General Awareness PYQs

The correct answer is Energy = Power times Time.

Key Points

• Electrical Energy represents the total work done by an electric current in maintaining the flow of charge through a circuit for a given duration.
• Electric Power (P) is defined as the rate at which electrical energy is consumed or dissipated in an electrical circuit. It is mathematically expressed as Power = Energy / Time.
• By rearranging the fundamental definition of power, Electrical Energy (E) can be calculated as the product of the power consumed and the time interval over which it is used: Energy = Power × Time.
• In the International System of Units (SI), energy is measured in Joules (J). One Joule is defined as the energy transferred when a power of one Watt (W) is applied for one Second (s).
• This relationship is fundamental for calculating electricity bills, where the total energy consumption is determined by the wattage of appliances and their duration of operation.

 Additional Information

• Power Components:
• Electric Power itself is the product of Voltage (V) and Current (I). Therefore, energy can also be expressed as Energy = Voltage × Current × Time.
• The unit of power is the Watt, named after the Scottish inventor James Watt.
• Commercial Unit of Energy:
• The Kilowatt-hour (kWh) is the standard unit for commercial electricity consumption, often referred to as a Unit.
• One Kilowatt-hour is equal to 1000 Watts used for one hour (3600 seconds), which equates to 3.6 × 10⁶ Joules.
• Ohm’s Law and Energy:
• According to Ohm’s Law, Voltage = Current × Resistance. Substituting this into the energy formula yields Energy = I² × R × t, known as Joule’s Law of Heating.
• This formula explains how electrical energy is converted into heat energy in resistors.

The correct answer is Governor.

Key Points

• According to the Constitution of India, the Governor is the de jure head (legal or nominal head) of the state executive, similar to the President at the Union level.
• Article 153 states that there shall be a Governor for each state, although the 7^th Constitutional Amendment Act (1956) facilitated the appointment of the same person for two or more states.
• Article 154 mandates that the executive power of the State shall be vested in the Governor and shall be exercised by him either directly or through officers subordinate to him.
• While the Governor is the constitutional head, the Chief Minister is the de facto (real) executive head who leads the Council of Ministers.
• All executive actions of the Government of a State are formally taken in the name of the Governor as per the provisions of Article 166.
• The Governor acts as a vital link between the Union Government and the State Government, ensuring that the state administration is carried out in accordance with the Constitution.

 Additional Information

• Governor’s Appointment and Tenure:
• The Governor is appointed by the President of India by warrant under his hand and seal (Article 155).
• A person must be a citizen of India and have completed at least 35 years of age to be eligible for the post.
• The Governor holds office during the pleasure of the President, with a standard term of five years.
• Chief Minister:
• The Chief Minister is the head of the elected government and is appointed by the Governor under Article 164.
• Chief Justice of High Court:
• The Chief Justice is the highest judicial authority in the state, appointed by the President under Article 217.

The correct answer is Boycott of schools, courts, and councils alongside the adoption of khadi.

Key Points

• The Calcutta Session of the Indian National Congress was a special session held in September 1920, presided over by Lala Lajpat Rai.
• During this session, Mahatma Gandhi introduced the resolution for the Non-Cooperation Movement (NCM) to address grievances related to the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre and the Khilafat Movement.
• The core strategy involved a phased withdrawal of support from British institutions, specifically targeting the boycott of government schools and colleges, British law courts, and the Legislative Councils established under the 1919 Reforms.
• The strategy also emphasized economic self-reliance through the boycott of foreign cloth and the proactive adoption of Khadi (hand-spun cloth) and the Charkha (spinning wheel) to revive the domestic textile industry.
• This session marked the transition of the Congress from a middle-class pressure group into a mass movement by integrating social, political, and economic boycotts.

 Additional Information

• Nagpur Session (December 1920):
• The Non-Cooperation program approved at Calcutta was formally ratified here, and the Congress goal was changed from constitutional means to Swaraj (Self-Rule).
• Legislative Councils and Swarajists:
• While the 1920 strategy demanded a total boycott, leaders like C.R. Das and Motilal Nehru later formed the Swaraj Party in 1923 to contest elections and negotiate reforms from within the councils.
• Ahimsa and Non-Violence:
• Gandhi’s strategy was strictly based on Non-Violence (Ahimsa), making the establishment of armed village guards or any form of violent resistance fundamentally incompatible with his philosophy of Satyagraha.
• Educational Impact:
• The boycott led to the establishment of National Institutions such as Jamia Millia Islamia, Kashi Vidyapeeth, and Gujarat Vidyapeeth to provide alternative education to students.

