SSC Eduquity & TCS General Awareness PYQ Online Test
Correct Answer: Option A (4)
Detailed Explanation: According to the Laws of Cricket framed by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), when the ball hits the ground and crosses or touches the perimeter boundary rope, 4 runs are awarded to the batter.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- 6 runs: Awarded when the ball is struck over the boundary line without pitching/touching the ground.
- Extras: Bye, Leg-bye, Wide, and No-ball are considered extras.
- Governing Bodies: International Cricket Council (ICC) headquarter is in Dubai, UAE; Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is headquartered at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
Correct Answer: Option A (Radhakrishnan Nair P)
Detailed Explanation: Radhakrishnan Nair P (Chief National Athletics Coach) was conferred the Dronacharya Award (Regular Category) in 2021 for his outstanding contribution to Athletics.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Dronacharya Award: Instituted in 1985 to recognize outstanding coaches in sports and games.
- Pritam Siwach: Conferred Dronacharya Award 2021 (Regular) in Hockey.
- Sandhya Gurung: Conferred Dronacharya Award 2021 (Regular) in Boxing.
- T. P. Ouseph: Conferred Dronacharya Award 2021 in the Lifetime Category for Athletics.
Correct Answer: Option A (UNESCO)
Detailed Explanation: UNESCO released the publication titled 'Handmade for the 21st Century: Safeguarding Traditional Indian Textile', documenting 50 iconic craft textiles across India (such as Toda embroidery, Himroo, Khes, Bandha tie-dye).
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- UNESCO: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization; established on 16 November 1945; Headquarters in Paris, France.
- UNEP: United Nations Environment Programme; established in 1972; Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya.
- UNICEF: United Nations Children's Fund; established in 1946; Headquarters in New York, USA.
Correct Answer: Option A (Ravi Subramanian)
Detailed Explanation: 'If God Was A Banker' is a bestselling 2007 debut financial thriller novel written by Indian author Ravi Subramanian.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Ravi Subramanian: Known for banking thrillers like The Bankster, God is a Gamer, and The Incredible Banker.
- Chetan Bhagat: Author of Five Point Someone, Half Girlfriend, and Revolution 2020.
- Amish Tripathi: Renowned for The Immortals of Meluha (Shiva Trilogy) and the Ram Chandra Series.
- Ashwin Sanghi: Author of The Rozabal Line and Chanakya's Chant.
Correct Answer: Option A (The Republican Ethic)
Detailed Explanation: 'The Republican Ethic' (and its Hindi edition 'Loktantra Ke Swar') is a collection of selected speeches delivered by the 14th President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Moving On... Moving Forward: A Year in Office: Written by former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu.
- The Presidential Years: Memoir of former President Pranab Mukherjee.
- Ram Nath Kovind: Served as the 14th President of India (2017–2022) and headed the 'One Nation, One Election' committee.
Correct Answer: Option A (Cooperative Societies)
Detailed Explanation: Co-operative banks in India are registered under the respective State's Cooperative Societies Act (or Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002 if operating in multiple states) and are regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (AACS).
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Dual Regulation: Registration and administrative matters are managed by the Registrar of Cooperative Societies (RCS), while banking functions are governed by the RBI.
- 97th Constitutional Amendment Act (2011): Gave constitutional status to cooperative societies (Article 19(1)(c), Article 43B, and Part IXB).
Correct Answer: Option A (Madhuri Vijay)
Detailed Explanation: Madhuri Vijay won the JCB Prize for Literature 2019 for her debut novel 'The Far Field', set against the backdrop of Kashmir.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- JCB Prize for Literature: Established in 2018; carries a cash prize of ₹25 lakh for the author.
- Benyamin: Won the inaugural JCB Prize in 2018 for Jasmine Days.
- S. Hareesh: Won the JCB Prize in 2020 for Moustache.
- M. Mukundan: Won the JCB Prize in 2021 for Delhi: A Soliloquy.
Correct Answer: Option A (India)
Detailed Explanation: According to the World Steel Association, India is the 2nd largest producer of crude steel in the world, having surpassed Japan. China is the largest crude steel producer.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Top Producers ranking: 1st: China, 2nd: India, 3rd: Japan, 4th: United States.
- Key Indian Plants: Bhilai Steel Plant (Chhattisgarh - USSR aid), Rourkela (Odisha - Germany aid), Durgapur (West Bengal - UK aid), Bokaro (Jharkhand - USSR aid).
