General Awareness PYQs

The correct answer is Kannauj.

Key Points

• Kannauj, located in western Uttar Pradesh, was an ancient city and a significant political center in northern India.
• The Maukharis were a dynasty that ruled over Kannauj before it became a prominent city under the later rulers such as the Gurjara-Pratiharas.
• Over time, Kannauj replaced Pataliputra (modern-day Patna) as the political and cultural center of northern India.
• Kannauj is known for its historical significance and its strategic location which made it a focal point of power struggles among various dynasties.

Additional Information

• Maukharis Dynasty:
• The Maukharis were a dynasty that ruled parts of northern India during the early medieval period, roughly between the 6^th and 7^th centuries.
• They initially served as vassals of the Gupta Empire but later established their independence.
• The most notable ruler of the Maukharis was Isanavarman, who expanded their territory and consolidated power.
• The Maukhari dynasty is known for its contribution to the political and cultural landscape of northern India during its time.
• Kannauj:
• Kannauj, also known as Kanyakubja, has a rich history dating back to ancient times.
• It was a major center of trade, culture, and politics and remained so through various dynasties, including the Maukharis, Harshavardhana, and the Gurjara-Pratiharas.
• Kannauj is famously known for its production of perfumes and essential oils, particularly the traditional "attar" (perfume).
• Throughout its history, Kannauj has been a coveted city, leading to numerous battles and power struggles among regional powers.
• Pataliputra:
• Pataliputra, modern-day Patna, was the capital city of several ancient Indian empires, including the Maurya and Gupta Empires.
• It was a major political, economic, and cultural hub during its peak.
• Over time, the political center shifted from Pataliputra to other cities like Kannauj as different dynasties rose to power.
• Pataliputra is historically significant for its role in the administration and governance of ancient Indian empires.

The correct answer is Nitric oxide.

Key Points

• Nitric oxide (NO) is not considered a greenhouse gas because it does not have a significant impact on the Earth's temperature or climate.
• Greenhouse gases are those that can absorb and emit infrared radiation, leading to the greenhouse effect. Nitric oxide does not significantly contribute to this process.
• Common greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), all of which have a much higher potential to trap heat in the atmosphere.
• Nitric oxide is primarily known for its role in the formation of smog and its impact on the respiratory system, rather than its role as a greenhouse gas.

Additional Information

• Greenhouse Gases:
• Greenhouse gases are those gases in the Earth's atmosphere that trap heat. They allow sunlight to enter the atmosphere freely, but when the Earth's surface emits the energy back as infrared radiation (heat), greenhouse gases absorb and re-emit this radiation, warming the planet.
• The primary greenhouse gases in Earth's atmosphere are water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and ozone (O3).
• Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes, have significantly increased the concentrations of these greenhouse gases, leading to global warming and climate change.
• Carbon Dioxide (CO2):
• Carbon dioxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is essential for plant life through the process of photosynthesis.
• It is produced by the combustion of fossil fuels, deforestation, and various industrial processes.
• CO2 is the most significant long-lived greenhouse gas in Earth's atmosphere, contributing to global warming and climate change.
• Methane (CH4):
• Methane is a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential many times greater than that of CO2 over a 20-year period.
• It is produced naturally through the decomposition of organic matter and human activities such as livestock farming, rice cultivation, and landfills.
• Despite its shorter atmospheric lifetime compared to CO2, methane's impact on global warming is substantial.
• Nitrous Oxide (N2O):
• Nitrous oxide is a greenhouse gas that is more effective than CO2 at trapping heat in the atmosphere over a 100-year period.
• It is emitted from agricultural and industrial activities, as well as during the combustion of fossil fuels and solid waste.
• N2O also plays a role in the depletion of the ozone layer in the stratosphere.

The correct answer is Fullerene.

Key Points

• Fullerene is an allotrope of carbon that was discovered by Robert F. Curl, Harold W. Kroto, and Richard E. Smalley in 1985.
• It consists of carbon atoms arranged in a hollow sphere, ellipsoid, or tube.
• Fullerenes are also known as "Buckyballs" because the first discovered fullerene (C₆₀) resembles the shape of a soccer ball.
• Fullerenes have unique properties that make them useful in materials science, electronics, and nanotechnology.

