SSC CGL Tier 1 2019 General Awareness Questions with Solutions

Explanation

Kailash Satyarthi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014, making him the next Indian to receive this honor after Mother Teresa, who was awarded the prize in 1979. Satyarthi received the award jointly with Malala Yousafzai for their struggle against the suppression of children and young people and for the right of all children to education. He is the founder of the Bachpan Bachao Andolan (Save Childhood Movement), which has been instrumental in liberating thousands of children from various forms of servitude and advocating for their rehabilitation and education. His work has significantly influenced international policies and conventions regarding child labor and human rights.

Explanation

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 March as the International Day of Forests to celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests. For the year 2019, the theme was Forests and Education, which aimed to emphasize the role of education in sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation. This theme underscored the need to invest in forestry education at all levels—from children to adults—to ensure future generations understand the value of forests and can contribute to their protection and sustainable use. Every year, the Collaborative Partnership on Forests sets the theme to highlight specific aspects of forestry that contribute to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Explanation

The Bagh Caves are a group of nine rock-cut monuments situated on the southern slopes of the Vindhya Range in the Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh. These caves are renowned for their ancient mural paintings, which represent the high point of Buddhist art during the Gupta period, dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries CE. While the caves themselves are Buddhist monasteries, the paintings are famously secular in theme, depicting various aspects of contemporary life, processions, and musical performances. The murals were executed using the tempera technique on a thick mud plaster base over the sandstone walls, and they share significant stylistic similarities with the world-famous Ajanta paintings.

Explanation

Article 19(1)(d) of the Constitution of India guarantees to all citizens the fundamental right to move freely throughout the territory of India. This right ensures that citizens can move without restriction from one state to another or within any state, emphasizing that the nation is a single unit. The primary objective of this provision is to promote national feeling and overcome parochialism among the citizens. Like other freedoms under Article 19, this right is not absolute and is subject to reasonable restrictions under Article 19(5). The state may impose such restrictions in the interest of the general public or for the protection of the interests of any Scheduled Tribe.

Explanation

Aihole was the initial capital of the Badami Chalukyas before Pulakeshin I moved the capital to Vatapi (modern-day Badami) in 543 AD. Aihole is often referred to as the cradle of Indian temple architecture and served as the early administrative hub for the dynasty.

Explanation

Gold is scientifically recognized as the most ductile of all known metals. Ductility refers to the physical property of a material that allows it to be deformed under tensile stress, typically by being stretched into a thin wire without breaking. Gold possesses an exceptional ability to undergo such deformation due to its face-centered cubic crystal structure and the nature of its metallic bonding, which permits layers of atoms to slide over one another easily. To illustrate its extreme ductility, a single gram of gold can be drawn into a continuous wire approximately 2.4 kilometers in length. This characteristic, along with its high malleability, makes gold a vital material in both fine jewelry and specialized industrial applications where extreme thinness is required.

Explanation

The Slave dynasty, also known as the Mamluk dynasty, was the first Muslim dynasty to rule India as part of the Delhi Sultanate. It was established in 1206 by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, who was a trusted general and former slave of the Ghurid ruler Muhammad Ghori. Following Ghori's death, Aibak declared independence and moved his capital to Delhi. This dynasty governed the Sultanate from 1206 to 1290, laying the administrative and architectural foundations of Muslim rule in the Indian subcontinent. It is called the Slave dynasty because its most prominent early rulers, including Aibak, Iltutmish, and Balban, were originally military slaves who rose to power through merit and loyalty.

Explanation

Qutub-ud-din Aibak was a Turkic slave who rose through the ranks to become the most trusted general of Muhammad Ghori. After the death of Muhammad Ghori in 1206 AD, Aibak took control of the Indian possessions and established the Mamluk Dynasty, also known as the Slave Dynasty. This marked the formal beginning of the Delhi Sultanate. Aibak was the first independent Muslim ruler to make Delhi his capital. He is renowned for starting the construction of the Qutub Minar in Delhi and building the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque. Due to his immense generosity, he was often referred to by the title Lakh Baksh or giver of lakhs. His rule was relatively short, ending in 1210 AD when he died from a fall while playing Chaugan, an early form of polo.

