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220 questions · page 5 of 8
- Science & Tech27 Apr 2026
The Western Ghats — endemic habitat of the Nilgiri Tahr — was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in which year, with how many component sites?
- A.2008 with 25 components
- B.2010 with 30 components
- C.2012 with 39 components
- D.2015 with 50 components
Show solution
Answer: C. 2012 with 39 components
The Western Ghats were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012 with 39 component sites distributed across the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Goa. The Western Ghats are one of the world's 8 'hottest hotspots' of biological diversity (Norman Myers' classification), older than the Himalayas, and run for ~1,600 km along India's western coast.
Read source story → - Polity & Governance27 Apr 2026
India's primary anti-drug legislation — under which the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) was constituted — is:
- A.Indian Penal Code, 1860
- B.Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985
- C.Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002
- D.Disaster Management Act, 2005
Show solution
Answer: B. Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985
The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985 is India's primary anti-drug legislation. It prohibits production, manufacture, sale, transport, possession of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances except for medical or scientific purposes. The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), established in 1986 under Ministry of Home Affairs, is the apex enforcement agency. PIT-NDPS Act 1988 is a complementary preventive-detention law.
Read source story → - Polity & Governance27 Apr 2026
In the landmark Kihoto Hollohan v. Zachillhu (1992) case, the Supreme Court held that:
- A.The Tenth Schedule is unconstitutional
- B.The Speaker's decision under the Tenth Schedule is final and not subject to judicial review
- C.The Tenth Schedule is constitutional, but the Speaker's decision is subject to judicial review
- D.Only the Election Commission can decide disqualification
Show solution
Answer: C. The Tenth Schedule is constitutional, but the Speaker's decision is subject to judicial review
In Kihoto Hollohan v. Zachillhu (1992), a Constitution Bench upheld the constitutional validity of the Tenth Schedule but STRUCK DOWN Paragraph 7 (which had attempted to bar judicial review). The Court held that the Speaker's decision under the Tenth Schedule IS SUBJECT TO JUDICIAL REVIEW — though only on limited grounds (mala fides, perversity, violation of constitutional mandates, and natural-justice violations). The Court also held that while deciding on disqualification, the Speaker acts as a TRIBUNAL.
Read source story → - Science & Tech27 Apr 2026
Which peak — located within Eravikulam National Park — is the highest peak in southern India (south of the Himalayas)?
- A.Doddabetta
- B.Mullayanagiri
- C.Anamudi
- D.Kalsubai
Show solution
Answer: C. Anamudi
Anamudi (2,695 metres) is the highest peak in southern India (south of the Himalayas), located in Eravikulam National Park in Idukki district of Kerala. The name means 'elephant forehead' in Malayalam. Doddabetta (~2,637 m) is the highest peak in the Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu. Mullayanagiri (~1,930 m) is in Karnataka. Kalsubai (~1,646 m) is in Maharashtra.
Read source story → - Polity & Governance27 Apr 2026
Under the 'merger' provision of the Tenth Schedule, what proportion of members of the legislature party must agree for the merger to be valid (and thus avoid disqualification)?
- A.More than half (1/2)
- B.At least one-third (1/3)
- C.At least two-thirds (2/3)
- D.All members (unanimity)
Show solution
Answer: C. At least two-thirds (2/3)
Under the Tenth Schedule's merger exception, disqualification does not apply if a member's ORIGINAL POLITICAL PARTY merges with another party AND at least TWO-THIRDS (2/3) of the members of the LEGISLATURE PARTY agree to such merger. The earlier 'split' provision (since omitted by the 91st Amendment 2003) had allowed one-third (1/3) of members to defect — so be careful not to confuse the two.
Read source story → - Polity & Governance27 Apr 2026
The 91st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003 made which key change to the Anti-Defection Law?
- A.Added the law for the first time
- B.Omitted the 'split' provision and retained only the 'merger' provision
- C.Removed the Speaker as the deciding authority
- D.Made disqualification petitions non-justiciable
Show solution
Answer: B. Omitted the 'split' provision and retained only the 'merger' provision
The 91st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003 OMITTED the 'split' provision (which had earlier allowed one-third of legislature party members to defect without disqualification) and retained only the 'MERGER' provision (which requires at least two-thirds of legislature party members to agree to a merger). It also limited the size of Council of Ministers to 15% of Lower House strength and added Articles 75(1B), 164(1B), and 361B. The Speaker remains the deciding authority (with judicial review). The law was originally added by the 52nd Amendment 1985, not 2003.
