Question 1

Which one of the following is not a sports award given on the National Sports Awards Day in India?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: In India, several prestigious sports awards are conferred each year on the National Sports Awards Day to honour outstanding athletes and coaches. Typical competitive exams frequently ask which among a list of awards is not actually part of this official set. This question checks whether you can distinguish real national sports awards from a made up or unrelated name such as "Vishwamitra Award". Given Data / Assumptions: The context is the National Sports Awards given by the Government of India. Options list well known sports awards along with one name constructed to sound similar. The task is to identify which name does not belong to the standard list of national sports awards. We assume no recent renaming has created a real "Vishwamitra Award" within this scheme. Concept / Approach: The key concept is recognition of India's main sports awards. Traditionally, the list includes the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (now known as the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna), the Arjuna Award, the Dhyan Chand Award for lifetime achievement, and the Dronacharya Award for outstanding coaches. The name "Vishwamitra Award" does not appear in this official structure, so it is the odd one out. The approach is to confirm which names you have definitely seen in credible sports news and government notifications and then eliminate the unfamiliar or invented award. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the main national sports awards: Khel Ratna, Arjuna Award, Dhyan Chand Award, and Dronacharya Award. Step 2: Check option "Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna". This is the earlier official name of India's highest sporting honour for performance. Step 3: Check "Arjuna Award". This is a very well known national award for consistent outstanding performance in sports. Step 4: Check "Dhyan Chand Award". This is a lifetime achievement award in sports and games. Step 5: Check "Dronacharya Award". This is the national award for outstanding coaches in sports. Step 6: "Vishwamitra Award" does not match any standard national sports award conferred on National Sports Awards Day. Step 7: Conclude that "Vishwamitra Award" is the only option that is not a real part of this award scheme. Verification / Alternative Check: You can cross verify by remembering that exam preparatory material and government announcements repeatedly mention a stable set of sports awards. None of them includes "Vishwamitra Award". Government press releases, sports quizzes, and general knowledge books always list Arjuna, Khel Ratna, Dhyan Chand, and Dronacharya together. Since "Vishwamitra Award" never appears in such lists, it is safe to identify it as the incorrect name in this question. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna is a real top level national sports award, though it has now been renamed in honour of Major Dhyan Chand. Arjuna Award is a genuine national sports award given for consistent high performance over several years. Dhyan Chand Award is a true award for lifetime achievement in sports and games. Dronacharya Award is a real national award that recognises excellent coaching in various sports disciplines. Common Pitfalls: Candidates sometimes get confused because the names of these awards are derived from personalities and mythological figures. A newly invented name like "Vishwamitra Award" sounds similar to Dronacharya or Arjuna, so it may tempt those who have not memorised the official list. Another pitfall is not keeping up with renamings, such as the change in the name of the Khel Ratna, but such changes do not create a new "Vishwamitra Award". Understanding the core set of national sports awards helps avoid such traps. Final Answer: The award that is not part of the National Sports Awards Day in India is Vishwamitra Award.

Question 2

The famous literary work "The Post Office" (Dak Ghar) was written by which Indian author?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: "The Post Office", originally known as "Dak Ghar" in Bengali, is a renowned literary work that appears in many questions on Indian literature and authors. The question here asks you to identify the correct writer from among several celebrated Indian authors. Recognising that "The Post Office" is associated with Rabindranath Tagore is an essential part of basic literary general knowledge. Given Data / Assumptions: The title referred to is "The Post Office" or "Dak Ghar". The options contain names of famous Indian writers and poets. The question focuses on the original author, not translators or dramatists who may have adapted the work. Only one option is intended to match the book correctly. Concept / Approach: This is a direct author identification question. The key idea is that Rabindranath Tagore wrote several plays and stories in Bengali, many of which were translated into English and other languages. "Dak Ghar" or "The Post Office" is one of his most famous plays, dealing with themes of freedom, imagination, and spiritual release. The options include other prominent writers, but their major works are different. The best approach is to recall which titles are linked to each author and then choose the only correct pairing. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that "Dak Ghar" or "The Post Office" is a play about a sick child named Amal who dreams of freedom beyond the closed world of his room. Step 2: Connect this work to Rabindranath Tagore, who wrote many plays and poems exploring spiritual and social themes. Step 3: Examine the options. K. M. Munshi was known for historical novels in Gujarati and also for his political role. Step 4: Ramdhari Singh Dinkar was a Hindi poet famous for patriotic and philosophical poetry like "Rashmirathi". Step 5: Neeraj, or Gopal Das Neeraj, was a Hindi poet and lyricist, not the author of this play. Step 6: Bankim Chandra Chatterjee wrote important novels like "Anandamath" and "Durgeshnandini", and the song "Vande Mataram". Step 7: Only Rabindranath Tagore is consistently linked with "The Post Office", so he is the correct choice. Verification / Alternative Check: To verify, you can remember that many school textbooks include excerpts from Tagore's "The Post Office" as an example of Indian drama. The work is often discussed in literature courses focusing on Tagore. Reference books on Indian literature usually list "Dak Ghar – Rabindranath Tagore". None of the other authors in the options share this association, so cross checking standard sources confirms that Rabindranath Tagore is the correct answer. Why Other Options Are Wrong: K. M. Munshi is better known for Gujarati historical novels and founding Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, not for this play. Ramdhari Singh Dinkar is a major Hindi poet, but he did not write "The Post Office". Neeraj is a modern Hindi poet and film lyricist; his main fame lies in songs and poems, not in this work. Bankim Chandra Chatterjee belongs to an earlier generation of Bengali novelists and is associated with other titles. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes confuse Bengali authors, especially Bankim Chandra Chatterjee and Rabindranath Tagore, because both are iconic. Another common pitfall is assuming that any famous Indian author in the options could be correct without recalling the exact match between work and writer. To avoid this, it helps to create a list of important Indian literary works and remember them as fixed pairs, such as "Gitanjali – Rabindranath Tagore" and "The Post Office – Rabindranath Tagore". Final Answer: The literary work "The Post Office" (Dak Ghar) was written by Rabindranath Tagore.

