General Awareness PYQs

The correct answer is Gujarat.

Key Points

• Tippani is a traditional folk dance originating from the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, specifically from coastal areas like Chorwad and Veraval.
• The dance is exclusively performed by women, particularly those belonging to the Koli and Hali communities, who traditionally worked as laborers.
• The name of the dance is derived from the tool used, the Tippani, which is a long wooden stick (about 175 cm) with a wooden or iron block called a Garbo at the base.
• Historically, the dance evolved from the task of beating lime to level the floors and roofs during the construction of houses, where women used the sticks to create a rhythmic beat to alleviate their physical exhaustion.
• The performance features dancers striking the Tippani against the ground in synchronized movements, creating a powerful percussive rhythm that dictates the pace of the dance.
• Musical accompaniment includes folk instruments such as the Zanj, Manjira, Tabla, Dhol, and sometimes the Shehnai, with dancers singing traditional folk songs.

 Additional Information

• Maharashtra:
• Famous for Lavani, a traditional song and dance genre performed to the beats of the Dholki.
• Other notable forms include Koli (the dance of the fishing community) and Povada (ballads describing historical events).
• Rajasthan:
• Renowned for the Ghoomar dance, traditionally performed by the Bhil tribe for the goddess Saraswati.
• Other dances include Kalbelia (recognized by UNESCO) and the balancing-act dance Bhavai.
• Odisha:
• Home to the classical dance Odissi, which is one of the oldest surviving dance forms in India.
• Prominent folk dances include Chhau (a martial arts dance), Ghumura, and Sambalpuri.
• Gujarat:
• Apart from Tippani, the state is famous for Garba and Dandiya Raas, which are globally popular during the Navratri festival.
• Other folk forms include the Padhar dance and the Bhavai folk drama.

The correct answer is 0.93%.

Key Points

• Argon (Ar) is a chemical element with atomic number 18 and is categorized as a noble gas within Group 18 of the periodic table.
• In the Earth's atmosphere, Argon is the third-most abundant gas, comprising approximately 0.934% (commonly rounded to 0.93%) of dry air by volume.
• This gas is monatomic and chemically inert, which means it does not form stable chemical compounds at standard temperatures and pressures due to its complete octet of valence electrons.
• The majority of atmospheric Argon is Argon-40, which originates from the radioactive decay of Potassium-40 found in the Earth's crust.
• It is significantly more abundant than other noble gases like Neon (0.0018%), Helium (0.0005%), and Krypton (0.0001%), making it the primary inert component after Nitrogen.

 Additional Information

• Major Atmospheric Constituents:
• Nitrogen (78%): This is the most prevalent gas in the atmosphere, playing a crucial role in biological molecules like proteins and DNA via the Nitrogen Cycle.
• Oxygen (21%): The second most abundant gas (approximately 20.95%), essential for aerobic respiration and the process of combustion.
• Carbon Dioxide (0.03%): Historically cited at 0.03%, though modern levels exceed 0.04%, it is a critical greenhouse gas and is indispensable for photosynthesis in plants.
• Industrial Uses of Argon:
• Used extensively in incandescent lighting and fluorescent tubes to prevent the oxidation of filaments.
• Commonly utilized as a shielding gas in Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) to protect the weld area from atmospheric contaminants.
• Applied in cryosurgery and as a thermal insulator in energy-efficient windows.

The correct answer is Gunjan Soni.

Key Points

• Gunjan Soni was officially appointed as the Country Managing Director of YouTube India in April 2025, marking a significant leadership change for the video-sharing giant in one of its largest global markets.
• In her capacity as Managing Director, she is responsible for leading YouTube's overall strategy, business growth, and the development of the content creator ecosystem across the Indian subcontinent.
• She succeeds Ishan Chatterjee, who transitioned from his role at YouTube India to take on a senior global position at Gracenote, a Nielsen company.
• Soni's leadership is expected to focus on scaling YouTube Shorts, enhancing Connected TV (CTV) adoption, and driving monetization through innovative digital advertising solutions tailored for the Indian audience.
• The appointment comes at a time when India serves as a primary engine for YouTube's user growth, with a heavy emphasis on regional language content and hyper-local engagement.

