Match the following Sportsman in list I and Award in List II:
LIST I- Sportsman LIST II- Award A Devendra Jhajharia i Padma Shri 2022 B Sumit Antil ii Padma Bhushan 2022 C Neeraj Chopra iii Arjun Award 2021 D Shikhar Dhawan iv Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2021
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Answer: (A) A-ii, B-i, C-iv, D-iii
Explanation
Devendra Jhajharia was honored with the Padma Bhushan in 2022, making him the first Indian paralympic athlete to receive this prestigious civilian award. Sumit Antil, the Tokyo Paralympics gold medalist in javelin throw, was conferred the Padma Shri in 2022 for his sporting excellence. Neeraj Chopra was awarded the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2021 following his historic gold medal win at the Tokyo Olympics. Shikhar Dhawan was recognized for his consistent performance and contributions to international cricket with the Arjuna Award in 2021.
352General Awareness
Which of the following Articles of the Indian Constitution CANNOT be suspended even during an emergency declared on the grounds of war or external aggression?
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Answer: (B) Articles 20 and 21
Explanation
The 44th Amendment Act of 1978 significantly modified the emergency provisions of the Indian Constitution to prevent the misuse of power. It amended Article 359 to specify that the enforcement of the fundamental rights guaranteed by Articles 20 and 21 cannot be suspended by the President, even during a National Emergency declared on the grounds of war, external aggression, or armed rebellion. Article 20 provides protection in respect of conviction for offences, encompassing safeguards against ex-post facto laws, double jeopardy, and self-incrimination. Article 21 guarantees the protection of life and personal liberty, ensuring that no individual is deprived of these rights except according to the procedure established by law. Consequently, the right to move any court for the enforcement of these two specific articles remains available to citizens at all times.
353General Awareness
Which of the following is the largest inhabited riverine island in the world?
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Answer: (B) Majuli
Explanation
Majuli, located in the Brahmaputra River in Assam, is officially recognized by the Guinness World Records as the largest inhabited river island in the world. Formed by the Brahmaputra river in the south and the Kherkutia Xuti joined by the Subansiri River in the north, it covers a significant area that has historically fluctuated due to soil erosion. In 2016, Majuli became the first island in India to be designated as a district. It serves as the nerve center of Neo-Vaishnavite culture in Assam, housing numerous Sattras or monasteries established by the saint-reformer Srimanta Sankardeva. Its unique hydro-geomorphological character and cultural heritage make it a globally significant geographical feature.
354General Awareness
In which year was the battle of Buxar fought?
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Answer: (C) 1764
Explanation
The Battle of Buxar took place on October 22, 1764, at Buxar, then within the territory of Bengal and now in Bihar. It was a decisive conflict between the forces of the British East India Company, commanded by Major Hector Munro, and the combined allied army of Mir Qasim (the Nawab of Bengal), Shuja-ud-Daula (the Nawab of Awadh), and the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II. The engagement was sparked by Mir Qasim's desire to stop the Company's misuse of trade privileges and consolidate his own authority. The overwhelming victory for the British East India Company firmly established them as the masters of Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha. This military success led to the signing of the Treaty of Allahabad in 1765, which granted the Company the Diwani rights to collect revenue from these provinces, marking the beginning of formal British political rule in India.
355General Awareness
What was the main objective of the Second Green Revolution in India?
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Answer: (C) Focusing on holistic development in agriculture
Explanation
The Second Green Revolution in India focuses on achieving sustainable and inclusive agricultural growth by addressing the ecological and regional imbalances created during the first phase. Its main objective is the holistic development of the sector, which includes increasing the productivity of a diverse range of crops such as pulses, oilseeds, and fruits, rather than just staples like wheat and rice.
This initiative emphasizes the integration of advanced biotechnology with traditional wisdom to ensure environmental sustainability. It aims to extend modern agricultural benefits to small and marginal farmers and to regions that were previously bypassed, such as the eastern states and rain-fed drylands. By focusing on soil health, water conservation, and the entire value chain from production to processing and marketing, the Second Green Revolution seeks to ensure long-term food security and enhanced rural incomes through a comprehensive and ecologically balanced approach.
356General Awareness
Who among the following was the youngest recipient of the Sangeetha Kalanidhi awarded by the Music Academy in 1947?
