General Awareness PYQs

The correct answer is They give birth to live young ones with some exceptions those lay eggs

Key Points

• The characteristic that is not of Aves is giving birth to live young ones with some exceptions those lay eggs:
• Aves are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs, while mammals are viviparous, meaning they give birth to live young.
• The only mammals that lay eggs are the platypus and the echidnas.
• Some other characteristics of Aves include:
• They are warm-blooded animals
• They have a four-chambered heart
• They have feathers covering their bodies
• Their forelimbs are modified into wings
• They breathe through lungs
• They have no teeth
• They have sharp eyesight
• They have a modified beak made from their upper and lower jaws

The correct answer is Sikkim

Key Points

• Sikkim has limited rail transport development due to its challenging geographical conditions, such as:
• Mountainous terrain and steep slopes.
• Dense forests and fragile ecosystems.
• Lack of large plains suitable for laying railway tracks.
• Sikkim is a small Himalayan state with mountainous terrain.
• This makes it difficult and expensive to construct and maintain railway tracks.
• The challenging topography limits the potential for rail transport development in the state.
• While Sikkim is working on developing its first railway line, the Sivok-Rangpo railway project, the state's geographical conditions pose significant challenges to rail transport development.

The correct answer is The Discovery of India- Subhash Chandra Bose

Key Points

• The incorrect pairing is: 
• The Discovery of India – Subhash Chandra Bose
• The correct author of "The Discovery of India" is Jawaharlal Nehru.
• He wrote this book while imprisoned in the Ahmednagar Fort during the Quit India Movement.
• It is a reflection on Indian history and culture.

Additional Information

• Hind Swaraj – Mahatma Gandhi
• This pairing is correct.
• Mahatma Gandhi wrote "Hind Swaraj" in 1909, where he outlined his views on Swaraj (self-rule), modern civilization, and the path to Indian independence.
• It's a significant work in understanding Gandhi's philosophy and political thought.
• Gitanjali – Rabindranath Tagore
• This pairing is also correct. "Gitanjali" is a collection of poems by Rabindranath Tagore, for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913.
• It's a beautiful collection of poems expressing spiritual and philosophical ideas.
• Why I am an Atheist – Bhagat Singh
• This pairing is correct as well.
• Bhagat Singh, a prominent Indian revolutionary, wrote this essay expressing his views on atheism and the need for rational thinking.
• It's a significant text in understanding his intellectual and philosophical beliefs.

The correct answer is Rabindranath Tagore

Key Points

• Rabindranath Tagore was the poet who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913:
• Tagore was a poet, writer, artist, and lyricist from Bengal.
• His work was rooted in both Indian and Western learning traditions.
• He wrote poetry, songs, stories, dramas, literary criticism, philosophy, and social issues.
• Tagore won the Nobel Prize for his "profoundly sensitive, fresh and beautiful verse".
• The prize was awarded for his book of song offerings, Gitanjali.
• Tagore was the first person from India and Asia to win the Nobel Prize in Literature.
• He was also the first non-European to receive the award.

Additional Information 

• Aurobindo Ghose (Sri Aurobindo):
• Aurobindo Ghose, commonly known as Sri Aurobindo, was a prominent Indian philosopher, poet, and nationalist.
• He was a key figure in the Indian independence movement and later became a spiritual leader.
• Sri Aurobindo played an essential role in the early years of India's struggle for freedom from British rule and is known for his writings on spiritual evolution, the nature of the universe, and the role of human beings in achieving higher states of consciousness.
• His major works include The Life Divine and Savitri, an epic poem.
• Aurobindo also founded the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry, which became a center for spiritual learning.
• Rudyard Kipling:
• Rudyard Kipling was a British author and poet, best known for his works related to British India.
• He was born in 1865 and is famous for books like The Jungle Book, Kim, and poems such as If— and Gunga Din.
• Kipling's writings often dealt with themes of British imperialism, colonialism, and the relationship between the British and the Indian people.
• His work earned him the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1907.
• Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay:
• Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay was a Bengali writer, poet, and journalist, known for his contributions to literature and his role in the Indian nationalist movement.
• He is best known for writing the national song Vande Mataram, which became a rallying cry for India's independence movement.
• His novel Anandamath (1882) is also notable for its portrayal of Bengali culture and history.

