SSC CGL2016General AwarenessPage 15 of 21

SSC CGL Tier 1 2016 General Awareness Questions with Solutions

Questions from every shift of the year, grouped by section. Questions 701–750 of 1,034, each with the correct answer and a step-by-step explanation.

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701General Awareness
Sullage water is ________
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Answer: (A) Waste water released from kitchen

Explanation

Sullage water refers to the domestic waste water generated from household activities such as cooking, washing dishes, bathing, and laundry. It originates from kitchen sinks, washbasins, and showers but specifically excludes waste water from toilets, which is classified as sewage or blackwater. Sullage contains dissolved and suspended organic matter like food particles, grease, fats, and detergents. While it is less contaminated than sewage and contains fewer pathogens, it still requires proper disposal or treatment before reuse in activities like gardening or irrigation due to its organic content.

702General Awareness
Who was the first woman Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh?
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Answer: (D) Sucheta Kriplani

Explanation

Sucheta Kriplani served as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh from October 1963 to March 1967, making her the first woman to hold the office of Chief Minister in any Indian state. A prominent freedom fighter and member of the Constituent Assembly, she was deeply involved in the Quit India Movement and worked closely with Mahatma Gandhi. Her tenure as the head of the Uttar Pradesh government was characterized by her strong administrative capabilities and her ability to manage complex political dynamics within the Indian National Congress during the post-independence era.

703General Awareness
The most pure form of carbon among the options is
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Answer: (C) Graphite

Explanation

Graphite is a crystalline allotrope of carbon, meaning its chemical structure consists entirely of carbon atoms, making it the purest form among the choices. In contrast, anthracite is the purest form of coal but still contains 5-10% impurities such as moisture and minerals, while wood charcoal and lampblack are amorphous forms that typically contain various chemical residues.

704General Awareness
Chalukya temples (Jain temples) at Dilwara are situated in
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Answer: (C) Rajasthan

Explanation

The Dilwara Jain Temples are located at Mount Abu, which is the only hill station in the state of Rajasthan. These temples were constructed between the 11th and 16th centuries AD, primarily under the patronage of the Chalukya dynasty, also known as the Solankis. The complex is world-renowned for its stunning use of white marble and incredibly intricate carvings that decorate the ceilings, walls, and pillars. Key structures include the Vimal Vasahi temple, dedicated to Lord Adinath and built by Vimal Shah, and the Luna Vasahi temple, dedicated to Lord Neminath and built by the brothers Vastupala and Tejpal. The architectural finesse of these temples represents the height of the Maru-Gurjara style of architecture prevalent in the region.

705General Awareness
Trinitrotoluene is
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Answer: (D) used as an explosive

Explanation

Trinitrotoluene (TNT) is a nitrogen-rich organic compound with the chemical formula C₆H₂(NO₂)₃CH₃, prepared by the stepwise nitration of toluene. It is primarily utilized as a high explosive in military shells, bombs, and grenades, as well as in industrial blasting and underwater applications. TNT is particularly valued in these fields because it is relatively insensitive to friction and shock, allowing it to be handled safely, yet it produces a powerful detonation. Its chemical stability and energy release are so well-characterized that the megaton and kiloton of TNT are the standard units used to measure the energy yield of other explosives and nuclear weapons.

706General Awareness
In a cut motion, when the amount of demand is reduced by Rs 100/- it is known as
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Answer: (D) Token cut

Explanation

A Token Cut motion is a parliamentary procedure used during the discussion on the Demands for Grants to voice a specific grievance that is within the sphere of the responsibility of the Government of India. Its symbolic nature is characterized by the proposal that the amount of the demand be reduced by Rs 100. This specific reduction does not aim to significantly alter the financial allocation or oppose the underlying policy of the demand. Instead, it serves as a formal mechanism for members of the House to bring attention to particular issues, complaints, or administrative lapses, ensuring that these matters are discussed and recorded during the budgetary process.

707General Awareness
One of the leading producers of asbestos in the world is
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Answer: (B) Russia

Explanation

Russia is the world's leading producer of asbestos, accounting for approximately half of global production. While Canada was historically a major producer, it ceased all asbestos production by 2012.

