General Awareness PYQs

The correct answer is High Courts.

Key Points

• Articles 214 to 231 in Part VI of the Indian Constitution deal with the establishment and constitution of the High Courts.
• A High Court is the principal civil court of original jurisdiction in a state.
• Each state of India is provided with a High Court which has its own jurisdiction and powers as defined under the Constitution.
• The High Courts have the authority to issue writs for the enforcement of the Fundamental Rights of citizens.

Additional Information

• High Courts
• High Courts are the highest courts in a state in India, and each state has its own High Court.
• High Courts have jurisdiction over all subordinate courts within their territory.
• They have the power to hear appeals and to issue writs to enforce Fundamental Rights.
• The judges of the High Courts are appointed by the President of India.
• District Courts
• District Courts are established by the state governments of India for every district or for one or more districts together taking into account the number of cases and population distribution.
• They administer justice at the district level and are subordinate to the High Court of the respective state.
• Subordinate Courts
• Subordinate Courts are the lower courts under the District Courts, which deal with civil, criminal, and other cases at a more local level.
• They operate under the supervision and control of the District Court.
• Supreme Court
• The Supreme Court of India is the highest judicial forum and final court of appeal as established by Part V, Chapter IV of the Constitution of India.
• It comprises the Chief Justice of India and a number of other judges appointed by the President of India.
• The Supreme Court has extensive original, appellate, and advisory jurisdictions.

The correct answer is Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

Key Points

• The PM Daksh (Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi) scheme was launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in 2021.
• The scheme aims to enhance the skill development among the target groups such as Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, Economically Backward Classes, and sanitation workers, including waste pickers.
• It focuses on providing skill training to marginalized sections of the society, making them self-reliant and financially stable.
• Under the scheme, eligible candidates are provided with short-term and long-term skill training based on the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF).

Additional Information

• National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF)
• The NSQF is a competency-based framework that organizes all qualifications according to a series of levels of knowledge, skills, and aptitude.
• It aims to standardize the training and qualifications across various sectors to ensure quality and relevance in the skill development process.
• The NSQF levels range from 1 to 10, representing different levels of learning outcomes that a learner must possess.
• This framework is crucial for aligning the skill development initiatives with the needs of the industry, thereby enhancing employability.
• Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
• The Ministry is responsible for the welfare, social justice, and empowerment of disadvantaged and marginalized sections of society.
• It formulates policies, plans, and programs for promoting the welfare of Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, Senior Citizens, and other vulnerable groups.
• The Ministry also implements various central sector and centrally sponsored schemes for the upliftment and empowerment of these groups.
• Some of the key initiatives include scholarships, skill development programs, and schemes for social security.

The correct answer is Bade Ghulam Ali Khan.

Key Points

• Bade Ghulam Ali Khan was an iconic Indian classical vocalist from the Patiala Gharana.
• He is often regarded as one of the greatest classical singers of the 20^th century.
• His unique style blended the best elements of classical music, creating a distinct sound that earned him immense respect and popularity.
• He was known for his rich voice, intricate phrasing, and the ability to convey deep emotions through his music.

Additional Information

• Patiala Gharana
• The Patiala Gharana is one of the prominent schools of Indian classical music, known for its rich and elaborate style of singing.
• It was founded in the mid-19^th century by Fateh Ali Khan and Ali Baksh Khan.
• The gharana is known for its intricate and swift taans (rapid melodic passages) and bol-baant (word division).
• It has produced many eminent musicians, with Bade Ghulam Ali Khan being one of its most celebrated exponents.
• Classical Music in India
• Indian classical music is one of the oldest musical traditions in the world.
• There are two main traditions: Hindustani classical music from North India and Carnatic classical music from South India.
• Hindustani music focuses on the improvisational nature of ragas and is often performed in a more elaborate manner.
• Carnatic music is known for its structured and composed nature, with a greater emphasis on kritis (compositions).
• Raga
• A raga is a melodic framework used in Indian classical music.
• It is based on a specific scale and set of rules that guide the notes and motifs that can be used.
• Each raga is associated with a particular time of day, season, mood, or emotion, and is intended to evoke specific feelings in the listener.
• Vocal Techniques in Indian Classical Music
• Indian classical vocal music employs various techniques such as alap (slow, improvisational introduction), jor (intermediate tempo), and jhala (fast-paced conclusion).
• The use of taans (rapid melodic passages) and gamakas (ornamentations) adds complexity and beauty to the performance.
• Singers often use a variety of rhythmic patterns and improvisations to showcase their skill and creativity.

