General Awareness PYQs

The correct answer is President.

Key Points

• Under Article 75 of the Indian Constitution, the Prime Minister is appointed by the President of India. While the President makes the formal appointment, they are bound by constitutional conventions to appoint the leader of the party or coalition that commands a majority in the Lok Sabha.
• The President also appoints other Ministers of the Union, but this is done specifically on the advice of the Prime Minister.
• The Prime Minister serves as the Head of the Government and the chief link between the Cabinet and the President. Although the Prime Minister holds office during the pleasure of the President, they cannot be dismissed as long as they maintain a majority in the Lower House.
• Before the Prime Minister enters office, the President administers the oaths of office and secrecy as per the forms set out in the Third Schedule of the Constitution.

 Additional Information

• Parliament:
• Comprises the President, the Rajya Sabha (Council of States), and the Lok Sabha (House of the People). While it is the legislative body, it does not formally appoint the Prime Minister.
• Chief Justice of India:
• The head of the Judiciary and the Supreme Court. The Chief Justice administers the oath of office to the President under Article 60, but has no role in the executive appointment of the Prime Minister.
• Vice President:
• Functions as the Ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. According to Article 65, the Vice President acts as President only during casual vacancies or the President's absence.
• Eligibility:
• A person must be a member of either house of Parliament to be Prime Minister. If not a member at the time of appointment, they must be elected to either the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha within six months.

The correct answer is Article 368.

Key Points

• Article 368, located in Part XX of the Constitution of India, defines the power of Parliament to amend the Constitution and provides the specific procedure for such modifications.
• The Parliament may, in the exercise of its constituent power, amend by way of addition, variation, or repeal any provision of the Constitution in accordance with the procedure laid down.
• An amendment of the Constitution can be initiated only by the introduction of a Bill for the purpose in either House of Parliament (Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha) and not in the State Legislatures.
• The Bill must be passed in each House by a Special Majority, which requires a majority of the total membership of that House and a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members of that House present and voting.
• The Supreme Court, in the historic Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973), ruled that Parliament cannot amend those provisions which form the Basic Structure of the Constitution.

 Additional Information

• Article 352
• Relates to the proclamation of a National Emergency by the President when the security of India is threatened by war, external aggression, or armed rebellion.
• Article 356
• Commonly known as President’s Rule, it allows for the suspension of state government and the imposition of direct central government rule in a state if the constitutional machinery fails.
• Article 370
• Formerly granted a Temporary Special Status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir; its primary provisions were rendered inoperative by a Presidential Order in August 2019.

The correct answer is Kerala Kalamandalam.

Key Points

• Kerala Kalamandalam was founded in 1930 by the renowned Malayalam poet Vallathol Narayana Menon, popularly known as Mahakavi Vallathol, in collaboration with Manakkulam Mukunda Raja.
• The primary objective of establishing this institution was to rescue traditional Kerala performing arts, particularly Kathakali, Koodiyattam, and Mohiniyattam, from the state of decline they had fallen into during the early 20^th century.
• The institution is located in Cheruthuruthy, a village in the Thrissur district of Kerala, situated on the banks of the Bharatapuzha river (Nila).
• Vallathol Narayana Menon recognized that without structured training and patronage, the complex art of Kathakali, which combines Sangeetham (music), Nritham (dance), Natyam (acting), and Kavithvam (poetry), would vanish.
• In 2006, the Government of India accorded the status of Deemed University to Kerala Kalamandalam for its unparalleled contribution to the preservation of Indian classical arts.

 Additional Information

• Vallathol Narayana Menon:
• He was one of the triumvirate poets of modern Malayalam literature, alongside Kumaran Asan and Ulloor S. Parameswara Iyer.
• He was honored with the Padma Bhushan in 1954 for his contributions to literature and the arts.
• His poetic works like Magdalana Mariam and Sahitya Manjari played a significant role in the nationalist movement in Kerala.
• Kathakali:
• It is one of the eight classical dances of India, characterized by its elaborate Vesham (costumes) and Chutti (makeup).
• The performance involves Mudras (hand gestures) and Navarasas (nine facial expressions) to narrate stories from the Puranas, Ramayana, and Mahabharata.
• Other Classical Arts at Kalamandalam:
• Mohiniyattam: Often referred to as the 'Dance of the Enchantress', it was revitalized by Vallathol to ensure it maintained its classical grace.
• Koodiyattam: Recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, it is the oldest surviving Sanskrit theatre tradition.

