General Awareness PYQs

The correct answer is Sublimation.

Key Points

• Sublimation is the transition of a substance directly from the solid to the gas phase without passing through the intermediate liquid phase.
• Deposition, on the other hand, is the reverse process where a gas transforms directly into a solid without becoming a liquid first.
• This makes sublimation the reverse of deposition as it involves a direct solid to gas transition.
• Both processes are phase transitions that occur under specific temperature and pressure conditions.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Tungsten.

Key Points

• The question identifies the odd term among the given options with respect to allotropes of carbon.
• Allotropes are different structural forms of the same element and can display quite different physical properties and chemical behaviors.
• Among the options given, Buckminsterfullerene, Graphite, and Diamond are all allotropes of carbon, each with a unique structure.
• Tungsten, denoted as option 3, is not an allotrope of carbon but a completely different chemical element with the atomic number 74.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Kadambas.

Key Points

• The Vatapi Chalukyas were initially under the Kadamba dynasty, which makes the correct answer option 4.
• This relationship signifies the complex feudal system of ancient and medieval India, where smaller kingdoms often paid tribute to larger empires.
• The Kadambas were a South Indian dynasty that ruled much of modern-day Karnataka. They were known for their contributions to temple architecture and support of Jainism and Hinduism.
• The Chalukyas of Vatapi later emerged as a significant power, establishing a vast empire that influenced South Indian politics and culture.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Thomas Roe.

Key Points

• Thomas Roe was an English diplomat sent by James I to the court of Mughal Emperor Jahangir in 1615.
• He successfully negotiated trading rights in 1617, allowing the East India Company to establish a factory in Surat.
• Roe's diplomacy laid the foundation for the future British presence in India.
• His detailed journal provides valuable insights into the Mughal court and its practices.

Additional Information

The correct answer is i - c, ii - a, iii - b. 

Key Points

• Sedimentary rock is formed from fragments of other rocks or the remains of plants or animals, which is option c.
• Metamorphic rock is transformed from its original state by high pressure and temperature without melting, which corresponds to option a.
• Igneous rock is derived from magma that was poured out or ejected at the Earth's surface, corresponding to option b.

Additional Information

• Sedimentary Rocks:
• Sedimentary rocks are typically formed through the deposition of material at the Earth's surface and within bodies of water.
• Common processes include weathering, erosion, deposition, and lithification, which transform loose sediment into rock.
• Examples include limestone, shale, and sandstone, which often contain fossils and provide critical insights into the Earth's history.
• Metamorphic Rocks:
• Metamorphic rocks are formed under the surface of the Earth through the alteration of pre-existing rocks (igneous, sedimentary, or other metamorphic rocks) by high heat, pressure, and chemically active fluids.
• The process, called metamorphism, changes the mineral structure and texture of the rock without melting it.
• Examples include gneiss, schist, and marble, which are used in various construction and artistic applications.
• Igneous Rocks:
• Igneous rocks are formed from the solidification of molten magma, which cools either beneath the surface as intrusive rocks or on the surface as extrusive rocks.
• These rocks are primarily classified based on their composition and grain size. Common types include granite (intrusive) and basalt (extrusive).
• They are often valued for their hardness, durability, and in the case of pumice, for being so lightweight.

The correct answer is 1951, New Delhi.

Key Points

• The first Asian Games were held in 1951.
• The location of the event was New Delhi, India.
• This event marked the beginning of what would become a major multi-sport event held every four years among athletes from all over Asia.
• The Asian Games are recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and are described as the second largest multi-sport event after the Olympics.

Additional Information

• The Asian Games have been governed by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), since its first edition.
• They were created to help foster a sense of unity and cooperation among Asian nations through sports.
• The idea of the Asian Games was first proposed by Professor G.D. Sondhi in 1947.
• The Games feature a wide range of sports, some of which are particularly popular in Asia, and not featured in the Olympics, such as kabaddi and sepak takraw.

The correct answer is Arya Samaj.

Key Points

• The Arya Samaj, founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati in 1875, is associated with the Shuddhi movement.
• Shuddhi ceremony aimed to reconvert those Hindus who had converted to other religions back to Hinduism.
• It was a significant part of Arya Samaj's efforts to purify Hindu society and restore Vedic principles.
• The movement was particularly focused on those who had been converted to Islam and Christianity, offering a way back to their ancestral faith.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Eosin.