Correct Answer: Option A (Birmingham)
Detailed Explanation: The 2022 Commonwealth Games (XXII Commonwealth Games) were hosted by Birmingham, England. The official mascot was 'Perry the Bull'.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- India's Performance in CWG 2022: India finished 4th on the medal tally with 61 medals (22 Gold, 16 Silver, 23 Bronze).
- Gold Coast (2018): Hosted the XXI Commonwealth Games in Australia.
- Delhi (2010): Hosted the XIX Commonwealth Games (India's first time hosting).
- First CWG: Held in 1930 at Hamilton, Canada (then called British Empire Games).
Correct Answer: Option A (Rahul Rawail)
Detailed Explanation: Renowned filmmaker Rahul Rawail served as the Chairperson of the Central Jury for Feature Films at the 66th National Film Awards for 2018 (declared in 2019).
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- 66th National Film Awards Best Feature Film: Gujarati film Hellaro.
- Best Actor (66th): Ayushmann Khurrana (Andhadhun) and Vicky Kaushal (Uri: The Surgical Strike).
- National Film Awards: First presented in 1954; administered by the Directorate of Film Festivals.
Correct Answer: Option A (December 1931)
Detailed Explanation: The Second Round Table Conference was held in London from September 7, 1931 to December 1, 1931. Mahatma Gandhi attended it representing the Indian National Congress following the Gandhi-Irwin Pact (1931).
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- First Round Table Conference: November 1930 – January 1931 (Boycotted by Congress).
- Third Round Table Conference: November 1932 – December 1932.
- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar & Tej Bahadur Sapru: Attended all three Round Table Conferences.
Correct Answer: Option A (42nd)
Detailed Explanation: Fundamental Duties were incorporated into Part IVA (Article 51A) of the Constitution by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976, on the recommendation of the Swaran Singh Committee.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Source: Borrowed from the Constitution of the erstwhile USSR.
- 86th Amendment Act, 2002: Added the 11th Fundamental Duty (education for children aged 6 to 14 years). Total duties = 11.
- 44th Amendment Act, 1978: Removed Right to Property from Fundamental Rights and made it a legal right under Article 300A.
Correct Answer: Option A (Joule)
Detailed Explanation: In the SI system, the unit of energy and work is the Joule (J). One joule is defined as the work done by a force of one newton acting through a distance of one meter (1\text{ J} = 1\text{ N}\cdot\text{m} = 1\text{ kg}\cdot\text{m}^2/\text{s}^2).
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Watt (W): SI unit of Power (Joules per second).
- Newton (N): SI unit of Force (\text{kg}\cdot\text{m}/\text{s}^2).
- Pascal (Pa): SI unit of Pressure (\text{N}/\text{m}^2).
- CGS unit of energy: Erg (1\text{ Joule} = 10^7\text{ ergs}).
Correct Answer: Option A (Joystick)
Detailed Explanation: A Joystick is an input device consisting of a stick that pivots on a base and reports its angle or direction to the device it is controlling, commonly used for video gaming and CAD/CAM systems.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- OMR: Optical Mark Recognition used to detect human-marked data on survey forms or exam answer sheets.
- VDU: Visual Display Unit (Output device such as a computer screen).
- Trackball: An upside-down mouse with an exposed movable sphere.
Correct Answer: Option A (Indian Bank)
Detailed Explanation: Effective from April 1, 2020, Allahabad Bank (India's oldest joint stock bank, founded in 1865) was merged into Indian Bank.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- PNB: Merged with Oriental Bank of Commerce (OBC) and United Bank of India.
- Canara Bank: Merged with Syndicate Bank.
- Union Bank of India: Merged with Andhra Bank and Corporation Bank.
- Bank of Baroda: Merged earlier (in 2019) with Vijaya Bank and Dena Bank.
Correct Answer: Option A (a narrow belt of about 8 to 16 km that runs in the west-east direction along the foot of the Himalayas from the river Indus to Teesta)
Detailed Explanation: Bhabar is a pebble-studded narrow tract (8-16 km wide) running parallel to the Shiwalik foothills where streams disappear underground due to high rock porosity.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Terai: Wet, marshy, densely forested zone lying south of Bhabar where underground streams re-emerge.
- Bhangar: Older alluvium deposited away from the flood plains; contains calcareous deposits called Kankar.
- Khadar: New alluvium deposited every year by floods; highly fertile soil.
Correct Answer: Option A (Red)
Detailed Explanation: In association football (soccer), a Red Card signifies an expulsion/sending-off of a player from the field of play for serious foul play or violent conduct.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Yellow Card: Used to communicate a formal caution/warning to a player. Two yellow cards in the same match result in a red card.
