At which Olympics was Kho-Kho featured in an exhibition in the main stadium?
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Answer: (A) 1936
Explanation
Kho-Kho was showcased as a demonstration sport during the 1936 Berlin Olympics. A specialized team of 35 members from the Hanuman Vyayam Prasarak Mandal (HVPM) of Amravati, Maharashtra, travelled to Germany to perform traditional Indian sports. The demonstration took place in the main Olympic Stadium, where the athletes displayed the agility and tactical complexity of Kho-Kho alongside other disciplines like Mallakhamb. This exhibition was highly praised by the international spectators and the Olympic Organizing Committee for its unique athletic demands, leading to the participants being awarded special medals of recognition for their performance.
102General Awareness
Which of the following statements is INCORRECT?
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Answer: (A) Fats and oils get reduced over time and smell bad.
Explanation
Rancidity in fats and oils is caused by a chemical process known as oxidation, not reduction. When food products containing fats or oils are exposed to the oxygen present in the atmosphere, the unsaturated fatty acid chains undergo oxidative cleavage. This reaction results in the formation of short-chain aldehydes, ketones, and carboxylic acids that are responsible for the characteristic unpleasant odor and rancid taste of spoiled food. Because the chemical change involves the gain of oxygen atoms or the loss of hydrogen atoms, it is fundamentally an oxidation reaction. Describing the process as reduction is chemically inaccurate as reduction is the opposite process involving the loss of oxygen or gain of hydrogen.
103General Awareness
Hot local wind that flows over north India in summer is known as:
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Answer: (A) Loo
Explanation
The Loo is a powerful, hot, and dry seasonal wind that blows across the Indo-Gangetic Plain region of North India and Pakistan during the summer months, specifically in May and June. These winds originate from the desert regions to the west and reach extremely high temperatures, often ranging between 45°C and 50°C. Due to its intense heat and very low humidity, exposure to the Loo can cause fatal heatstrokes and severe dehydration in humans and animals. These winds typically blow during the afternoons and are often accompanied by dust, significantly increasing the ambient temperature of the northern plains before the arrival of the monsoon.
104General Awareness
'Nuakhai' is the state festival of:
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Answer: (B) Odisha
Explanation
Nuakhai is a significant agricultural festival celebrated primarily in the state of Odisha to welcome the new harvest of the season. The name is derived from the Odia words nua meaning new and khai meaning food, symbolizing the first consumption of the newly harvested rice. It is observed on the Panchami Tithi of the lunar fortnight in the month of Bhadrapada, usually a day after Ganesh Chaturthi. During the festivities, farmers offer the first grains of the crop, known as Nabanna, to the presiding deities of their respective regions, such as Goddess Samaleswari in Sambalpur, to express gratitude for a successful harvest and to seek blessings for the coming year. The festival is also marked by the traditional greeting Nuakhai Juhar, where people exchange good wishes and younger members of the community seek blessings from their elders.
105General Awareness
Which Article of the Indian Constitution prohibits providing of any religious instruction in the educational institutions maintained by the State?
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Answer: (B) Article 28
Explanation
Article 28 of the Indian Constitution provides for freedom as to attendance at religious instruction or religious worship in certain educational institutions. Specifically, Clause (1) of Article 28 mandates that no religious instruction shall be provided in any educational institution wholly maintained out of State funds. This provision is designed to uphold the secular character of the Indian State by ensuring that government-run educational institutions do not promote or impart instruction in any particular religion. It distinguishes between institutions based on their funding and administration, placing an absolute prohibition on religious instruction for those that rely entirely on the State treasury for their maintenance.
106General Awareness
As per the definition of Census of India, a 'marginal worker' is a person who works for:
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Answer: (A) less than 183 days (or six months) in a year
Explanation
The Census of India classifies the working population into two distinct categories based on the duration of their employment during the reference year. A marginal worker is defined as an individual who has engaged in any economically productive work for a period of less than six months or 183 days in the year preceding the census. This threshold distinguishes them from main workers, who are those who worked for 183 days or more. The classification is essential for capturing the extent of seasonal and temporary employment within the Indian labor market, providing insights into the level of underemployment and the precarious nature of livelihood for a significant portion of the workforce.