 Additional Information

• Gunjan Soni's Professional Background:
• Prior to joining YouTube, she served as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Zalora, a prominent fashion e-commerce platform operating in Southeast Asia.
• She held high-ranking executive positions at Myntra, where she functioned as the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and Head of International Brands.
• Her experience includes a notable tenure at McKinsey & Company as a Partner, where she specialized in consumer tech and retail sectors.
• She is an alumna of the Indian School of Business (ISB) and holds a degree from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
• Ishan Chatterjee:
• Served as the Managing Director of YouTube India before the leadership transition in early 2025.
• He played a crucial role in establishing YouTube as a dominant force in the Indian digital media landscape before moving to Gracenote.

The correct answer is Leander Paes.

Key Points

• The P.C. Chandra Puraskaar is a prestigious annual award established by the P.C. Chandra Group in 1993 to honor eminent personalities who have achieved excellence in their respective fields, including sports, culture, and science.
• In 2025, the award was conferred upon the legendary Indian tennis player Leander Paes for his unparalleled lifetime sporting excellence and his role in placing India on the global tennis map.
• Leander Paes is celebrated for winning a Bronze Medal in the men’s singles category at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, which was India’s first individual Olympic medal in 44 years.
• Throughout his illustrious career, he has secured 18 Grand Slam titles, comprising 8 men’s doubles and 10 mixed doubles championships, making him one of the most successful doubles players in history.
• He is a recipient of India’s highest honors, including the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna (1996-97), the Padma Shri (2001), and the Padma Bhushan (2014).

 Additional Information

• Colonel RS Jamwal:
• A highly distinguished Indian Army officer and a veteran mountaineer.
• He is the first Indian to summit Mount Everest three times and has successfully scaled the Seven Summits (the highest peaks of the seven continents).
• Ravi Kishan:
• A prominent Indian actor and politician serving as a Member of Parliament.
• He is well-known for his extensive work in Bhojpuri and Hindi cinema, contributing significantly to the regional film industry.
• Major Kalita:
• Refers to a notable officer in the Indian Armed Forces, often recognized for gallantry or leadership, though not primarily associated with international sports awards like the P.C. Chandra Puraskaar.

The correct answer is Siachen.

Key Points

• The Siachen Glacier is located in the Karakoram Range in the Himalayas, near the Line of Control (LoC) between India and Pakistan.
• It is approximately 76 kilometers (47 miles) long, making it the longest glacier in India and the second-longest in the world non-polar regions.
• The glacier is strategically significant and is often referred to as the highest battlefield in the world, with military posts situated at altitudes exceeding 6,000 meters.
• It serves as the primary source for the Nubra River, which flows into the Shyok River, a major tributary of the Indus River system.
• Geographically, it lies just south of the great drainage divide that separates the Eurasian Plate from the Indian subcontinent in the extensively glaciated portion of the Karakoram.

 Additional Information

• Gangotri Glacier:
• Located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, it is one of the largest glaciers in the Himalayas with a length of about 30 kilometers.
• It is the source of the Bhagirathi River, which is one of the main headstreams of the Ganga.
• Zemu Glacier:
• This is the largest glacier in the Eastern Himalayas, situated at the base of Mount Kangchenjunga in Sikkim.
• It has a length of approximately 26 kilometers and provides water to the Teesta River.
• Pindari Glacier:
• Located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, it is found in the Bageshwar district.
• It is much smaller than Siachen, with a length of roughly 3 kilometers, and acts as the source for the Pindar River.

The correct answer is Raja Todar Mal.

Key Points

• Raja Todar Mal was the Finance Minister (Mushrif-i-Diwan) of the Mughal Empire during the reign of Akbar and was one of the Navaratnas (Nine Gems) in his court.
• He is primarily credited with the introduction of the Zabt or Dahshala System in 1580, which revolutionized the land revenue administration in medieval India.
• This system involved a detailed survey of crop yields and market prices over a ten-year period (1570−1580) to calculate a fixed average revenue for each province.
• Under his reforms, agricultural land was scientifically measured using a bamboo jarib with iron rings, ensuring higher accuracy than the previously used hemp ropes.
• The land was classified into four categories based on productivity: Polaj (cultivated every year), Parauti (left fallow for 1−2 years), Chachar (fallow for 3−4 years), and Banjar (uncultivated for 5 or more years).
• The state share was fixed at one-third of the average produce, and taxes were collected primarily in cash, which provided fiscal stability to the Mughal Treasury.

