History – GK Questions

Answer: C.V. Raman

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]]

Answer: 1988

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]]

Answer: True

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]]

Answer: 1975

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]]

Answer: True

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]]

Answer: Lala Amarnath

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]]

Answer: Abhinav Bindra

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]]

Answer: True

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]]

Answer: 1928

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]]

Answer: True

The Jnanpith Award, instituted in 1961, is India's highest literary honor for outstanding contribution to Indian literature in any scheduled language. It includes a cash prize and a citation. [[30]]

Answer: Indira Gandhi

Indira Gandhi became the first woman to receive the Bharat Ratna in 1971 for her leadership during the Bangladesh War. She later served as Prime Minister and remains a pivotal figure in Indian politics. [[1]]

Answer: 1954

The Bharat Ratna was instituted on January 2, 1954, to recognize exceptional service in any field. The first recipients were C. Rajagopalachari, S. Radhakrishnan, and C.V. Raman. [[30]]

Answer: True

Mother Teresa (1910-1997) received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her humanitarian work with the poor in Kolkata. She founded the Missionaries of Charity and became an Indian citizen. [[1]]

Answer: Amartya Sen

Amartya Sen won the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 1998 for his work on welfare economics, poverty, and famine. He is known for the capability approach and human development theory. [[30]]

Answer: True

The 86th Amendment (2002) made education a Fundamental Right (Article 21A). The Right to Education Act came into force on April 1, 2010, ensuring free and compulsory education for children aged 6-14. [[1]]

Answer: Thrice

National Emergency was proclaimed thrice: 1962 (China war), 1971 (Pakistan war), and 1975 (internal disturbance). The 44th Amendment (1978) made emergency provisions more stringent to prevent misuse. [[30]]

Answer: November 26, 1949

The Constitution of India was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949, and came into force on January 26, 1950. November 26 is celebrated as Constitution Day (Samvidhan Divas). [[1]]

Answer: True

The Poona Pact was signed on September 24, 1932, between Gandhi and Ambedkar. It ensured reserved seats for Depressed Classes within joint electorates, replacing separate electorates proposed in the Communal Award. [[30]]

Answer: 1942

The Indian National Army was first formed in 1942 under Mohan Singh with Japanese support. Subhash Chandra Bose reorganized it in 1943 as the Azad Hind Fauj to fight for India's independence. [[1]]

Answer: True

Judicial Review, the power to examine constitutionality of laws, is inherent in the Indian Constitution (Articles 13, 32, 226). It was reinforced by the Basic Structure Doctrine in Kesavananda Bharati case (1973). [[30]]