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2001. The Communal Award of 1932, which extended separate electorates to the Depressed Classes, was announced by:
- A. Lord Wavell
- B. Winston Churchill
- C. Ramsay MacDonald
- D. Clement Attlee
Answer: Ramsay MacDonald
Explanation: British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald announced it, and Gandhi's fast in Yerwada led to the Poona Pact replacing it with reserved seats.
2002. The Gandhi-Irwin Pact of March 1931 resulted in the Congress agreeing to:
- A. Launch the Quit India Movement
- B. Accept the Communal Award
- C. Boycott the Round Table Conferences
- D. Suspend Civil Disobedience and attend the Second Round Table Conference
Answer: Suspend Civil Disobedience and attend the Second Round Table Conference
Explanation: Under the Pact, the Government released political prisoners and allowed salt-making on the coast, while Congress suspended Civil Disobedience; Gandhi attended the Second Round Table Conference in London in 1931.
2003. The Lucknow Pact of 1916 was an agreement between the Indian National Congress and which organisation?
- A. Hindu Mahasabha
- B. Indian Liberal Federation
- C. All-India Muslim League
- D. Justice Party
Answer: All-India Muslim League
Explanation: At the Lucknow session (presided by A.C. Majumdar) the Congress accepted separate electorates for Muslims and the two bodies made joint constitutional demands; Tilak and Jinnah were key figures.
2004. The Hindu Widows' Remarriage Act, 1856 was passed largely due to the efforts of:
- A. Jyotiba Phule
- B. Keshab Chandra Sen
- C. Raja Ram Mohan Roy
- D. Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
Answer: Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
Explanation: Vidyasagar campaigned for widow remarriage; the Act (Act XV of 1856) was passed under Governor-General Lord Canning, after petitions he led and a bill drafted in Dalhousie's term.
2005. Which Governor-General abolished the practice of Sati through Regulation XVII of 1829?
- A. Lord Auckland
- B. Lord Hastings
- C. Lord Cornwallis
- D. Lord William Bentinck
Answer: Lord William Bentinck
Explanation: Bentinck's Regulation XVII (1829), supported by Raja Ram Mohan Roy, declared Sati illegal and punishable.
2006. The Subsidiary Alliance system was introduced by Lord Wellesley; which was the first Indian state to accept it in 1798?
- A. Awadh
- B. Mysore
- C. Hyderabad
- D. Poona (Peshwa)
Answer: Hyderabad
Explanation: The Nizam of Hyderabad accepted the Subsidiary Alliance in 1798; Awadh followed in 1801 and the Peshwa through the Treaty of Bassein in 1802.
2007. By the Treaty of Allahabad (1765), the Mughal emperor Shah Alam II granted the East India Company the Diwani of:
- A. Bengal, Bihar and Odisha
- B. Awadh, Bengal and Bihar
- C. Bengal, Assam and Odisha
- D. Madras, Bengal and Bihar
Answer: Bengal, Bihar and Odisha
Explanation: After Buxar, Clive obtained the Diwani (revenue collection rights) of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa, giving the Company legal control over revenues.
2008. In the Battle of Plassey (1757), Robert Clive's victory over Siraj-ud-Daulah was largely facilitated by the betrayal of:
- A. Alivardi Khan
- B. Shuja-ud-Daula
- C. Mir Qasim
- D. Mir Jafar
Answer: Mir Jafar
Explanation: Mir Jafar, commander of Siraj-ud-Daulah's army, stayed out of the fight and was installed as Nawab after the battle.
2009. The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, which provides for an anti-corruption ombudsman at the Centre, was enacted in which year?
- A. 2013
- B. 2016
- C. 2011
- D. 2005
Answer: 2013
Explanation: The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 received Presidential assent on 1 January 2014; Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose became the first Lokpal in 2019.
2010. The Twelfth Schedule of the Constitution, added by the 74th Amendment, lists how many functional items for Municipalities?
- A. 15
- B. 21
- C. 18
- D. 29
Answer: 18
Explanation: The Twelfth Schedule lists 18 functions of municipalities, whereas the Eleventh Schedule lists 29 subjects for Panchayats.