Explanation

Bandipur National Park is situated in the Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka. Established in 1973 as a tiger reserve under Project Tiger, it spans an area of approximately 874 square kilometers. The park is a key component of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which was the first biosphere reserve designated in India. It is strategically located at the tri-junction of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, sharing its boundaries with the Nagarhole National Park, Mudumalai National Park, and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. The park is well-known for hosting significant populations of endangered species, most notably the Royal Bengal tiger and the Indian elephant, and is characterized by a mix of dry deciduous forests and shrublands.

Explanation

To solve the expression (5 + 3 ÷ 5 × 5) ÷ (3 ÷ 3 of 6) of (4 × 4 ÷ 4 of 4 + 4 ÷ 4 × 4), we apply the VBODMAS rule, which dictates the order of operations as Brackets, Of, Division, Multiplication, Addition, and Subtraction.

First, evaluate the individual bracketed terms: The first term is (5 + 3 ÷ 5 × 5). Following the order of operations, division and multiplication are performed from left to right: 5 + (0.6 × 5) = 5 + 3 = 8.

The second term is (3 ÷ 3 of 6). Since "of" takes precedence over division, we calculate 3 of 6 = 18 first. Then, 3 ÷ 18 = ³⁄₁₈ = ⅙.

The third term is (4 × 4 ÷ 4 of 4 + 4 ÷ 4 × 4). For the first part, 4 of 4 = 16, then 4 × 4 ÷ 16 = 16 ÷ 16 = 1. For the second part, 4 ÷ 4 × 4 = 1 × 4 = 4. Adding them gives 1 + 4 = 5.

Now, substitute these values back into the main expression: 8 ÷ ⅙ of 5. According to the order of operations, the "of" operation between ⅙ and 5 must be performed before the division: ⅙ of 5 = ⅚.

Finally, perform the division: 8 ÷ ⅚ = 8 × ⁶⁄₅ = ⁴⁸⁄₅. Converting this improper fraction into a mixed fraction results in 9 ⅗.

Explanation

The side lengths of triangle ABC are AB = 7 cm, BC = 24 cm, and CA = 25 cm. These sides form a Pythagorean triplet because 7² + 24² = 49 + 576 = 625 = 25². Since the square of the longest side equals the sum of the squares of the other two sides, △ ABC is a right-angled triangle with the right angle at vertex B and hypotenuse AC.

In a right-angled triangle, the length of the median drawn to the hypotenuse is exactly half the length of the hypotenuse. Let M be the midpoint of AC. The length of the median BM is: BM = ½ × AC = ²⁵⁄₂ = 12.5 cm

The centroid G of a triangle lies on the median and divides it in a 2:1 ratio from the vertex. Therefore, the distance from the vertex B to the centroid G is: BG = ⅔ × BM BG = ⅔ × ²⁵⁄₂ = ²⁵⁄₃ cm

Converting the fraction to a mixed number, we get BG = 8 ⅓ cm.

Explanation

Let the capacity of the tank be the least common multiple of the time periods given: 60 minutes for pipe A, 120 minutes for pipe B, and 75 minutes for pipe C. The LCM(60, 120, 75) = 600 units.

The efficiency of each pipe is calculated as follows: Efficiency of A = 600 / 60 = 10 units/min Efficiency of B = 600 / 120 = 5 units/min Efficiency of C = 600 / 75 = 8 units/min (emptying)

From 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. (120 minutes), pipes A and C are open. The combined rate is 10 - 8 = 2 units/min. The total volume filled in these 2 hours is 120 × 2 = 240 units.

At 11 a.m., pipe A is closed and pipe B is opened while pipe C remains open. The new combined rate for pipes B and C is 5 - 8 = -3 units/min. The negative sign indicates that the tank is being emptied at a rate of 3 units per minute.

The time taken to empty the 240 units already in the tank is 240 / 3 = 80 minutes. 80 minutes corresponds to 1 hour and 20 minutes. Starting from 11 a.m., the tank will be completely empty at 12:20 p.m.

