1. Q1EasyIndian Polity

   Which Article of the Constitution abolishes untouchability?

   • aArticle 17
   • bArticle 14
   • cArticle 19
   • dArticle 21
   Show the answer

   Answer: a — Article 17

   Article 17 abolishes untouchability and forbids its practice in any form. Article 14 guarantees equality before the law, which is related but wider.

   Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

2. Q2MediumIndian Polity

   Equality before the law and equal protection of the laws is guaranteed by which Article?

   • aArticle 19
   • bArticle 21
   • cArticle 32
   • dArticle 14
   Show the answer

   Answer: d — Article 14

   Article 14 is the general guarantee of equality. Article 19 covers the six freedoms, Article 21 life and personal liberty, and Article 32 the right to move the Supreme Court.

   Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

3. Q3MediumIndian Polity

   Fundamental Duties were added to the Constitution by which amendment?

   • a44th Amendment
   • b52nd Amendment
   • c73rd Amendment
   • d42nd Amendment
   Show the answer

   Answer: d — 42nd Amendment

   The 42nd Amendment of 1976 inserted Part IVA with the Fundamental Duties, on the recommendation of the Swaran Singh Committee. The 44th Amendment later reversed several of its other changes.

   Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

4. Q4MediumIndian Polity

   The Right to Property was removed from the list of Fundamental Rights by which amendment?

   • a44th Amendment
   • b42nd Amendment
   • c24th Amendment
   • d86th Amendment
   Show the answer

   Answer: a — 44th Amendment

   The 44th Amendment of 1978 made property a legal right under Article 300A. That is why six fundamental rights remain today rather than the original seven.

   Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

5. Q5EasyIndian Polity

   Who is the constitutional head of the Union Executive of India?

   • aThe Prime Minister
   • bThe Chief Justice of India
   • cThe President
   • dThe Speaker of the Lok Sabha
   Show the answer

   Answer: c — The President

   The President is the constitutional head, while real executive power rests with the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister, which aids and advises the President.

   Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

6. Q6MediumIndian Polity

   The languages recognised by the Constitution are listed in which Schedule?

   • aSixth Schedule
   • bEighth Schedule
   • cNinth Schedule
   • dTenth Schedule
   Show the answer

   Answer: b — Eighth Schedule

   The Eighth Schedule lists the scheduled languages. The Sixth deals with tribal areas of the north-east and the Tenth with disqualification on the ground of defection.

   Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

7. Q7MediumIndian Polity

   The Directive Principles of State Policy in the Indian Constitution were borrowed from which country?

   • aUnited States
   • bCanada
   • cIreland
   • dAustralia
   Show the answer

   Answer: c — Ireland

   The Directive Principles came from the Irish Constitution. Fundamental Rights were inspired by the United States and the federal scheme with a strong centre by Canada.

   Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

8. Q8MediumIndian Polity

   Who administers the oath of office to the President of India?

   • aThe Chief Justice of India
   • bThe Vice President
   • cThe Prime Minister
   • dThe Speaker of the Lok Sabha
   Show the answer

   Answer: a — The Chief Justice of India

   The Chief Justice of India administers the oath, and in that officer's absence the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court available does so.

   Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

9. Q9MediumIndian Polity

   What is the minimum age required to be eligible for election as President of India?

   • a35 years
   • b30 years
   • c25 years
   • d40 years
   Show the answer

   Answer: a — 35 years

   A candidate must have completed 35 years and be qualified for election to the Lok Sabha. The minimum age for a Lok Sabha member is 25 and for a Rajya Sabha member 30.

   Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

10. Q10MediumModern History

    Who took the initiative in founding the Indian National Congress and became its first General Secretary?

    • aDadabhai Naoroji
    • bW. C. Bonnerjee
    • cA. O. Hume
    • dSurendranath Banerjee
    Show the answer

    Answer: c — A. O. Hume

    Hume, a retired civil servant, convened the first session in 1885 and served as General Secretary. W. C. Bonnerjee presided over that session, which is why the names are often swapped.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

11. Q11EasyModern History

    In which year did the Jallianwala Bagh massacre take place?

    • a1911
    • b1919
    • c1929
    • d1942
    Show the answer

    Answer: b — 1919

    The massacre at Amritsar took place on 13 April 1919, during protests against the Rowlatt Act. It pushed a generation of moderates towards the non-cooperation movement.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

12. Q12MediumModern History

    The Dandi March, which launched the Civil Disobedience Movement, began in which year?

    • a1930
    • b1920
    • c1935
    • d1942
    Show the answer

    Answer: a — 1930

    Gandhi began the march from Sabarmati on 12 March 1930 and broke the salt law at Dandi on 6 April. The Quit India Movement came later, in 1942.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

13. Q13MediumModern History

    The slogan Do or Die was given during which movement?

    • aNon-Cooperation Movement
    • bCivil Disobedience Movement
    • cSwadeshi Movement
    • dQuit India Movement
    Show the answer

    Answer: d — Quit India Movement

    Gandhi gave the call in his Bombay speech of August 1942 as the Quit India Movement began. Almost the entire Congress leadership was arrested within a day.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

14. Q14MediumModern History

    Who was the first Governor-General of independent India?

    • aC. Rajagopalachari
    • bLord Wavell
    • cDr Rajendra Prasad
    • dLord Mountbatten
    Show the answer

    Answer: d — Lord Mountbatten

    Lord Mountbatten continued as Governor-General after independence in 1947. C. Rajagopalachari succeeded him in 1948 and was the last to hold the office.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

15. Q15MediumModern History

    At which session did the Indian National Congress adopt the resolution of Purna Swaraj?

    • aSurat session
    • bLahore session
    • cNagpur session
    • dKarachi session
    Show the answer

    Answer: b — Lahore session

    The Lahore session of 1929, presided over by Jawaharlal Nehru, resolved on complete independence, and 26 January 1930 was observed as the first Independence Day.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

16. Q16EasyMedieval History

    Who founded the Mughal Empire in India?

    • aAkbar
    • bHumayun
    • cSher Shah Suri
    • dBabur
    Show the answer

    Answer: d — Babur

    Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi at the First Battle of Panipat in 1526 and founded the empire. Akbar, his grandson, later consolidated and expanded it.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

17. Q17MediumMedieval History

    The construction of the Qutub Minar in Delhi was begun by which ruler?

    • aIltutmish
    • bAlauddin Khilji
    • cQutb-ud-din Aibak
    • dFiroz Shah Tughlaq
    Show the answer

    Answer: c — Qutb-ud-din Aibak

    Qutb-ud-din Aibak began the construction of the Qutub Minar in Delhi. Iltutmish later completed and extended the monument.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

18. Q18EasyAncient History

    Which emperor embraced Buddhism after the Kalinga war?

    • aChandragupta Maurya
    • bBindusara
    • cHarshavardhana
    • dAshoka
    Show the answer

    Answer: d — Ashoka

    The bloodshed at Kalinga in about 261 BC turned Ashoka to Buddhism, and his edicts on rock and pillar spread its teaching across the subcontinent.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

19. Q19MediumAncient History

    The Harappan site of Mohenjo-daro stands on the bank of which river?

    • aIndus
    • bRavi
    • cSutlej
    • dGhaggar
    Show the answer

    Answer: a — Indus

    Mohenjo-daro lies on the Indus in present-day Pakistan. Harappa, the other great city of the civilisation, stands on the Ravi.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

20. Q20MediumAncient History

    Who is the author of the ancient treatise Arthashastra?

    • aKalidasa
    • bPanini
    • cKautilya
    • dBanabhatta
    Show the answer

    Answer: c — Kautilya

    Kautilya, also known as Chanakya, wrote this manual of statecraft and economics while adviser to Chandragupta Maurya. Kalidasa was a poet and dramatist of a later age.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

21. Q21EasyArt and Culture

    Bharatanatyam is the classical dance form of which state?

    • aKerala
    • bTamil Nadu
    • cOdisha
    • dAndhra Pradesh
    Show the answer

    Answer: b — Tamil Nadu

    Bharatanatyam belongs to Tamil Nadu. Kerala is home to Kathakali and Mohiniyattam, Odisha to Odissi and Andhra Pradesh to Kuchipudi.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

22. Q22MediumArt and Culture

    Madhubani painting is a folk art tradition of which state?

    • aOdisha
    • bBihar
    • cRajasthan
    • dGujarat
    Show the answer

    Answer: b — Bihar

    Madhubani, also called Mithila painting, comes from the Mithila region of Bihar and was traditionally painted on the walls of homes by the women of the household.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

23. Q23EasyArt and Culture

    Bihu is the harvest festival of which state?

    • aOdisha
    • bPunjab
    • cWest Bengal
    • dAssam
    Show the answer

    Answer: d — Assam

    Bihu is celebrated in Assam and marks the farming year in three parts. Punjab celebrates Baisakhi at a similar point in the season.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

24. Q24EasyArt and Culture

    Pandit Ravi Shankar was renowned for playing which instrument?

    • aSitar
    • bSarod
    • cShehnai
    • dSantoor
    Show the answer

    Answer: a — Sitar

    Ravi Shankar carried the sitar to audiences worldwide. The sarod is associated with Amjad Ali Khan and the shehnai with Bismillah Khan.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

25. Q25EasyArt and Culture

    The Konark Sun Temple, built in the form of a chariot, is located in which state?