Question 3

Who is the author of the political work "The Rights of Man"?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: "The Rights of Man" is a key text in political thought and the history of democratic ideas. General knowledge exams frequently ask which writer authored it, because it links directly to debates on liberty, human rights, and revolution. This question tests knowledge of enlightenment era thinkers and ensures that students can connect the title with the correct author, Thomas Paine. Given Data / Assumptions: The book title is "The Rights of Man". The options are all writers whose names start with Thomas or other thinkers, creating deliberate confusion. The question refers to the original author of this political work, not editors or commentators. Only one name is historically correct for this title. Concept / Approach: The concept being tested is basic awareness of enlightenment political literature. Thomas Paine was a political activist and pamphleteer who supported the American and French revolutions. "The Rights of Man" defends the French Revolution and criticises monarchy and hereditary government. The approach is to recall this association and separate it from other authors who share the first name Thomas but wrote in different genres or time periods. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recognise that "The Rights of Man" is a classic of political philosophy, not a novel or poem. Step 2: Recall that Thomas Paine wrote influential pamphlets such as "Common Sense" and later "The Rights of Man". Step 3: Examine the options. Thomas Hardy was an English novelist and poet known for works like "Tess of the d Urbervilles". Step 4: Thomas Mann was a German novelist associated with "Buddenbrooks" and "The Magic Mountain". Step 5: Thomas Moore is usually remembered as a poet and songwriter and is not connected with this famous political work. Step 6: Thomas Paine, however, was a revolutionary thinker and is strongly associated with "The Rights of Man". Step 7: John Stuart Mill is another political philosopher, but his major works include "On Liberty" and "Utilitarianism", not the book in the question. Step 8: Therefore, the correct answer is Thomas Paine. Verification / Alternative Check: To verify this choice, you can recall standard history or political science textbooks that present Thomas Paine as a defender of human rights and democratic government. Many exam oriented guides list "The Rights of Man – Thomas Paine" in their books and authors section. None of the other listed authors are ever paired with this specific title in authoritative references. This cross check confirms that only Thomas Paine matches the book named in the question. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Thomas Hardy wrote realist novels of rural life and personal tragedy, not radical political pamphlets about rights and revolutions. Thomas Mann is known for modernist German novels analysing bourgeois society and psychology, not this English language political work. Thomas Moore is notable as a poet and songwriter, and there is no major political treatise by him with this title. John Stuart Mill was indeed a political thinker, but his key works have different titles and themes. Common Pitfalls: A common trap is to choose any familiar sounding "Thomas" without remembering which works that person actually wrote. Exam setters deliberately group authors with similar names to test accurate recall, not mere recognition. Another mistake is to confuse "The Rights of Man" with other political works such as "On Liberty", which belong to different authors. A focused list of political philosophy classics and their writers helps avoid such confusion in exams. Final Answer: The book "The Rights of Man" was written by Thomas Paine.

Question 4

Who is the author of the poetry collection "Central Time"?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: "Central Time" is a contemporary poetry collection that sometimes appears in modern books and authors questions. It is less famous than classical works, which makes this question a useful way to test whether students stay updated with newer Indian English writing. The task is to pick the correct modern poet, Ranjit Hoskote, from among a group of well known Indian authors and poets. Given Data / Assumptions: The work referred to is a poetry collection titled "Central Time". All options are Indian or India linked writers, some primarily novelists and some poets. The question focuses on the original author who wrote and published this particular collection. Exactly one name is correct for this book. Concept / Approach: The idea tested here is recognition of contemporary Indian English poetry. Ranjit Hoskote is an established poet, critic, and curator. His work often explores art, history, and memory, and "Central Time" is one of his collections. In contrast, authors like Amitav Ghosh and Vikram Chandra are mainly novelists, while Jeet Thayil and Arundhathi Subramaniam are poets linked to different titles. The method is to separate novelists from poets and then match the correct poet to the specific book. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Note that the question explicitly mentions a poetry collection, so we focus on writers known for poetry. Step 2: Amitav Ghosh is best known for novels such as "The Shadow Lines" and "Sea of Poppies", not for "Central Time". Step 3: Vikram Chandra is a novelist and short story writer associated with "Sacred Games" and "Love and Longing in Bombay". Step 4: Jeet Thayil is a poet and novelist, but his famous works include "Narcopolis" and other poetry collections with different titles. Step 5: Arundhathi Subramaniam is also a poet, but she is linked with collections like "When God Is a Traveller". Step 6: Ranjit Hoskote is a respected Indian poet and critic known for multiple collections, including "Central Time". Step 7: Since only Ranjit Hoskote clearly matches this specific book title, we select him as the correct answer. Verification / Alternative Check: To verify, one could recall book catalogues from publishers of Indian English poetry, which usually list "Central Time" under Ranjit Hoskote's name. Exam preparatory material covering recent books and authors also frequently mentions the pair "Central Time – Ranjit Hoskote". No credible list associates this title with any of the other names in the options, confirming that Hoskote is the correct choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Amitav Ghosh focuses on historical and political novels rather than this poetry collection. Vikram Chandra is known for fiction writing and has no famous poetry collection titled "Central Time". Jeet Thayil, while being a poet, is connected with different titles in both poetry and fiction. Arundhathi Subramaniam writes poetry and prose, but her main collections have different names. Common Pitfalls: Since several options are contemporary literary figures, learners may guess any poet without differentiating their specific works. Another common mistake is confusing "Central Time" with other abstract sounding titles that belong to different poets. To avoid such errors, aspirants should maintain and periodically revise a list that links newer titles with their authors, especially when those books are commonly asked in recent exams. Final Answer: The poetry collection "Central Time" was written by Ranjit Hoskote.

Question 5

Who has written the biographical book "Ambedkar: Awakening India's Social Conscience"?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: "Ambedkar: Awakening India's Social Conscience" is a biographical work that highlights the life and contribution of Dr B. R. Ambedkar, a key architect of the Indian Constitution and a major social reformer. Questions about this book commonly appear in competitive exams that focus on modern Indian biographies and authors. The aim here is to correctly identify Narendra Jadhav as the author among other famous names connected with Indian history and politics. Given Data / Assumptions: The title provided is "Ambedkar: Awakening India's Social Conscience". The options include several prominent Indian writers and public intellectuals. The question refers to the author who wrote this specific biography, not to Ambedkar himself. Only one of the listed authors is associated with this exact title. Concept / Approach: This is a books and authors question related to biographies of national leaders. Narendra Jadhav is an economist, writer, and public figure who has written extensively on Ambedkar. The approach is to match this known fact with the given title while recognising that other authors listed may also write about Indian politics but are not responsible for this particular work. Correct resolution comes from paying attention to exam oriented lists of biographies and memorising key pairings. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify that the book is a biography or interpretive study of Dr B. R. Ambedkar. Step 2: Recall that Narendra Jadhav has written multiple works on Ambedkar and Dalit issues, including this title. Step 3: Examine Shashi Tharoor. He writes on Indian history and colonialism but is not associated with this exact book. Step 4: Consider Ramachandra Guha. He is a historian whose well known books include works on Gandhi and modern India, not this Ambedkar volume. Step 5: Arun Shourie has written political and ideological critiques but is not known for this biography of Ambedkar. Step 6: Laxman Gaikwad is a writer linked with other autobiographical and social works, not this specific book. Step 7: Since "Ambedkar: Awakening India's Social Conscience" is repeatedly attributed to Narendra Jadhav in exam materials, we choose him as the correct answer. Verification / Alternative Check: This answer can be verified by checking reading lists on Ambedkar, where Narendra Jadhav is consistently mentioned as the author of this book. General knowledge compilations and current affairs book and author sections also list the pair "Ambedkar: Awakening India's Social Conscience – Narendra Jadhav". Since no authoritative source links the title with the other options, this serves as a reliable alternative confirmation. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Shashi Tharoor writes extensively about the British Raj and Indian politics, but his major titles have different names. Ramachandra Guha focuses on broad histories and biographies like those of Gandhi, not this particular Ambedkar study. Arun Shourie is known for polemical political writing rather than this sympathetic Ambedkar biography. Laxman Gaikwad is a noted writer but is not credited with this book in any standard reference. Common Pitfalls: Because many Indian writers have written about Ambedkar, students may guess any familiar name from the list without remembering the exact title association. Another pitfall is to think that a more widely known media figure such as Shashi Tharoor must be the author. Avoid such assumptions by maintaining a targeted list of biographies of national leaders and revising them periodically, linking each title directly to its author in memory. Final Answer: The book "Ambedkar: Awakening India's Social Conscience" was written by Narendra Jadhav.

