SSC Eduquity & TCS General Awareness PYQ Online Test
Correct Answer: Option A (Tapi)
Detailed Explanation: The Tapi (Tapti) River (along with the Narmada and Damodar rivers) flows westward through a linear faulted rift valley formed between the Satpura range to the north and the Ajanta/Satmala hills to the south, emptying into the Arabian Sea via the Gulf of Khambhat without forming a delta.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Origin of Tapi: Originates near Multai in the Betul district of Madhya Pradesh.
- Major Projects: Ukai Dam and Kakrapar Dam in Gujarat.
- Narmada River: Originates at Amarkantak; flows in a rift valley between the Vindhya and Satpura ranges.
- Godavari, Krishna, Mahanadi: East-flowing peninsular rivers draining into the Bay of Bengal, forming extensive deltas.
Correct Answer: Option A (2018)
Detailed Explanation: The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved PM-AASHA in September 2018 to ensure remunerative prices to farmers for oilseeds, pulses, and copra by strengthening the Minimum Support Price (MSP) procurement ecosystem.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Three Sub-schemes of PM-AASHA:
- 1. Price Support Scheme (PSS): Physical procurement by central agencies like NAFED and FCI.
- 2. Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS): Direct cash transfer of price difference into farmers' bank accounts (modelled on MP's Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojana).
- 3. Pilot of Private Procurement & Stockist Scheme (PPSS).
- PM-KISAN: Launched in February 2019 to provide ₹6,000 annually in three equal installments.
Correct Answer: Option A (Scorpion)
Detailed Explanation: Scorpions (along with spiders, ticks, and mites) belong to the class Arachnida (Subphylum Chelicerata) having 8 walking legs (4 pairs), two body tagmata (cephalothorax and abdomen), and no antennae. True insects (Class Insecta / Hexapoda) have 6 legs (3 pairs), 3 body parts (head, thorax, abdomen), and a pair of antennae.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Phylum Arthropoda: Largest animal phylum, characterised by jointed appendages, chitinous exoskeleton, and open circulatory system with hemolymph.
- Malpighian Tubules: Excretory organs in insects and arachnids.
- Statocysts: Balance and sensory organs found in crustaceans.
Correct Answer: Option A (Reginald Dyer)
Detailed Explanation: Brigadier-General Reginald Edward Harry Dyer ordered British troops to open fire without warning on thousands of unarmed civilians gathered peacefully at Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar on 13 April 1919 (Baisakhi day), earning him the epithet 'The Butcher of Amritsar'.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Michael O'Dwyer: Lieutenant Governor of Punjab in 1919 who endorsed the massacre; assassinated in London on 13 March 1940 by revolutionary Sardar Udham Singh.
- Hunter Commission (Disorders Inquiry Committee): Constituted under Lord William Hunter in late 1919 to investigate the tragedy.
- Rabindranath Tagore: Renounced his British Knighthood in protest against the massacre.
- Mahatma Gandhi: Surrendered his Kaiser-i-Hind medal and launched the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920).
Correct Answer: Option A (hockey player)
Detailed Explanation: Parattu Raveendran Sreejesh (P. R. Sreejesh) from Kerala is a legendary Indian field hockey goalkeeper and former national team captain. He played a pivotal role in India winning two consecutive Olympic Bronze Medals (Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024).
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Awards: Conferred Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award (2021), World Games Athlete of the Year (2021), and back-to-back FIH Best Goalkeeper of the Year awards.
- Paris 2024: Sreejesh served as India's joint flag-bearer alongside shooter Manu Bhaker at the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Correct Answer: Option A (Qatar)
Detailed Explanation: The 2022 FIFA World Cup (22nd edition) was hosted by Qatar from November 20 to December 18, 2022, marking the first time the tournament was held in the Arab world.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Champions: Argentina won their 3rd World Cup title by defeating France on penalties (4-2) after a 3-3 draw at Lusail Stadium.
- Golden Ball (Best Player): Lionel Messi (Argentina).
- Golden Boot (Top Scorer): Kylian Mbappé (France - 8 goals).
- Official Mascot: 'La'eeb' (an Arabic word meaning super-skilled player).
- FIFA 2026 Hosts: Co-hosted by USA, Canada, and Mexico (48 teams).
Correct Answer: Option A (Sardar Singh)
Detailed Explanation: In 2017, the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award was jointly conferred upon former Indian national hockey captain Sardar Singh and two-time Paralympic gold medalist javelin thrower Devendra Jhajharia.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award: Renamed from Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna in August 2021; highest sporting honour in India (prize money: ₹25 lakh).
- First Recipient: Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand (1991–92).
- First Woman Recipient: Weightlifter Karnam Malleswari (1994–95).
- 2018 Awardees: Virat Kohli (Cricket) and Saikhom Mirabai Chanu (Weightlifting).
Correct Answer: Option A (Development of rural economy)
Detailed Explanation: Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) were established under the RRB Act, 1976 with the primary objective of providing credit and other banking facilities to small and marginal farmers, agricultural laborers, artisans, and small entrepreneurs to accelerate the development of the rural economy.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- First RRB: Prathama Bank (Moradabad, UP) established on 2 October 1975 (sponsored by Syndicate Bank).
- Committee: Recommended by the M. Narasimham Working Group (1975).
- Equity Shareholding Pattern: Central Government (50%), Sponsor Commercial Bank (35%), and State Government (15%).
- States without RRBs: Goa and Sikkim.
Correct Answer: Option A (Increasing spending and cut taxes)
Detailed Explanation: Keynesian economics advocates an expansionary counter-cyclical fiscal policy during an economic slowdown/recession. The government should boost aggregate demand by increasing public expenditure (capital spending) and reducing direct/indirect taxes, thereby stimulating employment and consumer spending.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Fiscal Multiplier: The ratio of a change in national income to the initial change in government spending (k = 1/(1 - \text{MPC})).
- Deficit Financing: Borrowing or monetizing debt by the government to bridge budget gaps during expansionary spending.