Semmangudi Radhakrishna Srinivasa Iyer was awarded the Sangeetha Kalanidhi by the Madras Music Academy in 1947. Based on his birth year of 1908, his age at the time of the conferment was 1947 - 1908 = 39 years. This remains the record for the youngest recipient of this prestigious honor in the history of the Academy. Often referred to as the Pitamaha of modern Carnatic music, he was recognized at this early stage for his immense mastery over the art form and his significant role in popularizing the compositions of Maharaja Swathi Thirunal.
357General Awareness
In Newlands' Octaves, the properties of lithium and ______ were found to be the same.
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Answer: (A) sodium
Explanation
John Newlands' Law of Octaves, proposed in 1865, states that when elements are arranged in ascending order of their atomic weights, every eighth element possesses properties similar to the first element. Starting from lithium, the sequence of elements in his arrangement follows through beryllium, boron, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and fluorine. The eighth element in this progression is sodium. Because sodium is the eighth element following lithium, it exhibits similar chemical characteristics, such as being a monovalent alkali metal, mirroring the repetition found in musical octaves.
358General Awareness
Which of the following is Fisher's equation of exchange?
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Answer: (A) MV = PT
Explanation
Irving Fisher's equation of exchange is a central component of the classical quantity theory of money, expressed as MV = PT. In this identity, M represents the total supply of money in circulation, and V denotes the transaction velocity of money, which is the average frequency with which a unit of currency is spent on goods and services. On the other side of the equation, P stands for the general price level, and T represents the total volume of transactions or the physical quantity of goods and services traded. The equation posits that the total value of money expenditures in an economy (MV) must equal the total monetary value of all goods and services sold (PT), illustrating the direct relationship between the money supply and the price level under the assumption that velocity and transaction volume remain stable in the short run.
359General Awareness
Which web portal was launched by the Department of Telecommunications for sharing information on mobile towers and EMF emission compliance?
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Answer: (C) Tarang Sanchar
Explanation
Tarang Sanchar is a web portal launched by the Department of Telecommunications to increase transparency and public awareness regarding mobile tower radiations. The portal serves as a comprehensive database that allows users to locate mobile towers in their vicinity and check their compliance status with the stringent Electro-Magnetic Frequency emission norms set by the Government of India. It addresses public concerns about health hazards from mobile towers by providing data-backed information on safety standards. Additionally, the portal provides a facility for citizens to request technical measurements of EMF radiation at their specific locations by paying a nominal fee, ensuring that the towers operate within the permissible limits defined by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and the Department of Telecommunications.
360General Awareness
Which of the following Acts passed under Warren Hastings was also called 'half-loaf system'?
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Answer: (A) Pitt's India Act 1784
Explanation
Pitt's India Act of 1784 is described as a half-loaf system because it functioned as a strategic compromise between the British government and the East India Company. The Act introduced the Dual System of Control, which divided the administration of India into two distinct bodies: the Board of Control and the Court of Directors. The Board of Control, representing the British Crown, was responsible for all political, military, and revenue affairs, while the Court of Directors maintained its hold over commercial activities and patronage. This structural arrangement allowed the British Parliament to exert supreme control over the Company's affairs without assuming direct responsibility for its administration or interfering with its commercial profits. Enacted during the final years of Warren Hastings' administration, it provided a middle ground that satisfied the political demand for state supervision while preserving the established interests of the Company.
361General Awareness
Which Article of the Indian Constitution mentions that 'The State shall endeavour to promote cottage industries on an individual or co-operative basis in rural areas'?
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Answer: (C) Article 43
Explanation
Article 43 of the Indian Constitution, contained within the Directive Principles of State Policy in Part IV, directs the State to secure a living wage and decent conditions of work for all workers. A specific clause within this Article mandates that the State shall endeavour to promote cottage industries on an individual or co-operative basis in rural areas. This provision reflects Gandhian principles aimed at fostering rural self-sufficiency and economic decentralization. It encourages the State to use legislation or economic organizational efforts to support small-scale, traditional industries, which are essential for generating employment and sustaining the rural economy.
362General Awareness
Which of the following is the most controversial Article in the Indian Constitution, which provides for President's rule in any state?
