Question 1

The bestselling Indian romance novel "I Too Had A Love Story" was written by which contemporary Indian author?

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Introduction / Context: This question focuses on modern Indian popular fiction. "I Too Had A Love Story" is a widely read romance novel that became popular among young readers and helped establish its author as a known name in Indian English literature. Linking contemporary titles with their writers is a frequent theme in competitive exams. Given Data / Assumptions: The novel title is "I Too Had A Love Story". The genre is modern Indian romance. Four Indian origin authors are listed with different writing styles. Exactly one of them is known as the author of this particular love story. Concept / Approach: Ravinder Singh gained fame when "I Too Had A Love Story" was published. The book is semi autobiographical and deals with love, loss and personal grief. Jhumpa Lahiri is known for literary fiction about the diaspora, Amish Tripathi for mythological series and Salman Rushdie for magic realist, politically layered novels. Recognising these distinct styles helps to correctly match the title to Ravinder Singh. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that "I Too Had A Love Story" is often mentioned together with Ravinder Singh name in bookstores and online platforms. Step 2: Observe that the tone and title suggest a young, emotional romance rather than complex literary or mythological fiction. Step 3: Compare each option. Jhumpa Lahiri usually writes about Indian Americans and identity conflicts, Amish Tripathi writes mythological adventures and Salman Rushdie creates dense, symbolic fiction. Step 4: Only Ravinder Singh is primarily associated with simple, heartfelt romance novels in this style. Step 5: Conclude that Ravinder Singh is the correct answer and select option C. Verification / Alternative check: If you search for the book or see its cover, the author name is clearly printed as Ravinder Singh. Reviews of the novel and interviews with him frequently describe how his personal experiences inspired the story, confirming that no other author listed can be correct for this title. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Jhumpa Lahiri, Amish Tripathi and Salman Rushdie have their own distinct sets of novels and short stories, none titled "I Too Had A Love Story". While all are Indian origin authors, their best known works belong to different genres and should not be confused with this particular romance novel. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes guess based only on how prominent an author is worldwide and may choose Salman Rushdie. To avoid this, it is better to categorise authors in your mind by genre. Whenever you see a melodramatic or emotional love story title like this one, match it with Ravinder Singh rather than with high literary or mythological writers. Final Answer: Ravinder Singh

Question 2

Consider the following statements about three modern novels and their authors: 1. The author of the novel "A Visit from the Goon Squad" is Edward P. Jones. 2. The author of the novel "The Corrections" is Jonathan Franzen. 3. The author of the novel …

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Introduction / Context: This question tests detailed knowledge of contemporary English language novels and their correct authors. It presents three statements pairing well known titles with specific writers and asks you to identify which statements are not correct. Such items appear frequently in advanced general knowledge or literature sections. Given Data / Assumptions: Statement 1 links "A Visit from the Goon Squad" with Edward P. Jones. Statement 2 links "The Corrections" with Jonathan Franzen. Statement 3 links "The Known World" with Jennifer Egan. You must determine which of these author title pairings are wrong. Concept / Approach: The key facts are as follows. "A Visit from the Goon Squad" is a novel by Jennifer Egan, not Edward P. Jones. "The Corrections" is indeed written by Jonathan Franzen, so statement 2 is correct. "The Known World" is a novel by Edward P. Jones, not Jennifer Egan. Therefore, statements 1 and 3 both assign the wrong authors, while statement 2 is accurate. The option that lists 1 and 3 as not correct is the one we need to choose. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that Jennifer Egan wrote "A Visit from the Goon Squad", which has won major awards. Step 2: Edward P. Jones wrote "The Known World", a novel dealing with slavery and freedom in America. Step 3: Jonathan Franzen is correctly associated with the novel "The Corrections", which explores a Midwestern family. Step 4: Evaluate each statement. Statement 1 assigns "A Visit from the Goon Squad" to Edward P. Jones, which is wrong. Statement 2 correctly assigns "The Corrections" to Jonathan Franzen. Statement 3 assigns "The Known World" to Jennifer Egan, which is also wrong. Step 5: The incorrect statements are therefore 1 and 3, matching option "1 and 3". Verification / Alternative check: Checking any reliable literary reference or online catalogue confirms that Jennifer Egan and Edward P. Jones have their names swapped in statements 1 and 3. Jonathan Franzen connection to "The Corrections" is universally accepted. This cross check supports our conclusion that only statements 1 and 3 are not correct. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option "1 and 2" wrongly treats statement 2 as incorrect, but Franzen really did write "The Corrections". Option "2 and 3" incorrectly marks statement 2 as wrong again. Option "1, 2 and 3" would mean that all pairings are incorrect, which contradicts the verified fact about Franzen and his novel. Thus these options do not match the evidence. Common Pitfalls: A common error is to remember only that all three names and titles are connected somehow and then assume all statements are wrong or right together. In multi statement questions, always test each statement separately, then carefully match the correct combination instead of guessing. This systematic approach prevents confusion when authors and titles are similar or frequently discussed together. Final Answer: 1 and 3

Question 3

In ancient Sanskrit grammar, what is the name of the foundational treatise written by Panini that systematically describes the structure of the language?

