General Awareness PYQs

The correct answer is the Salk Vaccine

Key Points

• The inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV), or Salk vaccine, was developed in the 1950s by American physician Jonas Salk and first used in 1955:
• IPV is a mixture of three inactivated poliovirus strains, one from each serotype.
• The poliovirus strains are grown in Vero cells and inactivated with formaldehyde.
• IPV is given by intramuscular or subcutaneous injection.
• IPV reduced the number of paralytic polio cases from about 20,000 per year to around 2,000. It also eradicated polio in Scandinavia and the Netherlands.
• The initial formula developed by Salk was replaced by an enhanced potency formula in the late 1980s.
• In the 1960s, Dr. Albert Sabin developed a live attenuated (weakened) oral polio vaccine (OPV).
• OPV was shown to interrupt epidemics and break viral transmission, leading to the elimination of the virus from entire continents by the 1980s.

The Correct Answer is less than 183 days (or six months) in a year.

Key Points

• A person who works for less than 183 days (or six months) in a year.
• Marginal workers are typically engaged in seasonal, irregular, or part-time work.
• They may be involved in agriculture, labor, or other informal sectors where employment is not continuous throughout the year.
• The contrast to marginal workers are 'main workers', who work for 183 days or more during the year.

The correct answer is Odisha.

Key Points

• Nuakhai  or Navakhai is an agricultural festival mainly observed by people of Western Odisha and Southern Chhattisgarh in India.
• Nuakhai is observed to welcome the new rice of the season.
• It will be celebrated on Thursday, 1 September 2022.
• The new harvest crops are worshipped and people celebrate it by eating the first rice of the harvest together with their families.
• Nuakhai Juhar is sharing gifts with your dear ones, wishing them on the occasion, and coming together as a family to symbolize unity.

Additional Information

• some state festivals in India:
• Meghalaya
• The Wangala Festival, also known as the 100 Drums Festival, is a harvest festival that celebrates the end of a period of hard work and the good output of the fields.
• The festival honors Saljong, the Sun-god of fertility.
• Other festivals in Meghalaya include the Ahaia festival, Nongkrem Dance Festival, and Bob Dylan Festival.
• Odisha
• The Ratha Yatra, or Chariot Festival, is a well-known religious festival that takes place in June-July.
• During the festival, Lord Jagannath and his siblings ride in a chariot to their aunt's home and return after a seven-day holiday.
• Other festivals in Odisha include Durga Puja, Saraswati Puja, Ganesh Puja, Shiva Ratri, Janmashtami, Kali Puja, and Kartik Puja.
• Tamil Nadu
• Pongal is a major festival in Tamil Nadu, celebrated as a harvest festival in the Tamil month of Thai (mid-January to mid-February).
• Margazhi (Margali) is the Tamil month before Thai, spanning from mid-December to mid-January.
• Bihar
• Bihula is a prominent festival in eastern Bihar, especially in the district of Bhagalpur.
• It takes place in August, and devotees pray to Goddess Mansa for the welfare of their families

The correct answer is Government of India Act 1858

Key Points

• The GoI Act of 1858 marked the beginning of Crown Rule in the Indian subcontinent, as power was transferred from the Company to the British Crown.
• From then on, the Secretary of Indian Affairs took over the colony's administration.
• The British Parliament passed the Government of India Act on August 2, 1858.
• The act transferred the East India Company's administrative powers, territories, revenues, armed forces, and Indian possessions to the British Crown.
• It also changed the title of the Governor General of India to Viceroy of India.
• The act was passed after the British blamed the East India Company's ineptitude for the mutiny

Additional Information

• Charter Act of 1833
• Purpose: To renew the charter of the East India Company for 20 years and reform its administration in India.
• Regulating Act of 1773
• Purpose: To address the mismanagement of the East India Company in India and establish British government control over its operation
• Pitt’s India Act of 1784
• Purpose: To address the shortcomings of the Regulating Act and establish a more efficient system of dual control between the British government and the East India Company.

