General Awareness PYQs

The correct answer is Ecosystem

Key Points

• An ecosystem is a functional unit of nature because it represents a system where living organisms (plants, animals, microorganisms) interact with one another and with their non-living environment (soil, water, air, sunlight) in a self-sustaining manner.
• Characteristics of an Ecosystem:
• Biotic Components: Living organisms such as plants, animals, and microbes.
• Abiotic Components: Non-living factors like sunlight, water, air, and soil.
• Interactions: These components interact through processes like energy flow (food chains) and nutrient cycling, making it functional.

The correct answer is Mumbai

Key Points

• The inaugural match of the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2023 was held at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Mumbai on 4^th March 2023.
• The match was played between the Mumbai Indians Women and the Gujarat Giants Women.
• This marked the beginning of the first-ever Women's Premier League, a milestone in women's cricket.
• Mumbai hosted many matches during the WPL 2023, with venues like the DY Patil Stadium and Brabourne Stadium being use

Additional Information

• Barcelona Femeni won the Women’s Champions League for the first time after a brilliant 4-0 win over Chelsea in the final in Gothenberg in May 2021.
• This victory also meant that Barcelona became the first club in history to win both the men's and the women's Champions League.
• Other Sports News:
• The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has invited nominations and applications from eligible athletes, coaches, and universities for the annual National Sports Awards for 2021.
• The National Sports Federations will also nominate athletes.

The correct answer is 2-Methylpropan-2-ol

Key Points

• Tertiary butyl alcohol (also known as t-BuOH) is a type of alcohol with the molecular formula C₄H₉OH.
• It is derived from butane (C₄H₁₀) by replacing one hydrogen atom with a hydroxyl group (OH).
• In the IUPAC system, the structure of tertiary butyl alcohol is as follows:
• The butane chain has four carbon atoms.
• The hydroxyl group (OH) is attached to the second carbon atom in a way that the carbon is connected to three methyl groups (CH₃) on the other side.
• This makes it a tertiary alcohol.
• The IUPAC name for this compound is 2-Methylpropan-2-ol, where:
• "2-Methyl" refers to a methyl group (CH₃) attached to the second carbon atom.
• "Propan-2-ol" indicates that the compound is a propanol derivative with the hydroxyl group on the second carbon.

The correct answer is Himachal Pradesh

Key Points

• According to the 2011 census, Himachal Pradesh had the highest female workforce participation rate in rural India at 47.4%.
• Female workforce participation in India:
• The female workforce participation rate in India was 25.51% in 2011, compared to 53.26% for males.
• The female workforce participation rate in rural India was higher than in urban India, at 30.02% compared to 53.03% for males.
• The female workforce participation rate varies across states, with some states having wider gaps than others.
• Women's share is higher than men's in agricultural operations like weeding and transplanting.
• However, women are not considered principal producers in agriculture because they don't have ownership or control over the assets they work on

The correct answer is Article 257

Key Points

• Article 257 of the Constitution of India explains that the executive power of every state shall be exercised in a way that does not impede or prejudice the exercise of the executive power of the Union
• Article 257(1) of the Constitution of India states that the executive power of every state shall be exercised in a way that does not impede or prejudice the exercise of the executive power of the Union.
• This article is essential to ensure that the Union and the states exercise their executive power in a harmonious manner.
• It also enforces the principle of Union supremacy by giving appropriate directions in the event of irreconcilable differences on vital issues.
• Article 257 shapes the relationship between the center and states in India, addressing the principle of federalism

Additional Information

• Article 261 (Public acts, records, and judicial proceedings)
• It ensures that full faith and credit shall be given throughout the territory of India to public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of the Union and states.

Judicial Process:

• The law defines how acts, records, and judgments will be authenticated and proved for recognition across state borders.
• Article 247 (Power of Parliament to provide for the establishment of certain additional courts)
• It grants the Parliament the authority to establish additional courts for better administration of laws made by it regarding matters listed in the Union List.
• This article is used to ensure the efficient handling of cases related to Union List subjects, allowing the central government to extend judicial infrastructure.
• Article 123 (Power of the President to promulgate Ordinances during recess of Parliament)
• It allows the President to issue ordinances when Parliament is not in session, and immediate action is needed, with the same effect as a law passed by Parliament.
• These ordinances must be approved by Parliament within six weeks of reassembling, or they cease to operate.

The correct answer is They are justiciable

Key Points

• The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), enshrined in Part IV of the Indian Constitution, are guidelines for the governance of the country aimed at promoting social and economic justice.
• However, they are not justiciable, meaning they cannot be enforced by the courts.
• About DPSP:
• Ensure social and economic development: The DPSPs aim to promote the welfare of the people by guiding the state in formulating policies for social and economic development.
• Provide guidelines for governance: They act as a set of principles to guide the government in making laws and policies to promote the welfare of the people.
• Morally binding: Although they cannot be enforced in courts, the government is morally obligated to implement them to ensure a just society.