2011. The Ninth Schedule, protecting certain laws from judicial review on land reforms, was added by which Amendment?
- A. First Amendment, 1951
- B. Twenty-fourth Amendment, 1971
- C. Fourth Amendment, 1955
- D. Forty-second Amendment, 1976
Answer: First Amendment, 1951
Explanation: The First Amendment (1951) added Article 31B and the Ninth Schedule. In I.R. Coelho (2007) the Supreme Court held that laws placed there after 24 April 1973 are open to review for violating the basic structure.
2012. The Objectives Resolution, which became the basis of the Preamble, was moved in the Constituent Assembly on 13 December 1946 by:
- A. B.R. Ambedkar
- B. K.M. Munshi
- C. Jawaharlal Nehru
- D. Sardar Patel
Answer: Jawaharlal Nehru
Explanation: Nehru moved the Objectives Resolution, which was adopted unanimously on 22 January 1947.
2013. Who presided over the first meeting of the Constituent Assembly on 9 December 1946 as its temporary (interim) President?
- A. H.C. Mukherjee
- B. Sachchidananda Sinha
- C. B.N. Rau
- D. Rajendra Prasad
Answer: Sachchidananda Sinha
Explanation: Sachchidananda Sinha, the oldest member, was the temporary President; Rajendra Prasad was elected permanent President on 11 December 1946 and H.C. Mukherjee was Vice-President.
2014. The High Courts can issue writs for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights as well as 'for any other purpose' under which Article?
- A. Article 136
- B. Article 226
- C. Article 227
- D. Article 32
Answer: Article 226
Explanation: Article 226 gives High Courts wider writ jurisdiction than the Supreme Court's Article 32, which is limited to Fundamental Rights.
2015. Which writ literally meaning 'by what authority' is issued to examine the legality of a person's claim to a public office?
- A. Quo Warranto
- B. Prohibition
- C. Mandamus
- D. Certiorari
Answer: Quo Warranto
Explanation: Quo Warranto challenges a person holding a public office without legal authority. It is available only for substantive public offices created by statute or the Constitution.
2016. The 44th Amendment replaced the ground of 'internal disturbance' for a National Emergency under Article 352 with:
- A. Armed rebellion
- B. Constitutional breakdown
- C. Natural disaster
- D. Financial instability
Answer: Armed rebellion
Explanation: Since 1978 a National Emergency can be declared only on war, external aggression or armed rebellion, and the Cabinet's written advice is required.
2017. A joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament to resolve a deadlock over an ordinary Bill is provided under which Article?
- A. Article 100
- B. Article 118
- C. Article 108
- D. Article 85
Answer: Article 108
Explanation: Article 108 provides the joint sitting, presided over by the Lok Sabha Speaker. It does not apply to Money Bills or Constitution Amendment Bills.
2018. Under Article 67(b), the Vice-President of India can be removed by a resolution passed by:
- A. A majority of all the then members of the Rajya Sabha and agreed to by the Lok Sabha
- B. A majority of the Lok Sabha alone
- C. The Supreme Court on a reference by the President
- D. Two-thirds of members present in both Houses
Answer: A majority of all the then members of the Rajya Sabha and agreed to by the Lok Sabha
Explanation: Removal of the Vice-President needs a Rajya Sabha resolution by effective majority (all then members), agreed to by the Lok Sabha, after 14 days' notice.
2019. What is the minimum age prescribed by the Constitution for a person to be chosen as a member of the Rajya Sabha?
- A. 21 years
- B. 35 years
- C. 25 years
- D. 30 years
Answer: 30 years
Explanation: Article 84 prescribes 30 years for the Rajya Sabha and 25 years for the Lok Sabha; the President and Vice-President must be at least 35.
2020. The Directive Principle directing the State to organise village panchayats as units of self-government is contained in:
- A. Article 40
- B. Article 39
- C. Article 44
- D. Article 48
Answer: Article 40
Explanation: Article 40 in Part IV directs the State to organise village panchayats; the 73rd Amendment later gave them constitutional status through Part IX.
2021. Which Article of the Constitution authorises Parliament to provide for adjudication of inter-State river water disputes?
- A. Article 263
- B. Article 262
- C. Article 131
- D. Article 252
Answer: Article 262
Explanation: Article 262 lets Parliament by law provide for adjudication of disputes over inter-State rivers, and bar the Supreme Court's jurisdiction; the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 was enacted under it.
