SSC CGL Tier 1 2019 General Awareness Questions with Solutions

Explanation

Kazi Nazrul Islam, widely known as the Bidrohi Kobi or Rebel Poet, is the national poet of Bangladesh. Born in 1899 in West Bengal, India, his revolutionary writings and music, known as Nazrul Geeti, played a significant role in inspiring the Bengali people during various independence movements. Following the independence of Bangladesh, the government brought him to Dhaka from India in 1972 and officially designated him as the National Poet. He was granted Bangladeshi citizenship in 1976 and remains a symbol of cultural and national identity in the country.

Explanation

Project Tiger was launched by the Government of India on April 1, 1973, during the tenure of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The initiative was inaugurated at Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand to address the alarming decline in the population of Bengal tigers. Managed by the National Tiger Conservation Authority, the program focuses on protecting tiger habitats and ensuring a viable population of tigers in their natural environment. At its commencement, the project initially designated nine tiger reserves across various states to facilitate focused conservation and anti-poaching efforts.

Explanation

Pascal's Law defines pressure as the amount of force exerted perpendicular to the surface of an object per unit area over which that force is distributed. The mathematical relationship is expressed by the formula P = (F)/(A), where P is the pressure, F is the magnitude of the normal force, and A is the area of the surface in contact. This principle is a cornerstone of fluid mechanics, stating that in an enclosed fluid at rest, any change in pressure applied to one point is transmitted undiminished to every other point within the fluid and to the walls of the container. By identifying pressure as the ratio of force to area, this law provides the basis for understanding how hydraulic systems can multiply force.

Explanation

According to the property of similar triangles, the ratio of the areas of two similar triangles is equal to the square of the ratio of their corresponding sides. For △ABC ∼ △PRQ, the correspondence of vertices is A ↔ P, B ↔ R, and C ↔ Q. Therefore, the side AC corresponds to the side PQ.

The relationship is given by: (ar(△ABC))/(ar(△PRQ)) = (AC/PQ)²

Substituting the given values: ¼ = (AC/4)²

Taking the square root on both sides: ½ = AC/4

Solving for AC: AC = ⁴⁄₂ = 2 cm

Explanation

The difference in the percentage of boys and girls in any stream can be determined by the formula D = P × (|B - G|)/(B + G), where P is the total percentage of students in that stream and B:G is the ratio of boys to girls.

For the EC stream, P = 19% and the ratio is 9:10. Substituting these values into the formula: D_E_C = 19 × (|9 - 10|)/(9 + 10) = 19 × ¹⁄₁₉ = 1%.

In comparison, the differences for the other streams mentioned in the options are: ME: 22 × (|6 - 5|)/(6 + 5) = 22 × ¹⁄₁₁ = 2% CS: 18 × (|4 - 5|)/(4 + 5) = 18 × ⅑ = 2% IT: 21 × (|3 - 4|)/(3 + 4) = 21 × ⅐ = 3%

The EC stream has the minimum difference of 1%.

Explanation

Since AB is the diameter of the circle, the angle in the semicircle ∠ACB is 90°. In △ABC, the sum of interior angles is 180°, therefore ∠ABC = 180° - ∠ACB - ∠BAC = 180° - 90° - 18° = 72°. For any trapezium inscribed in a circle, the figure must be an isosceles trapezium where the parallel sides are chords of the circle; here AB ∥ CD. In the cyclic quadrilateral ABCD, opposite angles are supplementary, thus ∠ADC = 180° - ∠ABC = 180° - 72° = 108°. Because AB is parallel to CD, the alternate interior angles are equal, which means ∠ACD = ∠BAC = 18°. Considering △ACD, the sum of the angles is 180°, so ∠CAD = 180° - (∠ADC + ∠ACD) = 180° - (108° + 18°) = 180° - 126° = 54°.

