SSC Steno 2022 Official Paper (Held On: 17 Nov 2022 Shift 2) (Previous Year Paper)

Given Statements:

All eyes are noses.

Some noses are lips.

The least possible Venn diagram for the given statement is:

Conclusions:

I. Some noses are eyes - True (Because, All eyes are nose gives some nose are eyes).

II. All lips are noses - False (Because, Some nose are lips gives Some lips are nose, And All lips are noses are possibility only).

So, Only conclusion I follows.

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 1".

Given Statements:

No rain is an earthquake.

All rains are floods.

Some rains are droughts.

The least possible Venn diagram for the given statement is:

Conclusions:

I. Some floods are earthquakes - False (Because, No definite relation given between Floods and Earthquakes, so it can be possible only).

II. Some droughts are earthquakes - False (Because, No definite relation given between Droughts and Earthquakes, so it can be possible only).

III. Some floods are droughts - True (All rains are floods, Some rains are droughts this means Some floods are Droughts).

So, Only conclusion III follows.

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 3".

Given equation: 196 D (2 A 3 B 4) = 4 ? 5 B 2

Decoding the given information :

Now, replacing the sign from left to right and using BODMAS rule, we get :

New equation : 196 ÷ (2 + 3 × 4) = 4 ? 5 × 2

Calculation :

⇒ 196 ÷ (2 + 3 × 4) = 4 ? 5 × 2

⇒ 196 ÷ (2 + 12) = 4 ? 5 × 2

⇒ 196 ÷ 14 = 4 ? 5 × 2

⇒ 14 = 4 ? 5 × 2

⇒ 14 = 4 + 10

⇒ 14 = 14.

Here, A will replace the question mark in the given equation.

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 1".

The logic followed here is:

Logic: 1st number × 2 = 2nd number;

2nd number × 2 = 3rd number.

Now,

For, (17, 34, 68)

⇒ 17 × 2 = 34;

⇒ 34 × 2 = 68.

For, (24, 48, 96)

⇒ 24 × 2 = 48;

⇒ 48 × 2 = 96.

Similarly, for (29, 58, 116)

⇒ 29 × 2 = 58;

⇒ 58 × 2 = 116.

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 3".

Given: Seven people I, Y, O, U, R, P, and T.

1. P sits at the extreme right.

2. Y sits fourth to the left of P.

3) Only six people sit to the right of R.

4. T is the immediate neighbour of R.

5. I sits fourth to the right of R.

6. U and T are the immediate neighbours of Y.

7. O is the immediate neighbour of P.

Here, 'U' sits at the centre of the row.

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 3".

The logic followed here is:

Logic: (1st number + 3rd number) ÷ 2 = 2nd number.

Now,

(339, 440, 541) ⇒ (339 + 541) ÷ 2 = 440,

(201, 302, 403) ⇒ (201 + 403) ÷ 2 = 302

Applying the same logic to the options:

1. (388, 488, 590) ⇒ (388 + 590) ÷ 2 = 489 ≠ 488.
2. (332, 432, 533) ⇒ (332 + 533) ÷ 2 = 432.5 ≠ 432.
3. (437, 538, 639) ⇒ (437 + 639) ÷ 2 = 538.
4. (536, 638, 738) ⇒ (536 + 738) ÷ 2 = 637 ≠ 638.

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 3".

Given Statements:

No sheet is a pillow.

Some pillows are blankets.

All blankets are rugs.

The least possible Venn diagram for the given statement is:

Conclusions:

I. Some pillows are rugs - True (Because, Those part of pillow that is Blankets will also Rugs).

II. All blankets can never be sheets - True (Because, Those part of Blankets that is pillow will never be sheets).

III. Some rugs are sheets - False (Because, no definite relation given between Rugs and Sheets, so it can be possible only).

So, Only conclusions I and II follow.

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 4".

The logic followed here is:

So, '323' will complete the series.

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 1".

The logic followed here is:

Option 1) HSVW

Option 2) EVTR

Option 3) GTRP

Option 4) BYWU

Here, 'HSVW' is odd among the given options.

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 1".

Given: 

Town A is to the northwest of Town B.

Town D is to the north of Town C.

Town B is to the east of Town C.

Town M is to the North of Town B.

Town D is southeast of Town A.

Town M is East of Town A.

So, Town D is Northwest of Town B.

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 4".

Given Statement: S ≤ P = U < T > V ≥ X > W

Now,

Conclusions:

(i) T > S → True (S ≤ P = U < T It gives S < T)

(ii) W < V → True (V ≥ X > W It gives V > W)

Here, Both conclusions I and II are true.

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 2".

The logic followed here is:

Logic: The second word is a property or characteristic of the first word.

Here,

Mirror : Reflection → Reflection is a property of a mirror.

Similarly,

Glass : ? → Refraction is a property of glass.

Hence, the correct answer is "Refraction".

The triangles are:

So, there are '8' triangles in the given figure.

Hence, the correct answer is "8".

The logic followed here is:

Logic → The given words represent body parts, from Bottom to Top of the Hand.

The correct logical order is:

Fingernail < Thumb < Palm < Elbow < Wrist

Hence, the correct answer is "5, 2, 4, 1, 3".

The logic followed here is:

Logic: (1st number × 7) - 3 = 2nd number.

Now,

For, 18 : 123

⇒ (18 × 7) - 3

⇒ 126 - 3 = 123.

For, 19 : 130

⇒ (19 × 7) - 3

⇒ 133 - 3 = 130.

Similarly, for 15 : ?

⇒ (15 × 7) - 3

⇒ 105 - 3 = 102.

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 3".

Given equation: (134 – 13) ÷ 27 × 3 – 6 = 11.

BODMAS Table: 

Let's check each option one by one.

Option 1) 6 and 13

Given: (134 – 13) ÷ 27 × 3 – 6 = 11

After interchanging the numbers we get;

⇒ (134 – 6) ÷ 27 × 3 – 13 = 11

⇒ 128 ÷ 27 × 3 – 13 = 11

⇒ 14.22 – 13 = 11

⇒ 1.22 ≠ 11

⇒ LHS ≠ RHS

Option 2) 3 and 6

Given: (134 – 13) ÷ 27 × 3 – 6 = 11

After interchanging the numbers we get;

⇒ (134 – 13) ÷ 27 × 6 – 3 = 11

⇒ 121 ÷ 27 × 6 – 3 = 11

⇒ 26.89 – 3 = 11

⇒ 23.89 ≠ 11

⇒ LHS ≠ RHS

Option 3) 27 and 11

Given: (134 – 13) ÷ 27 × 3 – 6 = 11

After interchanging the numbers we get;

⇒ (134 – 13) ÷ 11 × 3 – 6 = 27

⇒ 121 ÷ 11 × 3 – 6 = 27

⇒ 11 × 3 – 6 = 27

⇒ 33 - 6 = 27

⇒ 27 = 27

⇒ LHS = RHS

Option 4) 11 and 13

Given: (134 – 13) ÷ 27 × 3 – 6 = 11

After interchanging the numbers we get;

⇒ (134 – 11) ÷ 27 × 3 – 6 = 13

⇒ 123 ÷ 27 × 3 – 6 = 13

⇒ 123 ÷ 27 × 3 – 6 = 13

⇒ 13.67 - 6 = 13

⇒ 7.67 ≠ 13

⇒ LHS ≠ RHS

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 3".

The logic followed here is:

For, 'MAYOR’ is written as 'WSBCN',

For, 'MARCH' is written as 'MGUCN',

Similarly, for 'ISSUE'

So, 'ISSUE' is coded as 'JYVUJ'.

