RRB NTPC CBT 1 2026 General Awareness Questions with Solutions

Explanation

Nagda is an archaeological site located in the Ujjain district of Madhya Pradesh on the banks of the Chambal River. It is a major Chalcolithic site belonging to the Malwa culture of central India, characterized by mud-brick dwellings and distinctive Malwa ware pottery, rather than the Banas (Ahar-Banas) culture centered in southeastern Rajasthan.

Explanation

Static RAM (SRAM) uses bistable latching circuitry consisting of multiple transistors per cell, allowing it to hold data as long as power is supplied without requiring periodic refresh cycles. This design makes SRAM significantly faster in access times and more power-efficient than Dynamic RAM (DRAM), which relies on capacitors that continuously lose charge and demand constant refreshing. Because the multi-transistor architecture of SRAM requires more physical space per bit, it is substantially more expensive to manufacture. Consequently, SRAM's superior speed makes it ideal for small, performance-critical CPU cache memories, while the lower cost and higher density of DRAM suit large main system memory.

Explanation

Sir R. K. Shanmukham Chetty served as the first Union Finance Minister of independent India in Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's first post-independence cabinet from August 15, 1947, to August 1948. An economist, lawyer, and industrialist, he presented the first budget of independent India on November 26, 1947.

Explanation

The Regulating Act of 1773 provided for the establishment of a Supreme Court of Judicature at Fort William in Calcutta, which was officially established in 1774. The court consisted of a Chief Justice and three other judges, with Sir Elijah Impey appointed as the first Chief Justice. It was granted full power and authority to exercise civil, criminal, admiralty, and ecclesiastical jurisdiction over all British subjects residing in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.

Explanation

The term Mansab is derived from an Arabic word meaning rank, status, or position. Introduced by Emperor Akbar, the Mansabdari system was an administrative grading hierarchy in the Mughal Empire. Under this system, every civil and military officer was assigned a specific rank or status (mansab), which determined their official standing, remuneration, and the required number of armed soldiers or cavalrymen they had to maintain for state service.

Explanation

The Bladder Adjuvant RadioTherapy (BART) Phase III trial, led by researchers at the Tata Memorial Centre in Mumbai, India, demonstrated that post-operative radiation therapy administered after radical cystectomy reduces the risk of pelvic recurrence by more than 50% in high-risk, muscle-invasive bladder cancer patients. Modern intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) targets the pelvic surgical bed to eradicate residual microscopic disease without increasing severe treatment toxicity.

Explanation

The Golden Quadrilateral is a major national highway network in India launched as part of the National Highways Development Project (NHDP). It connects the four primary economic, cultural, and political metropolitan hubs of the country—Delhi in the north, Mumbai in the west, Chennai in the south, and Kolkata in the east—forming a vast quadrilateral route across India.

Explanation

In standard operating systems, word processors, text editors, and browsers, the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+A is used for the "Select All" command. Pressing Ctrl and A simultaneously highlights all text, graphics, and other content within the active document or window, allowing for bulk actions like copying, moving, or deleting.

Explanation

Rathwa Ni Gher is a vibrant tribal folk dance performed by the Rathwa community residing in the Rath-Vistar hilly area of Gujarat, predominantly in Chhota Udaipur and Panchmahal districts. The dance is performed during the festival of Holi, also known locally as the Kavant festival, beginning on the day of Dhulendi. Both men and women participate together in synchronized groups, dressed in colorful traditional attire adorned with beads and feathers, moving to the rhythms of indigenous musical instruments such as the dhol, shehnai, and turi.

Explanation

India is located in South Asia and is not a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). While India maintains strong geopolitical and economic ties with ASEAN as a sectoral partner since 1992 and a full strategic dialogue partner under its Act East Policy, membership in the regional bloc is limited to nations located in Southeast Asia.

Explanation

The Hayli Gubbi volcano, a shield volcano located in the Afar region of northeastern Ethiopia, erupted on November 23, 2025. Situated south of the Erta Ale range along the East African Rift, this was its first documented explosive eruption in nearly 12,000 years. The eruption generated a high-altitude plume of ash and sulfur dioxide that rose up to 15 kilometers into the atmosphere, drifting eastward across the Red Sea, the Arabian Peninsula, and into parts of South Asia.

Explanation

Bread leavening through yeast involves alcoholic fermentation, a process in which yeast converts simple sugars like glucose in the flour into ethanol and carbon dioxide gas (CO₂). The biochemical reaction is represented as C₆H₁₂O₆ → 2 C₂H₅OH + 2 CO₂. The produced carbon dioxide gas becomes trapped within the gluten network of the dough, causing it to expand and rise, which creates the soft, light, and porous texture of baked bread.