107General Awareness
Which of the following is NOT a component of a flower?
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Answer: (C) Spines
Explanation
Spines are sharp, pointed, and woody structures that are modified leaves, stipules, or stems rather than reproductive organs. They primarily function as defensive mechanisms to protect the plant from herbivorous animals and as physiological adaptations in xerophytic plants to reduce water loss by minimizing the surface area for transpiration. Since they belong to the vegetative system of the plant, they do not form any of the floral whorls or reproductive components that characterize the structure of a flower.
108General Awareness
Where was the Hindu College established in the year 1791?
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Answer: (C) Benaras
Explanation
In 1791, Jonathan Duncan, the British Resident at Benares, established the Sanskrit College for the study of Hindu law and philosophy. This institution was founded during the administration of Governor-General Lord Cornwallis to promote traditional Sanskrit learning and to provide the British administration with a reliable source of information on Hindu laws and customs. The college played a pivotal role in preserving indigenous education and eventually transformed into the Sampurnanand Sanskrit University. While often called the Sanskrit College, it is frequently identified by the year 1791 in historical contexts to distinguish it from other educational foundations of the colonial era.
109General Awareness
Where is the Gulf of Mannar located?
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Answer: (B) Between the south-eastern tip of India and the western coast of Sri Lanka
Explanation
The Gulf of Mannar is a large, shallow bay that forms part of the Laccadive Sea in the Indian Ocean. Geographically, it is situated between the south-eastern tip of India, specifically the coast of Tamil Nadu, and the western coast of Sri Lanka. It is bounded to the north by the chain of limestone shoals and islands known as Adam's Bridge or Rama Setu, which separates the gulf from Palk Bay. The area is highly significant for its marine biodiversity, encompassing the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, which includes coral reefs, seagrass ecosystems, and several species of mangroves. This maritime region serves as a vital corridor and habitat for numerous marine species, including the endangered dugong.
110General Awareness
Who among the following won a Gold Medal at the 2021 World Cadet Wrestling Championship held in Budapest, Hungary?
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Answer: (D) Priya Malik
Explanation
Priya Malik won the gold medal in the 73 kg weight category at the 2021 World Cadet Wrestling Championship held in Budapest, Hungary. She secured the title by defeating Belarus's Kseniya Patapovich with a score of 5-0 in the final match. Her victory was a significant highlight for India at the tournament, where the Indian contingent delivered a strong performance in the women's wrestling events.
111General Awareness
Sangeet Kala Acharya Award is given by which organisation every year since 1993?
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Answer: (A) Madras Music Academy
Explanation
The Madras Music Academy, also known as The Music Academy, Madras, instituted the Sangeet Kala Acharya Award in 1993. This prestigious honor is conferred upon senior musicians and teachers who have rendered distinguished service to the field of Carnatic music through their performances and pedagogy. The award is traditionally presented during the Academy's annual December Music Festival, which is one of the most significant cultural events in South India. It serves to recognize the lifelong contributions of artists and scholars in the preservation and dissemination of classical music traditions, alongside other major titles like the Sangita Kalanidhi.
112General Awareness
In which year was the 'Naye Bharat Ke Sapne' campaign launched by Meta and the Ministry of Women?
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Answer: (B) 2023
Explanation
The Amrit Generation campaign, themed Naye Bharat Ke Sapne, was officially launched by the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development in partnership with Meta on June 7, 2023. This initiative was designed to provide a platform for the youth across India to share their creative vision and dreams for the nation's future using digital media. By leveraging platforms like Instagram and Facebook, the campaign aimed to engage the younger generation in nation-building and celebrate their aspirations as part of the broader Amrit Kaal vision. The program invited participants to create reels expressing what they wanted to achieve for the country, fostering a sense of ownership and involvement in India's development journey.
113General Awareness
Which of the following is an example of a non-tax revenue source for the government?