The correct answer is 2022.

Key Points

• The Pune Metro Rail Project was officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 6, 2022.
• During the inauguration, the Prime Minister flagged off the metro service on two priority stretches: the 7-kilometer section from Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) to Phugewadi and the 5-kilometer section from Vanaz to Garware College.
• The project is a significant infrastructure development for Maharashtra, designed to provide a world-class, environment-friendly Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) to the citizens of Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad.
• The total length of the Pune Metro project is approximately 32.2 kilometers, comprising two corridors: the Purple Line (Line 1) and the Aqua Line (Line 2).
• While the project was inaugurated in 2022, the foundation stone for the same was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi several years earlier, on December 24, 2016.

 Additional Information

• Project Execution and Features:
• The project is executed by the Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MAHA-METRO), which is a joint venture between the Government of India and the Government of Maharashtra.
• The Pune Metro is notable for its sustainable features, including solar energy generation at stations and the use of lightweight aluminum-body coaches manufactured under the Make in India initiative.
• It aims to integrate with other modes of transport such as the Pune Suburban Railway, city bus services (PMPML), and the Pune Railway Station to ensure seamless multi-modal connectivity.
• The project has an estimated completion cost of over 11,400 crore rupees and is funded through a combination of equity and loans from international agencies like the European Investment Bank (EIB) and Agence Française de Développement (AFD).

Therefore, the correct option is 2.

The correct answer is Uttar Pradesh.

Key Points

• The Bateshwar Fair is a prominent annual event held in the town of Bateshwar, located in the Agra district of Uttar Pradesh.
• Geographically, the fair is situated on the banks of the Yamuna River, a site famous for its complex of 101 Shiva temples arranged in a crescent shape along the riverfront.
• The fair typically commences a few days before the festival of Deepawali and continues for a duration of nearly three weeks, reaching its religious peak on Kartika Purnima.
• It is recognized as one of the largest cattle fairs in North India, serving as a major hub for the trading of camels, horses, cows, and buffaloes.
• The fair carries immense spiritual significance, as thousands of devotees perform ritualistic baths in the Yamuna and offer prayers at the Bateshwar Mahadev temple.

 Additional Information

• Bihar:
• This state is home to the Sonepur Cattle Fair, also known as the Harihar Kshetra Mela, which is considered the largest animal fair in Asia.
• Madhya Pradesh:
• The state hosts several major cultural and religious events, such as the Ujjain Simhastha Kumbh and the Gwalior Trade Fair, but it is not the site of the Bateshwar animal fair.
• Chhattisgarh:
• Known for the Bastar Dussehra and the Rajim Kumbh Mela, the state's festivals focus on tribal heritage and religious congregations at the confluence of the Mahanadi, Pairi, and Sondur rivers.
• Historical Context:
• The Bateshwar temples are believed to have been patronized by the Bhadauria kings, reflecting the Maratha and Chauhan architectural influences common in western Uttar Pradesh.

The correct answer is Secondary sector.

Key Points

• The Secondary sector encompasses activities where natural products are transformed into other forms through manufacturing processes, typically within industrial units or workshops.
• This sector is often referred to as the industrial sector because it involves the processing of raw materials to produce semi-finished or finished goods.
• Cotton textile production is a key example of secondary activity; it involves using raw cotton (a primary product) to spin yarn and subsequently weave textile fabric.
• Iron and steel manufacturing is a foundational heavy industry within this sector, utilizing iron ore to produce steel, which serves as a vital input for various other industries like infrastructure and automobiles.
• In the Indian economy, the secondary sector is essential for value addition and contributes approximately 25% to 30% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

 Additional Information

• Economic Classification in India:
• Primary sector: Focuses on the direct extraction and use of natural resources. Key activities include agriculture, forestry, fishing, and mining.
• Tertiary sector: Also known as the service sector, it provides support services to the primary and secondary sectors. It includes banking, transportation, trade, and communication.
• Quaternary sector: A specialized component of the tertiary sector that involves knowledge-based services. Examples include Information Technology (IT), Research and Development (R&D), and financial planning.