708General Awareness
Beighton Cup is associated with which of the following?
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Answer: (B) Hockey

Explanation

The Beighton Cup is one of the oldest field hockey tournaments in the world. Instituted in 1895, it is held annually in Kolkata and is organized by the Bengal Hockey Association. The tournament is named after T.D. Beighton, who was a legal remembrancer of the Government of Bengal. For over a century, it has remained a prestigious competition in the Indian domestic hockey circuit, predating the official national championships and playing a vital role in the popularization of the sport in the country.

709General Awareness
If Reserve Bank of India reduces the cash reserve ratio, it will :
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Answer: (A) increase credit creation

Explanation

The Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) is the specific minimum percentage of total deposits that commercial banks are required to hold as reserves with the Reserve Bank of India. The credit creation capacity of the banking system is inversely related to the reserve ratio, as expressed by the money multiplier formula M = (1)/(CRR). When the Reserve Bank of India reduces the CRR, banks are required to keep a smaller portion of their Net Demand and Time Liabilities as idle cash with the central bank. This action releases additional liquidity into the banking system, increasing the excess reserves available for lending. With more loanable funds and a higher money multiplier, commercial banks can extend more loans to borrowers, which leads to an expansion in the overall credit creation within the economy.

710General Awareness
Nitrification is the biological process of converting
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Answer: (C) Ammonia into nitrite

Explanation

Nitrification is a vital two-step aerobic biological process in the nitrogen cycle mediated by specialized autotrophic bacteria. In the first phase, ammonia (NH₃) or ammonium ions (NH₄^+) are oxidized into nitrite (NO₂^-). This transformation is primarily carried out by ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) such as those belonging to the genus Nitrosomonas. The chemical equation for this initial step is 2NH₄^+ + 3O₂ → 2NO₂^- + 2H₂O + 4H^+. This conversion is followed by a second stage where nitrite is further oxidized into nitrate (NO₃^-) by nitrite-oxidizing bacteria like Nitrobacter. The oxidation of ammonia to nitrite is the foundational part of this process that allows nitrogen to eventually be converted into a form easily assimilated by plants.

711General Awareness
Among the following States, _________ has the lowest birth rate in India.
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Answer: (A) Kerala

Explanation

Kerala has historically maintained the lowest birth rate among the major states in India due to its advanced demographic transition. According to the Sample Registration System (SRS) data available around 2014-2016, Kerala reported a birth rate of approximately 14.8 per 1,000 population, which was significantly lower than the national average and the other states mentioned. This demographic achievement is primarily attributed to high levels of social development, particularly female literacy, which correlates strongly with lower fertility rates. The state's robust public healthcare infrastructure, which ensures low infant mortality and high life expectancy, further encourages smaller family sizes. Additionally, factors such as a higher average age at marriage and successful long-term implementation of family planning and welfare programs have consistently kept Kerala's birth rate at a low level.

712General Awareness
The Secretariat of SAARC is set up at ___________
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Answer: (B) Kathmandu

Explanation

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Secretariat was established in Kathmandu, Nepal, on 16 January 1987. It serves as the central administrative body of the organization, responsible for coordinating and monitoring the implementation of SAARC activities, servicing the meetings of the Association, and acting as a primary channel of communication between SAARC and other international organizations. The Secretariat is headed by a Secretary-General, who is appointed by the Council of Ministers from Member States for a three-year term based on alphabetical rotation. The decision to locate the headquarters in Kathmandu was finalized during the second SAARC Summit held in Bangalore in 1986.

713General Awareness
The outermost range of Himalayas is called ___________
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Answer: (B) Shivaliks

Explanation

The Shivaliks, also known as the Outer Himalayas, constitute the southernmost and outermost range of the Himalayan mountain system. They are the youngest part of the Himalayas, formed by the accumulation of conglomerates and sediments brought down by rivers from the higher Himalayan ranges. This range lies between the Lesser Himalayas to the north and the Indo-Gangetic plains to the south. The Shivaliks extend almost continuously from the Indus River in the west to the Brahmaputra River in the east, with an average altitude varying between 900 and 1100 meters. Their position as the forward-most range facing the plains defines them as the outermost longitudinal division of the Himalayas.