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Answer: (B) Article 356
Explanation
Article 356 provides for the imposition of President's Rule in a state if the President, on receipt of a report from the Governor of the state or otherwise, is satisfied that a situation has arisen in which the government of the state cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. It is considered the most controversial article because it has been frequently invoked by the Union government to dismiss state governments run by opposition parties, often on political grounds rather than genuine constitutional failure. During the Constituent Assembly debates, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar expressed the hope that this article would remain a dead letter, yet it has been used over a hundred times, leading to landmark judicial interventions like the S.R. Bommai case to prevent its arbitrary application.
363General Awareness
In 1539, the Battle of Chausa was fought between Humayun and _____.
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Answer: (B) Sher Shah Suri
Explanation
The Battle of Chausa was a significant military engagement fought on June 26, 1539, between the Mughal Emperor Humayun and the Afghan leader Sher Shah Suri. The conflict took place at Chausa, located near the banks of the Ganges in present-day Bihar. Sher Shah Suri employed superior tactical planning and a surprise attack to decisively defeat the Mughal army. This victory allowed Sher Shah to consolidate his power in the eastern regions and assume the royal title of Shah. The defeat forced Humayun to flee towards Agra, eventually leading to the temporary displacement of the Mughal Empire and the establishment of the Suri dynasty in Northern India.
364General Awareness
India hosted the Asian Games in which of the following years?
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Answer: (B) 1951 and 1982
Explanation
India has hosted the Asian Games twice, both times in its capital city, New Delhi. The inaugural edition of the Asian Games was held in 1951, where 11 nations participated in six sports. This event established India as a pioneer in the continental sporting movement. The country hosted the event for the second time in 1982, which marked the 9th edition of the games. The 1982 Asian Games were significant for the introduction of color television in India and the debut of the first-ever Asian Games mascot, an elephant named Appu. These two years represent the only times India has served as the host nation for this multi-sport competition.
365General Awareness
A dense mass of water drops on smoke or dust particles in the lower atmosphere layers is referred to as:
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Answer: (D) smog
Explanation
Smog is a specific type of air pollution and atmospheric condition formed by the combination of smoke and fog. It occurs in the lower layers of the atmosphere when water vapor condenses around various solid particles such as smoke, dust, and other pollutants. The term itself is a portmanteau of smoke and fog, representing a dense haze of tiny water droplets associated with particulate matter that significantly reduces visibility and creates a thick, murky layer near the ground.
366General Awareness
Sardhana Christian Fair is held in which of the following states?
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Answer: (D) Uttar Pradesh
Explanation
The Sardhana Christian Fair is held annually in Sardhana, a town located in the Meerut district of Uttar Pradesh. The fair is centered around the Basilica of Our Lady of Graces, a historic church built in 1822 by Begum Samru, the ruler of Sardhana who had converted to Roman Catholicism. This fair typically takes place on the second Sunday of November and serves as a major pilgrimage event, attracting thousands of devotees and tourists who come to witness the architectural beauty of the basilica and participate in the religious festivities.
367General Awareness
Ali Akbar Khan was associated with which of the following gharanas?
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Answer: (A) Maihar gharana
Explanation
Ustad Ali Akbar Khan was a world-renowned sarod maestro and a legendary figure of the Maihar gharana. He was the son and disciple of Ustad Allauddin Khan, the revered multi-instrumentalist who founded the Maihar gharana in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The gharana is celebrated for its distinctive style that blends the nuances of Dhrupad and Khayal vocal traditions into instrumental performances. Ali Akbar Khan is credited with popularizing the sarod and the teachings of the Maihar school globally, particularly through his establishment of the Ali Akbar College of Music.
368General Awareness
Which of the following movements created regional disparities between large and small farmers in India?
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Answer: (A) Green revolution
Explanation
The Green Revolution, introduced in the mid-1960s, relied heavily on High-Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds which required capital-intensive inputs such as chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and assured irrigation. Large farmers, possessing better access to financial resources and institutional credit, were able to invest in these technologies and modern machinery, significantly increasing their productivity and wealth. In contrast, small and marginal farmers often lacked the capital to adopt these expensive inputs, which widened the socio-economic gap between different classes of cultivators. Regionally, the movement was largely concentrated in areas with developed irrigation infrastructure like Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh, leading to a stark disparity in agricultural growth compared to the rest of the country.
369General Awareness
Elelakkaradi dance of Kerala is performed by which of the following tribes?
