General Awareness PYQs

The correct answer is 2000.

Key Points

• The Sangeet Natak Akademi officially recognized Sattriya as a classical dance of India on November 15, 2000.
• This formal recognition increased the number of recognized Indian classical dance forms, placing Sattriya alongside established traditions like Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Kathakali.
• The dance form originated in the 15^th century in the Sattras (monasteries) of Assam as a part of the Neo-Vaishnavite movement.
• It was introduced by the great saint and polymath Mahapurush Sankaradeva and his disciple Madhavadeva to preach the Vaishnava faith through performing arts.
• Historically, the dance was performed exclusively by male monks, known as Bhokots, as a form of worship and ritualistic practice.

 Additional Information

• Sattriya Dance Characteristics:
• The performance is based on Ankiya Nat (one-act plays) and centers on mythological themes related to Lord Krishna and Lord Vishnu.
• The dance is accompanied by musical compositions called Borgeets and instruments like the Khol (drum), Bhortal (cymbals), and Flute.
• Costumes are distinctly Assamese, utilizing Pat Silk (mulberry silk) with traditional motifs like the Kingkhap.
• It follows the principles of the Natya Shastra, incorporating both Nritta (pure dance) and Abhinaya (expressive dance).
• Sangeet Natak Akademi:
• Established in 1953, it is India's national academy for music, dance, and drama, acting as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Culture.
• Its primary objective is the preservation and promotion of India's diverse performing arts heritage.
• The academy is headquartered at Rabindra Bhavan in New Delhi.

Therefore, the correct option is 3.

The correct answer is Ramayana.

Key Points

• Dashara, also known as Vijayadashami, is a major Hindu festival celebrated at the end of Navaratri every year.
• The Ramayana, traditionally attributed to the sage Valmiki, is the primary scripture that narrates the life and exploits of Lord Rama, the prince of Ayodhya.
• The festival commemorates the day Lord Rama killed the ten-headed demon king Ravana, who had kidnapped Sita, Rama's wife.
• The victory signifies the triumph of Dharma (righteousness) over Adharma (evil) and is celebrated on the 10^th day of the Ashwin month in the Hindu calendar.
• In many parts of India, large effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnad are burned to symbolize the destruction of evil forces.

 Additional Information

• Mahabharata:
• An ancient Indian epic attributed to Sage Vyasa, centered on the struggle between two groups of cousins, the Kauravas and the Pandavas.
• It is the longest epic in the world and contains the Kurukshetra War, though some regional traditions also link the Pandavas returning from exile to the day of Dashara.
• Bhagavad Gita:
• A 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the Mahabharata, specifically the Bhishma Parva.
• It presents a dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna regarding the nature of duty, soul, and Moksha.
• Vedas:
• The oldest layer of Sanskrit literature, consisting of the Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda.
• They are religious texts containing hymns, incantations, and rituals rather than narrative historical epics like the Ramayana.

The correct answer is Shashi Tharoor.

Key Points

• Shashi Tharoor, a senior Member of Parliament representing the Thiruvananthapuram constituency and a veteran leader of the Indian National Congress, was designated to lead a high-level diplomatic outreach concerning Operation Sindoor in 2025.
• The mission involved extensive engagement with political and diplomatic leadership in the United States and Panama to communicate India's strategic rationale and secure international understanding regarding the humanitarian aspects of the operation.
• His background as a former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Minister of State for External Affairs provided the necessary global credibility to navigate complex geopolitical sensitivities during this period.
• The outreach in Panama was particularly critical due to the country's influence in maritime security and its role as a key gateway in the Western Hemisphere, which was vital for Garnering support among Global South nations.

 Additional Information

• Rahul Gandhi:
• He currently serves as the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
• While he conducts international interactions, his primary focus in 2025 remained on domestic policy and the Bharat Jodo ideological framework.
• P. Chidambaram:
• A former Union Finance Minister and Home Minister of India.
• His contributions are primarily centered on economic policy, constitutional law, and internal party strategy rather than active foreign diplomatic tours.
• Sonia Gandhi:
• She holds the position of Chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP).
• Her role is largely focused on high-level party governance and mentorship, rarely undertaking active diplomatic assignments abroad.