Explanation

When two objects A and B travel towards each other and take t₁ and t₂ times respectively to reach their destinations after crossing each other, the relationship between their speeds v₁ and v₂ is given by the formula (v₁)/(v₂) = √((t₂)/(t₁)).

In this problem, the time taken by A after crossing is t₁ = 6⅛ = ⁴⁹⁄₈ hours, and the time taken by B is t₂ = 8 hours. The speed of B is v₂ = 16.8 km/h. Substituting these values into the formula:

(v₁)/(16.8) = √((8)/(49/8))

(v₁)/(16.8) = √(⁶⁴⁄₄₉)

(v₁)/(16.8) = ⁸⁄₇

v₁ = 16.8 × ⁸⁄₇

v₁ = 2.4 × 8 = 19.2

The speed of A is 19.2 km/h.

Explanation

According to the property of tangents drawn from an external point to a circle, the lengths of the two tangents are equal. In △ ABC, the circle touches the sides at P, Q, and R, which implies that the segments from each vertex to the points of tangency are equal: AP = AR, BP = BQ, and CR = CQ.

The perimeter of △ ABC is the sum of its sides AB + BC + CA. This can be expressed in terms of the tangent segments as: Perimeter = (AP + PB) + (BQ + QC) + (CR + RA)

By substituting the equal tangent segments, the perimeter becomes: Perimeter = 2(AR + BQ + CR)

In this specific problem from the June 2019 shift, the given values are AR = 5 cm, BQ = 7 cm, and CR = 6 cm. Substituting these values into the formula: Perimeter = 2(5 + 7 + 6) Perimeter = 2(18) = 36 cm

Explanation

Dividing both the numerator and the denominator by cos θ yields: (tan θ - 1 + sec θ)/(tan θ + 1 - sec θ) = ((sec θ + tan θ) - 1)/(1 - (sec θ - tan θ))

By applying the identity 1 = sec² θ - tan² θ = (sec θ - tan θ)(sec θ + tan θ) to the numerator: ((sec θ + tan θ) - (sec θ - tan θ)(sec θ + tan θ))/(1 - sec θ + tan θ) = ((sec θ + tan θ) [1 - (sec θ - tan θ)])/(1 - sec θ + tan θ)

The term (1 - sec θ + tan θ) cancels out from the numerator and denominator, leaving sec θ + tan θ.

For a rapid solution, substitute θ = 45°: (sin 45° - cos 45° + 1)/(sin 45° + cos 45° - 1) = (1)/(√(2) - 1) = √2 + 1 At θ = 45°, the expression sec θ + tan θ equals √2 + 1.

Explanation

In a trapezium ABCD with AB ∥ DC, the diagonals AC and BD intersect at point P. According to the property of trapeziums, the diagonals divide each other proportionally because triangles △ APB and △ CPD are similar by the Angle-Angle criterion (as alternate interior angles are equal). This established similarity leads to the ratio (AP)/(PC) = (BP)/(PD).

Substituting the given algebraic expressions into this ratio: (3x - 1)/(5x - 3) = (2x + 1)/(6x - 5)

By cross-multiplication: (3x - 1)(6x - 5) = (2x + 1)(5x - 3) 18x² - 15x - 6x + 5 = 10x² - 6x + 5x - 3 18x² - 21x + 5 = 10x² - x - 3 8x² - 20x + 8 = 0

Dividing the entire equation by 4 simplifies it to: 2x² - 5x + 2 = 0 (2x - 1)(x - 2) = 0

This yields two possible values for x: x = 2 or x = 0.5. If x = 0.5 is substituted back into the expressions for PC or PD, the resulting lengths are negative (e.g., 5(0.5) - 3 = -0.5), which is geometrically impossible. Therefore, x must be 2.

To find the length of the diagonal DB, we sum the lengths of its two segments: BP = 2(2) + 1 = 5 cm PD = 6(2) - 5 = 7 cm DB = BP + PD = 5 + 7 = 12 cm

Explanation

For an 8-digit number to be divisible by 88, it must be divisible by both 8 and 11, as 88 = 8 × 11.