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Answer: (A) Irular tribe
Explanation
Elelakkaradi is a highly rhythmic tribal dance performed by the Irular tribe, who primarily reside in the Attappady valley of the Palakkad district in Kerala. This heroic group dance is a ritualistic performance that depicts the historical struggle and encounter of the tribesmen with wild animals, specifically the bear (Karadi). During the performance, the dancers mimic the movements and sounds of the forest and the animal to recreate the scene of a hunt. It is performed by both men and women to the accompaniment of traditional percussion instruments and vocal chants, serving as a cultural representation of the community's ancestral lifestyle and their relationship with the wilderness.
370General Awareness
Who among the following generally used to head the provincial administration under the Mauryas?
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Answer: (B) Kumara
Explanation
The Mauryan Empire was divided into several administrative units or provinces to ensure effective governance over its vast territory. These provinces were typically headed by princes of the royal blood, who were designated as Kumara or Aryaputra. Significant provincial capitals included Taxila for the northern province (Uttarapatha), Ujjain for the western province (Avantiratha), Tosali for the eastern province (Kalinga), and Suvarnagiri for the southern province (Dakshinapatha). The Kumara acted as the viceroy of the Emperor and was assisted by a council of ministers known as the Mahamatras. This system allowed the central authority in Pataliputra to maintain firm control over distant regions while providing administrative training to the heirs of the throne.
371General Awareness
Bhakti Pradeep Kulkarni is associated with ______.
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Answer: (C) chess
Explanation
Bhakti Kulkarni is a distinguished Indian chess player who holds the titles of Woman Grandmaster and International Master. She gained international recognition by winning the Asian Women's Chess Championship in 2016 and followed it with a victory in the Indian Women's Chess Championship in 2018. Her skill was further demonstrated on the global stage when she played a key role in the Indian women's team that won the bronze medal at the 44th Chess Olympiad in 2022. In recognition of her outstanding achievements and consistent performance in the sport, the Government of India conferred the prestigious Arjuna Award upon her in 2022.
372General Awareness
Which is the most important protein component in milk, both quantitatively and nutritionally, that accounts for about 80% of the total protein in bovine milk?
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Answer: (D) Casein
Explanation
Casein is the primary protein found in bovine milk, constituting approximately 80% of the total protein content. It is a phosphoprotein that exists in milk in the form of large colloidal particles known as casein micelles. These micelles are highly efficient at carrying and delivering essential nutrients, specifically calcium and phosphorus, which are vital for bone growth and development. Nutritionally, casein is considered a high-quality protein because it contains all the essential amino acids required by the human body. Its unique property of forming a gel or curd in the stomach leads to a slow and sustained release of amino acids into the bloodstream, making it a critical component for long-term protein synthesis and satiety.
373General Awareness
In which of the following cities of Manipur is the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy located?
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Answer: (A) Imphal
Explanation
The Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy (JNMDA) is situated in Imphal, the capital city of Manipur. Established in 1954, it is a premier national institution for the study of Manipuri dance and music. The academy functions as a constituent unit of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi, and plays a pivotal role in the preservation and promotion of traditional Manipuri performing arts, including the classical Manipuri Raas Lila and the ritualistic Nata Sankirtana. It serves as a major center for professional training, research, and the production of dance dramas.
374General Awareness
By which of the following state governments is the Tansen Music Festival organised?
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Answer: (B) Madhya Pradesh Government
Explanation
The Tansen Music Festival, also known as Tansen Samaroh, is an annual four-day musical extravaganza organized by the Department of Culture of the Madhya Pradesh Government. It is held in Gwalior at the tomb of Mian Tansen, who was one of the legendary Navaratnas (nine gems) in the court of Mughal Emperor Akbar. The festival is executed through the Ustad Alauddin Khan Sangeet Evam Kala Academy and serves as a platform for prominent Hindustani classical musicians to pay tribute to Tansen. During the event, the prestigious National Tansen Samman is awarded to artists for their outstanding contributions to Hindustani classical music. In December 2023, during the 99th edition of the festival, Gwalior was also officially recognized by UNESCO as a Creative City of Music.
375General Awareness
Which of the following places is related to Gandhi's Satyagraha of the year 1917?
