SSC CGL Tier 1 2016 General Awareness Questions with Solutions

Explanation

An echo is the repetition of sound caused by the reflection of sound waves from a hard surface back to the listener. When a sound wave encounters an obstacle like a wall, cliff, or mountainside, it behaves similarly to light hitting a mirror and bounces back toward the source. For the human ear to distinguish an echo from the original sound, the reflected wave must reach the ear at least 0.1 seconds after the initial sound is produced. This interval corresponds to the persistence of hearing in humans. Taking the speed of sound in air to be approximately 344 m/s, the total distance traveled by the sound to the reflecting surface and back must be at least 34.4 meters, meaning the obstacle must be located at a minimum distance of 17.2 meters from the source.

Explanation

A bridge is a networking device that operates at the Data Link Layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model. Its primary function is to connect two or more network segments or local area networks (LANs) to form a single logical network. It functions by filtering and forwarding data frames based on the physical MAC (Media Access Control) addresses of the devices. When a bridge receives a frame, it examines the destination address and consults its internal MAC address table to decide whether the frame should be forwarded to another segment or blocked. By doing so, a bridge effectively splits a large collision domain into smaller segments, which reduces network congestion and improves overall transmission efficiency.

Explanation

Silver possesses the highest thermal conductivity of all metals, with a value of approximately 429 W/(m) at room temperature. This property is primarily due to its high density of free electrons and its unique crystalline lattice structure, which allow for the efficient transfer of kinetic energy through the material. In metals, thermal conduction occurs largely through the movement of these delocalized valence electrons. According to the Wiedemann-Franz Law, the ratio of thermal conductivity to electrical conductivity is proportional to the temperature; since silver has the highest electrical conductivity of any element, it consequently exhibits the highest thermal conductivity. This enables silver to dissipate or transfer heat more rapidly than any other metallic substance.

Explanation

Kalidasa, the renowned classical Sanskrit author and poet, wrote the lyrical poem Meghdoot, which translates to The Cloud Messenger. The poem tells the story of a Yaksha, a subject of King Kubera, who was exiled for a year to Central India for neglecting his duties. Desperate to send a message to his wife in the city of Alaka in the Himalayas, the Yaksha convinces a passing cloud to act as his messenger. The work is famous for its use of the Mandakranta meter and is highly regarded for its vivid and soulful descriptions of nature and human longing. Kalidasa is widely considered the greatest poet and dramatist in the Sanskrit language, often associated with the court of the Gupta Empire.

Explanation

Recycling involves processing waste materials into new products, which is the most sustainable method for managing non-biodegradable materials like plastics, metals, and glass. Since these materials do not break down through natural biological processes, they would otherwise persist in the environment for centuries. By reclaiming raw materials, recycling conserves natural resources, reduces the energy required for manufacturing from virgin sources, and significantly minimizes the total volume of waste requiring disposal. This process effectively keeps materials within the production cycle, preventing environmental degradation and the exhaustion of finite resources.

Explanation

The Child Marriage Restraint Act of 1929 is popularly known as the Sharda Act, named after its sponsor Rai Sahib Harbilas Sarda. It was the first legislative step in India to specifically combat the social evil of child marriage by legally defining and restricting the age at which individuals could wed. The act originally fixed the minimum age of marriage at 14 years for girls and 18 years for boys, marking a significant milestone in social reform and the protection of children's rights during the British era.

Explanation

The First Battle of Panipat, fought on April 21, 1526, was a decisive conflict between the invading forces of Babur and the Lodi Empire. Ibrahim Lodi, the Sultan of Delhi, led a massive army but was defeated by Babur's superior military tactics and the first significant use of gunpowder and field artillery in Northern India. Babur employed the Tulughma strategy, which involved encircling the enemy forces from the flanks, and used protected gun carriages to break the Lodi lines. The death of Ibrahim Lodi on the battlefield resulted in the end of the Delhi Sultanate and the establishment of the Mughal Empire.

Explanation

The term Smart Money is commonly used to refer to credit cards and other forms of plastic money. It represents the modernization of payment systems where physical cash is replaced by electronic credit and debit facilities. Credit cards are designated as smart money because they provide immediate purchasing power through a pre-approved credit limit, allowing for high-value transactions and financial flexibility without the need to carry liquid currency. This digital form of currency facilitates seamless transactions, offers security features like PIN and chip encryption, and enables consumers to manage their cash flow more effectively by utilizing credit cycles.

