General Awareness PYQs

The correct answer is The act of storytelling.

Key Points

• The word Kathak is etymologically derived from the Sanskrit word Katha, which literally means story. Therefore, a Kathakar is a person who tells a story through the medium of dance.
• This classical dance form originated in Northern India, primarily in the states of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, where it was performed by nomadic bards known as Kathakars.
• Historically, these storytellers traveled from village to village and performed in temple courtyards, using music, song, and rhythmic movements to narrate episodes from Indian epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
• Kathak is formally recognized as one of the eight major classical dance forms of India by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, distinguished by its unique blend of Hindu and Muslim cultural influences.
• The performance involves a transition from a slow invocation to high-speed footwork and pirouettes, all while maintaining the core objective of conveying a narrative or Bhaav (emotion).

 Additional Information

• Evolution and Gharanas:
• The dance style evolved significantly during the Bhakti Movement, incorporating the legends of Radha and Krishna, which added a layer of divine romance to the storytelling.
• During the Mughal era, Kathak moved from temples to royal courts, where it developed into a more sophisticated and technical form focusing on Tatkar (footwork) and Chakkars (spins).
• There are three main Gharanas or schools of Kathak: the Lucknow Gharana (emphasizing grace and expression), the Jaipur Gharana (emphasizing rhythmic speed and power), and the Banaras Gharana (emphasizing spiritual depth).
• Musical accompaniment typically includes instruments such as the Tabla, Pakhawaj, Harmonium, and Sarangi, which provide the rhythmic and melodic framework for the storyteller.

The correct answer is Mahabharata.

Key Points

• The Mahabharata is one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India, and it explicitly describes the spiritual significance of Uttarayana through the narrative of Bhishma Pitamaha.
• Bhishma, the patriarch of the Kuru dynasty, possessed the rare boon of Iccha Mrityu (death at will), granted by his father, King Shantanu.
• After being mortally wounded during the Kurukshetra War by Arjuna, Bhishma chose to lie on a bed of arrows (Sharashayya) rather than giving up his life immediately.
• He intentionally delayed his departure from the mortal world for 58 days to wait for the onset of Uttarayana, the period when the sun begins its northward journey.
• According to the epic, dying during this auspicious period allows the soul to travel through the Devayana (the path of gods), leading directly to Salvation or Moksha and liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

 Additional Information

• Uttarayana and its Significance:
• It is the six-month period between the Winter Solstice and the Summer Solstice, characterized by the sun moving into the northern hemisphere.
• The festival of Makar Sankranti traditionally marks the beginning of this period in the Hindu solar calendar.
• In the Bhagavad Gita, which is a section of the Mahabharata, Lord Krishna confirms that those who depart the world during the light of the day and the six months of the northern sun attain the Supreme Abode.
• Other Epics and Texts:
• Ramayana: An epic chronicling the life of Lord Rama, but the theological focus on waiting for Uttarayana for salvation is specific to the legend of Bhishma in the Mahabharata.
• Vedas: The oldest scriptures of Hinduism containing hymns and rituals; while they discuss cosmic order (Rta), the specific narrative of Bhishma's death is found in the Itihasa (History) category.
• Bhagavata Purana: Focuses on Bhakti (devotion) and the incarnations of Vishnu, particularly Krishna, but is distinct from the primary historical account of the Kuru war.

The correct answer is 7.6 × 10⁶ s.

Key Points

• The orbital period is defined as the time a celestial object takes to complete one full revolution around another object; in this context, it refers to a planet orbiting the Sun.
• To determine the period in seconds, we must convert 88 Earth days using standard units of time: 1 day consists of 24 hours, 1 hour contains 60 minutes, and 1 minute contains 60 seconds.
• The total number of seconds in a single solar day is calculated by the product: 24 × 60 × 60 = 86,400 seconds.
• By multiplying the given orbital duration of 88 days by the number of seconds per day, we find: 88 × 86,400 = 7,603,200 seconds.
• In scientific notation, this value is expressed as 7.6032 × 10⁶ s. Rounding to two significant figures as per the provided options results in 7.6 × 10⁶ s.

