Question 1

Institutes & locations: National Institute of Community Development (now NIRDPR). State the Indian city where the National Institute of Community Development (later NIRD/NIRDPR) is located. Choose the correct location.

Accepted Answer

Given data Identify the location of the National Institute of Community Development (renamed NIRD/NIRDPR). Concept/Approach Institution-location recall from Indian administrative studies. Explanation The National Institute of Community Development was shifted and established at Hyderabad; it is presently known as the National Institute of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR) at Rajendranagar, Hyderabad. Common pitfalls Confusing with the earlier temporary locations (Mussoorie/Rajpur) from the 1950s history, or assuming New Delhi due to central institutions. Final Answer Hyderabad

Question 2

Indian IT hubs: Which city is known as the 'Electronic City of India'? Identify the Indian city popularly nicknamed for its electronics and IT ecosystem. Choose the correct city.

Accepted Answer

Given data Find the city popularly known as the 'Electronic City of India'. Concept/Approach Nicknames of Indian cities based on their dominant industries. Explanation Bengaluru (Bangalore) is widely known as India's leading electronics and IT hub; it even has a large tech township named 'Electronic City' in its south-eastern corridor. Common pitfalls Choosing Hyderabad ('Cyberabad') or Noida due to large IT presence; the nickname 'Electronic City of India' is classically tied to Bengaluru. Final Answer Bengaluru (Bangalore)

Question 3

Indian research bodies: Location of the Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI). Identify the Indian city where CAZRI is headquartered. Choose the correct option.

Accepted Answer

Given data Find the headquarters location of the Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI). Concept/Approach Agricultural research institutes and their city locations. Explanation CAZRI focuses on research for arid and semi-arid regions of India and is headquartered at Jodhpur in Rajasthan. Common pitfalls Confusing with Jaipur or Bikaner because they are also in Rajasthan; the correct city is Jodhpur. Final Answer Jodhpur

Question 4

Famous Indian temples: Location of the Meenakshi Amman Temple. Identify the city in which the famous Meenakshi temple is located. Choose the correct city.

Accepted Answer

Given data Identify the city of the Meenakshi (Meenakshi Amman) Temple. Concept/Approach Temples and their locations are fundamental Indian culture GK. Explanation The Meenakshi Amman Temple is the iconic Dravidian-style temple dedicated to Meenakshi (Parvati) and Sundareshwarar (Shiva) in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. Common pitfalls Mixing up with Kanchipuram (famous for many temples and silk) or Thanjavur (Brihadisvara Temple). Final Answer Madurai

Question 5

Art & heritage: 'Bagh', a village referenced with Gwalior—what is it famous for? Select what 'Bagh' is best known for in Indian art history and tourism context. Choose the correct cultural specialty.

Accepted Answer

Given data Identify the famed cultural feature associated with 'Bagh'. Concept/Approach Recognize well-known heritage sites and traditional arts. Explanation 'Bagh' (well known in Madhya Pradesh heritage) is famous for the Bagh Caves, a group of rock-cut monuments celebrated for their murals/cave paintings. While the region is also known for Bagh hand-block prints on textiles, the standard GK answer for the village's fame is its cave paintings. Common pitfalls Choosing 'architecture' or 'sculpture' generally instead of the specific identification with mural cave paintings. Final Answer Cave painting (Bagh Caves murals)

Question 6

Indian pilgrimage geography: Identify the river on whose bank Badrinath is situated.  Full question: Badrinath (a major Char Dham shrine in Uttarakhand) lies on the bank of which Himalayan river?  Choose the correct option.

Accepted Answer

Given Location asked: River beside the Badrinath temple town (Uttarakhand). Concept/Approach Badrinath is located in the Garhwal Himalayas on the banks of the Alaknanda River, one of the principal headstreams that later helps form the Ganga. Eliminating distractors Bhagirathi and Mandakini are other Ganga headstreams (Gangotri/Kedarnath regions respectively). Yamuna and the Ganga in the plains do not pass the Badrinath site. Final Answer Alaknanda.

Question 7

Indian rock-cut heritage: State the location of the world-famous Ajanta Caves.  Full question: The Ajanta Caves (Buddhist rock-cut monuments) are situated in which district/city of Maharashtra?  Choose the correct option.