The correct answer is Eutrophication.

Key Points

• Eutrophication is an enrichment of water by nutrient salts, primarily nitrates and phosphates, which causes structural changes to the ecosystem.
• It is triggered by the excessive entry of nitrogen and phosphorus from sources such as agricultural runoff (fertilizers), detergents, and untreated sewage into lakes, rivers, and coastal waters.
• These nutrients act as a fertilizer for aquatic plants, leading to an overgrowth of algae and phytoplankton, a phenomenon commonly known as an algal bloom.
• The dense layer of algae blocks sunlight from reaching submerged plants, causing them to die and reducing photosynthesis in deeper water layers.
• When the algae die, microorganisms and aerobic bacteria decompose the organic matter, consuming vast amounts of dissolved oxygen (DO) in the process.
• This depletion of oxygen creates hypoxic conditions or dead zones, where fish and other aquatic organisms cannot survive, ultimately leading to a loss of biodiversity.

 Additional Information

• Global warming:
• Refers to the long-term rise in the average temperature of Earth's climate system due to the accumulation of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄).
• Smog:
• A type of intense air pollution that is a mixture of smoke and fog; it often results from the reaction of sunlight with nitrogen oxides (NO_x) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
• Acid rain:
• Caused by chemical reactions involving sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides that rise into the atmosphere and mix with water and oxygen to form acidic pollutants.
• Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD):
• An important parameter in measuring water quality; it represents the amount of oxygen consumed by bacteria while decomposing organic matter under aerobic conditions. High BOD levels are typically associated with high levels of organic pollution and eutrophication.

The correct answer is Shwetha Menon.

Key Points

• Shwetha Menon was elected as the president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) in 2025, marking a milestone for female representation.
• This milestone represents a progressive shift towards empowering female leadership in the administrative bodies of the regional entertainment industry.
• Prior to her election as president, she served in key administrative capacities, including as the vice-president of the association, and has advocated for actor welfare.

 Additional Information

• Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA):
• Establishment: Formed in 1994, AMMA is a prominent organization based in Kochi, Kerala, representing actors in Malayalam cinema.
• Background: The association faced major restructurings following the historic Justice Hema Committee Report, leading to resignations and calls for transparent governance.
• Other Entities:
• Ansiba Hassan: A popular Malayalam actress, director, and television anchor known for her notable role in the movie Drishyam.
• Cuckoo Parameswaran: A veteran Malayalam actress who has been actively involved in various socio-cultural forums and actors' welfare initiatives.
• Lakshmipriya: A well-known Malayalam film and television actress recognized for her comedic and supporting roles.

The correct answer is Igneous and metamorphic rocks.

Key Points

• The Peninsular Plateau is one of the oldest and most stable landmasses of the Earth, having been formed from the breaking and drifting of the ancient Gondwana land.
• It is primarily composed of ancient crystalline igneous and metamorphic rocks, which date back to the Pre-Cambrian era, representing the stable Indian Shield.
• The plateau is characterized by broad and shallow valleys and rounded hills, with its foundation consisting of Archean gneisses and schists that have undergone extensive transformation over billions of years.
• The region is divided into two broad categories: the Central Highlands (north of the Narmada River) and the Deccan Plateau (south of the river), both of which share this fundamental geological composition.
• The rocks in this region, such as Granite and Gneiss, are highly durable and have been subjected to significant tectonic and denudational processes over geological time.

 Additional Information

• Igneous Rocks:
• These are formed by the cooling of molten magma or lava. In the plateau, Plutonic rocks like Granite are prevalent in the Bundelkhand and Nilgiri regions.
• Basalt, a volcanic igneous rock, is the primary component of the Deccan Trap, formed by fissure eruptions during the Cretaceous period.
• Metamorphic Rocks:
• Rocks such as Schist, Gneiss, and Quartzite are common here, having been transformed from sedimentary or igneous precursors under intense heat and pressure.
• Sedimentary Rocks:
• While not the primary composition, they are found in basins like the Vindhyan and Cuddapah systems, containing Sandstone, Shale, and Limestone.

The correct answer is Rudramadevi.

