Question 1

Biology (Genetics & Society): What does the field of eugenics study? Focus on heredity and proposed improvement of human populations through selective breeding or related measures. Choose the most accurate description.

Accepted Answer

What is being asked? The definition of eugenics. Given data Discipline intersects genetics and social policy. Concept/Approach Eugenics concerns theories and practices aimed at influencing the genetic composition of human populations via selection/sterilization/marriage laws (historically controversial and unethical). Reasoning Among the choices, only the option about hereditary improvement matches the core idea of eugenics. Common pitfalls Mixing up eugenics with e.g., microbiology or botany taxonomy. Final Answer The improvement of human hereditary traits and populations through controlled breeding principles

Question 2

Physics concept check: The escape velocity of a rocket fired from Earth toward the Moon is the minimum speed needed to overcome which force? Interpret escape velocity in terms of what the rocket must permanently escape without further propulsion. Ch…

Accepted Answer

What is being asked? What does escape velocity allow a spacecraft to overcome when launched from Earth? Given data Launch body: Earth Destination mentioned: Moon (but definition remains about Earth's gravity) Concept/Approach Escape velocity is the minimum speed needed to escape the gravitational potential of the body from which launch occurs, neglecting atmospheric drag and additional thrust. Step-by-step reasoning 1) For launch from Earth, the relevant gravitational well is Earth's.2) Achieving escape velocity ensures the object will not fall back under Earth's gravity even without further propulsion. Common pitfalls Confusing Earth's gravity with the Moon's gravity or attributing it to air resistance. Final Answer The gravitational attraction of the Earth

Question 3

International groupings: The G-15 is an economic grouping of which type of countries? South–South cooperation focus across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Choose the correct characterization.

Accepted Answer

What is being asked? The nature of membership of the G-15. Given data Economic grouping named "G-15" Concept/Approach The G-15 was formed to promote cooperation among developing nations across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, focusing on trade, investment, and technology. Reasoning Only the option describing developing countries from the three regions matches the group's composition and purpose. Common pitfalls Confusing G-15 with G-7/G-20 (developed economies focus) or OPEC (oil exporters). Final Answer Developing countries from Asia, Africa, and Latin America

Question 4

Indian wildlife sanctuaries: Where is the Garampani Wildlife Sanctuary located? Match the sanctuary with its town/district and state. Choose the correct location.

Accepted Answer

What is being asked? The location of Garampani Wildlife Sanctuary. Given data Sanctuary name: Garampani Concept/Approach Garampani Wildlife Sanctuary is in Karbi Anglong district with access via Diphu, Assam. Common pitfalls Confusing it with sanctuaries in Gujarat, Nagaland, or Sikkim that share similar-sounding names. Final Answer Diphu, Assam

Question 5

International days: On which date is World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day observed each year? Linked to the birth anniversary of Henry Dunant, founder of the Red Cross. Choose the correct date.

Accepted Answer

What is being asked? The annual date of World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day. Given data Commemoration: Birth anniversary of Henry Dunant (founder of the Red Cross) Concept/Approach Henry Dunant's birth date is 8 May; the movement celebrates on this day globally. Common pitfalls Mixing the date with World Health Day (7 April) or World AIDS Day (1 December). Final Answer 8 May

Question 6

Comparative religion: A Fire Temple is the place of worship for followers of which religion? Identify the community associated with sacred fire rituals. Choose the correct religion.

Accepted Answer

What is being asked? The religion for which the "Fire Temple" is the house of worship. Given data Keyword: Fire Temple Concept/Approach In Zoroastrianism, sacred fire (Atash) is maintained in fire temples by priests; in India, the community is popularly known as Parsis. Common pitfalls Assuming "fire" indicates Hindu or Buddhist rituals; the formal term "Fire Temple" specifically denotes Zoroastrian places of worship. Final Answer Zoroastrianism (Parsis)

Question 7

Transport hubs: Grand Central Terminal on Park Avenue in New York City is recognized as the world's what? Consider platform count and station scale rather than train height or speed. Choose the best description.

Accepted Answer

What is being asked? The superlative associated with Grand Central Terminal. Given data Location: Park Avenue, New York City Concept/Approach Grand Central Terminal is famed for having an exceptionally high number of platforms (upper and lower levels), making it the largest railway station by this measure. Reasoning It has dozens of platforms serving many tracks, surpassing other stations on platform count. Common pitfalls Confusing "largest station" with "longest single platform" (e.g., Gorakhpur/Kharagpur) or "highest station" (e.g., Qinghai–Tibet line). Final Answer Largest railway station (by number of platforms)

Question 8

History of science: Galileo Galilei was an Italian astronomer who accomplished which of the following? Focus on a landmark telescopic discovery in 1610 that supported heliocentric ideas. Choose the correct statement.