The correct answer is 2.

Key Points

• India has won the ICC World Cup in ODI format twice.
• The first win was in 1983 under the captaincy of Kapil Dev.
• The second win was in 2011 under the captaincy of Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
• India is one of the few countries to have won the World Cup multiple times.

Additional Information

• ICC World Cup
• The ICC Cricket World Cup is the international championship of One Day International (ODI) cricket.
• It 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.
• The first World Cup was held in England in 1975.
• 1983 ICC World Cup
• The 1983 Cricket World Cup (officially the Prudential Cup '83) was the third edition of the Cricket World Cup tournament.
• The tournament was won by India, who defeated the West Indies in the final to win their first World Cup title.
• The final was held at Lord's in London on 25 June 1983.
• 2011 ICC World Cup
• The 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup was the tenth Cricket World Cup.
• It was co-hosted by India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.
• India won the tournament, defeating Sri Lanka by 6 wickets in the final in Mumbai.
• India became the first country to win the Cricket World Cup on home soil.
• Mahendra Singh Dhoni
• Mahendra Singh Dhoni, commonly known as MS Dhoni, is an Indian cricketer and former captain of the Indian national team.
• He is widely regarded as one of the greatest cricket captains and wicket-keeper batsmen in the history of the game.
• Under his captaincy, India won the 2007 ICC World Twenty20, the 2010 and 2016 Asia Cups, the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy.

The correct answer is Willebrord Snellius.

Key Points

• Willebrord Snellius was a Dutch astronomer and mathematician.
• He is best known for the law of refraction of light, now known as Snell's Law.
• Snell's Law describes how light bends, or refracts, when it passes from one transparent medium to another.
• He formulated this principle in 1621, which is fundamental in the field of optics.

Additional Information

• Refractive Index:
• The refractive index of a substance is a measure of how much the speed of light is reduced inside the substance compared to the speed of light in a vacuum.
• It is denoted by the symbol 'n' and is defined as n = c/v, where 'c' is the speed of light in a vacuum and 'v' is the speed of light in the substance.
• The refractive index determines how much light is bent, or refracted, when entering a material.
• Different materials have different refractive indices, which is why light bends differently when passing through different substances.
• Snell's Law:
• Snell's Law, also known as the law of refraction, is expressed as n1 * sin(θ1) = n2 * sin(θ2).
• Here, n1 and n2 are the refractive indices of the two media, and θ1 and θ2 are the angles of incidence and refraction, respectively.
• This law applies to the refraction of any type of wave, including light, sound, and water waves.
• Snell's Law is crucial in designing lenses and other optical devices.
• Applications of Snell's Law:
• Snell's Law is used in various fields such as optics, astronomy, and photography.
• It helps in understanding and designing optical instruments like microscopes, telescopes, and cameras.
• It is also used in fiber optics for efficient light transmission.
• Understanding refraction is essential in disciplines like meteorology and oceanography for studying phenomena like mirages and underwater acoustics.

The correct answer is Padma Shri.

