General Awareness PYQs

The correct answer is S.S Dubey.

Key Points

• S.S Dubey took charge as the 28^th Controller General of Accounts (CGA) of the Ministry of Finance, Government of India in March 2023.
• The CGA is the principal advisor to the Government of India on accounting matters and responsible for establishing and maintaining a technically sound management accounting system.
• The CGA's office was set up in 1976 under the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance.
• The CGA oversees the payment and accounting system for the Government of India and prepares the annual accounts of the central government.

Additional Information

• Controller General of Accounts (CGA)
• The CGA is a part of the Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS).
• The CGA is responsible for the compilation and consolidation of the government accounts and is responsible for the preparation of a critical report named the 'Union Government Finance Accounts'.
• The CGA is the head of the Indian Civil Accounts Organisation, which functions through the Principal Accounts Office of various ministries and departments.
• Ministry of Finance
• The Ministry of Finance is a critical ministry within the Government of India, responsible for managing the economy, financial resources, and revenue collection.
• It oversees the financial institutions and markets, including the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• The ministry is divided into five departments: Economic Affairs, Expenditure, Revenue, Financial Services, and Investment and Public Asset Management.
• Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS)
• ICAS is a central civil service under the Department of Expenditure in the Ministry of Finance.
• The service was constituted in 1976 following the separation of accounts from audit.
• The primary responsibility of ICAS officers is to maintain the accounting and financial management system for the Government of India.

The correct answer is Frogs have four-chambered heart.

Key Points

• Frogs have a three-chambered heart, consisting of two atria and one ventricle.
• The three-chambered heart in amphibians like frogs allows for partial mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood.
• This structure is efficient for their dual life in water and on land, where they can absorb oxygen through their skin.
• Unlike frogs, birds and mammals possess a more complex four-chambered heart, which completely separates oxygenated and deoxygenated blood.

Additional Information

• Heart Chambers in Vertebrates
• Fish: Two-chambered heart (one atrium and one ventricle)
• Amphibians: Three-chambered heart (two atria and one ventricle)
• Reptiles: Typically three-chambered heart, except for crocodiles which have four chambers
• Birds and Mammals: Four-chambered heart (two atria and two ventricles)
• Functions of Heart Chambers
• Atria receive blood from the body and lungs.
• Ventricles pump blood out to the body and lungs.
• A four-chambered heart allows for complete separation of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood, which is more efficient for high-energy demands.
• Circulatory Systems
• Single Circulatory System: Found in fish, blood passes through the heart once during each complete circuit.
• Double Circulatory System: Found in amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals, blood passes through the heart twice, providing more efficient oxygenation.
• Adaptive Significance
• A four-chambered heart supports endothermy (warm-bloodedness) in birds and mammals.
• Efficient circulation is crucial for sustaining high metabolic rates and activity levels.

The correct answer is Angel Tax.

Key Points

• Section 56(2)(viib) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, deals with the taxation of income received under the head "Income from other sources," specifically targeting investments in closely-held companies.
• It is commonly known as "Angel Tax" because it impacts the investments made by angel investors in startups.
• Under this provision, if a startup raises funds at a valuation higher than its fair market value, the excess amount is treated as income and taxed accordingly.
• The tax is levied on the amount that exceeds the fair market value, which is considered as income from other sources for the recipient company.
• The aim is to curb money laundering through the overvaluation of shares, but it has faced criticism for impacting genuine investments in startups.

Additional Information

• Fair Market Value (FMV)
• It is the estimated price at which an asset would trade in a competitive auction setting.
• For taxation purposes, FMV is used to determine the value of the shares issued by the company.
• Startup India Initiative
• Launched by the Government of India in January 2016, the initiative aims to build a strong ecosystem for nurturing innovation and startups in the country.
• It offers various benefits, including tax exemptions, to promote the growth of startups.
• Income Tax Act, 1961
• It is the statute under which taxes are collected by the Government of India.
• Section 56(2)(viib) was introduced as an anti-abuse measure to prevent the laundering of funds through inflated valuations.
• Angel Investors
• They are affluent individuals who provide capital for startups, usually in exchange for convertible debt or ownership equity.
• Angel investors are crucial for the early-stage funding of startups.

The correct answer is 1961.

Key Points

• The Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports (NSNIS) was established in 1961.
• It is located in the city of Patiala, Punjab, India.
• The institute was named after the Indian freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
• It is often referred to as the "Mecca" of Indian sports due to its importance in the development of sports in India.
• NSNIS Patiala is known for providing advanced training and facilities for various sports disciplines and has produced numerous prominent athletes.

