Static General Knowledge (GK) forms an essential foundational pillar for the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination, bridging factual breadth with analytical reasoning. While dynamic current affairs shift annually, static GK encompasses enduring national and international milestones, including constitutional bodies, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, national parks, biosphere reserves, classical and folk art forms, honors and awards, and geographical indication tags. A firm command over these diverse markers of history, culture, and institutional geography is indispensable for successfully navigating the multidisciplinary challenge of the civil services preliminary screening.
1. Which of the following Articles of the Indian Constitution provides for the establishment of a Finance Commission?
Correct Answer: b) Article 280
Explanation:
Article 280 of the Indian Constitution provides for the constitution of a Finance Commission by the President of India every five years, or at such earlier time as the President considers necessary, to make recommendations regarding the distribution of financial resources between the Union and the States.
2. The 'Bhitarkanika Mangroves', known for being the home of the endangered saltwater crocodile, are located in which of the following states?
Correct Answer: c) Odisha
Explanation:
Bhitarkanika National Park is a mangrove wetland in Odisha, formed by the estuarine region of Brahmani and Baitarani rivers. It is famous for its rich biodiversity and is a prominent nesting site for saltwater crocodiles.
3. Who among the following was the founder of the 'Satyashodhak Samaj' in 1873?
Correct Answer: a) Jyotirao Phule
Explanation:
Jyotirao Phule founded the Satyashodhak Samaj (Society of Seekers of Truth) on September 24, 1873, in Maharashtra, with the aim of liberating Shudras and untouchables from exploitation and oppression.
4. Which of the following is measured using the 'Dobson Unit'?
Correct Answer: a) Thickness of the ozone layer
Explanation:
The Dobson Unit (DU) is a unit of measurement for trace gases, particularly atmospheric ozone. One Dobson unit is defined to be a layer of gas that would be 0.01 mm thick under standard temperature and pressure.
5. The 'Chagos Archipelago', often in the news, is geographically situated in which ocean?
Correct Answer: c) Indian Ocean
Explanation:
The Chagos Archipelago is a group of atolls in the central Indian Ocean, located about 500 kilometres south of the Maldives archipelago. It includes Diego Garcia, which hosts a major military facility.
6. Which of the following Gupta rulers assumed the title 'Vikramaditya'?
Correct Answer: d) Chandragupta II
Explanation:
Chandragupta II, also known as Chandragupta Vikramaditya, was one of the most powerful emperors of the Gupta Empire. During his reign, the empire reached its zenith, art and culture flourished, and the Chinese pilgrim Faxian visited India.
7. The 'Ramsar Convention', signed in 1971, is primarily associated with the conservation and wise use of which of the following?
Correct Answer: b) Wetlands
Explanation:
The Convention on Wetlands, known as the Ramsar Convention, is an intergovernmental environmental treaty established in 1971 by UNESCO, coming into force in 1975, focused on the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.
8. Which of the following amendments to the Constitution of India added the Fundamental Duty relating to providing opportunities for education to a child between the age of 6 and 14 years?
Correct Answer: c) 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002
Explanation:
The 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002 inserted Article 21A making education a fundamental right for children aged 6 to 14, and also added a corresponding Fundamental Duty under Article 51A(k) for parents or guardians.
9. In the context of Indian economy, 'M3' broad money measure includes which of the following?
Correct Answer: b) M1 plus net time deposits with commercial banks
Explanation:
In India, money supply is measured as M1, M2, M3, and M4. M3 is known as broad money and is defined as M1 (Currency with public + Demand deposits with banks + Other deposits with RBI) plus net time deposits with commercial banks.
10. The 'Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary' is located in which region?
Correct Answer: a) Ladakh
Explanation:
The Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the union territory of Ladakh, India. It is famous for being a high-altitude sanctuary that supports populations of endangered species like the Tibetan antelope (chiru).
11. Who among the following wrote the famous book 'Anandamath', which contains the song 'Vande Mataram'?
Correct Answer: b) Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay
Explanation:
Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay wrote the Bengali novel 'Anandamath' in 1882. The novel features the patriotic poem 'Vande Mataram', which later played a vital role in the Indian independence movement.
