General Awareness PYQs

The correct answer is West Bengal

Key Points

• Poush Mela is a festival celebrated in the Indian state of West Bengal:
• Poush Mela is held in Santiniketan, in the Birbhum district of West Bengal
• Poush Mela is held on the 7^th day of the Poush month and lasts for three days.
• However, since 2017, it has been extended to six days due to its popularity.
• Poush Mela is a festival that marks the beginning of the harvest season.
• It features live performances of Bengali folk music, such as baul, kirtan, and Kobigan.
• It also displays local artisans, food, and culture.

Additional Information 

The correct answer is Ibn Batuta

Key Points

• Ibn Batuta visited India during the reign of Sultan Muhammad bin Tughlaq.
• According to his accounts, the people of Delhi used to write letters containing abuses to the Sultan.
• To punish them, the Sultan decided to shift the capital from Delhi to Devagiri, which he renamed as Daulatabad.

Additional Information

• Hasan Nizami:
• Hasan Nizami was a Persian historian and writer during the medieval period.
• He is best known for his work, "Taj-ul-Maasir", a historical account of the reign of the Sultan of Delhi, Mahmud of Ghazni.
• Nizami's work offers valuable insights into the politics, culture, and social conditions of that period.
• Al-Biruni:
• Abu Rayhan al-Biruni (973–1048) was a renowned Persian scholar, historian, and polymath during the Islamic Golden Age.
• He made significant contributions to many fields, including astronomy, mathematics, physics, and geography.
• Al-Biruni is especially famous for his works on India, including "Kitab al-Hind", in which he detailed the culture, religion, and sciences of India.
• His scholarly approach combined a deep understanding of Indian civilization with a critical and comparative analysis.
• Isami:
• Isami (also known as Siyah-yi Isami) was a Persian historian and author who lived during the 14^th century.
• He is best known for his historical work "Futuh al-Salatin" (The Conquests of Kings), which provides an account of the history of the Delhi Sultanate.
• His work is a valuable source for understanding the history of medieval India, particularly during the reign of the early Sultans

The correct answer is Chennai Central

Key Points

• The Chennai Central railway station was selected for the 'One Station One Product' (OSOP) scheme in 2022, with Kanchipuram sarees as the chosen product.
• The OSOP scheme was announced in the Union Budget 2022-23 to promote local products and arts, and to enhance the livelihoods of local artisans, weavers, and craftsmen.
• The scheme aims to make railway stations promotional hubs for local products and to present unique regional products to railway travellers.
• The OSOP scheme includes:
• Providing sale outlets at stations nationwide
• Allotting sale outlets through a tendering process
• Offering uniquely designed sale outlets at stations
• Showcasing Indigenous/local products with distinctive aesthetics
• Some other products sold under the OSOP scheme include:
• Tant handloom sarees and handloom textile at Howrah
• Assamese Gamocha at Guwahati
• Channapatna wooden toys at Bengaluru
• Ranipet leather products
• Thirubhuvanam sarees
• Thanjavur painting

The correct answer is a,b,c

Key Points

• The Morley-Minto Reforms of 1909, also known as the Indian Councils Act of 1909, were significant constitutional reforms introduced by the British government in India.
• They are known for their impact on Indian politics during the colonial period.
• Statement I: They are also called the Indian Councils Act, of 1909.
• The statement is Correct.
• The Morley-Minto Reforms are indeed known as the Indian Councils Act of 1909.
• It was named after the Secretary of State for India, John Morley, and the Viceroy of India, Lord Minto.
• Statement II They increased the strength of Legislative Councils.
• The statement is Correct.
• The Morley-Minto Reforms expanded the Legislative Councils at both the central and provincial levels by increasing the number of members.
• The reforms allowed for more representation for Indians, though the majority of the seats were still held by the British.
• Statement III: The right to separate the electorate was given to the Muslims.
• This statement is also Correct.
• One of the most significant provisions of the Morley-Minto Reforms was the introduction of separate electorates for Muslims.
• This meant that Muslims could elect their own representatives to the legislative councils, and their votes would not be counted by the general electorate.
• Hence all the statements are true

