History – GK Questions

The 73rd Amendment (Panchayats) and 74th Amendment (Municipalities) in 1992 gave constitutional status to local self-government institutions, ensuring regular elections, reservations, and financial devolution. [[30]]

The Balwantrai Mehta Committee (1957) recommended the three-tier Panchayati Raj system (village, block, district levels) for democratic decentralization. Rajasthan was the first state to implement it in 1959. [[1]]

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is established under Article 315 of the Constitution. It conducts examinations for recruitment to All India Services and Central Services, ensuring merit-based selection. [[30]]

The CAG of India is appointed by the President under Article 148 of the Constitution. The CAG audits government accounts and ensures financial accountability, acting as the guardian of public purse. [[1]]

The Indian Civil Service (ICS), the elite administrative service under British rule, was replaced by the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) after independence. The IAS continues as the premier civil service of India. [[30]]

The Kumbh Mela, the world's largest religious gathering, was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2017, recognizing its cultural and spiritual significance. [[1]]

Tholu Bommalata, the shadow puppet theatre of Andhra Pradesh, is recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. It uses leather puppets to depict epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata. [[30]]

The Khajuraho temples (950-1050 CE), built by the Chandela dynasty, are renowned for intricate erotic sculptures symbolizing the celebration of life and spiritual union. They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. [[1]]

The Taj Mahal (1632-1653) in Agra was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and symbol of India's architectural heritage. [[30]]

The Ajanta Caves were among the first Indian sites inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1983, along with Ellora Caves, Taj Mahal, and others. They represent masterpieces of Buddhist rock-cut architecture. [[1]]

India's Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan), launched in 2013, successfully entered Mars orbit in 2014. ISRO became the first Asian space agency and the fourth globally to reach Mars, at a record-low cost. [[30]]

Sir C.V. Raman discovered the 'Raman Effect' (light scattering) in 1928, for which he won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930. February 28 is celebrated as National Science Day in India. [[1]]

India's first successful test of the Prithvi short-range ballistic missile was conducted on February 25, 1988. It marked a milestone in India's Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme under Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. [[30]]

Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha (1909-1966) founded India's nuclear program, establishing TIFR and BARC. He envisioned peaceful uses of atomic energy and laid foundations for India's strategic capabilities. [[1]]

India's first satellite 'Aryabhata' was launched on April 19, 1975, from the Soviet Union. It was named after the ancient Indian mathematician-astronomer and marked India's entry into space research. [[30]]

The Ranji Trophy, India's premier domestic first-class cricket championship, was named after Kumar Shri Ranjitsinhji (1872-1933), who played for England and pioneered Indian cricket internationally. [[1]]

Lala Amarnath scored India's first Test century (118) against England in 1933 at Gymkhana Ground, Bombay. He later captained India to its first Test series win against Pakistan in 1952. [[30]]

Abhinav Bindra won India's first individual Olympic gold medal in the 10m air rifle event at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. His achievement inspired a new generation of Indian athletes. [[1]]

Major Dhyan Chand (1905-1979) was a legendary hockey player who led India to three Olympic golds (1928, 1932, 1936). His birthday (August 29) is celebrated as National Sports Day in India. [[30]]

India won its first Olympic gold medal in hockey at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics, defeating Netherlands 3-0. This began India's dominance in Olympic hockey with six consecutive golds (1928-1956). [[1]]