Divisibility by 8: The last three digits 4y2 must be divisible by 8. By testing digits for y, we find 432 (8 × 54) and 472 (8 × 59) are multiples of 8. Therefore, y can be either 3 or 7.

Divisibility by 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. Sum of digits at odd positions (starting from the right): 2 + 4 + 4 + 0 = 10. Sum of digits at even positions (starting from the right): y + x + 7 + 2 = x + y + 9. Difference D = (x + y + 9) - 10 = x + y - 1.

Case 1: If y = 3, then x + 3 - 1 = 11 ⟹ x = 9 (since x + 2 = 0 is impossible for a digit). Value of 4x + 3y = 4(9) + 3(3) = 36 + 9 = 45.

Case 2: If y = 7, then x + 7 - 1 = 11 ⟹ x = 5. Value of 4x + 3y = 4(5) + 3(7) = 20 + 21 = 41.

Since 45 is present in the options, the required value is 45.

Explanation

Using the trigonometric identity cot²θ = csc²θ - 1, the equation 12cot²θ - 31cscθ + 32 = 0 is rewritten as 12(csc²θ - 1) - 31cscθ + 32 = 0. This simplifies to the quadratic equation 12csc²θ - 31cscθ + 20 = 0. By letting x = cscθ, we factor the quadratic 12x² - 31x + 20 = 0 by finding two numbers that multiply to 240 and add to -31, which are -15 and -16. The equation becomes 12x² - 16x - 15x + 20 = 0, which factors as (4x - 5)(3x - 4) = 0. This gives cscθ = 5/4 or cscθ = 4/3.

When cscθ = 5/4, then sinθ = 4/5. In the first quadrant, the corresponding value of cosθ is √(1 - (4/5)²) = 3/5. Thus, tanθ = sinθ / cosθ = (4/5) / (3/5) = 4/3.

When cscθ = 4/3, then sinθ = 3/4. The corresponding value of cosθ is √(1 - (3/4)²) = √7/4. Thus, tanθ = sinθ / cosθ = (3/4) / (√7/4) = 3/√7. After rationalizing the denominator, we get tanθ = (3√7)/7.

The possible values for tanθ are 4/3 and (3√7)/7.

Explanation

The income of A is 50% more than B, establishing the ratio of their incomes A : B as 150 : 100, or 3 : 2.

Using the weighted average method to find the percentage increase in their combined income: Combined Increase % = ((Income Ratio A × Increase % A) + (Income Ratio B × Increase % B))/(Sum of Ratios)

Substituting the given values: Combined Increase % = ((3 × 40) + (2 × 90))/(3 + 2) Combined Increase % = (120 + 180)/(5) Combined Increase % = ³⁰⁰⁄₅ = 60

Alternatively, assume B's income is 100. A's income is then 150, and their combined initial income is 250. The increase in A's income is 40% of 150, which is 60. The increase in B's income is 90% of 100, which is 90. The total increase in combined income is 60 + 90 = 150. The percentage increase in their combined income is calculated as ¹⁵⁰⁄₂₅₀ × 100 = 60.

Explanation

The total production of type D cars from 2014 to 2018 is the sum of the values in the D column: 46 + 50 + 54 + 67 + 68 = 285 thousand. To find the average production of type D cars over these five years, we divide the total by the number of years: ²⁸⁵⁄₅ = 57 thousand.

The production of type E cars in 2018 is given as 70 thousand. To calculate what percent less the average of type D (57) is than the production of type E in 2018 (70), we use the percentage decrease formula:

Percentage Less = (70 - 57)/(70) × 100 = ¹³⁄₇₀ × 100

¹³⁰⁰⁄₇₀ = ¹³⁰⁄₇ ≈ 18.571

Rounding to one decimal place, the percentage is 18.6%.

Explanation

The production of type C cars in 2015 is 53 thousand and the production of type D cars in 2017 is 67 thousand. The total production for this group is 53 + 67 = 120 thousand.

