A) M.S. Kohli
B) Vijay Kumar
C) Abhilash Tomy
D) Dilip Donde
Correct Answer: D) Dilip Donde
Explanation: Commander Dilip Donde was the first Indian to complete a solo circumnavigation of the globe under sail in 2010. His historic voyage marked a significant achievement in Indian maritime history.
A) Asima Chatterjee
B) Janaki Ammal
C) Kamala Sohonie
D) Sunanda Bai
Correct Answer: C) Kamala Sohonie
Explanation: Kamala Sohonie was the first Indian woman to earn a PhD in a basic science, which she received from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore in 1939. Her pioneering work in biochemistry opened the doors for many women in science in India.
A) Birbal Sahni
B) Satyajit Mayor
C) G.N. Ramachandran
D) Hargobind Khorana
Correct Answer: B) Satyajit Mayor
Explanation: Satyajit Mayor is known as the “Father of Indian Microbiology” for his significant contributions to the field, particularly in understanding the organization and function of cell membranes.
A) Jhumpa Lahiri
B) Geeta Anand
C) Siddhartha Mukherjee
D) Gobind Behari Lal
Correct Answer: D) Gobind Behari Lal
Explanation: Gobind Behari Lal was the first Indian to win the Pulitzer Prize, which he received in 1937 for his coverage of science at the tercentenary of Harvard University. His work helped bring sophisticated scientific concepts to a general audience.
A) Punita Arora
B) Mitali Madhumita
C) Madhuri Kanitkar
D) Padmavathy Bandopadhyay
Correct Answer: A) Punita Arora
Explanation: Punita Arora was the first Indian woman to attain the rank of Lieutenant General in the Indian Army. Her trailblazing career has been an inspiration for many women in the military.
A) A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
B) Vikram Sarabhai
C) Prafulla Chandra Ray
D) Anna Mani
Correct Answer: D) Anna Mani
Explanation: Anna Mani, an Indian physicist and meteorologist, is affectionately known as the “Meteor Man of India.” She made significant contributions to the development of meteorological instruments and her research greatly enhanced the understanding of atmospheric sciences in India.
A) Amartya Sen
B) Homi J. Bhabha
C) B.R. Ambedkar
D) S. Chandrasekhar
Correct Answer: C) B.R. Ambedkar
Explanation: B.R. Ambedkar, a prominent Indian scholar and social reformer, was one of the first Indians to serve as a professor at Harvard University, where he influenced many with his thoughts on economics and social justice.
A) Mother Teresa
B) Amartya Sen
C) Malala Yousafzai
D) Subramanian Chandrasekhar
Correct Answer: A) Mother Teresa
Explanation: Mother Teresa, born in Skopje (now North Macedonia) and an Indian citizen, was the first Indian woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her humanitarian work with the poor in Kolkata.
A) Satnam Singh
B) Sim Bhullar
C) Princepal Singh
D) Amjyot Singh
Correct Answer: A) Satnam Singh
Explanation: Satnam Singh was the first Indian-born player to be drafted into the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 2015 by the Dallas Mavericks. His selection was a historic moment for Indian basketball.
A) Mahesh Bhupathi
B) Leander Paes
C) Sania Mirza
D) Rohan Bopanna
Correct Answer: B) Leander Paes
Explanation: Leander Paes was the first Indian to win a Grand Slam title when he won the Wimbledon Junior title in 1990 and then went on to win his first senior Grand Slam doubles title at Wimbledon in 1999.
A) Kunjarani Devi
B) Mary Kom
C) P.T. Usha
D) Irom Chanu Sharmila
Correct Answer: D) Irom Chanu Sharmila
Explanation: Irom Chanu Sharmila, also known as the “Iron Lady of Manipur,” is known for her prolonged hunger strike demanding the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in Manipur. Her protest lasted for about 16 years, making it one of the longest political protests in the world.
A) Satyajit Ray
B) A.R. Rahman
C) Bhanu Athaiya
D) Gulzar
Correct Answer: B) A.R. Rahman
Explanation: A.R. Rahman won the Oscar for Best Original Song for “Jai Ho” from the movie “Slumdog Millionaire” in 2009. This song captured hearts worldwide, showcasing Rahman’s unique blend of Eastern and Western musical influences.
A) Ebrahim Alkazi
B) Prithviraj Kapoor
C) Utpal Dutt
D) Habib Tanvir
Correct Answer: A) Ebrahim Alkazi
Explanation: Ebrahim Alkazi, considered the father of modern Indian theatre, was instrumental in establishing the National School of Drama in India and served as its longest-serving director, significantly shaping contemporary Indian theatre.
A) Shashi Tharoor
B) Boutros Boutros-Ghali
C) Kofi Annan
D) None
Correct Answer: D) None
Explanation: No Indian has ever held the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations. However, Indians like Shashi Tharoor have held high-ranking positions within the organization.
A) A.R. Rahman
B) Zakir Hussain
C) Ravi Shankar
D) Anoushka Shankar
Correct Answer: C) Ravi Shankar
Explanation: Ravi Shankar was the first Indian to win a Grammy Award, receiving it in 1967. His collaboration with George Harrison and his tour of the United States brought Indian classical music to a global audience.
A) Mihir Sen
B) Arati Saha
C) V. Merchant
D) Taranath Shenoy
Correct Answer: A) Mihir Sen
Explanation: Mihir Sen was the first Indian to swim across the English Channel in 1958. His remarkable feat was part of a series of long-distance swims that made him a legendary figure in Indian and world swimming.
A) Subhas Chandra Bose
B) Jawaharlal Nehru
C) Mahatma Gandhi
D) Bhagat Singh
Correct Answer: A) Subhas Chandra Bose
Explanation: Subhas Chandra Bose founded the Indian National Army during World War II to fight against British rule with the help of Japan and other Axis powers. The INA played a crucial role in inspiring Indian nationalism during a critical period.
A) Chanda Kochhar
B) Naina Lal Kidwai
C) Indra Nooyi
D) Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw
Correct Answer: C) Indra Nooyi
Explanation: Indra Nooyi is recognized as the first Indian woman to lead a multinational company, serving as the CEO of PepsiCo from 2006 to 2018. Her leadership and strategic initiatives helped PepsiCo grow into one of the world’s leading food and beverage companies.
A) Anand Kumar
B) Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw
C) M.S. Swaminathan
D) Sam Pitroda
Correct Answer: B) Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw
Explanation: Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw is known as the pioneer of the Indian biotechnology industry. She founded Biocon in 1978, which has since become one of the leading biotech companies in India, focusing on innovative biological therapies.
A) Shiva Keshavan
B) Jeev Milkha Singh
C) Abhinav Bindra
D) None
Correct Answer: D) None
Explanation: No Indian has won a medal at the Winter Olympics as of now (Last updated 2024). However, Shiva Keshavan, a luge player, has represented India in six Winter Olympics and is known for his pioneering presence in winter sports for India.
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