Rabi crops are sown in the winter season, usually between October and December, and harvested in the spring months of March to May. These crops require a cool climate during their growing period and a warmer climate for seed germination and harvesting. Barley and gram are both cultivated during this winter cycle. Barley is a hardy cereal grain adapted to temperate climates, while gram, or chickpea, is a significant pulse crop that depends on the residual soil moisture and cool temperatures typical of the Indian winter. Both are major constituents of the rabi harvest in the northern and central regions of the country.
102General Awareness
Identify an example of organisms that are free-swimming and bottom-dwelling forms.
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Answer: (B) Zooplankton
Explanation
Zooplankton are heterotrophic organisms that drift or swim in the water column of aquatic ecosystems. They are categorized by their movement and life cycles, which often encompass both free-swimming and bottom-dwelling phases. A significant portion of zooplankton, known as meroplankton, consists of the larval stages of various benthic organisms such as crustaceans, mollusks, and echinoderms. These organisms exist as free-swimming forms in the open water to facilitate dispersal before settling on the sea floor to live as bottom-dwelling adults. Additionally, many zooplanktonic species engage in diel vertical migration, where they swim through the water column at night and retreat to bottom-dwelling or deep-water zones during the day to avoid predators.
103General Awareness
Which of the following cities hosted the 2019 Military World Games organised by the International Military Sports Council?
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Answer: (C) Wuhan, China
Explanation
The 7th CISM Military World Games were held in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, from October 18 to 27, 2019. Organized by the International Military Sports Council, this edition marked the first time the event was hosted by China. The competition brought together approximately 9,300 athletes from over 100 nations to compete in 27 sporting disciplines. The games were officially opened by President Xi Jinping at the Wuhan Sports Center, serving as a significant international multi-sport event for military personnel worldwide.
104General Awareness
Abdul Karim Khan was the exponent of which school of Hindustani Music?
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Answer: (D) Kirana Gharana
Explanation
Ustad Abdul Karim Khan was the co-founder and most prominent exponent of the Kirana Gharana, one of the most prolific lineages of Hindustani classical music. Born in Kairana, a small town in Uttar Pradesh, he developed a style that shifted the focus of khayal singing from rhythmic complexities to melodic purity and emotional expression. His approach emphasized the precise intonation of individual notes, known as swara-shuddhi, and introduced a slow, meditative method of raga development. Along with his cousin Ustad Abdul Wahid Khan, he established the unique identity of this school, which is celebrated for its soulful alaaps and high-pitched vocal delivery. His influence extended significantly to the Carnatic tradition as well, and he is often credited with bridging the musical gap between North and South India.
105General Awareness
A group of ribosomes attached to mRNA is known as:
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Answer: (B) polysomes
Explanation
A polysome, or polyribosome, is a structural complex that forms when multiple ribosomes attach to a single strand of messenger RNA (mRNA) during the process of translation. This arrangement allows for the simultaneous synthesis of several copies of the same protein from a single mRNA template, significantly increasing the efficiency of protein production within the cell. Each ribosome in the group moves along the mRNA molecule independently, translating the genetic sequence into a polypeptide chain. Under an electron microscope, these clusters appear like a string of beads, where the mRNA acts as the thread connecting the individual ribosomal units.
106General Awareness
Kelucharan Mohapatra, awarded with the Padma Vibhushan in the year 2000, was a dancer of which of the following classical dance forms?
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Answer: (A) Odissi
Explanation
Kelucharan Mohapatra was a legendary Indian classical dancer and choreographer who is widely credited with the revival and global propagation of Odissi dance in the 20th century. He was a master of the percussion instrument Mardala and played a pivotal role in codifying the grammar and techniques of Odissi after it had faced decline during the colonial era. In recognition of his immense contribution to the performing arts, he became the first person from the state of Odisha to be honored with the Padma Vibhushan in the year 2000. Prior to this, he had also received the Padma Shri in 1974 and the Padma Bhushan in 1988, marking a distinguished career dedicated to the preservation of Indian cultural heritage.
