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Q1. What is the primary musical tradition in which the sitar is predominantly used? A. Carnatic classical music B. Hindustani classical music C. Sufi devotional music D. Folk music of South India Answer: B. Hindustani classical music Q2. The sitar is believed to have evolved from which ancient Indian instrument? A. Tanpura B. Sarod C. Veena D. Tabla Answer: C. Veena Q3. Approximately how many strings does a standard sitar have in total? A. 7-10 B. 11-13 C. 18-21 D. 25-30 Answer: C. 18-21

Q1. What is the primary characteristic that makes the sarangi unique among Indian string instruments? A. Its plucked strings similar to the sitar B. Its ability to closely mimic the human voice with gamaks and meends C. Its use of frets for precise notes D. Its percussion-like resonance Answer: B. Its ability to closely mimic the human voice with gamaks and meends Q2. The classical sarangi is primarily associated with which musical tradition? A. Carnatic music of South India B. Western orchestral music C. Hindustani classical music of North India D. Nepali folk exclusively Answer: C. Hindustani classical music of ... Read more

Geopolitics & World News Involving India (11 Questions) Q1. President Donald Trump threatened higher tariffs on which country regarding its purchases of Russian oil? A) China B) India C) Brazil D) Germany Correct Answer: B. India Explanation: Trump warned India of potential tariff hikes if it does not curb Russian oil imports, escalating trade pressures. Q2. In the context of the US action in Venezuela on 5 January 2026, which leader congratulated President Trump on the operation? A) Vladimir Putin B) Xi Jinping C) Benjamin Netanyahu D) Emmanuel Macron Correct Answer: C. Benjamin Netanyahu Explanation: Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu praised ... Read more

Q1. What is the characteristic shape of a damru? A. Barrel-shaped B. Hourglass-shaped C. Cylindrical D. Conical Answer: B. Hourglass-shaped Q2. The damru is most closely associated with which Hindu deity? A. Vishnu B. Brahma C. Shiva D. Ganesha Answer: C. Shiva Q3. In Hindu mythology, the sound of Shiva's damru is believed to symbolize what? A. The primordial sound of creation B. The silence of meditation C. The melody of rivers D. The roar of lions Answer: A. The primordial sound of creation

Q1. What is the tabla primarily known as in Indian music? A. A string instrument B. A wind instrument C. A percussion instrument consisting of a pair of hand drums D. A keyboard instrument Answer: C. A percussion instrument consisting of a pair of hand drums Q2. Which drum is the smaller, higher-pitched one in a tabla set, typically played with the dominant hand? A. Bayan B. Dayan C. Pakhawaj D. Mridangam Answer: B. Dayan Q3. Which drum is the larger, bass one in a tabla set, typically played with the non-dominant hand? A. Bayan B. Dayan C. Duggi D. ... Read more

Geopolitics (7 Questions) Q1. Which country condemned the US actions in Venezuela as an "act of aggression" on January 4, 2026? A) Brazil B) Mexico C) Belarus D) Colombia Correct Answer: C. Explanation: Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko categorically condemned the US intervention. Q2. President Donald Trump stated on January 4, 2026, that the US would temporarily run Venezuela to access its resources. What is Venezuela primarily known for having the world's largest reserves of? A) Natural gas B) Oil C) Gold D) Lithium Correct Answer: B. Explanation: Venezuela holds the world's largest proven oil reserves, a key factor in the ... Read more

Geopolitics and World News (10 Questions) Q1. On January 3, 2026, the United States conducted military operations in Venezuela, resulting in which of the following? A) Election oversight B) Capture of President Nicolas Maduro C) Humanitarian aid delivery D) Trade negotiations Correct Answer: B. Explanation: US forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife during airstrikes on military installations in Caracas, as announced by President Donald Trump. Q2. Who became the acting President of Venezuela following the capture of Nicolás Maduro on January 3, 2026? A) Edmundo Gonzalez B) Cilia Flores C) Delcy Rodriguez D) Juan Guaido Correct Answer: ... Read more

Q1. What type of musical instrument is the dholak classified as? A. String instrument B. Wind instrument C. Two-headed hand drum (membranophone) D. Keyboard percussion Answer: C. Two-headed hand drum (membranophone) Q2. Approximately how long is a standard dholak? A. 8 to 12 inches B. 16 to 24 inches C. 30 to 40 inches D. 5 to 10 inches Answer: B. 16 to 24 inches Q3. Which material is most commonly used for the shell (body) of a traditional dholak? A. Metal B. Bamboo C. Wood (such as sheesham or mango) D. Fiberglass Answer: C. Wood (such as sheesham or ... Read more

Geopolitics & World News Involving India (7 Questions) 1. On January 2, 2026, India urged which neighboring country to expedite the release of 167 Indian fishermen and civilian prisoners? A) Bangladesh B) Sri Lanka C) Pakistan D) Maldives Correct Answer: C. Explanation: The Ministry of External Affairs requested Pakistan to release those who had completed their sentences and provide consular access to others believed to be Indian. 2. A devastating fire and explosion at a bar in which Swiss resort on January 1, 2026, killed at least 46 people? A) Zermatt B) Crans-Montana C) St. Moritz D) Davos Correct Answer: ... Read more

Q1. What is the primary reason the yueqin is nicknamed "moon guitar" or "moon lute"? A. It is played primarily at night under moonlight B. Its round body resembles the shape of a full moon C. It was invented during a lunar festival D. Its sound evokes the quiet of the night sky Answer: B. Its round body resembles the shape of a full moon Q2. The yueqin evolved from which ancient Chinese string instrument? A. Pipa B. Guzheng C. Ruan D. Erhu Answer: C. Ruan Q3. During which Chinese dynasty did the yueqin become known by its current name? ... Read more