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Answer: (C) Champaran
Explanation
The Champaran Satyagraha of 1917 was the first Satyagraha movement led by Mahatma Gandhi in India. It took place in the Champaran district of Bihar, where farmers were being forced by British planters to cultivate indigo under the exploitative tinkathia system. This system required peasants to grow indigo on 3/20th of their land, leading to significant financial hardship when indigo prices fell due to synthetic dyes. At the invitation of Raj Kumar Shukla, Gandhi visited the region to lead a non-violent protest against these conditions. His intervention and the subsequent civil disobedience campaign eventually forced the colonial government to conduct an inquiry, resulting in the abolition of the tinkathia system and providing significant relief to the local peasantry.
376General Awareness
Hubbardia heptaneuron, which has become endangered, is a species of which of the following?
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Answer: (A) Grass
Explanation
Hubbardia heptaneuron is a rare species of grass belonging to the family Poaceae. It is endemic to the Western Ghats of India, specifically found in the spray zones of waterfalls such as Jog Falls in Karnataka and certain regions of Maharashtra. The species was considered extinct for several decades after its initial discovery but was later rediscovered. It is currently classified as endangered due to its highly specific habitat requirements and threats from hydroelectric projects and habitat degradation that alter the moisture levels and spray patterns of its native waterfall environments.
377General Awareness
Which of the following is in geographical proximity to Sri Lanka?
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Answer: (A) Only Karaikal
Explanation
Karaikal is a district of the Union Territory of Puducherry located on the Coromandel Coast, enclave within the Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu. It is situated at approximately 10.92° N latitude, making it the southernmost administrative unit of the Union Territory on India's eastern coast. This position in the Cauvery delta region places it in close geographical proximity to the Palk Strait, the narrow body of water that separates the Indian mainland from the northern coast of Sri Lanka. Its coastal location along the Bay of Bengal provides a direct maritime link and close physical distance to the island nation compared to other northern or western enclaves of the territory.
378General Awareness
Which Five-Year Plan primarily focused on the 'Garibi Hatao' initiative?
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Answer: (C) Fifth Five-Year Plan
Explanation
The Fifth Five-Year Plan (1974–1978) was the first planning document to formally adopt the removal of poverty (Garibi Hatao) and the attainment of self-reliance as its twin primary objectives. While the slogan Garibi Hatao was popularized by Indira Gandhi during the 1971 election campaign, it was specifically integrated into the national development strategy during this plan period. To implement this focus, the government launched the Minimum Needs Programme (MNP) in 1974, which aimed to provide basic social consumption items like elementary education, rural health, drinking water, and housing to the poorest sections of society. This marked a significant shift in Indian planning toward a direct attack on poverty rather than relying exclusively on the trickle-down effects of industrial growth.
379General Awareness
Which of the following statements is INCORRECT about the Directive Principles of State Policy?
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Answer: (A) They promote welfare of individuals. Hence, they are personal and individualistic.
Explanation
The Directive Principles of State Policy are intended to promote the welfare of the community as a whole rather than the welfare of the individual. While Fundamental Rights are described as personal and individualistic because they protect the rights and liberties of individuals against the State, the DPSP are socialistic and collectivist in nature. They aim to achieve social and economic justice by directing the State to create a social order that benefits the entire society. This collective orientation distinguishes them from the individual-centric approach of Part III of the Constitution.
380General Awareness
The National Youth Policy was launched in:
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Answer: (C) 2014
Explanation
The National Youth Policy 2014 was launched in February 2014 by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, replacing the earlier National Youth Policy of 2003. This policy provides a holistic vision for the youth of India and defines the youth population as persons in the age group of 15 to 29 years. It identifies several priority areas for government intervention, including education, employment, skill development, entrepreneurship, and health. The policy was specifically designed to harness India's demographic dividend by empowering the younger generation to achieve their full potential and contribute effectively to the nation's socio-economic development.
381General Awareness
Which among the following was NOT a part of the three sections of the Rigvedic tribe?
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Answer: (A) Craftsman
Explanation
Craftsmen were not categorized as a primary section of the Rigvedic tribe. In the early Vedic period, the social structure was divided into three main functional groups based on administrative, religious, and general tribal roles. While artisans were valued for their specialized skills in carpentry, metalwork, and weaving, they were categorized within the general body of the tribe rather than occupying a distinct societal tier. The formal recognition of labor-based groups as a separate social division only occurred during the transition to the later Vedic period with the development of the Purusha Sukta and the fourfold varna system.
