SSC CGL Tier 1 2019 General Awareness Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The Baglihar Dam, officially known as the Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project, is a run-of-the-river power project constructed on the Chenab River in the Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir. The project was developed by the Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation. It was designed in two stages, with Stage I commissioned in 2008 and Stage II in 2015, providing a total installed capacity of 900 MW. The construction involves a 143-meter high concrete gravity dam that utilizes the discharge of the Chenab River to generate hydroelectricity for the region.

Explanation

Rajatarangini, which translates to The River of Kings, is a metrical historical chronicle of the kings of Kashmir written by Kalhana in the 12th century CE. Composed in Sanskrit between 1148 and 1149 CE, the work consists of 7,826 verses divided into eight books called Tarangas. It is highly regarded in Indian historiography because Kalhana employed a scientific approach to history, utilizing diverse sources such as royal inscriptions, coins, monuments, and earlier chronicles to construct a chronological narrative. The text covers the history of Kashmir from legendary times through various dynasties like the Karkota, Utpala, and Lohara, providing significant insights into the political and social structure of the region.

Explanation

Part XI of the Indian Constitution specifically governs the Relations Between the Union and the States. This part is divided into two chapters that define the federal balance of power. Chapter I, which includes Articles 245 to 255, deals with legislative relations, outlining the distribution of legislative powers and the territorial jurisdiction of laws enacted by the Parliament and State Legislatures. Chapter II, encompassing Articles 256 to 263, addresses administrative relations, ensuring coordination and communication between the central government and the various state governments. By providing a clear framework for legislative and executive interaction, Part XI serves as the foundational legal basis for centre-state dynamics in India.

Explanation

Leila Seth became the first woman to serve as the Chief Justice of a state High Court in India when she was appointed to head the Himachal Pradesh High Court on August 5, 1991. Before this milestone, she had already established a pioneering career in the legal field, having become the first woman judge of the Delhi High Court in 1978. Her appointment as Chief Justice was a significant breakthrough for women in the Indian higher judiciary, paving the way for future female appointments to senior judicial leadership roles across the country.

Explanation

The Mithun (Bos frontalis), often referred to as the Cattle of the Mountains, is a large semi-domesticated bovine species native to the North-Eastern hilly regions of India. It is primarily found in the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram. Arunachal Pradesh accounts for the largest population of Mithuns in the country, where the animal is deeply integrated into the socio-economic and cultural fabric of the indigenous tribal communities. It serves as a significant source of meat, a medium of exchange in traditional social transactions such as bride price, and is used in various ritualistic sacrifices. Due to its ecological and cultural importance, the Mithun is recognized as the state animal of Arunachal Pradesh.

Explanation

Veer Kunwar Singh was a prominent leader during the Indian Rebellion of 1857 who belonged to the royal Ujjainiya Rajput house of Jagdispur, located in the Bhojpur district of Bihar. Despite being nearly 80 years old, he led a spirited armed resistance against the British East India Company forces. On April 23, 1858, he won a significant victory against the British troops near Jagdispur, an event that is now commemorated annually as Veer Kunwar Singh Jayanti or Vijay Diwas in Bihar. The Bihar government officially celebrates this day to honor his bravery and his role in liberating the region from British control during the first war of independence.

Explanation

White blood cells, also known as leukocytes, are referred to as the soldiers of the human body because they constitute the primary defense mechanism of the immune system. These cells circulate in the blood and lymphatic system to identify and neutralize foreign invaders such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. They protect the body by producing specific antibodies to target pathogens or by directly engulfing and destroying harmful microorganisms through a process called phagocytosis. Their constant vigilance and ability to mount a rapid response against infections are essential for maintaining the body's health and immunity.

Explanation

Oxytocin is the primary hormone responsible for the milk-ejection reflex, commonly known as the let-down reflex. When an infant suckles at the breast, sensory receptors in the nipple send neural signals to the hypothalamus, which stimulates the posterior pituitary gland to release oxytocin into the bloodstream. This hormone then acts on the mammary glands, causing the contraction of myoepithelial cells that surround the milk-producing alveoli. This contraction squeezes the milk into the ductal system and out through the nipple, facilitating the active expulsion of milk during breastfeeding. While other hormones are involved in the development of breast tissue and the synthesis of milk, oxytocin specifically mediates the mechanical release of the milk already stored in the breast.