2022. The Goods and Services Tax Council is constituted under which Article inserted by the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2016?
- A. Article 246A
- B. Article 301
- C. Article 279A
- D. Article 268A
Answer: Article 279A
Explanation: Article 279A creates the GST Council, chaired by the Union Finance Minister; Article 246A gives Parliament and State legislatures the power to make laws on GST.
2023. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India is provided for under which Article of the Constitution?
- A. Article 315
- B. Article 148
- C. Article 324
- D. Article 76
Answer: Article 148
Explanation: Article 148 establishes the office of the CAG, who can be removed only in the same manner and on the same grounds as a Supreme Court judge.
2024. Which Article of the Constitution requires the Annual Financial Statement (Budget) to be laid before Parliament?
- A. Article 280
- B. Article 110
- C. Article 266
- D. Article 112
Answer: Article 112
Explanation: Article 112 mandates that the President shall cause the Annual Financial Statement to be laid before both Houses for each financial year.
2025. How many Fundamental Duties are currently listed in Article 51A of the Constitution?
- A. Nine
- B. Twelve
- C. Ten
- D. Eleven
Answer: Eleven
Explanation: The Fundamental Duties were ten when added by the 42nd Amendment (1976, on the Swaran Singh Committee's recommendation); the 86th Amendment (2002) added the eleventh.
2026. The Right to Education for children aged 6 to 14 years was made a Fundamental Right under Article 21A by which Constitutional Amendment?
- A. 86th Amendment, 2002
- B. 93rd Amendment, 2005
- C. 73rd Amendment, 1992
- D. 91st Amendment, 2003
Answer: 86th Amendment, 2002
Explanation: The 86th Amendment Act, 2002 inserted Article 21A, and also added the eleventh Fundamental Duty in Article 51A(k) for parents to provide education opportunities.
2027. The Right to Property was removed from the list of Fundamental Rights and made a legal right under Article 300A by which Amendment?
- A. 25th Amendment, 1971
- B. 42nd Amendment, 1976
- C. 44th Amendment, 1978
- D. 1st Amendment, 1951
Answer: 44th Amendment, 1978
Explanation: The 44th Amendment (1978) repealed Article 31 and Article 19(1)(f) and inserted Article 300A, so property is now only a constitutional legal right.
2028. Which Article of the Constitution provides for the office of the Attorney General of India?
- A. Article 76
- B. Article 74
- C. Article 165
- D. Article 148
Answer: Article 76
Explanation: Article 76 provides for the Attorney General, appointed by the President from persons qualified to be a Supreme Court judge. Article 165 is the corresponding Advocate General of a State.
2029. Under Article 280, the President constitutes a Finance Commission at an interval of every:
- A. Five years
- B. Four years
- C. Three years
- D. Seven years
Answer: Five years
Explanation: Article 280 requires the President to constitute a Finance Commission at the expiry of every fifth year, or earlier if necessary, to recommend the distribution of taxes between the Union and the States.
2030. Which international organization, headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, serves as a 'bank for central banks' and sets global banking supervision standards (Basel norms)?
- A. World Bank
- B. International Monetary Fund (IMF)
- C. Financial Stability Board
- D. Bank for International Settlements (BIS)
Answer: Bank for International Settlements (BIS)
Explanation: The Bank for International Settlements (BIS), headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, is often called the 'central bank for central banks' and houses the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, which sets Basel norms.
2031. The 'Krebs Cycle' (citric acid cycle), a key metabolic pathway for energy production in cells, occurs primarily in which cell organelle?
- A. Golgi apparatus
- B. Ribosomes
- C. Mitochondria
- D. Nucleus
Answer: Mitochondria
Explanation: The Krebs Cycle takes place in the mitochondrial matrix, where it generates energy-rich molecules (NADH, FADH2) that are subsequently used in the electron transport chain to produce ATP.
2032. The 'Saha Ionization Equation', fundamental to astrophysics for understanding stellar spectra, was formulated by which Indian scientist?
- A. S. Chandrasekhar
- B. Meghnad Saha
- C. Vikram Sarabhai
- D. Satyendra Nath Bose
Answer: Meghnad Saha
Explanation: Meghnad Saha formulated the Saha Ionization Equation in 1920, which relates the ionization state of a gas to its temperature and pressure, becoming fundamental to understanding stellar atmospheres and spectra.
