General Awareness PYQs

The correct answer is President of India.

Key Points

• According to Article 108 of the Constitution of India, the President has the constitutional authority to summon a Joint Sitting of both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
• The Joint Sitting is a mechanism provided to resolve a deadlock between the two Houses of Parliament over the passage of a bill.
• A deadlock is deemed to have occurred if a bill passed by one House is rejected by the other, if the Houses disagree on amendments, or if more than six months elapse without the bill being passed by the second House.
• The President issues a notification or message expressing the intention to summon the members of both Houses to meet in a joint session for the purpose of deliberating and voting on the bill.
• Once the President notifies the intention to summon a joint sitting, neither House can proceed further with the bill independently.

 Additional Information

• Presiding Officers:
• While the President summons the session, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha presides over the joint sitting.
• In the absence of the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha presides. If they are also absent, the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha takes the chair.
• The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (the Vice-President of India) never presides over a joint sitting because they are not a member of either House of Parliament.
• Applicability and Exceptions:
• A joint sitting can only be convened for Ordinary Bills or Financial Bills.
• It cannot be summoned for a Money Bill (as the Lok Sabha has overriding powers) or a Constitution Amendment Bill (which must be passed by each House separately under Article 368).

The correct answer is The Northern Plains.

Key Points

• The Northern Plains of India were formed by the interplay of three major river systems: the Indus, the Ganga, and the Brahmaputra, along with their numerous tributaries.
• These rivers originate in the Himalayas and carry vast amounts of silt and sedimentary debris as they flow downstream toward the lower elevations.
• Over millions of years, these sediments were deposited in a vast basin located at the foothills of the Himalayas, creating a flat landmass composed entirely of alluvial soil.
• The plain spreads over an area of approximately 7 lakh sq. km, stretching about 2400 km in length and ranging between 240 to 320 km in width.
• Due to the rich alluvial deposits and abundant water supply from the perennial Himalayan rivers, this region is one of the most fertile and densely populated physiographic divisions in India.

 Additional Information

• The Peninsular Plateau
• This is the oldest landmass of India, formed by the breaking and drifting of the Gondwana land.
• It consists of igneous and metamorphic rocks with gently rising hills and wide valleys, rather than deep alluvial deposits.
• The Meghalaya Plateau
• Geologically, it is an extension of the Peninsular Plateau, separated by the Malda fault.
• It is characterized by ancient crystalline rocks and receives the highest rainfall in the world at Mawsynram.
• The Western Coastal Plains
• These are narrow strips located between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea.
• Unlike the Northern Plains, they are formed by a combination of submergence, emergence, and the action of shorter Peninsular rivers.
• Regional Divisions of Northern Plains
• Bhabar: A narrow belt of pebbles at the foot of the Shiwaliks.
• Terai: A marshy, damp, and thickly forested region south of Bhabar.
• Bhangar: The older, less fertile alluvium containing kankar (calcareous deposits).
• Kadar: The newer, highly fertile floodplain alluvium renewed every year.

The correct answer is Crop rotation.

Key Points

• Crop rotation is a core practice in sustainable agriculture that involves growing different types of crops in a planned sequence on the same land over successive seasons.
• It significantly enhances soil fertility by alternating crops with different nutrient needs; for instance, leguminous plants (like beans or pulses) are included to facilitate biological nitrogen fixation.
• Through symbiotic relationships with Rhizobium bacteria found in root nodules, these legumes convert atmospheric nitrogen into nitrates, naturally replenishing the soil for subsequent nitrogen-demanding crops like maize or wheat.
• The practice improves soil structure and organic matter levels by rotating deep-rooted and shallow-rooted plants, which aids in better water infiltration and prevents soil compaction.
• It serves as a natural pest management strategy by breaking the life cycles of host-specific pathogens and insects that thrive when a single crop is grown continuously.

 Additional Information

• Monoculture farming:
• Involves the repeated cultivation of only one crop species, leading to severe nutrient depletion and increased vulnerability to epidemics.
• Reduces agrobiodiversity and requires higher doses of synthetic chemicals to maintain yields.
• Excessive chemical fertilisers:
• While providing immediate nutrients, long-term use leads to soil acidification and the destruction of beneficial microorganisms like earthworms.
• Contributes to environmental issues such as eutrophication in nearby water bodies due to nutrient runoff.
• Deforestation:
• The clearing of forest land for agriculture results in massive soil erosion and the loss of the nutrient-rich humus layer.
• Disrupts the carbon cycle and leads to habitat fragmentation, which is the antithesis of sustainable land management.