The correct answer is Make in India.

Key Points

• Safran Group, a French multinational aerospace and defense corporation, has significantly integrated its supply chain within the Indian ecosystem to support major ISRO and DRDO projects.
• The Gaganyaan mission, which aims to demonstrate India's human spaceflight capability, involves high-end technological collaboration and localized production of critical components.
• The projected 70% revenue boost for Safran India by 2025 is driven by the establishment of large-scale manufacturing and MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) facilities in cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru.
• This strategic growth is a direct alignment with the Make in India initiative, which encourages global firms to manufacture products domestically to foster a self-reliant aerospace and defense sector.

 Additional Information

• Make in India Initiative
• Launched in September 2014 to transform India into a global design and manufacturing hub.
• Focuses on 27 sectors, with Aviation and Space being primary pillars for technological advancement.
• It facilitates Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and protects intellectual property to build a best-in-class manufacturing infrastructure.
• Safran's Presence in India
• Safran operates the largest MRO facility for LEAP engines in India to service commercial airlines.
• The company is a key partner in the Rafale fighter jet program, providing the M88 engines and other critical avionics.
• Gaganyaan Mission Details
• The mission aims to launch a crew of three members to an orbit of 400 km for a duration of 3 days.
• It is a cornerstone for the future Indian Space Station and interplanetary explorations.

The correct answer is education sector.

Key Points

• The Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) is a critical statistical measure used within the education sector to determine the number of students enrolled in school at different grade levels, such as primary, secondary, and tertiary education.
• It is calculated by dividing the number of students enrolled in a specific level of education, regardless of age, by the population of the official age group corresponding to that level, and then multiplying the result by 100.
• The GER serves as an indicator of the educational capacity of a country and the extent of participation in the schooling system by the eligible population.
• A unique characteristic of this ratio is that it can exceed 100%; this occurs when students who are older or younger than the official age group (due to late entry or grade repetition) are enrolled in that specific level.
• In the context of Higher Education in India, the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) is the primary report that tracks and publishes the GER data annually.

 Additional Information

• Education Sector Targets:
• The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has set a target to increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education, including vocational education, from 26.3% (2018) to 50% by the year 2035.
• Health Sector:
• Utilizes metrics such as Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR), and Life Expectancy to gauge public welfare, which are conceptually distinct from enrolment ratios.
• Banking Sector:
• Focuses on financial liquidity and stability through indicators like the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR), Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR), and Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR).
• Transport Sector:
• Evaluates efficiency using metrics like Operating Ratio, Load Factor, and Network Density, which relate to logistics and infrastructure rather than human capital development.

The correct answer is South Korea.

Key Points

• In October 2025, the government of South Korea conferred its highest national honor, the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, upon U.S. President Donald Trump during his diplomatic visit.
• The award ceremony took place on October 29, 2025, in the historic city of Gyeongju, which served as the capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom, on the sidelines of the APEC 2025 Leaders' Summit.
• South Korean President Lee Jae Myung personally presented the decoration to Donald Trump, making him the first U.S. President to receive this prestigious distinction.
• The honor was awarded in recognition of Trump's contributions to regional security, his role as a peacemaker on the Korean Peninsula, and his efforts in enhancing bilateral economic cooperation.
• As part of the ceremonial gesture, Trump was also gifted a symbolic replica of the Cheonmachong gold crown, an ancient Silla Dynasty artifact representing national pride and unity.

 Additional Information

• Grand Order of Mugunghwa:
• Instituted on August 13, 1949, it stands as the highest of all Korean orders and is superior to the Order of National Foundation.
• It is named after the Mugunghwa (Hibiscus syriacus), South Korea's national flower, which symbolizes resilience and the nation's eternal spirit.
• The award is exceptionally granted to foreign heads of state or their spouses who have rendered distinguished service to the Republic of Korea.
• Incorrect Options Context:
• China: The highest award for foreigners is the Order of Friendship, which was not the subject of this 2025 conferment.
• Japan: Japan's highest honor is the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum, typically reserved for monarchs and exceptional heads of state.
• Bhutan: The kingdom's highest civilian honor is the Order of the Dragon King (Druk Gyalpo).

