Match the columns.
States Hills
1. Kerala a. Anaimalai Hills
2. Meghalaya b. Garo Hills
3. Mizoram c. Lushai Hills
Code:
1 2 3
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (A) 1-a, 2-b, 3-c
Explanation
Kerala is associated with the Anaimalai Hills, a major mountain range in the southern Western Ghats that includes Anamudi, the highest peak in peninsular India. Meghalaya contains the Garo Hills, which constitute the western section of the Shillong Plateau and are primarily inhabited by the Garo tribe. Mizoram is the location of the Lushai Hills, also known as the Mizo Hills, which belong to the Patkai hill range and are characterized by their rugged terrain and dense bamboo forests.
652General Awareness
In January 2023, the legislative bill providing ______ reservation to women in state government jobs has been approved by Uttarakhand Governor, Lt Gen (Retd.) Gurmit Singh.
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (C) 30%
Explanation
The Uttarakhand Governor, Lt Gen (Retd.) Gurmit Singh, gave his official assent to the Uttarakhand Public Services (Horizontal Reservation for Women) Bill, 2022, in January 2023. This legislation formalizes a 30 percent horizontal reservation in state government jobs for women who are permanent residents (domiciles) of Uttarakhand. The bill was passed by the state assembly to provide a statutory framework for this reservation, ensuring that women of the state receive preferential representation in public services and posts across all categories. This move followed legal challenges to previous executive orders, establishing a firm legislative basis for the 30 percent quota.
653General Awareness
Butan-2-ol is a:
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (D) secondary alcohol
Explanation
Butan-2-ol has the chemical formula CH₃CH(OH)CH₂CH₃. In this structure, the hydroxyl group (-OH) is attached to the second carbon atom of the four-carbon butane chain. This specific carbon atom is directly bonded to two other carbon atoms (one methyl group and one ethyl group). According to the classification of alcohols, any alcohol where the carbon atom bearing the hydroxyl group is attached to two other carbon atoms is defined as a secondary alcohol.
654General Awareness
Indian musician Ravi Shankar won his first Grammy Award in 1968 for best chamber music performance for which of the following works done by him?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (A) West Meets East
Explanation
Ravi Shankar won his first Grammy Award in 1968 at the 10th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony. He was honored in the category of Best Chamber Music Performance for the album West Meets East. This work was a highly acclaimed collaboration with the celebrated violinist Yehudi Menuhin, representing a pioneering fusion of Indian classical music and Western classical traditions. The album featured intricate sitar and violin compositions that bridged cultural gaps, making Shankar the first Indian musician to win a Grammy and establishing his role as a global ambassador for Indian music.
655General Awareness
Which of the following rivers does NOT flow in Kerala State?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (D) Penner
Explanation
The Penner River, also known as the Pennar or Uttara Pinakini, is a major river in southern India that flows through the states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. It originates in the Chennakesava hill of the Nandi Hills range in the Chikkaballapur district of Karnataka. From its source, it flows north and then east through the Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh before eventually emptying into the Bay of Bengal near Nellore. Because its entire course and drainage basin are located well to the north and east of the Western Ghats section belonging to Kerala, it does not flow through any part of Kerala state.
656General Awareness
Vijayanagara emperor Krishnadeva Raya founded a suburban township near Vijayanagara called Nagalapuram after his ___.
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (D) mother
Explanation
Krishnadeva Raya, the most prominent ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire belonging to the Tuluva dynasty, established the suburban township of Nagalapuram near the imperial capital. He founded and named this settlement in honor of his mother, Nagala Devi. This township was part of a larger effort to expand the urban infrastructure of the empire and is frequently mentioned by contemporary foreign travelers like Domingo Paes, who observed the development of these suburbs. The settlement was designed to accommodate the growing population and served as a significant administrative and residential extension of the main city of Vijayanagara.