Key Points

• Rudramadevi (reigned 1262−1289 CE) was one of the most prominent rulers of the Kakatiya dynasty, which was centered in Orugallu (present-day Warangal, Telangana).
• She was the daughter of King Ganapatideva; as he had no male heirs, he formally designated her as his successor through the Putrika ceremony, treating her as a son.
• To establish authority in a patriarchal society and gain the support of her nobles, she assumed the male name Rudradeva Maharaja in her inscriptions and often appeared in public in male attire.
• She successfully defended her kingdom against the Yadavas of Devagiri and the Chola empire, proving her military prowess despite initial opposition to a female ruler.
• The famous Venetian traveler Marco Polo visited the Kakatiya kingdom during the later years of her reign and left detailed accounts praising her administrative skills and the prosperity of her domain.

 Additional Information

• Kittur Chennamma:
• She was the Queen of Kittur, a princely state in Karnataka.
• She is renowned for leading an armed rebellion against the British East India Company in 1824 in defiance of the Doctrine of Lapse.
• Chand Bibi:
• She served as the Regent of Bijapur and later as the Regent of Ahmednagar.
• She is celebrated for her valiant defense of the Ahmednagar Fort against the Mughal army led by Emperor Akbar's son, Prince Murad, in the late 16^th century.
• Rani Durgawati:
• She was the ruling Queen of Gondwana from 1550 to 1564, belonging to the Chandel dynasty.
• She martyred herself in battle while fighting the Mughal forces commanded by Asaf Khan to protect the autonomy of her kingdom.

The correct answer is Jharkhand.

Key Points

• The Jharkhand state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, officially launched the Mukhyamantri Maiya Samman Yojana (JMMSY) in August 2024.
• The scheme is designed to provide direct financial assistance of 1,000 rupees per month to eligible women, totaling an annual benefit of 12,000 rupees.
• It specifically targets women in the age group of 21 to 50 years, aiming to cover approximately 48 lakh beneficiaries across the state.
• To facilitate the registration process, the state government organized special camps at the Panchayat and Ward levels between August 3 and August 10, 2024.
• The core objective of the initiative is to enhance women empowerment, promote financial independence, and improve the overall nutritional and health status of women from economically weaker sections.
• The funds are disbursed directly into the Aadhar-linked bank accounts of the beneficiaries through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system to ensure transparency.

 Additional Information

• Eligibility Criteria:
• Applicants must be permanent residents of Jharkhand.
• The beneficiary must possess a valid Ration Card, such as the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), Priority Household (PHH), or White Ration Card.
• Women whose family members are Income Tax payers or regular government employees are excluded from the scheme benefits.
• Implementation Details:
• The Department of Women, Child Development, and Social Security is the nodal agency responsible for the execution of the Mukhyamantri Maiya Samman Yojana.
• The scheme is considered a significant social security initiative in the state, aiming to bridge the gender gap in financial resource management at the household level.
• The government allocated substantial funds in the state budget to sustain the recurring monthly expenditure required for this welfare project.

The correct answer is Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

Key Points

• The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is the nodal agency for the implementation of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, which was formally approved in January 2023.
• The Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India (GHCI) was introduced to establish a standardized framework for defining and certifying Green Hydrogen based on its carbon footprint.
• According to the notified standards, hydrogen is certified as 'Green' if its well-to-gate emission (including water treatment, electrolysis, and purification) does not exceed 2 kg CO2 equivalent per kg of hydrogen.
• The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), which operates under the Ministry of Power, is tasked with the accreditation of agencies for monitoring and verifying the production processes, while the overall scheme is governed by MNRE.
• The scheme is a critical component in achieving India's Energy Independence by 2047 and meeting Net Zero targets by 2070, ensuring that domestic production aligns with global trade requirements.

 Additional Information

• National Green Hydrogen Mission:
• The mission has a financial outlay of 19,744 crore and aims for a production capacity of 5 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) per annum by 2030.
• It intends to reduce fossil fuel imports by over 1 lakh crore and attract investments worth 8 lakh crore.
• Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas:
• Responsible for the exploration, production, and distribution of natural gas and petroleum; it oversees the transition from Grey Hydrogen (fossil fuel-based) to cleaner variants in refineries.
• Ministry of Power:
• Focuses on the National Grid and Energy Conservation; it facilitates the transmission of renewable energy required for green hydrogen production through initiatives like Green Energy Open Access.
• Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change:
• Handles Climate Action and environmental clearances; it monitors India's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under international climate treaties.