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Answer: (A) Fees and fines
Explanation
Non-tax revenue refers to the recurring income earned by the government from sources other than taxes. Fees and fines are classic examples of such revenue. Fees are payments made to the government for specific services rendered to the public, such as passport fees, court fees, or license fees for various activities. Fines and penalties are charges imposed on individuals or entities for the violation of laws and regulations, such as traffic rule infractions or late filing penalties. These receipts are categorized as non-tax revenue because they are derived from the government's administrative and judicial functions rather than from the direct or indirect taxation of income, wealth, or the sale of goods and services.
114General Awareness
Sangeet Natak Akademy Awardee Sulochana Chavan was a famous singer.
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Answer: (D) Lavani
Explanation
Sulochana Chavan was a legendary Indian singer renowned for her mastery of Lavani, the traditional folk music of Maharashtra. Often referred to as the Lavani Samradnyi or the Queen of Lavani, she played a pivotal role in bringing this folk art form to mainstream prominence through her prolific career in Marathi playback singing. Her powerful voice and emotive delivery became the hallmark of classic Lavani tracks in Marathi cinema during the mid-20th century. In recognition of her immense contribution to the performing arts and the preservation of Maharashtrian culture, she was honored with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2012 and the Padma Shri in 2022.
115General Awareness
Which of the following plants is used to cure cold and cough?
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Answer: (A) Tulsi
Explanation
Tulsi, scientifically known as Ocimum sanctum or Holy Basil, is a medicinal plant widely used in Ayurveda for its therapeutic properties against respiratory ailments. It contains bioactive compounds like eugenol, camphene, and cineole, which act as natural antitussives and expectorants. These components help in thinning and mobilizing mucus, providing relief from congestion. Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties further aid the body in fighting the underlying infections that cause common colds, coughs, and bronchitis. Typical traditional preparations involve consuming the leaf extract or tea to soothe the throat and boost the immune system.
116General Awareness
Which is the colloquial term to describe the occurrence of pre-monsoon rains in India especially in parts of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu?
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Answer: (A) Mango showers
Explanation
Mango showers are the pre-monsoon rains that occur towards the end of the summer season in the southern states of India, including Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. These light rains are colloquially named because they are vital for the early ripening of mangoes and prevent the fruit from falling prematurely. In the agricultural cycle of South India, these showers signal the transition from the intense heat of summer to the monsoon season and are highly beneficial for fruit crops and coffee plantations in the region.
117General Awareness
The name 'Piyadassi' is associated with whom among the following Mauryan kings?
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Answer: (C) Ashoka
Explanation
The title Piyadassi, which translates to one who looks with kindness or he who looks on with affection, is the primary honorific used by the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka in his edicts and inscriptions. For a long time, the identity of the king referred to as Devanampiya Piyadassi in various rock and pillar edicts was a subject of historical debate until the discovery of the Maski rock edict in 1915. In this specific inscription, the title is used in conjunction with his personal name, Ashoka, providing definitive proof of the association. Additionally, the Bhabru-Bairat rock edict refers to him as Piyadassi Raja Magadhe, or Piyadassi, King of Magadha. These inscriptions illustrate how Ashoka preferred using this benevolent title to establish a paternalistic and moral relationship with his subjects while propagating his principles of Dhamma.
118General Awareness
The festival of 'Rath Yatra' of Puri in Odisha is dedicated to which deity?
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Answer: (A) Lord Jagannath
Explanation
The Rath Yatra of Puri, also known as the Chariot Festival, is a major Hindu festival held annually in the coastal city of Puri in Odisha. It is primarily dedicated to Lord Jagannath, who is considered an avatar of Lord Vishnu or Krishna. During the festival, Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra, is taken in a grand procession from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple in three massive, decorated wooden chariots. This journey commemorates the deities' annual visit to their aunt's house, the Gundicha Temple, where they stay for nine days. The festival is celebrated on the second day of the bright fortnight of the Ashadha month in the Hindu calendar.
119General Awareness
How many members are nominated by the President to the Rajya Sabha?
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Answer: (A) 12
Explanation
Under Article 80 of the Constitution of India, the Rajya Sabha or the Council of States has a maximum strength of 250 members, out of which 12 members are nominated by the President. These nominated members are individuals who possess special knowledge or practical experience in fields such as literature, science, art, and social service. This provision allows the chamber to benefit from the expertise of distinguished persons who might not otherwise participate in the electoral process.