 Additional Information

• Mercury and Orbital Mechanics
• Mercury is the planet characterized by an orbital period of approximately 88 Earth days (specifically 87.97 days), making it the fastest planet in our Solar System.
• Because it is the closest planet to the Sun, it must maintain a high orbital velocity (averaging 47.36 km/s) to counteract the Sun's massive gravitational pull.
• Kepler's Third Law
• The relationship between a planet's distance from the Sun and its period is governed by Kepler's Law of Periods, which states that the square of the orbital period (T) is proportional to the cube of the semi-major axis (a) of its orbit (T² ∝ a³).
• This law implies that planets further from the Sun, such as Jupiter or Neptune, have significantly longer orbital periods compared to terrestrial planets like Earth or Mercury.

The correct answer is Jupiter.

Key Points

• Jupiter is the largest planet in our Solar System and is primarily classified as a gas giant due to its composition of hydrogen and helium.
• It is widely known as the stormy planet because its atmosphere is in a constant state of turbulence, featuring high-velocity zonal winds and massive vortices.
• The most famous feature of Jupiter is the Great Red Spot, an enormous anticyclonic storm that is larger than Earth and has been raging for at least 350 years.
• Because Jupiter lacks a solid rocky surface, there is no friction to slow down these atmospheric disturbances, allowing storms to persist for decades or even centuries.
• The planet also exhibits White Ovals and Brown Barges, which are smaller but equally intense storm systems within its distinct cloud bands.

 Additional Information

• Mercury:
• It is the closest planet to the Sun and the smallest in the solar system.
• Mercury has a very thin exosphere instead of a traditional atmosphere, meaning it cannot generate weather or storms.
• Mars:
• Often called the Red Planet due to the prevalence of iron oxide on its surface.
• While it experiences massive dust storms that can occasionally cover the entire planet, its thin atmosphere lacks the complex gaseous dynamics found on Jupiter.
• Venus:
• Known as Earths twin, it has an extremely dense atmosphere of carbon dioxide and clouds of sulfuric acid.
• It is the hottest planet in the solar system due to a runaway greenhouse effect, rather than being defined primarily by storm activity.

The correct answer is Brazil.

Key Points

• The 2^nd BRIC Summit was held on April 15, 2010, in the capital city of Brasília, Brazil.
• The summit was attended by the leaders of the four founding nations: President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil, President Dmitry Medvedev of Russia, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of India, and President Hu Jintao of China.
• The primary focus of this summit was the recovery from the 2008 global financial crisis and the necessity of reforming international financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank to provide more voting power to emerging economies.
• A significant outcome of the 2010 meeting was the discussion regarding the expansion of the group, which eventually led to South Africa being invited to join the bloc by the end of that year.
• The leaders signed several agreements regarding technical cooperation and cooperation between their respective development banks to facilitate trade and investment.

 Additional Information

• Chronology of Early Summits:
• 1^st BRIC Summit: Held in Yekaterinburg, Russia, on June 16, 2009. It was the first formal meeting of the group.
• 3^rd BRICS Summit: Held in Sanya, China, in 2011. This was the first summit where South Africa participated as a full member, changing the acronym to BRICS.
• 4^th BRICS Summit: Hosted by India in New Delhi on March 29, 2012.
• BRICS Concept and Expansion:
• The acronym BRIC was originally coined by Jim O'Neill of Goldman Sachs in 2001 to highlight the economic potential of these four nations.
• In August 2023, during the 15^th BRICS Summit in South Africa, the group announced a major expansion, inviting countries including Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates to join starting January 1, 2024.

The correct answer is Naya Bharat.

Key Points

• The 79^th Independence Day of India, to be celebrated on August 15, 2025, marks a significant milestone in the country's journey toward its centenary of freedom in 2047.
• The theme Naya Bharat (New India) reflects the government's commitment to building a nation that is self-reliant, technologically advanced, and inclusive of all social strata.
• The celebrations held at the historic Red Fort (Lal Qila) in New Delhi traditionally feature the unfurling of the National Flag by the Prime Minister, followed by a speech outlining the national roadmap.
• The theme emphasizes the vision of Amrit Kaal, focusing on the Panch Pran (Five Vows) which include the goal of a developed India, removing any trace of colonial mindset, taking pride in roots, unity, and sense of duty among citizens.
• Naya Bharat serves as an umbrella concept for various flagship schemes like Digital India, Make in India, and PM Gati Shakti, aiming to position India as a global powerhouse in the 21^st century.