657General Awareness
Celebrated every year, the Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Award festival is named after the famous classical dancer of which of the following dance forms?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (A) Odissi
Explanation
Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra was a legendary Indian classical dancer and guru who is widely credited with the revival and popularization of Odissi in the 20th century. Born in Raghurajpur, Odisha, he was a master of the Gotipua and Mahari traditions, which he synthesized to create the modern Odissi repertoire. His contributions were so significant that he became the first person from Odisha to be honored with the Padma Vibhushan. The Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Award was instituted by Srjan, the dance school founded by him, to recognize outstanding contributions to the field of performing arts and to preserve his immense legacy in the Odissi classical dance form.
658General Awareness
Under which Constitutional Amendment, the State shall provide free and compulsory education to all children from the age of six to fourteen years?.
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (D) 86ᵗʰ
Explanation
The 86ᵗʰ Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002, inserted Article 21A into the Constitution of India, which mandates that the State shall provide free and compulsory education to all children between the ages of six and fourteen years in such a manner as the State may, by law, determine. This amendment made the Right to Education a Fundamental Right under Part III of the Constitution. It also substituted the subject matter of Article 45 in the Directive Principles of State Policy and added a new Fundamental Duty under Article 51A(k), requiring parents or guardians to provide opportunities for education to their children in this specific age group.
659General Awareness
The outermost cover of plant cells is/are known as
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (C) Cell wall
Explanation
The cell wall is a rigid, structural layer surrounding plant cells, located outside the cell membrane. It serves as the outermost boundary and is primarily composed of cellulose, a complex polysaccharide that provides significant mechanical strength and protection. This structure is vital for maintaining the shape of the cell, providing support against osmotic pressure, and allowing plants to grow to great heights without a skeletal system. While the cell membrane is present in all living cells, the addition of the cell wall is a defining characteristic of plant cells that provides an extra level of durability and protection from the external environment.
660General Awareness
Guruvayur Ekadashi is the cultural festival of which Indian state?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (D) Kerala
Explanation
Guruvayur Ekadashi is a major cultural and religious festival celebrated at the Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple in the Thrissur district of Kerala. It falls during the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi in the Malayalam month of Vrischikam, which typically corresponds to November or December. The festival is dedicated to Lord Guruvayurappan, a form of Lord Krishna. A significant highlight of the celebration is the grand elephant procession, including a special tribute to the legendary temple elephant Guruvayur Kesavan. The event is also characterized by the Ekadashi Vilakku, where the temple is illuminated with thousands of traditional oil lamps, making it one of the most important annual observances in Kerala's cultural calendar.
661General Awareness
The Western cyclonic disturbance originates over
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (D) The Mediterranean
Explanation
Western cyclonic disturbances are weather phenomena of the winter months brought in by the westerly flow from the Mediterranean region. These extratropical storms originate over the Mediterranean Sea and travel eastward across West Asia, Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan before entering the northwestern parts of India. They are steered by the subtropical westerly jet stream, which prevails to the north of the Himalayas during the winter. As they move towards the Indian subcontinent, they often pick up additional moisture from the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. These disturbances are responsible for bringing sudden winter rain and snow to the northwestern parts of India, which is highly beneficial for the growth of Rabi crops, particularly wheat.
662General Awareness
Who along with Arthur Compton received the Nobel Prize in 1927 for the development of the cloud chamber for the detection of charged particles?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (A) Charles Wilson
Explanation
Charles Thomson Rees Wilson was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1927 for his invention of the expansion cloud chamber, also known as the Wilson cloud chamber. This apparatus provided the first method for making the paths of electrically charged particles visible. By utilizing the principle of adiabatic expansion to cool moist air, Wilson created a supersaturated state where water droplets would condense around ions produced by passing radiation. These trails of droplets, or cloud tracks, allowed scientists to photograph and study the behavior of subatomic particles. His work was fundamental to the field of nuclear physics and provided essential experimental evidence for the Compton effect, which was why he shared the prize with Arthur Compton.
