Personalities and Nicknames PYQs – Static GK, SSC & Railway

Answer: Option 1 — Baba Amte
Baba Amte gave up a lawyer's practice to rehabilitate leprosy patients, founding Anandwan and later leading the Bharat Jodo marches — social reform was his life's work.
The other three are famous in other fields: Kapil Dev in cricket, C.V. Raman in physics and Viswanathan Anand in chess.
Revision note — Baba Amte
• Born Murlidhar Devidas Amte on 26 December 1914 at Hinganghat, Wardha district, Maharashtra; died 9 February 2008.
• Founded Anandwan (forest of joy) in 1949 near Warora, Chandrapur district, as a self-reliant community for people with leprosy; later Somnath and Ashokvan.
• Led the Bharat Jodo Andolan — a march from Kanyakumari to Kashmir (1985) and from Assam to Gujarat (1988) for national unity and the environment.
• Joined the Narmada Bachao Andolan and returned his Padma Vibhushan in protest at the displacement of tribals by the Sardar Sarovar dam.
• Awards: Padma Shri 1971, Ramon Magsaysay Award 1985, Padma Vibhushan 1986, Templeton Prize 1990, Right Livelihood Award 1991, Gandhi Peace Prize 1999.
• His son Dr Prakash Amte and daughter-in-law Mandakini Amte run the Lok Biradari Prakalp at Hemalkasa for the Madia Gond tribals; they shared the Magsaysay Award in 2008.
Do not mix these up
• Baba Amte vs Anna Hazare — both are Maharashtra activists, but Amte is linked with leprosy and Anandwan, Hazare with Ralegan Siddhi and the Lokpal movement.
• Anandwan vs Hemalkasa — Anandwan was set up by Baba Amte for leprosy patients; Hemalkasa is the tribal project run by Prakash Amte.
Also asked from this topic: the reformer born at Hinganghat in 1914, known for his work with leprosy patients (Baba Amte); who returned the Padma Vibhushan over the Sardar Sarovar dam (Baba Amte).

Answer: Option 3 — Painting
Amrita Sher-Gil (1913-1941) was a pioneer of modern Indian painting.
She is remembered for canvases such as Three Girls, Bride's Toilet and Brahmacharis.
Revision note — Amrita Sher-Gil and modern Indian painting
• Born on 30 January 1913 in Budapest, Hungary, to a Sikh father, Umrao Singh Sher-Gil, and a Hungarian mother; she died at Lahore in 1941, aged only 28.
• She trained at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts, Paris; her Young Girls (1932) won a gold medal and made her the youngest and the only Asian Associate of the Grand Salon, Paris.
• After returning to India in 1934 she turned to Indian subjects, and Three Girls (1935) won the gold medal of the Bombay Art Society.
• The Ajanta murals and the Basohli and Pahari miniatures shaped her mature style; other known works are South Indian Villagers Going to a Market and Self-Portrait as a Tahitian.
• She is one of the nine masters whose work the Archaeological Survey of India declared a National Art Treasure in 1976.
• Most of her surviving paintings are held by the National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi; she is often called India's Frida Kahlo.
Do not mix these up
• Amrita Sher-Gil vs Amrita Pritam — Sher-Gil was a painter; Amrita Pritam was a Punjabi writer, the first woman to win the Sahitya Akademi Award (1956).
• Bengal School vs Sher-Gil — the Bengal School of Abanindranath Tagore revived a wash and miniature idiom; Sher-Gil used Western modernist oils on Indian subjects.
Also asked from this topic: the painter of Mahishasura (Tyeb Mehta); the painter who took Warli art to the world (Jivya Soma Mashe); the community that paints Pithora works (Lakhara).