Explanation

For a number to be divisible by 72, it must be divisible by both 8 and 9, as 8 and 9 are co-prime factors of 72. Applying the divisibility rule for 8, the last three digits of the number 73y must be divisible by 8. Dividing 730 by 8 leaves a remainder of 2, so the three-digit number must be 736 to be exactly divisible by 8 (736 ÷ 8 = 92). This determines that y = 6.

Next, applying the divisibility rule for 9, the sum of all digits in the number 4x573y must be a multiple of 9. The sum is 4 + x + 5 + 7 + 3 + y. Substituting y = 6, we get 4 + x + 5 + 7 + 3 + 6 = 25 + x. The smallest multiple of 9 greater than or equal to 25 is 27. Solving 25 + x = 27 gives x = 2. Therefore, the value of x + y is 2 + 6 = 8.

Explanation

In any triangle, a median divides the triangle into two triangles of equal area. Since AD is the median of △ABC, we have ar(△ABD) = ½ ar(△ABC).

Within △ABD, the point P lies on the side AD. The triangles △ABP and △BPD 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 B to AD. The ratio of the areas of two triangles with the same altitude is equal to the ratio of their bases.

Given AP : PD = 3 : 4, the total length of the segment AD can be represented as 3 + 4 = 7 units. The area of △BPD is a fraction of the area of △ABD based on their shared altitude: ar(△BPD) = (PD)/(AD) × ar(△ABD) = ⁴⁄₇ × ar(△ABD)

Substituting the relationship between △ABD and △ABC: ar(△BPD) = ⁴⁄₇ × ½ ar(△ABC) = ²⁄₇ ar(△ABC)

Thus, the ratio ar(△BPD) : ar(△ABC) is 2 : 7.

Explanation

To find the stoppage time per hour, we use the formula: Stoppage time per hour = (Speed without stoppage - Speed with stoppage)/(Speed without stoppage) × 60 minutes

Given the speed without stoppage is 72 km/h and the speed with stoppage is 60 km/h, the difference in speed is 72 - 60 = 12 km/h. This difference represents the distance the train fails to cover in one hour due to stops.

Substituting these values into the formula: Stoppage time = ¹²⁄₇₂ × 60

Simplifying the fraction: ¹²⁄₇₂ = ⅙

Stoppage time = ⅙ × 60 = 10 minutes

The train stops for an average of 10 minutes every hour.

Explanation

The average of the whole class can be determined using the weighted average method based on the ratio of girls to boys. Given that 45% of the students are girls, the remaining 55% are boys. The ratio of girls to boys is 45 : 55, which simplifies to 9 : 11.

Using the weighted average formula:

Average = ((n₁ × A₁) + (n₂ × A₂))/(n₁ + n₂)

where n₁ and n₂ are the ratios of girls and boys, and A₁ and A₂ are their respective average marks.

Average = ((9 × 54) + (11 × 46))/(9 + 11)

Average = (486 + 506)/(20)

Average = ⁹⁹²⁄₂₀ = 49.6

Explanation

In February 2013, the Government of India elevated Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) from Navratna to Maharatna status. To qualify for Maharatna status, a company must be a Navratna CPSE, be listed on the Indian stock exchange, and maintain an average annual net profit of more than 5,000 crore, an average annual net worth of more than 15,000 crore, and an average annual turnover of more than 25,000 crore during the last three years. The grant of Maharatna status provides BHEL with enhanced financial and operational autonomy, specifically the power to invest up to 5,000 crore or 15 percent of its net worth in a single project or joint venture without requiring prior approval from the government. BHEL and GAIL were the two companies inducted into the Maharatna category during this specific period in February 2013.

Explanation

The difference between compound interest and simple interest for a period of 2 years can be calculated using the direct formula D = P(r/100)², where D is the difference, P is the principal amount, and r is the annual rate of interest.

