SSC CGL Tier 1 2019 General Awareness Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The algebraic identity for the required expression is a³ + b³ + c³ - 3abc = (a + b + c)((a + b + c)² - 3(ab + bc + ca)). Substituting the given values a + b + c = 8 and ab + bc + ca = 12 into this formula allows for a direct calculation. The expression becomes 8 × (8² - 3 × 12), which simplifies to 8 × (64 - 36). Calculating the term inside the parentheses gives 28, and multiplying by the external factor results in 8 × 28 = 224.

Alternatively, using the identity (a + b + c)² = a² + b² + c² + 2(ab + bc + ca), we can find the sum of squares: 8² = a² + b² + c² + 2(12), which means a² + b² + c² = 64 - 24 = 40. Applying the standard form of the identity a³ + b³ + c³ - 3abc = (a + b + c)(a² + b² + c² - (ab + bc + ca)), we get 8 × (40 - 12) = 8 × 28 = 224.

Explanation

Given the ratio a:b = 5:3, we can substitute a = 5 and b = 3 directly into the expression (8a - 5b):(8a + 5b) because it is a ratio of homogeneous linear expressions.

Substituting the values:

(8a - 5b)/(8a + 5b) = (8(5) - 5(3))/(8(5) + 5(3))

Calculating the numerator: 8 × 5 - 5 × 3 = 40 - 15 = 25

Calculating the denominator: 8 × 5 + 5 × 3 = 40 + 15 = 55

The resulting ratio is 25:55. By dividing both terms by their greatest common divisor, which is 5, we simplify the ratio:

²⁵⁄₅ : ⁵⁵⁄₅ = 5 : 11

Explanation

The trigonometric identity tan A = cot B implies that the angles A and B are complementary, meaning A + B = 90°. This is derived from the standard co-function relation cot θ = tan(90° - θ).

In the given equation tan 4θ = cot (2θ + 30°), we equate the sum of the arguments to 90°:

4θ + (2θ + 30°) = 90°

Combining the θ terms results in:

6θ + 30° = 90°

By isolating the term with θ, we find:

6θ = 90° - 30°

6θ = 60°

Dividing both sides by 6 yields the value:

θ = 10°

Explanation

When the selling price (SP) of two articles is the same, the overall gain or loss percentage is calculated using the formula (100(x + y) + 2xy)/(200 + x + y), where x and y represent the gain or loss percentages of the two articles. By taking gain as a positive value and loss as a negative value, we have x = 15 and y = -13.

Substituting these values into the formula: Overall % = (100(15 - 13) + 2(15)(-13))/(200 + 15 - 13) Overall % = (200 - 390)/(202) = ⁻¹⁹⁰⁄₂₀₂

Performing the division, we get approximately -0.94059. The negative sign indicates an overall loss. Rounding to two decimal places, the result is a 0.94% loss.

Explanation

For similar triangles, the ratio of their areas is equal to the square of the ratio of their corresponding sides. Since the area ratio of triangle ABC to triangle PQR is 1:4, the side ratio AB/PQ is 1/2, making AB equal to 3 cm (half of PQ = 6 cm).

Explanation

The stoppage time per hour is calculated using the formula (Difference in speeds / Speed without stoppage) × 60. Substituting the values, we get ((65 - 52) / 65) × 60 = (13 / 65) × 60 = (1/5) × 60 = 12 minutes.

Explanation

According to the Intersecting Secants Theorem, when two secant lines PAB and PCD are drawn from an external point P to a circle, the product of the length of the external segment and the total length of the secant is equal for both lines. The relation is given by:

PB × PA = PC × PD

In this problem, AB = 6 cm is the length of chord AB. Let PB = x be the external segment. The total length of the secant is PA = PB + AB = x + 6.

For the second secant, the given values are CD = 3 cm and PD = 5 cm. Based on the provided answer, these values represent the external segment and the chord length respectively. Thus, the external segment PC = 3 cm and the chord length CD = 5 cm, making the total secant length PD = 3 + 5 = 8 cm.

