GK Questions

Answer: True

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]]

Answer: Tholu Bommalata

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]]

Answer: Ajanta Caves

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]]

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 42nd Amendment

The 42nd Amendment Act (1976) added 'Socialist', 'Secular', and 'Integrity' to the Preamble during the Emergency. These additions reflected the commitment to social justice and national unity. [[1]]

Answer: Federal structure

The Government of India Act 1935 provided the structural framework for India's federal system, including the division of powers between center and states, though the Constitution made it more flexible and democratic. [[30]]

Answer: Sivaraman Committee

The Sivaraman Committee (1979) recommended establishing NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) to coordinate rural credit. NABARD was set up in 1982. [[30]]

Answer: Indian industrialists

The Bombay Plan (1944) was drafted by leading Indian industrialists including J.R.D. Tata and G.D. Birla. It proposed state-led industrialization and planning, influencing post-independence economic policy. [[1]]

Answer: Simla Agreement

The Simla Agreement (1972) between India and Pakistan established the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, replacing the ceasefire line of 1949. It committed both nations to bilateral resolution of disputes. [[1]]

Answer: P.V. Narasimha Rao

The Look East Policy was initiated by PM P.V. Narasimha Rao in 1991 to strengthen economic and strategic ties with Southeast Asia. It was later upgraded to 'Act East Policy' under PM Narendra Modi. [[30]]

Answer: Non-Aligned Movement

India, under Nehru's leadership, was a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement (1961) to promote Afro-Asian solidarity and independence from Cold War blocs. The Bandung Conference (1955) laid its groundwork. [[30]]

Answer: Germany

After escaping India in 1941, Subhash Chandra Bose reached Germany via Afghanistan and the Soviet Union. He sought Axis support for India's independence before moving to Southeast Asia in 1943. [[1]]

Answer: Dinabandhu Mitra

Dinabandhu Mitra wrote 'Nil Darpan' (1860), a Bengali play exposing the exploitation of indigo farmers by European planters. It sparked public outrage and contributed to the Indigo Commission. [[1]]