714General Awareness
Who is generally considered to be the father of the Indian Renaissance?
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Answer: (B) Raja Rammohan Roy

Explanation

Raja Rammohan Roy is widely regarded as the Father of the Indian Renaissance because he was a pioneer of modern socio-religious reform movements in India. He founded the Brahmo Samaj in 1828, which aimed at purging Hindu society of evil practices and superstitions. He played a crucial role in the abolition of Sati through the Regulation of 1829 and advocated for women's rights, including the right to inherit property. By emphasizing rationalism, monotheism, and the synthesis of Western scientific thought with Indian philosophy, he laid the foundation for the modernization of Indian society and intellectual life.

715General Awareness
The longest river of peninsular India is________
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Answer: (B) Godavari

Explanation

The Godavari is the longest river in Peninsular India, stretching over a total length of approximately 1,465 kilometers. It originates from the Trimbakeshwar plateau in the Nasik district of Maharashtra and flows eastwards across the Deccan Plateau before draining into the Bay of Bengal. Due to its immense size, length, and cultural significance, it is often referred to as the Dakshin Ganga or the Vridha Ganga. The Godavari basin is the second largest in India, covering nearly 10 percent of the country's total geographical area and passing through the states of Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.

716General Awareness
________gives hardness to stainless steel.
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Answer: (C) Carbon

Explanation

Carbon acts as the primary hardening agent in stainless steel. When added to the iron-chromium alloy, carbon atoms occupy the interstitial spaces within the crystal lattice of the iron atoms. This positioning restricts the movement of dislocations and prevents the layers of atoms from sliding over one another easily under stress. This mechanism significantly increases the hardness, yield strength, and tensile strength of the metal. While chromium is the essential element that provides corrosion resistance, the carbon content is specifically adjusted to achieve the desired level of mechanical hardness and wear resistance in different grades of stainless steel.

717General Awareness
Which of the following is responsible for transport of food and other substances in plants?
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Answer: (B) Phloem

Explanation

Phloem is the specialized vascular tissue responsible for the translocation of organic nutrients, particularly sucrose produced during photosynthesis, from the leaves to the roots, fruits, and other storage organs. This movement of food and other substances, such as amino acids, is bidirectional to ensure that all parts of the plant receive the energy required for growth and metabolism. The process is driven by pressure-flow or mass-flow mechanisms through sieve tube elements and companion cells, which facilitate the transport of sap under hydrostatic pressure throughout the plant body.

718General Awareness
The washing machine works on the principle of ________
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Answer: (D) Centrifugation

Explanation

Centrifugation is the process that uses centrifugal force to separate particles from a liquid based on their density and size. In a washing machine, this principle is utilized primarily during the spin cycle where the inner tub rotates at high speeds. The resulting centrifugal force F = m ω² r pulls the water and dirt particles away from the center toward the outer walls. Because the drum is perforated with small holes, the water is forced out through these openings while the clothes are held back by the drum walls. This mechanical separation effectively extracts moisture and debris from the fabric.

719General Awareness
Which is not an external storage device?
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Answer: (D) RAM

Explanation

RAM (Random Access Memory) is categorized as primary or internal memory because it is directly accessible by the Central Processing Unit via the system bus. It serves as a temporary, volatile workspace where the computer stores data and instructions currently in use for immediate processing. Unlike secondary or external storage devices meant for long-term data preservation, RAM is essential for the system's core operation and loses its contents as soon as the power supply is interrupted. It is typically installed in slots on the motherboard rather than being connected as an external peripheral.

720General Awareness
Which of the following is the correct description of the term sex-ratio as used in the context of the census of population?
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Answer: (B) Number of females per 1000 males.

