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641. On 3 January 2024 the Supreme Court, in the Adani-Hindenburg matter, declined to transfer the probe from SEBI and:
- A. Handed the case to the CBI
- B. Directed SEBI to complete the pending investigations within three months
- C. Ordered an SIT headed by a retired judge
- D. Referred it to Parliament's JPC
Answer: Directed SEBI to complete the pending investigations within three months
Explanation: The CJI-led bench found no ground to transfer the probe to an SIT or the CBI and asked SEBI to conclude the remaining two investigations expeditiously, within three months.
642. After the August 2024 rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College, Kolkata, the Supreme Court took suo motu cognisance and constituted a:
- A. Special Investigation Team under CBI
- B. National Task Force for safety of medical professionals
- C. Fast-track court at Kolkata
- D. Judicial commission under Justice Verma
Answer: National Task Force for safety of medical professionals
Explanation: The 10-member National Task Force was to recommend protocols for safety of doctors and healthcare workers; the case was heard by a bench headed by CJI Chandrachud.
643. In the Chandigarh mayoral election dispute (February 2024), the Supreme Court set aside the result, and declared which candidate the duly elected Mayor?
- A. Kuldeep Kumar
- B. Manoj Sonkar
- C. Kuljeet Sandhu
- D. Harpreet Kaur Babla
Answer: Kuldeep Kumar
Explanation: The Court found presiding officer Anil Masih had defaced 8 ballots and invalidated them, so AAP-backed Kuldeep Kumar was declared Mayor.
644. The Supreme Court on 10 May 2024 granted interim bail to Arvind Kejriwal in the Delhi excise policy case primarily to allow him to:
- A. Attend Delhi Assembly
- B. Campaign in the Lok Sabha elections
- C. Visit a foreign country
- D. Undergo medical treatment
Answer: Campaign in the Lok Sabha elections
Explanation: He was arrested by the ED on 21 March 2024; the bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta granted interim bail until 1 June, to surrender on 2 June.
645. In Pankaj Bansal v. Union of India (October 2023), the Supreme Court held that the ED must, in every case, supply the arrestee with:
- A. A cash bond
- B. A copy of the entire ECIR
- C. Prior notice of 24 hours
- D. Written grounds of arrest
Answer: Written grounds of arrest
Explanation: Under Article 22(1) and PMLA s.19, grounds must be furnished in writing; the Court later applied this to UAPA in Prabir Purkayastha (May 2024).
646. On 8 January 2024 the Supreme Court quashed the remission granted to 11 convicts in which case, holding that Gujarat was not the 'appropriate government'?
- A. Bilkis Bano gang-rape and murder case
- B. Hathras case
- C. Nirbhaya case
- D. Unnao case
Answer: Bilkis Bano gang-rape and murder case
Explanation: The trial had been transferred to Maharashtra, so Maharashtra was the appropriate government; the bench was Justices B. V. Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan.
647. In its October 2024 ruling on industrial alcohol, the nine-judge Supreme Court bench held (8:1) that States have regulatory power over industrial alcohol under which Entry of the State List?
- A. Entry 14 (agriculture)
- B. Entry 8 (intoxicating liquors)
- C. Entry 6 (public health)
- D. Entry 18 (land)
Answer: Entry 8 (intoxicating liquors)
Explanation: The Court read 'intoxicating liquors' in Entry 8 broadly to include industrial alcohol, overruling the narrower view in Synthetics & Chemicals (1990).
648. In Mineral Area Development Authority v. SAIL (25 July 2024), a nine-judge Supreme Court bench ruled by 8:1 that:
- A. Royalty is a tax under the Mines and Minerals Act
- B. Only Parliament can tax mineral rights
- C. States cannot collect any cess on mining
- D. Royalty paid on minerals is not a tax, and States can levy taxes on mineral-bearing land
Answer: Royalty paid on minerals is not a tax, and States can levy taxes on mineral-bearing land
Explanation: The bench led by CJI Chandrachud held royalty is a contractual payment, not a tax; Justice B. V. Nagarathna dissented.