12. Which of the following pairs of 'Pass' and 'State/UT' is correctly matched?
Correct Answer: b) Nathu La - Sikkim
Explanation:
Nathu La is a mountain pass in the Himalayas connecting Sikkim with Tibet. Zoji La is in Ladakh, Shipki La is in Himachal Pradesh, and Bomdi La is in Arunachal Pradesh.
13. The 'Whip' in a parliamentary system is primarily responsible for:
Correct Answer: b) Ensuring party discipline and attendance during crucial votes
Explanation:
A whip is an official of a political party whose task is to ensure party discipline, ensure that members of the party vote according to the party platform, and maintain high attendance during parliamentary divisions.
14. Which of the following pollutants is primarily responsible for the formation of 'Photochemical Smog'?
Correct Answer: b) Nitrogen oxides and Volatile Organic Compounds
Explanation:
Photochemical smog is formed when sunlight reacts with nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in the atmosphere, producing secondary pollutants like ozone and peroxyacyl nitrates (PAN).
15. The 'Pala Dynasty', which ruled parts of eastern India from the 8th to the 12th century, was a prominent patron of which religious tradition?
Correct Answer: b) Buddhism
Explanation:
The Pala emperors were great patrons of Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism. They supported famous monastic universities such as Nalanda, Vikramshila, and Odantapuri.
16. Which of the following Articles empowers the Supreme Court to issue writs for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights?
Correct Answer: a) Article 32
Explanation:
Article 32 provides the right to constitutional remedies, empowering the Supreme Court to issue writs (Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari, and Quo-Warranto) for enforcing Fundamental Rights. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar called it the heart and soul of the Constitution.
17. The 'Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant' is built with technical and financial cooperation from which country?
Correct Answer: c) Russia
Explanation:
The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, located in Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu, is India's largest nuclear power station and has been constructed with technical and reactor supply cooperation from Russia.
18. Who among the following founded the 'Servants of India Society' in 1905?
Correct Answer: b) Gopal Krishna Gokhale
Explanation:
Gopal Krishna Gokhale founded the Servants of India Society in Pune, Maharashtra, in 1905 with the objective of training national missionaries for the service of India and promoting social reform.
19. Which of the following layers of the atmosphere contains the ozone layer that protects life from harmful ultraviolet radiation?
Correct Answer: b) Stratosphere
Explanation:
The stratosphere lies above the troposphere and extends up to about 50 km height. It contains the ozone layer, which absorbs harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation coming from the Sun.
20. The 'Sunderbans', the largest mangrove forest in the world, is distributed between India and which other country?
Correct Answer: b) Bangladesh
Explanation:
The Sunderbans is a mangrove area in the delta formed by the confluence of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers in the Bay of Bengal, spanning across parts of West Bengal, India, and Bangladesh.
21. Which of the following constitutional bodies is responsible for conducting elections to Panchayats and Municipalities in states?
Correct Answer: c) State Election Commission
Explanation:
Under Articles 243K and 243ZA, the superintendence, direction, and control of the preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of all elections to the Panchayats and Municipalities are vested in the State Election Commission.
22. The 'Battle of Wandiwash' (1760) was fought between which two European powers?
Correct Answer: b) British and French
Explanation:
The Battle of Wandiwash was a decisive battle in India during the Seven Years' War, fought in 1760 between the British forces led by Sir Eyre Coote and the French forces led by Marquis de Bussy, resulting in a major British victory.
23. Which of the following indices is published by the World Economic Forum?
Correct Answer: b) Global Gender Gap Report
Explanation:
The Global Gender Gap Report is published annually by the World Economic Forum. The Ease of Doing Business was formerly by the World Bank, HDI is by UNDP, and Corruption Perceptions Index is by Transparency International.
24. The 'Nokrek Biosphere Reserve' is located in which of the following states of India?
Correct Answer: b) Meghalaya
Explanation:
Nokrek National Park and Biosphere Reserve is located in the West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya, India. It is a hotspot for biodiversity and home to the endangered red panda.
25. Who among the following propounded the 'Drain of Wealth' theory during the British colonial rule in India?
Correct Answer: b) Dadabhai Naoroji
Explanation:
Dadabhai Naoroji, known as the 'Grand Old Man of India', propounded the Drain of Wealth theory in his book 'Poverty and Un-British Rule in India', exposing how Britain was draining India's wealth without adequate economic return.