Therefore, the correct answer is 3.

The correct answer is National Commission for Women.

Key Points

• The National Annual Report & Index on Women’s Safety (NARI) 2025 was officially released by the National Commission for Women (NCW) on August 28, 2025, in New Delhi.
• It represents India’s first comprehensive, perception-based safety index designed to capture unreported harassment and lived experiences of women, moving beyond the traditional crime statistics provided by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).
• The index was launched by the NCW Chairperson, Vijaya Rahatkar, and was developed in collaboration with Pvalue Analytics and academic inputs from Jindal Global Law School.
• The NARI 2025 report is based on a massive nationwide survey of 12,770 women conducted across 31 major cities in India.
• India received an overall national safety score of 65%, with the report highlighting that nearly 40% of women still perceive their urban environments as unsafe or only somewhat safe.
• According to the rankings, Kohima emerged as the safest city for women with a score of 82.9%, followed by Visakhapatnam, Bhubaneswar, and Aizawl.
• Conversely, cities like Patna, Jaipur, and Delhi were ranked at the bottom of the index, indicating significant gaps in urban safety infrastructure and policing responsiveness.
• The report identified neighborhoods (38%) and public transport (29%) as the primary harassment hotspots, with younger women under 24 years being the most vulnerable demographic.

 Additional Information

• NITI Aayog:
• Functions as the premier policy think tank of the Government of India, providing directional and policy inputs.
• It is responsible for monitoring the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and releases the SDG India Index, which includes gender equality metrics.
• Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD):
• The nodal ministry for the formulation of policies and legislation for women and children.
• It administers the Nirbhaya Fund and schemes like Mission Shakti, One Stop Centres (OSC), and the Women Helpline (181).
• National Human Rights Commission (NHRC):
• A statutory public body established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
• It investigates violations of human rights and oversees the protection of civil liberties for all citizens, including women.

The correct answer is Local Area Network.

Key Points

• A Local Area Network (LAN) is a computer network that interconnects computers within a limited geographical area such as a residence, school, laboratory, university campus, or office building.
• The primary function of a LAN is to enable the sharing of resources such as files, printers, games, and other applications among connected users.
• LANs are characterized by significantly higher data transfer rates compared to Wide Area Networks (WAN), often ranging from 100 Mbps to 10 Gbps or more in modern infrastructure.
• In terms of ownership, a LAN is typically private and managed by a single individual or organization, providing a high degree of security and control over the network traffic.
• The most common physical layer technologies used for LAN implementation are Ethernet (wired) and Wi-Fi (wireless), which operate under the IEEE 802.3 and IEEE 802.11 standards respectively.

 Additional Information

• Network Classifications:
• Wide Area Network (WAN): Covers a large geographical area such as a country, continent, or the entire globe; the Internet is the most prominent example.
• Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): Interconnects users with computer resources in a geographic area larger than a LAN but smaller than a WAN, typically covering an entire city.
• Personal Area Network (PAN): A network used for data transmission among personal devices such as computers, telephones, and tablets within a very short range, often utilizing Bluetooth.
• LAN Components:
• Network Interface Card (NIC): A hardware component that enables a computer to connect to a network.
• Switches and Hubs: Central devices that facilitate the distribution of data packets across the network to the correct destination device.
• Routers: Used to connect a LAN to other networks, such as a WAN or the Internet.
• Transmission Media: Includes Twisted Pair Cables, Fiber Optic Cables, and Radio Waves for wireless communication.

The correct answer is Define carrier liability.

Key Points

• The Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 2025 was introduced to modernize and replace the nearly century-old Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1925, aligning Indian maritime law with contemporary international standards.
• The primary objective of this legislation is to provide a comprehensive legal framework that defines the rights, responsibilities, liabilities, and immunities of carriers (ship owners or charterers) and shippers (cargo owners) involved in the maritime transport of goods.
• It establishes the statutory limits of liability for loss or damage to cargo, ensuring that carriers cannot contract out of their basic obligations to provide a seaworthy vessel and properly handle goods.
• The Act incorporates principles from the Hague-Visby Rules, which determine the maximum compensation a carrier must pay per package or unit of weight in the event of cargo damage, thereby providing legal certainty to the global shipping industry.
• By clarifying the burden of proof and the specific instances where a carrier is exempt from liability (such as Act of God or perils of the sea), the law facilitates smoother dispute resolution in Admiralty Courts.