The correct answer is 5 seconds

Key Points

• To calculate the time it takes for a sound wave to travel a distance, we can use the formula:
• ​Distance/ Speed of Sound
• We are given:
• Distance = 1.5 km = 1500 meters
• Frequency of the sound wave = 5 kHz = 5000 Hz
• Wavelength = 6 cm = 0.06 meters
• First, we need to calculate the speed of sound using the formula:
• Speed of sound=Frequency×Wavelength
• Substituting the given values:
• ​Speed of sound=5000Hz×0.06m=300m/s
• Now, we can calculate the time taken for the sound wave to travel 1500 meters:
• ​Time= 1500m/300m/s=5 Seconds

The correct answer is Article 166

Key Points

• Article 166 of the Constitution of India deals with the conduct of business of the Government of a state:
• All executive action of the state government must be taken in the name of the Governor.
• The Governor makes rules for the transaction of state government business and allocates it among ministers.
• Orders and instruments made in the name of the Governor are authenticated in a manner specified by the Governor's rules.

Additional Information 

• Article 164
• The Governor appoints the Chief Minister and other Ministers, who serve at the Governor's pleasure.
• Ministers are responsible for the conduct of government business.
• Article 167
• The Chief Minister is responsible for providing information to the Governor about the state's administration.
• Article 177
• The rights of Ministers and the Advocate-General in relation to the Houses are defined

The correct answer is Padma Vibhushan

Key Points

• In 1984 he was awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi (National Academy of Music, Dance, and Drama) award for his outstanding contribution to music.
• He received two of India's highest civilian honours, the Padma Bhushan (1992) and the Padma Vibhushan (2000)
• Here are some other awards that Chaurasia received:
• Sangeet Natak Akademi: 1984
• Konark Samman: 1992
• Padma Bhushan: 1992
• Yasha Bharati Samman: 1994
• Akshaya Samman: 2009
• Pune Pandit Award: 2008
• Chaurasia was born in Prayagraj on July 1, 1938.
• He was a member of the maihar Senia gharana, a community of performers with a distinctive musical style.
• He learned from the famous flute player Bholanath Prasanna.
• He also formed a group called Shiv-Hari with Santoor player Shiv Kumar Sharma.

Additional Information

• Padma Shri
• The fourth highest civilian award, given for "distinguished service".
• It was established in 1954 and is awarded to Indian citizens for their contributions in various fields.
• The award is shaped like a geometric pattern on a circle, with the words "Padma" and "Shri" inscribed above and below a lotus flower in the center.
• Padma Vibhushan
• The second highest civilian award, given for "exceptional and distinguished service".
• It was established in 1954.
• Padma Bhushan
• The third highest civilian award, given for "distinguished service of a high order".
• It was established in 1954.
• Bharat Ratna
• The highest civilian award, given for exceptional service or performance in any field.
• The Prime Minister makes recommendations to the President of India for the Bharat Ratna award, and the number of awards given in a year is limited to three.
• The Government of India awards these civilian awards on Republic Day, January 26, each year.

The correct answer is Deuce

Key Points

• The term "Deuce" is not related to cricket:
• Deuce: A term used in badminton that refers to when both players have the same score on the game or match point.
• For example, if the score is 20-20, the players need to score two consecutive points to win.

Additional Information

• Wide ball: A delivery in cricket that doesn't count as one of the six deliveries in an over.
• It also doesn't count as a ball faced by the batters.
• Wicket: A term used in cricket
• No ball: A term used in cricket

The correct answer is Kushana

Key Points

• Vasudeva I was one of the prominent rulers of the Kushana dynasty, which ruled over a large part of northern India and Central Asia from the 1^st to 3^rd centuries CE.
• The Kushana Empire is known for its cultural and economic achievements, including the introduction of gold coins.
• Gold Coins (Dinars):
• Vasudeva I was known for issuing gold coins (dinars), which was a significant achievement in the history of Indian numismatics.
• These coins often featured portraits of the king and deities, showcasing the wealth and prosperity of his reign.
• Kushana Dynasty:
• The Kushanas, under their ruler Kanishka, and later rulers like Vasudeva I, played a significant role in facilitating trade along the Silk Route and were instrumental in the cultural and religious syncretism between Greek, Persian, Indian, and Central Asian influences.
• They were also patrons of Buddhism and helped spread it across Central Asia.