 Additional Information

• Abul Fazl:
• The Grand Vizier and official court historian who authored the Akbarnama and its detailed third volume, the Ain-i-Akbari.
• Birbal:
• Born as Mahesh Das, he was a celebrated advisor and military commander known for his sharp wit; he was the first and only Hindu to accept the Din-i-Ilahi faith.
• Tansen:
• Originally named Ramtanu Pandey, he was a legendary classical musician and composer in Akbar’s court, credited with innovating the Gwalior Gharana style.

The correct answer is July.

Key Points

• The Union Cabinet of India, chaired by the Prime Minister, officially approved the National Sports Policy 2025 in the month of July 2025 to revolutionize the country's sports ecosystem.
• This landmark policy was introduced to replace the outdated National Sports Policy 2001, providing a modern framework that aligns with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision of transforming India into a global sporting powerhouse.
• A primary focus of the policy approved in July is the decentralization of sports administration, empowering State Governments and District Sports Authorities to identify and nurture talent at the grassroots level.
• The policy introduces the National Sports Education Board (NSEB), which aims to integrate sports into the formal curriculum under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, ensuring that 'sports' is no longer considered just an extra-curricular activity.
• The July 2025 approval facilitates a structured High-Performance Leadership model, targeting specific medal outcomes for the 2028 Los Angeles and 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games.

 Additional Information

• Core Pillars of the National Sports Policy 2025:
• Digital Transformation: The policy mandates the creation of a National Sports Repository, utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) for performance mapping and athlete health tracking.
• Athlete Welfare: Enhancement of the Pension for Meritorious Sports Persons scheme and comprehensive insurance coverage for athletes and coaching staff.
• Indigenous Games: Dedicated funding and national-level competitions for traditional Indian sports like Kabaddi, Mallakhamb, and Kalaripayattu to promote cultural heritage.
• Historical Evolution:
• The first National Sports Policy was formulated in 1984 following India's hosting of the 1982 Asian Games.
• The 2001 Policy focused on 'Mass Participation' and 'Excellence in Sports', but the 2025 Policy shifts toward a Science-Led and Governance-Driven approach to match international standards.

The correct answer is Tribal Aptitude, Life Skills and Self-Esteem Hub.

Key Points

• The TALASH Initiative is a specialized program launched in July 2025, designed to address the socio-economic and educational gaps faced by the tribal youth of India.
• The acronym stands for Tribal Aptitude, Life Skills and Self-Esteem Hub, reflecting a comprehensive strategy that moves beyond traditional academic instruction to foster holistic personality development.
• The primary objective of the initiative is to identify the natural aptitude of tribal students at an early stage, helping them align their career paths with their inherent talents and interests.
• By incorporating Life Skills, the program ensures that individuals from Scheduled Tribes (ST) are equipped with the necessary tools to navigate urban professional environments and modern societal challenges.
• The inclusion of the Self-Esteem Hub is a critical component aimed at psychological empowerment, helping students overcome inferiority complexes and take pride in their cultural heritage.

 Additional Information

• Core Components of the TALASH Framework:
• Aptitude Assessment: Utilizing psychometric tools tailored for diverse linguistic backgrounds to evaluate logical reasoning and vocational interests.
• Life Skills Curriculum: Training modules covering digital literacy, financial management, critical thinking, and effective communication.
• Self-Esteem Workshops: Mentorship programs led by tribal icons and achievers to build confidence and leadership qualities.
• Implementation Strategy:
• The initiative is predominantly integrated into Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) and Ashram Schools across various states.
• It leverages partnerships with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) to bridge the gap between rural education and industrial employability.

The correct answer is West Bengal.

Key Points

• The Mahesh Ratha Yatra is held in Mahesh, a historic neighborhood in Serampore, located in the Hooghly district of West Bengal.
• It holds the distinction of being the second oldest chariot festival in the world and the oldest in the Bengal region, having been celebrated without interruption since 1396 CE.
• The festival was established by Drubananda Brahmachari, a Bengali sadhu, who, according to legend, received a divine vision of Lord Jagannath after being unable to offer bhog at the Puri Jagannath Temple.
• The Mahesh Jagannath Temple houses wooden idols of Jagannath, Balarama, and Subhadra, which are crafted from neem wood, following the Nabakalebara tradition.
• The current grand iron chariot was constructed in 1885, donated by Krishnachandra Basu; it stands 50 feet tall, weighs approximately 125 tonnes, and moves on 12 wheels.