 Additional Information

• Viksit Bharat @ 2047:
• This is the overarching vision to transform India into a Developed Nation by its 100^th year of independence.
• Key pillars include economic growth, social progress, environmental sustainability, and good governance.
• The Red Fort's Historical Role:
• Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, it has been the site for Independence Day addresses since Jawaharlal Nehru first hoisted the flag here in 1947.
• It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site representing the architectural fusion of Persian, Timurid, and Indian styles.
• Atmanirbhar Bharat:
• A core component of the Naya Bharat theme, focusing on making India a global manufacturing hub and reducing import dependency.
• It highlights advancements in sectors like Defense, Space, and Semiconductors.

The correct answer is Evaporation from oceans.

Key Points

• Water vapor is the gaseous state of water and serves as the primary greenhouse gas, responsible for maintaining the Earth's temperature through the Hydrological Cycle.
• The Oceans are the largest reservoirs of liquid water on the planet, covering approximately 71 percent of the Earth's total surface area.
• Due to the massive surface area and the absorption of Solar Radiation, approximately 85 percent to 90 percent of all atmospheric water vapor originates from the evaporation of seawater.
• Evaporation occurs when thermal energy increases the kinetic energy of water molecules, allowing them to overcome surface tension and escape into the air as a gas.
• The rate of this process is governed by Surface Temperature, Wind Speed, and the Vapor Pressure Gradient between the ocean surface and the lower atmosphere.

 Additional Information

• Transpiration:
• This is the biological process where plants release water vapor through Stomata. When combined with land evaporation (Evapotranspiration), it accounts for the remaining 10 percent of atmospheric moisture.
• Combustion:
• The chemical reaction of Hydrocarbons with oxygen produces Carbon Dioxide and water vapor. While significant in urban microclimates, it is a negligible contributor to global water vapor levels.
• Photosynthesis:
• This is the process by which green plants use Sunlight to convert water and carbon dioxide into Glucose. It acts as a consumer of water rather than a primary source of atmospheric vapor.
• Industrial Smoke:
• Emissions from factories often contain Steam and particulate matter. However, these Anthropogenic sources are localized and do not compare to the scale of natural oceanic evaporation.

The correct answer is Narinder Singh Kapany.

Key Points

• Narinder Singh Kapany was an Indian-American physicist who is widely recognized globally as the father of fiber optics for his pioneering research in the 1950s.
• In 1953, while working at Imperial College London, he successfully demonstrated that light can be transmitted through a bundle of glass fibers, overcoming the traditional challenge of light leaking out of the sides.
• He achieved this by using a cladding material with a lower refractive index, which enabled Total Internal Reflection, the fundamental principle behind all modern optical communication.
• The term fiber optics was first coined by Kapany in a seminal article for Scientific American in 1960, establishing the nomenclature for the entire industry.
• His work paved the way for a revolution in telecommunications, high-speed broadband internet, and medical applications like endoscopy and laser-assisted surgery.
• In recognition of his monumental contributions to science and engineering, the Government of India posthumously awarded him the Padma Vibhushan, the country's second-highest civilian honor, in 2021.

 Additional Information

• Jay Chaudhry:
• An Indian-American billionaire entrepreneur and the CEO of Zscaler, a leading company in cloud security and zero-trust architecture.
• Vivek Sehgal:
• The chairman and co-founder of Motherson Group, a major global player in the automotive component manufacturing industry.
• Fiber Optic Cables:
• These cables transmit data as pulses of light through strands of glass or plastic, offering significantly higher bandwidth and lower attenuation compared to traditional copper wires.
• This technology is the backbone of the World Wide Web and long-distance digital data transmission.

The correct answer is Luni.

Key Points

• The Luni River is the only major river system in the Thar Desert (Great Indian Desert) and serves as the primary source of water for the arid regions of western Rajasthan.
• It originates in the Pushkar Valley of the Aravalli Range, near Ajmer, at an elevation of approximately 550 meters, where it is initially known as the Sagarmati.
• The river flows for a total length of about 495 kilometers, passing through several districts including Nagaur, Pali, Jodhpur, Barmer, and Jalore before entering Gujarat.
• A distinctive hydrological feature of the Luni is its salinity; the water remains fresh until it reaches Balotra in the Barmer district, but becomes saline thereafter due to high salt accumulation in the desert soil.
• It is an endorheic river, meaning it does not reach the sea; instead, its course terminates in the marshy Rann of Kutch.
• Its major tributaries include the Jojari, Sukri, Guhiya, Bandi, and Jawai rivers, most of which originate from the western slopes of the Aravallis.