The correct answer is Loo

Key Points

• The hot, dry, and dusty wind that blows over north India in the summer is called the Loo:
• The Loo originates from the Iranian, Baloch, and Thar deserts.
• It's especially strong in May and June.
• The Loo can reach temperatures of 45–50 °C (115–120 °F).
• Exposure to the Loo can cause heatstroke, and its low humidity and high temperature can dry out vegetation.
• The Loo blows over the western Indo-Gangetic Plain region of North India and Pakistan, with higher intensity between Delhi and Patna.
• Other local winds include:
• Blossom Shower: A local storm that occurs mainly in Kerala, where coffee flowers bloom
• Mango Shower: A local storm that occurs mainly in Kerala and the coastal areas of Karnataka, where mangoes ripen early
• Kalbaisakhi: A local storm that occurs mainly in Bengal and Assam, where evening thunderstorms are common
• Local winds can be caused by a number of factors, including pressure difference, topography, thermal differences, and diurnal and seasonal changes

Additional Information

• Chinook
• A warm, dry wind that blows down the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains in North America.
• Features:
• Causes a rapid increase in temperature, often referred to as a "snow-eater" as it can quickly melt snow.
• Occurs due to the adiabatic heating of air as it descends on the leeward side of mountains.
• Beneficial for livestock grazing in winter but can lead to sudden weather changes.
• Mango Showers
• Pre-monsoon showers experienced in parts of South India, especially in Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
• Features:
• These light rains occur in April and May, aiding in the ripening of mangoes (hence the name).
• Caused by the convective activity over land due to the heating of the surface.
• They also benefit crops like coffee and spices.
• Purga
• A violent snowstorm or blizzard common in the Siberian regions of Russia.
• Features:
• Accompanied by strong winds, blowing snow, and low visibility.
• Temperatures can drop drastically, making it hazardous for life and travel.
• Associated with cold Arctic air masses

The correct answer is 60:40

Key Points

• The cost of unit assistance is shared between Central and State Governments in the ratio 60:40 in plain areas and 90:10 for North Eastern and hilly states.
• The Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awaas Yojana (PMGAY), previously known as Indira Awaas Yojana, is a flagship scheme by the Government of India aimed at providing housing for all in rural areas.
• Objective: To provide a pucca house with basic amenities to all rural households living in kuccha (non-permanent) houses by 2024.Beneficiary Selection:
• Beneficiaries are identified based on the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) data.
• Priority is given to households with vulnerable members like widows, senior citizens, or persons with disabilities.
• Beneficiaries are eligible for free LPG connections under the Ujjwala Yojana and electrification under the Saubhagya scheme.

The correct answer is Option 3

Key Points

• Five-Year Plans are strategic frameworks used by the government to guide the economy's development over a fixed period (typically five years).
• In India, these plans were implemented by the Planning Commission (replaced by NITI Aayog in 2015).
• Focus on Developmental Goals:
• Poverty Alleviation: Plans aimed at reducing poverty through employment generation schemes, rural development, and welfare programs.
• For instance, the Sixth Five-Year Plan (1980–1985) emphasized poverty reduction.
• Industrialization: Plans like the Second Five-Year Plan (1956–1961), which focused on heavy industries, laid the foundation for India's industrial base.
• Agriculture: Plans like the First Five-Year Plan (1951–1956) concentrated on increasing agricultural productivity.
• Infrastructure Development: Several plans prioritized building physical and social infrastructure, including power, transportation, education, and healthcare.​
• Hence statement 3 is correct

The correct answer is Ajta Srivastava 

Key Points

• Ajita Srivastava is a renowned folk singer from Uttar Pradesh who has been awarded the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, for her contributions to preserving and promoting folk music.
• She has significantly contributed to the rich folk traditions of Uttar Pradesh.
• Folk music in Uttar Pradesh encompasses a variety of genres, including Kajri, Thumri, Dadra, Sohar, Chaiti, and Birha, all of which reflect the region's cultural heritage. Ajita Srivastava's contributions have been pivotal in keeping these art forms alive in the face of modernization and changing entertainment preferences.