26. Which of the following fundamental rights cannot be suspended even during a National Emergency declared under Article 352?
Correct Answer: c) Article 20 and Article 21
Explanation:
According to the 44th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1978, the right to protection in respect of conviction for offenses (Article 20) and the right to life and personal liberty (Article 21) cannot be suspended even during a National Emergency.
27. The 'Silk Road' connecting China with the West passed through which region of India historically?
Correct Answer: a) Kashmir and Ladakh
Explanation:
Northern branches of the Silk Road passed through parts of Kashmir and Ladakh, acting as crucial trade routes linking China, Central Asia, India, and the Roman Empire.
28. Which of the following organisms is responsible for causing 'Red Tides' in marine environments?
Correct Answer: b) Dinoflagellates
Explanation:
A red tide is an algal bloom caused by a high concentration of aquatic microorganisms known as dinoflagellates, which can release toxins harmful to marine life and humans.
29. The 'Hague Code of Conduct' (HCoC) is an international agreement aimed at preventing the proliferation of which of the following?
Correct Answer: b) Ballistic missiles
Explanation:
The Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation (HCoC), established in 2002, is a voluntary international transparency and confidence-building measure aimed at curbing the spread of ballistic missiles capable of delivering weapons of mass destruction.
30. Which of the following ancient Indian texts deals primarily with statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy?
Correct Answer: b) Arthashastra
Explanation:
The Arthashastra is an ancient Indian Sanskrit treatise on statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy, written by Kautilya (also known as Chanakya), the chief minister of Emperor Chandragupta Maurya.
31. The 'Sardar Sarovar Dam' has been constructed across which of the following rivers?
Correct Answer: b) Narmada
Explanation:
The Sardar Sarovar Dam is a concrete gravity dam built on the Narmada river in Kevadia, Gujarat, as part of the Narmada Valley Project to provide irrigation and hydroelectricity to several states.
32. Which of the following constitutional provisions empowers Parliament to create a new All-India Service?
Correct Answer: a) Article 312
Explanation:
Article 312 of the Constitution authorizes Parliament to create one or more All-India Services common to the Union and the States if the Rajya Sabha passes a resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting.
33. The 'Vienna Convention' and the 'Montreal Protocol' are related to the protection of:
Correct Answer: b) Ozone layer
Explanation:
The Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer (1985) and its Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (1987) are landmark international treaties designed to phase out ozone-depleting substances.
34. Who among the following founded the 'Atmiya Sabha' in Calcutta in 1815?
Correct Answer: b) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
Explanation:
Raja Ram Mohan Roy founded the Atmiya Sabha in 1815 in Calcutta as a philosophical discussion circle to promote social and religious reform and campaign against societal evils like sati and idol worship.
35. Which of the following mountain ranges separates the Indo-Gangetic plain from the Deccan Plateau?
Correct Answer: b) Vindhya Range
Explanation:
The Vindhya mountain range forms the southern boundary of the northern Indo-Gangetic plain and acts as a traditional geographical divide between northern and southern India.
36. What is the primary objective of the 'Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act'?
Correct Answer: a) To eliminate fiscal deficit and ensure long-term macroeconomic stability
Explanation:
The FRBM Act, 2003 was enacted to institutionalize financial discipline, reduce fiscal deficit, eliminate revenue deficit, and achieve macroeconomic stability in India.
37. The 'Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve' is situated in which of the following states?
Correct Answer: b) Kerala and Tamil Nadu
Explanation:
The Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve is located in the southern part of the Western Ghats, spanning across parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, known for its unique tropical evergreen forests and rich endemic flora.
38. Which of the following leaders presided over the historic Lahore session of the Indian National Congress in 1929 where 'Purna Swaraj' was declared?
Correct Answer: b) Jawaharlal Nehru
Explanation:
Jawaharlal Nehru presided over the Lahore session of the INC in December 1929, where the tricolor flag was unfurled and the resolution for 'Purna Swaraj' (Complete Independence) was formally adopted.
39. Which of the following schedules of the Indian Constitution contains provisions regarding the disqualification of members on the ground of defection?
Correct Answer: c) Tenth Schedule
Explanation:
The Tenth Schedule, added by the 52nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1985, contains provisions relating to the disqualification of members of Parliament and State Legislatures on the ground of defection (anti-defection law).