649. In State of Tamil Nadu v. Governor (April 2025), the Supreme Court, using Article 142, declared 10 re-passed Bills to have deemed assent and fixed what outer limit for the President to decide on Bills reserved by a Governor?
- A. Three months from the date of reference
- B. Six months
- C. One year
- D. One month
Answer: Three months from the date of reference
Explanation: The Bench of Justices J. B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan set a three-month window; the Centre then made a Presidential reference under Article 143 on this issue.
650. In its November 2024 'bulldozer justice' guidelines, the Supreme Court said that, except for unauthorised structures on public land, no demolition can be carried out without giving the owner a prior notice of at least:
- A. 48 hours
- B. 30 days
- C. 7 days
- D. 15 days
Answer: 15 days
Explanation: The 13 November 2024 judgment (Justices B. R. Gavai and K. V. Viswanathan) required a show-cause notice, 15 days to respond and a final order, with video-recorded demolition.
651. In Supriyo @ Supriya Chakraborty v. Union of India (17 October 2023), the Supreme Court Constitution Bench headed by CJI D. Y. Chandrachud held that:
- A. Section 377 IPC must be restored
- B. There is no fundamental right to marry, and the Court cannot create a right to same-sex marriage
- C. Same-sex couples have a fundamental right to marry
- D. Same-sex marriages must be registered under the Special Marriage Act
Answer: There is no fundamental right to marry, and the Court cannot create a right to same-sex marriage
Explanation: The bench declined to read same-sex marriage into the Special Marriage Act, leaving the task to Parliament, though it noted the Centre's assurance of a committee on couples' rights.
652. Under the Mahalwari land revenue system introduced in the North-Western Provinces, revenue was settled with:
- A. Zamindars, as permanent proprietors, at a fixed amount that was never revised
- B. The princely rulers of the region, who paid a lump-sum tribute
- C. The village community (mahal) collectively, through its headmen or landlords responsible for the village as a whole
- D. Individual cultivators (ryots) directly, with periodic revision
Answer: The village community (mahal) collectively, through its headmen or landlords responsible for the village as a whole
Explanation: The Mahalwari system (1822 Regulation VII, refined under Bird in 1833) settled revenue with the village community or mahal collectively; the headmen (lambardars) were responsible for collecting and paying it. The Permanent Settlement dealt with zamindars, and the Ryotwari system with individual cultivators.
653. How many members does the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Reserve Bank of India have, and who chairs it?
- A. Seven members, with the Deputy Governor as Chairperson
- B. Five members, with the Union Finance Minister as Chairperson
- C. Six members, with the RBI Governor as ex officio Chairperson
- D. Six members, with the Chief Economic Adviser as Chairperson
Answer: Six members, with the RBI Governor as ex officio Chairperson
Explanation: The Monetary Policy Committee, a statutory body under Section 45ZB of the RBI Act, 1934 (inserted in 2016), has six members: three from the RBI (the Governor as ex officio Chairperson, the Deputy Governor in charge of monetary policy and one officer nominated by the Central Board) and three external members appointed by the Central Government. Decisions are by majority, and the Governor has a casting vote in a tie.
654. The doctrine of 'pith and substance' is applied by Indian courts mainly to decide:
- A. Whether an ordinance issued by the President has lapsed
- B. Whether a law falls within the legislative competence of Parliament or a State Legislature when it appears to touch subjects in more than one list of the Seventh Schedule
- C. Whether an amendment alters the basic structure of the Constitution
- D. Whether a restriction on a Fundamental Right is reasonable
Answer: Whether a law falls within the legislative competence of Parliament or a State Legislature when it appears to touch subjects in more than one list of the Seventh Schedule
Explanation: Where a law of one legislature incidentally encroaches on a subject assigned to another list, the courts look at its true nature and character, its 'pith and substance'. If that falls within the enacting legislature's list, the law is valid despite incidental encroachment. The doctrine is used to settle questions of legislative competence under the Seventh Schedule.
655. Which Article empowers Parliament to legislate on a matter in the State List in the national interest, if the Rajya Sabha passes a resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting?
