General Awareness PYQs

The correct answer is Baldev Singh.

Key Points

• Baldev Singh was appointed as the first Defence Minister of independent India in 1947.
• He played a significant role in integrating the princely states into the Indian Union.
• During his tenure, India faced the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947-1948 over the disputed territory of Kashmir.
• Baldev Singh's efforts were crucial in setting up the infrastructure for India's defence forces post-independence.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Padma Vibhushan.

Key Points

• Mulayam Singh Yadav was posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 2023, which is India's second-highest civilian award.
• This prestigious award recognizes his exceptional and distinguished service to the nation in public affairs.
• The Padma Vibhushan is one of the three Padma awards announced annually on the eve of Republic Day.
• The award is a testament to Mulayam Singh Yadav's significant contributions to Indian politics and society.

Additional Information

The correct answer is 21 June.

Key Points

• International Yoga Day is celebrated on 21^st June every year.
• This day was officially recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014.
• The proposal was first introduced by the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, during his speech at the UNGA.
• The day aims to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practicing yoga.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Garhwali folk music.

Key Points

• Madhuri Barthwal is a renowned figure in the realm of Indian folk music, specifically known for her contributions to Garhwali folk music.
• Her recognition with the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2022 highlights her significant impact on preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Uttarakhand.
• Garhwali folk music, to which Barthwal has dedicated her life, plays a critical role in the social and cultural life of the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India.
• Through her music, Madhuri Barthwal has not only entertained audiences but also worked towards keeping the Garhwali language and traditions alive for future generations.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Rigveda.

Key Points

• The Rigveda is the oldest known Vedic Sanskrit text and is one of the four sacred canonical texts (śruti) of Hinduism known as the Vedas.
• It is composed of 1028 hymns (Suktas) divided into 10 books or mandalas.
• The hymns are dedicated to various deities, primarily the Rigvedic deities like Agni (Fire), Indra (the king of gods), and Soma (a sacred potion or plant).
• The Rigveda provides insights into the social, religious, and political life of the early Vedic people, making it a crucial source for understanding ancient Indian history and culture.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Hyderabad.

Key Points

• The National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) is located in Hyderabad.
• NRSC is responsible for the acquisition of data from satellites and its processing for various applications.
• It operates under the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
• NRSC's work supports applications in agriculture, water resources, urban planning, and rural development, among others.
• The centre plays a crucial role in satellite-based monitoring and provides invaluable data for disaster management.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Sitar.

Key Points

• Pandit Ravi Shankar was a virtuoso sitar player and a composer who played a pivotal role in popularizing Indian classical music around the world.
• He was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, in recognition of his exceptional contribution to music.
• Ravi Shankar collaborated with several international musicians, notably George Harrison of The Beatles, which helped introduce sitar to western audiences in the 1960s.
• He was influential in the development of the fusion music genre, combining elements of Eastern and Western music to create unique sounds.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Vishakhapatnam.

Key Points

• The shipbuilding industry at Vishakhapatnam was started in 1941, marking a significant development in India's maritime capabilities.
• This establishment was crucial for supporting naval operations and enhancing the country's maritime trade.
• Vishakhapatnam, also known as Vizag, has since developed into one of India's leading shipbuilding and ship repair hubs.
• The strategic location of Vishakhapatnam on the east coast of India has been instrumental in its development as a maritime city.

Additional Information

• The city of Vishakhapatnam is not only known for its shipbuilding industry but also for its rich history, natural beauty, and as a significant center for the Indian Navy.
• It hosts the Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy, further cementing its role in India's defense and maritime security.
• Vishakhapatnam's port is one of the country's largest and busiest, handling a vast amount of cargo and contributing significantly to India's economy.
• The development of shipbuilding in Vishakhapatnam during World War II was part of broader efforts to enhance India's maritime capabilities in response to global maritime demands.

The correct answer is 1937.

Key Points

• The Provincial elections were held for the first time in 1937 under the Government of India Act, 1935.
• This Act introduced provincial autonomy and abolished the system of dyarchy (dual government) in the provinces.
• It marked a significant step towards responsible government in India by expanding the electorate and increasing the powers of legislative councils.
• The 1937 elections were significant as they were the first to be held under the new system of government, and they resulted in the formation of ministries by the Indian National Congress in several provinces.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Tertiary butyl hydroquinone.

Key Points

• Tertiary butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ) is a synthetic aromatic organic compound that extends the shelf life of foods by inhibiting oxidation.
• It is a form of butane (hydroquinone) that is used to preserve food fats and oils, preventing them from becoming rancid.
• TBHQ is commonly found in processed foods such as crackers, microwave popcorn, butter, and chicken nuggets to maintain freshness.
• Though effective as a preservative, its usage is regulated due to health concerns when consumed in large amounts.

Additional Information

The correct answer is 1910.

