Current affairs and static general knowledge — history, geography, polity, economy, science, sports, awards, books, and important days as asked in the general awareness section.
According to the EIU, which country showed the most significant improvement in its business environment over the past 20 years?
India
Vietnam
Romania
Serbia
Correct answer
India
What does the fertility rate measure?
Number of live births per 1000 people in the population
Number of women in the population between ages 15 and 49
Number of live births per 1000 women aged 15 to 49 in a given year
Number of children born per family regardless of age
Correct answer
Number of live births per 1000 people in the population
Who received the 2024 Sahitya Akademi Award for English for their novel "Spirit Nights"?
Arundhati Roy
Amitav Ghosh
Easterine Kire
Jhumpa Lahiri
Correct answer
Arundhati Roy
Which festival is popularly known as the "Water Festival" in parts of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam?
Losar
Poi Sangken
Dree
Mopin
Correct answer
Losar
Given below are the statements in assertion and reason. Choose the correct options:
Assertion (A): An athlete found with banned substances in their system, even unintentionally, can still face penalties.
Reason(R): Under WADA rules, athletes are strictly liable for any prohibited substance found in their body.
Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Both A and R are true, and R is not the correct explanation of A.
A is true, but R is false.
A is false, but R is true.
Correct answer
Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
The early structural temples of India, particularly those from the Gupta period, followed a foundational architectural plan that evolved from simple structures to complex towers. At the core of the layout was the Garbhagriha, a small, square sanctum where the idol of the deity was placed. This was usually preceded by a Mandapa, a pillared hall or porch that served as an entrance. Over time, a superstructure known as the Shikhara was built atop the Garbhagriha to distinguish it as a sacred site. These components—the Garbhagriha, the supporting pillars of the porch, and the rising Shikhara—became the standard elements of early Indian temple architecture.
The early structural temples of India, particularly those from the Gupta period, followed a foundational architectural plan that evolved from simple structures to complex towers. At the core of the layout was the Garbhagriha, a small, square sanctum where the idol of the deity was placed. This was usually preceded by a Mandapa, a pillared hall or porch that served as an entrance. Over time, a superstructure known as the Shikhara was built atop the Garbhagriha to distinguish it as a sacred site. These components—the Garbhagriha, the supporting pillars of the porch, and the rising Shikhara—became the standard elements of early Indian temple architecture.
The basic layout of early temples mentioned in the passage typically included:
Stupa, Mandapa, Tower
Hall, Shrine, Veranda
Shikhara, Garbhagriha, Pillars
Sanctum, Shikhara, Cave
Correct answer
Stupa, Mandapa, Tower
What is the eligibility criteria for artisans under the PM Vishwakarma Yojana?
Must belong to urban areas
Must be engaged in traditional crafts
Must have a minimum income of ₹5 lakh
Must be employed in government services
Correct answer
Must belong to urban areas
Which of the following is a non-renewable resource?
Coal
Wind energy
Tidal energy
Solar energy
Correct answer
Coal
The first ever South Asian Games held in India took place in which year?
1982
1987
1991
1995
Correct answer
1982
What is the term for the economic phenomenon where high inflation is combined with stagnant economic growth?
Recession
Hyperinflation
Stagflation
Deflation
Correct answer
Recession
Which energy source cannot be replenished naturally in a short period of time?
Wind
Solar
Natural Gas
Hydroelectric
Correct answer
Wind
Name the principle that states that as production increases, the cost per unit decreases?
Law of diminishing returns
Economies of scale
Opportunity cost
Marginal utility
Correct answer
Law of diminishing returns
In which part of India is the The Coromandel Coast located?
Western Coastal Plain
Eastern Coastal Plain
Northern Plains
Deccan Plateau
Correct answer
Western Coastal Plain
The Indus Valley Civilization flourished under which economy?
Barter system
Currency-based economy
Feudal economy
Industrial economy
Correct answer
Barter system
Who is the \(15^{th}\) President of India?
Pratibha Patil
Ram Nath Kovind
Droupadi Murmu
Pranab Mukherjee
Correct answer
Pratibha Patil
Suppose a firm increases all inputs by 50% and its output increases by 75%. What type of return to scale is this?
Constant Returns to Scale
Increasing Returns to Scale
Decreasing Returns to Scale
Negative Returns
Correct answer
Constant Returns to Scale
Match the financial power/body with its primary function:
| List I (Power/Body) | List II (Function) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Finance Commission | P. | Discretionary grants |
| 2. | Art. 282 | Q. | Unexpected expenses |
| 3. | Consolidated Fund | R. | Tax distribution |
| 4. | Contingency Fund | S. | All Union revenues |
1 - R, 2 - P, 3 - S, 4 - Q
1 - Q, 2 - S, 3 - P, 4 - R
1 - S, 2 - Q, 3 - R, 4 - P
1 - P, 2 - R, 3 - Q, 4 - S
Correct answer
1 - R, 2 - P, 3 - S, 4 - Q
The division of powers between the Union (Central) Government and State Governments in India is a key feature of its constitutional structure. What term describes this system?
Unitary system
Confederal system
Federal system
Presidential system
Correct answer
Unitary system
Read the following Assertion (A) and Reason (R) carefully and choose the correct option:
Assertion (A) The New Economic Policy of 1991 led to more efficient and competitive markets in India.
Reason (R): Privatization reduced government control and improved productivity in public enterprises.
Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
A is true, but R is falseA
A is false, but R is true
Correct answer
Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
Who is credited with reviving the Manipuri dance tradition in the early 20th century?
Rabindranath Tagore
Uday Shankar
Rukmini Devi Arundale
Kelucharan Mohapatra
Correct answer
Rabindranath Tagore
Solving previous year questions by topic helps identify recurring concepts, question patterns, and frequently asked sub-topics. Attempt each question, review the step-by-step explanation, and note down key formulas or facts for quick revision before the exam.