    • aOdisha
    • bTamil Nadu
    • cGujarat
    • dMadhya Pradesh
    Show the answer

    Answer: a — Odisha

    The thirteenth-century temple stands at Konark in Odisha, designed as the sun god's chariot with carved stone wheels and horses.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

26. Q26MediumGeography of India

    Which is the longest river flowing entirely within India?

    • aGanga
    • bGodavari
    • cYamuna
    • dNarmada
    Show the answer

    Answer: b — Godavari

    The Godavari is the longest river lying wholly inside India, which is why it is called the Dakshina Ganga. The Ganga is longer overall but continues into Bangladesh.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

27. Q27HardGeography of India

    The Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats meet at which range of hills?

    • aAravalli Hills
    • bVindhya Hills
    • cNilgiri Hills
    • dSatpura Hills
    Show the answer

    Answer: c — Nilgiri Hills

    The two ranges converge at the Nilgiris in the south, where Doddabetta is the highest peak. The Aravallis lie far to the north-west and are among the oldest fold mountains.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

28. Q28EasyGeography of India

    Which Indian state has the longest coastline?

    • aTamil Nadu
    • bGujarat
    • cAndhra Pradesh
    • dMaharashtra
    Show the answer

    Answer: b — Gujarat

    Gujarat has the longest coastline of any state, helped by the deeply indented Gulfs of Kutch and Khambhat.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

29. Q29MediumGeography of India

    The Tropic of Cancer passes through which of the following Indian states?

    • aMadhya Pradesh
    • bBihar
    • cOdisha
    • dMaharashtra
    Show the answer

    Answer: a — Madhya Pradesh

    The Tropic of Cancer crosses Madhya Pradesh. It runs just north of Odisha and Maharashtra and south of most of Bihar, which is why those three are near misses.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

30. Q30EasyGeography of India

    Which is the largest Indian state by area?

    • aMadhya Pradesh
    • bMaharashtra
    • cRajasthan
    • dUttar Pradesh
    Show the answer

    Answer: c — Rajasthan

    Rajasthan is the largest by area and Madhya Pradesh second. Uttar Pradesh leads on population rather than on size.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

31. Q31EasyWorld Geography

    Which is the largest ocean on Earth?

    • aAtlantic Ocean
    • bIndian Ocean
    • cPacific Ocean
    • dArctic Ocean
    Show the answer

    Answer: c — Pacific Ocean

    The Pacific is the largest and deepest ocean, holding the Mariana Trench. The Arctic is the smallest and shallowest of the four.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

32. Q32EasyWorld Geography

    Which is the largest hot desert in the world?

    • aGobi
    • bKalahari
    • cThar
    • dSahara
    Show the answer

    Answer: d — Sahara

    The Sahara stretches across northern Africa. The Gobi is a cold desert in Asia and the Thar lies on the India and Pakistan border.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

33. Q33MediumIndian Economy

    NITI Aayog replaced which earlier body?

    • aFinance Commission
    • bPlanning Commission
    • cElection Commission
    • dUnion Public Service Commission
    Show the answer

    Answer: b — Planning Commission

    NITI Aayog replaced the Planning Commission in 2015 as a policy think tank. The Finance Commission is a constitutional body and continues separately.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

34. Q34MediumIndian Economy

    Which institution is the apex bank for agriculture and rural development in India?

    • aNABARD
    • bSIDBI
    • cEXIM Bank
    • dSEBI
    Show the answer

    Answer: a — NABARD

    NABARD refinances rural credit and supports rural infrastructure. SIDBI serves small industries and EXIM Bank finances foreign trade.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

35. Q35HardIndian Economy

    In which year was the Reserve Bank of India nationalised?

    • a1949
    • b1935
    • c1947
    • d1969
    Show the answer

    Answer: a — 1949

    The RBI began working in 1935 as a shareholders' bank and was nationalised in 1949. The year 1969 is remembered for the nationalisation of fourteen commercial banks.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

36. Q36MediumBanking and Finance

    In banking, what does CRR stand for?

    • aCredit Reserve Ratio
    • bCentral Reserve Rate
    • cCash Reserve Ratio
    • dCash Recovery Rate
    Show the answer

    Answer: c — Cash Reserve Ratio

    The Cash Reserve Ratio is the share of deposits a bank must keep with the RBI. Raising it withdraws money from the system and tightens credit.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

37. Q37MediumBanking and Finance

    Which body regulates the securities market in India?

    • aSEBI
    • bIRDAI
    • cTRAI
    • dPFRDA
    Show the answer

    Answer: a — SEBI

    SEBI regulates stock exchanges and protects investors. IRDAI oversees insurance, PFRDA pensions and TRAI telecommunications, so each regulator has its own sector.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

38. Q38EasySports

    How many players are there in a cricket team?

    • aNine
    • bEleven
    • cTwelve
    • dTen
    Show the answer

    Answer: b — Eleven

    A cricket team is made up of eleven players. A twelfth man may field as a substitute but may not bat, bowl or keep wicket.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

39. Q39EasySports

    The Santosh Trophy is contested in which sport?

    • aHockey
    • bCricket
    • cKabaddi
    • dFootball
    Show the answer

    Answer: d — Football

    The Santosh Trophy is the national football championship played between state teams. The Ranji Trophy is its cricket counterpart.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

40. Q40EasySports

    In which sport is a shuttlecock used?

    • aSquash
    • bTable tennis
    • cBadminton
    • dTennis
    Show the answer

    Answer: c — Badminton

    Badminton is played with a shuttlecock rather than a ball. Its feathered skirt drags heavily on the air, which is why it slows so sharply in flight.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

41. Q41MediumSports

    The term deuce is used in which sport?

    • aHockey
    • bCricket
    • cBoxing
    • dTennis
    Show the answer

    Answer: d — Tennis

    Deuce is called when the score reaches forty all in tennis. From there a player must win two points in a row to take the game.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

42. Q42EasyBooks and Authors

    Who wrote the book The Discovery of India?

    • aMahatma Gandhi
    • bJawaharlal Nehru
    • cSardar Patel
    • dDr B. R. Ambedkar
    Show the answer

    Answer: b — Jawaharlal Nehru

    Nehru wrote it during his imprisonment at Ahmednagar Fort between 1942 and 1946. Gandhi's own best-known book is his autobiography, The Story of My Experiments with Truth.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

43. Q43EasyBooks and Authors

    Who wrote the collection of poems titled Gitanjali?

    • aSarojini Naidu
    • bBankim Chandra Chatterjee
    • cMunshi Premchand
    • dRabindranath Tagore
    Show the answer

    Answer: d — Rabindranath Tagore

    Tagore's Gitanjali brought him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913, the first for an Indian. Bankim Chandra wrote Anandamath, which contains Vande Mataram.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

44. Q44EasyAwards and Honours

    Which is the highest civilian award of India?

    • aPadma Vibhushan
    • bPadma Bhushan
    • cParam Vir Chakra
    • dBharat Ratna
    Show the answer

    Answer: d — Bharat Ratna

    Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian honour, followed by Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. Param Vir Chakra is the highest gallantry award in wartime.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

45. Q45EasyImportant Institutions

    Where is the headquarters of the Reserve Bank of India?

    • aNew Delhi
    • bKolkata
    • cMumbai
    • dChennai
    Show the answer

    Answer: c — Mumbai

    The RBI has been headquartered in Mumbai since 1937, having begun in Kolkata. Its central office houses the Governor and the deputy governors.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

46. Q46HardImportant Institutions

    The International Court of Justice has its seat in which city?

    • aGeneva
    • bThe Hague
    • cNew York
    • dVienna
    Show the answer

    Answer: b — The Hague

    The court sits at the Peace Palace in The Hague, the only principal organ of the United Nations not based in New York.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

47. Q47EasyNational Symbols and Firsts

    Who was the first President of India?

    • aDr Rajendra Prasad
    • bDr S. Radhakrishnan
    • cDr Zakir Husain
    • dV. V. Giri
    Show the answer

    Answer: a — Dr Rajendra Prasad

    Dr Rajendra Prasad took office in 1950 and is the only President to have served two full terms. Dr S. Radhakrishnan was the second.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

48. Q48HardNational Symbols and Firsts

    Which animal is the national aquatic animal of India?

    • aBlue whale
    • bOlive ridley turtle
    • cGanges river dolphin
    • dGharial
    Show the answer

    Answer: c — Ganges river dolphin

    The Ganges river dolphin was declared the national aquatic animal in 2009 to draw attention to the health of the river system it depends on.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

49. Q49MediumImportant Days

    National Science Day is observed in India on which date?

    • a5 September
    • b28 February
    • c14 November
    • d12 January
    Show the answer

    Answer: b — 28 February

    It marks the announcement of the Raman effect by C. V. Raman in 1928, work that won him the Nobel Prize in Physics two years later.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

50. Q50EasyImportant Days

    World Environment Day is observed every year on which date?