Key Points

• 1910 is the year when Bharatanatyam was banned by the British colonial government.
• The ban was part of the British policy to suppress Indian traditions and cultures.
• Bharatanatyam was seen as a vital expression of South Indian culture and spirituality.
• The ban led to the decline of temple dances and adversely affected the livelihoods of dancers.
• Efforts by Indian nationalists and revivalists in the 20^th century helped to lift the ban and restore the dance form.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Odisha.

Key Points

• The annual award named after Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra is given by the state of Odisha.
• This award is a recognition of outstanding contributions in the field of art and culture, especially in dance and music.
• Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra was a legendary figure in the Indian classical dance form of Odissi.
• The award celebrates excellence and dedication towards preserving and promoting India's rich cultural heritage.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Italy.

Key Points

• Italy won the UEFA Euro Cup 2020 football title.
• The tournament was held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but retained the name Euro 2020.
• Italy won the final by beating England in a penalty shootout after the match ended 1-1 in extra time.
• This victory marked Italy's second European Championship, their first since 1968.
• The final was held at Wembley Stadium in London, England.

Additional Information

• The UEFA European Championship, commonly referred to as the Euros, is the primary association football competition contested by the senior men's national teams of the members of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), determining the continental champion of Europe. Launched in 1960, it is held every four years.
• The competition is one of the most prestigious international tournaments in European football.

The correct answer is Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Key Points

• Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is known as the 'Father of Bangladesh'.
• He played a pivotal role in Bangladesh's struggle for independence from Pakistan in 1971.
• On March 7, 1971, Rahman delivered a historic speech that is considered the de facto declaration of Bangladesh's independence.
• He became the first President of Bangladesh and later its Prime Minister until his assassination in 1975.

Additional Information

The correct answer is 1916, 1940, 1944.

Key Points

• The Olympic Games were not held in 1916, 1940, and 1944 due to World War I and II.
• The 1916 Games were scheduled to be held in Berlin, but were canceled due to World War I.
• Both the 1940 and 1944 Games were canceled because of World War II; the 1940 Games had been planned for Tokyo and then Helsinki, and the 1944 Games were to be held in London.
• These cancellations marked the first times in the modern Olympic era that the Games were not held at four-year intervals.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Only Statement I is true.

Key Points

• Many of the Harappan or Indus Valley Civilization cities were indeed divided into two major parts.
• The "Higher Town" was often a fortified area, which typically housed the public buildings, administrative buildings, and the higher social classes.
• The "Lower Town" was where the majority of the populace lived, and it was well-planned with residential areas, markets, streets laid out in a grid pattern, and sophisticated drainage systems. Hence, statement I is correct.
• In the context of Harappan cities, it is the "Higher Town" or the raised platform part that is often referred to as the Citadel or Acropolis, not the lower part.
• The Citadel was usually the area that contained the major public buildings, administrative centers, and possibly religious buildings. Hence, statement II is incorrect.
• It was fortified and separated from the lower residential areas, indicating a distinction in social or functional use.

Important Points

• The earliest city discovered in India was Harappa.
• It was excavated in 1921 in the Punjab province of British India.
• After the excavation of Harappa as the first site, the Indus Valley Civilisation is also known as Harappan Civilisation hereafter.
• It was excavated by Daya Ram Sahni in 1921.
• It lies on the bank of river Ravi.

The correct answer is Assam.

Key Points

• Doul Utsav is a major festival celebrated in Assam.
• It is also known as "Holi of Assam" and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor.
• The festival marks the onset of spring and is associated with the worship of Lord Krishna and Radha.
• During Doul Utsav, people participate in various cultural activities, including traditional dances, songs, and processions.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Plant.

Key Points

• Eukaryotic organisms have cells with a nucleus enclosed within membranes.
• Multicellular organisms are composed of more than one cell, with groups of cells differentiating to take on specialized functions.
• Autotrophic organisms can produce their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis.
• Plants are eukaryotic, multicellular, and autotrophic, capable of photosynthesis using sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to produce glucose and oxygen.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Holi.

Key Points

• Bhagoria is a festival associated with Holi.
• It is celebrated by the tribal communities, mainly the Bhils and the Bhilalas, in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.
• The festival is marked by traditional dances, songs, and cultural performances.
• Bhagoria festival is also known for its unique matchmaking tradition, where young men and women choose their life partners.

Additional Information

The correct answer is 9 + 0.

Key Points

• Centrioles are present in pairs and are arranged orthogonally after duplication, which is essential for cell division.
• Each centriole is composed of nine sets of triplet microtubules arranged in a cylinder.
• This 9 + 0 arrangement is crucial for the formation of the centrosome and spindle fibers during mitosis and meiosis.

Additional Information

• Centrioles play a key role in cell division, particularly in the process of mitosis and meiosis, where they help in the organization of the mitotic spindle.
• They are cylindrical structures that are found in most eukaryotic cells, though absent in higher plants and most fungi.
• The duplication of centrioles is a critical step in the cell cycle, ensuring that each daughter cell receives an appropriate number of centrioles.
• Abnormalities in centriole structure or number can lead to diseases, including cancer, due to errors in cell division.