Current affairs and static general knowledge — history, geography, polity, economy, science, sports, awards, books, and important days as asked in the general awareness section.
What is the standard chessboard size in tournament play (in terms of rows and columns)?
6x6
8x8
10x10
12x12
Correct answer
6x6
Which harvest festival in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana is celebrated for four days with the Bhogi bonfire?
Vinayaka Chaturthi
Sankranti
Ugadi
Bathukamma
Correct answer
Vinayaka Chaturthi
The "Charter Act of 1833" made the Governor-General of Bengal the Governor-General of:
Madras
Bombay
India
Bengal Presidency
Correct answer
Madras
The "Subsidiary Alliance" system, pioneered by Lord Wellesley, had a significant impact on the political map of India.
What was a primary consequence for the Indian states that entered into this alliance?
They gained greater military strength and autonomy in their external relations.
They were effectively brought under British political influence and control, losing their independent foreign policy and often their military capacity.
They experienced rapid economic growth due to British investment and administrative reforms.
They formed a strong unified front against the expansion of British power in India.
Correct answer
They gained greater military strength and autonomy in their external relations.
The "Simon Commission" of 1927 was intended to review the working of the Government of India Act of 1919.
Why was it met with widespread protests and boycotts by Indian nationalist leaders?
It recommended the immediate granting of complete independence to India, which was deemed insufficient by some.
It proposed the complete dismantling of the existing legislative councils.
It did not include any Indian members in its composition, leading to accusations of being an imposition on India's future without Indian representation.
It advocated for the strengthening of the system of separate electorates.
Correct answer
It recommended the immediate granting of complete independence to India, which was deemed insufficient by some.
In August 2024, who assumed office as India's Union Home Secretary?
Ajay Kumar Bhalla
Govind Mohan
Rajiv Gauba
Anil Baijal
Correct answer
Ajay Kumar Bhalla
Where did Bharatanatyam originate?
Maharashtra
Tamil Nadu
Uttar Pradesh
Kerala
Correct answer
Maharashtra
Who among the following secured India's first Paris 2024 Olympic quota in rowing?
Arjun Lal Jat
Arvind Singh
Balraj Panwar
Satish Joshi
Correct answer
Arjun Lal Jat
Who is the first English language writer to become a Jnanpith laureate?
Amitav Ghosh
Raghuveer Chaudhari
Kedarnath Singh
Shankha Ghosh
Correct answer
Amitav Ghosh
Which dance is performed with bamboo staves in Mizoram?
Chang Lo
Maruni
Cheraw
Ghoomar
Correct answer
Chang Lo
The First Jain Council was convened at Pataliputra by whom?
Bhadrabahu
Sthulabahu
Moggallanna
Rahula
Correct answer
Bhadrabahu
Vichitrachitta, Chitrakarapuli, and Chaityakari are the titles given to which of the following rulers?
Kirtivarman I
Narasimhavarman II
Mahendravarman I
Parantaka I
Correct answer
Kirtivarman I
Which of the given statements is/are CORRECT regarding Kochi port?
It is an artificial harbour situated on Willingdon Island.
It is located on the Arabian Sea, very close Suez-Colombo route.
It is located on islands within the Vembanad Lake, where it opens to the Arabian Sea..
1 and 3 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 2 only
1, 2, and 3
Correct answer
1 and 3 only
Which of these ragas is traditionally associated with the early morning and evokes a peaceful, meditative mood?
Raga Bageshree
Raga Hamsadhwani
Raga Bhairav
Raga Marwa
Correct answer
Raga Bageshree
Which of the following statements CORRECTLY defines Southern Oscillations?
Periodic changes in the pressure conditions in the Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean.
The reversal of jet streams during the monsoon season in India.
The periodic reversal of winds in the Indian peninsula.
The periodic changes in the pressure conditions of various parts of India due to shift in ITCZ.
Correct answer
Periodic changes in the pressure conditions in the Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean.
Read the statements about Bihu festivals in Assam and choose the correct option:
1.) Goru Bihu of Kati Bihu involves sky lamps to attract pests.
2.) Uruka before Magh Bihu features bonfires and feasting.
3.) Manuh Bihu includes gifting Gamucha and traditional dishes.
Only 2 and 3 are correct
Only 1 and 3 are correct
Only 2 is correct
1,2 and 3 are correct.
Correct answer
Only 2 and 3 are correct
Which term refers to a melodic framework in Indian classical music that consists of ascending (arohana) and descending (avarohana) notes?
Talam
Alap
Raga
Swara
Correct answer
Talam
What was the core theme of India's BRICS Chairship in 2021?
Economic protectionism
BRICS continuity and consensus
Cultural heritage digitization
Military coordination
Correct answer
Economic protectionism
Which of the following statements about the India-Nepal WASH MoU is/are correct?
It includes real-time glacial runoff tracking and privatized sanitation benchmarks.
It covers groundwater management, capacity building, and technology sharing.
Only 1 is correct
Only 2 is correct
Both 1 and 2 are correct
Neither 1 nor 2 is correct
Correct answer
Only 1 is correct
Which of the following statements about South Asian Regional Standards Organization (SARSO) is/are correct?
SARSO began functioning in 1985 to regulate tariffs and pricing in SAARC.
SARSO aims to harmonize standards and conformity assessments to boost intra-SAARC trade and global access.
Only 1
Only 2
1 and 2 Both are correct
Neither 1 nor 2 is correct
Correct answer
Only 1
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.