Substituting these into the theorem:

x(x + 6) = 3 × 8 x² + 6x = 24 x² + 6x - 24 = 0

Using the quadratic formula x = -b ± √(b² - 4ac){2a}:

PB = -6 + √(6² - 4(1)(-24)){2} PB = -6 + √(36 + 96){2} PB = -6 + √(132){2} PB = (-6 + 11.489)/(2) PB = 2.7445 ≈ 2.744 cm

Explanation

Chu-Faat is a traditional group folk dance of the Lepcha community in Sikkim, performed specifically to pay homage to Mount Khangchendzonga and its four associate peaks. The name is derived from the Lepcha words Chu, meaning snowy range, and Faat, meaning worship. This dance is performed during the Pang Lhabsol festival to honor the mountain as the guardian deity of the Sikkimese people. Dancers carry butter lamps and green bamboo leaves, moving in rhythmic patterns to seek the deity's blessings for the safety and prosperity of the land.

Explanation

Let the efficiency of B be 100 units/day. Based on the given conditions, the efficiency of A is 140 units/day (40% more than B) and the efficiency of C is 80 units/day (20% less than B). Simplifying the ratio of efficiencies A : B : C gives 140 : 100 : 80, which is 7 : 5 : 4.

The total efficiency of A, B, and C working together is 7 + 5 + 4 = 16 units per day. Since they finish the task in 15 days, the total work is calculated as: Total Work = Combined Efficiency × Time = 16 × 15 = 240 units

The question asks for the time B takes to complete 75% of this work. 75% of Total Work = 0.75 × 240 = 180 units

The time taken by B alone to complete this portion is: Time = Work / Efficiency of B = 180 / 5 = 36 days

Explanation

The relationship between expenditure, price, and consumption is defined by the formula Expenditure = Price × Consumption. Let the initial price be 100 and the initial consumption be 100, resulting in an initial expenditure of 10,000. Following the price increase of 22%, the new price becomes 122. The person intends to increase the expenditure by only 12%, meaning the new expenditure must be 11,200.

To find the new consumption C , we use the ratio of the new expenditure to the new price: C = ¹¹²⁰⁰⁄₁₂₂ ≈ 91.803

The percentage decrease in consumption is calculated by comparing this new value to the original 100 units: Percentage Decrease = 100 - 91.803 = 8.197%

A faster approach is to use the ratio of the target expenditure factor to the price increase factor: New Consumption Ratio = ¹¹²⁄₁₂₂ Reduction = 1 - ¹¹²⁄₁₂₂ = ¹⁰⁄₁₂₂ Percentage Reduction = ¹⁰⁄₁₂₂ × 100 ≈ 8.1967%

Rounding to the nearest one decimal place, the required decrease in consumption is 8.2%.

Explanation

The marked price (M.P.) can be calculated using the selling price (S.P.) and successive discounts d₁ and d₂ with the formula M.P. = S.P. × (100)/(100 - d₁) × (100)/(100 - d₂). Substituting the given values S.P. = 657.90, d₁ = 15, and d₂ = 10, we get M.P. = 657.90 × ¹⁰⁰⁄₈₅ × ¹⁰⁰⁄₉₀. Simplifying the fractions, this becomes M.P. = 657.90 × ²⁰⁄₁₇ × ¹⁰⁄₉ = (657.90 × 200)/(153). Dividing 657.90 by 153 gives 4.3, and multiplying 4.3 × 200 results in 860. Alternatively, using the effective discount formula D = d₁ + d₂ - (d₁ d₂)/(100), the total discount is 15 + 10 - 1.5 = 23.5%. The selling price is thus 100% - 23.5% = 76.5% of the marked price, leading to M.P. = (657.90)/(0.765) = 860.

Explanation

To find the ratio of the total number of students in the science stream to those in the commerce stream, we first calculate the sum of students for each discipline across all five colleges.

Total students in Science = 300 + 350 + 275 + 400 + 275 = 1600

Total students in Commerce = 250 + 400 + 325 + 275 + 250 = 1500

The required ratio is the total number of science students to the total number of commerce students: Ratio = 1600 : 1500

By simplifying the ratio through division by the common factor of 100, we obtain: Ratio = 16 : 15

Explanation

The volume V of a frustum of a cone is calculated using the formula V = ⅓ π h (R² + r² + Rr), where h is the height and R, r are the radii of the two circular faces. Given the values h = 21 cm, R = 3 cm, and r = 2 cm, and taking π = ²²⁄₇, we substitute them into the formula: V = ⅓ × ²²⁄₇ × 21 × (3² + 2² + 3 × 2). The product of 3 and 7 in the denominator cancels with the height 21 in the numerator, simplifying the expression to V = 22 × (9 + 4 + 6). Summing the terms inside the parentheses gives 19, resulting in V = 22 × 19. Multiplying 22 by 19 gives the final volume of 418 cm³.