Given that D = 45, P = x, and r = 7.5%, we substitute these values into the formula:

45 = x(7.5/100)²

To simplify the calculation, express 7.5/100 as a fraction: 7.5/100 = 75/1000 = 3/40

Substituting this back into the equation: 45 = x(3/40)² 45 = x(9/1600)

Solving for x: x = (45 × 1600) / 9 x = 5 × 1600 x = 8000

Explanation

The cost price of the first article is CP₁ = (5104 × 100)/(116) = 4400. The cost price of the second article is CP₂ = (5104 × 100)/(88) = 5800. The total cost price for both articles is 4400 + 5800 = 10200. Since each article is sold for 5104, the total selling price is 5104 × 2 = 10208. The net profit is the difference between the total selling price and the total cost price, which is 10208 - 10200 = 8. The overall gain percentage is calculated using the formula (Net Gain)/(Total CP) × 100 = ⁸⁄₁₀₂₀₀ × 100 = ⁸⁄₁₀₂ ≈ 0.0784%. Rounding this value to two decimal places gives a gain of 0.08%.

Explanation

The volume V of a frustum of a cone is calculated using the formula:

V = ⅓ π h (R² + r² + Rr)

Given the height h = 21 cm, the larger radius R = 5 cm, and the smaller radius r = 4 cm, we substitute these values into the formula:

V = ⅓ × ²²⁄₇ × 21 × (5² + 4² + 5 × 4)

Simplifying the coefficients outside the parentheses:

⅓ × ²²⁄₇ × 21 = ²²⁄₂₁ × 21 = 22

Calculating the terms inside the parentheses:

5² + 4² + 5 × 4 = 25 + 16 + 20 = 61

Multiplying the results:

V = 22 × 61 = 1342

Explanation

Let the efficiency of B be 100 units per hour. Since A is 40% more efficient than B, A's efficiency is 140 units per hour. Since C is 20% less efficient than B, C's efficiency is 80 units per hour. The ratio of the efficiencies of A, B, and C is 140:100:80, which simplifies to 7:5:4.

The combined efficiency of A, B, and C working together is 7 + 5 + 4 = 16 units per hour. Given that they complete the task in 20 hours, the total work is calculated as: Total Work = Combined Efficiency × Time = 16 × 20 = 320 units

The problem asks for the time taken by A to complete 35% of this task. The specific amount of work A needs to perform is: Work to be done = 320 × ³⁵⁄₁₀₀ = 112 units

The time taken by A alone to complete this portion of the work is: Time = (Work)/(Efficiency of A) = ¹¹²⁄₇ = 16 hours

Explanation

The central angle of a sector in a pie chart is determined by the formula: Angle = (Component Value)/(Total Value) × 360°. To find the angle for girls in the ME stream, we first calculate the number of girls in each stream based on the total population of 2600.

Number of girls in CE = 2600 × ²⁰⁄₁₀₀ × ⅖ = 208 Number of girls in CS = 2600 × ¹⁸⁄₁₀₀ × ⁵⁄₉ = 260 Number of girls in IT = 2600 × ²¹⁄₁₀₀ × ⁴⁄₇ = 312 Number of girls in ME = 2600 × ²²⁄₁₀₀ × ⁵⁄₁₁ = 260 Number of girls in EC = 2600 × ¹⁹⁄₁₀₀ × ¹⁰⁄₁₉ = 260

Total number of girls in the college = 208 + 260 + 312 + 260 + 260 = 1300.

The central angle for the ME stream is calculated as: Angle_M_E = ²⁶⁰⁄₁₃₀₀ × 360° = ⅕ × 360° = 72°

Explanation

The algebraic identity for the given expression is a³ + b³ + c³ - 3abc = (a + b + c)(a² + b² + c² - ab - bc - ca). This can be rewritten in a more direct form using the given values by substituting a² + b² + c² = (a + b + c)² - 2(ab + bc + ca).