Answer: Option 3 — Tessy Thomas
Dr Tessy Thomas was Project Director for Agni-IV and Agni-V at DRDO, the first woman in India to head a missile project.
That work earned her the titles Missile Woman of India and Agni Putri.
Revision note — Tessy Thomas and India's missile programme
• Born in 1963 at Alappuzha, Kerala; she joined DRDO in 1988 and spent her career on the Agni series.
• Project Director of Agni-IV (first flight 2011) and of Agni-V (first flight 2012), India's longest-range missile, with a reach of over 5,000 km.
• She later rose to Director General (Aeronautical Systems) at DRDO.
• Her title echoes Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, the Missile Man of India, who led the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP), launched in 1983.
• IGMDP produced five missiles — Prithvi, Agni, Akash, Trishul and Nag.
• DRDO was set up in 1958 under the Ministry of Defence, with headquarters at DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi.
Do not mix these up
• Tessy Thomas vs Ritu Karidhal — Ritu Karidhal is the Rocket Woman of India, an ISRO scientist who was Mission Director of Chandrayaan-2 (2019).
• Tessy Thomas vs Nandini Harinath — Nandini Harinath is an ISRO scientist known for Mangalyaan, the Mars Orbiter Mission.
• Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw is the biotechnology entrepreneur who founded Biocon, not a defence scientist at all.
Also asked from this topic: who is known as the Missile Woman of India (Dr Tessy Thomas); who is called Agni Putri (Tessy Thomas); the missiles she directed at DRDO (Agni-IV and Agni-V).

Correct Answer: P.T. Usha — Option (a)
The nickname ' Payyoli Express' is associated with P.T. Usha ( Pilavullakandi Thekkeparambil Usha). Key facts about P.T. Usha: Born: June 27, 1964 in Payyoli , Kozhikode district, Kerala; Nickname: ' Payyoli Express' (named after her hometown of Payyoli ) and 'Queen of Indian Track'; Sport: Track and field (sprinting and middle distance); Career highlights: She dominated Indian athletics in the 1980s; She came agonizingly close to an Olympic medal — at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, she missed the bronze medal in the 400m hurdles by just 1/100th of a second (finishing 4th); Multiple gold medals at Asian Games (1982 Delhi, 1986 Seoul — 4 gold medals, 1 silver at 1986 Seoul Asian Games); Multiple gold medals at Asian Athletics Championships; She set numerous national records over 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, and 400m hurdles; Awards: Padma Shri (1985), Arjuna Award (1984), Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, and later Padma Vibhushan (2024); Current role: She was nominated as a Member of the Rajya Sabha in 2022 and was elected as President of the Athletics Federation of India.
Option (b) Roshan Mistry — Incorrect: Roshan Mistry is not the athlete with the ' Payyoli Express' nickname; P.T. Usha earned this nickname from her hometown of Payyoli , Kerala.
Option (c) Milkha Singh — Incorrect: Milkha Singh (1929-2021) was nicknamed the 'Flying Sikh' — one of India's greatest male sprinters who also missed an Olympic medal at the 1960 Rome Olympics (finished 4th in the 400m); ' Payyoli Express' is P.T. Usha's nickname, not Milkha Singh's.
Option (d) Dutee Chand — Incorrect: Dutee Chand is an Indian sprinter from Odisha, known for her legal battle against hyperandrogenism regulations; her nicknames include 'Chakka Duta' (Wheel Dove) but not ' Payyoli Express' — that belongs to P.T. Usha. The candidate selected this incorrect option.