- A. Article 253
- B. Article 249
- C. Article 250
- D. Article 252
Answer: Article 249
Explanation: Article 249 lets Parliament legislate on a State List matter in the national interest once the Rajya Sabha passes such a resolution by a two-thirds majority of members present and voting; the resolution lasts one year and can be renewed. Article 250 covers a Proclamation of Emergency, Article 252 covers legislation by consent of States, and Article 253 covers implementing international agreements.
656. The Indian Military Academy, which commissions Army officers, is located at:
- A. Gaya
- B. Chennai
- C. Dehradun
- D. Pune
Answer: Dehradun
Explanation: The IMA at Dehradun was established in 1932; its motto is 'Valour and Wisdom'. The OTA at Chennai and Gaya train short-service officers.
657. The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy, which trains IPS officers, is located at:
- A. Lucknow
- B. Dehradun
- C. Mount Abu
- D. Hyderabad
Answer: Hyderabad
Explanation: The SVPNPA is at Shivarampally, Hyderabad; it was earlier at Mount Abu (1948) before shifting in 1975.
658. Which major State recorded the lowest child sex ratio (0-6 years) of 834 in Census 2011?
- A. Uttar Pradesh
- B. Rajasthan
- C. Haryana
- D. Punjab
Answer: Haryana
Explanation: Haryana's child sex ratio was 834, followed by Punjab at 846; this concern led to the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao launch from Panipat.
659. Interpol, with which India's CBI acts as the National Central Bureau, is headquartered in:
- A. Lyon, France
- B. The Hague, Netherlands
- C. Geneva, Switzerland
- D. Brussels, Belgium
Answer: Lyon, France
Explanation: Interpol's General Secretariat is at Lyon; Europol, the EU agency, is at The Hague.
660. NABARD, set up in July 1982, was created on the recommendation of which committee?
- A. Narasimham Committee
- B. Chakravarty Committee
- C. B. Sivaraman Committee
- D. Rangarajan Committee
Answer: B. Sivaraman Committee
Explanation: The Sivaraman Committee (1979) recommended a dedicated agricultural and rural credit apex bank; NABARD took over from RBI's ARDC.
661. Who was the first Chief Information Commissioner under the RTI Act, 2005?
- A. Deepak Sandhu
- B. Wajahat Habibullah
- C. Shailesh Gandhi
- D. A. N. Tiwari
Answer: Wajahat Habibullah
Explanation: Wajahat Habibullah took charge as the first CIC in October 2005 when the Central Information Commission was constituted.
662. Who was the first Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission of India (1993)?
- A. Justice K. G. Balakrishnan
- B. Justice M. N. Venkatachaliah
- C. Justice Ranganath Misra
- D. Justice J. S. Verma
Answer: Justice Ranganath Misra
Explanation: Justice Ranganath Misra, a former Chief Justice of India, headed the NHRC from October 1993 to November 1996.
663. Who was the first Chairperson of the Lokpal of India, appointed in March 2019?
- A. Justice Ranjana Desai
- B. Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose
- C. Justice A. K. Patnaik
- D. Justice J. S. Verma
Answer: Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose
Explanation: Justice P. C. Ghose, a former Supreme Court judge, was sworn in on 23 March 2019 under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013.
664. The only unit licensed by the KVIC to manufacture the Indian National Flag is located at:
- A. Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
- B. Hubballi, Karnataka
- C. Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
- D. Wardha, Maharashtra
Answer: Hubballi, Karnataka
Explanation: Karnataka Khadi Gramodyoga Samyukta Sangha, Bengeri, Hubballi, is the sole BIS-certified flag manufacturing unit licensed by KVIC.
665. The motto 'Satyameva Jayate' on the State Emblem of India is taken from which text?
- A. Arthashastra
- B. Mundaka Upanishad
- C. Rigveda
- D. Bhagavad Gita
Answer: Mundaka Upanishad
Explanation: The phrase comes from the Mundaka Upanishad; the emblem, adapted from the Sarnath Lion Capital, was adopted on 26 January 1950.