The correct answer is Microcontroller.

Key Points

• A Microcontroller (MCU) is a highly integrated Integrated Circuit (IC) designed to govern specific operations within an Embedded System.
• It is often referred to as a 'computer on a chip' because it integrates a Central Processing Unit (CPU), Volatile Memory (RAM), and Non-volatile Memory (ROM or Flash) into a single compact silicon die.
• The primary design goal of a microcontroller is to provide a self-contained unit that includes Input/Output (I/O) Peripherals, such as Timers, Serial Communication Ports, and Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADC), which are necessary for interacting with sensors and actuators.
• Unlike a Microprocessor, which requires external components like a Northbridge or separate memory modules to function, the microcontroller combines these features to reduce Power Consumption, physical size, and overall system cost.
• Microcontrollers are widely utilized in Real-time Applications where specific, repetitive tasks are performed, such as in Automobile Engine Control Systems, Medical Devices, and Remote Controls.

 Additional Information

• Motherboard
• The Motherboard is the main Printed Circuit Board (PCB) in a general-purpose computer (like a PC or Laptop) that serves as a backbone for connecting various discrete components.
• It contains Sockets for the CPU, slots for RAM modules, and interfaces for Storage Devices (SATA/NVMe), but it is not a single integrated chip itself.
• System Bus
• A System Bus is a communication system that transfers data between the internal components of a computer.
• It typically consists of three main parts: the Data Bus (carries actual data), the Address Bus (specifies where data should go), and the Control Bus (carries commands from the CPU).
• Microprocessor vs. Microcontroller
• A Microprocessor consists only of a CPU and is designed for high-speed, general-purpose computing tasks found in personal computers.
• In contrast, Microcontrollers are task-specific, emphasizing Energy Efficiency and Integration rather than raw computational power.

The correct answer is Iron Ore.

Key Points

• Kudremukh is a mountain range located in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka, situated within the Western Ghats, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The name Kudremukh literally translates to Horse-face in the Kannada language, describing the unique shape of one of the highest peaks in the region.
• The region is world-renowned for housing one of the largest deposits of Magnetite iron ore in the world, which is a high-grade mineral known for its magnetic properties.
• The Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Limited (KIOCL), a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU), was established in 1976 to exploit these massive mineral resources.
• For logistical efficiency, the ore was transported in the form of slurry through a 110 km long pipeline to the New Mangalore Port for international export.
• Due to environmental concerns regarding the biodiversity of the Kudremukh National Park, the Supreme Court of India ordered the cessation of mining operations in December 2005.

 Additional Information

• Copper:
• In Karnataka, copper deposits are primarily found in Ingaldhal within the Chitradurga district.
• Significant Indian copper reserves are located in Malanjkhand (Madhya Pradesh) and Khetri (Rajasthan).
• Bauxite:
• This is the primary ore for Aluminium production.
• In Karnataka, it is extracted from the Belagavi and Chikmagalur districts, particularly around the Baba Budan hills.
• Manganese:
• Karnataka is a major producer of manganese ore in India.
• Large-scale deposits are concentrated in the Sandur belt of Ballari district, as well as in Shimoga and Tumakuru.

The correct answer is Delhi High Court.

Key Points

• The Delhi High Court officially issued a notification regarding its calendar for the year 2025, wherein it declared 26 December 2025 (Friday) as a court holiday.
• By declaring this date a holiday, the court has advanced the commencement of its Winter Vacation, which will now effectively begin on 26 December 2025 and continue until 31 December 2025.
• This administrative decision was made under the powers vested in the Chief Justice and the Registry of the High Court to regulate the judicial calendar and ensure a structured recess for the judiciary and the legal fraternity.
• The notification ensures that both the High Court and the Subordinate Courts under its jurisdiction in the National Capital Territory of Delhi follow the revised schedule for the winter break.
• Typically, Christmas (December 25) is a standard holiday, and by declaring December 26 as a holiday, the court bridged the gap to create a continuous Winter Vacation period.
• The decision was communicated through a circular issued by the Registrar General, citing the administrative requirements and the approved List of Holidays for the calendar year 2025.

