SSC CGL Tier 1 2019 General Awareness Questions with Solutions

Explanation

Shashi Tharoor is the author of the book India Shastra: Reflections on the Nation in our Time, which was published in 2015. This work is a compilation of essays that examine the contemporary political, social, and economic landscape of India. Tharoor provides a critical analysis of the changes in Indian governance and national identity, particularly focusing on the transition in the country's leadership and the evolving global role of India during the early twenty-first century. As a prolific writer and Member of Parliament, he uses this book to reflect on various themes including the impact of globalization, the nature of Indian democracy, and the challenges facing the nation in modern times.

Explanation

China is the world's largest producer of wheat, consistently leading global production statistics for several decades. According to data available through late 2019 from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), China produced approximately 131 to 134 million metric tonnes of wheat per year. The country maintains this top position through intensive farming practices and the utilization of the North China Plain, which serves as a primary hub for winter wheat cultivation. Significant investment in agricultural technology, irrigation infrastructure, and high-yield seed varieties allows China to maintain production levels that outpace all other nations.

Explanation

The World Happiness Report 2019, published by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, ranked India 140ᵗʰ among 156 surveyed nations. This ranking was based on several key parameters including GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and levels of corruption. India's position in 2019 marked a significant drop from the previous year, where it had been ranked 133ʳᵈ. The report highlighted a general increase in negative emotions across many countries, contributing to the downward trend in India's overall happiness score during that period.

Explanation

Litmus is a natural pH indicator derived from lichens that changes color based on the acidity or alkalinity of a substance. Blue litmus paper contains a specific dye that reacts with the hydrogen ions H⁺ found in acidic solutions. When the paper comes into contact with a solution having a pH level below 4.5, a chemical reaction occurs that alters the chromophore of the dye, resulting in a distinct color change from blue to red. This transition is a standard qualitative test used in chemistry to confirm the presence of an acid.

Explanation

Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the founder of the Sikh Empire, was responsible for the extensive renovation and golden gilding of the Harmandir Sahib in the early 19th century. In 1830, he donated the gold and marble required for the beautification project, which involved covering the upper floors and the domes of the shrine with gold-plated copper sheets. Approximately 750 kilograms of gold were used during this process, transforming the appearance of the gurdwara and leading to its popular designation as the Golden Temple. His patronage not only protected the site from previous Afghan incursions but also turned it into a grand symbol of Sikh sovereignty and architectural splendor.

Explanation

Marsupials are a infraclass of mammals characterized by their unique reproductive strategy where they give birth to relatively undeveloped young. Due to a short gestation period and a lack of a complex placenta in most species, the offspring, often called joeys, are born in a very immature state. Immediately after birth, these tiny young crawl to a specialized abdominal fold or pouch known as the marsupium. Inside this pouch, they attach themselves to a nipple to receive nourishment and continue their growth and development in a protected environment until they are mature enough to survive outside. This reliance on an external pouch for the final stages of postnatal development is the defining feature of marsupials like kangaroos, koalas, and opossums.

Explanation

Gujarat possesses the longest mainland coastline among all Indian states, stretching approximately 1,214.7 kilometers. This extensive length is attributed to its highly indented nature and the presence of two major gulfs, the Gulf of Kutch and the Gulf of Khambhat, along with numerous creeks and inlets. It accounts for roughly 22.4 percent of India's total mainland coastline. The state's unique geography, bordering the Arabian Sea, provides it with significant maritime advantages for trade and fishing, making it a critical hub for India's maritime economy and port-led development.

Explanation

Fiscal Deficit represents the total borrowing requirements of the government and is defined as the excess of total expenditure over total non-debt receipts. The relationship is expressed by the formula:

Fiscal Deficit = (Revenue Expenditure + Capital Expenditure) - (Revenue Receipts + Non-debt Capital Receipts)

An increase in Capital Expenditure directly raises the total expenditure, thereby widening the gap that constitutes the Fiscal Deficit. Furthermore, the Fiscal Deficit can also be viewed as the sum of the Revenue Deficit and the net Capital Outlay (Capital Expenditure minus non-debt Capital Receipts). Consequently, a substantial rise in the Revenue Deficit, which occurs when revenue expenditure exceeds revenue receipts, serves as a major driver that increases the overall Fiscal Deficit. In the context of government accounting, the Fiscal Deficit is the most comprehensive measure of the budgetary imbalance as it accounts for both current consumption gaps and long-term investment requirements that need to be financed through debt.

Explanation

The total deviation method provides the quickest solution. First, calculate the net weight contribution of the four new students relative to the initial average of 68.5 kg. The deviations are (72.2 - 68.5) = 3.7 kg, (70.8 - 68.5) = 2.3 kg, (70.3 - 68.5) = 1.8 kg, and (66.7 - 68.5) = -1.8 kg. Summing these deviations gives a total extra weight of 3.7 + 2.3 + 1.8 - 1.8 = 6 kg.