Key Points

• The Padma Shri is the fourth highest civilian award in the Republic of India, after the Bharat Ratna, the Padma Vibhushan, and the Padma Bhushan.
• Instituted in 1954, it is awarded to citizens of India for their distinguished contributions in various spheres of activity including the arts, education, industry, literature, science, sports, medicine, social service, and public affairs.
• The award is announced every year on Republic Day, January 26^th.
• Recipients of the Padma Shri award are announced annually by the Government of India, and the award is conferred by the President of India at a ceremonial function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Additional Information

• Padma Awards
• The Padma Awards are one of the highest civilian honors of India announced annually on the eve of Republic Day.
• The awards are given in three categories: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri, in descending order of importance.
• The Padma Vibhushan is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service, the Padma Bhushan for distinguished service of a high order, and the Padma Shri for distinguished service in any field.
• The awards seek to recognize achievements in all fields of activities or disciplines where an element of public service is involved, including the arts, education, industry, literature, science, sports, medicine, social service, and public affairs.
• History and Significance
• The Padma Awards were instituted in 1954 to recognize the distinguished contribution of citizens in various fields.
• They are a means to honor and celebrate the contributions made by individuals towards the growth and development of the nation.
• The awards are a recognition of the hard work and dedication of individuals who have excelled in their respective fields.
• They inspire others to strive for excellence and contribute to the nation’s progress.
• Conferment Process
• The Padma Awards Committee, which is constituted by the Prime Minister of India, is responsible for the selection of awardees.
• The recommendations for the awards are received from various sources such as state governments, central ministries, previous awardees, and the general public.
• The committee reviews the recommendations and submits its recommendations to the Prime Minister and the President of India.
• The final list of awardees is announced on the eve of Republic Day, January 26^th.

The correct answer is Carolus Linnaeus.

Key Points

• Carolus Linnaeus, also known as Carl Linnaeus or Carl von Linné, was a Swedish botanist, zoologist, and physician.
• He published the landmark book "Systema Naturae" in 1735, which laid the foundations for the modern biological naming scheme of binomial nomenclature.
• Linnaeus classified nature into three kingdoms: animal, vegetable, and mineral, and introduced the sexual system for the classification of plants.
• His work in "Systema Naturae" is considered one of the most significant contributions to the field of taxonomy and systematics.

Additional Information

• Systema Naturae
• Systema Naturae is one of the major works of Carl Linnaeus and was first published in 1735.
• It introduced a hierarchical classification system, which is the basis for the modern system of taxonomy.
• The book included a classification of all known plants, animals, and minerals, and established the use of binomial nomenclature, where each species is given a two-part Latin name (genus and species).
• The sexual system of plant classification was based on the number and arrangement of reproductive organs (stamens and pistils).
• Binomial Nomenclature
• Binomial nomenclature is a formal system of naming species of living things by giving each a name composed of two parts, both of which use Latin grammatical forms.
• The first part of the name identifies the genus to which the species belongs, and the second part identifies the species within the genus.
• This system was developed by Carolus Linnaeus and is used universally in the scientific community.
• Taxonomy
• Taxonomy is the science of defining and naming groups of biological organisms based on shared characteristics.
• Organisms are grouped into taxa, which are then grouped into larger taxa, creating a hierarchical structure.
• Linnaeus' classification system included ranks such as kingdom, class, order, family, genus, and species, which are still used today.
• Sexual System
• The sexual system was a method of classifying plants based on the number and arrangement of their reproductive organs.
• This system was part of Linnaeus' work in "Systema Naturae" and was revolutionary at the time, providing a clear and structured way to classify plants.

The correct answer is free rider.

Key Points

• A free rider is a person who benefits from resources, goods, or services without paying for the cost of the benefit.
• This phenomenon commonly occurs with public goods, which are non-excludable and non-rivalrous.
• Free rider problem can lead to under-provision of public goods as there is no incentive for individuals to contribute voluntarily.
• Government intervention is often required to ensure the provision and maintenance of public goods due to the free rider problem.

