GK Covering 2: Static GK / General Awareness
1. Which is the largest continent in the world ?
Ans: Asia
Explanation: Asia is the world’s largest continent, covering about 30% of Earth’s land area and housing nearly 60% of the global population. It includes China, India, and Japan.
2. Which is the smallest continent in the world ?
Ans: Australia
Explanation: Australia is the smallest continent and the only one that is also a country. It is surrounded by oceans and is known for deserts, reefs, and unique wildlife.
3. When did the first electric train run in India ?
Ans: In 1925
Explanation: India’s first electric train ran in 1925 between Bombay (now Mumbai) and Kurla. It marked a new era in Indian Railways with faster and cleaner transport.
4. Who was the first Governor-General of India ?
Ans: Lord William Bentinck
Explanation: Lord William Bentinck served as India’s first Governor-General from 1833 to 1835. He introduced important reforms like banning Sati and promoting education and justice.
5. Who was the first President of independent India ?
Ans: Dr. Rajendra Prasad
Explanation: Dr. Rajendra Prasad became India’s first President in 1950. A close associate of Mahatma Gandhi, he played a major role in India’s freedom and Constitution-making.
6. Who discovered zero (0) ?
Ans: Aryabhata
Explanation: Aryabhata, an ancient Indian mathematician, discovered the concept of zero. This invention revolutionized mathematics and made complex calculations and the decimal system possible worldwide.
7. What is the script of the Hindi language ?
Ans: Devanagari
Explanation: Hindi is written in the Devanagari script, which is phonetic and widely used in India. It is also used for Sanskrit, Marathi, and Nepali languages.
8. Who was the first person to step on the Moon ?
Ans: Neil Armstrong
Explanation: Neil Armstrong, an American astronaut, 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 members of the Rajya Sabha elected ?
Ans: 6 years
Explanation: Members of the Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Parliament) are elected for six years. One-third of the members retire every two years, ensuring continuity.
10. How many schedules are there in the Indian Constitution ?
Ans: 12 Schedules
Explanation: The Indian Constitution has 12 Schedules. They organize details like allocation of powers, lists of states, panchayats, official languages, and government duties and privileges.
11. Which is the smallest bone in the human body ?
Ans: Stapes
Explanation: The stapes, found in the middle ear, is the smallest bone in the human body. It helps transmit sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear.
12. What is the full name of Mahatma Gandhi ?
Ans: Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
Explanation: Mahatma Gandhi’s full name was Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. He is called the “Father of the Nation” for leading India’s non-violent freedom struggle against British rule.
13. On which date is Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday celebrated ?
Ans: 2nd October
Explanation: Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated every year on 2nd October to honor Mahatma Gandhi’s birth. It is also observed worldwide as the International Day of Non-Violence.
14. Which country is known as the “Land of the Rising Sun” ?
Ans: Japan
Explanation: Japan is called the “Land of the Rising Sun” because it lies to the east of Asia and the sun rises first there, symbolizing new beginnings and hope.
15. In which country was paper invented ?
Ans: China
Explanation: Paper was invented in ancient China around 105 A.D. by Cai Lun. This discovery transformed communication, education, and record-keeping throughout the world.
16. Which is the oldest Veda ?
Ans: Rigveda
Explanation: The Rigveda is the oldest of the four Vedas, composed in ancient Sanskrit. It contains hymns dedicated to various deities and reflects early Indian spiritual knowledge.
17. What is the script of the Hindi language ?
Ans: Devanagari
Explanation: Hindi is written in the Devanagari script, which uses syllabic characters. This script is also used for other Indian languages such as Sanskrit, Marathi, and Nepali.
18. Which is the most populated city in the world ?
Ans: Tokyo
Explanation: Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is the world’s most populated city, with over 37 million residents in its metropolitan area, known for its technology and culture.
19. Who first deciphered Emperor Ashoka’s inscriptions ?
Ans: James Prinsep
Explanation: James Prinsep, a British scholar, first deciphered Ashoka’s inscriptions in 1837. His work revealed details about Ashoka’s rule, Buddhist teachings, and ancient Indian history.
20. Who is known as the “Shakespeare of India” ?
Ans: Kalidasa
Explanation: Kalidasa, the great classical Sanskrit poet and dramatist, is called the “Shakespeare of India.” His famous works include Abhijnanasakuntalam and Meghaduta for their beauty and depth.