Read source story → - Polity & Governance27 Apr 2026
Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) was originally launched on which date in how many districts?
- A.15 August 2020 in 272 most-affected districts
- B.26 January 2018 in all states
- C.2 October 2019 in 100 districts
- D.15 August 2022 in 500 districts
Show solution
Answer: A. 15 August 2020 in 272 most-affected districts
NMBA was launched on 15 August 2020 (Independence Day) in 272 most-affected districts; it was subsequently expanded to all states. NMBA is India's flagship anti-drug-abuse mission under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, implemented under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR).
Read source story → - Science & Tech27 Apr 2026
The largest population of Nilgiri Tahr is found in which national park?
- A.Periyar National Park
- B.Eravikulam National Park
- C.Bandipur National Park
- D.Mudumalai National Park
Show solution
Answer: B. Eravikulam National Park
Eravikulam National Park in Idukki district of Kerala (established 1978, ~97 sq km) hosts the largest population of Nilgiri Tahr. The park is located in the Anamalai-High Range region of the Western Ghats and contains Anamudi peak (2,695 m — highest peak south of the Himalayas). Other significant Nilgiri Tahr populations are in the Nilgiris and Anamalai hills.
Read source story → - Polity & Governance27 Apr 2026
Which of the following Articles of the Constitution were ADDED by the 91st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003 in connection with the Anti-Defection Law?
- A.Articles 102(2) and 191(2)
- B.Articles 75(1B), 164(1B), and 361B
- C.Articles 80 and 81
- D.Articles 105 and 194
Show solution
Answer: B. Articles 75(1B), 164(1B), and 361B
The 91st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003 ADDED Articles 75(1B), 164(1B), and 361B. Article 75(1B) provides that a member disqualified under the Tenth Schedule cannot be appointed a Union Minister; Article 164(1B) provides the same for State Ministers; Article 361B provides that such disqualified members cannot hold any remunerative political post. Articles 102(2) and 191(2) provide for disqualification of MPs and MLAs respectively under the Tenth Schedule but were added by the 52nd Amendment 1985 (along with the Tenth Schedule itself).
Read source story → - Economy & Banking27 Apr 2026
The term 'Orange Economy' — referring to an economic model powered by creativity, cultural expression, and intellectual property — was popularised in which country and continent?
- A.South Korea, Asia
- B.Colombia, Latin America
- C.France, Europe
- D.Australia, Oceania
Show solution
Answer: B. Colombia, Latin America
The term 'Orange Economy' was popularised in COLOMBIA (LATIN AMERICA) — Felipe Buitrago Restrepo and Iván Duque Márquez (later President of Colombia) authored the influential 2013 book 'The Orange Economy: An Infinite Opportunity'. The colour orange symbolises creativity. The Orange Economy spans design, film, animation, VFX, gaming, fashion, digital media, and immersive storytelling.
Read source story → - Polity & Governance27 Apr 2026
In Kihoto Hollohan v. Zachillhu (1992), the Supreme Court of India struck down which Paragraph of the Tenth Schedule on the ground that it attempted to bar judicial review?
- A.Paragraph 1
- B.Paragraph 4
- C.Paragraph 7
- D.Paragraph 10
Show solution
Answer: C. Paragraph 7
In Kihoto Hollohan v. Zachillhu (1992), the Supreme Court struck down PARAGRAPH 7 of the Tenth Schedule, which had attempted to bar judicial review of the Speaker's decisions on disqualification. The Court held that this paragraph was unconstitutional because it offended the Court's powers under Articles 136, 226, and 227. The rest of the Tenth Schedule was held constitutionally valid. The Court also ruled that while deciding on disqualification, the Speaker acts as a tribunal.
Read source story → - Polity & Governance27 Apr 2026
The Anti-Defection Law is contained in which Schedule of the Constitution of India, and was added by which Constitutional Amendment Act?
