SSC CGL Tier 1 2016 General Awareness Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The Congress Working Committee met at Wardha in July 1942 and adopted the Quit India resolution on July 14, 1942. This resolution authorized Mahatma Gandhi to lead a non-violent mass movement and demanded the immediate withdrawal of the British from India. Although the resolution was subsequently ratified by the All India Congress Committee during its meeting at Gowalia Tank in Bombay on August 8, 1942, the initial sanctioning and adoption of the draft by the party's executive body occurred at Wardha.

Explanation

Museology is the branch of science dedicated to the study of museums, including their history, social role, and the technical aspects of their operation. A core component of museology is the systematic preservation, conservation, and curation of historical articles, artifacts, and specimens. It involves applying scientific principles to maintain the physical integrity of objects by controlling environmental factors such as light, temperature, and humidity, as well as performing restoration work to prevent decay. By utilizing these specialized techniques, museology ensures that cultural and historical heritage is protected and documented for educational and research purposes.

Explanation

Alfalfa, scientifically known as Medicago sativa, is a perennial flowering plant in the legume family Fabaceae. It is primarily cultivated as a high-quality forage crop for livestock, used for grazing, hay, and silage. In many parts of the world, it is also known as lucerne. Due to its extensive root system, it is highly resilient and provides a rich source of proteins, minerals, and vitamins for animals. While botanically a legume, it is categorized as a forage grass in the context of agricultural fodder and pasture management.

Explanation

Calcium carbide (CaC₂) is widely used as an artificial ripening agent for fruits such as mangoes because of its ability to produce acetylene gas (C₂H₂). When calcium carbide comes into contact with moisture, either from the atmosphere or within the fruit itself, it undergoes a chemical reaction: CaC₂ + 2H₂O → C₂H₂ + Ca(OH)₂. Acetylene gas acts as an analogue to ethylene (C₂H₄), the natural plant hormone responsible for the ripening process. It mimics the physiological effects of ethylene, accelerating the breakdown of chlorophyll and the softening of the fruit's pulp. This allows fruit to be transported while firm and then ripened quickly for sale.

Explanation

In the sport of volleyball, a smasher, also known as a spiker, is an offensive player whose primary role is to perform the smash or spike. This action involves jumping and hitting the ball with great force and speed over the net into the opponent's court, typically aiming for an open area to score a point. It is one of the most fundamental and effective attacking techniques in the game, usually following a set from a teammate to provide the necessary height and positioning for the strike.

Explanation

Garbage collection is a storage management process used to reclaim space occupied by files or data blocks that are no longer reachable or referenced. In the context of file systems, particularly those that allow complex structures like directory graphs, the system must periodically identify orphaned data. This is typically achieved through a mark-and-sweep algorithm. The collector traverses the entire file system hierarchy starting from the root directory, marking every block and file it encounters as accessible. After this traversal is complete, any portion of the storage that remains unmarked is confirmed to be inaccessible to the user and can be safely deallocated or returned to the free-space list.

Explanation

Nylon is a synthetic thermoplastic linear polymer characterized by the presence of repeating amide groups -CONH- along its molecular backbone. It is synthesized through a condensation polymerization reaction, typically involving the reaction between a diamine and a dicarboxylic acid, or via the ring-opening polymerization of lactams. For example, Nylon 6,6 is formed from hexamethylenediamine and adipic acid. Because the structural units are linked by these specific amide linkages, nylon is chemically classified as a polyamide polymer. The strong intermolecular hydrogen bonding between these amide chains accounts for the high tensile strength, durability, and elasticity observed in nylon threads.

Explanation

The Trans-Siberian Railway is the longest railway line in the world, spanning a distance of approximately 9,289 kilometers (5,772 miles). It connects Saint Petersburg (formerly Leningrad) on the Baltic Sea with Vladivostok on the Pacific coast. This massive network crosses through eight different time zones and spans nearly the entire width of Russia, traversing through the Ural Mountains, the Siberian taiga, and running along the shores of Lake Baikal. The construction of the main line was completed in 1916, and it remains a critical infrastructure link for transporting passengers and cargo across the Eurasian landmass.

Explanation

The number mentioned in the options refers to the Constitution Amendment Bills introduced in the Parliament of India rather than the Amendment Acts that have successfully received presidential assent. By April 2016, the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Second Amendment) Bill, 2014, had been introduced to facilitate the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime. While the number of Amendment Acts was significantly lower at that time, the legislative sequence of bills had reached 122. This bill was eventually passed and became the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act upon receiving the President's assent in September 2016.