Additional Information

• Ila Arun
• Ila Arun is a well-known Indian playback singer, actress, and television personality.
• She is particularly famous for her folk-inspired Bollywood songs and distinctive husky voice.
• Association with Folk Music:
• She has drawn from Rajasthan's rich folk traditions in her songs, often infusing them with contemporary styles.
• Some of her famous songs include Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai and Ringa Ringa.
• Gurmeet Bawa
• Gurmeet Bawa (1944–2021) was a legendary Punjabi folk singer, known for her long breath-holding technique while singing.
• She was famous for her songs in Punjabi folk genres like Jugni and Heer.
• Association with Folk Music:
• Gurmeet Bawa played a significant role in promoting Punjabi folk music and is particularly celebrated for introducing it to international audiences.
• Teejan Bai
• Teejan Bai is a renowned exponent of Pandavani, a traditional performing art form from Chhattisgarh that narrates tales from the Mahabharata through music and storytelling.
• Association with Folk Music:
• She has been instrumental in bringing Pandavani to global audiences and was honored with multiple awards, including the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan.

The correct answer is India

Key Points

• India won the first men's Asian Hockey Champions Trophy in 2011, defeating Pakistan in the final via a penalty shootout.
• The Asian Champions Trophy is a prestigious field hockey tournament held in Asia, showcasing the talent and competitiveness of top Asian hockey nations.
• It was held in 2011
• Host: Ordos, China
• Participating Teams: India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, China
• Winner: India
• India defeated Pakistan in a thrilling penalty shootout

Additional Information

• The Asian Champions Trophy is organized by the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF).
• It was first introduced in 2011, and since then, it has become a key event in the Asian hockey calendar.
• Teams like India, Pakistan, Malaysia, and South Korea are regular participants in the tournament.
• The event helps in improving the competitive standards of Asian teams on the global stage.
• Chennai last hosted a major international hockey event in 2007, making the 2023 tournament a significant occasion for the city.

The correct answer is Intermediate goods

Key Points

• Intermediate goods need further transformation in the economic process:
• Intermediate goods:
• These are partially finished goods that are used to make other goods.
• They are also known as producer goods.
• Intermediate goods undergo further processing and transformation to become final goods.
• For example, a car component can be an intermediate good if it is incorporated into a vehicle, or a final good if it is sold to the consumer as a spare part.

Additional Information

• Consumer durable goods
• A type of consumer good that lasts for more than three years and is purchased infrequently.
• Examples include appliances, cars, and furniture.
• Finished goods
• A finished product that is purchased by consumers for personal or household use.
• Examples include food, clothing, vehicles, electronics, and appliances.
• Capital goods
• A tangible product that is used to produce goods and services, and is not typically sold to consumers.
• Examples include buildings, machinery, vehicles, large tools, and equipment

The correct answer is the Pacific plate

Key Points

• Pacific- The Pacific Plate is an oceanic tectonic plate that lies in the Pacific Ocean. The size of the plate is 102,900,000 km².
• Most of the Pacific Plate is made up of oceanic crust, except for areas around New Zealand and parts of California.
• Antarctic- Antarctica, the southernmost continent and site of the South Pole. The size of the Antarctic is approx 14 million km².
• Eurasian- Most of the continents of Europe and Asia are in the Eurasian Plate. The size of the Eurasian plate is 67,800,000 km².
• Indian Plate- The Indian tectonic plate is located in the northeast hemisphere. The size of the Plate is approx 11,900,000 km².