663General Awareness
Which Article of the Indian Constitution empowers the Parliament to establish additional courts for better administration of laws made by it?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (D) Article 247
Explanation
Article 247 of the Constitution of India grants Parliament the specific power to provide for the establishment of any additional courts for the better administration of laws made by Parliament or of any existing law with respect to a matter enumerated in the Union List. This provision ensures that the Union legislature has the necessary authority to create the judicial infrastructure required to effectively implement and adjudicate matters arising from federal legislation. This power is distinct from the general jurisdiction of the High Courts and the Supreme Court, allowing for specialized judicial bodies as deemed necessary by the Parliament.
664General Awareness
Census in India was first started under in the year 1872.
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (D) Lord Mayo
Explanation
The first census of India was conducted in 1872 during the tenure of Lord Mayo, who served as the Viceroy of India from 1869 to 1872. This initial census was a non-synchronous exercise, meaning it was not carried out simultaneously across the entire country but rather occurred at different times in various provinces. It represented the first major attempt by the British administration to systematically collect demographic data and understand the population distribution of the Indian subcontinent. This effort established the precedent for population counting in India, eventually leading to the first synchronous decennial census in 1881.
665General Awareness
Who wrote 'Gift to Monotheists' in Persian to denounce the belief in many Gods?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (C) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
Explanation
Raja Ram Mohan Roy published Tuhfat-ul-Muwahhidin, translated as A Gift to Monotheists, in 1803. This work was written in Persian, which was the language of the educated elite in India at the time, and featured an introduction in Arabic. In this treatise, Roy used rationalist arguments to denounce polytheism and idol worship, asserting that belief in a single Supreme Being is the natural and original form of religion. He argued that the multiplicity of gods and complex rituals found in various faiths were later distortions created by vested interests. This publication established the philosophical basis for his lifelong commitment to monotheism and religious reform based on reason and the study of original scriptures.
666General Awareness
Identify an organism that exhibits metagenesis.
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (A) Obelia
Explanation
Obelia is a hydrozoan cnidarian that exhibits metagenesis, which is the alternation of generations between a polypoid and a medusoid phase. In this life cycle, the asexual polyp stage produces medusae through asexual budding. These medusae then represent the sexual phase, producing gametes that unite during fertilization to form a zygote. The zygote develops into a ciliated planula larva, which eventually settles and grows into a new colonial polyp. This regular succession of asexual and sexual generations ensures both the propagation and the dispersal of the species.
667General Awareness
How many nominated members are there in the Legislative Assembly of Telanagana?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (B) One
Explanation
The Telangana Legislative Assembly is composed of 119 members elected through direct elections and one member nominated by the Governor. Under Article 333 of the Constitution of India, the Governor is empowered to nominate one member of the Anglo-Indian community to the State Legislative Assembly if they believe the community is not sufficiently represented in the House. This structure was formally established during the state's creation under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act of 2014, which fixed the strength of the Telangana Legislative Assembly at 119 elected seats plus one nominated seat to ensure minority representation.
668General Awareness
Magadha Mahajanapada was surrounded by the rivers
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (C) Ganga and Son
Explanation
Magadha was strategically located in the fertile plains of the middle Ganga valley, primarily occupying the area of modern-day Patna and Gaya districts in Bihar. The kingdom enjoyed natural geographic protection provided by major water bodies. The river Ganga defined its northern boundary, while the river Son flowed to its west. These rivers acted as natural moats for the capital and provided critical advantages for water transport, trade, and the irrigation of the surrounding fertile lands, which supported a large population and a powerful military.
669General Awareness
Lai Haraoba is the earliest form of which of the following classical dances of India?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (A) Manipuri
Explanation
Lai Haraoba is a ritualistic festival celebrated by the Meitei community of Manipur and is widely regarded as the foundational source of the Manipuri classical dance. The term translates to the merrymaking of the gods and the festival involves elaborate sequences of dance and music performed to please the deities. These performances, led by priestesses known as Maibis and priests known as Maibas, depict the cosmogony of the Meitei people, including the creation of the universe and the evolution of human life. The traditional movements, postures, and rhythmic patterns established during Lai Haraoba rituals provided the essential grammar and stylistic elements that were later refined into the classical Manipuri dance form.
