SSC CGL Tier 1 2014 General Awareness Questions with Solutions

Explanation

Factor payments are the remunerations made to the owners of the factors of production for the productive services they render in the production process. The four primary factors of production are land, labor, capital, and entrepreneurship, which receive rent, wages, interest, and profit, respectively. A crop loan serves as financial capital provided to a farmer to facilitate agricultural activities. Because interest is the specific price or reward paid for the use of capital, it is classified as a factor payment. In the context of national income accounting, interest paid on loans utilized for productive purposes is treated as factor income.

Explanation

Economic growth is defined as a sustained increase in the production of goods and services in an economy over a long period. It is most accurately measured by the continuous increase in per capita real income. The term real income implies that the value of the national output is adjusted for inflation, ensuring that the growth reflects an actual increase in the volume of goods and services rather than just a rise in prices. By using a per capita measure, the growth in national income is evaluated relative to population changes; for true economic growth to occur, the rate of increase in total output must exceed the rate of population growth. This sustained upward trend over time indicates an expansion in the productive capacity of the economy and a potential improvement in the average standard of living for its citizens.

Explanation

The fundamental economic problem is scarcity, which arises because human wants are unlimited while the resources available to satisfy those wants are finite. Economics is the study of how society manages these limited resources. An economy never faces a problem of having an excess of resources; instead, it is characterized by the constant struggle to allocate insufficient resources among competing ends. This universal condition of scarcity is what necessitates decision-making regarding production, distribution, and consumption, as there are never enough resources to satisfy every individual's every desire.

Explanation

Direct taxes are characterized by the fact that the legal liability to pay the tax and the actual economic burden, known as the tax incidence, fall on the same individual or entity. In economic terms, the impact and the incidence of a direct tax coincide. Because these taxes are imposed directly on the income, property, or wealth of a person, they cannot be shifted to another party. The individual or corporation designated by law as the taxpayer is the one who must discharge the payment to the government and absorb the financial cost from their own resources. This distinguishes them from indirect taxes, where the burden can be transferred to the final consumer through the price of goods and services.

Explanation

The principle of surplus value is a central pillar of the capitalist economic system, as articulated in Marxist economic theory. In a capitalist framework, the value of a commodity is determined by the socially necessary labor time required for its production. The capitalist purchases labor power from the worker at its exchange value, which is the cost of the worker's subsistence. However, the worker produces more value during the working day than the value of their own wages. This excess value created by the worker, which remains after the cost of wages and raw materials is deducted, is known as surplus value. The appropriation of this surplus value by the owners of the means of production constitutes the source of profit and serves as the primary driver for capital accumulation and expansion within the capitalist system.

Explanation

Indirect democracy is a system of government where the citizens exercise their power by electing officials to represent them and make decisions on their behalf. This form of government is fundamentally characterized as representative government because the sovereign authority of the people is delegated to a smaller group of individuals chosen through periodic elections. These representatives are responsible for debating, proposing, and enacting laws, as well as overseeing the functions of the executive branch. In this framework, the accountability of the government is maintained by the electoral process, which allows voters to replace representatives who fail to reflect their interests or the common good. This model is essential for the practical administration of large and diverse populations where individual participation in every legislative act is unfeasible.

Explanation

The primary function of the legislature in a democratic system is the formulation and enactment of laws. As the representative organ of the state, it possesses the constitutional authority to debate public issues, deliberate on legal proposals, and pass statutes that govern the conduct of citizens and the state. Through the process of introducing, debating, and voting on bills, the legislature translates the collective will of the people into formal legal codes and amendments. This law-making power is the cornerstone of its identity as a deliberative body within the separation of powers framework.

Explanation

According to Jain tradition and texts like the Rajavali-Kathe, Chandragupta Maurya abdicated his throne in favor of his son Bindusara after a long reign. Under the influence of the Jain saint Bhadrabahu, he converted to Jainism and migrated to southern India during a period of severe famine in the Magadha region. He spent his final days as an ascetic at Sravanabelgola in modern-day Karnataka, where he followed the Jain ritual of Sallekhana, which involves fasting unto death. The hill where he lived and died is known as Chandragiri, and it remains a significant pilgrimage site in the Jain tradition.

