General Knowledge (India and World): Polity, Geography, History, Economy, Current Affairs
General Knowledge in this paper covers Indian polity and constitution, Indian and world geography, modern Indian history, basic economics and international organisations. Questions are factual and short, so memorising exact articles, years and headquarters pays directly.
Polity
- The Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution on 26 November 1949; it came into force on 26 January 1950.
- Fundamental Rights sit in Part III (Articles 12–35), Directive Principles in Part IV, Fundamental Duties in Part IVA.
- The 42nd Amendment (1976) added 'socialist', 'secular' and 'integrity' to the Preamble and added Fundamental Duties.
- Basic Structure doctrine: Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala, 1973. Amendment procedure: Article 368. Money Bill: Article 110, introduced only in the Lok Sabha on the President's recommendation.
Geography
- The Tropic of Cancer passes through eight Indian states; Rajasthan is the largest state by area.
- The Deccan Trap is basaltic; the Western Ghats and the Himalaya are biodiversity hotspots.
History and economy
- Key markers: Revolt of 1857, INC founded 1885, Quit India 1942, RBI nationalised 1949, NITI Aayog replaced the Planning Commission in 2015.
World organisations
- United Nations: founded 24 October 1945, headquarters New York. SAARC: 1985, Dhaka, secretariat Kathmandu. IMF and World Bank: Bretton Woods, 1944.
Worked example
Which amendment inserted 'socialist' into the Preamble? Reasoning: the Preamble has been amended only once, by the 42nd Amendment in 1976, which also added 'secular' and 'integrity'.
Traps
The classic error is confusing the adoption date (26 November 1949) with the commencement date (26 January 1950). Also separate a Money Bill from a Finance Bill, and do not treat DPSPs as enforceable rights.