2033. The 'Human Genome Project', which mapped the complete set of human DNA, was declared complete in which year?
- A. 1999
- B. 2003
- C. 2010
- D. 1995
Answer: 2003
Explanation: The Human Genome Project, an international scientific research effort, was declared essentially complete in April 2003, having sequenced nearly the entire human genome.
2034. Which mission, launched in 2019 under the 'Har Ghar Jal' vision, aims to provide a functional tap water connection to every rural household?
- A. Jal Jeevan Mission
- B. AMRUT
- C. Namami Gange
- D. Swachh Bharat Mission
Answer: Jal Jeevan Mission
Explanation: The Jal Jeevan Mission, launched in 2019 under the 'Har Ghar Jal' vision, aims to provide functional household tap connections to every rural home in India by ensuring safe piped drinking water.
2035. The 'Barren Island', India's only active volcano, is located in which group of islands?
- A. Daman and Diu
- B. Lakshadweep Islands
- C. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- D. Sundarbans Islands
Answer: Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Explanation: Barren Island, located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is India's only confirmed active volcano, having erupted multiple times in recent decades.
2036. The 'Wular Lake', one of Asia's largest freshwater lakes, is located in which Indian Union Territory?
- A. Jammu and Kashmir
- B. Ladakh
- C. Himachal Pradesh
- D. Punjab
Answer: Jammu and Kashmir
Explanation: Wular Lake, located in Jammu and Kashmir's Bandipora district, is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia, fed by the Jhelum River, and plays a key role in flood control for the Kashmir valley.
2037. The 'Partition of India' in 1947 was based on the recommendations of which plan, prepared by the last Viceroy?
- A. Wavell Plan
- B. Mountbatten Plan
- C. Cabinet Mission Plan
- D. Cripps Plan
Answer: Mountbatten Plan
Explanation: The Partition of India was based on the Mountbatten Plan (June 3rd Plan) of 1947, prepared by Lord Mountbatten, the last Viceroy, leading to the creation of India and Pakistan.
2038. Which freedom fighter founded the 'Naujawan Bharat Sabha' in 1926 to spread revolutionary ideas among the youth of Punjab?
- A. Bhagat Singh
- B. Batukeshwar Dutt
- C. Rajguru
- D. Sukhdev
Answer: Bhagat Singh
Explanation: Bhagat Singh, along with other revolutionaries, founded the Naujawan Bharat Sabha in 1926 in Punjab to organize youth and spread revolutionary nationalist ideas against British rule.
2039. The 'Act of 1784' (Pitt's India Act), which established dual control over East India Company affairs, created which regulatory body in Britain?
- A. Privy Council
- B. Supreme Council of Bengal
- C. Court of Directors
- D. Board of Control
Answer: Board of Control
Explanation: Pitt's India Act of 1784 created the Board of Control in Britain, which shared power with the Company's Court of Directors, establishing a system of dual government over Company territories.
2040. Which Indian freedom fighter, popularly known as 'Netaji', gave the famous call 'Give me blood, and I shall give you freedom'?
- A. Rash Behari Bose
- B. Bhagat Singh
- C. Subhas Chandra Bose
- D. Chandrashekhar Azad
Answer: Subhas Chandra Bose
Explanation: Subhas Chandra Bose, popularly known as Netaji, gave this famous call in a speech in Burma in 1944, rallying support for the Indian National Army's fight against British rule.
2041. The 'Mahabalipuram' shore temple, built by the Pallava dynasty, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in which present-day state?
- A. Karnataka
- B. Kerala
- C. Tamil Nadu
- D. Andhra Pradesh
Answer: Tamil Nadu
Explanation: The Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram, built by the Pallava dynasty in the 7th-8th century, is located in Tamil Nadu and is renowned for its rock-cut and structural temple architecture.
2042. The 'Virupaksha Temple' at Hampi, dedicated to Lord Shiva, predates the Vijayanagara Empire and was patronized extensively under which ruler's reign for its later expansions?