Explanation

In the context of the Indian Census, the sex ratio is defined as the number of females per 1000 males in a given population. It serves as a vital demographic indicator to analyze the gender balance and the socio-economic status of women in the country. The calculation is performed using the following formula:

Sex Ratio = (Total Number of Females)/(Total Number of Males) × 1000

By expressing the female population relative to a fixed base of 1000 males, this metric allows for standardized comparisons across different states, districts, and time periods. For instance, in the 2011 Census, the national sex ratio of India was identified as 943, meaning there were 943 females for every 1000 males.

721General Awareness
The atomic power station in Rajasthan is situated at:
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Answer: (C) Rawatbhata

Explanation

The Rajasthan Atomic Power Station (RAPS) is situated at Rawatbhata in the Chittorgarh district of Rajasthan. It is a nuclear power plant consisting of several pressurized heavy water reactor (PHWR) units. The facility was established with technical assistance from Canada, utilizing the Canadian Deuterium Uranium (CANDU) reactor design for its initial units. The first unit of the station commenced commercial operations in 1973, marking it as the first plant in India to use PHWR technology. It is operated by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and provides a significant portion of the electricity required for the northern power grid.

722General Awareness
Right to Privacy comes under________
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Answer: (C) Article 21

Explanation

Article 21 of the Indian Constitution states that no person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law. Over decades of judicial activism and interpretation, the Supreme Court of India has expanded the scope of personal liberty to include various unenumerated rights essential for a dignified life. Prior to 2016, the judiciary had established in several landmark cases, such as R. Rajagopal vs State of Tamil Nadu (1994) and People's Union for Civil Liberties vs Union of India (1997), that the right to privacy is an inherent part of the right to life and personal liberty guaranteed under this article. This interpretation ensures that an individual's private life, family, and correspondence are protected from arbitrary government interference.

723General Awareness
The foreign traveller who visited India during the reign of Shahjahan was ________
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Answer: (D) Manucci

Explanation

Niccolao Manucci was an Italian traveller who arrived in India during the latter part of Shah Jahan's reign in the mid-17th century. He served in the Mughal army as an artilleryman under Prince Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of Shah Jahan, and witnessed the turbulent War of Succession between Shah Jahan's sons. Manucci's extensive memoir, Storia do Mogor, serves as a crucial historical source, offering a detailed insider's view of the Mughal court, including the final years of Shah Jahan's rule and the subsequent reign of Aurangzeb.

724General Awareness
The GST (Goods and Services Tax), recently passed by Government will be levied on which of the following products?
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Answer: (B) Tobacco

Explanation

Tobacco and tobacco products are included within the ambit of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) under the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act. As a demerit or sin good, tobacco is subject to the standard GST rates along with an additional Compensation Cess. Furthermore, the legislation specifically allows the Central Government to retain the power to levy Central Excise Duty on tobacco products in addition to GST. This dual levy ensures that the tax burden on tobacco remains high to discourage consumption while bringing it under the unified national tax structure for better compliance and revenue tracking.

725General Awareness
Who was elected the Prime Minister of Nepal recently?
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Answer: (D) Pushpakamal Dahal 'Prachanda'

Explanation

Pushpakamal Dahal, widely known by his nom de guerre Prachanda, was elected as the Prime Minister of Nepal on August 3, 2016. He is the chairman of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre). His election to the post followed the resignation of the previous incumbent and was supported by a coalition that included the Nepali Congress. This appointment marked Prachanda's second term as the Prime Minister of the country, having previously served in the position from 2008 to 2009.

726General Awareness
Which lobe of human brain is associated with hearing?
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Answer: (C) Temporal lobe

Explanation

The temporal lobe is primarily responsible for processing auditory information and is the location of the primary auditory cortex. It receives sensory input from the ears and interprets these signals into meaningful sounds, such as speech and music. Situated on the bottom middle part of the cerebral cortex behind the temples, it also plays a significant role in high-level visual processing and language recognition through areas like Wernicke's area.