Explanation

In 2014, the Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the Nobel Peace Prize jointly to Kailash Satyarthi and Malala Yousafzai for their struggle against the suppression of children and young people and for the right of all children to education. Kailash Satyarthi, an Indian child rights activist and founder of Bachpan Bachao Andolan, was recognized for his extensive work in liberating children from forced labor and advocating for their fundamental rights. Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani activist, became the youngest-ever Nobel laureate for her persistent advocacy for girls education despite facing life-threatening opposition from the Taliban. The joint recognition emphasized that the education and safety of children are universal concerns that transcend national and religious boundaries.

Explanation

An open system is defined as a thermodynamic system that can exchange both matter and energy with its surroundings. When ammonium chloride (NH₄Cl) is warmed with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) in a test tube, a chemical reaction occurs as follows:

NH₄Cl(s) + NaOH(aq) → NaCl(aq) + H₂O(l) + NH₃(g) ↑

In this process, heat energy is transferred from the external source (the burner or water bath) to the reactants in the test tube, representing an exchange of energy. Additionally, the reaction produces ammonia gas (NH₃), which escapes from the open mouth of the test tube into the atmosphere. Because the system allows for the loss of chemical matter to the surroundings and the gain of thermal energy from the surroundings, it constitutes an open system.

Explanation

Wind energy is recognized as the cleanest source of energy because it generates electricity by capturing the natural kinetic energy of air currents without any combustion process. During operation, wind turbines produce zero carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, or mercury emissions, which are primary contributors to global warming and acid rain. Unlike thermal or nuclear power generation, wind energy requires virtually no water for cooling, thus conserving vital water resources and preventing thermal pollution of aquatic ecosystems. Additionally, wind power does not produce toxic or radioactive waste materials, making it environmentally benign throughout its operational lifespan.

Explanation

Kalpana Chawla was an Indian-born American astronaut and mechanical engineer who became the first woman of Indian origin to fly in space. Born in Karnal, Haryana, she moved to the United States to pursue higher education in aerospace engineering and was selected by NASA for the astronaut program in 1994. Her first space mission began on November 19, 1997, as part of the six-astronaut crew that flew the Space Shuttle Columbia flight STS-87. During this mission, she traveled over 10.4 million miles in 252 orbits of the Earth, logging more than 372 hours in space.

Explanation

Male mosquitoes possess a proboscis that is not designed for piercing skin, which prevents them from feeding on blood. Instead, their primary source of nutrition and energy comes from sugar-rich substances. They feed on the nectar of flowers and the sap of plants to obtain the carbohydrates necessary for flight and metabolic functions. While female mosquitoes require a blood meal to provide the protein and iron necessary for egg production, male mosquitoes do not produce eggs and therefore rely exclusively on plant-based juices throughout their adult lives.

Explanation

The Karakoram Range serves as a major watershed and a natural geographic barrier between the Indian subcontinent and Central Asia, particularly the region of East Turkistan. It forms the divide between the Indus River system, which drains southwards into the Arabian Sea, and the endorheic basins of the Tarim and Yarkand rivers in the north, which flow into the deserts of Central Asia. Spanning the borders of India, Pakistan, and China, this range includes some of the highest peaks in the world and has historically functioned as the primary water parting line between the hydrographic systems of South Asia and those of the interior Central Asian plateau.

Explanation

Kolattam is a traditional folk dance of Andhra Pradesh, often referred to as the stick dance. It is performed by groups of dancers who use two sticks to strike against each other in rhythmic patterns, creating a musical accompaniment to their movements during religious festivals and social gatherings. Chholiya is a famous martial folk dance originating from the Kumaon region, which was historically a part of Uttar Pradesh. This dance features performers dressed in traditional warrior attire, carrying swords and shields to enact mock combat sequences, and is commonly performed during wedding processions and local festivals.

Explanation

The Public Accounts Committee is one of the oldest and most significant financial committees of the Indian Parliament, originally established in 1921. Its primary function is to examine the annual audit reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India regarding the accounts of the Union Government. Although the Chairman of the committee is appointed by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha from among its members, a strong parliamentary convention established in 1967 requires that the Chairperson be selected from the opposition. This tradition ensures an impartial and critical evaluation of the government's financial expenditures and administrative efficiency, strengthening legislative oversight over the executive.