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 2".

The logic followed here is:

So, 'POKU' will replace the question mark in the given series.

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 3".

The logic followed here is:

Logic: Images are repeated alternatively.

So, 'Option 2' will replace the question mark.

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 2".

The logic followed here is:

​

So, 'XZSK' will replace the question mark in the given series.

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 4".

The logic followed here is:

So, '289' will complete the series.

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 2".

The logic followed here is:

Logic: (1st number - 1) × 5 = 2nd number.

Now,

For, 16 : 75

⇒ (16 - 1) × 5

⇒ 15 × 5 = 75.

For, 7 : 30

⇒ (7 - 1) × 5

⇒ 6 × 5 = 30.

Similarly, for 12 : ?

⇒ (12 - 1) × 5

⇒ 11 × 5 = 55.

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 2".

The logic followed here is:

For, 'MAGNETIC’ is written as 'DJUFOHBN',

For, 'ELECTRIC' is written as 'DJSUDFMF',

Similarly, for 'LOCATION'

So, 'LOCATION' will be written as 'OPJUBDPM'.

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 1".

Given equation: 221 * 17 * 3 * 60 * 7 * 10.

BODMAS Table: 

Let's check each option one by one.

Option 1) ÷, –, +, =, ×

Given: 221 * 17 * 3 * 60 * 7 * 10

After replacing the * signs we get;

⇒ 221 ÷ 17 - 3 + 60 = 7 × 10

⇒ 13 - 3 + 60 = 7 × 10

⇒ 13 - 3 + 60 = 70

⇒ 73 - 3 = 70 

⇒ 70 = 70

⇒ LHS = RHS

Option 2) +, =, ×, ÷, –

Given: 221 * 17 * 3 * 60 * 7 * 10

After replacing the * signs we get;

⇒ 221 + 17 = 3 × 60 ÷ 7 - 10

⇒ 221 + 17 = 25.71 - 10

⇒ 238 ≠ 15.71

⇒ LHS ≠ RHS

Option 3) ÷, ×, +, =, +

Given: 221 * 17 * 3 * 60 * 7 * 10

After replacing the * signs we get;

⇒ 221 ÷ 17 × 3 + 60 = 7 + 10

⇒ 13 × 3 + 60 = 7 + 10 

⇒ 39 + 60 = 7 + 10 

⇒ 99 ≠ 17

⇒ LHS ≠ RHS

Option 4) +, =, ×, +, ×

Given: 221 * 17 * 3 * 60 * 7 * 10

After replacing the * signs we get;

⇒ 221 + 17 = 3 × 60 + 7 × 10

⇒ 221 + 17 = 180 + 70

⇒ 238 ≠ 250

⇒ LHS ≠ RHS

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 1".

Given date: 17 November 1855.

Now,

Till 1854 → 1600 + 200 + 54

 

⇒ 0 + 3 + 67

⇒ 70 odd days.

And, till 17 November

⇒ 31(Jan) + 28(Feb) + 31(March) + 30(April) + 31(May) + 30(June) + 31(July) + 31(Aug) + 30(Sep) + 31(Oct) + 17(Nov) = 321 odd days.

Total odd days → 70 + 321 = 391 days = 391/7 = 55 week and 6 odd days.

→ 6 represents Saturday.

So, 17 November 1855 is Saturday.

Hence, the correct answer is "Saturday".

The image that completes the pattern is:

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 2".

Given: A, B, C, D, E, F and G are seven friends.

1. C scored less than 2 persons.

__ > __ > C > __ > __ > __ > __

2. B scored more than C but less than A.

A > B > C > __ > __ > __ > __

3. E scored more than F but less than D.

4. F has not scored the least.

A > B > C > D > E > F > G

Here, there are three person 'D, E, F' who scored between C and G.

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 3".

Given equation: (42 ÷ 7) × 5 = 30 × 120 ÷ (10 + 5 × 2).

BODMAS Table: 

Let's check each option one by one.

Option 1) 10 and 5

Given: (42 ÷ 7) × 5 = 30 × 120 ÷ (10 + 5 × 2) 

After interchanging the numbers we get;

⇒ (42 ÷ 7) × 10 = 30 × 120 ÷ (5 + 10 × 2) 

⇒ 6 × 10 = 30 × 120 ÷ (5 + 20) 

⇒ 60 = 30 × 120 ÷ 25 

⇒ 60 = 30 × 4.8

⇒ 60 ≠ 144

⇒ LHS ≠ RHS

Option 2) 2 and 5

Given: (42 ÷ 7) × 5 = 30 × 120 ÷ (10 + 5 × 2) 

After interchanging the numbers we get;

⇒ (42 ÷ 7) × 2 = 30 × 120 ÷ (10 + 2 × 5) 

⇒ 6 × 2 = 30 × 120 ÷ (10 + 10) 

⇒ 12 = 30 × 120 ÷ 20 

⇒ 12 = 30 × 6

⇒ 12 ≠ 180

⇒ LHS ≠ RHS

Option 3) 7 and 2

Given: (42 ÷ 7) × 5 = 30 × 120 ÷ (10 + 5 × 2) 

After interchanging the numbers we get;

⇒ (42 ÷ 2) × 5 = 30 × 120 ÷ (10 + 5 × 7) 

⇒ 21 × 5 = 30 × 120 ÷ (10 + 35) 

⇒ 105 = 30 × 120 ÷ 45 

⇒ 105 ≠ 80

⇒ LHS ≠ RHS

Option 4) 10 and 30

Given: (42 ÷ 7) × 5 = 30 × 120 ÷ (10 + 5 × 2) 

After interchanging the numbers we get;

⇒ (42 ÷ 7) × 5 = 10 × 120 ÷ (30 + 5 × 2) 

⇒ 6 × 5 = 10 × 120 ÷ (30 + 10) 

⇒ 30 = 10 × 120 ÷ 40 

⇒ 30 = 10 × 3

⇒ 30 = 30

⇒ LHS = RHS

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 4".

The logic followed here is:

Step I: The star is getting shaded alternatively and getting rotated its place as the given below:

Step II: The Square is getting shaded alternatively and getting rotated its place as the given below:

Step III: The Triangle is getting rotated its place as the given below:

So, 'Option 2' will replace the question mark.

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 2".

The image that completes the pattern is:

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 1".

The correct dictionary order for the give words are:

6. Mongoose
7. Monitoral
8. Monochromist
9. Monocrystal
10. Monocular
11. Monsieur

So, the correct sequence is '6, 2, 5, 1, 3, 4'.

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 4".

The logic followed here is:

Logic: Sum of the place values is the code of that word.

Now,

‘MONEY’ is coded as ‘72’

⇒ M(13) + O(15) + N(14) + E(5) + Y(25) = 72.

'BILL’ is coded as ‘35’

⇒ B(2) + I(9) + L(12) + L(12) = 35.

Similarly, 'TOKEN',

⇒ T(20) + O(15) + K(11) + E(5) + N(14) = 65;

So, 'TOKEN' will be coded as '65'.

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 4".

Given Statements:

All athletes are boxers.

No boxer is a cook.

The least possible Venn diagram for the given statement is:

Conclusions:

I. No athlete is a cook - True (Because, All athletes are boxers and No boxer is a cook, it gives no Athletes is a cook).

II. No boxer is an athlete - False (Because, All athletes are boxers gives some Boxer are Athletes).

So, Only conclusion I follows.

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 4".