21. Which is the largest freshwater lake in the world ?
Ans: Lake Superior
Explanation: Lake Superior, located in North America, is the world’s largest freshwater lake by surface area. It lies between the United States and Canada and contains vast freshwater reserves.
22. Which planet is called the “Evening Star” ?
Anr: Venus
Explanation: Venus is known as the “Evening Star” or “Morning Star” because it shines brightly and appears in the sky just before sunrise or after sunset due to its reflection of sunlight.
23. Insulin is used in the treatment of which disease ?
Ans: Diabetes
Explanation: Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. It is used in treating diabetes, a disease caused by insufficient insulin production or improper glucose utilization.
24. Who is known as “Shaheed-e-Azam” ?
Ans: Bhagat Singh
Explanation: Bhagat Singh, a brave Indian freedom fighter, is called “Shaheed-e-Azam.” He sacrificed his life fighting against British rule and inspired millions through his courage and patriotism.
25. What is the capital of Telangana ?
Ans: Hyderabad
Explanation: Hyderabad is the capital city of Telangana. It is a major IT and cultural hub of India, known for Charminar, biryani, and its blend of modern and historic heritage.
26. In which Indian state does the sun rise first ?
Ans: Arunachal Pradesh
Explanation: Arunachal Pradesh, located in India’s easternmost region, is the first state to witness sunrise. The village of Dong in this state receives India’s earliest morning light.
27. When did Delhi become the capital of India ?
Ans: In 1911
Explanation: Delhi became the capital of India in 1911, replacing Calcutta (Kolkata). The decision was made by the British during King George V’s visit to India.
28. Who gave the slogan “Inquilab Zindabad” ?
Ans: Bhagat Singh
Explanation: The revolutionary slogan “Inquilab Zindabad,” meaning “Long Live the Revolution,” was popularized by Bhagat Singh to inspire youth to fight for India’s freedom and end British rule.
29. Who is the author of the Mahabharata ?
Ans: Maharshi Ved Vyasa
Explanation: Maharshi Ved Vyasa composed the epic Mahabharata, one of the world’s longest poems. It teaches about duty, righteousness, and life through the story of the Kurukshetra war.
30. Who wrote India’s national song ?
Ans: Bankim Chandra Chatterjee
Explanation: Bankim Chandra Chatterjee wrote India’s national song, Vande Mataram, in his novel Anandamath. It inspired freedom fighters and symbolizes devotion to the motherland.
31. Who invented the telescope ?
Ans: Galileo Galilei
Explanation: Galileo Galilei, an Italian scientist, improved the design of the telescope in 1609. He used it to observe the Moon, planets, and stars, revolutionizing astronomy and science.
32. On which day is World Red Cross Day celebrated ?
Answer: 8th May
Explanation: World Red Cross Day is celebrated on 8th May, the birthday of Henry Dunant, founder of the Red Cross. It honors humanitarian efforts and global service to humanity.
33. Vasco da Gama belonged to which country ?
Ans: Portugal
Explanation: Vasco da Gama was a Portuguese explorer who discovered the sea route from Europe to India in 1498. He reached Calicut, opening a new era in global trade.
34. When did the first Five-Year Plan start in India ?
Ans: 1951
Explanation: India’s first Five-Year Plan began in 1951 under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. It focused mainly on agriculture, irrigation, and energy to boost economic growth after independence.
35. What is the chemical formula of water ?
Ans: H₂O
Explanation: Water’s chemical formula is H₂O, meaning it contains two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. It is essential for all living beings and environmental balance on Earth.
36. Who was the founder of the Gadar Party ?
Ans: Lala Hardayal
Explanation: Lala Hardayal founded the Gadar Party in 1913 in the USA. It aimed to free India from British rule through revolutionary activities and inspired many Indian patriots.
37. Who first called Mahatma Gandhi the “Father of the Nation” ?
Ans: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose
Explanation: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose addressed Mahatma Gandhi as the “Father of the Nation” in a 1944 radio message, honoring Gandhi’s leadership in India’s freedom movement.
38. Who was the first President of the United States of America ?
Ans: George Washington
Explanation: George Washington became the first President of the United States in 1789. He led the country after the American Revolution and is known as the “Father of America.”
