General Awareness PYQs

The correct answer is Certiorari.

Key Points

• The writ of Certiorari is issued by the Supreme Court or High Courts to a lower court or tribunal either to transfer a case pending with them to itself or to squash the order of the lower courts on the grounds of excess of jurisdiction or lack of jurisdiction or error of law.
• This writ is a mechanism to ensure judicial review of administrative actions and to keep lower courts and tribunals within the bounds of their jurisdiction.
• It is not issued to administrative authorities, legislative bodies, and private individuals or bodies.
• The purpose of Certiorari is to ensure that the law is applied correctly and to prevent the miscarriage of justice due to jurisdictional errors.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Crystalline lens of people in old age becomes milky and cloudy.

Key Points

• Cataract development involves the clouding of the eye's crystalline lens, leading to decreased vision.
• This condition is most commonly related to aging, affecting a significant portion of the elderly population.
• Symptoms can include blurred vision, difficulty with bright lights, and seeing "halos" around lights.
• Treatment generally involves surgical removal of the cloudy lens and replacement with an artificial lens.

Additional Information

• Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness worldwide.
• Factors contributing to cataract formation include age, diabetes, smoking, alcohol use, and prolonged exposure to sunlight.
• Preventative measures include wearing sunglasses and hats outdoors to protect eyes from UV rays, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of diabetes.
• Advancements in cataract surgery have made it one of the most successful and life-changing procedures available.

The correct answer is Cooling effect of nail polish remover.

Key Points

• Cloth cleaning using detergent involves a chemical reaction where the detergent molecules interact with dirt and grease to remove them from the cloth.
• Ripening of mango is a chemical process where the fruit naturally produces ethylene gas, leading to changes in its texture and sweetness.
• Change of colour of turmeric due to soap is a chemical reaction, as the alkaline nature of soap changes the color of turmeric from yellow to red.
• Cooling effect of nail polish remover (usually containing acetone) is a physical process, not a chemical one. The cooling sensation is due to the rapid evaporation of acetone on the skin, which absorbs heat from the skin surface.

Additional Information

Key Points

• Asikni, known in ancient texts, is identified with the present-day Chenab River.
• It was one of the rivers in the Sapta-Sindhu region, which refers to the Indus Valley and its tributaries.
• The name "Asikni" translates to "black waters," reflecting the unique characteristics of the Chenab River.
• The Chenab River played a significant role in the agricultural and cultural development of the region.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Hindustan Copper Limited.

Key Points

• Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL) is the only vertically-integrated copper producer in India, covering the entire spectrum of mining, beneficiation, smelting, refining, and casting of refined copper metal.
• It plays a significant role in the Indian copper industry, contributing to more than half of India's copper production.
• Being a public sector enterprise, Hindustan Copper Limited is well positioned to leverage the growing demand for copper in India and internationally.
• Its operations include mining copper ore, refining it into copper cathodes, and then further processing into various copper products.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya, Mount Abu.

Key Points

• In March 2023, the Union Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry signed a pact with Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya, Mount Abu.
• The agreement aims to leverage the organization's leaders and supporters to advance the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA).
• NMBA is a central flagship programme designed to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
• The collaboration highlights the government's approach to involve civil society organizations in addressing social challenges.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Kirana.

Key Points

• Pandit Bhimsen Joshi is a renowned figure in the world of Indian classical music, celebrated for his contributions to the Khayal genre.
• He belonged to the Kirana Gharana, which is known for its emphasis on the emotional expression in music, detailed alap (improvisation), and slow tempo renditions.
• The Kirana Gharana, to which Pandit Bhimsen Joshi belonged, has produced several other legendary musicians and is considered one of the most influential schools of music in India.
• His music was marked by his powerful voice, brilliant technique, and soulful renditions, making him one of the most respected and loved classical singers of India.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Senas.

Key Points

• The Sena dynasty was established by Samantasena, who claimed descent from the lunar dynasty.
• Vijayasena, the second ruler of the Sena dynasty, is credited with consolidating the dynasty's power in Bengal, succeeding the Palas.
• Under the Senas, Bengal witnessed a resurgence of Hinduism, in contrast to the Buddhist influence of the Palas.
• The Senas were known for their contributions to art and architecture, including the construction of temples and the promotion of literature.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Caterpillars.

Key Points

• Caterpillars in food represent a visible biological hazard, which can be seen with the naked eye, unlike microorganisms.
• Biological hazards in food include bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi, and visible pests such as caterpillars that contaminate food.
• Visible hazards like caterpillars are easier to detect and remove compared to microscopic hazards, which require laboratory analysis.
• Preventing contamination from visible pests involves proper storage, handling, and processing of food to maintain its safety and quality.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0).

Key Points

• The Swadesh Darshan Scheme (SDS) was launched in 2014-15 by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
• Its primary aim is to develop theme-based tourist circuits in the country.
• In 2023, it was revamped as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0).
• This scheme focuses on the integrated development of tourist circuits around specific themes.
• SD2.0 aims to enhance the overall tourist experience, improve infrastructure, and promote local handicrafts, culture, and cuisine.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Kolkata.

Key Points

• Location: The project is located in Kolkata, West Bengal.
• Part of the Kolkata Metro: It is a significant extension of the Kolkata Metro, specifically the East-West Metro line.
• Underwater Section: The train runs through a tunnel that is beneath the Hooghly River, marking a significant achievement in Indian engineering.
• Enhanced Connectivity: It aims to significantly reduce travel time between Kolkata and Howrah, providing a fast, efficient, and eco-friendly mode of transportation.