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Introduction / Context: This question belongs to classical Indian scholarship and linguistics. It asks about the key grammatical work composed by Panini, which is considered one of the most scientific treatments of language in ancient times. Knowing the title of this treatise is important for general knowledge about Sanskrit and the history of grammar. Given Data / Assumptions: The author in question is Panini, an ancient Sanskrit grammarian. He wrote a systematic book on Sanskrit grammar. Four titles from different traditions are given as options. Only one of them is correctly associated with Panini grammar. Concept / Approach: Panini most famous work is called "Ashtadhyayi", which literally means "the book of eight chapters". It lays down concise rules or sutras describing Sanskrit phonetics, morphology and syntax. "Mahabhashya" is a major commentary by Patanjali, "Mitakshara" is a legal commentary and "Madhyamika Karika" is a text associated with Buddhist philosophy. Recognising these distinctions makes it easy to identify the correct answer. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that Panini is credited with composing the Ashtadhyayi, a compact but powerful grammar of Sanskrit. Step 2: Understand that this work is organised into eight chapters, each containing many short rules or sutras. Step 3: Compare the options. Mahabhashya is not by Panini; it is a later commentary on his work. Mitakshara is about law and inheritance, while Madhyamika Karika is philosophical. Step 4: Since only Ashtadhyayi matches Panini authorship and a grammatical theme, it must be the correct choice. Step 5: Select option "Ashtadhyayi". Verification / Alternative check: Standard histories of linguistics and Sanskrit literature clearly describe Ashtadhyayi as Panini masterpiece. They also mention that later scholars like Patanjali wrote commentaries, which confirms that Mahabhashya, though related, is not his original grammar text. This cross reference supports the selection of Ashtadhyayi as the only accurate option. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Mahabhashya is a great commentary on Panini grammar, not the grammar itself. Mitakshara belongs to Hindu law and is attributed to Vijnaneshwara. Madhyamika Karika is connected with Nagarjuna and Buddhist philosophy. These works are important but belong to different authors and subject areas, so they do not answer the question asked about Panini treatise. Common Pitfalls: Because Mahabhashya and Ashtadhyayi are both linked to grammar, learners sometimes confuse them. The safe method is to remember that Ashtadhyayi is the original systematisation created by Panini, while Mahabhashya is a later detailed commentary by Patanjali. Keeping this hierarchy clear in mind will help in many similar questions on ancient Indian texts. Final Answer: Ashtadhyayi

Question 4

Consider the following statements about three famous novels and their authors: A] The author of the novel "The Grapes of Wrath" is Ayn Rand. B] The author of the novel "The Fountainhead" is John Steinbeck. C] The author of the novel "Ancillary Justi…

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Introduction / Context: This literature based question checks if you can correctly match three well known novels with their proper authors. It gives three labelled statements and then asks you to identify which ones are not correct. Mastering such questions requires knowing both the correct pairings and recognising deliberate author title swaps used as distractors. Given Data / Assumptions: Statement A: "The Grapes of Wrath" is written by Ayn Rand. Statement B: "The Fountainhead" is written by John Steinbeck. Statement C: "Ancillary Justice" is written by Ann Leckie. Your task is to select the option that lists only the incorrect statements. Concept / Approach: The correct facts are as follows. "The Grapes of Wrath" is a classic American novel by John Steinbeck, not Ayn Rand. "The Fountainhead" is a famous novel by Ayn Rand, not John Steinbeck. "Ancillary Justice" is a science fiction novel by Ann Leckie, and that pairing is correct. This means statements A and B are wrong, while statement C is accurate. Therefore, the option that says "A and B" are not correct should be chosen. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that John Steinbeck wrote "The Grapes of Wrath", focusing on the Great Depression and migrant workers. Step 2: Remember that Ayn Rand wrote "The Fountainhead", which promotes her ideas about individualism and objectivism. Step 3: Recognise that "Ancillary Justice" is a modern science fiction novel written by Ann Leckie and is correctly attributed. Step 4: Evaluate the statements. A is incorrect because it swaps Steinbeck and Rand roles. B is also incorrect for the same reason. C is correct. Step 5: Conclude that the incorrect statements are A and B, so option "A and B" is the right choice. Verification / Alternative check: Literature references, book covers and library catalogues all confirm these author title matches. You will see John Steinbeck listed with "The Grapes of Wrath", Ayn Rand with "The Fountainhead" and Ann Leckie with "Ancillary Justice". No credible source reverses or changes these pairings, which confirms our analysis. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option "B and C" would treat statement C as wrong, yet Ann Leckie genuinely wrote "Ancillary Justice". Option "A and C" wrongly labels the third statement as incorrect. Option "A, B and C" claims all three are wrong, which contradicts the verified information about Ann Leckie and her novel. Therefore, these options do not correctly isolate only the incorrect statements. Common Pitfalls: Students often rush and assume that, because A and B look suspicious, C must also be wrong, leading them to pick "A, B and C". To avoid this, handle each statement separately, verify it mentally and then choose the combination that matches your evaluation. This structured checking is crucial whenever multiple statements and combinations are presented in a single question. Final Answer: A and B

Question 5

The Man Booker Prize winning novel "The White Tiger" was written by which Indian English author?

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Introduction / Context: Here, the question checks awareness of major literary awards and Indian English fiction. "The White Tiger" is a widely discussed novel that won the Man Booker Prize, and exam papers often ask for the name of its author. Recognising prize winning titles and their writers is an important part of general knowledge preparation. Given Data / Assumptions: The novel title is "The White Tiger". It is known to have received the Man Booker Prize. Four names are listed, all of which resemble Indian names. Only one of them is the real author of this novel. Concept / Approach: Aravind Adiga is the author of "The White Tiger". The novel offers a darkly humorous, critical view of class divisions and economic change in India. The other names in the options are not associated with this title in any standard literary reference. Therefore, once you connect "The White Tiger" with Aravind Adiga, the answer becomes straightforward. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that Aravind Adiga won the Man Booker Prize for his debut novel "The White Tiger". Step 2: Note the spelling of his name, which includes a double letter in Aravind and a distinctive surname Adiga. Step 3: Review the options and see that only option B matches the known author name. Step 4: Realise that Maneesh Tripathi, Arvind Joshi and Vijay Lohkare do not appear in standard lists as authors of this prize winning novel. Step 5: Select "Aravind Adiga" as the correct answer. Verification / Alternative check: Book covers, interviews with the writer and all award announcements state that Aravind Adiga wrote "The White Tiger". No serious source attributes this work to any of the other names. This consistency across references confirms that option B is correct and the others are distractors. Why Other Options Are Wrong: The other three names are included to look plausible but they are not associated with the novel in literary history or award records. None of them has public recognition for writing a book titled "The White Tiger", especially in relation to the Man Booker Prize. Therefore, they cannot be accepted as correct. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates may be unsure about the exact spelling of Aravind Adiga and may be tempted by similar looking options like Arvind Joshi. To avoid such confusion, pay attention to both the first name and surname and connect them firmly with the correct title and award. Creating a mental link between "White Tiger" and "Adiga" is a helpful memory trick. Final Answer: Aravind Adiga

Question 6

The classic collection of Middle Eastern folk tales commonly known in English as "The Arabian Nights" was famously translated into English by which explorer and writer?