The logic followed here is:

Logic: (1st number ÷ 3)² ÷ 2 = 2nd number.

Now,

For 24 : 32

→ (24 ÷ 3)² ÷ 2

→ 8² ÷ 2 

→ 64 ÷ 2 = 32.

For 54 : 162

→ (54 ÷ 3)2 ÷ 2

→ 182 ÷ 2 

→ 324 ÷ 2 = 162.

Similarly, for 36 : ?

→ (36 ÷ 3)2 ÷ 2

→ 122 ÷ 2 

→ 144 ÷ 2 = 72.

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 1".

Given Statements:

Some dates are weeks.

Some weeks are months.

All months are years.

The least possible Venn diagram for the given statement is:

Conclusions:

I. No date is a month - False (Because, No definite relation given between Date and Month, so it can be possible only).

II. All weeks being years is a possibility - True (Because, Some Weeks are definitely years, and all week can be Years also).

III. All years can never be dates - False (Because, no definite relation given between Years and Dates, so It can be possible only).

So, Only conclusion II follows.

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 3".

Given equation: 50 * 95 * 19 * 15 * 3 * 1.

BODMAS Table: 

Let's check each option one by one.

Option 1) =, ÷, +, ×, × 

Given: 50 * 95 * 19 * 15 * 3 * 1 

After replacing the * signs we get;

⇒ 50 = 95 ÷ 19 + 15 × 3 × 1 

⇒ 50 = 5 + 15 × 3 × 1

⇒ 50 = 5 + 45

⇒ 50 = 50

⇒ LHS = RHS

Option 2) +, =, ÷, +, +

Given: 50 * 95 * 19 * 15 * 3 * 1 

After replacing the * signs we get;

⇒ 50 + 95 = 19 ÷ 15 + 3 + 1 

⇒ 50 + 95 = 1.27 + 3 + 1 

⇒ 145 ≠ 5.27

⇒ LHS ≠ RHS

Option 3) +, ×, ×, =, ÷

Given: 50 * 95 * 19 * 15 * 3 * 1  

After replacing the * signs we get;

⇒ 50 + 95 × 19 × 15 = 3 ÷ 1 

⇒ 50 + 95 × 19 × 15 = 3

⇒ 50 + 27075 = 3

⇒ 27125 ≠ 3

⇒ LHS ≠ RHS

Option 4) ×, +, =, ÷, × 

Given: 50 * 95 * 19 * 15 * 3 * 1 

After replacing the * signs we get;

⇒ 50 × 95 + 19 = 15 ÷ 3 × 1 

⇒ 50 × 95 + 19 = 5 × 1  

⇒ 4750 + 19 = 5

⇒ 4769 ≠ 5

⇒ LHS ≠ RHS

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 1".

Given: L, M, N, O, P, Q, R and S are sitting around a square table not facing the centre.

Some of them are sitting at the corners while some are sitting at the exact centre of the sides.

1. L is sitting to the immediate right of P.

2. O is sitting to the immediate right of L.

3. O is sitting between L and S.

4. S is sitting to the immediate left of R.

5. M is sitting between Q and R.

6. N is sitting to the immediate right of Q and immediate left of P.

Here, 'M' is sitting second left from N.

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 1".

The logic followed here is:

So, '12' will complete the series.

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 3".

The logic followed here is:

Logic: (2nd number + 1st number)² + (2nd number - 1st number)2 = 3rd number.

Now,

For (9, 11, 404)

→ (11 + 9)² + (11 - 9)²

→ 20² + 2²

→ 400 + 4 = 404.

For (4, 13, 370)

→ (13 + 4)2 + (13 - 4)2

→ 172 + 92

→ 289 + 81 = 370.

Similarly, for (8, 12, 416)

→ (12 + 8)2 + (12 - 8)2

→ 202 + 42

→ 400 + 16 = 416.

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 1".

Family Chart:

Decoding the Symbols:

 

Given: A @ B ^ C # D @ E

It means: A is the Brother of B, B is the Son of C, C is the Wife of D, D is the Brother of E.

Here, E is the 'Father’s brother' of A.

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 1".

Family Chart:

Given: Looking at a family photo, T pointed to M and said, “His mother N’s husband O’s brother P’s mother S is my wife”.

So, S is 'Paternal grandmother' of M.

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 2".

The logic followed here is:

For, ‘CAMEL' is coded as CEMNG’,

'TIGER' is coded as KVGTG'

Similarly, for 'HORSE'

So, 'HORSE' is coded as 'QJRGU'.

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 4".

The logic followed here is:

So, 'CHEJ' will replace the question mark in the given series.

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 3".

The image that completes the pattern is:

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 2".

The logic followed here is:

Option 1) MONP

Option 2) JLKM

Option 3) FHGI

Option 4) PSQR

Here, 'PSQR' is odd among the given options.

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 4".

The logic followed here is:

So, '196' will complete the series.

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 1".

Given: 

A person starts from point X and moves 7 km towards the south.

He then turns left and moves 5 km.

He then takes a right turn and moves 5 km.

He then turns right and moves 5 km to reach point Y.

The distance between X to Y = 7 + 5 = 12 km North.

So, The person need to move '12 km, North' to reach point X.

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 1".

The logic followed here is:

For, BRIGHT : RBTHGI

For, SLAVES : LSSEVA

Similarly, for REIGNS : ? 

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 4".

Given equation: 87 − 3 + 39 ÷ 67 × 3 = −133.

BODMAS Table: 

Let's check each option one by one.

Option 1) ÷ and −

Given: 87 − 3 + 39 ÷ 67 × 3 = −133 

After interchanging the signs we get;

⇒ 87 ÷ 3 + 39 - 67 × 3 = −133 

⇒ 29 + 39 - 67 × 3 = −133 

⇒ 29 + 39 - 201 = −133 

⇒ 68 - 201 = −133 

⇒ -133 = -133

⇒ LHS = RHS

Option 2) × and +

Given: 87 − 3 + 39 ÷ 67 × 3 = −133 

After interchanging the signs we get;

⇒ 87 − 3 × 39 ÷ 67 + 3 = −133 

⇒ 87 − 1.75 + 3 = −133 

⇒ 90 - 1.75 = -133

⇒ 88.25 ≠ -133

⇒ LHS ≠ RHS

Option 3) × and -

Given: 87 − 3 + 39 ÷ 67 × 3 = −133 

After interchanging the signs we get;

⇒ 87 × 3 + 39 ÷ 67 - 3 = −133 

⇒ 87 × 3 + 0.59 - 3 = −133 

⇒ 261 + 0.59 - 3 = −133 

⇒ 261.59 - 3 = -133

⇒ 258.59 ≠ -133

⇒ LHS ≠ RHS

Option 4) - and  +

Given: 87 − 3 + 39 ÷ 67 × 3 = −133 

After interchanging the signs we get;

⇒ 87 + 3 - 39 ÷ 67 × 3 = −133 

⇒ 87 + 3 - 1.75 = −133 

⇒ 90 - 1.75 = -133

⇒ 88.25 ≠ -133

⇒ LHS ≠ RHS

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 1".

The logic followed here is:

Logic: (3rd number)² - 3 = 2nd number; 

(2nd number)2 - 3 = 1st number.

Now,

For, (166, 13, 4)

⇒ 4² - 3 → 16 - 3 = 13,

⇒ 132 - 3 → 169 - 3 = 166.

For, (2113, 46, 7)

⇒ 72 - 3 → 49 - 3 = 46,

⇒ 462 - 3 → 2116 - 3 = 2113.