    • a22 April
    • b16 September
    • c5 June
    • d21 March
    Show the answer

    Answer: c — 5 June

    The United Nations marks it on 5 June. Earth Day falls on 22 April and the day for preserving the ozone layer on 16 September.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

51. Q51MediumIndian Polity

    Which Article of the Constitution deals with the right to constitutional remedies?

    • aArticle 32
    • bArticle 21
    • cArticle 25
    • dArticle 44
    Show the answer

    Answer: a — Article 32

    Article 32 lets a citizen move the Supreme Court directly to enforce a fundamental right. Dr Ambedkar called it the heart and soul of the Constitution.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

52. Q52EasyIndian Polity

    Who is the presiding officer of the Rajya Sabha?

    • aThe President
    • bThe Speaker
    • cThe Leader of the House
    • dThe Vice President
    Show the answer

    Answer: d — The Vice President

    The Vice President is ex officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. The Lok Sabha instead elects a Speaker from among its own members.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

53. Q53HardIndian Polity

    Which Article of the Constitution deals with the right to freedom of religion?

    • aArticle 19
    • bArticle 21
    • cArticle 32
    • dArticle 25
    Show the answer

    Answer: d — Article 25

    Articles 25 to 28 cover freedom of religion. Article 19 holds the six freedoms such as speech and movement, and Article 21 protects life and personal liberty.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

54. Q54MediumIndian Polity

    The Preamble declares India to be which of the following?

    • aA sovereign socialist secular democratic republic
    • bA sovereign democratic constitutional monarchy
    • cA socialist federal parliamentary confederation
    • dA sovereign secular democratic commonwealth
    Show the answer

    Answer: a — A sovereign socialist secular democratic republic

    The words socialist and secular were added by the 42nd Amendment in 1976. The original Preamble read sovereign democratic republic.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

55. Q55EasyIndian Polity

    Which body conducts elections to Parliament and the state legislatures in India?

    • aThe Union Public Service Commission
    • bThe Finance Commission
    • cThe Election Commission of India
    • dThe Law Commission
    Show the answer

    Answer: c — The Election Commission of India

    The Election Commission is an independent constitutional body under Article 324. The UPSC conducts recruitment examinations, a quite separate function.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

56. Q56MediumIndian Polity

    Panchayati Raj was given constitutional status by which amendment?

    • a74th Amendment
    • b73rd Amendment
    • c42nd Amendment
    • d52nd Amendment
    Show the answer

    Answer: b — 73rd Amendment

    The 73rd Amendment of 1992 covered rural local bodies and the 74th covered urban ones, so the two are often confused with each other.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

57. Q57MediumIndian Polity

    Who has the power to grant pardon to a person sentenced to death?

    • aThe Prime Minister
    • bThe Chief Justice of India
    • cThe President
    • dThe Home Minister
    Show the answer

    Answer: c — The President

    Article 72 gives the President the power to pardon, reprieve or commute. A Governor has similar powers under Article 161 but cannot pardon a death sentence.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

58. Q58MediumIndian Polity

    A money bill can be introduced only in which House?

    • aLok Sabha
    • bRajya Sabha
    • cEither House
    • dA joint sitting
    Show the answer

    Answer: a — Lok Sabha

    A money bill starts in the Lok Sabha on the President's recommendation. The Rajya Sabha may only suggest changes and must return it within fourteen days.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

59. Q59MediumIndian Polity

    The Comptroller and Auditor General of India is appointed by whom?

    • aThe President
    • bThe Prime Minister
    • cParliament
    • dThe Supreme Court
    Show the answer

    Answer: a — The President

    The President appoints the CAG, who audits the accounts of the Union and the states and reports to Parliament, making the office a guardian of the public purse.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

60. Q60MediumModern History

    The Non-Cooperation Movement was launched in which year?

    • a1930
    • b1917
    • c1920
    • d1942
    Show the answer

    Answer: c — 1920

    Gandhi launched it in 1920 and withdrew it in 1922 after the violence at Chauri Chaura. The Civil Disobedience Movement followed in 1930.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

61. Q61EasyModern History

    Who is known as the Iron Man of India?

    • aBhagat Singh
    • bSardar Vallabhbhai Patel
    • cBal Gangadhar Tilak
    • dLala Lajpat Rai
    Show the answer

    Answer: b — Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

    Patel earned the title for integrating over five hundred princely states into the Indian Union as the first Home Minister.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

62. Q62MediumModern History

    Who gave the slogan Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it?

    • aBal Gangadhar Tilak
    • bGopal Krishna Gokhale
    • cSubhas Chandra Bose
    • dBipin Chandra Pal
    Show the answer

    Answer: a — Bal Gangadhar Tilak

    Tilak, one of the Lal Bal Pal trio, gave this call. Bose is remembered instead for Give me blood and I will give you freedom.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

63. Q63MediumModern History

    The Indian National Army was reorganised and led by which leader?

    • aBhagat Singh
    • bChandrashekhar Azad
    • cRash Behari Bose
    • dSubhas Chandra Bose
    Show the answer

    Answer: d — Subhas Chandra Bose

    Subhas Chandra Bose took charge of the INA in 1943 in South East Asia. Rash Behari Bose had founded it earlier and handed leadership to him.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

64. Q64MediumModern History

    The Revolt of 1857 began from which place?

    • aDelhi
    • bKanpur
    • cJhansi
    • dMeerut
    Show the answer

    Answer: d — Meerut

    The sepoys rose at Meerut on 10 May 1857 and marched on Delhi the next day to proclaim Bahadur Shah Zafar as emperor.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

65. Q65MediumMedieval History

    Who was the last ruler of the Lodi dynasty?

    • aSikandar Lodi
    • bIbrahim Lodi
    • cBahlul Lodi
    • dDaulat Khan Lodi
    Show the answer

    Answer: b — Ibrahim Lodi

    Ibrahim Lodi was defeated and killed by Babur at Panipat in 1526, which ended the Delhi Sultanate and began Mughal rule.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

66. Q66EasyMedieval History

    Which Mughal emperor built the Taj Mahal?

    • aAkbar
    • bAurangzeb
    • cJahangir
    • dShah Jahan
    Show the answer

    Answer: d — Shah Jahan

    Shah Jahan raised it at Agra as a mausoleum for Mumtaz Mahal. Akbar built Fatehpur Sikri, a different landmark of the same dynasty.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

67. Q67MediumAncient History

    The Gupta period is often described as which age of Indian history?

    • aThe Vedic Age
    • bThe Sangam Age
    • cThe Golden Age
    • dThe Mauryan Age
    Show the answer

    Answer: c — The Golden Age

    The Guptas presided over notable work in mathematics, astronomy and literature, from Aryabhata to Kalidasa, which earned the period that name.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

68. Q68EasyAncient History

    Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment at which place?

    • aSarnath
    • bLumbini
    • cKushinagar
    • dBodh Gaya
    Show the answer

    Answer: d — Bodh Gaya

    He attained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, was born at Lumbini, gave his first sermon at Sarnath and died at Kushinagar.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

69. Q69MediumArt and Culture

    Indian classical dance draws its theory from which ancient treatise?

    • aNatya Shastra
    • bArthashastra
    • cRajatarangini
    • dAshtadhyayi
    Show the answer

    Answer: a — Natya Shastra

    The Natya Shastra attributed to Bharata sets out the grammar of dance and drama. The Arthashastra is a manual of statecraft and the Ashtadhyayi a work of grammar.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

70. Q70EasyArt and Culture

    The festival of Onam is celebrated mainly in which state?

    • aTamil Nadu
    • bKarnataka
    • cKerala
    • dGoa
    Show the answer

    Answer: c — Kerala

    Onam is Kerala's harvest festival, marked by boat races and floral floor designs. Pongal is the corresponding harvest festival of Tamil Nadu.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

71. Q71MediumArt and Culture

    Pashmina shawls are traditionally produced in which region?

    • aRajasthan
    • bKashmir
    • cAssam
    • dKerala
    Show the answer

    Answer: b — Kashmir

    Pashmina comes from the fine undercoat of Himalayan goats and is woven in Kashmir, which is why the craft is concentrated there.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

72. Q72MediumArt and Culture

    The Ajanta caves are known chiefly for which art form?

    • aJain bronze casting
    • bBuddhist mural paintings
    • cMughal miniature painting
    • dChola stone sculpture
    Show the answer

    Answer: b — Buddhist mural paintings

    Ajanta in Maharashtra holds Buddhist paintings and sculpture. The nearby Ellora caves are notable instead for rock-cut architecture of three religions.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

73. Q73MediumArt and Culture

    Which musical instrument was Ustad Bismillah Khan renowned for?

    • aTabla
    • bSarangi
    • cVeena
    • dShehnai
    Show the answer

    Answer: d — Shehnai

    Bismillah Khan brought the shehnai from ceremonial use to the concert stage and received the Bharat Ratna for it.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

74. Q74HardGeography of India

    Which river is known as the Sorrow of Bihar?

    • aKosi
    • bSon
    • cGandak
    • dDamodar
    Show the answer

    Answer: a — Kosi

    The Kosi shifts its course and floods widely, which earned it the name. The Damodar was similarly called the Sorrow of Bengal before it was dammed.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

75. Q75EasyGeography of India

    Which is the southernmost point of mainland India?