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Introduction / Context: This question tests cultural and literary knowledge about a famous collection of stories known as "The Arabian Nights" or "One Thousand and One Nights". There is no single original author, but the English speaking world became familiar with these tales largely through influential translations, one of the most well known being produced by an explorer and writer in the nineteenth century. Given Data / Assumptions: The work mentioned is "The Arabian Nights", a collection of folk tales. The focus is on an English translation, not on an original single author. Four names are listed: Stephen Hawking, Vikram Seth, Zoya Hasan and Richard Burton. We must identify the person known for a classic English version of these stories. Concept / Approach: Sir Richard Francis Burton, a British explorer, linguist and writer, produced a famous unexpurgated English translation of "The Arabian Nights". This work is often cited in literary history. The other names belong to a theoretical physicist, a contemporary Indian novelist and an academic, none of whom are associated with translating these tales. Therefore, recognising Burton role as translator is key to answering correctly. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Understand that the Arabian Nights stories come from a long oral and written tradition rather than a single author. Step 2: Recall that Sir Richard Burton produced one of the most famous Victorian English translations of these tales. Step 3: Examine the options. Stephen Hawking is a scientist known for works on cosmology, Vikram Seth is a novelist and poet, and Zoya Hasan is a political scientist. Step 4: None of these three has any known major connection with translating "The Arabian Nights". Step 5: Therefore, Richard Burton is the only option that correctly fits the description and should be marked as the answer. Verification / Alternative check: Literary histories and introductions to "The Arabian Nights" frequently mention Burton multi volume translation and compare it with earlier versions. This repeated association confirms that he is the translator being referred to in such exam questions. You will not find the other names credited with this work in reliable sources. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Stephen Hawking wrote scientific bestsellers like "A Brief History of Time" and did not work in literary translation of folk tales. Vikram Seth is known for novels and poetry such as "A Suitable Boy", not for rendering Middle Eastern tales into English. Zoya Hasan contributions lie in political science, again unrelated to this collection. Thus, all three serve only as distractors. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates may misread the question and believe it asks for the original storyteller or culture behind the tales rather than a translator, leading them to overthink and doubt the obvious choice. Always pay careful attention to phrases like "wrote the English version" or "translated into English", which indicate that the question concerns translators like Burton, not the anonymous traditional sources. Final Answer: Richard Burton

Question 7

The Man Booker Prize winning novel "The Gathering", which explores an Irish family coming together after a tragedy, was written by which Irish author?

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Introduction / Context: This question is about contemporary prize winning literature. "The Gathering" is a novel that received the Man Booker Prize and focuses on an extended Irish family confronting its past after a bereavement. The task is to recall the correct Irish author associated with this work from among several well known writers. Given Data / Assumptions: The title of the novel is "The Gathering". It has won the prestigious Man Booker Prize. Four critically acclaimed authors are listed in the options. Only one of them is an Irish writer directly connected to this novel. Concept / Approach: Anne Enright, an Irish author, wrote "The Gathering", which went on to win the Man Booker Prize. The other names, Kazuo Ishiguro, J. M. Coetzee and Ian McEwan, are also Booker winners or nominees but for different novels. The key is to match the correct title and national background with the right writer rather than simply choosing any famous literary name. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that "The Gathering" is associated with Anne Enright and Irish family life. Step 2: Remember that the book won the Man Booker Prize, raising Enright international profile. Step 3: Compare the options. Kazuo Ishiguro is known for works like "The Remains of the Day", J. M. Coetzee for "Disgrace" and Ian McEwan for novels such as "Atonement". Step 4: None of these three has written a novel called "The Gathering", nor are they Irish women writers. Step 5: Therefore, Anne Enright is the only candidate who fits both the title and the cultural context, so choose option A. Verification / Alternative check: Award lists, newspaper articles and book reviews all confirm that Anne Enright won the Man Booker Prize for "The Gathering". Biographical notes on her career also highlight this achievement prominently. No credible source attributes this book to the other authors provided, which confirms our answer. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Although Kazuo Ishiguro, J. M. Coetzee and Ian McEwan are all celebrated writers, their major Booker associated novels have different titles. They appear in the options as tempting distractions for anyone who remembers the prize but not the exact pairing of title and author. None of them wrote "The Gathering". Common Pitfalls: A frequent error is to recall only that "some Booker winner wrote The Gathering" and then choose a name like Ishiguro or Coetzee because they sound familiar from other questions. To avoid this, build a small mental chart connecting key Booker titles with specific authors and countries. Placing "The Gathering" under Anne Enright and Ireland helps fix this association for the long term. Final Answer: Anne Enright

Question 8

The historical work "Death of a President", which describes the assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy, was written by which author?