Explanation

The labor force consists of two components: the dismissible part, which represents a variable cost because it can be adjusted with production, and the non-dismissible part, which represents a fixed cost because it remains constant regardless of short-term changes. Therefore, the total wages and salaries paid by the firm constitute a semi-variable cost that is partly fixed and partly variable.

Explanation

Article 316 of the Constitution of India mandates that the Chairman and other members of the Union Public Service Commission shall be appointed by the President. The UPSC is an independent constitutional body established under Article 315, serving as the central recruiting agency for the government. While the President makes these appointments, the terms and conditions of service for the members are also determined by the President as per the provisions of the Constitution. Members appointed to the Commission hold office for a tenure of six years or until they attain the age of sixty-five years, whichever occurs earlier.

Explanation

Harold Laski, a prominent British political scientist and theorist, articulated this view in his seminal work, A Grammar of Politics (1925). He emphasized that the state is not an end in itself but a functional instrument intended to enable individuals to achieve their best selves. According to Laski, the moral quality and the very essence of a state are measured by the rights it guarantees and protects for its citizens. He argued that rights are those conditions of social life without which no person can seek, in general, to be at their best. Consequently, the legitimacy and the true character of any political authority are judged by its commitment to maintaining these fundamental rights.

Explanation

Smilax is a genus of climbing plants that belongs to the monocotyledonous family Liliaceae. While parallel venation is the standard characteristic for the majority of monocots, Smilax serves as a significant botanical exception. Its leaves possess reticulate venation, a trait where the veins and veinlets are arranged in a net-like fashion rather than running parallel to one another from the base to the apex. This divergence from typical monocot morphology is a key identifying feature of the genus in plant anatomy studies, illustrating that certain monocots can exhibit characteristics usually reserved for dicots.

Explanation

Euphenics is the branch of science that deals with the improvement of the human phenotype through medical, clinical, or genetic interventions to treat hereditary defects. It focuses on the symptomatic treatment of individuals with genetic disorders, effectively neutralizing the expression of defective genes to allow a normal life. This involves techniques such as gene therapy or the administration of specific enzymes and hormones to counteract physiological malfunctions resulting from a person's genetic makeup. Unlike eugenics, which aims to improve the gene pool of future generations, euphenics focuses on managing and correcting the manifestation of heredity within the existing individual, often utilizing advanced genetic engineering to mitigate the effects of harmful mutations.

Explanation

Araneology is the specialized branch of zoology and arachnology dedicated to the scientific study of spiders. The term is derived from the Greek word arachne, meaning spider, and the suffix logia, meaning the study of a subject. This field of science encompasses research into the anatomy, physiology, behavior, taxonomy, and evolution of members belonging to the order Araneae. While arachnology is the broader discipline that includes other arachnids such as scorpions and ticks, araneology focuses exclusively on spiders.

Explanation

The corpus luteum is a temporary endocrine structure formed in the ovary after the release of an egg during ovulation. It develops from the remains of the mature ovarian follicle. The primary physiological role of the corpus luteum is the secretion of progesterone, which is essential for the maintenance of the menstrual cycle and the early stages of pregnancy. Progesterone prepares the lining of the uterus, known as the endometrium, for the potential implantation of a fertilized egg by increasing its vascularization and secretory activity. If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum eventually degenerates, leading to a drop in progesterone levels and the onset of menstruation.

Explanation

Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone and an anabolic steroid. It is primarily secreted by the Leydig cells located in the testes in response to luteinizing hormone from the pituitary gland. This hormone is responsible for the development of male reproductive tissues such as the testes and prostate, as well as promoting secondary sexual characteristics. These characteristics include increased muscle and bone mass, the growth of facial and body hair, and the deepening of the voice during puberty. Testosterone also plays a critical role in regulating sperm production and maintaining libido in males.

Explanation

Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, passed away at the age of 80 in Kushinagar, which was the capital of the Malla Republic. This event is referred to in Buddhist tradition as Mahaparinirvana. The date of 483 BC is determined based on the Ceylonese chronicles, such as the Dipavamsa and Mahavamsa, which record that the coronation of Emperor Ashoka took place 218 years after the death of the Buddha. Since Ashoka's coronation is historically placed around 268-269 BC, counting back leads to 483 BC. This timeline is the most widely accepted chronology in Indian historiography and competitive examinations for the death of Siddhartha Gautama.

