1. During whose reign was the Fourth Buddhist Council held?
[A] Ashoka
[B] Kalasoka
[C] Ajatsatru
[D] Kanishka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Kanishka ]
Notes:
The Fourth Buddhist Council was held at Kundalvana, Kashmir in 72 AD during the reign of Kushan king Kanishka. It was held under the Presidentship of Vasumitra to compose commentaries on the Tripitika.
2. The oldest evidence in human history for the drilling of teeth in a living person was found in which of the following cultures?
[A] Ahar banas
[B] Mehrgarh
[C] Sohn Valley
[D] Malwa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Mehrgarh ]
Notes:
In April 2006, Nature journal announced that the earliest evidence of drilling holes in human teeth while the person was still alive was found at the Mehrgarh neolithic site in Balochistan, Pakistan dating around 7,500 BCE to 9,000 BCE. Eleven drilled molar crowns were discovered here revealing the first known instance of proto-dentistry practiced anywhere in the world. This indicates advanced medical knowledge and skills amongst the early farming communities of Mehrgarh.
3. Which of the following statements is correct about the chairperson of Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)?
[A] The chairperson of the committee is appointed by the RBI Governor
[B] RBI Governor is the ex officio Chairperson of the committee
[C] Finance Minister is the ex-officio chairperson of the committee
[D] The Chairperson of the committee is appointed by the Finance Minister
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [RBI Governor is the ex officio Chairperson of the committee]
Notes:
The Monetary Policy Committee consists of six Members. Three Members are from the RBI and the other three Members appointed by the Central Government. The Members appointed by the Central Government hold the office for a period of four years. The Governor of RBI is the ex-officio Chairperson of the committee.
4. Vedic mythology refers to an ancient settlement called Pushkalavati after Pushkal, who was the son of King Bharata in the epic Ramayan. What is the modern location of Pushkalavati?
[A] Panipat
[B] Pushkar
[C] Peshawar (in Pakistan)
[D] Punjab
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Peshawar (in Pakistan)]
Notes:
Pushkalavati was capital of ancient Kingdom of Gandhara. Its ruins are currently located in Charsadda, Pakistan, located in Peshawar valley in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province (formerly NWFP). Pushkalavati was home of the Sanskrit grammarian Panini.
5. In which year unity of Germany became a reality?
[A] 1870
[B] 1871
[C] 1875
[D] 1880
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [1871]
Notes:
On 18 Jan 1871, the King of Prussia was crowned the German emperor of Versailles
6. Tropic of Cancer passes through how many states in India?
[A] Six
[B] Seven
[C] Five
[D] Eight
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Eight]
Notes:
The tropic of Cancer passes through 8 states in India: Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Tripura and Mizoram.
7. Which among the following Union Territory of India has largest Area?
[A] Delhi
[B] Andaman & Nicobar Islands
[C] Dadra & Nagar Haveli
[D] Ladakh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Ladakh]
Notes:
With 59,146 km² area, Ladakh is the largest Union Territory of India, followed by Jammu & Kashmir (42,241 Km²). India’s third largest Union Territory is Andaman and Nicobar Islands with area of 8,249 Km².
8. Which among the following is the Biggest Borrower in India?
[A] Indian Government
[B] Reserve Bank of India
[C] Indian Railways
[D] State Governments
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Indian Government]
Notes:
The Indian government is the biggest borrower in India. This is due to the government’s extensive expenditure requirements, fiscal deficit, development programs, debt servicing, infrastructure projects, subsidies, welfare schemes, and revenue shortfalls.
9. The Backward Regions Grant Fund (BRGF), which aims to catalyze development in backward areas, was approved by the CCEA in August, 2006. How many backward districts are covered under the BGRF?
[A] 200
[B] 225
[C] 250
[D] 275
Show Answer
10. Which of the following condition will be true for a planet to have atmosphere?
[A] velocity of molecules in its atmosphere is lesser than escape velocity
[B] velocity of molecules in its atmosphere is greater than escape velocity
[C] velocity of molecules in its atmosphere is twice the escape velocity
[D] velocity of molecules in its atmosphere is equal to the escape velocity
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [velocity of molecules in its atmosphere is lesser than escape velocity]
Notes:
A planet will have atmosphere if the velocity of molecule in its atmosphere is lesser than escape velocity. This is why earth has atmosphere while moon has no atmosphere.