382General Awareness
Who holds the record for the longest long jump in India as of 2023?
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Answer: (A) Jesuit aldrin
Explanation
Jeswin Aldrin, listed as Jesuit Aldrin in the options, holds the Indian national record in the men long jump with a distance of 8.42 meters. He achieved this record-breaking feat on March 2, 2023, at the 2nd Indian Open Jumps Competition held at the Inspire Institute of Sport in Bellary, Karnataka. This jump surpassed the previous national mark of 8.36 meters and represents the longest jump recorded by an Indian athlete as of the conclusion of the 2023 competitive season.
383General Awareness
Which part of the Constitution deals with the Panchayats?
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Answer: (B) Part IX
Explanation
Part IX of the Constitution of India specifically deals with the Panchayats. This part was inserted by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992, which gave constitutional status to the Panchayati Raj institutions. It comprises Articles 243 to 243-O and provides for a three-tier system of Panchayati Raj in every state, namely, at the village, intermediate, and district levels. The amendment aimed to provide a constitutional framework for local self-government to ensure direct democracy at the grassroots level and mandated regular elections, reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women, and the establishment of State Finance Commissions to review the financial position of the Panchayats.
384General Awareness
Which of the following battles was fought between Babur and Rana Sanga in 1527?
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Answer: (B) Battle of Khanwa
Explanation
The Battle of Khanwa was fought on March 16, 1527, between the founding Mughal emperor Babur and the Rajput forces led by Rana Sanga of Mewar. Following the First Battle of Panipat, Rana Sanga organized a powerful confederacy of Rajput kings and Afghan nobles to challenge Babur's presence in India. The conflict occurred at Khanwa, near Bharatpur in Rajasthan. Babur secured a decisive victory by utilizing superior artillery and the Tulghuma tactical maneuver, which involved encircling the enemy. This triumph was a pivotal moment in Indian history, as it neutralized the most significant threat to Mughal authority and consolidated Babur's rule over Northern India.
385General Awareness
After the death of Humayun, the 13 year-old Akbar was coronated in 1556 at Kalanaur in ______.
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Answer: (D) Punjab
Explanation
Akbar was coronated at Kalanaur on February 14, 1556, following the sudden death of his father, Humayun. At the time, the thirteen-year-old prince was in the Punjab region leading a military campaign against Sikandar Shah Suri under the guardianship of Bairam Khan. Upon receiving news of Humayun's death, Bairam Khan organized the coronation ceremony in a garden at Kalanaur, which is located in the Gurdaspur district of present-day Punjab. A simple brick platform was erected to serve as the imperial throne, marking the commencement of Akbar's reign as the third Mughal Emperor.
386General Awareness
Who among the following was the President of the Belgaum Session of the Indian National Congress held in 1924?
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Answer: (A) Mahatma Gandhi
Explanation
Mahatma Gandhi presided over the thirty-ninth annual session of the Indian National Congress held in Belgaum in December 1924. This session is historically significant as it remains the only time Gandhi served as the President of the Congress. During this session, he worked to maintain unity within the organization by formally recognizing the Gandhi-Das Pact, which allowed the Swarajists to function as the legislative wing of the Congress. The session also emphasized the importance of the constructive program, including the promotion of khadi, the removal of untouchability, and the promotion of Hindu-Muslim unity.
387General Awareness
'Atla Taddi' is the widely celebrated festival of which Indian state?
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Answer: (D) Andhra Pradesh
Explanation
Atla Taddi is a traditional festival celebrated by the women of Andhra Pradesh. It falls on the third day of the Krishna Paksha in the Ashwayuja month of the Telugu calendar. The festival is primarily observed by married women for the health and longevity of their husbands, and by unmarried girls to find a suitable life partner. Rituals include waking up before dawn to have a meal called Saddhi, spending the day fasting, and breaking the fast only after sighting the moon. A distinctive feature of the festival involves eating Atlu (miniature dosas) and playing on swings tied to trees. The preparation of small dosas as an offering to Goddess Gauri is a central part of the celebration, representing a regional equivalent to the Karva Chauth festival celebrated in Northern India.
