SSC CGL Tier 1 2017 General Awareness Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The ecosystem is a structural and functional unit of the biosphere where living organisms interact among themselves and with their surrounding physical environment. This life-supporting system is characterized by the flow of energy and the cycling of nutrients, creating a complex web of interdependence. In this system, biotic components like plants, animals, and decomposers rely on abiotic factors such as sunlight, air, water, and soil, as well as on each other, to maintain biological balance and ensure survival.

Explanation

The regional classification of the Himalayas is traditionally defined by the river valleys that cut through the mountain range. The Assam Himalayas is the specific segment located between the Tista River in the west and the Dihang River, also known as the Tsangpo-Brahmaputra, in the east. This section covers a distance of approximately 720 kilometers and extends across parts of Sikkim, Bhutan, and Arunachal Pradesh. This region is characterized by high rainfall, dense forests, and prominent peaks such as Namcha Barwa, where the Brahmaputra takes a sharp turn to enter India.

Explanation

Thrombocytes is the scientific term for platelets, which are small, colorless cell fragments in the blood responsible for the clotting process. The name is derived from the Greek word thrombos, meaning clot, and kytos, meaning cell. These fragments are produced in the bone marrow from much larger cells known as megakaryocytes. When a blood vessel is damaged, thrombocytes congregate at the site of the injury and stick to the lining of the vessel to form a physical plug. They also release chemical factors that activate the coagulation cascade, leading to the formation of a stable fibrin mesh that prevents blood loss and allows the vessel to heal.

Explanation

In the primary xylem of plant stems, the developmental pattern is centrifugal, where xylem formation moves from the center toward the periphery. This results in the protoxylem, which consists of the first-formed and smaller xylem elements, being located toward the center or pith of the organ. The metaxylem, comprising the later-formed and larger xylem elements, is situated toward the outer periphery. This specific anatomical arrangement, where the protoxylem is internal to the metaxylem, is known as endarch. This condition is a distinguishing characteristic of the stems of most vascular plants, including dicots and monocots.

Explanation

Mollusca constitutes the second largest phylum of the animal kingdom after Arthropoda. It comprises a vast variety of invertebrate animals that are primarily aquatic, though many terrestrial forms also exist. These organisms are triploblastic, bilaterally symmetrical, and coelomate, typically possessing a soft body that is unsegmented and often enclosed in a hard calcareous shell. The phylum includes well-known groups such as gastropods, bivalves, and cephalopods. With an estimated 85,000 to 100,000 described species, it represents a significant portion of global biodiversity and is the largest phylum of marine organisms. Their body plan generally consists of a head, a visceral mass, and a muscular foot, with a specialized fold of the body wall called the mantle that secretes the shell.

Explanation

Inertia is the inherent property of matter by which it continues in its existing state of rest or uniform motion in a straight line, unless that state is changed by an external force. This concept is the basis of Newton's First Law of Motion, which characterizes the qualitative tendency of objects to resist any change in their velocity. The magnitude of this resistance is directly related to the mass of the object, meaning a larger mass possesses greater inertia and offers more resistance to changes in its state of motion. For an undisturbed object where the net external force is zero, inertia ensures the velocity remains constant, whether that velocity is zero or a non-zero value.

Explanation

The time period of a pendulum is defined as the total time required for the pendulum bob to complete one full oscillation. An oscillation represents one complete cycle of motion, starting from a specific point, moving through both extreme positions, and returning to the initial starting point in the same direction. For a simple pendulum undergoing small displacements, this duration is mathematically expressed as T = 2π √((L)/(g)), where L is the length of the string and g is the acceleration due to gravity. This physical quantity is measured in seconds and remains constant for a pendulum of fixed length at a given location.

Explanation

TeachText is a basic text editor created by Apple Inc. for the Macintosh operating system. It was bundled with versions of the system software ranging from System 1 through System 7.1. Its primary purpose was to allow users to read documentation files, such as ReadMe notes, that accompanied software installations. Because it was included with every Macintosh computer, developers could rely on it to display essential text and small bitmap images to users without requiring them to own a dedicated word processing suite. TeachText was eventually succeeded by SimpleText, which added support for multiple fonts and styles.