727General Awareness
Which of the following is not soluble in water?
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Answer: (A) Lead sulphate

Explanation

Lead sulphate (PbSO₄) is an insoluble white crystalline solid. According to general solubility rules, while most sulphate salts are soluble in water, sulphates of lead, barium, and strontium are notable exceptions. The low solubility of lead sulphate is due to its high lattice energy and the relatively low hydration energy of the lead ion, which prevents the crystal lattice from breaking down effectively in an aqueous environment. The solubility product constant Kₛₚ for PbSO₄ is approximately 1.6 × 10⁻⁸ at 25 degrees Celsius, indicating that only a negligible amount dissolves in water.

728General Awareness
Activated Charcoal is used to remove colouring matter from pure substances by
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Answer: (C) Adsorption

Explanation

Activated charcoal is a highly porous form of carbon with an exceptionally large surface area, which makes it an effective adsorbent. It works through the process of adsorption, a surface phenomenon where molecules of a gas, liquid, or dissolved solid adhere to the surface of a solid material. When used for purification, the molecules of coloring matter and other impurities are attracted to and trapped within the internal pores of the charcoal particles through physical forces. This allows for the efficient removal of pigments and organic impurities from solutions, such as in the refining of sugar or the treatment of water, without altering the chemical identity of the substance being purified.

729General Awareness
Chernobyl disaster is the result of pollution by
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Answer: (D) Radioactive waste

Explanation

The Chernobyl disaster was a catastrophic nuclear accident that occurred on April 26, 1986, at the No. 4 reactor in the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, located in the Ukrainian SSR of the Soviet Union. The disaster was initiated during a safety test when a combination of inherent reactor design flaws and operator errors led to an uncontrolled power surge. This resulted in a massive steam explosion and an open-air graphite fire that lasted for several days. The incident released a colossal amount of radioactive contamination into the atmosphere, which spread as fallout across vast areas of the western Soviet Union and Europe. The resulting environmental pollution was characterized by the dispersal of dangerous radioactive isotopes, including Iodine-131, Cesium-137, and Strontium-90, which posed long-term health risks and led to the permanent evacuation of the surrounding exclusion zone.

730General Awareness
Which of the following caused radioactive pollution along the coast of Kerala?
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Answer: (C) Thorium

Explanation

The coastal belt of Kerala, particularly in the Kollam and Alappuzha districts, is known for its high concentrations of monazite soil. Monazite is a mineral that contains a significant percentage of Thorium (Th), a naturally occurring radioactive element. The presence of these thorium-rich beach sands results in High Background Radiation Areas (HBRAs), where the levels of terrestrial radiation are much higher than the global average. This natural occurrence is often cited in the context of radioactive pollution due to the elevated exposure risks associated with the decay products of thorium found in the local environment and soil.

731General Awareness
In mammals, an important role of excretion is played by ________
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Answer: (B) Kidneys

Explanation

Kidneys are the primary excretory organs in mammals responsible for the filtration of blood to remove metabolic waste products, specifically nitrogenous wastes like urea. They function by filtering blood through millions of tiny functional units called nephrons, which selectively reabsorb essential nutrients, ions, and water while concentrating waste into urine. Beyond the removal of toxic metabolic byproducts, the kidneys play a critical role in homeostatic processes such as osmoregulation, which involves maintaining the precise water and salt balance in the body. They also assist in the regulation of blood pressure, the maintenance of blood pH levels, and the balancing of electrolytes, making them the central component of the mammalian renal system.

732General Awareness
The second Green Revolution aims at increasing agricultural output to promote
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Answer: (C) Inclusive growth

Explanation

The second Green Revolution aims to achieve inclusive growth by expanding the scope of agricultural development beyond the limitations of the first phase. It focuses on bridging regional disparities by targeting rain-fed areas and the eastern states of India, ensuring that the benefits of high-yield technology reach small and marginal farmers who were previously excluded. By promoting sustainable farming practices, crop diversification into pulses and oilseeds, and better market linkages, the initiative seeks to enhance the income levels of the entire rural population. This approach ensures that agricultural progress is not just about total output but also about equitable distribution and the upliftment of the most vulnerable sections of society.