The correct answer is 1964

Key Points

• National Institute of Kathak Dance, also known as Kathak Kendra.
• It was Established in 1964 (the institution became a part of the Sangeet Natak Akademi).
• It is the premier dance institution for the Indian classical dance form of Kathak, and a unit of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, India's National Academy of Music, Dance and Drama, situated in New Delhi.
• The institution is primarily dedicated to Kathak, though it also offers courses in Hindustani classical music (Vocal) and Pakhawaj and Tabla.
• Kathak Kendra was originally established as the Kathak wing of the Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra, in 1955, through the efforts of Nirmala Joshi, the first secretary of the Sangeet Natak Akademi.
• Here Pandit Shambhu Maharaj, celebrated Guru of the Lucknow Gharana (school) of Kathak, was head of the department.
• Shambhu Maharaj received the highest award of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship in 1967.
• Birju Maharaj a Kathak dancer was his nephew.

Additional Information

Sangeet Natak Akademi

• The Sangeet Natak Akademi is constituted of three main units. The two of these units are dance teaching Institutes, as given below.
• Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy, called JNMDA located in Imphal.
• Kathak Kendra is located in Delhi.
• The President of India appoints the chairman of this Akademi.
• The term of office for the chairman is of 5 years.
• The duties, responsibilities, and functions of Sangeet Natak Akademi have been described in the Academy’s Memorandum of Association.
• This memoran

The correct answer is Madhya Pradesh

Key Points

• Madhya Pradesh had the lowest unemployment rate among people aged 15 years and above in 2020-21.

Additional Information

• Gujarat: The unemployment rate in Gujarat for the year 2020-21 was 3.1%.
• Jharkhand: In 2020-21, Jharkhand had an unemployment rate of 3.6%.
• Delhi: The unemployment rate in Delhi during 2020-21 stood at 4.6%.
• Chhattisgarh: Chhattisgarh has the lowest unemployment rate in India, with 14 unemployed individuals per 1,000 people.
• Youth Unemployment: The unemployment rate among youth aged 15-29 was 12.9% in 2020-21.

The Correct Answer is 1925.

Key Points

• Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) was the apex governing body of field hockey in India formed on 7 November 1925 in Gwalior.
• It is the first Non-European Country which was a part of International Hockey Federation
• As a member of the International Hockey Federation, it represented India in all international matches under the former leadership of KPS Gill & the secretary of the federation, K.Jyothikumaran.
• The women's team was directed by the Indian Women's Hockey Federation.
• R. K. Shetty was elected as a new IHF president in 2010.

The correct answer is Peroxisomes.

Key Points

• Peroxisomes -
• Peroxisomes are small, membrane-bound organelles that contain enzymes involved in various metabolic reactions, including the oxidation of fatty acids and amino acids.
• These organelles play a crucial role in detoxifying harmful substances and in lipid metabolism.
• They produce hydrogen peroxide as a byproduct of these reactions, which is then broken down by the enzyme catalase.

Additional Information

• Centrosome
• Centrosome was discovered by T. Boberi in 1888.
• In almost all types of colonocytes except the nerve cell, a star-like structure is visible in the cytoplasm near the nucleus, which is called the centrosome.
• It helps in cell division,
• Forms cilia and flagellum and makes the tail of spermatozoa.
• Vacuole
• Vacuole is surrounded by the tonoplast, a type of cytoplasmic membrane that can stretch and fills itself with a solution known as cell sap
• Vacuoles are found mainly in plant cells and are filled with water, containing inorganic and organic molecules.
• Nucleus
• The nucleus is a pivotal organelle responsible to regulate almost all forms of cellular activities.
• Mostly, every type of cell that exists is categorized on the basis of the absence or presence of the nucleus within its cell (categorized either as a prokaryotic or eukaryotic cell.)

The correct answer is transfer of electrons between two reactants.

Key Points

Redox Reactions

• Redox reactions are chemical reactions in which the oxidation states of atoms are changed.
• These reactions involve the transfer of electrons from one substance to another.
• One substance is oxidized (losing electrons) and another is reduced (gaining electrons).

Explanation:-

1. Zn + CuSO4 → ZnSO4 + Cu

• Zn goes from 0 to +2 oxidation state (oxidation).
• Cu goes from +2 to 0 oxidation state (reduction).
• This is a redox reaction.

