GK Covering 1: Geography, History, Polity, Science, Culture, Economy, and International Affairs

General Knowledge

1.      Largest continent in the world? – Asia
Explanation: Asia is the largest continent in area and population, spanning 44.5 million sq km, with diverse climates, cultures, and home to the Himalayas and many major rivers.

2.      Smallest continent? – Australia
Explanation: Australia is the smallest continent, covering around 7.7 million sq km. Mostly arid, it is famous for unique wildlife like kangaroos, koalas, and the Great Barrier Reef.

3.      First electric train in India? – 1925
Explanation: India ran its first electric train between Victoria Terminus and Kurla, Mumbai, marking modernization of railways, urban transit improvement, and reduced reliance on steam engines.

4.      First Governor-General of India? – William Bentinck
Explanation: William Bentinck served as Governor-General (1828–1835), known for abolishing Sati, introducing social reforms, and modernizing administration during British colonial rule.

5.      First President of Independent India? – Dr. Rajendra Prasad
Explanation: Dr. Rajendra Prasad became India’s first President in 1950, serving two terms and contributing to freedom struggle and framing the Constitution.

6.      Who discovered zero? – Aryabhatta
Explanation: Aryabhatta, an ancient Indian mathematician, introduced zero as a numeral and placeholder, revolutionizing mathematics, algebra, and numeral systems worldwide.

7.      Script of Hindi language? – Devanagari
Explanation: Hindi is written in Devanagari script, which uses vowels, consonants, and diacritics, also common in Sanskrit and many Indian languages.

8.      First person to walk on the Moon? – Neil Armstrong
Explanation: Neil Armstrong walked on the Moon in 1969 during Apollo 11, declaring, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,” marking space exploration history.

9.      Term of Rajya Sabha members? – 6 years
Explanation: Members of the Rajya Sabha serve six-year terms, with one-third retiring every two years, ensuring continuity in legislation and parliamentary functioning.

10.  Number of Schedules in Indian Constitution? – 12
Explanation: The Indian Constitution has 12 schedules, originally eight, covering states, languages, tribal areas, and administrative functions, aiding structured governance.

Human Body & History

11.  Smallest bone in human body? – Stapes
Explanation: The stapes in the middle ear is the smallest bone, transmitting sound vibrations from the incus to inner ear, enabling hearing.

12.  Full name of Mahatma Gandhi? – Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
Explanation: Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, called Mahatma Gandhi, led India’s independence movement with non-violence and truth principles, inspiring global civil rights movements.

13.  Gandhi Jayanti date? – 2 October
Explanation: Gandhi Jayanti, celebrated on 2 October, marks Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday and is a national holiday in India honoring his philosophy of non-violence and peace.

14.  Country known as Land of Rising Sun? – Japan
Explanation: Japan is called the Land of the Rising Sun because the Sun rises first over its eastern lands, symbolizing brightness, culture, and advancement.

15.  Invention of paper? – China
Explanation: Paper was invented in China around 105 CE, enabling writing, printing, and record-keeping, transforming communication and education worldwide.

16.  Oldest Veda? – Rigveda
Explanation: Rigveda is the oldest Veda, composed of hymns praising deities, forming the foundation of Hindu philosophy, rituals, and spiritual knowledge.

17.  Hindi script? – Devanagari
Explanation: Hindi is written in Devanagari script, structured with vowels, consonants, and conjunct letters, widely used in literature, education, and communication in India.

18.  Most populous city in the world? – Tokyo
Explanation: Tokyo, Japan, is the world’s most populous city, with over 37 million residents, combining modern infrastructure, cultural heritage, and economic importance.

19.  Who first deciphered Ashokan inscriptions? – James Prinsep
Explanation: James Prinsep, a British scholar, deciphered Ashokan Brahmi inscriptions, revealing Emperor Ashoka’s edicts, promoting Buddhism, morality, and historical insights of ancient India.

20.  Who is called Shakespeare of India? – Kalidas
Explanation: Kalidas, an ancient Indian poet and playwright, is called India’s Shakespeare for his classical literary works, including plays and poems celebrating nature, love, and devotion.

Geography & Science

21.  Largest freshwater lake? – Lake Superior
Explanation: Lake Superior, in North America, is the largest freshwater lake by area, containing 11,000 cubic km of water, supporting biodiversity and human use.

22.  Evening Star planet? – Venus
Explanation: Venus is called the Evening Star or Morning Star because of its brightness and visibility near sunrise or sunset in the sky.

23.  Insulin treats which disease? – Diabetes
Explanation: Insulin, secreted by the pancreas, regulates blood glucose levels, used to treat diabetes mellitus, preventing complications like nerve damage or kidney failure.

24.  Who is called Shaheed-e-Azam? – Bhagat Singh
Explanation: Bhagat Singh, a freedom fighter, is called Shaheed-e-Azam for his sacrifice and courage against British rule, inspiring Indian youth during independence struggle.

25.  Capital of Telangana? – Hyderabad
Explanation: Hyderabad, Telangana’s capital, is a historic city, famous for charminar, technology hubs, and cultural heritage, and was the princely state capital before independence.

26.  First sunrise in India? – Arunachal Pradesh
Explanation: Arunachal Pradesh, in northeastern India, experiences the first sunrise, being the easternmost state, rich in biodiversity and tribal culture.

27.  When did Delhi become capital? – 1911
Explanation: Delhi became India’s capital in 1911, replacing Calcutta, chosen for its historical significance and central location, formalized during the British Raj.