107General Awareness
The Right to Freedom of Religion is contained within which Articles of the Constitution of India?
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Answer: (C) Article 25 to Article 28
Explanation
The Right to Freedom of Religion is a fundamental right guaranteed under Part III of the Constitution of India, specifically covered from Article 25 to Article 28. Article 25 ensures the freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate religion. Article 26 grants religious denominations the right to manage their own religious affairs, including the establishment and maintenance of institutions. Article 27 provides freedom from payment of taxes for the promotion of any particular religion, ensuring the secular character of the State. Article 28 regulates religious instruction or worship in certain educational institutions, prohibiting it in those entirely maintained by State funds while allowing individuals to choose whether to participate in such activities in other recognized institutions. Together, these articles form the constitutional framework for religious pluralism and secularism in India.
108General Awareness
Which of the following is NOT an indirect tax?
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Answer: (D) Wealth tax
Explanation
Wealth tax is classified as a direct tax because it is levied directly on the net wealth and personal assets of an individual or a legal entity. In direct taxation, the incidence and impact of the tax fall on the same person, meaning the tax burden cannot be shifted to another party. The government collects this tax based on the value of assets held, such as property, jewellery, and shares. While wealth tax was officially abolished in India through the Union Budget of 2015 and replaced with a surcharge on high-income individuals, it remains a fundamental example of direct taxation in economic principles, distinct from taxes levied on the consumption of goods or services.
109General Awareness
Who has taken oath as Bihar Chief Minister for 8th time?
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Answer: (D) Nitish Kumar
Explanation
Nitish Kumar took the oath of office as the Chief Minister of Bihar for the record eighth time on August 10, 2022. This swearing-in ceremony followed his resignation from the previous government after he ended his alliance with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). He subsequently formed a new coalition government, known as the Mahagathbandhan, with the support of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and other parties. Having first served as Chief Minister in 2000, his repeated terms through various political realignments culminated in this eighth instance of assuming the office.
110General Awareness
Under which scheme, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated "UMEED Market Place" in Jammu and Kashmir?
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Answer: (C) AVSAR Scheme of Airport Authority of India
Explanation
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated the UMEED Market Place at Srinagar International Airport under the AVSAR (Airport as Venue for Skilled Artisans of the Region) scheme of the Airports Authority of India. This initiative is designed to provide platform and marketing opportunities to local artisans and Self Help Groups (SHGs) by utilizing airport space. In Jammu and Kashmir, the marketplace is operated in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM) to showcase and sell indigenous products such as traditional handicrafts, handloom items, and organic food products directly to travelers. By providing these dedicated spaces at both Srinagar and Jammu airports, the scheme aims to empower rural women, enhance their livelihoods, and promote the rich cultural heritage of the region to a global audience.
111General Awareness
The bird like pheasant and monals are found in which type of forest?
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Answer: (A) Temperate deciduous forest
Explanation
Temperate deciduous forests are located in the higher latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere, including regions such as the north-eastern USA, China, New Zealand, Chile, and the coastal areas of Western Europe. These forests are characterized by trees that shed their leaves during the dry season to prevent water loss. This environment supports a specific range of biodiversity adapted to seasonal changes. Common animals found in these forests include deer, foxes, and wolves. Additionally, bird species like pheasants and monals are typically found in these temperate deciduous regions, where the forest floor and canopy provide suitable nesting and foraging grounds.
112General Awareness
In which of the following years was the first train run in India?
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Answer: (A) 1853
Explanation
India's first passenger train journey took place on April 16, 1853. The train was operated by the Great Indian Peninsula Railway and travelled a distance of 34 kilometres between Bori Bunder in Bombay and Thane. It was hauled by three steam locomotives named Sahib, Sindh, and Sultan, carrying approximately 400 passengers in 14 carriages. This event marked the formal inauguration of the railway network in India during the tenure of Governor-General Lord Dalhousie.