2. 2KClO3 + I2 → 2KIO3 + Cl2

• Cl in KClO3 goes from +5 to 0 oxidation state (reduction).
• I in I2 goes from 0 to +5 oxidation state in KIO3 (oxidation).
• This is a redox reaction.

3. H2 + Cl2 → 2HCl

• H goes from 0 to +1 oxidation state (oxidation).
• Cl goes from 0 to -1 oxidation state (reduction).
• This is a redox reaction.

The correct answer is Buddhism.

Key Points

• Buddhism
• Gautama Buddha, variously termed Sakyamuni or Tathagata, is considered as the founder of Buddhism.
• He was born as Siddhartha to Suddhodhana, the ruler of the Sakyan republic, and his wife Maya, on Vaisakha Purnima in the Lumbini gardens near Kapilavasthu (in Nepal) in the 6^th century BC.

Additional Information

• Jainism
• Jainism is one of the world’s oldest living religions.
• Jainism grounds itself in 24 Tirthankaras.
• A ‘Tirthankara’, is the one who revealed religious truth at different times.
• The first Tirthankara was Rishabhadev.
• The last and 24^th tirthankara of the Jainas was Mahaveer Swami or Vardhamana Mahavira.
• Jainism gained prominence under the aegis of Mahavira, during the sixth century BC.
• He was a kshatriya prince of the Lichchhavis, a group that was part of the Vajji sangha.
• At the age of thirty, he left home and went to live in a forest.
• For twelve years he led a hard and lonely life, at the end of which he attained enlightenment.
• The followers of Mahavira were known as Jainas.
• The teachings of Mahavira and his followers were transmitted orally for several centuries.
• They were written down in the form in which they are presently available at a place called Valabhi, in Gujarat, about 1500 years ago.

The correct answer is Orphans, specially abled children, destitute women and senior citizens.

Key Points

• The Mukhya Mantri Sukh Aashray Kosh is a new initiative of the government, constituted on the auspicious occasion of new year by the state government.
• Taking an innovative step towards humanity to shoulder his social responsibility, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh has contributed his first salary to the Mukhya Mantri Sukh Aashray Kosh.
• The Hon'ble Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh also announced on 1^st January that all designated ministers and Congress MLAs have volunteered to donate their first salary as MLAs to the fund.
• The outlay budget of the scheme is 101 crores.
• The fund has been started with a vision to help and assist needy students and destitute women to get higher education.
• This would also help them to lead a life of dignity.
• A specific amount would be given to these students and women which would help them in acquiring desired higher education.

The correct answer is 10 million LPG connections will be provided to the beneficiaries.

Key Points

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Ujjwala 2.0 (Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana - PMUY) by handing over LPG connections, at Mahoba, Uttar Pradesh on 10^th August 2021.

 Additional Information

• Ujjwala 1.0 was launched in 2016 and the target was set to provide LPG connections to five crore women members of BPL households.
• Subsequently, the scheme was expanded in April 2018 to include women beneficiaries from seven more categories: SC/ST, PMAY, AAY, Most backward classes, tea garden, forest dwellers, Islands.
• In the Union budget for FY 21-22, provision for an additional one crore LPG connection under the PMUY scheme was announced.
• These one crore additional PMUY connections (under Ujjwala 2.0) aim to provide deposit-free LPG connections to those low-income families who could not be covered under the earlier phase of PMUY.
• Along with a deposit free LPG connection, Ujjwala 2.0 will provide the first refill and hotplate free of cost to the beneficiaries. Also, the enrollment procedure will require minimal paperwork.

The correct answer is Nagaland.

Key Points

• The MG Music Awards is an annual music awards show presented by the Musicians Guild Nagaland.
• The first edition was held virtually in 2021, while the second edition took place offline in 2022 at the RCEMPA Hall in Jotsoma, Nagaland.
• The awards aim to recognize and celebrate musical talent from the northeastern states of India.
• The 2022 edition featured 12 categories, including Best Rock Artist, Best Indie Artist, Best Rap/Hiphop Artist, Best Gospel Artist, Best Folk Fusion Artist, Best Electronic Artist, Best Pop Solo Artist, Best Pop Duo/Group, Best Sound Engineer, Most Promising Artist,and Song of the Year.
• The awards ceremony also included performances by various artists from the region.
• The MG Music Awards have become a significant platform for showcasing and promoting the diverse musical talent of the northeastern states.

The correct answer is net worth.