The modified formula is: a³ + b³ + c³ - 3abc = (a + b + c) · [(a + b + c)² - 3(ab + bc + ca)]

Substitute the given values a + b + c = 6 and ab + bc + ca = 4 into the formula: a³ + b³ + c³ - 3abc = 6 · [6² - 3(4)] a³ + b³ + c³ - 3abc = 6 · [36 - 12] a³ + b³ + c³ - 3abc = 6 · 24 a³ + b³ + c³ - 3abc = 144

Explanation

The percentage change in consumption is derived from the relationship Expenditure = Price × Consumption. The percentage decrease in consumption can be calculated using the formula (Price Increase - Expenditure Increase)/(100 + Price Increase) × 100. By substituting the given values, we get (17 - 8)/(100 + 17) × 100 = ⁹⁄₁₁₇ × 100. This simplifies to ¹⁄₁₃ × 100, which results in approximately 7.692%. When rounded to the nearest one decimal place, the required decrease in consumption is 7.7%.

Explanation

The expression 7.2 + (8.4 ÷ 0.12 × 0.2) - 5 × 180 ÷ 3 + 3 is solved using the BODMAS rule, which dictates the order of operations as Brackets, Orders, Division and Multiplication (left to right), and Addition and Subtraction (left to right).

First, solve the expression within the parentheses: (8.4 ÷ 0.12 × 0.2). Performing division first, 8.4 ÷ 0.12 = 70. Then, perform multiplication: 70 × 0.2 = 14. The main expression now simplifies to 7.2 + 14 - 5 × 180 ÷ 3 + 3.

Next, address the division and multiplication outside the brackets. Divide 180 by 3 to get 60. Then, multiply this result by 5: 5 × 60 = 300. The expression is now 7.2 + 14 - 300 + 3.

Finally, perform addition and subtraction from left to right. Adding the positive terms gives 7.2 + 14 + 3 = 24.2. Subtracting 300 from this sum results in 24.2 - 300 = -275.8.

Explanation

Fathimath Dhiyana Saeed, a prominent Maldivian diplomat and lawyer, became the first female Secretary General of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). She assumed office as the 10th Secretary General on March 1, 2011, representing the Maldives. Her tenure marked a historic moment for the intergovernmental organization, which had been led exclusively by men since its founding in 1985. Prior to this role, she had served as the Attorney General of the Maldives and as a member of the People's Majlis.

Explanation

Using the trigonometric identity sin A = cos(90° - A), the given equation sin θ = cos(50° + θ) can be rewritten by expressing the sine term in terms of cosine. This yields the relation cos(90° - θ) = cos(50° + θ). By equating the arguments of the cosine functions, we obtain the linear equation 90° - θ = 50° + θ. Solving for θ, we collect like terms to get 90° - 50° = θ + θ, which simplifies to 40° = 2θ. Dividing by 2 results in θ = 20°.

Explanation

To find the ratio of boys to girls, we can calculate the contribution of each stream to the total percentage of boys and girls. Since the total student population (2600) is a constant factor, we can work directly with the percentages for each stream.

Calculation for Boys: CE: 20% × ⅗ = 12% CS: 18% × ⁴⁄₉ = 8% IT: 21% × ³⁄₇ = 9% ME: 22% × ⁶⁄₁₁ = 12% EC: 19% × ⁹⁄₁₉ = 9% Total Boys percentage = 12% + 8% + 9% + 12% + 9% = 50%

Calculation for Girls: CE: 20% × ⅖ = 8% CS: 18% × ⁵⁄₉ = 10% IT: 21% × ⁴⁄₇ = 12% ME: 22% × ⁵⁄₁₁ = 10% EC: 19% × ¹⁰⁄₁₉ = 10% Total Girls percentage = 8% + 10% + 12% + 10% + 10% = 50%

The ratio of total boys to total girls in the college is 50% : 50%, which simplifies to 1:1.

Explanation

The ratio of students in the CS stream to those in the IT stream can be calculated by comparing their respective percentages of the total population, as the total student count of 2600 is constant for all categories. According to the data provided, the percentage of students in CS is 18% and the percentage of students in IT is 21%.