666. For Census 2027, the reference date for population enumeration in most of India is:
- A. 1 October 2026
- B. 1 April 2026
- C. 1 March 2027
- D. 1 January 2027
Answer: 1 March 2027
Explanation: The notified reference date is 00:00 hours of 1 March 2027 (1 October 2026 for snow-bound regions such as Ladakh and parts of J&K, HP and Uttarakhand); it includes caste enumeration and digital collection.
667. Which State has the highest proportion of Scheduled Tribes in its population (94.4%) as per Census 2011?
- A. Arunachal Pradesh
- B. Nagaland
- C. Mizoram
- D. Meghalaya
Answer: Mizoram
Explanation: Mizoram's ST share is 94.4%; among all units Lakshadweep (94.8%) is higher.
668. Which State had the smallest population among all Indian states in Census 2011?
- A. Mizoram
- B. Arunachal Pradesh
- C. Goa
- D. Sikkim
Answer: Sikkim
Explanation: Sikkim had about 6.1 lakh people in 2011; Lakshadweep (about 64,000) was the smallest among UTs.
669. The first Aadhaar number was issued in September 2010 to Ranjana Sonawane of which village in Maharashtra?
- A. Ralegan Siddhi
- B. Tembhli
- C. Shirdi
- D. Baramati
Answer: Tembhli
Explanation: Ranjana Sonawane of Tembhli, Nandurbar district, received the first Aadhaar on 29 September 2010.
670. PM-JANMAN (November 2023) is a mission for the development of:
- A. Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups
- B. Artisans and craftspeople
- C. Border villages
- D. Street vendors
Answer: Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups
Explanation: PM Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan targets the 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups with housing, roads, water and electricity.
671. e-NAM, the online pan-India electronic trading portal for agricultural commodities, was launched on:
- A. 15 August 2015
- B. 1 July 2017
- C. 2 October 2014
- D. 14 April 2016
Answer: 14 April 2016
Explanation: e-NAM was launched on Ambedkar Jayanti, 14 April 2016, networking APMC mandis; it is run through SFAC.
672. Namami Gange, the flagship programme to clean the Ganga, is implemented by the:
- A. National Mission for Clean Ganga
- B. Central Pollution Control Board
- C. National Green Tribunal
- D. Central Water Commission
Answer: National Mission for Clean Ganga
Explanation: Announced in 2014, Namami Gange is executed by the NMCG, the implementing arm of the National Ganga Council.
673. The Janani Suraksha Yojana (2005), promoting institutional deliveries through cash incentives, was launched under which programme?
- A. Integrated Child Development Services
- B. Mission Indradhanush
- C. National AIDS Control Programme
- D. National Rural Health Mission
Answer: National Rural Health Mission
Explanation: JSY is a safe-motherhood intervention under the NRHM launched in April 2005.
674. The 'Saubhagya' scheme (September 2017) was launched to achieve universal:
- A. LPG connection
- B. Household electrification
- C. Tap water supply
- D. Rural housing
Answer: Household electrification
Explanation: Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (Saubhagya) provided electricity connections to all willing un-electrified households.
675. The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (February 2024) aims at rooftop solar for 1 crore households, giving up to how many free units of electricity per month?
- A. 300 units
- B. 500 units
- C. 100 units
- D. 200 units
Answer: 300 units
Explanation: The scheme offers capital subsidy on rooftop solar so that eligible households can get up to 300 units free monthly.
676. The Soil Health Card Scheme was launched in February 2015 at:
- A. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- B. Panipat, Haryana
- C. Anand, Gujarat
- D. Suratgarh, Rajasthan
Answer: Suratgarh, Rajasthan
Explanation: PM Modi launched the Soil Health Card scheme at Suratgarh, Rajasthan, on 19 February 2015.
677. Under PM SVANidhi (June 2020), street vendors can avail an initial working-capital loan of up to:
- A. Rs 50,000
- B. Rs 10,000
- C. Rs 1 lakh
- D. Rs 25,000
Answer: Rs 10,000
Explanation: PM SVANidhi gave street vendors a first collateral-free loan of Rs 10,000 (later enhanced tranches), with interest subsidy for timely repayment.