733General Awareness
Which of the following causes rainfall during winters in the north-western part of India?
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Answer: (A) Western disturbances

Explanation

Western disturbances are extra-tropical storms originating in the Mediterranean region that bring sudden winter rain to the northwestern parts of the Indian subcontinent. Driven by the westerly jet streams, these low-pressure systems travel eastward across West Asia and Iran before reaching India. They are responsible for the light to moderate precipitation experienced during the winter months in states like Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and the western Himalayan region. This rainfall is vital for the cultivation of Rabi crops, particularly wheat. While the moisture is primarily sourced from the Mediterranean Sea, these disturbances often pick up additional moisture from the Caspian Sea and the Persian Gulf during their transit. In the higher reaches of the Himalayas, they also result in significant snowfall, which helps maintain the glacier feed for North Indian rivers.

734General Awareness
The 'Blue Water Policy' was introduced by the Portuguese leader ________
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Answer: (A) Franscisco-de-Almeida

Explanation

Francisco de Almeida, the first Portuguese Viceroy in India (1505–1509), introduced the Blue Water Policy. This strategic vision aimed to establish Portuguese supremacy in the Indian Ocean by focusing on naval power rather than the acquisition of large land territories. Almeida believed that as long as the Portuguese remained powerful at sea, they could control the lucrative spice trade and secure their interests against rivals. The policy prioritized the development of a formidable fleet and the control of key maritime routes to ensure that Portugal became the dominant maritime power in the region.

735General Awareness
Among the following States, __________has the lowest birth rate in India.
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Answer: (A) Kerala

Explanation

Kerala has long been the leader in India's demographic transition, maintaining the lowest crude birth rate among the major states. According to the data provided by the Sample Registration System (SRS) for the years preceding 2016, Kerala reported a birth rate of approximately 14.8 per 1,000 population. This low figure is primarily driven by the state's high social development indices, particularly in the areas of female literacy and healthcare accessibility. The high level of education among women in Kerala has led to increased awareness of reproductive health and a higher average age at marriage. Furthermore, the state's success in reducing infant and child mortality rates has created an environment where families feel secure in having fewer children, resulting in a birth rate that is significantly below the national average.

736General Awareness
The Secretariat of SAARC is set up at __________
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Answer: (B) Kathmandu

Explanation

The Secretariat of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was established in Kathmandu, Nepal, on 16 January 1987. It was inaugurated by Late King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah of Nepal to serve as the headquarters for the regional intergovernmental organization. The Secretariat is responsible for coordinating and monitoring the implementation of SAARC activities, servicing the meetings of the Association, and acting as a channel of communication between SAARC and other international organizations. It is headed by a Secretary-General who is appointed by the Council of Ministers from Member States in alphabetical order for a three-year term.

737General Awareness
The outermost range of Himalayas is called __________
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Answer: (B) Shiwaliks

Explanation

The Shiwaliks, also known as the Outer Himalayas, constitute the southernmost and outermost range of the Himalayan mountain system. This range extends across a width of 10 to 50 kilometres and has altitudes typically ranging between 900 and 1100 metres. Geologically, the Shiwaliks are the youngest part of the mountain chain and are composed of unconsolidated sediments such as gravel, silt, and clay brought down by rivers from the higher Himalayan ranges to the north. They form a continuous belt from the Indus River in the west to the Brahmaputra in the east, acting as the transition zone between the Great Plains of India and the Lesser Himalayas.

738General Awareness
The longest river of peninsular India is ________
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Answer: (B) Godavari

Explanation

The Godavari is the longest river in peninsular India, stretching approximately 1,465 kilometers. It originates from the Trimbakeshwar in the Nashik district of Maharashtra, situated in the Western Ghats. The river flows eastward across the Deccan Plateau, passing through the states of Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. Due to its immense length and large catchment area, which is the second largest in India after the Ganga, it is often referred to as the Dakshin Ganga or Vridha Ganga. Its basin drains about 10% of India's total geographical area, making it the most significant river system in the peninsular region.