The correct answer is A women's folk dance involving rhythmic clapping and singing.

Key Points

• Giddha is a popular and vibrant folk dance originating from the Punjab region of India and Pakistan, performed exclusively by women.
• The dance is highly rhythmic and is characterized by its lack of heavy instrumentation; instead, the beat is primarily generated through rhythmic clapping and the use of a Dhol (barrel drum).
• It is often considered the female counterpart to the male-centric Bhangra dance, sharing similar energy levels but emphasizing grace, femininity, and storytelling.
• The performance involves women standing in a circle while singing Boliyaan, which are traditional couplets or short folk songs that reflect the daily lives, emotions, and social experiences of Punjabi women.
• One or two women usually step into the center of the circle to perform the main dance steps while the others provide the chorus and clapping support.

 Additional Information

• Cultural Significance and Occasions:
• Giddha is typically performed during festivals such as Baisakhi (harvest festival) and Teeyan (monsoon festival dedicated to women).
• It is also a staple at weddings and other family celebrations, serving as a medium for social bonding and merriment.
• Attire and Ornamentation:
• Performers wear bright, colorful Salwar Kameez or Lehengas made of silk or satin, often heavily embroidered with Gota-patti or Phulkari work.
• Specific traditional jewelry includes the Saggi Phul (a floral-shaped head ornament), Tikka, and heavy bangles that add to the visual and auditory spectacle of the dance.
• Thematic Content of Boliyaan:
• The lyrics often humorously address familial relationships, such as the bond between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, or celebrate romantic love and nature.

The correct answer is Arundhati Roy.

Key Points

• Arundhati Roy is the acclaimed Indian author who wrote the semi-autobiographical novel 'The God of Small Things', which was published in 1997.
• The novel is set in Aymanam, a village in the Kottayam district of Kerala, India, and follows the lives of fraternal twins, Estha and Rahel.
• The book gained international recognition by winning the Man Booker Prize for Fiction in 1997 and was cited as one of the New York Times Notable Books of the Year.
• The narrative explores complex social themes including the caste system, communism, and the rigid 'Love Laws' of Indian society, using a distinctive non-linear timeline.
• It remains one of the most significant works of contemporary Indian literature, having been translated into more than 40 languages worldwide.

 Additional Information

• Vikram Seth:
• He is a renowned Indian poet and novelist, best known for his monumental novel 'A Suitable Boy' (1993), which is one of the longest English novels ever published.
• His literary contributions also include 'The Golden Gate' and 'An Equal Music'.
• Kiran Desai:
• She is an Indian author whose novel 'The Inheritance of Loss' won the Man Booker Prize in 2006.
• Her writing often focuses on the themes of post-colonialism, identity, and globalization.
• Shekhar Kapur:
• Primarily a film director and producer rather than a novelist, he is famous for directing critically acclaimed movies like 'Masoom', 'Mr. India', and the Oscar-winning 'Elizabeth'.
• He has served as the Chairman of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII).

The correct answer is Aravalli.

Key Points

• The Aravalli Range is geologically recognized as the oldest fold mountain system in India and is among the oldest in the world.
• It originated during the Precambrian Era, specifically the Proterozoic Eon, approximately 1.8 billion years ago, as part of the Aravalli-Delhi Orogeny.
• Today, it is categorized as a relict mountain or residual mountain because its once-towering peaks have been significantly lowered by millions of years of weathering and erosion.
• The range extends for about 800 kilometers in a Southwest-Northeast direction, covering parts of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi.
• The highest peak of the Aravalli range is Guru Shikhar, located in Mount Abu, reaching an elevation of 1,722 meters above sea level.
• The range acts as a climatic barrier, preventing the eastward expansion of the Thar Desert and influencing the rainfall patterns in Northwest India.