Key Points

• Net worth is a financial metric that represents the overall value of an individual, company, or entity.
• It's calculated by subtracting total liabilities from total assets.
• A positive net worth indicates financial health, while a negative one signifies debt exceeding assets.

 Additional Information

• Assets:
• These are items of value owned by an individual or entity, such as real estate, vehicles, investments, bank accounts, and personal belongings.
• Liabilities:
• These are financial obligations or debts, including mortgages, loans, credit card debt, and other outstanding payments.

The correct answer is Diwan-i-Arz

Key Points

• Balban created the department of Diwan-i-Arz in Delhi Sultanate.
• Diwan-i-Arz
• Diwan-i-Arz was essentially the Department of Military managed by Ariz-i-Mamalik.
• He was accountable for the regulation and preservation of the royal army.

Additional Information

• Administration under the Sultanate:
• It was also influenced by the Iranian system of administration.
• The situation in India and Indian traditions was kept in mind during these systems.
• Organs of the Government:
• Diwan-i-Wizarat:
• Department of revenue and finance headed by the Wazir.
• Diwan-i-Arz:
• Department of Military headed by Ariz-i-Mamalik.
• Diwan-i- Insha:
• Department of royal correspondence headed by Dabir-i-lnsha.
• Diwan-i-Risalat:
• Department of religious affairs headed by the chief Qazi.
• Diwan-i-bandagan:
• ​Diwan-i-bandagan (department of slaves) and Diwan-i-Khairat (charity department) was created by Firuz Shah Tughluq.
• Diwan-i-mustakharaj:
• Diwan-i-mustakharaj  (to realise arrears) was created by Alauddin Khiiji.
• Diwan- i-kohi:
• Diwan- i-kohi (department of agriculture) was created by Muhammad bin Tughluq.

The correct answer is Ultraviolet radiation.

Key Points

• The ozone layer is a region of Earth's stratosphere that absorbs most of the Sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
• It contains a high concentration of ozone (O₃) molecules.
• The absorption of UV radiation by the ozone layer protects living organisms on Earth from potential damage such as skin cancer and cataracts.
• The ozone layer is mainly located in the lower portion of the stratosphere, from approximately 15 to 35 kilometers above Earth.

Additional Information

• Ozone (O₃)
• Ozone is a molecule composed of three oxygen atoms, formed naturally in the stratosphere.
• It is produced when oxygen molecules (O₂) are split by ultraviolet light and then recombine with other oxygen molecules.
• Ozone is crucial for absorbing the majority of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation.
• Though beneficial in the stratosphere, ozone can be a pollutant at ground level, contributing to smog.
• Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation
• Ultraviolet radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths shorter than visible light but longer than X-rays.
• UV radiation is divided into three types based on wavelength: UVA, UVB, and UVC.
• UVC is the most harmful but is completely absorbed by the ozone layer and oxygen in the atmosphere.
• UVB is partially absorbed by the ozone layer and can cause skin burns and cancer.
• UVA has the least energy and is not absorbed by the ozone layer, but it can still cause skin aging and contribute to skin cancer.
• Stratosphere
• The stratosphere is the second major layer of Earth's atmosphere, just above the troposphere and below the mesosphere.
• It extends from about 10 to 50 kilometers above the Earth's surface.
• The stratosphere is characterized by a temperature inversion, meaning temperatures increase with altitude.
• This temperature increase is due to the absorption of ultraviolet radiation by the ozone layer.

The correct answer is Home Rule League.

Key Points

• The Home Rule League was a national political organization in India that aimed to achieve self-government within the British Empire.
• It was established by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Annie Besant in 1916.
• The organization was divided into two branches: Tilak's Home Rule League (based in Maharashtra) and Besant's Home Rule League (based in Madras).
• The leagues were influential in mobilizing Indian public opinion and educating the masses on self-rule and nationalistic ideas.

Additional Information

• Indian Association
• The Indian Association was founded by Surendranath Banerjee and Ananda Mohan Bose in 1876.
• It aimed to promote political education and rights among Indians and was a precursor to the Indian National Congress.
• Theosophical Society
• The Theosophical Society was founded by Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, Henry Steel Olcott, and others in 1875 in New York City.
• Annie Besant was a prominent member who later became its president and played a significant role in India's independence movement.
• East Indian Association
• The East Indian Association was founded by Dadabhai Naoroji in 1866 in London.
• It aimed to promote Indian interests and create a platform for Indian grievances in the UK.
• Home Rule League
• The Home Rule League was a movement that sought self-government for India within the British Empire.
• It drew inspiration from the Irish Home Rule Movement and was a significant milestone in India's struggle for independence.
• Bal Gangadhar Tilak's league operated primarily in western India, while Annie Besant's league covered the rest of the country.

