GK Covering : Geography, History, Polity, Science, Culture, Economy, and International Affairs.
1. Which is the largest continent in the world ?
Answer: Asia
Explanation:
Asia is the world’s largest continent, covering about one-third of Earth’s land area. It includes the highest population and countries like China, India, and Russia.
2. Which is the smallest continent in the world ?
Answer: Australia
Explanation :
Australia is the smallest continent and the only one that is also a country. It is surrounded by oceans and known for its unique wildlife and natural beauty.
3. When did the first electric train run in India ?
Answer: In 1925
Explanation:
India’s first electric train ran in 1925 between Bombay (now Mumbai) and Kurla. It marked the beginning of electric rail transport, improving speed and reducing pollution.
4. Who was the first Governor-General of India ?
Answer: Lord William Bentinck
Explanation:
Lord William Bentinck served as India’s first Governor-General from 1833 to 1835. He introduced social reforms like banning Sati and promoting education.
5. Who was the first President of independent India ?
Answer: Dr. Rajendra Prasad
Explanation:
Dr. Rajendra Prasad became the first President of India in 1950. He was a freedom fighter and the only president to serve two full terms.
6. Who discovered zero ?
Answer: Aryabhata
Explanation:
Indian mathematician Aryabhata discovered zero around the 5th century. His invention revolutionized mathematics and is the foundation of modern number systems and calculations.
7. What is the script of the Hindi language ?
Answer: Devanagari
Explanation:
Hindi is written in the Devanagari script, which uses symbols for vowels and consonants. It is also used for Sanskrit and Marathi languages in India.
8. Who was the first person to step on the Moon ?
Answer: Neil Armstrong
Explanation:
American astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first person to walk on the Moon on July 20, 1969, during NASA’s Apollo 11 mission, saying, “That’s one small step for man.”
9. For how many years are Rajya Sabha members elected ?
Answer: 6 years
Explanation:
Members of the Rajya Sabha serve for six years, with one-third retiring every two years, ensuring continuity in India’s upper house of Parliament.
10. How many schedules are there in the Indian Constitution ?
Answer: 12 Schedules
Explanation:
The Indian Constitution has 12 Schedules that classify and organize subjects like government functions, allocation of powers, and administration between states and the central government.
11. Which is the smallest bone in the human body ?
Answer: Stapes
Explanation:
The stapes, located in the middle ear, is the smallest bone in the human body. It helps transmit sound vibrations to the inner ear for hearing.
12. What is the full name of Mahatma Gandhi ?
Answer: Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
Explanation:
Mahatma Gandhi’s full name was Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. He led India’s non-violent freedom movement and is known as the “Father of the Nation.”
13. On which date is Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday celebrated ?
Answer: 2nd October
Explanation:
Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated on 2nd October every year to honor Mahatma Gandhi’s birth. It is also observed as the International Day of Non-Violence.
14. Which country is known as the Land of the Rising Sun ?
Answer: Japan
Explanation:
Japan is called the Land of the Rising Sun because it lies east of Asia, where the sun rises first. The name “Nippon” itself means “origin of the sun.”
15. In which country was paper invented ?
Answer: China
Explanation:
Paper was invented in China around 105 AD by Cai Lun. This invention revolutionized writing and record-keeping, spreading knowledge across the world.
16. Which is the oldest Veda ?
Answer: Rigveda
Explanation:
Rigveda is the oldest of the four Vedas. It contains hymns dedicated to various deities and provides insight into ancient Indian culture, philosophy, and rituals.
17. What is the script of the Hindi language ?
Answer: Devanagari
Explanation:
Hindi uses the Devanagari script, which consists of vowels, consonants, and diacritical marks. It is phonetic, meaning words are written as they are pronounced.
18. Which city has the highest population in the world ?
Answer: Tokyo
Explanation:
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is the most populated city in the world, with over 37 million people. It is a major global center for technology and economy.
19. Who first deciphered Emperor Ashoka’s inscriptions ?
Answer: James Prinsep
Explanation:
James Prinsep, a British scholar, first deciphered Ashoka’s Brahmi inscriptions in 1837. His work revealed much about ancient Indian history and Mauryan administration.