 Additional Information

• Himalayas:
• These are Young Fold Mountains formed during the Cenozoic Era (Tertiary Period) due to the collision between the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate.
• They are characterized by high peaks, deep valleys, and fast-flowing rivers, and they are still geologically active and growing.
• Western Ghats:
• Also known as Sahyadri, this range runs parallel to the western coast and is older than the Himalayas but younger than the Aravallis.
• They represent the faulted edge of the Deccan Plateau and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for immense biodiversity.
• Eastern Ghats:
• A discontinuous range of mountains along India's eastern coast that has been eroded by major peninsular rivers like the Godavari and Krishna.
• While older than the Western Ghats, they were formed much later than the Aravalli system.

The correct answer is Brahmaputra.

Key Points

• Majuli is a large riverine island located in the Brahmaputra River in the state of Assam, India.
• It was formed due to the course changes of the Brahmaputra and its tributaries, specifically the Lohit River to the north and the main Brahmaputra channel to the south.
• In 2016, Guinness World Records officially designated Majuli as the world's largest river island, a title previously held by Marajo in Brazil.
• Majuli holds the unique distinction of being the first island to be made a district in India, a status it achieved in September 2016.
• The island is a significant site for Neo-Vaishnavite culture, housing numerous Satras (monasteries) founded by the saint-reformer Srimanta Sankardeva.
• While originally spanning over 1,200 square kilometers, constant soil erosion by the Brahmaputra has reduced its current area to approximately 352 square kilometers.

 Additional Information

• Ganga:
• It is the longest river in India, originating from the Gangotri Glacier at Gaumukh.
• Along with the Brahmaputra, it forms the Sundarbans Delta, which is the largest river delta in the world.
• Godavari:
• Often referred to as Dakshin Ganga or Vriddh Ganga, it is the largest peninsular river system.
• It originates from Trimbakeshwar in the Nashik district of Maharashtra.
• Yamuna:
• The largest tributary of the Ganga, it originates from the Yamunotri Glacier in the Banderpooch peaks of the Himalayas.
• It passes through major cities including Delhi, Agra, and Mathura before merging with the Ganga at Prayagraj.

The correct answer is Rainbow appears at the same distance..

Key Points

• A rainbow is not a physical object located at a specific point in space but is an optical phenomenon whose perceived position depends on the observer.
• It is formed by the refraction, total internal reflection, and dispersion of sunlight as it passes through spherical water droplets in the atmosphere.
• The observer always sees the rainbow at a fixed angular relationship of approximately 40 to 42 degrees from the anti-solar point (the point directly opposite the Sun).
• Because the rainbow is defined by this angle rather than a fixed physical coordinate, as the observer moves, the rainbow appears to move with them.
• When a student tries to move closer, they are simply seeing light refracted from a different set of raindrops that satisfy the 42-degree viewing condition, making the rainbow appear to stay at the same distance.

 Additional Information

• Dispersion: This is the process where white light separates into its spectral colors (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, and Violet) because different wavelengths refract at slightly different angles.
• Anti-Solar Point: This is the imaginary point exactly 180 degrees opposite the Sun. The center of the rainbow arc is always aligned with this point.
• Primary and Secondary Rainbows:
• A primary rainbow involves one internal reflection and is brighter, with red on the outer edge.
• A secondary rainbow is caused by two internal reflections, appears fainter, and has a reversed color sequence.
• Total Internal Reflection: This occurs when the light hitting the back of the water droplet is reflected forward rather than passing through, a critical step in sending the light back toward the observer.

Therefore, the correct option is 3.

The correct answer is Sir Edward Burne-Jones.

Key Points

• The stained-glass windows in the western part of St. Paul's Cathedral in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) were designed by the eminent Pre-Raphaelite artist Sir Edward Burne-Jones.
• This monumental window was commissioned as a memorial to Lord Mayo, the Viceroy of India, who was assassinated in 1872 while visiting a penal settlement in the Andaman Islands.
• The designs were executed by Morris & Co., the decorative arts firm established by William Morris, which was a cornerstone of the Arts and Crafts Movement in the 19^th century.
• Installed around 1880, these windows are masterpiece examples of Gothic Revival art, featuring the ethereal and elongated figures characteristic of Burne-Jones's unique style.
• St. Paul's Cathedral itself is a landmark of Indo-Gothic architecture and was the first cathedral built in the overseas territories of the British Empire, consecrated in 1847.