- A. Krishnadevaraya
- B. Bukka Raya I
- C. Harihara I
- D. Achyuta Deva Raya
Answer: Krishnadevaraya
Explanation: While the Virupaksha Temple predates the Vijayanagara Empire, it received significant expansions and the grand gopuram was built during the reign of Krishnadevaraya, the most celebrated Vijayanagara ruler.
2043. Which ancient Indian text, attributed to Bharata Muni, is considered the foundational treatise on dramaturgy, dance and music?
- A. Manusmriti
- B. Arthashastra
- C. Natyashastra
- D. Kamasutra
Answer: Natyashastra
Explanation: The Natyashastra, attributed to sage Bharata Muni, is an ancient Sanskrit treatise on the performing arts, covering dramaturgy, dance, music, and aesthetics, foundational to Indian classical arts.
2044. The 'Panchsheel Agreement' (1954) between India and China, outlining five principles of peaceful coexistence, was signed in the context of which region?
- A. Kashmir dispute mediation
- B. Trade and relations with Tibet
- C. Border demarcation in Ladakh
- D. Arunachal Pradesh boundary
Answer: Trade and relations with Tibet
Explanation: The Panchsheel Agreement was signed in 1954 in the context of trade and relations between India and the Tibet region of China, establishing the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.
2045. Under the Indian Constitution, which Article specifically abolishes titles and prohibits the State from conferring titles except military or academic distinctions?
- A. Article 18
- B. Article 19
- C. Article 16
- D. Article 15
Answer: Article 18
Explanation: Article 18 abolishes titles and prohibits the State from conferring any titles except military or academic distinctions, and restricts citizens from accepting titles from foreign states.
2046. Which committee's recommendations led to the restructuring of priority sector lending (PSL) norms for Indian banks?
- A. Bimal Jalan Committee
- B. Y.V. Reddy Committee
- C. M.V. Nair Committee
- D. Y.H. Malegam Committee
Answer: M.V. Nair Committee
Explanation: The M.V. Nair Committee (2015) reviewed and recommended revisions to the priority sector lending norms for Indian banks, which were subsequently adopted by the RBI with modifications.
2047. The 'Blue Revolution' in India primarily refers to a policy push to increase production in which sector?
- A. Fisheries and aquaculture
- B. Space research
- C. Petroleum refining
- D. Water conservation infrastructure
Answer: Fisheries and aquaculture
Explanation: The Blue Revolution in India refers to the government's policy initiatives to boost fish production and aquaculture, increasing incomes of fishing communities and enhancing food security.
2048. Which Indian state is the leading producer of tea, accounting for a major share of national production from its plantations?
- A. West Bengal
- B. Kerala
- C. Tamil Nadu
- D. Assam
Answer: Assam
Explanation: Assam is India's largest tea-producing state, contributing more than half of the country's total tea production, concentrated in the Brahmaputra valley region.
2049. The 'Scramble for Africa', the rapid colonization of the African continent by European powers, was formalized at which 1884-85 conference?
- A. Berlin Conference
- B. Paris Peace Conference
- C. Yalta Conference
- D. Vienna Congress
Answer: Berlin Conference
Explanation: The Berlin Conference of 1884-85, organized by Otto von Bismarck, formalized the rules for European colonization of Africa, leading to the rapid partitioning of the continent among colonial powers.
2050. The 'Non-Aligned Movement' (NAM), founded in 1961, had which Indian Prime Minister as one of its principal founding leaders?
- A. Morarji Desai
- B. Jawaharlal Nehru
- C. Indira Gandhi
- D. Lal Bahadur Shastri
Answer: Jawaharlal Nehru
Explanation: Jawaharlal Nehru, along with leaders like Josip Broz Tito of Yugoslavia, Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt, and Sukarno of Indonesia, co-founded the Non-Aligned Movement in 1961 in Belgrade.
2051. The 'French Revolution' (1789), which overthrew the monarchy, was significantly triggered by economic distress and the storming of which prison?
- A. The Tower of London
- B. Alcatraz
- C. The Lubyanka
- D. The Bastille
Answer: The Bastille
Explanation: The storming of the Bastille prison on 14 July 1789 is considered a key symbolic trigger of the French Revolution, representing the uprising of the common people against royal tyranny.
2052. The 'Maastricht Treaty' (1992), which laid the foundation for the European Union, established which key institution?