 Additional Information

• Delhi High Court Establishment and Structure:
• The Delhi High Court was established on 31 October 1966, following the enactment of the Delhi High Court Act, 1966.
• It serves as the highest judicial authority within the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi.
• The court currently has a sanctioned strength of 60 judges, comprising 45 permanent judges and 15 additional judges.
• The administrative control over the District Courts and other subordinate judiciary in Delhi is exercised by the High Court through its Full Court and Administrative Committees.
• Judicial Vacations in India:
• High Courts in India are empowered under Article 225 of the Constitution of India and their respective High Court Rules to determine their working days and vacation schedules.
• Vacations are categorized into Summer Vacation (usually in May-June) and Winter Vacation (usually in late December).
• During these periods, Vacation Benches are constituted to hear urgent matters, such as habeas corpus petitions, stay orders, and bail applications.

The correct answer is 29 subjects for Panchayats.

Key Points

• The 11^th Schedule was added to the Constitution of India by the 73^rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992, which institutionalized the Panchayati Raj system.
• It contains a list of 29 subjects or functional items over which the Panchayats have the power to plan and implement schemes for economic development and social justice.
• This schedule is linked directly to Article 243-G of the Constitution, which defines the powers, authority, and responsibilities of Panchayats.
• The subjects mentioned in the schedule include Agriculture, Land Improvement, Minor Irrigation, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, Social Forestry, Small-scale Industries, Rural Housing, and Drinking Water.
• The inclusion of this schedule aimed to decentralize power and ensure the participation of the rural population in the democratic process at the grassroots level.

 Additional Information

• 12^th Schedule:
• It was added by the 74^th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992.
• It contains 18 functional items related to the powers and responsibilities of Municipalities (Urban Local Bodies) under Article 243-W.
• Concurrent List:
• It is part of the 7^th Schedule of the Constitution, which divides legislative powers between the Union and the States.
• It contains subjects like Education, Forests, and Marriage, where both the Parliament and State Legislatures can make laws.
• Fundamental Duties:
• These are contained in Part IV-A and Article 51A of the Constitution.
• They were added by the 42^nd Amendment Act, 1976, based on the recommendations of the Swaran Singh Committee; currently, there are 11 duties.

The correct answer is Sitar.

Key Points

• Pandit Ravi Shankar (1920–2012) was a legendary Indian sitar virtuoso and a globally acclaimed composer who became the most well-known proponent of Hindustani classical music in the 20^th century.
• He was a disciple of Acharya Allauddin Khan, the founder of the Maihar gharana, under whom he underwent rigorous training in the traditional Gurukul system.
• The Sitar is a plucked stringed instrument used mainly in Hindustani music; Shankar is credited with introducing several innovations to the instrument's design and playing style, particularly the use of the bass strings (kharaj) to enhance the Alap section.
• His international fame peaked in the 1960s through his association with George Harrison of The Beatles, which led to a global Sitar explosion and performances at iconic events like the Monterey Pop Festival (1967) and Woodstock (1969).
• For his immense contributions, he was honored with the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, in 1999, and he received five Grammy Awards, including a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013.

 Additional Information

• Flute
• In the context of Indian Classical Music, the Bansuri (bamboo flute) is the primary instrument.
• Renowned masters of this instrument include Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia and Pannalal Ghosh.
• Tabla
• A pair of hand drums (the Dayan and Bayan) used for rhythm in Hindustani music.
• Legendary exponents include Ustad Zakir Hussain, Ustad Alla Rakha, and Pandit Kishan Maharaj.
• Sarod
• A fretless stringed instrument known for its deep, introspective sound and continuous slides (meend).
• Prominent virtuosos include Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, and Amaan Ali Bangash.

The correct answer is High fiscal and current account deficits.

Key Points

• The 1991 Economic Crisis in India was a severe Balance of Payments (BoP) crisis resulting from a long period of macroeconomic mismanagement during the 1980s.
• A primary driver was the high fiscal deficit, which reached 8.4% of GDP in 1990-91. This was caused by the government living far beyond its means, funded by internal and external borrowings.
• Simultaneously, the current account deficit (CAD) widened significantly, reaching about 3% of GDP. This meant India was importing far more goods and services than it was exporting, leading to a massive drain on foreign exchange reserves.
• The Gulf War (1990-91) acted as an immediate catalyst, causing a sharp spike in global oil prices and a sudden drop in remittances from Indian workers in West Asia, further straining the BoP position.
• By mid-1991, India's foreign exchange reserves had dropped to approximately $1.2 billion, an amount barely sufficient to sustain two weeks of essential imports.