- Austerity Measures: Cutting government spending and raising taxes during recessions (rejected by Keynesian models as it deepens recessionary gaps).
Correct Answer: Option A (Sur Sarovar)
Detailed Explanation: Sur Sarovar (also known as Keetham Lake), located along the Delhi-Agra highway in Uttar Pradesh, was designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site of International Importance in November 2020. It also houses a dedicated sloth bear rescue facility.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Ramsar Convention: Intergovernmental treaty on wetland conservation signed on 2 February 1971 in Ramsar, Iran (February 2 is celebrated as World Wetlands Day).
- First Ramsar Sites in India (1981): Chilika Lake (Odisha) and Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan).
- Largest Wetland in India: Sundarbans (West Bengal).
- Smallest Wetland in India: Renuka Wetland (Himachal Pradesh).
Correct Answer: Option A (Spring)
Detailed Explanation: Sarhul (meaning "worship of the Sal tree") is the most prominent tribal festival in Jharkhand (celebrated by Oraon, Munda, Ho, and Santhal tribes) celebrated during the spring season (Phalguna–Chaitra) when Sal trees blossom with new tender leaves and flowers.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Pahan: The tribal village priest who conducts rituals at the sacred village grove called Sarna.
- Karam: Tribal harvest and youth festival celebrated during the monsoon month of Bhadra.
- Sohrai: Cattle-worshipping post-Diwali harvest festival of Jharkhand.
Correct Answer: Option A (Maharashtra)
Detailed Explanation: In the 4th edition of the LEADS (Logistics Ease Across Different States) Report 2022 released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Maharashtra (along with Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and UP) was categorized in the top 'Achievers' category (states achieving percentage score >90%).
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- LEADS Report: Initiated in 2018; assesses logistics ecosystem across Infrastructure, Services, and Operating & Regulatory Environment.
- National Logistics Policy (NLP): Launched in September 2022 to reduce logistics cost in India from ~13-14% of GDP to single digits.
- PM GatiShakti: National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity infrastructure.
Correct Answer: Option A (1 July 2017)
Detailed Explanation: GST (Goods and Services Tax), a comprehensive destination-based indirect tax on the manufacture, sale, and consumption of goods and services, was launched at a midnight session of Parliament on 1 July 2017 under the motto "One Nation, One Tax, One Market".
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Constitutional Amendment: Enacted via the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2016.
- Article 279A: Authorizes the President to constitute the GST Council (chaired by the Union Finance Minister).
- First Country to Introduce GST: France (in 1954).
- First State in India to Ratify GST Bill: Assam.
Correct Answer: Option A (baked brick)
Detailed Explanation: The Bhitargaon Temple (located in Kanpur district, Uttar Pradesh) was built during the 5th century CE (Gupta Empire). It is the oldest surviving complete terraced brick and terracotta temple with a high stepped shikhara in India.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Architectural Features: Features early use of true arches with voussoirs, terracotta sculptural panels depicting Vishnu, Shiva, and Durga.
- Dashavatara Temple (Deogarh, Lalitpur, UP): Famous Gupta-era stone temple dedicated to Vishnu (known for the Sheshashayi Vishnu panel).
- Lakshmana Temple (Sirpur, Chhattisgarh): Another famous ancient brick temple dedicated to Vishnu.
Correct Answer: Option A (Chief Election Commissioner)
Detailed Explanation: Retired 1980-batch IAS officer Sunil Arora served as the 23rd Chief Election Commissioner of India (CEC) from December 2018 to April 2021, overseeing the conduct of the 2019 Lok Sabha General Elections.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Article 324: Vests the superintendence, direction, and control of elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of President and Vice-President in the Election Commission of India.
- First CEC of India: Sukumar Sen (1950–1958).
- First Female CEC of India: V. S. Ramadevi (1990).
- Tenure of CEC: 6 years or up to the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
Correct Answer: Option A (May 1924)
Detailed Explanation: Alluri Sitarama Raju led the heroic Rampa Rebellion (Manyam Rebellion) of 1922–1924 in the Visakhapatnam and Godavari hill tracts against the oppressive 1882 Madras Forest Act. He was trapped and captured by British forces in May 1924 at Chintapalli and martyred on 7 May 1924.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Manyam Veerudu: Raju was reverently honored by the local tribal people with the title 'Manyam Veerudu' (Hero of the Jungles).
- Tactic: Utilized traditional guerrilla warfare, launching coordinated raids on British police stations to seize firearms and ammunition.
Correct Answer: Option A (15 - 59 years)
Detailed Explanation: In demographic statistics and Census of India classifications, the population is grouped into three broad age cohorts: * Children (below 15 years): Dependent group. * Working Age Population (15 to 59 years): Economically productive group. * Aged / Elderly (60 years and above): Dependent group.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Demographic Dividend: The economic growth potential that results from shifts in a population's age structure, mainly when the share of the working-age population (15 to 59/64) is larger than the non-working share.
- Dependency Ratio: Formula: \frac{\text{Population (0-14)} + \text{Population (60+)}}{\text{Working-age Population (15-59)}} \times 100.
Correct Answer: Option A (Taiga)
Detailed Explanation: Taiga (Boreal forest) is the world's largest land-based terrestrial biome, spanning high northern latitudes across subarctic regions of North America and Eurasia. It is dominated by cold-tolerant coniferous evergreen trees (spruce, pine, fir, larch).
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Other Major Terrestrial Biomes: Tundra, Temperate Deciduous Forest, Tropical Rainforest, Savanna, Grasslands (Steppes/Prairies), and Deserts.
- Aquatic Biomes: Freshwater biomes (lakes, rivers, ponds) and Marine biomes (oceans, coral reefs, estuaries, abyssal plains).
- Tundra Biome: Treeless polar biome characterized by permanently frozen subsoil known as permafrost.
Correct Answer: Option A (Annual Financial Statement)
Detailed Explanation: The word "Budget" does not appear anywhere in the Constitution of India. Under Article 112, it is designated as the 'Annual Financial Statement', which is the estimated statement of receipts and expenditures of the Government of India for a financial year (1 April to 31 March).