Key Points

• Eosin is a fluorescent red dye used extensively in histology.
• It stains cytoplasm, collagen, muscle fibers, and red blood cells, providing contrast to hematoxylin's blue-purple staining.
• Its application is crucial in the H&E (Hematoxylin and Eosin) staining technique, which is a standard procedure in medical diagnosis.
• Eosin works by binding to positively charged proteins in cells, making it an acidophilic dye.

Additional Information

• The use of Eosin dates back to the late 19^th century, making it a long-established tool in histological studies.
• It is not only used in biological staining but also has applications in inks, printing, and sometimes even in cosmetics.
• Due to its fluorescent properties, Eosin can also be used in fluorescence microscopy applications.
• The staining mechanism of Eosin involves the electrostatic attraction between the dye and the tissue components, leading to differential staining.

The correct answer is Nagaland and Himachal Pradesh.

Key Points

• The Family Courts (Amendment) Bill, 2022 seeks to amend the original act to extend its provisions to additional states.
• It specifically includes Nagaland and Himachal Pradesh under its jurisdiction, aiming to provide a specialized forum for the resolution of family disputes.
• The bill aims to facilitate quicker and more amicable resolutions to family disputes.
• Family Courts emphasize reconciliation and provide a more relaxed environment than traditional courts.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Bharhut and Amravati.

Key Points

• Bharhut is known for its ancient Buddhist stupa and railings decorated with scenes from the Jataka tales.
• Amravati houses the Great Stupa which is famous for its intricate carvings that depict the life of the Buddha.
• Both sites have contributed significantly to the understanding of early Buddhist architecture and iconography.
• The art and inscriptions found at these locations offer insights into the socio-cultural and religious life of ancient India.

Additional Information

• Buddhism is one of the world's oldest religions, founded in the late 6^th century BCE by Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha. It spread from India to various parts of Asia and the rest of the world. Here are some key aspects:
• Buddhism emphasizes the path to enlightenment through practices like meditation, moral living, and mindfulness.
• The religion has three main branches: Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana.
• Buddhist art and architecture, including stupas, monasteries, and sculptures, play a crucial role in the spread and preservation of Buddhist teachings.
• Iconic sites such as Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, and Lumbini are central to Buddhist pilgrimage, representing key events in the Buddha's life.

The correct answer is Siddharth Dhanvant Shanghvi.

Key Points

• 'The Last Song of Dusk' is a debut novel that garnered international acclaim upon its publication.
• The novel won the Betty Trask Award, a prestigious UK award for debut novels written by authors under the age of 35.
• It is known for its rich narrative, unique characters, and the emotional depth it brings to the readers.
• Siddharth Dhanvant Shanghvi's work has been translated into several languages, highlighting its global appeal.

Additional Information

The correct answer is T Balasaraswati.

Key Points

• T Balasaraswati was a celebrated exponent of Bharatanatyam, an Indian classical dance form.
• She was known for her exceptional ability to express the depth of emotions required in Bharatanatyam.
• Balasaraswati's performances and teaching significantly contributed to the popularization of Bharatanatyam globally.
• She received numerous awards, including the Padma Bhushan and the Padma Vibhushan, for her contributions to Indian classical dance.

Additional Information

• Bharatanatyam is a major form of Indian classical dance that originated in the Tamil Nadu region of South India. Here are some key aspects:
• It is known for its grace, purity, tenderness, and sculpturesque poses.
• Bharatanatyam is often performed as a narrative dance, which includes nrita (pure dance), nritya (solo expressive dance), and natya (group dramatic dance).
• The dance form was traditionally passed down through the 'Devadasi' system, where young women were 'married' to deities and performed in temples.
• In the 20^th century, Bharatanatyam transitioned from temples to the stage, becoming a popular and respected art form worldwide.

The correct answer is 1988.

Key Points

• The Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act was originally enacted in 1988.
• This law was designed to curb and penalize benami transactions.
• A benami transaction is one where a property is bought by an individual but is held in the name of another person without any valid reason.
• The act provides for the confiscation of benami properties by the government.
• Amendments have been made over the years to strengthen the law and widen its scope.

