General Awareness PYQs

The correct answer is Tamil Nadu.

Key Points

• Bharatanatyam is one of the oldest classical dance forms of India, tracing its origins back nearly 2,000 years to the state of Tamil Nadu.
• The dance form is deeply rooted in the Natya Shastra, a comprehensive ancient Sanskrit text on the performing arts attributed to the sage Bharata Muni.
• Historically, it was performed as a solo dance by Devadasis (temple dancers) and was originally known as Sadir Attam or Dasi Attam in the royal courts and temples of South India.
• The name Bharatanatyam is a mnemonic, where Bha stands for Bhava (expression), Ra for Raga (melody), Ta for Tala (rhythm), and Natyam for dance.
• It is characterized by its fixed upper torso, bent legs, and knees flexed (Aramandi position), combined with spectacular footwork and a sophisticated vocabulary of sign language based on Mudras (hand gestures).

 Additional Information

• Karnataka:
• This state is famous for the traditional theatre form known as Yakshagana, which combines dance, music, costume, and extemporaneous dialogue.
• Gujarat:
• Renowned for folk dances like Garba and Dandiya Raas, which are performed with great fervor during the Navratri festival.
• Maharashtra:
• Known for Lavani, a combination of traditional song and dance performed to the rhythmic beats of the Dholki.
• Famous Proponents:
• The revival of Bharatanatyam in the 20^th century was spearheaded by legendary figures such as Rukmini Devi Arundale, who founded Kalakshetra, and E. Krishna Iyer.

The correct answer is Four days.

Key Points

• Chhath Puja is an ancient Hindu Vedic festival dedicated to the Sun God (Surya) and Chhathi Maiya, lasting for a duration of four days.
• Day 1 (Nahay Khay): Devotees begin the festival by taking a ritual dip in holy rivers like the Ganges. They clean their surroundings and consume a single meal of Lauki Bhaat (bottlegourd and rice) cooked in bronze or soil utensils using mango wood.
• Day 2 (Lohanda and Kharna): Devotees observe a fast for the entire day without water. After sunset, they offer Rasiao-Kheer (jaggery-based rice pudding) and Chapatis to the deity, which is then shared as Prasad.
• Day 3 (Sandhya Arghya): This day involves a rigorous fast without water. Devotees and their families gather at riverbanks or ponds during sunset to offer Arghya (water and milk offerings) to the Setting Sun. Traditional offerings include Thekua, seasonal fruits, and sugarcane kept in Soop (bamboo trays).
• Day 4 (Usha Arghya): On the final morning, devotees return to the water body before dawn to offer prayers to the Rising Sun. This act signifies the successful completion of the penance, after which the Vratins (devotees) break their fast by consuming Ginger and Water followed by other food items.

 Additional Information

• Geographical and Cultural Significance:
• The festival is most prominently celebrated in the Indian states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and the Madhesh region of Nepal.
• It is unique because it honors both the Setting Sun and the Rising Sun, representing the cycle of life and the importance of both beginnings and endings.
• The rituals are considered eco-friendly as they involve natural elements, bamboo baskets, and offerings made of wheat, jaggery, and ghee.
• Historical roots of the festival are often linked to the Mahabharata (associated with Karna or Draupadi) and the Ramayana (associated with Lord Rama and Sita).

The correct answer is Ashim Kumar Ghosh.

Key Points

• In February 2025, the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, officially appointed Ashim Kumar Ghosh as the Governor of Haryana.
• He succeeds Bandaru Dattatreya, who had served as the 18^th Governor of the state since his appointment in July 2021.
• The Governor serves as the Constitutional Head of the state, and all executive actions of the Government of Haryana are formally carried out in his name.
• This appointment was made under Article 155 of the Constitution of India, which states that the Governor shall be appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal.
• As the nominal executive, the Governor performs duties such as summoning the state legislature, appointing the Chief Minister, and giving assent to state bills.