Explanation

Certain reactive and amphoteric metals, such as aluminum and zinc, react with strong bases like sodium hydroxide to form a complex salt and release hydrogen gas. In these reactions, the metal reacts with the hydroxide ions in the presence of water to displace hydrogen. For example, when zinc reacts with sodium hydroxide, it produces sodium zincate and hydrogen gas according to the chemical equation Zn + 2NaOH → Na₂ZnO₂ + H₂. Similarly, aluminum reacts with aqueous sodium hydroxide to form sodium aluminate and hydrogen gas as shown by the reaction 2Al + 2NaOH + 6H₂O → 2Na[Al(OH)₄] + 3H₂. The evolution of hydrogen gas during these reactions is typically confirmed by the pop sound test when a burning splinter is brought near the gas.

Explanation

Lime water is the common name for a saturated aqueous solution of calcium hydroxide, which has the chemical formula Ca(OH)₂. It is formed when calcium oxide (quicklime) is mixed or slaked with water. Calcium hydroxide is a strong base and is commonly used in laboratory tests to detect the presence of carbon dioxide gas, as the reaction between the two substances produces calcium carbonate, which makes the solution appear milky or cloudy.

Explanation

The enrichment of water bodies with nutrients like nitrates and phosphates facilitates the rapid and uncontrolled multiplication of free-floating, microscopic organisms known as planktonic algae. These organisms are highly responsive to nutrient availability, and their proliferation results in what is commonly termed an algal bloom. This excessive growth of planktonic algae can cover the water surface, significantly reducing light penetration and depleting dissolved oxygen levels, which adversely affects the overall aquatic ecosystem and water quality.

Explanation

The Soil Health Card scheme was launched by the Government of India in February 2015 to assist farmers in understanding the nutrient status of their soil. Under this program, the government issues cards that provide detailed reports on the chemical and physical health of the soil based on twelve parameters, including macro-nutrients like Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K), as well as secondary and micro-nutrients. These cards offer customized, crop-wise recommendations for the appropriate dosage of fertilizers and nutrients required, helping farmers improve soil fertility and optimize the use of inputs to increase overall agricultural productivity.

Explanation

Fyodor Pirotsky, a Russian engineer and inventor, is recognized for inventing the world's first electric tramway system. In 1875, he successfully conducted experiments in Sestroretsk, near Saint Petersburg, using a modified railway car that received electricity through the tracks. His most significant achievement occurred in September 1880, when he debuted a double-decker horse-drawn tram converted to run on electricity in Saint Petersburg. This event is widely considered the first practical application of an electric tram on a public transport line, laying the groundwork for the future of urban electric transit and the global development of electric railways.

Explanation

New Zealand secured their third Rugby World Cup title by defeating Australia with a score of 34-17 in the final held on October 31, 2015, at Twickenham Stadium in London. This victory made the All Blacks the first team in history to win consecutive Rugby World Cup titles and the first to win the tournament three times overall. Led by captain Richie McCaw, the New Zealand team remained undefeated throughout the entire tournament, demonstrating exceptional skill and dominance on the global stage.

Explanation

The origin of Mughal painting is traced back to the reign of Humayun. During his period of exile in Persia, Humayun was deeply impressed by the Persian school of miniature painting. When he returned to India to reclaim his throne, he brought two renowned Persian master artists with him, Mir Sayyid Ali and Abdus Samad. Under his patronage, these artists established the first imperial atelier and began the process of synthesizing Persian techniques with local Indian artistic traditions. This collaboration formed the foundation of the Mughal school of art and led to the initiation of major projects like the Hamzanama, which defined the early Mughal aesthetic.

Explanation

The 62nd Filmfare Awards ceremony, held on January 14, 2017, honored the best Hindi films of 2016. The film Dangal, a biographical sports drama directed by Nitesh Tiwari, won the award for Best Film. The movie depicted the story of Mahavir Singh Phogat, who trained his daughters Geeta Phogat and Babita Kumari to become world-class wrestlers. Along with the top film prize, Dangal also earned accolades for Best Director and Best Actor at the same event.

Explanation

The 2016 Human Development Report, titled Human Development for Everyone, was released by the United Nations Development Programme in March 2017. This report evaluated 188 countries and territories based on data collected for the year 2015. The Human Development Index is a composite statistic comprising indicators of life expectancy, education, and per capita income. In the 2016 rankings, the United States achieved an HDI value of 0.920, placing it at the 10th position globally, a rank it shared with Canada. This placement categorized the United States within the Very High Human Development group.