 Additional Information

• While the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act focuses on cargo liability, other maritime functions are regulated by distinct legislative frameworks:
• Marine Pollution Control: These matters are primarily governed by the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958 and international conventions such as MARPOL (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships), which regulate the discharge of oil, sewage, and garbage into the ocean.
• Port Infrastructure: The development and administration of major ports in India fall under the Major Port Authorities Act, 2021, and schemes like the Sagarmala Programme, which focuses on port-led industrialization and connectivity.
• Vessel Registration: The technical requirements for the registration of ships, tonnage measurement, and the nationality of vessels are codified under the Merchant Shipping Act to ensure compliance with safety and security standards.
• Bill of Lading: The 2025 Act specifically addresses the Bill of Lading as a document of title, defining it as the primary evidence of the contract of carriage and receipt of goods.

The correct answer is 10.3 billion.

Key Points

• The World Population Prospects 2024, released by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), provides the latest official population estimates and projections, serving as a critical global demographic benchmark.
• According to the 2024 revision, the global population is projected to reach its peak at approximately 10.3 billion people during the mid-2080s, specifically around the year 2084.
• Following this peak, the report anticipates a gradual decline in the total number of people on Earth, with the population expected to settle at approximately 10.2 billion by the year 2100.
• This updated projection indicates that the global population peak will occur earlier and at a lower magnitude than what was forecasted in earlier UN reports, such as the 2022 revision.
• The primary reason for this downward revision is the faster-than-anticipated decline in fertility rates in several large and populous nations, coupled with increasing mortality rates in specific regions due to health crises or socio-economic factors.

 Additional Information

• Current Demographic Status:
• As of 2024, the world population is estimated to have reached 8.2 billion.
• In 2024, the global fertility rate stands at approximately 2.25 births per woman, which is just above the replacement level of 2.1 required for long-term population stability.
• More than 60 countries have already reached their population peak or are expected to do so before 2054, including nations like China, Germany, Japan, and the Russian Federation.
• Life Expectancy and Aging:
• Global life expectancy at birth reached 73.3 years in 2024 and is projected to rise to 77.4 years by 2054.
• By the late 2070s, the number of persons aged 65 or older is projected to exceed the number of children under age 18, indicating a significant global demographic shift toward an aging population.
• The report highlights that by 2054, nearly one in five people globally will be aged 65 or older.

The correct answer is degrading.

Key Points

• The Windows 11 Task Manager is a powerful system monitoring utility that allows users to view and manage active processes, services, and system performance metrics in real-time.
• One of its primary roles is to track the consumption of hardware resources such as the Central Processing Unit (CPU), Random Access Memory (RAM), Disk I/O, and GPU (Graphics Processing Unit).
• By providing a detailed breakdown of which applications are utilizing the most power or memory, the tool helps users identify 'resource-heavy' programs that are degrading system performance, leading to lag, freezing, or slow response times.
• The Processes tab specifically highlights apps that are consuming disproportionate resources, often marked by percentage usage levels that turn yellow or red when they reach critical thresholds.
• Identifying these performance bottlenecks allows users to troubleshoot the Operating System by terminating unresponsive tasks using the End Task button, thereby restoring the system's overall speed and responsiveness.

 Additional Information

• Efficiency Mode: A feature introduced in Windows 11 that allows users to manually throttle back specific processes that are degrading performance, prioritizing resources for more critical foreground applications.
• Performance Tab: This section provides graphical representations of system resource usage, helping users visualize throughput and latency across different hardware components over time.
• Startup Apps: Task Manager also monitors applications that launch automatically during boot-up; users can disable these to prevent them from degrading the initial startup speed of the computer.
• App History: This provides a record of resource usage for Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps, showing the total CPU time and network data used over a specific period.
• Users Tab: In a multi-user environment, this allows administrators to see which user account is running processes that might be degrading the shared system's performance.

The correct answer is Bihar.

Key Points

• Population density is a measurement of the number of people in an area relative to the size of that area, typically calculated as persons per square kilometer.
• As per the Census 2011, Bihar has the highest population density among all Indian states, with a value of 1,106 persons per sq km.
• In the previous 2001 Census, West Bengal held the top position, but Bihar overtook it in 2011, showing significant demographic growth.
• The high density in Bihar is primarily due to its location in the fertile Indo-Gangetic plains, which supports intensive agriculture and large human settlements.
• Among the options provided, Bihar significantly exceeds the density figures of Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh.