Explanation

Vitamin K functions as an essential cofactor for the enzyme gamma-glutamyl carboxylase, which is responsible for the post-translational modification of specific proteins involved in blood coagulation. This enzyme catalyzes the carboxylation of glutamic acid residues into gamma-carboxyglutamic acid residues on vitamin K-dependent clotting factors synthesized in the liver. Prothrombin, also known as Factor II, is a key protein in this group. This chemical modification is necessary for prothrombin to bind calcium ions and attach to phospholipid membranes, allowing it to be converted into thrombin during the blood clotting cascade to prevent hemorrhage.

Explanation

Microeconomics focuses on the analysis of individual economic units, such as a specific consumer, a single household, or a particular business firm. In this context, BSNL is an individual enterprise operating within the telecommunications sector. Studying the sales of mobile phones specifically for BSNL involves examining the output and market performance of a single firm rather than aggregating data for the entire national economy. Since the study is confined to the operations and revenue of one specific entity, it represents a microeconomic approach.

Explanation

The money market is a component of the financial system that facilitates the borrowing and lending of funds for short-term durations, generally ranging from overnight up to one year. It serves as a vital platform for participants like banks, financial institutions, and the government to manage their immediate liquidity requirements and bridge temporary gaps between cash inflows and outflows. Financial instruments traded in this market, such as Treasury Bills, Certificates of Deposit, and Commercial Paper, are characterized by high liquidity and low default risk, making them ideal for short-term capital management.

Explanation

India shares its longest international land border with Bangladesh, which spans a total length of approximately 4,096.7 kilometers. This extensive boundary runs along five Indian states: West Bengal, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura, and Assam. The length of this border is the result of the irregular, winding nature of the demarcation line across the riverine landscape and plains of the Bengal region. Established following the partition of India in 1947, this boundary remains the most significant in terms of geographical stretch among all of India's international frontiers.

Explanation

Article 248 of the Indian Constitution vests the residuary powers of legislation exclusively in the Parliament. It states that Parliament has the power to make any law with respect to any matter not enumerated in the Concurrent List or the State List. This power includes the authority to make laws imposing any tax not mentioned in either of those lists. Additionally, Entry 97 of the Union List in the Seventh Schedule reinforces this by granting Parliament jurisdiction over any other matter not enumerated in List II or List III. This provision reflects the constitutional design of a strong center, drawing inspiration from the Canadian model where the central government holds authority over all matters not specifically assigned to the provinces.

Explanation

Under the constitutional framework of India, the President is the formal appointing authority for members of the All India Services, which include the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), the Indian Police Service (IPS), and the Indian Forest Service (IFoS). Although the recruitment process, including the examination and recommendation of candidates, is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the actual power of appointment is vested in the executive head of the Union. This is aligned with Article 310 of the Constitution, which states that members of these services hold office during the pleasure of the President. Additionally, Article 311 provides protection to these officers by ensuring that they cannot be dismissed or removed by any authority subordinate to the one that appointed them, which in this case is the President of India.

Explanation

The discovery of the Pashupati seal at Mohenjo-Daro provides strong archaeological evidence that the people of the Indus Valley Civilisation worshipped a deity identified as Pashupati. This seal depicts a male figure with three faces and a horned headdress, seated in a meditative yogic posture. The central figure is surrounded by various animals, including an elephant, a tiger, a rhinoceros, and a buffalo, with two deer appearing at his feet. Archaeologists, most notably Sir John Marshall, identified this figure as a proto-Shiva or the Lord of Animals, indicating that an early form of Shiva worship was a significant aspect of Harappan religious life.

Explanation

The Upanishads, often referred to as Vedanta because they constitute the concluding portions of the Vedas, serve as the foundational texts for Hindu philosophical thought. Composed primarily between 800 and 400 BCE, these scriptures mark a transition from the ritualistic focus of the early Vedic period to an emphasis on spiritual inquiry and mystical knowledge. They explore the fundamental nature of reality, the concept of the universal soul (Brahman), and the individual self (Atman). By addressing profound metaphysical questions regarding existence, liberation (moksha), and the cycle of rebirth, the Upanishads provided the intellectual basis for the diverse schools of Indian philosophy that developed in subsequent centuries.