120General Awareness
Which of the following is NOT the socio-economic objective of Industrial Policy Statement 1980?
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Answer: (D) Allowing the maximum foreign direct investment
Explanation
The Industrial Policy Statement of 1980 was designed to promote economic federalism and reverse the trend of industrial stagnation by focusing on productivity, employment, and regional balance. During this period, India maintained a highly restrictive and selective approach toward foreign capital, governed primarily by the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA) of 1973. Under these regulations, foreign equity participation was generally capped at 40 percent, and foreign investment was only permitted in high-technology areas or export-oriented sectors where domestic capability was lacking. The objective of allowing maximum foreign direct investment or an open-door policy for foreign capital only emerged with the landmark New Industrial Policy of 1991. In 1980, the focus remained on self-reliance and strengthening the public sector, treating foreign investment as a last resort rather than a primary socio-economic goal.
121General Awareness
In which of the following years will India host the World Badminton Championship?
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Answer: (C) 2026
Explanation
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) officially awarded the hosting rights for the 2026 BWF World Championships to India in July 2021. This decision followed a reallocation of events where India, which was originally slated to host the 2023 Sudirman Cup, was instead granted the individual World Championships for the 2026 cycle. This prestigious tournament will mark the second time India has hosted the World Badminton Championship, the first occurrence being in Hyderabad in 2009. The event remains the premier competition in international badminton, determining the world champions in men's and women's singles, doubles, and mixed doubles.
122General Awareness
Grignard reagent is represented as:
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Answer: (C) CH3-Mg-Cl
Explanation
Grignard reagents are a class of organometallic compounds characterized by the general formula R-Mg-X. In this structural representation, R denotes an organic group, such as an alkyl or aryl group, Mg is the element magnesium, and X represents a halogen atom, typically chlorine, bromine, or iodine. The molecule CH₃-Mg-Cl, known as methylmagnesium chloride, follows this specific arrangement where a methyl group is covalently bonded to magnesium, which is also bonded to a chloride ion. These reagents are essential in organic chemistry for their ability to act as strong nucleophiles, facilitating the synthesis of various alcohols, hydrocarbons, and carboxylic acids through the formation of new carbon-carbon bonds.
123General Awareness
Under which of the following Acts was the power to rule India, transferred from the English East India Company to the British Crown?
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Answer: (D) Government of India Act 1858
Explanation
The Government of India Act 1858, also known as the Act for the Better Government of India, was passed in the immediate aftermath of the Revolt of 1857. This legislation formally ended the rule of the East India Company and transferred the responsibility for the administration of India directly to the British Crown. Under this Act, India was to be governed by and in the name of Her Majesty. It abolished the dual government system of the Board of Control and the Court of Directors, replacing them with a Secretary of State for India who was a member of the British Cabinet. Additionally, the Governor-General of India was given the title of Viceroy, serving as the direct representative of the Crown in the subcontinent.
124General Awareness
Which of the following crops is NOT grown during the Zaid season in India?
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Answer: (A) Rice
Explanation
Rice is primarily classified as a Kharif crop in India because its cultivation is intrinsically linked to the onset of the southwest monsoon. It requires high temperatures, high humidity, and significant rainfall or standing water, which are characteristic of the rainy season from June to October. The Zaid season is a short summer cropping period occurring between March and June, characterized by warm, dry weather and a reliance on irrigation for quick-maturing crops. Because rice has a longer growth duration and high water demands that align with the monsoon cycle, it does not fit the typical profile of crops grown during the brief Zaid interval.
125General Awareness
Who was the player of the match in the semi-final of the T20 Women's World Cup 2023 played between India and Australia?
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Answer: (B) Ashleigh Gardner
Explanation
In the first semi-final of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2023, Ashleigh Gardner was named the Player of the Match for her decisive all-round contribution that led Australia to a 5-run victory over India. She played a significant role with the bat, scoring 31 runs off just 18 deliveries to help Australia post a total of 172. In the second innings, she delivered critical breakthroughs by dismissing both Indian openers, Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma, finishing with bowling figures of 2 for 37 in her four overs. Her performance was pivotal in halting India's momentum and securing Australia's place in the tournament final.
