detailed SSC-exam-focused overview of Goa, including static GK, general awareness, and current affairs.
1. Basic Facts (Static GK of Goa)
- Statehood: 30 May 1987 (earlier a Union Territory along with Daman & Diu).
- Capital: Panaji (Panjim).
- Largest City: Vasco da Gama.
- Governor: P.S. Sreedharan Pillai (2025).
- Chief Minister: Pramod Sawant (BJP, since 2019).
- Official Languages: Konkani (primary), Marathi (widely spoken), English.
- Legislative Assembly: 40 seats.
- High Court: Bombay High Court (Goa Bench at Panaji).
- State Symbols:
- State Bird: Flame-throated Bulbul.
- State Animal: Gaur (Indian Bison).
- State Flower: Jasmine.
- State Tree: Coconut Tree.
2. Geography
- Borders: Maharashtra (north), Karnataka (east & south), Arabian Sea (west).
- Area: Smallest state of India by area (3,702 sq km).
- Major Rivers: Mandovi, Zuari, Sal, Chapora, Terekhol.
- Famous Beaches: Baga, Calangute, Anjuna, Colva, Palolem.
- Climate: Tropical monsoon climate.
3. History & Culture
- Goa was under Portuguese rule for 451 years (1510–1961) – liberated on 19 December 1961 (Goa Liberation Day).
- Famous Heritage: Basilica of Bom Jesus (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Se Cathedral, Chapora Fort.
- Culture: A mix of Indian and Portuguese traditions.
- Popular Festivals:
- Goa Carnival (February, pre-Lent festival).
- Shigmo (spring festival).
- Feast of St. Francis Xavier.
4. Economy
- Tourism: Backbone of Goa’s economy – famous for beaches, nightlife, and churches.
- Agriculture: Coconut, cashew, rice, spices.
- Mining: Iron ore (though limited due to environmental restrictions).
- Cashew Feni: Traditional liquor unique to Goa (GI tag).
5. Current Affairs (2024–25, SSC Focus)
- Goa’s Smart City Project (Panaji) – urban development under Smart Cities Mission.
- Hosting International Film Festival of India (IFFI 2024) – held annually in Goa.
- Naval Exercises: INS Hansa base in Goa – often in current defense news.
- Mopa Airport (Goa International Airport, Manohar International Airport) – operational since 2023, replacing Dabolim as a major hub.
- G20 meetings (2023–24) – several sessions were held in Goa.
6. National Parks & Wildlife
- Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary & Mollem National Park.
- Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary (Chorao Island).
7. Important Places
- Old Goa Churches (Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral).
- Aguada Fort, Chapora Fort.
- Dudhsagar Waterfalls.
- Ancestral Goa Museum (Loutolim).
8. SSC Exam-Oriented Questions (MCQs)
Q1. When did Goa become a state of India?
A) 1961
B) 1967
C) 1987
D) 1990
Ans: C) 1987
Q2. Which is the official language of Goa?
A) Marathi
B) English
C) Konkani
D) Hindi
Ans: C) Konkani
Q3. The Basilica of Bom Jesus is located in which state?
Ans: Goa (UNESCO Heritage Site).
Q4. Which airport in Goa is also known as Manohar International Airport?
Ans: Mopa Airport.
Q5. Dudhsagar waterfall is located on which river?
Ans: Mandovi River.
9. Key SSC Topics from Goa
- Statehood date (30 May 1987) & Liberation Day (19 Dec 1961).
- Capital (Panaji) and CM (Pramod Sawant).
- Important beaches and churches (Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral).
- Feni (GI tag) and cashew cultivation.
- National Parks (Mollem, Bondla).
- International Film Festival of India (IFFI Goa).
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