670General Awareness
Who among the following became the first fast bowler to take up captaincy of the Australian men's Test side full-time in November 2021?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (C) Pat Cummins
Explanation
Pat Cummins was officially named the captain of the Australian men's Test cricket team on November 26, 2021, making him the 47th captain of the side. His appointment followed the resignation of the previous captain just before the start of the 2021-22 Ashes series. This historic decision established Cummins as the first specialist fast bowler to lead the Australian Test team on a full-time, permanent basis. While Ray Lindwall had briefly captained the team for a single Test in 1956, Cummins was the first to be formally appointed to the long-term leadership role, breaking the historical preference for selecting batsmen or wicketkeepers to lead the national side.
671General Awareness
Small scale units are differentiated from large scale units on the basis of:
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (D) the amount of investment
Explanation
The primary criterion for differentiating small-scale units from large-scale units is the amount of capital investment made in plant and machinery or equipment. Under the regulatory frameworks such as the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (MSMED) Act in India, specific financial limits are set to categorize businesses. Small-scale industries are defined by having a lower threshold of investment in fixed assets compared to large-scale industries, which require massive capital outlays for infrastructure and technology. This investment-based classification helps the government identify units that require specific fiscal incentives, credit facilities, and protection from competition.
672General Awareness
Where did IISCO (Indian Iron and Steel Company) set up its first factory?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (A) Hirapur
Explanation
The Indian Iron and Steel Company (IISCO) was incorporated on 11 March 1918 with the objective of producing iron and steel. Its first factory was established at Hirapur in the Bardhaman district of West Bengal. The facility at Hirapur focused on the production of pig iron, which began in 1922. The company later expanded its operations by integrating with the Bengal Iron Company at Kulti and establishing a steel-making plant at Burnpur. IISCO was eventually taken over by the Government of India in 1972 and later became a subsidiary of the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL).
673General Awareness
The number of flights in a 110m hurdle race is
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (C) 10
Explanation
The 110m hurdles is a standard track and field sprint event for men that features 10 hurdles, also known as flights. According to international athletics standards set by World Athletics, the race is structured with a distance of 13.72 meters from the starting line to the first hurdle. The hurdles are then spaced at intervals of 9.14 meters from each other. There are 9 such intervals between the 10 hurdles, covering a total distance of 13.72 + (9 × 9.14) = 95.98 meters to the final hurdle. The remaining 14.02 meters constitute the run-in to the finish line, completing the 110-meter course.
674General Awareness
Which of the following countries won the highest number of golds in Paralympic-2020?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (A) China
Explanation
China secured the top position on the medal leaderboard at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Paralympic Games, which were held in 2021. The nation won a total of 96 gold medals, along with 60 silver and 51 bronze medals, bringing their total count to 207. This performance marked the fifth consecutive Paralympic Games where China finished as the leading country in both gold medal count and total medal count, maintaining a streak of dominance that began at the 2004 Athens Games. Their success was widespread across various sports, particularly in athletics, swimming, and powerlifting.
675General Awareness
Primarily under whose persuasion did Mahatma Gandhi visit Champaran to understand the problems of peasants?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (D) Rajkumar Shukla
Explanation
Rajkumar Shukla was an indigo cultivator from Champaran who was deeply distressed by the exploitative tinkathia system imposed by British planters. He traveled to the 1916 Lucknow Session of the Indian National Congress to seek a resolution against the oppression of the indigo farmers. Shukla persistently followed Mahatma Gandhi to various parts of the country, including Kanpur and Ahmedabad, urging him to visit Bihar to investigate the grievances of the peasantry. His dedication and persistence eventually convinced Gandhi to visit Champaran in April 1917, marking the beginning of the first Satyagraha movement in India.
676General Awareness
Which State Assembly passed a resolution to create a Legislative Council in 2021?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (D) West Bengal
Explanation
The West Bengal Legislative Assembly passed a resolution on July 6, 2021, to create a Legislative Council in the state under Article 169 of the Constitution of India. This move followed a cabinet decision and was a key campaign promise made during the 2021 Assembly elections. According to Article 169, the Parliament can create or abolish a Legislative Council if the Legislative Assembly of the State passes a resolution to that effect by a special majority, which requires a majority of the total membership of the Assembly and a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting. West Bengal originally had a bicameral legislature after independence, but its Legislative Council was abolished in 1969. The 2021 resolution aimed to re-establish this upper house to provide a platform for experts and seasoned politicians who do not contest direct elections.
