General Awareness PYQs

The correct answer is Non-food grains excluded.

Key Points

• The Green Revolution significantly increased India's food grain production.
• It introduced high-yielding varieties of seeds and improved irrigation techniques.
• While it benefitted farmers, led to industrial growth, and reduced food grain imports, it also had some negative impacts.
• Non-food grains were largely excluded from the benefits, leading to a lack of diversity in crops.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Zinc.

Key Points

• Zinc is an essential micronutrient that is crucial for the proper functioning and structure of insulin, a hormone vital for glucose metabolism.
• It plays a significant role in the synthesis, storage, and secretion of insulin, ensuring that insulin is correctly formed and available when the body needs it.
• Zinc is also involved in the formation of insulin crystals within the beta cells of the pancreas, which is essential for the storage of insulin in its hexameric form.
• The presence of zinc is necessary to maintain the structural integrity of insulin, allowing it to effectively bind to its receptor and facilitate glucose uptake.

Additional Information

Key Points

• The Guru Gangadhar Pradhan Award is specifically associated with the field of dance.
• This award commemorates the legacy of Guru Gangadhar Pradhan, a prominent figure in Indian classical dance, particularly in Odissi.
• It aims to recognize and honor outstanding contributions and achievements in the realm of dance.
• The award serves as an inspiration for artists to strive for excellence in their respective fields of dance.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Sajan Prakash.

Key Points

• Sajan Prakash was announced as the best male athlete at the 36^th National Games 2022.
• He is a renowned Indian swimmer known for his exceptional skills in the water.
• Sajan Prakash made history by becoming the first Indian swimmer to qualify for the Olympic Games through the 'A' standard time in swimming.
• His achievements have significantly contributed to elevating the status of Indian swimming on the global stage.

Additional Information

The correct answer is 9.

Key Points

• The Tirupati Tirumala Brahmotsavam is organised for 9 days.
• It is one of the most significant and auspicious festivals in South India.
• The festival takes place at the Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala, Tirupati.
• It attracts millions of devotees from all over the world.
• The Brahmotsavam festival is celebrated in honor of Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Additional Information

• The Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala, Tirupati, is among the most visited and wealthiest temples in the world. Here are some more insights:
• It is located in the hill town of Tirumala, near Tirupati, in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India.
• The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, a form of Vishnu, who is believed to have appeared here to save mankind from trials and troubles of Kali Yuga.
• The temple's architecture is a brilliant example of Dravidian architecture with its gopuram (tower) being a distinctive feature.
• The annual Brahmotsavam festival is the most important and auspicious event celebrated in this temple.
• The prasadam offered at this temple, known as "Tirupati Laddu", is famous worldwide for its unique taste.

The correct answer is Justice DY Chandrachud.

Key Points

• Justice DY Chandrachud took oath as the 50^th Chief Justice of India in November 2022.
• He succeeded Justice UU Lalit, who retired on November 8, 2022.
• Justice Chandrachud is known for his landmark judgments, including the decriminalization of adultery and the right to privacy.
• He is expected to serve as the Chief Justice of India until his retirement on November 10, 2024.​​

Additional Information

• The Chief Justice of India (CJI) is the head of the judiciary of India and the Supreme Court of India.
• The CJI is appointed by the President of India based on seniority and recommendations.
• The Supreme Court of India is the highest judicial court and the final court of appeal under the Constitution of India.
• It has the power of judicial review, allowing it to invalidate any law passed by the Parliament that is found to be unconstitutional.

The correct answer is  Once in a year.

Key Points

• The Kalidas Samman is awarded once in a year.
• It is a prestigious award presented by the Government of Madhya Pradesh.
• The award is given in recognition of outstanding achievement in the fields of arts and literature.
• It was instituted in 1980.
• The award includes a cash prize, a shawl, and a citation.

Additional Information

• The Kalidas Samman is named after Kalidasa, a renowned Classical Sanskrit writer, widely regarded as the greatest poet and dramatist in the Sanskrit language.
• His works have had a profound impact on Indian culture and literature over the centuries.
• Kalidasa's creations, such as 'Abhijnanashakuntalam' and 'Meghaduta', are considered literary masterpieces and have been translated into various languages.

The correct answer is Troposphere.

