Question 1

Modern history (Afghanistan): Identify the year Hamid Karzai was chosen as President of Afghanistan. Hamid Karzai was selected by the Afghan Loya Jirga as head of state after the fall of the Taliban in the early 2000s; choose the historically correc…

Accepted Answer

Given data Topic: Modern world history and international affairs. Task: Identify the year Hamid Karzai was chosen President of Afghanistan. Options: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003. Concept/Approach Karzai became the prominent Afghan leader after the Taliban regime collapsed. A national assembly (Loya Jirga) convened and chose him to lead the interim administration; this preceded his later popular election as President. Step-by-step reasoning • December 2001: Bonn Agreement laid groundwork for an interim authority. • June 2002: Loya Jirga formally chose Hamid Karzai to head the transitional government (de facto President). • 2004: Separate, later milestone — first presidential election that Karzai won. Verification/Alternative view If one recalls the 2004 popular election, that is a different event. The question asks when he was chosen to be President, which aligns with the 2002 Loya Jirga decision. Common pitfalls Confusing the 2004 election with the earlier 2002 selection by the Loya Jirga. Final Answer 2002

Question 2

Sports (Basketball): Official FIBA court dimensions used for the Olympics and World Championships. Select the standard international measurements expressed in metres. Choose the correct dimensions.

Accepted Answer

Given data Context: International (FIBA) rules for Olympic and World-level play. Asked: Standard basketball court size in metres. Concept/Approach International basketball (FIBA) specifies a rectangular court whose length and width are fixed standards. Step-by-step reasoning • Under FIBA regulations, the court is 28 metres long. • The width is 15 metres. • Therefore, the correct size is 28 m × 15 m. Verification This differs from the NBA court (approximately 28.65 m × 15.24 m), but the international standard remains 28 m × 15 m. Common pitfalls Mixing NBA sizes with FIBA sizes or rounding to nearby even numbers. Final Answer 28 m × 15 m

Question 3

International organizations (UN): Expand the acronym ESCAP. This relates to the UN regional commission for Asia and the Pacific region. Choose the correct full form.

Accepted Answer

Given data Acronym: ESCAP. Domain: United Nations regional bodies. Concept/Approach ESCAP is the UN’s regional commission serving Asia and the Pacific, focused on economic and social development. Reasoning • The only option that expands to the UN commission for the Asia–Pacific region is "Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific". • Other options mention Europe, environment-only councils, or incorrect regional pairings, which do not match the UN body. Common pitfalls Choosing look-alike expansions that mention Asia-Pacific but are not official UN commission titles. Final Answer Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific

Question 4

Scientific instruments: Identify what a fathometer measures. Consider typical marine and hydrographic applications when selecting the answer. Choose the correct measurement.

Accepted Answer

Given data Instrument: Fathometer. Use context: Marine navigation and sounding. Concept/Approach A fathometer is an echo-sounding device used to determine water depth, historically expressed in fathoms. Reasoning • It emits sound waves and measures the return time from the seabed. • Converting travel time with sound speed in water yields depth. Verification The name itself hints at "fathoms" (a unit of depth), confirming its purpose. Common pitfalls Confusing depth measurement with seismic intensity (seismograph) or wind speed (anemometer) or salinity (salinometer). Final Answer Depth of water (ocean/sea depth)

Question 5

Places and associations: Epsom in England is famously associated with which sport or event. Recall the long-running classic held annually at Epsom Downs. Choose the correct association.

Accepted Answer

Given data Place: Epsom (England). Task: Identify the sport/event associated with it. Concept/Approach Epsom Downs Racecourse hosts one of the world’s best-known flat horse races, the Epsom Derby. Reasoning • The Derby is a classic event integral to British horse racing history. • Other listed sports are not primarily linked to Epsom. Common pitfalls Associating Epsom with tennis (Wimbledon is in London) or rowing (Henley is on the Thames). Final Answer Horse racing (Epsom Derby)

Question 6

Water treatment: Purpose of adding alum during the purification of drinking water. Focus on the specific role alum plays in clarifying turbid water. Choose the correct purpose.

Accepted Answer

Given data Chemical: Alum (commonly aluminum sulfate). Process: Drinking water purification. Concept/Approach Alum is a coagulant. It destabilizes fine suspended particles, forming flocs that settle and clarify water. Step-by-step reasoning • Add alum → produces positively charged species in water. • These neutralize negatively charged colloids. • Particles aggregate into larger flocs → settle out during sedimentation. Verification Disinfection is typically achieved by chlorine/ozone/UV, not alum; pH control uses acids/alkalis; fluoride addition uses fluoride salts. Common pitfalls Assuming alum disinfects water — it does not; it clarifies by coagulation/flocculation. Final Answer Coagulation/flocculation of suspended impurities (to remove turbidity)

Question 7

Modern history (First China War): Identify the belligerents in the First China War. This refers to the First Opium War of the 19th century. Choose the correct pairing of countries.