 Additional Information

• Odisha:
• Famous for the Puri Ratha Yatra, the oldest and largest chariot festival globally, held at the 12^th-century Jagannath Temple.
• The festival marks the annual journey of the deities to the Gundicha Temple.
• Gujarat:
• Hosts the Ahmedabad Ratha Yatra at the Jagannath Temple in Jamalpur, which is the third largest in India.
• This tradition was initiated by Mahant Hanumandasji in 1878.
• Historical Significance of Mahesh:
• Notable 19^th-century figures like Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa and Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar participated in this festival.
• The festival is a major cultural event in Bengal, accompanied by the Rathayatra Mela, which is one of the largest village fairs in the state.

Concept:

The question refers to India’s enhanced climate action commitments presented at the COP-26 (Conference of Parties) summit held in Glasgow in 2021. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a five-point plan called Panchamrit (Five Nectar Elements) to intensify India’s fight against climate change, focusing on renewable energy and carbon emission reduction.

Given

• Event: COP-26 Climate Summit.
• Target: 500 GW of non-fossil fuel electricity capacity.

Calculation

According to the Panchamrit strategy, India set several ambitious milestones to be reached by the end of the current decade. The five pillars of this commitment are:

• Reach 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030.
• Meet 50% of its energy requirements from renewable energy sources by 2030.
• Reduce total projected carbon emissions by one billion tonnes between now and 2030.
• Reduce the carbon intensity of the economy by 45% by 2030.
• Achieve the target of Net Zero emissions by the year 2070.

As per these declarations, the target year for reaching the 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity mark is specifically set for 2030. This initiative is part of India’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to help limit global temperature rise.

Final Answer: ✅ 2030

The correct answer is distance.

Key Points

• A light year is a unit of distance rather than time, representing the total path covered by light in a vacuum over the duration of one Julian year (365.25 days).
• Light travels at an incredible velocity of approximately 299,792,458 meters per second (roughly 3 × 10⁸ m/s); when calculated over a full year, this distance equals approximately 9.46 trillion kilometers (9.46 × 10¹² km).
• In the field of astronomy, standard terrestrial units like kilometers or miles are insufficient for measuring the immense voids of interstellar space, making the light year a fundamental metric for describing gaps between stars and galaxies.
• For instance, the nearest star to Earth (besides the Sun), Proxima Centauri, is about 4.24 light years away, meaning its light takes over four years to reach our planet.

 Additional Information

• Time: Measured in seconds, minutes, and hours, it defines the duration of events. While 'year' is a unit of time, 'light year' is strictly a spatial measurement.
• Speed: Refers to the rate of change of position, such as the speed of light (c), which is a universal physical constant.
• Mass: A fundamental property of matter indicating its resistance to acceleration, typically measured in kilograms (kg) or solar masses in cosmic contexts.
• Other Astronomical Units:
• Astronomical Unit (AU): The average distance from the Earth to the Sun, approximately 150 million kilometers.
• Parsec (pc): A unit used for even larger distances, equivalent to approximately 3.26 light years or 3.08 × 10¹³ km.

The correct answer is 1975.

Key Points

• India entered the space age on April 19, 1975, with the successful launch of its first satellite, Aryabhata, marking a significant milestone in the nation's scientific history.
• The satellite was named after the legendary 5^th-century Indian mathematician and astronomer, Aryabhata, to honor India's ancient heritage in celestial studies.
• The project was the result of a landmark agreement between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Soviet Union, which provided the launch vehicle and facilities.
• The spacecraft was launched from Kapustin Yar, a Soviet rocket launch site in Russia, using the Kosmos-3M launch vehicle.
• Designed as a quasi-spherical polyhedral shape with 26 faces, the satellite weighed about 360 kilograms and was powered by solar cells.
• The primary mission of Aryabhata was to conduct experiments in X-ray astronomy, solar physics, and aeronomy, helping scientists study the upper atmosphere and cosmic energy sources.

