GK Questions

Answer: Carbon Dioxide

CO₂ traps infrared radiation emitted by Earth's surface, preventing heat escape into space. While water vapor contributes most naturally, human activities have significantly increased CO₂ levels, accelerating global warming. [[IPCC Reports, NCERT Geography Class 11]]

Answer: False

Light travels fastest in vacuum (≈3×10⁸ m/s). In denser media like glass, light slows down due to refraction, with speed reducing to about 2×10⁸ m/s. This principle is fundamental in optics. [[NCERT Physics Class 12]]

Answer: Battle of Plassey

The Battle of Plassey (1757) is considered the foundation of British political power in India. Robert Clive's victory over Siraj ud-Daulah enabled the East India Company to gain control of Bengal's revenues. [[1]]

Answer: True

The Dandi March (Salt Satyagraha) began on March 12, 1930, with Gandhi walking 240 miles from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi. He broke the salt law on April 6, launching the Civil Disobedience Movement. [[1]]

Answer: True

The Right to Information Act was enacted in 2005, empowering citizens to seek information from public authorities. It promotes transparency, accountability, and participatory governance in democracy. [[1]]

Answer: 2018

Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana was launched in September 2018. It aims to provide health insurance coverage of ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. [[1]]

Answer: July 1, 2017

GST was implemented on July 1, 2017, subsuming multiple indirect taxes into a unified tax system. It was a major economic reform aimed at creating a common national market and improving tax compliance. [[1]]

Answer: True

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]]

Answer: 315

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]]

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: True

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]]

Answer: erotic sculpture

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]]

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: True

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]]

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: 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: 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: 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]]