113General Awareness
Which of the following dance forms is mentioned in the ancient text of Vyavaharmala?
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Answer: (B) Mohiniyattam
Explanation
Vyavaharmala is a 16th-century Sanskrit text authored by Mazhamangalam Narayanan Namboodiri. This work is of great historical importance to the classical dance forms of Kerala as it contains the earliest known written reference to Mohiniyattam. The mention of the dance in this legal and social treatise provides evidence of its existence and cultural status in South India during the medieval period, long before its later development and formalization in the 19th century.
114General Awareness
The SI unit of electric charge is a
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Answer: (A) coulomb
Explanation
The SI unit of electric charge is the coulomb, represented by the symbol C. It is a derived unit defined in terms of the ampere, which is the SI base unit for electric current. One coulomb is the quantity of electric charge transported by a constant current of one ampere in one second. This relationship is defined by the formula Q = I × t, where Q is the electric charge in coulombs, I is the electric current in amperes, and t is the time in seconds. Under the current SI definitions, the coulomb is also fundamentally linked to the elementary charge e, which is the charge of a single proton.
115General Awareness
In September 2022, the Supreme Court allowed all women, irrespective of their marital status, to safely and legally abort their child till ______ of pregnancy under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act.
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Answer: (C) 24 weeks
Explanation
In a landmark judgment in September 2022, the Supreme Court of India ruled that all women, regardless of their marital status, are entitled to safe and legal abortion up to 24 weeks of pregnancy. The court held that excluding unmarried women in consensual relationships from the benefit of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Rules, which allowed abortion between 20 to 24 weeks for certain categories, was discriminatory and unconstitutional. This decision emphasized that the right to reproductive autonomy, dignity, and privacy gives every woman the right to choose whether or not to carry a pregnancy to term, effectively extending the 24-week limit to unmarried women who were previously restricted to 20 weeks.
116General Awareness
Which Article of the Constitution of India mentions that business in Parliament shall be transacted in Hindi or English?
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Answer: (A) Article 120
Explanation
Article 120 of the Constitution of India specifically mandates that the business of Parliament shall be transacted in Hindi or in English. Contained within Part V of the Constitution, which deals with the Union, this article establishes the linguistic framework for legislative proceedings. It further provides a proviso allowing the Chairman of the Council of States or the Speaker of the House of the People to permit a member who cannot adequately express themselves in Hindi or English to address the House in their mother tongue. Although the article originally suggested the use of English would cease after fifteen years from the commencement of the Constitution, the Official Languages Act of 1963 subsequently provided for its continued use.
117General Awareness
In 1526, the battle of Panipat was fought between ______.
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Answer: (D) Babur and Ibrahim Lodi
Explanation
The First Battle of Panipat took place on April 21, 1526, between the invading forces of Babur, the Timurid ruler of Kabul, and the Lodi Empire led by Ibrahim Lodi. This conflict was a turning point in Indian history as it resulted in the decisive victory of Babur, leading to the establishment of the Mughal Empire and the end of the Delhi Sultanate. Babur was able to overcome Ibrahim Lodi's significantly larger army through the effective use of gunpowder, field artillery, and the Tulughma tactical maneuver. Ibrahim Lodi was killed during the battle, marking the only time a Sultan of Delhi died on the battlefield.
118General Awareness
Highest sex ratio according to census 2011 is of which state?
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Answer: (D) Kerala
Explanation
According to the 2011 Census of India, Kerala recorded the highest sex ratio among all Indian states, with a figure of 1084 females per 1000 males. This value significantly surpasses the national average sex ratio of 943. Kerala's status as the state with the most favorable sex ratio is linked to its high levels of female literacy, better health outcomes, and a social history that has traditionally empowered women. It remains the only Indian state where the female population consistently exceeds the male population.