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Article 202: Annual Financial Statement for State Governments.
- First Union Budget of Independent India: Presented on 26 November 1947 by Finance Minister R. K. Shanmukham Chetty.
- Railway Budget Merger: Merged into the General Union Budget in 2017 on the recommendations of the Bibek Debroy Committee (ending the 1924 Acworth Committee separation).
Correct Answer: Option A (Britain)
Detailed Explanation: The institution of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) was adapted from the British Westminster administrative system. In India, the office was first instituted in 1858 under Lord Canning (Sir Edward Drummond was the first Auditor General).
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Article 148: Provides for an independent CAG of India appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal.
- Key Duties (Articles 149–151): Audits all expenditures from the Consolidated Fund of India and States and submits audit reports to the President/Governor, which are examined by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
- First CAG of Independent India: V. Narahari Rao (1948–1954).
- Bulwark of Democracy: Dr. B. R. Ambedkar described the CAG as "the most important officer under the Constitution of India".
Correct Answer: Option A (Part XII)
Detailed Explanation: Part XII (Articles 264 to 300A) of the Constitution of India is titled 'Finance, Property, Contracts and Suits'. It contains provisions governing distribution of revenues between Union and States, Finance Commission (Art 280), Consolidated/Contingency Funds, Borrowings, and the Right to Property (Article 300A).
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Part XI (Articles 245–263): Relations between the Union and the States (Legislative and Administrative relations).
- Part XIII (Articles 301–307): Trade, Commerce, and Intercourse within the territory of India.
- Part XIV (Articles 308–323): Services under the Union and the States (UPSC and State PSCs).
- Article 300A: Legal Right to Property (transferred from Fundamental Rights by the 44th Amendment Act, 1978).
Correct Answer: Option A (Mewati Gharana)
Detailed Explanation: Classical vocalist Pandit Rattan Mohan Sharma (nephew and foremost disciple of Sangeet Martand Pandit Jasraj) belongs to the Mewati Gharana. He is hailed as 'Badshah-e-Tarana' for his mastery over singing classical Taranas, Haveli Sangeet, and bhajans.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Mewati Gharana: Founded by Ustad Ghagge Nazir Khan of Jodhpur in the late 19th century; known for spiritual devotional expression (Bhava Pradhan).
- Tarana: A vocal form in Hindustani classical music using mnemonic syllables (such as Odani, Tanom, Yalali, Dir Dir) set to fast rhythm (Drut Laya), invented by Amir Khusrau.
Correct Answer: Option A (Param Yuva 2)
Detailed Explanation: PARAM Yuva II is a high-performance supercomputer developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Pune, unveiled in February 2013 with a peak performance of 524 Teraflops.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- First Indian Supercomputer: PARAM 8000, built by C-DAC in 1991 led by Dr. Vijay P. Bhatkar ("Father of Indian Supercomputers").
- AIRAWAT: India's AI supercomputer installed at C-DAC Pune, ranked among the world's top 100 green supercomputers.
- PARAM Pravega (IISc Bangalore) & PARAM Ganga (IIT Roorkee): Built under the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM).
- Fugaku: Developed in Japan; Summit/Frontier: Developed in the USA; Tianhe-2: Developed in China.
Correct Answer: Option A (Japan)
Detailed Explanation: The Games of the XXXII Olympiad (Tokyo 2020) were hosted by Tokyo, Japan (postponed and held from 23 July to 8 August 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic) with the official motto 'United by Emotion'.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Mascot: 'Miraitowa' (Olympics) and 'Someity' (Paralympics).
- Summer Olympics Venues Schedule:
- 2020: Tokyo, Japan
- 2024: Paris, France
- 2028: Los Angeles, USA
- 2032: Brisbane, Australia.
Correct Answer: Option A (Ministry of Information and Broadcasting)
Detailed Explanation: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting introduced the Press and Registration of Periodicals (PRP) Bill, 2023 in Rajya Sabha, replacing the colonial-era Press and Registration of Books (PRB) Act, 1867 to digitalize, simplify, and decriminalize the title registration process for periodicals via the Press Registrar General of India (PRGI).
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Colonial Vernacular Press Act: Passed in 1878 by Viceroy Lord Lytton ("Gagging Act") and repealed in 1881 by Lord Ripon.
- Press Council of India (PCI): Statutory quasi-judicial autonomous body established in 1966 under the Press Council Act (headed by a retired SC Judge).
- National Press Day: Celebrated on 16 November.
Correct Answer: Option A (Supreme Court)
Detailed Explanation: The Supreme Court of India is the ultimate interpreter, protector, and final guardian of the Constitution. Under the power of Judicial Review (Articles 13, 32, 131–136, 141), it has the authority to declare any legislative enactment or executive order unconstitutional and void if it violates constitutional provisions.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Article 141: The law declared by the Supreme Court is binding on all courts within the territory of India.
- Article 143: Advisory jurisdiction of the Supreme Court (President seeking constitutional opinion from SC).
- Inauguration of Supreme Court: Inaugurated on 28 January 1950 (succeeding the Federal Court of India).
Correct Answer: Option A (Bindusara)
Detailed Explanation: Greek historians (such as Strabo and Athenaeus) referred to the second Mauryan Emperor Bindusara (reigned c. 297–273 BCE; father of Ashoka) as 'Amitrochates' or 'Allitrochades', which is the Greek transliteration of the Sanskrit title 'Amitraghata' (meaning "Slayer of Enemies / Foes").
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Patron of Ajivikas: Bindusara patronized the Ajivika religious sect founded by Makkhali Gosala.
- Deimachus: Greek ambassador sent by Syrian Seleucid King Antiochus I to Bindusara's court at Pataliputra.
- Chandragupta Maurya: Referred to by Greek writers as 'Sandrokottos' (identified by Sir William Jones).
- Ashoka: Referred to in rock edicts as 'Devanampiya Piyadassi' (Beloved of the Gods).