Explanation

The fiscal policy reforms initiated in India post-1991 aimed primarily at macroeconomic stabilization to tackle the severe balance of payments crisis characterized by high fiscal deficits, public debt, and soaring inflation. To restore fiscal health and curb inflationary pressures, the government implemented measures to improve revenue generation, rationalize subsidies, curb non-developmental expenditure, and introduce systemic tax reforms to ensure long-term financial discipline.

Explanation

An Integrated Circuit (IC) is a semiconductor chip—typically silicon—that houses complex electronic circuitry consisting of thousands to billions of microscopic components, such as transistors, resistors, and capacitors, etched together onto a single piece of material. Physically, the entire logic, control, and arithmetic circuitry of a CPU is fabricated onto these microchips known as integrated circuits.

Explanation

During mitosis, anaphase is characterized by the splitting of centromeres and the separation of sister chromatids toward opposite poles of the cell. As the cell transitions into telophase, the separated chromatids reach the spindle poles, decondense back into chromatin, and a new nuclear envelope reforms around each set of daughter chromosomes to reconstruct the nuclei.

Explanation

The 97th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2011 inserted Article 43B into Part IV (Directive Principles of State Policy) of the Constitution of India. Article 43B explicitly directs the State to endeavour to promote voluntary formation, autonomous functioning, democratic control, and professional management of co-operative societies, giving constitutional status and protection to co-operative institutions.

Explanation

The Bhabar region lies adjacent to the Shiwalik foothills and is composed of coarse sediments, pebbles, and boulders deposited by rivers. Its high porosity and soil permeability cause surface streams to sink and flow underground. South of the Bhabar lies the Terai belt, which consists of finer alluvial deposits where these streams re-emerge at the surface, creating a wet, marshy region with a very high water table and rich groundwater availability.

Explanation

Lord Mayo's Resolution of 1870 introduced financial decentralization by delegating administrative services such as education, sanitation, and medical relief to provincial governments, which fostered the development of local self-governing institutions. The Royal Commission on Decentralization, appointed in 1907 to examine administrative efficiency and provincial autonomy, was chaired by C.E.H. Hobhouse. Under the Government of India Act of 1919, dyarchy was introduced in the provinces, and local self-government was designated as a transferred subject administered by elected Indian ministers, rather than a reserved subject under executive councillors.

Explanation

In traditional development economics during the 1950s and 1960s, development was defined primarily as the sustained long-term growth of per capita real income. This perspective measured progress by an economy's capacity to generate an annual increase in economic output at a rate faster than its population growth, thereby raising the average real purchasing power per person over time. It assumed that sustained growth in real income per capita would naturally lead to broader economic progress and higher living standards across society.

Explanation

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's State Visit to Bhutan on 11–12 November 2025, he and King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck jointly inaugurated the 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project in Wangdue Phodrang district. Developed on the Punatsangchhu River with financial and technical assistance from the Government of India under a bilateral inter-governmental agreement, this run-of-the-river facility significantly expands Bhutan's power generation capacity and deepens clean energy cooperation between the two nations.

Explanation

Under Article 9 of the Constitution of India and Section 9 of the Citizenship Act, 1955, India enforces single citizenship. If an Indian citizen voluntarily acquires the citizenship of any foreign state, their Indian citizenship automatically terminates, and they cease to be a citizen of India.

Explanation

At the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the creation of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO). The initiative seeks to establish a global framework for AI governance, set technical standards, and enhance international cooperation to develop artificial intelligence as a public good for the global community, with headquarters planned in Shanghai.

Explanation

National Waterway 57 (NW-57) is developed on the Kopili River, a major south-bank tributary of the Brahmaputra River in Assam. Declared under the National Waterways Act, 2016, NW-57 covers a navigable length of approximately 46 to 48 kilometers. The waterway was operationalised to boost intra-state waterborne freight transport, offering an eco-friendly and cost-effective logistics route within the Northeast region.

Explanation

The Konkan Coast forms the northern stretch of the Western Coastal Plain of India, extending along the coastline from Daman and Mumbai in Maharashtra down to Goa in the south. It is a narrow, rugged plain bounded by the Arabian Sea on the west and the Sahyadri range (Western Ghats) on the east, known for its indented coastline, sea cliffs, and estuaries.

Explanation

Despite an early spell of heavy rainfall during the initial phase of the southwest monsoon in 2025, a sudden shift in atmospheric circulation caused a sharp reversal in rainfall activity. Prolonged dry spells and an abrupt drop in precipitation across multiple regions—such as Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and parts of Northeast India—led to severe rainfall deficits and dwindling soil moisture. This rapid transition from surplus precipitation to extended dry conditions resulted in nearly 19% of the country experiencing drought or drought-like conditions by August 2025.