119General Awareness
The age range for the Youth Boxer category is:
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Answer: (C) 17 - 18 years
Explanation
According to the International Boxing Association (IBA) Technical and Competition Rules, the Youth Boxer category consists of male and female boxers who are 17 or 18 years of age. The classification is determined by the boxer's year of birth relative to the year the competition is held. This category serves as the intermediate competitive level between the Junior category, which includes 15 and 16-year-olds, and the Elite category, which comprises boxers aged 19 to 40. Participants in the Youth category compete in sanctioned international tournaments to prepare for senior-level competition.
120General Awareness
Which of the following statements about cell cycle is FALSE?
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Answer: (B) In M phase, the cell grows physically larger and copies organelles.
Explanation
The M phase, or mitotic phase, is the period of actual cell division where the cell reorganizes its components to distribute DNA and cytoplasm into two daughter cells. This phase consists of mitosis (nuclear division) and cytokinesis (cytoplasmic division). Physical growth, the synthesis of proteins, and the duplication of organelles occur during the interphase, specifically during the G₁ and G₂ stages. During the M phase, metabolic activity is redirected toward the mechanical processes of chromosome segregation and structural division, meaning the cell does not grow physically larger or copy its organelles during this specific time.
121General Awareness
Hot, dry winds blowing in the Northern plain in India are known as
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Answer: (C) Loo
Explanation
The Loo is a strong, dusty, gusty, hot, and dry summer wind that blows from the west over the Indo-Gangetic Plain region of Northern India and Pakistan. It is most prevalent during the months of May and June, characterized by extremely high temperatures often ranging between 45°C and 50°C. These winds originate from the desert regions of the west and gain intense heat as they travel across the arid plains, significantly reducing humidity. Exposure to the Loo is known to cause severe dehydration and fatal heatstrokes due to its scorching nature and the rapid increase in ambient temperature it brings to the northern plains.
122General Awareness
In which of the following Indian states is Lokrang festival observed?
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Answer: (D) Madhya Pradesh
Explanation
The Lokrang festival is a prominent five-day cultural event organized annually in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Hosted by the Madhya Pradesh Adivasi Lok Kala Academy, the festival typically commences on Republic Day, January 26th, to celebrate and showcase the rich heritage of folk and tribal arts. It serves as a significant platform for performers from across India to demonstrate traditional dances, music, and ethnic crafts, with a specific focus on preserving and promoting the diverse indigenous cultures of the state. The event attracts numerous artisans and performers, making it a centerpiece of the cultural calendar in Madhya Pradesh.
123General Awareness
In which among the following period Catal Huyuk was one of the most famous sites?
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Answer: (A) Neolithic
Explanation
Catal Huyuk, located in the Konya Plain of central Anatolia in modern-day Turkey, is one of the most significant and best-preserved Neolithic settlements in the world. Flourishing between approximately 7100 BCE and 5700 BCE, it serves as a primary example of the transition from nomadic hunter-gatherer societies to settled agricultural life. The site is famous for its unique architecture, where mud-brick houses were built directly adjacent to each other without streets, necessitating access through openings in the roofs. Excavations have revealed a wealth of information regarding early human social organization, symbolic wall paintings, and the domestication of plants and animals, making it a cornerstone for understanding the Neolithic Revolution.
124General Awareness
In 1600, the East India company acquired a charter from which ruler?
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Answer: (B) Queen Elizabeth-I
Explanation
On December 31, 1600, Queen Elizabeth I granted a Royal Charter to the Governor and Company of Merchants of London trading into the East Indies, marking the official birth of the East India Company. This charter provided the company with a 15-year monopoly on English trade with all lands lying to the east of the Cape of Good Hope and west of the Straits of Magellan. The grant gave the company the legal status of a body corporate, allowing it to hold property, sue and be sued, and formulate its own bye-laws to manage its commercial operations and maintain order among its employees during its voyages to the East.