Explanation

The festival of Marabats and Badgyas is a unique cultural tradition celebrated exclusively in Nagpur, Maharashtra, during the Tanha Pola festivities. This tradition dates back to 1885 and originated as a form of silent protest against the British Raj. The festival involves a grand procession featuring massive effigies known as Kali Marabat, Pili Marabat, and Badgyas, which symbolize social evils, diseases, and misfortunes. Throughout the procession, participants chant slogans to drive away these evils from the city. It serves as a significant platform for social satire and public criticism, as the effigies are often modeled to represent contemporary corrupt officials, perpetrators of social injustice, or specific societal problems, which are then symbolically destroyed to mark the end of the festival.

Explanation

Nanda Devi is the second-highest mountain in India and the highest peak located entirely within the country's borders. It is situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, forming part of the Garhwal Himalayas between the Rishiganga valley on the west and the Goriganga valley on the east. The peak is surrounded by the Nanda Devi National Park, which was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 for its unique high-altitude flora and fauna. The mountain is held in high spiritual regard and is named after the patron goddess of the Uttarakhand Himalaya.

Explanation

Measles is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by the rubeola virus. It is classified as a communicable disease because it spreads from person to person through respiratory droplets released when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or breathes. The virus can remain active and airborne in a room for up to two hours after an infected person has left, making it easily transmissible to individuals who lack immunity. It typically begins with a high fever, cough, and runny nose, followed by the characteristic development of a generalized maculopapular rash.

Explanation

In March 2019, the Parliament of Kazakhstan officially renamed the country's capital city from Astana to Nursultan. The change was implemented to honor the long-serving first President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, following his resignation after nearly three decades in power. The renaming proposal was suggested by the incoming President, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, as a tribute to Nazarbayev's role in the development and modernization of the nation. The city, which became the capital in 1997, has historically undergone several name changes, but the 2019 designation specifically commemorates the political legacy of the country's first leader.

Explanation

Deflation is the economic condition characterized by a general decline in the prices of goods and services, typically occurring when the money supply is low relative to the volume of production. This relationship is illustrated by the Quantity Theory of Money equation MV = PY, where M represents the money supply, V is the velocity of circulation, P is the price level, and Y is the total output of goods and services. If the money supply M is inadequate to facilitate the exchange of the available supply of goods Y at current prices, the price level P must fall to reach a new equilibrium. This shortage of liquidity leads to a decrease in aggregate demand, as there is less currency available for consumers to spend and for businesses to invest, ultimately resulting in a sustained downward trend in price levels.

Explanation

Soyabean is recognized as one of the most concentrated plant-based sources of protein, typically containing between 36% and 40% protein by dry weight. It is considered a complete protein because it provides all nine essential amino acids required for human nutrition in adequate proportions. The high protein density in soyabeans is primarily due to the presence of storage proteins like glycinin and beta-conglycinin. This nutritional profile makes it the most protein-rich food among common agricultural crops and legumes, serving as a primary protein staple in various diets globally.

Explanation

Chennai Spartans emerged as the champions of the inaugural Pro Volleyball League in February 2019. In the final held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai, the team defeated Calicut Heroes with a decisive 3-0 victory, recording set scores of 15-11, 15-12, and 16-14. This win ensured their qualification for the 2019 FIVB Volleyball Men's Club World Championship, marking a significant milestone for Indian volleyball.

Explanation

Dharmapala, the second ruler of the Pala dynasty, founded Vikramashila University in the late 8th or early 9th century. Located at Antichak in the Bhagalpur district of Bihar, it was established to promote Buddhist learning and became a major center for Tantric Buddhism (Vajrayana). Dharmapala was a great patron of Buddhism and provided land grants and financial support for the institution's maintenance. The university housed over a hundred teachers and attracted students from across Asia, including Tibet, serving as a prominent seat of education alongside Nalanda for several centuries until its destruction in the late 12th century.

Explanation

World Down Syndrome Day is observed annually on 21 March to raise public awareness about Down syndrome, a genetic condition caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21. For the 2019 observance, the United Nations selected the theme Leave no one behind. This theme was derived from the core ambition of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which aims to ensure that all people, including those with disabilities, have the opportunity to live fulfilling lives and are included in society on a full and equal basis. The focus for 2019 was specifically on advocating for the rights of individuals with Down syndrome to access healthcare, education, and employment without discrimination.