677General Awareness
Which of the following is an example of revenue receipt of the government?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (C) GST collected by the government
Explanation
Revenue receipts are defined as those receipts of the government that neither create a liability nor lead to a reduction in its assets. These are recurring and regular income sources that the government receives in the normal course of its operations. Tax revenues, which include direct taxes like income tax and indirect taxes like the Goods and Services Tax (GST), are the most significant component of revenue receipts. GST collection is a revenue receipt because the government is not required to return this money to the taxpayers, meaning no liability is created, and it does not involve the liquidation of any government-owned property or assets.
678General Awareness
On International Women's Day 2022, the Ministry of MSME launched an entrepreneurship drive for women by which of the following names?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (A) SAMARTH
Explanation
The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises launched the SAMARTH initiative in March 2022 as a special entrepreneurship promotion drive for women to coincide with International Women Day. This initiative aims to provide women with opportunities for self-employment and independence by offering specialized skill development and market linkage. Under SAMARTH, 20 percent of seats in free skill development programs organized by the Ministry are allocated for women. Furthermore, the drive includes a 20 percent concession on annual processing fees for MSME schemes and facilitates a dedicated registration drive for women-owned micro, small, and medium enterprises on the Udyam Registration portal to ensure they can access government benefits and credit facilities more easily.
679General Awareness
He was a Delhi Sultan who started the practice of Sijada and Paibos in the court. Who was he?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (B) Ghiyasuddin Balban
Explanation
Ghiyasuddin Balban introduced the Persian customs of Sijda and Paibos to establish the absolute power and prestige of the Sultanate. Based on his theory of kingship, he considered the Sultan to be the Shadow of God (Zil-i-Ilahi) and the Deputy of God (Niyabat-i-Khudai) on Earth. Sijda involved prostrating before the monarch, while Paibos required kissing the feet of the Sultan. These rigorous court etiquettes were implemented to maintain distance between the ruler and the nobility, effectively curbing the influence of the powerful group of Turkish nobles known as the Chahalgani and reinforcing the divine aura of the throne.
680General Awareness
What are the main energy sources for earth's internal heat engine?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (D) Radiogenic heat and primordial heat
Explanation
Earth's internal heat engine is primarily powered by two major energy sources that drive mantle convection and plate tectonics. The first is radiogenic heat, produced by the continuous radioactive decay of long-lived isotopes, specifically Uranium-238, Uranium-235, Thorium-232, and Potassium-40, which are distributed throughout the mantle and crust. The second is primordial heat, which is the thermal energy remaining from the Earth's initial formation. This primordial component includes the heat generated during the accretion of planetesimals and the gravitational potential energy released as the dense metallic core separated from the silicate mantle during differentiation. These two sources combined provide the thermal energy required to sustain the planet's internal temperatures and geological activity over billions of years.
681General Awareness
Select the correct statement about the achievements of Sruti Bandopadhay, an eminent Manipuri dancer.
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (B) She received Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for the year 2020.
Explanation
Sruti Bandopadhay is a distinguished Manipuri dance exponent, researcher, and academician who was conferred the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for the year 2020 for her significant contribution to Manipuri dance. She has played a pivotal role in the propagation and scholarly study of the art form, serving as a Professor of Manipuri Dance at Visva-Bharati University. The Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards for the years 2019, 2020, and 2021 were collectively announced to honor artists who have demonstrated excellence and made enduring contributions to the performing arts in India. Bandopadhay is recognized for her dual excellence in both performance and the academic documentation of Manipuri dance traditions.