Key Points

• The troposphere is the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere, where nearly all weather conditions take place.
• It extends from Earth's surface up to the stratosphere, with its height varying from about 8 kilometers (5 miles) at the poles to 18 kilometers (11 miles) at the equator.
• Most clouds form within this layer, and it contains approximately 75% of the atmosphere's mass.
• Temperature decreases with altitude in the troposphere, leading to the circulation of air masses and the formation of weather phenomena.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Repo rate.

Key Points

• The Repo Rate is the rate at which the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) lends money to commercial banks in the event of any shortfall of funds.
• It is a tool used by the RBI to control inflation and liquidity in the economy.
• Commercial banks can borrow money from the RBI by selling their securities with an agreement to repurchase them at a fixed rate.
• The Repo Rate is part of the Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF) which allows banks to borrow money through repurchase agreements.

Additional Information

The correct answer is 25.51%.

Key Points

• The national female workforce participation rate as per the Census of India 2011 is 0.2551 or 25.51%.
• This figure indicates the percentage of the female population that was engaged in the workforce at the time of the census.
• It highlights the challenges and barriers faced by women in accessing employment opportunities in India.
• Efforts have been made to increase this rate through various government and non-governmental initiatives.

Additional Information

• The Census of India is conducted every 10 years to collect comprehensive data on the demographic, economic, and social conditions of the population.
• The 2011 Census was the 15^th National Census of India since 1872.
• It provides vital data used for planning, policy formulation, and allocation of resources by the government.
• The Census also includes detailed information on literacy rates, housing, and amenities, besides employment figures.

The correct answer is Fees and fines collected is an example of capital receipt. 

Key Points

• Fees and fines are classified as revenue receipts because they are the government's income from providing services or enforcing law and order.
• They do not result in any liability nor lead to a decrease in government assets, distinguishing them from capital receipts.
• Capital receipts are mainly from loans, disinvestment, or recovery of past loans, which either increase liabilities or decrease assets.

Additional Information

• Revenue receipt:
• Revenue receipts are those receipts that neither create any liability nor cause any reduction in the assets of the government
• Capital Receipts:
• Capital receipts are majorly involved in financing the expenditure that leads to the creation or liquidation of assets.
• Examples include proceeds from the sale of government shares, borrowing, or repayment of loans.

The correct answer is They are found in the plains of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. 

Key Points

• Moist deciduous forests primarily grow in areas with rainfall between 100 to 200 cm.
• They are prevalent in the foothills of the Himalayas, parts of central India, and along the eastern Ghats.
• Sal, amla, shisham, and mahua are common species found in these forests.
• While there are deciduous forests in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, they are not typically classified as moist deciduous due to the different environmental conditions.

Additional Information

• Distribution:
• Moist deciduous forests are also found in Orissa and along the foothills of the Western Ghats.
• Ecological Importance:
• These forests play a critical role in maintaining the ecological balance, supporting diverse wildlife, and aiding in the regulation of the climate.
• Conservation Efforts:
• Efforts are ongoing to preserve these forests, which face threats from logging and land conversion for agriculture and development.

The correct answer is decreasing.

Key Points

• The decreasing temperature with increasing altitude in the Himalayas is a significant factor affecting the distribution and types of vegetation found at different elevations.
• This phenomenon is due to the decrease in atmospheric pressure and temperature as altitude increases, which affects the growth conditions for plants.
• At higher altitudes, the environment becomes less hospitable for many species of plants, leading to distinct vegetation zones that are characterized by the types of plants that can adapt to the conditions of those zones.
• These zones range from tropical and subtropical forests at lower elevations, to temperate forests and alpine vegetation at higher elevations.

Additional Information

• The Himalayas are the world's highest mountain range and have a profound impact on the climate of the Indian subcontinent and the Tibetan plateau.
• They prevent frigid, dry winds from blowing south into the subcontinent, which keeps South Asia much warmer than corresponding temperate regions in the other continents.
• The Himalayas are also responsible for the monsoon pattern seen in the Indian subcontinent, which has a significant impact on the region's climate and agriculture.
• Additionally, the Himalayas host a diverse range of ecosystems and are home to several plant and animal species that are endemic to the region.

The correct answer is Portugal.

Key Points

• Cristiano Ronaldo is a professional footballer from Portugal.
• He has won five Ballon d'Or awards, which are given annually to the world's best male footballer.
• Ronaldo has played for clubs such as Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus.
• He is known for his incredible goal-scoring records, athleticism, and leadership on the field.

