PYST 3: IB Security Assistant & MTS Official Paper - General Awareness (Held On: 23 March, 2023 Shift 3) (Previous Year Paper)

The correct answer is NAMASTE.

Key Points

• The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has announced a new scheme named NAMASTE.
• NAMASTE stands for National Action Plan for the Safety of Sanitation Workers.
• It aims to provide a comprehensive framework for the safety and welfare of sanitation workers in the country.
• The scheme will focus on improving the working conditions of sanitation workers, providing them with adequate protective gear, and ensuring their access to healthcare facilities.
• NAMASTE will also promote the use of technology to reduce the manual handling of waste and improve the efficiency of waste management.
• The scheme will be implemented in collaboration with various stakeholders, including state governments, local bodies, NGOs, and sanitation workers' associations.

Additional Information

• NIRVIK is a scheme launched by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to provide credit insurance to exporters.
• It aims to enhance the accessibility of credit and reduce the cost of credit for exporters.
• KAWACH is a scheme launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
• Its aim is to provide health insurance coverage to frontline health workers who are fighting against COVID-19.
• PM-DevINE is a scheme launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
• Its aim is to promote the use of innovative technologies in the construction sector.

The correct answer is glycogen.

Key Points

• Carbohydrates are the primary source of energy for the body, and they are stored in the form of glycogen.
• Glycogen is a complex carbohydrate that is made up of many glucose molecules linked together in a highly branched structure.
• Glycogen is the main storage form of glucose in the body, and it is broken down into glucose when the body needs energy.
• Most glycogen in humans is stored in the liver and skeletal muscles.

Additional Information

• Amylopectin is a highly branched polysaccharide that is found in plants, particularly in starchy foods like potatoes, corn, and rice.
• It is a type of complex carbohydrate that is broken down into glucose for energy.
• Amylose is also a polysaccharide found in plants, but it is a linear chain of glucose molecules rather than a branched structure like amylopectin.
• It is also broken down into glucose for energy.
• Collagen is a fibrous protein that provides strength and elasticity to tissues in the body.
• It is the most abundant protein in the body and is found in skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage.
• It is not a carbohydrate and is not used for energy.

The correct answer is Vitamin D.

Key Points

• Vitamin D is also known as the "sunshine vitamin" because it is synthesized in the skin when it is exposed to UV rays from sunlight.
• Specifically, UVB rays are responsible for the conversion of a precursor molecule called 7-dehydrocholesterol into vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) in the skin.
• Vitamin B, also known as the vitamin B complex, refers to a group of water-soluble vitamins that are involved in many metabolic processes in the body.
• These vitamins cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained from food sources or supplements.
• Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is important for vision, immune function, and skin health.
• It can be obtained from animal sources such as liver, eggs, and dairy products, as well as some plant sources like carrots and sweet potatoes.
• Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that is important for collagen synthesis, antioxidant protection, and immune function.
• It is found in many fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, and broccoli.

Additional Information

• Vitamin D is important for bone health, as it helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus from the diet.
• It also has roles in immune function, muscle function, and cell growth and differentiation.
• Vitamin D deficiency is common worldwide, especially in areas with limited sunlight exposure, darker skin pigmentation, or high levels of air pollution.
• Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to an increased risk of osteoporosis, rickets, autoimmune diseases, and some cancers.
• Vitamin D can also be obtained from dietary sources such as fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified foods and supplements.
• However, it is difficult to obtain enough vitamin D from food alone, especially in the winter months or for people with limited sun exposure.
• Therefore, some experts recommend taking a vitamin D supplement to maintain optimal levels.

The correct answer is Plasma.

Key Points

• Plasma is considered as the fourth state of matter, after solid, liquid, and gas.
• In plasma, the electrons are not attached to individual atoms but rather move freely in a cloud-like structure.
• Plasma is often found in high-energy environments, such as lightning, stars, and flames.
• Plasma can conduct electricity and respond to magnetic fields, which makes it useful in many applications such as plasma cutting, welding, and TVs.