Additional Information

• Facilities and Training
• NSNIS offers state-of-the-art facilities for training in various sports such as athletics, boxing, hockey, and wrestling.
• The institute also provides specialized coaching courses and certifications.
• Role in Indian Sports
• NSNIS has played a crucial role in the development of sports in India, contributing to the training of many top athletes and coaches.
• It has been instrumental in enhancing the performance standards of Indian athletes in national and international competitions.
• Collaborations and Partnerships
• The institute collaborates with various national and international sports organizations to improve training methodologies and facilities.
• It also engages in research activities to advance sports science and sports medicine.
• Notable Alumni
• Many eminent sports personalities have trained at NSNIS, including athletes who have represented India at the Olympics and other international events.
• Prominent alumni include Milkha Singh, PT Usha, and many others.

The correct answer is Attorney General of India.

Key Points

• The State Executive comprises the Governor, the Council of Ministers, and the Advocate General of the State.
• The Governor is the head of the state and is appointed by the President of India.
• The Council of Ministers, headed by the Chief Minister, aids and advises the Governor in the exercise of his functions.
• The Advocate General of the State is the highest law officer in the state and is appointed by the Governor.
• The Attorney General of India is a central government position and is not part of the State Executive.

Additional Information

• Governor
• The Governor is the constitutional head of the state and acts on the advice of the Council of Ministers.
• The Governor has the power to grant pardons, reprieves, and respites or remissions of punishment.
• Chief Minister and Council of Ministers
• The Chief Minister is the head of the government in the state.
• The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the State Legislative Assembly.
• Advocate General of the State
• The Advocate General is appointed by the Governor and must be qualified to be appointed as a judge of a High Court.
• The Advocate General's duty is to advise the state government on legal matters.
• Attorney General of India
• The Attorney General is the chief legal advisor to the Government of India and is appointed by the President of India.
• The Attorney General is not part of the State Executive and primarily deals with legal matters at the national level.

The correct answer is 1875.

Key Points

• Arya Samaj was founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati.
• The Arya Samaj was established on 10 April 1875.
• Swami Dayanand Saraswati was a prominent Hindu religious leader and reformer.
• The primary aim of Arya Samaj was to promote values and practices based on the infallibility of the Vedas.
• Arya Samaj played a crucial role in the social and religious reform movements in India.

Additional Information

• Swami Dayanand Saraswati
• Born as Mool Shankar Tiwari on 12 February 1824, he was a Hindu religious scholar and the founder of Arya Samaj.
• He emphasized the Vedic ideal of Brahmacharya and opposed idol worship.
• His teachings inspired several future leaders and reformers, including Mahatma Gandhi.
• Principles of Arya Samaj
• The organization promotes the idea of monotheism and rejects idol worship.
• It advocates for the equal status of all individuals irrespective of caste, creed, or gender.
• Emphasis on education, especially for women and the underprivileged, is a cornerstone of Arya Samaj.
• Impact on Indian Society
• Arya Samaj was instrumental in promoting the cause of social reforms such as the abolition of child marriage and the upliftment of the downtrodden.
• The movement played a significant role in the independence movement by fostering a sense of national pride and unity.
• Educational Initiatives
• Arya Samaj established several schools and colleges, including DAV (Dayanand Anglo-Vedic) schools and colleges, which continue to operate today.
• These institutions focus on imparting value-based education and promoting Vedic culture and knowledge.

The correct answer is Edwin Hubble.

Key Points

• Edwin Hubble was an American astronomer who played a crucial role in establishing the field of extragalactic astronomy.
• In 1929, Hubble discovered that galaxies are moving away from each other, indicating that the universe is expanding.
• His observations led to the formulation of Hubble's Law, which quantifies the relationship between a galaxy's distance and its recessional velocity.
• Hubble's work provided the first observational evidence supporting the Big Bang theory of the origin of the universe.

Additional Information

• Hubble's Law
• Hubble's Law states that the recessional velocity of a galaxy is directly proportional to its distance from us.
• The law is often expressed as v = H₀d, where v is the galaxy's recessional velocity, H₀ is the Hubble constant, and d is the distance to the galaxy.
• Redshift
• Redshift refers to the phenomenon where the light from an object is shifted to longer wavelengths as it moves away from the observer.
• Hubble used redshift measurements to determine the velocities of galaxies.
• Big Bang Theory
• The Big Bang Theory is the leading explanation for the origin of the universe, suggesting that it began as a singularity approximately 13.8 billion years ago.
• Hubble's discovery of the expanding universe provided significant support for this theory.
• Cosmology
• Cosmology is the scientific study of the large-scale properties and evolution of the universe.
• Hubble's work laid the foundation for modern cosmology, influencing subsequent research and theories.

The correct answer is Padmaja Reddy.