 Additional Information

• Sir Edward Burne-Jones:
• He was a leading figure in the second phase of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, focusing heavily on medievalism and mythology.
• In addition to stained glass, he is famous for paintings such as The Golden Stairs and The Beguiling of Merlin.
• Incorrect Options:
• Leonardo da Vinci: A High Renaissance polymath known for the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper; his work predates the cathedral by over three centuries.
• Michelangelo: An Italian High Renaissance master famous for sculpting David and painting the Sistine Chapel ceiling.
• Rembrandt: A Dutch Golden Age painter recognized for his exceptional use of chiaroscuro (light and shadow) in portraits and biblical scenes.

The correct answer is Lunar eclipse.

Key Points

• A Lunar eclipse occurs specifically when the Earth passes directly between the Sun and the Moon, obstructing the solar rays from illuminating the lunar surface.
• This celestial alignment results in the Earth casting its shadow on the Moon, which is divided into the Umbra (the darkest central part) and the Penumbra (the outer, lighter part).
• This phenomenon is only possible during the Full Moon phase, as the Sun and Moon must be at opposite points relative to the Earth.
• During a Total Lunar Eclipse, the Moon often appears reddish because the Earth's atmosphere scatters shorter wavelengths (blue) and refracts longer wavelengths (red) toward the Moon, a process known as Rayleigh scattering.
• Unlike solar eclipses, a lunar eclipse can be observed safely with the naked eye and is visible from any location on the night-side of the Earth.

 Additional Information

• Solar eclipse:
• This occurs when the Moon moves between the Earth and the Sun, partially or fully obscuring the Sun's disk.
• It happens only during the New Moon phase when the Moon is on the same side of the Earth as the Sun.
• Meteor shower:
• This is a celestial event where multiple meteors (shooting stars) are observed to originate from a single point in the sky.
• It is caused by the Earth passing through a stream of cosmic debris or dust left behind by a comet or asteroid.
• Aurora borealis:
• Also known as the Northern Lights, this is a vivid natural light display in the Earth's sky.
• It is created when charged particles from the Sun (solar wind) collide with gases like oxygen and nitrogen in the Earth's thermosphere, directed by the magnetic poles.

The correct answer is 1992 Cricket world cup.

Key Points

• The 1992 Cricket World Cup was officially titled the Benson & Hedges World Cup, named after its primary sponsor, the tobacco company Benson & Hedges.
• This was the fifth edition of the flagship tournament, hosted jointly by Australia and New Zealand between February and March 1992.
• It is widely regarded as a revolutionary tournament because it introduced major changes to the format, including the use of colored clothing for players, white cricket balls, and day-night matches played under floodlights.
• The tournament featured a unique round-robin format where all nine participating teams played each other once before the knockout stages.
• The final took place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), where Pakistan, captained by Imran Khan, defeated England by 22 runs to lift their maiden trophy.

 Additional Information

• Other Sponsored World Cups:
• 1987 Cricket World Cup: Known as the Reliance Cup, it was the first edition held outside of England, hosted by India and Pakistan.
• 1996 Cricket World Cup: Officially called the Wills World Cup, hosted by India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, which saw Sri Lanka emerge as champions.
• 1999 Cricket World Cup: Primarily hosted by England, this tournament returned to the use of red balls and white clothing for a brief period before permanent shifts to colored kits in later editions.
• Historical Significance of 1992:
• It marked the World Cup debut of South Africa following the end of the international sports boycott due to the apartheid policy.
• Martin Crowe of New Zealand was named the Player of the Tournament for his innovative captaincy and batting performance.

The correct answer is Mirabai Chanu.

Key Points

• Mirabai Chanu secured India's first gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games held in Birmingham, England.
• She competed in the Women's 49kg weightlifting category and achieved a total lift of 201 kg, which set a new Commonwealth Games record.
• Her performance was divided into 88 kg in the Snatch category and 113 kg in the Clean and Jerk category.
• This victory marked her second consecutive gold at the Commonwealth Games, following her success at the 2018 Gold Coast Games.
• She is also an Olympic silver medalist, having won the medal at the Tokyo 2020 Games in the same weight category.