Additional Information

• Graphene:
• Graphene is a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a two-dimensional honeycomb lattice.
• It is known for its remarkable electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties.
• Graphene is used in various applications, including electronics, composites, and energy storage.
• Lonsdaleite:
• Lonsdaleite, also known as hexagonal diamond, is an allotrope of carbon with a hexagonal lattice structure.
• It is formed under high-pressure conditions, typically during meteorite impacts.
• Lonsdaleite is harder than diamond and has potential applications in cutting and drilling tools.
• Carbophene:
• Carbophene is a less commonly known term and is not widely recognized in the scientific community.
• It may be a misnomer or an incorrect term for other carbon allotropes such as graphene or fullerenes.

The correct answer is Surbahar.

Key Points

• Annapurna Devi was an Indian surbahar (bass sitar) player of the Maihar gharana.
• She was the daughter and disciple of Allauddin Khan, who was a prominent figure in Hindustani classical music.
• Annapurna Devi was considered one of the foremost exponents of the surbahar, a rare and difficult instrument to master.
• She was also the spouse of the renowned sitar player Ravi Shankar and significantly contributed to the popularity of Indian classical music.

Additional Information

• Surbahar:
• The surbahar, also known as the bass sitar, is a plucked string instrument used in the Hindustani classical music of North India.
• It is often referred to as the "bass sitar" because it is larger than the sitar and has a lower pitch.
• The surbahar is designed for the elaborate, slow-tempo alap section of a raga performance, with its deep, resonant tones.
• The instrument has a wide range and can produce a variety of tonal colors, making it suitable for both solo and accompanying performances.
• Maihar Gharana:
• The Maihar gharana is a school of Hindustani classical music named after the town of Maihar in Madhya Pradesh, India.
• It was founded by the legendary musician Allauddin Khan, who was a master of multiple instruments including the sarod, surbahar, and sitar.
• The gharana is known for its emphasis on the dhrupad style of alap, intricate raga improvisations, and the use of both vocal and instrumental techniques.
• Some of the prominent disciples of Allauddin Khan from the Maihar gharana include Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbar Khan, and Annapurna Devi.
• Hindustani Classical Music:
• Hindustani classical music is a tradition of Indian classical music that developed in North India around the 13^th and 14^th centuries.
• It is characterized by a variety of ragas (melodic frameworks) and talas (rhythmic cycles) used in compositions and improvisations.
• Instruments commonly used in Hindustani classical music include the sitar, tabla, sarod, surbahar, and bansuri, among others.
• This genre of music is known for its intricate ornamentation, improvisational freedom, and deep emotional expression.

The correct answer is Article 80.

Key Points

• Article 80 of the Constitution of India deals with the composition of the Council of States (Rajya Sabha).
• The Council of States is to be composed of representatives of the States and Union territories.
• The allocation of seats in the Council of States is specified in the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution.
• This article ensures that the representation of states and union territories in the Rajya Sabha is in accordance with the provisions laid out in the Fourth Schedule.

Additional Information

• Article 81
• Article 81 of the Constitution of India deals with the composition of the House of the People (Lok Sabha).
• It specifies the maximum number of seats in the Lok Sabha and the allocation of these seats among the States.
• Article 82
• Article 82 pertains to the readjustment of seats in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies after each census.
• This article ensures periodic readjustments to reflect changes in the population.
• Article 83
• Article 83 specifies the duration of the Houses of Parliament.
• The Lok Sabha has a term of five years, unless dissolved sooner, while the Rajya Sabha is a permanent body with one-third of its members retiring every two years.
• Fourth Schedule
• The Fourth Schedule of the Constitution of India allocates seats in the Rajya Sabha to each State and Union territory.
• This schedule ensures balanced representation of the States and Union territories in the Council of States.

The correct answer is Gorter and Grendel.