The correct answer is Jitendra Singh.

Key Points

• Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, officially launched Srijanam in February 2025.
• Srijanam is India's first indigenous and fully automated Bio Medical Waste Treatment Plant, developed to enhance the safety and efficiency of hospital waste management.
• The plant is designed to handle various categories of biomedical waste, utilizing advanced technologies to ensure that hazardous materials are neutralized without significant human intervention.
• This initiative is a critical component of the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission, showcasing India's growing capability in high-end medical engineering and environmental technology.
• The project emphasizes the Waste-to-Wealth mission, transforming hazardous refuse into safer byproducts while maintaining strict environmental standards.

 Additional Information

• Srijanam Technical Features:
• The facility employs IoT-integrated systems for real-time monitoring of waste processing parameters, ensuring compliance with the Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules.
• It utilizes high-efficiency microwave-based sterilization or plasma pyrolysis techniques (depending on the specific module) to achieve 99.99% microbial disinfection.
• The development was spearheaded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) in collaboration with private sector partners and research institutions like IIT Delhi.
• Regulatory and Strategic Context:
• The launch supports the National Health Policy and the Swachh Bharat Mission, focusing on the safe disposal of infectious waste generated by the expanding healthcare infrastructure.
• By reducing reliance on imported waste treatment machinery, Srijanam helps lower the operational costs for Indian hospitals and clinics.

The correct answer is 6000.

Key Points

• As of August 2025, the official NASA Exoplanet Archive confirmed that the number of discovered alien worlds outside our solar system has surpassed the 6,000 mark.
• This milestone follows the previous record of 5,000 confirmed exoplanets, which was officially reached in March 2022, indicating a consistent discovery rate of several hundred planets per year.
• The primary driver for these discoveries is the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) mission, which has identified thousands of TESS Objects of Interest (TOIs) that were later validated as confirmed planets.
• A significant portion of these confirmations results from the legacy data of the Kepler Space Telescope and the K2 mission, processed using advanced Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence algorithms to distinguish real planets from stellar noise.
• Confirmation of an exoplanet typically requires detection by at least two different methods or multiple observations by independent telescopes to verify its orbital period and mass.

 Additional Information

• NASA Missions and Facilities:
• James Webb Space Telescope (JWST): Launched in late 2021, it focuses on the atmospheric characterization of these 6,000 worlds, searching for biosignatures like methane and water vapor.
• Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope: Expected to launch by 2027, it will use Gravitational Microlensing to find thousands more planets in the Milky Way.
• Detection Methodologies:
• Transit Method: Measures the dimming of a star; responsible for over 75 percent of all confirmed exoplanets.
• Radial Velocity: Detects the gravitational tug a planet exerts on its host star, causing a detectable Doppler shift.
• Planet Classifications:
• Super-Earths: Planets larger than Earth but smaller than Neptune; they are the most common type of planet found in the current catalog.
• Goldilocks Zone: The region around a star where conditions are favorable for liquid water, a key focus for researchers studying the latest discoveries.

The correct answer is 2009.

Key Points

• Chandrayaan-1 was India's inaugural lunar exploration mission, launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to study the lunar surface.
• The spacecraft was launched on October 22, 2008, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
• The probe was launched using the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C11) and carried eleven scientific instruments intended for chemical, mineralogical, and photo-geologic mapping of the Moon.
• Communication with the Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft was unexpectedly lost at 01:30 IST on August 29, 2009, after the probe had completed over 3,400 orbits around the Moon.
• Following the loss of radio signals, the mission was officially declared concluded by ISRO on August 30, 2009, after approximately 312 days in operation.