739General Awareness
________ gives hardness to stainless steel.
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Answer: (C) Carbon

Explanation

Carbon is the primary hardening agent in steel and stainless steel alloys. While chromium is primarily added to provide corrosion resistance, the mechanical strength and hardness of the alloy are largely determined by the carbon content. During the alloying process, carbon atoms fit into the interstitial spaces of the iron crystal lattice, hindering the movement of dislocations and thereby increasing the material resistance to deformation. In martensitic stainless steels, specific levels of carbon allow the material to be hardened through heat treatment processes such as quenching and tempering, which results in a significant increase in structural hardness and wear resistance.

740General Awareness
The atomic power station in Rajasthan is situated at:
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Answer: (C) Rawathbata

Explanation

The Rajasthan Atomic Power Station (RAPS) is located at Rawatbhata in the Chittorgarh district of Rajasthan. Established in collaboration with Canada, it was the first facility in India to employ pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWR). The station began its commercial operations in 1973 with the commissioning of its first unit. As a major nuclear power hub managed by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), the site was chosen due to its proximity to the Rana Pratap Sagar Dam, which provides the necessary water supply for cooling the reactors. By 2016, the facility had multiple operational units, significantly contributing to the power grid of northern India.

741General Awareness
The Sahitya Akademi Awards are given for best writings in how many Indian languages?
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Answer: (D) 24

Explanation

The Sahitya Akademi, India's National Academy of Letters, confers its annual awards on writers of the most outstanding books of literary merit published in any of the 24 major Indian languages it recognizes. These 24 languages comprise the 22 languages enumerated in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution—Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santhali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu—along with English and Rajasthani. The award comprises a casket containing an engraved copper plaque, a shawl, and an amount of 1,00,000 rupees.

742General Awareness
Right to Privacy comes under___________
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Answer: (C) Article 21

Explanation

Article 21 of the Indian Constitution guarantees the protection of life and personal liberty, stating that no person shall be deprived of these rights except according to procedure established by law. The Supreme Court of India has historically interpreted the scope of personal liberty broadly to include various unenumerated rights necessary for a dignified existence. Through several judicial precedents prior to 2016, such as in the Govind v. State of Madhya Pradesh and PUCL v. Union of India cases, the judiciary established that the right to privacy is an essential component of the personal liberty protected under Article 21. This interpretation ensures that individuals are protected from arbitrary state interference in their private lives, as the right to be let alone is considered fundamental to the concept of individual autonomy and liberty.

743General Awareness
The foreign traveller who visited India during the reign of Shahjahan was___________
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Answer: (D) Manucci

Explanation

Niccolao Manucci was an Italian traveler who arrived in India in 1656 during the latter part of Shah Jahan's reign. He initially joined the service of Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of Shah Jahan, as an artilleryman and was present during the war of succession that followed Shah Jahan's illness. Manucci remained in India for many years, serving various patrons and practicing medicine. He is best known for his monumental work titled Storia do Mogor, which provides an extensive and vivid account of the Mughal court, administration, and social life during the reigns of Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb.

744General Awareness
In mammals, an important role of excretion is played by________
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Answer: (B) Kidneys

Explanation

The kidneys serve as the primary excretory organs in mammals, performing the vital function of filtering blood to remove metabolic waste products and excess substances. Their main role involves the elimination of nitrogenous wastes, specifically urea, which is produced during protein metabolism and transported via the bloodstream. Within the kidneys, millions of functional units called nephrons process the blood through glomerular filtration, tubular reabsorption, and secretion. This process not only removes toxins but also regulates the body's water potential, electrolyte balance, and blood pressure. The resulting fluid, urine, is then transported to the bladder for excretion, making the kidneys central to maintaining physiological homeostasis and preventing internal toxicity.

745General Awareness
The 'Blue Water Policy' was introduced by the Portuguese leader
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Answer: (A) Franscisco-de-Almeida

Explanation

Francisco de Almeida was appointed as the first Portuguese Viceroy in India in 1505. He initiated the Blue Water Policy, which aimed to establish Portuguese supremacy over the Indian Ocean. Instead of focusing on building a land-based empire or capturing extensive territories in the interior, Almeida advocated for the mastery of the sea through a powerful navy. The policy dictated that the Portuguese should be the sole controllers of the maritime trade routes, forcing all other merchant ships to pay for protection or face seizure. This strategy ensured Portuguese dominance over the lucrative spice trade by securing key naval points and maintaining a formidable fleet to protect their commercial interests against rivals.