 Additional Information

• Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO):
• ISRO was established on August 15, 1969, with the vision of harnessing space technology for national development and planetary exploration.
• The Department of Space (DoS) and the Space Commission were later established in 1972, bringing ISRO under their administrative control.
• Visionary Leadership:
• Dr. Vikram Sarabhai is known as the Father of the Indian Space Program for initiating space research and building the foundational infrastructure in India.
• Prof. U.R. Rao served as the Project Director for Aryabhata and played a critical role in its design and fabrication within a short span of 30 months.
• Indigenous Launch Capability:
• While Aryabhata relied on a Soviet rocket, India achieved its own indigenous launch capability in 1980 with the Satellite Launch Vehicle-3 (SLV-3).
• The SLV-3 successfully deployed the Rohini satellite into Earth's orbit from the Sriharikota launch site, making India the sixth nation to reach this level of technology.

The correct answer is Agnikul.

Key Points

• Agnikul Cosmos, a space-tech startup based in Chennai, successfully launched the Agnibaan SOrTeD (SubOrbital Technological Demonstrator) mission on May 30, 2024.
• The mission featured the world’s first single-piece 3D-printed engine, named Agnilet, which was designed and manufactured entirely in India.
• The Agnilet engine is a semi-cryogenic engine that uses a combination of liquid and gaseous propellants, specifically Liquid Oxygen (LOX) and Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF).
• This launch was conducted from India's first private launchpad, named Dhanush, established by Agnikul at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR in Sriharikota.
• The 3D-printing technology used, known as Additive Manufacturing, allows the entire engine to be printed as a single component, eliminating the need for thousands of parts and joints found in traditional rocket engines.

 Additional Information

• Agnikul Cosmos:
• Founded in 2017 by Srinath Ravichandran and Moin SPM, the startup is incubated at IIT Madras.
• The Agnibaan rocket is a highly customizable, two-stage launch vehicle capable of carrying payloads of up to 300 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
• Skyroot Aerospace:
• Another prominent Indian private space company that launched Vikram-S, India's first privately developed rocket, in November 2022.
• Technological Significance:
• The successful flight of a semi-cryogenic engine is a major milestone for the Indian space sector, as it is more efficient and environment-friendly than solid-fuel engines.
• The integration of 3D printing in aerospace significantly reduces the lead time for engine production from several months to just a few days.

The correct answer is ICMR-SHINE.

Key Points

• The ICMR-SHINE initiative, which stands for School Health and Health Research Infrastructure for National Education, was launched to bridge the gap between classroom science and real-world medical research.
• It specifically targets students in Classes 9 to 12, aiming to ignite interest in biomedical sciences and public health early in their academic journey.
• The program provides a structured platform for students to visit ICMR laboratories, interact with leading scientists, and observe sophisticated biotechnology equipment in action.
• By fostering a scientific temper, the initiative encourages students to understand the methodology behind evidence-based medicine and the importance of clinical research in solving national health crises.
• ICMR-SHINE also emphasizes the role of preventive healthcare, teaching students about epidemiology, nutrition, and the mechanics of disease transmission.
• The initiative is part of a broader strategy to develop a robust pipeline of future researchers, doctors, and healthcare professionals for the Indian health sector.

 Additional Information

• Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR):
• It is the apex body in India for the formulation, coordination, and promotion of biomedical research.
• Established in 1911 as the IRFA and renamed in 1949, it is funded by the Government of India through the Department of Health Research.
• ICMR manages a network of 27 national institutes focusing on diseases like Tuberculosis, Malaria, and Cholera, as well as nutrition and toxicology.
• National Education Policy (NEP) 2020:
• The ICMR-SHINE initiative aligns with NEP 2020, which advocates for experiential learning and vocational exposure in schools.
• It encourages interdisciplinary education, allowing students to see the practical application of Biology, Chemistry, and Data Science in medicine.
• Programs like these help in achieving the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education goals of the Ministry of Education.

The correct answer is Singapore.

Key Points

• Singapore is one of the five founding members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), an intergovernmental organization established to promote intergovernmental cooperation.
• The organization was officially formed on August 8, 1967, with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration, commonly known as the Bangkok Declaration.
• The five original member nations that signed the declaration include Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.
• The primary objectives of ASEAN include accelerating economic growth, social progress, and cultural development in the region through joint endeavors and the promotion of regional peace and stability.
• Singapore serves as a major financial and logistical hub within the bloc, contributing significantly to the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and regional trade initiatives.