Explanation

Naypyidaw was officially declared the capital of Myanmar in 2006, following the military government's decision to relocate the administrative center from Yangon in November 2005. The city was purpose-built in a central location within the Mandalay Region to serve as the nation's new political and administrative hub. Its name translates to Royal Capital or Abode of Kings, reflecting its status as the seat of the Union Government, the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, and the Supreme Court of Myanmar.

Explanation

Sravanabelgola, located in the Hassan district of Karnataka, is one of the most significant Jain pilgrimage sites in South India. It is home to the world-renowned 57-foot tall monolithic statue of Lord Gommateshwara (Bahubali), which was commissioned by Chavundaraya, a minister of the Western Ganga dynasty, around 981 CE. Historically, the site is significant as the place where the Mauryan Emperor Chandragupta Maurya is believed to have settled after renouncing his empire to become a Jain ascetic under the guidance of the monk Bhadrabahu. The town serves as a major centre for the Digambara sect and is the site of the Mahamastakabhisheka festival, a grand consecration ceremony held once every twelve years.

Explanation

The majority of the Edicts of Ashoka, located across the Indian subcontinent, were engraved using the Brahmi script. This script was the principal writing system used for the emperor's proclamations of Dhamma in the Prakrit language. Brahmi is considered the precursor to most modern Indian scripts and played a central role in Mauryan administration. The script remained undeciphered for centuries until James Prinsep, an officer of the East India Company and a scholar, successfully decoded it in 1837. While Ashoka utilized other scripts like Kharosthi, Greek, and Aramaic in specific frontier regions, Brahmi was the standard script used for the vast majority of his pillar and rock edicts.

Explanation

Lake Titicaca, located on the border of Peru and Bolivia in the Andes Mountains, is popularly referred to as Honeymoon Lake. This epithet arises from its status as a frequent destination for couples and newlyweds, attracted by its picturesque landscapes, clear blue waters, and the romantic ambiance of the surrounding region. Situated at an altitude of approximately 3,812 meters, it is also recognized as the highest navigable lake in the world and holds significant cultural importance to the indigenous peoples of the Altiplano.

Explanation

The Harmattan is a dry, dust-laden trade wind that blows during the winter months from the northeast and east across the Sahara Desert towards the West African coast. It originates from the subtropical high-pressure cells in the northern and central Sahara and moves towards the low-pressure systems over the Gulf of Guinea. As part of the Northeast Trade Winds, its primary trajectory across the Saharan landmass is from east to west, carrying large quantities of fine sand and dust particles which create a thick haze over the region.

Explanation

The Atlantic Ocean is the busiest ocean in terms of trade because it serves as the primary maritime link between the world's two most industrially developed regions: Western Europe and North America. The North Atlantic route carries the highest volume of commercial shipping traffic globally, facilitating the exchange of manufactured goods, machinery, and raw materials between these economic powerhouses. Additionally, the Atlantic coastline features a high density of major international ports and harbors that support extensive merchant shipping networks, ensuring a continuous and heavy flow of international trade compared to other oceanic basins.

Explanation

Silent Valley National Park, located in the Palakkad district of Kerala within the Western Ghats, is characterized by a tropical climate with high annual rainfall exceeding 5,000 mm. These climatic conditions support the growth of dense, multi-layered evergreen vegetation known as tropical rainforests. The area is one of the last undisturbed tracts of South Western Ghats moist deciduous and tropical wet evergreen forests in India. This ecosystem provides a critical habitat for a vast array of biodiversity, including rare and endangered species like the Lion-tailed Macaque, which depends on the continuous canopy and unique microclimate provided by these rainforests.

Explanation

Anaimudi is the highest peak in the Western Ghats and all of South India, reaching an elevation of 2,695 metres (8,842 feet). The Western Ghats mountain range is also commonly referred to as the Sahyadri. Located in the Idukki district of Kerala, Anaimudi sits at the junction of the Anaimalai Hills, the Palni Hills, and the Cardamom Hills. As the highest point of this entire mountain system, it is fundamentally a part of the Sahyadri range.

Explanation

Cotton fibres are unicellular trichomes that originate from the epidermis of the seed coat (testa) of the Gossypium plant. These fibres develop as elongations of the epidermal cells shortly after fertilization. Commercially, these hairs are categorized into two types: the long, easily removable fibres known as lint, and the short, fuzzy hairs known as linters. The lint fibres consist of nearly pure cellulose and are the primary material used in the global textile industry for spinning yarn and manufacturing fabric. Because these structures are biological outgrowths of the seed's surface layer, they are botanically classified as epidermal hairs.

