General Studies Questions [Mix & Previous Years MCQs]

Notes:
A black hole is a region of spacetime where gravity is so strong that nothing, not even light or other electromagnetic radiation, can escape from it. This extreme gravitational pull results from a massive object being compressed into a very small volume, creating what is known as a singularity—a point where density and gravitational forces become infinite, posing significant challenges for modern physics.

Black holes are theorized to emit Hawking radiation, but for stellar-mass black holes, this radiation corresponds to temperatures of only billionths of a kelvin, making it virtually impossible to detect with current technology.

The density of a black hole depends on its mass and how one defines its size. While the singularity at its center is thought to have infinite density, the average density of a black hole (calculated using its mass and the volume within its event horizon) decreases as its mass increases. For comparison, ordinary materials on Earth range in density from lightweight aerogels (as low as 0.001 g/cm³) to osmium, the densest naturally occurring element, with a density of 22.61 g/cm³.

Notes:
Cloudy nights are warmer compared to clear cloudless nights, because clouds Reflect back the heat given off by earth. At night cloud cover has the opposite effect. If skies are clear, heat emitted from the earth’s surface freely escapes into space, resulting in colder temperatures. However, if clouds are present, some of the heat emitted from the earth’s surface is trapped by the clouds and reemitted back towards the earth.

Notes:
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals,” are synthetic compounds that resist degradation in the environment and the human body. They have been linked to various health issues, including cancer and immune system effects. Notably, PFAS are prevalent in food packaging, leading to widespread exposure, with studies indicating their presence in the blood of many individuals, particularly those consuming fast food.

Notes:
The Special Protection Group (SPG) was established in 1985 after the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. It was later mandated to provide security to former Prime Ministers as well. The SPG is a specialized unit that ensures the safety of high-profile individuals, while the President of India is protected by the President’s Bodyguard (PBG), known for its ceremonial duties and mounted displays.

Notes:
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) was established in 1981 to foster economic and political cooperation among its member states, which include Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the UAE. Iraq, despite being a neighboring Arab nation, has never been a member due to political differences and regional tensions. The GCC plays a significant role in regional stability and economic collaboration.

Notes:
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is headquartered in New York City, established on December 11, 1946, by the UN General Assembly. It aims to provide humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide. UNICEF has regional offices in various cities, including Geneva and Nairobi. Notably, it received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1965 for its efforts in promoting global peace and cooperation.

Notes:
Sexed semen is a specialized form of semen that contains sperm with either X or Y chromosomes, allowing for the selective breeding of male or female offspring. Flow cytometry is the key technology used to separate these sperm types based on their DNA content. This method enhances breeding efficiency in livestock, particularly in dairy and beef cattle, where sexed semen can significantly impact herd management and profitability.

Notes:
The Tigershark Squadron, officially known as the resurrected 222 Squadron, was established in 1969 and is stationed at the Air Force Station in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. This squadron is notable for being the second frontline fighter unit in southern India, operating Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets, which are among the most advanced in the Indian Air Force.

Notes:
Eighty-Sixth Amendment Act of 2002 made elementary education a fundamental right under the Constitution of India. The Article 21-A declares that “the State shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of six to fourteen years in such manner as the State may determine”

Notes:
The article 331 (now defunct) of the Constitution of India contained provisions with respect to representation of the Anglo-Indian community in the House of the people or the Lok Sabha in India.