Key Points

• In 1925, Dutch scientists Evert Gorter and François Grendel conducted a groundbreaking experiment involving erythrocyte (red blood cell) lipid extraction.
• They found that the lipids extracted from erythrocytes could form a monolayer, which was pivotal in understanding the molecular surface area versus lateral pressure.
• Their work was fundamental in the development of the fluid mosaic model of cell membranes.
• Gorter and Grendel's experiment was one of the first to suggest that cell membranes are composed of a lipid bilayer.

Additional Information

• Lipid Monolayers and Bilayers:
• A lipid monolayer is a single layer of lipid molecules arranged on the surface of the water, with their hydrophobic tails in the air and hydrophilic heads in the water.
• A lipid bilayer is a double layer of lipids that form the fundamental structure of cell membranes, with hydrophobic tails facing inward and hydrophilic heads facing outward.
• These structures are crucial for maintaining the integrity and functionality of cell membranes.
• Erythrocytes (Red Blood Cells):
• Erythrocytes are the most common type of blood cell and are responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs.
• Their membrane composition and properties are essential for their deformability and functionality.
• Surface Area vs. Lateral Pressure:
• This concept involves measuring the surface area occupied by lipid molecules as a function of the lateral pressure applied to the monolayer.
• It is used to study the physical properties of lipid layers and understand cell membrane mechanics.
• Fluid Mosaic Model:
• Proposed by Singer and Nicolson in 1972, this model describes the cell membrane as a fluid combination of lipids and proteins.
• The lipids provide a flexible matrix, while proteins float in or on this lipid bilayer, contributing to various cellular functions.

The correct answer is I, II, III, IV.

Key Points

• Land revenue was one of the oldest forms of taxation implemented during ancient and medieval periods.
• Sales tax was introduced much later as a form of indirect tax on the sale of goods.
• MODVAT (Modified Value Added Tax) was introduced in 1986 to allow manufacturers to obtain credit for the excise duty paid on inputs.
• Service tax was introduced in 1994 as a tax levied on services provided.

Additional Information

• Land Revenue
• Land revenue is a tax or revenue imposed by the government on the ownership or use of land.
• It has been a major source of revenue for many governments historically, especially in agrarian societies.
• In India, during the British rule, land revenue was a significant component of colonial administration.
• Land revenue systems like the Zamindari, Ryotwari, and Mahalwari were implemented in different regions.
• Sales Tax
• Sales tax is a tax levied by the government on the sale of goods and services.
• It is generally a percentage of the sale price and is added to the total cost paid by the consumer.
• This form of tax is an important source of revenue for state governments.
• With the introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India in 2017, the sales tax regime was subsumed under GST.
• MODVAT (Modified Value Added Tax)
• MODVAT was introduced in India in 1986.
• It allowed manufacturers to claim credit for the excise duty paid on inputs used in the production of goods.
• This system aimed to avoid the cascading effect of taxes and to make the tax structure more efficient.
• MODVAT was later replaced by CENVAT (Central Value Added Tax) and subsequently subsumed under GST.
• Service Tax
• Service tax was introduced in India in 1994.
• It was levied on specified services provided by service providers.
• Service tax was a part of the indirect tax regime and contributed significantly to the government’s revenue.
• With the advent of GST, service tax was abolished and integrated into the new tax structure.

The correct answer is Dharmapala.

Key Points

• Dharmapala was a prominent ruler of the Pala dynasty in ancient India.
• He ruled during the 8^th century and is known for his significant contributions to education and Buddhism.
• Under his patronage, the Vikramshila University was established to promote Buddhist learning and scholarship.
• Dharmapala's reign marked the height of the Pala Empire's influence and cultural achievements.

Additional Information

• Pala Dynasty
• The Pala Dynasty ruled parts of Bengal and Bihar in the Indian subcontinent from the 8^th to the 12^th century.
• The dynasty was founded by Gopala in the mid-8^th century.
• The Palas were known for their patronage of Buddhism and their support for educational institutions.
• They built several monasteries and universities, including Nalanda and Vikramshila.
• Vikramshila University
• Vikramshila University was one of the most important centers of Buddhist learning in ancient India.
• It was established by Dharmapala around the late 8^th or early 9^th century.
• The university attracted scholars from all over Asia, including Tibet, China, and Southeast Asia.
• It specialized in various fields of knowledge, including philosophy, logic, grammar, and metaphysics.
• Buddhist Learning
• During the Pala period, Buddhism flourished in India, and several monasteries and universities were established to promote its teachings.
• These institutions became centers of learning and attracted students from different parts of the world.
• They played a crucial role in the preservation and dissemination of Buddhist texts and teachings.