Additional Information

• Cristiano Ronaldo was born on February 5, 1985, in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal.
• Aside from his football career, Ronaldo is also known for his extensive charity work, including donations to children's hospitals, disaster relief efforts, and cancer research.
• He has become one of the most marketable and highest-paid athletes in the world, with numerous endorsement deals.
• Ronaldo has also ventured into business, owning a fashion boutique and a chain of CR7 hotels.

The correct answer is The King.

Key Points

• The King can move exactly one square horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. This rule is what makes the King's movements unique in chess.
• Unlike other pieces, such as the Queen or the Rook, the King has a limitation in its range of movement, emphasizing the need for protection.
• The King is also involved in a special move called castling, which is the only move that allows two pieces, the King and a Rook, to move at the same time.
• Protecting the King is the primary objective in chess, as the game ends when the King is checkmated.

Additional Information

• Chess is believed to have originated in India around the 6^th century AD, known as Chaturanga back then.
• It spread into Persia, became known as Shatranj, and later evolved in Europe where it got its current form in the 15^th century.
• The International Chess Federation (FIDE), founded in 1924, governs international chess competition.
• Magnus Carlsen of Norway is one of the highest-rated chess Grandmasters as of the current records.

The correct answer is Harisena.

Key Points

• Harisena composed the Allahabad Pillar Inscription, also known as the Prashasti, which glorifies the achievements of Samudragupta.
• The Prashasti is a prime source of information about Samudragupta's military conquests and governance.
• It is written in classical Sanskrit, using the Nagari script, and is an example of high literary merit as well as historical significance.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana.

Key Points

• The 'Urban Self Employment Programme' and the 'Urban Wage Employment Programme' are integral components of the Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana (SJSRY).
• This programme was initiated by the Government of India to provide employment to the urban unemployed and underemployed through the encouragement of setting up self-employment ventures or provision of wage employment.
• This scheme aims to address urban poverty by enabling the community and the poor to gain access to income-generating opportunities.
• SJSRY encompasses skill training and financial support to facilitate beneficiaries in starting their ventures or finding suitable employment.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Article 15.

Key Points

• Article 15 of the Indian Constitution allows the state to make special provisions for the advancement of any socially and educationally backward classes of citizens or for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
• This article is designed to ensure that there is equality and that backward sections of society are uplifted to bring them on par with others.
• It prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
• Article 15 empowers the state to make affirmative action policies, including reservations in educational institutions and government jobs.

Additional Information

The correct answer is When doses are taken higher than recommended. 

Key Points

• Medicines become potential poisons when dosages exceed the levels deemed safe and effective by medical guidelines.
• Overdosing can lead to toxic effects which may cause severe organ damage or even be fatal.
• It is crucial to follow the prescribed amount and frequency to avoid adverse effects and ensure the drug's efficacy and safety.

Additional Information

• Therapeutic Window:
• Drugs have a therapeutic window which is the range between the minimum effective dose and the toxic dose.
• Staying within this window is crucial for the safe use of any medication.
• Monitoring and Adjustments:
• Regular monitoring of drug levels may be necessary, especially for medications with a narrow therapeutic window.
• Dose adjustments based on individual responses and interactions with other medications are vital for maintaining safety.
• Risk Awareness:
• Patients and caregivers should be educated about the risks of overdose and the importance of adhering to prescribed dosages.

The correct answer is Z.

Key Points

• Henry Moseley discovered that the atomic number of an element is a more fundamental property than its atomic mass.
• Moseley used the symbol Z to denote the atomic number, which represents the number of protons in an atom's nucleus.
• This discovery led to the reorganization of the periodic table based on atomic numbers rather than atomic masses.
• Moseley's work provided the foundation for the modern periodic law, which states that the properties of elements are periodic functions of their atomic numbers.

Additional Information

• Henry Moseley was an English physicist who made significant contributions to the understanding of atomic structure.
• His experiments with X-ray spectra allowed him to determine the charge on the nucleus of atoms, leading to the accurate determination of atomic numbers.
• Moseley's law mathematically related the frequency of X-rays emitted by an element to its atomic number.
• Tragically, Moseley was killed in World War I, cutting short a brilliant scientific career that had already had a profound impact on chemistry and physics.