Explanation

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is the apex statutory body for disaster management in India, established under the Disaster Management Act of 2005. According to Section 3(2)(a) of the Act, the Prime Minister of India is the ex-officio Chairperson of the authority. The NDMA is responsible for framing policies, approving national plans, and laying down guidelines for disaster management to ensure a timely and effective response to both natural and man-made disasters across the country.

Explanation

According to the President (Discharge of Functions) Act, 1960, if the offices of both the President and the Vice-President of India become vacant simultaneously, the Chief Justice of India shall perform the functions of the President. This statutory provision was enacted by Parliament under Article 70 of the Constitution to provide for the discharge of the President's duties in contingencies not otherwise provided for. In the event that the Chief Justice of India is also unavailable, the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court of India is designated to discharge these functions. This protocol was historically invoked in 1969 when Justice M. Hidayatullah, the then Chief Justice of India, was sworn in as the Acting President following the death of President Zakir Hussain and the subsequent resignation of Vice-President V.V. Giri.

Explanation

Goitre is a condition characterized by the abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland, located at the base of the neck. The thyroid gland requires iodine as a critical raw material to synthesize essential hormones, specifically thyroxine (T₄) and triiodothyronine (T₃), which regulate various metabolic processes in the body. When there is a chronic deficiency of iodine in the diet, the thyroid cannot produce sufficient hormones, triggering the pituitary gland to release higher levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). This constant stimulation causes the thyroid tissue to grow and the gland to expand in size as it attempts to maximize the capture of available iodine from the bloodstream, resulting in the visible swelling known as a goitre.

Explanation

The photoelectric effect occurs when incident light photons provide enough energy to overcome the binding forces holding electrons within a metal. According to Einstein photoelectric equation, the energy of an incident photon h ν is equal to the sum of the work function Φ and the maximum kinetic energy of the emitted electron Kₘₐₓ, expressed as h ν = Φ + Kₘₐₓ. The work function Φ represents the minimum energy required to liberate an electron from the metal surface. A cathode with a low work function ensures that electrons can be emitted even when the incident light has relatively low frequency or energy. This makes the material more sensitive and efficient for photoelectric emission, which is why alkali metals like cesium are frequently used as cathodes.

Explanation

Under Article 94(c) of the Indian Constitution, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha may be removed from office by a resolution passed by a majority of all the then members of the Lok Sabha. This is known as an effective majority. Such a resolution can only be moved after giving at least fourteen days notice of the intention to move the resolution. During the consideration of such a resolution, the Speaker cannot preside over the sitting of the House, though he has the right to speak and take part in the proceedings and vote in the first instance, but not in the case of an equality of votes.

Explanation

Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code defines the offense of sedition. It was drafted by Thomas Babington Macaulay and formally included in the IPC in 1870 to address activities perceived as being against the government. The statute specifies that anyone who, by words (either spoken or written), by signs, by visible representation, or otherwise, brings or attempts to bring into hatred or contempt, or excites or attempts to excite disaffection towards the Government established by law in India, shall be punished. The legal explanation within the section clarifies that the term disaffection includes disloyalty and all feelings of enmity. It is classified as a non-bailable, cognizable offense that can carry a punishment of life imprisonment.

Explanation

A spectroheliograph is a specialized astronomical instrument designed to capture monochromatic images of the Sun. It works by using a spectroscope to isolate a single wavelength of light, typically the Hydrogen-alpha or Calcium K lines, from the solar spectrum. By scanning the solar disk through narrow slits, the instrument creates a photograph known as a spectroheliogram. This allows astronomers to study specific layers and features of the solar atmosphere, such as sunspots, filaments, and prominences, which are often invisible or obscured in broad-spectrum white light photography.

Explanation

Australia won the 2016 Men's Hockey Champions Trophy by defeating India in the final held in London. The match ended in a 0-0 draw after regulation time, and Australia secured the title by winning the penalty shootout 3-1. This victory marked Australia's 14th Champions Trophy title, confirming their position as the most successful nation in the history of the tournament. The event was held at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre from June 10 to June 17, 2016.