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Introduction / Context: This question relates to modern history and political writing. "Death of a President" is a detailed historical account of the assassination of John F. Kennedy, the thirty fifth President of the United States. The question asks you to identify the historian who wrote this well known narrative from among several unrelated authors. Given Data / Assumptions: The book title is "Death of a President". It deals with the assassination of a U.S. President. Four options are provided, including one historian and two literary authors. Only one of these names is historically associated with this book. Concept / Approach: William Manchester is the historian and author who wrote "Death of a President". The work offers a comprehensive narrative of the events before, during and after the assassination. Amitav Ghosh is an Indian novelist, William Shakespeare is a Renaissance playwright and "None of the above" is an abstract option that should be selected only when no listed name fits. In this case, the historian is clearly present in the options, so "None of the above" is not correct. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recognise that "Death of a President" is a historical and political account, not a work of fiction or drama. Step 2: Recall that William Manchester is known for detailed historical books, including this one about John F. Kennedy. Step 3: Review the provided options. Amitav Ghosh writes literary fiction and essays, and Shakespeare work belongs to a much earlier period and different themes. Step 4: Since the correct historian William Manchester is explicitly listed, there is no need to consider "None of the above". Step 5: Mark William Manchester as the correct answer. Verification / Alternative check: Biographical information on William Manchester shows "Death of a President" among his key works. Descriptions of the book clearly state that he was commissioned to write about the Kennedy assassination and his name appears on all editions as the author. No authoritative source connects this title with Amitav Ghosh or any other writer from the options. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Amitav Ghosh writes novels and essays focused on South Asia and global history, but he is not involved with this work on the American presidency. William Shakespeare wrote plays and sonnets centuries before the events of 1963 and therefore cannot be the author. "None of the above" is incorrect because the right name is already present as option A, making it unnecessary and wrong to choose the generic option. Common Pitfalls: Some learners feel uncertain when they see "None of the above" and may overthink the question, doubting even a correct name they recognise. To avoid this, always ask if at least one option clearly fits the known facts. If a specific author like William Manchester matches the topic and period exactly, there is no logical reason to prefer a vague answer like "None of the above". Final Answer: William Manchester

Question 9

Lala Lajpat Rai, a prominent Indian freedom fighter and nationalist leader, is the author of which of the following books?

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Introduction / Context: This question tests knowledge of Indian freedom movement literature and important political writings. Lala Lajpat Rai, known as one of the Lal Bal Pal trio, was not only a leader but also an author who wrote influential books criticising colonial rule. The task is to identify which title among the options belongs to him. Given Data / Assumptions: The subject is Lala Lajpat Rai, a freedom fighter. We are given four titles: "India Divided", "Hind Swaraj", "Unhappy India" and "Mother India". Each of these titles is associated with a different author or perspective on India. Exactly one of them is written by Lala Lajpat Rai. Concept / Approach: Lala Lajpat Rai wrote "Unhappy India", which presented a strong critique of British policies and responded to negative portrayals of Indian society. "Hind Swaraj" is by Mahatma Gandhi, "India Divided" is by Rajendra Prasad, and "Mother India" is by Katherine Mayo. So, recognising the correct matching between author and book makes it easy to choose the right answer. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that "Unhappy India" is frequently mentioned as a work authored by Lala Lajpat Rai. Step 2: Remember that he wrote it partly in response to the book "Mother India", which criticised Indian society. Step 3: Analyse the other options. "Hind Swaraj" outlines Gandhi ideas on self rule, and "India Divided" is associated with Rajendra Prasad views on partition. Step 4: "Mother India" is a controversial work by Katherine Mayo, not by an Indian nationalist leader. Step 5: Since only "Unhappy India" correctly matches Lala Lajpat Rai, select option C. Verification / Alternative check: History books and exam guides on Indian national movement literature clearly list "Unhappy India" under Lala Lajpat Rai authorship. They also consistently pair "Hind Swaraj" with Gandhi and "Mother India" with Katherine Mayo. This cross referencing confirms the proper matching and validates our answer. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "India Divided" was written by Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India. "Hind Swaraj" is one of Gandhi key political texts. "Mother India" is by an American author, Katherine Mayo, whose critical views were widely opposed by Indian leaders. None of these can therefore be attributed to Lala Lajpat Rai, and selecting them would mix up distinct historical sources. Common Pitfalls: Because all four titles sound similar and deal with India, students sometimes confuse which nationalist wrote which book. To reduce confusion, it helps to pair them mentally: Gandhi with "Hind Swaraj", Rajendra Prasad with "India Divided", Katherine Mayo with "Mother India" and Lala Lajpat Rai with "Unhappy India". Visualising a small matching table can make these examinations easier and more reliable. Final Answer: Unhappy India

Question 10

The book "The Discovery of India", written during imprisonment, is authored by which Indian leader who later became the first Prime Minister of independent India?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This general knowledge question deals with classic Indian non fiction. "The Discovery of India" is a detailed exploration of Indian history, culture and philosophy, written by a leading freedom fighter while he was in prison. The book is an important source for understanding how India past was interpreted during the struggle for independence. Given Data / Assumptions: The title in question is "The Discovery of India". The author was later the first Prime Minister of India. Options include Kalhana, Jawaharlal Nehru, Ashapurna Devi and a generic "None". Only one of these names fits the political and historical description. Concept / Approach: Jawaharlal Nehru wrote "The Discovery of India" during his imprisonment at Ahmednagar Fort. The work combines history, philosophy and a personal sense of India civilisation. Kalhana is an ancient chronicler associated with "Rajatarangini", and Ashapurna Devi is a Bengali writer. The option "None" should not be chosen because Nehru is explicitly present and correct. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that Jawaharlal Nehru authored "The Discovery of India" while in jail in the 1940s. Step 2: Identify that he later became the first Prime Minister of independent India, matching the description in the question. Step 3: Check the alternatives. Kalhana lived many centuries earlier and wrote a different historical text. Ashapurna Devi is known for Bengali fiction, not this broad survey of India. Step 4: Since Nehru name appears directly in the options, there is no reason to consider the "None" option. Step 5: Choose Jawaharlal Nehru as the correct answer. Verification / Alternative check: Any standard list of Nehru writings will include "The Discovery of India" as one of his central works, along with "Glimpses of World History" and "An Autobiography". School and college textbooks frequently reference this book for its interpretation of Indian civilisation, confirming that Jawaharlal Nehru is unquestionably the author. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Kalhana wrote "Rajatarangini", a chronicle of the kings of Kashmir, and not "The Discovery of India". Ashapurna Devi created important Bengali novels rather than long historical essays. The "None" option is incorrect because one of the provided names clearly matches both the book and the political role described. Selecting it would ignore very well established facts. Common Pitfalls: Occasionally, candidates answer too quickly and misread the title, confusing it with other discovery themed phrases or mixing Nehru works. Taking a brief moment to recall the complete title and connect it with imprisonment and India first Prime Minister prevents such errors. It also helps to remember that the book was adapted into a television series, further strengthening its association with Nehru. Final Answer: Jawaharlal Nehru

Question 11

The famous poetic line "A thing of beauty is a joy for ever" was written by which English Romantic poet?