388General Awareness
Where was the 1ˢᵗ World Cup of Kabaddi organised in 2004?
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Answer: (A) Mumbai
Explanation
The inaugural Kabaddi World Cup took place in 2004 with India serving as the host nation. The tournament matches were held in Mumbai, Maharashtra. A total of 12 teams participated in this international event, which was conducted in the standard style format. India emerged as the winner of the competition after defeating Iran in the final with a score of 55-27. This victory established India's dominance in the sport on the world stage from the very first edition of the championship.
389General Awareness
In which of the following states of India is Hojagiri dance predominantly performed?
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Answer: (A) Tripura
Explanation
Hojagiri is a traditional folk dance of the Reang community, also known as the Bru people, in the state of Tripura. It is performed by women and young girls during the Hojagiri festival, which typically falls on the full moon night of Laxmi Puja following Durga Puja. The dance is characterized by its unique display of balancing skills where performers stand on an earthen pitcher or a metal plate while balancing a bottle on their head with a lighted lamp on top. The upper body remains steady while the lower body moves rhythmically to the accompaniment of traditional musical instruments like the Kham and Sumui. The dance is essentially a ritualistic performance dedicated to Goddess Mailuma, seeking a prosperous harvest and well-being.
390General Awareness
Which of the following is related to neem?
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Answer: (C) Pinnately
Explanation
The neem tree (Azadirachta indica) is a classic botanical example of a plant with pinnately compound leaves. In this arrangement, the leaf blade is completely divided into several distinct leaflets that are attached along a common central axis called the rachis. The rachis represents the midrib of the leaf, and the leaflets are positioned on either side of it, resembling the structure of a feather. This pinnate morphology is a primary characteristic used to identify neem and other members of the Meliaceae family.
391General Awareness
What is the position of India in the world's telecommunication market, as of March 2024?
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Answer: (D) Second
Explanation
India is the world's second-largest telecommunications market by total number of subscribers, trailing only China. As of March 2024, India's total telephone subscriber base reached approximately 1.19 billion, driven by high mobile penetration and the rapid expansion of 4G and 5G services. The sector's growth is fueled by some of the lowest data tariffs globally and significant government initiatives under the Digital India program, which have expanded connectivity into rural areas. India also maintains one of the highest levels of monthly data consumption per user, cementing its global standing in the telecom industry.
392General Awareness
Which national park in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is home to species like Megapode, crab-eating Macaque, Nicobar Pigeon, and Giant Robber Crab?
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Answer: (B) Campbell Bay National Park
Explanation
Campbell Bay National Park is located on Great Nicobar Island, the largest and southernmost island of the Nicobar archipelago in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This park is a key component of the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve and is renowned for its unique insular biodiversity. It provides a specialized habitat for the Nicobar Megapode, a mound-building bird endemic to these islands. The park also supports populations of the Crab-eating Macaque, a primate adapted to the coastal and forest environments of the region. Furthermore, the dense tropical evergreen forests and coastal areas of the park are home to the Nicobar Pigeon, distinguished by its iridescent plumage, and the Giant Robber Crab, which is the largest terrestrial arthropod in the world. These species are characteristic of the distinct ecological niche found in the Great Nicobar region.
393General Awareness
A chemical reaction in which the rate of reaction is directly proportional to the first power of the concentration of the reacting substance is called:
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Answer: (D) first order reaction
Explanation
The rate of a chemical reaction is defined by the rate law expression r = k[A]ⁿ, where r represents the reaction rate, k is the rate constant, [A] is the molar concentration of the reactant, and n is the order of the reaction. When the rate of reaction is directly proportional to the first power of the concentration of the reacting substance, the exponent n in the rate equation is 1. This relationship, mathematically represented as r = k[A]¹, is the defining characteristic of a first order reaction. In such systems, the rate of the reaction increases or decreases linearly with the change in the concentration of the reactant.
394General Awareness
For which film did Asha Bhosle win the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Award in the Best Playback Singer Female category in 2002?
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Answer: (D) Lagaan
Explanation
Asha Bhosle won the IIFA Award for Best Female Playback Singer in 2002 for the song Radha Kaise Na Jale from the movie Lagaan. Although Devdas was released in 2002, it dominated the awards at the 2003 IIFA ceremony.
