RRB NTPC CBT 1 2016 General Awareness Questions with Solutions

Explanation

In swimming, freestyle refers to a category of swimming competition where competitors are allowed to swim using any style or stroke they choose. In practice, swimmers almost universally use the front crawl stroke because it is the fastest swimming style. Swimming events at major international competitions like the Olympic Games feature several freestyle races ranging from short sprints like the 50-meter freestyle to long-distance events like the 1500-meter freestyle.

Explanation

The rapid expansion of high-speed 3G and 4G telecom networks across India, combined with competitive tariff plans and affordable data packages, significantly lowered the cost of mobile internet access. This availability of widespread, low-cost connectivity incentivized consumers to purchase smartphones, directly driving the rapid surge in smartphone adoption across both urban and rural regions of the country.

Explanation

Karikala Chola, who ruled during the Sangam period, is recognized as the greatest of the early Chola monarchs. He defeated a confederacy of the Cheras, Pandyas, and eleven minor chieftains at the famous Battle of Venni. He is celebrated for constructing the Kallanai (Grand Anicut) across the river Kaveri, one of the oldest water-regulation structures in the world still in use, which brought vast areas of the Kaveri delta under irrigation and greatly enriched the early Chola kingdom.

Explanation

Density is defined as the mass of a substance per unit volume. It indicates how tightly packed the matter within a substance or object is. The formula for density (ρ) is ρ = m/V, where m represents mass and V represents volume. In the International System of Units (SI), density is measured in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³).

Explanation

The New Development Bank (NDB), formerly referred to as the BRICS Development Bank, was established by the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) during the 6th BRICS Summit in Fortaleza, Brazil, in July 2014. Headquartered in Shanghai, China, the multilateral development bank was created to mobilize resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging economies. It officially commenced operations in July 2015.

Explanation

Under Article 66(3) of the Constitution of India, a person must be qualified for election as a member of the Rajya Sabha to be eligible for the office of the Vice President. Qualification pertaining to the Lok Sabha applies instead to the election of the President of India. Additionally, the Constitution mandates eligibility for election to the Rajya Sabha rather than actual current membership in either House of Parliament.

Explanation

The name Earth is derived from the Old English word eorþe and Middle English erthe, meaning ground, soil, or dry land. Unlike other planets in our solar system whose names were derived from classical mythology, Earth retains an old Germanic and English name that has evolved over more than a thousand years.

Explanation

Carrots are an exceptionally rich source of beta-carotene, a provitamin A carotenoid that the human body converts into Vitamin A (retinol). Consuming carrots helps maintain healthy vision, supports immune system function, and promotes proper skin health. A single medium carrot provides more than the daily recommended intake of Vitamin A.

Explanation

Frederick Winslow Taylor, an American mechanical engineer, developed the Scientific Management School of thought in the early 20th century. Introduced through his seminal 1911 work, "The Principles of Scientific Management," his approach focused on applying scientific methods—such as time-and-motion studies, standardization of tasks and tools, and systematic training—to optimize workflows, reduce waste, and maximize labor productivity at the operational level.

Explanation

Karl Landsteiner discovered the ABO blood group system in 1900 while working at the University of Vienna. By mixing red blood cells and serum from different individuals, he identified the primary blood groups based on specific antigens on red blood cell surfaces and corresponding antibodies in serum. His groundbreaking work enabled safe blood transfusions and earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1930.

Explanation

GSAT-7, also known as Rukmini, is India's first dedicated defense communications satellite, launched by ISRO in August 2013. Developed specifically for the Indian Navy, it provides real-time, secure multi-band communication across the Indian Ocean Region, connecting warships, submarines, aircraft, and shore stations using UHF, S, C, and Ku band transponders.

Explanation

The Passenger Reservation System (PRS) of Indian Railways was designed, developed, and maintained by the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS). Established in 1986 as an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Railways, CRIS handles the core software architecture and IT infrastructure for Indian Railways, including CONCERT (Countrywide Network for Computerised Enhanced Reservation and Ticketing).