Explanation

The initial selling price is given as ₹800. The problem states the person loses 20% of this selling price, so the loss is 0.20 × 800 = ₹160. The cost price is determined by adding the loss to the selling price, which gives CP = 800 + 160 = ₹960. To achieve a gain of 25% on the cost price, the required selling price must be 125% of the cost price. Calculating this gives 960 × ¹²⁵⁄₁₀₀ = 960 × ⁵⁄₄. Dividing 960 by 4 yields 240, and multiplying 240 by 5 results in a final selling price of ₹1,200.

Explanation

Given the chord lengths AB = 6cm and CD = 2 × 6 = 12cm. The distance between the chords is d = ¼ × 12 = 3cm. Let the center of the circle be O and its radius be r. A perpendicular from the center to a chord bisects the chord. Let x be the perpendicular distance from O to the longer chord CD. Since both chords are on the same side and CD is longer, it is closer to the center. Therefore, the distance from O to the chord AB is x + 3.

Applying the Pythagorean theorem to the right-angled triangles formed by the radius, the distance from the center, and the half-chord lengths (3cm and 6cm):

For chord CD: r² = x² + 6² = x² + 36 For chord AB: r² = (x + 3)² + 3² = x² + 6x + 9 + 9 = x² + 6x + 18

Equating the two expressions for r²: x² + 36 = x² + 6x + 18 36 - 18 = 6x 18 = 6x x = 3cm

Substituting x = 3 back into the first equation: r² = 3² + 36 r² = 9 + 36 = 45 r = √(45) = 3√5cm

Explanation

Using the trigonometric identity sec²(θ) - tan²(θ) = 1, we can determine that sec(θ) + tan(θ) = 1/P. By adding the given equation (sec(θ) - tan(θ) = P) and this derived equation, we get 2sec(θ) = P + 1/P, which simplifies to sec(θ) = (P² + 1) / 2P. Since cos(θ) is the reciprocal of sec(θ), cos(θ) = 2P / (P² + 1).

Explanation

To calculate the required ratio, first find the sum of the production for the first group of cars. According to the table, the production of type A cars in 2015 is 56 thousand and the production of type B cars in 2014 is 48 thousand. The combined total for this group is 56 + 48 = 104 thousand. Next, find the sum for the second group. The production of type C cars in 2017 is 57 thousand and the production of type E cars in 2015 is 48 thousand. The combined total for this group is 57 + 48 = 105 thousand. The ratio of the first sum to the second sum is expressed as 104 : 105.

Explanation

The combined efficiency of A, B, and C is 7 + 5 + 4 = 16 units per day. Given that they can finish the work in 35 days, the total work is calculated as: Total Work = Combined Efficiency × Time = 16 × 35 = 560 units.

A and B work together for 28 days. Their combined efficiency is 7 + 5 = 12 units per day. The work completed by them is: Work Done by (A + B) = 12 × 28 = 336 units.

The remaining work to be completed by C is: Remaining Work = Total Work - Work Done = 560 - 336 = 224 units.

The efficiency of C is 4 units per day. Therefore, the time taken by C to complete the remaining work is: Time = Remaining Work / Efficiency of C = 224 / 4 = 56 days.

Explanation

Given the equations x + y = 1 and xy(xy - 2) = 12, we first simplify the second expression to (xy)² - 2xy = 12. To find the value of x⁴ + y⁴, we use standard algebraic identities. First, calculate x² + y²: x² + y² = (x + y)² - 2xy = 1² - 2xy = 1 - 2xy

Next, we express x⁴ + y⁴ in terms of x² + y²: x⁴ + y⁴ = (x² + y²)² - 2(xy)²

Substitute the expression x² + y² = 1 - 2xy into the equation: x⁴ + y⁴ = (1 - 2xy)² - 2(xy)² x⁴ + y⁴ = 1 + 4(xy)² - 4xy - 2(xy)² x⁴ + y⁴ = 1 + 2(xy)² - 4xy

By factoring out 2 from the last two terms, we get: x⁴ + y⁴ = 1 + 2((xy)² - 2xy)

Since we are given that (xy)² - 2xy = 12, substitute this value into the equation: x⁴ + y⁴ = 1 + 2(12) = 1 + 24 = 25

Explanation

For the number 179x091y to be divisible by 88, it must be divisible by both 8 and 11, as 88 = 8 × 11 and these factors are co-prime.