Accepted Answer

Given Site: Ajanta Caves (UNESCO World Heritage). Concept/Note The Ajanta Caves are reached from Aurangabad (tourism hub) in Maharashtra; the caves themselves lie near Fardapur, historically associated with the Aurangabad region. Why others are incorrect The other options are in different states or are unrelated to Ajanta's actual location. Final Answer Aurangabad, Maharashtra.

Question 8

Indian police training: Identify the city of the National Police Academy (SVPNPA).  Full question: The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (training IPS officers) is located at which Indian city?  Choose the correct option.

Accepted Answer

Fact The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA) is situated in Hyderabad, Telangana, and trains Indian Police Service probationers. Eliminating distractors While central ministries are in New Delhi, IPS foundational training for all cadres is at Hyderabad. Final Answer Hyderabad.

Question 9

Indian pilgrimage sites: Locate Chitrakoot (also spelled Chitrakut) within India.  Full question: Chitrakoot, a revered Rama-related pilgrimage town on the Mandakini River, is situated in which state context?  Choose the correct option.

Accepted Answer

Context Chitrakoot spans the UP–MP border (UP's Chitrakoot district and MP's Satna district). Standard GK items commonly key it to Uttar Pradesh because the main pilgrimage town (Chitrakoot Dham/Karwi) lies in UP on the Mandakini River. Clarification Some temples and sites extend into MP (e.g., Ramghat area connects across), but the conventional answer is Uttar Pradesh. Final Answer Uttar Pradesh.

Question 10

Indian higher education: Identify the city where the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) is located.  Full question: The Indian Institute of Science, India's premier research university, is located at which city?  Choose the correct option.

Accepted Answer

Fact The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) was founded in 1909 and is located in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Why others are incorrect Other cities host major institutes, but IISc's campus and headquarters are in Bengaluru. Final Answer Bengaluru (Bangalore).

Question 11

Indian space history – first Indian citizen in space Who was the first Indian to travel into outer space, flying aboard a Soviet mission and famously stating “Sare Jahan Se Achha” during a space-to-ground interaction?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Milestones in human spaceflight include not only global achievements but also national firsts. India's first spacefarer remains a celebrated figure for inspiring generations toward science and exploration. Given Data / Assumptions: The question asks for the first Indian in space. The mission was a joint Indo–Soviet flight in the 1980s. Multiple Indian-origin names appear; some are not astronauts or were involved in other roles. Concept / Approach: Sqn Ldr Rakesh Sharma, an Indian Air Force test pilot, flew aboard Soyuz T-11 to the Salyut 7 space station in April 1984. During the mission, in a famous exchange, he described India as “Sare Jahan Se Achha.” Kalpana Chawla, while Indian-born, flew later as a NASA astronaut (U.S. citizen) in the Space Shuttle era, and others listed are not the first Indian in space. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify the 1984 Soyuz T-11 mission as the first Indian spaceflight.Associate the mission with Rakesh Sharma (primary cosmonaut) and Ravish Malhotra (backup).Select “Rakesh Sharma.” Verification / Alternative check: Historical mission logs list crew: Yury Malyshev, Gennady Strekalov, and Rakesh Sharma. Sharma's flight makes him the first Indian in space. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Kalpana Chawla: distinguished astronaut, but not the first Indian in space. Ravi Malhotra / Ravish Malhotra: Indian Air Force officer served as backup cosmonaut; did not fly. Satish Dhawan: eminent space scientist and former ISRO chairman, not an astronaut. Common Pitfalls: Confusing “first Indian-born in NASA” with “first Indian citizen in space.” The first flight was through the Soviet Interkosmos program. Final Answer: Rakesh Sharma