Explanation

The Brahmaputra river originates from the Angsi Glacier in the Chemayungdung mountain range near Lake Mansarovar in Tibet. In the Tibetan language, the river is known as the Yarlung Tsangpo, where Tsangpo means the Purifier. It flows eastward across the southern part of the Tibetan Plateau for about 1,625 kilometers before turning south and entering India through a deep gorge at Namcha Barwa. Because of its long course through Tibet under this name, Tsangpo is recognized as the regional name for the Brahmaputra before it reaches the Indian subcontinent.

Explanation

The Central National Herbarium (CNH), founded in 1795 by William Roxburgh, is the largest herbarium in India and among the largest in Asia. It is situated within the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden in Howrah, which is part of the Kolkata metropolitan area. Managed by the Botanical Survey of India (BSI), the herbarium houses a collection of approximately 2.5 million plant specimens. It serves as a premier center for taxonomic research and botanical studies, containing an extensive range of type specimens and historical plant collections from the Indian subcontinent and across the globe.

Explanation

Pyrometers are non-contact temperature measurement devices that determine the temperature of an object by measuring the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation it emits. They operate based on the Stefan-Boltzmann law, which states that the total radiant energy emitted per unit surface area of a black body is proportional to the fourth power of its absolute temperature, expressed as E = σ T⁴. Because pyrometers do not require physical contact with the heat source, they are the standard instruments used for measuring the temperatures of extremely hot and distant luminous bodies, such as the Sun, stars, and industrial furnaces, where physical sensors would melt or cannot reach.

Explanation

In computing and information technology, a crash occurs when a software program or an operating system ceases to function properly and terminates its execution. When this failure happens within the kernel, which is the central core of an operating system responsible for managing hardware and system resources, it is known as a kernel crash or a system crash. Because the kernel operates at the highest level of privilege and manages the communication between software and hardware, a critical error at this level prevents the entire system from continuing safe operation. This typically results in the system becoming unresponsive or performing an immediate reboot to protect the integrity of the hardware and stored data.

Explanation

Vishwa Bharti was founded by Rabindranath Tagore in 1921 at Santiniketan, West Bengal. Tagore established it as a center for international education and cultural exchange, envisioning a place where the world could meet in a single nest. In 1951, the institution was declared a central university and an institution of national importance by an Act of Parliament.

Explanation

Himachal Pradesh was the first state in India to adopt a formal policy to become carbon-neutral, launching a comprehensive master plan to achieve this status. The state implemented several pioneering environmental initiatives, including a total ban on the use of plastic bags and the promotion of green technology in its industrial and energy sectors. A key component of its carbon-free strategy was the implementation of the Bio-Carbon Projects under the Clean Development Mechanism, supported by the World Bank. These projects allowed the state to claim carbon credits for its extensive afforestation and reforestation efforts. By integrating sustainable forest management with community-led conservation practices, Himachal Pradesh established itself as the leading state in India's transition toward a carbon-free economy.

Explanation

Radiation is the process by which energy is emitted as particles or waves. In the context of heat transfer, it refers to the transmission of energy via electromagnetic waves, such as visible light and infrared radiation. Because electromagnetic waves do not require a physical medium to propagate, radiation is the only method of heat transfer that can function across the vacuum of space. The Sun generates immense energy through nuclear fusion and emits this energy in all directions; a portion of these electromagnetic waves travels through the vacuum between the Sun and Earth, eventually reaching our atmosphere and surface to provide heat and light.

Explanation

The C.K. Nayudu Trophy is a significant national-level cricket tournament in India conducted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). This competition is named after Cottari Kanakaiya Nayudu, who holds the distinction of being the first captain of the Indian national cricket team in Test matches. The tournament is designed for age-group players, currently serving as the premier Under-23 domestic competition. It plays a crucial role in the development of young cricketers, offering them a competitive environment to showcase their skills before moving into senior-level first-class cricket. C.K. Nayudu's legacy as a prolific batsman and a pioneer of the game in India is commemorated through this annual sporting event.

Explanation

Pump priming is a Keynesian economic policy that involves government spending to stimulate an economy during a period of recession or deflation. When an economy experiences deflation, there is a significant decline in aggregate demand, leading to reduced production, high unemployment, and falling prices. To break this cycle, the government injects capital into the economy through public works projects, tax cuts, or social welfare programs. The objective is to increase the purchasing power of consumers and boost business confidence. This initial injection of funds is intended to trigger a multiplier effect, where increased spending leads to more production and job creation, eventually restoring the economy to a state of growth and stability.