Additional Information

• Non-excludable:
• Non-excludable goods are those that individuals cannot be effectively excluded from using.
• Examples include public parks, national defense, and clean air.
• Rivalrous:
• Rivalrous goods are those that can only be used by one person at a time.
• If one person consumes a rivalrous good, it reduces the amount available for others.
• Examples include food, clothing, and cars.
• Private good:
• Private goods are both excludable and rivalrous.
• Owners can prevent others from using them, and their use by one person diminishes their availability to others.
• Examples include personal electronics, houses, and personal vehicles.
• Free rider problem:
• This occurs when individuals benefit from resources, goods, or services without paying for them.
• It is particularly prevalent with public goods which are non-excludable and non-rivalrous.
• Common solutions involve government intervention or collective action to provide the good and ensure everyone contributes.

The correct answer is BR Ambedkar.

Key Points

• Dr. BR Ambedkar was a prominent Indian jurist, economist, and social reformer who campaigned against social discrimination towards the untouchables (Dalits).
• He was the principal architect of the Constitution of India and served as the first Law Minister of India.
• In 1936, Dr. BR Ambedkar founded the Independent Labour Party, which aimed to secure social justice and eradicate social inequalities.
• The party contested the Bombay Legislative Assembly elections held in 1937 and won 15 seats.

Additional Information

• Independent Labour Party (ILP)
• The Independent Labour Party was established by BR Ambedkar on 15 August 1936 in Bombay.
• The ILP was formed to address the issues faced by the working class and the marginalized sections of society, particularly the Dalits.
• The party's manifesto emphasized the need for state socialism in the sphere of industry and agriculture.
• It also advocated for labor rights, including fair wages, decent working conditions, and social security measures for workers.
• BR Ambedkar
• Born on 14 April 1891, Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was a prolific scholar and an influential leader of the Dalit community in India.
• He played a crucial role in drafting the Indian Constitution and was a strong advocate for the rights of the oppressed and marginalized.
• Ambedkar's efforts led to significant social reforms, including the abolition of untouchability and the promotion of education and employment opportunities for Dalits.
• He embraced Buddhism in 1956 along with many of his followers, which marked a significant movement in the Dalit community towards religious and social empowerment.
• Social Reform Movements in India
• Social reform movements in India aimed at eradicating social evils and injustices prevalent in society, such as caste discrimination, gender inequality, and child marriage.
• Prominent social reformers included Raja Ram Mohan Roy, who worked towards the abolition of Sati, and Jyotirao Phule, who fought for the rights of the lower castes and women's education.
• These movements laid the foundation for a more equitable and just society in India by challenging traditional norms and advocating for progressive changes.
• The contributions of leaders like BR Ambedkar were instrumental in shaping modern India's social and political landscape.

The correct answer is Lohit.

Key Points

• Lohit is a river that originates in eastern Tibet and flows through Arunachal Pradesh in India and then into the Brahmaputra River.
• It is not a tributary of the Ganga; rather, it is a tributary of the Brahmaputra River.
• The Ganga has several tributaries, including major ones like the Yamuna, Gandak, and Kosi rivers.
• The Brahmaputra River, which the Lohit River joins, runs parallel to the Ganga River but is a distinct river system.

Additional Information

• Yamuna River
• The Yamuna is a major river in northern India, flowing through states like Uttarakhand, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh.
• It is the longest tributary of the Ganga River and meets the Ganga at the Triveni Sangam in Allahabad (Prayagraj).
• Gandak River
• The Gandak River, also known as the Narayani in Nepal, is another significant tributary of the Ganga.
• It originates in the Nepal Himalayas and flows into northern India, eventually joining the Ganga in the Indian state of Bihar.
• Kosi River
• The Kosi River, often referred to as the "Sorrow of Bihar," is also a major tributary of the Ganga.
• It originates in Tibet, flows through Nepal, and enters the Indian state of Bihar before joining the Ganga.
• Lohit River
• The Lohit River originates in the Zayal Chu range in eastern Tibet.
• It enters India in Arunachal Pradesh and flows through the Lohit district.
• It is a tributary of the Brahmaputra River, not the Ganga.
• The river is known for its turbulent flow and is a significant river in the northeastern region of India.