    • aKanyakumari
    • bIndira Point
    • cRameswaram
    • dKochi
    Show the answer

    Answer: a — Kanyakumari

    Kanyakumari is the southern tip of the mainland. Indira Point in the Nicobar Islands is the southernmost point of Indian territory as a whole.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

76. Q76MediumGeography of India

    The Sundarbans delta is formed primarily by which major river system?

    • aGanga–Brahmaputra–Meghna
    • bIndus–Jhelum–Chenab
    • cGodavari–Krishna–Cauvery
    • dNarmada–Tapti–Mahi
    Show the answer

    Answer: a — Ganga–Brahmaputra–Meghna

    The Sundarbans is part of the vast delta formed by the Ganga, Brahmaputra and Meghna river system, spanning India and Bangladesh.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

77. Q77MediumGeography of India

    Which soil type is best suited to cotton cultivation in India?

    • aLaterite soil
    • bDesert soil
    • cBlack soil
    • dMountain soil
    Show the answer

    Answer: c — Black soil

    Black soil of the Deccan holds moisture well, which suits cotton and gives it the name black cotton soil. Alluvial soil instead suits rice and wheat.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

78. Q78EasyGeography of India

    The Palk Strait separates India from which country?

    • aMaldives
    • bSri Lanka
    • cMyanmar
    • dBangladesh
    Show the answer

    Answer: b — Sri Lanka

    The Palk Strait lies between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka, with the Gulf of Mannar to its south.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

79. Q79EasyWorld Geography

    Which river is traditionally regarded as the longest river in the world?

    • aNile
    • bAmazon
    • cYangtze
    • dMississippi
    Show the answer

    Answer: a — Nile

    The Nile is traditionally regarded as the world's longest river. Comparisons with the Amazon depend on how river sources and measurement methods are defined.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

80. Q80EasyWorld Geography

    Mount Everest lies on the border of Nepal and which country?

    • aIndia
    • bBhutan
    • cChina
    • dPakistan
    Show the answer

    Answer: c — China

    Everest sits on the Nepal and China border, in the Tibet Autonomous Region. K2 lies far to the west in the Karakoram range.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

81. Q81EasyWorld Geography

    Which line divides the Earth into the northern and southern hemispheres?

    • aThe Prime Meridian
    • bThe Tropic of Cancer
    • cThe International Date Line
    • dThe Equator
    Show the answer

    Answer: d — The Equator

    The Equator is the zero degree line of latitude. The Prime Meridian is the zero degree line of longitude and divides east from west.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

82. Q82EasyIndian Economy

    In India, the Union Budget is presented by which office holder?

    • aThe Prime Minister
    • bThe President
    • cThe Governor of the RBI
    • dThe Finance Minister
    Show the answer

    Answer: d — The Finance Minister

    The Finance Minister presents the annual financial statement to Parliament under Article 112, and it must be passed before the financial year begins.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

83. Q83EasyIndian Economy

    Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is best described as the market value of which of the following?

    • aIncome earned by a country's residents abroad
    • bValue of goods and services produced within a country in a year
    • cThe total money supply held by an economy
    • dThe value of exports minus the value of imports
    Show the answer

    Answer: b — Value of goods and services produced within a country in a year

    GDP measures the market value of final goods and services produced within a country's borders during a specified period, commonly a year or quarter.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

84. Q84MediumIndian Economy

    In which year were fourteen major commercial banks nationalised in India?

    • a1969
    • b1949
    • c1980
    • d1991
    Show the answer

    Answer: a — 1969

    Fourteen banks were nationalised in 1969 and six more in 1980. The year 1991 is remembered instead for economic liberalisation.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

85. Q85MediumBanking and Finance

    Which rate is the interest rate at which the RBI lends money to commercial banks?

    • aReverse repo rate
    • bRepo rate
    • cBank deposit rate
    • dBase rate
    Show the answer

    Answer: b — Repo rate

    The repo rate is the policy rate at which the Reserve Bank of India lends funds to eligible banks against eligible securities under the repo mechanism.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

86. Q86MediumBanking and Finance

    Which payment system is designed for high-value transfers settled individually and in real time?

    • aRTGS
    • bNEFT
    • cUPI
    • dIMPS
    Show the answer

    Answer: a — RTGS

    RTGS settles each instruction one by one as it arrives and carries a minimum transfer amount, which is why it is used for large payments.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

87. Q87EasySports

    The Wimbledon championship is played on which surface?

    • aClay
    • bHard court
    • cGrass
    • dSynthetic carpet
    Show the answer

    Answer: c — Grass

    Wimbledon is the only Grand Slam played on grass. The French Open is on clay, and the Australian and US Opens are on hard courts.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

88. Q88EasySports

    How many players are there in a field hockey team on the field during play?

    • aNine
    • bEleven
    • cSeven
    • dTwelve
    Show the answer

    Answer: b — Eleven

    A field hockey team has 11 players on the field during play, including the goalkeeper.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

89. Q89EasySports

    How many rings appear on the Olympic flag?

    • aFour
    • bSix
    • cSeven
    • dFive
    Show the answer

    Answer: d — Five

    The five interlocking rings stand for the five inhabited continents brought together by the Games.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

90. Q90EasySports

    The term googly is used in which sport?

    • aBadminton
    • bGolf
    • cCricket
    • dPolo
    Show the answer

    Answer: c — Cricket

    A googly is a leg spinner's delivery that turns the opposite way to the batter's expectation. Golf contributes terms such as birdie and bogey.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

91. Q91MediumBooks and Authors

    Who wrote the novel Godan?

    • aRabindranath Tagore
    • bSarat Chandra Chattopadhyay
    • cBankim Chandra Chatterjee
    • dMunshi Premchand
    Show the answer

    Answer: d — Munshi Premchand

    Premchand's Godan portrays the life of a peasant family and is regarded as a landmark of Hindi fiction.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

92. Q92EasyBooks and Authors

    The book Wings of Fire is the autobiography of which person?

    • aDr Homi Bhabha
    • bDr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
    • cDr Vikram Sarabhai
    • dDr C. V. Raman
    Show the answer

    Answer: b — Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

    Wings of Fire is the autobiography of Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, written with Arun Tiwari. It describes Kalam's life, education, scientific career and journey in India's space and defence programmes.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

93. Q93MediumAwards and Honours

    Which award is given to coaches for outstanding achievement in sports?

    • aArjuna Award
    • bKhel Ratna
    • cPadma Shri
    • dDronacharya Award
    Show the answer

    Answer: d — Dronacharya Award

    The Dronacharya Award honours coaches. The Arjuna Award goes to players and the Khel Ratna is the highest sporting honour for an athlete.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

94. Q94EasyAwards and Honours

    The Jnanpith Award is given for outstanding contribution to which field?

    • aCinema
    • bScience
    • cSocial service
    • dLiterature
    Show the answer

    Answer: d — Literature

    The Jnanpith is India's highest literary honour, given for writing in the languages listed in the Eighth Schedule. Cinema has the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

95. Q95EasyImportant Institutions

    Where is the headquarters of the United Nations located?

    • aGeneva
    • bParis
    • cNew York
    • dVienna
    Show the answer

    Answer: c — New York

    The United Nations has its headquarters in New York. UNESCO is based in Paris and the World Health Organization in Geneva.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

96. Q96EasyNational Symbols and Firsts

    Which is the national flower of India?

    • aRose
    • bLotus
    • cMarigold
    • dSunflower
    Show the answer

    Answer: b — Lotus

    The lotus is the national flower, the banyan the national tree, the mango the national fruit and the peacock the national bird.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

97. Q97EasyNational Symbols and Firsts

    Who was the first woman Prime Minister of India?

    • aIndira Gandhi
    • bSarojini Naidu
    • cVijaya Lakshmi Pandit
    • dSucheta Kripalani
    Show the answer

    Answer: a — Indira Gandhi

    Indira Gandhi became Prime Minister in 1966. Sucheta Kripalani had earlier been the first woman Chief Minister of an Indian state.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

98. Q98EasyNational Symbols and Firsts

    The national anthem of India was composed by whom?

    • aBankim Chandra Chatterjee
    • bMuhammad Iqbal
    • cRabindranath Tagore
    • dSarojini Naidu
    Show the answer

    Answer: c — Rabindranath Tagore

    Tagore wrote Jana Gana Mana, adopted as the national anthem in 1950. Bankim Chandra wrote Vande Mataram, the national song.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

99. Q99EasyImportant Days

    International Yoga Day is observed every year on which date?

    • a5 June
    • b21 June
    • c21 March
    • d11 July
    Show the answer

    Answer: b — 21 June

    The United Nations designated 21 June, the longest day in the northern hemisphere, as International Yoga Day from 2015.

    Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

100. Q100EasyImportant Days

     National Youth Day in India is observed on the birth anniversary of which person?

     • aMahatma Gandhi
     • bJawaharlal Nehru
     • cSwami Vivekananda
     • dSubhas Chandra Bose
     Show the answer

     Answer: c — Swami Vivekananda

     National Youth Day falls on 12 January, the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. Nehru's birthday on 14 November is observed as Children's Day.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

101. Q101HardIndian Polity

     Which Article empowers the President to declare a national emergency?