Question 6

Who is the author of the political memoir "The Accidental Prime Minister: The Making and Unmaking of Manmohan Singh"?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: "The Accidental Prime Minister: The Making and Unmaking of Manmohan Singh" is a political memoir that attracted wide media attention in India. It is frequently used in general knowledge exams to test awareness of contemporary political books and their authors. The objective of this question is to identify Sanjaya Baru as the writer, distinguishing him from other well known Indian political figures named in the options. Given Data / Assumptions: The title is a detailed political memoir about former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The options list prominent Indian politicians and policy makers. The author served closely with Manmohan Singh, giving insider information in the book. We assume only one of the listed names actually wrote this memoir. Concept / Approach: The concept tested is the ability to connect a widely discussed political book with its author. Sanjaya Baru was the media advisor and spokesperson to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. His memoir gives an insider account of the Prime Minister's office. While other options are also key political personalities, they did not author this particular book. The correct approach is to recall who among them worked as Singh's media advisor and later wrote a memoir based on that experience. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Note that the book is about the making and unmaking of Manmohan Singh as Prime Minister. Step 2: Remember that Sanjaya Baru served as media advisor to Manmohan Singh during his tenure in office. Step 3: Recognise that after leaving the post, Baru wrote a controversial memoir titled "The Accidental Prime Minister". Step 4: Examine the other options. P. Chidambaram is a senior leader and former finance minister, not the author of this account. Step 5: Montek Singh Ahluwalia is an economist and former deputy chairman of the Planning Commission, not the writer of this memoir. Step 6: Manmohan Singh is the subject of the book, not its author. Step 7: Pranab Mukherjee wrote his own memoirs, but their titles are different and focus on his political journey. Step 8: Therefore, the only correct author is Sanjaya Baru. Verification / Alternative Check: Various news reports and book reviews clearly identify Sanjaya Baru as the author of "The Accidental Prime Minister". Exam guides also list the pairing "The Accidental Prime Minister – Sanjaya Baru" as a standard fact. None of the other political figures listed are ever mentioned as authors of this particular book, so cross checking media coverage and preparation material confirms the correctness of this answer. Why Other Options Are Wrong: P. Chidambaram has authored articles and books on economics and law, but not this memoir about Manmohan Singh. Montek Singh Ahluwalia has written policy related works and given interviews, but he did not write "The Accidental Prime Minister". Manmohan Singh is the central figure described in the book, not the person who wrote it. Pranab Mukherjee has his own multi volume memoirs, but their titles and focus are distinct. Common Pitfalls: Many candidates mistakenly assume that any senior political leader mentioned in the options must be the author, especially if they know that leader wrote some books. Others may think Manmohan Singh himself wrote the memoir because his name appears in the subtitle. The key is to recall that this is an insider account written by his media advisor, Sanjaya Baru, rather than an autobiography of the former Prime Minister. Final Answer: The memoir "The Accidental Prime Minister: The Making and Unmaking of Manmohan Singh" was written by Sanjaya Baru.

Question 7

Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu released the book "Indian Railway: The Weaving of a National Tapestry", jointly authored by Sanjay Chadha, Vidya Krishnamurthi and which of the following economists?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: "Indian Railway: The Weaving of a National Tapestry" is a book that traces the history and development of Indian Railways. It was released by the Union Railway Minister and is often cited in current affairs and general knowledge questions. This question checks whether you know the full set of authors, focusing on which economist joined Sanjay Chadha and Vidya Krishnamurthi as a co author. The correct answer is Bibek Debroy. Given Data / Assumptions: The title of the book is "Indian Railway: The Weaving of a National Tapestry". We are told that Sanjay Chadha and Vidya Krishnamurthi are co authors. The options list well known personalities, including economists and administrators. We assume the question refers to the original trio of authors. Concept / Approach: The concept is familiarity with important books on Indian infrastructure and policy. Bibek Debroy is an economist and policy expert who has worked closely on railway reforms and served on high level committees related to Indian Railways. He co authored this book with Sanjay Chadha and Vidya Krishnamurthi. The strategy is to recall which of the listed names is associated with both economics and Indian Railways literature and then select that person as the missing author. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify that the book is about Indian Railways, with a historical and policy focus. Step 2: Recall that Bibek Debroy has been a member of NITI Aayog and headed committees on railway restructuring. Step 3: Connect this policy role with his involvement in co authoring a detailed book on Indian Railways. Step 4: Evaluate the other options. Andy Marino is a biographer known for writing about political figures, not for this railway book. Step 5: E. Sreedharan is an engineer and administrator famous as the "Metro Man" of India, but he is not cited as a co author here. Step 6: Rakesh Mohan is an economist who has worked on infrastructure policy, but not as a co author of this specific book. Step 7: C. Rangarajan is a respected economist and former Reserve Bank of India governor, but he is not listed among the authors of this work. Step 8: Only Bibek Debroy fits both the authorship record and the context of Indian Railways policy, so we choose him. Verification / Alternative Check: If you look at exam oriented current affairs compilations or news reports from the time of the book's release, they clearly state that "Indian Railway: The Weaving of a National Tapestry" is jointly authored by Bibek Debroy, Sanjay Chadha, and Vidya Krishnamurthi. No such report mentions the other options as co authors. This independent cross check confirms that Bibek Debroy is the correct answer. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Andy Marino is associated with political biographies and does not appear in the author list of this railway book. E. Sreedharan is central to Indian metro rail projects, but he did not co write this historical tapestry of Indian Railways. Rakesh Mohan, although an economist, is not recorded as co author of this particular title. C. Rangarajan is known for monetary policy and economic governance, not for this book. Common Pitfalls: Students may be tempted to choose any name linked with economics or transport without recalling the exact combination of authors. Another frequent error is to guess E. Sreedharan because his public image is strongly connected with rail systems, even though he did not co author this policy heavy book. Avoid these traps by memorising specific author combinations for prominent government related books mentioned in news and exam material. Final Answer: The missing co author of "Indian Railway: The Weaving of a National Tapestry" is Bibek Debroy.