Additional Information

• South American plate-  The South American Plate is a major tectonic plate which includes the continent of South America as well as a sizable region of the Atlantic Ocean seabed extending eastward to the African Plate, with which it forms the southern part of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
• African plate- The African Plate, also known as the Nubian Plate, is a major tectonic plate that includes much of the continent of Africa and the adjacent oceanic crust to the west and south.
• Eurasian plate - The Eurasian Plate is a tectonic plate that makes up most of the continent of Eurasia, including Europe and northern Asia. It's the third-largest tectonic plate on Earth, covering an area of 67.8 million square kilometers

The correct answer is Ilango Adigal

Key Points

• Some of the best–known epics were written during the Sangam period.
• Epics are grand, long compositions, about heroic men and women, and include stories about gods.
• A famous Tamil epic, the Silappadikaram, was composed by a poet named Ilango, around 1800 years ago.
• It is the story of a merchant named Kovalan, who lived in Puhar and fell in love with a courtesan named Madhavi, neglecting his wife Kannagi.
• Later, he and Kannagi left Puhar and went to Madurai, where he was wrongly accused of theft by the court jeweller of the Pandya king.
• The king sentenced Kovalan to death.
• Kannagi, who still loved him, was full of grief and anger at this injustice, and destroyed the entire city of Madurai.
• Therefore, we can conclude that the Tamil epic, "Silappadikaram' was composed by Ilango.

Additional Information

• Tolkappiyar:
• Tolkappiyar is an ancient Tamil scholar and poet, known for writing the Tolkappiyam, one of the earliest works of Tamil literature.
• The Tolkappiyam is a treatise on grammar, poetics, and rhetoric, and it lays the foundations for the study of the Tamil language.
• It is believed to have been composed around 200 BCE to 300 BCE.
• The text covers phonetics, morphology, syntax, and semantics, providing a detailed description of the Tamil language structure and its rules for poetry.
• Tolkappiyar's work has been influential in shaping Tamil literary tradition.
• Sittalai Sattanar:
• Sittalai Sattanar was a Tamil poet and philosopher, credited with composing Patthupattu, a collection of ten poems.
• He is believed to have lived during the Sangam period, around the 3^rd century BCE.
• Sattanar is noted for his philosophical insights, especially his focus on ethics, governance, and the responsibilities of rulers.
• His work often touches upon the theme of justice, societal values, and the roles individuals play within society.
• Sattalai Sattanar's contributions to Tamil literature and philosophy have had a lasting impact on Tamil culture.
• Tirumalisai Alvar:
• Tirumalisai Alvar was one of the twelve Alvars, a group of poet-saints in Tamil Vaishnavism, who composed devotional hymns dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
• He is believed to have lived during the 8^th century CE.
• His works focus on expressing deep devotion to Vishnu, and he is known for his Prabandham (devotional hymns) which are a part of the Divya Prabandham anthology. Tirumalisai Alvar's hymns reflect the love and reverence for Lord Vishnu and advocate for the importance of surrendering to divine will.
• He is also credited with making significant contributions to the Bhakti movement in Tamil Nadu.

The correct answer is 67,956 km.

Key Points

• Indian Railways is the largest government undertaking in the country.
• The length of the Indian Railways network was 67,956 km (Railwayyearbook 2019-20).
• Its very large size puts a lot of pressure on a centralised railway management system.
• Based on the width of the track of the Indian Railways, three categories have been made:
• Broad gauge:
• The distance between rails in broad gauge is 1.676 metres.
• The total length of broad gauge lines was 63950 km (2019-20).
• Metre gauge:
• The distance between rails is one metre.
• Its total length was 2402 km(2019-20).
• Narrow gauge: ​
• The distance between the rails in this case is 0.762 metres or 0.610 metres.
• The total length of the narrow gauge was 1604 km (2019-20).
• It is generally confined to hilly areas.