Explanation

Russia was suspended from the Group of Eight (G8) in March 2014 following its annexation of Crimea and the subsequent crisis in Ukraine. The other seven member nations—Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States—voted to suspend Russia's membership and returned to the G7 format. By April 2016, Russia remained indefinitely excluded from the group's summits and decision-making processes, meaning it was no longer an active member of the forum.

Explanation

Casein is the primary protein found in mammalian milk, accounting for approximately 80 percent of the total protein content in bovine milk. It is a complex phosphoprotein that contains all the essential amino acids required by the human body. In milk, casein exists as a colloidal suspension of large particles known as micelles, which contribute to the characteristic white, opaque appearance of the liquid. Beyond its nutritional value as a source of amino acids, casein also serves as a carrier for calcium and phosphorus. When milk is acidified or treated with specific enzymes like rennin, casein coagulates to form curds, which is the foundational step in the production of cheese.

Explanation

Weil's disease is a severe form of leptospirosis, a bacterial infection caused by the Leptospira interrogans pathogen. This systemic condition is characterized by a specific progression where the bacteria settle in various tissues, but it is most notably identified by its impact on renal function. The disease frequently leads to acute kidney injury through mechanisms such as interstitial nephritis and acute tubular necrosis. This results in significant impairment of the organ's ability to filter blood, leading to symptoms like oliguria and high levels of nitrogenous waste in the bloodstream, which often necessitates dialysis in clinical settings.

Explanation

The official slogan for the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games was A New World, which translates to Um Mundo Novo in Portuguese. Unveiled by the organizing committee, this motto was designed to reflect the transformative power of sport and the spirit of the Games in fostering a more inclusive and harmonious society. It symbolized the unity of the Olympic movement and the celebration of the first-ever Olympic Games to be held in South America, emphasizing themes of change and a better future for all.

Explanation

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) designates its office in Pune as the primary center for climate-related data and research. While the administrative headquarters of the IMD moved from Pune to New Delhi in 1944, the meteorological office in Pune continues to be responsible for the preparation, printing, and publication of the Daily Weather Map of India and the India Daily Weather Report. This office serves as the national data center, where observations from across the country are compiled and processed to produce these standardized maps for distribution and record-keeping.

Explanation

Pataliputra served as the capital of the Mauryan Empire, established as the primary administrative and political center by Chandragupta Maurya and maintained by his successors, Bindusara and Ashoka. Located at the strategic confluence of the Ganges and Son rivers in modern-day Bihar, it was one of the largest and most prosperous cities in the ancient world. The Greek historian Megasthenes, who visited the court of Chandragupta Maurya as an ambassador, provided a detailed account of the city's impressive fortifications, its massive wooden walls with 570 towers and 64 gates, and its sophisticated municipal administration in his work Indica. The city functioned as the nerve center for the empire's vast territory, which at its peak encompassed nearly the entire Indian subcontinent.

Explanation

The Golden Handshake scheme is a popular term for the Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS). It represents a financial package or incentive offered by an employer to an employee to encourage them to leave the organization before their actual date of retirement. This scheme is primarily used by both public and private sector enterprises as a tool for downsizing or rightsizing the workforce without resorting to compulsory layoffs or retrenchment. Under this arrangement, employees who choose to retire voluntarily are provided with a lump-sum compensation or a severance payment, which is usually more generous than standard retirement benefits, calculated based on the length of service and the remaining years of employment.

Explanation

Article 368, located in Part XX of the Constitution of India, grants the Parliament the power to amend the Constitution and prescribes the specific procedure for doing so. This article stipulates that an amendment can be initiated only by the introduction of a bill for the purpose in either House of Parliament. The bill must be passed in each House by a special majority, which is a majority of the total membership of that House and a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members of that House present and voting. Once passed by both Houses and, in certain cases involving federal provisions, ratified by the legislatures of at least half of the states, the bill is presented to the President who must give assent to the bill, thereby amending the Constitution in accordance with the terms of the bill.

Explanation

Dr. Arvind Panagariya, a prominent Indian-American economist and Professor of Economics at Columbia University, was appointed as the first Vice Chairperson of NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) in January 2015. NITI Aayog was established by the Government of India to replace the Planning Commission with a mandate to foster cooperative federalism and serve as a premier policy think tank. As per the administrative structure of the body, the Vice Chairperson is appointed by the Prime Minister and holds a rank equivalent to that of a Cabinet Minister. Dr. Panagariya served in this capacity from the inception of the organization until August 2017.