 Additional Information

• Scientific Milestones:
• The mission's most significant achievement was the definitive discovery of water molecules (H₂O) and hydroxyl (OH) on the lunar surface.
• This discovery was confirmed by the Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M3), an imaging spectrometer provided by NASA.
• The Moon Impact Probe (MIP), an Indian-built instrument, successfully separated from the orbiter and struck the lunar surface near the Shackleton Crater on November 14, 2008.
• Post-Mission Developments:
• In March 2017, NASA scientists successfully relocated the derelict Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft in a polar orbit approximately 200 kilometers above the lunar surface using ground-based radar.
• The mission paved the way for subsequent lunar explorations, including Chandrayaan-2 in 2019 and the successful soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 in August 2023.

The correct answer is Gauhati.

Key Points

• In February 2025, a state-of-the-art 5G Lab was inaugurated at Gauhati University in Assam, marking a significant milestone for the telecommunication infrastructure in Northeast India.
• The laboratory was developed by the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), which is the premier Research and Development (R&D) organization under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, Government of India.
• This initiative is part of a broader national strategy to establish 100 5G labs across various academic institutions to foster innovation and develop indigenous 5G use-cases.
• The primary objective of the lab is to provide students, researchers, and startups with a platform to test and develop high-speed communication solutions, specifically targeting regional challenges in sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and disaster management.
• By integrating this technology into the academic curriculum, the university aims to enhance skill development and prepare the workforce for the evolving 6G and Internet of Things (IoT) landscape.

 Additional Information

• Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT):
• Established in August 1984, C-DOT has been instrumental in the indigenous design and development of digital exchanges and rural communication systems.
• It currently focuses on advanced technologies such as Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Indigenous 5G Core.
• Gauhati University:
• Located in Jalukbari, Guwahati, it was established in 1948 and is the oldest university in North East India.
• It serves as a critical academic hub, supporting over 300 affiliated colleges and driving technological literacy in the state of Assam.
• Digital Transformation in Northeast:
• The inauguration of such labs is a core component of the 'Digital North East Vision', aimed at bridging the digital divide and promoting Atmanirbhar Bharat in the telecom sector.
• The facility is expected to boost local entrepreneurship by providing end-to-end 5G testbeds for testing network software and hardware.

The correct answer is Russia.

Key Points

• The S-400 Triumf, previously known as the S-300 PMU-3, is a mobile, surface-to-air missile (SAM) system designed by the Almaz Central Design Bureau of Russia.
• It was developed in the 1990s as an upgrade to the S-300 family and officially entered service with the Russian Armed Forces in April 2007.
• The system is designed to provide high-altitude air defense against a variety of aerial threats, including strategic bombers, electronic warfare aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles.
• It is capable of tracking up to 100 targets simultaneously and can engage up to 36 targets at a time using four different missile types with ranges between 40 km and 400 km.
• The S-400 is considered one of the most dangerous operationally deployed modern long-range SAM systems in the world, surpassing the capabilities of many Western counterparts.

 Additional Information

• Geopolitical Impact:
• India signed a 5.43 billion dollar deal with Russia in October 2018 to acquire five regiments of the S-400 system to bolster its air defense against regional threats.
• China was the first foreign buyer of the S-400, signing the agreement in 2014 and receiving its first deliveries in 2018.
• Turkey, despite being a NATO member, procured the system, which led to significant diplomatic tension and its subsequent expulsion from the USA-led F-35 fighter jet program.
• Competitor Technologies:
• The USA utilizes the Patriot (MIM-104) and the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) systems for similar long-range defense purposes.
• Germany contributes to European air defense through the IRIS-T SLM and the Medium Extended Air Defense System (MEADS) project.
• China has developed its own indigenous long-range systems like the HQ-9, which incorporates elements from both Russian and Western technology.

The correct answer is Shanghai.

Key Points

• The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a permanent intergovernmental international organization that was formally established on June 15, 2001.
• The founding ceremony took place in Shanghai, China, where the leaders of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan signed the Declaration of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
• The organization emerged from the Shanghai Five mechanism, which was originally created in 1996 to ensure regional security and resolve border disputes between China and the former Soviet republics.
• The SCO Charter was subsequently signed during the Saint Petersburg Summit in June 2002 and entered into full legal force in September 2003.