- Introduction of Cards: Proposed by referee Ken Aston and officially introduced in the 1970 FIFA World Cup (Mexico).
- FIFA: Fédération Internationale de Football Association; Headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland.
Correct Answer: Option A (United States of America)
Detailed Explanation: The Super Bowl is the annual championship game of the National Football League (NFL), the premier professional American football league in the United States.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Vince Lombardi Trophy: The trophy awarded annually to the winning team of the Super Bowl.
- Other Major US Leagues: NBA (Basketball), MLB (Baseball), NHL (Ice Hockey).
Correct Answer: Option A (Assam)
Detailed Explanation: The Ambubachi Mela is an annual Hindu mela celebrated during the monsoon season at the Kamakhya Temple located on Nilachal Hill in Guwahati, Assam. It marks the annual menstruation course of the Goddess Kamakhya.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Kamakhya Temple: One of the 51 Shakti Peethas.
- Other famous Assam festivals: Bihu (Bhogali, Rongali, Kongali), Majuli Festival, Dehing Patkai Festival.
- Hornbill Festival: Celebrated in Nagaland.
Correct Answer: Option A (12)
Detailed Explanation: Under Article 80(1)(a) of the Constitution of India, the President nominates 12 members to the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) having special knowledge or practical experience in literature, science, art, and social service.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Anglo-Indian Nomination: The provision to nominate 2 Anglo-Indian members to the Lok Sabha was abolished by the 104th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019.
- Rajya Sabha Maximum Strength: 250 members (238 elected from States/UTs + 12 nominated).
- Ex-officio Chairman: The Vice President of India (Article 64).
Correct Answer: Option A (Mendelevium)
Detailed Explanation: Mendelevium (symbol Md) has atomic number 101. It is a synthetic actinide named in honor of Dmitri Mendeleev, the father of the Periodic Table.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Einsteinium (Es): Atomic number 99.
- Fermium (Fm): Atomic number 100.
- Nobelium (No): Atomic number 102.
- Lawrencium (Lr): Atomic number 103 (last member of the actinide series).
Correct Answer: Option A (Assam)
Detailed Explanation: Manas National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tiger Reserve, Elephant Reserve, and Biosphere Reserve located in Assam, along the Manas River (a tributary of the Brahmaputra).
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Key Wildlife: Famous for the Wild Water Buffalo, Pygmy Hog, Golden Langur, and Bengal Tiger.
- Other Assam National Parks: Kaziranga, Nameri, Orang, Dibru-Saikhowa, Raimona, and Dihing Patkai (Total 7 National Parks).
Correct Answer: Option A (The heat causes denaturation, hardening the albumin and colouring it opaque white.)
Detailed Explanation: Boiling supplies thermal energy that causes protein denaturation and coagulation. The globular protein (ovalbumin) unfolds and cross-links into a solid network, rendering the transparent liquid white and opaque.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Ovalbumin: The main protein found in egg white (~54% of total protein content).
- Denaturation: The process where proteins lose their quaternary, tertiary, and secondary structures due to external stress like heat or acid (primary structure remains intact).
Correct Answer: Option A (1954)
Detailed Explanation: The Sahitya Akademi was established by the Government of India on 12 March 1954, and the annual Sahitya Akademi Awards were instituted in 1954 (first awarded in 1955).
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Languages recognized: 24 languages (22 languages of the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution + English and Rajasthani).
- First Hindi Awardee: Makhanlal Chaturvedi (1955) for Him Taringini.
- Jnanpith Award: Instituted in 1961 (first awarded in 1965 to G. Sankara Kurup).
Correct Answer: Option A (Five)
Detailed Explanation: Under Article 32 (for the Supreme Court) and Article 226 (for High Courts), 5 types of writs can be issued: Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari, and Quo-Warranto.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Habeas Corpus: "To have the body of" (safeguard against illegal detention).
- Mandamus: "We command" (issued to public officials to perform duty).
- Prohibition: Issued by a higher court to prevent a lower court from exceeding jurisdiction.
- Certiorari: "To be certified" (to quash an order of a lower court).
- Quo-Warranto: "By what authority or warrant" (to challenge illegal usurpation of a public office).
Correct Answer: Option A (Padmaja Reddy)
Detailed Explanation: Renowned Kuchipudi exponent G. Padmaja Reddy from Telangana was honored with the Padma Shri in 2022 for her contribution to Indian classical dance (notably Kakatiyam dance form).
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Kuchipudi: Classical dance originating from Kuchipudi village in Andhra Pradesh; traditionally accompanied by Carnatic music.
- Yamini Krishnamurthy: Veteran exponent of both Bharatnatyam and Kuchipudi.