 Additional Information

• Constitutional Framework:
• Article 153: Mandates that there shall be a Governor for each state in India.
• Article 156: Specifies that the Governor holds office during the pleasure of the President, usually for a term of five years.
• Article 161: Grants the Governor the power to pardon or commute sentences of any person convicted of any offense against state law.
• Other Personalities:
• Kavinder Gupta: A veteran politician who previously served as the Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir.
• Manoj Kumar Singh: A high-ranking IAS officer of the 1988 batch, notably serving as the Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh.
• Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju: A senior leader from Andhra Pradesh who served as the Union Minister of Civil Aviation.
• Haryana State Overview:
• Formation: The state was established on November 1, 1966, following the Punjab Reorganisation Act.
• Capital: Chandigarh, which is a Union Territory serving as the shared capital for Haryana and Punjab.
• Raj Bhavan: The official residence of the Governor of Haryana is located in Chandigarh.

The correct answer is Parag Jain.

Key Points

• Parag Jain, a senior officer of the Indian Police Service (IPS) from the 1989 batch, was appointed as the chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) in January 2025.
• He belongs to the Himachal Pradesh cadre and possesses extensive experience in national security and intelligence, having served significant tenures within the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and RAW itself.
• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) cleared his name to lead the external intelligence agency for a fixed tenure, following the standard protocol for top security appointments in India.
• He took over the prestigious position from Ravi Sinha, whose tenure concluded in early 2025 after serving since June 2023.
• As the head of RAW, Jain is responsible for overseeing foreign intelligence, counter-terrorism operations, and providing strategic inputs to the Prime Minister and the National Security Council.

 Additional Information

• Research and Analysis Wing (RAW):
• Founded: It was established on September 21, 1968, under the guidance of its first director, R.N. Kao, following intelligence gaps identified during the 1962 and 1965 wars.
• Structure: It functions under the Cabinet Secretariat and reports directly to the Prime Minister of India.
• Headquarters: Located in New Delhi.
• Ravi Sinha:
• A 1988-batch IPS officer of the Chhattisgarh cadre who preceded Parag Jain as the Secretary (Research).
• Praveen Sood:
• A 1986-batch IPS officer who was appointed as the Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in May 2023 for a two-year term.
• Intelligence Bureau (IB):
• Unlike RAW, which handles external intelligence, the IB is India's internal intelligence agency and falls under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The correct answer is Humidity.

Key Points

• Humidity is defined as the concentration of water vapor present in the air. Water vapor is the gaseous state of water and is invisible to the human eye.
• The amount of water vapor in the atmosphere is primarily increased through evaporation from water bodies like oceans and lakes, and transpiration from plants.
• It is measured using a scientific instrument known as a Hygrometer. A specific type called a Sling Psychrometer uses two thermometers (dry bulb and wet bulb) to determine humidity levels.
• The capacity of air to hold moisture is directly related to its temperature; warmer air can hold more water vapor than colder air. When air reaches its maximum capacity, it is said to be saturated.
• Relative Humidity is the most common measurement used in meteorology, expressed as a percentage (%) of the amount of moisture the air holds relative to what it can hold at that temperature.

 Additional Information

• Density:
• In an atmospheric context, it refers to the mass of air per unit volume. It decreases with increasing altitude as the air molecules become more spread out.
• Temperature:
• This is the measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in the air. It is measured using a Thermometer in units such as Celsius, Fahrenheit, or Kelvin.
• Pressure:
• Atmospheric pressure is the force exerted by the weight of the air column above a specific point. It is measured using a Barometer, typically in millibars (mb) or Pascals (Pa).

The correct answer is Tehri Dam.

Key Points

• The Tehri Dam is the highest dam in India and ranks among the top ten tallest dams globally, with a height of 260.5 meters (855 feet).
• It is situated on the Bhagirathi River, the principal headstream of the Ganges, in the Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand.
• The dam is a multi-purpose rock and earth-fill embankment dam that facilitates irrigation, municipal water supply, and the generation of 1,000 MW of hydroelectricity.
• The project was commissioned in 2006 and includes a reservoir, known as Tehri Lake, which covers an area of approximately 52 square kilometers.
• The structural design was intended to withstand high-intensity seismic activity, as it is located in the high-risk Seismic Zone V of the Himalayan region.