Key Points

• Padmaja Reddy is a renowned Kuchipudi dancer who was awarded the Padma Shri in 2022 for her contributions to Indian classical dance.
• She is credited with reviving the ancient Kakatiyam dance form, bringing it back into the cultural mainstream.
• Her efforts have been instrumental in preserving and promoting this traditional dance form, which was almost forgotten.
• Padmaja Reddy has performed extensively both in India and abroad, showcasing the rich heritage of Kuchipudi and Kakatiyam dance.
• Her dedication to dance and her innovative choreography have earned her numerous accolades and recognition in the field of performing arts.

Additional Information

• Kuchipudi
• Kuchipudi is one of the eight major Indian classical dance forms originating from Andhra Pradesh.
• It is known for its fast rhythms, fluid movements, and vibrant expressions.
• The dance form integrates elements of dance, music, and acting, often telling stories from Indian epics and mythology.
• Kuchipudi performances typically include a combination of pure dance (nritta), expressive dance (nritya), and dramatic storytelling (natya).
• Kakatiyam Dance Form
• The Kakatiyam dance form has its roots in the Kakatiya dynasty, which ruled parts of South India in the 12^th and 13^th centuries.
• It is characterized by its unique movements and postures, which are different from mainstream classical dance forms.
• The dance form was largely forgotten over the centuries and has been revived thanks to the efforts of dedicated dancers like Padmaja Reddy.
• Padma Shri Award
• Padma Shri is the fourth highest civilian award in the Republic of India.
• It is awarded to individuals for their distinguished contributions in various fields such as arts, education, industry, literature, science, sports, medicine, social service, and public affairs.
• Instituted in 1954, the award recognizes exceptional and distinguished service in any field.
• Recipients of the Padma Shri are announced annually on Republic Day.

The correct answer is Banawali.

Key Points

• Banawali is an archaeological site located in the Fatehabad district of Haryana, India.
• It is one of the significant sites of the Harappan civilisation, often associated with the mature phase of the Indus Valley Civilization.
• The site exhibits the typical features of Harappan urban planning, including well-planned streets, drainage systems, and fortified structures.
• Artifacts such as pottery, seals, and tools found at Banawali provide insight into the daily life and trade practices of the Harappan people.

Additional Information

• Indus Valley Civilization:
• Also known as Harappan Civilization, it flourished around 2500-1900 BCE in the northwestern regions of South Asia.
• Major sites include Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, Dholavira, Lothal, and Rakhigarhi.
• It is known for its advanced urban infrastructure, including grid-planned cities, sophisticated drainage systems, and large non-residential buildings.
• Artifacts:
• Artifacts such as terracotta figurines, pottery, tools, and seals have been crucial in understanding the Harappan way of life.
• Seals often depicted animals and script, suggesting a form of communication and administrative control.
• Urban Planning:
• Harappan cities were known for their advanced urban planning, with streets laid out in a grid pattern and sophisticated drainage systems.
• Public buildings, granaries, and baths indicate a high level of social organization.
• Trade:
• The Harappans engaged in extensive trade, both within the civilization and with neighboring regions such as Mesopotamia.
• Evidence of trade includes the discovery of Harappan seals and goods in distant lands.

The correct answer is mountain peaks.

Key Points

• Kanchenjunga is the third highest mountain peak in the world, with an elevation of 8,586 meters (28,169 feet).
• K2, also known as Mount Godwin-Austen, is the second highest mountain peak in the world, standing at 8,611 meters (28,251 feet).
• Both peaks are part of the Himalayan and Karakoram ranges respectively, which are renowned for their high-altitude mountains.
• Kanchenjunga is located on the border between Nepal and the Indian state of Sikkim, while K2 is located on the border between Pakistan and China.
• These peaks are popular destinations for mountaineers and adventurers from around the world.

Additional Information

• Himalayan Range:
• The Himalayas are a mountain range in Asia, separating the plains of the Indian subcontinent from the Tibetan Plateau.
• The range has some of the planet's highest peaks, including Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga.
• The Himalayas span five countries: Bhutan, India, Nepal, China, and Pakistan.
• Karakoram Range:
• The Karakoram is a large mountain range spanning the borders between Pakistan, India, and China, with the northwest extremity of the range extending to Afghanistan and Tajikistan.
• K2 is the highest point in the Karakoram range.
• The Karakoram is home to some of the world's largest glaciers, such as the Siachen Glacier.
• Mountaineering:
• Mountaineering is the sport of climbing mountains, which involves skills such as rock climbing, ice climbing, and navigating through various terrains.
• The activity is often pursued for recreation, adventure, and achieving personal goals.
• Mountaineering requires proper equipment, training, and acclimatization to high altitudes to ensure safety.

The Correct Answer is Fifth five-year Plan.