The correct answer is ₹1,000 per month.

Key Points

• The Tamil Nadu Pudhumi Penn Scheme was launched by the Government of Tamil Nadu in 2023.
• It aims to provide financial assistance specifically to girl students studying in government schools.
• Under this scheme, each girl student receives ₹1,000 per month as financial aid.
• The scheme is part of the government's initiative to promote education among girl children and reduce drop-out rates in schools.

Additional Information

• Educational Financial Assistance Schemes in India
• Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme: This scheme provides financial assistance to Scheduled Caste (SC) students who are studying in Class IX and X to reduce the drop-out rate and promote secondary education.
• Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme: This scheme aims to provide financial support to students from economically weaker sections after they have completed their matriculation so that they can pursue higher education.
• National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme: It aims to provide scholarships to meritorious students of economically weaker sections to prevent their drop-out at Class VIII and encourage them to continue their education at the secondary stage.
• Maulana Azad National Scholarship Scheme: This scheme is specifically for meritorious girls belonging to minority communities to provide financial assistance for their higher education.
• Social Initiatives for Girl Child Education
• Beti Bachao Beti Padhao: Launched by the Government of India, this scheme aims to ensure the survival, protection, and education of the girl child.
• Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana: A savings scheme initiated for the girl child, it encourages parents to build a fund for the future education and marriage expenses of their girl child.
• Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya: This scheme aims to provide residential schools at the upper primary level for girls belonging to SC, ST, OBC, minority communities, and BPL families.
• CBSE Udaan: It aims to address the low enrollment ratio of girl students in prestigious engineering institutions and provides free online resources for preparation for engineering entrance exams.

The correct answer is 0.02.

Key Points

• The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) is a crop insurance scheme launched by the Government of India.
• The maximum premium payable by the farmers is 2% for all kharif food and oilseeds crops.
• The scheme aims to provide insurance coverage and financial support to farmers in the event of crop failure due to natural calamities, pests, and diseases.
• It helps stabilize the income of farmers to ensure their continuance in farming.

Additional Information

• Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
• The scheme was launched on 18^th February 2016 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• It aims to provide a comprehensive insurance cover against the failure of crops, thus helping in stabilizing the income of farmers.
• Farmers are required to pay a uniform premium of only 2% for all Kharif crops and 1.5% for all Rabi crops. For annual commercial and horticultural crops, the premium is 5%.
• The remaining premium is paid by the Government to provide full insured amount to the farmers against crop loss on account of natural calamities.
• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)
• PMKSY was launched to improve farm productivity and ensure better utilization of the resources in the country.
• The scheme’s motto is "Har Khet Ko Pani" (Water for every field).
• It focuses on efficient water conveyance and precision water application devices like drips, sprinklers, pivots, rain-guns, etc.
• The scheme aims at improving on-farm water use efficiency through a proper combination of surface and ground water.
• Soil Health Card Scheme
• The Soil Health Card Scheme was launched by the Government of India in February 2015.
• The scheme aims at promoting soil test-based and balanced use of fertilizers to enable farmers to realize higher yields at lower cost.
• Under the scheme, farmers are provided with Soil Health Cards, which will carry crop-wise recommendations of nutrients and fertilizers required for the individual farms.
• The Soil Health Cards will be issued once every three years for all land holdings in the country.

The correct answer is To facilitate bank loans for SC/ST and women entrepreneurs.

Key Points

• The 'Standup India' initiative was launched by the Government of India to encourage entrepreneurship among women and SC/ST communities.
• It aims to facilitate bank loans between ₹10 lakh and ₹1 crore to at least one SC/ST borrower and one woman borrower per bank branch for setting up greenfield enterprises.
• The scheme was launched on 5^th April 2016 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• It seeks to leverage the institutional credit structure to reach out to the underserved sector of people such as SCs, STs, and women entrepreneurs.