Question 8

What was the main theme or topic of the influential book "The Other America"?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: "The Other America" is a landmark sociological and political book that had a major impact on public policy in the United States. It exposed the harsh reality that a large portion of Americans were living in poverty, even during times of apparent prosperity. Competitive exams sometimes test this by asking about the book's central theme. The aim of this question is to select the correct summary of that theme: widespread poverty in America. Given Data / Assumptions: The book title is "The Other America". The options present different social problems such as poverty, poor education, racism, infrastructure, and urbanisation. The question seeks the main focus of the book, not every issue it may touch upon. We assume knowledge of basic post war American social history. Concept / Approach: The key concept is understanding that "The Other America" by Michael Harrington brought attention to the existence of a hidden poor population in a supposedly affluent society. The book argued that millions of Americans were trapped in poverty. While issues like education and racism are related to social inequality, the core theme here is economic deprivation. The best approach is to recall that this book influenced anti poverty programmes by highlighting structural poverty rather than focusing on a single category like education or highways. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify that "The Other America" is a social commentary, not a technical manual or purely economic text. Step 2: Recall that its central message is that beneath the surface of American prosperity, there existed an "other" America of poor people. Step 3: Connect this with the rise of policy debates on poverty and social welfare in the United States. Step 4: Examine the options. Option A states that poverty was widespread in America, which matches the book's main argument. Step 5: Option B, education was lacking, is an important issue but is not the primary focus of the book. Step 6: Option C, racism was widespread, is also a serious problem, but this book is primarily about economic poverty across various groups. Step 7: Option D, the need for more highways, is unrelated to the core theme of this particular text. Step 8: Option E, urbanisation destroying family life, describes other sociological concerns but does not summarise this book. Step 9: Therefore, the correct theme is that poverty was widespread in America. Verification / Alternative Check: You can verify this by remembering that many history and political science sources describe "The Other America" as a classic exposé on poverty in the United States. It is often credited with influencing policy makers and debates that led to anti poverty programmes. Summaries of the book consistently emphasise its focus on economic deprivation, rather than on a single issue like education or racism alone. This consistency across references confirms that the central theme is widespread poverty. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Education was lacking in America is too narrow a statement and does not capture the book's broader emphasis on poverty. Racism was widespread in America is true historically, but this book mainly centres on class based poverty affecting many groups. Americans needed more highways is an infrastructure issue, not the subject of this social critique. Urbanisation was destroying family life describes another sociological concern but is not the topic of "The Other America". Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes confuse different famous books about American society and may associate "The Other America" with racism or urban problems because those issues are also widely discussed. Another trap is to treat the title as a vague metaphor without remembering the specific focus on economic poverty. To avoid these mistakes, it helps to link each famous social commentary with one key phrase in memory, such as "The Other America – hidden poverty in rich America". Final Answer: The main theme of "The Other America" was that poverty was widespread in America.

Question 9

Who wrote the famous political philosophy book "The Social Contract"?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: "The Social Contract" is one of the most important works in political philosophy, frequently cited in discussions about democracy, sovereignty, and the relationship between citizens and the state. General knowledge and political science exams routinely ask who wrote it. The question checks whether learners can correctly identify Jean Jacques Rousseau as the author among several other famous philosophers of the same era. Given Data / Assumptions: The book title given is "The Social Contract". The options list major European thinkers associated with political ideas. The question refers to the original eighteenth century treatise. Only one of the philosophers listed is historically correct as the author. Concept / Approach: The key concept is the recognition of classic political philosophy texts and their authors. Jean Jacques Rousseau wrote "The Social Contract", which develops the idea that legitimate political authority arises from an agreement between free individuals. While Kant, Locke, Voltaire, and Montesquieu all wrote significant works on politics and reason, their major titles are different. The approach is therefore to recall which thinker is directly linked with this specific title and to avoid confusing related but separate works. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Remember that "The Social Contract" argues that legitimate government is based on a contract or agreement among citizens. Step 2: Recall that this idea and this book are most closely associated with Jean Jacques Rousseau. Step 3: Consider Immanuel Kant. His major texts include "Critique of Pure Reason" and "Critique of Practical Reason". Step 4: Consider John Locke. He wrote "Two Treatises of Government" which also discusses contract ideas, but his book title is not "The Social Contract". Step 5: Consider Voltaire, a writer and philosopher known more for essays and letters criticising intolerance and fanaticism. Step 6: Consider Montesquieu, whose main work is "The Spirit of the Laws", not this title. Step 7: Since only Rousseau wrote a book actually titled "The Social Contract", he is the correct author. Verification / Alternative Check: Any reliable history of political thought or introductory political science text will list "The Social Contract – Jean Jacques Rousseau". School and college level notes often summarise the main ideas of this book under Rousseau's name. None of the other philosophers are associated with a primary work bearing this exact title. This repeated confirmation in multiple sources verifies that Rousseau must be chosen as the correct answer. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Immanuel Kant is central to moral and epistemological philosophy, but his main works do not include "The Social Contract". John Locke helped shape social contract theory but expressed it in "Two Treatises of Government" and other writings, not in a book with this title. Voltaire was a famous critic of religious intolerance and absolutism, yet he did not author "The Social Contract". Montesquieu wrote about separation of powers in "The Spirit of the Laws" and is not the author of this work. Common Pitfalls: Because Locke is also linked with social contract ideas, some students mistakenly select him just by associating theory rather than remembering the exact title. Another pitfall is to confuse "The Social Contract" with "The Spirit of the Laws" or other famous eighteenth century works. To avoid such errors, it is helpful to memorise a one line mapping for each, such as "The Social Contract – Rousseau", "Two Treatises of Government – Locke", and "The Spirit of the Laws – Montesquieu". Final Answer: The book "The Social Contract" was written by Jean Jacques Rousseau.

Question 10

The novel "The Great Gatsby" is written in which narrative point of view?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a major text in English literature and a common subject of exam questions. One frequent angle is to ask about its narrative point of view, because that shapes how readers understand characters and events. This question tests whether you know that the story is told by Nick Carraway in a first person limited perspective, where he narrates events he witnesses and hears about, rather than an all knowing or third person voice. Given Data / Assumptions: The novel in question is "The Great Gatsby". The options list different types of narrative perspectives: first person and third person, limited and omniscient. We assume basic familiarity with narrative techniques in novels. Only one option accurately describes how the story is told in the book. Concept / Approach: The core literary concept is narrative voice. In first person narration, the story is told by an "I" who is a character inside the story. A limited point of view means this narrator does not know everything happening in other characters' minds. An omniscient narrator, by contrast, can see into all characters and events freely. "The Great Gatsby" is narrated by Nick Carraway, who describes what he sees, hears, and believes, without direct access to everyone else's thoughts. That makes the point of view first person limited. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that the novel opens with Nick Carraway speaking in the first person, presenting his background and views. Step 2: Throughout the book, Nick uses "I" to describe how he meets Gatsby and experiences events on Long Island and in New York. Step 3: Note that Nick does not directly state the inner thoughts of every character; he often guesses or reports what others say. Step 4: This means the narration is limited to what Nick knows, sees, and infers, not an all knowing viewpoint. Step 5: Therefore the perspective is first person limited, not first person omniscient. Step 6: Evaluate the third person options. In third person narration, the narrator would say "he" or "she" instead of "I" as the main narrative voice. Step 7: Since "The Great Gatsby" is clearly told in "I" voice, third person limited or third person omniscient cannot be correct. Step 8: So the only accurate description among the options is first person limited. Verification / Alternative Check: Reading any short passage from the beginning or middle of the novel confirms that the story is narrated by Nick using "I", recounting his impressions of Gatsby, Daisy, and others. Literary analysis guides and exam notes also describe the novel as written from a first person limited point of view. None of the standard references label it a third person or omniscient narrative. This cross checking confirms the selected option. Why Other Options Are Wrong: First person omniscient would mean the "I" narrator knows everything about all characters without limitation, which is not the case for Nick. Third person limited uses "he" or "she" for characters and limits knowledge to one or a few characters, which does not match the first person voice of the book. Third person omniscient would have an all knowing outside narrator who is not a character, which is not how this novel is told. "None of the above" is incorrect because one option, first person limited, does match the novel's actual narrative form. Common Pitfalls: Some readers get confused because Nick reports events he did not personally witness by repeating what others told him, and this can feel like wider knowledge. However, he never claims to know the exact private thoughts of all characters. Another pitfall is to assume all classic novels use third person narration by default. Paying attention to pronouns and to how much the narrator actually knows about other characters helps avoid these misunderstandings in exams. Final Answer: "The Great Gatsby" is narrated from a first person limited point of view.