 Additional Information

• Organizational Structure and Membership:
• While established in Shanghai, the permanent Secretariat of the SCO is located in Beijing, China.
• The Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), which focuses on combating the 'three evils' of terrorism, separatism, and extremism, is headquartered in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
• India and Pakistan officially joined the organization as full members during the Astana Summit in June 2017.
• Recent expansions include Iran, which became a full member in 2023, and Belarus, which joined in July 2024.
• The official working languages used within the organization are Chinese and Russian.

The correct answer is London.

Key Points

• The 2012 Summer Olympic Games, officially known as the Games of the XXX Olympiad, were held in London, United Kingdom, from July 27 to August 12, 2012.
• With this edition, London became the first city in history to host the modern Olympic Games three times, having previously hosted them in 1908 and 1948.
• The majority of the events took place in the purpose-built Olympic Park in Stratford, East London, which included the Olympic Stadium, the Aquatics Centre, and the London Velopark.
• The games saw the participation of 204 National Olympic Committees and featured the debut of women's boxing, ensuring that women competed in every sport on the Olympic program for the first time.
• The official motto of the London 2012 games was 'Inspire a Generation', aimed at creating a lasting sporting legacy worldwide.
• Notable milestones included Michael Phelps becoming the most decorated Olympian of all time and Usain Bolt winning gold in the 100m, 200m, and 4×100m relay.

 Additional Information

• Paris:
• The city hosted the Summer Olympics in 1900 and 1924, and was the host for the 2024 Olympic Games. It was the runner-up in the bidding process for the 2012 edition.
• Sydney:
• This Australian city hosted the 2000 Summer Olympics, which were widely acclaimed for their organization and the significant role of volunteerism.
• Beijing:
• The capital of China hosted the 2008 Summer Olympics. By hosting the 2022 Winter Olympics, it became the first city to host both the Summer and Winter editions of the games.
• India's Achievement in 2012:
• India won a total of six medals in London, its best tally until the 2020 Tokyo Games. Medallists included Sushil Kumar (Silver), Vijay Kumar (Silver), Saina Nehwal (Bronze), Mary Kom (Bronze), Gagan Narang (Bronze), and Yogeshwar Dutt (Bronze).

The correct answer is 3000 m steeplechase.

Key Points

• The 3000 m steeplechase is a specialized obstacle race in athletics that is conducted exclusively on a 400-meter synthetic track inside a stadium.
• It is categorized as a track event because it requires permanent infrastructure, specifically a water jump pit that is typically built into the inner or outer curve of the track.
• During the race, athletes must clear a total of 28 fixed barriers and 7 water jumps; the height of the hurdles is 0.914 meters for men and 0.762 meters for women.
• Standardization of the track surface is crucial for the 3000 m steeplechase to ensure uniform safety and timing, distinguishing it from variable road surfaces used for outside events.

 Additional Information

• Marathon:
• This is a long-distance road race with an official distance of 42.195 kilometers (26.2 miles).
• It is held on public roads and urban streets, often starting and finishing in different locations, although many major championships finish inside a stadium for ceremonial purposes.
• Race Walking (20 km and 50 km):
• Both the 20 km walking and 50 km walking events are classified as road events by World Athletics.
• These competitions take place on road circuits, usually consisting of 1 km or 2 km loops on flat terrain outside the main stadium arena.
• The 50 km race walk was a long-standing Olympic event for men until it was removed after the Tokyo 2020 Olympics to maintain gender balance and modernize the athletic program.
• In these events, athletes must maintain visible contact with the ground at all times to avoid disqualification by judges stationed along the course.

The correct answer is 15A.

Key Points

• In domestic electrical installations, circuits are generally divided into two main categories based on the current-carrying capacity of the wires and the power consumption of the devices.
• A 15 Ampere (15A) circuit is specifically designed for high-power appliances such as geysers, air conditioners, electric ovens, and air coolers that consume significant electrical energy.
• The relationship between power, voltage, and current is given by the formula P = V × I. In India, the standard domestic supply voltage is 220V.
• For an appliance like a geyser with a power rating of 3000 Watts, the current drawn is calculated as I = 3000 / 220, which is approximately 13.63A. Therefore, a 15A socket is required to safely handle this load.
• Using a lower rating, such as the standard 5A circuit meant for bulbs and fans, for high-load appliances would lead to overheating of the wires and potential electrical fires.