The correct answer is millimetres (mm).

Key Points

• Rainfall is commonly measured in terms of depth, and the unit used is millimetres (mm).
• This measurement indicates the amount of rain that has fallen over a specific period.
• One millimetre of rainfall corresponds to one litre of water per square meter.
• Millimetres are a standard unit of measurement in meteorology for reporting rainfall depth.

Additional Information

• Rainfall Measurement:
• Rainfall is measured using a rain gauge, which collects and measures the amount of liquid precipitation over a set period.
• The most common type of rain gauge is the standard gauge, which consists of a cylindrical container with a funnel leading to a graduated measuring tube.
• Rainfall data are crucial for various applications, including agriculture, hydrology, and weather forecasting.
• Other Units of Measurement:
• While millimetres (mm) are used for rainfall, other units such as kilopascal (kPa), hectopascal (hPa), and millibar (mbar) are used for measuring atmospheric pressure.
• 1 kilopascal (kPa) = 1000 pascals (Pa).
• 1 hectopascal (hPa) is equivalent to 100 pascals (Pa) and is commonly used in meteorology as 1 hPa = 1 mbar (millibar).

The correct answer is October.

Key Points

• Kati Bihu is celebrated in the month of October.
• It is one of the three Bihu festivals celebrated in Assam, the others being Rongali Bihu and Bhogali Bihu.
• Kati Bihu is also known as Kongali Bihu.
• This festival marks the sowing season and the relocation of the rice saplings.

Additional Information

• Bihu
• Bihu is a set of three important Assamese festivals: Rongali or Bohag Bihu, Kati or Kongali Bihu, and Bhogali or Magh Bihu.
• Rongali Bihu marks the Assamese New Year and the arrival of Spring.
• Bhogali Bihu is a harvest festival, marking the end of the harvesting season.
• Kati Bihu is associated with the agrarian calendar and is observed with a sense of solemnity and simplicity.
• Rongali Bihu
• Also known as Bohag Bihu, celebrated in April.
• It is the most popular Bihu, marking the Assamese New Year.
• It is celebrated with feasts, music, and dance.
• Bhogali Bihu
• Also known as Magh Bihu, celebrated in January.
• It marks the end of the harvesting season.
• People celebrate with community feasts and bonfires.

The correct answer is Both a and b.

Key Points

• Makkhali Gosala was indeed the prominent teacher of the Ajivika sect, which is a fundamental point in understanding the history of this ascetic sect.
• The Ajivikas were known for their belief in fatalism, the idea that all events are predetermined and therefore inevitable.
• The sect was a contemporary of Buddhism and Jainism and had a significant influence during the time of the Mauryan Empire.
• Ajivikas followed a strict ascetic lifestyle and believed in the concept of niyati (destiny).

Additional Information

• Ajivikas:
• The Ajivikas were an ascetic sect that emerged in ancient India around the same time as Buddhism and Jainism. They believed in the doctrine of predetermination, where every event is preordained and humans are powerless to change their destiny.
• Makkhali Gosala: He was one of the key figures in the Ajivika sect. His teachings emphasized the power of fate over individual effort.
• The teachings of the Ajivikas were based on the principle of niyati, which means destiny. This doctrine suggested that everything in the world was predetermined and fixed, and human efforts to change their fate were futile.
• The Ajivikas practiced extreme asceticism and renunciation, similar to other contemporary religious movements like Jainism.
• Fatalism:
• Fatalism is the philosophical doctrine suggesting that all events are predetermined and inevitable, a belief that is central to the Ajivika philosophy.
• It implies that human actions have no effect on the future, which is already decided by destiny or fate.
• This belief can lead to a deterministic outlook on life, where individuals accept whatever happens without trying to change their circumstances.
• In the context of Ajivikas, this meant that their ascetic practices were part of adhering to their predetermined path.

