General Awareness PYQs

The correct answer is 7^th Schedule.

Key Points

• The 7^th Schedule of the Constitution of India provides the framework for the division of powers between the Union Government and the State Governments.
• It implements Article 246 of the Constitution, which deals with the legislative competence of the Parliament and the State Legislatures.
• The schedule is divided into three lists: List I (Union List), List II (State List), and List III (Concurrent List).
• The Union List currently contains 100 subjects (originally 97), including critical matters of national importance such as Defense, Foreign Affairs, Railways, and Currency.
• The State List comprises 61 subjects (originally 66) like Public Order, Police, Public Health, and Sanitation, over which states have exclusive jurisdiction.
• The Concurrent List has 52 subjects (originally 47) including Education, Forests, and Criminal Law, where both the Union and States can make laws, with the Union law prevailing in case of conflict.

 Additional Information

• 5^th Schedule
• Contains provisions relating to the administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes in any state except the four North-Eastern states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.
• 9^th Schedule
• Introduced by the 1^st Constitutional Amendment Act, 1951, to protect land reform laws and other statutes from judicial review on the grounds of violation of fundamental rights.
• 10^th Schedule
• Known as the Anti-Defection Law, it was added by the 52^nd Amendment Act, 1985, specifying grounds for disqualification of members of legislative bodies due to defection.

The correct answer is Chief Justice of High Court.

Key Points

• Every Governor and every person discharging the functions of the Governor must make and subscribe to an oath or affirmation before entering their office as per Article 159 of the Constitution of India.
• The oath is administered in the presence of the Chief Justice of the High Court that exercises jurisdiction over that particular State.
• In the event that the Chief Justice is unavailable or the position is vacant, the senior-most Judge of that High Court who is currently available performs the duty of administering the oath.
• The specific format of the oath requires the Governor to swear to faithfully execute the office and to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution and the law to the best of their ability.
• This constitutional requirement ensures that the Head of the State Executive is formally bound to the legal framework of the state and the Union of India before assuming any official duties.

 Additional Information

• President of India
• According to Article 155, the President is the authority responsible for the appointment of the Governor by warrant under his hand and seal.
• The Governor holds office during the pleasure of the President as stipulated in Article 156.
• Chief Minister
• The Governor administers the oath of office and secrecy to the Chief Minister and the Council of Ministers under Article 164.
• The Chief Minister serves as the head of the government at the state level, whereas the Governor is the nominal executive head.
• Eligibility and Tenure
• To be eligible for the post of Governor under Article 157, a person must be a citizen of India and have completed 35 years of age.
• The normal tenure of a Governor is five years, but they can resign earlier by addressing a letter to the President.

The correct answer is Use of sticks called 'Tippani' by dancers while performing rhythmic steps.

Key Points

• Tippani is a traditional folk dance originating from the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, primarily practiced in coastal areas like Chorwad and Veraval.
• The dance is characterized by the use of a Tippani, which is a long wooden stick approximately 175 cm in length, featuring a square wooden block at the bottom reinforced with an iron ring to produce a loud thud.
• It is traditionally performed by women from the Koli and Bhil communities, who use these sticks to beat the ground in a synchronized, rhythmic pattern.
• The origin of the dance is rooted in manual labor; it evolved from the process of pounding the floor or beating lime into the foundation of buildings during construction work.
• Dancers arrange themselves in two rows or circles and strike the floor in unison, creating a percussive music that complements the folk songs being sung.
• The performance starts at a slow pace and gradually increases in tempo and intensity, reflecting the energy and stamina required for historical construction tasks.

 Additional Information

• Cultural Context and Performance:
• The Tippani dance is typically performed during festivals such as Navratri and at wedding ceremonies in the Saurashtra region.
• Accompanying musical instruments often include the Zanz (cymbals), Manjira, Tabla, Dhol, and the Shehnai.
• Dancers wear traditional Gujarati attire, which includes vibrant Ghagra-Cholis and ethnic jewelry, enhancing the visual appeal of the rhythmic stick movements.
• Other Folk Dances of Gujarat:
• Garba: A circular dance performed around a lamp or a statue of Goddess Shakti, central to the Navratri festival.
• Dandiya Raas: An energetic dance performed with polished wooden sticks, representing a mock fight between the Goddess and Mahishasura.
• Bhavai: A traditional folk theater form that involves complex dance moves while balancing several earthen pots on the head.