 Additional Information

• Jeremy Lalrinnunga:
• He won India's second gold medal at the 2022 Birmingham Games in the Men's 67kg weightlifting category.
• He set a new Commonwealth Games record with a total lift of 300 kg.
• Bajrang Punia:
• A renowned freestyle wrestler who won the gold medal in the Men's 65kg category at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
• He defeated Lachlan McNeil of Canada in the final match to secure his gold.
• P.V. Sindhu:
• The badminton champion won her first individual Commonwealth Games gold medal in the Women's Singles category in 2022.
• She defeated Michelle Li of Canada in the final.
• India's Performance at CWG 2022:
• India finished fourth in the overall medal standings with a total of 61 medals.
• The final tally included 22 gold, 16 silver, and 23 bronze medals.

The correct answer is Involuntary muscles.

Key Points

• Cardiac muscles are a specialized type of muscle tissue found exclusively in the myocardium, which is the middle layer of the heart wall.
• These muscles are classified as involuntary muscles because their rhythmic contraction and relaxation occur automatically and are not under the conscious control of the somatic nervous system.
• The primary function of cardiac muscle is to pump blood throughout the circulatory system by contracting the heart chambers.
• Unlike skeletal muscles, cardiac muscles are myogenic, meaning the impulse for contraction originates within the muscle tissue itself via the Sinoatrial (SA) node, although the autonomic nervous system can modulate the heart rate.
• Structurally, cardiac muscle cells are branched, uninucleated, and contain striations (bands of actin and myosin), but their functional classification remains involuntary due to the lack of conscious regulation.

 Additional Information

• Voluntary muscles:
• These are primarily skeletal muscles attached to the bones.
• They are controlled by the will of the individual through the central nervous system for movement and posture.
• Smooth muscles:
• These are non-striated, spindle-shaped muscles found in the walls of hollow internal organs like the stomach, intestines, and blood vessels.
• Like cardiac muscles, they are involuntary, but they lack the striations and branching characteristic of the heart muscle.
• Striated skeletal muscles:
• These are long, cylindrical, and unbranched fibers that appear striped under a microscope.
• They are distinguished from cardiac muscles by being multinucleated and strictly voluntary in nature.
• Intercalated Discs:
• A unique feature of cardiac muscle is the presence of intercalated discs which contain gap junctions.
• These structures allow for rapid electrical communication between cells, ensuring the heart contracts as a single functional unit called a syncytium.

The correct answer is Pituitary gland.

Key Points

• The Pituitary gland is a pea-sized endocrine gland located at the base of the brain within a bony structure called the sella turcica, attached to the hypothalamus.
• It is widely recognized as the Master Gland because its hormones regulate the activity of various other endocrine glands, including the thyroid, adrenals, and reproductive organs.
• Growth Hormone (GH), also referred to as somatotropin, is specifically synthesized and secreted by somatotroph cells located in the anterior pituitary (adenohypophysis).
• The primary biological role of Growth Hormone is to stimulate mitosis and cellular differentiation, promoting the growth of bones, cartilage, and skeletal muscles.
• Physiologically, it triggers the liver and other tissues to produce Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1), which mediates most of the growth-promoting effects.
• In addition to growth, it influences metabolism by increasing protein synthesis, enhancing lipolysis in adipose tissue, and regulating blood glucose levels by antagonizing insulin action.

 Additional Information

• Thyroid Gland:
• Located in the neck, it secretes Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3).
• These hormones are essential for maintaining the Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) and supporting nervous system development.
• Adrenal Gland:
• Positioned above the kidneys, it consists of an outer cortex and an inner medulla.
• The cortex secretes Cortisol (stress hormone) and Aldosterone, while the medulla secretes Adrenaline (Epinephrine) for the 'fight or flight' response.
• Pancreas:
• Serves as a heterocrine gland; the Islets of Langerhans represent its endocrine portion.
• It secretes Insulin from beta cells to lower blood glucose and Glucagon from alpha cells to increase it.

The correct answer is Kanyakumari.

Key Points

• Kanyakumari, formerly known as Cape Comorin, is situated in the state of Tamil Nadu and serves as the southernmost tip of the Indian mainland.
• Geographically, the mainland of India extends from latitude 8°4′N in the south to 37°6′N in the north. Kanyakumari is the specific point where the landmass terminates at the 8°4′N latitude.
• It is a unique geographical location where three major water bodies converge: the Arabian Sea to the west, the Bay of Bengal to the east, and the Indian Ocean to the south.
• While the Indian Union (including islands) extends further south, the term mainland refers strictly to the continuous landmass of the subcontinent, making Kanyakumari the correct geographical answer for this specific distinction.