- Raja and Radha Reddy: Acclaimed Kuchipudi dancing duo.
Correct Answer: Option A (Stuttgart)
Detailed Explanation: Madam Bhikaji Cama unfurled the first version of the Indian National Flag on foreign soil at the International Socialist Congress held in Stuttgart, Germany, on August 22, 1907.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Mother of Indian Revolution: Madam Cama is popularly known as the 'Mother of the Indian Revolution'.
- Newspaper: She co-founded and published the revolutionary journal Bande Mataram from Paris.
Correct Answer: Option A (Abiotic Factor)
Detailed Explanation: Abiotic factors are the non-living physical and chemical elements of an ecosystem (e.g., sunlight, water, temperature, soil, wind, minerals).
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Biotic Factors: The living components of an ecosystem such as plants, animals, fungi, and bacteria.
- Producers (Autotrophs): Organisms that produce their own food via photosynthesis.
- Decomposers: Organisms like bacteria and fungi that break down dead organic matter.
Correct Answer: Option A (Vishnugupta)
Detailed Explanation: Arthashastra was authored by Chanakya (also known as Vishnugupta or Kautilya), who served as the Prime Minister/advisor to Chandragupta Maurya.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Saptanga Theory: Arthashastra describes the 7 elements of a state: Swami (King), Amatya (Ministers), Janapada (Territory), Durga (Fort), Kosha (Treasury), Danda (Army), and Mitra (Ally).
- Megasthenes: Greek ambassador who wrote Indica.
- Banabhatta: Court poet of Harsha; wrote Harshacharita and Kadambari.
Correct Answer: Option A (B. R. Ambedkar)
Detailed Explanation: Dr. B. R. Ambedkar established the Samata Sainik Dal (Army of Soldiers for Equality) in 1927 to organize and safeguard marginalized communities during social movements (such as the Mahad Satyagraha).
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Other organizations by Dr. Ambedkar: Bahishkrit Hitakarini Sabha (1924), Independent Labour Party (1936), Scheduled Castes Federation (1942).
- Mahad Satyagraha: 20 March 1927 (observed as Social Empowerment Day).
- Jyotirao Phule: Founded the Satyashodhak Samaj (1873).
Correct Answer: Option A (Santhal)
Detailed Explanation: Jhika Dasain (Dasain dance) is a traditional ritualistic dance performed by the Santhal tribe during Durga Puja (Dasain festival) in Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Santhal Tribe: One of the largest indigenous tribes in India; historically led the Santhal Rebellion (1855) led by Sidhu and Kanhu.
- Bhil Tribe: Known for Ghoomar and Bhagoria dance.
- Gond Tribe: Known for Karma, Saila, and Dadariya folk dances.
Correct Answer: Option A (Matangini Hazra)
Detailed Explanation: Matangini Hazra was a revolutionary freedom fighter from Midnapore, West Bengal, affectionately called 'Gandhi Buri'. She was martyred by British police during the Quit India Movement in 1942 while holding the tricolour flag.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Aruna Asaf Ali: Known as the 'Grand Old Lady of the Independence Movement' and 'Heroine of 1942' for hoisting the tricolour at Gowalia Tank Ground, Bombay.
- Sarojini Naidu: Known as the 'Nightingale of India' (Bharat Kokila); first Indian woman INC President (1925 Kanpur Session).
- Sucheta Kripalani: First female Chief Minister of an Indian state (Uttar Pradesh).
Correct Answer: Option A (Manoj Pande)
Detailed Explanation: General Manoj Pande assumed charge as the 29th Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) on April 30, 2022, becoming the first officer from the Corps of Engineers to hold the position.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- General Upendra Dwivedi: Succeeded General Manoj Pande as the 30th Chief of the Army Staff.
- Lt. Gen. Anil Chauhan (Retd): Appointed as India's 2nd Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) following Gen. Bipin Rawat.
- Army Day: Celebrated on 15 January in India (commemorating Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa taking command in 1949).
Correct Answer: Option A (Cell wall)
Detailed Explanation: The Cell Wall is a rigid outer structural layer located outside the cell membrane in plants, fungi, and algae that prevents cell lysis during hypotonic osmotic stress.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Composition: Plant cell wall is made of cellulose; Fungal cell wall is made of chitin; Bacterial cell wall is composed of peptidoglycan.
- Animal Cells: Lack a cell wall entirely (they only have a cell membrane/plasma membrane).
- Tonoplast: The semi-permeable membrane enclosing the central vacuole in plant cells.