678. The first UDAN (regional connectivity scheme) flight in April 2017 operated on which route?
- A. Pathankot to Delhi
- B. Kadapa to Hyderabad
- C. Nanded to Hyderabad
- D. Shimla to Delhi
Answer: Shimla to Delhi
Explanation: PM Modi flagged off the first UDAN flight (Alliance Air) between Shimla and Delhi on 27 April 2017.
679. The Smart Cities Mission, launched in June 2015, originally targeted the development of how many cities?
- A. 75
- B. 100
- C. 50
- D. 200
Answer: 100
Explanation: The Smart Cities Mission aimed to develop 100 cities through area-based and pan-city projects, selected in challenge rounds.
680. The Pro Kabaddi League, which turned kabaddi into a franchise-based televised sport in India, was launched in:
- A. 2008
- B. 2014
- C. 2017
- D. 2011
Answer: 2014
Explanation: The Pro Kabaddi League began in July 2014; Jaipur Pink Panthers won the inaugural season.
681. The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the world's largest cricket stadium, has a seating capacity of about:
- A. 1,32,000
- B. 1,10,000
- C. 90,000
- D. 75,000
Answer: 1,32,000
Explanation: The renovated Motera stadium, renamed in February 2021, seats about 1,32,000, exceeding the MCG's roughly 1,00,000.
682. India won the 1983 World Cup final at Lord's against West Indies by a margin of:
- A. 20 runs
- B. 5 wickets
- C. 43 runs
- D. 6 wickets
Answer: 43 runs
Explanation: India scored 183 and bowled West Indies out for 140 to win by 43 runs; Mohinder Amarnath was Player of the Match.
683. India played its first Test match in 1932 at Lord's under whose captaincy?
- A. Lala Amarnath
- B. Pataudi Sr.
- C. C. K. Nayudu
- D. Vijay Merchant
Answer: C. K. Nayudu
Explanation: C. K. Nayudu captained India in its first Test, against England at Lord's from 25 June 1932.
684. Rohit Sharma's record ODI individual score of 264 was made in 2014 at which ground against Sri Lanka?
- A. M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
- B. Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
- C. Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi
- D. Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Answer: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Explanation: Rohit hit 264 off 173 balls at Eden Gardens on 13 November 2014, the highest ODI score ever.
685. Who in 2005 became the first Indian driver to race in a Formula One Grand Prix?
- A. Armaan Ebrahim
- B. Narain Karthikeyan
- C. Gaurav Gill
- D. Karun Chandhok
Answer: Narain Karthikeyan
Explanation: Narain Karthikeyan drove for Jordan in 2005; Karun Chandhok followed for HRT in 2010.
686. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore won India's first individual Olympic silver in shooting at Athens 2004 in which event?
- A. Men's 50 m pistol
- B. Men's 10 m air rifle
- C. Men's skeet
- D. Men's double trap
Answer: Men's double trap
Explanation: Rathore took silver in men's double trap in 2004; Abhinav Bindra's 10 m air rifle gold at Beijing 2008 was India's first individual gold.
687. Which Indian badminton player won the All England Open Championship in 2001?
- A. Prakash Padukone
- B. Chetan Anand
- C. Anup Sridhar
- D. Pullela Gopichand
Answer: Pullela Gopichand
Explanation: Gopichand won the 2001 All England title, 21 years after Prakash Padukone's 1980 win.
688. Who was independent India's first woman Union Cabinet Minister, holding the Health portfolio from 1947?
- A. Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit
- B. Rajkumari Amrit Kaur
- C. Sucheta Kripalani
- D. Sarojini Naidu
Answer: Rajkumari Amrit Kaur
Explanation: Rajkumari Amrit Kaur was Health Minister (1947-57) and founded AIIMS, New Delhi, in 1956.
689. Surekha Yadav, who became Asia's first woman locomotive driver in 1988, belongs to which state?
- A. Haryana
- B. Madhya Pradesh
- C. Maharashtra
- D. Punjab
Answer: Maharashtra
Explanation: Surekha Yadav, from Satara, Maharashtra, joined Central Railway in 1988 and later drove the Vande Bharat Express.