Explanation

Chalk is a soft, white, porous sedimentary rock composed primarily of the mineral calcite. Its chemical formula is CaCO₃, which is chemically known as calcium carbonate. It forms under deep marine conditions from the gradual accumulation of tiny calcite shells shed by microscopic organisms called coccolithophores.

Explanation

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a two-part play written by British playwright Jack Thorne, based on an original story by J. K. Rowling, John Tiffany, and Jack Thorne. The official script book of the play was published on 31 July 2016, serving as the official eighth story in the Harry Potter series.

Explanation

Article 29 of the Constitution of India provides for the protection of interests of minorities. It guarantees that any section of citizens residing in the territory of India or any part thereof having a distinct language, script, or culture of its own has the right to conserve the same. Furthermore, it ensures that no citizen shall be denied admission into any educational institution maintained by the State or receiving aid out of State funds on grounds only of religion, race, caste, language, or any of them.

Explanation

Facebook was launched on February 4, 2004, by Mark Zuckerberg along with his Harvard College roommates and fellow students Eduardo Saverin, Andrew McCollum, Dustin Moskovitz, and Chris Hughes. Initially named "TheFacebook", it was limited to Harvard students before expanding to other Ivy League universities and eventually becoming a worldwide social networking service.

Explanation

Ozone is a triatomic molecule consisting of three oxygen atoms, giving it the chemical formula O₃. It is an allotrope of oxygen formed when ultraviolet light or electrical discharges break standard diatomic oxygen molecules into individual oxygen radicals, which then bond with intact oxygen molecules.

Explanation

Seals produce a variety of vocalizations, but the most characteristic and commonly recognized sound made by seals (particularly sea lions and fur seals) is a bark. They use these loud, repetitive barking sounds for communication, territorial defense, and social interactions within their colonies.

Explanation

Walter Palmer, an American recreational big-game hunter and dentist from Minnesota, killed Cecil the lion in July 2015. He lured the 13-year-old male lion out of Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe, shot him with a compound bow, and subsequently killed him after tracking the wounded animal. The event drew major international public outrage and prompted widespread debate regarding trophy hunting ethics.

Explanation

Energy derived from food is measured in calories (often expressed as kilocalories or Cal). A calorie is defined as the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of one gram of water by 1°C at 1 atmosphere of pressure. In nutrition, dietary calories measure the chemical energy released when the body oxidizes nutrients such as carbohydrates, fats, and proteins during metabolism.

Explanation

An average adult human body contains approximately 5 litres of blood, which accounts for about 7% to 8% of the total body weight. This blood volume is carefully regulated by the body to maintain proper circulation, ensure efficient oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues, and remove metabolic waste products.

Explanation

Ralph H. Baer is widely acknowledged as the Father of Video Games for his pioneering creation of the Brown Box prototype, which was commercialized as the Magnavox Odyssey in 1972—the world's first home video game console. His work laid the foundational technology for modern interactive home entertainment systems and earned him the National Medal of Technology in 2006.

Explanation

Willow wood, particularly English Willow (Salix alba var. caerulea) and Kashmir Willow, is traditionally used to manufacture cricket bats due to its exceptional combination of strength, light weight, and shock resistance. Its fibrous structure allows it to absorb high-velocity impacts from a hard leather cricket ball without splintering or denting easily.

Explanation

A battery converts chemical energy directly into electrical energy through oxidation-reduction (redox) reactions occurring within its electrochemical cells. During operation, chemical interactions between the electrodes and the electrolyte release electrons at the anode, driving them through an external circuit to the cathode and creating a continuous electric current.

Explanation

The Third Battle of Panipat took place on 14 January 1761 at Panipat, Haryana. It was fought between the invading Afghan forces of Ahmad Shah Durrani (also known as Ahmad Shah Abdali) and the Maratha Empire, commanded by Sadashivrao Bhau. The Marathas marched north to defend their territory and the Delhi throne against the Afghan invasion, resulting in one of the largest and most decisive battles of 18th-century India.