The correct answer is Uttar Pradesh.

Key Points

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi  laid  the foundation stone of the Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh University in Aligarh Uttar Pradesh, on September 14, 2021.
• Amid the upcoming Assembly elections, the move to name the university after the ‘Jat Icon’ comes at a time when the farmer's protest against the farm laws has been gaining momentum in Western Uttar Pradesh which is also a Jat-dominated area and this move has been seen as an attempt by the BJP to win over the Jat farmers.
• The Jat community accounts for approximately 17 per cent of the voting population in twelve districts of the Western UP region.
• In 2020, the Uttar Pradesh government had cleared a proposal to set up a new university in Aligarh, named after Mahendra Pratap Singh.
• The construction of the university is expected to be completed within at least 24 months from the date of laying the foundation.
• The university is expected to be ready by September 2023.

Additional Information 

• Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh:
• Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh was a Jat freedom fighter, social reformist, journalist, writer.
• He was the third son of Raja Ghanshyam Singh and a Jat icon.
• Singh was born in a socio-economically influential Jat family of Mursan in Hathras district in 1886.
• He was an alumnus of Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College, which was later renamed Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) in 1920.
• Singh had served as President in the Provisional Government of India, the Indian government that served in exile during World War I.
• Singh contributed significantly to the freedom struggle of India. Singh had set up a provisional government in exile in Afghanistan during World War I.
• He also took part in the Balkan War in 1911 along with his fellow students at MAO College.
• Singh was known as an unofficial envoy of Afghanistan. During the 1957 Lok Sabha elections.
• Singh won the election from the Mathura constituency. Singh was contesting as an independent candidate while Atal Bihari Vajpayee was contesting as a candidate for the BJP.

The correct answer is It is a new strategy in agriculture to produce food grains, especially wheat and rice

Key Points

• The Green Revolution refers to a significant transformation in agriculture that began in the 1940s and 1950s,
• aimed at increasing food production, particularly in developing countries, by using new agricultural technologies and practices.
• So this statement is correct
• Green Revolution:
• High-yielding varieties (HYVs) of seeds, especially for crops like wheat and rice, were developed and promoted.
• Increased use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides to improve crop yields.
• Mechanization of farming through the use of modern equipment like tractors, harvesters, etc.
• Irrigation systems were improved to ensure a more reliable water supply to crops.
• The Green Revolution led to a significant increase in food production, particularly in countries like India, helping to prevent famines and making countries self-sufficient in staple crops like rice and wheat.

The correct answer is **14^o**N

Key Points

• The easterly jet stream over Peninsular India during the summer months typically blows around the 14°N latitude.
• This jet stream, known as the Tropical Easterly Jet (TEJ), is a low-level jet stream that flows from the east to west during the summer and plays an important role in the monsoon dynamics.
• The easterly jet stream is located at an altitude of around 10 km above the surface, and it is stronger during the summer months when the monsoon winds are active.
• The jet stream is found mainly over Peninsular India and parts of the Bay of Bengal at around 14°N latitude.
• The position of the easterly jet can influence the intensity and onset of the Indian summer monsoon.

The correct answer is 1781C.E.

Key Points

• The Madrasa in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) to promote the study of Arabic, Persian, and Islamic law was opened in 1781 C.E..
• It was established by Warren Hastings, the then Governor-General of Bengal.
• This madrasa was intended to promote the study of Islamic subjects, particularly to facilitate the administration of Islamic law in British-ruled India.
• It played a significant role in the educational system of the time, helping to preserve and propagate Islamic learning.
• The madrasa became a center for the study of Arabic, Persian, and Islamic law.
• It was a pioneering institution in the promotion of Muslim education in India under British rule.

The correct answer is Manna Dey

Key Points

• In the year 1952, Manna Dey lent his voice for the film 'Amar Bhupali'.
• He is renowned for his versatile singing in various Indian languages, and for this film, he sang in both Bengali and Marathi, as it was produced in two languages simultaneously.
• Manna Dey had an incredibly diverse repertoire that included classical, semi-classical, folk, and contemporary songs
• Throughout his career, Manna Dey collaborated with some of the greatest music composers in Indian cinema,
• such as S.D. Burman, R.D. Burman, and Salil Chowdhury.