Ratio = (Percentage of CS students)/(Percentage of IT students)

Ratio = (18%)/(21%) = ¹⁸⁄₂₁

To simplify this ratio, both terms are divided by their greatest common divisor, which is 3.

(18 ÷ 3)/(21 ÷ 3) = ⁶⁄₇

Thus, the ratio of students studying in CS and IT is 6 : 7.

Explanation

The Mizoram Maintenance of Household Registers Bill, 2019, was passed by the Mizoram Legislative Assembly on March 18, 2019. This legislation was designed to identify genuine residents of the state and detect illegal immigrants by maintaining a comprehensive register of all households and individuals. Under the provisions of the bill, every householder is required to provide details of family members and any guests or visitors staying for a specified duration. The primary objective is to create a credible database that helps the state administration monitor the influx of foreigners and ensure the protection of the ethnic interests and security of the local population.

Explanation

The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve was the first biosphere reserve to be established in India, designated in September 1986. Located in the Western Ghats, it spans across the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. The reserve was initiated under the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme of UNESCO to protect the rich biodiversity and diverse ecosystems of the region, which include tropical evergreen forests, moist deciduous forests, and montane shola grasslands. It provides a vital habitat for numerous endemic and endangered species, such as the Nilgiri tahr and the lion-tailed macaque. In 2000, it also became the first Indian biosphere reserve to be included in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves.

Explanation

The relationship between the selling price, marked price, and successive discounts is given by the formula SP = MP × (1 - d₁/100) × (1 - d₂/100), where d₁ and d₂ are the discount percentages.

Substituting the given values into the equation: 1,680 = MP × (1 - 20/100) × (1 - 16/100) 1,680 = MP × (80/100) × (84/100) 1,680 = MP × (4/5) × (21/25) 1,680 = MP × (84/125)

To solve for the marked price: MP = (1,680 × 125) / 84 MP = 20 × 125 MP = 2,500

Alternatively, calculating the effective discount: Effective discount D = d₁ + d₂ - (d₁ × d₂ / 100) D = 20 + 16 - (20 × 16 / 100) = 36 - 3.2 = 32.8% The selling price is (100 - 32.8)% of the marked price. 67.2% of MP = 1,680 MP = 1,680 / 0.672 = 2,500

Explanation

To find the combined ratio a:b:c, we must make the value of the common term b equal in both given ratios. The first ratio is a:b = 2:3 and the second ratio is c:b = 5:6, which can be rewritten as b:c = 6:5.

In the first ratio, the value corresponding to b is 3, while in the second ratio, it is 6. To equalize them, we multiply the first ratio by 2, resulting in a:b = (2 × 2) : (3 × 2) = 4:6. Now that the value of b is 6 in both expressions, we can directly combine them to get a:b:c = 4:6:5.

Explanation

Buckminsterfullerene is a crystalline allotrope of carbon consisting of 60 carbon atoms arranged in a spherical molecule, represented by the chemical formula C₆₀. It was the first fullerene to be discovered and is characterized by its unique structure of 20 hexagons and 12 pentagons, resembling a soccer ball or the geodesic domes designed by architect Richard Buckminster Fuller. In this structure, each carbon atom is sp² hybridized and forms three sigma bonds with three other carbon atoms, leaving one delocalized electron which gives the molecule aromatic character. It is considered one of the primary allotropic forms of carbon alongside diamond and graphite.

Explanation

The Intersecting Secants Theorem states that when two secant segments are drawn from an external point to a circle, the product of the lengths of one secant segment and its external portion is equal to the product of the lengths of the other secant segment and its external portion. This is expressed as PA · PB = PC · PD.

First, calculate the total length of the secant segment PA by adding the chord length AB and the external segment PB: PA = AB + PB = 6 + 5 = 11 cm.