125General Awareness
'Imperfect' is an autobiography of:
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Answer: (D) Sanjay Manjrekar
Explanation
Imperfect is the autobiography of former Indian cricketer and television commentator Sanjay Manjrekar. Released in January 2018, the book offers a candid look into his life, detailing his cricketing journey, his technical struggles on the field, and his transition into a successful career in broadcasting. A significant portion of the narrative focuses on his complex relationship with his father, the legendary Vijay Manjrekar, providing an honest and introspective account of his personal and professional experiences.
126General Awareness
Which of the followings HYV seeds is/are associated with the Green Revolution in India?
(A) Rice (B) Wheat
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Answer: (A) Both A and B
Explanation
The Green Revolution in India, initiated in the mid-1960s under the leadership of M.S. Swaminathan, was fundamentally driven by the introduction of High Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds for both wheat and rice. The program first saw success with the introduction of semi-dwarf wheat varieties like Sonora 64 and Lerma Rojo, which were developed by Norman Borlaug in Mexico. This was followed by the introduction of HYV rice seeds, most notably the IR8 variety developed at the International Rice Research Institute in the Philippines. These seeds were designed to be more responsive to chemical fertilizers and required controlled irrigation, leading to a dramatic increase in crop yields. The combined adoption of these HYV wheat and rice seeds enabled India to achieve food security and significantly reduce its dependence on grain imports.
127General Awareness
In Tennis which of the following scores is a complete set?
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Answer: (B) 6- 4
Explanation
The rules of tennis define a completed set based on a player reaching a minimum of six games with a lead of at least two games over their opponent. A score of 6-4 fulfills these requirements perfectly, as the leading player has secured the necessary six games and holds a two-game advantage. This scoring follows the standard set format used in most professional tournaments, where reaching six games with a two-game margin concludes the set immediately without requiring additional games or a tie-break procedure.
128General Awareness
Identify a protein-digesting enzyme.
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Answer: (D) Pepsin
Explanation
Pepsin is a primary protease or protein-digesting enzyme produced in the stomach. It is secreted by the gastric chief cells in an inactive precursor form known as pepsinogen. When pepsinogen encounters the acidic environment of the stomach created by hydrochloric acid, it undergoes a conformational change to become active pepsin. Once activated, pepsin functions to break down large, complex protein molecules into smaller fragments called peptides and proteoses. This process occurs through the hydrolysis of peptide bonds, specifically targeting those involving aromatic amino acids like phenylalanine, tryptophan, and tyrosine. Pepsin is essential for the initial stages of protein catabolism in the vertebrate digestive system.
129General Awareness
Which of the following became India's first State Assembly to implement the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) programme to become paperless?
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Answer: (C) Nagaland
Explanation
Nagaland became the first state in the country to implement the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) programme to transition into a completely paperless mode of operation. In March 2022, the Nagaland Legislative Assembly successfully deployed the NeVA platform during its budget session, providing members with tablets and digital access to the list of business and other assembly documents. This project is a Mission Mode Project under the Digital India Programme, managed by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, designed to digitize the proceedings of all Indian legislatures. By integrating legislative houses onto a single cloud-based platform, the initiative eliminates the need for physical paperwork and enhances the efficiency and transparency of legislative work.
130General Awareness
Who among the following ruler ruled before Prithviraj Chauhan over Delhi?
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Answer: (B) Ananga Pala
Explanation
Ananga Pala was a ruler of the Tomar dynasty, which is credited with establishing the first capital at Delhi, then known as Dhillika, in the 8th century. Specifically, Ananga Pala II, who ruled in the 11th century, is renowned for founding the citadel of Lal Kot and developing the city's infrastructure. The Tomar Rajputs controlled the Delhi region until they were defeated by the Chauhans of Ajmer in the mid-12th century. Prithviraj Chauhan, also known as Prithviraj III, was the most famous ruler of the Chauhan dynasty who inherited and ruled over Delhi after the Tomars, making Ananga Pala a predecessor in the chronological sequence of Delhi's rulers.
131General Awareness
Shyamji Krishna Varma established India House at ______ in 1905.