Question 12

Indian heritage – identifying the oldest monument among the choices Among the following famous Indian monuments and sites, which one is historically the oldest in origin based on accepted dating of construction?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: India's architectural heritage spans over two millennia, from ancient rock-cut sanctuaries to medieval minarets and Mughal mausoleums. Dating these sites allows us to compare their historical periods and understand stylistic evolution. Given Data / Assumptions: The task is to identify the oldest site among the listed options. We consider the earliest phase of construction known for each monument. Dates are approximate ranges widely cited by historians and ASI publications. Concept / Approach: The Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra began as Buddhist monastic caves around the 2nd century BCE (with a later major phase in the Gupta-Vakataka period, 5th–6th century CE). By contrast, Qutub Minar dates to the late 12th–early 13th century CE; the Khajuraho group primarily 10th–11th century CE; the Taj Mahal to the 17th century CE. Therefore, Ajanta's earliest excavation predates the others. Step-by-Step Solution: List earliest construction periods: Ajanta ~2nd century BCE; Sanchi Stupa original core ~3rd century BCE (Ashokan), but not among the originally provided set—still a helpful comparator.Compare with medieval monuments: Khajuraho 950–1050 CE; Qutub Minar started ~1199 CE; Taj Mahal completed 1653 CE.Select the option that clearly predates the rest: Ajanta Caves. Verification / Alternative check: Archaeological surveys and UNESCO inscriptions provide the above chronological ranges, consistently placing Ajanta's earliest caves in the late BCE period. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Qutub Minar: Delhi Sultanate era, much later than Ajanta. Khajuraho Temples: Chandela period, 10th–11th century CE. Taj Mahal: Mughal period, 17th century CE. Sanchi Stupa: very ancient (3rd century BCE) but not one of the four original choices typically paired with Ajanta here; Ajanta remains among the oldest listed. Common Pitfalls: Assuming fame or size correlates with age. Many rock-cut sites predate medieval stone temples and Mughal structures. Final Answer: Ajanta Caves

Question 13

Indian museums – location of the country's largest and oldest museum India's largest and one of the oldest museums is the Indian Museum. In which state or union territory is it located?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The Indian Museum is renowned for its breadth of collections across archaeology, art, anthropology, geology, and zoology. Established in the 19th century, it is frequently cited as the oldest and largest multipurpose museum in India, making its location a standard general knowledge question. Given Data / Assumptions: The question asks for the state/UT where the Indian Museum is located. We assume familiarity with major cultural institutions and Indian geography. Only one listed option corresponds to the museum’s actual location. Concept / Approach: The Indian Museum is situated in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), which is in the state of West Bengal. Founded in 1814, it predates many other national museums and is known for iconic exhibits such as the Egyptian mummy, Bharhut railings, and Ashokan-era artifacts. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify the museum: Indian Museum, Kolkata.Recall India’s state for Kolkata: West Bengal.Select “West Bengal.” Verification / Alternative check: Official museum and tourism sources clearly place the Indian Museum on Jawaharlal Nehru Road in central Kolkata, West Bengal. Why Other Options Are Wrong: New Delhi (NCT of Delhi): Home to National Museum and other institutions, but not the Indian Museum. Andhra Pradesh / Uttar Pradesh / Maharashtra: Important states with major museums, but the Indian Museum is in West Bengal. Common Pitfalls: Confusing the Indian Museum (Kolkata) with the National Museum (New Delhi). Names are similar but institutions are distinct. Final Answer: West Bengal

Question 14

Indian science & technology – identifying “Apsara” In the context of India’s scientific achievements, “Apsara” is the name of the country’s first what?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Post-independence, India rapidly developed capabilities in atomic energy. The name “Apsara” is historically significant because it marks India’s entry into the nuclear era for research and isotopes, making it a common general knowledge and science quiz item. Given Data / Assumptions: We must identify the category of the first Indian facility named “Apsara.” The choices span transportation, defense, and science/technology domains. Only one matches the historical record. Concept / Approach: “Apsara” was India’s first nuclear research reactor, commissioned at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (then Atomic Energy Establishment, Trombay) in 1956. It was a swimming-pool–type reactor used for research, neutron activation, and radioisotope production. It is unrelated to locomotives, helicopters, tanks, or satellites. Step-by-Step Solution: Recall India’s early atomic energy milestones: Apsara (1956) as first reactor.Eliminate transport and defense items: these have different names and eras (for example, Arjun tank, Dhruv helicopter, WDM locomotives).Select the science/technology option “Nuclear Reactor.” Verification / Alternative check: Atomic Energy Commission records and historical retrospectives cite Apsara's commissioning and role in establishing nuclear research infrastructure in India. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Railway Locomotive: India's first locomotives long predate 1956 and did not carry the name “Apsara.” Helicopter: Indigenous programs use different names. Main Battle Tank: India's Arjun MBT arrived decades later. Communications Satellite: INSAT series came later; “Apsara” is not a satellite. Common Pitfalls: Mixing up codenames across domains. Many Indian programs have evocative names; focus on the timeline and sector. Final Answer: Nuclear Reactor