The correct answer is 1983.

Key Points

• India did not host the ICC Cricket World Cup in 1983.
• The 1983 Cricket World Cup was hosted by England.
• India won the 1983 Cricket World Cup by defeating the West Indies in the final.
• India has hosted the ICC Cricket World Cup in 1987, 1996, and 2011, 2023.

Additional Information

• ICC Cricket World Cup
• The ICC Cricket World Cup is the international championship of One Day International (ODI) cricket.
• The event is organized by the sport's governing body, the International Cricket Council (ICC), every four years.
• The tournament is one of the world's most viewed sporting events and is considered the "flagship event of the international cricket calendar" by the ICC.
• England hosted the first three editions of the World Cup (1975, 1979, and 1983).
• India's World Cup Wins
• India has won the ICC Cricket World Cup twice, in 1983 and 2011.
• In 1983, India defeated the West Indies by 43 runs at Lord's, London.
• In 2011, India defeated Sri Lanka by 6 wickets at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
• Hosting Countries
• India has co-hosted the ICC Cricket World Cup with other countries on three occasions:
• 1987 - Co-hosted with Pakistan
• 1996 - Co-hosted with Pakistan and Sri Lanka
• 2011 - Co-hosted with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh
• 2023 - hosted by India
• The 1983 World Cup was held in England, where India emerged as the champions for the first time.

The correct answer is Option 2.

Key Points

• Tajul Ma'asir was authored by Hasan Nizami.
• Khazain-ul Futuh was written by Amir Khusrav.
• Tarikh-i-Firuzshahi was penned by Ziauddin Barani.
• Tarikh-i-Mubarakshahi was authored by Yahya bin Ahmad Sirhindi.

Additional Information

• Tajul Ma'asir
• This is a historical text written by Hasan Nizami.
• It records the early years of the Delhi Sultanate, particularly the reign of Qutb-ud-din Aibak.
• Khazain-ul Futuh
• Also known as "The Treasures of Victory," it was authored by Amir Khusrav.
• This book chronicles the military campaigns of Alauddin Khilji and is a significant source for the history of his reign.
• Tarikh-i-Firuzshahi
• Written by Ziauddin Barani, it is a historical account of the Delhi Sultanate.
• It details the reigns of several sultans from Balban to Firuz Shah Tughlaq.
• Tarikh-i-Mubarakshahi
• Authored by Yahya bin Ahmad Sirhindi, this book provides a historical account of the Delhi Sultanate.
• It covers the period from the foundation of the Delhi Sultanate up to the 15^th century, with a particular focus on the reigns of different rulers.

The correct answer is Land and other renewable resources are under pressure.

Key Points

• Overpopulation leads to excessive demand for land, causing urban sprawl and deforestation as more land is needed for housing, agriculture, and infrastructure.
• Renewable resources such as water, forests, and soil face immense pressure due to overpopulation, leading to their degradation and depletion.
• High population density results in increased consumption and waste production, putting additional stress on land and renewable resources.
• Overpopulation exacerbates environmental pollution and reduces the availability of clean air and water, impacting overall ecosystem health.

Additional Information

• Overpopulation
• Overpopulation occurs when the number of people exceeds the carrying capacity of the environment, leading to environmental degradation and resource depletion.
• It is driven by factors such as high birth rates, lower mortality rates, and migration.
• Overpopulation can result in severe economic, social, and environmental challenges, including unemployment, poverty, and loss of biodiversity.
• Urban Sprawl
• Urban sprawl refers to the uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into rural land.
• It leads to habitat destruction, increased air and water pollution, and greater reliance on automobiles, contributing to higher greenhouse gas emissions.
• Managing urban sprawl requires effective urban planning and policies promoting sustainable development.
• Deforestation
• Deforestation is the large-scale removal of forests, often to clear land for agriculture, urban development, or logging.
• It results in the loss of biodiversity, disruption of water cycles, and contribution to climate change through increased carbon emissions.
• Efforts to combat deforestation include reforestation, sustainable land management practices, and enforcement of environmental regulations.