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Answer: (D) London
Explanation
Shyamji Krishna Varma established India House in London in 1905 to serve as a hostel for Indian students and a focal point for revolutionary activities in the United Kingdom. It was founded alongside the Indian Home Rule Society to advocate for Indian self-rule and became a crucial hub for prominent nationalists like V.D. Savarkar, Lala Hardayal, and Madan Lal Dhingra. From this base, Varma published the journal The Indian Sociologist to spread anti-colonial sentiment and organize Indian students against British imperial policies. The establishment provided scholarship opportunities for Indian students to study in Britain while simultaneously fostering a sense of national identity and political consciousness among the diaspora.
132General Awareness
Motion of an object is if its velocity is constant.
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Answer: (D) uniform
Explanation
Uniform motion is defined as the motion of an object in which it travels in a straight line and its velocity remains constant over time. Since velocity is a vector quantity, a constant velocity signifies that both the speed of the object and its direction of motion do not change. Mathematically, if the velocity v is constant, the acceleration a = d{v}{dt} is zero. This ensures that the object covers equal displacements in equal intervals of time, which is the fundamental characteristic of uniform motion.
133General Awareness
'Indira Gandhi Shehri Rozgar Guarantee Yojana 2022' has been implemented by which state government?
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Answer: (A) Rajasthan
Explanation
The Indira Gandhi Shehri Rozgar Guarantee Yojana was launched by the Rajasthan government in September 2022 to provide 100 days of guaranteed employment to urban families. It is modeled on the lines of the MGNREGA scheme to address unemployment in urban areas of the state.
134General Awareness
Choose the correct pair from the following options.
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Answer: (B) Fourth Five-year Plan - Family planning programme
Explanation
The Fourth Five-Year Plan, implemented from 1969 to 1974, placed a significant emphasis on the Family Planning Programme as a national priority. The government recognized that uncontrolled population growth was a major hurdle to achieving the goal of self-reliance and improving the standard of living. By formally integrating family planning into the development agenda, the plan aimed to reduce the birth rate through widespread awareness and the provision of clinical facilities across the country. This move was intended to ensure that the benefits of economic growth were not diluted by a rapidly increasing population.
135General Awareness
Fundamental Duties were added in the Constitution of India under the leadership of which Prime Minister of India?
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Answer: (C) Indira Gandhi
Explanation
The Fundamental Duties of citizens were incorporated into the Indian Constitution by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976. This amendment was enacted during the tenure of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi while the country was under a state of National Emergency. The inclusion of these duties followed the recommendations of the Swaran Singh Committee, which suggested that a specific chapter on fundamental duties be added to ensure that citizens are aware of their obligations to the nation alongside their rights. These duties are laid down in Article 51A, located within Part IV-A of the Constitution. Initially, ten duties were added, aimed at promoting patriotism and strengthening the unity and integrity of India.
136General Awareness
Which of the following festivals is celebrated in the month of August-September?
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Answer: (D) Onam
Explanation
Onam is the primary harvest festival of Kerala and is celebrated to commemorate the return of the legendary King Mahabali. It occurs during the month of Chingam in the Malayalam calendar, which usually falls between August and September in the Gregorian calendar. The ten-day festivities include traditional rituals such as the creation of Pookalam floral designs, Pulikali tiger dances, and the iconic Vallam Kali snake boat races held on the Pampa River.
137General Awareness
'Mission Kushal Karmi' was launched to upgrade the skills of construction workers.
This programme was launched by the government of
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Answer: (D) Delhi
Explanation
The Delhi government launched the Mission Kushal Karmi program in July 2022 to provide on-the-job skill development training to construction workers registered with the Delhi Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board. This initiative is a collaborative effort between the Delhi Skill and Entrepreneurship University and the National Skill Development Corporation. The program aims to upgrade the technical skills of workers, thereby increasing their productivity and earning potential. During the 15-day training period, workers are provided with a financial incentive of 4,200 rupees to compensate for their loss of wages, ensuring that the training does not result in a financial burden for them.