40. The 'Manas National Park', famous for wild water buffaloes and pygmy hogs, is located in which state?
Correct Answer: a) Assam
Explanation:
Manas National Park is a national park, UNESCO Natural World Heritage site, a Project Tiger reserve, an elephant reserve, and a biosphere reserve located in Assam, India.
41. Who among the following was the founder of the Maurya Empire after defeating Dhanananda of the Nanda dynasty?
Correct Answer: b) Chandragupta Maurya
Explanation:
Chandragupta Maurya founded the Maurya Empire in 321 BCE with the guidance and assistance of Chanakya (Kautilya) by overthrowing the Nanda dynasty in Magadha.
42. Which of the following rivers flows through a rift valley in peninsular India?
Correct Answer: c) Narmada
Explanation:
The Narmada and Tapti rivers are unique peninsular rivers that flow westward through rift valleys formed between the Vindhya and Satpura mountain ranges before draining into the Arabian Sea.
43. What does the term 'Open Market Operations' refer to in monetary policy?
Correct Answer: a) Buying and selling of government securities by the central bank
Explanation:
Open Market Operations (OMOs) are monetary policy instruments used by the central bank (RBI in India) to inject or absorb liquidity into or from the economy by buying and selling government securities.
44. The 'Namdapha National Park', known for hosting four feline species including the snow leopard and tiger, is located in:
Correct Answer: b) Arunachal Pradesh
Explanation:
Namdapha National Park is a protected area in Arunachal Pradesh, India. It is located near the international border with Myanmar and is renowned for its rich biodiversity and high altitudinal variation.
45. Which of the following acts introduced the system of 'Diarchy' at the provincial level in British India?
Correct Answer: b) Government of India Act, 1919
Explanation:
The Government of India Act, 1919 (Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms) introduced diarchy (rule of two authorities) at the provincial level, dividing executive subjects into transferred and reserved categories.
46. Which of the following Articles deals with the 'Uniform Civil Code' for citizens throughout the territory of India?
Correct Answer: b) Article 44
Explanation:
Article 44, contained in Part IV (Directive Principles of State Policy) of the Indian Constitution, states that the State shall endeavor to secure for the citizens a Uniform Civil Code throughout the territory of India.
47. The 'Chilika Lake', the largest brackish water lagoon in India, is situated in which coastal region?
Correct Answer: a) Utkal Coast
Explanation:
Chilika Lake is a brackish water lagoon spread over the Puri, Khurda, and Ganjam districts of Odisha state on the east coast of India, flowing into the Bay of Bengal along the Utkal plain.
48. Who among the following established the 'Ghadar Party' in San Francisco, USA, in 1913?
Correct Answer: b) Sohan Singh Bhakna and Lala Har Dayal
Explanation:
The Ghadar Party was an organization founded by Punjabi Indians, notably led by Sohan Singh Bhakna as president and Lala Har Dayal as a key organizer, in the United States in 1913 to secure India's independence from British rule.
49. Which of the following gases is the primary constituent of natural gas?
Correct Answer: c) Methane
Explanation:
Natural gas is a naturally occurring hydrocarbon gas mixture consisting primarily of methane (CH4), along with varying amounts of higher alkanes and small percentages of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and hydrogen sulfide.
50. The 'Aravalli Range' is classified as which type of mountain system?
Correct Answer: d) Residual mountain
Explanation:
The Aravalli Range is one of the oldest fold mountains in the world, but over millions of years of continuous weathering and erosion, it has been reduced to a residual mountain chain.
51. Which of the following is the highest legal officer of the Government of India?
Correct Answer: b) Attorney General for India
Explanation:
Under Article 76, the Attorney General for India is appointed by the President and is the highest law officer of the country, responsible for giving legal advice to the Government of India.
52. The 'Nanda Devi National Park' is located in which of the following states?
Correct Answer: b) Uttarakhand
Explanation:
Nanda Devi National Park is situated around the peak of Nanda Devi in the state of Uttarakhand, northern India. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
53. Who among the following founded the 'Prarthana Samaj' in Bombay in 1867?
Correct Answer: a) Atmaram Pandurang
Explanation:
The Prarthana Samaj was founded by Atmaram Pandurang in 1867 with the support of social reformers like Mahadev Govind Ranade and R. G. Bhandarkar, aiming to reform social and religious practices in Maharashtra.