     • aArticle 352
     • bArticle 356
     • cArticle 360
     • dArticle 370
     Show the answer

     Answer: a — Article 352

     Article 352 covers a national emergency arising from war or armed rebellion. Article 356 deals with the failure of constitutional machinery in a state and Article 360 with a financial emergency.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

102. Q102EasyIndian Polity

     The Constitution of India came into force on which date?

     • a15 August 1947
     • b26 November 1949
     • c2 October 1950
     • d26 January 1950
     Show the answer

     Answer: d — 26 January 1950

     It was adopted on 26 November 1949 and came into force on 26 January 1950, a date chosen to echo the Purna Swaraj declaration of 1930.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

103. Q103EasyIndian Polity

     Who was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constitution?

     • aDr Rajendra Prasad
     • bJawaharlal Nehru
     • cSardar Patel
     • dDr B. R. Ambedkar
     Show the answer

     Answer: d — Dr B. R. Ambedkar

     Dr Ambedkar chaired the Drafting Committee, while Dr Rajendra Prasad presided over the Constituent Assembly itself.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

104. Q104HardIndian Polity

     The Right to Education was made a fundamental right by inserting which Article?

     • aArticle 21A
     • bArticle 45
     • cArticle 51A
     • dArticle 30
     Show the answer

     Answer: a — Article 21A

     The 86th Amendment inserted Article 21A. Article 45 is the related Directive Principle, 51A a fundamental duty of parents, and 30 the right of minorities to run institutions.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

105. Q105MediumIndian Polity

     What is the retirement age of a judge of the Supreme Court of India?

     • a62 years
     • b60 years
     • c65 years
     • d70 years
     Show the answer

     Answer: c — 65 years

     A Supreme Court judge retires at 65 under Article 124. A High Court judge retires at 62, which is the distinction most often tested.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

106. Q106MediumIndian Polity

     The Governor of a state is appointed by whom?

     • aThe Chief Minister
     • bThe President
     • cThe state legislature
     • dThe Chief Justice of India
     Show the answer

     Answer: b — The President

     The President appoints a Governor, who holds office during the President's pleasure. That is why a Governor is not elected by the state.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

107. Q107HardIndian Polity

     The idea of a Concurrent List in the Indian Constitution was taken from which country?

     • aCanada
     • bIreland
     • cAustralia
     • dJapan
     Show the answer

     Answer: c — Australia

     The Concurrent List came from Australia. Canada gave the model of a strong centre and Ireland the Directive Principles.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

108. Q108MediumIndian Polity

     Which schedule of the Constitution deals with anti-defection provisions?

     • aTenth Schedule
     • bEighth Schedule
     • cNinth Schedule
     • dSeventh Schedule
     Show the answer

     Answer: a — Tenth Schedule

     The Tenth Schedule, added in 1985, sets out disqualification on the ground of defection. The Seventh divides powers into three lists.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

109. Q109MediumIndian Polity

     A no-confidence motion against the Union Council of Ministers can be moved only in which House?

     • aLok Sabha
     • bRajya Sabha
     • cEither House
     • dA joint sitting of both Houses
     Show the answer

     Answer: a — Lok Sabha

     The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha alone, so only that House can remove it by a no-confidence motion.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

110. Q110MediumModern History

     Who founded the Arya Samaj?

     • aRaja Ram Mohan Roy
     • bSwami Vivekananda
     • cSwami Dayanand Saraswati
     • dIshwar Chandra Vidyasagar
     Show the answer

     Answer: c — Swami Dayanand Saraswati

     Dayanand Saraswati founded the Arya Samaj in 1875 with the call to return to the Vedas. Raja Ram Mohan Roy had earlier founded the Brahmo Samaj.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

111. Q111MediumModern History

     The partition of Bengal by Lord Curzon took place in which year?

     • a1911
     • b1905
     • c1919
     • d1885
     Show the answer

     Answer: b — 1905

     Curzon partitioned Bengal in 1905, which set off the Swadeshi movement. The partition was annulled in 1911 under sustained protest.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

112. Q112MediumModern History

     Who founded the Brahmo Sabha in 1828, the forerunner of the Brahmo Samaj?

     • aRaja Ram Mohan Roy
     • bDebendranath Tagore
     • cKeshab Chandra Sen
     • dAnnie Besant
     Show the answer

     Answer: a — Raja Ram Mohan Roy

     Raja Ram Mohan Roy founded the Sabha and campaigned against sati. Debendranath Tagore reorganised it as the Brahmo Samaj fifteen years later.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

113. Q113MediumModern History

     The Simon Commission was boycotted in India mainly for which reason?

     • aIt proposed immediate dominion status
     • bIt recommended abolishing provincial councils
     • cIt was headed by an Indian judge
     • dIt had no Indian member
     Show the answer

     Answer: d — It had no Indian member

     All seven members were British, so the commission was met with the cry Simon Go Back when it arrived in 1928.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

114. Q114MediumModern History

     Who was the first Indian to win a Nobel Prize?

     • aC. V. Raman
     • bMother Teresa
     • cHar Gobind Khorana
     • dRabindranath Tagore
     Show the answer

     Answer: d — Rabindranath Tagore

     Tagore won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913. C. V. Raman followed in Physics in 1930, the first Indian science laureate.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

115. Q115MediumModern History

     The Champaran Satyagraha of 1917 was concerned with the growers of which crop?

     • aCotton
     • bIndigo
     • cJute
     • dTea
     Show the answer

     Answer: b — Indigo

     Gandhi's first satyagraha in India took up the cause of indigo cultivators in Bihar who were forced to grow the crop on unfair terms.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

116. Q116HardMedieval History

     The Vijayanagara Empire was founded by which pair of brothers?

     • aBahlul and Sikandar
     • bKrishnadevaraya and Achyutadeva
     • cHasan and Husain
     • dHarihara and Bukka
     Show the answer

     Answer: d — Harihara and Bukka

     Harihara and Bukka founded the empire in 1336 on the Tungabhadra. Krishnadevaraya was its most celebrated later ruler, not a founder.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

117. Q117HardMedieval History

     Who introduced the market control policy in the Delhi Sultanate?

     • aBalban
     • bFiroz Shah Tughlaq
     • cAlauddin Khilji
     • dIltutmish
     Show the answer

     Answer: c — Alauddin Khilji

     Alauddin Khilji fixed prices of essential goods to maintain a large standing army cheaply, an early experiment in price control.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

118. Q118MediumAncient History

     The Rigveda is divided into books that are known by which name?

     • aPuranas
     • bSutras
     • cUpanishads
     • dMandalas
     Show the answer

     Answer: d — Mandalas

     The Rigveda has ten mandalas of hymns. The Upanishads are later philosophical texts and the Puranas later still.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

119. Q119MediumAncient History

     Which Chinese traveller visited India during the reign of Harshavardhana?

     • aHiuen Tsang
     • bFa-Hien
     • cI-Tsing
     • dSung Yun
     Show the answer

     Answer: a — Hiuen Tsang

     Hiuen Tsang visited during the reign of Harsha in the seventh century. Fa-Hien came earlier under the Guptas and I-Tsing later, so all four are Chinese travellers.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

120. Q120MediumAncient History

     The Great Bath, a notable structure of the Indus Valley Civilisation, was found at which site?

     • aHarappa
     • bLothal
     • cMohenjo-daro
     • dKalibangan
     Show the answer

     Answer: c — Mohenjo-daro

     The Great Bath was uncovered at Mohenjo-daro. Lothal is known instead for its dockyard and Kalibangan for its ploughed field.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

121. Q121EasyArt and Culture

     Kuchipudi takes its name from a village in which state?

     • aTelangana
     • bAndhra Pradesh
     • cKarnataka
     • dMaharashtra
     Show the answer

     Answer: b — Andhra Pradesh

     The village of Kuchipudi lies in the Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, and the dance form carries its name.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

122. Q122EasyArt and Culture

     The Khajuraho group of monuments is located in which state?

     • aRajasthan
     • bMadhya Pradesh
     • cGujarat
     • dUttar Pradesh
     Show the answer

     Answer: b — Madhya Pradesh

     The Chandela temples of Khajuraho stand in Madhya Pradesh and are famed for their sculpture. They are a World Heritage Site.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

123. Q123EasyArt and Culture

     Which religious gathering is held every twelve years at four different locations?

     • aPushkar Fair
     • bSonepur Mela
     • cSurajkund Mela
     • dKumbh Mela
     Show the answer

     Answer: d — Kumbh Mela

     The Kumbh Mela is traditionally associated with four pilgrimage sites in India: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik and Ujjain. The major Kumbh cycle is traditionally described as recurring at a given site after about twelve years, with other Kumbh observances occurring between major cycles.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

124. Q124HardArt and Culture

     The Hornbill Festival is celebrated in which state?

     • aNagaland
     • bMizoram
     • cSikkim
     • dTripura
     Show the answer

     Answer: a — Nagaland

     Nagaland holds the Hornbill Festival every December, bringing its tribes together, which is why it is called the festival of festivals.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

125. Q125MediumArt and Culture

     Which stringed instrument is Ustad Amjad Ali Khan known for?