 Additional Information

• Incorrect Factors:
• Agricultural Surplus: India did not have an agricultural surplus that triggered the crisis; instead, the economy suffered from high inflation, which peaked at nearly 17% in 1991.
• Oil Price Drop: Contrary to a drop, the Gulf War led to a massive oil price hike, which was a major external shock to India’s economy.
• Increase in Gold Reserves: Gold reserves were not increasing; the crisis was so dire that the government had to pledge 67 tonnes of gold to the Bank of England and the Union Bank of Switzerland to avoid a sovereign default.
• Policy Transformation:
• The crisis necessitated a loan from the IMF and World Bank, which came with conditions to restructure the economy.
• This led to the New Economic Policy of 1991, introducing Liberalization, Privatization, and Globalization (LPG) to open up the Indian economy to international competition$.

The correct answer is Russian Revolution.

Key Points

• The Preamble of the Indian Constitution declares the resolve to secure for all its citizens Justice in three distinct forms: Social, Economic, and Political.
• These ideals of Justice were inspired by the Russian Revolution of 1917, which sought to create a society based on egalitarian principles and the end of exploitation.
• Social Justice implies that the Constitution aims to create a society without discrimination based on caste, creed, religion, sex, or place of birth, ensuring the improvement of conditions for backward classes and women.
• Economic Justice refers to the elimination of glaring inequalities in wealth, income, and property, ensuring that economic resources are distributed to serve the common good.
• Political Justice ensures that all citizens have equal opportunities to participate in the political process, including the right to vote and access to public offices without discrimination.
• The Preamble acts as an introductory statement that sets out the guiding principles and philosophy of the Constitution of India.

 Additional Information

• French Revolution (1789):
• The Indian Constitution borrowed the ideals of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity from the French Revolution.
• It emphasized the rights of man and the republican form of government.
• American Revolution (1776):
• This revolution influenced the concept of a Written Constitution and the inclusion of a Bill of Rights (transformed into Fundamental Rights in India).
• Other features borrowed from the USA include the Independence of the Judiciary and Judicial Review.
• Glorious Revolution (1688):
• Occurring in England, it established the Supremacy of Parliament over the monarchy.
• It laid the foundation for the Parliamentary form of government that India adopted from the British Constitution.

The correct answer is Prabhakarvardhana.

Key Points

• Prabhakarvardhana was the first significant and powerful king of the Pushyabhuti dynasty, also known as the Vardhana dynasty, ruling from Thanesar (modern-day Haryana) during the late 6^th century.
• He was the first ruler of the dynasty to assume imperial titles such as Maharajadhiraja (King of Kings) and Parama-bhattaraka, marking the transition of the family from local feudatories to independent sovereigns.
• In the historical text Harshacharita, written by the court poet Banabhatta, he is famously described using the epithet Huna-harina-kesari, which translates to 'a lion to the Huna deer', indicating his decisive military victories over the invading Hunas.
• His military campaigns significantly strengthened the Pushyabhuti position in Northern India, as he is also credited with defeating or intimidating the rulers of Sindh, Gandhara, Lata, and Malwa.
• By successfully repelling the Huna tribes, who had previously caused the decline of the Gupta Empire, Prabhakarvardhana established a stable and powerful foundation for his successors, Rajyavardhana and Harshavardhana.

 Additional Information

• Rajyavardhana:
• He was the eldest son of Prabhakarvardhana and ascended the throne in 605 CE.
• He defeated the Malwa king Devagupta but was treacherously murdered by Shashanka, the ruler of Gauda (Bengal).
• Harshavardhana:
• The most illustrious ruler of the dynasty, he reigned from 606 to 647 CE and shifted the capital to Kannauj.
• He was a great patron of Buddhism and authored famous Sanskrit plays including Ratnavali, Nagananda, and Priyadarsika.
• Naravardhana:
• Regarded as the earliest known ancestor and the founder of the Pushyabhuti line.
• He was a minor chieftain and a feudatory, likely under the Imperial Guptas or the Maukhari kings, lacking the sovereign power achieved by his descendants.