126General Awareness
As per article 123, the ordinance making power is the most important legislative power of ________.
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Answer: (A) President
Explanation
Article 123 of the Constitution of India grants the President the power to promulgate ordinances during the recess of Parliament. This legislative power allows the President to take immediate action when both Houses of Parliament are not in session and circumstances exist that render such action necessary. An ordinance issued under this article carries the same legal force and effect as an Act passed by Parliament. However, it is a temporary measure that must be laid before both Houses of Parliament once they reconvene and will cease to operate six weeks from the reassembly of Parliament unless approved earlier.
127General Awareness
In which year was the Gandhi-Irwin Pact signed?
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Answer: (C) 1931
Explanation
The Gandhi-Irwin Pact was a significant political agreement signed on March 5, 1931, between Mahatma Gandhi, representing the Indian National Congress, and Lord Irwin, the then Viceroy of India. This pact was concluded just before the Second Round Table Conference in London. It resulted in the suspension of the Civil Disobedience Movement and the release of political prisoners who had not been involved in violence. The agreement also permitted the collection or manufacture of salt by people living near the sea coasts and recognized the right to peaceful picketing.
128General Awareness
Which of the following schemes was launched for the welfare of the unorganised sector workers and labourers on 26 August 2021?
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Answer: (A) e-Shram Portal
Explanation
The e-Shram Portal was launched by the Ministry of Labour and Employment on 26 August 2021. It serves as a comprehensive National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW) to integrate various social security schemes. The primary objective is to register workers from the unorganised sector, including construction workers, migrant labourers, street vendors, and domestic workers, to ensure they receive the benefits of government welfare programs. Upon registration, workers are issued an e-Shram card featuring a unique 12-digit Universal Account Number (UAN), which facilitates the portability of social security benefits across the country. The initiative aims to improve the implementation capacity of the government during emergencies like pandemics by providing a verified database to track and reach the unorganised workforce effectively.
129General Awareness
What is the SI unit of current?
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Answer: (B) Ampere
Explanation
The ampere is the fundamental SI unit of electric current, symbolized by the letter A. It measures the magnitude of the flow of electric charge through a conductor or a circuit over time. Quantitatively, electric current I is expressed as the rate of change of charge Q with respect to time t, given by the formula I = (dQ)/(dt). One ampere is equivalent to the flow of one coulomb of electric charge per second. Since the 2019 redefinition of SI base units, the ampere is defined by fixing the numerical value of the elementary charge e to be exactly 1.602176634 × 10⁻¹⁹ when expressed in the unit coulomb, which is equal to the product of an ampere and a second. This definition allows the unit to be realized with high precision using quantum electrical standards.
130General Awareness
Name a common electrolyte disorder that occurs when the amount of sodium in your blood becomes abnormally low.
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Answer: (C) Hyponatremia
Explanation
Hyponatremia is a clinical condition where the concentration of sodium in the blood falls below the normal range, usually defined as less than 135 mmol/L. Sodium is the primary extracellular cation and is essential for maintaining osmotic pressure, regulating fluid balance, and facilitating neuromuscular signaling. This imbalance often occurs when the body retains too much water, which dilutes the amount of sodium in the blood. As sodium levels decrease, the osmotic gradient shifts, causing water to move from the blood into the body cells to equalize concentrations. This cellular swelling can lead to various symptoms ranging from mild nausea and headaches to severe complications like cerebral edema and neurological dysfunction.
131General Awareness
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar described Directive Principles of State Policy as of the Indian constitution.
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Answer: (D) a novel feature of the constitution
Explanation
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, characterized the Directive Principles of State Policy as a novel feature of the Indian Constitution. These principles, enshrined in Part IV (Articles 36 to 51), serve as constitutional instructions or recommendations to the State in legislative, executive, and administrative matters. While the Fundamental Rights aim to establish political democracy, the Directive Principles are intended to establish social and economic democracy, striving toward the ideal of a welfare state. During the Constituent Assembly debates, Ambedkar emphasized that although these principles are non-justiciable and cannot be enforced by a court of law, they are fundamental in the governance of the country and it is the duty of the State to apply them in making laws.