     • aSarod
     • bSitar
     • cViolin
     • dVeena
     Show the answer

     Answer: a — Sarod

     Amjad Ali Khan is a sarod player. The sarod has a fretless fingerboard, which gives it a smoother glide between notes than a sitar.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

126. Q126HardGeography of India

     Which mountain pass connects Srinagar with Leh?

     • aNathu La
     • bZoji La
     • cBomdi La
     • dShipki La
     Show the answer

     Answer: b — Zoji La

     Zoji La carries the road from Srinagar towards Leh and closes in heavy winter snow. Nathu La lies in Sikkim on the border with Tibet.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

127. Q127EasyGeography of India

     The Darjeeling tea gardens lie in which state?

     • aAssam
     • bSikkim
     • cWest Bengal
     • dHimachal Pradesh
     Show the answer

     Answer: c — West Bengal

     Darjeeling is in West Bengal, and its high-altitude gardens give the tea its distinctive flavour. Assam grows far more tea, but in the plains.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

128. Q128MediumGeography of India

     The Deccan Plateau lies mainly between which two mountain ranges?

     • aThe Vindhyas and the Satpuras
     • bThe Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats
     • cThe Aravallis and the Vindhyas
     • dThe Satpuras and the Eastern Ghats
     Show the answer

     Answer: b — The Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats

     The plateau is bounded by the two Ghats and slopes gently eastwards, which is why most peninsular rivers drain into the Bay of Bengal.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

129. Q129HardGeography of India

     Which river flows through a rift valley and drains into the Arabian Sea?

     • aNarmada
     • bGodavari
     • cKrishna
     • dMahanadi
     Show the answer

     Answer: a — Narmada

     The Narmada runs west through a rift valley between the Vindhya and Satpura ranges, so it forms an estuary rather than a delta.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

130. Q130HardGeography of India

     Jog Falls, one of the best known waterfalls in India, lies on which river?

     • aKaveri
     • bKrishna
     • cSharavathi
     • dTungabhadra
     Show the answer

     Answer: c — Sharavathi

     Jog Falls is formed where the Sharavathi drops through the Western Ghats in Karnataka.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

131. Q131EasyWorld Geography

     Which is the smallest continent by land area?

     • aEurope
     • bAntarctica
     • cAustralia
     • dSouth America
     Show the answer

     Answer: c — Australia

     Australia is the smallest continent and the only one that is also a single country. Asia is the largest.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

132. Q132EasyWorld Geography

     The Suez Canal connects the Mediterranean Sea with which body of water?

     • aThe Black Sea
     • bThe Caspian Sea
     • cThe Arabian Sea
     • dThe Red Sea
     Show the answer

     Answer: d — The Red Sea

     The canal links the Mediterranean to the Red Sea, letting ships avoid the long route around Africa. The Panama Canal joins the Atlantic and Pacific.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

133. Q133MediumIndian Economy

     In economics, inflation refers to which of the following?

     • aA fall in the general price level
     • bA sustained rise in the general price level
     • cA slowing in the rate at which prices rise
     • dA rise in the price of imported goods only
     Show the answer

     Answer: b — A sustained rise in the general price level

     Inflation is a general and sustained rise in prices. A slowing of that rise is disinflation, and an actual fall is deflation.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

134. Q134HardIndian Economy

     The first Five Year Plan of India gave the highest priority to which sector?

     • aAgriculture and irrigation
     • bHeavy industry
     • cSmall-scale industry
     • dTransport and communications
     Show the answer

     Answer: a — Agriculture and irrigation

     The first plan of 1951 concentrated on agriculture and irrigation after the disruption of partition. The second turned to heavy industry.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

135. Q135MediumIndian Economy

     Which organisation publishes the Human Development Index?

     • aUnited Nations Development Programme
     • bWorld Trade Organization
     • cInternational Labour Organization
     • dWorld Bank
     Show the answer

     Answer: a — United Nations Development Programme

     The UNDP publishes the index, which combines life expectancy, education and income into one measure of development.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

136. Q136MediumBanking and Finance

     Which type of bank account normally has no restriction on the number of transactions and earns no interest?

     • aSavings account
     • bFixed deposit account
     • cCurrent account
     • dRecurring deposit account
     Show the answer

     Answer: c — Current account

     A current account suits businesses that transact frequently and pays no interest. A savings account pays interest but expects fewer withdrawals.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

137. Q137EasyBanking and Finance

     KYC procedures in banking primarily help verify which of the following?

     • aIdentity and address of the customer
     • bOnly the customer's income-tax return
     • cOnly the customer's employment history
     • dOnly the customer's credit score
     Show the answer

     Answer: a — Identity and address of the customer

     Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures are used by regulated entities to establish and verify customer identity and other required information, helping prevent misuse of the financial system.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

138. Q138EasySports

     How many players are there in a volleyball team on the court?

     • aFive
     • bSix
     • cSeven
     • dEleven
     Show the answer

     Answer: b — Six

     Volleyball is played six a side, with players rotating positions after winning back the serve. Basketball is played five a side.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

139. Q139EasySports

     The Olympic Games are held once in how many years?

     • aTwo
     • bThree
     • cFive
     • dFour
     Show the answer

     Answer: d — Four

     The Summer Olympics come every four years, an interval known as an Olympiad. The Winter Games follow the same cycle, offset by two years.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

140. Q140EasySports

     The term birdie belongs to which sport?

     • aCricket
     • bArchery
     • cGolf
     • dShooting
     Show the answer

     Answer: c — Golf

     In golf a birdie is a hole completed one stroke under par. An eagle is two under and a bogey one over.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

141. Q141HardSports

     The Beighton Cup is associated with which sport?

     • aCricket
     • bFootball
     • cChess
     • dHockey
     Show the answer

     Answer: d — Hockey

     The Beighton Cup, played in Kolkata, is one of the oldest hockey tournaments in the world.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

142. Q142MediumBooks and Authors

     Who wrote the play Abhijnanashakuntalam?

     • aBhasa
     • bKalidasa
     • cSudraka
     • dVishakhadatta
     Show the answer

     Answer: b — Kalidasa

     Kalidasa wrote this Sanskrit play about Shakuntala and King Dushyanta. Vishakhadatta wrote Mudrarakshasa, a political drama.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

143. Q143HardBooks and Authors

     The book Poverty and Un-British Rule in India was written by whom?

     • aGopal Krishna Gokhale
     • bR. C. Dutt
     • cM. G. Ranade
     • dDadabhai Naoroji
     Show the answer

     Answer: d — Dadabhai Naoroji

     Naoroji set out the drain of wealth theory in this book, arguing that British rule was steadily transferring India's wealth to Britain.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

144. Q144EasyAwards and Honours

     The Arjuna Award is given for excellence in which field?

     • aLiterature
     • bAgriculture
     • cJournalism
     • dSports
     Show the answer

     Answer: d — Sports

     The Arjuna Award recognises outstanding sportspersons, while the Dronacharya Award honours their coaches.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

145. Q145MediumImportant Institutions

     Where is the headquarters of the World Health Organization?

     • aNew York
     • bRome
     • cGeneva
     • dParis
     Show the answer

     Answer: c — Geneva

     The WHO is based in Geneva. The Food and Agriculture Organization is in Rome and UNESCO in Paris.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

146. Q146MediumImportant Institutions

     The Indian Space Research Organisation has its headquarters in which city?

     • aHyderabad
     • bBengaluru
     • cThiruvananthapuram
     • dChennai
     Show the answer

     Answer: b — Bengaluru

     ISRO is headquartered in Bengaluru, while launches take place from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

147. Q147EasyNational Symbols and Firsts

     Which is the national bird of India?

     • aPeacock
     • bParrot
     • cEagle
     • dSwan
     Show the answer

     Answer: a — Peacock

     The Indian peafowl was adopted as the national bird in 1963, chosen partly for its place in Indian tradition and its presence across the country.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

148. Q148EasyNational Symbols and Firsts

     Who was the first woman of Indian origin to travel into space?

     • aSunita Williams
     • bBachendri Pal
     • cKalpana Chawla
     • dRitu Karidhal
     Show the answer

     Answer: c — Kalpana Chawla

     Kalpana Chawla became the first woman of Indian origin to travel into space when she flew aboard Space Shuttle Columbia in 1997.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

149. Q149MediumNational Symbols and Firsts

     The national emblem of India is adapted from which monument?

     • aThe Iron Pillar at Delhi
     • bThe Lion Capital at Sarnath
     • cThe Great Stupa at Sanchi
     • dThe Sun Temple at Konark
     Show the answer

     Answer: b — The Lion Capital at Sarnath

     The emblem is adapted from the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath, with the motto Satyameva Jayate added below it from the Mundaka Upanishad.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

150. Q150EasyImportant Days

     International Women's Day is observed every year on which date?

     • a22 March
     • b21 June
     • c8 March
     • d5 June
     Show the answer

     Answer: c — 8 March

     International Women's Day falls on 8 March. World Water Day is on 22 March and World Environment Day on 5 June.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

151. Q151EasyIndian Polity

     Which House of Parliament is known as the Upper House?