Similarly, for (481, 22, 5)

⇒ 52 - 3 → 25 - 3 = 22,

⇒ 222 - 3 → 484 - 3 = 481.

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 2".

The correct answer is Vaishali.

Key Points

• The capital of Vajji Gana during the Mahajanapadas period was Vaishali.
• Vaishali is the Bihar state in present India.
• Vaishali, the world's first republic was founded by Licchavi.
• Vaishali is also the birthplace of Mahavira Swami.

Additional Information

• Vajji was under a different form of government, known as Gana or Sangha. 
• In a Gana or a sangha there were not one, but many rulers.
• Sometimes, there were multiple men ruled together, each one was known as a Raja.
• These Rajas performed rituals together. They also met in assemblies, and decided what had to be done and how, through discussion and debate.
• Mahajanapadas were in existence from 600 B.C to 345 B.C.
• Most of the Mahajanapadas had a capital city and were covered by huge walls.
• There were a total of 16 Mahajanapadas-

The correct answer is REM Wheeler.

 Key Points

• Sir Robert Eric Mortimer Wheeler was a British archaeologist recognized in the 1940s that it was necessary to follow the stratigraphy of the mound rather than mechanically excavate it along a uniform horizontal line.
• REM Wheeler was a British Archaeologist and also an army officer.
• Before REM Wheeler archeologists use to ignore the stratigraphy of the site.
• They use to evacuate along regular horizontal lines due to which they mixed up the artifacts from different stratigraphic layers, as a result, much valuable information could be lost forever.
• Due to his important contribution to archeology, he got recognition in the 1940s.

Additional Information

• Alexander Cunningham
• Alexander Cunningham was a British Army officer.
• Alexander Cunningham was appointed Colonel of the Royal Engineers.
• He is also known as the 'Father of Indian Archeology'.
• He also conducted the excavations at Sarnath, Sankassa, and Sanchi.
• John Hubert Marshall
• He was responsible for the excavations leading to the discovery of two key city sites of the Indus Civilization, in the 1920s.
• These important cities were Harappa and Mohenjodaro.
• In 1902 he was appointed Director-General of Archaeology by Lord Curzon.
• He was the Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) from 1902 to 1928.
• Archaeological Museum Sanchi was established in 1919, by Sir John Marshall.

The correct answer is Uttar Pradesh

Key Points According to Census 2011 Uttar Pradesh is the most Populous State in India.

• The total population of Uttar Pradesh is 19.98 Crores
• Other most Populous States in India After Uttar Pradesh are Maharastra, Bihar and West Bengal.
• Rajasthan is the largest state in India by Area.

Important Points

• The 15th  Census of India was Started on 1^st April 2011.
• It was conducted by the Ministry of Home Affairs under the Registrar General of India and ex-officio Census Commissioner.
• 1^st Census was conducted under British viceroy Lord Mayo in 1872 non-synchronously.
• 1^st Decadal census Started in 1881.

Additional Information

Most Populous Cities and Union Territories

 

Highest Population Density in India

The correct answer is Sikkim

Key Points

• The Sikkim government has launched "Aama Yojana " in March 2022 which will be implemented soon.
• The chief minister has also launched "Bahini yojana"
• Under the Aama yojana all non working women will receive 20,000 Annually from the state government.
• Under the Bahini yojana  State Government will provide sanitary napkins to the girls' students.

Important Points 

Sikkim is a northeast state in India.

• Capital:- Gangtok
• Chief Minister:- Shri Prem Singh Tamang
• Population 2011 - 6,10,577
• Child Sex Ratio - 957

Additional Information Some Schemes in Sikkim.

• Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA)
• ​ Appreciating the work done by ASHA.
• Honorarium of Rs. 3000/- per month will be given.
• Chief Minister Rural Housing Scheme
• ​Aimed to bring about a qualitative improvement in the housing status of the poor by providing them a housing grant
• Dairy Development Programme
• ​Targeting development, sustainability and rural prosperity.
• Comprehensive Educational Load Scheme (CELS)
• Comprehensive Educational Loan Scheme (CELS) for pursuing higher/professional studies in India and abroad.

The correct answer is 1956 - 1957.

 Key Points

• Uber Cup or the International women's team championship in badminton was first organized in 1956 - 1957.
• Its first edition was held in England.
• It was first held in the honor of a famous British badminton player, Betty Uber.
• It takes place every two years and a total of 16 teams are part of this championship.

Additional Information

• Thomas cup is associated with the men's badminton championship.
• Thomas cup was started by George Alan Thomas.
• It was first held in 1949 in England.
• India is the current (2022) champion of the Thomas Cup.

The correct answer is Arthropoda.

Key PointsArthropoda:

• It is the largest phylum of Animalia which includes insects.
• Over two-thirds of all named species on earth are arthropods.
• They are bilaterally symmetrical, triploblastic, segmented and coelomate animals.
• The body consists of head, thorax and abdomen. They have jointed appendages (arthros-joint, poda-appendages).
• Their circulatory system is of open type.
• Their fertilization is usually internal. They are mostly oviparous.
• Examples: Economically important insects Apis (honey bee), Bombyx (silkworm), Laccifer (lac insect).

Additional InformationChordata:

• Animals belonging to phylum Chordata are fundamentally characterized by the presence of a notochord, a dorsal hollow nerve cord and paired pharyngeal gill slits.
• These are bilaterally symmetrical, triploblastic,  coelomate with organ-system level of organization.

Porifera: 

• Commonly known as sponges.
• They are generally marine and mostly asymmetrical animals.
• These are primitive multicellular animals.
• Examples: Sycon (Scypha), Spongilla (Fresh water sponge) and Euspongia (Bath sponge).

Protozoa:

• All protozoans are heterotrophs and live as predators or parasites.
• There are four major groups:
• Amoeboid
• Flagellated
• Ciliated
• Sporozoans

The correct answer is Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices.

Key PointsMonopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices (MRTP) Act, 1969:

• On the recommendations of the Dutt Committee, the MRTP act was enacted in 1969.
• The act is framed with the following objectives:
• To prevent monopolistic practices.
• Regulate the conduct or business practices of firms that are not in the public interest.
• On the recommendations of the Raghvan Committee, this act was repealed and replaced by the Competition act, of 2002.
• The MRTP Commission was replaced by the Competition Commission of India.

The correct answer is Abhijeet Kunte

Key PointsAbhijeet Kunte was awarded Dhyan Chand Award for Lifetime Achievement for chess on 13 November 2021 by The President of India.

• He received this award from the President of India at a specially organized function at the Darbar Hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan​
• The award is given to honor the sportsperson who has performed well in their sportsmanship period and continues contributing to promoting the sport after his/her retirement.

Important Points

Abhijeet kunte

• Abhijeet kunte is an Indian chess player
• He has been littled as Grandmaster by FIDE.
• He has been The Chairman of the Selection Committee and Chief Coach All India Chess Federation
• He is Chief Manger at Indian Oil Corporation.

Additional Information

• Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award
• It is given to a sportsperson for outstanding performance in the field of sports by a sportsperson over a period of the previous four years.
• Arjuna Awards
• This Award is given to that sportsperson who has been performing good over the period of the previous four years and showing qualities of leadership, sportsmanship and a sense of discipline.
• Dronacharya Award
• This Award is given to the coaches for doing outstanding and meritorious work on a consistent basis and enabling sportspersons to excel in International events.
• Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar
• This Award is given to corporate entities both in the private and public sector, sports control boards, NGOs including sports bodies at the state and National level who have played a visible role in the area of sports promotion and development.
• Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy
• Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy is given to a university for Overall top-performing in inter-university tournaments

The correct answer is New Mangalore Port-Andhra Pradesh.