Additional Information

• Liquid is a state of matter where the atoms or molecules are close together but can still move around and slide past each other.
• Examples include water, oil, and blood.
• Gas is a state of matter where the atoms or molecules are spread out and move freely.
• Examples include air, helium, and carbon dioxide.
• Solid is a state of matter where the atoms or molecules are tightly packed together and cannot move past each other.
• Examples include ice, wood, and metal.

The correct answer is Asthma.

Key Points

• Air pollution is a major cause of respiratory diseases like asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema.
• Poor air quality can cause inflammation of the airways, leading to breathing difficulties and other respiratory problems.
• Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, making it difficult to breathe.
• In addition to breathing difficulties, asthma can induce coughing and wheezing.
• Rescue inhalers, which relieve symptoms, and controller inhalers, which prevent symptoms, are typically used to manage asthma.

Additional Information

• Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, causing coughing and difficulty breathing.
• Emphysema is a long-term lung disease that causes shortness of breath and damage to the air sacs in the lungs.
• Typhoid is a bacterial infection that is transmitted through contaminated food or water, and is not related to poor air quality.
• It is important to note that poor air quality can also have negative impacts on cardiovascular health and can increase the risk of stroke and heart disease.

The correct answer is Himachal Pradesh.

Key Points

• Nati folk dance is a traditional dance form of Himachal Pradesh.
• It is performed by both men and women in groups during festivals and weddings.
• The dance involves graceful movements and is accompanied by traditional music instruments like dhol, nagara, and shehnai.
• The dance form is said to have originated in the Kullu valley of Himachal Pradesh.

Additional Information

• Madhya Pradesh is known for its folk dances like Tertali, and Matki dance.
• Odisha is known for its classical dance forms like Odissi and folk dances like Dalkhai and Sambalpuri.
• Karnataka is known for folk dances like Yakshagana and Dollu Kunitha.

The correct answer is Naya Savera.

Key Points

• Naya Savera is a scheme launched by the Government of India to empower the students belonging to minority communities and prepare them for competitive examinations.
• The scheme aims to provide free coaching to students from minority communities for competitive exams such as UPSC, SSC, and banking exams.
• The scheme also provides financial assistance to students for admission and tuition fees, and for purchasing study material and equipment.
• The objective of the scheme is to increase the representation of minority communities in government jobs and other competitive exams.

Additional Information

• Nai Manzil is another scheme launched by the Government of India for the education and skill development of minority youth.
• With the help of the Scheme, minority youths who do not possess a formal school leaving certificate—that is, those who are dropouts or who received their education in community education centers like Madarsas—will be able to access formal education and skills, which will enable them to pursue better jobs and livelihoods in the organized sector.
• Seekho aur Kamao is a skill development scheme for minorities.
• The program's objectives are to increase young people's employability by offering them training in a variety of fields.
• Youth taught by approved training partners under the Seekho Kamao Yojana receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 10,000.
• Nai Udaan is a scheme for the development of minority women entrepreneurs.
• The candidates will receive benefits in the form of Direct Benefit Transfer.

The correct answer is south.

Key Points

• Carnatic music is a form of Indian classical music that originated in the southern part of India, particularly in the states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Kerala.
• It is one of the oldest and most complex systems of music in the world, with a rich history and tradition that dates back more than 2000 years.
• The music is mainly associated with South India, as it has been nurtured and developed in this region over centuries.
• Unlike Western music, which is based on the concept of harmony, Carnatic music is based on melody and rhythm, with a focus on improvisation and intricate patterns of notes and rhythms.

