Hard Level – GK Questions

RBI MPC cut the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.25% in February 2025, the first reduction since May 2020, amid easing inflation.

Despite a decline in the number of fraud cases, the amount involved in these frauds has paradoxically increased for both public and private sector banks. This trend suggests fraudsters are executing larger-value scams, making detection and prevention more critical.

The deficit increased six-fold compared to the previous fiscal year, highlighting a sharp deterioration in India's external account position. This magnitude of increase raised government concerns about sustained dollar outflows from the economy.

The police constable stated the letter was sent 'last year', and since the disclosure was made in May 2026, the letter dates to 2025. Tracking timelines of criminal communications is crucial for investigators building cases against organised crime networks.

The Guatemalan President specifically addressed reports concerning anti-drug trafficking strikes. Central America serves as a major transit corridor for narcotics heading to the United States, making counter-drug cooperation a recurring diplomatic issue between regional governments and Washington.

UNESCO recognition (World Heritage, Intangible Heritage, Creative Cities) enhances global visibility, attracts conservation expertise/funding, and boosts responsible tourism. Crucially, it emphasizes community participation and safeguarding living traditions, not just monuments.

Sattriya dance originated in 15th-century Vaishnavite monasteries (sattras) of Assam, founded by Srimanta Sankardev. Combines dance, music, and drama for devotional worship. Recognized as eighth classical dance by Sangeet Natak Akademi in 2000.

Pashmina shawls are handwoven in Kashmir using Changthangi goat wool. Bidriware originates in Bidar (Karnataka), Chikankari in Lucknow (UP), Bandhani in Gujarat/Rajasthan. GI tags protect regional authenticity.

Rajatarangini ('River of Kings') by Kalhana (1148-1150 CE) is a metrical history of Kashmir. Combines critical source evaluation with literary artistry, making it a unique example of historical writing in Sanskrit tradition.

Pataka is a fundamental hasta (hand gesture) codified in Natya Shastra. Used across classical dances for multiple meanings: clouds, forest, denial, or dance commencement. Demonstrates shared vocabulary of Indian classical arts.

Kabir Das (15th century) composed dohas (couplets) in Awadhi/Braj Bhasha. His pithy verses on unity, devotion, and social critique remain influential in Bhakti literature and popular wisdom traditions.

Mandala (Sanskrit: circle) is a geometric symbol of the universe in Hinduism and Buddhism. Used in rituals, meditation, and temple architecture, it guides practitioners from outer forms to inner enlightenment.

Brahmagupta (7th century CE) formalized zero as a number and established rules for arithmetic operations with zero and negatives in 'Brahmasphutasiddhanta'. His work influenced Islamic and European mathematics.

Theyyam is North Kerala's ritual art where performers become deities through vibrant costumes, face painting, and trance. Rooted in ancestor worship and folk Hinduism, it preserves pre-Brahminical traditions and community justice.

Vande Mataram, from Anandamath, was first sung at 1896 Congress session. Though controversial for its Hindu imagery, it became a powerful nationalist symbol. First two verses are India's national song (adopted 1950).

Bidriware (Bidar) uses zinc-copper alloy blackened with ammonium chloride, with silver inlay. Dokra uses lost-wax casting with brass/bronze. Both are GI-tagged crafts representing distinct regional metallurgical traditions.

Champu is a mixed genre alternating verse (kavya) and prose (gadya), used for epics like Bana's Kadambari. Allows narrative flexibility and aesthetic variety, distinct from pure poetry (kavya) or drama (nataka).

Raga Chikitsa (music therapy) links ragas to times, seasons, and healing: Bhairav for morning calm, Malkauns for anxiety relief. Ancient texts like Sangita Ratnakara document ragas' physiological and psychological effects.

Mandapa is common to both styles for rituals and gatherings. Gopuram (ornate gateway tower) is characteristic of Dravida temples (South India), while Nagara temples (North India) emphasize curvilinear shikhara over sanctum.

Akka Mahadevi (12th century) was a Lingayat saint who composed over 400 Vachanas in Kannada. She rejected social norms, wore no clothes (symbolizing renunciation), and sought union with Shiva as Chennamallikarjuna.