1. Lal Ded (Lalla Yogeshwari) was a practitioner of which of the following traditions?
[A] Tibetan Buddhism
[B] Kashmir Shaivism
[C] Sri Sampradaya
[D] Smartism
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Kashmir Shaivism ]
Notes:
Lal Ded, better known as Lalla Yogeshwari, ranks as a great mystic poetess of the 14th century. She was an ardent practitioner of Kashmir Shaivism that is also known as Trika Shastra founded by Vasu Gupta.
2. Which state is famous for Lavi Fair?
[A] Gujarath
[B] Punjab
[C] Orissa
[D] Himachal Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Himachal Pradesh]
Notes:
The Lavi Fair is primarily held in Himachal Pradesh, particularly in the town of Rampur Bushahr. This fair, celebrated in November, has historical significance as it dates back to the 16th century and is associated with trade and cultural exchange. It attracts traders and visitors from various regions, showcasing local handicrafts, traditional foods, and folk performances. The fair is a vibrant reflection of the region’s rich cultural heritage.
3. Chorten is a term related to which of the following religion?
[A] Buddhism
[B] Jewism
[C] Judaism
[D] Jainism
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Buddhism]
Notes:
Buddhism stupa are called Chorten in North east India and Tibet
4. Sylheti language is a dialect of which of the following languages ?
[A] Sindhi
[B] Bengali
[C] Odia
[D] Punjabi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bengali]
Notes:
Sylheti is a language spoken by the Sylheti people, who are primarily found in the Sylhet Division of northeastern Bangladesh and in the adjacent parts of the Indian state of Assam. Sylheti is part of the Eastern Indo-Aryan language group and is closely related to Bengali, the national language of Bangladesh. It is written in the Bengali script and has its own distinctive vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. Sylheti is spoken by around 15 million people and is an important language for commerce and education in the Sylhet region. It is also used as a literary language, and there is a rich tradition of Sylheti poetry, prose, and drama.
5. Watson’s Hotel or Esplanade Mansion, which is India’s oldest surviving cast Iron Building is located in which of the following cities?
[A] Mumbai
[B] Kolkata
[C] Surat
[D] Chennai
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Mumbai]
Notes:
Watson’s Hotel, also known as Esplanade Mansion, is located in Mumbai. Built in 1867, it is recognized as India’s oldest surviving cast iron building. The structure showcases Victorian Gothic architecture and was originally a luxury hotel. Its unique cast iron framework was sourced from the UK, reflecting the colonial era’s architectural trends.
6. With reference to India’s culture and tradition, what is Kayotsarga?
[A] Meditation technique
[B] Martial art
[C] Buddhist festival
[D] Style of temple architecture in India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Meditation technique]
Notes:
Kayotsarga is a yogic posture or meditation technique which is an important part of the Jain meditation. Kayotsarga means to give up one's physical comfort and body movements, thus staying steady, either in a standing or other posture, and concentrating upon the true nature of the soul.
7. The terms “Shachi” and “Shruti” that were in news recently are:
[A] the names of the twin sisters that were separated with the help of first venous bypass surgery performed in India
[B] newly discovered archaeological sites in southern India
[C] India’s first private sector-made warships
[D] two new contraceptives introduced by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare under the Mission Parivar Vikas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [India’s first private sector-made warships]
Notes:
Recently, Reliance Defence and Engineering Limited (RDEL)- a subsidiary of Reliance Infrastructure launched first two offshore naval petrol vessels (NOPVs) at their shipyard in Pipavav in Gujarat. The two NOPVs – ‘Shachi’ and ‘Shruti’ – are among five ships being constructed by RDEL under the P-21 project of the Indian Navy. These are the first set of warships that have been manufactured by the private defence sector for the Indian Navy. The new ships will help the Indian Navy in its surveillance activities across India’s vast Exclusive Economic Zone. The ships, Shachi and Shruti will also perform tasks such as fleet support operations, maritime security of offshore assets, anti-piracy patrols, coastal security operations, and protection of shipping lanes. These ships are armed with 76mm Super Rapid Gun Mount system along with two 30mm AK-630M guns. These are meant to provide medium and short range offensive and defence capabilities to the Indian Navy. The ship’s operations are controlled by an Intelligent Integrated Platform Management System. This has interfaces for all operational activities onboard the ship.
8. When was the first Bharat Ratna Award given?
[A] 2 January 1954
[B] 26 January 1954
[C] 15 August 1954
[D] 2 October 1954
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [2 January 1954]
Notes:
The first recipients of the Bharat Ratna were politician C. Rajagopalachari, philosopher Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, and scientist C. V. Raman, who was honoured on 2nd January, 1954. Since then, the award has been bestowed on 45 individuals, including 12 who were awarded posthumously.
9. Which one of the following films was not directed by Satyajit Ray?
[A] Jalsaghar
[B] Charulata
[C] Gumnam
[D] Shatranj ke Khiladi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Gumnam]
Notes:
Satyajit Ray was an Indian filmmaker who worked prominently in Bengali cinema and who has made his directorial debut in 1955 with Pather Panchali and directed 36 films like Jalsaghar, Agantuk, Sadgati, Shatranj Ke Khilari, Charulata, etc.Gumnaam is a 1965 Bollywood thriller film, directed by Raja Nawathe.
10. Match the columns:
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(A) Upanishads
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(1) World’s oldest scriptures
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(B) Samaveda
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(2) Magical chants
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(C) Rigveda
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(3) Mysterious doctrine
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(D) Atharvaveda
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(4) Ritual juice
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A B C D (UPSC Prelims 1985)
[A] 4 3 2 1
[B] 3 4 1 2
[C] 1 2 3 4
[D] 4 2 1 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [3 4 1 2]
Notes:
Upanishads – Mysterious doctrine
Samaveda – Ritual juice
Rig-Veda – World’s oldest scriptures
Atharvaveda- Magical chants