Indian General Knowledge

Afghanistan became the eighth member of SAARC in 2007, joining the original seven members (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and Maldives). The question likely refers to Afghanistan being the newest member to join the regional association.

The Indira Sagar Dam is a multipurpose project on the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh. It is part of the Narmada Valley Project and is one of the largest reservoirs in India. The dam serves purposes of irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and water supply.

Bank of India is a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU), meaning it is owned by the government. The other options listed - Bank of Rajasthan, Bank of Punjab, and Karnataka Bank - are all private sector banks. Public sector banks are nationalized or government-owned financial institutions.

Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) are directly elected by the people of their respective constituencies. This is a fundamental feature of democratic governance where citizens choose their representatives through universal adult franchise. In bicameral legislatures, the upper house may have indirect elections, but MLAs are always directly elected.

In the state legislative system, a Money Bill can only be introduced in the Legislative Assembly with the prior recommendation of the Governor. This is a constitutional requirement (similar to the President's recommendation at the central level) to ensure executive oversight over financial matters. Money Bills deal with taxation, government spending, and other financial matters.

Geothermal energy is a renewable source because it comes from the Earth's internal heat, which is continuously replenished through radioactive decay in the Earth's core. Unlike coal, natural gas, and uranium which are finite and non-renewable, geothermal energy is sustainable as long as the Earth's internal heat persists.

Both Jainism and Buddhism emerged as reform movements that rejected the caste system and ritualism of Vedic religion. They emphasized equality and individual spiritual development regardless of one's birth. While Jainism and Buddhism have different philosophical approaches, they shared this fundamental opposition to caste-based social hierarchy.

Scurvy is a deficiency disease caused by lack of vitamin C in the diet. It was historically common among sailors on long voyages without fresh fruits and vegetables. The other options listed are diseases but not caused by nutritional deficiencies - asthma is respiratory, jaundice is a symptom of liver problems, and cancer is a complex disease with multiple causes.

The kidney is the primary excretory organ that filters blood and removes water, metabolic wastes, and excess substances including fat breakdown products. While skin does excrete water and salts through sweat, the kidney is responsible for comprehensive filtration and excretion of various catabolic wastes from the body.

The stomach secretes hydrochloric acid (HCl) which creates the acidic environment necessary for protein digestion and killing harmful microorganisms in food. This acid is produced by parietal cells in the stomach lining. The other options are strong industrial acids not found in biological systems.

Mars appears reddish due to iron oxide (rust) on its surface, which reflects sunlight with a reddish hue. This distinctive color is why Mars is called the 'Red Planet'. Jupiter appears cream/brown, Saturn pale yellow, and Mercury grayish.

Insulin is stored in the pancreas as zinc-insulin hexamer crystals. Zinc ions stabilize insulin's structure and are essential for its storage and release. This trace metal is crucial for insulin's biological activity.

Excess lime (CaO) in cement causes unsoundness - the cement expands and cracks during setting. This is because free lime hydrates slowly after initial setting, causing volume changes. Proper proportioning and burning prevent this defect.

Brihadeswara Temple (built 1003-1010 CE) stands 216 feet tall, making it the tallest medieval Indian temple. Built by Rajaraja Chola I, its Vimana (tower) is an engineering marvel. Kailasa Temple is rock-cut but shorter, Sun Temple at Konark is now mostly ruined.

Jallianwala Bagh Massacre occurred on April 13, 1919, in Amritsar, Punjab. British troops under General Dyer fired on unarmed Indians gathered for peaceful protest. This event marked a turning point in India's freedom struggle.

Dr. Zakir Hussain received Bharat Ratna in 1963, four years before becoming President (1967-1969). Other Presidents received Bharat Ratna during or after their term: Radhakrishnan (1954, became President 1962), V.V. Giri (1975, was President 1969-74).