28.  Who gave slogan “Inquilab Zindabad”? – Bhagat Singh
Explanation: Bhagat Singh popularized “Inquilab Zindabad” meaning “Long live the revolution”, motivating Indians for freedom and anti-colonial activism.

29.  Author of Mahabharata? – Maharshi Ved Vyasa
Explanation: Ved Vyasa composed Mahabharata, India’s epic, narrating Kurukshetra war, dharma, and human values, influencing Indian philosophy, culture, and religion.

30.  Who wrote India’s national song? – Bankim Chandra Chatterjee
Explanation: Bankim Chandra Chatterjee wrote “Vande Mataram”, India’s national song, symbolizing patriotism and the motherland, inspiring freedom fighters.

Science & Discovery

31.  Who invented the telescope? – Galileo
Explanation: Galileo improved the telescope, using it to observe celestial bodies, discovering moons of Jupiter, moon’s craters, and supporting heliocentric theory.

32.  World Red Cross Day? – 8 May
Explanation: World Red Cross Day, 8 May, honors founder Henry Dunant and promotes humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and medical assistance worldwide.

33.  Vasco da Gama nationality? – Portugal
Explanation: Vasco da Gama, a Portuguese explorer, found the sea route to India (1498), linking Europe and Asia for trade and exploration.

34.  First Five-Year Plan in India? – 1951
Explanation: India’s First Five-Year Plan (1951–1956) focused on agriculture, irrigation, and infrastructure, aiming at economic development and self-sufficiency.

35.  Chemical formula of water? – H₂O
Explanation: Water’s chemical formula is H₂O, consisting of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, essential for life and involved in various chemical and physical processes.

36.  Founder of Gadar Party? – Lala Hardayal
Explanation: Lala Hardayal founded the Gadar Party (1913) in the USA, aiming to fight British colonial rule in India through revolutionary activities.

37.  Who first called Gandhi “Father of Nation”? – Subhash Chandra Bose
Explanation: Subhash Chandra Bose honored Gandhi as Rashtrapita (Father of the Nation) for his leadership in the independence movement and moral influence.

Science, History & Human Body

38.  First President of USA? – George Washington
Explanation: George Washington became the first President of the United States (1789–1797), leading the country’s foundation, setting governance precedents, and being a symbol of leadership and independence.

39.  Who invented the telephone? – Alexander Graham Bell
Explanation: Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone in 1876, enabling voice communication over distances, revolutionizing personal, commercial, and emergency communication globally.

40.  RBI headquarters? – Mumbai
Explanation: The Reserve Bank of India is headquartered in Mumbai, responsible for monetary policy, currency issuance, banking regulation, and ensuring financial stability in India.

41.  Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre location? – Thiruvananthapuram
Explanation: Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is India’s primary space research and launch center, responsible for satellite launches and space technology development.

42.  Who founded Satyashodhak Samaj? – Mahatma Jyotiba Phule
Explanation: Jyotiba Phule founded Satyashodhak Samaj (1873) to fight social discrimination, promote education and equality, especially for women and lower castes in India.

43.  Buddha’s childhood name? – Siddharth
Explanation: Buddha’s childhood name was Siddharth, born as a prince in Lumbini, Nepal, who later renounced worldly life and became the founder of Buddhism, teaching enlightenment and peace.

44.  Railways started in India? – 1853
Explanation: India’s first railway service started in 1853, connecting Bombay (Mumbai) and Thane, revolutionizing transportation, trade, and communication during British colonial rule.

45.  Hindi Day? – 14 September
Explanation: Hindi Day is celebrated on 14 September to promote Hindi language and literature, commemorate adoption of Hindi in Devanagari script for official communication.

46.  Original name of Swami Dayanand Saraswati? – Moolshankar
Explanation: Swami Dayanand Saraswati, founder of Arya Samaj, was born as Moolshankar, advocating Vedic reforms, education, and social upliftment in 19th century India.

47.  Savanna grasslands located in which continent? – Africa
Explanation: Savanna grasslands are in Africa, characterized by grasses, scattered trees, distinct wet-dry seasons, supporting diverse wildlife like lions, elephants, and giraffes.

48.  Nathu La pass in which Indian state? – Sikkim
Explanation: Nathu La, a mountain pass in Sikkim, connects India and China, strategically important for trade and military movement in the Himalayan region.

49.  World Disability Day? – 3 December
Explanation: Observed on 3 December, World Disability Day raises awareness about challenges faced by differently-abled people, promoting inclusion, rights, and accessibility globally.

50.  Company that started service in India? – Great India Peninsular Railway
Explanation: Great India Peninsular Railway was among the first companies to operate rail transport in India, connecting major cities and boosting trade during colonial times.

51.  Number of muscles in human body? – 639
Explanation: The human body has 639 voluntary muscles, enabling movement, posture, and stability, with some large (like quadriceps) and small (like tiny ear muscles).

52.  Highest civilian award in India? – Bharat Ratna
Explanation: Bharat Ratna is India’s highest civilian honor, awarded for exceptional service in arts, science, public service, and social work, recognizing national and global contributions.

53.  First Hindi newspaper? – Udant Martand
Explanation: Udant Martand (1826) was the first Hindi newspaper, promoting information, literature, and awareness during the early period of modern Indian journalism.

54.  Minimum age to become PM of India? – 25 years
Explanation: To become India’s Prime Minister, one must be at least 25 years old, a member of Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha, ensuring minimum maturity for leadership.

55.  Goiter disease caused by deficiency of ? – Iodine
Explanation: Goiter occurs due to iodine deficiency, causing thyroid gland enlargement, leading to hormonal imbalance and health issues. Iodized salt prevents this condition.