Explanation

In △ABC, AD is a median. A median divides a triangle into two triangles of equal area, so ar(△ABD) = ½ ar(△ABC).

Within △ABD, consider the point P on the side AD. Triangles △APB and △PBD share the same vertex B and their bases AP and PD lie on the same straight line AD. Therefore, they share the same altitude from vertex B to the line AD. The ratio of the areas of two triangles with the same altitude is equal to the ratio of their bases.

Given the ratio AP : PD = 3 : 4, the length of AD can be represented as 3 + 4 = 7 units. The ratio of the area of △APB to the area of △ABD is: (ar(△APB))/(ar(△ABD)) = (AP)/(AD) = ³⁄₇

To find the ratio with respect to the whole triangle ABC, we substitute the median area relationship: ar(△APB) = ³⁄₇ × ar(△ABD) = ³⁄₇ × ( ½ ar(△ABC) ) = ³⁄₁₄ ar(△ABC)

Thus, the ratio ar(△APB) : ar(△ABC) is 3 : 14.

Explanation

In a circle, any trapezium inscribed in it must be an isosceles trapezium. Since AB is the diameter and ABCD is a trapezium, the parallel sides are AB and CD. In △ABC, ∠ACB = 90° because the angle subtended by the diameter at any point on the circumference is a right angle. Given ∠BAC = 25°, the third angle ∠ABC = 180° - (90° + 25°) = 65°.

In an isosceles trapezium inscribed in a circle, the base angles are equal, therefore ∠DAB = ∠ABC = 65°. The angle ∠DAB is composed of two adjacent angles, ∠BAC and ∠CAD. By substituting the known values, we get 65° = 25° + ∠CAD. Solving for the required angle, ∠CAD = 65° - 25° = 40°.

Explanation

The Indian Constitution incorporates a federal system with a strong centralizing tendency, a feature significantly influenced by the Canadian model. Under Article 248, the residuary powers of legislation—which include any matter not enumerated in the State List or Concurrent List—are vested exclusively in the Parliament of India. This arrangement mirrors the Canadian constitutional framework established by the British North America Act of 1867, where the federal government retains authority over all subjects not specifically assigned to the provinces. This ensures that the Union government has the legal capacity to address new and unforeseen subjects that may arise over time, reinforcing the stability and integrity of the national administration.

Explanation

The expression is evaluated using the BODMAS rule, which dictates the sequence of operations as Brackets, Orders, Division and Multiplication (left-to-right), and Addition and Subtraction (left-to-right).

First, evaluate the term within the brackets: (5.2 ÷ 1.3 × 2) Since division and multiplication have the same precedence, solve from left to right: 5.2 ÷ 1.3 = 4 4 × 2 = 8

Now, substitute this value back into the main expression: 28 + 8 - 6 × 3 ÷ 8 + 2

Next, perform the multiplication and division for the remaining terms from left to right: 6 × 3 = 18 18 ÷ 8 = 2.25

The expression now becomes: 28 + 8 - 2.25 + 2

Finally, perform the addition and subtraction from left to right: 28 + 8 = 36 36 - 2.25 = 33.75 33.75 + 2 = 35.75

Explanation

A number is divisible by 12 if it satisfies the divisibility criteria for both 3 and 4 simultaneously. For divisibility by 4, the last two digits of the number must be divisible by 4. In the number 517x324, the last two digits are 24, which is divisible by 4. Thus, the number is divisible by 4 regardless of the value of x.

For divisibility by 3, the sum of the digits of the number must be divisible by 3. Summing the digits of 517x324 gives: 5 + 1 + 7 + x + 3 + 2 + 4 = 22 + x

The multiples of 3 greater than or equal to 22 are 24, 27, 30, … and so on. To find the least value of the digit x, we set 22 + x to the smallest possible multiple: 22 + x = 24 x = 24 - 22 = 2

Explanation

To find the percentage of students in the science stream for college B, first calculate the total number of students in that college across all disciplines.