682General Awareness
Which of the given personalities is NOT associated with Carnatic Music?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (C) Vishnu Narayan Bhatkhande
Explanation
Vishnu Narayan Bhatkhande was a distinguished musicologist and scholar who dedicated his life to the systematization and documentation of Hindustani Classical Music, the tradition prevalent in Northern India. He is most famous for developing the Thaat system, which provides a framework for classifying Ragas into ten basic scales, and for writing the Hindustani Sangeet Paddhati, a foundational text for North Indian classical music theory. His work and contributions were entirely focused on the Hindustani system, which remains distinct from the Carnatic Music tradition of Southern India in terms of nomenclature, classification, and performance practice.
683General Awareness
Which of the following Acts was introduced to regulate Foreign Exchange in India in 1973?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (A) FERA
Explanation
The Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA) was enacted by the Indian Parliament in 1973 and came into force on January 1, 1974. Its primary objective was to regulate certain payments, dealings in foreign exchange and securities, and the import and export of currency and bullion to conserve the country's foreign exchange resources. During the 1970s, India faced a severe shortage of foreign exchange, which led to the implementation of this stringent regulatory framework. Under FERA, all transactions involving foreign exchange were prohibited unless specifically permitted by the Reserve Bank of India, and violations were treated as criminal offenses.
684General Awareness
Which of the following dances is performed by the Santhal tribe of Jharkhand?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (A) Jhika Dasain
Explanation
Jhika Dasain is a traditional folk dance performed by the Santhal tribe, primarily in Jharkhand and neighboring regions. This ritualistic dance is performed by men during the Dasain festival, which coincides with the Shardiya Navratri or Durga Puja period. The dancers carry a unique musical instrument called the Buan, which is a stringed instrument made from a dried gourd. The performance is characterized by rhythmic movements and songs that recount the historical and mythical search for the tribe's legendary leaders, Hudur Durga and Gurbari. It serves as an important cultural expression of the Santhal community, blending storytelling with rhythmic physical movement to preserve their ancestral heritage and tribal history.
685General Awareness
Which of the following cell organelles is made up of ribosomal RNA and protein?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (A) Ribosome
Explanation
Ribosomes are specialized cell organelles responsible for protein synthesis, acting as the site where genetic code is translated into amino acid sequences. Chemically, they are ribonucleoprotein complexes, meaning they are composed of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and a variety of specific proteins. In a cell, these components are organized into two distinct subunits—a large subunit and a small subunit—which join together during the process of translation. The rRNA provides the structural framework and possesses catalytic activity (ribozyme function) for peptide bond formation, while the protein components help stabilize the structure and facilitate the conformational changes necessary for protein production.
686General Awareness
Shri Sagar Kailas Ovalkar was in news for being conferred with Arjuna Award 2022 for his outstanding contribution in which of the following sports?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (D) Mallakhamb
Explanation
Sagar Kailas Ovalkar is a distinguished athlete who was conferred with the Arjuna Award in 2022 for his remarkable achievements in Mallakhamb. As a traditional Indian sport that combines gymnastics, yoga, and wrestling on a wooden pole or rope, Mallakhamb requires immense strength and agility. Ovalkar has consistently demonstrated excellence in this discipline, securing numerous medals at both national and international levels, including the Mallakhamb World Championships. His recognition with the Arjuna Award highlights his contribution to promoting and excelling in indigenous sports under the category of outstanding performance in sports and games.
687General Awareness
Who among the following Indian music directors, specially known as a leading drummer of India, was awarded the Padma Shri in 2019?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (A) Sivamani
Explanation
Anandan Sivamani, a world-renowned percussionist and music director, was honored with the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 2019 for his distinguished service in the field of Art. Known for his exceptional skills as a drummer, he has played a pivotal role in popularizing Indian percussion on the global stage. Sivamani is celebrated for his versatility across various musical genres, including Carnatic, Hindustani classical, jazz, and film music, often using a diverse array of traditional and modern instruments to create unique rhythmic patterns.