Explanation

The city of Vijayanagar is synonymous with Hampi, the historic capital of the Vijayanagara Empire located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River in present-day Karnataka. The name Hampi is derived from Pampa-kshetra, named after the river Pampa, which is the ancient name for the Tungabhadra. Established in the 14th century, it served as the political and cultural heart of one of the largest Hindu empires in Indian history. The site is famous for its distinct Dravidian architecture, massive fortifications, and iconic structures like the Virupaksha Temple and the Stone Chariot. After the empire's decline following the Battle of Talikota in 1565, the city fell into ruins but remains a significant archaeological and religious site, recognized globally as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Explanation

Muhammad bin Tughlaq introduced a system of token currency between 1329 and 1330, which is one of the most famous administrative experiments of his reign. He issued copper and brass coins and decreed that they should be accepted at the same value as silver tankas. This initiative was prompted by a global shortage of silver and the Sultan's need for vast resources to fund his military campaigns and administrative reforms. However, the scheme failed primarily because the state did not maintain a monopoly over the minting of coins. Citizens began to forge copper coins on a massive scale, leading to a collapse in the currency's value and disruption of trade. Eventually, the Sultan had to withdraw the copper coins by exchanging them for genuine silver coins from the treasury, which caused a significant depletion of the state's wealth.

Explanation

The Ganga-Brahmaputra Valley is situated in a high-intensity seismic zone due to its proximity to the Himalayan collision boundary. This region is a part of the Indo-Gangetic foredeep, which was formed by the tectonic interaction between the northward-moving Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate. The ongoing subduction and crustal shortening along major fault lines, such as the Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) and the Main Himalayan Thrust (MHT), result in the accumulation of significant elastic strain energy. According to the Seismic Zoning Map of India, much of this valley falls under Zone IV and Zone V, which are classified as High and Very High Damage Risk Zones, respectively. The presence of deep alluvium in the valley can also lead to seismic wave amplification and liquefaction during a tremor, further increasing its vulnerability to earthquake damage.

Explanation

Honey is a supersaturated solution of sugars, primarily fructose and glucose, which gives it a very high osmotic pressure. When bacteria come into contact with honey, the high concentration of sugar creates a hypertonic environment relative to the bacterial cells. Through the process of osmosis, water is drawn out of the microorganisms across their semi-permeable membranes and into the honey. This rapid loss of water leads to the dehydration and shrinkage of the bacterial cells, a process known as plasmolysis. Because bacteria require a certain level of moisture to maintain metabolic activity and reproduce, this extreme dehydration prevents them from surviving or multiplying, thereby preserving the honey from decay.

Explanation

Lead is a metallic element that exhibits the property of superconductivity when cooled below a specific critical temperature. For lead, this transition occurs at approximately 7.2 K. Below this threshold, the material undergoes a phase transition where its electrical resistance drops to zero and it expels magnetic fields through the Meissner effect. In this state, lead can conduct electric current indefinitely without any energy loss, characterizing its behavior as a Type-I superconductor.

Explanation

In computer networking, a token is a special control frame or a specific bit pattern that functions as a small message passed from one station to another in a logical ring. This mechanism is primarily utilized in Token Ring (IEEE 802.5) and Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI) architectures to manage medium access control. The possession of the token grants a station the exclusive right to transmit data over the network, thereby preventing data collisions. Once the transmission is complete or if the station has no data to send, the token is released and passed to the next downstream station in the sequence, allowing for orderly and deterministic communication across the network.

Explanation

Starch is a natural polymer synthesized by plants as a way to store energy. It is a polysaccharide consisting of a large number of glucose units joined by glycosidic bonds. Chemically represented by the formula (C₆H₁₀O₅)ₙ, starch is composed of two different types of molecules: amylose, which is a linear polymer, and amylopectin, which is a branched polymer. It is found abundantly in staple foods such as potatoes, wheat, maize, and rice. Because it is produced naturally within living organisms through biological processes, it is classified as a biopolymer.

Explanation

The Platypus belongs to the order Monotremata, a unique group of mammals characterized by the ability to lay eggs instead of giving birth to live young. These mammals are referred to as monotremes. A female Platypus typically lays leathery eggs in a nest or burrow and incubates them until they hatch. Despite this reproductive method, the Platypus is classified as a mammal because it possesses mammary glands to provide milk for its young, has fur covering its body, and is endothermic. Found primarily in the freshwater systems of eastern Australia and Tasmania, it represents an evolutionary link between reptiles and more common placental mammals.