According to the divisibility rule for 8, the last three digits 91y must be divisible by 8. Performing the division 91y / 8, we find that 912 is the only number in that range divisible by 8 (114 × 8 = 912). Therefore, y = 2.

According to the divisibility rule for 11, the difference between the sum of digits at odd positions and the sum of digits at even positions must be 0 or a multiple of 11. For the number 179x0912, the sum of digits at odd positions is 2 + 9 + x + 7 = 18 + x. The sum of digits at even positions is 1 + 0 + 9 + 1 = 11. The difference is (18 + x) - 11 = 7 + x. For this difference to be a multiple of 11, 7 + x = 11, which yields x = 4.

Substituting these values into the expression 5x - 8y: 5(4) - 8(2) = 20 - 16 = 4

Explanation

For interest compounded 8-monthly, the number of compounding periods in 2 years (24 months) is n = ²⁴⁄₈ = 3. The rate of interest per 8-month period is r = 12% × ⁸⁄₁₂ = 8%.

The amount A is calculated using the formula A = P(1 + ʳ⁄₁₀₀)ⁿ. Substituting the values: A = 25000(1 + ⁸⁄₁₀₀)³ A = 25000 × (²⁷⁄₂₅)³ A = 25000 × ¹⁹⁶⁸³⁄₁₅₆₂₅ A = 1.6 × 19683 = 31492.8

The compound interest is CI = A - P: CI = 31492.8 - 25000 = 6492.8

Rounding to the nearest integer, the compound interest is ₹6,493. Alternatively, using the successive percentage method for three periods of 8%, the effective rate is 8 + 8 + (8 × 8)/(100) = 16.64% for two periods, and 16.64 + 8 + (16.64 × 8)/(100) = 25.9712% for three periods. 25000 × 25.9712% = 6492.8.

Explanation

When four numbers a, b, c, d are in proportion after adding x to each, the value of x can be calculated using the direct formula x = (ad - bc)/((b+c) - (a+d)). Substituting the given values a = 12, b = 28, c = 21, and d = 45:

x = ((12 × 45) - (28 × 21))/((28 + 21) - (12 + 45))

x = (540 - 588)/(49 - 57) = ⁻⁴⁸⁄₋₈ = 6

The two numbers for which the mean proportional is required are (x + 3) = 6 + 3 = 9 and (4x + 1) = 4(6) + 1 = 25. The mean proportional between any two numbers m and n is defined as √(m × n). Substituting the calculated values:

Mean proportional = √(9 × 25) = √(225) = 15

Explanation

Let the income of B be 100. Since the income of A is 25% more than B, the income of A is 125. The sum of the incomes of A and B is 125 + 100 = 225. The income of C is 65% less than this sum, which implies C is 35% of the sum: C = 225 × 0.35 = 78.75 The difference between the income of A and C is 125 - 78.75 = 46.25. To find what percent C is less than A, we use the comparison formula: Percentage less = (A - C)/(A) × 100 = (46.25)/(125) × 100 Percentage less = 37%

Explanation

The central angle for a specific year in a pie chart representing the total production of Type D cars is calculated using the formula Central Angle = (Value in specific year)/(Total value for all years) × 360°.

First, calculate the total production of Type D cars from 2014 to 2018: Total Production = 25 + 45 + 40 + 55 + 35 = 200

The production of Type D cars in 2015 is 45. Substituting these values into the formula: Central Angle = ⁴⁵⁄₂₀₀ × 360°

Simplifying the calculation: Central Angle = ⁴⁵⁄₂₀ × 36° Central Angle = ⁹⁄₄ × 36° Central Angle = 9 × 9° = 81°

Explanation

Let the length, breadth, and height of the cuboid be l, b, and h respectively. The areas of the three adjacent faces are given by the products of the dimensions: A₁ = lb, A₂ = bh, and A₃ = lh.