The correct answer is Jawaharlal Nehru.

Key Points

• Jawaharlal Nehru was a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress and a key figure in the Indian independence movement.
• He was the one who called for complete independence from British rule during the Lahore session of the Indian National Congress in 1929.
• The demand for complete independence (Purna Swaraj) was officially adopted by the Indian National Congress at this session.
• The resolution for complete independence was passed on December 31, 1929, and January 26, 1930, was declared as the Independence Day, which was later celebrated as Republic Day after India became independent.

Additional Information

• Indian National Congress (INC)
• The Indian National Congress was founded in 1885 and played a significant role in the Indian independence movement against British rule.
• It was the principal party behind the demand for self-rule and later complete independence from British colonialism.
• Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel were prominent figures associated with INC.
• Lahore Session of 1929
• The Lahore session of the INC in December 1929 was a pivotal moment in the Indian independence movement.
• During this session, the demand for Purna Swaraj (complete independence) was officially adopted.
• Jawaharlal Nehru was elected as the President of the INC during this session.
• The INC decided to celebrate January 26, 1930, as Independence Day, marking the beginning of a direct action campaign for complete independence.
• Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence)
• Purna Swaraj means complete self-rule or full independence from British rule.
• The resolution for Purna Swaraj was a declaration that the Indian people would fight for complete independence and not settle for anything less.
• This declaration intensified the struggle for independence and led to various civil disobedience movements and protests against British rule.
• Republic Day
• January 26 was chosen as the Republic Day to honor the date on which the Declaration of Independence was proclaimed in 1930.
• On January 26, 1950, the Constitution of India came into effect, making India a sovereign, democratic republic.
• Republic Day is celebrated every year with grand parades and festivities across the country.

The correct answer is Article 51A (a).

Key Points

• Article 51A (a) of the Indian Constitution lays down the fundamental duty of every citizen to respect the national symbols, including the National Flag.
• It states that it is the duty of every citizen of India "to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem".
• The use of the Indian Flag as a covering for a speaker's desk at a private party is a violation of this fundamental duty.
• Respecting the National Flag is a manifestation of respect for the nation itself and its values and ideals.

Additional Information

• Fundamental Duties
• The Fundamental Duties are a set of moral obligations enumerated in Part IVA (Article 51A) of the Indian Constitution.
• They were added by the 42^nd Amendment Act in 1976 upon the recommendations of the Swaran Singh Committee.
• Initially, there were ten duties, but an eleventh duty was added by the 86^th Amendment in 2002.
• These duties are intended to serve as a constant reminder to every citizen that while enjoying their rights, they have to be conscious of their duties towards the nation.
• National Flag Code of India
• The Flag Code of India, 2002, brings together all laws, conventions, practices, and instructions for the display of the National Flag.
• It governs the usage, hoisting, and display of the Indian Flag to ensure respect and dignity towards the national symbol.
• As per the code, the flag cannot be used for decoration or as a covering in any form.
• Violations of the Flag Code can result in legal consequences under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
• Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971
• This Act prohibits any form of disrespect or insult to the Indian National Flag, the Constitution, the National Anthem, and the National Symbols.
• Disrespect includes acts such as burning, mutilating, defacing, or showing any contempt towards the flag or national symbols.
• Offenders can face imprisonment up to three years, or a fine, or both.

The correct answer is Discovery of electromagnetic induction.

Key Points

• Michael Faraday, an English scientist, conducted the famous experiment in 1831 which led to the discovery of electromagnetic induction.
• Electromagnetic induction is the process of generating an electromotive force (EMF) through the relative motion between a conductor and a magnetic field.
• This discovery paved the way for numerous technological advancements, including the development of electric generators and transformers.
• Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction states that the induced EMF in any closed circuit is equal to the rate of change of the magnetic flux through the circuit.