Question 11

The controversial book "Mother India" was authored by which writer?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: "Mother India" is a highly controversial book that criticised various aspects of Indian society during the colonial period. It became famous both for its arguments and for the strong reactions it provoked from Indian leaders and scholars. This question tests whether you know that the book was written by Katherine Mayo, not by Indian nationalists who responded to it or later scholars who analysed it. Given Data / Assumptions: The title "Mother India" refers to the early twentieth century polemical book. The options list people connected with debates about India, reform, and responses to the book. The question asks about the original author who produced the controversial work. Exactly one person listed actually wrote the book "Mother India". Concept / Approach: This is a books and authors question linked with colonial history. Katherine Mayo, an American writer, authored "Mother India". It criticised Indian social practices and was widely condemned by Indian nationalists. Other figures like Annie Besant and Lala Lajpat Rai were among those who opposed Mayo's views. Mrinalini Sinha and Jabez Sunderland wrote analyses and rebuttals, but not the original book. The approach is to remember which name appears as the author on the book itself and to distinguish that from critics and respondents. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recognise that "Mother India" is a critical work on Indian society published during the colonial era. Step 2: Recall that the book was written by Katherine Mayo, an American author. Step 3: Examine the options. Annie Besant was a British born theosophist and Indian nationalist who strongly opposed the book. Step 4: Mrinalini Sinha is a modern historian who wrote scholarly studies on "Mother India" and its impact, but did not author the original text. Step 5: Lala Lajpat Rai was an Indian nationalist leader; he criticised colonial policies but is not credited with writing this particular book. Step 6: Jabez Sunderland wrote responses that defended India against Mayo's claims, not the initial work. Step 7: Therefore the only correct author of the book "Mother India" is Katherine Mayo. Verification / Alternative Check: Any standard reference on Indian history or post colonial studies will list "Mother India – Katherine Mayo". Additionally, histories of the Indian freedom movement regularly discuss how Gandhi and other leaders reacted to Mayo's book. They clearly identify her as the author, while naming others as critics or respondents. This consistent attribution confirms that Katherine Mayo must be selected in this question. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Annie Besant opposed the book and publicly condemned it, but she did not write "Mother India". Mrinalini Sinha is a historian who analysed the debate around the book in later scholarship, not its author. Lala Lajpat Rai was a prominent nationalist leader and writer, but his works have different titles. Jabez Sunderland wrote counter arguments defending India, yet he was not the author of the controversial original text. Common Pitfalls: A common mistake is to assume that a book named "Mother India" must have been written by an Indian nationalist such as Annie Besant or Lala Lajpat Rai. Another error is to confuse the original author with historians who later wrote about the controversy. To avoid such confusion, always connect the book's original publication context and remember that the criticism came from Indian and sympathetic Western writers, while the polemical text was produced by Katherine Mayo. Final Answer: The controversial book "Mother India" was authored by Katherine Mayo.

Question 12

Who is the author of the Bengali short story collection "Panchashati Galpo"?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: "Panchashati Galpo" is an acclaimed Bengali collection of short stories, and questions about its authorship often appear in competitive exams under the books and authors category. The correct author is Atin Bandyopadhyay, a noted Bengali writer. This question checks whether you can distinguish his work from those of other prominent Bengali authors listed in the options. Given Data / Assumptions: The book title is "Panchashati Galpo". The options include several Bengali writers known for fiction and short stories. The question focuses on the original author of this particular collection. Only one of these writers has actually been credited with "Panchashati Galpo". Concept / Approach: The concept tested here is the mapping between regional language works and their authors. Atin Bandyopadhyay received recognition, including the Sahitya Akademi Award, for "Panchashati Galpo". The approach is to recall this specific link and avoid confusing it with other Bengali writers who have different notable works. A good memory for such associations is especially important because many names may look familiar to candidates but belong to different titles. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify that "Panchashati Galpo" is a Bengali short story collection. Step 2: Recall that Atin Bandyopadhyay gained major recognition for this very work and was honoured for his contribution to Bengali literature. Step 3: Consider Samaresh Basu, who wrote other significant novels and stories but not this particular collection. Step 4: Consider Moti Nandi, noted for sports themed stories and children's literature, not for "Panchashati Galpo". Step 5: Consider Buddhadeb Guha, a popular novelist known for different works, especially in the adventure and romantic genre. Step 6: Consider Sunil Gangopadhyay, a celebrated writer and poet with famous titles of his own, but again not associated with this book. Step 7: Since only Atin Bandyopadhyay is directly linked with "Panchashati Galpo", we select him as the correct answer. Verification / Alternative Check: Reference books on Bengali literature and general knowledge compilations consistently state "Panchashati Galpo – Atin Bandyopadhyay". He is also mentioned in news reports and literary notes as the author honoured for this collection. No reliable source attributes the book to any of the other options, confirming that the correct author is Atin Bandyopadhyay. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Samaresh Basu is an important Bengali writer, but his notable works have different titles and themes. Moti Nandi focused on other story collections and novels, particularly in sports and youth fiction, not this one. Buddhadeb Guha is known for adventure, travel, and romantic fiction in Bengali, not "Panchashati Galpo". Sunil Gangopadhyay wrote many influential works but is not associated with this specific short story compilation. Common Pitfalls: The major pitfall is that candidates may simply pick any familiar Bengali name without recalling the exact match with the book title. Since all the options are respected authors, this strategy leads to random guessing. To avoid such errors, aspirants should memorise clear pairs of regional books and authors, especially those frequently mentioned in awards and exam oriented notes. Final Answer: The book "Panchashati Galpo" was written by Atin Bandyopadhyay.