Question 15

Indian Women Pioneers – Harita Kaur Deol Ms. Harita Kaur holds a historic distinction in Indian aviation. Identify the first-of-its-kind achievement credited to her among the options below.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This general knowledge item tests awareness of women trailblazers in India, especially within the armed forces and civil services. Harita Kaur Deol is remembered for a landmark aviation milestone that expanded opportunities for women in uniform. Given Data / Assumptions: The person referenced is Ms. Harita Kaur (Harita Kaur Deol). The domain is Indian achievements and firsts. We must choose the specific “first” associated with her career. Concept / Approach: Identify the historically recorded “first” connected with Harita Kaur Deol. She is celebrated for a pioneering feat in the Indian Air Force, which directly relates to solo flying rather than diplomacy, the Navy, or medical science. Step-by-Step Solution: Recall notable firsts of Indian women in the armed forces.Match Harita Kaur Deol with aviation records in the Indian Air Force.Recognize that she is credited as the first Indian woman pilot in the IAF to fly solo.Eliminate unrelated fields (diplomacy, Navy induction, medical achievements). Verification / Alternative check: Standard competitive-exam compendiums and reputable GK references consistently attribute to Harita Kaur Deol the distinction of being the first woman pilot of the IAF to fly solo, a symbolic step forward for women officers. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Ambassador to a foreign country: This relates to the Indian Foreign Service, not her profile. To be inducted into Indian Navy: A different service branch; not her recorded first. Doctor to create first test tube baby: A medical breakthrough associated with specialists in reproductive medicine, not aviation. Common Pitfalls: Confusing “first woman pilot to fly solo in the IAF” with broader titles like “first woman pilot” in any context, or mixing up diplomatic and medical firsts with military aviation records. Final Answer: pilot to fly an aircraft solo

Question 16

Indian States by Area – Largest State in India (Geographical Extent) Among the following options, which Indian state has the largest land area as per current administrative boundaries?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Civics and geography questions frequently test knowledge of the relative size of Indian states. Area-based ranking is a basic yet essential fact for competitive exams and general awareness. Given Data / Assumptions: The comparison is strictly by geographical area, not by population or GDP. Options include Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. We assume present-day boundaries used in standard references. Concept / Approach: Identify the state with the maximum surface area. Uttar Pradesh often tops population charts, which can confuse learners, whereas Rajasthan dominates in area due to its extensive desert and arid zones. Step-by-Step Solution: Recall area ranking of Indian states.Rajasthan is the largest by land area.Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra follow behind.Uttar Pradesh is large in population, not area. Verification / Alternative check: Any reputable India yearbook, school atlas, or exam guide lists Rajasthan as the largest state by area, followed by Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra in close contention depending on exact figures. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Maharashtra: Large but not as vast as Rajasthan in terms of area. Uttar Pradesh: Most populous, but geographically smaller than Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Madhya Pradesh: Very large, yet still second to Rajasthan in area. Common Pitfalls: Mixing population rankings with area rankings; learners commonly answer “Uttar Pradesh” due to its demographic prominence. Final Answer: Rajasthan

Question 17

Indian Ports and Ship Repair – Location of India’s Largest Dry Dock (historical GK) Identify the Indian location traditionally cited in general knowledge sources as having the country’s largest dry dock for ship repair and maintenance.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Dry docks are critical for shipbuilding and maintenance. This GK-style question targets the historically cited location for India’s largest dry dock, as often referenced in legacy competitive exam material. Given Data / Assumptions: The question aligns with traditional GK used in many exam books. We focus on a long-standing answer commonly accepted in legacy quizzes. Options include major Indian port cities. Concept / Approach: Historically, Mumbai (Bombay) has been referenced in standard GK as home to the country’s largest dry dock facilities, associated with major ship repair activities and naval-support infrastructure. While capacities and new facilities evolve, exam-oriented answers often reflect established conventional sources. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify port cities with significant shipbuilding/repair capacity.Recall traditional GK references naming Mumbai for the largest dry dock.Match the historically accepted answer to the options.Select “Mumbai.” Verification / Alternative check: Legacy exam guides, port profiles, and naval history references have long cited Mumbai as a major hub with noteworthy dry dock facilities serving both civilian and defense needs. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Cochin: A major shipyard with large docks, but not the legacy textbook answer for the oldest GK sets. Marmugao: Important port in Goa, not traditionally cited as hosting the largest dry dock. Kolkata: Historic dock system exists, yet standard GK answers point to Mumbai. Common Pitfalls: Confusing contemporary expansions and new facilities with conventionally accepted GK answers; exam prep often requires the legacy response. Final Answer: Mumbai