20. Who is called the Shakespeare of India ?
Answer: Kalidasa
Explanation:
Kalidasa, a classical Sanskrit poet and playwright, is known as the Shakespeare of India for his literary masterpieces like Abhijnanasakuntalam and Meghaduta.
21. Which is the largest freshwater lake in the world ?
Answer: Lake Superior
Explanation:
Lake Superior, located in North America, is the world’s largest freshwater lake by surface area. It borders the United States and Canada and holds massive freshwater reserves.
22. Which planet is called the Evening Star ?
Answer: Venus
Explanation:
Venus is called the “Evening Star” because it shines brightly after sunset. It is Earth’s nearest neighbor and the third brightest object in the sky after the Sun and Moon.
23. Insulin is used in the treatment of which disease ?
Answer: Diabetes
Explanation:
Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. It is used to treat diabetes, a disease in which the body cannot produce enough insulin naturally.
24. Who is known as ‘Shaheed-e-Azam’ ?
Answer: Bhagat Singh
Explanation:
Bhagat Singh, a great Indian freedom fighter, is known as ‘Shaheed-e-Azam’. He sacrificed his life at a young age to free India from British rule.
25. What is the capital of Telangana ?
Answer: Hyderabad
Explanation:
Hyderabad is the capital city of Telangana. It is a major IT hub and historically famous for its Charminar, Golconda Fort, and Hyderabadi cuisine.
26. In which Indian state does the sun rise first ?
Answer: Arunachal Pradesh
Explanation:
Arunachal Pradesh, located in the northeastern corner of India, experiences the earliest sunrise due to its easternmost geographical position. The town of Dong sees India’s first light.
27. When did Delhi become the capital of India ?
Answer: In 1911
Explanation:
In 1911, King George V announced the shift of India’s capital from Calcutta (Kolkata) to Delhi due to its central location and historical significance.
28. Who gave the slogan “Inquilab Zindabad” ?
Answer: Bhagat Singh
Explanation:
Bhagat Singh popularized the slogan “Inquilab Zindabad,” meaning “Long Live the Revolution,” which became a powerful call for freedom during India’s independence struggle.
29. Who wrote the Mahabharata ?
Answer: Maharshi Ved Vyasa
Explanation:
Maharshi Ved Vyasa composed the Mahabharata, one of the world’s longest epics, narrating the story of the Kurukshetra war and moral lessons on dharma.
30. Who wrote India’s national song ?
Answer: Bankim Chandra Chatterjee
Explanation:
Bankim Chandra Chatterjee wrote the national song “Vande Mataram,” which inspired freedom fighters. It is from his novel Anandamath written in the 19th century.
31. Who invented the telescope ?
Answer: Galileo Galilei
Explanation:
Galileo Galilei improved the telescope in 1609. With it, he discovered Jupiter’s moons and supported the idea that Earth orbits the Sun.
32. When is World Red Cross Day celebrated ?
Answer: On 8th May
Explanation:
World Red Cross Day is celebrated on May 8, the birthday of Henry Dunant, founder of the Red Cross, to honor humanitarian efforts worldwide.
33. Vasco da Gama belonged to which country ?
Answer: Portugal
Explanation:
Vasco da Gama was a Portuguese explorer who discovered the sea route to India in 1498, landing in Calicut (Kozhikode), Kerala.
34. When did the First Five-Year Plan start in India ?
Answer: In 1951
Explanation:
India’s First Five-Year Plan began in 1951 under Prime Minister Nehru, focusing on agriculture, energy, and irrigation to rebuild the nation’s economy after independence.
35. What is the chemical formula of water ?
Answer: H₂O
Explanation:
Water’s formula H₂O shows it is made of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. It is essential for life and found everywhere on Earth.
36. Who founded the Gadar Party ?
Answer: Lala Har Dayal
Explanation:
Lala Har Dayal founded the Gadar Party in 1913 in the USA to inspire Indians abroad to fight for India’s independence from British rule.
37. Who first called Mahatma Gandhi the ‘Father of the Nation’ ?
Answer: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose
Explanation:
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose addressed Mahatma Gandhi as the “Father of the Nation” during a radio broadcast in 1944 for his leadership in India’s freedom struggle.
