General Knowledge and Current Affairs: Karnataka and National
What the GK paper tests
This section checks Karnataka’s geography, history, art, polity and schemes, plus national constitutional and current developments. Karnataka-specific facts are high-yield because they are easy to set unambiguously.
Core facts
- Karnataka was formed on 1 November 1956 during linguistic reorganisation; Rajyotsava marks this formation. Bengaluru is the capital.
- The state has 31 districts; Kalyana Karnataka (Hyderabad-Karnataka) has special provisions under Article 371J.
- Major art forms: Yakshagana, Dollu Kunitha, Kamsale and Veeragase. Mysuru Dasara and Kambala are distinctive cultural events.
- National parks include Bandipur, Nagarahole, Kudremukh and Kali Tiger Reserve. Mullayanagiri is the highest peak in Karnataka.
- Rivers: Krishna, Cauvery, Tungabhadra and Sharavathi. ISRO and HAL have major Bengaluru facilities.
Worked example
If asked which constitutional article provides special provisions for the Hyderabad-Karnataka region, answer Article 371J. Reason: Article 371J was inserted to support development of the region; it is not Article 370, which concerned Jammu and Kashmir, nor Article 371, which concerns Maharashtra and Gujarat.
Traps
Confusing Rajyotsava with the earlier Unification movement; mixing district and taluk counts; and relying on memory for current officeholders, which changes. For current affairs, verify the latest budget names, appointments and scheme spellings rather than guessing.