132General Awareness
Tera Tali folk dance is primarily associated with which of the following states?
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Answer: (A) Rajasthan
Explanation
Tera Tali is a renowned ritualistic folk dance performed by the Kamada tribe of Rajasthan. It is primarily dedicated to the folk deity Baba Ramdevji. The performance is unique because women dancers tie thirteen manjiras (small brass cymbals) to various parts of their bodies, mostly on their legs, and strike them rhythmically with cymbals held in their hands. The dancers usually perform while sitting on the ground, demonstrating intricate movements and balance, often incorporating additional elements like balancing pots on their heads or holding a sword between their teeth. This dance is a significant cultural expression of the desert region and is traditionally performed during fairs and festivals dedicated to the saint.
133General Awareness
Who among the following was the Vakil under the reign of Mughal Emperor, Akbar, who received the title of Khan-i-Khanan?
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Answer: (D) Bairam Khan
Explanation
Bairam Khan was a distinguished military commander and the primary statesman during the formative years of Akbars reign. After the death of Humayun, he served as the regent and Vakil-us-Sultanat, effectively governing the empire on behalf of the young emperor from 1556 to 1560. He was awarded the exalted title of Khan-i-Khanan, meaning Lord of Lords, in recognition of his pivotal role in securing the Mughal throne, particularly through his leadership during the Second Battle of Panipat. As the Vakil, he exercised supreme civil and military authority, acting as the mentor and guardian who stabilized the Mughal administration during its most critical transition period.
134General Awareness
Which of the following is an inactivated (killed) polio vaccine developed in 1952?
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Answer: (A) Salk vaccine
Explanation
The Salk vaccine, also known as the Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (IPV), was developed by Dr. Jonas Salk and his team at the University of Pittsburgh in 1952. This vaccine is produced by using formaldehyde to kill or inactivate the poliovirus, ensuring that it can no longer replicate or cause disease while still maintaining its ability to trigger an immune response. Following its successful laboratory development in 1952, the vaccine underwent massive clinical trials and was officially licensed for public use in 1955. It was the first effective vaccine created to combat poliomyelitis, providing protection against all three types of the poliovirus through an injectable administration.
135General Awareness
Which of the following statements is correct?
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Answer: (C) The five-year plan permits long-term intervention by the government in the economy.
Explanation
Five-Year Plans are a form of centralized economic planning where the government sets specific targets for growth, investment, and resource allocation over a fixed duration. This framework enables the state to engage in long-term intervention by directing capital toward strategic sectors, managing public infrastructure, and implementing social welfare schemes to achieve comprehensive development goals. By outlining a roadmap for the economy, the government ensures that development aligns with national priorities such as industrialization, self-reliance, and poverty alleviation, rather than leaving the trajectory of the economy solely to short-term market fluctuations.
136General Awareness
What is the length of Indian Railways network, according to Railway Yearbook 2019-20?
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Answer: (A) 67,956 km
Explanation
According to the Indian Railways Yearbook 2019-20, the total route length of the Indian Railways network as of March 31, 2020, was 67,956 kilometres. This figure represents the route kilometres (RKM), which is the distance between two points on the railway irrespective of the number of lines. Out of this total, Broad Gauge accounted for approximately 63,949 kilometres, while the remainder consisted of Metre Gauge and Narrow Gauge lines. The Yearbook is an official publication of the Ministry of Railways that provides comprehensive statistical data regarding the performance, assets, and infrastructure of the national carrier for that specific financial year.
137General Awareness
In Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awaas yojana, the cost of unit assistance is shared between Central and State Governments in the ratio ______ in plain areas.
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Answer: (A) 60:40
Explanation
The Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awaas Yojana (PMAY-G) was launched by the Ministry of Rural Development to achieve the objective of Housing for All in rural India. The cost of unit assistance under this scheme is shared between the Central and State Governments in a predefined ratio. For plain areas, the funding pattern is established at 60:40, meaning the Central Government provides 60 percent of the financial assistance while the respective State Government contributes 40 percent. This cost-sharing framework is designed to facilitate the construction of pucca houses with basic amenities for households that are houseless or living in dilapidated structures as identified by the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data.