Explanation

The Ashok Chakra is India's highest peacetime gallantry award, conferred for the most conspicuous bravery or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice away from the battlefield. Instituted on 4 January 1952, it is awarded to military personnel as well as civilians for acts of valor performed in the absence of an active state of war. It occupies the highest rank among honors given for courage shown in circumstances other than in the face of the enemy, such as during internal security duties, counter-insurgency operations, or life-saving missions during peace. The decoration consists of a circular gold-gilt medal featuring the Wheel of Ashoka in the center, symbolizing the highest standard of selfless service to the nation.

Explanation

Barren Island is located in the Andaman Sea and forms part of the Andaman Islands chain. It is recognized as the only active volcano in India and the South Asian region.

Explanation

Leaching is the process by which soluble minerals and nutrients are dissolved in water and transported downward through the soil layers. As rainwater or irrigation water moves through the topsoil, it carries dissolved chemical substances into the subsoil or deeper into the groundwater. This downward movement is a primary mechanism for the redistribution of chemicals within the soil profile and plays a significant role in soil development and fertility. In regions with heavy rainfall, leaching can deplete the upper soil layers of essential nutrients like nitrates and potassium, often leading to the formation of distinct soil horizons. It specifically refers to the removal or transfer of solutes from the soil matrix via the action of percolating water.

Explanation

Convection is the process of heat transfer that occurs specifically in fluids, which include both liquids and gases. In this mechanism, thermal energy is transported through the bulk movement or actual migration of the molecules within the medium. When a fluid is heated from below, the molecules near the heat source gain kinetic energy, expand, and become less dense. These warmer molecules then physically move upward toward cooler regions, while the cooler, denser molecules sink to take their place. This continuous displacement of matter creates convection currents, which effectively distribute heat throughout the substance by the physical transport of mass.

Explanation

Poliomyelitis, commonly known as polio, is a highly infectious disease caused by the poliovirus. This virus belongs to the Enterovirus genus and is primarily transmitted from person to person through the fecal-oral route or, less frequently, by contaminated water or food. Once the virus enters the body, it multiplies in the throat and intestines. In a small percentage of cases, the virus can invade the central nervous system, where it destroys motor neurons in the spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and acute flaccid paralysis. Because it is a viral infection, the primary method of control is through immunization using the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) or Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV).

Explanation

The Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope, abbreviated as FAST, is a massive scientific project located in a natural karst basin in Pingtang County, Guizhou Province, China. Construction on the facility began in 2011 and was completed in September 2016. With a diameter of 500 meters, it surpassed the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico to become the largest and most sensitive single-aperture radio telescope in the world. Developed by the National Astronomical Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, FAST is designed to detect faint radio signals from space, allowing astronomers to study pulsars, dark matter, and the early universe.

Explanation

The Kovvada Nuclear Park is a proposed nuclear power station located in the Kovvada village of Ranasthalam mandal within the Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh. Developed by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), the project is planned to consist of six reactor units with an estimated total capacity of 6,600 MW. In 2016, the site gained prominent attention following a strategic decision to deploy AP1000 pressurized water reactors, designed by the American company Westinghouse, at this location. The site was selected due to its coastal proximity, ensuring the availability of seawater required for the cooling systems of the high-capacity nuclear reactors.

Explanation

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is the statutory authority responsible for managing the foreign exchange market in India under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999. In a fixed exchange rate system, the value of the domestic currency is tied or pegged to another major currency or a basket of currencies by the government or the central bank. Since the RBI acts as the custodian of the country foreign exchange reserves and is tasked with maintaining the stability of the rupee, it is the designated body that carries out official adjustments to the exchange rate. This involves intervening in the market or revising the official parity to manage the balance of payments and ensure overall monetary stability.

Explanation

Biofortification is the process by which the nutritional quality of food crops is improved through agronomic practices, conventional plant breeding, or modern biotechnology. This technique specifically aims to increase the content of essential micronutrients, such as iron, zinc, and vitamin A, as well as proteins and healthier fats, within the edible portions of plants. By breeding crops that are naturally denser in these nutrients, biofortification addresses the global health challenge of hidden hunger, where individuals consume enough calories but lack necessary vitamins and minerals for proper growth and health. Common examples include golden rice enriched with pro-vitamin A and iron-fortified pearl millet, which are developed to reduce the prevalence of nutritional deficiencies in populations dependent on staple crops.