- A.Eighth Schedule, by the 42nd Amendment Act 1976
- B.Tenth Schedule, by the 52nd Amendment Act 1985
- C.Tenth Schedule, by the 91st Amendment Act 2003
- D.Eleventh Schedule, by the 73rd Amendment Act 1992
Show solution
Answer: B. Tenth Schedule, by the 52nd Amendment Act 1985
The Anti-Defection Law is contained in the TENTH SCHEDULE of the Constitution, added by the 52ND CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT ACT, 1985 under PM Rajiv Gandhi's government. It was further strengthened by the 91st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003 which omitted the 'split' provision and retained only the 'merger' provision. The 73rd Amendment 1992 added the Eleventh Schedule (Panchayati Raj). The 42nd Amendment 1976 made many changes but did NOT add the Anti-Defection Law.
Read source story → - International26 Apr 2026
The Kothari Commission (1964-66) — chaired by Daulat Singh Kothari — recommended what level of public expenditure on education as a percentage of GDP for India?
- A.3% of GDP
- B.5% of GDP
- C.6% of GDP
- D.10% of GDP
Show solution
Answer: C. 6% of GDP
The Kothari Commission recommended public expenditure on education of 6% of GDP — a target India has not yet met (currently around 3% of GDP). The Commission was chaired by Daulat Singh Kothari, who was the Chairman of UGC at the time. The 6% target has been reaffirmed by subsequent education policies including NEP 2020.
Read source story → - International26 Apr 2026
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 — India's comprehensive higher-education policy — targets what Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education by what year?
- A.50% by 2030
- B.50% by 2035
- C.75% by 2040
- D.100% by 2050
Show solution
Answer: B. 50% by 2035
NEP 2020 targets 50% Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education by 2035. NEP 2020 was approved by the Union Cabinet on 29 July 2020 and is the third major NEP after NEP 1968 and NEP 1986 (modified 1992). It was drafted by the K. Kasturirangan Committee. Other key provisions include 4-year UG with multiple entry/exit, Academic Bank of Credits, multidisciplinarity, and Common University Entrance Test (CUET).
Read source story → - International26 Apr 2026
The University Grants Commission (UGC) — India's apex regulator for non-technical higher education — was established under which Act?
- A.UGC Act, 1956
- B.AICTE Act, 1987
- C.Right to Education Act, 2009
- D.National Education Policy, 2020
Show solution
Answer: A. UGC Act, 1956
The UGC was established under the University Grants Commission Act, 1956. UGC is a statutory body under the Ministry of Education with headquarters in New Delhi. It is the apex regulator for non-technical higher education in India. AICTE Act 1987 gave statutory status to AICTE (technical education regulator). NEP 2020 is a policy, not the establishing law for UGC.
Read source story → - Science & Tech26 Apr 2026
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), established under the Disaster Management Act 2005, is chaired by:
- A.The Home Minister
- B.The Prime Minister
- C.The President
- D.The Cabinet Secretary
Show solution
Answer: B. The Prime Minister
The NDMA is chaired by the PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA, with up to 9 members. It is the apex body for disaster management in India under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) — including APSDMA — are chaired by respective Chief Ministers; District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) are chaired by District Magistrates/Collectors.
Read source story → - Polity & Governance26 Apr 2026
The recommendation that ultimately led to constitutional status being granted to Panchayati Raj Institutions through the 73rd Amendment came from:
- A.Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957)
- B.Ashok Mehta Committee (1977)
- C.L.M. Singhvi Committee (1986)
- D.GVK Rao Committee (1985)
Show solution
Answer: C. L.M. Singhvi Committee (1986)
The L.M. Singhvi Committee (1986) recommended that Panchayati Raj Institutions should be granted CONSTITUTIONAL STATUS. This seminal recommendation was eventually embodied in the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, which came into force on 24 April 1993.