Additional Information

• Shunga dynasty (c. 185–73 BCE):
• The Shungas ruled after the Mauryan Empire and issued coins in various metals, including copper and silver.
• They were primarily known for their patronage of Hinduism and the arts
• They ruled from 184 AD to 75 BCE.
• Their capital was Patliputra.
• Vakataka dynasty (c. 250–500 CE):
• The Vakatakas were an Indian dynasty that ruled parts of central India.
• The Vakataka Empire was a dynasty of the Indian subcontinent, starting in the mid-3^rd century CE from the Deccan.
• It was a Brahmin dynasty.
• It is noted that the Vakatakas were patrons of the arts, architecture, and literature.
• Under the patronage of emperor Vakataka, Harishena, the rock-cut Buddhist viharas and chaityas of Ajanta Caves (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) were built.
• Shaka (Scythian) dynasty (c. 1^st century BCE – 4^th century CE):
• The Shakas, who were Central Asian nomads, also ruled parts of northwestern India.
• They issued silver coins and copper coins
• The Shaka rulers were also known as the Scythians in ancient literature.
• They were mainly concentrated in western and central India, and their reigns overlapped with those of other regional powers like the Satavahanas, the Kushans, and the Guptas.

The correct answer is Parallel Venation

Key Points

• The reason for the similar size of the vascular bundles in monocot leaves is parallel venation.
• The parallel venation of monocot leaves is reflected in the near similar sizes of vascular bundles, except in the main veins.
• A vascular bundle is a part of the transport system in vascular plants.
• It contains xylem and phloem tissues, as well as supporting and protective tissues.
• The xylem is typically located towards the axis, while the phloem is positioned away from the axis.
• Monocots, or monocotyledons, are a group of flowering plants that include grasses and grass-like plants.
• The seeds of monocots typically contain only one embryonic leaf, or cotyledon.

The correct answer is Hariprasad Chaurasia.

Key Points

• Hariprasad Chaurasia was born on 1 July 1938. He is an Indian music director and classical flautist, who plays the Bansuri in the Hindustani classical tradition.
• He was born in Pryagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
• The 2013 documentary film Bansuri Guru features the life and legacy of Chaurasia.
• He won Gansamradni Lata Mangeshkar Award - 2021-22, Padma Bhushan(1992), Padma Vibhushan(2000) etc.
• Official Biography 'Breath of Gold' by Sathya Saran- 2019 and 'Bansuri Samrat: Hariprasad Chaurasia' by Surjit Singh are some of the biographies of Chaurasia.

Additional Information

• MS Subbulakshmi:-
• She​ was a renowned Carnatic vocalist and musician who popularized the genre of Carnatic music not only in India but around the world.
• She was the first musician to be awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, for her contribution to music.
• MS Subbulakshmi's music was deeply rooted in the tradition of Carnatic music, which has its origins in South India.
• She was known for her renditions of devotional songs and bhajans in the Carnatic style, which were widely appreciated by audiences of all backgrounds.
• Ravi Shankar
• Pt Ravi Shankar was a renowned Sitarist.
• He was also an Indian composer and musician born on 7 April 1920.
• He has been honored with prestigious awards such as Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, Bharat Ratna, and Grammy Award.
• The "Sitar maestro" was the best-known proponent of the sitar in the second half of the 20^th century and influenced many other musicians throughout the world including Beatles guitarist George Harrison.
• Bismillah Khan
• Bismillah Khan, original name Kamaruddin Khan is an Indian musician who played 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

The correct answer is Gross investment - depreciation.

Key Points

• A company's net investment is the sum of its expenditures on capital assets less the cost of depreciating those assets.
• This gives an idea of the actual spending on durable products utilized by the company in its operations, such as buildings, machinery, and software.

 Additional Information

• Depreciation: It means a fall in the value of an asset because of usage or with efflux of time or due to obsolescence or accident.
• Appreciation: It means an increase in the value of an asset over time. This the opposite of depreciation. It is an upward adjustment of the value of an asset held on a company's accounting book.
• Deceleration: It is the rate at which an asset's value in the market goes down.
• Gross investment: It is the total amount spent on goods in order to produce other goods and services.
• Net investment: It is the amount of increase in productive stock.
• Capital investment is the money used by a business to purchase fixed assets, such as land, machinery, or buildings. The money may be in the form of cash, assets, or loans. Without capital investment, businesses may have a hard time getting off the ground.

The correct answer is 1983.

Key Points

• India became the winner of the Cricket World Cup for the first time in 1983.
• The Indian cricket team, led by Kapil Dev, defeated the West Indies in the final match.
• The final match was held at the Lords Cricket Ground in London on 25^th June 1983.
• This victory marked a significant milestone in Indian cricket history and inspired future generations of cricketers.
• The win was unexpected as the West Indies team was considered the strongest, having won the previous two World Cups.