Explanation

The Delhi-Lahore Bus service is officially titled Sada-e-Sarhad, which translates from Urdu as Call of the Frontier. This international bus service was inaugurated on February 19, 1999, as a significant confidence-building measure intended to foster peace and enhance people-to-people contact between India and Pakistan. The maiden journey of the bus was historic, as it carried the then Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to Lahore for a summit with Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, leading to the signing of the Lahore Declaration. The service operates between the Ambedkar Stadium bus terminal in Delhi and the terminal at Lahore, representing a symbolic link of friendship despite the volatile geopolitical history between the two nations.

Explanation

The international sector represents the economic transactions and relationships between a country and the rest of the world, including imports, exports, and capital movements. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is defined as the total market value of all final goods and services produced within the geographic boundaries of a country during a specific period. Standard economic theory classifies domestic production into three core sectors based on the nature of the activity: the primary sector, the secondary sector, and the tertiary sector. While net exports are a component of the expenditure method for calculating GDP, the international sector itself is not a domestic production category. It functions as an external account rather than an internal source of value-added production within the nation's borders.

Explanation

An isoquant is a curve in production theory that represents all the various combinations of two inputs, such as labor and capital, that produce a specific, constant level of output. The term is derived from the Greek word iso, meaning equal, and quant, meaning quantity. Mathematically, it is expressed through the production function Q = f(L, K), where Q is a fixed level of output. Every point on an isoquant signifies the maximum possible output attainable from those specific input quantities, assuming technical efficiency. This concept allows producers to determine the marginal rate of technical substitution, which is the rate at which one input can be exchanged for another without changing the total level of production.

Explanation

Advisory Jurisdiction is governed by Article 143 of the Constitution of India, which empowers the President to seek the opinion of the Supreme Court on any question of law or fact that has arisen or is likely to arise. This specifically applies to matters of such nature and public importance that the President considers it expedient to obtain the court's advice. This jurisdiction also covers disputes arising out of any pre-constitution treaty, agreement, covenant, or similar instruments. While the Supreme Court provides its judicial opinion after due consideration, the advice rendered is not legally binding on the President, who remains free to follow or disregard the court's view.

Explanation

Sikkim is represented by one seat in the Rajya Sabha, as mandated by the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution of India. This allocation is determined based on the population and size of the state. The representative from Sikkim is elected by the members of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly through the system of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote. Since its integration into the Indian Union as the 22nd state in 1975, Sikkim has consistently held a single seat in the Upper House of Parliament to ensure its representation in the federal legislative process.

Explanation

Dara Shikoh was the eldest son of Shah Jahan and the designated heir to the Mughal throne. During the war of succession that broke out in 1657-58, he faced his younger brother Aurangzeb in several key battles, most notably the Battle of Samugarh and the Battle of Deorai. After his defeat at Deorai in 1659, Dara Shikoh was captured and brought to Delhi. Aurangzeb declared him an apostate and ordered his execution in August 1659, effectively eliminating his primary rival for the crown and securing his own position as the Mughal Emperor.

Explanation

Al-Biruni was an 11th-century Persian scholar and polymath who traveled to the Indian subcontinent in the company of Mahmud of Ghazni. His monumental Arabic work, Kitab-al-Hind, also known as Tahqiq-i-Hind, provides an exhaustive and objective account of Indian society, culture, and science. The book is divided into 80 chapters covering a wide range of subjects including Hindu religious beliefs, philosophy, the caste system, social customs, laws, metrology, and astronomy. It remains one of the most significant historical sources for understanding medieval India due to Al-Biruni’s systematic and comparative approach to studying the region's intellectual and social traditions.

Explanation

As of June 2017, the political map of India comprised 29 states and 7 union territories. These seven union territories were the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Lakshadweep, the National Capital Territory of Delhi, and Puducherry. Under the Indian Constitution, union territories are federal territories governed directly by the Central Government, with the President of India appointing an administrator or Lieutenant Governor for each. While Delhi and Puducherry were granted partial statehood with their own elective legislative assemblies and executive councils of ministers, they remained classified as union territories during this period. This administrative structure remained unchanged until the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act was implemented in 2019.