The volume (V) of a cuboid is calculated as: V = l × b × h

Taking the product of the areas of the three adjacent faces: A₁ × A₂ × A₃ = (lb) × (bh) × (lh) = l²b²h² = (lbh)²

Since V = lbh, we can establish the relationship: V² = A₁ × A₂ × A₃ V = √(A₁₎_×_A___₂ _× _A_₃

Given the areas of the adjacent faces are 32 cm², 24 cm², and 48 cm², substitute these values into the formula: V = √(32 × 24 × 48) V = √((16 × 2) × 24 × (2 × 24)) V = √(16 × 2²⁾^ײ⁴^^^² V = 4 × 2 × 24 V = 8 × 24 V = 192 cm³

Explanation

The area of a triangle A is related to its inradius r and semi-perimeter s by the formula A = r · s. Given that the area A = 15 sq cm and the inradius r = 3 cm, we can substitute these values into the formula to find the semi-perimeter:

15 = 3 · s s = ¹⁵⁄₃ = 5 cm

The perimeter P of the triangle is twice the semi-perimeter. Therefore, P = 2 · s = 2 · 5 = 10 cm.

Explanation

Total production of type D cars during the years 2015, 2016, and 2017 is calculated by summing the values from the table for those specific years: Dₜₒₜₐₗ = 45 + 40 + 55 = 140

Total production of type E cars during the years 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2018 is calculated as follows: Eₜₒₜₐₗ = 40 + 48 + 52 + 60 = 200

To find the percentage by which the total production of type D cars (140) is less than the total production of type E cars (200), we use the percentage decrease formula: Percentage less = Eₜₒₜₐₗ - Dₜₒₜₐₗ{Eₜₒₜₐₗ} × 100

Substituting the values into the formula: Percentage less = (200 - 140)/(200) × 100 Percentage less = ⁶⁰⁄₂₀₀ × 100 Percentage less = ⁶⁰⁄₂ = 30%

Explanation

The overall discount is calculated using the weighted average of the individual discount rates. Let the marked price of each book be M.

Total discount on 100 copies from the publisher = 100 × M × 25% = 2500M / 100 = 25M

Total discount on 50 copies from the retailer = 50 × M × 10% = 500M / 100 = 5M

Total discount received = 25M + 5M = 30M

Total marked price of 150 copies = 150 × M = 150M

Overall discount percentage = (Total Discount / Total Marked Price) × 100

Overall discount percentage = (30M / 150M) × 100 = (1/5) × 100 = 20%

Alternatively, using the weighted average formula where n₁ = 100 and n₂ = 50 (ratio 2:1):

Overall Discount = (2 × 25 + 1 × 10) / (2 + 1) = (50 + 10) / 3 = 60 / 3 = 20%

Explanation

In a triangle, the angle formed by the intersection of the exterior bisectors of two angles is related to the third interior angle by the formula ∠ R = 90° - (∠ A)/(2). Here, point R is the excenter of triangle ABC opposite to vertex A.

Substituting the given value of ∠ R = 66° into the formula:

66° = 90° - (∠ A)/(2)

Rearranging the terms to solve for ∠ A:

(∠ A)/(2) = 90° - 66°

(∠ A)/(2) = 24°

∠ A = 24° × 2 = 48°

Explanation

The profit amount is calculated as a percentage of the cost price (CP). According to the problem, the profit percentage is 25% and the absolute gain is ₹44.80. The formula for cost price when profit and profit percentage are known is:

CP = (Profit)/(Profit%) × 100

Substituting the given values:

CP = (44.80)/(25) × 100

CP = 44.80 × 4

CP = 179.20

Calculating the product, 44 × 4 = 176 and 0.80 × 4 = 3.20. Adding these components results in a cost price of ₹179.20. The information regarding the discount on the marked price is not required for this calculation as the relationship between profit amount and profit percentage directly yields the cost price.

Explanation

In a cyclic quadrilateral, the sum of the opposite angles is always 180°. For the cyclic quadrilateral ABCD, the pairs of opposite angles are ∠ A and ∠ C, and ∠ B and ∠ D.