 Additional Information

• Chambal River:
• Originates from the Janapav Hills in the Vindhya Range (Madhya Pradesh).
• It is a perennial river that flows through south-eastern Rajasthan and is famous for its badland topography and ravines.
• Banas River:
• Known as Vana Ki Asha (Hope of the Forest), it originates from the Khamnor Hills in the Rajsamand district.
• It is a seasonal river that flows entirely within Rajasthan before joining the Chambal as a tributary.
• Sabarmati River:
• Originates in the Udaipur district from the Aravalli Range.
• While it begins in Rajasthan, the majority of its course and catchment area lie in Gujarat, eventually draining into the Gulf of Khambhat.

The correct answer is Manipur.

Key Points

• Loktak Lake is situated in the Bishnupur district of Manipur and is recognized as the largest freshwater lake in North-East India.
• The lake is globally renowned for its unique phumdis, which are floating islands composed of a heterogeneous mass of vegetation, soil, and organic matter in various stages of decomposition.
• It serves as a primary source for hydropower generation, irrigation, and drinking water supply in the region, while also supporting the livelihoods of local fishermen.
• The Keibul Lamjao National Park, located in the southeastern part of the lake, is the world’s only floating national park and is an integral part of the Loktak ecosystem.
• This ecosystem provides the sole natural habitat for the critically endangered Sangai (Rucervus eldii eldii), also known as the dancing deer, which is the state animal of Manipur.

 Additional Information

• Conservation Status:
• Loktak Lake was designated as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention on March 23, 1990.
• In 1993, it was listed under the Montreux Record due to ecological changes resulting from human activities and the construction of the Ithai Barrage.
• Other Regional Lakes:
• Tripura: Home to Rudrasagar Lake, a Ramsar site featuring the famous Neermahal water palace.
• Assam: Contains Deepor Beel, a permanent freshwater lake in the Kamrup district and a significant bird sanctuary.
• Nagaland: Known for Shilloi Lake, a natural foot-shaped lake located in the Phek district.

The correct answer is Zakat.

Key Points

• Zakat is defined as a mandatory religious tax and represents one of the Five Pillars of Islam, making it a compulsory duty for all eligible Muslims to support the needy.
• During the Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526), the administrative and fiscal systems were largely governed by the Shariat (Islamic Law), which identified Zakat as a specific tax on property and wealth.
• It was typically levied at a fixed rate of 2.5% (or one-fortieth) on specific assets including gold, silver, livestock, and merchandise that had been in the owner's possession for at least one lunar year.
• The revenue generated from Zakat was strictly utilized for charitable purposes, such as providing for the poor, widows, orphans, and religious institutions, rather than for general state expenditures or military funding.
• It was distinct from other taxes like Kharaj (land tax) and Jizya because it was a purely religious obligation performed only by the Muslim subjects of the Sultanate.

 Additional Information

• Mamluk:
• Refers to the Slave Dynasty (1206–1290), the first ruling house of the Delhi Sultanate founded by Qutub-ud-din Aibak.
• The term Mamluk is an Arabic word for 'owned', signifying slave-soldiers of Turkish origin who rose to political power.
• Ur:
• This was a type of village assembly found specifically in the Chola Empire of South India, consisting of tax-paying residents.
• It operated alongside the Sabha, which was the assembly of Brahmin landholders in Brahmadeya villages.
• Jizya and Khums:
• Jizya was a protection tax levied on non-Muslim subjects (Dhimmis) in exchange for state protection and military exemption.
• Khums referred to the state's share of war booty, which was traditionally one-fifth of the total spoils captured during military campaigns.

The correct answer is January.

Key Points

• Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah officially unveiled the National Cooperation Policy 2025 on January 1, 2025, during a ceremony held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
• The policy is designed to realize the vision of Sahakar-se-Samriddhi (Prosperity through Cooperation) by creating a more vibrant, transparent, and professional cooperative movement across the country.
• The draft of this policy was prepared by a 47-member National Level Committee headed by former Union Minister Suresh Prabhu, which incorporated suggestions from various stakeholders, state governments, and national cooperative federations.
• The policy focuses on 10 major themes, including strengthening the legal and institutional framework, enhancing financial sustainability, and promoting the use of modern technology and digitalization in cooperatives.
• It aims to increase the contribution of cooperatives to the national GDP and create a level playing field for them compared to other economic sectors.

