General Knowledge and Current Affairs
What is tested
General Knowledge and Current Affairs rewards precise, dated knowledge: Indian polity and the Constitution, geography, economy, science, defence, sports, awards, books and important days, plus events of the last 12–18 months. Chandigarh-specific facts are fair game because the post is in a Union Territory.
Core facts to anchor
- Chandigarh is a Union Territory and the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana, but it is part of neither state.
- It is administered under Article 239 by an Administrator appointed by the President; the Governor of Punjab also serves as Administrator of Chandigarh.
- The city was planned by Le Corbusier; the Capitol Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Sukhna Lake and the Rock Garden are located there.
- The Punjab and Haryana High Court is situated in Chandigarh.
- Current affairs: track new schemes, appointments, summits, defence exercises, sports champions and national awards.
Worked example
Which Article of the Constitution deals with the administration of Union Territories? A) 238 B) 239 C) 240 D) 241 Article 238 was repealed; Article 239 covers UT administration; Article 240 gives the President power to make regulations for certain UTs; Article 241 concerns High Courts for UTs. Answer: B.
Traps
- Using stale current affairs from a previous year.
- Confusing Chandigarh with a state; it sends one MP to the Lok Sabha but has no state legislature.
- Mixing up the Administrator's role with that of a Chief Minister.
- Guessing on awards or schemes without checking the year.