Additional Information

• Start-up India
• It is an initiative by the Government of India to promote entrepreneurship and innovation by creating a conducive environment for startups.
• The scheme was launched on 16^th January 2016 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• It includes benefits such as simplified processes, tax exemptions, and funding support to foster the growth of startups in the country.
• Start-up India aims to build a strong ecosystem for nurturing innovation and provide opportunities for budding entrepreneurs.
• Make in India
• Launched by the Government of India on 25^th September 2014, the Make in India initiative aims to transform India into a global manufacturing hub.
• The initiative encourages both multinational and domestic companies to manufacture their products in India.
• It aims to increase the manufacturing sector's growth rate to 12-14% per annum and create additional manufacturing jobs.
• Make in India focuses on 25 key sectors of the economy, including automobiles, textiles, and pharmaceuticals.
• Digital India
• Launched on 1^st July 2015, Digital India is an initiative by the Government of India to ensure that government services are made available to citizens electronically.
• The program aims to improve online infrastructure and increase internet connectivity across India.
• Digital India focuses on three core components: digital infrastructure, digital services, and digital literacy.
• The ultimate goal is to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy.

The correct answer is To safeguard public property.

Key Points

• The fundamental duty of safeguarding public property is enshrined in Article 51A of the Indian Constitution.
• This duty emphasizes the importance of protecting and preserving public assets such as monuments, buildings, and other government properties.
• By writing their names on the walls of Humayun's tomb, the students are defacing a historical monument, which is considered public property.
• Citizens are expected to prevent such actions and also report any damage to public property to the authorities.

Additional Information

• Fundamental Duties
• Fundamental Duties are a set of moral obligations specified in the Indian Constitution that are expected to be followed by citizens.
• These duties were added by the 42^nd Amendment Act, 1976, on the recommendations of the Swaran Singh Committee.
• There are 11 Fundamental Duties listed under Article 51A of the Constitution.
• These duties serve as a constant reminder to citizens to uphold the spirit of patriotism and to protect the unity of India.
• Humayun's Tomb
• Humayun's Tomb is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Delhi, India.
• It was commissioned by Humayun's first wife, Empress Bega Begum, in 1565 AD.
• The tomb is a fine example of Mughal architecture and is often referred to as the precursor to the Taj Mahal.
• It is built of red sandstone and white marble and is surrounded by beautiful gardens.
• Significance of Protecting Public Property
• Public properties like historical monuments, parks, public buildings, and infrastructure are assets of national importance.
• They reflect the cultural heritage and history of the nation and are meant for the collective use and enjoyment of the public.
• Vandalism and damage to public property not only diminish their aesthetic and historical value but also result in financial loss.
• Protecting public property ensures that future generations can also learn from and appreciate these important assets.

The correct answer is Indian National Congress.

Key Points

• Mahatma Gandhi, a pivotal leader in the Indian independence movement, represented the Indian National Congress at the Second Round Table Conference.
• The Second Round Table Conference was held in London from September 7, 1931, to December 1, 1931.
• The Indian National Congress was a major political party in India that aimed to gain independence from British rule.
• Gandhi attended the conference to present the demands and aspirations of the Indian people and to negotiate for the country's independence.

Additional Information

• Round Table Conferences
• The Round Table Conferences were a series of three conferences organized by the British government to discuss constitutional reforms in India.
• The first conference was held in London from November 1930 to January 1931, the second from September to December 1931, and the third from November to December 1932.
• The conferences were attended by representatives of various Indian political parties, princely states, and British officials.
• The aim was to formulate plans for the future governance of India and address the demands of Indian leaders for greater self-rule.
• Indian National Congress
• The Indian National Congress (INC) was founded in 1885 and played a significant role in the Indian independence movement.
• It was the principal party that led the struggle against British colonial rule and advocated for the rights and self-governance of Indians.
• Key leaders included Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallabhbhai Patel, and many others who contributed to India's fight for independence.
• The INC adopted various methods of protest, including non-violent civil disobedience, boycotts, and mass movements to challenge British policies.
• Mahatma Gandhi
• Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, popularly known as Mahatma Gandhi, was a prominent leader in the Indian independence movement.
• He is best known for his philosophy of non-violence (Ahimsa) and civil disobedience (Satyagraha).
• Gandhi's leadership and methods inspired millions of Indians to participate in the freedom struggle through peaceful means.
• His efforts played a crucial role in India achieving independence from British rule on August 15, 1947.