Read source story → - International26 Apr 2026
Ronald Ross — who demonstrated in 1897 that mosquitoes transmit malaria — received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in:
- A.1900
- B.1902
- C.1907
- D.1923
Show solution
Answer: B. 1902
Ronald Ross received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1902 — the second Nobel in this category. He demonstrated in 1897 that female Anopheles mosquitoes transmit malaria parasites. Charles Laveran (who discovered the Plasmodium parasite in 1880 in Algeria) received the Nobel Prize in 1907. Both contributed foundational work to malaria science.
Read source story → - Uncategorized26 Apr 2026
The 'Vocal for Local' campaign — referenced in CCIC's strategic positioning — was announced under which national initiative?
- A.Make in India (2014)
- B.Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (announced 12 May 2020)
- C.Skill India Mission
- D.Digital India
Show solution
Answer: B. Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (announced 12 May 2020)
The 'Vocal for Local' campaign was launched under Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (Self-Reliant India Mission) announced by PM Narendra Modi on 12 May 2020 in response to COVID-19. The campaign promotes purchase of locally-made products. CCIC's Soul Threads strengthens the expanded 'Vocal for Local to Global' vision through cultural branding of Indian textile heritage.
Read source story → - Science & Tech26 Apr 2026
Which Indian city launched the COUNTRY'S FIRST Heat Action Plan (HAP) in 2013, in response to the deadly 2010 heatwave?
- A.Delhi
- B.Ahmedabad
- C.Mumbai
- D.Chennai
Show solution
Answer: B. Ahmedabad
AHMEDABAD launched India's FIRST Heat Action Plan (HAP) in 2013, in response to the 2010 Ahmedabad heatwave that caused approximately 1,344 excess deaths. The Ahmedabad HAP became the model for subsequent state and city HAPs across India. As of recent counts, over 23 Indian states have notified HAPs.
Read source story → - Uncategorized26 Apr 2026
Which of the following GI-tagged textile crafts is correctly matched with its state of origin?
- A.Banarasi sarees — Tamil Nadu
- B.Kanjivaram sarees — Madhya Pradesh
- C.Pochampally Ikat — Telangana
- D.Chanderi sarees — West Bengal
Show solution
Answer: C. Pochampally Ikat — Telangana
Pochampally Ikat is a GI-tagged textile craft from Telangana. Correct matchings: Banarasi sarees (Uttar Pradesh — UP), Kanjivaram sarees (Tamil Nadu — Kanchipuram), Pochampally Ikat (Telangana), Chanderi sarees (Madhya Pradesh — MP), Jamdani (West Bengal/Andhra Pradesh), Pashmina (Jammu & Kashmir), Phulkari (Punjab), Kullu shawls (Himachal Pradesh).
Read source story → - Polity & Governance26 Apr 2026
Which of the following Articles establishes the State Finance Commission for Panchayats?
- A.Article 243D
- B.Article 243-I
- C.Article 243-K
- D.Article 243A
Show solution
Answer: B. Article 243-I
Article 243-I establishes the State Finance Commission, which is constituted by the Governor every 5 years to review the financial position of Panchayats and recommend fiscal devolution. Article 243A — Gram Sabha; Article 243D — reservation in Panchayats; Article 243-K — State Election Commission. All inserted by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992.
Read source story → - International26 Apr 2026
The first malaria vaccine recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) in October 2021 — about 30-40% effective — is:
- A.BCG
- B.RTS,S (Mosquirix)
- C.R21/Matrix-M
- D.Covishield
Show solution
Answer: B. RTS,S (Mosquirix)
RTS,S (trade name Mosquirix), manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, was the FIRST malaria vaccine recommended by WHO in October 2021 — about 30-40% effective. The R21/Matrix-M vaccine was the SECOND, recommended by WHO in October 2023 — more scalable and lower-cost, manufactured by Serum Institute of India in collaboration with the University of Oxford. BCG is for tuberculosis; Covishield is for COVID-19.
Read source story → - Uncategorized26 Apr 2026
India's position in the global handloom sector is best described as:
- A.The third-largest handloom producer
- B.The world's largest handloom producer, accounting for approximately 95% of the world's hand-woven fabric
- C.A small but emerging handloom market
- D.Equal to China in handloom output
Show solution
Answer: B. The world's largest handloom producer, accounting for approximately 95% of the world's hand-woven fabric
India is the world's LARGEST handloom producer and accounts for approximately 95% of the world's hand-woven fabric. The handloom sector is also the second-largest rural employment provider in India after agriculture, with ~35 lakh people directly employed.
