General Awareness PYQs

The correct answer is 1 - a, 2 - b, 3 - c.

Key Points

• Poverty estimates for 2011-12 by Planning Commission:-
• For 2011-12, for rural areas, the national poverty line using the Tendulkar methodology is estimated at Rs. 816 per capita per month and Rs. 1,000 per capita per month in urban areas.
• The percentage of persons below the Poverty Line in 2011-12 has been estimated as 25.7% in rural areas, 13.7% in urban areas, and 21.9% for the country as a whole.
• In 2011-12, India had 270 million persons below the Tendulkar Poverty Line as compared to 407 million in 2004-05, which is a reduction of 137 million persons over the seven-year period.

The correct answer is Lahore.

Key Points

• Dev Samaj was founded by Shiv Narayan Agnihotri in 1887.
• The organization aimed to reform society by promoting ethical living and spiritual development.
• Lahore served as the headquarters of Dev Samaj until the partition of India in 1947.
• Dev Samaj has been instrumental in educational reforms, establishing several schools and colleges.
• The organization also focused on women's empowerment and social justice.

Additional Information

Dev Samaj is a religious and social reform organization in India.

It was founded by Shiv Narayan Agnihotri in 1887.

The organization aims to promote ethical living and spiritual development among its followers.

Dev Samaj has been active in educational reforms and has established several schools and colleges.

The organization also focuses on women's empowerment and social justice.

The correct answer is Radhe Shyam Barle.

Key Points

• Radhe Shyam Barle received the Padma Shri award in 2021 for his contributions to Indian dance.
• The Padma Shri is the fourth highest civilian award in India.
• It is awarded to individuals for their distinguished contributions in various fields, including art, literature, science, and public service.
• Radhe Shyam Barle is renowned for his work in promoting traditional Indian dance forms.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Kamleshwar.

Key Points

• Kamleshwar was a renowned Indian writer in Hindi literature and a prominent figure in the Nayi Kahani movement.
• His novel 'Kitne Pakistan' won the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award in 2003.
• The novel explores the partition of India and its aftermath, delving into themes of division and identity.
• Kamleshwar was also a noted screenwriter and journalist, contributing significantly to Indian cinema and television.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Agriculture.

Key Points

• Agriculture is primarily considered a part of the primary sector, which involves the extraction and harvesting of natural products from the earth.
• The infrastructure sector includes essential physical systems and facilities like transport, energy, and water management.
• Dams are part of the infrastructure sector as they are critical for water management and hydroelectric power generation.
• Highways are vital infrastructure for transportation, facilitating the movement of goods and people.
• Power infrastructure includes generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity, which is fundamental for economic activities.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Raj Kumar Singh.

Key Points

• Raj Kumar Singh is the Union Minister of Power as of January 2023.
• He has been serving in this position since September 2017.
• He is also the Minister of New and Renewable Energy.
• Raj Kumar Singh is a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
• He represents the Arrah constituency in the Lok Sabha.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Uttar Pradesh.

Key Points

• Uttar Pradesh registered the steepest decline in the number of MPI poor as per the Multidimensional Poverty Index Progress Report 2023.
• The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) measures poverty based on various deprivations experienced by people in their daily lives, including health, education, and standard of living.
• The report highlights significant improvements in reducing poverty across several states in India.
• Uttar Pradesh's efforts in improving access to basic services and economic opportunities have contributed to this decline.

Additional Information

The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) is an international measure of acute poverty. It complements traditional income-based poverty measures by considering various deprivations that people face in their daily lives. The MPI assesses poverty at the individual level, with a focus on three main dimensions:

The correct answer is 1930.

Key Points

• The first FIFA World Cup was held in 1930.
• Uruguay was the host country for the inaugural tournament.
• Thirteen teams participated in the first World Cup.
• The tournament was won by Uruguay, who defeated Argentina 4-2 in the final.
• The FIFA World Cup is held every four years.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Sanchi.

Key Points

• Sanchi is famous for its ancient Buddhist stupas.
• The most notable structure is the Great Stupa, which is a hemispherical dome.
• The stupa was originally built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3^rd century BCE.
• It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major tourist attraction.
• The stupa symbolizes the Buddhist concept of enlightenment.

Additional Information

Sanchi is a small village in the Raisen district of the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is known for its stupas, monasteries, temples, and pillars dating back to the 3^rd century BCE to the 12^th century CE. The most prominent of these is the Great Stupa, which is one of the oldest stone structures in India and was originally commissioned by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka.

The correct answer is Dhangari Gaja.