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Introduction / Context: This question belongs to English poetry and quotations. Many exams include well known lines from poems and ask you to name the poet. The line "A thing of beauty is a joy for ever" is one of the most quoted lines in English literature and comes from the Romantic period, so matching it with the correct poet is a key skill. Given Data / Assumptions: The quoted line is "A thing of beauty is a joy for ever". Four poets are given: P. B. Shelley, William Wordsworth, John Keats and Robert Browning. All are important English poets, but only one wrote this line. The line emphasises beauty and lasting joy, which are typical Romantic themes. Concept / Approach: John Keats wrote this line in the poem "Endymion", which begins with the statement that a thing of beauty gives lasting joy. Although Shelley and Wordsworth are also Romantic poets and Browning is a later Victorian poet, this particular quotation is widely and specifically associated with Keats. Recognising the opening lines of famous poems is crucial for questions like this. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that "A thing of beauty is a joy for ever" is the opening line of Keats poem "Endymion". Step 2: Note that Keats poetry often celebrates beauty, imagination and nature in a very direct and sensuous style. Step 3: Compare the options. Although Wordsworth and Shelley also wrote about nature and beauty, this exact phrase is not found in their works. Step 4: Robert Browning belongs to a slightly later period and is known for dramatic monologues, not for this line about beauty. Step 5: Since the quotation is strongly tied to Keats and "Endymion", select John Keats as the author. Verification / Alternative check: Textbooks on English poetry and collections of quotations attribute this line to John Keats without exception. Any anthology that prints the poem "Endymion" shows this line at the beginning, confirming the association in a clear and direct way. Shelley, Wordsworth and Browning have many famous lines, but this one does not appear among their writings. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Shelley wrote poems like "Ode to the West Wind" and "To a Skylark", while Wordsworth wrote "Daffodils" and "Tintern Abbey". Browning is known for "My Last Duchess" and similar works. None of these poets use the exact phrase given in the question. Selecting them usually results from recognising the general Romantic style but not remembering the specific source. Common Pitfalls: Because students often learn Romantic poets together, they may mix up which line belongs to which poet, especially between Keats and Wordsworth. A simple memory trick is to associate Keats with the idea that beauty itself is a continuous joy, while Wordsworth is more often linked with recollection and memory in tranquillity. Practising with key opening lines can reduce confusion in time pressured exams. Final Answer: John Keats

Question 12

Who among the following directed the biographical film "Sardar", which portrays the life and role of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in India freedom struggle?

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Introduction / Context: This question belongs to Indian cinema and history. The film "Sardar" is a biographical movie about Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, one of the key leaders in the Indian freedom movement and the country first Deputy Prime Minister. The question asks you to identify the director from among a list of well known filmmakers. Given Data / Assumptions: The film title is "Sardar". The subject is the life of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Four respected directors of Indian cinema are listed as options. Only one of them actually directed this particular film. Concept / Approach: The film "Sardar" was directed by Ketan Mehta. He is known for making several historical and socially relevant films. Other options such as Tapan Sinha, Shyam Benegal and Buddhadeb Das Gupta have their own filmographies, but none of them is credited with directing this particular biographical movie about Patel. Knowing the director filmography helps answer correctly. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that "Sardar" is a 1990s film focusing on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel life and political contributions. Step 2: Remember that Ketan Mehta directed this film, which starred actors like Paresh Rawal in key roles. Step 3: Consider the other directors. Shyam Benegal has directed many political and historical films but not "Sardar". Step 4: Tapan Sinha and Buddhadeb Das Gupta are renowned directors, chiefly known for their Bengali and art house cinema. Step 5: Since only Ketan Mehta matches the known credits for this film, choose option C. Verification / Alternative check: Film databases and end credits for "Sardar" clearly list Ketan Mehta as the director. Interviews and promotional material from the time of release also identify him as the creative force behind the project. No authoritative source attributes this film to any of the other listed directors. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Tapan Sinha, Shyam Benegal and Buddhadeb Das Gupta directed many significant films, but each associated with different titles and themes. They appear in the options because they are known for serious cinema, but they did not direct "Sardar". Selecting them would indicate confusion between different historical films and directors. Common Pitfalls: Because Shyam Benegal has a strong reputation for political and historical films, many candidates instinctively choose his name whenever a biographical film is mentioned. To avoid this, it is important to remember specific director movie pairs, such as Ketan Mehta with "Sardar". Making a small list of major biopics and their directors is a useful exam preparation technique. Final Answer: Ketan Mehta

Question 13

Who wrote the classic political treatise "The Prince", which is often cited as one of the earliest works of modern political thought?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question is about political philosophy and classic books. "The Prince" is a well known treatise that discusses power, statecraft and the behaviour of rulers. Understanding who wrote it helps students connect early modern European history with the development of political ideas. Given Data / Assumptions: The book title is "The Prince". It is a political treatise, not a novel or play. Options include Niccolo Machiavelli and three other authors from different literary traditions. Only one of these names is historically associated with this work. Concept / Approach: Niccolo Machiavelli, an Italian diplomat and political thinker of the Renaissance, wrote "The Prince". The book is often viewed as a guide to practical politics and power, leading to the term Machiavellian. Bernard Shaw and Emile Zola are later literary authors, and V. S. Sharma does not figure in standard accounts of this classic text. Therefore, the correct answer is Machiavelli. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that Machiavelli name is directly linked to the phrase Machiavellian politics, which comes from interpretations of "The Prince". Step 2: Recognise that the work was written in the context of Renaissance Italy, focusing on princes, principalities and the use of power. Step 3: Compare the options. Bernard Shaw is an English language playwright, Emile Zola is a French novelist, and V. S. Sharma is not widely recorded as the writer of this treatise. Step 4: Since "The Prince" is always discussed in relation to Machiavelli, he must be the author. Step 5: Choose Niccolo Machiavelli as the final answer. Verification / Alternative check: Any reliable textbook on political science or European history mentions Machiavelli and "The Prince" together. The author biography, historical impact and criticism are all organised around his name. You will not find this work credited to Shaw, Zola or Sharma in academic writings, which confirms the correct pairing. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Bernard Shaw wrote plays focusing on social criticism, and Emile Zola wrote novels associated with naturalism in French literature. Neither wrote short political manuals for princes. V. S. Sharma appears only as a distractor and is not connected with "The Prince" in recognised bibliographies. Common Pitfalls: Some learners remember hearing about "The Prince" but forget the exact name of its author and may guess from the list of famous writers. To avoid confusion, link Machiavelli with ideas like realpolitik and statecraft in your memory. Thinking of the term Machiavellian politics when you read "The Prince" in a question makes it easy to recall the correct author quickly. Final Answer: Niccolo Machiavelli