Read source story → - International26 Apr 2026
The 2026 theme of World Malaria Day is:
- A.'Zero Malaria Starts With Me'
- B.'Malaria-Free World Begins With You'
- C.'Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must.'
- D.'Beat Malaria Together'
Show solution
Answer: C. 'Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must.'
The 2026 theme of World Malaria Day is 'Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must.' — highlighting scientific progress (vaccines, diagnostics) and stressing that elimination is achievable with collective effort across governments, healthcare institutions, and global organisations.
Read source story → - Polity & Governance26 Apr 2026
The Eleventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution — added by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act — lists how many subjects to be devolved to Panchayati Raj Institutions?
- A.18 subjects
- B.29 subjects
- C.47 subjects
- D.97 subjects
Show solution
Answer: B. 29 subjects
The Eleventh Schedule lists 29 subjects to be devolved to Panchayati Raj Institutions, including agriculture, land improvement, irrigation, animal husbandry, fisheries, social forestry, small-scale industries, drinking water, roads, electricity, education, health, women and child development, etc. The Twelfth Schedule (added by 74th Amendment) lists 18 subjects for Urban Local Bodies. The 7th Schedule lists Union/State/Concurrent legislative subjects (97/66/47 entries respectively in the original).
Read source story → - Uncategorized26 Apr 2026
When is National Handloom Day observed in India, and what does it commemorate?
- A.1 August — Independence-era weavers' protest
- B.7 August — Swadeshi Movement launched against partition of Bengal in 1905
- C.15 August — Independence Day
- D.2 October — Gandhi Jayanti
Show solution
Answer: B. 7 August — Swadeshi Movement launched against partition of Bengal in 1905
National Handloom Day is observed on 7 August every year in India. It commemorates the Swadeshi Movement launched on 7 August 1905 against the partition of Bengal — when Indians boycotted British goods and promoted indigenous handloom and handicraft products. The day was instituted by the Government of India in 2015; the first Handloom Day was inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi at Madras University, Chennai.
Read source story → - Science & Tech26 Apr 2026
Per IMD criteria, a HEATWAVE in plains regions of India is declared when the maximum temperature is at least:
- A.35°C with 3-4°C departure from normal
- B.40°C with 5-6°C departure from normal
- C.30°C with 5-6°C departure from normal
- D.37°C with 7°C+ departure from normal
Show solution
Answer: B. 40°C with 5-6°C departure from normal
Per India Meteorological Department (IMD) criteria, for PLAINS regions a heatwave is declared when the maximum temperature is at least 40°C AND the departure from normal is 5-6°C (heatwave) or 7°C+ (severe heatwave). For HILLS, the threshold is at least 30°C; for COASTAL areas, at least 37°C.
Read source story → - Uncategorized26 Apr 2026
The Central Cottage Industries Corporation of India (CCIC), which launched the 'Soul Threads' heritage designer collection, functions under which Ministry?
- A.Ministry of Culture
- B.Ministry of Textiles
- C.Ministry of MSME
- D.Ministry of Tourism
Show solution
Answer: B. Ministry of Textiles
CCIC functions under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. It is a Government of India enterprise, founded in 1948 (originally as Cottage Industries Exposition Limited), that promotes and markets authentic Indian handicrafts and handlooms. Note: KVIC (Khadi and Village Industries Commission) is under Ministry of MSME, not Textiles — distinct from CCIC.
Read source story → - International26 Apr 2026
World Malaria Day is observed annually on which date and was established by which body?
- A.7 April — World Health Organization
- B.25 April — World Health Organization
- C.1 December — UNAIDS
- D.24 March — Stop TB Partnership
Show solution
Answer: B. 25 April — World Health Organization
World Malaria Day is observed annually on 25 April. It was established by the World Health Organization (WHO), first observed in 2008, and replaced the earlier Africa Malaria Day (which had been observed since 2001 in line with the Abuja Declaration). World Health Day (7 April), World AIDS Day (1 December), and World TB Day (24 March) are different observances.
Read source story →