- A. NATO
- B. The United Nations
- C. The World Trade Organization
- D. The European Union itself, including provisions for a single currency
Answer: The European Union itself, including provisions for a single currency
Explanation: The Maastricht Treaty, signed in 1992, formally established the European Union and laid the groundwork for the eventual introduction of the euro as a common currency.
2053. Which strait, one of the world's most strategically important shipping chokepoints, connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman?
- A. Strait of Bab-el-Mandeb
- B. Strait of Gibraltar
- C. Strait of Malacca
- D. Strait of Hormuz
Answer: Strait of Hormuz
Explanation: The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, and is one of the world's most critical oil transit chokepoints, with a significant share of global seaborne oil passing through it.
2054. The 'Ring of Fire', a region associated with frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity, primarily encircles which ocean?
- A. Indian Ocean
- B. Pacific Ocean
- C. Atlantic Ocean
- D. Arctic Ocean
Answer: Pacific Ocean
Explanation: The Ring of Fire is a horseshoe-shaped zone along the edges of the Pacific Ocean, home to about 75% of the world's active volcanoes and witnessing roughly 90% of the world's earthquakes due to tectonic plate boundaries.
2055. Which river system is considered the longest in South America, flowing through the world's largest rainforest?
- A. Amazon River
- B. Orinoco River
- C. Parana River
- D. Sao Francisco River
Answer: Amazon River
Explanation: The Amazon River is the longest river in South America and carries the largest discharge of water of any river in the world, flowing through the Amazon Rainforest across Brazil, Peru and other countries.
2056. The 'Treaty of Tordesillas' (1494), which divided newly discovered lands outside Europe between two colonial powers, involved:
- A. Britain and France
- B. Netherlands and Spain
- C. Spain and Portugal
- D. Portugal and Britain
Answer: Spain and Portugal
Explanation: The Treaty of Tordesillas (1494), brokered with papal involvement, divided the newly discovered lands outside Europe between Spain and Portugal along a meridian line in the Atlantic Ocean.
2057. 'Madhubani' or 'Mithila' painting, known for its vibrant natural dyes and intricate patterns, is traditionally practiced in which region?
- A. Marwar region of Rajasthan
- B. Mithila region of Bihar
- C. Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh
- D. Konkan region of Maharashtra
Answer: Mithila region of Bihar
Explanation: Madhubani or Mithila painting originates from the Mithila region of Bihar, traditionally done by women using natural dyes and pigments, often depicting religious and mythological themes.
2058. The 'Warli' painting tradition, characterized by simple geometric shapes in white on a mud-red background, originates from which state?
- A. Maharashtra
- B. Bihar
- C. Madhya Pradesh
- D. Rajasthan
Answer: Maharashtra
Explanation: Warli painting is a tribal art form originating from the Warli tribe of Maharashtra, traditionally using white pigment on a mud or cow-dung red background to depict daily life and rituals.
2059. The 'Hoysaleswara Temple' at Halebidu, known for its intricate stone carvings, was built under which dynasty?
- A. Hoysala Dynasty
- B. Rashtrakuta Dynasty
- C. Chalukya Dynasty
- D. Chola Dynasty
Answer: Hoysala Dynasty
Explanation: The Hoysaleswara Temple at Halebidu, Karnataka, was built in the 12th century under the Hoysala dynasty, renowned for its exceptionally detailed stone carvings depicting mythological scenes.
2060. The 'Elephanta Caves', a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Mumbai known for rock-cut sculptures of Lord Shiva, are dedicated primarily to which deity?
- A. Lord Shiva
- B. Lord Vishnu
- C. Lord Brahma
- D. Goddess Durga
Answer: Lord Shiva
Explanation: The Elephanta Caves, located on Elephanta Island near Mumbai, are predominantly dedicated to Lord Shiva, featuring the famous Trimurti sculpture, and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2061. The 'Sattriya' dance form, recognized as a classical dance by the Sangeet Natak Akademi in 2000, originated in the Vaishnavite monasteries of which state?
- A. Manipur
- B. Odisha
- C. West Bengal
- D. Assam
Answer: Assam
Explanation: Sattriya dance originated in the Vaishnavite monasteries (sattras) of Assam, founded by the saint-reformer Srimanta Sankardeva in the 15th-16th century, and was given classical status in 2000.