 Additional Information

• Uttarakhand:
• The population density is recorded at 189 persons per sq km.
• The lower density is due to its hilly terrain and vast areas covered by forests and mountains.
• Rajasthan:
• It has a population density of 200 persons per sq km.
• Despite being the largest state by geographical area, a major portion is covered by the Thar Desert, limiting human habitation.
• Himachal Pradesh:
• The state has a population density of 123 persons per sq km.
• Similar to Uttarakhand, its mountainous topography results in a sparse population distribution.
• National Statistics:
• The average population density of India according to the 2011 Census is 382 persons per sq km.
• The state with the lowest population density is Arunachal Pradesh, with only 17 persons per sq km.
• Among Union Territories, Delhi has the highest density at 11,320 persons per sq km.

The correct answer is Dhruvasena II.

Key Points

• Harshavardhana (reigned 606−647 CE) organized grand religious assemblies every five years at Prayaga (modern-day Prayagraj), known as the Quinquennial Assembly or Maha Moksha Parishad.
• The assembly held in 643 CE was the sixth such event, which was famously attended and documented by the Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang (Xuanzang).
• Dhruvasena II, also known as Baladitya, was the ruler of the Maitraka dynasty of Valabhi (located in present-day Gujarat) and was one of the most prominent participants.
• He was the son-in-law of Harshavardhana; after a period of conflict between the Pushyabhutis and Maitrakas, Harsha gave his daughter in marriage to Dhruvasena II to secure a powerful diplomatic and military alliance.
• During the Prayaga Assembly, Dhruvasena II and Bhaskaravarman (the king of Kamarupa) occupied distinguished positions alongside the Emperor as Harsha ritually distributed his accumulated treasures to scholars, monks, and the destitute.
• The presence of the Valabhi ruler at this event signified the vassalage or close subordinate alliance of the Maitraka kingdom under the hegemony of Kannauj.

 Additional Information

• Prabhakarvardhana
• He was the father of Harshavardhana and the first powerful monarch of the Pushyabhuti dynasty, based in Thanesar.
• He assumed titles like Paramabhattaraka Maharajadhiraja and was known for his successful campaigns against the Hunas.
• Rudrasena II
• He belonged to the Vakataka dynasty of the Deccan region and is noted for marrying Prabhavatigupta, the daughter of the Gupta Emperor Chandragupta II.
• His reign was relatively short, leading to a period of Gupta influence over the Vakataka administration during his wife's regency.
• Grihavarman
• He was a ruler of the Maukhari dynasty of Kannauj and the husband of Rajyashri (Harsha's sister).
• His assassination by the ruler of Malwa, Devagupta, directly led to Harshavardhana ascending the throne of Kannauj to protect his sister's kingdom.

The correct answer is Goddess Parvati.

Key Points

• The term Gangaur is derived from two words: Gan, which represents Lord Shiva, and Gaur (or Gauri), which represents Goddess Parvati. The festival celebrates the divine union and marital fidelity of this celestial couple.
• It is one of the most important and vivid festivals in Rajasthan, observed with great fervor by women. Married women worship the goddess for the longevity and health of their husbands, while unmarried girls pray to find a suitable and virtuous life partner.
• The festivities begin on the day following Holi and continue for 18 days, reaching their peak on the third day of the Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Chaitra.
• Rituals involve the creation of clay or wooden idols of Isar (Shiva) and Gauri (Parvati). These images are beautifully dressed in traditional attire, adorned with jewelry, and worshipped with henna (Mehendi), flowers, and special sweets like Ghewar.
• The festival concludes with a grand visarjan (immersion) ceremony, where the idols are carried in a colorful procession to a local Johad (pond), lake, or well, symbolizing Gauri returning to her husband's home.

 Additional Information

• Regional Variations and Significance:
• Jaipur: Known for its world-famous Gangaur procession, which originates from the City Palace (Tripolia Gate) and features chariots, elephants, and folk dancers.
• Udaipur: A distinct boat procession is organized on Lake Pichola, where the idols are placed on decorated boats starting from the Gangaur Ghat.
• Goddess Saraswati: She is the deity of knowledge, wisdom, and arts. Her primary festival is Vasant Panchami, where devotees wear yellow garments and offer prayers for academic success.
• Goddess Durga: Representing Shakti or divine feminine power, she is the central figure of Navratri and Durga Puja, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
• Goddess Lakshmi: The goddess of wealth, fortune, and prosperity, she is primarily worshipped during Diwali and Lakshmi Puja across India.