Key Points

• Dhangari Gaja is a traditional folk dance from the state of Maharashtra.
• This dance is primarily performed by the Dhangar community, who are shepherds by profession.
• The dance is performed to please the Hindu god Biruba, who is the deity of the Dhangar community.
• The dancers wear traditional costumes and use sticks and drums as part of their performance.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Ganga.

Key Points

• Bhagirathi and Alaknanda are the two main tributaries that merge to form the river Ganga.
• The confluence of these rivers occurs at a place called Devprayag in Uttarakhand, India.
• The Ganga is considered one of the most sacred rivers in India and holds significant religious importance.
• The river Ganga flows through several states and is a major source of water for irrigation and drinking purposes.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Change of government.

Key Points

• Chinese aggression: The Third Five-Year Plan faced setbacks due to the Sino-Indian War of 1962.
• Indo-Pak war: The 1965 war with Pakistan further strained resources and affected the plan's targets.
• Severe drought: A severe drought during the plan period led to agricultural shortfalls and economic challenges.
• Change of government: This was not a factor in the failure of the Third Five-Year Plan.

Additional Information

The Third Five-Year Plan (1961-1966) aimed at making India self-reliant and self-generating in the economy. The plan focused on agriculture, industry, and infrastructure development. However, several unforeseen events led to its failure.

The correct answer is Madhya Pradesh.

Key Points

• The Chethiyagiri Vihara Festival is a significant cultural and religious event.
• It is primarily celebrated in the state of Madhya Pradesh.
• The festival is held at the Chethiyagiri Vihara, a notable Buddhist monastery.
• Devotees and tourists from various parts of the country visit to participate in the celebrations.
• The festival includes rituals, prayers, and cultural performances that highlight the rich heritage of Buddhism.

Additional Information

The correct answer is 1984, Kathmandu.

Key Points

• The first South Asian Federation Games were held in 1984.
• The event took place in Kathmandu, Nepal.
• The South Asian Federation Games are a bi-annual multi-sport event.
• The games involve participants from South Asian countries.
• The aim is to promote regional cooperation and development through sports.

Additional Information

The correct answer is 50 km.

Key Points

• The stratosphere is the second major layer of Earth's atmosphere, just above the tropopause.
• It extends from about 10 km to 50 km above the Earth's surface.
• This layer contains the ozone layer, which absorbs and scatters ultraviolet solar radiation.
• The temperature in the stratosphere increases with altitude, which is opposite to the trend in the troposphere.
• Commercial aircraft often fly in the lower stratosphere to avoid turbulence from weather systems.

Additional Information

The stratosphere is crucial for life on Earth due to the presence of the ozone layer. The ozone layer absorbs most of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation, protecting living organisms from potential damage. Unlike the troposphere, the stratosphere is relatively stable with less turbulence, making it an ideal layer for high-altitude flights. The boundary between the stratosphere and the next layer, the mesosphere, is called the stratopause.

The correct answer is 1989.

Key Points

• Decontrol of the Cement Industry: The cement industry in India was totally decontrolled in 1989.
• Economic Liberalization: This move was part of broader economic liberalization efforts to boost industrial growth.
• Pricing Freedom: Decontrol allowed cement producers to set their own prices, leading to increased competition.
• Increased Production: The decontrol led to a significant increase in cement production capacity in India.
• Market Dynamics: The decision to decontrol was aimed at improving market dynamics and ensuring better availability of cement.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Article 315 (1).

Key Points

• Article 315 (1) of the Constitution of India states that there shall be a Public Service Commission for the Union and a Public Service Commission for each State.
• This article establishes the foundation for the formation of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and State Public Service Commissions (SPSCs).
• The purpose of these commissions is to conduct examinations for appointments to the services of the Union and the States.
• The commissions also advise the government on matters related to recruitment, transfers, and disciplinary actions.

Additional Information

The correct answer is 1946.

Key Points

• Athletics Federation of India (AFI) was formed in 1946.
• It is the apex body for conducting and managing athletics events in India.
• AFI is affiliated with the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).
• The federation plays a crucial role in the development and promotion of athletics in India.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Oil India Limited.

Key Points

• Oil India Limited constructed Asia's first cross-country pipeline.
• The pipeline was built to transport crude oil from Naharkatia oilfield to Barauni Refinery.
• This pioneering project was completed in the early 1960s.
• The pipeline spans over 1157 kilometers, making it a significant engineering achievement.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Chaitra.

Key Points

• Lord Mahavir Swami was the 24^th Tirthankara of Jainism.
• His birth anniversary is celebrated as Mahavir Jayanti.
• According to the Hindu calendar, Mahavir Jayanti falls in the month of Chaitra.
• This festival is observed on the 13^th day of the bright half of the month of Chaitra.

Additional Information