The correct answer is Rajasthan.

Key Points

• Kalbelia is a traditional folk dance and music form performed by the nomadic Kalbelia tribe, who primarily reside in the Thar Desert region of Rajasthan.
• The dance is often referred to as the Snake Charmer Dance because the tribe is historically known for catching snakes and trading snake venom; their dance movements and costumes resemble the slithering of a Cobra.
• In 2010, UNESCO included the Kalbelia folk songs and dances in its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognizing its cultural significance.
• The performance is characterized by the use of the Pungi (a wind instrument), Duf, Been, and Khanjari, while female dancers perform in flowing black Angrakha and Lehenga embroidered with silver patterns.

 Additional Information

• Gujarat:
• Commonly associated with Garba and Dandiya Raas, which are circular dances performed during the Navratri festival.
• Bhavai is a popular folk theatre and dance form involving balancing multiple brass pitchers on the head.
• Punjab:
• Bhangra is a vigorous folk dance performed by men to celebrate the harvest season and Baisakhi.
• Giddha is a popular female folk dance characterized by rhythmic clapping and traditional Boliyan singing.
• Maharashtra:
• Lavani is a combination of traditional song and dance performed to the powerful beats of the Dholki.
• Koli is the traditional dance of the Koli fishing community, portraying their daily activities of rowing and fishing.

The correct answer is Nathu La.

Key Points

• Nathu La is a strategic mountain pass situated in the Himalayan range in the East Sikkim district, forming a part of the border between India and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
• It is located at an altitude of approximately 4,310 meters (14,140 feet) above sea level and is one of the three open trading border posts between India and China, alongside Shipki La and Lipulekh.
• The pass was a vital corridor of the ancient Silk Road, which historically facilitated the exchange of goods and cultural ideas between the Gangetic plains of India and the Chumbi Valley in Tibet.
• Following the 1962 Sino-Indian War, the pass was sealed for nearly four decades; it was officially reopened in 2006 to bolster bilateral trade and reduce the travel distance to important Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage sites.
• The name Nathu translates to listening ears and La means pass in the Tibetan language, reflecting its geographical and cultural roots.

 Additional Information

• Rohtang Pass:
• Location: Situated in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh.
• Function: It connects the Kullu Valley with the Lahaul and Spiti Valleys and is critical for the Atal Tunnel project.
• Shipki La:
• Location: Located in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh on the India-Tibet border.
• Feature: It is through this pass that the Sutlej River enters India from Tibet.
• Zoji La:
• Location: Located in the Union Territory of Ladakh on the National Highway 1.
• Significance: It provides a vital link between Srinagar and Leh, crossing the Zanskar Range.
• Jelep La:
• Context: Another major pass in Sikkim that also connects India with Tibet, specifically leading to the Lhasa region.

The correct answer is Mawsynram, Meghalaya.

Key Points

• Mawsynram is a small village located in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, positioned at an altitude of approximately 1,400 meters above sea level.
• It is globally recognized as the wettest place on Earth, holding the Guinness World Record for receiving an average annual rainfall of about 11,872 millimeters.
• The high precipitation is primarily caused by the Bay of Bengal branch of the Southwest Monsoon, which carries vast amounts of moisture from the sea toward the Indian subcontinent.
• The region features a unique funnel-shaped topography formed by the Khasi Hills, which traps moisture-laden clouds and forces them to rise abruptly.
• This forced ascent, known as the orographic effect, causes the air to cool rapidly and condense, leading to heavy and persistent rainfall during the monsoon months from June to September.

 Additional Information

• Cherrapunji (Sohra)
• Located just 15 kilometers from Mawsynram, it was previously the world record holder for rainfall and still holds historical records for the highest rainfall in a single month and year.
• Kerala Coast
• This region marks the onset of the monsoon in India, receiving the first rains of the Arabian Sea branch around June 1^st, though its total annual volume is less than the northeastern plateau.
• Western Rajasthan
• This is an arid region because the Aravalli Range is oriented parallel to the path of the monsoon winds, providing no barrier to force the clouds upward for precipitation.
• Konkan Coast
• Situated on the windward side of the Western Ghats, it receives heavy rainfall (over 3,000 mm), but the coastal barrier is less effective at trapping clouds compared to the Khasi Hills.