 Additional Information

• Bhakra Nangal Dam:
• Located on the Satluj River in Himachal Pradesh, it is the highest gravity dam in India, standing at 225.55 meters.
• Its massive reservoir is known as the Gobind Sagar Lake, named after the tenth Sikh Guru.
• Hirakud Dam:
• Built across the Mahanadi River in Odisha, it is distinguished as the longest dam in the world, with a total length of ckilometers.
• It was one of the first major multi-purpose river valley projects started after India’s independence.
• Sardar Sarovar Dam:
• A concrete gravity dam built on the Narmada River in Gujarat, it is the largest structure of the Narmada Valley Project.
• It has a height of 138.68 meters and is one of the largest water resources projects in the world, covering four states.

The correct answer is Ziauddin Barani.

Key Points

• Ziauddin Barani (1285−1358 AD) was a prominent Muslim political thinker and chronicler who lived during the Delhi Sultanate period, specifically serving in the court of Muhammad bin Tughlaq for seventeen years.
• His magnum opus, Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi, is regarded as one of the most significant historical works of medieval India, providing a chronological account of the Delhi Sultanate from the accession of Ghiyasuddin Balban in 1266 to the first six years of Firoz Shah Tughlaq's reign in 1357.
• Barani provided a highly detailed record of the administrative, agrarian, and economic reforms introduced by Alauddin Khalji, including his famous Market Control Policy and price stabilization measures.
• He also authored the Fatwa-i-Jahandari, which is a treatise on political philosophy and statecraft, outlining the ideal conduct for a Muslim ruler and the legal framework of the Sultanate.
• His historiography is noted for its focus on the 'truth' of history and its didactic purpose, aimed at providing moral lessons and guidance to future kings and bureaucrats.

 Additional Information

• Abul Fazl:
• He was the court historian and Grand Vizier of the Mughal Emperor Akbar.
• He is famous for writing the Akbarnama and the Ain-i-Akbari, which are monumental sources for 16^th-century Mughal history.
• Al-Biruni:
• A Persian polymath who accompanied Mahmud of Ghazni to India in the early 11^th century.
• He wrote Kitab-ul-Hind (Tarik-al-Hind), an encyclopedic work on Indian culture, science, and religion, predating the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate.
• Amir Khusrau:
• Known as the Tut-i-Hind (Parrot of India), he was a prolific poet, musician, and scholar associated with the courts of seven different Sultans.
• Though he documented historical events in works like Tughlaq Nama and Khaza'in ul-Futuh, he is primarily celebrated as a pioneer of Sufi music and Khariboli literature.

The correct answer is To support Ayush Pharmacies.

Key Points

• The Ayush Oushadhi Gunvatta evam Uttpadan Samvardhan Yojana (AOGUSY) is a comprehensive Central Sector Scheme designed to enhance the quality and production of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and Homoeopathy (ASU&H) drugs.
• A primary objective of the scheme is to provide financial and technical assistance for the strengthening and upgradation of Ayush Pharmacies and Drug Testing Laboratories across India.
• The scheme aims to facilitate Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) compliance among manufacturers to ensure the production of high-quality traditional medicines that meet global standards.
• It serves as an umbrella initiative that integrates various components to improve the regulatory framework and surveillance of Ayush medicines at both Central and State levels.

 Additional Information

• Ministry of Ayush:
• The scheme is implemented under the aegis of the Ministry of Ayush to bolster the domestic traditional medicine industry.
• It supports the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative by reducing dependency on imported raw materials and enhancing export potential.
• Target Beneficiaries:
• Includes State Government pharmacies and Drug Testing Labs (DTLs) for infrastructure development.
• Focuses on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) within the Ayush sector to help them achieve WHO-GMP certification.
• Regulatory Oversight:
• The scheme supports the Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (PCIM&H) in developing standardized protocols.
• It funds the Quality Control of ASU&H drugs to prevent the sale of sub-standard or adulterated medicines in the market.

The correct answer is Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Women Startup Scheme.

