General Studies I
The Teesta River, a major tributary system in North Bengal, originates from which mountain range?
A
Shivalik Hills
B
Kanchenjunga Range
C
Darjeeling Hills
D
Assam Hills
Correct Answer:
B. Kanchenjunga Range
The Teesta River originates from the Kanchenjunga Range in Sikkim and is a crucial river for North Bengal's irrigation and hydroelectric projects.
The Ramakrishna Paramahamsa Mission's headquarters is located in which part of Kolkata?
A
Belur
B
Dakshineswar
C
Alipore
D
Howrah
The Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture and its headquarters are situated in Belur, West Bengal, established by Swami Vivekananda in 1899.
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was constructed during which period of British India?
A
1881-1888
B
1872-1879
C
1890-1897
D
1865-1872
Correct Answer:
A. 1881-1888
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway was constructed between 1881 and 1888 by the British to connect Siliguri with Darjeeling, facilitating tea trade and tourism.
Which festival celebrated in West Bengal is known for its elaborate rituals and is recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity?
A
Durga Puja
B
Pohela Boishakh
C
Kali Puja
D
Saraswati Puja
Correct Answer:
A. Durga Puja
Durga Puja in West Bengal was recognized by UNESCO in 2021 as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
Which of the following statements about West Bengal's agricultural sector is accurate?
A
Rice is the only major crop cultivated
B
It ranks first in jute production nationally
C
Tea cultivation is limited to Darjeeling region
D
West Bengal has the lowest agricultural productivity in India
Correct Answer:
B. It ranks first in jute production nationally
West Bengal is India's leading jute-producing state, with major production in districts like Murshidabad and Nadia.
Which contemporary social issue in West Bengal relates to the practice of 'Chit Funds' scams, affecting thousands of investors since 2013?
A
Agricultural crisis
B
Unregulated financial schemes
C
Real estate fraud
D
Mining-related pollution
Correct Answer:
B. Unregulated financial schemes
West Bengal has witnessed multiple Chit Fund scams involving unregulated financial schemes that defrauded investors of thousands of crores.
What is the primary occupation in the Sundarbans region of West Bengal?
A
Agriculture
B
Fishing and honey collection
C
Tea cultivation
D
Coal mining
Correct Answer:
B. Fishing and honey collection
The Sundarbans' marshy terrain makes fishing and honey collection the primary occupations, along with collecting forest products.
The Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary in West Bengal is primarily known for the conservation of which endangered species?
A
Bengal Tiger
B
Indian Rhinoceros
C
Asian Elephant
D
Clouded Leopard
Correct Answer:
B. Indian Rhinoceros
Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for its Indian Rhinoceros population, though it also protects other wildlife including wild elephants.
Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar's most significant contribution to Indian education was:
A
Establishing Calcutta Sanskrit College
B
Promoting women's education and widow remarriage
C
Founding the first university in India
D
Creating a new educational curriculum in Sanskrit
Correct Answer:
B. Promoting women's education and widow remarriage
Vidyasagar was a reformer who championed women's education and widow remarriage, transforming social norms in 19th-century Bengal.
Which mineral is West Bengal particularly rich in and is extensively mined in its western regions?
A
Gold
B
Coal
C
Iron Ore
D
Copper
West Bengal, particularly in Asansol and surrounding areas, has significant coal reserves and mining operations for thermal power generation.