The correct answer is Rabindranath Tagore.

Key Points

• Ghare-Baire, translated as The Home and the World, is a landmark novel published in 1916 by the Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore.
• The narrative is set against the backdrop of the Swadeshi Movement, which emerged following the Partition of Bengal in 1905 by Lord Curzon.
• The story explores the conflict between traditionalism and modern radicalism through three main characters: Bimala (representing India), Nikhil (representing rationalism and global humanism), and Sandip (representing fiery, divisive nationalism).
• Through Nikhil, Tagore critiques the Swadeshi Movement for its coercive nature and the potential for communal disharmony, emphasizing that moral principles should not be sacrificed for political ends.
• The novel is significant for its psychological depth and its use of three distinct first-person perspectives to reflect the internal struggles of its protagonists.

 Additional Information

• Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay:
• He was an iconic Bengali novelist best known for Anandamath (1882), which featured the hymn Vande Mataram.
• His work largely focused on historical romances and the nationalistic awakening of India.
• Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay:
• A prolific writer who focused on the social issues of rural Bengal and the plight of the marginalized.
• Famous works include Devdas, Parineeta, and Pather Dabi, the latter of which was banned by the British government for its revolutionary themes.
• Bhabani Bhattacharya:
• An Indo-Anglian novelist known for works like So Many Hungers! (1947), which depicted the Bengal Famine of 1943.
• His writing often bridged the gap between social realism and political commentary.

The correct answer is Suniti Choudhury.

Key Points

• Suniti Choudhury (1917–1988) was a prominent Indian nationalist who, at the remarkably young age of 14, participated in a daring revolutionary act against the British Raj.
• On December 14, 1931, she along with her classmate Santi Ghose, assassinated Charles Geoffrey Buckland Stevens, who was the District Magistrate of Comilla (present-day Bangladesh).
• The two young girls gained entry into the Magistrate's office under the pretext of presenting a petition for a swimming competition among their schoolmates.
• During the meeting, they drew automatic revolvers hidden under their shawls and fired at Stevens, killing him instantly.
• Both girls were members of the Jugantar revolutionary group and the Chhatri Sangha, an organization for female students dedicated to the cause of Indian independence.
• Because of her minor status at the time of the trial, Suniti was sentenced to life imprisonment rather than the death penalty; she was released in 1939 during a general amnesty.

 Additional Information

• Matangini Hazra:
• Affectionately known as Gandhi Buri (Old Lady Gandhi).
• She was shot dead by British Indian police in 1942 during the Quit India Movement in Tamluk, West Bengal, while leading a procession with the Indian National Flag.
• Aruna Asaf Ali:
• Widely known as the Grand Old Lady of the independence movement.
• She gained fame for hoisting the Indian National Flag at the Gowalia Tank Maidan in Bombay during the Quit India Movement in 1942.
• Tara Rani Srivastava:
• A dedicated freedom fighter from Bihar.
• During the Quit India Movement, she continued to lead a protest toward the Siwan police station even after her husband was shot by the police, demonstrating exceptional bravery.

The correct answer is Pondicherry.

Key Points

• Pondicherry, now officially known as Puducherry, was the headquarters of French India and remained under French administration until 1954, leaving a lasting impact on its urban design.
• The city is uniquely organized into a grid layout, a legacy of 18^th-century French town planning, and is historically divided into the French Quarter (Ville Blanche) and the Indian Quarter (Ville Noire).
• The French Quarter is globally renowned for its neoclassical architecture, featuring Mediterranean-style villas with pale yellow or peach stucco walls, arched windows, and bougainvillea-lined streets.
• The architectural landscape exhibits a specific fusion known as Franco-Tamil architecture, where colonial street-facing facades blend with traditional Tamil features like large wooden doors and interior courtyards (Thinnai).
• Notable landmarks showcasing this hybrid style include the Raj Niwas (the Governor's residence), the French Institute of Pondicherry, and various Catholic churches like the Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges.