Correct Answer: Option A (Annie Besant)
Detailed Explanation: Annie Besant was a British theosophist and reformer who founded the All India Home Rule League in September 1916 at Madras. (Bal Gangadhar Tilak founded his Home Rule League earlier in April 1916 at Belgaum).
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- First Woman President of INC: Annie Besant presided over the 1917 Calcutta session of the Indian National Congress.
- Newspapers by Annie Besant: New India and Commonweal.
- Central Hindu College: Founded by Annie Besant at Varanasi in 1898, later developed into Banaras Hindu University (BHU) by Madan Mohan Malaviya in 1916.
Correct Answer: Option A (Bauxite)
Detailed Explanation: Bauxite (the primary ore of aluminium) deposits are enriched in the Amarkantak plateau, Maikal hills, and the Katni-Bilaspur plateau region in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Top Bauxite Producing State: Odisha is the largest producer of bauxite in India (Kalahandi, Koraput, Panchpatmali).
- Copper Deposits: Malanjkhand (Madhya Pradesh) and Khetri (Rajasthan).
- Iron Ore Deposits: Bailadila (Chhattisgarh), Mayurbhanj, and Keonjhar (Odisha).
Correct Answer: Option A (368)
Detailed Explanation: Indian athletes clinched 368 medals (85 Gold, 154 Silver, and 129 Bronze) at the Special Olympics World Summer Games 2019 held in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Special Olympics: A global movement of people creating a new world of inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities.
- Berlin 2023 Games: India won 202 medals at the 2023 Special Olympics World Summer Games held in Berlin, Germany.
Correct Answer: Option A (Assam)
Detailed Explanation: The Government of Assam launched the 'Swanirbhar Naari' initiative to empower indigenous weavers by directly procuring handloom items from them without middlemen via a dedicated portal.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Muga Silk: The golden silk exclusive to Assam; holds a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
- Sualkuchi: Known as the "Manchester of Assam" for its rich handloom and silk weaving traditions.
Correct Answer: Option A (19th November)
Detailed Explanation: The United Nations observes 19 November as World Toilet Day to tackle the global sanitation crisis and achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: Water and Sanitation for all by 2030.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- 19 November: Also celebrated as International Men's Day and National Integration Day in India.
- 16 October: World Food Day (FAO).
- 24 October: United Nations Day and World Polio Day.
- 1 December: World AIDS Day.
Correct Answer: Option A (Lord Irwin)
Detailed Explanation: Lord Irwin (tenure 1926–1931) was the Viceroy of India when Mahatma Gandhi launched the historic Salt Satyagraha (Dandi March) from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi on 12 March 1930.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Gandhi-Irwin Pact: Signed on 5 March 1931 leading to the suspension of the Civil Disobedience Movement.
- Lord Chelmsford (1916–1921): Viceroy during the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919) and Non-Cooperation Movement (1920).
- Lord Linlithgow (1936–1943): Viceroy during the Quit India Movement (1942) and Cripps Mission (1942).
Correct Answer: Option A (Koshi)
Detailed Explanation: The Koshi River is known as the 'Sorrow of Bihar' because of its dynamic and unpredictable course changes (avulsion) which cause recurrent devastating floods across North Bihar.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Damodar River: Historically known as the 'Sorrow of Bengal'.
- Mahanadi River: Historically known as the 'Sorrow of Odisha'.
- Origin of Koshi: Originates in Tibet as the Saptakoshi / Arun river.
Correct Answer: Option A (Mohanjo-daro)
Detailed Explanation: The Great Bath, an elaborate public water tank made of burnt bricks and bitumen waterproofing, was excavated at Mohenjo-daro (Sindh, Pakistan) by R. D. Banerji in 1922.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Mohenjo-daro: Also known for the Great Granary, Bronze Dancing Girl, and Priest-King statue.
- Harappa: First discovered site (1921 by Daya Ram Sahni); famous for 6 granaries in a row.
- Lothal (Gujarat): Known for an artificial tidal dockyard and rice husk remains.
- Kalibangan (Rajasthan): Known for ploughed field surface and fire altars.
Correct Answer: Option A (Wheat and rice)
Detailed Explanation: Rice and Wheat are the two predominant staple food crops in India, accounting for nearly 78% of the total food grain production volume in the country.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Rice: Kharif crop; requires high temperature (>25°C) and high rainfall (>100 cm). Leading producer: West Bengal.
- Wheat: Rabi crop; requires cool growing season and bright sunshine at harvest. Leading producer: Uttar Pradesh.