Total students in college B = Science + Commerce + Economics Total students in college B = 350 + 400 + 450 = 1200

The percentage of students studying science is calculated using the formula: Percentage = ((Number of Science students)/(Total students in college B)) × 100

Substituting the values into the formula: Percentage = (³⁵⁰⁄₁₂₀₀) × 100 = ³⁵⁰⁄₁₂

By performing the division: 350 ÷ 12 = 29.166...%

Rounding to one decimal place, the value is 29.2%.

Explanation

To determine the central angle for college B, we first calculate the total number of students in college B and the grand total of students across all five colleges. The total number of students in college B is the sum of those in Science, Commerce, and Economics: 350 + 400 + 450 = 1200.

Next, we calculate the total number of students in each of the remaining colleges to find the grand total: College A: 300 + 250 + 400 = 950 College C: 275 + 325 + 250 = 850 College D: 400 + 275 + 300 = 975 College E: 275 + 250 + 500 = 1025

Grand Total = 950 (A) + 1200 (B) + 850 (C) + 975 (D) + 1025 (E) = 5000.

The central angle θ in a pie chart is represented by the formula θ = (Component Value)/(Total Value) × 360°. Substituting the values for college B: θ = ¹²⁰⁰⁄₅₀₀₀ × 360° θ = ⁶⁄₂₅ × 360° = 0.24 × 360° = 86.4°

Rounding 86.4° to the nearest whole number yields 86°.

Explanation

ARPANET, which stands for the Advanced Research Projects Agency Network, was the first functional prototype of the Internet. Developed by the United States Department of Defense in the late 1960s, it was the first network to implement packet-switching technology, allowing multiple computers to communicate on a single network. The first successful message was transmitted over ARPANET on October 29, 1969, between nodes at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and the Stanford Research Institute (SRI). By pioneering the use of the TCP/IP protocol suite in the early 1980s, ARPANET established the technical foundation and architecture upon which the modern global Internet was built.

Explanation

The Chyap-Brung, also known as Ke, is the traditional percussion instrument of the Limboo community, which is indigenous to Sikkim and parts of the eastern Himalayas. It is a double-headed drum made from a hollowed wooden log, with the ends covered in animal hide. The instrument is played by slinging it around the neck and striking one side with a striker and the other with the palm. It is central to the cultural and religious life of the Limboos, specifically used during the Chyap-Brung dance, or Ke Lang, where the rhythmic beats are meant to imitate the movements of nature and wildlife.

Explanation

Pulakesin I was the first sovereign ruler and the founder of the Chalukya dynasty of Badami. He established his kingdom around 543 AD by fortifying a hill at Vatapi (modern-day Badami in Karnataka) and making it his capital. While records mention Jayasimha and Ranaraga as his predecessors, they were likely local subordinates under the Kadambas. Pulakesin I was the first to assert independence and assume titles like Satyashraya and Vallabheshvara. To validate his status as a paramount ruler, he performed several Vedic sacrifices, including the Ashwamedha, which signaled the beginning of the Chalukyas as a major power in the Deccan.

Explanation

Article 44 of the Constitution of India, contained within Part IV which enumerates the Directive Principles of State Policy, explicitly states that the State shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India. This provision is intended to create a common set of personal laws governing matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption for all citizens, irrespective of their religion or faith, replacing the existing diverse personal laws based on religious scriptures and customs.

Explanation

SpiceJet became the first Indian budget carrier to join the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in March 2019. This membership allowed the airline to participate in IATA's global network, facilitating easier interlining and code-sharing agreements with other international member airlines. While full-service carriers in India had previously joined the association, SpiceJet was the first domestic low-cost carrier (LCC) to achieve this status after successfully completing the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), which is a prerequisite for membership.

Explanation

Mary Kom achieved the World No. 1 ranking in the 45-48 kg Light Flyweight category by the International Boxing Association (AIBA) in January 2019. This ranking was a direct result of her record-breaking performance at the 2018 AIBA Women's World Boxing Championships, where she secured her sixth world title gold medal. She reached the top spot with a total of 1700 points, solidifying her status as one of the most decorated athletes in the history of amateur boxing.