 Additional Information

• Mumbai
• Primarily known for its Victorian Gothic and Art Deco architecture, exemplified by the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and the Marine Drive cluster.
• Kolkata
• Often called the 'City of Palaces', it is famous for British Colonial styles, including the Victoria Memorial and Writers' Building, reflecting Palladian and Baroque influences.
• Chennai
• Recognized as a pioneer of the Indo-Saracenic style, which blends Islamic, Hindu, and Gothic elements, visible in the Chepauk Palace and the Senate House.
• Historical Context
• The Treaty of Cession was signed between India and France in 1956, leading to the legal integration of the territory into the Indian Union in 1962.

The correct answer is Extreme seasonal changes.

Key Points

• The axial tilt of Uranus is approximately 97.77 degrees (often rounded to 98 degrees), which means its axis of rotation is nearly parallel to its orbital plane.
• Because of this unique orientation, Uranus rotates essentially on its side, unlike other planets whose axes are more or less perpendicular to their orbits.
• This extreme tilt results in the Sun shining directly over each pole for a massive portion of the planet's year; since Uranus takes 84 Earth years to orbit the Sun, each pole experiences 21 years of continuous sunlight followed by 21 years of total darkness.
• These conditions lead to the most dramatic seasonal variations observed in the solar system, where sunlight distribution shifts from being concentrated entirely at one pole to being distributed along the equator during equinoxes.

 Additional Information

• Atmospheric Temperature: Despite the extreme seasonal sunlight, Uranus holds the title of the coldest planet in the solar system, with minimum temperatures reaching 49 Kelvin (−224 degrees Celsius).
• Rotation Direction: Uranus exhibits retrograde rotation, meaning it spins in the opposite direction to its orbital motion, a trait shared only with Venus.
• Magnetic Field: The planet's magnetic field is unusual because it does not originate from the geometric center and is tilted at an angle of 59 degrees from the axis of rotation, further complicating its magnetosphere interactions during different seasons.
• Equinox Dynamics: During its equinoxes, the planet experiences a rapid day-night cycle of about 17 hours, but during solstices, the side facing the Sun remains in permanent daylight for decades.

The correct answer is In 100 years.

Key Points

• A light-year is a unit of astronomical distance representing the total distance that light travels in a vacuum in one Julian year (approximately 365.25 days).
• Light travels at a finite, constant speed of approximately 299,792,458 meters per second (commonly rounded to 3 × 10⁸ m/s).
• If a celestial object, such as a star, is located 100 light-years away from Earth, it means the electromagnetic radiation (light) emitted by that star must traverse a distance that requires exactly 100 years of travel time.
• When a star explodes, the visual information and energy from the event begin traveling outward at the speed of light; therefore, there is a time lag between the physical event and its observation on Earth.
• Since the distance is 100 light-years, the light from an explosion occurring 'now' will not reach an observer's eyes until 100 years have passed.

 Additional Information

• Lookback Time:
• In astronomy, because light takes time to travel, looking further into space is equivalent to looking further back in time.
• We never see the universe as it exists at this exact moment, but rather as it was when the light was first emitted.
• Scale of a Light-Year:
• One light-year is approximately 9.46 trillion kilometers (9.46 × 10¹² km).
• For context, light from the Sun takes about 8 minutes and 20 seconds to reach Earth, meaning we see the Sun as it was over eight minutes ago.
• Speed of Light Constraint:
• According to Einstein's Theory of Relativity, nothing can travel faster than the speed of light (c); hence, no signal or information about the explosion can reach Earth immediately or in 1 year.

The correct answer is 2012, London.

Key Points

• Mary Kom, also known as Magnificent Mary, secured the bronze medal in the flyweight (51 kg) category at the 2012 Summer Olympics held in London.
• The 2012 London Games marked the historic debut of women boxing in the Olympic program, where Mary Kom was the sole Indian woman boxer to qualify.
• During her Olympic journey, she defeated Karolina Michalczuk and Maroua Rahali before losing to Nicola Adams of Great Britain in the semi-finals, which earned her the bronze.
• With this achievement, she became the first Indian female boxer to win an Olympic medal and only the third Indian woman overall to win an Olympic medal after Karnam Malleswari and Saina Nehwal.

