1. Melioidosis, the disease responsible for the public health emergency in Turakapalem village of Andhra Pradesh, is caused by which pathogen?
[A] Fungus
[B] Bacteria
[C] Fungus
[D] Protozoa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bacteria]
Notes:
Turakapalem village in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, has seen 29 deaths due to Melioidosis. It is caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei found in soil and water. The government has declared a public health emergency in the area. The disease is seasonal, with 75–85% of cases during the rainy season. It has a high case fatality rate (CFR) of 16% to 50% in endemic regions. Endemic areas include Southeast Asia, northern Australia, Indian subcontinent, southern China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Currently, no vaccine is available, but early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.
2. Consider the following festivals:
- Puthari – Kodava harvest festival of Karnataka
- Ugadi Pachadi Ritual – Andhra Pradesh & Telangana, symbolic tasting of six flavors
- Shigmo – Goa’s spring festival of colors
Which of the above are correctly matched?
[A] Only one
[B] All three
[C] Only two
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [All three]
Notes:
Puthari is the harvest festival celebrated by the Kodava community in Karnataka. Ugadi Pachadi is a traditional ritual from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, symbolizing life’s varied experiences through six distinct flavors. Shigmo is Goa’s vibrant spring festival marked by colors, folk dances, and parades. Therefore, all three festivals are correctly matched to their respective regions and customs.
3. Consider the following statements regarding India’s Aggregate Technical & Commercial (AT&C) losses:
- India’s average AT&C losses are higher than the global average of around 8%.
- States like Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat have consistently reported among the lowest AT&C losses.
- AT&C losses do not affect tariff-setting by electricity regulators.
Which of the above statements is / are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] 1 and 2 only
[C] 2 and 3 only
[D] 1 and 2 only
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1 and 2 only]
Notes:
India’s average AT&C losses are significantly above the global average of about 8%, often estimated at 18–20%. States such as Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh have maintained some of the lowest AT&C losses due to better governance. Statement 3 is incorrect because losses are factored into tariff-setting by regulators. Therefore, only statements 1 and 2 are correct.
4. Which caste is called Madiga in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka?
[A] Mang
[B] Chamar
[C] Sambava
[D] Adi Andhra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Mang]
Notes:
Mang caste is known as Madiga in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka. Historically, Mang were hereditary village servants in Maharashtra, classified as Scheduled Caste, and held occupations like leatherwork and rope making. They were listed under the Criminal Tribes Act during British rule.
5. Who from Sabarkantha served as the Governor of Andhra Pradesh in the post-independence era?
[A] Dr. K. M. Munshi
[B] Dr. Morarji Desai
[C] Dr. Kantilal K. Shah
[D] Dr. Vikram Sarabhai
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Dr. Kantilal K. Shah]
Notes:
Dr. Kantilal K. Shah from Sabarkantha served as the Governor of Andhra Pradesh in the post-independence era.
6. In the Myakadoni inscription found near Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh, what does the term “Gulmika” refer to?
[A] Village headman
[B] Merchant guild leader
[C] Feudatory chief
[D] Temple priest
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Feudatory chief]
Notes:
“Gulmika” in the circa 5th century Myakadoni inscription denotes a feudatory chief under Eastern Chalukya rule, reflecting local governance in early historic Andhra Pradesh.
7. During whose reign did Buddhism receive significant royal patronage in the Ikshvaku Kingdom of Andhra Pradesh?
[A] Ehuvula Chamtamula
[B] Rudrapurushadatta
[C] Virapurushadatta
[D] Mathariputra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Virapurushadatta]
Notes:
Virapurushadatta (c. 270–310 CE) of the Ikshvaku dynasty from Andhra Pradesh patronized Buddhism, overseeing major monastic construction at Nagarjunakonda and providing land grants and inscriptions supporting Buddhist institutions.
8. Which Chalukya king is credited with constructing 108 Saiva temples in the name of Narendra Mrigeswara in the Vengi region of coastal Andhra Pradesh?
[A] Pulakeshin II
[B] Vikramaditya I
[C] Jayasimha II
[D] Vijayaditya II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Vijayaditya II]
Notes:
Vijayaditya II (r. c. 733–746 CE), Eastern Chalukya ruler of Vengi, built 108 Saiva temples named Narendra Mrigeswara, promoting Shaivism and temple architecture in Andhra Pradesh.
9. What is Bhairava Konda, located in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh, known for?
[A] A site with 9th–10th century rock-cut Shiva shrines and Saivite antiquities
[B] An ancient Buddhist monastery complex
[C] A Jain temple complex of the 5th century
[D] A medieval fort of the Vijayanagara Empire
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [A site with 9th–10th century rock-cut Shiva shrines and Saivite antiquities]
Notes:
Bhairava Konda features 9th–10th century rock-cut shrines, Shiva lingas, and artifacts discovered by ASI, marking it as a major Saivite center in medieval Andhra Pradesh.
10. Who was responsible for administering cities during the Satavahana rule in ancient Andhra Pradesh?
[A] Mahanubhavas
[B] Grahapatis
[C] Chaturvedins
[D] Nigama Subhas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Nigama Subhas]
Notes:
Nigama Subhas, appointed by the Satavahana rulers, managed urban administration, overseeing trade, taxation, public works, and civic amenities in major cities.