Explanation

Mission Sudarshan Chakra was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Independence Day address on August 15, 2025, as a major national initiative under the Ministry of Defence. Spearheaded by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the mission aims to create an advanced, AI-enabled, multi-layered air and missile defence umbrella by 2035. Inspired by the divine Sudarshan Chakra, it integrates ground, sea, and space-based surveillance with interceptor missile systems and cyber protection to shield India's critical military, civilian, and strategic infrastructure against diverse aerial threats.

Explanation

U Tirot Sing Syiem, the chief of Nongkhlaw in the Khasi Hills, led the Khasi uprising against the British East India Company between 1829 and 1833. The resistance was triggered by the British project to construct a road through the Khasi Hills connecting the Brahmaputra Valley with Sylhet, which directly threatened local sovereignty and autonomy. Tirot Sing united the Khasi chiefs and waged guerrilla warfare against British troops until his capture in 1833.

Explanation

The Indian Councils Act of 1861 made a beginning of representative institutions in India by associating Indians with the law-making process. It provided that the Viceroy should nominate non-official Indian members to the expanded council. In 1862, Lord Canning, the then Viceroy, nominated three Indians to his legislative council: the Raja of Benares, the Maharaja of Patiala, and Sir Dinkar Rao.

Explanation

The Second Five Year Plan (1956–1961), formulated under the guidance of P. C. Mahalanobis, prioritized rapid industrialization with a clear focus on heavy and basic industries. Guided by the Industrial Policy Resolution of 1956, the Indian government assumed direct responsibility for establishing and managing capital-intensive public sector enterprises in areas such as steel, heavy machinery, coal, and chemicals to build a strong capital goods base for self-reliant growth.

Explanation

The Indian men's hockey team defeated the Republic of Korea 4-1 in the final of the 12th Men's Hockey Asia Cup held at the Rajgir Sports Complex in Bihar on 7 September 2025. Dilpreet Singh scored twice (28th and 45th minutes), while Sukhjeet Singh (1st minute) and Amit Rohidas (50th minute) added one goal each for India. Son Dain scored the sole goal for the Republic of Korea in the 51st minute. With this victory, India clinched its fourth Asia Cup title and secured direct qualification for the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup.

Explanation

Sharat Chandra Chatterjee wrote the iconic Bengali romance novel 'Devdas' in 1917. The tragic story follows the tragic love triangle involving Devdas, Paro, and Chandramukhi, and it remains one of the most frequently adapted classics in Indian literature and cinema.

Explanation

Fluid flow behavior is governed by the Reynolds number, defined as Re = ρvD/μ, where v is the flow velocity, ρ is fluid density, D is characteristic diameter, and μ is dynamic viscosity. At lower speeds, water flows in smooth, parallel layers characteristic of laminar flow. Opening the tap wider increases the outflow speed, which directly raises the Reynolds number. When the Reynolds number exceeds the critical threshold, the smooth laminar flow breaks down into chaotic, irregular motion called turbulent flow.

Explanation

Ramananda was a prominent 14th-century Bhakti saint who traced his spiritual lineage to Ramanujacharya's Sri Vaishnava tradition through Raghavananda. He played a crucial role in bringing the southern Vaishnava Bhakti movement to North India, emphasizing personal devotion to Rama and Sita, preaching in the local vernacular Hindi rather than Sanskrit, and opening the path of devotion to people of all social backgrounds.

Explanation

Under Article 80(1)(a) of the Constitution of India, the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) consists of twelve members nominated by the President. As specified in Article 80(3), these members are chosen from among persons having special knowledge or practical experience in fields such as literature, science, art, and social service.

Explanation

Article 84(b) of the Constitution of India lays down the age qualifications for membership in Parliament. It explicitly specifies that a person must be at least twenty-five years of age to qualify for a seat in the House of the People (Lok Sabha).

Explanation

The Ananth Centre of Excellence for Navigation (ACEN) was established by Ananth Technologies Limited in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Inaugurated by the ISRO Chairman, it serves as India's first private-sector navigation innovation hub aimed at strengthening self-reliance and strategic autonomy in Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) technologies. The facility focuses on developing indigenous navigation sensors, AI-driven navigation fusion systems, maintenance and repair capabilities, and expanded applications for India's NavIC satellite constellation.

Explanation

The Lucknow Pact of 1916 was a landmark agreement signed between the Indian National Congress and the All-India Muslim League during their joint session at Lucknow. Bal Gangadhar Tilak, representing the Congress, and Muhammad Ali Jinnah, representing the Muslim League, played instrumental roles in bridging the differences between the two organizations to present a united demand for constitutional reforms and self-government to the British Raj. Their collaborative effort brought about political unity between Hindus and Muslims, earning Jinnah the title of "Ambassador of Hindu-Muslim Unity" from Sarojini Naidu.