 Additional Information

• Indira Point:
• Located on the Great Nicobar Island, it is the southernmost point of the entire territory of India.
• It is situated at approximately 6°45′N latitude, which is further south than the mainland.
• It was previously known as Pygmalion Point before being renamed in honour of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
• Extreme Points of India:
• Northernmost Point: Known as Indira Col, located in the Siachen Glacier region of Ladakh.
• Westernmost Point: Located at Ghuar Mota in the Kutch district of Gujarat.
• Easternmost Point: Located at Kibithu in the Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh.
• Rameswaram and Kovalam:
• Rameswaram is a major pilgrimage centre and island town in Tamil Nadu, connected to the mainland by the Pamban Bridge.
• Kovalam is a famous coastal town in Kerala known for its beaches but is located north of Kanyakumari.

The correct answer is 4.05.

Key Points

• The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) is a flagship maternity benefit scheme launched on January 1, 2017, by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
• The scheme reached a significant milestone by providing maternity benefits to more than 4.05 crore beneficiaries as part of its objective to promote institutional deliveries and provide wage compensation to pregnant women.
• Under the revamped PMMVY 2.0, which is a component of Mission Shakti (specifically the Samarthya sub-scheme), the government has expanded the reach and simplified the application process through the PMMVY Soft Portal.
• The scheme provides a cash incentive of 5,000 rupees in two installments (earlier three) for the first child, and under the new guidelines, it provides 6,000 rupees for the birth of a second girl child in a single installment to improve the Child Sex Ratio.
• The benefits are disbursed directly to the Aadhaar-seeded bank accounts or post office accounts of the beneficiaries through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism to ensure leak-proof delivery.

 Additional Information

• Target Audience and Eligibility:
• Applicable to Pregnant Women and Lactating Mothers (PW&LM) who are not in regular employment with the Central/State Government or Public Sector Undertakings.
• The scheme focuses on the socially and economically disadvantaged sections of society to ensure nutritional support during pregnancy and lactation.
• Mission Shakti Integration:
• Mission Shakti is an integrated women empowerment program comprising two sub-schemes: Sambal (for safety and security) and Samarthya (for empowerment).
• PMMVY is now strategically aligned with the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), where the total financial assistance often reaches 6,000 rupees or more, depending on the delivery conditions and location.
• Strategic Objectives:
• To provide partial compensation for wage loss so that women can take adequate rest before and after delivery.
• To improve health-seeking behavior, including early registration of pregnancy, Antenatal Care (ANC) check-ups, and immunization of the child.

The correct answer is Tipu Sultan.

Key Points

• Tipu Sultan, the ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore from 1782 to 1799, was famously known as the Tiger of Mysore (Sher-e-Mysore).
• He earned this title following a legendary encounter where he reportedly fought a tiger with a small dagger after his firearm failed, demonstrating exceptional bravery.
• The tiger served as his personal emblem and was ubiquitous throughout his reign, featuring prominently on his throne, banners, uniforms, and even the hammer of his firearms.
• He was the eldest son of Haider Ali and was a formidable adversary to the British East India Company, engaging them in multiple Anglo-Mysore Wars.
• Tipu Sultan is recognized for his military innovations, particularly the development and deployment of iron-cased Mysorean rockets, which were some of the first of their kind used in warfare.
• He died on May 4, 1799, while defending his capital city, Seringapatam (Srirangapatna), during the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War.

 Additional Information

• Haider Ali:
• He was the father of Tipu Sultan and a powerful military commander who became the de facto ruler of Mysore in 1761.
• He successfully led the state during the First Anglo-Mysore War and died during the Second Anglo-Mysore War in 1782.
• Ali Wardi Khan:
• He served as the Nawab of Bengal from 1740 to 1756 and was known for his administrative skills and resistance against Maratha raids.
• He was the grandfather of Siraj-ud-Daulah, who fought the Battle of Plassey.
• Mahadji Shinde:
• A prominent Maratha statesman and ruler of Gwalior who played a pivotal role in the First Anglo-Maratha War.
• He was instrumental in restoring Maratha influence in North India and served as a key advisor to the Peshwa.

The correct answer is 1916.