The production of type B cars in 2016 is 47 thousand and the production of type A cars in 2017 is 43 thousand. The total production for this group is 47 + 43 = 90 thousand.

The required ratio is the total of the first group to the total of the second group, which is 120 : 90. Dividing both terms by their greatest common divisor, 30, simplifies the ratio to 4 : 3.

Explanation

If the numbers 21-x, 22-x, 60-x, and 64-x are in proportion, then ²¹⁻ˣ⁄₂₂₋ₓ = ⁶⁰⁻ˣ⁄₆₄₋ₓ. A quick way to find x for a proportion of the form (a-x)/(b-x) = (c-x)/(d-x) is using the formula x = (ad - bc)/((a+d) - (b+c)).

Substituting the values a = 21, b = 22, c = 60, and d = 64: x = (21 × 64 - 22 × 60)/((21 + 64) - (22 + 60)) x = (1344 - 1320)/(85 - 82) = ²⁴⁄₃ = 8

The mean proportional between (x + 1) and (7x + 8) is defined as √((x + 1)(7x + 8)). Substituting x = 8 into this expression: x + 1 = 8 + 1 = 9 7x + 8 = 7(8) + 8 = 56 + 8 = 64

The mean proportional is √(9 × 64) = √(576) = 24.

Explanation

Total production of type B cars across all five years is the sum of its production from 2014 to 2018. Summing the values from the table: 54 + 45 + 47 + 50 + 40 = 236 thousand.

Total production of type A, B, and D cars in the year 2017 is calculated by adding the respective values for that year: 43 + 50 + 67 = 160 thousand.

To find how much percent more the production of type B cars is compared to the combined production of A, B, and D in 2017, use the percentage increase formula:

Percentage Increase = (Total B - Total (A+B+D) in 2017)/(Total (A+B+D) in 2017) × 100

Substituting the calculated values:

Percentage Increase = (236 - 160)/(160) × 100 = ⁷⁶⁄₁₆₀ × 100 = ¹⁹⁄₄₀ × 100 = 19 × 2.5 = 47.5%

Explanation

The compound interest for the n-th year is given by the relation Iₙ = P · r(1 + r)ⁿ⁻¹. Calculating the interest for the second year (n=2): I₂ = 15000 × ¹⁶⁄₁₀₀ × (1 + ¹⁶⁄₁₀₀)²⁻¹ I₂ = 15000 × 0.16 × 1.16 = 2400 × 1.16 = 2784 The difference between the compound interest of the third year and the second year is equal to the interest calculated on the interest of the second year. Difference = I₂ × ʳ⁄₁₀₀ Difference = 2784 × ¹⁶⁄₁₀₀ = 2784 × 0.16 = 445.44

Explanation

The total sum of the thirteen numbers is 13 × 80 = 1040. The sum of the first five numbers is 5 × 74.5 = 372.5, and the sum of the next five numbers is 5 × 82.5 = 412.5. The combined sum of these first ten numbers is 372.5 + 412.5 = 785. Subtracting this from the total sum gives the sum of the remaining three numbers as 1040 - 785 = 255.

Let the 12ᵗʰ number be x. Based on the problem, the 11ᵗʰ number is x + 6. Since the 12ᵗʰ number is 6 less than the 13ᵗʰ number, the 13ᵗʰ number is x + 6. The sum of the 11ᵗʰ, 12ᵗʰ, and 13ᵗʰ numbers is (x + 6) + x + (x + 6) = 255, which simplifies to 3x + 12 = 255. Solving for x, we find 3x = 243, so x = 81. The 11ᵗʰ number is 81 + 6 = 87 and the 13ᵗʰ number is 81 + 6 = 87. The average of the 11ᵗʰ and 13ᵗʰ numbers is (87 + 87)/(2) = 87.

Explanation

The question is a standard SSC CGL 2019 problem where the missing loss value is 8 percent. The difference between an 8 percent loss and a 10.5 percent gain is 18.5 percent, which corresponds to 92.50, making the cost price 500. To achieve a 12 percent gain on 500, the article must be sold for 560.