Explanation

Herman Hollerith developed the electromechanical tabulating system and its central component, the Tabulation Engine, to automate the processing of data for the 1890 United States Census. This machine was the first to use punched cards as a medium for storing and reading information. It operated by using electrical sensing to detect holes in the cards, which completed a circuit and advanced mechanical counters. This innovation dramatically increased the speed and accuracy of data analysis, allowing the government to process the census results far more quickly than previous manual methods allowed. Hollerith's Tabulation Engine effectively launched the era of automated data processing and provided the technological foundation for the development of modern computing.

Explanation

DBMS stands for Database Management System, which is a specialized software suite used to store, retrieve, define, and manage data within a computer system. It acts as an intermediary layer between the user and the raw data, allowing applications to interact with information without needing to manage the underlying storage structure. A DBMS ensures data integrity, security, and organized access, which are essential requirements for building robust computer applications that handle large volumes of structured information.

Explanation

The total energy of an electron inside an atom is negative because the electron is in a bound state under the influence of the attractive electrostatic force of the nucleus. The total energy E is the sum of the electron's kinetic energy K and its electrostatic potential energy U. Potential energy is defined as zero at an infinite distance from the nucleus. Since the force between the positively charged nucleus and the negatively charged electron is attractive, the potential energy U is negative at any finite distance r, expressed as U = -Ze² / (4π₀ r). According to the virial theorem for a system governed by an inverse-square law, the kinetic energy K is equal to half the magnitude of the potential energy, K = -1/2 U. Substituting this into the energy equation yields E = -1/2 U + U = 1/2 U. Because U is negative, the total energy E is also negative. This negative sign signifies that energy must be supplied to the system to overcome the binding force and remove the electron from the atom.

Explanation

The speed of light in a vacuum is a fundamental physical constant denoted by the symbol c. Its exact value is defined as 299,792,458 meters per second. In scientific contexts and competitive examinations, this value is typically approximated to 3 × 10⁸ m/s for simplicity in calculations. This constant represents the universal speed limit at which all electromagnetic radiation, including visible light, propagates through a vacuum.

Explanation

A seconds pendulum is defined as a pendulum that takes exactly one second to swing from one extreme position to the other. Since one complete oscillation, or time period (T), consists of two such swings (one forward and one back), the total time period is exactly 2 seconds. The frequency of a seconds pendulum is 0.5 Hz. In accordance with the formula for the time period of a simple pendulum, T = 2π √(L/g), a pendulum with a 2-second period has a length of approximately 0.994 meters at the Earth's surface where the acceleration due to gravity is 9.8 m/s².

Explanation

Archimedes' Principle states that a floating object displaces a weight of fluid equal to its own weight. Let M be the mass of the floating ice piece. The weight of the ice is M · g. The weight of the water displaced by the submerged portion of the ice is also M · g. Since weight is the product of volume, density, and gravitational acceleration (W = V · ρ · g), the volume of water displaced by the ice, V_dᵢₛₚₗₐ_cₑ_d, is equal to M / _wₐₜₑᵣ.

When the ice melts, it transforms into liquid water. Due to the law of conservation of mass, the mass of the resulting water remains M. The volume of this newly formed water, Vₘₑₗₜₑ_d, is calculated as M / _wₐₜₑᵣ. Since Vₘₑₗₜₑ_d is exactly equal to V_dᵢₛₚₗₐ_cₑ_d, the water produced by the melting ice occupies the exact same volume that the submerged part of the ice previously occupied. Therefore, the water level in the jug does not rise or fall.

Explanation

Rusting is an electrochemical process where iron reacts with oxygen in the presence of water or moisture to form hydrated iron(III) oxide, represented by the chemical formula Fe₂O₃ · xH₂O. In this redox reaction, iron metal is oxidized to iron ions, while oxygen is reduced. Moisture acts as an electrolyte that facilitates the movement of ions and the flow of electrons between the anodic and cathodic areas on the metal surface. Since both oxygen and water are essential reactants for the formation of the rust complex, the absence of either component prevents the corrosion process from occurring under standard atmospheric conditions.