Explanation

The Supreme Court of India is the final interpreter and guardian of the Constitution. This authority is established through its power of judicial review and its appellate jurisdiction under Article 132, which allows the Court to decide on cases involving substantial questions of law regarding the interpretation of the constitutional text. As the highest judicial body, its rulings on constitutional matters are definitive and binding on all other courts and authorities within the country. This role ensures that the fundamental principles and the supremacy of the Constitution are maintained against any legislative or executive overreach.

Explanation

The International Development Association (IDA) is a member of the World Bank Group that provides concessional loans and grants to the world's poorest developing countries. Established in 1960, it is referred to as the soft loan window of the World Bank because it offers credits with very low or no interest rates and extended repayment periods, typically ranging from 30 to 40 years including a 5 to 10-year grace period. This allows countries with low per capita income and limited creditworthiness to access the capital necessary for essential infrastructure, education, and healthcare projects which they could not otherwise afford through traditional market-based lending.

Explanation

The Phillips curve represents the historical inverse relationship between the rate of unemployment and the rate of inflation in an economy. Developed by economist A.W. Phillips based on his observations of the British economy, the curve suggests a trade-off between these two macroeconomic variables. When the unemployment rate is low, the labor market becomes tight, leading to higher wage demands as employers compete for a limited pool of workers. These rising wages increase production costs, which firms pass on to consumers through higher prices, thereby increasing inflation. Conversely, high unemployment reduces the bargaining power of labor and suppresses consumer demand, leading to lower inflationary pressures. This relationship is typically depicted as a downward-sloping curve where lower levels of unemployment are associated with higher levels of inflation.

Explanation

Marina Beach, located in Chennai along the Bay of Bengal, is the longest natural urban beach in India. It stretches approximately 13 kilometres from Fort St. George in the north to Besant Nagar in the south. This sandy beach is one of the most famous landmarks of Tamil Nadu and is widely recognised as the second-longest natural urban beach in the world, following Cox's Bazar in Bangladesh. Its wide sandy shores and historical significance as a major social and recreational hub for the city make it the most prominent coastline in the country.

Explanation

Under the provisions of the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir, 1956, which was the governing document for the state prior to its reorganization in 2019, the Legislative Assembly had a unique tenure of six years. Section 52 of the Jammu and Kashmir Constitution explicitly stated that the Legislative Assembly, unless sooner dissolved, would continue for a period of six years from the date appointed for its first meeting. This duration set the state apart from other Indian states, where the standard term for a Legislative Assembly is five years as per Article 172 of the Constitution of India. The six-year term remained in place because the 44th Amendment to the Indian Constitution, which reverted the terms of other assemblies back to five years, was not made applicable to Jammu and Kashmir in this context.

Explanation

The Public Accounts Committee is described as the twin sister of the Estimates Committee because both are essential financial committees of the Parliament that work toward the common goal of ensuring executive accountability in financial matters. Their roles are complementary in nature. The Estimates Committee examines the budget estimates to suggest economies and improvements in organization, while the Public Accounts Committee performs a post-mortem of the public expenditure by examining the appropriation accounts and the audit reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General. Together, they form a comprehensive mechanism for parliamentary control over the national exchequer.

Explanation

The potato is a modified underground stem known as a tuber. It serves as a storage organ for the plant, primarily accumulating starch. It is classified as a stem because it possesses characteristic features such as nodes, internodes, and axillary buds, which are commonly referred to as eyes. These eyes have the ability to sprout and develop into new vegetative shoots. The presence of these nodes and the ability to produce scale leaves distinguish the potato tuber from root structures, which lack such features.

Explanation

Thomas Babington Macaulay played the pivotal role in introducing English education in India through his famous Minute on Indian Education in 1835. He argued that the limited government funds for education should be spent on teaching Western sciences and literature through the medium of the English language, rather than traditional Oriental learning. Macaulay envisioned the creation of a class of individuals who were Indian in blood and colour but English in tastes, opinions, morals, and intellect, who could serve as interpreters between the British rulers and the millions they governed. His recommendations were formally adopted by the government, leading to the passing of the English Education Act of 1835.