54. What is the primary function of the 'Cantonment Board' in India?
Correct Answer: b) To administer municipal governance in military station areas
Explanation:
A Cantonment Board is a civic administration body working under the control of the Ministry of Defense, responsible for municipal administration in civilian areas co-located with military cantonments.
55. The 'Kyoto Protocol', which operationalized the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, legally binds developed countries to limit their:
Correct Answer: b) Greenhouse gas emissions
Explanation:
The Kyoto Protocol, adopted in 1997, is an international treaty that committed state parties to reduce greenhouse gas emissions based on the premise that global warming is occurring and human-made CO2 emissions are driving it.
56. Which of the following ports on the western coast of India is known as the 'Gateway of Karnataka'?
Correct Answer: b) New Mangalore Port
Explanation:
New Mangalore Port, located in Panambur, Mangaluru, Karnataka, is a deep-water all-weather port often referred to as the 'Gateway of Karnataka'.
57. The 'Ilbert Bill controversy' (1883) during the Viceroyalty of Lord Ripon was related to:
Correct Answer: b) Giving Indian judges criminal jurisdiction over European British subjects
Explanation:
The Ilbert Bill introduced in 1883 sought to allow Indian judges to try criminal cases involving Europeans in India, sparking fierce opposition from British expatriates and leading to a significant political controversy.
58. Which of the following constitutional amendments lowered the voting age from 21 years to 18 years in India?
Correct Answer: c) 61st Amendment Act
Explanation:
The 61st Constitutional Amendment Act, 1988 lowered the voting age of elections to the Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies of States from 21 years to 18 years.
59. The 'Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary' is located in which hill range of the Western Ghats?
Correct Answer: b) Cardamom Hills and Pandalam Hills
Explanation:
Periyar National Park is situated high in the Cardamom Hills and Pandalam Hills of the southern Western Ghats in the state of Kerala, centered around the Periyar artificial lake.
60. Who among the following established the 'Ramakrishna Mission' in 1897?
Correct Answer: b) Swami Vivekananda
Explanation:
Swami Vivekananda founded the Ramakrishna Mission in 1897 at Belur Math near Calcutta, adhering to the teachings of his guru Ramakrishna Paramahamsa with a focus on spiritual enlightenment and social service.
61. What is the primary function of the 'Financial Stability and Development Council' (FSDC) in India?
Correct Answer: b) To monitor macroprudential supervision and financial stability
Explanation:
The FSDC is an apex-level body constituted by the Government of India in 2010 to strengthen and institutionalize the mechanism for maintaining financial stability, inter-regulatory coordination, and financial sector development.
62. The 'Silent Valley Movement' in Kerala was primarily launched to protect which of the following?
Correct Answer: a) Tropical evergreen rain forests against a hydroelectric project
Explanation:
The Silent Valley movement was an environmental movement in the 1970s and 1980s in Kerala, India, to protect the undisturbed tropical evergreen forests of Silent Valley from being flooded by a hydroelectric dam project.
63. Which of the following Mughal emperors prohibited the use of tobacco and executed Guru Arjan Dev?
Correct Answer: b) Jahangir
Explanation:
Jahangir was the Mughal emperor who ordered the execution of Sikh Guru Arjan Dev in 1606 for supporting his rebellious son Khusrau, and he also issued imperial edicts prohibiting the use of tobacco.
64. Which part of the Indian Constitution contains the provisions relating to 'Emergency Powers'?
Correct Answer: d) Part XVIII
Explanation:
Part XVIII of the Indian Constitution, comprising Articles 352 to 360, contains emergency provisions empowering the central government to deal with exceptional situations such as war, external aggression, armed rebellion, or financial crisis.
65. The 'Loktak Lake', famous for its floating 'phumdis', is located in which state?
Correct Answer: b) Manipur
Explanation:
Loktak Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India, located in Moirang, Manipur. It is famous for its unique circular floating swamps called phumdis, and houses the Keibul Lamjao National Park.
66. Who among the following introduced the 'Doctrine of Lapse' during British colonial expansion in India?
Correct Answer: b) Lord Dalhousie
Explanation:
Lord Dalhousie, who served as Governor-General of India from 1848 to 1856, applied the Doctrine of Lapse extensively to annex princely states whose rulers died without a natural male heir, such as Satara, Jhansi, and Nagpur.