Now, apply the theorem using the given values PB = 5 cm and PD = 4 cm: 11 · 5 = PC · 4 55 = 4 · PC PC = 55 / 4 = 13.75 cm.

The length of the chord CD is the difference between the entire secant segment PC and its external part PD: CD = PC - PD CD = 13.75 - 4 = 9.75 cm.

Explanation

Vaishali was the capital of the Vrijji (or Vajji) confederacy, which was a prominent Gana-Sangha or republic during the 6th century BC. Unlike the monarchical states where power was vested in a single hereditary king, Vaishali was governed by an assembly and a council of representatives from various clans, primarily the Licchavis. This system involved collective decision-making and an elected executive, distinguishing it from the absolute monarchies of the period that followed a centralized rule.

Explanation

Propanal is an aldehyde because it contains the formyl functional group, represented as -CHO. In the IUPAC system of nomenclature, aldehydes are named by replacing the terminal -e of the corresponding alkane with the suffix -al. For a molecule with a three-carbon chain like propane, the aldehyde derivative is propanal. Its chemical structure is CH₃CH₂CHO, where the carbonyl carbon is bonded to at least one hydrogen atom, which is the defining characteristic of the aldehyde homologous series.

Explanation

The Tanakh is the primary sacred scripture of Judaism and serves as the foundational text of the Jewish faith. It is an acronym formed from the first Hebrew letter of its three traditional subdivisions: Torah, meaning teaching or law; Nevi'im, meaning prophets; and Ketuvim, meaning writings. Often referred to as the Hebrew Bible, it comprises twenty-four books that encompass the legal codes, historical narratives, poetry, and ethical teachings essential to Jewish theology and religious practice. The Tanakh establishes the covenant between God and the people of Israel, outlining the commandments and spiritual heritage that guide Jewish life and worship.

Explanation

The Battle of Goa took place in 1510 when the Portuguese general Afonso de Albuquerque led an expedition to capture the city from the Bijapur Sultanate. Acting on the advice of the local Hindu chieftain Thimayya, the Portuguese forces successfully seized the strategic port city in February 1510. Although they were briefly forced out by the troops of the Sultan Yusuf Adil Shah in May, Albuquerque returned with a larger fleet and permanently recaptured Goa in November 1510. This victory established Goa as the primary capital and headquarters of the Portuguese State of India, marking the beginning of over four centuries of Portuguese colonial presence on the Indian subcontinent.

Explanation

Herbert Spencer, an English philosopher and sociologist, first coined the phrase survival of the fittest in his work Principles of Biology, published in 1864. He created the term after reading Charles Darwin's On the Origin of Species to draw parallels between his own economic and social theories and Darwin's biological concepts. While the concept of natural selection was developed by Darwin, he found Spencer's phrase to be an apt summary of the process and subsequently adopted it in the fifth edition of his book in 1869. Spencer used the phrase to signify that those individuals best adapted to their environment are the most likely to survive and reproduce.

Explanation

Huangguoshu National Park is situated in the Guizhou province of Southwest China, specifically within the Anshun region. The park is home to the Huangguoshu Waterfall, one of the largest and most famous waterfalls in Asia. It is distinguished by its classification as the world's largest waterfall cluster, consisting of 18 waterfalls on the surface and 4 underground waterfalls. This geographical marvel is characterized by its dramatic karst topography, which facilitates the formation of numerous cascading water features throughout the Bahe River system. The area was officially designated as a national park to preserve its unique ecological and geological significance.

Explanation

Lipu Lekh is a high-altitude Himalayan pass situated at an elevation of approximately 5,200 meters in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. It serves as a vital gateway for the annual Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra, a religious pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in Tibet. This pass is located near the tri-junction of India, Nepal, and China. It holds significant historical and cultural importance as a traditional trade and transit route between India and Tibet, being the first border trading post opened between the two nations in 1992. The Ministry of External Affairs organizes the pilgrimage through this route due to its established infrastructure and direct access from the Kumaon region.