Explanation

MS Excel is an application software developed by Microsoft that enables users to organize, format, and calculate data using spreadsheets. Application software consists of computer programs designed to perform specific end-user tasks, such as data analysis, word processing, or accounting, directly serving the needs of the user.

Explanation

Blackening of the exterior of a cooking vessel is caused by soot, which consists of unburnt carbon particles produced during incomplete combustion. When there is an insufficient supply of oxygen, hydrocarbon fuels do not burn completely, resulting in a yellow, smoky flame that leaves soot deposits on the vessel.

Explanation

When two identical waves with the same frequency, amplitude, and wavelength travel through a medium in opposite directions, their superposition creates an interference pattern known as a standing wave. In a standing wave, energy is trapped within the medium rather than propagating forward, forming fixed points of zero amplitude called nodes and points of maximum amplitude called antinodes.

Explanation

The Council of Ministers in the Indian administrative setup follows a three-tier hierarchy based on ministerial rank and responsibility. At the apex are Cabinet Ministers, who head important portfolios such as Home, Finance, and Defence, and attend Cabinet meetings to make vital policy decisions. Below them are Ministers of State, who either hold independent charge of specific departments or assist Cabinet Ministers in managing larger portfolios. At the third level are Deputy Ministers, who do not hold independent charge but assist Cabinet Ministers or Ministers of State in performing administrative, political, and parliamentary duties.

Explanation

In MS-Excel, mathematical evaluation follows standard operator precedence (BODMAS), where multiplication (*) and division (/) are calculated before addition (+).

Given cell values: A1 = 2 A2 = 3 A3 = 2

Substituting these values into the formula: = 2 × 3 + 3 / 2

Performing multiplication and division first from left to right: 2 × 3 = 6 3 / 2 = 1.5

Finally, adding the two results: 6 + 1.5 = 7.5

Explanation

A tributary is a freshwater stream or river that feeds into a larger stream, main stem river, or lake, rather than flowing directly into an ocean or sea. It contributes its water volume to the primary river system, increasing the total discharge carried by the main river as it travels downstream toward its mouth.

Explanation

The Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025 received presidential assent on December 20, 2025. The legislation overhauls India's civil nuclear framework by consolidating existing laws, replacing the Atomic Energy Act of 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act of 2010 with a single statutory regime. It allows private sector participation and foreign investment in commercial nuclear power generation and non-power applications while modernizing licensing, safety regulation, and liability governance.

Explanation

During the 2025 UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), India reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to the Paris Agreement and its core principles of climate justice, equity, and Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC). India highlighted its rapid progress under its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), including achieving over 50% installed power capacity from non-fossil sources ahead of schedule, while emphasizing the need for predictable climate finance and low-cost technology transfer to support developing nations in their clean energy transition.

Explanation

In October 2025, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced that Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary (part of the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve) would be developed as the state's third cheetah habitat, following Kuno National Park and Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary. Spanning nearly 1,197 sq km across Sagar, Damoh, and Narsinghpur districts, the sanctuary features vast grassland ecosystems and an ideal prey base suited for the long-term conservation and metapopulation management of cheetahs under Project Cheetah.

Explanation

The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) was launched on 25 December 2000 by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. It is a fully funded Centrally Sponsored Scheme aimed at providing all-weather road connectivity to eligible unconnected habitations in rural areas across India to promote rural development and poverty reduction.

Explanation

The Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024 was enacted by the Parliament of India to replace the pre-independence Aircraft Act of 1934. It seeks to modernize India's civil aviation regulatory framework by streamlining rules, strengthening safety and security oversight, and aligning domestic civil aviation laws with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) global standards. The Act expands regulatory coverage to include aircraft design, manufacturing, and maintenance, fostering domestic manufacturing under the Make in India initiative while promoting ease of doing business across the aviation ecosystem.

Explanation

In November 2025, during the 34th session of the Assembly held in London, India was re-elected to the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for the 2026–27 biennium. India secured 154 out of 169 valid votes, topping the list in Category B, which comprises ten nations with the largest interest in international seaborne trade. The IMO Council serves as the executive body of the UN specialized agency between Assembly sessions, overseeing global maritime safety, shipping efficiency, and marine pollution prevention.

Explanation

Under Section 3 of the Citizenship Act, 1955, every person born in India on or after 26 January 1950 but before 1 July 1987 is a citizen of India by birth, regardless of the nationality of their parents. The requirement that at least one parent must be an Indian citizen at the time of birth was introduced through an amendment that came into force on 1 July 1987.