Explanation

The northern plain of India was formed by the interplay of the three major river systems—the Indus, the Ganga, and the Brahmaputra—along with their numerous tributaries. Over millions of years, these rivers carried vast amounts of sediments from the uplifting Himalayan mountains and deposited them in a large depression or foredeep located at the foothills. This continuous deposition of silt and clay resulted in the formation of a fertile landmass composed of alluvial soil. Stretching across approximately 7 lakh square kilometers, these plains are characterized by their extreme flatness and high agricultural productivity due to the nutrient-rich nature of the alluvium.

Explanation

The genus Panthera is a taxonomic group within the family Felidae that includes the most prominent big cat species. Under the binomial nomenclature system, the lion is classified as Panthera leo, the leopard as Panthera pardus, and the tiger as Panthera tigris. These species are grouped together because they share distinct morphological and anatomical characteristics, such as a specific structure of the hyoid bone and larynx that enables most members of this genus to roar. This classification reflects their common evolutionary ancestry and differentiates them from smaller cat species.

Explanation

Phloem fibres, also known as bast fibres, are composed of elongated sclerenchymatous cells with thick lignified walls and pointed apices. These cells are characterized by the loss of their protoplasm at maturity, becoming dead cells that provide mechanical support. While they are generally absent in the primary phloem, they are a distinct feature of the secondary phloem. Commercial fibres such as those obtained from jute, flax, and hemp are examples of these phloem fibres.

Explanation

Coelenterates, ctenophores, and adult echinoderms exhibit a radial body plan, where the body parts are arranged around a central oral-aboral axis. This type of symmetry allows the organism to be bisected into two identical halves by any plane passing through the central longitudinal axis. In coelenterates and ctenophores, this symmetry is a primary characteristic of their tissue-level organization. In echinoderms, while the larval stages show bilateral symmetry, the adults undergo a transition to secondary radial symmetry, typically pentamerous, as an adaptation to their often sedentary or bottom-dwelling lifestyles. This arrangement is advantageous for capturing food or sensing danger from any direction in their aquatic environments.

Explanation

Uniform motion is defined as the motion of an object that travels in a straight line and covers equal distances in equal intervals of time, regardless of the duration of the time interval. When an object moves along a straight path at a constant speed, its velocity remains unchanged over time because both its magnitude (speed) and direction are constant. This implies that the acceleration of the object is zero, as there is no variation in the rate of change of displacement. In this state, the distance-time graph is a straight line passing through the origin, representing a direct proportionality between distance and time.

Explanation

In physics, force is defined as a vector quantity, meaning it possesses both magnitude and direction. The magnitude of a force represents its numerical value or size, which directly corresponds to its strength. It quantifies the intensity of the push or pull exerted on an object, typically measured in Newtons (N). While direction indicates the path along which the force acts, magnitude is the specific property used to express how strong the force is.

Explanation

Linux is an open-source operating system based on the Unix kernel, rather than a physical hardware component used for storing data. It functions as system software that manages a computer's hardware, memory, and processes, allowing communication between software and hardware. While the operating system itself is stored on a storage medium to be loaded into memory, the term refers to the software environment that coordinates the interaction between the user and the machine's resources.

Explanation

Magnesium (Mg) is an alkaline earth metal belonging to Group 2 of the periodic table, meaning it has two valence electrons and typically forms Mg²⁺ ions. Oxygen (O) is a Group 16 element with six valence electrons, needing two more to achieve a stable octet, thus forming O²⁻ ions. In a combination reaction between these two elements, the ions bond in a 1:1 ratio to ensure the resulting ionic compound is electrically neutral. This results in the formation of magnesium oxide, which has the chemical formula MgO. The balanced chemical equation for this oxidation process is 2Mg + O₂ → 2MgO.

Explanation

A neutralization reaction occurs when an acid and a base react to form water and a salt. In an aqueous solution, the hydrogen ions (H⁺) provided by the acid react with the hydroxide ions (OH⁻) provided by the base to produce water molecules (H₂O). The general chemical equation for this process is:

Acid + Base → Salt + Water

A classic example is the reaction between hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH), which produces sodium chloride (NaCl) and water:

HCl(aq) + NaOH(aq) → NaCl(aq) + H₂O(l)

This reaction effectively cancels out the acidic and basic properties of the reactants, often resulting in a solution with a pH value closer to 7. Because it involves the formation of stable water molecules from ions, the process is typically exothermic, meaning it releases heat energy to the surroundings.