Explanation

Oxygen (O₂) is a homonuclear diatomic molecule composed of two identical atoms. Because its symmetrical bond structure prevents any change in its dipole moment during molecular vibration, it cannot absorb or emit infrared radiation in the thermal range, rendering it incapable of trapping terrestrial heat in the atmosphere.

Explanation

Stars are massive, luminous spheres of plasma formed from interstellar gas clouds. They are composed primarily of hydrogen (approximately 73% to 75% by mass) and helium (approximately 23% to 25% by mass). Within the core of a star, extreme gravitational pressure and high temperatures drive nuclear fusion, continuously converting hydrogen nuclei into helium and releasing immense energy in the form of light and heat.

Explanation

On 3rd June 1947, Lord Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of British India, formally announced the plan for the partition of British India into two independent dominions: India and Pakistan. Popularly known as the Mountbatten Plan or the June 3 Plan, it outlined the principles and procedure for the transfer of power, including the partition of Bengal and Punjab. The plan was accepted by the major political leaders of the Indian National Congress, the Muslim League, and the Sikh community, paving the way for the Indian Independence Act 1947.

Explanation

Harry Brearley, an English metallurgist from Sheffield, invented stainless steel in 1913. While researching corrosion-resistant alloys to prevent erosion inside gun barrels, he added chromium to steel and discovered that the resulting alloy resisted chemical etching and rust. This invention laid the foundation for modern stainless steel manufacturing.

Explanation

Cirrhosis is a chronic disease characterized by the replacement of normal liver tissue with non-functional scar tissue (fibrosis). It occurs as a late stage of progressive liver damage resulting from long-term causes such as chronic alcohol abuse, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, ultimately compromising the organ's ability to detoxify blood, produce proteins, and aid digestion.

Explanation

R. K. Shanmukham Chetty served as the first Finance Minister of independent India from 1947 to 1948. He presented the nation's first post-independence Union Budget on November 26, 1947, covering a period of seven and a half months from August 15, 1947 to March 31, 1948.

Explanation

The world's first Short Message Service (SMS) text message was sent on 3 December 1992 over the Vodafone GSM network in the United Kingdom. It was transmitted by Neil Papworth, a 22-year-old software engineer at Sema Group, using a personal computer to send the message "Merry Christmas" to the Orbitel 901 handset of his colleague Richard Jarvis, a director at Vodafone.

Explanation

McAfee is an antivirus software designed to protect computer systems from viruses, malware, spyware, and cyber threats. Originally developed by John McAfee in 1987 under McAfee Associates, it provides real-time system scanning, firewall protection, and network security features to prevent unauthorized access and data loss.

Explanation

Article 50 of the Constitution of India explicitly mandates the separation of the judiciary from the executive to safeguard its independence and impartiality. The judiciary acts as an unbiased guardian of the Constitution and fundamental rights, functioning independently rather than favoring the government or acting as an instrument to implement executive plans.

Explanation

Sania Mirza was conferred India's third-highest civilian honor, the Padma Bhushan, in 2016 by President Pranab Mukherjee. This recognition followed a spectacular 2015 season where she achieved the World No. 1 ranking in women's doubles and won back-to-back Grand Slam titles at Wimbledon and the US Open alongside Martina Hingis. She had previously been honored with the Arjuna Award in 2004, the Padma Shri in 2006, and the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna in 2015.

Explanation

ATM stands for Automated Teller Machine, an electronic banking terminal that enables customers to perform basic financial transactions—such as cash withdrawals, deposits, and account balance inquiries—without needing the assistance of a human bank teller.

Explanation

King Bhoja was a celebrated ruler of the Paramara dynasty of Malwa, reigning from his capital at Dhara (modern Dhar, Madhya Pradesh) during the 11th century. Famous for his extensive patronage of art, architecture, and literature, he was himself a polymath who authored numerous treatises on Sanskrit grammar, poetics, architecture, and astronomy, including prominent works like Sarasvatikanthabharana and Samarangana Sutradhara.