Key Points

• Major ports of India: Kolkata, Paradip, Vishakhapatnam, Kamarajar, Chennai, Tuticorin, Cochin, New Mangalore, Mormugao, Mumbai, Jawaharlal Nehru (Maharashtra), Kandla, and Port Blair.
• The 13 major ports of India handle more than 95 percent of our foreign trade by volume and 65 percent by value.
• Syama Prasad Mookarjee port trust, Kolkata is the oldest port in India.
• Ennore port is the only port owned by the private sector among 13 major ports.

The correct answer is Fern.

Key Points

• It helps in weed control and suppresses tender weeds such as Chara and Nitella in the rice field.
• It releases plant growth regulators and vitamins which are very much required to enhance the growth of paddy crops.
• It helps increase crop yield and quality.

Important Points

• Characteristics of Azolla
• Azolla fern is a "Live Nitrogen Manufacturing Factory"
• Harbors N fixing Cyanobacteria Anabaena azollae.
• Extensively used as biofertilizer and green manuring for rice cultivation
• Azolla has a very fast-growing character
• It doubles its biomass in 3-5 days
• Azolla fixes 40-60 kg N/ha in rice crop
• Azolla dual cropping enhances rice yield by 55 % and supplements nitrogen by 50%

Additional Information

• Uses of Azolla:
• In rice fields as dual cropping and green manuring.
• Used as cattle feed.
• Used as bio-fertilizer in Organic farming.
• Food for fish.
• Food for pigs, goats, poultry, and other livestock.
• In the case of livestock feed, Azolla should wash 4-5 times with fresh water.

The correct answer is Memories of Rain.

Key Points

• Sunetra Gupta’s debut novel ‘Memories of Rain’ gets the Sahitya Academy Award for the year 1996.
• It has been started on a rainy Friday when Moni is walking down Oxford Street in the afternoon Moni.
• She has been married to Antony for Ten Years and has a six-year-old daughter.
• It certainly opens the gates of remembrance.
• The novel is mainly about three characters- Moni, Anthony and Anna.
• It is an astounding debut novel by the novelist as it is a kind of contemplation on the East-West split through the account of the marriage of a gorgeous-looking Indian girl with an average Englishman.
• The novelist has used the flashback technique or we can say stream of consciousness technique in this novel in order to bring the past to the surface.
• This technique has been effectively used here by the novelist.

Additional Information 

• About Sahitya Akademi:
• The Sahitya Akademi is India's National Academy of Letters, established on March 12, 1954.
• It is an organization dedicated to the promotion of literature in the languages of India.
• It has recognized 24 languages as major languages, including English.
• The Akademi conducts literary programs and publishes books in all 24 languages.
• It also translates literary works from one Indian language into others to promote a multilingual and inclusive literary environment.
• It is the highest literary honor in India, and it confers awards for outstanding works of literary merit.
• The most prestigious of these is the Sahitya Akademi Award, given annually since 1954.
• The Sahitya Akademi Award consists of a casket containing an engraved copper plaque, a shawl, and a cash prize.
• It functions as an autonomous organization funded by, but operating independently of, the Indian government.

The correct answer is Mayurbhanj.

Key Points

• The town is famous for iron ore mines, which were the first iron ore mines developed in India in 1910, by Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanj Deo ruler of the Princely State of Mayurbhanj.
• He appointed Pramatha Nath Bose, a leading geologist in 1908 to survey the ore deposits.

Additional Information

• Mayurbhanj is famous for its Chhau dance.
• North Orissa University is located at Takatpur, Baripada (District Headquarters) in Mayurbhanj District.
• Baripada is the district headquarters of Mayurbhanj.
• The Mayurbhanj palace, temples of Lord Jagannath & Mata Ambika are situated here among others.
• Badampahar in mayurbhanj is the place where the iron ore mine is located in the Indian sub-continent.
• When taking into consideration, it is noted that in India, leading iron core manufacturing is made in the state of Orissa

The correct answer is No foreign trade policy.

Key Points

• In 1991 India implemented a new economic policy.
• It implies the foreign trade policy According to the WTO to link the Indian economy to the international economy.

Important Points

• New economic policy implements the standard reform as LIbrelisation, privatization, and globalisation.
• Liberalization consists the free and easy licensing to the industrial sector.
• privatization allows to handover of the public sector industries to the private sector.
• globalization was implemented to erase the restriction about foreign economic relations.

Additional Information

 New Economic Policy

• In the context of the declining parameter of economic growth, the new economic policy was implemented in India in 1991.
• Librelisation Reform under NEP 1991
• Abolition of Industrial licensing.
• Contraction of Public Sector Undertakings.
• Removal of limitation on production.
• Financial sector regulation.
• Free play of market forces.
• Classification of Taxes.
• Privatisation Reform under NEP 1991
• Sale of Public sector Undertaking Industries to the private sector.
• Withdraw of Government ownership from mixed entrepreneurship.
• Globalisation Reform under NEP 1991
• Allows the foreign institutional investment.
• Freedom to import capital goods.

The correct answer is Kerala

Key Points

• Classical dancer mrinalini sarabhai was awarded the maiden nishagandhi puraskaram of Kerala Tourism.
• The award was presented by the chief minister of Kerala Mr Oommen chandy. in Thiruvananthapuram.

Important Points

• The nishagandi award was presented on the occasion of the concluding day of the nishagandhi dance and music festival.
• The annual award comprising a purse of Rs.1.5 lakh, citation and statuette.
• Award is given to honour eminent personalities in the fields of dance and music.
• Mallika sarabhai received the award on behalf of her mother.
• She is the daughter of mrinalini sarabhai who was nominated for the award.

Additional Information

• Other important Awards in kerala
• Vallathol Award-
• Award instituted by Vallathol Sahitya Samithi with a prize money of Rs. 1,11,111 and a citation.
• Vayalar Award-
• ​A is given for best literary work in Malayalam instituted by Vayalar Ramavarma Memorial Trust from 1977
• The award includes a prize money of Rs. 25,000/- and a citation.
• Odakkuzhal Award-
• ​Award instituted in 1969 by renowned poet G. Sankara Kurup to commemorate the Jnanpith Award.
• The award is given to literary works in Malayalam and the prize money is Rs. 10,000.
• Edasseri Award-
• ​An award instituted by Ponnani Edasseri Smaraka Samithi.

The correct answer is 21 June 2015.

Key Points

• International yoga day is celebrated every year on 21 June.
• The date 21st June was suggested by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his UN address.
• The date 21st June is very important because in the northern hemisphere it is the longest day and in the southern hemisphere, it is the shortest day.

 Additional Information

The correct answer is Nanda.

Key Points

• Nanda Dynasty was founded by Mahapadma Nanda.
• Nanda Dynasty ruled the Magadha Empire during the Alexander invasion of India.
• Nanda Dynasty's time period was 345 BCE–322 BCE.

Additional Information

• ​Magadha Empire was ruled by three dynasties namely - Haryanka Dynasty, Shishunaga Dynasty, and Nanda Dynasty.
• Haryanka Dynasty
• ​The Haryanka dynasty was founded by Bimbisara.
• He ruled the Magadh empire from 543 B.C. to 491 B.C.
• The Capital of Haryanka Dynasty was Rajagriha.
• Bimbisara was a follower of Gautham Buddha.
• Shishunaga Dynasty
• Last Haryanaka King Nagdasaka was not competent enough.
• People elected Shishunaga who was a minister at King Nagdasaka's court, as their ruler
• Thus Shishunaga dynasty was founded in 412 BC and it extended up to 345 BC.​

The correct answer is Tariff Authority for Major Ports.