Key Points

• The Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Women Startup Scheme was officially launched in September 2024 by the Government of Maharashtra to provide financial assistance and technical support specifically to women-led startups in their early stages.
• Under this scheme, eligible startups can receive financial aid ranging from 1 lakh to 25 lakh, which is intended to cover initial capital requirements, prototype development, and market entry costs.
• To qualify for the benefits, a startup must be registered in Maharashtra, and women entrepreneurs must hold at least 51% shareholding or ownership in the entity for at least one year.
• The initiative is managed by the Maharashtra State Innovation Society (MSInS) under the Department of Skill Development, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, aiming to bridge the gender gap in the state's entrepreneurial ecosystem.
• The scheme focuses on promoting self-reliance (Atmanirbharta) among women and boosting the state's contribution to India's startup economy by nurturing high-potential innovative ideas.

 Additional Information

• Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar:
• She was the legendary Maratha Queen of the Malwa kingdom, renowned for her justice, administrative excellence, and significant role in building temples and dharamshalas across India.
• Acharya Chanakya Skill Development Scheme:
• Launched alongside the women startup scheme in September 2024, this initiative aims to establish Skill Development Centers in renowned colleges across Maharashtra to train over 1,50,000 youths annually.
• Maharashtra Innovation Landscape:
• Maharashtra has consistently been recognized as a Top Performer in the States' Startup Ranking conducted by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
• The state is home to one of the largest clusters of Unicorns and Registered Startups in the country, supported by the Maharashtra State Innovative Startup Policy.

The correct answer is Only I.

Key Points

• Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Sasan Gir, is located in the Junagadh, Gir Somnath, and Amreli districts of Gujarat. Established in 1965, it is the only natural habitat in the world for the Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo leo). The park is a part of the Kathiawar-Gir dry deciduous forests ecoregion and plays a vital role in the conservation of various species, including the Indian Leopard and Chital. Hence, statement I is correct.
• Bandipur National Park is situated in the Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka. It was established as a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger in 1974. It forms a significant part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, bordering the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala and the Mudumalai National Park in Tamil Nadu. Hence, statement II is incorrect.

 Additional Information

• Gujarat hosts several other important protected areas:
• Marine National Park: Located in the Gulf of Kutch, it was India first marine park, established in 1982 to protect coral reefs, sea turtles, and dugongs.
• Blackbuck National Park: Situated in Velavadar, it is dedicated to the conservation of the Indian Antelope (Blackbuck).
• Vansda National Park: Located in the Navsari district, it represents the thick woodlands of the Dangs and the Western Ghats.
• Wild Ass Sanctuary: Located in the Little Rann of Kutch, it is the only home to the Indian Wild Ass (Khur).

The correct answer is an earth like shape.

Key Points

• The term Geoid is derived from the Greek words Geo (meaning Earth) and Eidos (meaning form or shape), which literally translates to Earth-shaped.
• Geometrically, the Earth is not a perfect sphere; it is slightly flattened at the North Pole and South Pole while exhibiting a distinct bulge at the Equator.
• Scientific observations confirm that the Geoid represents the Equipotential Surface of the Earth's Gravity Field, which corresponds to the Mean Sea Level if the oceans were at rest and extended through the continents.
• The Geoid model is essential because it accounts for the uneven distribution of Mass within the Earth, causing local variations in Gravitational Pull that a simple ellipsoid cannot represent.

 Additional Information

• Structural Dimensions:
• The Equatorial Diameter of the Earth is approximately 12,756 km, whereas the Polar Diameter is about 12,714 km.
• This difference of 42 km classifies the Earth as an Oblate Spheroid, a shape directly resulting from the Centrifugal Force generated by the planet's Rotation.
• Practical Applications:
• Geodesy is the primary scientific discipline that utilizes the Geoid model for high-precision Mapping and surveying.
• Modern Global Positioning Systems (GPS) use geoid calculations to determine accurate Orthometric Heights (elevation above sea level) rather than just simple geometric height.
• Satellite missions like GOCE (Gravity Field and Steady-State Ocean Circulation Explorer) are dedicated to measuring the Geoid with extreme accuracy to study Ocean Circulation and Climate Change.