Additional Information

• The Kolkata Metro is the first underground metro railway in India, operational since 1984.
• It is not just a mode of transportation but also a significant engineering marvel, showcasing advancements in tunneling and metro rail technology.
• The underwater metro tunnel is designed to withstand seismic activities and other natural calamities, ensuring the safety of its passengers.
• The project reflects India's growing capabilities in implementing complex infrastructure projects and improving urban mobility.

The correct answer is Science and Engineering.

Key Points

• Srinivas Varadhan was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 2023.
• He was recognized for his exceptional and distinguished service in the field of Science and Engineering.
• The Padma Vibhushan is India's second-highest civilian award.
• It is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service in any field including service rendered by Government servants.

Additional Information

• Srinivas Varadhan is a renowned Indian-American mathematician.
• He is known for his fundamental contributions to probability theory and particularly for creating a unified theory of large deviations.
• Varadhan's work has applications in various fields such as quantum field theory, population dynamics, finance, and traffic flow.
• He has received several prestigious awards in mathematics, including the Abel Prize in 2007.
• Varadhan's contributions have significantly influenced the development of theoretical probability and its applications.

The correct answer is Kerela.

Key Points

• Mohiniyattam is a classical dance form that originates from Kerala, India.
• It is known for its graceful movements and is traditionally performed by women.
• The dance form embodies the essence of feminine love and devotion.

Additional Information

• Mohiniyattam translates to "Dance of the Enchantress" in English.
• It is one of the eight Indian classical dance forms recognized by the Sangeet Natak Academy.
• The dance is characterized by its delicate footwork and expressive eye movements.
• It traditionally tells stories from Hindu mythology, especially those centered around the Hindu god Vishnu and his avatar, Mohini.

The correct answer is Veda Samaj.

Key Points

• Chembeti Sridharalu Naidu was a prominent social reformer in India who made significant contributions to the social and educational landscape.
• He was associated with the Veda Samaj, which was an organization committed to the reform of Hindu society with a strong emphasis on the Vedas as a source of rational and ethical guidance.
• The Veda Samaj, like other socio-religious movements of the 19^th century, aimed at eradicating social evils, promoting women's education, and opposing caste discrimination.
• Naidu's work with the Veda Samaj highlights the broader movement of social reform during the British Raj, where intellectuals sought to reinterpret religious texts and practices to align with modern values.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Aurelia.

Key Points

• The correct answer is Aurelia, which belongs to the phylum Coelenterata, also known as Cnidaria.
• Coelenterata (Cnidaria) includes marine animals that are distinguished by their radial symmetry, a central gastrovascular cavity, and the presence of cnidocytes (stinging cells).
• Aurelia, commonly known as the moon jellyfish, is a typical example of this phylum, showcasing the medusa form that these organisms can take.
• Members of Coelenterata can exhibit two main body forms: the sessile polyp and the free-swimming medusa, with Aurelia representing the latter.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Menander.

Key Points

• Menander I, also known as Milinda, was an Indo-Greek King who ruled in the Northwestern regions of South Asia during the 2^nd century BCE.
• His reign is noted for the expansion of the Indo-Greek territories and for his patronage of Buddhist culture, which is famously recorded in the Buddhist text "Milinda Panha" or "The Questions of Milinda".
• Sialkot, located in present-day Pakistan, served as a significant center and possibly as his capital during his reign, highlighting the extent of Greek influence in the region.
• Menander's rule is often considered a golden age of Hellenistic influence in the East, combining Greek and Buddhist cultures, and fostering trade along the Silk Road.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Eighth Five-Year Plan.

Key Points

• India introduced structural adjustment policies before the launch of the Eighth Five-Year Plan, in response to its balance of payments crisis.
• The Eighth Five-Year Plan covered the period from 1992 to 1997, marking a significant shift in India's economic policy towards liberalization, privatization, and globalization.
• These policies aimed at making the Indian economy more market-oriented and expanding the role of private and foreign investment.
• Structural adjustments were part of broader economic reforms initiated in 1991, under the leadership of then Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao and Finance Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Ranjit Singh.

Key Points

• The Tripartite Treaty was signed in 1838 by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Shah Shujah of Afghanistan, and the British East India Company.
• This treaty was aimed at placing Shah Shujah on the throne of Kabul with the help of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the British.
• In exchange for his assistance, Ranjit Singh was recognized by the British and Shah Shujah as the legitimate ruler of the territories he had annexed.
• The treaty was a significant event in the lead-up to the First Anglo-Afghan War (1839-1842).
• It highlighted the British strategy of establishing a buffer state in Afghanistan between India and Russia.

Additional Information

The correct answer is 1923.

Key Points

• 1923 is the year when radio broadcasting started in India.
• It was initiated by the Radio Club of Bombay (now Mumbai).
• This marked the beginning of radio broadcasting in the country, which would later evolve into a major medium for communication and entertainment.
• The establishment of All India Radio (AIR) in 1936 further expanded the reach and significance of radio broadcasting in India.

Additional Information

• All India Radio (AIR), also known as Akashvani, is the national public radio broadcaster of India and a division of Prasar Bharati.
• AIR has been serving to inform, educate, and entertain the masses since its inception, reaching out to the remotest areas with news, music, and other programming in various languages.
• It operates a network of national, regional, and local stations to cover the vast geographical and cultural landscape of India.
• Radio has played a crucial role in disaster management, community development, and spreading awareness on various social and health issues in India.

The correct answer is William Hopkins.

Key Points

• The term physical geology was coined by William Hopkins.
• Physical geology focuses on understanding the physical aspects of the Earth, such as its materials, structures, and processes.
• William Hopkins was a renowned geologist and mathematician, contributing significantly to the field of geology.
• Physical geology serves as a foundation for other geological sub-disciplines, analyzing Earth's rocks, minerals, and the processes that change them over time.
• This field of study is crucial for understanding natural hazards, resource management, and environmental challenges.

Additional Information