 Additional Information

• The 1983 Cricket World Cup was the third edition of the tournament.
• It was organized by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and was held from 9^th June to 25^th June 1983.
• A total of eight teams participated in the tournament, including India, West Indies, Australia, England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and Zimbabwe.
• The Indian team’s victory in 1983 played a pivotal role in popularizing cricket in India, leading to the sport's massive following in the country today.

The correct answer is a-i, b-ii, c-iii, d-iv.

Key Points

• Asiatic Society of Bengal
• Sir William Jones was a British Orientalist and jurist.
• He established the Asiatic Society of Bengal in 1784.
• It was formed to encourage Oriental studies in India.
• The formation of the Asiatic Society was supported by the then governor-general of British India Warren Hastings.
• The headquarters of the Asiatic Society of Bengal was in Kolkata.
• Indians were first admitted as members of the Asiatic Society of Bengal in 1829.
• Sanskrit College of Benaras
• Jonathan Duncan founded the Sanskrit College of Benaras in 1791.
• It was initially established as a Sanskrit college to promote the study of ancient Indian texts and languages.
• Fort William College
• Fort William College was established in 1800 by Lord Wellesley.
• It was initially intended to train British civil servants in Asian languages and cultures.
• The college fostered a scholarly interest in regional languages and literatures.
• It contributed significantly to the development and standardization of Bengali literature and language.
• The works and translations produced under its auspices had a lasting impact on Bengali culture.
• Calcutta Madrasa 
• The Calcutta Madrasah was established by Warren Hastings in 1781 for the study of Muslim law and related subjects.

The correct answer is Kerala.

Key Points

• Kathakali is a classical dance form that originates from Kerala, a state in the southern part of India.
• It is distinguished by its vibrant costumes, elaborate makeup, and face masks that the performers wear.
• Kathakali translates to "Story-Play" and is known for its intricate storytelling, detailed gestures, and expressive eye movements.
• The dance form combines dance, music, drama, and literature into a composite art form, making it unique and complex.
• Themes of Kathakali are mostly taken from the Indian epics like Mahabharata, Ramayana, and other ancient scriptures.
• It is performed exclusively by men and involves rigorous physical training to master the art form.
• The music used in Kathakali is called Sopanam and is sung in the Malayalam language.

The correct answer is Tata Iron & Steel Company (TISCO).

Key Points

• Tata Iron & Steel Company (TISCO)
• The Tata Iron and Steel company (TISCO) was established by Dorabji Tata in 1907.
• He was committed to fulfill the the dream of his father, Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata, an Indian Pioneer industrialist who founded the Tata Group.
• Dorabji Tata was knighted by Edward VII, becoming Sir Dorabji Tata in January 1910.

Additional Information

• Visvesvaraya Iron & Steel Works
• Visvesvaraya Iron and Steel Works is a plant that is located in Bhadravathi, Karnataka, and is involved in the production of pig iron and steel.
• It was founded on 18 January 1923 as the "Mysore Iron Works" by Sir M Visvesvaraya who was the 19^th Diwan of Mysore and a civil engineer.
• Since 1989, it works under the jurisdiction of the Steel Authority of India Limited.
• Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) is the largest steel-making company in India and one of the seven Maharatna’s of the country’s Central Public Sector Enterprises. It was incorporated in the year 1973.
• Indian Iron and Steel Company (IISCO)
• IISCO is an integrated steel plant located at Burnpur (now).
• It is a steel plant that is a part of the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL).
• It was established in 1918 as an Indian Iron and Steel Company under the flagship of the Martin Burn group.
• It was amalgamated with SAIL in 2006 and renamed IISCO Steel Plant.
• It has a crude steel production capacity of 2.5 million tonnes per year.
• SAIL is India's 3^rd and the world's 20^th largest steel-producing company with an annual production of 16.30 million metric tons respectively.

The correct answer is Krishna I.

Key Points

• Kailasa temple:
• The Kailasha temple is also known as Kailashanatha.
• It is located at Ellora Caves in the Aurangabad District of Maharashtra.
• It was built by the 8^th century Rashtrakuta King Krishna I.
• The time frame was nearly 756 to 773 AD.
• The temple is the largest of the rock-cut Hindu temples at the Ellora Caves.
• It is a megalith carved from a rock cliff face.
• It is considered one of the most remarkable cave temples in the world because of its size, architecture and sculptural treatment.
• The top of the superstructure over the sanctuary is 32.6 metres (107 ft) above the level of the court below.
• Archaeologists believe it is made from a single rock.