Explanation

Under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), the government provides a baseline guarantee of 100 days of wage employment per household per financial year. To cushion rural households against agricultural distress caused by severe weather conditions, the Ministry of Rural Development extended the provision by an additional 50 days of work in notified drought-affected areas or regions facing natural calamities, bringing the total potential employment to 150 days per household.

Explanation

Mahatma Gandhi conferred the title of 'Gurudev' on Rabindranath Tagore in recognition of his deep wisdom, literary excellence, and spiritual stature. In mutual respect, Rabindranath Tagore is also widely credited with addressing Gandhi as 'Mahatma'.

Explanation

Product bundling is a marketing strategy in which a company packages multiple separate products or services together and sells them as a single combined offering, often at a lower price than buying each item individually. This practice provides greater convenience and value to consumers while helping businesses increase total sales volume and cross-sell related items efficiently.

Explanation

Anuradhapura was established as the capital of the first ancient Sri Lankan kingdom (the Anuradhapura Kingdom) by King Pandukabhaya in 377 BCE. It served as the primary political, economic, and cultural center of Sri Lanka for over a millennium until the early 11th century.

Explanation

Wood is an organic composite material composed of cellulose fibers embedded in a lignin matrix. Its cellular structure contains numerous microscopic air pockets, and because trapped air is a poor transmitter of thermal energy, heat cannot easily pass through it via conduction. This low thermal conductivity makes wood an effective thermal insulator and a bad conductor of heat.

Explanation

In September 2015, Durban was selected as the host city for the 2022 Commonwealth Games. The official announcement was made by the Commonwealth Games Federation at its General Assembly held in Auckland, New Zealand, marking the first time an African city was chosen to host the Commonwealth Games.

Explanation

Globally, approximately 1800 thunderstorms are active at any given moment across the Earth's atmosphere. These storms produce roughly 100 lightning strikes or flashes per second worldwide, which translates to nearly 8 million lightning discharges per day or about 3 billion per year. Most of these strikes occur in tropical and subtropical regions where intense convection fuels thunderstorm activity.

Explanation

In a hot and humid climate, the air already contains a high concentration of water vapor. High atmospheric humidity reduces the rate of evaporation of sweat from the skin because the air cannot easily absorb more moisture. Since sweat cannot evaporate effectively, the body loses its primary cooling mechanism, causing heat to build up and making us feel sticky and highly uncomfortable rather than comfortable. Furthermore, sweat evaporates at a much slower rate in humid conditions compared to dry conditions.

Explanation

A monopoly is a market structure characterized by a single seller or producer that controls the entire supply of a product or service with no close substitutes. Due to high barriers to entry preventing other producers from entering the market, the single seller faces no direct rivals, resulting in a complete lack of competition. This market power allows the single firm to dictate prices and control output levels independently.

Explanation

Kochi earned the title 'Queen of the Arabian Sea' after emerging as a major spice trading port on the western coast of India in the 14th century. Its fine natural harbor and strategic location along the spice route made it a crucial maritime commercial hub that attracted Arab, Chinese, and later European merchants for centuries.

Explanation

Neuschwanstein Castle, located in Bavaria, Germany, was commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria in 1869 as a personal retreat and as a homage to composer Richard Wagner. Ludwig II was a passionate patron of Wagner, and the castle's interior design directly reflects themes, characters, and scenes from Wagnerian operas such as Lohengrin and Tannhäuser.

Explanation

Transpiration is the process by which moisture is absorbed by plant roots, carried through the plant, and released into the atmosphere as water vapor from the leaves and other aerial parts. It occurs primarily through specialized microscopic pores called stomata, helping to cool the plant, transport essential mineral nutrients, and maintain the ascent of sap through the vascular system.

Explanation

The Yarlung Tsangpo is the Tibetan name for the upper course of the Brahmaputra River. Originating from the Chemayungdung Glacier near Mount Kailash in southwestern Tibet, the river flows eastward through Tibet before taking a sharp turn at Namcha Barwa to enter India in Arunachal Pradesh, where it is known as the Siang or Dihang, before becoming the Brahmaputra in the plains of Assam.