Key Points

• The Major Port Authorities Bill 2020, seeks to replace the Major Port Trusts Act of 1963.
• Rajya Sabha passed the Major Port Authorities Bill, 2020 on 10 February 2021.
• The Lok Sabha passed the bill on September 23, 2020.
• The Bill aims to provide for the regulation, operation, and planning of Major Ports in India and to vest the administration, control, and management of such ports upon the Boards of Major Port Authorities.
• The new act has proposed a simplified composition of the Board of Port Authority which will comprise 11 to 13 Members.
• It will help India become a global manufacturing and trading hub

Important Points

The correct answer is Parsi.

Key Points

• Khordad means perfection and Sal means Year.
• Khordad Sal celebrates the birthday of Prophet Zarathushtra and falls on the sixth day following Noruz.
• The origin of this festival can be traced back to 628 BC.

Additional Information 

The correct answer is Recumbent folds.

Key Points

• Folds are the outcome of the bending of the Earth’s crust by compression force.
• A recumbent fold is literally a fold lying down, resulting from the continuation of pressure.
• In the Recumbent fold, Two limbs are Parallel as well as Horizontal to each other.

Important Points

The correct answer is Statement b only.

Key PointsSamudragupta:

• The first prominent king of the Gupta Dynasty was Samudragupta.
• He is Known as the Napoleon of India for his conquests.
• Samudragupta's court poet and minister 'Harisena' composed the Allahabad pillar Inscription or Prayag Prasasti.
• The Pillar was an Ashokan Pillar erected by Ashoka six centuries before him.
• This inscription serves as a praise for Samudragupta and mentions both his conquests and the boundaries of the Gupta Empire.
• As per this inscription, Samudragupta defeated 9 kings in the North, 12 Kings in the South, reduced all the Atavika states to vassalage.
• Samudragupta was defeated, captured, and later released by the kings of Palakkad, Kottura, and Avamukta.
• Samudragupta used a variety of tactics, including violent devastation.
• He made the kings of the forest states in central India his servants.
• The Shaka-Murundas are included among the monarchs who made an effort to appease Chandragupta in his father Samudragupta's Allahabad Pillar inscription.
• The Allahabad Pillar inscription mentions that the Kushana rulers of North-West India and the Saka satraps of western India also submitted to him.
• The Kushan ruler by name of Shahanushahi is said to have personally appeared before Samudra Gupta and tendered voluntary submission and agreed to accept and circulate the imperial coins as currency in his territories and offered his daughter in marriage to the emperor.
• The empire of Samudra Gupta probably extended from Afghanistan in the west to Assam in the east and from Nepal in the north to Kanchi in the south.
• To commemorate his victories he performed Ashvamedha Yaga and donated liberally to Brahmins, the poor, and the needy.

Additional Information

• The Gupta dynasty was established by Shrigupta. He hailed from either Magadha (Bihar) or Prayag (eastern U.P.).
• His son Ghatotkacha, who carried the title of maharaja, appears to be some small king about whom nothing much is known.

The correct answer is Neon.

Key Points

• Neon belongs to the group of inert gases i.e. Group 18.
• Neon atomic number is 10.
• Neon was discovered (1898) by the British chemists Sir William Ramsay and Morris W. Travers.
• If a current of electricity is run through it when it is under low pressure, it will emit a brilliant orange-red light.
• It is a colorless inert noble gas.
• It is also the second lightest noble gas.
• Neon is used in discharge tubes and fluorescent bulbs for advertisement display purposes.
• Neon bulbs are used in botanical gardens and in green houses.

Additional InformationGroup 18:

• The elements present in Group 18 have their valence shell orbitals completely filled and, therefore, react with a few elements only under certain conditions.
• Therefore, they are now known as noble gases.
• They have ns2 np6 valence shell electronic configuration except 'Helium' which has 1s2.
• All the gases except Rn occur in atmosphere.
• Rn is obtained as the decay product of 226Ra.
• Group 18 consist of 6 elements:
• Helium (He), neon (Ne), argon (Ar), krypton (Kr), xenon (Xe) and radon (Rn).
• All these are gases and chemically unreactive.
• They form very few compounds.
• Because of this they are termed noble gases.

The correct answer is C4H4 and C5H10**.**

Key Points

• A series of hydrocarbons having similar chemical properties and sharing the same general formula constitute a homologous series.
• Each member of a homologous series differs from the succeeding or preceding member by CH2.
• These organic compounds have a similar structure and functional group.
• The hydrocarbons in a homologous series show a gradation in physical properties.
• For example- CH_4, C₂H_6, C₃H_8,... represent the homologous series of alkanes having general formula as C_nH_2n+2, where n denotes the number of carbon atoms**.** Successive terms of the series differ by CH₂.
• Similarly, C₂H4, C3H6, C4H8,... represent the homologous series of alkenes having general formula as CnH2n. Here also, the successive terms differ by CH2.
• Also, C₂H_2, C₃H_4, C₄H₆,... represent the homologous series of alkynes having general formula as C_nH_2n-2. Again the successive terms differ by CH2.
• Clearly, C2H6 and C3H9 are not part of the homologous series as they do not differ by the molecular formula of CH2 but differ by CH3.​

Additional Information

• Characteristics of Homologous Series
• ​All members of a homologous series can be represented by a general formula.
• Each member of a homologous series differs from its successive or preceding member by the molecular formula of CH2.
• Each member of a homologous series differs from its successive or preceding member by the molecular mass of 14.
• All members of a homologous series can be prepared by the same general method.
• All members of a homologous series have the same chemical properties due to the presence of the same functional group.
• Due to different molecular masses, members of a homologous series show differences in physical properties like melting point, boiling point, solubility, etc. but with a gradation.

The correct answer is Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain.

Key Points

• Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain was the woman social reformer who argued that religious leaders of every faith accorded an inferior place to women.
• She was born in 1880 to a zamindar family in Pairabondh in present-day Bangladesh.
• She was a writer and wrote a story titled Sultana's dream in 1905. In this story she presented her feminist fantasy.
• In 1910, she started a school for girls in Calcutta.

 Additional Information

• Savitribai Phule
• ​Savitribai Phule was born in Naigaon in Satara district of Maharashtra in a poor peasent family in 1831.
• She was married to Jyotiba Phule, the famous social reformer and founder of Satya Shodhak Samaj.
• Savitribai also worked as a social reformer against caste discrimination and women's rights in society.

The correct answer is Fish Liver Oil.

Key Points

• One of the primary components of strong bones is calcium, which vitamin D aids in the body's absorption.
• It's scientific name is Calciferol and it is Fat Soluble Vitamin.
• In conjunction with calcium, Vitamin D helps guard against Osteoporosis, a condition that thins and weakens the bones and increases the risk of bone fractures.
• Additionally, your body needs vitamin D for other processes. It is necessary for your muscles to contract and for your nerves to transmit signals from your brain to your body.
• Vitamin D is necessary for your immune system to fight off foreign viruses and germs.
• The finest natural sources of vitamin D include fatty fish (such as trout, salmon, tuna, and mackerel) and fish liver oils.
• Milk and dairy products are the best sources of calcium. They contain a form of calcium that your body can absorb easily. Choose yogurts, cheeses, and buttermilk.
• Cheese, egg yolks, and beef liver all contain trace levels of vitamin D.
• Mushrooms provide a little vitamin D. Some mushrooms have been exposed to ultraviolet light to increase their vitamin D content.
• In children, vitamin D deficiency causes rickets, a disease in which the bones become soft, weak, deformed, and painful.
• In teens and adults, vitamin D deficiency causes Osteomalacia, a disorder that causes bone pain and muscle weakness.