Explanation

In a cyclic quadrilateral, angles subtended by the same arc at the circumference are equal. Arc BC subtends both ∠ BAC and ∠ BDC, so ∠ BDC = ∠ BAC = 30°.

Given that AB = BC, △ ABC is an isosceles triangle where ∠ BCA = ∠ BAC = 30°. The sum of angles in △ ABC is 180°, so ∠ ABC = 180° - (30° + 30°) = 120°. Since ∠ DBC = 70°, we find ∠ ABD = ∠ ABC - ∠ DBC = 120° - 70° = 50°.

Arc AD subtends ∠ ABD and ∠ ACD at the circumference. Therefore, ∠ ACD = ∠ ABD = 50°. Since point P lies on the diagonal AC, ∠ PCD is the same as ∠ ACD, which is 50°.

Explanation

Palynology is the branch of science that investigates palynomorphs, which include pollen, spores, and various microscopic planktonic organisms like dinoflagellates and acritarchs. This field encompasses the analysis of these organic-walled microfossils and their modern counterparts to understand evolutionary biology, stratigraphy, and paleoenvironments. By examining the physical and chemical characteristics of these microscopic particles, researchers can reconstruct past climates and vegetation patterns, as the durable outer walls of pollen and spores, known as the exine, allow them to be preserved for millions of years in sedimentary records.

Explanation

Herpetology is the specific branch of zoology that deals with the study of amphibians, such as frogs, toads, and salamanders, along with reptiles. It involves the scientific investigation of their taxonomy, physiology, behavior, and conservation. Since both amphibians and reptiles are ectothermic vertebrates, they are grouped together in this scientific discipline, which takes its name from the Greek word herpeton, meaning a creeping animal. This field is essential for understanding the transition of life from water to land and the ecological roles these species play in various environments.

Explanation

Histology is the branch of biology and medicine that focuses on the microscopic study of the anatomy of cells and tissues of plants and animals. It involves the examination of thin slices of biological specimens through a microscope to understand the structural organization and functional relationships between different cellular components and extracellular matrices. By visualizing the microanatomy of organs, histology provides essential insights into how specific tissue structures contribute to the overall physiological processes of a living organism.

Explanation

Kala Bhavana is the prestigious institute of fine arts founded by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore in 1919. It is an integral part of Visva-Bharati University located in Santiniketan, West Bengal. The institution was established to promote the study and research of visual arts and has been home to legendary artists like Nandalal Bose, Benode Behari Mukherjee, and Ramkinkar Baij. It played a pivotal role in the development of the Bengal School of Art and continues to be a major center for artistic education and practice in India.

Explanation

Bum La Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass located at an elevation of approximately 15,200 feet on the border between India and Tibet. It is situated about 37 kilometers from the town of Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh and serves as a critical geographical link connecting the Tawang district of India with Lhasa in the Tibet Autonomous Region. Historically, this pass was a vital part of the ancient trade route between India and Tibet. It gained significant historical prominence as the route used by the 14th Dalai Lama when he entered India to seek asylum in 1959. It remains a major point of contact and one of the officially agreed Border Personnel Meeting points between the Indian Army and the People's Liberation Army of China.

Explanation

Poush Mela is an annual fair and festival held in Santiniketan, Birbhum District of West Bengal. It marks the foundation day of the Brahmo Samaj and the harvest season, typically beginning on the 7th day of the Hindu month of Poush. The fair was initiated by Maharshi Debendranath Tagore in 1894 and later became a major cultural event under Rabindranath Tagore. It is famous for its live performances of Bengali folk music, particularly Baul songs, as well as traditional dances and the display of local handicrafts such as Batik and Kantha embroidery. The event serves as a significant platform for local artisans and rural performers to showcase the unique heritage and lifestyle of the Bengal region.

Explanation

Pramod Sawant was sworn in as the 13th Chief Minister of Goa on March 19, 2019. He assumed the office following the death of the former Chief Minister, Manohar Parrikar, who passed away while in service. Prior to his appointment as the Chief Minister, Sawant served as the Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly. He represents the Sanquelim constituency and is a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party. The oath of office and secrecy was administered to him by the then Governor of Goa, Mridula Sinha.