The correct answer is b

Key Points

• The illustration that shows the structural details of the mitochondrion is option (b).
• This is because mitochondria are typically depicted as oval or bean-shaped organelles with an inner membrane folded into cristae, which helps in energy production within the cell.
• The mitochondrion is an essential organelle found in eukaryotic cells, often referred to as the "powerhouse of the cell" because it produces energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate).
• The structure of the mitochondrion includes the following key features:
• Outer Membrane: The outer membrane surrounds the mitochondrion and acts as a barrier, controlling the movement of ions and molecules into and out of the organelle.
• Inner Membrane: The inner membrane is highly folded into structures called cristae, which significantly increase the surface area for the chemical reactions that occur within the mitochondrion. These reactions are vital for ATP production, particularly in the electron transport chain.
• Matrix: The space inside the inner membrane is filled with a gel-like substance called the matrix. It contains enzymes that are essential for the Krebs cycle (part of cellular respiration).

The correct answer is Karnataka.

Key Points

• Nrityagram is an Odissi dance institution located near Hesaraghatta Lake in Karnataka.
• It was established by Odissi dancer Protima Gauri in 1990.
• It offers training in 7 Indian classical dance forms.
• These are- Odissi, Mohiniattam, Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, and Manipuri.
• It is made by architect Gerard da Cunha.
• It is located near Hesaraghatta lake 30km from Bengaluru.
• Nrityagram Dance Ensemble has performed across India and in many countries abroad.
• Training is offered for a period of 6-7 years to become professional dancers and teachers.

The correct answer is Butyric acid

Key Points

• Butyric acid is a straight-chain alkyl carboxylic acid with the chemical formula CH3CH2CH2CO2H.
• It is also known as butanoic acid.
• Butyric acid is a colorless, oily liquid with an unpleasant odor.
• It is a saturated fatty acid that is generally neutral, hydrophobic, and nearly insoluble. Butyric acid is responsible for the rancid smell of spoiled fatty products.
• In the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) nomenclature system, the parent hydrocarbon is the longest continuous chain (LCC) that contains the carboxyl group.
• The suffix "-oic" and the word "acid" replace the "-e" ending of the parent alkane

Additional Information

• Methanoic acid
• Also known as formic acid, its chemical formula is HCOOH.
• It's the simplest carboxylic acid and is found in nature, such as in bee and ant stings.
• It's also used as a preservative and antibacterial agent in livestock feed.
• Ethanoic acid
• Also known as acetic acid, its chemical formula is CH₃COOH.
• It's a colorless liquid with a strong vinegar-like odor.
• Propanoic acid
• Its chemical formula is CH₃CH₂COOH.
• It's used as an intermediate in the production of other chemicals, such as polymers, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals.
• It's a colorless, oily liquid with a slightly pungent, rancid odor and a sour, mildly cheese-like taste.

The correct answer is Ustad Zakir Hussain.

Key Points

• Zakir Hussain is the youngest percussionist to be awarded Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awards by the Government of India.
• Zakir Hussain (born 9 March 1951) is an Indian tabla player, composer, percussionist, music producer, and film actor.
• He is the eldest son of tabla player Alla Rakha.
• He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1988, and the Padma Bhushan in 2002, by the Government of India presented by President Abdul Kalam.
• He also won the Sangeet Natak Akademi award in 1990, making him one of the youngest musicians to receive this recognition given by the Sangeet Natak Academy, India's National Academy of Music, Dance & Drama.​