Additional Information

• Western music:
• This refers to the music of Europe and the Americas, which is based on the principles of harmony and tonality.
• Western classical music has its roots in the medieval and Renaissance periods and has evolved over the centuries to include various styles and genres, such as Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary.
• Eastern music:
• This refers to the music of Asia, including India, China, Japan, and other countries in the region.
• Eastern music is diverse and includes various styles and genres, such as Indian classical music, Chinese traditional music, and Japanese folk music.
• North India:
• This region of India is known for its rich cultural heritage and has been the birthplace of many forms of classical music, including Hindustani music, which is a style of Indian classical music that originated in the northern part of India.
• South India:
• This region of India is known for its unique culture and traditions, including Carnatic music, which is a form of Indian classical music that originated in the southern part of India.

The correct answer is "aluminium".

Key Points

• Acid rain dissolves aluminium from soil and releases it into water bodies, making it harmful for plants and animals.
• It also damages the roots and leaves of plants, affecting their growth and productivity.
• Acid rain is formed when sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NO_x) are released into the atmosphere due to human activities like burning of fossil fuels and industrial processes.
• These gases react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form acidic compounds like sulfuric acid and nitric acid.
• Calcium is an essential nutrient for plant growth and is not harmful to plants or animals.
• Oxygen is a gas that is required for respiration and is not affected by acid rain.
• Lead is a toxic heavy metal that may be present in soil and can be harmful to plants and animals if ingested.

Additional Information

• Aluminium is a metal that is commonly found in soil and rocks.
• It is not harmful in small amounts, but excessive amounts can be toxic to plants and animals.
• Acid rain has many other environmental impacts like damaging buildings, monuments, and statues made of stone or metal.
• It also affects soil quality and reduces the availability of nutrients for plants.
• Hence, it is important to reduce the emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides to minimize the impact of acid rain on the environment.

The correct answer is Namdroling.

Key Points

• Namdroling Monastery is a major center of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism in India.
• It is situated in Bylakuppe, Karnataka.
• It was established in 1963 by Pema Norbu Rinpoche, also known as Penor Rinpoche, and is home to over 5,000 monks and nuns.
• Namdroling Monastery is also known as the Golden Temple due to its ornate and gilded decor.
• It features intricate murals, statues, and other artwork that depict various aspects of Buddhist teachings and mythology.

Additional Information

• Rumtek Monastery, located in Sikkim, is another important center of Tibetan Buddhism in India.
• It is the seat of the Karmapa, the head of the Karma Kagyu school, and houses many ancient artifacts and relics.
• Tharpa Choling Monastery is a small Buddhist monastery located in the village of Kalimpong in West Bengal.
• It was founded in the 1920s by the Tibetan lama Kalu Rinpoche and is known for its beautiful gardens and peaceful atmosphere.
• Palpung Monastery is located in the Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh.
• It is the seat of the Tai Situpa, one of the highest-ranking lamas in the Karma Kagyu school, and is renowned for its traditional Tibetan architecture and stunning mountain views.

The correct answer is 1000.

Key Points

• 1000 Khelo India centres will be set up across the country by 2024.
• The Khelo India movement is an initiative by the Government of India to promote sports and fitness among the youth of the country.
• It was launched in 2018 with a budget of Rs. 1756 crore for the period of 2017-18 to 2019-20.
• The Khelo India centres are an integral part of this movement, which aims to identify and nurture young talent in various sports and provide them with the necessary infrastructure, training, and support to excel at the national and international level.
• These centres will be set up in every district of the country and will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for training, coaching, and competition.
• The focus will be on developing grassroots-level sports infrastructure and providing access to sports for all.

Additional Information

• The fifth iteration of the Khelo India Youth Games took place in 2023.
• The Khelo India Youth Games 2023 began on January 30 and run through February 11 2023.
• The Khelo India Youth Games 2023 Event was held in Madhya Pradesh this year.
• With 56 gold, 55 silver, and 50 bronze medals from the Khelo India Youth Games 2023, Maharashtra emerged victorious.
• With forty-one gold, thirty-two silver, and fifty-five bronze medals, the reigning champions Haryana finished second.

The correct answer is sulphur dioxide.