The correct answer is Perigee.

Key Points

• In orbital mechanics, most satellites do not follow a perfectly circular path but instead move in an elliptical orbit around the Earth, as described by Kepler's First Law.
• The Perigee is defined as the specific point in this elliptical orbit where the satellite is at its minimum distance (closest proximity) to the Earth's center and surface.
• At the perigee, the satellite experiences the strongest gravitational pull, which results in it reaching its maximum orbital velocity to maintain its path.
• The term is derived from the Greek words peri, meaning near, and gee, meaning Earth.

 Additional Information

• Apogee:
• This refers to the point in the orbit where the satellite is at its maximum distance from the Earth.
• Due to the increased distance and weaker gravitational influence, the satellite moves at its lowest orbital speed at this point.
• Inclination:
• It represents the angular distance between the orbital plane of the satellite and the equatorial plane of the Earth.
• An inclination of 90 degrees signifies a polar orbit, while 0 degrees signifies an equatorial orbit.
• Lagrange Point:
• These are five specific positions (L1 to L5) in an orbital configuration where the gravitational forces of two large bodies (like the Sun and Earth) and the centrifugal force felt by a smaller object are in balance.
• They are often used for space telescopes, such as the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), because they allow a spacecraft to stay in a fixed position with minimal fuel consumption.

The correct answer is 5.

Key Points

• The Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) is the planned modular space station to be constructed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), representing India's first independent space station project.
• The Union Cabinet of India officially approved the project in September 2024, expanding the scope of the Gaganyaan program to include the development of the station's first module.
• The complete architecture of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station is designed to consist of 5 distinct modules, which will be launched and assembled in orbit sequentially.
• The phased deployment strategy targets the launch of the first module, BAS-1, by 2028, with the full 5-module assembly expected to be completed and operational by 2035.
• This facility is intended to support microgravity research and will allow a crew of 3 to 4 astronauts to stay in space for durations ranging from 15 to 20 days.

 Additional Information

• Technical and Strategic Specifications:
• The total mass of the BAS upon completion will be approximately 52 tonnes, and it will be positioned in a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at an altitude of approximately 400 kilometers.
• The LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark 3), India's most powerful launch vehicle, will be utilized to ferry the modules into space.
• The station is a cornerstone of the Amrit Kaal vision for 2047, which includes landing an Indian on the Moon by 2040 and building a lunar base by 2047.
• The 5 modules are anticipated to include a core module, a science/research laboratory, a crew habitation module, a cargo module, and a dedicated docking port for Gaganyaan spacecraft and other visiting vessels.

The correct answer is Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru.

Key Points

• The BHARAT (Better Health and Ageing: Research in India) study is a comprehensive initiative led by the Centre for Brain Research (CBR), which is an autonomous research centre located within the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) campus.
• The primary objective of the study is to identify and map specific biological markers, genetic variations, and lifestyle factors that contribute to the process of ageing and the prevalence of dementia in the Indian context.
• This research utilizes a longitudinal cohort methodology, where a large group of individuals is monitored over an extended period to collect data on cognitive health, neuroimaging, and vascular risk factors.
• The study is crucial because Indian populations have unique genetic architectures and environmental exposures that are often underrepresented in global ageing studies primarily conducted in Western nations.
• By focusing on the Indian demographic, the BHARAT study aims to provide evidence-based insights that can help in early diagnosis and the development of precision medicine for neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease.

 Additional Information

• Indian Institute of Science (IISc):
• Established in 1909 through a partnership between Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata, the Maharaja of Mysore, and the Government of India.
• It is located in Bengaluru and holds the status of an Institution of Eminence (IoE).
• Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI):
• Situated in Lucknow, it is a premier laboratory under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
• Its core focus is on biomedical research and the development of new drugs and delivery systems.
• National Institute of Nutrition (NIN):
• A premier research institute located in Hyderabad under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
• It specializes in public health nutrition, clinical research, and formulating national dietary guidelines.
• Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR):
• A major research institution headquartered in Mumbai, focusing on natural sciences, mathematics, and theoretical physics.
• It operates under the umbrella of the Department of Atomic Energy.