Explanation

Akbar's tomb is situated in Sikandra, which serves as a suburb of Agra. The construction of this monumental mausoleum was initiated by Akbar himself around 1605, as it was a common practice among Mughal emperors to plan their own final resting places during their lifetime. Following his death, the project was completed by his son, Jahangir, in 1613. The architectural design of the tomb is notable for its departure from traditional Mughal structures, featuring a five-tiered pyramidal layout instead of a central dome. It incorporates a blend of various architectural styles, including elements of Hindu, Buddhist, and Islamic traditions, mirroring the eclectic and inclusive philosophy that Akbar championed during his reign. The tomb is set within a vast, well-manicured charbagh garden and is accessed through a magnificent gateway adorned with intricate marble inlay work and four tall white marble minarets.

Explanation

Pandit Bhimsen Joshi was a legendary Indian vocalist in the Hindustani classical tradition. He was a preeminent exponent of the Kirana Gharana, which is known for its focus on the precise tuning of notes and emotional resonance. He is celebrated for his mastery of the khayal form of singing and for his popular renditions of devotional music, including bhajans and abhangs. In 2008, he was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honor, in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to Indian classical music.

Explanation

According to Article 23 of the United Nations Charter, the Security Council consists of fifteen members, including five permanent members and ten non-permanent members. The United Nations General Assembly elects the ten non-permanent members for a term of two years. To maintain continuity, five of these non-permanent members are elected each year. The selection process follows a specific geographical distribution to ensure representation from different regions of the world, and a retiring member is not eligible for immediate re-election to the council.

Explanation

The Tripitakas, which translates to Three Baskets in the Pali language, constitute the fundamental sacred scriptures of Buddhism. These texts were compiled after the death of Gautama Buddha to preserve his teachings and the code of conduct for the monastic community. The collection consists of three parts: the Vinaya Pitaka, which outlines the rules for monks and nuns; the Sutta Pitaka, which contains the actual sermons and discourses of the Buddha; and the Abhidhamma Pitaka, which provides a systematic philosophical analysis of the Buddha's doctrines. Together, they serve as the authoritative source of guidance for Buddhist practice and philosophy.

Explanation

Devaluation is the deliberate downward adjustment of a country's currency value relative to another currency or a basket of currencies. When a nation devalues its currency, the price of its goods and services decreases for foreign buyers because their stronger foreign currency can now purchase more units of the local currency. This makes the country's exports more price-competitive in the global market. Simultaneously, the cost of foreign goods increases for domestic consumers because they must spend more of the local currency to obtain the same amount of foreign currency required for imports. Consequently, devaluation typically leads to an increase in export volume and a reduction in import volume, which can help improve a country's balance of trade.

Explanation

Sulphur is unique among the common non-metals for exhibiting allotropy in the solid, liquid, and gaseous states. In the liquid phase, sulphur exists in several allotropic forms depending on the temperature, primarily λ-sulphur, π-sulphur, and μ-sulphur. When solid sulphur is heated above its melting point of approximately 115°C, it initially forms a pale yellow, mobile liquid known as λ-sulphur, which consists of S₈ rings. As the temperature rises above 160°C, these rings break open and undergo polymerization to form long, entangled chains of sulphur atoms, resulting in a dark, highly viscous liquid called μ-sulphur. The equilibrium between these different molecular structures in the liquid state at varying temperatures is a classic example of liquid allotropy.

Explanation

The sectoral distribution of GDP measures the structural composition of an economy by analyzing the relative contributions of the primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors to the total national output. This metric is a key indicator of economic development because it tracks the progression of a country from a subsistence-based agrarian society toward a more diversified industrial and service-oriented economy. As an economy develops, the shift in labor and production toward sectors with higher value-added reflects improvements in technology, capital accumulation, and overall productivity, which are the hallmarks of a developing or developed economic system.

Explanation

Ragini is a traditional folk song genre that is deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of Haryana. It is an integral component of Saang, which is a popular form of musical folk theater in the state. Raginis are characterized by their poetic structure and are used to narrate diverse themes ranging from Vedic mythology and historical legends to social issues and romantic folklore. These songs are typically performed in the Haryanvi dialect and are accompanied by traditional musical instruments like the sarangi, harmonium, and dholak. The popularity of this art form was significantly enhanced by legendary folk artists such as Lakhmi Chand, whose compositions remain a cornerstone of Haryanvi rural entertainment and oral tradition.