Correct Answer: Option A (Stable employment)
Detailed Explanation: Generating stable, productive employment and quality human capital ensures steady income distribution, boosts purchasing power, reduces poverty, and drives sustained economic growth, making it foundational for modernization and inclusive prosperity.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Four Pillars of Five-Year Plans: Growth, Modernization, Self-reliance, and Equity.
- Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS): Conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO / NSO) under MoSPI to estimate employment and unemployment indicators.
Correct Answer: Option A (Aravalli)
Detailed Explanation: Guru Shikhar (elevation 1,722\text{ meters} / 5,650\text{ feet}) is the highest peak of the Aravalli Range, situated on Mount Abu in the Sirohi district of Rajasthan. It is also home to the Mount Abu Infrared Observatory.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Aravalli Range: Oldest fold mountain system in India (now a relict/residual mountain) stretching from Gujarat through Rajasthan and Haryana to Delhi (Raisina Hill).
- Highest Peak of Satpura Range: Dhupgarh (1,350\text{ m} near Pachmarhi, MP).
- Highest Peak of Western Ghats (and South India): Anamudi (2,695\text{ m} in Kerala).
- Highest Peak of Eastern Ghats: Jindhagada / Armakonda (1,690\text{ m} in Andhra Pradesh).
- Highest Peak of Nilgiris: Doddabetta (2,637\text{ m} in Tamil Nadu).
Correct Answer: Option A (Aravind Adiga)
Detailed Explanation: 'The White Tiger' is the debut novel written by Indian author Aravind Adiga. It won the prestigious 40th Man Booker Prize in 2008, examining the stark class struggle in modern globalized India through the protagonist Balram Halwai.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Other Books by Aravind Adiga: Last Man in Tower, Selection Day, and Between the Assassinations.
- Indian Booker Prize Winners:
- 1. V. S. Naipaul (1971 - In a Free State)
- 2. Salman Rushdie (1981 - Midnight's Children)
- 3. Arundhati Roy (1997 - The God of Small Things)
- 4. Kiran Desai (2006 - The Inheritance of Loss)
- 5. Aravind Adiga (2008 - The White Tiger).
- Geetanjali Shree (2022): Won the International Booker Prize for Tomb of Sand (translated by Daisy Rockwell).
Correct Answer: Option A (Rudra Veena)
Detailed Explanation: Ustad Asad Ali Khan (1937–2011) was one of the last remaining virtuoso masters of the Rudra Veena (Been) in the Khandarbani Dhrupad tradition of Hindustani classical music. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2008 and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt: Creator and virtuoso master of the Mohan Veena (Grammy Award winner for A Meeting by the River).
- Saraswati Veena: Used in Carnatic music; played by masters like E. Gayathri and S. Balachander.
- Vichitra Veena: Plucked string instrument played by Abdul Aziz Khan and Ramesh Prem.
Correct Answer: Option A (Amar Preet Singh)
Detailed Explanation: Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh (A. P. Singh) took over as the 47th Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS) of the Indian Air Force on 1 February 2023, succeeding Air Marshal Sandeep Singh.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Chief of the Air Staff (CAS): Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh later took over as the 28th Chief of the Air Staff.
- Air Force Day: Celebrated annually on 8 October (commemorating the establishment of the Royal Indian Air Force in 1932).
- IAF Headquarters: New Delhi (Motto: "Nabhaḥ Sprśaṁ Dīptam" - Touch the sky with glory; taken from Chapter 11 of the Bhagavad Gita).
Correct Answer: Option A (Unstable government)
Detailed Explanation: A major structural demerit of the Parliamentary System is instability of the government, because the executive (Council of Ministers) survives in office only as long as it commands the confidence and majority support of the Lower House (Lok Sabha/Legislative Assembly). No-confidence motions or unstable coalition breakups can collapse governments prematurely.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Merits of Parliamentary System: Harmony between Legislature and Executive, Collective Responsibility (Article 75), Prevention of Authoritarianism, and Wide Representation.
- Presidential System (e.g., USA): Provides stable tenure for the executive for a fixed term, but suffers from rigid separation of powers and potential deadlock between executive and legislature.
Correct Answer: Option A (Buddhism)
Detailed Explanation: In ancient Buddhist rock-cut architecture: * Chaitya: A shrine, prayer hall, or assembly hall containing a stupa at the apsidal end for congregational worship. * Vihara: A residential monastery or dwelling place constructed for Buddhist monks (Bhikkhus) to reside and study during the rainy season (Vassa).
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Karle Caves (Maharashtra): Contains the largest and most magnificent rock-cut Chaitya hall in India (built during Satavahana period).
- Other Major Buddhist Cave Sites: Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves, Kanheri Caves, Bedse, and Bhaja Caves.
- Origin of State Name 'Bihar': Derived from the Sanskrit/Prakrit word 'Vihara' due to the abundance of ancient Buddhist monasteries in the region.
Correct Answer: Option A (Mizoram)
Detailed Explanation: The Government of Mizoram launched the Entrepreneurship Development Scheme (EDS) in January 2017 under its flagship New Economic Development Policy (NEDP) to nurture local entrepreneurs, establish incubation centers, and create self-sustaining livelihood opportunities in the state.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Capital of Mizoram: Aizawl.
- Chapchar Kut: The biggest spring harvest festival of Mizoram celebrated after clearing jungles for Jhum cultivation.
- Cheraw Dance: Traditional bamboo dance of Mizoram.
Correct Answer: Option A (Fencing)
Detailed Explanation: C. A. Bhavani Devi (Chadlawada Anandha Sundhararaman Bhavani Devi) from Tamil Nadu created history by becoming the first Indian fencer ever to qualify for and compete in the Olympic Games (Tokyo 2020) in the Sabre event. She also won India's first-ever medal (Bronze) at the Asian Fencing Championships 2023 in Wuxi, China.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Three Fencing Weapons: Foil, Épée, and Sabre.
- Arjuna Award: Conferred on Bhavani Devi in 2021.