The correct answer is 10.

Key Points

• The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is composed of a total of 15 members, which includes 5 permanent members and 10 non-permanent members.
• The 10 non-permanent members are elected by the United Nations General Assembly for a two-year term.
• Each year, the General Assembly elects five non-permanent members to ensure a staggered transition; retiring members are not eligible for immediate re-election.
• The distribution of these 10 seats is based on equitable geographical representation: 5 seats for African and Asian States, 1 seat for Eastern European States, 2 seats for Latin American and Caribbean States, and 2 seats for Western European and Other States.
• The primary mandate of the UNSC is to maintain international peace and security as defined in the UN Charter.
• To be elected, a candidate country must receive at least a two-thirds majority of the votes from the General Assembly.

 Additional Information

• Permanent Members (P5):
• The 5 permanent members are China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
• These nations possess veto power, meaning any one of them can block a substantive resolution regardless of the level of international support.
• Council Composition History:
• The council originally consisted of 11 members (5 permanent and 6 non-permanent).
• An amendment to Article 23 of the UN Charter was adopted in 1963 and came into effect in 1965, increasing the non-permanent membership from 6 to 10.
• Voting Procedures:
• Each member of the Security Council has one vote.
• Decisions on procedural matters require an affirmative vote of at least 9 members.

The correct answer is 1936.

Key Points

• India became an official member of the International Badminton Federation (IBF), which is now known as the Badminton World Federation (BWF), in the year 1936.
• The Badminton Association of India (BAI) was established in 1934 to manage and promote the sport within the country, coinciding with the global formation of the IBF.
• Joining the federation in 1936 allowed Indian athletes to compete in prestigious international tournaments and facilitated the growth of organized badminton competitions across the nation.
• The federation initially started with nine founding members, and India was one of the early nations to affiliate from the Asian continent, helping to internationalize the sport during its foundational years.

 Additional Information

• Badminton World Federation (BWF):
• It was founded on July 5, 1934, and serves as the world governing body for the sport of badminton recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
• The headquarters of the BWF is currently located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
• The organization was renamed from the International Badminton Federation to the Badminton World Federation in September 2006.
• History and Milestones in India:
• The modern game of badminton is widely believed to have originated in Pune, India, during the 1860s, where it was locally referred to as Poona.
• The first national championship in India was held in 1934, the same year the national association was formed.
• Legendary player Prakash Padukone created history by becoming the first Indian to win the All England Open Badminton Championships in 1980.
• The Thomas Cup victory in 2022 remains one of India's greatest achievements in team badminton under the BWF umbrella.

The correct answer is 19.19.

Key Points

• The world record for the men's 200-metre sprint is 19.19 seconds, a mark that has stood for over a decade.
• This extraordinary feat was achieved by Usain Bolt of Jamaica, widely regarded as the fastest human in recorded history.
• The record was set on August 20, 2009, during the 12^th IAAF World Championships in Athletics held in Berlin, Germany.
• Bolt surpassed his own previous world record of 19.30 seconds, which he had established exactly one year prior at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
• The performance in Berlin was particularly impressive as it was achieved with a headwind of -0.3 m/s, demonstrating Bolt's raw power and speed endurance.

 Additional Information

• Usain Bolt's Legacy:
• Bolt is the only sprinter to win Olympic 100 m and 200 m titles at three consecutive Olympic Games (2008, 2012, and 2016).
• At the same 2009 Berlin World Championships, he also set the current world record for the 100-metre sprint with a time of 9.58 seconds.
• He retired from professional athletics in 2017 with a total of 11 World Championship gold medals and 8 Olympic gold medals.
• Statistical Context of the 200m:
• The second-fastest time in history is 19.26 seconds, recorded by fellow Jamaican Yohan Blake in 2011.
• American sprinter Noah Lyles holds the third-fastest time and the American record at 19.31 seconds, achieved in 2022.
• Before the Bolt era, the record was held by Michael Johnson, who ran 19.32 seconds at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, a record that many experts believed would stand for decades.