 Additional Information

• Olympic Venues and Mary Kom's Participation:
• 2008 Beijing: Women boxing was not yet an Olympic sport; it was officially sanctioned for inclusion by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) only in 2009.
• 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Mary Kom failed to qualify for the Rio Olympics after she was unable to secure a berth during the World Boxing Championships held in Astana.
• 2020 Tokyo: She participated in the flyweight category but was eliminated in the Round of 16 after a split-decision loss to Colombia's Ingrit Valencia.
• Major Achievements: She is a record six-time World Amateur Boxing Champion and the only female boxer to win a medal in each of the first seven World Championships.
• Honors: She has been conferred with India's highest civilian awards, including the Padma Vibhushan (2020), Padma Bhushan (2013), and the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award (2009).

The correct answer is 7.

Key Points

• India recorded its most successful performance in Olympic history at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021) by winning a total of 7 medals.
• The medal tally consisted of 1 Gold, 2 Silver, and 4 Bronze medals, surpassing the previous record of 6 medals set during the 2012 London Olympics.
• Neeraj Chopra won the historic Gold medal in the Men’s Javelin Throw with a distance of 87.58m, becoming the first Indian track and field athlete to win gold and only the second individual gold medalist for India after Abhinav Bindra.
• The two Silver medals were secured by Saikhom Mirabai Chanu in Women’s 49kg Weightlifting and Ravi Kumar Dahiya in Men’s Freestyle 57kg Wrestling.
• The four Bronze medals were won by P.V. Sindhu in Women’s Singles Badminton, Lovlina Borgohain in Women’s Welterweight Boxing, Bajrang Punia in Men’s Freestyle 65kg Wrestling, and the Indian Men’s National Field Hockey Team.
• India finished at the 48^th position in the overall medal standings based on the gold medal count.

 Additional Information

• Historical Context and Milestones:
• Indian Men’s Hockey Team: Secured a bronze medal after a gap of 41 years, their last medal being gold at the 1980 Moscow Olympics.
• P.V. Sindhu: Created history by becoming the first Indian woman to win two individual Olympic medals, following her silver at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
• Aditi Ashok: Narrowly missed a medal in Golf, finishing at an impressive 4^th position.
• Participation: India sent its largest-ever contingent of 126 athletes across 18 sporting disciplines to the Tokyo Games.
• Wrestling Dominance: Wrestling remained a strong suit for India, contributing two medals to the final tally through Ravi Dahiya and Bajrang Punia.

The correct answer is Connective tissue.

Key Points

• Bone is a specialized form of skeletal connective tissue that constitutes the majority of the endoskeleton in vertebrates, providing structural support and shape.
• It is distinguished by a hard, non-pliable extracellular matrix that is heavily impregnated with calcium salts (primarily hydroxyapatite) and collagen fibers, which provide both compressive strength and tensile flexibility.
• The cellular components of bone are called osteocytes, which reside in small spaces known as lacunae within the calcified matrix.
• In long bones, the tissue is organized into osteons or Haversian systems, consisting of concentric layers of matrix called lamellae surrounding a central canal that contains blood vessels and nerve fibers.
• Functionally, bones protect delicate organs (like the brain and heart), facilitate locomotion by acting as levers for muscles, and serve as a site for hematopoiesis (blood cell formation) within the bone marrow.
• Bones also function as a metabolic reservoir for minerals, regulating the systemic balance of calcium and phosphorus in the blood.

 Additional Information

• Epithelial tissue
• Forms the continuous protective layer on the body surface and the lining of internal organs and glands.
• Cells are tightly packed with minimal intercellular matrix and rest on a basement membrane.
• Muscular tissue
• Specialized for contraction and movement through the interaction of actin and myosin proteins.
• Includes skeletal muscle (striated and voluntary), smooth muscle (non-striated and involuntary), and cardiac muscle.
• Nervous tissue
• Composed of neurons (excitable cells) and neuroglia (supporting cells) that form the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
• Facilitates rapid communication by transmitting electrical impulses throughout the body.
• Other Specialized Connective Tissues
• Cartilage: Has a solid but pliable matrix made of chondroitin salts; it provides flexibility at joints and in the respiratory tract.
• Blood: A fluid connective tissue containing plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, primarily used for transport.

The correct answer is Photosynthesis.