 Additional Information

• ASEAN Expansion and Structure:
• Beyond the five founders, the membership expanded to include Brunei Darussalam (1984), Viet Nam (1995), Lao PDR (1997), Myanmar (1997), and Cambodia (1999).
• The ASEAN Secretariat is located in Jakarta, Indonesia, facilitating the coordination of various ASEAN organs and implementation of projects.
• The motto of the association is One Vision, One Identity, One Community.
• Non-Member Countries Analysis:
• Iran and Iraq: Both are sovereign nations located in Western Asia (Middle East). They are members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and do not belong to the Southeast Asian geopolitical region.
• France: A major European power and a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. While it maintains a Development Partnership with ASEAN, it is not a member state.

The correct answer is 100.

Key Points

• Dutee Chand is a celebrated Indian professional sprinter who specializes in the women's 100 metres and 200 metres events.
• As of July 2025, she remains the holder of the national record in the women's 100 metres category with a timing of 11.17 seconds.
• She achieved this landmark timing at the Indian Grand Prix IV held in Patiala, Punjab, on June 21, 2021.
• By clocking 11.17 seconds, she broke her own previous national record of 11.22 seconds, which she had established at the National Open Athletics Championships in Ranchi in 2019.
• She is the first Indian to win a gold medal in a 100m race at a global stage, achieving this at the 2019 Summer Universiade in Naples, Italy.

 Additional Information

• Career Milestones and Awards:
• She secured two silver medals at the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games, one in the 100 metres and another in the 200 metres sprint.
• In recognition of her outstanding contribution to sports, she was conferred with the Arjuna Award in 2020.
• She represented India in the Summer Olympics twice, participating in the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
• Context of Athletics in India:
• The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) is the official body responsible for certifying and maintaining National Records for various track and field events.
• The 100 metres sprint is the shortest outdoor track event and is considered a flagship event in international athletics competitions like the World Athletics Championships.

The correct answer is 4.

Key Points

• In accordance with the official regulations established by the International Judo Federation (IJF), the standard duration for a competitive Judo match in the Senior category (for both men and women) is 4 minutes.
• The 4-minute rule represents net combat time, which means the clock is strictly paused whenever the referee calls Mate (to temporarily stop the contest) or Sono-mama (to freeze positions), and resumes only when the command Hajime is given.
• This unified timing of 4 minutes was implemented to ensure gender equality across the sport, moving away from previous years where men’s matches lasted 5 minutes while women’s matches were 4 minutes.
• In International Competition, the same 4-minute duration applies to the Junior age group (under 21), ensuring that athletes transitioning to the senior level are accustomed to the standard match length.
• If the 4-minute regulation time expires and the athletes have equal scores or no scores at all, the match proceeds into an unlimited Golden Score period to determine a winner.

 Additional Information

• Golden Score Overtime:
• There is no fixed time limit for the Golden Score phase; the first athlete to achieve any score (Waza-ari or Ippon) or the first to be disqualified by Hansoku-make (penalties) wins.
• All scores and Shido (minor penalties) recorded during the initial 4 minutes are carried over into this sudden-death period.
• Primary Scoring Actions:
• Ippon: The highest score in Judo, awarded for a throw that lands the opponent largely on their back with strength, speed, and control, or for a submission (choke or armbar) and pinning for 20 seconds.
• Waza-ari: Awarded for a throw that lacks one of the elements of an Ippon or for a pin lasting between 10 and 19 seconds. Two Waza-ari scores equal an Ippon.
• Age Category Variations:
• While senior and junior international matches are 4 minutes, certain Cadet (Under 18) and youth level competitions may occasionally utilize a 3-minute or 2-minute format depending on the specific tournament guidelines.

The correct answer is Pulls the iron strip towards itself.