688General Awareness
The 'Joenpa Legso' is a welcome dance of
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (B) Bhutan
Explanation
Joenpa Legso is a traditional folk dance of Bhutan, specifically performed as a gesture of welcome and hospitality for guests and dignitaries. The term Joenpa Legso literally translates to Welcome or Good to see you in the national language, Dzongkha. This dance is characterized by its graceful and rhythmic movements, performed to the accompaniment of traditional Bhutanese musical instruments. It is commonly staged at the beginning of various social ceremonies, religious festivals known as Tshechus, and official state functions to invoke an auspicious start and express the warmth of the Bhutanese people. Performers wear traditional attire, consisting of the Gho for men and the Kira for women, and their synchronized steps reflect the deep-rooted cultural values and spiritual heritage of the Himalayan kingdom.
689General Awareness
Following an order of 16 July 2021, the Supreme Court of India introduced an electronic system named ______, in November 2021, through which its crucial decisions can be communicated electronically to prison authorities and investigating agencies.
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (B) FASTER
Explanation
The Supreme Court of India launched the FASTER (Fast and Secured Transmission of Electronic Records) software to ensure the swift and secure electronic transmission of judicial orders. This initiative was spearheaded by a bench headed by Chief Justice N.V. Ramana following a July 2021 order in response to reports of prisoners remaining in jail for days after being granted bail due to delays in delivering physical copies of court orders. The FASTER system utilizes a secure electronic channel to send digital versions of bail orders, stay orders, and other crucial directions directly to prison authorities, district courts, and investigating agencies, thereby preventing the violation of the fundamental right to personal liberty caused by administrative lag.
690General Awareness
Select the correct statement from the given options.
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (A) There is very little temperature difference between day and night in the coastal areas of Kerala.
Explanation
Coastal areas of Kerala experience a maritime climate due to their proximity to the Arabian Sea. The presence of a large water body exerts a moderating influence on the temperature of the land. Because water has a higher specific heat capacity than land, it heats up and cools down much more slowly. This thermal stability leads to the development of land and sea breezes which regulate the local climate. Consequently, the diurnal range of temperature, which is the difference between the maximum temperature of the day and the minimum temperature of the night, is very low in these regions, maintaining a relatively uniform temperature throughout the twenty four hour cycle.
691General Awareness
Who among the following was the first person to discuss poverty line in preindependent India?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (A) Dadabhai Naoroji
Explanation
Dadabhai Naoroji was the pioneer in discussing and estimating the poverty line in India during the pre-independence period. In his book, Poverty and Un-British Rule in India, he formulated the concept of a subsistence-based poverty line. He employed the jail cost of living methodology, where he calculated the cost of a basic minimum diet required for an adult prisoner to survive. This diet typically included essential commodities such as rice or flour, dal, ghee, mutton, salt, and vegetables. Based on the market prices of the 1860s and 1870s, he estimated the poverty line to range from ₹16 to ₹35 per capita per year across different regions. His work was the first systematic attempt to quantify the economic deprivation of the Indian population under colonial rule.
692General Awareness
By what name did Allauddin Khilji build his capital?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (B) Siri
Explanation
Alauddin Khalji established the city of Siri as his capital in the early 14th century, specifically around 1303. It is recognized as the second of the seven historical cities of Delhi. The primary motivation for building this fortified city was to protect the Sultanate from frequent Mongol invasions, providing a secure military headquarters and administrative center. Within Siri, Alauddin Khalji constructed the famous Hazar Sutun, also known as the Palace of a Thousand Pillars, and the Hauz Khas water reservoir to meet the needs of the city inhabitants and garrison.
693General Awareness
Narali Poornima marks the end of monsoon season in which Indian state?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (C) Maharashtra
Explanation
Narali Poornima, also known as Coconut Day, is a significant festival celebrated by the fishing community, particularly the Kolis, in the coastal regions of Maharashtra. It is observed on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravana and marks the retreat of the monsoon season. The festival signifies the end of the rainy period during which the sea is too turbulent for fishing. On this day, fishermen offer coconuts to Varuna, the God of the Sea, to seek protection and a bountiful catch as they resume their seafaring activities. The calm waters following the ceremony permit the commencement of the new fishing season.