 Additional Information

• Safety Devices in Household Circuits:
• Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB): It is an electromechanical device that automatically switches off the circuit during overload or short-circuit conditions to prevent damage.
• Fuse: A safety component consisting of a wire with a low melting point. It melts and breaks the circuit if the current exceeds a specific threshold, protecting the home from surges.
• Earthing: For high-power appliances with metallic bodies, a third wire (Earth wire) is used. It provides a low-resistance path to the ground for leakage current, preventing electric shocks to users.
• Standard Wiring Color Codes (India):
• Live Wire: Traditionally Red, now frequently Brown in newer installations.
• Neutral Wire: Traditionally Black, now often Blue.
• Earth Wire: Typically Green or Yellow-Green.

The correct answer is Uttarakhand.

Key Points

• Hurkiya Baul is a traditional folk song and dance form native to the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand.
• The name is derived from the Hurka, a small percussion instrument similar to a Damaru, which is played by the lead singer while performing.
• This folk form is intrinsically linked to agricultural activities, specifically performed during the collective transplantation of paddy and maize in the terraced fields of the Himalayan foothills.
• The performance serves as a narrative medium where the lead singer, the Hurkiya, recites heroic ballads known as Gathas, which detail the valor of legendary kings and local folk heroes.
• It acts as a source of motivation and entertainment for the farmers, helping them synchronize their rhythmic physical labor with the musical beats of the drum.

 Additional Information

• Bihar
• Prominent folk songs include Sohar, which is sung to celebrate the birth of a child, and Bideshiya, which focuses on the pain of migration.
• The state is also known for Chaita and Kajari, which are seasonal songs related to the agricultural cycle.
• West Bengal
• Known for the Baul tradition, a group of mystic minstrels whose music is recognized as a UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
• Other significant forms include Bhatiali (sung by boatmen) and Gombhira.
• Mizoram
• Features traditional songs like Chailam and Khuallam, which are often accompanied by the Cheraw (bamboo dance).
• These are typically performed during the Chapchar Kut festival, marking the completion of the Jhum operation.

The correct answer is Neither I nor II.

Key Points

• Cerium (Ce), with the atomic number 58, is the most abundant of the rare earth elements and belongs to the lanthanide series. It is widely used in catalytic converters for automobiles and as a polishing agent for glass. Since it is a rare earth element, it does not satisfy the 'NOT' condition of the question. Hence, statement I is incorrect.
• Europium (Eu) is a chemical element with the atomic number 63 and is recognized as the most reactive member of the lanthanide group. It plays a critical role in the electronics industry, particularly in the production of red and blue phosphors for television and computer screens. As it is fundamentally classified as a rare earth element, it fails the negative criteria. Hence, statement II is incorrect.
• The Rare Earth Elements (REEs) group includes 17 elements: the 15 lanthanides plus Scandium and Yttrium. Since both provided options, Cerium and Europium, are members of this specific group, neither can be excluded from the classification of rare earth elements. Hence, the selection 'Neither I nor II' is the correct answer.

 Additional Information

• Classification of Rare Earth Elements (REEs):
• The Lanthanide Series: These are the 15 metallic elements from Lanthanum (57) to Lutetium (71) in the Periodic Table.
• Scandium (21) and Yttrium (39): These are included because they tend to occur in the same ore deposits as lanthanides and exhibit similar chemical properties.
• Light Rare Earth Elements (LREEs): This subgroup includes elements from Lanthanum to Samarium, including Cerium and Praseodymium.
• Heavy Rare Earth Elements (HREEs): This subgroup includes elements from Europium to Lutetium, as well as Yttrium, which are typically less common and more valuable.
• Economic and Industrial Importance:
• Magnets: Elements like Neodymium and Dysprosium are essential for high-performance magnets in wind turbines and electric motors.
• Defense Technology: REEs are vital for guidance systems, lasers, and radar components due to their unique magnetic and luminescent properties.
• Clean Energy: They are indispensable for the transition to green energy, featuring heavily in rechargeable batteries and energy-efficient lighting.