67. What is 'Repo Rate' in the monetary framework of the Reserve Bank of India?
Correct Answer: b) The rate at which the RBI lends short-term money to commercial banks against securities
Explanation:
The repo rate (repurchase rate) is the interest rate at which the Reserve Bank of India lends money to commercial banks in the event of any shortfall of funds, serving as a key benchmark for monetary policy.
68. The 'Kaziranga National Park' is primarily renowned for hosting the largest population of which endangered animal?
Correct Answer: b) Great Indian Rhinoceros
Explanation:
Kaziranga National Park in Assam is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that hosts two-thirds of the world's great one-horned rhinoceros population, alongside significant numbers of tigers, elephants, and wild water buffaloes.
69. Who among the following was the first President of the Indian National Congress during its session in Bombay in 1885?
Correct Answer: b) Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee
Explanation:
Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee presided over the first session of the Indian National Congress held in Bombay in December 1885, which was attended by 72 delegates.
70. Which of the following writs is issued by a higher court to a lower court or tribunal to prevent it from exceeding its jurisdiction?
Correct Answer: c) Prohibition
Explanation:
The writ of 'Prohibition' is literally translated as 'to forbid'. It is issued by a higher court to a lower court or tribunal to prevent them from exceeding their jurisdiction or usurping a jurisdiction they do not possess.
71. The 'Sundari' tree, which gives the Sunderbans its name, is a type of:
Correct Answer: b) Mangrove tree
Explanation:
The Sundari tree (Heritiera fomes) is a species of mangrove tree found extensively in the Sunderban deltaic region, characterized by pneumatophores that help in respiration in saline water-logged soil.
72. The 'Cripps Mission' visited India in which year to secure Indian cooperation for the British war effort in World War II?
Correct Answer: c) 1942
Explanation:
The Cripps Mission was sent to India in March 1942 by the British government led by Sir Stafford Cripps to obtain Indian cooperation for World War II in exchange for promises of constitutional reforms after the war.
73. Which of the following agencies calculates and publishes the 'Gross Domestic Product (GDP)' data in India?
Correct Answer: b) National Statistical Office (NSO)
Explanation:
The National Statistical Office (NSO), operating under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), is responsible for the collection, compilation, and publication of macroeconomic aggregates like GDP in India.
74. The 'Valley of Flowers National Park' is located in which state and forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside Nanda Devi?
Correct Answer: b) Uttarakhand
Explanation:
Valley of Flowers National Park is an Indian national park located in West Himalayas in the state of Uttarakhand, famed for its meadows of endemic alpine flowers and variety of flora.
75. Who among the following was the founder of the 'Aligarh Movement' and the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College?
Correct Answer: b) Sir Syed Ahmed Khan
Explanation:
Sir Syed Ahmed Khan was an Islamic reformer and educator who founded the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College in Aligarh in 1875 (later Aligarh Muslim University), spearheading the Aligarh Movement to promote modern western education among Muslims.
76. Which of the following articles deals with the appointment and conditions of service of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India?
Correct Answer: a) Article 148
Explanation:
Article 148 of the Indian Constitution provides for an independent office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, who is appointed by the President of India.
77. The 'Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve' is famous for which of the following marine organisms?
Correct Answer: b) Dugongs (Sea Cows)
Explanation:
The Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve, located off the southeastern coast of Tamil Nadu, is rich in marine biodiversity and serves as a crucial habitat for the endangered marine mammal, the dugong.
78. Which of the following Buddhist councils was convened under the patronage of King Ashoka?
Correct Answer: c) Third Buddhist Council
Explanation:
The Third Buddhist Council was convened around 250 BCE at Pataliputra under the patronage of the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka and presided over by the monk Moggaliputta Tissa.
79. What is the primary purpose of 'Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR)' maintained by commercial banks?
Correct Answer: b) To ensure banks hold a specified fraction of deposits in liquid assets like gold, cash, or approved securities
Explanation:
Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) is a monetary policy requirement set by the RBI, mandating commercial banks to maintain a minimum percentage of their net demand and time liabilities (NDTL) in safe, liquid assets before lending to customers.
