Indian General Knowledge

Kanchenjunga was first successfully climbed on May 25, 1955, by Joe Brown and George Band of a British expedition. As of 2026, that is 71 years ago, but 50 years was the closest answer when this question was framed (likely around 2005, the 50th anniversary). Kanchenjunga is India's highest mountain and the world's third-highest peak.

Basant Panchami is celebrated in yellow, not green. Yellow symbolizes the blooming mustard flowers and the arrival of spring. Kite flying is indeed associated with Basant Panchami in some regions, it occurs when mustard fields are in full bloom, and it marks the beginning of the spring season.

King Momo is the legendary figure associated with the Carnival festival, particularly the Goa Carnival in India. According to folklore, King Momo presides over the festivities and encourages revelry and celebration. He is not associated with Lohri, Christmas, or Onam.

Aryabhatta, launched on 19 April 1975, was India's first satellite. It was built by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and named after the ancient Indian astronomer Aryabhata. The satellite conducted experiments in X-ray astronomy and solar physics.

Bharat Ratna is India's highest civilian award, instituted in 1952. It is awarded for exceptional service in any field of human endeavor. The Padma awards (Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri) rank below Bharat Ratna.

Padma Vibushan is India's second highest civilian award, after Bharat Ratna. The Padma awards hierarchy is: Padma Vibhushan (2nd), Padma Bhushan (3rd), and Padma Shri (4th). Ashoka Chakra is a military gallantry award, not a civilian honor.

Bharat Ratna was instituted in 1952, though the first awards were presented in 1954. It is India's highest civilian award for exceptional service. The 1952 establishment date is when the award was officially created by the President of India.

Param Vir Chakra is India's highest military decoration for gallantry in the face of the enemy. The wartime gallantry awards hierarchy is: Param Vir Chakra (highest), Maha Vir Chakra (second), and Vir Chakra (third). Bharat Ratna is a civilian award, not military.

The Dronacharya Award is given to outstanding sports coaches who have trained medal-winning athletes at national and international levels. Named after guru Drona from the Mahabharata, it honors coaches' lifetime contributions to sports excellence in India.

Jnanpith Award is India's highest literary honor, instituted in 1961. It recognizes authors' outstanding contributions to Indian literature in any of the 22 officially recognized Indian languages. The award carries a cash prize, citation, and bronze replica of Vagdevi.