Explanation

Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose was appointed as India's first Lokpal by the President of India in March 2019. A former judge of the Supreme Court of India and a former member of the National Human Rights Commission, his appointment followed the implementation of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013. The selection was made by a high-level committee chaired by the Prime Minister and included the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, the Leader of the Opposition or the leader of the largest opposition party, the Chief Justice of India or a nominee, and an eminent jurist. As the head of the anti-corruption ombudsman, the Lokpal is empowered to inquire into allegations of corruption against high-ranking public officials at the central level.

Explanation

Deepak Singh was the sole gold medalist for India at the 2019 Makran Cup Boxing Tournament held in Chabahar, Iran. He won the gold in the 49kg light flyweight category after defeating Iran's Jafar Naseri in the final. Because he secured the gold medal, he is not part of the group of five Indian boxers who earned silver medals at this international event.

Explanation

Timur, the Turco-Mongol ruler of Samarkand, invaded the Delhi Sultanate in 1398 during the reign of Nasir-ud-Din Mahmud Shah Tughluq. He crossed the Indus River in September 1398 and reached Delhi in December, where he decisively defeated the Sultan's forces. The invasion was followed by a brutal three-day massacre and the systematic looting of the city, which left Delhi in ruins and depopulated. This catastrophic event destroyed the central authority and prestige of the Tughlaq dynasty. While the dynasty technically survived in a severely diminished state until 1414, the empire effectively disintegrated into various independent principalities, marking the functional end of Tughlaq imperial power and clearing the path for the later emergence of the Sayyid dynasty.

Explanation

Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, originally known as Ghazi Malik, was a prominent military commander and administrator during the reign of Alauddin Khilji. Alauddin Khilji appointed him as the Governor of Dipalpur in the Punjab region, assigning him the critical task of guarding the northwestern frontier of the Delhi Sultanate. In this capacity, he served as a bulwark against the Mongol invasions, successfully repelling numerous incursions and securing the borders. His military successes and administrative role during the Khilji period established him as a powerful noble, eventually enabling him to rise to the throne and found the Tughlaq dynasty in 1320 after the period of instability following Alauddin's death.

Explanation

Television remote controls primarily utilize infrared radiation, which is a segment of the electromagnetic spectrum with wavelengths ranging from approximately 700 nanometers to 1 millimeter. The remote transmitter contains an infrared Light Emitting Diode (LED) that emits pulses of invisible light to represent specific binary codes. These codes correspond to various commands such as changing the channel or adjusting the volume. A sensor located on the television detects these pulses and converts the light energy into electrical signals, which are then decoded by the television internal circuitry to perform the requested action. This technology is widely used for home electronics because it is inexpensive, energy-efficient for short-range communication, and operates on a frequency that does not typically interfere with other household radio devices.

Explanation

Ajit Kumar Mohanty, a distinguished scientist, was appointed as the Director of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in March 2019 for a tenure of three years. He succeeded Kamlesh Nilkanth Vyas after the latter was promoted to Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission.

Explanation

In March 2019, the Government of India nominated Ramesh Chand for the position of Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. Ramesh Chand is a distinguished agricultural economist who has served as a full-time member of NITI Aayog since 2015, holding a rank equivalent to a Union Minister of State. His nomination was based on his extensive expertise in agricultural research, policy formulation, and food security issues. The FAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and food security. India proposed his candidacy to represent the interests of developing nations and to bring his vast experience in managing large-scale agricultural systems to the global stage.

Explanation

Khizr Khan established the Sayyid dynasty in 1414, marking the beginning of the fourth ruling house of the Delhi Sultanate. Before seizing power in Delhi, he served as the Governor of Multan under the Tughlaq dynasty. Following the devastation caused by Timurs invasion in 1398, Khizr Khan was appointed as Timurs deputy in India. He eventually displaced the local authorities to take control of Delhi. Throughout his reign, he maintained a unique political stance by refusing to adopt the title of Sultan, instead ruling under the title Rayat-i-Ala and acknowledging the suzerainty of the Timurid ruler Shah Rukh. His reign lasted until 1421, providing a period of transition and relative stability after the collapse of Tughlaq authority.