Explanation

Bhavai is a highly skilled traditional folk dance performed in the state of Rajasthan, primarily by the professional dancing communities such as the Kalbelia, Bhil, Meena, and Jat. This dance form is renowned for its spectacular displays of balance and agility, where female performers dance while balancing a series of eight to nine brass pitchers or earthen pots on their heads. The difficulty is often increased by the dancers performing intricate steps on the edges of a stainless steel plate, on the sharp blade of a sword, or on broken glass. Accompanied by traditional Rajasthani instruments like the dholak, manjira, and sarangi, the dance is a staple of cultural festivities in the Marwar and Mewar regions.

Explanation

The nucleus functions as the primary repository of genetic information in eukaryotic cells. It houses the vast majority of the cell's deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), which is organized into long, linear structures called chromosomes. These chromosomes consist of DNA tightly coiled around histone proteins. By containing the genome within a double-membrane nuclear envelope, the nucleus protects the integrity of the genetic code and coordinates vital cellular activities such as growth, metabolism, and reproduction through the processes of DNA replication and transcription. This localization ensures that the genetic blueprints are centrally managed and regulated before instructions are sent to the rest of the cell.

Explanation

The Friendship Highway, also known as the China-Nepal Highway, is an 800-kilometre scenic route that connects Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region in China, to the Nepalese border at the Sino-Nepal Friendship Bridge. From the border crossing between Zhangmu and Kodari, the road continues as the Arniko Highway to reach Kathmandu. This infrastructure project, completed in the 1960s, serves as a vital land link for trade, tourism, and transit between the two nations, traversing the Tibetan Plateau and offering views of several of the world's highest peaks, including Mount Everest.

Explanation

The Manikya dynasty was the ruling house of the Kingdom of Tripura from the late 13th century until the state's accession to the Indian Union in 1949. Ratna Pha, who took the title Ratna Manikya I, is traditionally considered the first ruler to adopt the Manikya suffix, a title reportedly conferred by the Sultan of Bengal. The dynasty maintained its sovereignty and distinct cultural identity for centuries, successfully defending its territory against various regional powers. Following the death of the last ruling Maharaja, Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya, in 1947, a Council of Regency was formed. The merger agreement was eventually signed by Queen Regent Kanchan Prava Devi, leading to Tripura becoming part of India on 15 October 1949.

Explanation

Lothal, situated in the modern state of Gujarat near the Gulf of Khambhat, served as a vital maritime trade hub during the Indus Valley Civilization. It is distinguished by the presence of a massive brick-built dockyard, which is considered the earliest known artificial dock in the world. This structure was designed to allow ships to berth during high tides, facilitating the exchange of goods between the Indus region and distant civilizations such as those in Mesopotamia and the Persian Gulf. The discovery of foreign seals and a sophisticated bead-making industry at the site further confirms its role as a major international port and commercial center.

Explanation

The Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) is a monetary policy tool used by the Reserve Bank of India to regulate liquidity in the banking system. It is defined as the specific share of a bank's total Net Demand and Time Liabilities (NDTL) that it must maintain in the form of liquid cash as a reserve with the central bank.

NDTL represents the total demand and time liabilities of a bank with the public and other banks, adjusted for assets held with the banking system. Demand liabilities include funds that customers can withdraw at any time, such as current account deposits and savings account deposits. Time liabilities consist of deposits that have a fixed maturity period, such as fixed deposits and recurring deposits. By mandate, banks do not earn any interest on the amount held with the RBI as CRR, and the percentage is adjusted periodically to control the money supply and inflation in the economy.

Explanation

The Indus Water Treaty is a water-distribution treaty between India and Pakistan, brokered by the World Bank and signed in Karachi on September 19, 1960. The agreement was signed by Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Pakistani President Ayub Khan to settle disputes over the sharing of the waters of the Indus River system. Under the treaty, the waters of the three Eastern Rivers—the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—are allocated to India for unrestricted use, while the waters of the three Western Rivers—the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab—are allocated to Pakistan. India is permitted to use the water of the Western Rivers for limited non-consumptive purposes such as domestic use, agriculture, and run-of-the-river hydroelectric projects, subject to specific regulations defined within the treaty.