Additional Information

• Electromagnetic Induction
• Electromagnetic induction refers to the generation of an electric current by changing the magnetic field. This phenomenon is fundamental to many types of electrical devices, including generators and transformers.
• Faraday's Experiment: In 1831, Faraday discovered that when a magnet is moved in and out of a coil of wire, an electric current is induced in the wire. This is known as Faraday's law of induction.
• Lenz's Law: This law states that the direction of the induced current is such that it opposes the change in magnetic flux that caused it. This is a consequence of the law of conservation of energy.
• Applications: The principles of electromagnetic induction are applied in many devices, such as inductors, transformers, and many types of electrical generators.
• Quantum Magnetometers
• Quantum magnetometers are devices that measure magnetic fields using quantum effects. These are used in various applications, including medical imaging and geological surveys.
• Law of Elasticity
• The law of elasticity, also known as Hooke's Law, states that the deformation of a material is directly proportional to the force applied to it, provided the material's elastic limit is not exceeded.
• Natural Radioactivity
• Natural radioactivity refers to the spontaneous decay of unstable atomic nuclei, resulting in the emission of radiation. This phenomenon was discovered by Henri Becquerel in 1896.

The correct answer is Dadabhai Naoroji.

Key Points

• Dadabhai Naoroji, also known as the "Grand Old Man of India," was a prominent Indian political leader and social reformer.
• He was one of the founding members of the Indian National Congress and a strong advocate for India's independence from British rule.
• In his book "Poverty and Un-British Rule in India," Naoroji presented a detailed critique of the British economic policies in India, arguing that they were responsible for the widespread poverty in the country.
• Naoroji's work laid the foundation for the Indian nationalist movement and inspired future leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru.

Additional Information

• Poverty and Un-British Rule in India
• This book, published in 1901, is a seminal work by Dadabhai Naoroji in which he systematically examined the economic impacts of British rule on India.
• Naoroji introduced the concept of "Drain Theory," which argued that a significant portion of India's wealth was being drained to Britain without adequate returns, leading to persistent poverty in India.
• The book provided statistical evidence to support Naoroji's claims, making a compelling case for economic reforms and self-governance.
• It was one of the first works to use economic analysis to critique colonial policies, influencing both Indian and British policymakers.
• Dadabhai Naoroji
• He was born on 4^th September 1825 in Mumbai and was educated at Elphinstone College.
• Naoroji was also the first Indian to be elected to the British Parliament, representing the Liberal Party for Finsbury Central from 1892 to 1895.
• He played a key role in bringing the economic grievances of Indians to the attention of the British public and Parliament.
• Besides his political career, Naoroji was an educator, co-founding the University of Mumbai, and a businessman involved in the cotton trade.
• Indian National Congress (INC)
• Founded in 1885, the INC was the first modern nationalist movement to emerge in the British Empire in Asia and Africa.
• The Congress became the principal leader of the Indian independence movement, with its influence spreading from the Indian subcontinent to the rest of the world.
• It played a significant role in the independence struggle, leading to India gaining independence in 1947.
• Prominent leaders associated with the Congress include Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Subhas Chandra Bose.

The correct answer is Amadeo Avogadro.

Key Points

• Amadeo Avogadro was an Italian scientist who is most famous for his hypothesis known as Avogadro's Law.
• In 1811, Avogadro proposed that equal volumes of gases, at the same temperature and pressure, contain an equal number of molecules.
• This hypothesis was crucial in reconciling Dalton's atomic hypothesis with Gay-Lussac's law of combining volumes.
• Avogadro's ideas were not widely accepted until after his death, but they eventually became a fundamental principle in the field of chemistry.