Question 18

Indian Railways – First Electric “Deccan Queen” Route (Historical) The first electric train known as the “Deccan Queen” in India originally operated between which two stations on its early route?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: India’s railway chronology includes several landmark services. The “Deccan Queen” is a celebrated train associated with modernization, comfort, and early electric traction between Mumbai region and the Deccan plateau. Given Data / Assumptions: We focus on the early electrified segment linked to the Deccan Queen. Station names reflect historical/legacy nomenclature (Bombay for Mumbai). The question expects the classic exam-oriented pairing. Concept / Approach: The Deccan Queen became synonymous with the electrified corridor serving commuters and intercity passengers in the Mumbai–Pune region. The commonly tested answer in legacy GK is the pair “Kalyan and Pune,” highlighting the electrified portion of the route at the time. Step-by-Step Solution: Recall the Deccan Queen’s association with the Mumbai–Pune corridor.Identify the historically cited electrified stretch in exam guides.Match to the option “Kalyan and Pune.”Reject unrelated long-distance pairs. Verification / Alternative check: Railway histories and tradition-rich exam resources repeatedly connect the Deccan Queen’s early electric operations with the Kalyan–Pune section. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Howrah–Delhi / New Delhi–Madras: Prominent routes but not linked to the Deccan Queen’s early electric identity. Bombay–Surat: Western Railway corridor; not the Deccan Queen’s historic pairing. Common Pitfalls: Assuming the service’s brand name alone implies Mumbai CST directly in every historic sub-question; exam items often spotlight specific electrified stretches like Kalyan–Pune. Final Answer: Kalyan and Pune

Question 19

Indian Space Programme – First Indian Satellite Launched from a Soviet Cosmodrome Identify the first Indian satellite that was launched from a Soviet launch site during the 1970s, marking the beginning of India’s space era.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question checks knowledge of milestones in India’s space history. The earliest satellite launch associated with a Soviet facility signaled a formative partnership and the dawn of Indian satellite technology. Given Data / Assumptions: The time frame is the 1970s. The launch site referenced is a Soviet cosmodrome. We must choose the correct satellite name tied to that pioneering event. Concept / Approach: India’s first satellite was “Aryabhatta,” launched in 1975 from a Soviet launch site. This paved the way for subsequent experimental and application satellites and helped build indigenous capability. Step-by-Step Solution: Recall India’s first-ever satellite name → Aryabhatta.Confirm the year and foreign launch support (Soviet assistance).Match to options and select “Aryabhatta.”Eliminate later satellites like Bhaskara and Rohini for the “first” criterion. Verification / Alternative check: Standard history notes of ISRO and exam manuals always list Aryabhatta (1975) as the first Indian satellite launched from a Soviet site. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Bhaskara / Rohini: Important programmes but launched later; not the very first. Bharat: Not the name of India’s first satellite. Common Pitfalls: Confusing Rohini’s indigenous launch milestones with the earliest satellite launch; timelines matter. Final Answer: Aryabhatta

Question 20

Indian Mint Locations – Largest Mint in India (Conventional GK) Select the city traditionally cited in standard general-knowledge references as the location of India’s largest mint facility.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Coins in India are produced at several government mints. Many legacy GK sources identify a particular city as hosting the country’s largest or most prominent mint facility. Given Data / Assumptions: This is a conventional GK-style question. We focus on the traditionally accepted answer in competitive-exam materials. Options list key mint cities in India. Concept / Approach: Historically, Kolkata (Calcutta) features in standard GK as the country’s largest/most prominent mint, recognized for its long history and significant coinage operations. Although multiple cities host important mints, conventional exam keys typically expect “Kolkata.” Step-by-Step Solution: Recall Indian Government Mint locations: Kolkata, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and others like Noida/Nasik (note: note printing vs. minting differs).Identify the legacy “largest” answer cited in typical exam books.Select “Kolkata.”Exclude other cities despite their major roles. Verification / Alternative check: Traditional GK handbooks and multiple-choice compilations frequently designate Kolkata as hosting the largest mint, hence its popularity in exam keys. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Nasik: Known for note printing (press) and mint-related functions, but not the conventional “largest mint” answer. Hyderabad / Mumbai: Major mints, yet the legacy answer emphasized by exam guides is Kolkata. Common Pitfalls: Confusing banknote printing presses with coin mints or relying on contemporary capacity changes rather than legacy exam conventions. Final Answer: Kolkata

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