Explanation

In flowering plants, the ovary is the basal part of the pistil that contains the ovules. Following pollination, pollen grains germinate on the stigma and extend a pollen tube down through the style to reach the ovary. The male gametes travel through this tube into the ovule, where they fuse with the egg cell. This process of fusion, known as fertilisation, takes place specifically within the ovary, which subsequently develops into a fruit containing the seeds formed from the fertilised ovules.

Explanation

Pankaj Advani is a globally acclaimed cueist who achieved the unique distinction of winning the Amateur World title in both snooker and billiards. He won his first IBSF World Snooker Championship in 2003 at Jiangmen, China. He later secured the IBSF World Billiards Championship in 2005. By doing so, he became the first and only Indian to hold world titles in the amateur categories of both disciplines. Advani is widely recognized for his versatility and mastery across different formats of cue sports, including the timed and point formats in billiards and the 15-red and 6-red formats in snooker. By 2019, his tally of world titles across these formats had established him as one of the most successful cueists in history.

Explanation

World Water Day is observed annually on 22nd March to raise awareness about the global water crisis and the importance of freshwater resources. The initiative was formally proposed during the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. Following this recommendation, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution in December 1992 declaring 22nd March as the official day for water. The first World Water Day was subsequently celebrated in 1993. The day is used to advocate for the sustainable management of freshwater resources and to support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6, which targets universal access to clean water and sanitation by 2030. Each year, UN-Water coordinates the global campaign around a specific theme related to water conservation and accessibility.

Explanation

Sirimavo Bandaranaike became the world's first female prime minister when she took office in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) on July 21, 1960. She rose to political prominence following the assassination of her husband, S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike, and led the Sri Lanka Freedom Party to victory in the 1960 general elections. Her historic appointment marked the first time in modern history that a woman was elected as the head of a national government. She went on to serve three separate terms as prime minister during her career, specifically from 1960 to 1965, 1970 to 1977, and 1994 to 2000.

Explanation

The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, which serves as the supreme law of the country, was passed by the National Assembly on April 10, 1973, and authenticated by the President on April 12, 1973. It was formally enforced on August 14, 1973, marking the transition to a parliamentary system of government. This constitution was the first to be framed by elected representatives and established a bicameral legislature consisting of the National Assembly and the Senate. It defines the structure of the state, the fundamental rights of citizens, and the distribution of power between the federal government and the provinces.

Explanation

The India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP) was launched by Dr. Harsh Vardhan, the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, on March 8, 2019. This document made India one of the first countries in the world to develop a comprehensive roadmap to address cooling requirements across various sectors over a 20-year period. The ICAP seeks to provide sustainable cooling and thermal comfort for all while reducing the environmental impact of refrigerant use and energy consumption. Its primary targets for the year 2037-38 include reducing cooling demand across sectors by 20% to 25%, reducing refrigerant demand by 25% to 30%, and decreasing cooling energy requirements by 25% to 40%. The plan also emphasizes the training and certification of 100,000 servicing sector technicians by 2022-23 to improve maintenance practices and reduce leakage.

Explanation

Vitamin A, also known as retinol, is a crucial nutrient for maintaining healthy vision. It is a vital component of rhodopsin, a light-sensitive protein found in the rod cells of the retina that allows the eye to see in low-light and night-time conditions. When there is a deficiency of Vitamin A, the body cannot produce sufficient amounts of rhodopsin, leading to an impaired ability of the eyes to adapt to darkness. This clinical condition is known as nyctalopia, commonly referred to as night blindness, and is typically one of the earliest signs of Vitamin A deficiency. Over time, persistent deficiency can lead to more severe ocular issues such as xerophthalmia.