Correct Answer: Option A (Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel)
Detailed Explanation: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is called the 'Bismarck of India' and the 'Iron Man of India' for his monumental role in integrating over 565 princely states into the Indian Union.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- National Unity Day (Rashtriya Ekta Diwas): Celebrated on 31 October in honor of his birth anniversary.
- Statue of Unity: World's tallest statue (182 meters) situated in Kevadia, Gujarat.
- Bardoli Satyagraha (1928): The women of Bardoli bestowed the title 'Sardar' upon him.
Correct Answer: Option A (Uttarakhand)
Detailed Explanation: Hurka Baul is a traditional folk performance and narrative dance of Uttarakhand (predominantly in the Kumaon region) performed during the sowing and harvesting of paddy and maize to the rhythm of the 'Hurka' drum.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Other Folk Dances of Uttarakhand: Chholiya, Jhora, Chapeli, Pandav Nritya.
- Himachal Pradesh Folk Dances: Nati, Dangi, Rakshasa dance.
Correct Answer: Option A (Kodagu)
Detailed Explanation: Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Kodagu (Coorg) district of Karnataka in the Western Ghats. The Brahmagiri Hills are also the origin of the sacred River Kaveri (Talakaveri).
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- National Parks in Karnataka: Nagarhole (Kodagu/Mysuru), Bandipur (Chamarajanagar), Kudremukh (Chikkamagaluru), Anshi, Bannerghatta (Bengaluru).
- Iruppu Falls: Famous waterfall located within the Brahmagiri range.
Correct Answer: Option A (Saliva)
Detailed Explanation: Salivary amylase (also called Ptyalin) is secreted by the salivary glands in the mouth. It initiates carbohydrate digestion by breaking down dietary starch into maltose and dextrin.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Pancreatic Amylase: Also secreted by the pancreas into the small intestine to complete starch breakdown.
- Pepsin: Found in gastric juice; breaks down proteins into peptones.
- Bile Juice: Produced by liver (stored in gallbladder); contains no enzymes but emulsifies fats.
Correct Answer: Option A (Punjab)
Detailed Explanation: The Qila Raipur Sports Festival, celebrated near Ludhiana in Punjab, is widely renowned as the 'Rural Olympics of India', featuring bullock-cart races, horse racing, and traditional rural sports.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Founded: Started in 1933 by philanthropist Inder Singh Grewal.
- Other Traditional Sports: Kambala (Karnataka buffalo race), Jallikattu (Tamil Nadu bull-taming), Vallam Kali (Kerala boat race).
Correct Answer: Option A (West Bengal)
Detailed Explanation: West Bengal is the largest producer of rice in India, cultivating three distinct crops of rice in an agricultural year known as Aus, Aman, and Boro.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Top Producer Rankings (Rice): 1st: West Bengal, 2nd: Uttar Pradesh, 3rd: Punjab.
- Highest Rice Yield (Productivity): Punjab has the highest yield per hectare.
- Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI): Located at Cuttack, Odisha.
Correct Answer: Option A (1940)
Detailed Explanation: At its annual session held in Lahore on 24 March 1940, the All-India Muslim League passed the historic Lahore Resolution (often called the Pakistan Resolution) demanding autonomous and sovereign independent states for Muslims.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Resolution drafted by: Zafarullah Khan and presented by A. K. Fazlul Huq (Premier of Bengal).
- Muslim League Formation: Founded on 30 December 1906 at Dhaka under the leadership of Nawab Salimullah, Aga Khan III, and Nawab Mohsin-ul-Mulk.
Correct Answer: Option A (Manasi Joshi)
Detailed Explanation: Indian para-shuttler Manasi Joshi won the Gold medal in the Women's Singles SL3 category at the BWF Para-Badminton World Championships 2019 held in Basel, Switzerland, defeating Parul Parmar.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Pramod Bhagat: Won Gold in Men's Singles SL3 at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
- Krishna Nagar: Won Gold in Men's Singles SH6 at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
Correct Answer: Option A (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research)
Detailed Explanation: The SSB Prize is India's highest multidisciplinary science award, presented annually by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to Indian scientists under 45 years of age for outstanding research.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Named after: Dr. (Sir) Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar, the founder-director of CSIR.
- Disciplines (7): Biological, Chemical, Earth/Atmospheric, Engineering, Mathematical, Medical, and Physical Sciences.
- CSIR President: The Prime Minister of India is the ex-officio President of CSIR.
Correct Answer: Option A (Sperms)
Detailed Explanation: In humans and higher animals, the male reproductive cell (gamete) is the Sperm (spermatozoon), produced in the testes via spermatogenesis. It is haploid (n = 23 chromosomes).
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Ova (Egg): Female haploid gamete produced in the ovaries.