Additional Information

Vitamins:

• Vitamins are organic compounds that are required in small amounts in our diet but their deficiency causes specific diseases.

The correct answer is Sandra Mason.

Key Points

• Barbados has elected its first-ever president to replace Britain's Queen Elizabeth as the Caribbean island's head of state, marking a significant step toward shedding the island's colonial past.
• Sandra Mason was chosen by a two-thirds vote of the country's House of Assembly and Senate.
• Barbados is a former British colony that gained independence in 1966 and had long maintained ties with the British monarchy. But calls for full sovereignty and homegrown leadership have risen in recent years.
• Sandra Mason will be sworn in on Nov 30 which is the country’s 55th anniversary of independence from Britain.
• Mason is a former jurist who has been governor-general of the island since 2018, she was also the first woman to serve on the Barbados Court of Appeals.

Additional Information

• About Barbados:
• Barbados is an island country in the Lesser Antilles of the West Indies which is in the Caribbean region of North America.
• Capital: Bridgetown
• Currency: Barbados Dollar
• Continent: North America

The correct answer is coffee.

Key Points

• The Bababudan Giri range (Chandra Drona Giri) of Chikkamagaluru is famous for its Coffee plantation.
• It is said that the 16th Century Sufi Saint Baba Budan was returning from Hajj.
• brought back the raw beans of coffee from Mocha, Yamen and planted it in Bababudan rage.
• Hence coffee was introduced in India.

Additional Information

• Coffee plantations in Karnataka:
• The largest producer of coffee in India is Karnataka.
• Karnataka accounts for 71% of India's coffee production.
• Kodagu is the largest coffee-producing district of Karnataka.
• It accounts for 33% of India's coffee production.
• Other major coffee-producing districts of Karnataka include Chikkamagaluru, Hassan, and Mysore.
• Arabica and Robusta are the varieties largely grown in Karnataka.
• The Coffee Board of India is headquartered in Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka.

The correct answer is Uttar Pradesh. 

Key Points

• At present only six Indian states have Bicameral legislature.
• In states having a bicameral system, the state legislature consists of the Governor, the legislative council and the legislative assembly.
• The legislative council is the upper house, While the legislative assembly is the lowest house.
• States having bicameral legislature:
• Andhra Pradesh
• Telangana
• Uttar Pradesh
• Bihar
• Maharastra
• Karnataka.

Additional Information

• State Legislature
• The State Legislature consisted of the Governor, the Legislative Assembly (Lower House) and sometimes the Legislative council (Upper House).
• The strength of the State Legislative assembly varies from 60 to 500 but states like Sikkim, Goa, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh have less than 60 members.
• The legislative council is the permanent body and thus, is not subject to dissolution.
• The normal tenure of every member is six years. 1/3rd of its member retire after every second year.

The correct answer is Raymond L Lindeman.

Key PointsTrophic-dynamic aspect of ecology:

• The fundamental process by which energy moves from one trophic level to the next in an ecosystem is known as trophic dynamics.

Energy flow in the ecosystem:

• In a food chain, the energy flow follows the 10 per cent law.
• According to this law, only 10 per cent of energy is transferred from one trophic level to the other; the rest is lost into the atmosphere.
• This energy is stored in various organic products in the plants from the sun via the process of photosynthesis.
• This is then passed on to the primary consumers in the food chain when the herbivores consume (primary consumers) the plants as food.
• Then conversion of chemical energy stored in plant products into kinetic energy occurs, degradation of energy will occur through its conversion into heat.
• The energy flow is: Primary (100%) → First level/ Primary (10%) → Second-level/ Secondary (1%) → Third level / Tertiary (0.1%).
• The energy flow in the ecosystem is clearly unidirectional.
• The ten percent rule of transfer of energy from one trophic level to the next is being credited to Raymond Lindeman (1942).

Additional Information

Arthur Tansley:

• It was in 1935 that Arthur Tansley, the British ecologist, coined the term 'ecosystem'.
• It is the interactive system established between the biocoenosis (the group of living creatures), and their biotope, the environment in which they live.

Ernst Haeckel:

• The word “Ecology” was coined by “Ernst Haeckel”.
• It is the branch of biology that studies organizations in their environment.
• Ecology word is taken from the Greek word Oekologie, Oikos meaning “House” and logos meaning “Study”.
• Ecology is the study of the household.
• Ernst Haeckel also proposed the theory of development and evolution.

Charles Elton:

• The concept of the ecological pyramid was first proposed by Charles Elton in 1927.
• It was known as the Eltonian pyramid then. E.P. Odum wrote the popular ecology book 'Fundamentals of Ecology' in 1953.

The correct answer is Shawwal.

Key Points

• Eid-ul-Fitri is one of the major festivals of Muslims.
• Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal, the 10th Month of the Islamic Calander.
• Muslims follow a Lunar Calander Where a year is 11 days shorter than the Solar year.
• Eid-ul-Fitr is also called the festival of breaking the fast.
• Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated after the end of the Holy month of Ramadan.

Additional Information

• Other Important festivals of Muslims.

The correct answer is Jagannath Puri Temple.

Key Points

• RathaYatra or Ratha Jatra or Chariot Festival is a Hindu festival associated with Lord Jagannath held at Puri in the state of Odisha, India.
• It is the oldest RathaYatra taking place in India and the World, whose descriptions can be found in Brahma Purana, Padma Purana, Skanda Purana and Kapila Samhita.
• The festival is celebrated on the 2nd day of Shukla Paksha of Ashadh, the third month, according to the traditional Oriya calendar.
• It is a 9 day-long event and marks the return of Lord Krishna to Vrindavan with his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra to Gundicha Temple via Mausi Maa Temple (maternal aunt's home) near Saradha Bali, Puri.
• The chariot pulling starts after performing the rituals of 'Chhera pahanra'.
• During the festival, the three holy chariots carrying idols of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balaram (Balabhadra), and sister Subhadra are pulled by thousands of devotees from India and abroad.
• The Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra is also known as Car Festival.
• The return journey of the three siblings from Gundicha temple is known as ‘Bahuda Yatra’ (the return journey).
• The Chariot of Lord Jagannath is called 'Nandighosha'.

Additional InformationJagannath Temple:

• The temple is believed to be constructed in the 12th century by King Anatavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty.
• Jagannath Puri temple is called ‘Yamanika Tirtha’ where, according to the Hindu beliefs, the power of ‘Yama’, the god of death has been nullified in Puri due to the presence of Lord Jagannath.
• This temple is called the “White Pagoda” and is a part of Char Dham's pilgrimages (Badrinath, Dwaraka, Puri, Rameswaram).
• There are four gates to the temple- Eastern ‘Singhdwara’ which is the main gate with two crouching lions, Southern ‘Ashwadwara’, Western 'Vyaghra Dwara, and Northern ‘Hastidwara’.
• There is a carving of each form at each gate.
• In front of the entrance stands the Aruna stambha or sun pillar, which was originally at the Sun Temple in Konark.

Important Points

• Chief Minister - Mohan Charan Majhi
• Governor - Shri Raghubar Das
• Number of Districts - 30

The correct answer is Helping the poor by providing skill training. 