The correct answer is Black Soil.

Key Points

• Black Soil, also known as Regur Soil or Black Cotton Soil, is considered the most suitable for cotton cultivation due to its unique physical and chemical properties.
• It is predominantly found in the Deccan Trap region (basaltic area) across states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and parts of Andhra Pradesh.
• The soil is composed of extremely fine clayey material, which gives it a remarkable capacity to retain moisture for long durations, supporting the plant during dry spells.
• During the dry season, the soil develops deep cracks, allowing for proper aeration and the diffusion of oxygen deep into the layers, a process often described as self-plowing.
• This soil is rich in essential plant nutrients such as Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium, Potash, and Lime, although it is generally poor in phosphorus content.

 Additional Information

• Alluvial Soil:
• Formed by the deposition of silt by the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra river systems.
• It is highly fertile and supports crops like Rice, Wheat, and Sugarcane.
• Red Soil:
• Develops on crystalline igneous rocks in areas of low rainfall in the eastern and southern parts of the Deccan plateau.
• The red color is due to a wide diffusion of Iron in crystalline and metamorphic rocks.
• Laterite Soil:
• Formed in areas with high temperatures and heavy rainfall through the process of intense leaching.
• It is acidic in nature and is widely used for growing Cashew nuts and Tea.

The correct answer is Aparna Satheesan.

Key Points

• Aparna Satheesan, a globally renowned Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam dancer, was honored with the Abhinandan Saroja National Award 2021.
• The award was presented by the National Institute of Indian Classical Dance (NIICD) for her excellence and lifetime dedication to Indian classical dance forms.
• The ceremony was part of the Abhinandan Saroja Festival, which honors the legacy of the legendary Bharatanatyam exponent Guru Saroja Vaidyanathan.
• Based in the United States, Aparna Satheesan is celebrated for her innovative choreography and her efforts in popularizing Indian heritage through her dance academy and international performances.
• In addition to this honor, she has received several other accolades, including the Natya Shiromani National Award and the Abhinav Nirupama Award.

 Additional Information

• Geetanjali Lal:
• She is an eminent Kathak dancer and choreographer representing the Jaipur Gharana.
• A recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, she is known for her rhythmic precision and has served as the head of the Kathak Kendra in New Delhi.
• Saswati Sen:
• She is one of the most prominent disciples of the late Pandit Birju Maharaj and a leading exponent of the Lucknow Gharana of Kathak.
• She is the driving force behind Kalashram and has contributed significantly to the global propagation of Kathak.
• Yamini Krishnamurthy:
• A legendary figure in Indian classical dance, she excelled in both Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi.
• She has been honored with India's highest civilian awards, including the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan for her unparalleled contribution to the arts.

The correct answer is SabhaSaar.

Key Points

• SabhaSaar is an innovative AI-enabled digital governance tool developed to transform the documentation process of Gram Sabha and Panchayat meetings.
• The tool is designed to process audio and video recordings of rural local body proceedings and automatically generate structured minutes of the meeting (MoM), facilitating better record-keeping and transparency.
• It is integrated with BHASHINI (the National Language Translation Mission), which provides the underlying technology for multilingual support across 14 Indian languages, ensuring that language is not a barrier to digital governance.
• By utilizing Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR), it extracts key discussion points, decisions, and resolutions, significantly reducing the manual workload of Panchayat Secretaries.
• The platform aligns with the Digital India vision by empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to maintain verifiable digital trails of grassroots democratic processes.

 Additional Information

• BHASHINI (National Language Translation Mission):
• This is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to provide AI-led language translation services in all scheduled Indian languages.
• It aims to bridge the digital divide by making internet content and digital services accessible to citizens in their native dialects.
• Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR):
• The MoPR has been at the forefront of digital transformation through the e-Panchayat mission, including portals like e-GramSwaraj and AuditOnline.
• Tools like SabhaSaar represent the next step in Governance 4.0, where Artificial Intelligence is used to improve the efficiency of Local Self-Government.

The correct answer is [M L^2 T^-2].