Explanation

Deforestation rates vary significantly across different climatic zones due to historical and contemporary land-use patterns. According to widely cited environmental data and standard ecological textbooks, approximately 40 percent of forest cover has been lost in tropical regions. This high rate of loss is primarily driven by the expansion of agricultural land, commercial logging, and infrastructure development in tropical nations. In contrast, the temperate regions have experienced a much lower loss of about 1 percent, largely because many temperate countries underwent their primary phase of deforestation centuries ago and have since implemented reforestation and conservation programs that have stabilized their forest cover.

Explanation

The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) was launched by the Government of India in February 2016 as a major crop insurance reform to support the agricultural sector. It replaced the pre-existing National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS) and the Modified National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (MNAIS) to provide a more comprehensive and affordable insurance cover for farmers against non-preventable natural risks. Under this scheme, farmers pay a very low uniform premium of only 2% for all Kharif crops, 1.5% for all Rabi crops, and 5% for annual commercial and horticultural crops. The remaining share of the premium is borne equally by the Central and State Governments to ensure that farmers receive the full sum insured for crop losses caused by natural calamities, pests, or diseases.

Explanation

Ernest Rutherford is credited with the discovery of the proton through his experiments involving the bombardment of nitrogen gas with alpha particles, which he conducted in 1917 and published in 1919. During these experiments, Rutherford observed that the collision of alpha particles with nitrogen atoms resulted in the emission of hydrogen nuclei. He concluded that the hydrogen nucleus was a fundamental subatomic particle and a building block of all atomic nuclei. In 1920, he officially named this particle the proton, based on the Greek word protos, meaning first. This discovery built upon his earlier 1911 model of the atom, which established that the positive charge and most of the mass of an atom are concentrated in a small central nucleus.

Explanation

The 2017 Indian Premier League final was played on May 21, 2017, at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad. Mumbai Indians clinched their third IPL title by defeating Rising Pune Supergiant by a margin of just 1 run in a low-scoring thriller. Under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, Mumbai Indians scored 129/8 in their 20 overs and successfully defended the total by restricting the opposition to 128/6. This victory established Mumbai Indians as the most successful team in the tournament's history at that time, having previously won the title in 2013 and 2015. Krunal Pandya was named the Man of the Match for his crucial innings of 47 runs that helped stabilize the Mumbai innings.

Explanation

The Dhamek Stupa is situated at Sarnath, a major Buddhist pilgrimage site located approximately 13 kilometers from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. Originally commissioned by the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka in 249 BCE and later rebuilt in the 5th century CE during the Gupta period, the stupa is of immense historical and religious significance. It commemorates the exact location where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon, known as the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, to his first five disciples after achieving enlightenment at Bodh Gaya. The massive cylindrical structure stands over 43 meters high and features intricate floral carvings characteristic of Gupta workmanship.

Explanation

The song Thinking Out Loud, written by Ed Sheeran and Amy Wadge, won the Song of the Year at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards held in 2016. This prestigious category honors the songwriters of a track rather than the recording artist alone. The song was a major commercial success from Sheeran's second studio album, x, and marked his first win in this specific category. On the same night, the track also won the Grammy for Best Pop Solo Performance.

Explanation

The Human Development Report 2016, titled Human Development for Everyone and released by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in March 2017, ranked Australia 2nd in the world. Australia earned this ranking with a Human Development Index (HDI) value of 0.939, sharing the second spot with Switzerland and trailing only Norway. The index is a composite statistic that measures average achievement in three basic dimensions of human development: a long and healthy life, knowledge, and a decent standard of living. Australia's position was secured by its high life expectancy at birth, high mean and expected years of schooling, and strong gross national income per capita.

Explanation

The Samjhauta Express, popularly known as the Friendship Express, was initiated on July 22, 1976, following the Shimla Agreement between India and Pakistan. The train service establishes a direct rail link between the Old Delhi Railway Station in India and the Lahore Junction Railway Station in Pakistan. The journey involves a border crossing at the Attari-Wagah frontier, where security, customs, and immigration formalities are conducted. It was established to improve people-to-people contact and facilitate travel between the two neighboring countries.