Key Points

• Fifth Five-Year Plan
• The Fifth Five-Year Plan of India, which spanned from 1974 to 1979, emphasized the goals of Removal of Poverty (Garibi Hatao) and Self-Reliance.
• These objectives were in response to the needs of the time, aiming to address widespread poverty and improve the country's economic independence.
• The slogan "Garibi Hatao" became a rallying cry for the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's government, symbolizing a commitment to elevating the living standards of India's poor.
• The plan also focused on agricultural and rural development, recognising their importance in achieving the twin goals of poverty removal and self-reliance.

   

Additional Information

The correct answer is Assam.

Key Points

• Sattriya is a classical dance form originating in Assam.
• It was introduced in the 15^th century by the great Assamese Vaishnav saint and reformer, Srimanta Sankardeva.
• This dance was initially performed in Satras or monasteries as a part of the daily rituals or to mark special festivals.
• Sattriya combines elements of dance, drama, and music to narrate mythological stories.

Additional Information

The Correct Answer is Archery.

Key Points

• LIMBA RAM
• Limba Ram is an eminent figure in the sport of archery, known for his exceptional skill and contributions.
• He has represented India in multiple international competitions, including the Olympics, bringing fame to the country through his performances.
• Limba Ram has set and broken several national and international records during his career in archery.
• His dedication to archery has inspired many young athletes in India to pursue the sport professionally.

Additional Information

The correct match is option 3

Key Points

• Oxygen is the most abundant element found in the earth's crust.
• It accounts for 47% of the Earth Crust.
• The second most abundant mineral in the crust is Silicon.
• ​Silicon is second most abundant element in the Earth's crust, and accounts for 28% of the crust’s mass.
• Silicon is an essential material in the manufacture of electronics and computer chips.
• Aluminum is the third most common element in the Earth's crust with 8% of the crust’s mass.
• Aluminum and aluminum alloys have a variety of uses from kitchen foil to rocket manufacturing.
• Iron is the fourth most abundant element, constituting about 5% of the crust.

Additional Information

The Correct Answer is Wheat Revolution.

Key Points

• Context: India faced frequent food shortages in the 1960s.
• Green Revolution: A government initiative to increase agricultural production through:
• High-yielding varieties of wheat and rice seeds.
• Improved irrigation infrastructure.
• Use of fertilizers and pesticides.
• Indira Gandhi's Role:
• Prime Minister during the Green Revolution's peak.
• Championed the initiative, providing subsidies and support to farmers.
• Stamp Release (July 1968): "Wheat Revolution" stamp to mark the success of wheat production increase.

Impact:

• Increased wheat production, leading to India achieving self-sufficiency in food grains by the 1980s.
• Reduced dependence on food imports.
• However, the Green Revolution also had drawbacks like environmental concerns and widening social inequalities.

The correct answer is option 3.

Key Points

• Harappan cities had a well-planned drainage system where the waste water ran through small streams near the house.
• Small streams were built under the streets.Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
• These small drains from houses were connected to a **large underground drain.**Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Additional Information

The Correct Answer is Tabla.

Key Points

• Ustad Allarakha Qureshi
• Ustad Allarakha Qureshi, commonly known as Alla Rakha, was an Indian tabla player who gained international fame and significantly contributed to the popularity of the tabla.
• He was a frequent accompanist of sitar maestro Ravi Shankar and played an instrumental role in bringing Indian classical music to the global stage.
• Alla Rakha's performances were known for their rhythm, speed, and complexity, showcasing the tabla as a versatile and expressive instrument.
• Through his innovative playing style and teaching, he inspired a generation of tabla players, including his sons Zakir Hussain, Fazal Qureshi, and Taufiq Qureshi.

 

Additional Information

The correct answer is 40

Key Points

• The 73^rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 fulfilled the constitutional obligation stated in Article 40.
• This amendment added a new Part IX to the Constitution, which is entitled as "The Panchayats" and consists of provisions from Articles 243 to 243-O.
• It provided a constitutional status to the Panchayati Raj institutions for more effective and efficient functioning.
• It mandated the creation of Panchayats at three levels: village, intermediate, and district levels.
• It also introduced a system of reservations for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women in the Panchayat bodies.

Additional Information

The Correct Answer is Article 66.

Key Points

• Article 66
• Article 66 of the Indian Constitution deals with the election of the Vice President.
• The Vice President is elected by the members of an electoral college consisting of the members of both Houses of Parliament.
• This election process is indirect, as common citizens do not participate in it.
• The Vice President serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (Council of States).
• The Vice President may act as the President of India in the absence of the President due to resignation, removal, death, or otherwise.

Additional Information

The Correct Answer is Patanjali.

Key Points

• Mahabhashya
• The "Mahabhashya" is a monumental work on grammar and linguistics.
• It was written by Patanjali, an ancient Indian scholar.
• This work is a commentary on Panini's Ashtadhyayi, which is considered the foundational text of Sanskrit grammar.
• Patanjali's Mahabhashya not only elucidates Panini's rules but also provides insights into the language and philosophy of the time.

Additional Information