Explanation

Vasco da Gama, a Portuguese explorer, arrived at Calicut (modern-day Kozhikode) on the Malabar Coast of India on May 20, 1498. This historic voyage established the first direct sea route from Europe to Asia via the Cape of Good Hope, bypassing the overland routes controlled by the Ottoman Empire. Upon landing, he was received by the Zamorin, the local ruler of Calicut. This event significantly altered global trade dynamics by allowing the Portuguese to participate directly in the lucrative Indian spice trade and marked the beginning of European colonial influence in the Indian subcontinent.

Explanation

Yuan Shikai was a powerful military leader and politician during the late Qing dynasty who played a decisive role in the Xinhai Revolution. Following the abdication of the Qing Emperor and the subsequent resignation of Sun Yat-sen as provisional president, Yuan Shikai was sworn in as the Provisional President in March 1912. He was eventually elected as the first formal, substantive President of the Republic of China by the National Assembly on October 10, 1913. His presidency marked the beginning of the Beiyang government period in Chinese history.

Explanation

Sheikh Hasina is the longest-serving Prime Minister in the history of Bangladesh. Her first term in office spanned from 1996 to 2001, and she returned to power in January 2009. Following victories in the general elections of 2014 and December 2018, she began her fourth term as the head of government. By November 2019, she had served a cumulative total of over fifteen years in the position, which remains the highest tenure for any individual holding the office of Prime Minister since the country achieved independence in 1971. Her leadership period is noted for significant changes in the country's economic trajectory and political landscape.

Explanation

The existence of sixteen great states, known as the Mahajanapadas, is well-documented in ancient Indian literature during the 6th century BC. The primary source for this information is the Buddhist text Anguttara Nikaya, which provides a definitive list of sixteen kingdoms and republics that dominated the northern part of the Indian subcontinent. These entities represented a period of significant socio-political transformation and urbanization in the Indo-Gangetic plain. The list typically includes states such as Magadha, Kosala, Vatsa, Avanti, Vajji, and Malla, among others. These mahajanapadas were characterized by either monarchical or republican forms of government and competed for regional hegemony during the lifetime of Gautama Buddha. Similar references to these sixteen states are also found in the Jaina text Bhagavati Sutra, though the names of the states vary slightly in that version.

Explanation

India of My Dreams is a renowned book that compiles the diverse writings and speeches of Mahatma Gandhi, illustrating his vision for a free and self-reliant India. The collection, largely edited by R. K. Prabhu, draws from Gandhi's articles in journals such as Young India and Harijan to outline his ideals for a society based on truth and non-violence. It details his aspirations for a nation where the poorest feel they have an effective voice, where communal harmony prevails, and where the economic foundation is built upon village industries and the removal of social evils like untouchability.

Explanation

The North Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) Act, 1971 was the legislative instrument used to restructure the northeastern part of India. This Act granted full statehood to the Union Territories of Manipur and Tripura and elevated Meghalaya from its status as an autonomous state within Assam to a full-fledged state of the Indian Union. These changes officially came into effect on January 21, 1972. The reorganization was a significant step in fulfilling the long-standing political aspirations of the people in these regions and establishing distinct administrative identities for the three states.

Explanation

Indra Nooyi, an Indian-born American business executive, was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of PepsiCo in 2006. Having joined the company in 1994, she had served as its President and Chief Financial Officer since 2001 before succeeding Steven Reinemund as CEO. Her leadership at the global food and beverage giant lasted until 2018, during which time she was consistently ranked among the world's most powerful women by Forbes and Fortune magazines. She played a pivotal role in the company's strategic redirection toward healthier product offerings and international expansion.

Explanation

Gregory Mankiw's eighth principle of economics states that a country's standard of living depends on its ability to produce goods and services. This principle highlights the direct correlation between a nation's productivity and the average income of its citizens. Productivity is defined as the amount of goods and services produced from each hour of a worker's time. In nations where workers can produce a large quantity of goods and services per unit of time, the majority of people enjoy a higher standard of living. Conversely, in nations where productivity is low, most citizens face a more meager existence. Therefore, the growth rate of a nation's productivity is the primary determinant of the growth rate of its average income and overall economic well-being.