138General Awareness
first edition of the Youth Olympic Games was held at
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Answer: (B) Singapore
Explanation
The inaugural Summer Youth Olympic Games were held in Singapore from 14 to 26 August 2010. This event marked the first time the International Olympic Committee (IOC) organized a global multi-sport competition specifically for athletes aged 14 to 18. Singapore was selected as the host city in February 2008, winning the final bid over Moscow. The games featured approximately 3,600 athletes from 204 National Olympic Committees competing in 26 sports, establishing the framework for the biennial youth Olympic cycle.
139General Awareness
Thorny bushes are found in ______ region.
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Answer: (C) dry desert
Explanation
Thorny bushes are a characteristic feature of dry desert regions where annual rainfall is extremely low and evaporation rates are high. These plants, known as xerophytes, have evolved specific adaptations to survive in arid environments. The presence of thorns or spines instead of leaves is a primary adaptation to reduce the surface area through which water is lost via transpiration. Furthermore, these plants often have thick, waxy cuticles and deep-reaching root systems to maximize water absorption and storage. Such vegetation is commonly found in tropical and subtropical deserts where the scarcity of moisture limits the growth of large trees and lush foliage.
140General Awareness
Where was the FIH Men's Indoor Hockey World Cup 2018 organised?
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Answer: (A) Berlin, Germany
Explanation
The 2018 Men's Indoor Hockey World Cup was the fifth edition of this international tournament, organized by the International Hockey Federation (FIH). The event was held in Berlin, Germany, from February 7 to February 11, 2018. All matches were played at the Max-Schmeling-Halle, a prominent indoor arena in the city. Germany was selected as the host due to its significant indoor hockey culture and facilities. The tournament saw participation from twelve nations, and it concluded with Austria claiming their first world title after defeating the host country in the final.
141General Awareness
How many fundamental duties are provided in the Indian Constitution?
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Answer: (A) 11
Explanation
The Indian Constitution currently contains 11 Fundamental Duties, which are listed under Article 51A in Part IV-A. These duties were not part of the original Constitution but were incorporated based on the recommendations of the Swaran Singh Committee. The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976 initially introduced ten Fundamental Duties. Later, the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2002 added the eleventh fundamental duty, which requires a parent or guardian to provide opportunities for education to his child or ward between the age of six and fourteen years.
142General Awareness
In the context of India, tropical cyclones originate over the ______.
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Answer: (C) Bay of Bengal
Explanation
The Bay of Bengal is the primary region for the origin of tropical cyclones that affect the Indian subcontinent. It exhibits high sea surface temperatures, often remaining above 28°C, which provide the necessary latent heat and energy for cyclogenesis. The basin's semi-enclosed nature and the influx of fresh water from major river systems create a stratified surface layer that inhibits the upwelling of cooler subsurface water, allowing the surface to remain warm and fuel storm intensification. Geographically, the Bay of Bengal is also influenced by remnant low-pressure systems moving in from the South China Sea, which frequently re-intensify into tropical cyclones upon entering these warm waters, leading to a higher frequency of cyclonic activity compared to other surrounding maritime regions.
143General Awareness
Which of the following UT/states have the highest density/ km² , according to census 2011?
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Answer: (B) Chandigarh
Explanation
According to the 2011 Census, the population density of Chandigarh is approximately 9,258 persons per square kilometer, which is significantly higher than that of Puducherry (2,547), Bihar (1,106), and Uttar Pradesh (829). Although Bihar has the highest density among Indian states, Chandigarh has a higher density when considering both States and Union Territories together in the given list.
144General Awareness
Which of the following folk dance forms does NOT belong to the state of Gujarat?