Accepted Answer

What is being asked? Identify a definitive astronomical achievement of Galileo. Given data Timeframe: Early 17th century (1610) Concept/Approach Galileo did not invent the telescope but improved it and used it to make major discoveries, including the four largest moons of Jupiter—Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto—bolstering heliocentric arguments. Step-by-step reasoning 1) Evaluate options: telescope invention predates Galileo; Uranus was discovered by William Herschel (1781); geocentric model is pre-Copernican.2) Galileo's well-known, correct achievement is discovering Jupiter's four large satellites in 1610. Common pitfalls Attributing telescope invention or Uranus discovery to Galileo. Final Answer Discovered four large moons of Jupiter (the Galilean satellites)

Question 9

Classical scholars (mathematics): Identify who Euclid was. Euclid is widely associated with foundational work in geometry from ancient times. Choose the correct description.

Accepted Answer

Given data Name: Euclid. Domain hint: Classical mathematics/geometry. Concept/Approach Euclid was a Greek mathematician (active c. 300 BCE, Alexandria) whose work Elements systematically developed plane and solid geometry from axioms, earning him the title "Father of Geometry". Reasoning • The option identifying him as a Greek mathematician fits the historical record. • The other options describe unrelated professions or figures. Common pitfalls Confusing Euclid with Archimedes (mechanics) or Ptolemy (astronomy/geography). Final Answer Greek mathematician known as the "Father of Geometry"

Question 10

Materials and processes (galvanization): Select the metal used to galvanize iron/steel to prevent rusting. Focus on the standard industrial protective coating applied to iron. Choose the correct metal.

Accepted Answer

Given data Process: Galvanizing iron (or steel). Task: Identify the metal used. Concept/Approach Galvanizing is the process of coating iron/steel with zinc to provide sacrificial (cathodic) protection against corrosion. Reasoning • Zinc forms a protective layer and corrodes preferentially, shielding the base metal. • Tin/Chromium are used in other coatings; lead is not used for modern corrosion protection here. Final Answer Zinc

Question 11

Mechanics (friction): Identify the change that reduces friction most effectively in machine parts. Consider contact type and deformation at the interface. Choose the correct change.

Accepted Answer

Given data Topic: Reducing friction. Choices compare rolling vs. sliding and lubrication vs. dry contact. Concept/Approach Rolling friction is typically much lower than sliding friction because there is less interfacial shearing and often smaller real area of contact. Reasoning • Replacing plain surfaces with rollers/ball bearings converts sliding to rolling. • Options that move toward sliding or remove lubrication increase friction. Common pitfalls Assuming rolling friction can be higher—true only in rare edge cases (e.g., severe deformation). Final Answer From sliding friction to rolling friction

Question 12

Sports history (Asian Games): Determine the year when field hockey was introduced into the Asian Games program. Use the early decades of the Asian Games for context. Choose the correct year.

Accepted Answer

Given data Event: Inclusion of hockey in the Asian Games. Concept/Approach Field hockey was first contested at the Asian Games in the Tokyo 1958 edition. Reasoning • The inaugural 1951 New Delhi Games did not include hockey. • The 1958 Tokyo Games introduced hockey; later games continued the event. Final Answer 1958

Question 13

International organizations (UN): Choose the set that lists UN Secretaries-General in correct chronological order (earlier → later). Consider the mid-20th century sequence. Select the correctly ordered set.

Accepted Answer

Given data Task: Order UN Secretaries-General chronologically. Names involved: Trygve Lie, Dag Hammarskjöld, U Thant, Kurt Waldheim. Concept/Approach Recall the early UN leadership timeline: Lie (1946–1952), Hammarskjöld (1953–1961), U Thant (1961–1971), Waldheim (1972–1981). Step-by-step reasoning • First: Trygve Lie (post-WWII founding period). • Second: Dag Hammarskjöld. • Third: U Thant. • Fourth: Kurt Waldheim. Common pitfalls Swapping U Thant and Hammarskjöld or placing Waldheim too early. Final Answer Trygve Lie → Dag Hammarskjöld → U Thant → Kurt Waldheim

Question 14

Economics (definitions): Define a free market. Focus on how prices and resource allocation are determined and the role of government. Choose the most accurate definition.