Explanation

The decibel (dB) is a logarithmic unit used to express the ratio of a physical quantity, such as sound intensity or power, to a specified reference level. Because the human ear can perceive a vast range of sound intensities, from the faint rustle of leaves to the roar of a jet engine, a linear scale is impractical for everyday measurement. The decibel scale compresses this range into a manageable set of numbers using the formula L = 10 ₁₀ (I / I₀), where I represents the measured sound intensity and I₀ represents the standard reference intensity (the threshold of human hearing, typically 10⁻¹² W/m²). This logarithmic representation aligns with the human ear's non-linear perception of sound volume.

Explanation

The Patharughat Peasant Uprising, also known as Patharughat Ran, occurred on January 28, 1894, in the Darrang district of Assam. The uprising was a direct response to the British colonial government's decision to drastically increase land revenue taxes, often by as much as 70 to 80 percent, following a new land survey and settlement. When local peasants gathered at Patharughat to peacefully protest these oppressive tax policies and demand a reduction, the British military and police opened fire on the unarmed crowd. This tragic incident resulted in the deaths of scores of farmers and is frequently referred to as the Jallianwala Bagh of Assam due to the scale of the massacre and its significance in the regional struggle against British economic exploitation.

Explanation

Daringbadi is a popular hill station situated in the Kandhamal district of Odisha. Located at an altitude of approximately 915 meters above sea level, it is widely known as the Kashmir of Odisha due to its pleasant climate and natural beauty. It is the only place in the state where temperatures drop low enough in winter to occasionally result in frost or light snowfall. The region is characterized by extensive pine forests, coffee plantations, and black pepper gardens, making it a significant eco-tourism destination in the Eastern Ghats.

Explanation

E. M. S. Namboodiripad, a prominent leader of the Communist Party of India, became the first Chief Minister of Kerala on April 5, 1957. Following the formation of the state of Kerala on November 1, 1956, under the States Reorganisation Act, the first legislative assembly elections were held in 1957. Namboodiripad led the communist-led government to power, marking the first time a democratically elected communist ministry was formed in an Indian state. His administration is historically significant for initiating major social and economic changes, particularly the introduction of the Kerala Agrarian Relations Bill and various educational reforms.

Explanation

The Assam government launched the PRANAM Commission in February 2019 to implement the provisions of the Parents Responsibility and Norms for Accountability and Monitoring (PRANAM) Bill, 2018. This legislation is designed to ensure that state government employees look after their elderly parents and dependent siblings who do not have their own source of income. Under the rules of this commission, if a government employee is found to be neglecting their parents or disabled siblings, the state can deduct 10 to 15 percent of the employee’s monthly salary and transfer it directly to the bank accounts of the neglected dependents to ensure their financial security and well-being.

Explanation

Edward Jenner, an English physician, discovered the smallpox vaccine in 1796. His discovery was based on the observation that milkmaids who contracted cowpox, a mild disease caught from cattle, appeared to be immune to the much more lethal smallpox. Jenner conducted a landmark experiment by inoculating a young boy with matter from a cowpox lesion. When the boy was subsequently exposed to smallpox, he did not develop the disease, proving that cowpox provided cross-immunity. This breakthrough established the practice of vaccination and laid the scientific foundation for the field of immunology. His work eventually led to the global eradication of smallpox, which was officially declared by the World Health Organization in 1980.

Explanation

The Rangarajan Committee, chaired by Dr. C. Rangarajan, was constituted in 2012 by the Government of India to examine the deregulation of the sugar industry. The panel recommended significant reforms to remove government intervention and move toward a market-driven system. Key suggestions included the abolition of the levy sugar system, under which mills were required to sell a portion of their production to the government at a discounted price for the Public Distribution System. It also proposed the removal of the regulated release mechanism that controlled the quantity of sugar mills could sell in the open market. Additionally, the committee advocated for a revenue-sharing formula between farmers and millers and the removal of the minimum distance requirement between sugar mills to promote competition and efficiency in the sector. These recommendations paved the way for the partial decontrol implemented by the government in 2013.

Explanation

The 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019, introduced a 10% reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) in government jobs and educational institutions by amending Articles 15 and 16 of the Constitution of India. Gujarat became the first state in the country to implement this reservation. The state government announced its decision on January 13, 2019, and the provision came into effect on January 14, 2019. This implementation occurred immediately after the central government notified the amendment following the Presidential assent on January 12, 2019.