138General Awareness
Silappathikaram (the Jewelled Anklet), the earliest epic poem in Tamil was written in the 5th - 6th Century CE by ______.
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Answer: (B) Ilango Adigal
Explanation
Ilango Adigal is the celebrated author of the Silappathikaram, which stands as the first and one of the most significant of the Five Great Epics of Tamil literature. Traditionally identified as a prince of the Chera dynasty and the brother of King Cheran Senguttuvan, he renounced his royal life to become a Jain monk. The poem narrates the poignant story of Kannagi, a virtuous wife who seeks justice for the wrongful execution of her husband Kovalan in the city of Madurai. Through its three chapters set in Puhar, Madurai, and Vanchi, the work provides a detailed account of the social structure, cultural practices, and political landscape of the Chera, Chola, and Pandya kingdoms during the post-Sangam era.
139General Awareness
Which of the following is the largest crustal plate on Earth with an area of over 103,000,000 km²?
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Answer: (D) Pacific plate
Explanation
The Pacific plate is the largest tectonic plate on Earth, covering an estimated area of approximately 103,300,000 square kilometers. It is almost entirely oceanic and underlies the vast majority of the Pacific Ocean basin. This massive lithospheric plate is unique because it is primarily composed of oceanic crust, which is denser and thinner than continental crust. It is bordered by numerous subduction zones, transform faults, and divergent boundaries, most notably forming the Ring of Fire, where intense volcanic and seismic activity occurs due to the plate's interactions with surrounding plates.
140General Awareness
Which of the following personalities is a Padma Shri awardee folk singer from the state of Uttar Pradesh?
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Answer: (B) Ajita Srivastava
Explanation
Ajita Srivastava is a distinguished folk singer from Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, recognized for her mastery of the Kajari folk song tradition. Kajari is a seasonal folk genre rooted in the Bhojpuri-speaking regions of eastern Uttar Pradesh, traditionally performed during the monsoon season. She has dedicated decades to the preservation and promotion of this regional art form, ensuring that traditional musical styles of the Vindhya region remain vibrant. In recognition of her immense contribution to the field of art and culture, the Government of India honored her with the Padma Shri, the nation's fourth-highest civilian award, in 2022.
141General Awareness
Which of the following countries won the first men's Asian Hockey Championship trophy?
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Answer: (C) India
Explanation
The inaugural edition of the men's Asian Hockey Champions Trophy was held in 2011 in Ordos, China. India won the first title by defeating Pakistan in the final match. The game remained goalless at the end of regulation time, leading to a penalty shootout where India triumphed with a 4-2 scoreline. The tournament was organized by the Asian Hockey Federation to feature the top six ranked teams in Asia, and India's victory in this opening edition marked its first major continental success in the newly established format.
142General Awareness
Identify the Indian classical dancer associated with Kathak.
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Answer: (C) Rohini Bhate
Explanation
Rohini Bhate was a legendary Kathak dancer and scholar who significantly shaped the classical dance landscape in India. She was a disciple of the Lucknow gharana maestro Lacchu Maharaj and the Jaipur gharana expert Mohanrao Kallianpurkar, which gave her a comprehensive command over the distinct styles of Kathak. In 1947, she established the Nrityabharati Kathak Dance Academy in Pune, an institution that remains a major center for Kathak training and research. Bhate was known for her analytical approach to dance, authoring several books on dance theory and history, and choreographing pieces that explored both traditional and contemporary themes. For her lifelong dedication to the art, she was honored with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and the Kalidas Samman, marking her as one of the most influential Kathak exponents of her time.
143General Awareness
British Parliament introduced Indian High Courts Act in which year?
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Answer: (B) 1861
Explanation
The Indian High Courts Act was enacted by the British Parliament in 1861 to authorize the Crown to create High Courts in the presidency towns of India. This legislation empowered the Queen to issue letters patent to establish these courts, which resulted in the creation of the High Courts of Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras in 1862. The primary objective of the act was to consolidate the judicial system by merging the Supreme Courts and the Sadar Adalats into a single unified judicial authority in each presidency. Under this act, the High Courts were granted original and appellate jurisdiction over civil and criminal matters, and the Crown was given the authority to appoint the Chief Justice and other judges.