- Zygote: Diploid cell (2n = 46 chromosomes) formed by the fusion of a sperm and an ovum (fertilization).
- Mitochondria in Sperm: Located in the middle piece to provide energy for motility.
Correct Answer: Option A (Oxalic acid)
Detailed Explanation: Spinach (and tomatoes) naturally contains a rich amount of Oxalic acid ((\text{COOH})_2).
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Tartaric acid: Found in Tamarind, grapes, and unripened mangoes.
- Lactic acid: Found in sour milk and curd.
- Formic (Methanoic) acid: Present in ant and bee stings.
- Citric acid: Present in citrus fruits (lemons, oranges).
- Malic acid: Found abundantly in apples.
Correct Answer: Option A (2019-20)
Detailed Explanation: The Economic Survey 2019-20, prepared under Chief Economic Adviser Krishnamurthy Subramanian, introduced a dedicated chapter titled 'Thalinomics: The Economics of a Plate of Food in India' to quantify food affordability.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Economic Survey: Prepared by the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, and traditionally presented a day before the Union Budget.
- First Economic Survey: Presented in 1950-51 (delinked from the Union Budget in 1964).
Correct Answer: Option A (Rauf)
Detailed Explanation: Rouf (Rauf) is a traditional folk dance originating from Jammu and Kashmir, performed by women during Eid and the spring season. The other three belong to Karnataka.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Yakshagana: Traditional theatre and dance-drama form of Karnataka.
- Dollu Kunitha: Major drum dance of Karnataka performed by Kuruba community.
- Other J&K Folk Dances: Dumhal, Kud, Hikat, Hafiza.
Correct Answer: Option A (Mahabharata)
Detailed Explanation: The Mahabharata, traditionally composed by Maharishi Krishna Dwaipayana Vedavyasa, contains 100,000 shlokas organized into 18 Parvas (books). It is also known as Jaya Samhita and Shatasahasri Samhita.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Bhagavad Gita: Part of the Bhishma Parva of the Mahabharata.
- Ramayana: Composed by Maharishi Valmiki in Sanskrit (contains 24,000 verses in 7 Kandas).
- Rigveda: Oldest religious scripture containing 1,028 hymns in 10 Mandalas.
Correct Answer: Option A (7.4)
Detailed Explanation: The normal pH of arterial human blood is slightly basic/alkaline, tightly maintained within a narrow physiological range of 7.35 to 7.45 (average 7.4) by the carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffer system.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- pH Scale: Invented by S. P. L. Sørensen in 1909 (0 \text{ to } 14).
- Gastric Juice pH: Highly acidic (1.5 - 3.5).
- Human Urine pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0).
- Pure Water pH: Neutral (7.0 at 25°C).
Correct Answer: Option A (42nd Amendment)
Detailed Explanation: The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976 is famously known as the 'Mini-Constitution' because it enacted comprehensive changes to the Preamble, Seventh Schedule, and introduced Fundamental Duties (Part IVA).
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Preamble: Added three words: "Socialist", "Secular", and "Integrity".
- Transferred Subjects: Moved 5 subjects (Education, Forests, Weights & Measures, Protection of wild animals/birds, Administration of Justice) from State List to Concurrent List.
- 44th Amendment 1978: Reversed several provisions of the 42nd Amendment to restore civil liberties.
Correct Answer: Option A (Periyar E. V. Ramasamy)
Detailed Explanation: Periyar E. V. Ramasamy founded the Tamil weekly journal 'Kudi Arasu' (Republic) on 2 May 1925 to propagate the ideas of rationalism, women's liberation, and the Self-Respect Movement.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Self-Respect Movement (Swayam Mariyadhai Iyakkam): Founded by Periyar in 1925.
- Subramania Bharati: Renowned Tamil patriotic poet and editor of Swadesamitran and India.
- C. N. Annadurai: Founder of DMK party and former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
Correct Answer: Option A (Nhava Sheva and Haldia)
Detailed Explanation: Nhava Sheva (JNPT) was built as a satellite port to relieve congestion at Mumbai Port, and Haldia was developed downstream on the Hugli River as a satellite port to decongest Kolkata Port (Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port).
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- JNPT: India's largest container handling port (Maharashtra).
- Kolkata Port: Only riverine major port in India.
- Kandla (Deendayal Port): Tidal port in Gujarat, developed post-partition to compensate for the loss of Karachi Port.
- Visakhapatnam Port: Deepest landlocked natural port in India (Andhra Pradesh).