Accepted Answer

Given data Conflict: First China War (First Opium War). Task: Identify the countries involved. Concept/Approach The First Opium War (1839–1842) was fought primarily between the Qing dynasty of China and Great Britain. Reasoning • Hostilities arose over trade, diplomacy, and opium restrictions. • The Treaty of Nanking (1842) ended the war with concessions to Britain. Common pitfalls Confusing the First China War with later conflicts involving France or Japan. Final Answer China and Britain

Question 8

World geography: East Timor (Timor-Leste) — identify its continent. Consider its location relative to Indonesia and the islands of Southeast Asia. Choose the correct continent.

Accepted Answer

Given data Country: East Timor (Timor-Leste). Task: Identify the continent. Concept/Approach East Timor occupies the eastern half of Timor island, just east of Indonesia's Nusa Tenggara. It is part of Southeast Asia geographically and politically. Reasoning • The nation is grouped in regional blocs and forums with other Asian states. • Therefore, the correct continental classification is Asia. Common pitfalls Placing Timor-Leste in Oceania due to island geography; however, it is recognized within Southeast Asia. Final Answer Asia

Question 9

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC): Identify the original founding member states. Formed in 1981 as a regional political and economic bloc in the Arabian Gulf. Choose the correct group of founding countries.

Accepted Answer

What is being asked? The question asks which countries originally formed the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in 1981. Given data Topic: International organizations Keyword: GCC founding members Year: 1981 (formation) Concept/Approach The GCC was established by six Arab monarchies on the Arabian Peninsula to coordinate economic, security, and political policies. Step-by-step reasoning 1) The Charter of the GCC was signed in May 1981.2) Signatories: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.3) Countries such as Iran, Iraq, Yemen, and Jordan were not founding members. Verification/Alternative All authoritative references list exactly six founders, the same six listed above. Common pitfalls Including Iran or Iraq (not members). Including Yemen or Jordan (not founding members). Final Answer Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates

Question 10

Ancient India and Buddhist studies: Who was Fa-Hien (Faxian)? Early 5th-century traveler associated with Buddhist texts and pilgrimages in the Gupta period. Choose the most accurate description.

Accepted Answer

What is being asked? The identity and role of Fa-Hien (also spelled Faxian). Given data Timeframe: Early 5th century CE Context: Buddhist pilgrimages and texts Concept/Approach Recognize key historical travelers to India and their purposes. Reasoning 1) Fa-Hien was a Chinese Buddhist monk.2) He traveled through India during the Gupta era to obtain Buddhist scriptures and observe monastic practices.3) His travelogue provides details on Buddhism and society in that period. Common pitfalls Confusing Fa-Hien with Megasthenes (the Greek ambassador) or with merchants/military figures. Final Answer A Chinese Buddhist monk and pilgrim who traveled to India to collect scriptures

Question 11

Indian Public Sector: In which year was Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) established? Identify the original year of establishment of GSL (prior to its later renaming and takeover changes). Choose the correct year.

Accepted Answer

What is being asked? The establishment year of Goa Shipyard Limited. Given data Entity: Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) Concept/Approach Recall the historical timeline: founded in 1957 (as Estaleiros Navais de Goa), later taken over by India after 1961 and renamed GSL in 1967. Reasoning 1) Original establishment: 1957.2) Goa integrated with India in 1961; subsequent administrative changes did not alter the establishment year. Common pitfalls Picking 1961 or 1967 (years of takeover/renaming) instead of the actual establishment. Final Answer 1957

Question 12

World War II timeline: On what date did Germany begin its offensive against France (via the Low Countries)? Identify the exact start date of the German invasion of France in WWII. Choose the correct date.

Accepted Answer

What is being asked? The precise date Germany launched its attack on France in WWII. Given data The attack on France began after the war had already started in Europe. Concept/Approach Differentiate between the outbreak of WWII (Poland, 1 Sept 1939), declarations of war (3 Sept 1939), Operation Barbarossa (22 June 1941), and the Western offensive against France and the Low Countries. Reasoning Germany launched the Western offensive (Fall Gelb) on 10 May 1940, moving through the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg toward France. Common pitfalls Choosing 1 Sept 1939 (Poland) or 22 June 1941 (USSR offensive), which are different campaigns. Final Answer 10 May 1940

Question 13

Indian institutions: The Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) is located in which city? This question tests knowledge of the location of India's premier film training institute. Choose the correct city.

Accepted Answer

What is being asked? The city where FTII is located. Given data Institution: Film and Television Institute of India Concept/Approach Recall that FTII campus is in Pune, Maharashtra. Reasoning FTII is situated on Law College Road, Pune. Common pitfalls Mistaking it for Mumbai or Chennai due to prominent film industries there. Final Answer Pune

Question 14

British constitutional history: What was the primary purpose of the Habeas Corpus Act of 1679? Focus on the protection it guarantees to individuals against state actions. Choose the best description.