The correct answer is Sea and air.

Key Points

• India's international trade is predominantly carried out through sea and air routes due to their efficiency in handling large volumes of goods and their ability to connect globally.
• Sea routes are especially important for transporting bulk commodities, such as crude oil, coal, and iron ore, as they can carry large quantities at a lower cost.
• Air routes, while more expensive, are crucial for the transportation of high-value and perishable goods, such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, and fresh produce, due to their speed and reliability.
• Major ports like Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) and major airports like Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi play pivotal roles in facilitating India's international trade.

Additional Information

• Seaborne Trade
• Seaborne trade refers to the transportation of goods over sea routes. It is the backbone of international trade due to its ability to move large quantities of goods efficiently and cost-effectively.
• Major Indian ports include Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Cochin, which handle significant portions of India's cargo.
• India's maritime industry is crucial for the economy, facilitating imports and exports worth billions of dollars annually.
• Seaborne trade enables India to connect with global markets, ensuring the availability of essential commodities and boosting export earnings.
• Airborne Trade
• Airborne trade involves the transportation of goods via air routes, leveraging the speed and reliability of air transport.
• It is particularly important for time-sensitive and high-value goods, including electronics, pharmaceuticals, and perishable items.
• Major Indian airports such as Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi), Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (Mumbai), and Kempegowda International Airport (Bangalore) are key hubs for airborne trade.
• Airborne trade enhances India's connectivity with global markets, enabling businesses to meet international demands promptly.
• Railway and Road Transport
• While railway and road transport are vital for domestic trade, they play a relatively smaller role in international trade.
• Railways are used to transport goods to and from ports and airports, facilitating the movement of goods within the country.
• Road transport complements railways by providing last-mile connectivity and ensuring the efficient distribution of goods.
• Integration of rail and road transport with sea and air routes is essential for a seamless supply chain and logistics network.

The correct answer is About 0.1 µm.

Key Points

• PPLOs (Pleuro Pneumonia Like Organisms) are the smallest free-living organisms known.
• They are characterized by their extremely small size, about 0.1 µm in diameter.
• PPLOs lack a cell wall, which contributes to their small size and flexible shape.
• These organisms are responsible for causing respiratory diseases, particularly in livestock.

Additional Information

• PPLO (Pleuro Pneumonia Like Organisms):
• PPLOs are a group of bacteria that belong to the class Mollicutes.
• These organisms are known for their lack of a rigid cell wall, making them resistant to antibiotics that target cell wall synthesis.
• They are often referred to as mycoplasmas, with Mycoplasma pneumoniae being a well-known species causing atypical pneumonia in humans.
• PPLOs thrive in osmotically balanced environments due to their lack of a cell wall, which makes them susceptible to osmotic lysis in hypotonic conditions.
• Importance in Research:
• The small size and simple genetic structure of PPLOs make them important models for studying the minimal requirements for cellular life.
• Research on PPLOs has provided insights into the evolution of bacteria and the mechanisms of pathogenesis in respiratory infections.
• Clinical Relevance:
• PPLOs are significant pathogens in veterinary medicine, causing respiratory diseases such as contagious bovine pleuropneumonia.
• In humans, mycoplasmas can lead to a range of respiratory and urogenital infections, requiring specific diagnostic and treatment approaches.
• Due to their lack of a cell wall, infections caused by PPLOs are treated with antibiotics that inhibit protein synthesis, such as tetracyclines or macrolides.

The correct answer is Due to the decomposition of silver chloride into silver and chlorine by light.