Additional Information

• Kishore Kumar
• Kishore Kumar was not only a legendary playback singer but also an actor, director, and producer in Indian cinema.
• His ability to sing in various genres, from romantic to sad to comic songs, made him a unique figure in Bollywood.
• He is known for his distinctive voice and expressive singing style. Hits like "Mere Sapno Ki Rani," "Ek Ladki Bheegi Bhaagi Si," and "Khaike Paan Banaras Wala" are some of his timeless classics that showcase his versatility and creativity.
• Hemanta Mukherjee
• Hemanta Mukherjee was a prominent playback singer in Indian cinema, especially known for his work in Bengali films.
• His contributions to Hindi music were also significant, with many memorable songs in the 1950s and 60s.
• His rich and soulful voice earned him a place among the greats.
• Songs like "Tumi Robe Nirobe" and "Bajlo Tomar Alor Benu" highlight his mastery in conveying deep emotions through music.
• Debabrata Biswas
• Folk and Ghazal Singer: Debabrata Biswas was celebrated for his renditions of Bengali folk songs and ghazals.
• He was known for preserving traditional music while also introducing innovative elements.
• He contributed significantly to Bengali culture and music through his performances and recordings, promoting folk traditions and winning the hearts of many with his emotive singing style.

The correct answer is Tamil Nadu

Key Points

• The Tamil Nadu government created a draft policy for senior citizens in 2022 based on Article 41 of the Indian Constitution.
• The policy aims to improve the lives of senior citizens in the state by empowering them.
• Intergenerational bonding
• The policy aims to promote intergenerational bonding between students and elders by adopting old age homes and conducting programs in educational institutions, corporate organizations, and government institutions.
• Awareness and education
• The policy aims to uplift the quality of life of senior citizens through awareness and education.
• Recognizing senior citizens
• The policy aims to recognize the contributions of senior citizens by observing international days for senior citizens.
• The policy was created by the Social Welfare & Women Empowerment Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

The correct answer is North and Northwestern

Key Points

• The hot, dry wind called the Loo blows over the north and northwestern parts of India:
• The Loo originates from the deserts of the northwestern Indian subcontinent, including the Great Indian Desert, the Cholistan Desert, and the desert areas of Southern Balochistan.
• The Loo blows during the hot and dry months of summer, especially in May and June. It ends in late summer with the arrival of the Indian monsoon.
• The Loo can raise temperatures to 45–50 °C (115–120 °F) and can be fatal if you are exposed to it. It can also dry out vegetation, causing widespread browning.
• The Loo can also lead to dehydration, heatstroke, and other health problems.
• The Loo blows over the western Indo-Gangetic Plain region of North India and Pakistan, including parts of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Delhi

The correct answer is 30 November 2021.

Key Points

• The High Court and Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Amendment Bill, 2021 was introduced in Lok Sabha on 30 November 2021.
• The bill seeks to amend the salaries and conditions of service for the judges of the High Court and the Supreme Court of India.
• It aims to streamline and update provisions to reflect contemporary requirements and standards for the judiciary.
• The introduction of the bill is part of ongoing efforts to ensure the independence and efficiency of the judicial system in India.

Additional Information

• The Indian judiciary is an independent body, separate from the executive and legislative branches of the government.
• The Supreme Court is the highest judicial forum and final court of appeal under the Constitution of India.
• The High Courts operate at the state level and are below the Supreme Court in the judicial hierarchy.
• The terms and conditions of service for judges are critical to maintaining judicial independence and integrity.
• Periodic amendments ensure that the judiciary is equipped to meet modern challenges and uphold the rule of law.

The correct answer is London 2012

Key Points

• Gagan Narang, an Indian shooter, won a bronze medal in the 2012 London Olympics in the men's 10m Air Rifle event.
• The final took place on August 2, 2012
• Gagan Narang finished with a score of 701.1 in the qualification and final rounds combined, securing third place.
• This was India’s first shooting medal at the London 2012 Olympics and Narang’s first Olympic medal.
• Narang’s performance was remarkable, as he had to compete against some of the world’s top shooters.
• The gold medal went to Alin George Moldoveanu of Romania, and the silver went to Hao Zhang of China.
• Before this Olympic achievement, Narang had already built a strong reputation, having won several international titles, including gold medals at the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.

The correct answer is Lord Wellesley

Key Points

• The system of 'Subsidiary Alliance' was devised by Lord Wellesley.
• Lord Wellesley was the British Governor-General of India from 1798 to 1805, and he introduced this diplomatic policy to secure British control over Indian states and ensure that they remained under British influence.
• The system required Indian rulers to:
• Maintain a British subsidiary force at their own expense.
• Not engage in any foreign relations without British approval.
• Provide territory as security for the maintenance of British forces.
• This system was used effectively to expand British control over Indian territories by isolating rulers from one another and by exerting indirect control.