Question 14

The multi volume work "Asian Drama" by Gunnar Myrdal is a book primarily dealing with which of the following subjects?

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Introduction / Context: This question tests understanding of an important work on development studies and the social sciences. "Asian Drama" is a major study by the economist Gunnar Myrdal that analyses the economic and social problems of South and South East Asia. The title can be misleading, so knowing its true subject area is very important for exams. Given Data / Assumptions: The book in question is "Asian Drama". The author is Gunnar Myrdal, a Nobel Prize winning economist. Options include theatre, economics, international politics and an Indian foreign policy slogan. Only one of these accurately reflects the central focus of the work. Concept / Approach: Despite the title sounding like something related to theatre, "Asian Drama" is actually about the economic and social development of Asia, especially problems of poverty, inequality and planning. It is firmly located in the field of economics and development studies, not in performing arts or diplomatic slogans. Remembering the author background as an economist helps to avoid confusion. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify Gunnar Myrdal as an economist who shared a Nobel Prize in Economics. Step 2: Recall that his work "Asian Drama" examines developmental challenges and policy in Asian countries. Step 3: Consider the options. Theatre movements and the Look East policy are clearly unrelated to a long analytical work by an economist. Step 4: International politics may be touched on, but the core of the book is economic analysis of development. Step 5: Therefore, the best and most accurate subject classification among the options is "Economics". Verification / Alternative check: Descriptions of "Asian Drama" in academic references clearly label it as a study of "an inquiry into the poverty of nations in South Asia" and related topics. It is frequently cited in economic and development literature, not in theatre or foreign policy discussions. This confirms that economics is the correct category for the book. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "Theatre movements in Asia" is misleading because the word drama in the title is metaphorical, not about stage plays. "International politics" and "Look East policy of India" are broader or specific foreign policy topics; while politics does appear in the analysis, the book is not primarily a diplomatic or policy slogan text. Calling it theatre or a foreign policy manual would misrepresent its scholarly nature. Common Pitfalls: A major trap is to take the word drama literally and assume the book deals with theatre. Another error is to vaguely associate Asia with current political slogans like the Look East policy and choose those options without recalling who Gunnar Myrdal was. Always check the background of the author first; if the author is a well known economist, the safest assumption is that the work belongs mainly to economics unless clearly stated otherwise. Final Answer: Economics

Question 15

Who is the author of the popular self help and mind body wellness book "Ageless Body, Timeless Mind"?

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Introduction / Context: This question belongs to the category of self help and popular psychology books. "Ageless Body, Timeless Mind" is a well known work promoting the idea that mental and spiritual practices can influence physical ageing. The exam tests whether you can connect this title with the correct author among several well known literary names. Given Data / Assumptions: The book title is "Ageless Body, Timeless Mind". Its theme is mind body wellness and self transformation. Four options are given: V. S. Naipaul, Deepak Chopra, Dom Moraes and Tony Kushner. Only one of these writers is famous for holistic health and spirituality books. Concept / Approach: Deepak Chopra is internationally known for his books on alternative medicine, meditation and spiritual ways of staying healthy. "Ageless Body, Timeless Mind" is one of his most popular titles. The other names in the list are associated with fiction, poetry or drama rather than self help wellness literature. Recognising the genre and the author public image makes the correct answer apparent. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that Deepak Chopra writes extensively about mind body medicine and spiritual healing. Step 2: Connect the phrase "Ageless Body, Timeless Mind" with ideas that fit his usual themes of reversing ageing and achieving inner peace. Step 3: Evaluate the other options. V. S. Naipaul is a Nobel winning novelist, Dom Moraes is a poet and Tony Kushner is a playwright. Step 4: None of these three is known as a self help wellness author or as the creator of this particular book. Step 5: Therefore, choose Deepak Chopra as the correct answer. Verification / Alternative check: Bookstores, online platforms and author profiles all list "Ageless Body, Timeless Mind" under Deepak Chopra works. It is often mentioned alongside his other titles on health and spirituality. No listing attributes it to Naipaul, Moraes or Kushner, confirming that only option B is accurate. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Naipaul, Moraes and Kushner operate in very different literary fields. Their best known works include novels, poetry collections and plays focused on politics, identity or society rather than on anti ageing or meditation. Selecting them would mix up self help books with serious literary or dramatic writing, which is not supported by any credible bibliographic information. Common Pitfalls: Sometimes candidates may not recognise the title immediately and simply guess based on fame, picking Naipaul because he is a Nobel laureate. A better strategy is to think about the kind of content described by the title. Whenever you see mind body or timeless mind expressed in a book name, it is wise to consider authors like Deepak Chopra who are known almost entirely for that type of subject matter. Final Answer: Deepak Chopra