Key Points

• The Lucknow Pact was a historic agreement reached between the Indian National Congress and the All India Muslim League during a joint session of both parties held in Lucknow in December 1916.
• The pact was instrumental in bridging the gap between the Moderate and Extremist factions of the Congress, who had split earlier during the Surat Session of 1907.
• Key architects of the pact included Bal Gangadhar Tilak representing the Congress and Muhammad Ali Jinnah representing the Muslim League; Jinnah was hailed as the Ambassador of Hindu-Muslim Unity for his efforts.
• As per the agreement, the Congress accepted the system of separate electorates for Muslims in the provincial legislative councils, which was a significant political concession to ensure a united front against British rule.
• The joint memorandum demanded self-government for India at an early date and sought for the Legislative Councils to be expanded with an increased proportion of elected members.

 Additional Information

• Ambica Charan Mazumdar:
• He served as the President of the Lucknow Session of the Congress in 1916, overseeing the formal reunion of the party and the signing of the pact.
• Significant Years in Indian National Movement:
• 1919: This year saw the implementation of the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms (Government of India Act 1919) and the occurrence of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.
• 1925: Notable for the Kanpur Session of the Congress, where Sarojini Naidu became the first Indian woman to preside over the party.
• 1929: The Lahore Session took place under Jawaharlal Nehru, where the resolution for Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence) was passed on the banks of the river Ravi.

The correct answer is A. R. Rahman.

Key Points

• A. R. Rahman, the globally acclaimed Indian composer, made history at the 81^st Academy Awards held in 2009 by winning two Oscars.
• He won his first award for Best Original Score for his work on the film Slumdog Millionaire, which was directed by Danny Boyle.
• The second Oscar was awarded in the category of Best Original Song for the track 'Jai Ho', a victory he shared with the veteran lyricist Gulzar.
• This achievement established A. R. Rahman as the first Indian to win two Academy Awards in a single night, significantly elevating the profile of Indian Music on the international stage.
• The soundtrack of Slumdog Millionaire was praised for its unique fusion of modern electronic beats with traditional Indian instruments, capturing the vibrant essence of Mumbai.

 Additional Information

• Slumdog Millionaire (2008):
• The film is an adaptation of the novel 'Q & A' by the Indian author and diplomat Vikas Swarup.
• At the 2009 Oscars, the movie dominated the ceremony by winning eight Academy Awards out of ten nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director.
• Resul Pookutty, an Indian sound designer, also won an Oscar for Best Sound Mixing for this film in the same year.
• Incorrect Options Context:
• Pritam: A prolific Bollywood music director known for hits like 'Dangal' and 'Ludo', but he has not won an Academy Award.
• Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy: A renowned musical trio known for National Award-winning compositions in films like 'Kal Ho Naa Ho'.
• Vishal-Shekhar: A famous music duo recognized for their work in movies like 'Pathaan' and 'Student of the Year'.

The correct answer is 6.4%.

Key Points

• The International Monetary Fund (IMF), in its World Economic Outlook (WEO) update released in January 2025, has projected India's GDP growth for the calendar year 2025 at 6.4%.
• This projection reflects a slight moderation from the growth rates of previous years, primarily due to the stabilization of domestic demand and the fading of post-pandemic recovery effects.
• Despite the slight slowdown, India remains the fastest-growing major economy in the world, significantly outperforming other large economies like China, the United States, and the Euro Area.
• The IMF credits India's economic resilience to robust public investment in infrastructure, strong private consumption, and a flourishing services sector, particularly in digital and financial services.
• The report emphasizes that structural reforms and the digitalization of the economy have created a stable foundation for long-term sustainable growth amidst global economic uncertainties.

 Additional Information

• International Monetary Fund (IMF):
• Established in 1944 at the Bretton Woods Conference, it is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and comprises 190 member countries.
• Its primary mission is to ensure the stability of the international monetary system, facilitate international trade, and provide financial assistance to countries facing balance of payments crises.
• World Economic Outlook (WEO):
• A flagship publication of the IMF, usually issued twice a year in April and October, with summarized updates in January and July.
• It provides comprehensive analysis and GDP forecasts for global, regional, and individual national economies, serving as a critical benchmark for investors and policymakers.
• Global Growth Context:
• The IMF projected global growth to remain steady but modest at approximately 3.2% in 2025, highlighting risks from geopolitical tensions and persistent inflationary pressures.