- International Fencing Federation (FIE): Headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Correct Answer: Option A (To reform Hinduism)
Detailed Explanation: Swami Dayanand Saraswati founded the Arya Samaj in Bombay on 10 April 1875 as a socio-religious reform movement to purify and reform Hinduism, rejecting idol worship, rigid caste discrimination, child marriage, and priestcraft, while upholding the infallible authority of the original Vedas.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Famous Slogan: "Go Back to the Vedas" (Vedo ki aur lauto).
- Masterpiece Book: 'Satyarth Prakash' (The Light of Truth), written in Hindi in 1875.
- Shuddhi Movement: Initiated by Arya Samaj for reconverting individuals who had converted to other religions.
- DAV Institutions: Dayanand Anglo-Vedic (DAV) schools and colleges founded in 1886 at Lahore by Lala Hansraj and Guru Dutt Vidyarthi.
Correct Answer: Option A (dolomite mining)
Detailed Explanation: The ecosystem and wildlife corridor of Buxa Tiger Reserve (located in the Alipurduar district of West Bengal, bordering Bhutan) has been severely degraded and endangered due to ongoing open-cast dolomite mining in the adjacent Jainti hills and Bhutan border.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Buxa Fort: Historic British detention camp where Indian revolutionaries (like Subhas Chandra Bose and Trailokyanath Chakravarty) were imprisoned.
- Sundarbans: Other major Tiger Reserve in West Bengal (famous for Royal Bengal Tigers and mangrove estuarine habitat).
- Dolomite (\text{CaMg(CO}_3)_2): Anhydrous carbonate mineral used in iron and steel smelting as a refractory flux.
Correct Answer: Option A (Aravalli range)
Detailed Explanation: The Thar Desert (Great Indian Desert / Marusthali) lies to the northwest and west of the Aravalli Range in Rajasthan. Because the Aravalli range lies parallel to the direction of the southwest Arabian Sea monsoon branch, it fails to obstruct the moisture-laden winds, resulting in arid rain-shadow conditions (<150 mm annual rainfall).
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Luni River: Only major ephemeral river flowing through the Thar Desert, draining into the Rann of Kutch.
- Indira Gandhi Canal (Rajasthan Canal): Longest irrigation canal in India, originating from the Harike Barrage (confluence of Sutlej and Beas in Punjab), irrigating the Thar desert.
- National Desert Park: Located in Jaisalmer and Barmer; habitat of the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (Godawan).
Correct Answer: Option A (Kuchipudi)
Detailed Explanation: Padma Bhushan Guru Vempati Chinna Satyam (1929–2012) was the legendary master and choreographer who modernized and globalized Kuchipudi dance. He established the Kuchipudi Art Academy in Madras (Chennai) in 1963 and systematized its classical solo repertoire.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Distinguished Disciples: Shobha Naidu, Yamini Krishnamurthy, Swapnasundari, Hema Malini, Rekha.
- Classical Dance Forms Recognized by Sangeet Natak Akademi (8 forms): Bharatnatyam (Tamil Nadu), Kathak (North India), Kathakali (Kerala), Mohiniyattam (Kerala), Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh), Odissi (Odisha), Manipuri (Manipur), and Sattriya (Assam).
Correct Answer: Option A (2 and 3 both)
Detailed Explanation: Under Article 51A (Part IVA), neither 'To pay income tax' (2) nor 'To cast the vote in election' (3) is listed as a Fundamental Duty. While the Swaran Singh Committee (1976) had originally recommended including the duty to pay taxes, Parliament did not accept that recommendation.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Prescribed Duties under Article 51A:
- Article 51A(d): To defend the country and render national service when called upon (Item 1).
- Article 51A(i): To safeguard public property and to abjure violence (Item 4).
- Total Fundamental Duties: 11 (10 added by 42nd Amendment 1976, and 11th added by 86th Amendment 2002).
Correct Answer: Option A (Kathak)
Detailed Explanation: Kumudini Lakhia is a pioneer and renowned exponent and choreographer of Kathak. She revolutionized classical Kathak choreography by transitioning it from traditional solo performances to innovative group dance compositions through her academy Kadamb Centre for Dance (Ahmedabad, est. 1967).
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Awards: Conferred the Padma Shri (1987), Padma Bhushan (2010), Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1982), and Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (Akademi Ratna, 2021).
- Prominent Disciples: Aditi Mangaldas, Vaishali Trivedi, Maulik Shah.
Correct Answer: Option A (Kerala)
Detailed Explanation: In the SDG India Index 2019-20 released by NITI Aayog, Kerala retained its top position with a composite score of 70, followed by Himachal Pradesh (69) and Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu (67 each).
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- SDG India Index: Developed by NITI Aayog in collaboration with the United Nations in India to track progress across all 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
- Top UT: Chandigarh ranked first among Union Territories.
- Four Performance Categories: Achiever (100), Front Runner (65–99), Performer (50–64), Aspirant (0–49).
Correct Answer: Option A (Cotton)
Detailed Explanation: Cotton is a major Kharif cash crop sown at the onset of the southwest monsoon (May–July) and harvested during autumn/winter (October–January). It requires 210 frost-free days and bright sunshine for maturation on black (Regur) soil.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Other Major Kharif Crops: Rice, Maize, Jowar, Bajra, Tur (Arhar), Moong, Urad, Jute, Groundnut, Soybean.
- Rabi Crops: Sown in winter (Oct–Dec) and harvested in spring (April–June). Examples: Wheat, Barley, Mustard, Gram (Chickpea), Linseed, Peas.
- Largest Cotton Producing State in India: Gujarat, followed by Maharashtra and Telangana.
Correct Answer: Option A (5)
Detailed Explanation: Under Article 56(1) of the Constitution of India, the President holds office for a term of 5 years from the date on which he/she enters upon his/her office. Under Article 57, an incumbent President is eligible for re-election for any number of terms.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Article 52: Mandates that there shall be a President of India.
- Article 54: Electoral College for President (Elected members of Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and State Legislative Assemblies including Delhi, Puducherry, and J&K).
- Article 61: Procedure for Impeachment of the President (only for 'violation of the Constitution').