39. Who invented the telephone ?
Ans: Alexander Graham Bell
Explanation: Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone in 1876. His invention changed global communication by allowing people to transmit voice over long distances for the first time.
40. Where is the headquarters of the Reserve Bank of India ?
Ans: Mumbai
Explanation: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), India’s central bank, has its headquarters in Mumbai. Established in 1935, it regulates currency, credit, and the nation’s monetary policy.
41. Where is the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre located ?
Ans: Thiruvananthapuram
Explanation: The Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) is located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. It is a major part of ISRO, responsible for developing satellite launch vehicles and space technologies.
42. Who founded the Satyashodhak Samaj ?
Ans: Mahatma Jyotiba Phule
Explanation: Mahatma Jyotiba Phule founded the Satyashodhak Samaj in 1873 to fight social discrimination, promote education, and ensure equality for women and lower castes in Indian society.
43. What was the childhood name of Lord Buddha ?
Ans: Siddhartha
Explanation: Lord Buddha’s childhood name was Siddhartha. He was born as Prince Siddhartha Gautama in Lumbini and later attained enlightenment to become Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.
44. When did railways begin in India ?
Ans: In 1853
Explanation: India’s first railway started in 1853 between Bombay (Mumbai) and Thane. This 34-kilometer route marked the beginning of India’s vast railway network under British rule.
45. When is Hindi Day celebrated ?
Ans: 14th September
Explanation: Hindi Day, or Hindi Diwas, is celebrated on 14th September every year to mark the adoption of Hindi as India’s official language by the Constituent Assembly in 1949.
46. What was the original name of Swami Dayanand Saraswati ?
Ans: Mool Shankar
Explanation: Swami Dayanand Saraswati, founder of the Arya Samaj, was born as Mool Shankar in 1824. He promoted Vedic teachings, social reforms, and the slogan “Back to the Vedas.”
47. In which continent are the Savanna grasslands located ?
Ans: Africa
Explanation: The Savanna grasslands are mainly found in Africa. These tropical grasslands are home to animals like lions, elephants, and giraffes, with alternating wet and dry seasons.
48. In which Indian state is the Nathu La Pass located ?
Ans: Sikkim
Explanation: The Nathu La Pass is in Sikkim, near the India-China border. It is an important mountain pass for trade and a strategic route in the Eastern Himalayas.
49. When is World Disabled Day celebrated ?
Ans: 3rd December
Explanation: World Disabled Day, or International Day of Persons with Disabilities, is observed on 3rd December to promote inclusion, rights, and well-being of people with disabilities worldwide.
50. Which company started the first railway service in India ?
Ans: Great Indian Peninsula Railway
Explanation: The Great Indian Peninsula Railway (GIPR) began India’s first train service in 1853 from Bombay to Thane, laying the foundation for the country’s vast railway system.
51. How many muscles are there in the human body ?
Ans: 639
Explanation: The human body has around 639 muscles. These muscles help in movement, maintain posture, and support vital functions such as breathing, digestion, and blood circulation.
52. What is the highest civilian award in India ?
Ans: Bharat Ratna
Explanation: Bharat Ratna is India’s highest civilian award. It is given for exceptional service in any field of human endeavor, including art, literature, science, and public service
53. What was the first Hindi newspaper ?
Ans: Udant Martand
Explanation: Udant Martand was the first Hindi newspaper, started in 1826 by Pandit Jugal Kishore Shukla in Calcutta. It played a key role in promoting Hindi journalism.
54. What is the minimum age to become the Prime Minister of India ?
Ans: 25 years
Explanation: To become the Prime Minister of India, a person must be at least 25 years old and a member of the Lok Sabha, as per the Indian Constitution.
55. Goiter disease is caused due to the deficiency of which element ?
Ans: Iodine
Explanation: Goiter occurs due to a deficiency of iodine, which affects the thyroid gland. Consuming iodized salt helps prevent this disease by ensuring sufficient iodine intake.
56. What is the hardest natural substance in the world ?
Ans: Diamond
Explanation: Diamond is the hardest natural material found on Earth. It is made of pure carbon atoms arranged in a crystal structure and is used in jewelry and cutting tools.
57. Which is the largest bone in the human body ?
Ans: Femur (thigh bone)
Explanation: The femur, or thigh bone, is the longest and strongest bone in the human body. It supports body weight and connects the hip to the knee joint.