Key Points

• Energy is defined as the capacity to perform Work. In the International System of Units (SI), both energy and work are measured in Joules (J).
• The Dimensional Formula of a physical quantity is an expression showing which of the fundamental quantities (Mass, Length, and Time) it contains.
• Work (or Energy) is calculated as the product of Force and Displacement (Work = Force × Displacement).
• The fundamental dimensions used are Mass [M], Length [L], and Time [T].
• Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity, represented dimensionally as [L T⁻²].
• According to Newton second law of motion, Force is the product of Mass and Acceleration. Therefore, the dimension of Force is [M] × [L T⁻²] = [M L T⁻²].
• By substituting the dimensions of Force into the work equation, Energy = [M L T⁻²] × [L] = [M L² T⁻²].
• This formula applies to all forms of energy, including Kinetic Energy (1/2 mv²) and Potential Energy (mgh), as they all share the same SI unit, the Joule, which is equivalent to 1 kg⋅m²/s².

 Additional Information

• Other dimensional formulas in the options represent different physical quantities:
• [M L T⁻²]: This is the dimensional formula for Force, measured in Newtons (N).
• [L² T⁻²]: This represents quantities like Latent Heat or Gravitational Potential, where mass is not a factor in the ratio, or simply the square of Velocity.
• [M T⁻²]: This represents Surface Tension or the Spring Constant (Force per unit length).
• The Joule is named after the English physicist James Prescott Joule, who demonstrated the conservation of energy and the mechanical equivalent of heat in the 19^th century.

The correct answer is Muscat, Oman.

Key Points

• The 8^th edition of the Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) is scheduled to be hosted in Muscat, the capital of Oman, in February 2025.
• The Indian Ocean Conference is a flagship consultative forum for countries in the region, organized annually by the India Foundation in association with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, and the host country.
• The 2025 session aims to address critical regional themes including maritime security, climate change, and economic cooperation, aligned with India's vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).
• Hosting the event in Muscat highlights the Strategic Partnership between India and Oman and emphasizes the importance of the Western Indian Ocean in global trade and geopolitics.

 Additional Information

• Previous Sessions:
• Perth, Australia: This city hosted the 7^th Indian Ocean Conference in February 2024 with the theme 'Towards a Stable and Sustainable Indian Ocean'.
• Colombo, Sri Lanka: Served as the venue for the 2^nd edition of the conference in 2017.
• The conference first started in Singapore in 2016 and has since evolved into a vital platform for heads of state, ministers, and scholars to discuss the Indo-Pacific framework.
• Geopolitical Importance:
• The Indian Ocean handles nearly 80 percent of the world's maritime oil trade and acts as a primary corridor for global shipping.
• Sessions often focus on Non-Traditional Security threats like piracy, illegal fishing, and maritime pollution.

Therefore, the correct answer is Muscat, Oman.

The correct answer is 1976.

Key Points

• The Fundamental Duties were not part of the original Constitution of India adopted in 1949; they were added later to emphasize the obligations of citizens toward the nation.
• These duties were incorporated through the 42^nd Constitutional Amendment Act, which was passed by the Parliament in 1976 during the Internal Emergency.
• The amendment was based on the recommendations of the Sardar Swaran Singh Committee, which suggested that citizens should be conscious of their duties while enjoying their Fundamental Rights.
• By this amendment, a new Part IV-A and a new Article 51A were inserted into the Constitution, initially enumerating ten Fundamental Duties.
• The idea of Fundamental Duties in the Indian Constitution was inspired by the Constitution of the erstwhile USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics).

 Additional Information

• 42^nd Constitutional Amendment Act:
• Commonly referred to as the Mini-Constitution, it brought about the most extensive changes to the Indian Constitution to date.
• Beyond duties, it amended the Preamble to include the terms Socialist, Secular, and Integrity.
• 86^th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002:
• This amendment added the 11^th Fundamental Duty to the existing list.
• It mandates that parents or guardians provide educational opportunities to children between the ages of 6 and 14 years.
• Nature of Fundamental Duties:
• These duties are non-justiciable, meaning they cannot be enforced through legal proceedings in a court of law, similar to the Directive Principles of State Policy.
• They serve as a reminder to citizens that while they enjoy rights, they also have social and moral responsibilities toward the country.

The correct answer is Australia.