- Resignation: Addressed in writing to the Vice President of India (Article 56(1)(a)).
Correct Answer: Option A (Khuda Baksh)
Detailed Explanation: While the roots of the Agra Gharana trace back to Mughal court musician Haji Sujan Khan (Nauhar Bani Dhrupad), it was resurrected and molded into a prominent Khayal Gharana in the 19th century by Ustad Ghagge Khudabaksh (and further popularized by Ustad Faiyyaz Khan).
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Ustad Faiyyaz Khan: Conferred the title 'Aftab-e-Mousiqi' (Sun of Music) by the Maharaja of Baroda; greatest exponent of the Agra Gharana.
- Gwalior Gharana: Founded by Nathan Pir Bakhsh and Hassu-Haddu Khan.
- Kirana Gharana: Founded by Ustad Abdul Karim Khan and Abdul Wahid Khan.
- Patiala Gharana: Founded by Ustad Fateh Ali Khan and Ali Baksh Khan.
Correct Answer: Option A (Taxes on lands and buildings)
Detailed Explanation: 'Taxes on lands and buildings' is exclusively a State List (List II, Entry 49) subject under the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution. The Concurrent List (List III) contains subjects like Criminal Law, Marriage, Civil Procedure, Education, and Forests.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- State List Key Subjects: Public Health & Sanitation, Police, Public Order, Agriculture, Land Revenue, Local Government.
- Concurrent List Key Subjects: Education, Forests, Protection of Wild Animals/Birds, Weights and Measures, Administration of Justice (transferred from State List by 42nd Amendment 1976).
- Article 248: Residuary powers of legislation are vested exclusively in the Parliament of India.
Correct Answer: Option A (Kajari)
Detailed Explanation: Kajari (Kajri) is a famous seasonal folk song and dance genre originating in the Bhojpuri and Awadhi regions of Uttar Pradesh and western Bihar, sung during the monsoon season. Panthi, Raut Nacha, and Pandwani belong to Chhattisgarh.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Panthi Dance: Sacred dance performed by the Satnami community of Chhattisgarh to celebrate the birth anniversary of Guru Ghasidas.
- Pandwani: Narrative ballad theater depicting episodes of Mahabharata (Kapalik and Vedamati styles; famous exponents Teejan Bai and Ritu Verma).
- Other Folk Dances of UP: Raslila, Ramlila, Charkula, Nautanki, Jhora, Chapeli.
Correct Answer: Option A (Narendra Singh Tomar)
Detailed Explanation: Narendra Singh Tomar was the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare who introduced the Farm Laws Repeal Bill, 2021 in Parliament in November 2021 to repeal the three contentious agricultural reform acts passed in 2020.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Three Repealed Acts:
- 1. Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020
- 2. Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020
- 3. Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020.
- CACP: Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (est. 1965); recommends Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for 22 mandated crops and FRP for Sugarcane.
Correct Answer: Option A (gypsum)
Detailed Explanation: Gypsum is the common name for Calcium Sulphate Dihydrate with the chemical formula \text{CaSO}_4\cdot 2\text{H}_2\text{O}. When gypsum is heated to 373\text{ K} (100^\circ\text{C}), it loses water of crystallization to form Plaster of Paris (POP, \text{CaSO}_4\cdot \frac{1}{2}\text{H}_2\text{O}).
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Cement Retarder: Gypsum is added to Portland cement (2–3%) to slow down its rate of setting (hydration).
- Epsom Salt: Magnesium sulphate heptahydrate (\text{MgSO}_4\cdot 7\text{H}_2\text{O}).
- Blue Vitriol: Copper sulphate pentahydrate (\text{CuSO}_4\cdot 5\text{H}_2\text{O}).
- Green Vitriol: Ferrous sulphate heptahydrate (\text{FeSO}_4\cdot 7\text{H}_2\text{O}).
Correct Answer: Option A (Makaravilakku)
Detailed Explanation: Makaravilakku is the annual religious festival celebrated at the hill shrine of Lord Ayyappa in Sabarimala, Kerala on the day of Makar Sankranti (culminating with the sighting of the divine flame, Makara Jyothi, on Ponnambalamedu hill).
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Attukal Pongala: Guinness World Record-holding congregational gathering of millions of women cooking sweet porridge (Pongala) at Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram.
- Thrissur Pooram: Famous temple festival celebrated at Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur, Kerala (features majestic elephant processions and Ilanjithara Melam).
- Vishu: Kerala's traditional astronomical New Year festival (celebrated with Vishukkani).
Correct Answer: Option A (Lord Linlithgow)
Detailed Explanation: The catastrophic Bengal Famine of 1943 (which claimed ~2 to 3 million lives) erupted during the tenure of Viceroy Lord Linlithgow (1936–October 1943), and his immediate successor Field Marshal Lord Wavell (arrived late October 1943) deployed the British-Indian military to transport and distribute food grains to rural Bengal.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Causes: Japanese occupation of Burma (halting rice imports), British wartime 'Denial Policies', crop disease (brown spot fungus), and wartime food diversion.
- Woodhead Commission (1944–45): Royal Commission of Inquiry appointed to investigate the Bengal Famine.
- Lord Linlithgow's Tenure (1936–1943): Longest tenure of a Viceroy; covered Outbreak of WWII, August Offer (1940), Cripps Mission (1942), and Quit India Movement (1942).
Correct Answer: Option A (Medicine)
Detailed Explanation: Medicines purchased directly by patients/households are Final Consumer Goods because they are used for direct consumption and do not undergo further processing. Intermediate goods are raw materials or semi-finished goods used as inputs in the production of other goods (e.g., steel, flour, raw cotton).
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- National Income (GDP) Calculation: Only the value of Final Goods and Services is counted in GDP to prevent double counting.
- Capital Goods: Durable fixed assets (machinery, tools, factory equipment) used repeatedly in the production of other goods without getting consumed in a single cycle.
Correct Answer: Option A (Grass)
Detailed Explanation: Grass is a living organism (a primary producer / autotroph) and is therefore a Biotic component of an ecosystem. Biotic factors encompass all living biological organisms: producers (plants), consumers (herbivores, carnivores), and decomposers (bacteria, fungi).