Explanation

The arsenic contamination in India, primarily affecting the Ganga-Brahmaputra alluvial plains in states like West Bengal, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh, is a geogenic process triggered by anthropogenic factors. Arsenic is naturally present in the Holocene sedimentary aquifers. The large-scale overexploitation of groundwater for intensive irrigation and domestic use has altered the subsurface geochemical environment. When groundwater is pumped excessively, it facilitates the reductive dissolution of arsenic-bearing iron oxyhydroxides within the sediments. This process releases trapped arsenic into the aquifer, leading to toxic concentrations in the water extracted by tube wells and hand pumps for human consumption.

Explanation

Acid rain is caused by the emission of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) into the atmosphere. These gases are primarily released through the combustion of fossil fuels in power plants, industrial facilities, and motor vehicles. Once in the atmosphere, these pollutants react with water vapor, oxygen, and other chemicals to form sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) and nitric acid (HNO₃). The chemical transformation involves the oxidation of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides in the presence of atmospheric moisture. For example, SO₂ reacts with water to eventually form H₂SO₄, while NO₂ reacts with water to produce HNO₃. These acids then mix with precipitation and fall to the ground as rain, snow, or fog, significantly lowering the pH of the water and causing environmental damage to soil, forests, and aquatic ecosystems.

Explanation

The iodine test is a biochemical assay used to detect the presence of starch, which is a complex carbohydrate. This test relies on the physical interaction between iodine and the helical structure of amylose, a polysaccharide component of starch. When an aqueous solution of iodine and potassium iodide is added to a sample containing starch, triiodide and pentaiodide ions lodge within the coils of the amylose helix. This formation creates a charge-transfer complex that results in an intense blue-black or deep purple coloration. Because starch is one of the most common forms of carbohydrates found in plants and food sources, this color change serves as a definitive qualitative indicator for the presence of carbohydrates in a given substance.

Explanation

Graphite is a naturally occurring crystalline form of carbon and an allotrope that is widely used as the core material in pencils. Its structure consists of flat layers of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice. While the atoms within a layer are bonded strongly, the layers themselves are held together by weak van der Waals forces, allowing them to slide over each other with very little friction. When a pencil is pressed against paper, this structural weakness causes thin layers of graphite to shear off and remain on the surface, creating a visible mark. In manufacturing, graphite is typically mixed with clay to control the hardness and darkness of the pencil lead.

Explanation

Allopathy is a system of medical practice that treats disease by using remedies that produce effects different from those of the disease being treated. It relies heavily on the use of pharmacologically active agents, which are predominantly synthetic chemical compounds developed through advanced laboratory processes. These chemicals are designed to interact with specific biological targets, such as enzymes or receptors, to achieve a therapeutic effect. The development of allopathic medicine is closely linked to the progress of organic chemistry and biochemistry, allowing for the mass production of standardized, lab-synthesized drugs like antibiotics, antihistamines, and synthetic hormones. This reliance on chemically engineered substances for diagnosis, mitigation, and cure makes it the primary branch of medicine associated with synthetic compounds.

Explanation

Romancing With Life is the autobiography of the legendary Indian film actor, director, and producer Dev Anand. Published in 2007, the book chronicles his illustrious career spanning over six decades in the Indian film industry. It provides an intimate look into his personal and professional journey, starting from his early years in Gurdaspur and Lahore to his rise as a superstar in Mumbai. The memoir is noted for its candid storytelling, covering his cinematic milestones, his creative process, and his undying optimism, which solidified his reputation as the evergreen star of Indian cinema.

Explanation

Tobacco was introduced to India by the Portuguese towards the end of Akbar's reign. Upon ascending the throne, Emperor Jahangir observed that the habit of smoking had spread rapidly among the common people and the nobility, leading to widespread addiction and negative health effects. In 1617, the twelfth year of his reign, Jahangir issued a royal decree prohibiting the use of tobacco throughout the Mughal Empire. This decision is recorded in his autobiography, the Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri, where he noted that the drug had a deleterious effect on the health and mind of the people. His prohibition was influenced by a similar ban enacted by Shah Abbas I in Persia, reflecting a contemporary administrative concern regarding the social and physical impact of the newly introduced substance.