Key Points

• Acid rain is a result of the combination of sulphur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NO_x) with moisture in the atmosphere.
• Sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) are released into the atmosphere due to human activities like burning of fossil fuels and industrial processes.
• These gases react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form acidic compounds like sulfuric acid and nitric acid

Additional Information

• Lead oxide (PbO) is a toxic substance and is not a significant contributor to acid rain.
• Lead oxide nanoparticles are categorized as hazardous and poisonous to the environment and human health.
• Carbon dioxide (CO₂) and carbon monoxide (CO) are greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming and climate change but not to acid rain.
• Greenhouse gases reradiate heat in all directions, including back toward the Earth's surface, after absorbing it from the planet's surface.
• When carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other air pollutants build up in the atmosphere, they absorb solar radiation and sunlight that have bounced off the surface of the earth. This process leads to global warming.

The correct answer is 180.

Key Points

• The Environmental Performance Index (EPI) ranks countries on 32 performance indicators across 11 issue categories covering environmental health and ecosystem vitality.
• The EPI is prepared biennially by Yale University and Columbia University in collaboration with the World Economic Forum.
• In the 2022 EPI, India's overall rank is 180 out of 180 countries, with a score of 27.6 out of 100.
• India's rank has dropped from 155 in 2018 to 180 in 2022, indicating a decline in environmental performance.
• India's low ranking is attributed to poor performance in categories such as air quality, water and sanitation, and climate change.

Additional Information

• 155 is the rank of India in the 2018 EPI, where India scored 30.57 out of 100.
• 160 is the rank of India in the 2020 EPI, where India scored 27.6 out of 100.
• 170 is the rank of India in the 2016 EPI, where India scored 50.3 out of 100.

The correct answer is turmeric.

Key Points

• "Turmeric" is a natural indicator that changes its color based on the pH of the substance being tested.
• Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which gives it a yellow color.
• Turmeric contains a chemical called curcumin, which remains yellow in an acidic or neutral solution, but turns red in a base. When you add turmeric into a basic solution (soap water, baking soda), it changes to a deep red colour.
• Turmeric has been used as a natural indicator for centuries in traditional Indian medicine and cooking.
• Turmeric has many health benefits such as reducing inflammation, improving brain function, and lowering the risk of heart disease.

Additional Information

• Sodium is a chemical element that is often used as a reagent in chemistry experiments.
• Sodium is a highly reactive metal that is used in the production of various chemicals and alloys.
• Indigo is a blue dye that is obtained from plants.
• Indigo has been used for centuries to dye textiles.
• Baking powder is a mixture of baking soda, cream of tartar, and cornstarch.
• It is used to leaven baked goods such as cakes and bread.

The correct answer is 56.

Key Points

• NITI Aayog released SDGs Urban Index 2021-22, which ranked 56 urban areas in India based on their performance in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• The SDGs Urban Index assesses the performance of cities in India across 17 SDGs, including no poverty, zero hunger, good health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, industry, innovation and infrastructure, reduced inequalities, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, climate action, life below water, life on land, peace, justice and strong institutions, and partnerships for the goals.
• The index is aimed at promoting competition among cities to improve their performance in achieving SDGs, and to enable data-driven decision-making and policy-making at the city level.
• The top-ranked city in the SDGs Urban Index 2021-22 was Chandigarh, followed by Shimla, Bhubaneswar, and Pune.
• The bottom-ranked city was Guwahati.

Additional Information

• The National Institution for Transforming India, or NITI Aayog, is an Indian government policy think tank that offers advice on various government initiatives and programs.
• Chairperson of NITI Aayog is Narendra Modi.
• It was established on January 1, 2015.
• It was founded by National Democratic Alliance.

The correct answer is Lucknow.

Key Points

• Lucknow gharana is NOT associated with 'Khayal' music.
• Lucknow gharana is known for its contribution to the development of 'Thumri', a semi-classical form of music.
• Its style is characterized by a slow and romantic rendition of the notes with emphasis on the lyrics.