80. The 'Similipal Biosphere Reserve' is located in which of the following states?
Correct Answer: c) Odisha
Explanation:
Similipal National Park and Tiger Reserve is a national park and elephant reserve situated in the Mayurbhanj district in the Indian state of Odisha.
81. Who among the following leaders gave the slogan 'Do or Die' during the Quit India movement of 1942?
Correct Answer: b) Mahatma Gandhi
Explanation:
Mahatma Gandhi gave the iconic 'Do or Die' (Karo Ya Maro) speech in Bombay on August 8, 1942, at the launch of the Quit India movement, urging Indians to act as a free nation and refuse submission to British rule.
82. Which of the following constitutional provisions deals with the joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament?
Correct Answer: b) Article 108
Explanation:
Article 108 of the Constitution provides for a joint sitting of both houses of Parliament in cases where a bill passed by one House is rejected by the other, or amendments disagreed upon, or more than six months elapse without passage.
83. The 'Keoladeo National Park', a famous wetland and bird sanctuary, is located in which state?
Correct Answer: b) Rajasthan
Explanation:
Keoladeo National Park (formerly Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary) is located in Bharatpur, Rajasthan. It is a famous avifauna sanctuary that hosts thousands of birds, including migratory waterfowl, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
84. Which of the following was the capital of the Satavahana dynasty?
Correct Answer: b) Pratishthana (Paithan)
Explanation:
Pratishthana (modern Paithan in Maharashtra) was the capital of the Satavahana (Andhra) dynasty, which played a major role in Indian history following the decline of the Mauryan empire.
85. What is the primary focus of 'Inclusive Growth' in economic planning?
Correct Answer: b) Economic growth that creates employment opportunities and ensures broad-based benefits across all sections of society
Explanation:
Inclusive growth refers to economic growth that generates widespread benefits, creates equal opportunities for all segments of the population, and reduces poverty and socioeconomic disparities.
86. The 'Nagarhole National Park', also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, is located in which state?
Correct Answer: c) Karnataka
Explanation:
Nagarhole National Park is a wildlife sanctuary located in Kodagu and Mysuru districts in Karnataka, India. It is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and known for its tiger and elephant populations.
87. Who among the following founded the 'Home Rule League' in April 1916 at Belgaum?
Correct Answer: b) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
Explanation:
Bal Gangadhar Tilak founded the Indian Home Rule League in April 1916 at Belgaum, while Annie Besant launched her Home Rule League in September 1916 at Madras, both aiming for self-government within the British Empire.
88. Which of the following Articles of the Constitution vests the executive power of the Union in the President of India?
Correct Answer: b) Article 53
Explanation:
Article 53 of the Constitution states that the executive power of the Union shall be vested in the President and shall be exercised by him either directly or through officers subordinate to him in accordance with the Constitution.
89. The 'Great Indian Bustard', one of the heaviest flying birds, is critically endangered and found primarily in which arid/semi-arid region?
Correct Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation:
The Great Indian Bustard is critically endangered and historically found in dry grasslands and shrublands across Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, facing severe habitat loss.
90. Which of the following Gupta kings is credited with defeating the Hunas (Huns) who invaded India during the 5th century CE?
Correct Answer: c) Skandagupta
Explanation:
Skandagupta, the last of the great Gupta emperors, successfully repulsed the invasion of the fierce nomadic Hunas (White Huns) into India around 455 CE, as commemorated in the Junagadh rock inscription.
91. What does the term 'Crowding Out Effect' signify in economic theory?
Correct Answer: a) High government borrowing leading to a reduction in private investment due to rising interest rates
Explanation:
The crowding out effect occurs when massive government borrowing increases demand for loanable funds, driving up interest rates and subsequently reducing private sector investment spending.
92. The 'Bandhavgarh National Park', known for having a high density of tigers, is located in which state?
Correct Answer: b) Madhya Pradesh
Explanation:
Bandhavgarh National Park is located in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is renowned for its biodiversity and a high density of Royal Bengal tigers.
93. Who among the following led the 'Bardoli Satyagraha' in 1928 against the unjust enhancement of land revenue by the British administration?
Correct Answer: b) Vallabhbhai Patel
Explanation:
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel successfully led the Bardoli Satyagraha in Gujarat in 1928 against the 30% hike in land revenue, earning the title of 'Sardar' from the women of Bardoli.