Accepted Answer

Given data Term: Free market. Concept/Approach A free market is characterized by voluntary exchange, private property, competition, and price signals emerging from supply and demand with limited regulatory controls. Reasoning • Option (a) correctly captures price formation and the limited role of the state. • Options (b), (c), (d) contradict core features of a free market. Final Answer An economy where prices are set by supply and demand with minimal government intervention

Question 15

Awards (Right Livelihood, 1999): Identify the reason Hermann Scheer (Germany) received the Right Livelihood Award. Consider his advocacy focus and policy work. Choose the correct citation theme.

Accepted Answer

Given data Name: Hermann Scheer (Germany). Award: Right Livelihood Award, 1999. Concept/Approach Scheer was a leading advocate for renewable energy, architecting and promoting policies (like feed-in tariffs) that scaled solar and other renewables. Reasoning • His recognition centers on renewable/solar energy advocacy. • Other options (microfinance, disarmament, medical protocols) do not match his career. Final Answer For championing and accelerating the adoption of renewable energy, especially solar energy

Question 16

World history (WWI): Fill in the date — Germany signed the Armistice Treaty on ____ , bringing World War I to an end. Consider the commonly quoted "eleventh hour" reference. Choose the correct date.

Accepted Answer

Given data Event: Armistice ending WWI hostilities on the Western Front. Concept/Approach The Armistice took effect at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918. Reasoning • 11 November 1918 is the date of the Armistice (end of fighting). • 28 June 1919 is the Treaty of Versailles (formal peace), not the armistice. Final Answer 11 November 1918

Question 17

International organizations (UN): Identify the city where the United Nations Headquarters is located. Focus on the principal headquarters complex. Choose the correct location.

Accepted Answer

Given data Organization: United Nations (UN). Task: Headquarters city. Concept/Approach The main UN Headquarters complex is on the East River in Manhattan, New York City; Geneva, Vienna, and Nairobi host major UN offices but are not the HQ. Final Answer New York City, USA

Question 18

Nobel laureates: Frederick Sanger — identify the field for which he received the Nobel Prize twice. Recall his landmark contributions to biomolecules and sequencing. Choose the correct discipline.

Accepted Answer

Given data Laureate: Frederick Sanger. Task: Field of two Nobel Prizes. Concept/Approach Sanger received two Nobel Prizes in Chemistry — one for determining the structure of insulin (1958) and another (1980) for contributions to nucleic acid (DNA) sequencing methods. Common pitfalls Selecting Medicine because of biological applications; the awards themselves were in Chemistry. Final Answer Chemistry

Question 19

Fluid mechanics (surface phenomena): The free surface of a liquid behaves like a stretched sheet and tends to contract to the smallest possible area. Identify the physical cause responsible for this tendency of liquid surfaces. Choose the correct ef…

Accepted Answer

What is being asked? Why the free surface of a liquid behaves like a stretched elastic membrane that 'pulls' itself into a minimum-area shape. Given data Phenomenon: Surface behaves like a sheet; contracts to smallest area. Concept/Approach Molecular cohesion at the surface creates an energy per unit area called surface tension (symbol γ). For a given volume, minimizing surface energy (E = γ × area) implies minimizing surface area → spherical drops, smooth menisci. Step-by-step reasoning 1) Molecules at the surface experience net inward cohesive forces → surface energy exists.2) System tends to minimize energy → reduce surface area.3) The macroscopic effect is called surface tension, not viscosity/adhesion. Common pitfalls Confusing viscosity (internal friction against flow) or capillarity (a consequence of surface tension + adhesion) with the root cause. Final Answer Surface tension

Question 20

Modern Indian/Anglo-Afghan history: In which years did the First Anglo–Afghan (First Afghan) War occur? Select the historically correct span of years for the first conflict between the British and Afghanistan. Choose the correct period.

Accepted Answer

What is being asked? The exact period of the First Anglo–Afghan War. Given data Event: First Afghan War (also called First Anglo–Afghan War) Concept/Approach Recall the three Anglo–Afghan conflicts: First 1839–1842; Second 1878–1880; Third 1919. Reasoning The initial British intervention and subsequent retreat fall in 1839–1842. Common pitfalls Picking dates of the Second (1878–80) or Third (1919) Anglo–Afghan wars. Final Answer 1839–1842

Basic General Knowledge Questions