Using the property ∠ A + ∠ C = 180°, we can find the measure of ∠ C: ∠ C = 180° - ∠ A = 180° - 67° = 113°

Similarly, using the property ∠ B + ∠ D = 180°, we can find the measure of ∠ D: ∠ D = 180° - ∠ B = 180° - 92° = 88°

The question asks for the difference between the measures of ∠ C and ∠ D. Calculating this difference gives: Difference = ∠ C - ∠ D = 113° - 88° = 25°

Explanation

Deepak Singh (49kg) was the sole Indian boxer to clinch a gold medal at the Makran Cup held in Chabahar, Iran, in February 2019. He defeated Jafar Naseri of Iran in the final bout to secure the top podium finish. Along with this single gold medal, the Indian contingent finished the tournament with five silver medals won by P. Lalitha Prasad (52kg), Manish Kaushik (60kg), Duryodhan Singh Negi (69kg), Sanjeet (91kg), and Satish Kumar (+91kg), as well as two bronze medals.

Explanation

Nathu La is a strategic mountain pass situated in the Himalayas at an altitude of approximately 4,310 meters, connecting the Indian state of Sikkim with the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. Historically a part of the ancient Silk Road, it served as a major trade link between India and Tibet for centuries. Following the 1962 Sino-Indian War, the pass was sealed by the Indian government and remained closed for over four decades. In 2006, after several rounds of diplomatic negotiations and the signing of a bilateral trade agreement, the pass was officially reopened to facilitate cross-border trade and strengthen economic relations between the two nations. It currently serves as one of the three officially recognized border trade points between India and China, alongside Shipki La and Lipulekh Pass.

Explanation

André-Marie Ampère is credited as the founder and namer of the science of electromagnetism. In the early 1820s, following the initial observation of magnetic effects produced by electric currents, Ampère developed a rigorous mathematical and experimental framework to explain the relationship between these two forces. He was the first to use the term electromagnetism to define this unified field of study. Ampère proposed that all magnetic phenomena are caused by electric currents at the molecular level, and his work culminated in the formulation of Ampère's Law, which relates the magnetic field around a closed loop to the electric current passing through it. His seminal work established the foundations of electrodynamics, merging the previously separate disciplines of electricity and magnetism into a single branch of physics.

Explanation

Dr. Koppillil Radhakrishnan served as the Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Secretary of the Department of Space from 2009 to 2014. He led the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), also known as Mangalyaan, which was launched on November 5, 2013. Under his guidance, the spacecraft successfully entered the Martian orbit on September 24, 2014. This achievement made India the first nation in the world to reach Mars in its very first attempt and the first Asian country to reach the Red Planet. For his outstanding contributions to science and engineering, particularly in the field of space exploration, he was conferred with the Padma Bhushan by the Government of India in 2014.

Explanation

Lok Adalats are statutory bodies established under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. This legislation was enacted to give effect to the Directive Principle of State Policy enshrined in Article 39A of the Indian Constitution, which mandates the state to provide free legal aid and ensure that justice is accessible to all citizens regardless of their economic or social status. Under the provisions of this Act, Lok Adalats function as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism where cases pending in courts or at the pre-litigation stage are settled amicably. An award made by a Lok Adalat is legally deemed to be a decree of a civil court and is final and binding on all parties involved, with no provision for further appeal.

Explanation

Chlorine atoms act as a powerful catalyst in the decomposition of stratospheric ozone. When chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other ozone-depleting substances reach the upper atmosphere, ultraviolet radiation breaks them down, releasing free chlorine atoms. Each chlorine atom initiates a catalytic cycle where it reacts with an ozone molecule (O₃) to form chlorine monoxide (ClO) and an oxygen molecule (O₂). The chlorine monoxide then reacts with free oxygen atoms to release the chlorine atom back into the cycle:

Cl + O₃ → ClO + O₂ ClO + O → Cl + O₂

Because the chlorine atom is regenerated at the end of this process, a single chlorine atom can destroy tens of thousands of ozone molecules before it is eventually removed from the stratosphere through other chemical reactions. This efficiency makes chlorine a primary driver of the thinning of the ozone layer and the formation of the ozone hole.

Explanation

Alauddin Khilji was the first Muslim ruler to extend the authority of the Delhi Sultanate into the southern regions of the Indian subcontinent. Between 1307 and 1311, he launched a series of military expeditions led by his general, Malik Kafur, which successfully subjugated the major kingdoms of the south. These campaigns defeated the Yadavas of Devagiri, the Kakatiyas of Warangal, the Hoysalas of Dwarasamudra, and the Pandyas of Madurai. By extracting heavy tribute and forcing these rulers to acknowledge his suzerainty, Alauddin established a vast sphere of influence that stretched from North India to the extreme south. This expansion marked the first time a Muslim empire in India reached such a wide geographical extent, effectively bringing almost the entire subcontinent under a single central authority.