 Additional Information

• Ministry of Cooperation:
• Established by the Government of India in July 2021 to provide a separate administrative, legal, and policy framework for the cooperative sector.
• It works to streamline processes for Ease of Doing Business for cooperatives and to enable the development of Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS).
• Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS):
• A major component of the new policy is the strengthening of approximately 63,000 functional PACS by converting them into Common Service Centres (CSCs).
• The computerization of PACS is a key project aimed at improving transparency and efficiency at the village level.
• Constitutional Framework:
• The 97^th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2011 added Part IXB to the Constitution, providing constitutional status and protection to cooperative societies.
• Promotion of cooperatives is also a Directive Principle of State Policy under Article 43B.

The correct answer is Gujarat.

Key Points

• The PM-JANMAN (Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan) was launched on November 15, 2023, to coincide with Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, aiming to provide comprehensive development for 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
• For the ranking period of July 2025, Gujarat secured the first rank among all states by achieving the highest percentage of saturation in individual entitlement schemes, specifically in the issuance of Aadhaar cards, caste certificates, and Jan Dhan bank accounts for the PVTG population.
• The state demonstrated exceptional administrative efficiency by conducting intensive Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaigns and saturation camps across districts such as Narmada, Tapi, and Dahod.
• Gujarat led the national tally in the implementation of the 11 critical interventions, particularly in ensuring 100 percent registration for Ayushman Bharat cards and PM-Kisan benefits among its five identified PVTG communities: Sidi, Padhar, Kathodi, Kotwalia, and Kolgha.
• The Ministry of Tribal Affairs recognized the state's progress in utilizing GIS mapping for tribal habitations, which facilitated the rapid approval of pucca houses under PM-Awas Yojana (Gramin) and the extension of off-grid solar power to remote areas.

 Additional Information

• PM-JANMAN Scheme Framework:
• The scheme has a total financial outlay of 24,104 crore, with a central share of 15,336 crore and a state share of 8,768 crore.
• It focuses on 11 key interventions coordinated by 9 Central Ministries, including the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Power, and Ministry of Rural Development.
• The mission aims to bridge gaps in safe housing, clean drinking water, sanitation, and telecommunication connectivity for approximately 28 lakh PVTG individuals living in 22,000 habitations across 18 states and one UT.
• Infrastructural targets include the construction of 8,000 km of all-weather roads and the setting up of 2,500 Anganwadi centres and Multipurpose Centres (MPCs).

The correct answer is IIT Kanpur.

Key Points

• The Sabal 20 is a sophisticated Electric Unmanned Helicopter designed specifically for heavy-lift logistics and reconnaissance in challenging terrains.
• This cutting-edge technology was developed by EndureAir Systems, a deep-tech startup incubated at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur.
• The Indian Army officially inducted the Sabal 20 in November 2024 to enhance its logistics capabilities in high-altitude sectors such as Ladakh and Sikkim.
• It features a Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) capability, which allows it to operate effectively in restricted spaces without the need for a runway.
• The helicopter is designed to carry payloads of up to 20 kilograms and can operate at altitudes exceeding 15,000 feet, providing a critical advantage in mountainous warfare.

 Additional Information

• EndureAir Systems:
• Founded by researchers and alumni from the Aerospace Engineering department of IIT Kanpur under the mentorship of Professor Abhishek.
• The startup focuses on providing indigenous unmanned aerial solutions for both defense and civilian applications, aligning with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
• Operational Features:
• The electric propulsion system ensures a significantly lower acoustic signature compared to traditional combustion engines, making it ideal for covert operations.
• It is equipped with advanced autonomous navigation systems, allowing it to perform last-mile delivery of medicines and essential supplies to remote forward posts.
• Strategic Significance:
• Reduces the reliance on animal transport or large manned helicopters (like the Cheetah or Dhruv) for small-scale logistics, thereby saving operational costs and reducing risk to human pilots.
• Supports the Indian Army in maintaining a constant supply chain in low-oxygen and high-wind environments where traditional drones often fail.

The correct answer is Council of Scientific and Industrial Research.