Key Points

• Australia is geographically positioned entirely within the Southern Hemisphere because its entire landmass lies south of the Equator (0° latitude). Its latitudinal extent spans approximately from 10°S to 44°S.
• The continent is also located entirely within the Eastern Hemisphere as it lies completely east of the Prime Meridian (0° longitude) and west of the International Date Line (180° longitude). Its longitudinal extent is roughly between 113°E and 154°E.
• Commonly referred to as the Island Continent, it is surrounded by the Indian Ocean to the west and south, and the Pacific Ocean to the east.
• It is the smallest continent in terms of land area but remains a significant global entity as the only continent that is governed as a single sovereign nation.
• The continent's isolation in the South-Eastern quadrant of the globe has led to the development of unique flora and fauna, such as marsupials, that are not found natively in other hemispheres.

 Additional Information

• Africa
• It is the only continent that spans across all four hemispheres (Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western) because both the Equator and the Prime Meridian pass through it.
• Asia
• While predominantly in the Northern and Eastern Hemispheres, it is not 'entirely' within them; the Indonesian archipelago extends into the Southern Hemisphere, and parts of eastern Russia cross the 180° meridian into the Western Hemisphere.
• Europe
• This continent is located entirely in the Northern Hemisphere, but it is divided by the Prime Meridian at Greenwich, meaning it occupies both the Eastern and Western Hemispheres.

Therefore, the correct answer is Australia.

The correct answer is Kuchipudi.

Key Points

• Raja Reddy and Radha Reddy are a world-renowned dancing duo who have been instrumental in elevating Kuchipudi to the international stage.
• They established the Natya Tarangini Institute of Kuchipudi Dance in New Delhi in 1976 to train new generations of dancers in this classical tradition.
• The couple is celebrated for their synchronized movements and expressive storytelling, often performing together to showcase the tandava (vigorous) and lasya (graceful) aspects of the dance.
• In recognition of their excellence and contribution to Indian culture, both have been honored with the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan by the Government of India.
• Kuchipudi is one of the eight major Indian classical dance forms, originating from the village of Kuchelapuram in the Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh.
• The dance form is unique for its Tarangam segment, where the dancer performs on the edge of a brass plate while balancing a pot of water on their head.

 Additional Information

• Other classical dance forms mentioned in the options include:
• Sattriya:
• Origin: Assam.
• Introduced by the Vaishnava saint Srimanta Sankardev in the 15^th century.
• Originally performed by male monks (Bhokots) in monasteries known as Sattras.
• Kathak:
• Origin: North India (Uttar Pradesh).
• Derived from the word Katha, meaning story; traditionally performed by storytellers known as Kathakars.
• Notable for its rhythmic footwork, Chakkars (spins), and the Gharana system (e.g., Lucknow, Jaipur, Banaras).
• Mohiniyattam:
• Origin: Kerala.
• Known as the Dance of the Enchantress, it is a solo dance performed by women.
• Features graceful, swaying body movements and subtle facial expressions focusing on the Lasya style.

The correct answer is Satyashodhak Samaj.

Key Points

• Satyashodhak Samaj, also known as the Truth Seekers Society, was established by Mahatma Jyotirao Phule on September 24, 1873, in Pune, Maharashtra.
• The movement was primarily focused on the social transformation and human rights of the marginalized sections, specifically the Shudras and Ati-Shudras (untouchables), to liberate them from the religious and social tyranny of the Brahminical hegemony.
• Phule emphasized the universal brotherhood of all human beings and rejected the role of intermediaries (priests) between the individual and the Creator (whom he referred to as Nirmik).
• A significant contribution of this movement was the promotion of secular education and women education; Phule and his wife, Savitribai Phule, opened the first school for girls in Bhide Wada, Pune, in 1848.
• The ideology of the Samaj was heavily influenced by Phule’s seminal work, Gulamgiri (1873), which critiqued the caste system and compared the plight of lower castes in India to the Black American slaves.

 Additional Information

• Ramakrishna Mission:
• Founded by Swami Vivekananda in 1897 at Belur Math, West Bengal.
• It aimed at promoting the teachings of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa through social service, spirituality, and Vedanta.
• Arya Samaj:
• Established by Swami Dayanand Saraswati in 1875 in Bombay.
• It advocated for the slogan Go back to the Vedas and focused on monotheism and Vedic ritualism while opposing idolatry.
• Brahmo Samaj:
• Founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy in 1828 in Calcutta.
• It was the first major social-religious reform movement in India, targeting Sati, child marriage, and promoting monotheism.