Explanation

Galvanisation is the process of applying a protective layer of zinc to iron or steel to prevent rusting. Zinc acts as a sacrificial anode, protecting the underlying metal from corrosion even if the coating is scratched.

Explanation

World Water Day is observed annually on 22nd March to emphasize the importance of freshwater and advocate for the sustainable management of water resources. In 2019, the theme was Leaving no one behind, which aligns with the central promise of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This specific focus was intended to highlight how marginalized groups, including refugees, women, children, and people with disabilities, often face discrimination and difficulties in accessing the safe water they need. The campaign underscored that access to water is a fundamental human right and essential for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6, which aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

Explanation

In the reactivity series of metals, calcium is positioned significantly higher than zinc, iron, and copper. As an alkaline earth metal belonging to Group 2 of the periodic table, calcium has a relatively low ionization energy, which allows it to lose its two valence electrons much more readily than transition metals to form Ca²⁺ ions. This high tendency to undergo oxidation makes it chemically very active. Calcium reacts vigorously with cold water to produce calcium hydroxide and hydrogen gas, whereas zinc and iron require steam to react, and copper does not react with water at all. Based on the standard electrode potentials and the electrochemical series, calcium is the most electropositive and reactive element among the options provided.

Explanation

Deepak Singh secured the gold medal in the 49 kg light flyweight category at the Makran Cup boxing tournament held in Chabahar, Iran, in February 2019. He was the only Indian boxer to finish at the top of the podium during this competition. In the final bout, he defeated Jafar Naseri of Iran by a unanimous 5-0 decision to claim the title. His victory was the highlight of the Indian contingent's performance, which overall yielded eight medals at the event.

Explanation

The Midday Meal Scheme is a centrally sponsored program launched in 1995 as the National Programme of Nutritional Support to Primary Education. It is implemented by the Department of School Education and Literacy under the Ministry of Human Resource Development. The ministry is responsible for the policy formulation, monitoring, and funding of the scheme, which provides free cooked meals to children in primary and upper primary classes in government and government-aided schools. By managing the scheme, the ministry aims to improve the nutritional status of school-age children and encourage school attendance and enrollment.

Explanation

Nandna block printing is a traditional craft specifically associated with the village of Tarapur in the Neemuch district of Madhya Pradesh. This art form is characterized by its use of graceful and symmetrical arrangements of motifs, which are meticulously stamped onto fabric using hand-carved wooden blocks. The craft is deeply rooted in the culture of the Malwa region and has been traditionally practiced by the Chhipa community. Nandna prints typically feature motifs such as the champakali (magnolia bud), amba (mango), and jhari (creeper), often printed on dark backgrounds like indigo or madder. These fabrics have historically been used to make the traditional ghagras or skirts worn by women of the Bhil and Bhilala tribes, serving as a symbol of their cultural identity. The process is labor-intensive, involving multiple stages of washing, dyeing, and printing with natural ingredients to achieve the vibrant and durable colors characteristic of the region's textile heritage.

Explanation

National Highway 44 (NH 44) is the longest national highway in India, spanning a distance of approximately 3,745 kilometers. It runs from Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir in the north to Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu at the southern tip of the country. This highway was created by merging several older national highways, including NH 1A, NH 1, NH 2, NH 3, NH 75, NH 26, and NH 7. It passes through various states and Union Territories, including Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. Managed by the National Highways Authority of India, it forms the North-South Corridor of the National Highways Development Project and serves as a critical lifeline for interstate trade and travel across the Indian subcontinent.

Explanation

Rana Dasgupta was awarded the second Rabindranath Tagore Literary Prize in April 2019 for his 2009 novel Solo. The prize recognizes outstanding literary work that promotes world peace, literature, art, and education. Solo is a multi-layered narrative centering on a hundred-year-old blind Bulgarian man named Ulrich, whose life story reflects the failures of the twentieth century while transitioning into a series of imaginative daydreams about a different future. The award ceremony took place at the India International Centre in New Delhi, where Dasgupta was honored for his contribution to contemporary literature and the exploration of the human condition.