Key Points

• Silver chloride (AgCl) is a white crystalline solid.
• When exposed to sunlight, AgCl decomposes into silver (Ag) and chlorine gas (Cl₂).
• The silver formed is a grey metal, which imparts the grey color to the white AgCl.
• This reaction is a type of photodecomposition reaction, where light energy causes the chemical breakdown of a compound.

Additional Information

• Photodecomposition Reaction
• This is a chemical reaction in which a compound is broken down into simpler substances by the action of light.
• In the case of silver chloride, light energy breaks the bond between silver and chlorine atoms.
• Such reactions are common in photochemistry and are used in various applications including photography.
• Silver Chloride (AgCl)
• It is a white crystalline solid that is well known for its low solubility in water.
• AgCl is used in photographic films and papers, where it plays a crucial role in capturing images.
• Photographic Process
• Silver halides like AgCl are used in photographic films because they are sensitive to light.
• When exposed to light, they decompose to form silver, which creates the image on the film.
• This process is the basis for traditional film photography.

The correct answer is Ram Mohan Roy.

Key Points

• Raja Ram Mohan Roy is known as the father of the Indian Renaissance due to his significant contributions to social, religious, and educational reforms in India.
• He founded the Brahmo Samaj in 1828 in Calcutta with the aim of reforming and modernizing Indian society by promoting monotheism and rationalism.
• Raja Ram Mohan Roy campaigned vigorously against social evils like sati (the practice of widow immolation) and child marriage, advocating for the rights of women and other marginalized groups.
• He also played a crucial role in the abolition of sati in 1829, collaborating closely with the British government to ensure its eradication.

Additional Information

• Brahmo Samaj
• The Brahmo Samaj was one of the earliest socio-religious reform movements in India, aimed at eradicating social and religious practices that were considered regressive and superstitious.
• It advocated for the worship of one God without any rituals or priestly intermediaries, and emphasized the importance of rationality and human dignity.
• The Brahmo Samaj also worked towards promoting education, especially for women, and campaigned for social reforms such as the abolition of caste discrimination and the promotion of widow remarriage.
• It laid the foundation for many future reform movements in India and influenced prominent leaders and thinkers such as Keshab Chandra Sen and Rabindranath Tagore.
• Raja Ram Mohan Roy
• Born on May 22, 1772, in Radhanagar, Bengal, Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a polymath who made significant contributions to Indian society through his work as a social and educational reformer, and his advocacy for human rights.
• He was a proponent of modern scientific knowledge and believed in the importance of English education for the progress of India.
• In addition to founding the Brahmo Samaj, he also established the Atmiya Sabha (Society of Friends) in 1815 to debate and discuss theological and philosophical issues.
• Raja Ram Mohan Roy was also a prolific writer and published several works in Bengali, Hindi, Persian, and English, addressing various social, political, and religious issues.

The correct answer is Mahi and Sabarmati.

Key Points

• The Mahi River is one of the major west-flowing rivers in India, flowing through the states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat before draining into the Arabian Sea.
• The Sabarmati River originates in the Aravalli Range of the Udaipur District of Rajasthan and flows into the Gulf of Khambhat in the Arabian Sea, making it a west-flowing river.
• Both rivers play a crucial role in the irrigation and water supply for the regions they flow through, supporting agriculture and local communities.
• West-flowing rivers like Mahi and Sabarmati are less common in India compared to the east-flowing rivers, which generally drain into the Bay of Bengal.