Explanation

The Radcliffe Line is the international boundary between India and Pakistan, demarcated by Sir Cyril Radcliffe in 1947. Radcliffe served as the chairman of the two Boundary Commissions responsible for partitioning the British Indian provinces of Punjab and Bengal. The line was finalized and officially published on 17 August 1947, just days after the independence of the two nations. It was drawn based on religious demographics to separate the Muslim-majority regions in the west and east from the Hindu-majority regions, thereby defining the territorial limits of the newly formed Dominion of Pakistan and the Union of India.

Explanation

Deepika Kumari is a highly distinguished Indian athlete specializing in archery, specifically in the recurve discipline. She gained international prominence by winning a gold medal in the women's individual recurve event at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi. In June 2012, she attained the world number one ranking in her category. Throughout her career leading up to 2016, she earned numerous medals at Archery World Cup stages and represented India at the 2012 London Olympics. In recognition of her excellence in the field of archery, the Government of India conferred upon her the Arjuna Award in 2012 and the Padma Shri in 2016.

Explanation

Ebola refers to Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), which is a severe and often fatal illness in humans caused by the Ebola virus. The term gained significant global prominence due to the massive epidemic that occurred between 2014 and 2016. This specific outbreak was centered in West Africa, primarily affecting the nations of Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia. It was the largest and most complex Ebola outbreak since the virus was first discovered in 1976, involving thousands of cases and leading to a major international public health response. The disease is transmitted to people from wild animals and spreads through human-to-human transmission via direct contact with infected bodily fluids.

Explanation

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), the causative agent of AIDS, primarily targets and destroys CD4+ T lymphocytes, which are a critical subset of white blood cells known as helper T cells. These cells are essential for coordinating the body immune response against pathogens. HIV infects these T cells by binding to the CD4 receptor on their surface, subsequently using the cellular machinery to replicate itself. This replication process leads to the destruction of the infected cells and a steady decline in the overall T cell count. The loss of these cells severely compromises the immune system, making the body susceptible to various infections and diseases. The virus directly impacts the survival and replenishment of this specific cell population in the blood.

Explanation

Superphosphate is a phosphatic fertilizer used primarily to provide phosphorus to plants. It is produced by the chemical reaction between insoluble rock phosphate and sulfuric acid, which converts the phosphate into a water-soluble form known as monocalcium phosphate Ca(H₂PO₄)₂. Because its chemical composition focuses entirely on delivering phosphorus (P₂O₅), calcium, and sulfur, it does not contain any nitrogen, making it a non-nitrogenous fertilizer.

Explanation

Absolute zero, defined as 0 Kelvin or approximately -273.15°Celsius, represents the theoretical lower limit of the thermodynamic temperature scale. According to the kinetic theory of gases, the average kinetic energy of molecules is directly proportional to the absolute temperature, expressed by the relation E = ³⁄₂ k_B T, where k_B is the Boltzmann constant and T is the temperature in Kelvin. At T = 0, the kinetic energy E becomes zero. Because kinetic energy is defined by the motion of particles via the formula E = ½mv², a value of zero signifies that the velocity v of the molecules is zero. Consequently, at this temperature, all classical molecular and atomic motion ceases as there is no thermal energy remaining to sustain it.

Explanation

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) created Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) in 1969 to serve as an international reserve asset. This was intended to supplement member countries' official reserves and provide additional liquidity in the global financial system, especially as the supply of gold and the US dollar became insufficient to support growing world trade. SDRs are not a currency themselves, but they represent a potential claim on the freely usable currencies of IMF members. The value of an SDR is calculated based on a weighted basket of major international currencies, which included the US dollar, Euro, British pound, and Japanese yen during the 2016 period. SDRs are allocated to IMF member countries in proportion to their respective quotas.

Explanation

India's first Green Rail Corridor was inaugurated in July 2016 on the 114-kilometer long Rameswaram-Manamadurai stretch in Tamil Nadu. A Green Rail Corridor is a railway section where all trains are equipped with bio-toilets to ensure zero discharge of human waste onto the tracks. This initiative was part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and aimed at improving hygiene and preventing the corrosion of tracks caused by open discharge. The Southern Railway zone implemented this project by fitting bio-toilets in all coaches of the trains operating exclusively on this route.