Key Points

• Chloroplasts are specialized double-membrane organelles found primarily in the mesophyll cells of plant leaves and in eukaryotic algae.
• The primary function is to perform photosynthesis, a process where light energy is converted into chemical energy in the form of glucose.
• They contain the green pigment chlorophyll, which is essential for absorbing light energy (photons) from the sun.
• The internal structure consists of a fluid matrix called the stroma and a system of membrane-bound sacs called thylakoids, which are stacked to form grana.
• Photosynthesis occurs in two stages: the light-dependent reactions (taking place in the thylakoid membranes) and the light-independent reactions or Calvin Cycle (occurring in the stroma).
• The overall chemical reaction can be represented as: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂.

 Additional Information

• Mitochondria:
• Often termed the powerhouse of the cell, they are responsible for ATP production through cellular respiration, unlike chloroplasts which produce food.
• Amyloplasts:
• These are non-pigmented organelles (leucoplasts) dedicated to the storage of starch granules in specialized plant tissues like roots and tubers.
• Ribosomes:
• These are the molecular machines responsible for protein synthesis by translating messenger RNA into polypeptide chains.
• Endosymbiotic Theory:
• Chloroplasts possess their own circular DNA and 70S ribosomes, suggesting they originated from ancient cyanobacteria that entered into a symbiotic relationship with eukaryotic cells.

The correct answer is Rich biodiversity.

Key Points

• The Western Ghats, also known as the Sahyadri range, were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2012 specifically under the natural category for their immense global importance.
• The mountain chain is recognized as one of the world's eight 'hottest hotspots' of biological diversity, housing an exceptionally high level of endemism where many species are found nowhere else on Earth.
• The site is comprised of 39 individual components, including National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Reserve Forests, spread across the states of Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
• It serves as a critical climatic regulator for the Indian subcontinent, influencing the Indian monsoon system by intercepting moisture-laden winds from the Arabian Sea.
• The forest ecosystems within the range represent some of the best examples of the monsoon system on the planet and provide a habitat for at least 325 globally threatened species.

 Additional Information

• Endemic Flora and Fauna:
• The region contains over 5,000 species of flowering plants, 139 mammal species, and 508 bird species.
• Approximately 65% of the amphibians and 52% of the tree species found in the Western Ghats are endemic to the mountain range.
• UNESCO Selection Criteria:
• The Western Ghats satisfy Criterion (ix), which identifies outstanding examples of ongoing ecological and biological processes in evolution.
• They also satisfy Criterion (x), which focuses on the most significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity.
• Other Options:
• Cultural Significance and Ancient Monuments: While India has many UNESCO sites for these reasons, such as Hampi or the Ajanta Caves, the Western Ghats are listed primarily for natural ecological value.
• Mineral Resources: Though the region has significant deposits of iron, manganese, and bauxite, these are not criteria for UNESCO World Heritage designation.

The correct answer is 2.

Key Points

• In its first meeting on June 10, 2024, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the construction of 3 crore additional houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).
• Specifically, for the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G), the government sanctioned the construction of 2 crore additional houses for rural areas.
• The implementation of these additional houses is scheduled for the five-year period spanning from 2024-25 to 2028-29.
• This decision follows the commitment made in the Interim Budget 2024-25, where it was announced that 2 crore more houses would be built in the next five years to achieve the Housing for All objective.
• The objective is to address the housing needs arising from the increase in the number of eligible rural families and to ensure that all houses are equipped with basic amenities such as LPG connections, electricity, and toilets.

 Additional Information

• Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G):
• Launched on April 1, 2016, the scheme replaced the Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY) to provide pucca houses with basic amenities to rural residents.
• It is managed by the Ministry of Rural Development, with a target of providing assistance to houseless households and those living in zero, one, or two-room houses with kutcha walls.
• The cost of the house is shared between the Central and State governments in a 60:40 ratio in plain areas and 90:10 in North-Eastern and Himalayan states.
• Comparison with PMAY-Urban (PMAY-U):
• While PMAY-G received a target of 2 crore houses, the PMAY-Urban component was allocated the remaining 1 crore houses from the total 3 crore approved.
• PMAY-U is administered by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
• Beneficiary Identification:
• Beneficiaries are identified based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data and the Awaas+ survey, followed by a multi-stage verification process including the Gram Sabha.

The correct answer is Begum Hazrat Mahal.