690. Who became the first woman Chairperson and CEO of the Railway Board in 2023?
- A. Jaya Verma Sinha
- B. Anil Kumar Lahoti
- C. Archana Joshi
- D. Sunita Sharma
Answer: Jaya Verma Sinha
Explanation: Jaya Verma Sinha, an Indian Railway Accounts Service officer, took charge on 1 September 2023 as the first woman to head the Railway Board.
691. Who became India's first woman Chief Minister, heading Uttar Pradesh from 1963?
- A. Nandini Satpathy
- B. Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit
- C. Sucheta Kripalani
- D. Sarojini Naidu
Answer: Sucheta Kripalani
Explanation: Sucheta Kripalani was UP's Chief Minister from October 1963 to March 1967, the first woman CM in India.
692. Who became the first woman judge of the Supreme Court of India in 1989?
- A. M. Fathima Beevi
- B. Leila Seth
- C. Anna Chandy
- D. Ruma Pal
Answer: M. Fathima Beevi
Explanation: Justice M. Fathima Beevi was appointed to the Supreme Court on 6 October 1989; she later served as Governor of Tamil Nadu.
693. Who served as India's first Chief Election Commissioner (1950-58)?
- A. S. P. Sen Verma
- B. Sukumar Sen
- C. T. N. Seshan
- D. K. V. K. Sundaram
Answer: Sukumar Sen
Explanation: Sukumar Sen, an ICS officer, conducted the 1951-52 first general election as the first CEC.
694. Dadabhai Naoroji became the first Indian elected to the British House of Commons in 1892 from which constituency?
- A. Holborn
- B. Lambeth North
- C. Finsbury Central
- D. Westminster
Answer: Finsbury Central
Explanation: Naoroji, a Liberal Party member, won Finsbury Central by just five votes in 1892, earning the nickname 'Mr Narrow-majority'.
695. Anti-Terrorism Day in India (21 May) is observed on the death anniversary of:
- A. Rajiv Gandhi
- B. Beant Singh
- C. Lalit Narayan Mishra
- D. Indira Gandhi
Answer: Rajiv Gandhi
Explanation: Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated at Sriperumbudur on 21 May 1991; the day is observed as Anti-Terrorism Day.
696. Sadbhavana Diwas (20 August) marks the birth anniversary of:
- A. Rajiv Gandhi
- B. Indira Gandhi
- C. Sanjay Gandhi
- D. Jawaharlal Nehru
Answer: Rajiv Gandhi
Explanation: Sadbhavana Diwas on 20 August honours Rajiv Gandhi (born 1944) and promotes harmony among all communities.
697. Veer Bal Diwas (26 December) commemorates the martyrdom of the sons of which Sikh Guru?
- A. Guru Gobind Singh
- B. Guru Arjan Dev
- C. Guru Tegh Bahadur
- D. Guru Hargobind
Answer: Guru Gobind Singh
Explanation: Declared in 2022, it honours Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh, Guru Gobind Singh's younger sons, bricked alive at Sirhind.
698. Parakram Diwas, observed on 23 January since 2021, celebrates the birth anniversary of:
- A. Subhas Chandra Bose
- B. Chandrashekhar Azad
- C. Rani Lakshmibai
- D. Bhagat Singh
Answer: Subhas Chandra Bose
Explanation: The Centre designated 23 January, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's birthday (1897, Cuttack), as Parakram Diwas.
699. Good Governance Day is observed in India on 25 December on the birth anniversary of:
- A. Atal Bihari Vajpayee
- B. Madan Mohan Malaviya
- C. Deendayal Upadhyaya
- D. Lal Bahadur Shastri
Answer: Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Explanation: The Government of India declared 25 December, Vajpayee's birthday, as Good Governance Day in 2014.
700. Kisan Diwas (National Farmers' Day), 23 December, marks the birth anniversary of:
- A. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
- B. Chaudhary Charan Singh
- C. M. S. Swaminathan
- D. Swami Sahajanand Saraswati
Answer: Chaudhary Charan Singh
Explanation: Chaudhary Charan Singh, the fifth PM and a champion of farmers, was born on 23 December 1902; he received the Bharat Ratna in 2024.