Question 13

The inspirational book "Simplicity & Wisdom" was written by which author?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: "Simplicity & Wisdom" is a contemporary inspirational book, often mentioned in current affairs and general knowledge sections relating to recent publications. This question tests whether you know that the author is Dinesh Shahra, a noted industrialist and philanthropist, rather than other well known writers in the options list. Awareness of such recent books helps candidates score in the books and authors portion of exams. Given Data / Assumptions: The title specified is "Simplicity & Wisdom". The options mix Indian and international names, including popular authors and public figures. The question refers to the original author, not to editors or people who wrote forewords. We assume only one of these names is officially credited as the book's author. Concept / Approach: The concept is recognition of a modern non fiction work aimed at offering life guidance. Dinesh Shahra wrote "Simplicity & Wisdom" to share insights on leading a balanced and content life. The approach is to recall this specific pairing from recent current affairs notes and not to be distracted by more famous fiction writers or motivational authors who did not pen this particular book. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify that "Simplicity & Wisdom" is a self development or inspirational book. Step 2: Recall that Dinesh Shahra, known as an industrialist and philanthropist, authored this book. Step 3: Examine Chetan Bhagat, a popular novelist and columnist whose famous works include campus and youth oriented fiction, not this title. Step 4: Consider Andrea Levy, a British novelist associated with works on migration and identity, not this self help style book. Step 5: Consider Abdul Aziz Muhamat, whose public recognition comes from activism and refugee advocacy, not from authoring "Simplicity & Wisdom". Step 6: Consider Robin Sharma, a well known motivational writer, but his major titles include "The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari" and others, not this specific book. Step 7: Since only Dinesh Shahra fits the known authorship of "Simplicity & Wisdom", we select him as the correct answer. Verification / Alternative Check: If you check current affairs compilations or news about book launches, "Simplicity & Wisdom" is consistently attributed to Dinesh Shahra. These reports typically note that the book aims to share spiritual and practical insights for better living. None of the other listed individuals is mentioned as the author of this title in credible sources, confirming that Dinesh Shahra is the correct option. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Chetan Bhagat writes popular fiction and non fiction, but his works have different titles and themes. Andrea Levy is known for novels like "Small Island" and did not author this book. Abdul Aziz Muhamat is a well known activist, not the writer of "Simplicity & Wisdom". Robin Sharma is a globally recognised motivational author, but his best known books have entirely different names. Common Pitfalls: A common error is to select a globally famous motivational writer like Robin Sharma simply because the title sounds inspirational. Another pitfall is to pick Chetan Bhagat due to familiarity, even though this book does not belong to him. To avoid such mistakes, candidates should carefully memorise recent Indian authored non fiction titles and ensure they connect each title to the correct, sometimes less famous, author. Final Answer: The book "Simplicity & Wisdom" was written by Dinesh Shahra.

Question 14

The celebrated crime novel "The Godfather" was authored by which writer?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: "The Godfather" is one of the most famous crime novels of the twentieth century and has inspired equally famous film adaptations. It appears frequently in exams under the books and authors section. The aim of this question is to recognise that the novel was written by Mario Puzo, and not by other well known writers or fictional characters listed among the options. Given Data / Assumptions: The work named is the novel "The Godfather". The options include authors from very different periods and genres, and one fictional name. We assume the question refers to the original English novel published in the late twentieth century. Only one of the listed names is actually the author of this book. Concept / Approach: The concept here is basic literary awareness of modern bestsellers. Mario Puzo is the author of "The Godfather", which focuses on the Corleone crime family. The character Vito Corleone appears in the story but is not a real writer. John Milton and Harold Robbins are real authors of different eras and genres. Agatha Christie is famous for detective fiction but did not create this particular mafia centred narrative. The approach is to recall which name is tied to mafia fiction and to ignore both earlier classical authors and purely fictional entries. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that "The Godfather" is a novel about an Italian American mafia family and their internal and external conflicts. Step 2: Remember that Mario Puzo wrote this novel and later co wrote the screenplays for its film versions. Step 3: Look at John Milton, who is a seventeenth century English poet famous for "Paradise Lost", clearly belonging to a different era. Step 4: Notice that Vito Corleone is actually a character inside "The Godfather", the head of the family, not a real life author. Step 5: Consider Harold Robbins, a twentieth century novelist known for racy bestsellers, but he did not write "The Godfather". Step 6: Consider Agatha Christie, the queen of detective fiction, who created Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple; her stories differ significantly from mafia sagas. Step 7: Since only Mario Puzo matches the known authorship of this novel, we choose him as the correct answer. Verification / Alternative Check: Popular culture, film credits, and book covers all clearly attribute "The Godfather" to Mario Puzo. Exam guides also list this pairing as a standard item in books and authors tables. No credible source attributes this novel to any of the other names. Cross checking with such widely available references confirms that Mario Puzo is the only valid answer. Why Other Options Are Wrong: John Milton was a poet from a much earlier period and wrote epics like "Paradise Lost", not modern crime novels. Vito Corleone is a fictional mafia boss in "The Godfather", not an actual writer. Harold Robbins wrote popular novels of a different style and subject matter, but not this mafia saga. Agatha Christie focused on classic whodunit mysteries and is not associated with "The Godfather". Common Pitfalls: Some students may be tricked by the name Vito Corleone, because it is strongly associated with the story and may look like a plausible human name in a list of authors. Others might choose any famous novelist such as Agatha Christie or Harold Robbins without recalling the specific connection. The best way to avoid these mistakes is to firmly link "The Godfather – Mario Puzo" in memory and to remember that Vito Corleone exists only inside the fiction as a character. Final Answer: The novel "The Godfather" was authored by Mario Puzo.

Question 15

What is the title of the autobiography of Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Sachin Tendulkar is one of India's greatest cricketers, and his autobiography is a popular subject in sports related general knowledge questions. This item asks you to identify the title of his autobiography. The correct answer is "Playing It My Way", which focuses on his cricketing journey, personal experiences, and major milestones in his career. Given Data / Assumptions: The subject is the autobiography of Sachin Tendulkar. The options list several titles that could plausibly sound like autobiographical or sports books. We assume there is one official autobiography widely recognised in media and exam guides. Other titles in the options are either unrelated works or invented distractors. Concept / Approach: The concept is straightforward memory of books and authors with a sports focus. Sachin Tendulkar co wrote "Playing It My Way" as his official autobiography. Some other sports related books might feature him or have similar sounding titles, but the exam expects the exact name of his own life story. The approach is to recall this specific pairing and ignore other attractive but incorrect choices. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify that the question is about Sachin Tendulkar's own autobiography, not about a book written about him by someone else. Step 2: Recall that his autobiography is titled "Playing It My Way". Step 3: Examine the other options. "Numbers Do Lie" may sound like a sports statistics book, but it is not his official life story title. Step 4: "Once Upon a Time" is a generic phrase often used in fiction titles, not tied to Tendulkar's career. Step 5: "What Is Remembered" gives a sense of memoir, but it does not match the famous Sachin Tendulkar book title. Step 6: "Straight from the Heart" sounds like an inspirational or personal book, yet it is not known as his autobiography title. Step 7: Since "Playing It My Way" is the widely publicised and recognised title of his autobiography, we choose option B. Verification / Alternative Check: Media coverage at the time of the book's release, bookshop listings, and general knowledge tables consistently mention "Playing It My Way" as Sachin Tendulkar's autobiography. It became a bestseller and is frequently cited in sports quizzes. None of the other titles appear in connection with his life story in reputable sources. This consistent evidence confirms that "Playing It My Way" is the correct answer. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "Numbers Do Lie" is not the officially publicised title of Sachin's autobiography and is given only as a distractor. "Once Upon a Time" is a generic storytelling phrase and not linked with Tendulkar's life story. "What Is Remembered" may sound memoir like, but it is not his book title. "Straight from the Heart" is also a plausible sounding phrase but does not match the known title of Sachin's autobiography. Common Pitfalls: Candidates sometimes confuse biographies written by journalists or ghost written accounts about players with the players' own autobiographies. Another pitfall is to choose any emotional sounding or sports related title in the options without checking if it has actually appeared in news and bookshops. To prevent this, aspirants should memorise a list of key sports autobiographies, such as "Playing It My Way – Sachin Tendulkar", so that the correct title comes to mind immediately during exams. Final Answer: The title of Sachin Tendulkar's autobiography is "Playing It My Way".