694General Awareness
Dhalo is a folk dance of which Indian state?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (D) Goa
Explanation
Dhalo is a popular folk dance of Goa, performed by women during the post-harvest season in the month of Pausha. It is a traditional form of dance-song used to offer prayers to Mother Earth and protect the village community.
695General Awareness
The policy of dual system of government of Bengal was the brainchild of which Governor-General?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (B) Lord Clive
Explanation
Lord Robert Clive introduced the Dual System of Government in Bengal following the Treaty of Allahabad in 1765. Under this administrative arrangement, the functions of the government were divided into Diwani and Nizamat. The East India Company obtained the Diwani rights, which granted them the authority to collect revenues and manage civil justice. Meanwhile, the Nizamat, involving military power and general administration, remained nominally with the Nawab of Bengal. However, the Company exercised control over the Nizamat through the appointment of a Deputy Subahdar. This system allowed the British to enjoy the financial benefits and power of the province without assuming the formal responsibilities of governance or the costs of administration.
696General Awareness
Identify the ODD one out.
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (B) White revolution
Explanation
The White Revolution, also known as Operation Flood, is the odd one out because it specifically pertains to the dairy sector and the enhancement of milk production through organized cooperative systems and animal husbandry. In contrast, the other three concepts are fundamentally linked to the transformation of crop cultivation. Modern agricultural technology and seed-fertiliser-water technology are the specific technical components and strategies that defined the Green Revolution, which focused on increasing the yields of food grains like wheat and rice through high-yielding variety seeds and intensive irrigation. Therefore, the White Revolution stands apart as a livestock-based initiative rather than a crop-based one.
697General Awareness
In which of the following years did the Indian Premier League begin?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (D) 2008
Explanation
The Indian Premier League (IPL) was established by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in 2007, and the inaugural season of the tournament was played in 2008. The first match of the competition took place on April 18, 2008, at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore, where the Kolkata Knight Riders faced the Royal Challengers Bangalore. The first edition featured eight franchise teams and lasted for 44 days, culminating in a final where the Rajasthan Royals emerged as the champions by defeating the Chennai Super Kings. This launch marked the beginning of the T20 franchise cricket era in India.
698General Awareness
The FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup 2022 was hosted by
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (C) India
Explanation
India served as the host nation for the seventh edition of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, which took place from 11 to 30 October 2022. This marked the second time the country hosted a FIFA tournament, following the successful organization of the men's U-17 World Cup in 2017. The competition featured sixteen national teams and was played across three venues: the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao, and the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. The final match was held in Navi Mumbai, where Spain emerged as the champions by defeating Colombia. As the host nation, India qualified automatically for the tournament, marking its debut appearance in the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.
699General Awareness
In which state is the Gorumara National Park located?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (B) West Bengal
Explanation
Gorumara National Park is located in the Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal, situated within the Dooars region at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas. Established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1949 and later upgraded to a National Park in 1994, it is primarily renowned for its population of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros. The park is nestled on the floodplains of the Murti and Jaldhaka rivers, providing a diverse ecosystem of tropical forests and grasslands. It serves as a crucial conservation area in northern West Bengal, supporting various species of mammals, birds, and reptiles typical of the Terai-Dooars savanna and grasslands ecoregion.
700General Awareness
Mrinalini Vikram Sarabhai, the Bharatanatyam legend, was also recognised for which of the following dance forms?
● Correct
● Not quite — the correct answer is highlighted
Show answer & explanationHide answer⌄
Answer: (B) Kathakali
Explanation
Mrinalini Sarabhai was a celebrated exponent of two major Indian classical dance forms: Bharatanatyam and Kathakali. While widely recognized for her expertise in Bharatanatyam, she also achieved great distinction in Kathakali, having received rigorous training under the legendary Guru Thakazhi Kunchu Kurup. She was a pioneer who helped bring Kathakali to international prominence and was one of the first women to master this dance form, which was traditionally performed only by men. In 1949, she founded the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts in Ahmedabad, an institution dedicated to the preservation and promotion of these classical traditions.