The correct answer is To prolong the life of the filament.

Key Points

• The filament in an electric bulb is primarily made of Tungsten, a metal known for its extremely high melting point (approximately 3422 degrees Celsius) and high electrical resistance.
• When electricity flows through the filament, it heats up and emits light through the process of incandescence; however, at such high temperatures, tungsten is prone to oxidation if it comes into contact with oxygen from the air.
• To prevent the filament from burning out immediately, the air is removed from the bulb and replaced with chemically inactive gases like Argon or Nitrogen.
• The presence of these inert gases creates a pressurized environment that significantly retards the sublimation or evaporation of tungsten atoms from the hot filament.
• By suppressing the rate of tungsten evaporation and preventing chemical reactions, these gases maintain the thickness of the wire, effectively prolonging the life of the filament.

 Additional Information

• Inert Gases:
• Argon: A noble gas that is the most frequently used filler because it does not react with the filament even at white-heat temperatures.
• Nitrogen: Often mixed with argon to suppress arcing (electrical discharge) between the lead-in wires, which can occur more easily in pure argon.
• Scientific Principles:
• Joule Heating: The production of heat in a conductor due to the passage of an electric current, governed by the formula H = I²Rt.
• Tungsten Properties: Chosen for its high tensile strength and low vapor pressure at high temperatures, ensuring the bulb remains functional for hundreds of hours.

The correct answer is Noot.

Key Points

• The Noot is a traditional percussion instrument extensively used in the Kashmir Valley for folk and classical music.
• It is an earthenware pitcher made of baked clay, featuring a spherical body and a narrow neck, similar to a water pot (Ghara) but with a more refined structure for acoustic resonance.
• Categorized as a Ghan Vadya (idiophone), the sound is produced by striking the mouth, neck, and sides of the pot using the fingers and palms.
• The Noot is an integral part of Kashmiri folk music, specifically providing the rhythmic accompaniment for Sufiana Kalam and wedding songs known as Wanwun.
• To enhance the tonal quality and strength, the baked clay is sometimes reinforced with brass or iron filings during the manufacturing process.

 Additional Information

• Kasale
• It is a traditional percussion instrument from Karnataka.
• Consists of a pair of bronze cymbals that are rhythmically struck together, primarily used in the folk dance form known as Kamsale.
• Esraj
• A stringed instrument (chordophone) common in West Bengal and parts of North India.
• It is played with a bow and is frequently used in Rabindra Sangeet and Hindustani classical music performances.
• Pepa
• A traditional wind instrument (aerophone) originating from Assam.
• It is crafted from buffalo horn and bamboo, and it plays a vital role in the music of the Bihu festival.

The correct answer is In the manufacture of steel.

Key Points

• Coke is a tough, black, and porous solid substance that is an almost pure form of carbon, typically containing 90% to 98% carbon content.
• It is produced through the process of destructive distillation, where high-quality bituminous coal is heated to temperatures exceeding 1000°C in the absence of oxygen to remove volatile matter.
• The primary industrial application of coke is in the manufacture of steel and the extraction of metals from their naturally occurring ores.
• In a blast furnace, coke serves as a vital reducing agent that reacts with the oxygen in iron ore (such as Fe₂O₃) to produce molten iron and carbon dioxide.
• Besides its chemical role, coke acts as a high-efficiency fuel providing the extreme thermal energy required for melting metal ores during smelting.

 Additional Information

• Physical Properties of Coke:
• Coke is preferred over raw coal in metallurgy because it burns with very little smoke and has a higher calorific value.
• Its porous structure allows for the efficient flow of gases within industrial furnaces, facilitating uniform heating and chemical reactions.
• Other Coal By-products:
• Coal Tar: A thick, dark liquid obtained during coke production, used in the manufacture of synthetic dyes, drugs, explosives, perfumes, and naphthalene balls.
• Coal Gas: A flammable gaseous mixture of hydrogen, methane, and carbon monoxide used as an industrial fuel for heating.