Additional Information

• 'Khayal' is a form of Hindustani classical music which originated in the Mughal era and is characterized by a free-flowing structure with improvisation and creativity.
• Gwalior gharana is one of the oldest and most prominent gharanas associated with 'Khayal' music.
• Its style is known for its precision and clarity in rendering the notes.
• Patiala gharana is another important gharana associated with 'Khayal' music.
• Its style is known for its emotive and expressive rendition of the notes.
• Kirana gharana is also associated with 'Khayal' music and is known for its melodious and soulful rendition of the notes.

The correct answer is Roger Binny.

Key Points

• Roger Binny is a former Indian cricketer who played for the Indian cricket team from 1979 to 1987.
• He was a right-arm medium-fast bowler and a lower-order batsman.
• He was elected as the 36^th president of the BCCI in 2022.

Additional Information

• Sourav Ganguly is a former Indian cricketer and captain of the Indian cricket team.
• He served as the president of the BCCI from 2019 to 2020.
• Sunil Gavaskar is a former Indian cricketer and one of the greatest opening batsmen in the history of cricket.
• He has also served as the interim president of the BCCI in the past.
• Ravi Shastri is a former Indian cricketer and the current head coach of the Indian cricket team.
• He has not been elected as the president of the BCCI.
• The national organization in charge of overseeing cricket in India is the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
• Its main office is located in Churchgate, Mumbai, near the cricket centre.
• The richest cricket governing organization globally is the BCCI.
• The BCCI was founded in the latter month of 1928.

The correct answer is Kathak.

Key Points

• Kathak originated in North India and was originally performed in temples and royal courts.
• It combines elements of music, dance, and storytelling, and is known for its intricate footwork, graceful hand gestures, and facial expressions.
• The Lucknow Gharana is one of the major schools of Kathak, known for its emphasis on delicate movements and subtle expressions.
• Some of the famous Kathak dancers include Birju Maharaj, Sitara Devi, and Shovana Narayan.

Additional Information

• Kathakali:
• This dance form belongs to the state of Kerala.
• It is known for its elaborate make-up, costumes, and facial expressions.
• Mohiniyattam:
• This dance form also belongs to the state of Kerala.
• It is known for its graceful and fluid movements, and the use of white and gold costumes.
• Kuchipudi:
• This dance form belongs to the state of Andhra Pradesh.
• It is known for its intricate footwork, expressive gestures, and vibrant costumes.

The correct answer is three.

Key Points 

• Complex carbohydrates are made up of many sugar molecules bonded together in a more complex chemical structure.
• The exact number of sugar molecules in a complex carbohydrate can vary, but it is always more than two.
• Complex carbohydrates are also known as polysaccharides and are important sources of energy for the body.
• Examples of complex carbohydrates include starches, glycogen, and cellulose.

Additional Information

• Two sugars bond together in a more complex chemical structure describes a disaccharide, which is a simpler form of carbohydrate than a polysaccharide.
• Disaccharides are simple sugars that dissolve in water, much like monosaccharides do.
• Lactose, maltose, and sucrose are three typical examples.

The correct answer is Neeraj Chopra.

Key Points

• Neeraj Chopra became the first Indian to win a Diamond League title in 2022.
• Fourteen of the greatest invitational athletics meetings make up the Diamond League, an annual series of top track and field athletic tournaments.
• Neeraj Chopra is an Indian track and field athlete who competes in the javelin throw event.
• He won the gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games and the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

Additional Information

• Hima Das is an Indian sprinter .
• She won gold medals in the 400m event at the 2018 World U20 Championships and the 2018 Asian Games.
• Vinesh Phogat is an Indian wrestler who won gold medals at the 2014 and 2018 Commonwealth Games and the 2018 Asian Games.
• She also won a bronze medal at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
• Meerabai Chanu is an Indian weightlifter.
• She won silver medals at the 2014 and 2018 Commonwealth Games and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.