Question 16

Who is the author of the famous slave narrative "12 Years a Slave"?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: "12 Years a Slave" is a powerful slave narrative describing the real life story of a free African American man kidnapped and sold into slavery in the United States. It has gained renewed attention through its film adaptation and is a frequent subject in literature and history related general knowledge questions. This question checks whether you know that Solomon Northup is the author and subject of this narrative. Given Data / Assumptions: The title specified is "12 Years a Slave". The options include authors and public figures from different backgrounds and eras. The question refers to the original narrative written in the nineteenth century. Only one option corresponds to the person who actually experienced and recorded the events. Concept / Approach: The concept is recognition of major historical autobiographical narratives, especially those dealing with slavery and human rights. Solomon Northup was a free black man from New York who was kidnapped and forced into slavery for twelve years, then later regained his freedom and wrote this account. Other individuals in the options either wrote different works or are not connected with this narrative. The correct approach is to identify the person whose life story the book recounts and who is credited as its author. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recognise that "12 Years a Slave" is presented as a first person account of an individual's twelve year bondage. Step 2: Recall that this person is Solomon Northup, whose name appears on the book and in historical references. Step 3: Consider Chetan Bhagat, a modern Indian novelist who writes contemporary fiction, not historical slave narratives. Step 4: Consider Nelson Mandela, an anti apartheid leader who wrote "Long Walk to Freedom", a different autobiography. Step 5: Consider Morarji Desai, a former Indian Prime Minister whose writings and political career are unrelated to this narrative. Step 6: Consider Harriet Beecher Stowe, who wrote the anti slavery novel "Uncle Tom's Cabin", but did not author "12 Years a Slave". Step 7: Since Solomon Northup is both the central figure and the author of this book, option C is the correct answer. Verification / Alternative Check: Histories of slavery and American literature consistently identify "12 Years a Slave" as the narrative of Solomon Northup. The title page and scholarly references mention him as the author. The film adaptation also credits the story as being based on his narrative. None of the other listed individuals is ever associated with this work, which confirms that Solomon Northup is the correct choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Chetan Bhagat writes modern Indian fiction and does not appear in any historical context related to slavery in the United States. Nelson Mandela wrote an important autobiography about the struggle against apartheid, but not this narrative. Morarji Desai's life and writings are connected with Indian politics, not American slavery. Harriet Beecher Stowe contributed to anti slavery literature through fiction, but "12 Years a Slave" is not her work. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates may be tempted to pick Harriet Beecher Stowe because she is strongly linked with anti slavery writing. Others might select Nelson Mandela simply due to his importance in human rights history. These choices reflect associative thinking rather than precise recall of book titles and authors. To avoid such errors, students should create clear mental connections between each major slave narrative and its author, including "12 Years a Slave – Solomon Northup". Final Answer: The book "12 Years a Slave" was written by Solomon Northup.

Question 17

Who is the author of the autobiographical novel "The Naked Triangle"?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: "The Naked Triangle" is described as an autobiographical novel and is associated with the Indian writer and theatre personality Balwant Gargi. Books and authors questions often ask about this connection because it is less widely known than some classic works, making it a good test of deeper literary awareness. Here, you must identify Balwant Gargi among other famous Indian writers presented as options. Given Data / Assumptions: The work referred to is the autobiographical novel "The Naked Triangle". The options list notable Indian authors from different languages and genres. The question expects knowledge of modern Indian literature, beyond only the most popular titles. Only one author is directly linked with "The Naked Triangle". Concept / Approach: The concept here is the ability to recognise lesser known but important works and their authors. Balwant Gargi was a Punjabi writer and dramatist who wrote "The Naked Triangle" as an autobiographical novel. Other authors in the options such as R. K. Narayan, Khushwant Singh, Amrita Pritam, and Bhisham Sahni are also very famous but associated with different works. The approach is to recall the specific pairing "The Naked Triangle – Balwant Gargi" from literature oriented preparation material. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Note that the book is described as an autobiographical novel, hinting at a writer who explores his own life through fiction. Step 2: Recall that Balwant Gargi was a major figure in Punjabi theatre and literature and authored "The Naked Triangle". Step 3: Consider R. K. Narayan, who wrote well known novels set in Malgudi, such as "Swami and Friends" and "The Guide", not this book. Step 4: Consider Khushwant Singh, famous for "Train to Pakistan" and satirical essays, but not associated with "The Naked Triangle". Step 5: Consider Amrita Pritam, a noted Punjabi poet and novelist, yet her major works have different titles. Step 6: Consider Bhisham Sahni, known for the novel "Tamas" and other writings, not this autobiographical work. Step 7: Since only Balwant Gargi appears in standard references as the author of "The Naked Triangle", we select him. Verification / Alternative Check: If you consult bibliographies of Balwant Gargi, "The Naked Triangle" is consistently listed among his notable works, often described as semi autobiographical. Literary notes and exam guides on Indian authors also mention this link. None of the other listed options is ever credited with this title in credible sources, confirming that Balwant Gargi is the correct author. Why Other Options Are Wrong: R. K. Narayan's novels focus on the fictional town of Malgudi and do not include a work titled "The Naked Triangle". Khushwant Singh's best known works are in English and Punjabi but are associated with other themes and titles. Amrita Pritam wrote many significant works of poetry and prose, yet she is not linked to this autobiographical novel. Bhisham Sahni is remembered for historical and political fiction like "Tamas", not for this book. Common Pitfalls: Because all the options are major Indian writers, some candidates may guess based on general familiarity rather than specific knowledge. Another pitfall is to confuse Amrita Pritam or Khushwant Singh with Balwant Gargi simply because they share Punjabi literary backgrounds. To avoid such confusion, aspirants should study lists of lesser known titles and connect each clearly to the correct author, including "The Naked Triangle – Balwant Gargi". Final Answer: The autobiographical novel "The Naked Triangle" was written by Balwant Gargi.