Key Points

• The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), specifically through the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) based in Hyderabad, announced the successful development of a fully indigenous technology for Paracetamol production in January 2025.
• The project focused on synthesizing the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) using locally sourced raw materials, effectively reducing the heavy reliance on imported Key Starting Materials (KSMs) like Para-Aminophenol.
• This development is a critical milestone under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, which seeks to secure India s medical supply chain and achieve self-sufficiency in essential drug manufacturing.
• The newly developed process is designed to be environmentally sustainable and cost-competitive, allowing domestic manufacturers to produce high-quality analgesics and antipyretics for both local consumption and global export.

 Additional Information

• Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR):
• Established in September 1942, it is India s premier public sector Research and Development organization.
• It operates under the Ministry of Science and Technology and is presided over by the Prime Minister of India.
• With a network of 37 national laboratories, it plays a pivotal role in fields such as genomics, oceanography, and pharmaceutical chemistry.
• Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs):
• An API is the primary chemical component in a drug responsible for the therapeutic effect.
• To boost domestic production, the Indian government introduced the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Bulk Drugs and promoted the establishment of Bulk Drug Parks.
• Reducing import dependency (specifically from China) for APIs is a strategic priority to prevent medicine shortages.

The correct answer is 2020.

Key Points

• The 2020 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXXII Olympiad, were hosted by Tokyo, Japan, marking the city second time hosting the summer event.
• Although scheduled to begin in July 2020, the games were officially postponed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to 2021 due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
• The event eventually took place from July 23 to August 8, 2021, but retained the official branding of Tokyo 2020 for marketing and record-keeping purposes.
• Tokyo was awarded the games during the 125^th IOC Session held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on September 7, 2013, after defeating finalist bids from Istanbul and Madrid.
• With this hosting, Tokyo became the first city in Asia to host the Summer Olympic Games twice, with the previous instance occurring in 1964.
• The Japan National Stadium served as the primary venue for the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as athletics competitions.

 Additional Information

• Evolution of the Tokyo Games:
• Historical Legacy: The 1964 Summer Olympics were a landmark event for Japan, showcasing its technological resurgence with the debut of the Shinkansen bullet train and the first global satellite broadcast.
• New Sporting Additions: The 2020 program introduced several new sports to appeal to younger audiences, including skateboarding, surfing, sport climbing, and karate.
• Sustainability Initiatives: The organizers launched the Tokyo 2020 Medal Project, where approximately 5,000 medals were manufactured using 100 percent recycled metal extracted from small electronic devices like mobile phones.
• Mascots and Motto: The official mascots were Miraitowa and Someity, and the games were conducted under the motto United by Emotion, highlighting global unity during challenging times.

The correct answer is Only II.

Key Points

• The 4×100 metres relay is a standard track and field sprint event where four runners each complete a distance of 100 metres in succession. This event is a primary discipline in the Summer Olympic Games and World Athletics Championships, requiring athletes to pass a baton within a 30-metre exchange zone. Hence, statement I is correct.
• The 4×600 metres is not a recognized or standard international relay event in competitive athletics. Standard middle-distance relays sanctioned by World Athletics (formerly IAAF) include the 4×400 metres, 4×800 metres, and 4×1500 metres, but the 600m distance is not utilized for major championship relay formats. Hence, statement II is incorrect.

 Additional Information

• Relay Race Mechanics:
• Baton Passing: In short relays like the 4×100m, runners typically use a non-visual exchange (blind handoff) to maintain top speed, while longer relays may use a visual exchange.
• Legs: A relay team consists of a lead-off leg, two middle runners, and an anchor leg (usually the fastest runner).
• Exchange Zone: For the 4×100m, the current World Athletics rules define a single 30-metre zone where the baton must be handed over; failing to do so results in disqualification.
• Standard Track Events:
• 4×400 metres: Often the finale of track meets, involving one full lap per runner.
• Mixed 4×400 metres Relay: A modern event featuring two men and two women, which made its Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games.
• Medley Relays: These involve legs of different distances (e.g., 1200m, 400m, 800m, 1600m in the Distance Medley Relay).

The correct answer is Direction of current.