Key Points

• Union Government on 25 September 2014 launched Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Antyodaya Yojana for urban and rural poor.
• Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Antyodaya Yojana has two components one for urban India and other for rural India.
• The Urban component will be implemented by the Union Ministry of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation while rural component named as Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana will be implemented by the Union Ministry of Rural Development.
• Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana
• Under the Yojana, the Union Ministry of Rural Development will launch skill development training centres on a large scale to address the problem of unemployment particularly in rural India.
• The minimum age for entry under the Yojana is 15 years compared to 18 years under the Aajeevika Skills Programme.
• It aims to enable the rural poor to increase their household income by means of sustainable livelihood.
• The scheme started out with an agenda to cover 7 Crore rural poor households via Self Help Groups (SHGs).

The correct answer is Abdul Qadir Badauni.

Key Points

• The book "Muntakhab-al-Tawarikh" was written by Abd al-Qadir Badauni.
• He began writing this history in the first half of 1590.
• The book was completed in October 1595.
• It comprises the 618 solar year's historic events.
• This book is based on Khawaja Nizam-ud-din Ahmad Sirhindi's Tabaqat-i-Akbar Shahi.
• This work in three volumes is a general history of the Muslims of India:
• The first contains the rulers and kings of Ghaznavids, Ghurid dynasty, Mamluk Dynasty, Babur, and Humayun.
• Second, covers the first 40 years of Mughal Emperor Akbar's reign from 14 February 1556 to October 1595.
• The third contains biographical accounts of the Saints, Poets who were attached to the court of Akbar.
• The accounts relate to 38 Shaykhs, 69 scholars, 15 philosophers, physicians, and 67 poets.

Additional Information Akbar (1556-1605)

• Akbar was one of the greatest monarchs of the Mughal dynasty.
• He was the son of Humayun and Hamida Banu Begum, born at Amarkot in c. 1542 CE.
• He was crowned at Kalanaur in c. 1556 CE at the young age of 13 years and 4 months.
• Akbar's biography is Akabarnama written by Abul Fazal.
• The Akbar Nama is divided into three books: The first book dealt with Akbar's ancestors. The second recorded the events of Akbar's reign. The third is the Ain-i Akbari.

Dara Shikoh (1615-1659)

• He was the eldest son of Shah Jahan. He is described as a “liberal Muslim” who tried to find commonalities between Hindu and Islamic traditions.
• He is known as a pioneer of the academic movement for interfaith understanding in India. He had a deep understanding and knowledge of major religions, particularly Islam and Hinduism.
• He was assassinated by Aurangzeb, in a bitter struggle for the throne on 30th August 1659 when he was 44.
• He translated the Upanishads and other important sources of Hindu religion and spirituality from Sanskrit to Persian. Through these translations, he was responsible for taking the Hindu culture and spiritual traditions to Europe and the West.

Jahanara Begum Sahib (1614-1681)

• She was the eldest daughter of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal.
• Together with her brother Dara Shikoh, she was a disciple of Mullah Shah Badakhshi, who initiated her into the Qadiriyya Sufi order in 1641.
• Jahanara Begum made such progress on the Sufi path that Mullah Shah would have named her his successor in the Qadiriyya, but the rules of the order did not allow this.
• She wrote a biography of Moinuddin Chishti, the founder of the Chishtiyah order, titled "Mu'nis al-Arwāḥ", as well as a biography of Mullah Shah, titled Risalah-i Şāḥibiyah, in which she also described her initiation by him.

The correct answer is Gold mining

Key Points

• The Kolar Gold Fields is located in the Kolar District of Karnataka.
• These mines were nationalized in 1956 and were closed in 2001 due to environmental setbacks, pricing, and, lack of investments.
• It is almost 100 km away from Bangalore and operated by Bharat Gold Mines Limited(BGML).
• This is one of the deepest mines in the world. Mponeng Gold Mine in South Africa is the deepest mine in the world.

Important Points

• Gold usually occurs in auriferous rocks.
• It is also found in the sands of several rivers.
• Gold is also accepted as International Currency.
• Karnataka is the largest producer of Gold in terms of metal content in India followed by Rajasthan and Bihar.
• China is the largest producer of Gold accounts 11% of the world followed by Australia and Russia.
• India ranks 2nd in Gold imports.

Additional Information

• Diamond Mining
• Diamond is the hardest naturally occurring substance found on Earth.
• Diamonds are used in ornaments, polishing the surfaces of metals and in gem cutting.
• Reserves of Diamonds have been estimated only in the Panna belt and Krishna Gravels in Andhra Pradesh.
• Cutting and polishing of diamonds are done by modem techniques at important centers like Surat, Navasari, Ahmedabad, Palampur, etc.
• Copper Mining
• Copper is a highly ductile, strong, and good conductor of electricity.
• It is mainly used in electrical machinery, automobile, and stainless steel. When alloyed with zinc, it is known as ‘brass’ and with tin as ‘bronze.
• India is a poor country with regard to reserves and the production of copper. India has low-grade copper ore (less than 1% metal content) (international average of 2.5%).
• Major copper ore deposits are located in the Singhbhum district (Jharkhand), Balaghat district (Madhya Pradesh), and Jhunjhunu and Alwar districts (Rajasthan).
• Madhya Pradesh has become the largest producer of copper in India surpassing Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Jharkhand in succession.
• Coal Mining
• India has the fourth-largest coal reserves in the world.
• India is the world's second-largest coal producer, after China.
• Coal is formed by fossils of plants, trees, bushes, etc., deposited in shallow basins million years ago.
• The top coal-producing states include Odisha, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, and Maharashtra.
• Coal is found in 4 varieties --Anthracite, Lignite, Bituminous, and Peat.
• Anthracite is the best quality of coal which carries 80 to 95 percent carbon content.

The correct answer is Manipuri.

Key Points

• Sankirtana is a style of Manipuri, one of the classical dances of India.
• There are 8 classical dances of India in total whose mention is found in the Natya Shastra of Bharat Muni. These dances are recognized by the Sangeet Natak Akademi which is the national academy for performing arts in India.
• Manipuri dance originates from the Indian state of Manipur.
• Its central themes are the love stories of Krishna and Radha but other themes are also followed.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Zakir Hussain

Key Points

• Zakir Hussain Alla Rakha Qureshi was born on March 9, 1951, in Bombay, India.
• He is the son of Ustad Allah Rakha Khan, a well-known Indian tabla player.
• He was awarded the Padma Shree by the Government of India in the year 1988, thus making him the youngest percussionist ever to receive this award.
• In 2002, Zakir Hussain once again became the youngest percussionist to be honored with India’s third-highest civilian award.
• He was also awarded the Grammy for the album ‘Planet Drum’ which was produced and created by Zakir Hussain and Mickey Hart.
• In 2006, the government of Madhya Pradesh honored him with this prestigious award, which is given to artists with exceptional achievements in their respective fields.​

Additional Information

The correct answer is Mandu.

Key Points

• Hoshang Shah's tomb is built by Hoshang Shah Ghori and is located in Mandu, Madhya Pradesh.
• It is one of the oldest marble mausoleums.
• It is corned with a tiny crescent which is believed to be imported from Persia or Mesopotamia.

​Hoshang Shah Ghori:

• Hoshang Shah (1406-35) is also known as Alp Khan.
• He was the first formally appointed Sultan of the Malwa Sultanate of Central India.
• He moved the capital city from Dhar to Mandu.
• On Hoshang’s death in 1435 his son, Ghazni Khan succeeded him.

Additional Information