals and reciting rhythmic syllables that the dancer interprets through synchronized footwork.
1147General Awareness
Which Indian budget introduced a statement highlighting the gender sensitivities of the budgetary allocations?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (C) 2005- 06
Explanation
The Union Budget for 2005-06, presented by then Finance Minister P. Chidambaram, marked the formal institutionalization of Gender Budgeting in India. For the first time, a dedicated Gender Budgeting Statement was included in the budget documents, specifically within Expenditure Budget Volume I. This statement was designed to quantify the portion of public expenditure earmarked for the benefit of women, thereby integrating a gender perspective into the fiscal policy of the government. The statement categorized allocations into two parts: Part A for schemes entirely focused on women and Part B for schemes where at least 30 percent of the allocation was dedicated to women. This step followed the recommendation of the Expert Group on Classification of Government Transactions and aimed to address gender disparities through targeted resource allocation.
1148General Awareness
According to Union Health Ministry, a new display image, with a warning written as "Tobacco causes painful death" will be printed on tobacco products manufactured, imported, or packaged on or after _____.
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (D) 1 December, 2022
Explanation
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare notified the Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products (Packaging and Labelling) Amendment Rules, 2022, on July 21, 2022. These rules mandated a new set of specified health warnings to be displayed on all tobacco products. According to the notification, the first image with the textual warning TOBACCO CAUSES PAINFUL DEATH must be printed on all tobacco products manufactured, imported, or packaged on or after December 1, 2022. This health warning is designed to be displayed for a period of twelve months, after which it is replaced by a second specified image and the warning TOBACCO USERS DIE YOUNGER. The amendment aims to enhance public awareness of the health risks associated with tobacco consumption through more vivid and direct pictorial and textual warnings.
1149General Awareness
Ishwarchandra vidyasagar set up school for girls at _____.
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (D) Calcutta
Explanation
Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar was a pioneering social reformer of the Bengal Renaissance who played a crucial role in promoting female literacy. He was closely associated with the establishment and management of the Bethune School in Calcutta, founded in 1849, which was one of the earliest institutions dedicated to women's education in India. While serving as the Assistant Inspector of Schools for the South Bengal districts, Vidyasagar utilized his position and personal resources to set up a series of model schools for girls. Between 1857 and 1858, he established about 35 such schools in districts surrounding Calcutta, including Nadia, Burdwan, Hooghly, and Midnapore. His efforts were centered in Calcutta, where he led the movement to transform social attitudes toward educating women.
1150General Awareness
The Constituent Assembly was recognised by Section ____ of the Indian Independence Act, 1947.
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (A) 8(1)
Explanation
The Indian Independence Act of 1947 provided the legal framework for the transfer of power and the creation of the two independent dominions of India and Pakistan. Section 8(1) of this Act specifically accorded recognition to the Constituent Assembly of each dominion by vesting it with the legislative authority to frame a constitution. Under this provision, the powers of the Legislature of the Dominion were exercisable in the first instance by the Constituent Assembly for the purpose of making constitutional provisions. This transformed the Constituent Assembly into a sovereign body, allowing it to function as both a constitution-making body and the interim central legislature of India until the new Constitution was formally adopted and implemented.