701. National Mathematics Day (22 December) honours the birth anniversary of Srinivasa Ramanujan, born in 1887 at:
- A. Madurai
- B. Kumbakonam
- C. Erode
- D. Thanjavur
Answer: Erode
Explanation: Ramanujan was born at Erode, Tamil Nadu, on 22 December 1887; the day was declared National Mathematics Day in 2012.
702. National Fire Service Day (14 April) commemorates the firefighters who died in which 1944 incident?
- A. Madras harbour blast
- B. Karachi port fire
- C. Bombay Docks explosion
- D. Calcutta Howrah Bridge fire
Answer: Bombay Docks explosion
Explanation: The 14 April 1944 Bombay Docks explosion killed 66 firemen; the day is observed as National Fire Service Day.
703. Mahadevi Verma received the 1982 Jnanpith Award for which of her works?
- A. Smriti Ki Rekhayen
- B. Nihar
- C. Deepshikha
- D. Yama
Answer: Yama
Explanation: Mahadevi Verma's 'Yama', a collection combining poems from Nihar, Rashmi, Neerja and Sandhyageet, won the 1982 Jnanpith.
704. 'Andha Yug', a verse play set on the last day of the Mahabharata war, is by:
- A. Mohan Rakesh
- B. Jaishankar Prasad
- C. Bharatendu Harishchandra
- D. Dharamvir Bharati
Answer: Dharamvir Bharati
Explanation: Dharamvir Bharati's 'Andha Yug' (1954) explores moral collapse after the Mahabharata war and is a staple of Indian theatre.
705. 'Maila Anchal', regarded as the finest 'aanchalik' (regional) Hindi novel, is set in the Purnia region and was written by:
- A. Phanishwar Nath Renu
- B. Amritlal Nagar
- C. Yashpal
- D. Premchand
Answer: Phanishwar Nath Renu
Explanation: Phanishwar Nath 'Renu' published Maila Anchal in 1954, set in the village of Merigunj in Purnia, Bihar.
706. Satyajit Ray's 1955 film 'Pather Panchali' was based on the novel by:
- A. Tarashankar Bandyopadhyay
- B. Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay
- C. Manik Bandyopadhyay
- D. Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay
Answer: Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay
Explanation: Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay's 1929 novel Pather Panchali, about the boy Apu, was filmed by Ray as the first of the Apu Trilogy.
707. The Bengali play 'Neel Darpan' (1860), exposing the oppression of indigo cultivators, was written by:
- A. Girish Chandra Ghosh
- B. Michael Madhusudan Dutt
- C. Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay
- D. Dinabandhu Mitra
Answer: Dinabandhu Mitra
Explanation: Dinabandhu Mitra's 'Nil Darpan' fed the 1859-60 Indigo Revolt; its English translation led to the libel case against Rev. James Long.
708. The satirical Hindi novel 'Raag Darbari', which won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1970, was written by:
- A. Phanishwar Nath Renu
- B. Shrilal Shukla
- C. Bhisham Sahni
- D. Harishankar Parsai
Answer: Shrilal Shukla
Explanation: Shrilal Shukla's 'Raag Darbari' (1968) satirises rural Indian politics in the fictional village of Shivpalganj.
709. Which Hindi poet won the Jnanpith Award in 1968 for the poetry collection 'Chidambara', becoming the first Hindi writer so honoured?
- A. Sumitranandan Pant
- B. Mahadevi Verma
- C. Ramdhari Singh Dinkar
- D. Harivansh Rai Bachchan
Answer: Sumitranandan Pant
Explanation: Sumitranandan Pant's 'Chidambara' earned the 1968 Jnanpith, the first for Hindi; Dinkar won in 1972 for 'Urvashi'.
710. The Sahitya Akademi gives recognition to literature in how many languages?
- A. 18
- B. 24
- C. 22
- D. 26
Answer: 24
Explanation: Sahitya Akademi recognises 24 languages: the 22 Eighth Schedule languages plus English and Rajasthani.