Question 16

The non fiction book "An Undocumented Wonder: The Making of the Great Indian Election" is written by which former Chief Election Commissioner of India?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question relates to Indian democracy and electoral processes. "An Undocumented Wonder: The Making of the Great Indian Election" is a non fiction book that gives an insider view of how massive Indian elections are organised and run. It is written by a former Chief Election Commissioner who had direct experience managing these complex events. Given Data / Assumptions: The book title is "An Undocumented Wonder: The Making of the Great Indian Election". The author is a former Chief Election Commissioner of India. Four senior Indian officials are listed as options. Exactly one of these names is correctly associated with the book. Concept / Approach: S. Y. Quraishi served as Chief Election Commissioner and later wrote this book to explain the scale, challenges and innovations of Indian elections. While T. N. Seshan, N. Gopalaswami and S. K. Singh also held important constitutional or administrative positions, the specific title in the question is linked with Quraishi. Recognising his role and later authorship is key to answering correctly. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that S. Y. Quraishi became well known as a Chief Election Commissioner who emphasised transparency and voter awareness. Step 2: After retirement, he wrote "An Undocumented Wonder" to describe the functioning of the Election Commission and the logistics of organising national polls. Step 3: T. N. Seshan is another famous CEC, but he is not the author of this particular book; his fame comes from enforcement of electoral rules. Step 4: N. Gopalaswami and S. K. Singh are also senior figures but are not associated with this title in major references. Step 5: Therefore, select S. Y. Quraishi as the correct answer. Verification / Alternative check: Publisher information and reviews of "An Undocumented Wonder" state clearly that S. Y. Quraishi wrote the book and draw on his experience as CEC. Media interviews about the book also feature him discussing electoral reforms. None of the other listed personalities is promoted as the author of this work in reliable sources. Why Other Options Are Wrong: T. N. Seshan is indeed a legendary CEC, but his name is attached to different works and to administrative activism rather than this particular book. N. Gopalaswami served in the Election Commission but did not write "An Undocumented Wonder". S. K. Singh name appears here as an additional distractor unconnected with the title. Common Pitfalls: Because Seshan name is very famous in the context of election reforms, many candidates may automatically choose him when they see a book about Indian elections. To avoid falling into this trap, it is important to associate S. Y. Quraishi with the specific phrase "An Undocumented Wonder" and remember that he is the one who wrote a detailed narrative about the making of the Great Indian Election. Final Answer: S. Y. Quraishi

Question 17

The political science book "The Candidate: What It Takes to Win – and Hold – the White House" is written by which American scholar of elections and campaigns?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question concerns modern political science and the study of elections. "The Candidate: What It Takes to Win – and Hold – the White House" examines how presidential candidates in the United States campaign and govern. The question asks you to identify the author, a specialist in electoral behaviour and political strategy. Given Data / Assumptions: The full title is "The Candidate: What It Takes to Win – and Hold – the White House". The subject is U.S. presidential campaigns and leadership. Four well known figures in international affairs and political commentary are listed. Only one of them is an academic who is widely credited with this particular book. Concept / Approach: Samuel L. Popkin is an American political scientist known for his work on voter decision making and presidential campaigns. He wrote "The Candidate" to explain how successful candidates build coalitions, manage campaigns and then govern. Henry Kissinger, Noam Chomsky and Fareed Zakaria are important authors on foreign policy and global affairs, but they are not associated with this specific title. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that Samuel L. Popkin specialises in the study of elections and the presidency. Step 2: Remember that he wrote "The Candidate" to summarise lessons from modern presidential races. Step 3: Look at the other options. Henry Kissinger writes mainly on diplomacy and international relations, Noam Chomsky on linguistics and political critique, and Fareed Zakaria on global politics and economics. Step 4: None of these three are identified as the author of this particular campaign focused book. Step 5: Therefore, select Samuel L. Popkin as the correct answer. Verification / Alternative check: Book reviews, course syllabi and the publisher description all list Samuel L. Popkin as the author of "The Candidate: What It Takes to Win – and Hold – the White House". His previous works on voter behaviour are often mentioned alongside this title, strengthening the association. The other figures have their own different signature books, not this one. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Henry Kissinger is best known for works like "Diplomacy", which focus on foreign policy. Noam Chomsky is known for linguistic theory and political commentary, and Fareed Zakaria for books on global power shifts. While all three write about politics in a broad sense, they are not credited with authoring "The Candidate". Choosing them would conflate general political commentary with specialised campaign research. Common Pitfalls: Students may be tempted to pick a very famous media personality or diplomat because the title mentions the White House. However, many core texts on elections are written by less publicly famous academics. Always check whether the question seems to refer to a scholarly work; if so, the author is more likely to be a political scientist like Samuel L. Popkin than a world famous diplomat or television host. Final Answer: Samuel L. Popkin

Question 18

The investigative book "The Fiction of Fact-Finding: Modi and Godhra" is written by which Indian journalist and author?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question belongs to contemporary Indian non fiction and investigative writing. "The Fiction of Fact-Finding: Modi and Godhra" examines official investigations and narratives related to the 2002 Gujarat violence. The question asks you to identify the journalist who authored this critical and detailed study. Given Data / Assumptions: The book title is "The Fiction of Fact-Finding: Modi and Godhra". The subject is the legal and investigative processes around the Gujarat riots case. Four Indian journalists and authors are listed as options. Only one of these names is actually associated with this book. Concept / Approach: Manoj Mitta is a senior Indian journalist and legal analyst who co authored and authored several books on communal violence and justice in India. He wrote "The Fiction of Fact-Finding: Modi and Godhra" to critique how investigative bodies and courts handled the facts and evidence. The other names are prominent journalists and authors too, but they have different signature works and are not linked to this particular title. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that Manoj Mitta is often mentioned in connection with books on riots, legal processes and accountability in India. Step 2: Connect this memory with the book title, which focuses on fact finding and investigation. Step 3: Consider the alternatives. Rajdeep Sardesai has written on Indian elections and politics, Barkha Dutt on her experiences as a television journalist and Kuldip Nayar on politics and diplomacy. Step 4: None of these three is known as the author of "The Fiction of Fact-Finding: Modi and Godhra". Step 5: Therefore, the only correct choice is Manoj Mitta. Verification / Alternative check: Publisher listings and media reports about the book clearly name Manoj Mitta as the author. Reviews discussing legal issues around the Godhra case and the larger Gujarat riots also refer to him by name. There is no confusion in reputable sources about this authorship, which confirms that option A is correct. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Rajdeep Sardesai wrote books such as "2014: The Election That Changed India". Barkha Dutt has authored works based on her reporting career, and Kuldip Nayar wrote widely on India foreign policy and politics. While each is a significant journalist, none is credited with the investigative work specified in the question. Selecting them would misattribute the book to the wrong journalist. Common Pitfalls: Because all four options are or were well known public commentators, some candidates simply pick the most familiar television personality rather than recalling the specific book title. A better approach is to categorise journalists by the issues they usually write about. Manoj Mitta should be mentally associated with legal scrutiny of communal violence and fact finding, which aligns perfectly with this book title and helps you quickly locate the correct answer in the options. Final Answer: Manoj Mitta