     • aRajya Sabha
     • bLok Sabha
     • cLegislative Assembly
     • dLegislative Council
     Show the answer

     Answer: a — Rajya Sabha

     The Rajya Sabha is the Upper House and represents the states. The Lok Sabha is the Lower House and is directly elected by the people.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

152. Q152MediumIndian Polity

     What is the term of office of a member of the Rajya Sabha?

     • aFive years
     • bFour years
     • cThree years
     • dSix years
     Show the answer

     Answer: d — Six years

     A Rajya Sabha member serves six years, with a third of the House retiring every two years so it is never dissolved. The Lok Sabha runs for five years.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

153. Q153MediumIndian Polity

     Which writ is issued to produce a detained person before a court?

     • aMandamus
     • bQuo Warranto
     • cCertiorari
     • dHabeas Corpus
     Show the answer

     Answer: d — Habeas Corpus

     Habeas Corpus means have the body and tests the legality of a detention. Mandamus commands a public duty and Quo Warranto questions a person's claim to an office.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

154. Q154MediumIndian Polity

     The Speaker of the Lok Sabha is elected by whom?

     • aThe members of the Lok Sabha
     • bThe President
     • cThe Prime Minister
     • dBoth Houses jointly
     Show the answer

     Answer: a — The members of the Lok Sabha

     The Lok Sabha elects its own Speaker from among its members. The Speaker votes only to break a tie, which keeps the chair neutral.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

155. Q155MediumIndian Polity

     Fundamental Rights are contained in which Part of the Constitution?

     • aPart II
     • bPart IV
     • cPart III
     • dPart V
     Show the answer

     Answer: c — Part III

     Part III holds the Fundamental Rights and Part IV the Directive Principles, a pairing worth remembering together since they are often confused.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

156. Q156HardIndian Polity

     Who was the first Speaker of the Lok Sabha?

     • aM. Ananthasayanam Ayyangar
     • bG. V. Mavalankar
     • cSardar Hukam Singh
     • dN. Sanjiva Reddy
     Show the answer

     Answer: b — G. V. Mavalankar

     G. V. Mavalankar is called the Father of the Lok Sabha, having presided over the first House from 1952. Ayyangar succeeded him.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

157. Q157MediumIndian Polity

     The Seventh Schedule divides legislative powers into how many lists?

     • aTwo
     • bFour
     • cThree
     • dFive
     Show the answer

     Answer: c — Three

     The Union, State and Concurrent Lists divide legislative power. Any subject not named in them falls to Parliament as a residuary power.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

158. Q158HardIndian Polity

     Which Article of the Constitution provides for the Union Public Service Commission?

     • aArticle 315
     • bArticle 280
     • cArticle 324
     • dArticle 148
     Show the answer

     Answer: a — Article 315

     Article 315 establishes the UPSC and state commissions. Article 280 covers the Finance Commission, 324 the Election Commission and 148 the CAG.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

159. Q159MediumModern History

     Who founded the Servants of India Society?

     • aGopal Krishna Gokhale
     • bBal Gangadhar Tilak
     • cAnnie Besant
     • dLala Lajpat Rai
     Show the answer

     Answer: a — Gopal Krishna Gokhale

     Gokhale founded it in 1905 to train workers for public service. He was Gandhi's acknowledged political mentor.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

160. Q160EasyModern History

     The Quit India Movement was launched in which year?

     • a1930
     • b1920
     • c1942
     • d1935
     Show the answer

     Answer: c — 1942

     The Congress passed the Quit India resolution in Bombay in August 1942, and its leaders were arrested almost immediately afterwards.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

161. Q161MediumModern History

     Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan was popularly known by which name?

     • aDeshbandhu
     • bFrontier Gandhi
     • cLokmanya
     • dNetaji
     Show the answer

     Answer: b — Frontier Gandhi

     He led non-violent resistance among the Pathans through the Khudai Khidmatgar, which earned him the title Frontier Gandhi. Deshbandhu was C. R. Das.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

162. Q162MediumModern History

     The Rowlatt Act, which allowed detention without trial, was passed in which year?

     • a1919
     • b1909
     • c1935
     • d1929
     Show the answer

     Answer: a — 1919

     The Act of 1919 provoked nationwide protest, and the Jallianwala Bagh massacre followed within weeks of its passing.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

163. Q163MediumModern History

     Who founded the Ramakrishna Mission?

     • aSwami Dayanand Saraswati
     • bRaja Ram Mohan Roy
     • cKeshab Chandra Sen
     • dSwami Vivekananda
     Show the answer

     Answer: d — Swami Vivekananda

     Vivekananda founded the Mission in 1897 in memory of his teacher Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, with service to humanity as its guiding aim.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

164. Q164EasyMedieval History

     Which dynasty ruled the Delhi Sultanate immediately before the Khiljis?

     • aTughlaq dynasty
     • bSayyid dynasty
     • cLodi dynasty
     • dSlave dynasty
     Show the answer

     Answer: d — Slave dynasty

     The Slave or Mamluk dynasty ruled from 1206 until the Khiljis took over in 1290. The Tughlaqs, Sayyids and Lodis all came later.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

165. Q165MediumMedieval History

     The Second Battle of Panipat in 1556 was fought between Akbar's forces and whom?

     • aIbrahim Lodi
     • bHemu
     • cRana Sanga
     • dSher Shah Suri
     Show the answer

     Answer: b — Hemu

     Akbar's regent Bairam Khan defeated Hemu, securing Mughal rule. The first battle of 1526 was against Ibrahim Lodi and the third of 1761 against the Marathas.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

166. Q166MediumAncient History

     Ashoka was the grandson of which Mauryan ruler?

     • aBindusara
     • bBrihadratha
     • cDasharatha
     • dChandragupta Maurya
     Show the answer

     Answer: d — Chandragupta Maurya

     Chandragupta Maurya founded the dynasty, his son Bindusara succeeded him and Bindusara's son Ashoka followed, so Ashoka was the founder's grandson.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

167. Q167MediumAncient History

     Who was the twenty-fourth and last Tirthankara of Jainism?

     • aRishabhadeva
     • bParshvanatha
     • cMahavira
     • dGautama Buddha
     Show the answer

     Answer: c — Mahavira

     Mahavira was the twenty-fourth Tirthankara, Rishabhadeva the first and Parshvanatha the twenty-third. Buddha founded a separate faith of the same period.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

168. Q168MediumArt and Culture

     Sattriya is the classical dance form of which state?

     • aManipur
     • bOdisha
     • cKerala
     • dAssam
     Show the answer

     Answer: d — Assam

     Sattriya grew out of the monasteries of Assam founded by the saint Sankaradeva and was recognised as a classical form in 2000.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

169. Q169EasyArt and Culture

     Pongal is a harvest festival celebrated mainly in which state?

     • aTamil Nadu
     • bKerala
     • cKarnataka
     • dTelangana
     Show the answer

     Answer: a — Tamil Nadu

     Pongal marks the harvest in Tamil Nadu over four days in January. Kerala's harvest festival is Onam, celebrated at a different time of year.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

170. Q170MediumArt and Culture

     The Ellora caves, with rock-cut temples of three religions, are located in which state?

     • aMadhya Pradesh
     • bKarnataka
     • cMaharashtra
     • dGujarat
     Show the answer

     Answer: c — Maharashtra

     Ellora lies in Maharashtra and holds Buddhist, Hindu and Jain caves, including the Kailasa temple carved from a single rock.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

171. Q171MediumArt and Culture

     Zakir Hussain is celebrated as a master of which instrument?

     • aSitar
     • bTabla
     • cFlute
     • dSarod
     Show the answer

     Answer: b — Tabla

     Zakir Hussain is a tabla player who took the instrument onto international stages. Hariprasad Chaurasia is similarly associated with the flute.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

172. Q172MediumArt and Culture

     Warli paintings are traditionally made using which single colour on an earth-coloured ground?

     • aRed
     • bWhite
     • cYellow
     • dBlue
     Show the answer

     Answer: b — White

     Warli artists paint white rice-paste figures on a background of mud, building whole scenes from simple triangles and circles.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

173. Q173MediumGeography of India

     Chilika Lake, the largest coastal lagoon in India, lies in which state?

     • aAndhra Pradesh
     • bWest Bengal
     • cTamil Nadu
     • dOdisha
     Show the answer

     Answer: d — Odisha

     Chilika is a brackish lagoon on the Odisha coast and a major wintering ground for migratory birds.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

174. Q174HardGeography of India

     Which is the highest peak of the Western Ghats?

     • aAnamudi
     • bDoddabetta
     • cKalsubai
     • dMullayanagiri
     Show the answer

     Answer: a — Anamudi

     Anamudi in Kerala is the highest peak of the Western Ghats. Doddabetta tops the Nilgiris and Kalsubai the Sahyadris in Maharashtra.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

175. Q175MediumGeography of India

     The Aravalli range lies mainly in which state?

     • aRajasthan
     • bGujarat
     • cMadhya Pradesh
     • dHaryana
     Show the answer

     Answer: a — Rajasthan

     The Aravallis run north-east across Rajasthan and are among the oldest fold mountains in the world, now much worn down.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

176. Q176MediumGeography of India

     The Bhakra Nangal dam is built on which river?