Correct Answer: Maharishi Valmiki — Option (d)
Maharishi Valmiki is known as 'Adi Kavi' ( आदि कवि — the first poet/primeval poet) in Indian literature. About Valmiki: Maharishi Valmiki is regarded as the first poet in Sanskrit literature; He is the author of the Ramayana — one of the two great epics of ancient India (the other being the Mahabharata); The Ramayana is called 'Adi Kavya' ( आदि काव्य — the first poem/first epic); The Ramayana consists of approximately 24,000 verses (shlokas) organized into 7 Kandas (books): Bala Kanda, Ayodhya Kanda, Aranya Kanda, Kishkindha Kanda, Sundara Kanda, Yuddha Kanda, and Uttara Kanda; Legend of Valmiki: According to tradition, Valmiki was moved to compose the Ramayana after witnessing a hunter kill a male bird from a mating pair of kraunchas (herons), which made its mate cry in grief; his grief ( shoka ) spontaneously became a verse (shloka) — this spontaneous grief-inspired verse is considered the origin of Sanskrit poetic meter (the anushtubh meter); Valmiki Jayanti: Celebrated on the full moon day (Purnima) in the month of Ashwina (October).
Option (a) Raskhan — Incorrect: Raskhan (Syed Ibrahim Khan, 1548-1628) was a Muslim devotee of Krishna who composed Hindi Braj Bhasha poetry; he is renowned for his devotional poetry about Krishna but is NOT called 'Adi Kavi' in Indian literature.
Option (b) Chanakya — Incorrect: Chanakya (also known as Kautilya or Vishnugupta , c. 350-275 BCE) was an ancient Indian economist, philosopher, and political strategist who authored the Arthashastra ; he is known as the 'Indian Machiavelli' or father of political science/economics in India, NOT as 'Adi Kavi.'
Option (c) Vishakhadatta — Incorrect: Vishakhadatta was a Sanskrit playwright known for the historical drama ' Mudrarakshasa ' (about Chandragupta Maurya's rise to power with Chanakya's help); he is NOT called 'Adi Kavi' — Maharishi Valmiki holds that title.

Correct Answer: Narinder Singh Kapany — Option (c)
Narinder Singh Kapany (1926–2020) is called the 'Father of Fiber Optics'. Born in Moga, Punjab, India, Kapany pioneered the science of fiber optics while working at Imperial College London in the 1950s. He demonstrated that light could be transmitted through flexible glass fibers, even around bends — the foundational principle of fiber optic communication. He invented the term 'fiber optics' and held over 100 patents. His work forms the basis of modern fiber optic communication, medical endoscopy, and internet infrastructure. He was also listed by Fortune magazine in 1999 as one of the seven 'Unsung Heroes' of the 20th century.
Option (a) Kunal Kapoor — Incorrect: Kunal Kapoor is an Indian actor and entrepreneur; he has no connection to the invention of fiber optics.
Option (b) Vivek Sahgal — Incorrect: Vivek Sahgal is an Indian businessman; he did not develop fiber optics.
Option (d) Jai Chaudhry — Incorrect: Jai Chaudhry is an American entrepreneur (founder of Zscaler); he is not the father of fiber optics.

Topic:Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru's Vision
Nehru calledDamsthe 'temples of modern India'.
He believed dams were crucial for:
• Irrigation and agriculture
• Hydroelectric power generation
• Industrial development
Famous dams built during his era: Bhakra Nangal, Hirakud.
Answer: Option 2 → Dams

PT Ushais known as the 'Payyoli Express'.
She is fromPayyolivillage in Kerala.
Famous Indian sprinter and athlete.
Known for her exceptional speed in track events.
Answer: Option 2 → PT Usha

Correct Answer: Salim Ali (Option 1)
Salim Ali (1896–1987) was a world-renowned Indian ornithologist and naturalist, widely known as the 'Birdman of India'. He conducted detailed surveys of Indian birds, wrote extensively on the subject (including the landmark 'Handbook of the Birds of India and Pakistan'), and played a major role in bird conservation.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 2 – Vivek Debroy was a renowned Indian economist and Sanskrit scholar.
Option 3 – Sunder Lal Bahuguna was an environmentalist known for the Chipko movement (Save the Trees).
Option 4 – K. Kasturirangan is a space scientist and former ISRO chairman.