The correct answer is Coulomb.

Key Points

• The Coulomb (symbol: C) is the derived SI unit of electric charge, which measures the total quantity of electricity flowing through a circuit.
• By definition, one coulomb is equivalent to the amount of charge transferred by a constant current of one ampere in one second.
• The relationship between charge, current, and time is given by the formula Q = I × t, where Q represents charge in coulombs, I represents current in amperes, and t represents time in seconds.
• Scientifically, a single coulomb is a large unit representing approximately \( 6.242 \times 10^{18} \) elementary charges (electrons or protons).
• The unit is named after Charles-Augustin de Coulomb, the scientist who discovered Coulomb’s Law, which quantifies the electrostatic force between two point charges.

 Additional Information

• Volt
• The Volt (V) is the SI unit for electric potential, potential difference, and electromotive force (EMF).
• It measures the energy available to move a unit charge; specifically, one volt is defined as one joule per coulomb.
• Ampere
• The Ampere (A) is the SI base unit for electric current.
• It represents the rate of flow of charge, where one ampere equals one coulomb per second.
• Ohm
• The Ohm (Ω) is the SI unit for electrical resistance.
• Based on Ohm’s Law, one ohm is the resistance of a conductor in which a potential difference of one volt produces a current of one ampere.

The correct answer is Barchan.

Key Points

• A Barchan is a crescent-shaped sand dune that is primarily formed by the depositional action of wind, a process known as Aeolian action.
• These landforms typically develop in arid regions where the wind direction remains relatively constant and there is a limited supply of sand.
• The convex side of a Barchan faces the prevailing wind (the windward side), while the leeward side forms a steep slip face between two projecting horns.
• The horns of the Barchan always point in the downwind direction, signifying the direction toward which the dune is slowly migrating.
• Barchans can range in height from a few meters to over 30 meters, and their width between horns can reach several hundred meters depending on sand availability and wind velocity.

 Additional Information

• Yardang:
• It is an erosional landform carved by the abrasive action of wind-blown sand.
• It consists of streamlined, elongated ridges of resistant rock separated by grooves of softer material.
• Inselberg:
• An isolated hill or mountain that rises abruptly from a flat plain, often found in desert landscapes.
• It is an erosional feature created by the long-term weathering and removal of surrounding weaker rock layers.
• Moraine:
• This is a depositional landform, but it is formed by glacial action rather than wind.
• It consists of unconsolidated debris such as glacial till, boulders, and silt deposited by a moving or melting glacier.

The correct answer is Davos-Klosters, Switzerland.

Key Points

• The World Economic Forum (WEF) organized its 55^th Annual Meeting in the alpine resort of Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, from January 20 to 24, 2025.
• The 2025 meeting focused on the overarching theme of Collaboration for the Intelligent Age, reflecting the global shift toward Artificial Intelligence (AI) and advanced computing.
• This gathering served as a platform for over 2,500 leaders from the private sector, government, and international organizations to discuss the ethical, economic, and social implications of rapid technological transformation.
• Key agenda items included navigating the global energy transition, addressing geopolitical fragmentation, and fostering sustainable economic growth in a post-globalization landscape.
• The selection of Davos continues a decades-long tradition where the secluded mountain environment encourages informal yet high-stakes diplomatic dialogue and strategic partnerships.

 Additional Information

• World Economic Forum (WEF):
• Founded in 1971 by Klaus Schwab, the WEF is an independent international organization committed to improving the state of the world through public-private cooperation.
• The organization is headquartered in Cologny, Geneva, Switzerland, and is officially recognized by the Swiss Confederation as an international body.
• It is renowned for championing Stakeholder Capitalism, a concept emphasizing that corporations should serve the interests of all society, not just their shareholders.
• Davos-Klosters as a Venue:
• Located in the Graubünden region of the Swiss Alps, it is the highest town in Europe, which provides the necessary security infrastructure for world leaders.
• The Davos Manifesto, originally drafted in 1973 and updated in 2020, sets the ethical guidelines for the forum's interactions and its mission of global governance.