Additional Information

• Pandit Ravi Shankar (1920-2012):
• He was an Indian sitar virtuoso and a composer.
• He became the world's best-known exponent of North Indian classical music, in the second half of the 20^th century and influenced many other musicians throughout the world.
• Ravi Shankar was awarded India's highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna in 1999 and received three Grammy Awards for his outstanding work.
• Pandit Bhimsen Joshi​
• Pt Bhimsen Joshi is known for the khayal form of singing, as well as for his popular renditions of devotional music (bhajans and abhangs).
• Joshi belongs to the Kirana gharana tradition of Hindustani Classical Music.
• He received his training in singing and harmonium from Shamacharya Joshi.
• Joshi heard Ustad Abdul Kareem Khan and decided to sing like him.
• ​Ustad Bismillah Khan​
• Ustad Bismillah Khan used to play Shehnai.
• Ustad Bismillah Khan (1916 – 2006) (Real name is Qamaruddin Khan), was an Indian musician credited with popularizing the Shehnai.
• Shehnai is a musical instrument that is similar to the oboe (common in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.)
• He was felicitated with several awards including:
• Padma Shri in 1961
• Padma Bhushan in 1968
• Padma Vibhushan in 1980
• Bharat Ratna in 2001
• He also played the Shehnai at the 1^st Republic Day celebration in 1950.

The correct answer is Todar Mal

Key Points

• Raja Todar Mal was the revenue minister during the reign of Mughal emperor Akbar:
• Introduced the Dahsala system
• In 1580, Todar Mal introduced the Dahsala system of taxation, which was based on the average crop production over the previous 10 years.
• The state's share was one-third of the average produce.
• Introduced the Zabt tax
• Todar Mal also introduced the Zabt tax, a land tax system based on the productive capacity of the land.
• The tax was adjusted periodically to reflect changes in the land's value.
• Other contributions
• Todar Mal also introduced standard weights and measures, a land survey and settlement system, revenue districts, and officers.
• A member of Akbar's court
• Todar Mal was one of the Navaratnas in Akbar's court.

Additional Information

• Abdul Rahim, Mulla Do-Piyaza, and Tansen were all part of the "Navaratnas" or "Nine Jewels" of Mughal emperor Akbar's court:
• Abdul Rahim Khan-I-Khana
• A poet and statesman who was one of the nine important ministers in Akbar's court.
• He was also known as Rahim and Khan-i-Khanan.
• Mulla Do-Piyaza
• An advisor and vizier to Akbar who was portrayed as witty and a rival to Birbal. However, most scholars believe he was fictional.
• Tansen
• A musician whose full name was Ramtanu.
• He died in Agra on April 26, 1589 and is buried at the Memorial of Tansen in Gwalior.

Important Points

• The other members of the Navaratnas were:
• Abu'l-Fazl
• Raja Todar Mal
• Birbal
• Faizi
• Fakir Aziao-Din
• Man Singh
• The Navaratnas were experts in different art fields and helped Akbar make important decisions.

The Correct answer is Section 5.

Key Points

• The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019 was enacted to protect the rights of married Muslim women.
• Under this act, Section 5 specifically deals with the provision for subsistence allowance.
• It mandates that a Muslim woman against whom talaq has been pronounced is entitled to receive a subsistence allowance from her husband for her and her children.
• The allowance amount and terms are determined by the First Class Magistrate upon the woman’s application.
• This provision aims to ensure the financial stability of Muslim women who are divorced through the practice of instant triple talaq.

 Additional Information

• Section 4
• This section of the act makes the pronouncement of triple talaq (talaq-e-biddat) a criminal offence.
• A husband who pronounces triple talaq can be punished with imprisonment for up to three years and a fine.
• Section 6
• This section pertains to the custody of minor children.
• It states that the determination of custody will be made by the First Class Magistrate as deemed just and proper for the welfare of the minor.
• Section 7
• This section states that an offence under this act is cognizable, compoundable, and non-bailable.
• The offence can be compounded only at the instance of the married Muslim woman upon whom talaq is pronounced.

The correct answer is the conduct of business of the Government of India

Key Points

• Article 77 of the Indian Constitution deals with the conduct of business of the Government of India.
• It includes the following provisions:
• The President makes rules to facilitate the transaction of government business.
• These rules also allocate the business among Ministers.
• All executive actions of the Government of India are to be taken in the name of the President.
• The President authenticates orders and other instruments made in their name.
• The validity of an authenticated order or instrument cannot be questioned.