144General Awareness
Which of the following is an example of private sector industry in India?
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Answer: (B) Tata Iron and Steel Company
Explanation
Tata Iron and Steel Company (TISCO), currently known as Tata Steel Limited, is a private sector industry because it is owned and managed by the Tata Group, a private conglomerate. It was founded in 1907 by Jamsetji Tata and established as a private enterprise in Jamshedpur. In the private sector, ownership and operation of a business are held by individuals or private corporate bodies rather than government entities. TISCO operates through private investment, and its management is responsible to a board of directors and private shareholders. It remains one of the largest and oldest private sector steel producers in India.
145General Awareness
In which of the following years was the Election Commission of India founded?
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Answer: (C) 1950
Explanation
The Election Commission of India was established on 25 January 1950, just a day before the Constitution of India came into effect and the nation became a Republic. It is a permanent and independent constitutional body created under Article 324 to ensure the conduct of free and fair elections for the Parliament, state legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice-President. To mark the importance of its foundation day and to promote electoral awareness, 25 January has been celebrated as National Voters Day across the country since 2011.
146General Awareness
In Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, beneficiaries are provided with how much amount every year?
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Answer: (A) 6,000
Explanation
Under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme, eligible farmer families receive a financial benefit of 6,000 rupees per year. This income support is transferred directly into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode. The total annual amount is disbursed in three equal installments of 2,000 rupees each, scheduled every four months. Initially launched to support small and marginal farmers, the scheme's scope was later expanded to cover all landholding farmer families across the country, subject to certain exclusion criteria.
147General Awareness
Which of the following goods needs further transformation in the economic process?
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Answer: (C) Intermediate goods
Explanation
Intermediate goods are those products that are used as inputs in the production of other goods or services. In economic terms, these goods remain within the production boundary and have not yet reached the final stage of consumption or investment. They are either completely consumed or undergo further transformation through value addition, mechanical processing, or assembly to be converted into finished products. For example, steel used in the manufacturing of machinery or flour used by a bakery are intermediate goods because they must be processed or incorporated into a different final product before they are ready for the end-user. Therefore, they represent an incomplete stage in the economic cycle that necessitates additional production steps.
148General Awareness
When was pro kabaddi league inaugurated for the first time in India?
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Answer: (D) 2014
Explanation
The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) was officially launched in India in 2014 to professionalize and popularize the traditional sport of kabaddi. The inaugural season began on July 26, 2014, featuring eight franchise-based teams representing various Indian cities. The league was established by Mashal Sports and broadcast by Star Sports, aiming to bring the sport to a wider television audience using a format inspired by the Indian Premier League. The first season saw the Jaipur Pink Panthers emerge as the champions after defeating U Mumba in the final held in August 2014.
149General Awareness
Wood's Dispatch of 1854 primarily dealt with which of the following subject matters?
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Answer: (A) Education
Explanation
Wood's Dispatch of 1854 is famously known as the Magna Carta of English Education in India. Sent by Charles Wood, the President of the Board of Control, to Governor-General Lord Dalhousie, it outlined the first comprehensive plan for the spread of education in India. The dispatch suggested a structured hierarchy of educational institutions, including vernacular primary schools at the village level, Anglo-Vernacular high schools, and colleges. It recommended the establishment of Universities in Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras based on the model of the University of London. Significant emphasis was placed on the creation of a Department of Public Instruction in every province to oversee educational matters. Furthermore, it introduced the grants-in-aid system to encourage private participation and stressed the importance of female education, teacher training, and the promotion of secular education throughout the country.
150General Awareness
Who among the following Indian women boxers was elected as the Chairperson and a voting member of the International Boxing Association in 2022?
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Answer: (D) Lovlina Borgohain
Explanation
Lovlina Borgohain was elected as the chairperson and a voting member of the International Boxing Association (IBA) Athletes' Committee during the 2022 Women's World Championships. While Mary Kom has held other leadership roles within the IBA, it was Lovlina who took this specific position in 2022.