The correct answer is (a) Baba Amte.
Murlidhar Devidas Amte (Baba Amte, 1914-2008), born on December 26, 1914 in Hinganghat , Maharashtra, was a renowned social activist who dedicated his life to the rehabilitation and welfare of leprosy patients. He founded Anandwan (Forest of Joy) ashram in Maharashtra for leprosy patients. He received the Padma Vibhushan and Ramon Magsaysay Award.
(b) Medha Patkar: Activist associated with the Narmada Bachao Andolan; not born in Hinganghat .
(c) Kailash Satyarthi: Nobel Peace Prize winner (2014) known for child labour activism; not from Hinganghat .
(d) Anna Hazare: Social activist known for anti-corruption movement (Jan Lokpal); not from Hinganghat .

The correct answer is (a) Missile Woman of India.
Dr. Tessy Thomas is a distinguished scientist at DRDO ( Defence Research and Development Organisation ) who led the development of Agni-IV and Agni-V ballistic missiles. She is popularly known as the 'Missile Woman of India' — a title inspired by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (the 'Missile Man of India') under whom she worked.
(b) Rocket Lady: Not Dr. Tessy Thomas's popular title.
(c) Lady of the Light: Not associated with Dr. Tessy Thomas.
(d) Iron Lady of DRDO: Not Dr. Tessy Thomas's popular title; 'Iron Lady' is associated with Margaret Thatcher.

Major Dhyan Chand is universally known as the 'Wizard of Hockey' for his extraordinary ball control, dribbling skills, and goal-scoring ability. He won three Olympic gold medals for India (1928, 1932, 1936) and is considered the greatest hockey player in history.
(b) Incorrect: Balbir Singh Sr. was a great hockey player and three-time Olympic gold medallist but is not known as the 'Wizard of Hockey.'
(c) Incorrect: Udham Singh was an Indian hockey player and Olympic gold medallist but not known by this title.
(d) Incorrect: Roop Singh was Dhyan Chand's brother and also a hockey player but is not called the 'Wizard of Hockey.'

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam) is popularly called the 'Missile Man of India' for his leadership in developing India's ballistic missile program (Agni, Prithvi) and for his contributions to India's first Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-III). He later served as the 11th President of India (2002-2007) and is also known as the 'People's President'.
(a) Incorrect: V.K. Saraswat is a DRDO scientist but is not known as the Missile Man.
(c) Incorrect: K. Kasturirangan is a former ISRO chairman known for space science, not the Missile Man title.
(d) Incorrect: R. Chidambaram was a nuclear physicist and Scientific Adviser to the Government, not the Missile Man.

Ajay Gupta is the founder of Bachpan Play School and Academic Heights Public School, which have grown into one of India's largest pre-school and school networks. Option 3 is correct.
Option 1 is wrong: Abhishek Mishra is not associated with founding Bachpan Play School or Academic Heights Public School.
Option 2 is wrong: Bhim Singh Bhavesh is not credited with founding these educational institutions.
Option 4 is wrong: Darasing Khurana is a known personality from the Kabaddi world and entertainment industry, not an education entrepreneur associated with these schools.

Major Dhyan Chand (August 29, 1905 - December 3, 1979) is famously known as the 'Wizard of Hockey' or 'The Magician' for his extraordinary ball control and goal-scoring ability. He won three Olympic gold medals for India (1928, 1932, 1936) and scored over 400 goals in international hockey. India celebrates National Sports Day on August 29, his birthday.
Option 2 is incorrect: Dhanraj Pillay is a celebrated Indian hockey player but is nicknamed 'The Magician' or 'Speedy' rather than the 'Wizard of Hockey.'
Option 3 is incorrect: Balbir Singh Sr. was an outstanding Indian hockey player who won Olympic gold in 1948, 1952, and 1956, but he is not called the 'Wizard of Hockey.'
Option 4 is incorrect: Roop Singh was Dhyan Chand's brother and also an excellent hockey player, but he was not called the 'Wizard of Hockey.'

