General Awareness

The 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution lists the official languages of the Republic of India; there are currently 22 languages included.

Charles Babbage is widely considered the father of the computer for his design of the Analytical Engine.

Two Lives is a non-fiction work written by the Indian author Vikram Seth, detailing the lives of his great-uncle and great-aunt.

Gneiss and schist are classic examples of metamorphic rocks, formed through the transformation of existing rock types under high heat and pressure.

The Prime Minister is the head of the Council of Ministers and presides over its meetings.

The Western Ghats, a mountain range running along the western coast of India, are locally known as the Sahyadri range.

A significant theoretical risk in federal systems is the potential for regional movements to demand separation or secession from the union.

Russia is the largest country in the world by land area, spanning across Eastern Europe and Northern Asia.

The Communist Party of India (CPI) is one of the oldest political parties in India and has historically held the status of a national party.

Nadir Shah invaded India in 1739 during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah.

The number of judges in the Supreme Court has been increased by Parliament over time. At the time this question was likely written, the maximum was 25 other judges plus the Chief Justice. Currently, the number is higher.

The Planning Commission of India was established by the Government of India on March 15, 1950.

Bimbisara was the first major ruler of the Haryanka dynasty and is credited with laying the foundation for Magadha's expansion through matrimonial alliances and conquest. Ajatashatru was his son who further expanded the kingdom, but Bimbisara is recognized as the initial architect of its rise.

The first passenger train in India ran between Bori Bunder (Bombay) and Thane on April 16, 1853. This historic journey covered a distance of approximately 34 kilometers.

 Option (4) is correct.

Tuberculosis is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Malaria is caused by a protozoan (Plasmodium), AIDS by a virus (HIV), and Mumps by a virus.

The World Bank Group is headquartered in Washington D.C., United States. Manila is the headquarters of the Asian Development Bank, and Geneva hosts many UN agencies.

Sodium benzoate is a widely used food preservative, especially in acidic foods like fruit juices, pickles, and soft drinks, as it inhibits the growth of mold and bacteria.

Ethylene is a plant hormone that naturally promotes the ripening of fruits. It is used commercially to artificially ripen fruits like bananas and mangoes.

Light waves consist of oscillating electric and magnetic fields that are perpendicular to each other and to the direction of wave propagation, hence they are electromagnetic waves.

Panna in Madhya Pradesh is famous for its diamond mines, which are the only active diamond mines in India.