Additional Information

• Lord Canning (Governor-General from 1856 to 1862)
• Lord Canning is best known for his role during the Indian Rebellion of 1857 (also called the Sepoy Mutiny).
• He was the last Governor-General of the East India Company and the first Viceroy of British India after the British government took direct control from the East India Company in 1858.
• Canning managed the rebellion and its aftermath, which led to the end of the East India Company’s rule and the establishment of direct British rule in India.
• Lord William Bentinck (Governor-General from 1828 to 1835)
• Lord William Bentinck is known for his reforms aimed at modernizing India under British rule.
• He abolished Sati (the practice of widow burning) in 1829.
• He also worked towards education reforms, including the promotion of Western-style education and the founding of English as the medium of instruction.
• He is also credited with promoting the growth of the railways and civil services during his tenure.
• Lord Dalhousie (Governor-General from 1848 to 1856)
• Lord Dalhousie is known for his doctrine of lapse, a policy that allowed the British to annex any Indian state where the ruler died without a direct heir (adopted sons were not recognized as legitimate heirs).
• This led to the annexation of several states, including Satara, Jhansi, and Nagpur. His policies caused resentment and contributed to the unrest that led to the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
• He is also credited with the development of infrastructure, including the expansion of the railway network and the introduction of the telegraph and postal system.

The correct answer is 1936

Key Points

• Kho-Kho was featured in an exhibition at the main stadium during the 1936 Olympics.
• The 1936 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XI Olympiad, were held in Berlin, Germany.
• This exhibition aimed to showcase traditional sports from different countries, and Kho-Kho represented India.
• Although it was not an official Olympic sport, the exhibition provided international exposure to Kho-Kho.

Additional Information

• The 1936 Olympics are often remembered for the political context and the propaganda efforts of the Nazi regime.
• Jesse Owens, an African-American athlete, won four gold medals at these games, challenging the Nazi ideology of racial superiority.
• Kho-Kho is a traditional Indian sport that involves running and chasing and is popular in schools and colleges across the country.
• The sport is governed by the Kho-Kho Federation of India, which organizes national-level competitions and promotes the game internationally.

The correct answer is 2023

Key Points

• The "Naye Bharat Ke Sapne" campaign, also known as the Amrit Generation Movement, was launched by Meta and the Ministry of Women and Child Development on June 8, 2023.
• The campaign's goals are to:
• Empower and engage young people in India
• Encourage young people to express their dreams and aspirations
• Provide support to help young people achieve their dreams
• The campaign invites young people to create Reels on Instagram and Facebook to showcase their creativity and share their aspirations.
• The campaign will select 50 entries and invite them to New Delhi to interact with industry leaders and policymakers.
• The selected young people will also get to visit the Meta office in Gurugram to learn from industry leaders and creators.
• The Ministry of Women and Child Development is responsible for the overall development of women and children in India.

Additional Information

Organization:

• The Ministry of Women and Child Development is headed by Hon'ble Minister Smt. Annpurna Devi.
• Minister of State Sushri Debasree Chaudhuri
• Shri Rabindra Panwar is the Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Child Development

The Ministry has 6 autonomous organizations:

• National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development (NIPCCD)
• National Commission for women (NCW)
• National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)
• Central Adoption Resource Agency (CARA)
• Central Social Welfare Board (CSWB)
• Rashtriya Mahila Kosh (RMK)

The correct answer is Article 28

Key Points

• Article 28 of the Indian Constitution prohibits religious instruction in state-funded educational institutions.
• However, it does allow religious instruction in special circumstances.
• Article 28 states, "No religious instruction shall be provided in any educational institution wholly maintained out of State funds".

Additional Information

• Other articles of the Indian Constitution related to education include:
• Article 29
• Prohibits discrimination in admission to state-aided or maintained educational institutions based on religion, race, caste, or language
• Article 30
• Gives minorities the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice
• Article 31
• It was part of the original fundamental rights in the Constitution of India, guaranteeing the right to property.
• It protected individuals against the arbitrary acquisition of their property by the State.

The correct answer is option 1

Key Points

• The statement that is incorrect is "Fats and oils get reduced over time and smell bad".
• The correct statement is that fats and oils become rancid when they are oxidized.
• some other facts about fats and oils:
• Rancidity
• When fats and oils are oxidized, they become rancid, which means they change in smell and taste and may also discolor.
• Antioxidants
• Antioxidants are added to foods containing fats and oils to prevent oxidation.
• Nitrogen gas
• Chip manufacturers often flush bags of chips with nitrogen gas to prevent the chips from oxidizing.
• Storage
• Rancidity can be prevented by storing food in airtight containers or jars, or keeping it in the refrigerator