94. Which of the following constitutional provisions ensures that the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha?
Correct Answer: b) Article 75(3)
Explanation:
Article 75(3) of the Constitution explicitly states that the Council of Ministers shall be collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha, which is the foundational principle of parliamentary democracy in India.
95. The 'Dachigam National Park', famous as the sole home of the endangered 'Hangul' (Kashmir stag), is located in:
Correct Answer: b) Jammu and Kashmir
Explanation:
Dachigam National Park is located 22 kilometers from Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir. It is famous as the primary natural habitat of the critically endangered Hangul, or Kashmir stag.
96. Which of the following traveller accounts provides a detailed description of the reign of Emperor Muhammad bin Tughlaq?
Correct Answer: b) Ibn Battuta's Rihla
Explanation:
Ibn Battuta, the Moroccan Muslim scholar and traveler, visited India during the rule of Muhammad bin Tughlaq. His travelogue, 'Rihla', provides valuable historical insights into Indian society and administration at that time.
97. What is meant by 'Base Effect' in the context of inflation measurement?
Correct Answer: a) The impact of past price levels on the calculation of current inflation rates
Explanation:
The base effect refers to the distortion in current inflation rates caused by unusually high or low price levels in the corresponding previous period (base period) against which comparison is made.
98. The 'Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary', the sole abode of the Asiatic Lion, is located in:
Correct Answer: b) Gujarat
Explanation:
Gir National Park is a forest, national park, and wildlife sanctuary situated in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, India, established to protect and conserve the endangered Asiatic lion.
99. Who among the following established the 'Tattvabodhini Sabha' in 1839 to propagate Ram Mohan Roy's ideas?
Correct Answer: a) Debendranath Tagore
Explanation:
Debendranath Tagore founded the Tattvabodhini Sabha in 1839 in Calcutta to promote systematic study of India's religion and propagate the reformist ideas of Raja Ram Mohan Roy.
100. Which of the following authorities decides whether a particular bill is a 'Money Bill' under the Indian Constitution?
Correct Answer: c) Speaker of the Lok Sabha
Explanation:
Under Article 110(3) of the Constitution, if any question arises whether a bill is a Money Bill or not, the decision of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha thereon is final.
101. The 'Valmiki National Park', the only national park in the state of Bihar, is continuous with which protected area in Nepal?
Correct Answer: a) Chitwan National Park
Explanation:
Valmiki National Park is located in the West Champaran district of Bihar, India, and forms the easternmost extension of the Terai region, contiguous with Nepal's Chitwan National Park.
102. Which of the following battles marked the real beginning of the Mughal Empire in India by defeating Ibrahim Lodi?
Correct Answer: a) First Battle of Panipat (1526)
Explanation:
The First Battle of Panipat was fought on April 21, 1526, between Babur and Ibrahim Lodi. Babur's victory resulted in the collapse of the Lodi dynasty and the establishment of the Mughal Empire in India.
103. What is the primary function of the 'Securities and Exchange Board of India' (SEBI)?
Correct Answer: a) To regulate and develop the securities market and protect investors' interests
Explanation:
SEBI is the statutory regulatory body established in 1992 under the SEBI Act, 1992, to protect the interests of investors in securities and to promote and regulate the securities market in India.
104. The 'Eravikulam National Park', known for the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, is located in which state?
Correct Answer: b) Kerala
Explanation:
Eravikulam National Park is located along the crest of the Western Ghats in the Idukki and Ernakulam districts of Kerala, famous for sheltering the endangered mountain goat known as Nilgiri Tahr.
105. Who among the following was the political guru of Mahatma Gandhi?
Correct Answer: c) Gopal Krishna Gokhale
Explanation:
Mahatma Gandhi regarded Gopal Krishna Gokhale as his political mentor and guru, guided by his emphasis on social reform, moderation, and public service in national politics.
106. Which of the following parliamentary committees is chaired by a member of the opposition party in the Lok Sabha?
Correct Answer: b) Public Accounts Committee
Explanation:
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) examines the appropriation accounts and audit reports of CAG. By convention established in 1967, the chairperson of the PAC is always appointed from amongst the members of the opposition in Lok Sabha.