Question 18

Who is the author of the detective story collection "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes"?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" is one of the most famous collections of detective stories in English literature. It introduces or develops many of the classic cases of Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson. This question checks whether you know that Arthur Conan Doyle created and wrote these stories, rather than other authors listed in the options who wrote in different genres or contexts. Given Data / Assumptions: The collection named is "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes". The options contain a mix of lesser known names and prominent writers such as George Bernard Shaw and Agatha Christie. The question refers to the original author who created Sherlock Holmes. Only one name correctly matches this authorship. Concept / Approach: The central concept is knowledge of classic detective fiction. Sherlock Holmes, the brilliant consulting detective, and Dr Watson, his friend and narrator, were created by Arthur Conan Doyle. "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" is one of several collections of their cases. Other authors in the options have different specialities: George Bernard Shaw wrote plays, Agatha Christie created different detectives like Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, and the remaining names belong to unrelated literary or historical contexts. The approach is to recall the fixed pairing "Sherlock Holmes – Arthur Conan Doyle". Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recognise that Sherlock Holmes is a fictional detective character created in the late nineteenth century. Step 2: Recall that Arthur Conan Doyle, a British writer and physician, is the creator of Holmes and the author of the stories. Step 3: Match this memory with the title "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes", which is a collection of Doyle's short stories. Step 4: Consider Harisen, a relatively obscure or region specific name, not known for creating Sherlock Holmes. Step 5: Consider Nirod C. Choudhary, whose name appears occasionally in Indian literary contexts but has no link with Sherlock Holmes. Step 6: Consider G. B. Shaw, or George Bernard Shaw, a playwright known for works like "Pygmalion", not for detective fiction. Step 7: Consider Agatha Christie, who wrote numerous detective novels but created different characters and is not the author of Sherlock Holmes stories. Step 8: Since only Arthur Conan Doyle is historically connected with Sherlock Holmes and this collection, we choose option B. Verification / Alternative Check: Examining any edition of "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" reveals Arthur Conan Doyle's name on the cover and title page. Literary histories of detective fiction also consistently list him as the creator of Sherlock Holmes. Agatha Christie is always associated with other detectives and story worlds. This clear and repeated attribution across many sources confirms that Arthur Conan Doyle is the correct answer. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Harisen is not a recognised author of Sherlock Holmes stories in standard literary references. Nirod C. Choudhary has no known connection with the creation of this detective or this collection. G. B. Shaw wrote socially critical plays, not detective short stories about Sherlock Holmes. Agatha Christie is a major detective fiction writer, but her famous works belong to a different universe of characters. Common Pitfalls: Some exam takers might be tempted by Agatha Christie because she is almost as famous as Arthur Conan Doyle in detective fiction. However, confusing their creations leads to incorrect answers. Another pitfall is to be unfamiliar with lesser known names and feel pressured to guess among them. To avoid such problems, candidates should form a fixed mental link: "Sherlock Holmes and 'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' – Arthur Conan Doyle". Final Answer: The collection "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" was written by Arthur Conan Doyle.

Question 19

Who is the author of the Indian political memoir "Prison Diary" written during the Emergency period?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests knowledge of Indian political literature and, in particular, the memoir "Prison Diary". Such questions are common in competitive exams because they link important political events, like the Emergency, with key personalities and their writings. Knowing which leader wrote which book helps you connect historical movements with primary sources that describe them in detail. Given Data / Assumptions: • The book is titled "Prison Diary". • It is an Indian political memoir associated with resistance to authoritarian rule. • The options include an Indian novelist, a political leader, a sportsperson, and a writer-activist. • We assume the question refers to the famous work documenting experiences of political imprisonment during the Emergency period. Concept / Approach: The key idea is to associate the title "Prison Diary" with the correct political leader from modern Indian history. A simple elimination method works well: identify which option is a prominent political activist known for imprisonment during the Emergency and for writing about that experience. By recalling who led the fight against authoritarianism and documented it in a diary form, you can arrive at the correct match. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recognise that "Prison Diary" is a political memoir describing jail experiences. Step 2: Recall major Indian leaders who were imprisoned and later wrote about their time in jail. Step 3: Note that Jayaprakash Narayan was a central figure in the movement against the Emergency and spent a long period in prison. Step 4: Match the book "Prison Diary" with Jayaprakash Narayan, who authored such a work based on his incarceration. Step 5: Eliminate the remaining options as they are better known for other domains and not for this particular memoir. Verification / Alternative check: You can verify the answer by checking standard lists of books written by notable Indian leaders. Jayaprakash Narayan is consistently credited with a jail diary style work that documents his experiences during imprisonment. By contrast, Amitav Ghosh is known for literary novels, Kapil Dev for cricket autobiographies, and Mala Sen for works on social issues such as "India's Bandit Queen". This cross-check confirms that Jayaprakash Narayan is the correct author of "Prison Diary". Why Other Options Are Wrong: Amitav Ghosh is a renowned Indian English novelist known for books like "The Shadow Lines" and "The Glass Palace", not this political prison memoir. Kapil Dev is a legendary Indian cricketer whose books focus on cricket and his sporting life rather than political imprisonment. Mala Sen is associated with works on social and gender issues, not with an Emergency era political prison diary. Common Pitfalls: A common mistake is to choose Amitav Ghosh simply because he is a well known author, without considering the political nature of the title. Another error is to ignore the context of the Emergency and its key leaders. Students sometimes guess randomly if they do not systematically link the book with the political movement it describes. Final Answer: The correct author of the political memoir "Prison Diary" is Jayaprakash Narayan.

Question 20

Who was the first recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest honour in Indian cinema?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is considered the highest honour in Indian cinema, awarded for lifetime contribution to films. This question checks your awareness of the history of Indian film awards and the personalities who shaped the industry. Remembering the first recipient helps you anchor the chronology of Indian cinema history and important cultural milestones. Given Data / Assumptions: • The award in question is the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. • It is known as India's highest honour in cinema. • The options list four notable names connected with Indian film and theatre. • We assume the question refers to the official national award instituted by the Government of India in 1969. Concept / Approach: The method here is pure factual recall combined with elimination. You should know or deduce which personality was honoured first when the award was instituted. Among the options, Devika Rani stands out as a pioneering actress and studio head whose contribution predates many others. The others are well known but do not match the established record as the first awardee. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that the Dadasaheb Phalke Award was first given in 1969. Step 2: Remember which film personality from the early era of Indian cinema received the inaugural award. Step 3: Match this information with the options given: B. N. Sarkar, Prithviraj Kapoor, Devika Rani, and Kanan Devi. Step 4: Recognise that Devika Rani, a celebrated actress and co founder of Bombay Talkies, was chosen as the first recipient. Step 5: Conclude that Devika Rani is the correct answer and rule out the remaining names. Verification / Alternative check: You can verify this by referring to official lists of Dadasaheb Phalke Award winners maintained by government sources and standard reference books on Indian cinema. These lists consistently show the first recipient in 1969 as Devika Rani. None of the other listed personalities are shown as the inaugural awardee, which confirms your choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: B. N. Sarkar was an important figure in Indian theatre and cinema but was not the first Dadasaheb Phalke Award recipient. Prithviraj Kapoor is a legendary actor and theatre personality; he did receive many honours, but he was not the first to receive this particular award. Kanan Devi was a pioneer among Bengali actresses and singers, yet she does not appear as the inaugural awardee in official records. Common Pitfalls: A typical mistake is to assume that the most famous or familiar name must be the first awardee. Another pitfall is confusing this award with other film honours like the National Film Awards or Filmfare awards. Students should carefully recall or revise chronological facts rather than rely on popularity of names alone. Final Answer: The first recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award was Devika Rani.

Books and Authors Questions