Dr. Tessy Thomas is known as the "Agni Putri" (Daughter of Agni/Missile Woman of India) for her outstanding contributions to India's Agni missile program. She served as the Project Director for Agni-IV and Agni-V missiles at DRDO ( Defence Research and Development Organisation ). She was also the first woman scientist to head a missile project in India.
Option 2 is incorrect: Dr. Sudha Murthy is a renowned philanthropist, author, and former Chairperson of Infosys Foundation; she is not connected to India's missile program.
Option 3 is incorrect: Dr. Ritu Karidhal, known as the 'Rocket Woman of India,' was the Mission Director of Mangalyaan (Mars Orbiter Mission), not the Agni missile program.
Option 4 is incorrect: Dr. Anuradha TK is a distinguished ISRO scientist known for geostationary satellites, not the Agni missile program.

Correct: He was popularly known as the 'Metro Man of India'.
E. Sreedharan is the legendary civil engineer who built the Konkan Railway and spearheaded the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation as its Managing Director. He is popularly known as the 'Metro Man of India'. He had no role in the Mumbai-Pune Expressway (MSRDC project), Indian Road Safety Code, or Swachh Bharat Mission.

Correct Answer: Goa
Mario de Miranda (1926–2011) was one of India's greatest cartoonists and illustrators. He was born in Goa (then Portuguese territory) and is celebrated for his distinctive cartoons that appeared in The Illustrated Weekly of India, The Times of India, and other publications. He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 2012.
Option 1 (Kerala): Incorrect.
Option 3 (Maharashtra): Incorrect. He worked in Mumbai but was from Goa.
Option 4 (Karnataka): Incorrect.

The correct answer is option 3. Shobhana Ranade, a devoted Gandhian, dedicated her life to social service, women empowerment, rural upliftment, and promotion of cleanliness and sanitation in society, inspired by Gandhiji’s ideals of truth and non-violence. Her legacy resonates strongly with the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan , a flagship programme launched in 2014 by the Government of India to achieve universal sanitation and cleanliness. Just as Mahatma Gandhi emphasised cleanliness as a vital part of independence and self-respect, Shobhana Ranade’s contributions in promoting hygiene, simplicity, and community well-being are aligned with the goals of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

Tribhuvandas Patel was a noted freedom fighter and the founding chairman of the Kaira District Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union, popularly known as Amul. He played a key role in the cooperative movement in India and was honoured with the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Community Leadership in 1963 . The Government of India also conferred on him the Padma Bhushan in 1964 . However, he was not awarded the Padma Vibhushan , which makes statement 2 incorrect.

Milkha Singh was popularly known as the "Flying Sikh." He was a legendary Indian sprinter who represented India in the 1956, 1960, and 1964 Olympics. He won gold at the 1958 Commonwealth Games and 1958 Asian Games.
Avinash Sable is a steeplechase runner, not known by this nickname.
Vikas Gowda was a discus thrower.
Harbhajan Singh is a cricketer, not an athlete associated with this nickname.

Srinivasa Ramanujan was born on December 22, 1887, and passed away on April 26, 1920. At the time of his death, he was approximately 32 years old. Despite his short life, he made extraordinary contributions to mathematical analysis, number theory, infinite series, and continued fractions. Why other options are wrong: Option 1 (21): He was born in 1887; 1920 minus 1887 = 33 (or 32 before his December birthday), not 21. Option 3 (47): Overstated; he lived only about 32 years. Option 4 (58): Significantly overstated; Ramanujan died at a very young age.

Sir M. Visvesvaraya was a renowned engineer and statesman, famous for designing and supervising irrigation, hydroelectric and waterworks projects (e.g. Krishnarajasagara dam, automatic flood gates).
He was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1955 but not the first recipient; he was not a railway budget designer or industrialist.

Dr. Tessy Thomas is the first woman to head a missile project in India.
She was the Project Director of Agni-V missile and began her career at DRDO's LRDE.
She was never Chairperson of ISRO, did not found a private satellite company, and did not head HAL.

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw is best known as the founder and head of Biocon, becoming India's first woman to lead a top biotechnology company.
She founded Biocon (not 'Infosys Biotech'), so option 1 is wrong.
She is not credited with developing the COVID vaccine or launching a nanotechnology hub.
Hence option 2 is the best description.