Additional Information

• West Flowing Rivers in India
• Most of the rivers in India flow eastwards towards the Bay of Bengal. However, there are a few significant rivers that flow westwards and drain into the Arabian Sea.
• Besides Mahi and Sabarmati, other notable west-flowing rivers include the Narmada and the Tapti.
• The Narmada River is one of the largest west-flowing rivers in India, originating from the Amarkantak Plateau and flowing through Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat before emptying into the Arabian Sea.
• The Tapti River originates from the Satpura Range of Madhya Pradesh and flows westward through Maharashtra and Gujarat, also draining into the Arabian Sea.
• Importance of River Systems
• Rivers are vital for the ecosystem as they provide water for drinking, irrigation, and industrial purposes.
• They also support a diverse range of flora and fauna, contributing to biodiversity.
• Rivers play a crucial role in shaping the landscape, influencing soil fertility and agricultural productivity.
• Many civilizations have historically settled along riverbanks, benefiting from the natural resources and transportation routes provided by rivers.
• Challenges Facing River Systems
• Pollution from industrial, agricultural, and domestic sources poses a significant threat to river ecosystems.
• Over-extraction of water for irrigation and other uses can lead to reduced water flow, affecting both human and ecological health.
• Climate change impacts, such as altered precipitation patterns and increased frequency of extreme weather events, can affect river flow and water availability.
• Efforts to manage and conserve river systems involve integrated water resource management, pollution control measures, and conservation initiatives to protect and restore river ecosystems.

The correct answer is 42^nd Constitutional Amendment Act.

Key Points

• The 42^nd Amendment Act, also known as the Constitution (Forty-second Amendment) Act, 1976, was enacted during the Emergency period in India.
• It is considered one of the most comprehensive amendments to the Indian Constitution and was brought in by the Indira Gandhi government.
• This amendment made significant changes to the Constitution, including the insertion of Part IV A, which deals with the Fundamental Duties of the citizens.
• The 42^nd Amendment also attempted to reduce the power of the judiciary and increase the power of the Parliament.

Additional Information

• Part IV A (Fundamental Duties)
• Part IV A was added to the Constitution of India by the 42^nd Amendment Act, 1976.
• It consists of Article 51A which enumerates the Fundamental Duties of the citizens of India.
• These duties are inspired by the Constitution of the former Soviet Union and aim to remind the citizens of their moral obligations towards the nation.
• There are currently 11 Fundamental Duties listed in Article 51A.
• 42^nd Amendment Act, 1976
• Known as a "mini-Constitution" due to its wide-ranging amendments.
• It made extensive changes to the Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, and the structure of the executive and judiciary.
• This amendment curtailed the power of the judiciary and strengthened the central government.
• Many of the provisions of this amendment were later undone by the 44^th Amendment Act, 1978.
• Emergency Period
• The Emergency in India was declared by President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed upon the advice of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi from 1975 to 1977.
• This period is considered one of the most controversial times in Indian political history, marked by the suspension of elections and civil liberties.
• The 42^nd Amendment was passed during this period, and it significantly altered the balance of power between the executive, legislature, and judiciary.

The correct answer is Santhal Rebellion.

Key Points

• The Santhal Rebellion, also known as the Santhal Hool, was a tribal rebellion in present-day Jharkhand, India, against both British colonial authority and zamindari system.
• The rebellion was led by the four Murmu Brothers - Sidhu, Kanhu, Chand, and Bhairav.
• The Santhals were an indigenous tribal community that faced exploitation and oppression under the British rule and local landlords.
• The rebellion began on 30^th June 1855 and lasted until the suppression of the uprising by the British in 1856.

Additional Information

• Moplah Rebellion
• The Moplah Rebellion of 1921 was an armed revolt by the Mappila Muslims of Kerala against British authority and the Hindu landlords.
• The rebellion was part of the Khilafat Movement and was characterized by communal violence between Mappilas and Hindus.
• The British suppressed the rebellion with considerable violence, and it is considered one of the significant uprisings against colonial rule in India.
• Kol Rebellion
• The Kol Rebellion (1831-32) was a revolt by the Kols, a tribal community in the Chotanagpur region against British rule and local landlords.
• The rebellion was primarily against the introduction of new revenue policies and exploitation by moneylenders and landlords.
• The British eventually suppressed the rebellion, but it remains a significant event in the history of tribal resistance in India.
• Munda Rebellion
• The Munda Rebellion (1899-1900) was led by Birsa Munda, a tribal leader, against British colonial rule in the Chotanagpur Plateau area.
• The rebellion aimed to establish Munda Raj and remove British government and missionaries from the region.
• The British suppressed the rebellion, but Birsa Munda is remembered as a prominent tribal freedom fighter in Indian history.