Current affairs and static general knowledge — history, geography, polity, economy, science, sports, awards, books, and important days as asked in the general awareness section.
Which of these is a secondary pollutant that is included in Air Quality Index (AQI) calculations?
SO2
NO2
O3
PM10
Correct answer
SO2
The Fatwa-i-Alamgiri, a major compilation of Islamic law, was commissioned by:
Shah Jahan
Akbar
Aurangzeb
Jahangir
Correct answer
Shah Jahan
The Rajput ruler who maintained cordial relations with Akbar was:
Rana Sanga
Udai Singh
Raja Man Singh
Rana Pratap
Correct answer
Rana Sanga
Which Article assigns the responsibility of calling for elections in a state to the Election Commission?
Article 324
Article 326
Article 327
Article 325
Correct answer
Article 324
Which sport uses the terms "advantage in" and "advantage out"?
Tennis
Badminton
Table Tennis
Squash
Correct answer
Tennis
In football (soccer), which of the following scenarios would result in an "indirect free kick" being awarded to the opposing team?
A player deliberately handles the ball within their own penalty area.
A player commits a foul from behind on an opponent, denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
A goalkeeper holds the ball for more than six seconds.
A defender trips an attacker inside the penalty area.
Correct answer
A player deliberately handles the ball within their own penalty area.
The second five-year plan was primarily based on which economic model?
Harrod-Domar model
Feldman model
Keynesian model
Mahalanobis model
Correct answer
Harrod-Domar model
How would one characterize the trajectory of India's industrial sector during the Five-Year Plans up to 1990?
Consistently surpassing projected growth rates across all sectors
Attaining swift technological progress and global competitiveness
Showing significant growth in fundamental and heavy industries, but often falling short of targets and facing inefficiencies
Being predominantly propelled by private sector innovation and capital infusion, with minimal governmental intervention
Correct answer
Consistently surpassing projected growth rates across all sectors
In 2016, the Nobel Prize for Literature was controversially awarded to which American musician ?
Leonard Cohen
Bruce Springsteen
Patti Smith
Bob Dylan
Correct answer
Leonard Cohen
Which Indian boxer was penalized for refusing a medal ceremony in the 2014 Asian Games?
Vijender Singh
Mary Kom
Sarita Devi
Nikhat Zareen
Correct answer
Vijender Singh
Which of the following Indian states is famous for celebrating Bihu, a harvest festival?
Assam
Odisha
Rajasthan
Goa
Correct answer
Assam
The introduction of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) in 1860 aimed to:
Codify and standardize criminal laws across British India.
Promote traditional Indian legal systems.
Grant greater autonomy to village courts in resolving disputes.
"Exclusively protect the interests of the British ruling class.
Correct answer
Codify and standardize criminal laws across British India.
The "Indian Councils Act of 1892" represented a limited expansion of Indian participation in the legislative councils.
What was a notable feature of this Act regarding the selection of Indian members?
It introduced universal adult suffrage for the election of Indian members.
It allowed for the direct election of a majority of Indian members to the central legislative council.
It permitted the nomination of some Indian members by the Governor-General and provided for indirect election through electoral colleges.
It mandated equal representation for all religious communities in the legislative councils.
Correct answer
It introduced universal adult suffrage for the election of Indian members.
Who was appointed as the Chief Justice of the Orissa High Court in March 2025?
Justice Joymalya Bagchi
Justice Arun Palli
Justice Hima Kohli
Justice Harish Tandon
Correct answer
Justice Joymalya Bagchi
What is the predominant theme of Manipuri dance?
War and victory
Devotion and love
Celebration of harvest
Storytelling
Correct answer
War and victory
What is the thematic focus of the Padam item in Bharatnatyam?
Devotional praise
Love and divine affection
Abstract dance
Rhythmic patterns
Correct answer
Devotional praise
Which among the following statements is NOT true about Kanishka?
He patronized Buddhist scholars Vasumitra, Asvagosha and Nagarjuna.
He convened the Fourth Buddhist Council.
Kanishka was succeeded by his son Vasudeva.
The famous physician Charaka was patronized by him.
Correct answer
He patronized Buddhist scholars Vasumitra, Asvagosha and Nagarjuna.
Match the following Janapadas: their capitals.
Column A Column B
| Column A | Column B | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Kashi | a. | Varanasi |
| 2. | Kosala | b. | Shravasti |
| 3. | Avanti | c. | Ujjayini |
| 4. | Magadha | d. | Rajagriha |
1 - a, 2 - b, 3 - c, 4 - d
1 - b, 2 - a, 3 - d, 4 - c
1 - d, 2 - c, 3 - a, 4 - b
1 - c, 2 - d, 3 - b, 4 - a
Correct answer
1 - a, 2 - b, 3 - c, 4 - d
Fill in the blanks:
During the modern period, Pt. V.N. Bhatkhande and Pt. V.D. Paluskar contributed significantly to Hindustani classical music by introducing a systematized ______
Bhakti Movement
Stage Performance Culture
Notation System
Raga-Ragini Paintings
Correct answer
Bhakti Movement
In the context of Indian devotional music, which of the following correctly describes the contribution of Lal Ded (Lallehwari)?
She composed classical bhajans in Braj language dedicated to Krishna.
She was a Kashmiri mystic who conveyed philosophy through vakh verses.
She pioneered the Carnatic kriti form using Sanskrit hymns.
She was a temple dancer known for composing dhrupad compositions.
Correct answer
She composed classical bhajans in Braj language dedicated to Krishna.
Solving previous year questions by topic helps identify recurring concepts, question patterns, and frequently asked sub-topics. Attempt each question, review the step-by-step explanation, and note down key formulas or facts for quick revision before the exam.