395General Awareness
The government of which of the following states allocated ₹11,728 crore for the Aasara pension scheme in its annual budget for the fiscal year 2022-23?
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Answer: (A) Telangana
Explanation
The Government of Telangana allocated ₹11,728 crore for the Aasara pension scheme in its annual budget for the fiscal year 2022-23. Presented by then Finance Minister T. Harish Rao, this allocation was a significant component of the state's welfare spending aimed at providing social security to various vulnerable sections of society. The Aasara scheme, launched in 2014, provides monthly financial assistance to senior citizens, widows, physically disabled individuals, weavers, toddy tappers, and patients with specific health conditions. The 2022-23 budget specifically focused on expanding the scheme's reach by lowering the eligibility age for old-age pensions from 65 to 57 years, thereby increasing the number of beneficiaries across the state.
396General Awareness
The climate of a place is NOT affected by which of the following?
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Answer: (B) Type of soil
Explanation
The climate of a region is determined by major geographical factors such as latitude, altitude, relief features, and proximity to large water bodies. Relief influences climate by acting as a barrier to winds, causing orographic rainfall, and decreasing temperatures with increased elevation. Location, primarily in terms of latitude, dictates the intensity of solar radiation received, while distance from the sea regulates the moderating influence of maritime air on temperature and humidity levels.
In contrast, the type of soil is generally considered a consequence of climate rather than a factor that shapes it. The process of soil formation, or pedogenesis, depends heavily on the temperature and moisture patterns of a region. While soil properties like albedo or moisture capacity may slightly modify the micro-climate of a specific site, they do not drive the long-term atmospheric patterns or regional weather characteristics that define a place's climate.
397General Awareness
The Permanent Settlement came into operation in which of the following years?
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Answer: (D) 1793
Explanation
The Permanent Settlement, also known as the Permanent Settlement of Bengal, was introduced by Lord Cornwallis in 1793. This land revenue system was formally enacted through the Bengal Regulations of 1793 and was initially implemented in Bengal and Bihar, later extending to Odisha and parts of the Madras Presidency. Under this system, the land revenue to be paid by the zamindars to the British East India Company was fixed in perpetuity, meaning it would not be increased in the future. The zamindars were recognized as the owners of the land as long as they paid the fixed revenue to the government on time, effectively creating a class of loyal landed aristocrats and ensuring a stable, predictable income for the British administration.
398General Awareness
Consider the following statements related to the Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) handbook.
1. It will be launched by the Ministry of Science and Technology.
2. ODR is the resolution for cases outside courts using digital technology and techniques of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), such as negotiation, mediation and arbitration.
3. The development of ICT and increased use of internet has played a major role for ODR.
Which of the given statements is/are correct?
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Answer: (B) Only 2 and 3
Explanation
Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) is the resolution of disputes outside the traditional court system by leveraging digital technology and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms such as negotiation, mediation, and arbitration. It provides a faster and more cost-effective way to handle grievances through electronic platforms. The proliferation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and the widespread availability of high-speed internet have been the fundamental drivers behind the growth of ODR, allowing for virtual hearings and digital evidence management. The ODR handbook was an initiative launched by NITI Aayog in collaboration with several private stakeholders to promote a technology-driven dispute resolution ecosystem in India, rather than the Ministry of Science and Technology.
399General Awareness
Which of the following is mentioned in Article 1 of the Indian constitution?
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Answer: (C) India that is Bharat shall be a Union of states
Explanation
Article 1(1) of the Constitution of India explicitly specifies the name and territory of the Union by stating that India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States. This nomenclature was adopted to emphasize the indestructible nature of the Indian Union. According to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the phrase Union of States was preferred over Federation of States to indicate that the Indian federation is not the result of an agreement by the states to join a federation, and that the states have no freedom to secede from it. The article further defines the territory of India to include the territories of the states, the union territories specified in the First Schedule, and any other territories that may be acquired by India at any time.
400General Awareness
The Flexible Inflation Targeting Framework (FITF) was introduced in India post the amendment of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Act, 1934 in ______.
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Answer: (C) 2016
Explanation
The Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, was amended by the Finance Act, 2016, to provide a statutory basis for the implementation of the Flexible Inflation Targeting Framework (FITF) and the establishment of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC). This framework officially mandated the RBI to maintain price stability while keeping in mind the objective of growth.