Additional Information

• The term benami is Persian for "without a name" indicating the anonymity of the property's true ownership.
• To strengthen and plug the loopholes in the original act, the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Amendment Act was passed in 2016.
• This amendment act introduced a more comprehensive definition of benami transactions, established adjudicating authorities, and set harsher penalties for offenders.

The correct answer is Ellora Caves.

Key Points

• The Kailash temple is an example of rock-cut architecture, representing the epitome of Indian rock-cut architecture.
• It is located in the Ellora Caves, which is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its immense size and intricate carvings, which include depictions of various gods, goddesses, and mythological themes.
• The construction of the Kailash temple is attributed to the 8^th-century ruler Krishna I of the Rashtrakuta dynasty.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Viktor E Frankl.

Key Points

• Viktor E. Frankl was an Austrian neurologist, psychiatrist, Holocaust survivor, and the author of "Man's Search for Meaning".
• The book details his experiences in Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II and describes his psychotherapeutic method of finding a reason to live.
• Frankl's theory, known as logotherapy, is based on the belief that human nature is motivated by the search for a life purpose.
• "Man's Search for Meaning" has sold over 12 million copies and has been translated into more than 24 languages.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Mexico.

Key Points

• High Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds were a major component of the Green Revolution.
• These seeds, developed in Mexico, are credited with significantly increasing food production.
• The introduction of HYV seeds in India marked the beginning of the Green Revolution in the 1960s.
• These seeds require proper irrigation and chemical fertilizers to produce higher yields.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Jharkhand.

Key Points

• Sohrai is primarily a harvest festival celebrated in Jharkhand, marking the end of the harvesting season.
• The Karam festival is associated with fertility and is celebrated with great enthusiasm by the tribal communities of Jharkhand.
• Jawa is another festival celebrated in Jharkhand, symbolizing the sowing of new crops.
• These festivals reflect the rich cultural heritage and agrarian traditions of Jharkhand.

Additional Information

• Jharkhand is a state in eastern India, known for its rich mineral resources, dense forests, and diverse cultural traditions.
• The state was formed on 15^th November 2000, carved out of the southern part of Bihar.
• Jharkhand's culture is a blend of various indigenous tribal communities, making it rich in folk traditions, music, and dance.
• It is also home to several National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries, including Betla National Park and Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary.

The correct answer is Ecological niche.

Key Points

• The concept of the ecological niche was proposed by G. Evelyn Hutchinson in 1957.
• It describes how an organism or population responds to the distribution of resources and competitors (i.e., by growing when resources are abundant, and when predators, parasites, and pathogens are scarce).
• An ecological niche refers to the role and position a species has in its environment; how it meets its needs for food and shelter, how it survives, and how it reproduces.
• Hutchinson's concept of a "niche" includes both the space a species occupies and the functional role it plays within the ecological community.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Bhutan.

Key Points

• Paro Tsechu is a highly popular religious dance festival celebrated annually in Paro, Bhutan.
• It is one of Bhutan's most significant and colorful cultural events, attracting both locals and tourists.
• The festival lasts for several days and includes dances performed by trained monks and laymen in elaborate costumes.
• It is a spiritual event meant to impart moral instruction, celebrate Bhutanese culture, and protect the country from misfortunes.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Assam.

Key Points

• Indira PP Bora is a renowned exponent of classical Indian dances, including Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, and Sattriya.
• She hails from Assam, a state known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse classical and folk dance forms.
• Indira PP Bora has been honored with the prestigious Padma Shri award, recognizing her contributions to the field of Indian classical dance.
• Her work has significantly contributed to the promotion and preservation of Sattriya dance, which is a classical dance form originating from the monasteries of Assam.

Additional Information

• Sattriya dance is recognized as one of the eight classical dance forms of India by the Sangeet Natak Academy.
• It was introduced in the 15^th century by the great Assamese saint and reformer, Srimanta Sankardev.
• This dance form was initially performed only by male monks (Bhokots) in monasteries (Satras) as a part of their daily rituals or to mark special festivals.
• Over time, Sattriya has evolved and gained popularity among the general public, with both men and women performing it on stage across India and abroad.