Explanation

Majuli is a large river island situated in the Brahmaputra River in the state of Assam. It was formed due to course changes by the river Brahmaputra and its tributaries, particularly the Lohit. In 2016, Majuli became the first island in India to be made a district. The island is the nerve centre of Neo-Vaishnavite culture, hosting numerous Satras (monasteries) established by the saint-reformer Srimanta Sankardev. It is recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's largest river island, covering a significant area within the vast expanse of the Brahmaputra's braided channel.

Explanation

Banihal Pass is a crucial mountain pass situated in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas at an elevation of approximately 2,832 meters. It serves as the primary gateway connecting the Jammu region with the Kashmir Valley, specifically linking the cities of Jammu and Srinagar. The pass is of immense strategic and economic importance as it facilitates the movement of goods and people between these regions. To ensure year-round connectivity and overcome the challenges of heavy snowfall during winter, the Jawahar Tunnel was constructed through the Pir Panjal mountain under the Banihal Pass, allowing National Highway 44 to remain operational even when the high-altitude pass itself is inaccessible.

Explanation

Rohtang Pass is a high mountain pass on the eastern Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas, situated at an elevation of 3,978 meters. Located approximately 51 km from Manali, it serves as a natural divide between the Kullu Valley and the high-altitude arid regions of Lahaul and Spiti in Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the most prominent tourist attractions in the state, famous for its scenic beauty, glaciers, and year-round snow. The pass is also strategically significant as it lies on the Manali-Leh Highway, providing a vital link to the Ladakh region.

Explanation

In March 2019, the Government of India appointed P. V. Ramesh as the Director General of the National Archives of India. A 1985-batch Indian Administrative Service officer of the Andhra Pradesh cadre, he previously served as the Chairman and Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Corporation (REC). The National Archives of India, which functions as an attached office under the Ministry of Culture, is the primary repository for the non-current records of the Government of India and holds them in trust for use by administrators and scholars.

Explanation

Inflation is defined as a persistent and sustained increase in the general price level of goods and services in an economy over a specific period. When the general price level rises, each unit of currency buys fewer goods and services than it did previously; consequently, inflation reflects a reduction in the purchasing power per unit of money. This phenomenon is typically measured as an annual percentage change in a price index, such as the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or the Wholesale Price Index (WPI). For a price rise to be classified as inflation, it must be a continuous process affecting the broad economy rather than a temporary or isolated spike in the price of a single commodity.

Explanation

Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, a pioneering physicist and statistician, established the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) in Kolkata on 17 December 1931. The institute originated from the Statistical Laboratory he had previously set up within the Physics Department of Presidency College. Known as the father of modern statistics in India, Mahalanobis founded the ISI to promote the study and dissemination of statistics and to provide a platform for research that would aid in national planning. The institute was later recognized as an Institute of National Importance by an Act of Parliament in 1959.

Explanation

World Immunization Week is observed globally and nationwide in the last week of April every year. In 2019, this period fell between 24th and 30th April. The initiative is organized by the World Health Organization to promote the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against disease. The theme for the 2019 campaign was Protected Together: Vaccines Work!, which aimed to celebrate vaccine heroes from parents and community members to health workers and innovators who help ensure that everyone is protected through the power of vaccines. The week serves as a call to action to increase immunization coverage and ensure that no one is left behind.

Explanation

Rusting is an electrochemical process that occurs when iron is exposed to both oxygen and water. The chemical reaction leads to the formation of hydrated iron(III) oxide, commonly known as rust. The overall chemical equation for the process is 4Fe + 3O₂ + 6H₂O → 2Fe₂O₃ · 3H₂O. In this reaction, iron acts as the reducing agent while oxygen acts as the oxidizing agent. Moisture or water vapor serves as the necessary electrolyte for the movement of ions, facilitating the oxidation of the metal. Both oxygen and moisture must be present simultaneously for the oxidation of iron to proceed.