Explanation

The nominal exchange rate is defined as the price of one unit of foreign currency expressed in terms of the domestic currency. It represents the ratio at which a person can trade the currency of one country for the currency of another in the foreign exchange market. For example, if the nominal exchange rate between the Indian Rupee and the US Dollar is 70, it means that 70 units of domestic currency (Rupees) are required to purchase one unit of foreign currency (Dollar). This rate is primarily used for international transactions and is determined by the demand and supply of currencies without accounting for the relative price levels or purchasing power between the two nations.

Explanation

The marginal product of an input refers to the additional output produced when one more unit of that specific input is added to the production process, while the quantities of all other inputs are kept fixed. Mathematically, it is the partial derivative of the production function with respect to that input. If Q is the total output and x is the variable input, the marginal product is expressed as MP = (Δ Q)/(Δ x). This concept measures the rate of change in total output resulting from a marginal change in the variable factor, reflecting the incremental productivity of that input under the ceteris paribus assumption.

Explanation

Trade unions, along with industrial and labour disputes, are specified under Entry 22 of the Concurrent List (List III) in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India. The Seventh Schedule defines and specifies the allocation of powers and functions between the Union and the States. Subjects mentioned in the Concurrent List are those where both the Parliament of India and the State Legislatures have the authority to legislate. This allows for a uniform national framework through central laws while granting states the flexibility to enact specific regulations or amendments that suit their local industrial and economic conditions.

Explanation

The writ of Prohibition is issued by a superior court, such as the Supreme Court or a High Court, to a lower court or a quasi-judicial body to prevent it from exceeding its jurisdiction or usurping a jurisdiction with which it is not legally vested. The term prohibition literally means to forbid. It is a preventive remedy used to keep subordinate courts within the limits of their authority and to ensure they do not violate the rules of natural justice. Under the Indian Constitution, this power is exercised by the Supreme Court under Article 32 and by the High Courts under Article 226. This writ is specifically directed towards stopping the proceedings in a lower court that is acting without jurisdiction or in excess of its legal powers.

Explanation

Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, also known as the Frontier Gandhi, was the founder of the Khudai Khidmatgar movement in the North-West Frontier Province. During the Civil Disobedience Movement, his arrest on April 23, 1930, triggered massive protests in Peshawar. The most notable incident occurred at the Qissa Khwani Bazaar, where a large crowd of non-violent demonstrators gathered to protest the arrest. The British authorities responded with heavy force, including the use of armored cars and firing on the unarmed assembly, resulting in significant casualties. This event remains a pivotal moment in the history of the freedom struggle, highlighting the strength of non-violent resistance in the frontier regions.

Explanation

The Mughals were the direct descendants of the Turco-Mongol conqueror Timur, who established a massive empire covering Central Asia, Iran, Iraq, and parts of modern-day Turkey. Babur, who founded the Mughal Empire in 1526, was a fifth-generation descendant of Timur on his father's side. The Mughal emperors took great pride in their Timurid ancestry, often commissioning genealogies and portraits to highlight their connection to him. This lineage was a central part of their dynastic identity, especially since Timur had invaded India and captured Delhi in 1398, providing a historical precedent for the Mughals' own claims to sovereignty over the Indian subcontinent.

Explanation

The Himalayas reach their eastern extremity at the Dihang gorge in Arunachal Pradesh. At this location, the mountain range undergoes a sharp syntaxial bend towards the south, where they are known as the Purvanchal or Eastern hills. These hills run through the north-eastern states of India, forming a natural boundary between India and Myanmar. The Dihang gorge is created by the Brahmaputra river as it enters India from Tibet, marking the point where the east-west alignment of the Great Himalayas shifts to a north-south orientation.

Explanation

National Highway 1A, which has been renumbered as NH 1 in the current numbering system, serves as the primary overland link between the Kashmir Valley and the Ladakh region. The highway crosses the Zoji la pass, located at an elevation of approximately 3,528 meters in the Zanskar Range of the Himalayas. This pass is the critical geographic gateway that connects Srinagar to Leh, providing a vital route for the transport of goods, passengers, and military supplies. Because of its high altitude and extreme weather conditions, the pass typically experiences heavy snowfall and remains closed for several months during the winter, making its management by the Border Roads Organization essential for maintaining connectivity to the frontier regions of India.