Correct Answer: Option A (Fifth)
Detailed Explanation: In terms of nominal GDP, India emerged as the world's 5th largest economy (overtaking the United Kingdom). In Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) terms, India is the 3rd largest economy behind the USA and China.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Top 5 Economies (Nominal GDP): 1. USA, 2. China, 3. Germany, 4. Japan, 5. India.
- Central Statistics Office (CSO/NSO): Releases India's official GDP figures under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
Correct Answer: Option A (27 percent)
Detailed Explanation: The Supreme Court accepted the Jayant Kumar Banthia Commission report (Maharashtra), which recommended providing up to 27% political reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in local self-government elections, subject to the total reservation ceiling of 50%.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Triple Test Condition: Laid down by the SC in Vikas Gawali Case (2021) to grant OBC reservation in local bodies.
- Mandal Commission (1979): Recommended 27% OBC reservation in central government jobs and educational institutions.
Correct Answer: Option A (Hawa Mahal)
Detailed Explanation: Hawa Mahal ("Palace of Breeze") is located in Jaipur, Rajasthan. It was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh and designed by architect Lal Chand Ustad with 953 jharokhas (windows).
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Gol Gumbaz: Located in Vijayapura (Bijapur), Karnataka; mausoleum of Mohammed Adil Shah.
- Charminar: Located in Hyderabad, Telangana; built by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah in 1591.
- Bara Imambara: Located in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh; built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784.
Correct Answer: Option A (Two)
Detailed Explanation: Under Section 33(7) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, a candidate is permitted to contest parliamentary or assembly elections from a maximum of two constituencies.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Minimum Age for Lok Sabha: 25 years (Article 84).
- Minimum Age for Rajya Sabha: 30 years.
- Election Commission of India: Established under Article 324 of the Constitution on 25 January 1950 (National Voters' Day).
Correct Answer: Option A (Agra)
Detailed Explanation: Ustad Faiyyaz Khan, Latafat Hussein Khan, and Dinkar Kakini belong to the famous Agra Gharana of Hindustani classical music (founded by Haji Sujan Khan / Ghagge Khudabaksh).
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Gwalior Gharana: Oldest Hindustani musical gharana (founded by Nathan Pir Bakhsh and Hassu-Haddu Khan).
- Kirana Gharana: Founded by Abdul Karim Khan and Abdul Wahid Khan (famous exponents: Bhimsen Joshi, Gangubai Hangal).
- Patiala Gharana: Founded by Bade Fateh Ali Khan and Ali Baksh Khan (famous exponents: Bade Ghulam Ali Khan).
Correct Answer: Option A (Sexual harassment of women at workplace)
Detailed Explanation: The PoSH Act stands for the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. It codified the landmark Vishaka Guidelines issued by the Supreme Court in 1997.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Internal Complaints Committee (ICC): Mandatory under the PoSH Act for every organization employing 10 or more people.
- POCSO Act, 2012: Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.
- Domestic Violence Act: Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005.
Correct Answer: Option A (Mathematics)
Detailed Explanation: The Nobel Prize is awarded annually in six fields: Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature, Peace, and Economic Sciences. It is not awarded in Mathematics.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Top Math Awards: Fields Medal and Abel Prize are regarded as the equivalent of the Nobel Prize in Mathematics.
- First Indian Nobel Laureate: Rabindranath Tagore (Literature, 1913).
- Economics Prize: Instituted in 1968 by Sveriges Riksbank and first awarded in 1969.
- Nobel Peace Prize: Awarded in Oslo, Norway (other Nobel prizes are presented in Stockholm, Sweden).
Correct Answer: Option A (Deccan Plateau)
Detailed Explanation: The Deccan Plateau (specifically the Deccan Traps) was formed during the late Cretaceous period by extensive volcanic basaltic lava flows through fissure eruptions, resulting in thick layers of black soil (Regur soil).
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Black Soil (Regur): Ideal for cotton cultivation; high moisture-retention capacity.
- Chota Nagpur Plateau: Known as the "Ruhr of India" due to immense mineral wealth (coal, iron ore, mica).
- Shillong Plateau: Separated from the peninsular block by the Malda Gap.
Correct Answer: Option A (Tabs)
Detailed Explanation: In Microsoft Word, Tab stops (Tabs) allow users to align text precisely at predetermined horizontal positions on a line, enabling clean column/tabular layouts without inserting tables.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Types of Tab Stops: Left, Right, Center, Decimal, and Bar tabs.
- Default Tab Stop: In MS Word, pressing the Tab key moves the cursor 0.5 inches (1.27\text{ cm}) to the right by default.
- WordWrap: Automatic feature that wraps text to the next line when reaching the right margin.