Question 19

In general knowledge about books and authors, who wrote the political biography titled "The Disruptor: Arvind Kejriwal and the Audacious Rise of the Aam Aadmi"?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question belongs to the general knowledge and current affairs style category that tests awareness of political biographies and important non fiction works. The book "The Disruptor: Arvind Kejriwal and the Audacious Rise of the Aam Aadmi" traces the rise of a contemporary Indian political leader, so it naturally appears in competitive exam style quizzes that focus on books and authors. Given Data / Assumptions: - The title of the book is "The Disruptor: Arvind Kejriwal and the Audacious Rise of the Aam Aadmi". - The question asks specifically for the author or authors of this book. - All options mention names linked in some way to Indian politics, commentary, or public life. - Exactly one option must correctly identify the writer or writers of this biography. Concept / Approach: This kind of question is solved through recognition and association. The core idea is to know which writers have produced well known political biographies and which names are more prominent as activists or politicians rather than as authors of this particular title. The correct answer is the pair of journalists and commentators who co authored the book about Arvind Kejriwal, not Kejriwal himself or other political figures who may have written different works. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Note that the book is about Arvind Kejriwal and the rise of the Aam Aadmi Party, which suggests that the author is likely a journalist or political analyst, not usually the subject himself. Step 2: Recall that the detailed biography of Kejriwal with this exact title was written by Gautam Chikermane and Soma Banerjee, both known for their work in business and political journalism. Step 3: Scan the options and identify the pair "Gautam Chikermane and Soma Banerjee" as the one that exactly matches the known authorship. Step 4: Confirm that the remaining options are either politicians themselves or writers who are associated with other political books, not this specific biography. Verification / Alternative check: A quick memory cross check is that Arvind Kejriwal authored "Swaraj", not this biography. Madhu Kishwar has written extensively on politics and society but not this book. Yogendra Yadav is a political scientist and activist, again not the biographer in this case. Only the duo Gautam Chikermane and Soma Banerjee are repeatedly linked with "The Disruptor" in news summaries and reading lists, which verifies the correct answer. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Madhu Kishwar is a commentator on politics and society but not the co author of this specific work, so that option is incorrect. Arvind Kejriwal is the subject of the biography and has written other books, but he is not the writer of this particular title. Yogendra Yadav is a political analyst and former colleague of Kejriwal, yet he did not write this biography. Kumar Vishwas is a poet and politician linked to Aam Aadmi Party but has not authored this book. Common Pitfalls: A common mistake is to assume that a political book connected to a famous leader must be written by that leader. Another frequent confusion is between different books about the same figure, which may be written by various journalists or biographers. Students may also misread the question and mark the most familiar political name rather than carefully remembering which person actually authored the work. Final Answer: For this general knowledge question on books and authors, the correct response is that the political biography "The Disruptor: Arvind Kejriwal and the Audacious Rise of the Aam Aadmi" was written by Gautam Chikermane and Soma Banerjee.

Question 20

In Indian non fiction and popular writing, who is the author of the book "Making India Awesome"?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question checks basic general knowledge about contemporary Indian authors and their popular non fiction works. "Making India Awesome" is a collection of essays that comment on social and political issues, and it is widely associated with bestselling novelist Chetan Bhagat, who is better known for his fiction and columns but has also written such commentary books. Given Data / Assumptions: - The book title is "Making India Awesome". - Four options list well known Indian public figures and writers. - Only one of the given names is actually credited as the author of this book. - No extra numerical data or calculation is required, only recognition of the correct pairing. Concept / Approach: The approach is memory based. Competitive exams often repeat questions about which author wrote which book, especially when the book comments on Indian society and policy. A learner needs to match the correct writer with the given title. Here, the task is to remember that "Making India Awesome" is a non fiction work by Chetan Bhagat, not by economists or politicians who may also write about India. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Focus on the key phrase "Making India Awesome", which is a catchy, conversational style title consistent with Chetan Bhagat's brand of writing. Step 2: Recall that Chetan Bhagat has written two popular non fiction books on Indian issues, namely "What Young India Wants" and "Making India Awesome". Step 3: Compare this with other options: Jairam Ramesh and Tarun Khanna are known for policy and business books with more academic tones, while Amitav Ghosh is primarily a literary novelist. Step 4: Conclude that Chetan Bhagat is the only option that accurately matches the book title given in the question. Verification / Alternative check: To further verify, one can remember that "Making India Awesome" specifically collects Bhagat's essays on corruption, governance, youth aspirations, and economic reforms, many of which first appeared in newspapers. There is no widely known book with this exact title authored by Jairam Ramesh, Tarun Khanna, or Amitav Ghosh, which confirms that they are distractors rather than correct options. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Jairam Ramesh is a politician and author of policy themed books but is not associated with this particular title. Tarun Khanna writes on business, globalization, and emerging markets, not this popular essay collection for general readers. Amitav Ghosh is a celebrated novelist known for works like "The Shadow Lines" and "The Hungry Tide", not for "Making India Awesome". Common Pitfalls: A typical confusion arises when students associate serious sounding topics with politicians or economists and ignore the possibility that a fiction writer has also written non fiction. Another pitfall is mixing up Bhagat's two essay collections, but both are by the same author, so once the writer is remembered, such confusion disappears. Careful reading of book lists in newspapers and exam preparation guides helps avoid such mistakes. Final Answer: In summary, the book "Making India Awesome" is written by the popular Indian author Chetan Bhagat.

Books and Authors Questions