     • aBeas
     • bSutlej
     • cRavi
     • dChenab
     Show the answer

     Answer: b — Sutlej

     Bhakra Nangal stands on the Sutlej and forms the Gobind Sagar reservoir, supplying irrigation and power to Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

177. Q177EasyGeography of India

     Which state is known as the Spice Garden of India?

     • aKarnataka
     • bTamil Nadu
     • cKerala
     • dAndhra Pradesh
     Show the answer

     Answer: c — Kerala

     Kerala has grown pepper, cardamom and cloves for centuries, and that trade drew European merchants to the Malabar coast.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

178. Q178MediumWorld Geography

     Which is the smallest ocean in the world?

     • aIndian Ocean
     • bArctic Ocean
     • cSouthern Ocean
     • dAtlantic Ocean
     Show the answer

     Answer: b — Arctic Ocean

     The Arctic is both the smallest and the shallowest ocean, and much of it stays covered by sea ice through the year.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

179. Q179EasyWorld Geography

     Which country is known as the Land of the Rising Sun?

     • aJapan
     • bChina
     • cNorway
     • dThailand
     Show the answer

     Answer: a — Japan

     Japan takes the name from its position east of the Asian mainland, and the name Nippon carries the same meaning.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

180. Q180MediumWorld Geography

     The Great Barrier Reef lies off the coast of which country?

     • aBrazil
     • bIndonesia
     • cAustralia
     • dMexico
     Show the answer

     Answer: c — Australia

     The reef runs along the north-east coast of Australia and is the largest coral reef system in the world.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

181. Q181HardIndian Economy

     In government finance, the fiscal deficit is best described as which of the following?

     • aThe excess of imports over exports of goods
     • bThe excess of revenue receipts over revenue spending
     • cThe gap between planned and actual national output
     • dTotal spending minus receipts other than borrowings
     Show the answer

     Answer: d — Total spending minus receipts other than borrowings

     Fiscal deficit is the excess of total government expenditure over total receipts excluding debt receipts/borrowings. It indicates the government's borrowing requirement for the period.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

182. Q182MediumIndian Economy

     Which bank was formerly known as the Imperial Bank of India?

     • aPunjab National Bank
     • bBank of Baroda
     • cReserve Bank of India
     • dState Bank of India
     Show the answer

     Answer: d — State Bank of India

     The Imperial Bank was renamed the State Bank of India in 1955 after nationalisation on the recommendation of a Reserve Bank committee.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

183. Q183MediumIndian Economy

     The Green Revolution in India was associated chiefly with which crop?

     • aCotton
     • bWheat
     • cSugarcane
     • dJute
     Show the answer

     Answer: b — Wheat

     High yielding wheat varieties, especially in Punjab and Haryana, drove the Green Revolution from the late 1960s. M. S. Swaminathan is closely associated with it.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

184. Q184MediumBanking and Finance

     What does an IFSC primarily identify in India's electronic banking system?

     • aA particular bank branch
     • bA type of debit card
     • cA customer's PAN number
     • dA stock-market index
     Show the answer

     Answer: a — A particular bank branch

     The Indian Financial System Code (IFSC) is an alphanumeric code used to identify a particular bank branch for electronic financial transactions in India.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

185. Q185MediumBanking and Finance

     A cheque that is presented after the period for which it stays valid is called which of the following?

     • aA bearer cheque
     • bA stale cheque
     • cA crossed cheque
     • dA post-dated cheque
     Show the answer

     Answer: b — A stale cheque

     A cheque becomes stale once its validity period has passed and a bank will not honour it. A post-dated cheque, by contrast, is dated for a future day.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

186. Q186EasySports

     The Ashes cricket series is contested between England and which country?

     • aAustralia
     • bSouth Africa
     • cNew Zealand
     • dWest Indies
     Show the answer

     Answer: a — Australia

     The Ashes has been played between England and Australia since 1882, and the urn is among the oldest trophies in the sport.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

187. Q187EasySports

     How many players of one side are on the court in a basketball match?

     • aSix
     • bSeven
     • cFive
     • dFour
     Show the answer

     Answer: c — Five

     Basketball is played five a side, with substitutions allowed freely. Volleyball, played on a similar sized court, uses six.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

188. Q188MediumSports

     The first modern Olympic Games were held in which country?

     • aFrance
     • bGreece
     • cEngland
     • dItaly
     Show the answer

     Answer: b — Greece

     The first modern Games were held at Athens in 1896, chosen for the link with the ancient Olympics. Pierre de Coubertin of France revived them.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

189. Q189HardBooks and Authors

     Who is traditionally credited with composing the Panchatantra?

     • aValmiki
     • bVed Vyasa
     • cTulsidas
     • dVishnu Sharma
     Show the answer

     Answer: d — Vishnu Sharma

     Vishnu Sharma is credited with the Panchatantra, a collection of animal fables meant to teach statecraft. Valmiki composed the Ramayana.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

190. Q190EasyBooks and Authors

     The book The Story of My Experiments with Truth is the autobiography of which person?

     • aJawaharlal Nehru
     • bDr B. R. Ambedkar
     • cMahatma Gandhi
     • dLal Bahadur Shastri
     Show the answer

     Answer: c — Mahatma Gandhi

     Gandhi wrote it in Gujarati in the 1920s, covering his life up to 1921. Nehru's comparable work is An Autobiography.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

191. Q191EasyAwards and Honours

     The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is given for contribution to which field?

     • aMusic
     • bTheatre
     • cPainting
     • dCinema
     Show the answer

     Answer: d — Cinema

     It is India's highest award in cinema, named after the maker of the first Indian feature film, Raja Harishchandra.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

192. Q192MediumAwards and Honours

     How many Nobel Prize categories are commonly counted today, including the prize in Economic Sciences?

     • aFive
     • bSix
     • cSeven
     • dFour
     Show the answer

     Answer: b — Six

     Six Nobel Prize categories/prizes are commonly counted today: Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature, Peace, and Economic Sciences. The Economic Sciences prize was established later by Sweden's central bank in memory of Alfred Nobel.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

193. Q193EasyImportant Institutions

     Where is the headquarters of UNESCO located?

     • aGeneva
     • bRome
     • cNew York
     • dParis
     Show the answer

     Answer: d — Paris

     UNESCO is based in Paris. The WHO is in Geneva, the FAO in Rome and the United Nations itself in New York.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

194. Q194EasyNational Symbols and Firsts

     Which is the national tree of India?

     • aNeem
     • bPeepal
     • cMango
     • dBanyan
     Show the answer

     Answer: d — Banyan

     The banyan is the national tree, chosen for its long life and spreading roots. The mango is the national fruit and the lotus the national flower.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

195. Q195MediumNational Symbols and Firsts

     Who was the first Indian to travel into space?

     • aKalpana Chawla
     • bSunita Williams
     • cRakesh Sharma
     • dRavish Malhotra
     Show the answer

     Answer: c — Rakesh Sharma

     Rakesh Sharma flew aboard a Soviet mission in 1984. Asked how India looked from orbit, he replied with the line Saare Jahan Se Achha.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

196. Q196EasyNational Symbols and Firsts

     Who was the first woman President of India?

     • aIndira Gandhi
     • bPratibha Patil
     • cSarojini Naidu
     • dMeira Kumar
     Show the answer

     Answer: b — Pratibha Patil

     Pratibha Patil took office in 2007. Meira Kumar was instead the first woman Speaker of the Lok Sabha.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

197. Q197EasyNational Symbols and Firsts

     Which composition is the national song of India?

     • aVande Mataram
     • bJana Gana Mana
     • cSare Jahan Se Achha
     • dAe Mere Watan Ke Logon
     Show the answer

     Answer: a — Vande Mataram

     Vande Mataram, from Bankim Chandra's novel Anandamath, is the national song. Jana Gana Mana by Tagore is the national anthem.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

198. Q198EasyImportant Days

     Teachers' Day in India marks the birth anniversary of which person?

     • aJawaharlal Nehru
     • bDr Rajendra Prasad
     • cDr S. Radhakrishnan
     • dDr B. R. Ambedkar
     Show the answer

     Answer: c — Dr S. Radhakrishnan

     Teachers' Day falls on 5 September, the birth anniversary of the philosopher and second President Dr S. Radhakrishnan.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

199. Q199MediumImportant Days

     National Sports Day is observed in India on the birth anniversary of which sportsperson?

     • aMilkha Singh
     • bMajor Dhyan Chand
     • cKapil Dev
     • dSunil Gavaskar
     Show the answer

     Answer: b — Major Dhyan Chand

     National Sports Day falls on 29 August, the birth anniversary of the hockey player Major Dhyan Chand.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

200. Q200MediumImportant Days

     World Water Day is observed every year on which date?

     • a5 June
     • b21 June
     • c22 March
     • d8 March
     Show the answer

     Answer: c — 22 March

     The United Nations marks World Water Day on 22 March. International Women's Day falls on 8 March and World Environment Day on 5 June.

     Source: Static GK — competitive exam topic

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