Key Points

• Fleming's Left-Hand Rule is a simple visualization tool used to find the direction of the mechanical force (motion) experienced by a current-carrying conductor when it is placed in an external magnetic field.
• To apply the rule, the thumb, forefinger (first finger), and middle finger (second finger) of the left hand are held mutually perpendicular (at 90 degrees) to one another.
• The Forefinger (First finger) represents the direction of the Magnetic Field (B), typically pointing from the North pole to the South pole.
• The Middle Finger (Second finger) represents the direction of the Electric Current (I) flowing through the conductor.
• The Thumb represents the direction of the Thrust or Force (F) acting on the conductor, which dictates its direction of motion.
• This rule is essentially a mnemonic for the Lorentz Force equation, where the force vector is the cross-product of the current and magnetic field vectors.

 Additional Information

• Direction of magnetic field
• In the left-hand rule, this is indicated by the index finger.
• In SI units, the strength of this field is measured in Tesla (T).
• Force acting on the conductor
• This is represented by the thumb.
• The magnitude of this force is given by the formula F = B × I × L × sin(θ), where L is the length of the wire and θ is the angle between the current and the field.
• Measure of resistance
• Resistance is a property of a material to oppose the flow of current, defined by Ohm's Law (R = V / I).
• It is not determined or represented by Fleming's rules, which deal with electromagnetism and motion rather than circuit properties.
• Electric Motors
• Fleming's Left-Hand Rule is the fundamental principle used to understand the operation of DC Motors, where electrical energy is converted into mechanical torque.

The correct answer is Ramamatya.

Key Points

• The treatise Swaramelakalanidhi was composed by the scholar-musician Ramamatya in approximately 1550 AD.
• Ramamatya served as a prominent minister and court musician under Aliya Rama Raya, the de facto ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire.
• This work is historically significant as it marks the formal beginning of the Carnatic music system, acting as a bridge between the ancient traditions and modern practices.
• In Swaramelakalanidhi, the author introduced the Mela system of classification, identifying 20 Melas (parent scales) to organize various Ragas of that era.
• The text provides a detailed study of Veena construction and tuning, categorizing them into types like Shuddha Mela Veena and Madhya Mela Veena.

 Additional Information

• Matanga:
• Author of the influential text Brihaddeshi, dated between the 6^th and 8^th centuries.
• He was the first to technically define the term Raga and introduced the Desi (regional) music tradition.
• Sharngadeva:
• Composed the Sangeeta Ratnakara in the 13^th century during the Yadava dynasty in Devagiri.
• His work is known as Saptadhyayi (consisting of seven chapters) and is a foundational text for both Hindustani and Carnatic music.
• Haripala:
• A Chalukyan king credited with writing Sangeeta Sudhakara in the 12^th or 14^th century.
• He is recognized for being one of the earliest theorists to explicitly differentiate between Hindustani and Carnatic musical styles.

The correct answer is 70.

Key Points

• Magnetite is the most superior and finest iron ore found in the Earth's crust, distinguished by its high metallic iron concentration, which can reach up to 70%.
• Chemically, it is a ferrimagnetic mineral represented by the formula Fe₃O₄, making it the most magnetic of all the naturally occurring minerals on Earth.
• Due to these excellent magnetic qualities, Magnetite is of immense value in the electrical industry, where it is utilized in the production of specialized components and high-efficiency motors.
• The ore typically appears black or brownish-black with a metallic luster and is primarily found in igneous and metamorphic rocks, as well as in banded iron formations (BIFs).
• In India, high-grade Magnetite deposits are concentrated in the Kudremukh mines of Karnataka, which are known to be one of the largest deposits of this type in the world.

 Additional Information

• Hematite (Fe₂O₃):
• It is often referred to as 'red ore' and contains a slightly lower iron content ranging from 50% to 60%.
• Despite having a lower iron percentage than magnetite, it is the most important industrial iron ore in terms of the total quantity used in iron and steel manufacturing.
• Limonite and Siderite:
• Limonite is a secondary iron ore with a content of 40% to 60%, often appearing yellowish in color.
• Siderite is an iron carbonate (FeCO₃) containing less than 40% iron, making it less economically desirable for extraction.
• Geographic Distribution:
• The major iron ore belts in India include the Odisha-Jharkhand belt, the Durg-Bastar-Chandrapur belt, and the Bellary-Chitradurga-Chikkamagaluru-Tumakuru belt.
• While Hematite is predominantly found in Odisha and Chhattisgarh, Magnetite is largely exported from the Mangaluru port.