711. The 59th Jnanpith Award (for 2024) was announced for which Hindi writer, the first from Chhattisgarh to win it?
- A. Vinod Kumar Shukla
- B. Gulzar
- C. Kedarnath Singh
- D. Nirmal Verma
Answer: Vinod Kumar Shukla
Explanation: Vinod Kumar Shukla (author of 'Naukar ki Kameez' and 'Deewar Mein Ek Khidki Rehti Thi') received the 59th Jnanpith in 2025 for 2024.
712. Who was the first person to receive the Bharat Ratna posthumously (1966)?
- A. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
- B. B. R. Ambedkar
- C. Lal Bahadur Shastri
- D. K. Kamaraj
Answer: Lal Bahadur Shastri
Explanation: Lal Bahadur Shastri, who died at Tashkent in January 1966, was the first posthumous Bharat Ratna; Ambedkar (1990) and Patel (1991) followed much later.
713. The National Police Commission (1977-81), which submitted eight reports on police reforms, was chaired by:
- A. K. F. Rustamji
- B. Julio Ribeiro
- C. Dharma Vira
- D. Prakash Singh
Answer: Dharma Vira
Explanation: The NPC under former ICS officer Dharma Vira produced eight reports (1979-81); Prakash Singh's PIL later led to the 2006 Supreme Court police-reform directions.
714. The Indian Naval Academy is located at:
- A. Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
- B. Dundigal, Telangana
- C. Khadakwasla, Maharashtra
- D. Ezhimala, Kerala
Answer: Ezhimala, Kerala
Explanation: INA, Asia's largest naval academy, is at Ezhimala in Kannur district, Kerala; Dundigal hosts the Air Force Academy and Khadakwasla the NDA.
715. Which of the following was NOT among the five missile systems of the original Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) launched in 1983?
- A. Nag
- B. Trishul
- C. Prithvi
- D. BrahMos
Answer: BrahMos
Explanation: IGMDP's original five were Prithvi, Agni, Trishul, Akash and Nag; BrahMos is an Indo-Russian joint venture of a later period.
716. The Kalvari-class submarines built under Project 75 at Mazagon Dock are based on which foreign design?
- A. French Scorpene
- B. Russian Kilo
- C. Swedish Gotland
- D. German Type 209
Answer: French Scorpene
Explanation: Project 75 submarines are of the French Naval Group's Scorpene design, licence-built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders in Mumbai.
717. Which vessel, commissioned in August 2024, is the second ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) of the Arihant class?
- A. INS Kalvari
- B. INS Aridhaman
- C. INS Chakra
- D. INS Arighaat
Answer: INS Arighaat
Explanation: INS Arighaat, the second Arihant-class SSBN, was commissioned on 29 August 2024; INS Aridhaman is the third in the class.
718. Operation Pawan (1987-90) was the Indian Army's operation conducted against:
- A. Khalistani militants in Amritsar
- B. LTTE in Jaffna, Sri Lanka
- C. Pakistani intruders in Kargil
- D. Mizo insurgents in Mizoram
Answer: LTTE in Jaffna, Sri Lanka
Explanation: Operation Pawan was the IPKF's October 1987 offensive to take Jaffna from the LTTE under the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord.
719. Operation Cactus (1988), in which the Indian armed forces intervened at the request of the local government, took place in:
- A. Seychelles
- B. Mauritius
- C. Maldives
- D. Sri Lanka
Answer: Maldives
Explanation: In November 1988 India airlifted paratroopers to Malé to foil a coup attempt against President Gayoom in the Maldives.
720. 'Mission Divyastra' (March 2024) tested Agni-5 with which new capability?
- A. Submarine launch
- B. Hypersonic glide vehicle
- C. Anti-satellite kill vehicle
- D. MIRV (multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles)
Answer: MIRV (multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles)
Explanation: Mission Divyastra demonstrated MIRV technology on Agni-5, allowing one missile to deliver multiple warheads at different targets.
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