Explanation

The Garasia tribe is the third largest tribal community in Rajasthan, primarily inhabiting the southern regions of the state, including the districts of Sirohi, Udaipur, and Pali. They are culturally distinct for their deep association with folk music and traditional dance forms, which serve as a primary means of social expression and livelihood. Known for their colorful attire and artistic traditions, the Garasia perform various communal dances such as the Valar, Gaur, and Moriya, particularly during festivals like Gangaur and Holi. Their lifestyle is characterized by a strong emphasis on oral traditions, where songs and rhythmic performances are integral to their social rituals and community gatherings in the Aravalli hills.

Explanation

Henry Cavendish is credited with the discovery of hydrogen in 1766. He successfully isolated the gas by reacting metals such as zinc and iron with dilute acids, identifying the resulting substance as a distinct element which he called inflammable air. Cavendish was the first to accurately describe its properties and recognize that it produced water when burned in the presence of oxygen. His findings were published in his landmark paper On Factitious Airs, establishing the foundation for understanding the chemical nature of the lightest element in the periodic table.

Explanation

The Ganges Delta, also known as the Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta or the Bengal Delta, is the largest river delta in the world, covering an area of approximately 105,000 square kilometers. It is formed by the sediment deposits of three major rivers—the Ganges, the Brahmaputra, and the Meghna—as they flow into the Bay of Bengal. This vast region spans across Bangladesh and the Indian state of West Bengal. The delta is famous for its extremely fertile soil and houses the Sundarbans, which is the world largest single block of tidal halophytic mangrove forest. Its massive scale and complex network of distributaries make it the preeminent deltaic landform on the planet.

Explanation

The absorption of water from the cut ends of stems indicates that a negative pressure or tension exists within the xylem, which pulls water upward. Root pressure theory relies on a positive hydrostatic pressure generated by the roots to push water up; if this theory were the primary mechanism, water would be exuded (pushed out) from the cut end rather than being absorbed into it. Therefore, the observation of absorption from cut ends disproves root pressure as the universal driver of water transport.

Explanation

Guttation is the process by which plants release excess water in the form of liquid droplets from the margins or tips of their leaves. This phenomenon occurs through specialized structures called hydathodes, which are located at the vein endings. Guttation typically takes place during the night or early morning when soil moisture is high and the rate of transpiration is low. Under these conditions, root pressure builds up within the plant, forcing xylem sap out through the hydathodes. The fluid lost during guttation is not pure water but contains various dissolved substances such as salts, sugars, and organic acids.

Explanation

The Vatsalya Mela is an annual national event organized by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India. It is primarily hosted at Dilli Haat in New Delhi to provide a platform for women artisans, self-help groups, and non-governmental organizations from various parts of the country to showcase and sell their products. The fair serves as an important medium for promoting the economic empowerment of women and disseminating information about government schemes and initiatives dedicated to the welfare, protection, and overall development of women and children across India.

Explanation

Tony Hall, also known as Lord Hall of Birkenhead, assumed the office of Director-General of the BBC on April 2, 2013. He was appointed to stabilize the corporation following a period of leadership transition. Before taking this role, he had served as the Chief Executive of the Royal Opera House and had previously spent many years at the BBC, notably as the Director of News and Current Affairs. He remained in the position of Director-General throughout 2014, overseeing the broadcaster's operations, editorial direction, and charter renewal preparations during that period.

Explanation

Patrick Suckling was appointed as Australia's High Commissioner to India in December 2012 and officially took up the post in January 2013. He was a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and had previously served in various diplomatic roles in Washington and New Delhi. During his term, which lasted until early 2016, he played a key role in managing the bilateral relationship during significant diplomatic events in 2014, including the visit of Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott to India in September and the reciprocal visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Australia in November for the G20 Summit and a bilateral state visit.

Explanation

Praful Patel was elected as the President of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) in October 2009, succeeding Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi who had served in the role since 1988. Patel was subsequently re-elected for a second four-year term in December 2012 during the federation Annual General Body Meeting held in New Delhi. During his tenure in 2014, he also served as a member of the Asian Football Confederation Executive Committee and was a key figure in India being awarded the hosting rights for the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Explanation

Cyrus Pallonji Mistry officially took over as the Chairman of Tata Sons on December 29, 2012, succeeding Ratan Tata who retired upon reaching the age of 75. Mistry had been associated with the group's board since 2006 and was appointed as the Deputy Chairman in November 2011 to facilitate a year-long transition. As the son of Pallonji Mistry, the largest individual shareholder in Tata Sons, he became the sixth chairman of the salt-to-software conglomerate and the second person without the Tata surname to lead the group.