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Abiotic Components: Non-living physical and chemical factors shaping habitats (e.g., Sunlight, Water, Air, Temperature, Soil, Humidity, Minerals).
- Trophic Levels: Producers (1st Trophic Level) \rightarrow Primary Consumers (2nd) \rightarrow Secondary Consumers (3rd) \rightarrow Tertiary Consumers (4th).
Correct Answer: Option A (Aravidu dynasty)
Detailed Explanation: The Vijayanagara Empire (1336–1646 CE) was ruled by four successive dynasties in chronological order: * Sangama Dynasty (1336–1485): Founded by brothers Harihara I and Bukka Raya I. * Saluva Dynasty (1485–1505): Founded by Saluva Narasimha. * Tuluva Dynasty (1505–1570): Founded by Vira Narasimha; greatest ruler was Krishnadevaraya (1509–1529). * Aravidu Dynasty (1570–1646): Founded by Tirumala Deva Raya with capital shifted to Penukonda and later Chandragiri.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Battle of Talikota (Rakshasi-Tangadi, 1565): The combined armies of Deccan Sultanates (Bijapur, Golconda, Ahmadnagar, Bidar) decisively defeated the Vijayanagara army under Aliya Rama Raya.
- Hampi: Capital of Vijayanagara on the banks of the Tungabhadra River (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
- Foreign Visitors: Nicolo de Conti (Italy), Abdur Razzaq (Persia), Duarte Barbosa, and Domingo Paes (Portugal).
Correct Answer: Option A (Eighty-sixth Amendment Act, 2002)
Detailed Explanation: The 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002 inserted Article 21A into Part III of the Constitution, establishing free and compulsory education for all children between the ages of 6 and 14 years as a Fundamental Right.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Tripartite Educational Changes by 86th Amendment:
- 1. Fundamental Right: Added Article 21A.
- 2. DPSP: Modified Article 45 (early childhood care and education up to 6 years).
- 3. Fundamental Duty: Added Article 51A(k) (duty of parents to educate children aged 6 to 14).
- Mohini Jain (1992) & Unni Krishnan (1993) Cases: Landmark Supreme Court rulings that recognized the Right to Education as implicit under the Right to Life (Article 21).
Correct Answer: Option A (Orchha)
Detailed Explanation: The historic Bundela architectural town of Orchha (Niwari district, Madhya Pradesh) is situated along the banks of the Betwa River. It was founded in the 16th century by Bundela Rajput chieftain Rudra Pratap Singh.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Prominent Monuments in Orchha: Jahangir Mahal, Raja Mahal, Chaturbhuj Temple, Ram Raja Temple (only temple where Lord Rama is worshipped as a reigning King), and royal Chhatris (cenotaphs) along the Betwa.
- Ujjain: Situated on the banks of the Shipra River (Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga).
- Hampi: Situated on the banks of the Tungabhadra River.
- Maheshwar: Situated on the banks of the Narmada River (capital of Queen Ahilyabai Holkar).
- Ken-Betwa Link Project: First river interlinking project under the National Perspective Plan.
Correct Answer: Option A (Article 85)
Detailed Explanation: Under Article 85(2)(b) of the Constitution of India, the President has the constitutional power to dissolve the House of the People (Lok Sabha) on the advice of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers. (The Rajya Sabha is a permanent body and not subject to dissolution).
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Article 85(1): Power of the President to summon and prorogue both Houses of Parliament (maximum gap between two sessions cannot exceed 6 months).
- Article 74: Council of Ministers with the Prime Minister at the head to aid and advise the President.
- Article 83(2): Normal duration of Lok Sabha is 5 years from the date appointed for its first meeting.
Correct Answer: Option A (Awadh)
Detailed Explanation: In 1851, Governor-General Lord Dalhousie described the princely state of Awadh (Oudh) as "a cherry that will drop into our mouth one day". In 1856, the British formally annexed Awadh on charges of alleged "misgovernance / internal maladministration" (based on the Outram Report), deposing Nawab Wajid Ali Shah.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Begum Hazrat Mahal: Led the 1857 Revolt in Lucknow after Awadh was annexed, proclaiming her son Birjis Qadr as Nawab.
- Doctrine of Lapse (Annexations by Dalhousie):
- Satara (1848 - First)
- Jaitpur and Sambalpur (1849)
- Baghat (1850)
- Udaipur (1852)
- Jhansi (1853)
- Nagpur (1854).
Correct Answer: Option A (18)
Detailed Explanation: There are 18 notified Biosphere Reserves in India, designated by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to protect large landscapes of natural habitat and biodiversity.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- First Biosphere Reserve in India: Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (designated in 1986; spans Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka).
- Largest Biosphere Reserve: Great Rann of Kutch (Gujarat).
- Smallest Biosphere Reserve: Dibru-Saikhowa (Assam).
- World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR - UNESCO MAB Programme): 12 out of the 18 Indian biosphere reserves are included in the UNESCO MAB list (Panna in MP was added as the 12th in 2020).
Correct Answer: Option A (1801)
Detailed Explanation: In November 1801, Nawab Saadat Ali Khan II of Awadh was compelled by Governor-General Lord Wellesley to sign the Subsidiary Alliance Treaty, under which Awadh surrendered more than half of its fertile territory (including Rohilkhand, Gorakhpur, and the Lower Doab) to maintain British troops.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Treaty of Allahabad (1765): Signed between Robert Clive and Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula after the Battle of Buxar (1764).
- First State in Subsidiary Alliance: Nizam of Hyderabad (1798).
- Treaty of Bassein (1802): Signed by Peshwa Baji Rao II to enter the Subsidiary Alliance.
Correct Answer: Option A (President)
Detailed Explanation: Under Article 267(1) of the Constitution of India, the Contingency Fund of India is placed at the disposal of the President of India to make advances for meeting unforeseen expenditures pending authorization by Parliament. The fund is held and operated on behalf of the President by the Secretary to the Government of India, Ministry of Finance (Department of Economic Affairs).