2062. Which classical dance form from Manipur is characterized by gentle, graceful movements depicting themes of Radha-Krishna devotion?
- A. Manipuri
- B. Odissi
- C. Sattriya
- D. Mohiniyattam
Answer: Manipuri
Explanation: Manipuri dance, one of India's eight classical dance forms, is known for its gentle, fluid movements and lyrical grace, predominantly depicting Vaishnavite themes of Radha-Krishna devotion.
2063. 'Carbon sequestration' through natural means is primarily achieved via which of the following processes?
- A. Industrial combustion
- B. Desalination
- C. Nuclear fission
- D. Photosynthesis by forests and oceans absorbing atmospheric CO2
Answer: Photosynthesis by forests and oceans absorbing atmospheric CO2
Explanation: Natural carbon sequestration occurs primarily through photosynthesis in forests, grasslands, and phytoplankton in oceans, which absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide and store it as biomass or in soil/ocean carbon sinks.
2064. Which international protocol, adopted in 2015, aims to limit global average temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels?
- A. Paris Agreement
- B. Kyoto Protocol
- C. Montreal Protocol
- D. Basel Convention
Answer: Paris Agreement
Explanation: The Paris Agreement, adopted in December 2015 under the UNFCCC, aims to limit global warming to well below 2°C, preferably 1.5°C, compared to pre-industrial levels, with nationally determined contributions.
2065. 'Eutrophication' of water bodies, leading to algal blooms and oxygen depletion, is primarily caused by excess inflow of:
- A. Plastic waste
- B. Heavy metals only
- C. Thermal pollution alone
- D. Nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus
Answer: Nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus
Explanation: Eutrophication occurs when excess nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizer runoff and sewage, enter water bodies, causing excessive algal growth that depletes dissolved oxygen upon decomposition.
2066. The 'Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species' (CITES) primarily regulates:
- A. Ocean fishing quotas
- B. Carbon emissions trading
- C. Cross-border trade in wild animals, plants and their products
- D. Freshwater resource allocation
Answer: Cross-border trade in wild animals, plants and their products
Explanation: CITES is an international agreement that regulates and monitors cross-border trade in specimens of wild animals and plants to ensure their survival is not threatened, administered since 1975.
2067. The 'Western Ghats' endemic amphibian diversity is particularly notable for which group of frogs discovered in recent decades?
- A. Poison dart frogs
- B. Tree frogs of the Amazon
- C. Bullfrogs
- D. Purple frogs (Nasikabatrachus)
Answer: Purple frogs (Nasikabatrachus)
Explanation: The purple frog (Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis), discovered in 2003 in the Western Ghats, is an ancient lineage of burrowing frog found almost nowhere else, highlighting the region's evolutionary significance.
2068. Which Indian-origin scientist is credited as the first Indian woman to travel to space, aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia?
- A. Sirisha Bandla
- B. Sunita Williams
- C. Kalpana Chawla
- D. Shirin Dalvi
Answer: Kalpana Chawla
Explanation: Kalpana Chawla, an Indian-American astronaut, became the first woman of Indian origin to fly in space in 1997 aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia; she tragically died in the 2003 Columbia disaster.
2069. Which scientist is credited with developing the periodic table arranging elements by atomic weight, later refined by atomic number?
- A. Dmitri Mendeleev
- B. John Dalton
- C. Antoine Lavoisier
- D. Henry Moseley
Answer: Dmitri Mendeleev
Explanation: Dmitri Mendeleev developed the first widely recognized periodic table in 1869, arranging elements by atomic weight and predicting properties of undiscovered elements; Henry Moseley later refined it using atomic number.
2070. The 'Doppler Effect', used in radar and astronomy to detect motion, refers to the apparent change in:
- A. Frequency of a wave due to relative motion between source and observer
- B. Amplitude of a wave due to distance
- C. Wavelength due to temperature alone
- D. Speed of light in a vacuum
Answer: Frequency of a wave due to relative motion between source and observer
Explanation: The Doppler Effect describes the change in frequency (and wavelength) of a wave as perceived by an observer when the source and observer are in relative motion, used in radar speed guns and redshift measurements in astronomy.
2071. Which plant hormone is primarily responsible for promoting cell elongation and is associated with 'phototropism' (bending toward light)?