Key Points

• Begum Hazrat Mahal, also known as the Begum of Awadh, was the wife of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, the last ruler of Awadh.
• Following the British annexation of Awadh in 1856 and the subsequent exile of the Nawab to Calcutta, she emerged as one of the most prominent leaders of the 1857 Revolt.
• She took control of Lucknow and proclaimed her young son, Birjis Qadr, as the Wali (ruler) of Awadh, establishing a rebel administration.
• Under her leadership, the rebel forces successfully challenged the British East India Company and laid siege to the Lucknow Residency, showcasing her strategic and organizational skills.
• She actively worked with other revolutionaries like Maulvi Ahmadullah Shah and successfully mobilized talukdars and sepoys against colonial rule.
• After the British eventually recaptured Lucknow in March 1858, she refused to accept any British pension and sought asylum in Nepal, where she lived until her death in 1879.

 Additional Information

• Nana Saheb:
• He was the adopted son of Peshwa Baji Rao II and led the 1857 Uprising from Kanpur.
• He was supported by loyal lieutenants like Tatya Tope and Azimullah Khan.
• Rani Lakshmibai:
• Commonly known as Jhansi ki Rani, she led the rebellion in Jhansi and Gwalior.
• She fought against the British forces led by Sir Hugh Rose after her state was annexed under the Doctrine of Lapse.
• Bahadur Shah Zafar:
• He was the last Mughal Emperor and was declared the symbolic leader of the revolt in Delhi.
• Following the suppression of the revolt, he was tried by the British and exiled to Rangoon (Burma).

The correct answer is September 1857.

Key Points

• The Revolt of 1857, which began in Meerut on May 10, 1857, saw the rebel sepoys march to Delhi and proclaim the aging Mughal Emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar, as the symbolic leader of the rebellion on May 11, 1857.
• The British recognized that recapturing Delhi was of paramount importance to break the spirit of the rebellion, leading to the prolonged Siege of Delhi that commenced in June 1857.
• British forces, reinforcements from the Punjab, and loyalist troops established a base on the Delhi Ridge to launch their counter-offensive against the rebel-held city.
• The final assault on the city walls began in mid-September, with General John Nicholson leading the storming parties through the Kashmere Gate; although the British were successful, Nicholson was mortally wounded during the street fighting.
• After six days of fierce urban warfare and heavy casualties on both sides, the British successfully regained complete control over Delhi by September 20, 1857.

 Additional Information

• Bahadur Shah Zafar:
• Following the fall of the city, the Emperor took refuge at Humayun's Tomb.
• He was captured by Major William Hodson, while his sons were executed at the Khooni Darwaza.
• The Emperor was later tried and exiled to Rangoon, marking the formal end of the Mughal Empire.
• Suppression of Other Centers:
• Lucknow: The city was eventually recaptured by British forces under Sir Colin Campbell in March 1858.
• Jhansi: The fortress of Jhansi fell to Sir Hugh Rose in April 1858, leading to the legendary resistance of Rani Lakshmibai.
• Gwalior: The British regained control of Gwalior in June 1858, which effectively ended the major organized military phase of the revolt.

The correct answer is 33%.

Key Points

• The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) released its annual assessment of international arms transfers in March 2025, covering the five-year period from 2020 to 2024.
• According to the data, Asia and Oceania continued to be the largest importing region for major arms, accounting for 33% of the total global volume of arms imports.
• While the region maintains the highest share globally, this figure represents a decrease from the 37% share recorded during the 2019−23 period and 41% in 2015−19.
• The high volume of imports in Asia and Oceania is primarily driven by persistent regional tensions, including territorial disputes in the South China Sea and security concerns in the Indo-Pacific corridor.
• Major contributors to this share include India, Pakistan, Japan, Australia, and South Korea, all of which remain among the worlds top arms importers to modernize their defense capabilities.

 Additional Information

• SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute):
• Established in 1966, it is an independent international institute dedicated to research into conflict, armaments, arms control, and disarmament.
• It is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, and provides data and analysis based on open sources to policymakers and the public.
• Global Import Trends:
• While Asia and Oceania lead, the share of Europe has seen a significant upward trajectory due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the resulting rush for rearmament among NATO members.
• India remains the worlds largest individual arms importer, largely relying on suppliers from Russia, France, and the USA.
• The Middle East typically accounts for the second-largest share, with Saudi Arabia and Qatar being prominent buyers.