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Corpus: The statutory corpus of the Contingency Fund of India was enhanced from ₹500 crore to ₹30,000 crore via the Finance Act, 2021.
- Article 266(1): Consolidated Fund of India (all revenues, loans, and recoveries; no money can be withdrawn without parliamentary appropriation).
- Article 266(2): Public Account of India (provident funds, small savings, judicial deposits).
Correct Answer: Option A (Bhikaji Cama)
Detailed Explanation: Madam Bhikaji Cama was the first Indian to unfurl the Indian National Flag (the Berlin/Stuttgart Committee flag) on foreign soil on 22 August 1907 at the International Socialist Conference in Stuttgart, Germany.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Design of the 1907 Flag: Composed of green, yellow, and red stripes with 8 lotuses (representing 8 provinces), Vande Mataram in Devanagari script, a sun, and a crescent moon.
- Shyamji Krishna Varma: Founded the India House and the Indian Home Rule Society in London (1905).
- Lala Hardayal: Founded the revolutionary Ghadar Party in San Francisco, USA in 1913.
- Pingali Venkayya: Designed the original design of the modern Indian National Tricolour flag (adopted by Constituent Assembly on 22 July 1947).
Correct Answer: Option A (31)
Detailed Explanation: In this question from the official examination, following the standard mathematical logic grouping (A, B, C, \text{Result}) or matrix evaluation: * Group 1: 2, 3, 4 \rightarrow 2 * Group 2: 5, 5, 7 \rightarrow 2 * Group 3: 7, 11, 5, 6 \rightarrow 31 Following the exact key provided in the examination paper, the designated correct answer is 31.
Correct Answer: Option A (Lonar lake)
Detailed Explanation: Lonar Lake (located in Buldhana district, Maharashtra) is a saline and alkaline natural crater lake created by a high-velocity hyper-velocity meteorite/asteroid impact during the Pleistocene Epoch into basalt rock. It is notified as a National Geo-heritage Monument and Ramsar site.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Loktak Lake (Manipur): Largest freshwater lake in Northeast India; famous for floating circular biomass islands called Phumdis and the Keibul Lamjao National Park (only floating national park in the world; home of Sangai deer).
- Sambhar Lake (Rajasthan): India's largest inland saline lake.
- Chilika Lake (Odisha): India's largest coastal brackish water lagoon.
- Wular Lake (J&K): Largest freshwater lake in India (formed by tectonic activity).
Correct Answer: Option A (Rajasthan)
Detailed Explanation: Archaeological and metallurgical evidence shows that the Indus Valley (Harappan) civilization procured their copper from the rich chalcopyrite mines of Khetri in Rajasthan (Ganeshwar-Jodhpura culture) and imported additional copper from Oman (Magan) on the Arabian Peninsula.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Harappan Raw Material Trade Sources:
- Gold: Kolar mines (Karnataka) and Afghanistan.
- Tin: Afghanistan and Iran (alloyed with copper to produce Bronze).
- Lapis Lazuli: Shortugai (Badakhshan, Afghanistan).
- Carnelian: Bharuch/Lothal (Gujarat).
- Steatite: Southern Rajasthan and northern Gujarat.
Correct Answer: Option A (Economic Sciences)
Detailed Explanation: Paul R. Milgrom and Robert B. Wilson were jointly awarded the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel 2020 "for improvements to auction theory and inventions of new auction formats" (such as simultaneous multiple-round auctions used for telecom spectrum and radio frequencies).
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Nobel Memorial Prize in Economics: Instituted in 1968 by the central bank of Sweden (Sveriges Riksbank) and first awarded in 1969 to Ragnar Frisch and Jan Tinbergen.
- Indian Nobel Laureates in Economics: Amartya Sen (1998 - Welfare Economics) and Abhijit Banerjee (2019 - Experimental approach to alleviating global poverty).
Correct Answer: Option A (Corporate Affairs)
Detailed Explanation: The Competition (Amendment) Bill, 2022 (enacted in 2023) was introduced and piloted by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. It amends the Competition Act, 2002 to introduce deal value thresholds (DVT) for mergers and acquisitions, settlement and commitment mechanisms, and expanded global turnover penalties.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Competition Commission of India (CCI): Statutory quasi-judicial market regulator established in 2003 (operational in 2009) to prevent anti-competitive agreements and abuse of dominant position.
- Raghavan Committee (2000): Recommended the repeal of the MRTP Act, 1969 and the enactment of the modern Competition Act, 2002.
Correct Answer: Option A (six)
Detailed Explanation: In standard indoor volleyball, each team consists of 6 active players on the court at a time (arranged in 3 front-row and 3 back-row positions). In Beach Volleyball, each team consists of 2 players.
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Court Dimensions: 18\text{ meters long} \times 9\text{ meters wide}. Net height: 2.43\text{ m} for men and 2.24\text{ m} for women.
- Key Positions & Terms: Libero (defensive specialist wearing a contrasting jersey who cannot serve or spike above net), Setter, Spiker, Blocker, Ace, Dig, Set, Spike.
- Player Counts in Other Sports:
- Basketball: 5 players per team
- Water Polo / Kabaddi / Handball: 7 players
- Baseball / Kho-Kho: 9 players
- Cricket / Football / Field Hockey: 11 players.
Correct Answer: Option A (Marginal productivity of labour is zero)
Detailed Explanation: Disguised Unemployment is an economic state where surplus labor is employed in an enterprise (most commonly family agriculture) such that if some workers are withdrawn or removed, the total output remains completely unchanged, meaning the marginal physical product of labor (MP_L) is zero (or near zero).
Option Breakdown & Exam Facts:
- Arthur Lewis Dual-Sector Model: Explains how developing economies transfer surplus disguised agricultural labor with zero marginal productivity to the modern industrial sector to generate capital accumulation.
- Underemployment: A situation where workers are employed below their skill level or part-time when they desire full-time work.
- Open Unemployment: When people willing and able to work find no employment at all.