- A. Auxin
- B. Gibberellin
- C. Ethylene
- D. Cytokinin
Answer: Auxin
Explanation: Auxin, discovered through experiments on plant phototropism, promotes cell elongation on the shaded side of a stem, causing the plant to bend toward the light source.
2072. Which blood group is considered the 'universal donor' because it lacks A, B and Rh antigens on red blood cells?
- A. A negative
- B. B positive
- C. O negative
- D. AB positive
Answer: O negative
Explanation: O negative blood is considered the universal donor type because it lacks A, B, and Rh(D) antigens, meaning it can typically be transfused to patients of any blood type without triggering an immune reaction.
2073. In human physiology, which endocrine gland, located at the base of the brain, is often called the 'master gland' for regulating other hormonal glands?
- A. Pineal gland
- B. Pituitary gland
- C. Thyroid gland
- D. Adrenal gland
Answer: Pituitary gland
Explanation: The pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain, is called the master gland because it secretes hormones that regulate the activity of most other endocrine glands in the body.
2074. 'Crowding Out Effect' in macroeconomics refers to a situation where:
- A. Inflation crowds out savings
- B. Exports crowd out domestic consumption
- C. Increased government borrowing reduces funds available for private investment
- D. Private investment reduces government spending
Answer: Increased government borrowing reduces funds available for private investment
Explanation: Crowding out occurs when increased government borrowing to finance deficit spending raises interest rates, thereby reducing the funds available and raising the cost for private sector investment.
2075. The concept of 'Twin Balance Sheet Problem' in the Indian economy refers to stress in which two sectors simultaneously?
- A. Banks (NPAs) and corporate sector (over-leveraged firms)
- B. Exports and imports
- C. Public sector and private sector employment
- D. Agriculture and industry
Answer: Banks (NPAs) and corporate sector (over-leveraged firms)
Explanation: The Twin Balance Sheet Problem refers to the simultaneous stress of bad loans (NPAs) in bank balance sheets and excessive debt in over-leveraged corporate balance sheets, highlighted in India's Economic Survey.
2076. Which Indian committee's report led to the establishment of regional rural banks (RRBs) in India in 1975?
- A. M. Narasimham Committee on Financial Sector Reforms (1991)
- B. Narasimham Working Group (1975)
- C. Rangarajan Committee
- D. Chakravarty Committee
Answer: Narasimham Working Group (1975)
Explanation: The Narasimham Working Group of 1975 recommended the creation of Regional Rural Banks to extend institutional credit to rural areas, leading to the RRB Act of 1976.
2077. 'Inflation Targeting' as practiced by the RBI currently sets the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation target at what percentage with a given tolerance band?
- A. 6% with +/- 2% tolerance band
- B. 5% with +/- 1% tolerance band
- C. 4% with +/- 2% tolerance band
- D. 2% with +/- 1% tolerance band
Answer: 4% with +/- 2% tolerance band
Explanation: Under the Flexible Inflation Targeting framework adopted since 2016, the RBI targets CPI inflation at 4% with a tolerance band of +/- 2%, i.e., between 2% and 6%.
2078. Among the following cities, which lies closest to the Tropic of Cancer?
- A. Lucknow
- B. Ujjain
- C. Patna
- D. Jaipur
Answer: Ujjain
Explanation: Ujjain (about 23.2 degrees N) lies very close to the Tropic of Cancer (about 23.4 degrees N), while Jaipur, Lucknow and Patna lie well north of it.
2079. The 'Jog Falls', one of India's highest waterfalls, is formed by which river in Karnataka?
- A. Sharavathi
- B. Netravathi
- C. Kaveri
- D. Tungabhadra
Answer: Sharavathi
Explanation: Jog Falls is formed by the Sharavathi River in the Shimoga district of Karnataka, dropping dramatically from the Western Ghats and being one of the highest plunge waterfalls in India.
2080. The 'Siachen Glacier', often called the world's highest battlefield, is located in which mountain range?
- A. Zanskar Range
- B. Ladakh Range
- C. Karakoram Range
- D. Pir Panjal Range
Answer: Karakoram Range
Explanation: The Siachen Glacier, located in the eastern Karakoram Range near the Line of Control between India and Pakistan, is the second longest glacier in the world's non-polar regions.
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