Key Points

• The functioning of an electric bell is based on the magnetic effect of electric current, where a coil of wire acts as a magnet when electricity passes through it.
• The main component is an electromagnet, which consists of insulated copper wire wound around a soft iron core.
• When the circuit is completed by pressing the switch, the current flows through the coil, creating a magnetic field that transforms the iron core into a temporary magnet.
• This electromagnet immediately exerts a force of attraction on the iron strip (also known as the armature) located nearby.
• As the iron strip is pulled toward the electromagnet, the hammer attached to it moves and strikes the gong, producing the ringing sound.
• This movement also causes the strip to move away from the contact screw, which results in the breaking of the electrical circuit.

 Additional Information

• Core Components of an Electric Bell:
• Electromagnet: A temporary magnet that only functions when current is present; the principle was first observed by Hans Christian Oersted in 1820.
• Soft Iron Armature: Chosen because soft iron has high magnetic permeability and low retentivity, allowing it to be magnetized and demagnetized rapidly.
• Contact Screw: Serves as an adjustable component that maintains the make-and-break cycle of the circuit.
• Hammer and Gong: The mechanical parts responsible for converting the kinetic energy of the moving armature into acoustic energy.
• Spring Strip: Provides the restoring force to bring the iron strip back to the contact screw once the magnetism is lost, enabling a continuous ringing cycle.

The correct answer is Tanpura.

Key Points

• The Tanpura (also known as Tambura) is a long-necked plucked string instrument that serves as a fundamental accompaniment in Indian Classical Music.
• Its primary role is to provide a continuous harmonic drone or sruti (pitch reference), allowing the lead vocalist or instrumentalist to maintain svara (tonal accuracy) throughout the performance.
• In the Hindustani (North Indian) tradition, the instrument is typically crafted from Tun wood or teak and features a large dried gourd (tumba) as a resonator.
• The instrument usually consists of four, five, or six strings made of steel and bronze, which are plucked in a rhythmic sequence to produce a rich spectrum of overtones.
• The unique sound of the Tanpura is generated by the Jivari (the bridge), which is curved in a way that allows the strings to vibrate against the surface, creating a distinctive buzzing timbre.

 Additional Information

• Khartal:
• An ancient percussion instrument (idiophone) made of wood or metal clappers.
• It is primarily used in folk music of Rajasthan and Gujarat and is widely played during Bhajans and Sufi devotional singing.
• Pavo:
• A traditional double-barrel flute or wind instrument found in Gujarat.
• It is commonly used by pastoral communities like the Ahirs and requires the technique of circular breathing to produce a continuous melody.
• Pakhawaj:
• A barrel-shaped, two-headed drum that is the standard percussion accompaniment for the Dhrupad style of North Indian music.
• It is regarded as the North Indian version of the Mridangam and is known for its deep, low-frequency resonance.

The correct answer is Hydrogen and its isotopes.

Key Points

• Nuclear fusion is the process where two light atomic nuclei combine to form a single heavier nucleus, a transformation that releases a vast amount of energy due to the conversion of mass into energy according to Einstein mass-energy equivalence.
• The primary nuclei used in this process are Hydrogen and its isotopes, specifically Deuterium (²H) and Tritium (³H), because their low atomic number (Z=1) results in the lowest possible Coulombic repulsion between nuclei.
• The Deuterium-Tritium (D-T) reaction is the most widely pursued for energy production because it has a high reaction cross-section at relatively lower temperatures, roughly 150 million degrees Celsius.
• A single D-T fusion event produces a Helium-4 nucleus and a high-energy neutron, yielding approximately 17.6 MeV of energy per reaction.
• While Deuterium is abundantly found in Earth oceans, Tritium is rare and is typically bred from Lithium within the fusion reactor blanket during operation.

 Additional Information

• Uranium and Thorium:
• These are heavy elements used in nuclear fission, where large, unstable nuclei split into smaller fragments, a process currently used in commercial nuclear power plants.
• Uranium-235 and Plutonium-239 are common fissile fuels, while Thorium-232 is a fertile material central to India three-stage nuclear power program.
• Carbon and Nitrogen:
• These elements are key components of the CNO (Carbon-Nitrogen-Oxygen) cycle, a catalytic fusion process occurring in stars that are more massive than our Sun.
• Helium and Oxygen:
• Helium-3 is considered a potential future fuel for aneutronic fusion, which would produce fewer neutrons, making energy capture safer and more efficient.
• Oxygen fusion occurs naturally during the advanced stages of stellar evolution in very high-mass stars after Helium and Neon burning phases.