38. Who was the first President of the United States of America ?
Answer: George Washington
Explanation:
George Washington became the first U.S. President in 1789. He led the American Revolution and is known as the “Father of his Country.”
39. Who invented the telephone ?
Answer: Alexander Graham Bell
Explanation:
Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone in 1876. His invention revolutionized communication, allowing people to speak over long distances instantly.
40. Where is the headquarters of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) ?
Answer: Mumbai
Explanation:
The Reserve Bank of India’s headquarters is in Mumbai. Established in 1935, RBI controls India’s monetary policy and regulates banking operations.
41. Where is the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre located ?
Answer: Thiruvananthapuram
Explanation:
The Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) is in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. It is India’s main space research facility under ISRO, focusing on rocket and satellite development.
42. Who founded the Satyashodhak Samaj ?
Answer: Mahatma Jyotiba Phule
Explanation:
Mahatma Jyotiba Phule founded the Satyashodhak Samaj in 1873 to promote social equality, fight caste discrimination, and educate the oppressed sections of society.
43. What was Lord Buddha’s childhood name ?
Answer: Siddhartha
Explanation:
Gautama Buddha’s childhood name was Siddhartha. He was born a prince in Lumbini, Nepal, and later attained enlightenment to become the Buddha.
44. When did railways begin in India ?
Answer: In 1853
Explanation:
India’s first train ran in 1853 between Bombay (Mumbai) and Thane. It marked the beginning of India’s vast railway network.
45. When is Hindi Day celebrated ?
Answer: 14th September
Explanation:
Hindi Day is celebrated on 14th September every year to commemorate the adoption of Hindi as India’s official language in 1949.
46. What was the original name of Swami Dayanand Saraswati ?
Answer: Mool Shankar
Explanation:
Swami Dayanand Saraswati, founder of the Arya Samaj, was born as Mool Shankar. He promoted Vedic knowledge and opposed social evils like idol worship and casteism.
47. In which continent are the Savanna grasslands located ?
Answer: Africa
Explanation :
Savanna grasslands are mainly found in Africa. They are tropical plains with scattered trees and support large animals like lions, elephants, and zebras.
48. In which Indian state is the Nathu La Pass located ?
Answer: Sikkim
Explanation:
Nathu La Pass, on the Indo-China border, is located in Sikkim. It is an important trade route and part of the ancient Silk Route.
49. When is World Disabled Day celebrated ?
Answer: 3rd December
Explanation:
World Disabled Day, observed on December 3, promotes the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities and encourages inclusion in all aspects of society.
50. Which company started the first railway service in India ?
Answer: Great Indian Peninsular Railway
Explanation:
The Great Indian Peninsular Railway launched India’s first railway service in 1853 between Mumbai and Thane, marking the beginning of modern transportation in India.
51. How many muscles are there in the human body ?
Answer: 639
Explanation:
The human body has 639 muscles that help in movement, posture, and vital functions like breathing and circulation. They make up nearly half of body weight.
52. What is India’s highest civilian award ?
Answer: Bharat Ratna
Explanation:
The Bharat Ratna, instituted in 1954, is India’s highest civilian award given for exceptional service in art, literature, science, or public service.
53. What was the first Hindi newspaper ?
Answer: Udant Martand
Explanation:
“Udant Martand” was India’s first Hindi newspaper, started in 1826 from Calcutta. It played an important role in promoting the Hindi language.
54. What is the minimum age to become Prime Minister of India ?
Answer: 25 years
Explanation:
A person must be at least 25 years old to become a Member of the Lok Sabha, which is necessary to be eligible for the post of Prime Minister.
55. Goiter is caused due to the deficiency of which element ?
Answer: Iodine
Explanation (30 words):
Goiter is a swelling of the thyroid gland caused by iodine deficiency. Iodized salt helps prevent this disease and maintain thyroid health.
56. What is the hardest natural substance in the world ?
Answer: Diamond
Explanation:
Diamond is the hardest known natural material. It is made of carbon atoms arranged in a crystal structure and used in jewelry and cutting tools.
57. Which is the longest bone in the human body ?
Answer: Femur (Thigh bone)
Explanation:
The femur, or thigh bone, is the longest and strongest bone in the human body. It connects the hip to the knee and supports body weight.