746General Awareness
Who among the following is not a member of the National Development Council?
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Answer: (D) The President of India

Explanation

The National Development Council (NDC) was established in August 1952 to serve as the highest body for decision-making and deliberations on development matters in India. Its membership comprises the Prime Minister, Union Cabinet Ministers, the Chief Ministers of all States and Union Territories, and the members of NITI Aayog (which succeeded the Planning Commission). The President of India is the constitutional head of state and does not participate as a member of this executive body, as the council is designed to facilitate coordination specifically between the executive wings of the central and state governments.

747General Awareness
The rate of tax increase as the amount of the tax base increases is called
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Answer: (B) Progressive tax

Explanation

A progressive tax is a tax system where the tax rate increases as the taxable amount or the tax base increases. This structure follows the principle of ability to pay, meaning that individuals with higher incomes or larger tax bases pay a higher percentage of that base in taxes than those with lower incomes. In a progressive system, the marginal tax rate is typically higher than the average tax rate, ensuring that the tax burden grows more than proportionately with the increase in the tax base to promote vertical equity and wealth redistribution within an economy.

748General Awareness
The supply-side economics lays greater emphasis on
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Answer: (A) Producer

Explanation

Supply-side economics is a macroeconomic theory that argues economic growth is most effectively created by increasing the production of goods and services. It focuses on the producer by advocating for policies such as corporate tax cuts, deregulation, and incentives for capital investment. The central premise is based on Say Law, which states that supply creates its own demand. By reducing the costs and regulatory burdens on businesses, proponents believe that producers will expand operations, innovate, and hire more workers, thereby driving overall economic prosperity and wealth creation that eventually benefits the broader population.

749General Awareness
The founding father of "Theory of bureaucracy" was
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Answer: (B) Max Weber

Explanation

Max Weber, a German sociologist, is widely recognized as the founding father of the theory of bureaucracy through his development of the "ideal type" model of administrative organization. In his seminal work, Economy and Society, Weber analyzed bureaucracy as a form of legal-rational authority that is superior to traditional or charismatic leadership in terms of efficiency and stability. He identified key characteristics that define a formal bureaucratic structure, including a clear hierarchy of authority, a specialized division of labor, recruitment based on technical qualifications, and the application of consistent, impersonal rules and regulations. His theoretical framework provided the first systematic study of how large-scale organizations function rationally to achieve specific goals.

750General Awareness
The United Nations Organisation came into existence in
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Answer: (C) 1945

Explanation

The United Nations (UN) was officially established on October 24, 1945. This followed the signing of the United Nations Charter on June 26, 1945, at the conclusion of the United Nations Conference on International Organization in San Francisco. The organization formally came into existence after the Charter was ratified by the five permanent members of the Security Council—China, France, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States—along with a majority of the other 46 original signatories. October 24 is celebrated annually as United Nations Day to mark this anniversary.

Answer key

Tap a number to jump to that question.

  1. 701A
  2. 702D
  3. 703C
  4. 704C
  5. 705D
  6. 706D
  7. 707B
  8. 708B
  9. 709A
  10. 710C
  11. 711A
  12. 712B
  13. 713B
  14. 714B
  15. 715B
  16. 716C
  17. 717B
  18. 718D
  19. 719D
  20. 720B
  21. 721C
  22. 722C
  23. 723D
  24. 724B
  25. 725D
  26. 726C
  27. 727A
  28. 728C
  29. 729D
  30. 730C
  31. 731B
  32. 732C
  33. 733A
  34. 734A
  35. 735A
  36. 736B
  37. 737B
  38. 738B
  39. 739C
  40. 740C
  41. 741D
  42. 742C
  43. 743D
  44. 744B
  45. 745A
  46. 746D
  47. 747B
  48. 748A
  49. 749B
  50. 750C

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