Additional Information

• Dalton's Atomic Hypothesis
• Formulated by John Dalton in the early 19^th century, this hypothesis proposed that all matter is composed of indivisible atoms.
• Dalton suggested that atoms of a given element are identical in mass and properties, and that chemical reactions involve the rearrangement of these atoms.
• Gay-Lussac's Law of Combining Volumes
• Joseph Louis Gay-Lussac, a French chemist, discovered that gases combine in simple whole-number ratios by volume under the same conditions of temperature and pressure.
• This empirical law was key to understanding the behavior of gases and provided a basis for Avogadro's hypothesis.
• Avogadro's Law
• Avogadro's Law states that equal volumes of different gases at the same temperature and pressure contain an equal number of molecules.
• This law helped clarify the relationship between the mass and volume of gases, leading to the concept of the mole and Avogadro's number, 6.022 x 10^23 molecules per mole.
• Importance of Avogadro's Work
• Avogadro's contributions laid the groundwork for the development of the ideal gas law, which combines several earlier gas laws into a single equation.
• His work also paved the way for the modern understanding of molecular theory and stoichiometry in chemical reactions.

The correct answer is Harsh Vardhan Shringla.

Key Points

• Harsh Vardhan Shringla is a retired Indian diplomat who served as the Foreign Secretary of India.
• He was appointed as the Chief Coordinator for the G20 summit hosted by India in 2023.
• His role involved coordinating the various activities and logistics associated with hosting the summit.
• His extensive experience in diplomacy and international relations made him a suitable choice for this critical role.

Additional Information

• G20 Summit
• The G20 is an international forum for governments and central bank governors from 19 countries and the European Union.
• Founded in 1999, it aims to discuss policy pertaining to the promotion of international financial stability.
• The G20 includes the world's major economies and accounts for about 85% of global GDP and 75% of international trade.
• The summit is held annually, and each member country takes turns to host the meeting.
• Role of a Chief Coordinator
• The Chief Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the planning, organization, and execution of the summit.
• This role involves coordinating with various government departments, international organizations, and other stakeholders.
• The Chief Coordinator ensures that all logistical and administrative arrangements are in place for the smooth conduct of the summit.
• The role is crucial for the successful hosting of such a large and significant international event.
• Harsh Vardhan Shringla's Career
• Harsh Vardhan Shringla joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1984.
• He has served in various capacities in Indian missions in Paris, Washington D.C., and Bangkok.
• He has also served as the Ambassador of India to the United States, Thailand, and Bangladesh.
• He was appointed as the Foreign Secretary of India in January 2020 and served until April 2022.

The correct answer is 12.

Key Points

• The number of ministers, including the Chief Minister, in a state shall not be less than 12.
• This provision is part of the 91^st Amendment Act of 2003 to the Constitution of India.
• The Amendment was introduced to avoid jumbo ministries and ensure efficient governance.
• The maximum number of ministers in a state, including the Chief Minister, shall not exceed 15% of the total number of members of the Legislative Assembly of that state.

Additional Information

• 91^st Amendment Act of 2003
• The 91^st Amendment Act was enacted to curb defections and to limit the size of the Council of Ministers to prevent the formation of oversized cabinets.
• It is one of the key measures to ensure stability in the legislative assembly by preventing political horse-trading and defection.
• The Amendment mandates that a person who is disqualified under the Tenth Schedule (anti-defection law) from being a member of the legislature shall also be disqualified from being appointed as a minister or holding any remunerative political post.
• This amendment also ensures that the total number of ministers, including the Prime Minister in the Central Government, shall not exceed 15% of the total number of members of the Parliament in the Lok Sabha.
• Anti-Defection Law (Tenth Schedule)
• The anti-defection law was introduced by the 52^nd Amendment Act of 1985 and later strengthened by the 91^st Amendment Act of 2003.
• The main objective of the law is to combat the evil of political defections by elected members.
• According to this law, if a member of a house belonging to a political party voluntarily gives up the membership of his party or votes (or abstains from voting) contrary to the directions issued by his party, he can be disqualified from being a member of the house.
• The decision on disqualification questions on the ground of defection is referred to the Chairman or the Speaker of such House and their decision is final.