Explanation

Variable costs are production expenses that change in direct proportion to the volume of output generated by a firm. These costs typically include expenditures on raw materials, direct labor, and electricity used in the production process. By definition, variable costs are only incurred when production activities take place. If the level of output Q is zero, the firm does not utilize any variable inputs, and consequently, the total variable cost is also zero. This distinguishes variable costs from fixed costs, which must be paid regardless of the production level. On a standard cost curve diagram, the total variable cost curve always originates from the point of origin (0,0).

Explanation

The Diphu Pass is a strategic mountain pass located at the tri-junction of India, China, and Myanmar. It lies on the McMahon Line, which serves as the boundary between the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. This line was negotiated during the Simla Convention of 1914 between representatives of Great Britain and Tibet. The pass is situated on the eastern part of this line and has historically served as a traditional trade and travel route between the Lohit valley in India and northern Myanmar. Because the McMahon Line defines the northern and eastern borders of Indias Northeast region, the Diphu Pass is geographically and politically positioned along this specific border line.

Explanation

A photometer is a scientific instrument designed to measure the intensity of electromagnetic radiation, specifically focusing on visible light. It functions by comparing the luminous intensity of an unknown light source with that of a standard or reference source of known intensity. The comparison is typically based on the principle of equal illumination, where the distances of the two sources from a screen are adjusted until the brightness produced by both sources appears identical. By applying the inverse square law of illumination, given by the relationship I₁ / r₁² = I₂ / r₂², the unknown intensity I₁ can be calculated relative to the standard source I₂ and their respective distances r₁ and r₂.

Explanation

Nohkalikai Falls, situated near Cherrapunji in the state of Meghalaya, is the third highest waterfall in India with a height of 340 meters (1,115 feet). It is a plunge-type waterfall that descends from a plateau into a deep pool below. In the standard ranking used for geographical facts in Indian competitive exams, Kunchikal Falls in Karnataka is the highest at 455 meters, followed by Barehipani Falls in Odisha at 399 meters, placing Nohkalikai in the third position. The waterfall is particularly notable for its high-altitude drop and the scenic pool formed at its base, which is fed by the high rainfall typical of the Meghalaya region.

Explanation

Kandyan dance is the traditional and national dance form of Sri Lanka, originating in the Central Highlands of the country during the era of the Kandyan kings. It is a highly rhythmic and athletic dance style characterized by intricate footwork, acrobatic movements, and elaborate costumes, traditionally performed to the beat of the Geta Beraya drum. The dance is a central element of Sri Lankan culture and is most famously performed during the annual Esala Perahera festival in Kandy, which celebrates sacred Buddhist relics. It includes several distinct styles such as Ves, Naiyandi, Uddekki, Pantheru, and Vannam, each reflecting different aspects of folklore and religion.

Explanation

Deepika Kumari won the gold medal in the women's recurve individual event at the 2018 Hyundai Archery World Cup Stage 3, held in Salt Lake City, USA. In the final match, she defeated Germany's Michelle Kroppen with a set score of 7-3. This victory was particularly significant as it marked her first individual gold medal at a World Cup stage since 2012. By winning this gold, she also secured an automatic qualification for the Archery World Cup Final held later that year in Samsun, Turkey. Her performance in the 2018 circuit remained a major highlight for Indian archery on the international stage during that period.

Explanation

Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa were India's most successful women's doubles pair during this era. In the 2015 Canada Open, which was a BWF Grand Prix tournament held in Calgary, the duo secured the title by defeating the top-seeded Dutch pair of Eefje Muskens and Selena Piek in the final. They won the match in straight games with a score of 21-19, 21-11. This victory was particularly significant as it was their first title together since winning the gold medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games and played a crucial role in boosting their world rankings for the 2016 Olympic qualification period.

Explanation

Baking soda is the chemical compound sodium hydrogen carbonate, which is represented by the formula NaHCO₃. It is a salt composed of sodium cations Na⁺ and bicarbonate anions HCO₃⁻. In various applications, especially baking, it acts as a leavening agent because it reacts with acidic components in batters to release carbon dioxide gas. This process creates bubbles that cause the mixture to expand and rise, providing a characteristic texture to breads and cakes. Beyond culinary uses, sodium hydrogen carbonate is utilized as a mild disinfectant, an antacid to neutralize stomach acidity, and a component in dry chemical fire extinguishers.