Accepted Answer

What is being asked? The essential safeguard provided by the Habeas Corpus Act, 1679. Given data Year: 1679 Jurisdiction: England Concept/Approach Habeas corpus ensures that a detained person is brought before a court to test the legality of detention. Reasoning The Act reinforced the right to challenge unlawful imprisonment, compelling authorities to present detainees before a judge within set time limits. Common pitfalls Confusing with the Petition of Right (taxation limits) or with press freedom measures. Final Answer To protect individuals from unlawful detention by requiring prompt judicial review

Question 15

Indian politics and movements: GNLF stands for what? Expand the acronym relevant to the Gorkha movement in Darjeeling. Choose the correct expansion.

Accepted Answer

What is being asked? The full form of the acronym GNLF. Given data Context: Indian regional political movements Concept/Approach Identify the well-known expansion used in the Darjeeling Gorkha movement. Reasoning GNLF expands to Gorkha National Liberation Front, a political organization associated with the demand for a separate state. Common pitfalls Selecting generic-sounding expansions that are not used in Indian politics. Final Answer Gorkha National Liberation Front

Question 16

Medieval history: In which year did the First Crusade's crusaders capture Jerusalem? This asks for the successful capture year at the end of the First Crusade. Choose the correct year.

Accepted Answer

What is being asked? The year Jerusalem fell to the First Crusade. Given data Event: Capture of Jerusalem by crusaders Concept/Approach Recall the First Crusade timeline (1096–1099 CE). Reasoning Jerusalem was captured by crusader forces on 15 July 1099 CE. Common pitfalls Choosing 1187 CE (that is when Saladin retook Jerusalem) or 1147 CE (Second Crusade). Final Answer 1099 CE

Question 17

Indian leaders: Who was Dr. Zakir Hussain? Identify his highest constitutional office in India, with tenure context. Choose the best description.

Accepted Answer

What is being asked? The principal public office held by Dr. Zakir Hussain. Given data Person: Dr. Zakir Hussain Concept/Approach Recall the sequence of Presidents of India. Reasoning He served as the third President of India from 1967 to 1969 and was the first Muslim to hold the office. Common pitfalls Mixing up with other roles: First Education Minister (Maulana Abul Kalam Azad) or First Vice-President (S. Radhakrishnan). Final Answer The third President of India (1967–1969)

Question 18

World literature: Who was Firdausi (Firdawsi/Ferdowsi)? Identify the author and his most famous epic poem in Persian literature. Choose the correct description.

Accepted Answer

What is being asked? The literary identity of Firdausi and his major work. Given data Name variants: Firdausi, Ferdowsi, Firdawsi Concept/Approach Associate classical authors with their hallmark works. Reasoning Firdausi is celebrated as a Persian poet and the author of the national epic of Iran, the Shahnameh (Book of Kings). Common pitfalls Confusing him with Ibn Khaldun (Al-Muqaddimah), Aryabhata (Aryabhatiya), or Confucius (Analects). Final Answer A Persian poet who authored the epic Shahnameh

Question 19

Human Physiology (Endocrine System): What condition results from excessive secretion of growth hormone by the pituitary gland in children? Occurs before epiphyseal growth plate closure and causes abnormal increase in height and limb length. Choose t…

Accepted Answer

What is being asked? The condition caused by excessive growth hormone (GH) secretion from the anterior pituitary during childhood. Given data Age: children (open epiphyseal plates) Hormone: Growth hormone (somatotropin) Source: Anterior pituitary Concept/Approach If GH excess occurs before epiphyseal closure, it produces excessive linear bone growth (height) → termed gigantism. If GH excess occurs after plate closure in adults, it causes acral/soft-tissue enlargement → acromegaly. Step-by-step reasoning 1) Identify life stage: child → growth plates still open.2) GH stimulates IGF-1 → increased endochondral ossification at growth plates.3) Outcome: extraordinary height and proportional limb growth → definition of gigantism. Verification/Alternative Acromegaly (adult) shows enlarged hands/feet/jaw without tall stature; dwarfism and cretinism are due to hormone deficiency or hypothyroidism. Common pitfalls Confusing gigantism (children) with acromegaly (adults). Assuming any pituitary excess always means acromegaly. Final Answer Gigantism

Question 20

Applied Optics: Which instrument allows a submerged submarine to view objects at or just above the water's surface? Used for observation while remaining below the surface. Choose the correct instrument.

Accepted Answer

What is being asked? The name of the optical device that lets a submarine observe the surface while staying submerged. Given data Environment: Underwater (submarine) Task: Look at/near the water surface Concept/Approach A periscope uses a system of mirrors/prisms at 45° (or total internal reflection prisms) to relay the line of sight from above the surface down to the viewer. Step-by-step reasoning 1) Requirement: Maintain stealth while observing → instrument must elevate sightline.2) Periscope meets this by folding the optical path; other devices (kaleidoscope/spectroscope/telescope) do not provide the necessary geometry. Common pitfalls Mistaking telescope (magnification) for periscope (geometry for hidden viewing). Final Answer Periscope

Basic General Knowledge Questions