Additional Information

• The Rashtrakuta Empire of Manyakheta was founded by Dantidurga (reigned 735-756 CE), also known as Dantivarman II.
• Gulbarga was the capital of his state.
• He was succeeded by his uncle Krishna I, who extended his kingdom throughout Karnataka.
• According to the Ellora record of Dantidurga, he conquered the Chalukyas in 753 and assumed the titles Rajadhiraja and Parameshvara.
• As per the Samangad inscription (modern Kolhapur district, Maharashtra), his mother was a Chalukyan princess from Gujarat named Bhavanaga.
• According to the same inscription, he defeated the invincible Karnata-Bala of the Badami Chalukyas.
• In addition, he defeated the kings of Lata (Gujarat), Malwa, Tanka, Kalinga and Sheshas (Nagas) in central India.

The correct answer is Ladakh.

Key Points

• Marking the birth of Guru Padmasambhava, Hemis Festival is not only one of the most important Buddhist celebrations in Ladakh but is also the most popular festival amongst tourists.
• This festival held in one of the most-visited monasteries in Ladakh, Hemis Gompa.
• A festival is a two-day event that is celebrated on the 10^th day of the fifth month of the Tibetan Calendar, which is the month of June/July in the Gregorian Calendar.
• At this popular festival in Ladakh, Cham Dance and other traditional dances are performed in Hemis Monastery.

Additional Information

• Some Important festival-
• Spituk Gustor Zanskar-
• Spituk Gustor Zanskar is a traditional festival of Jammu and Kashmir.
• This is a Tibetan festival celebrated in the Ladakhi monasteries of Thiksey, Spituk, and Karsha Nanzkar.
• Hemis Festival-
• This is one of the most elusive Jammu and Kashmir festivals.
• Celebrated every 12 years at the Hemis Monastery at Hemis.
• the festival honours Lord Padmasambhava, known as Guru Rinpoche in the region.
• Tulip Festival-
• This is a modern-day celebration of tulips at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar.
• Losar Festival-
• Losar is traditionally celebrated for 15 days and is one of the famous festivals celebrated in Jammu and Kashmir.

The correct answer is Bhopal Lake.

Key Points

• Bhopal, known as the "City of Lakes," boasts two prominent water bodies: the Upper Lake (Bhojtal) and the Lower Lake (Chhota Talab).
• The Upper Lake, built in the 11^th century by King Bhoj, is a significant source of drinking water for the city. It's also a popular recreational spot, offering boating and scenic views.
• The Lower Lake, though smaller, contributes to the city's beauty. However, it faces pollution challenges due to urban and industrial activities.
• Together, these lakes form the Bhoj Wetland, a Ramsar site recognized for its ecological importance. Efforts are underway to preserve and restore the Lower Lake's ecosystem.

 Additional Information

• Naini Lake
• Uttarakhand CM Trivendra Singh Rawat has inaugurated the Naini lake water quality assessment system.
• It has been built at a cost of Rs 1 crore with UNDP assistance.
• The water quality system will aid in water conservation and in keeping it clean.
• The State has successfully initiated a public movement to revive its rivers, lakes, ponds and water sources.
• Dal lake 
• It is an urban lake, which is the second largest in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
• It is integral to tourism and recreation in Kashmir and is named the "Lake of Flowers", "Jewel in the crown of Kashmir" or "Srinagar's Jewel".
• Chilika Lake 
• Chilika Lake is a brackish water lagoon located in the state of Odisha, India.
• It is the largest coastal lagoon in India and the second largest lagoon in the world.
• Chilika Lake is an important habitat for a variety of wildlife, including many species of birds, fish, and other aquatic animals.
• The lake is also a major tourist attraction and supports the livelihoods of local fishermen.

The correct answer is Padma Bhushan.

Key Points

• Ustad Zakir Hussain is associated with the musical instrument, Tabla.
• He collaborated with the famous American band 'The Beatles' which deserves special mention.
• He was designated with awards:
• ​Padma Shri in 1988
• Padma Bhushan in 2002
• Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1990
• United States National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellowship, the highest award given to traditional artists and musicians by the USA.

 Additional Information

• Albums of Ustad Zakir Hussain:
• ‘Saturday Night in Bombay’
• ‘The Believer’.