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Answer: (C) Bidesiya
Explanation
Bidesiya is a popular folk dance and theatrical form originating from the state of Bihar, primarily in the Bhojpuri-speaking regions. It was created and popularized by Bhikhari Thakur, a legendary playwright and folk artist often referred to as the Shakespeare of Bhojpuri. The performance traditionally combines music, dance, and drama to explore themes of social migration, the pain of separation, and various prevailing social issues, distinguishing it from the traditional folk dances of Western India.
145General Awareness
Which college was established in Banaras in 1791?
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Answer: (D) Sanskrit College
Explanation
The Sanskrit College was established in Banaras in 1791 by Jonathan Duncan, the British Resident, for the study of Hindu law and philosophy. This institution eventually evolved into the Sampurnanand Sanskrit University.
146General Awareness
Which country is the leading producer of rice?
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Answer: (A) China
Explanation
China is the world largest producer of rice, consistently leading global production statistics provided by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). For the 2021-2022 crop year, China produced over 210 million metric tons of paddy rice, which represents approximately 30 percent of the total global rice output. This high level of productivity is primarily attributed to the country intensive cultivation practices in the Yangtze River basin and southern provinces, the widespread use of high-yielding hybrid rice varieties, and advanced irrigation infrastructure that supports multiple harvests per year.
147General Awareness
Who has been appointed as new director of AllMS, New Delhi in September 2022?
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Answer: (B) M. Srinivas
Explanation
Dr. M. Srinivas was appointed as the Director of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, in September 2022. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved his appointment for a period of five years or until he attains the age of 65 years. Before taking on this role, Dr. Srinivas served as the Dean of the ESIC Medical College and Hospital in Sanathnagar, Hyderabad. He succeeded Dr. Randeep Guleria, whose tenure ended in September 2022. Dr. Srinivas is a distinguished academic and surgeon who previously spent several years as a faculty member in the Department of Pediatric Surgery at AIIMS Delhi.
148General Awareness
The Winter Olympics - 2026 will be hosted by ______.
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Answer: (C) Italy
Explanation
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) officially selected Italy to host the 2026 Winter Olympics during its 134th Session in Lausanne, Switzerland, on June 24, 2019. The event, officially titled the Milano Cortina 2026 Games, will be hosted jointly by the cities of Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo. This selection makes Italy a four-time Olympic host, following the 1956 Winter Games in Cortina d'Ampezzo, the 1960 Summer Games in Rome, and the 2006 Winter Games in Turin. The 2026 Games are scheduled to feature competitions across the Lombardy and Veneto regions, as well as the provinces of Trento and Bolzano, marking the first time the Olympic Charter allows for a joint bid by two host cities.
149General Awareness
Whom among the following Indian classical musicians is an auditorium in Teheran, Iran named after?
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Answer: (A) Ustad Bismillah Khan
Explanation
Ustad Bismillah Khan, the legendary Shehnai maestro and Bharat Ratna awardee, was honored by the government of Iran when an auditorium in Tehran was named after him. This significant tribute occurred following his visit to the country in 1992, recognizing his unparalleled contribution to classical music and his role in fostering cultural relations between India and Iran. Bismillah Khan is credited with elevating the Shehnai from a traditional instrument used in ceremonies to a prestigious concert instrument recognized on the global stage. His performances in Iran were so profoundly received that the authorities decided to immortalize his legacy by dedicating a performance space in his name, reflecting the deep appreciation for Hindustani classical music within the Persian cultural sphere.
150General Awareness
Which type of rock can be considered as a biological sedimentary rock?
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Answer: (D) Limestone
Explanation
Limestone is classified as a biological or organic sedimentary rock because it primarily forms from the accumulation of organic debris. In marine environments, various organisms such as corals, shellfish, and microscopic algae extract calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) from the water to construct their shells and skeletal structures. When these organisms die, their hard remains settle on the ocean floor. Over vast periods of time, these layers of organic material undergo compaction and lithification to become solid rock. While limestone can also form through direct chemical precipitation from water, the vast majority of the world's limestone deposits are biogenic in origin, consisting of the fossilized remains of ancient marine life.