This total extra weight of 6 kg is distributed among all the students in the final group, resulting in an average increase of 300 g or 0.3 kg per person. Let n be the initial number of students. The total number of students now is n + 4. The relationship is defined by:

Total Deviation = Total Students × Increase in Average 6 = (n + 4) × 0.3 n + 4 = (6)/(0.3) = 20 n = 20 - 4 = 16

Explanation

The Third Anglo-Maratha War, which lasted from 1817 to 1818, resulted in the final collapse of the Maratha Empire. The conflict ended when Peshwa Bajirao II surrendered to Sir John Malcolm in June 1818. As a consequence of this defeat, the office of the Peshwa was abolished, and his territories were annexed by the British East India Company to form the Bombay Presidency. The Peshwa was pensioned off and sent to Bithur, while other Maratha chiefs were forced to sign treaties that placed them under British suzerainty. This transition officially marked the end of the Maratha confederacy and established the British as the paramount power in India.

Explanation

To find the overall gain or loss, first calculate the cost price (CP) of each article: CP1 = 4956 / 1.18 = 4200 and CP2 = 4956 / 0.84 = 5900. The total CP is 10,100 and the total selling price (SP) is 9,912, resulting in a total loss of 188. The loss percentage is (188 / 10100) * 100 = 1.861...%, which rounds to 1.9% loss.

Explanation

The number of science students from each college is: A (25% of 8,000 = 2,000), B (35% of 10,000 = 3,500), C (45% of 15,000 = 6,750), D (28% of 9,000 = 2,520), and E (35% of 11,000 = 3,850). The total number of science students is 18,620, and the average for the five colleges is 18,620 divided by 5, which equals 3,724.

Explanation

The area of a triangle with a constant altitude is directly proportional to the length of its base. In triangle ABC, point P lies on BC such that BP:PC = 2:3, which implies BP/BC = 2/(2+3) = 2/5. Since triangles ABP and ABC share the same altitude from vertex A, the area of triangle ABP is (2/5) × area of triangle ABC.

Furthermore, in triangle ABP, Q is given as the midpoint of AP. This makes BQ the median of triangle ABP from vertex B. A median divides a triangle into two triangles of equal area, so the area of triangle ABQ is (1/2) × area of triangle ABP. Substituting the first relationship into the second, the area of triangle ABQ = (1/2) × (2/5) × area of triangle ABC = (1/5) × area of triangle ABC. Thus, the ratio ar(△ ABQ) : ar(△ ABC) is 1:5.

Explanation

The total number of students across all five colleges is the sum of the students in each individual college: Total Students = 8,000 + 10,000 + 15,000 + 9,000 + 11,000 = 53,000.

In a pie chart, the total value of the data corresponds to a full circle of 360°. The central angle for any specific sector is determined by the ratio of that sector's value to the total value. The formula for the central angle is: Central Angle = (Value of Component)/(Total Value) × 360°

For College E, the number of students is 11,000. Substituting the values into the formula: Central Angle of College E = (11,000)/(53,000) × 360° = ¹¹⁄₅₃ × 360° = (3960°)/(53) ≈ 74.7169°

Rounding 74.7169° to the nearest whole number yields 75°.

Explanation

For two similar triangles, the ratio of their areas is equal to the square of the ratio of their corresponding sides. Given △ ABC ∼ △ RQP, the vertices correspond as A ↔ R, B ↔ Q, and C ↔ P. Therefore, side BC of △ ABC corresponds to side QP (or PQ) of △ RQP.

According to the area theorem for similar triangles:

(ar(△ RQP))/(ar(△ ABC)) = ( (QP)/(BC) )²

Substituting the given values into the formula:

⁹⁄₄ = ( (10)/(BC) )²

Taking the square root on both sides:

³⁄₂ = (10)/(BC)

Solving for BC:

3 × BC = 20

BC = ²⁰⁄₃ cm

Explanation

The value of the expression a³ + b³ + c³ - 3abc can be calculated using the algebraic identity: a³ + b³ + c³ - 3abc = (a + b + c)((a + b + c)² - 3(ab + bc + ca))

By substituting the given values a + b + c = 6 and ab + bc + ca = 5 into this formula, we get: a³ + b³ + c³ - 3abc = 6 × (6² - 3 × 5) a³ + b³ + c³ - 3abc = 6 × (36 - 15) a³ + b³ + c³ - 3abc = 6 × 21 a³ + b³ + c³ - 3abc = 126

Alternatively, the identity can be written as (a + b + c)(a² + b² + c² - (ab + bc + ca)). Since (a + b + c)² = a² + b² + c² + 2(ab + bc + ca), we find a² + b² + c² = 6² - 2(5) = 26. Substituting these into the identity yields 6 × (26 - 5) = 6 × 21 = 126.

Explanation

Given the ratio a:b = 2:3, we can express a and b in terms of a constant k such that a = 2k and b = 3k. To find the value of the ratio (5a - 2b):(5a + 2b), substitute these values into the expression:

Numerator: 5a - 2b = 5(2k) - 2(3k) = 10k - 6k = 4k

Denominator: 5a + 2b = 5(2k) + 2(3k) = 10k + 6k = 16k

The ratio is formed by dividing the numerator by the denominator: ⁴ᵏ⁄₁₆ₖ = ⁴⁄₁₆ = ¼

Alternatively, because the expression is a homogeneous function of a and b of the same degree, the constant k cancels out, allowing for the direct substitution of a = 2 and b = 3. This yields 10 - 6 = 4 for the first term and 10 + 6 = 16 for the second term, resulting in the simplified ratio 1:4.

Explanation

Let the efficiency of B be 100%. Since A is 50% more efficient than B, A's efficiency is 150%. Since C is 40% less efficient than B, C's efficiency is 60%. The ratio of their efficiencies A:B:C is 150:100:60, which simplifies to 15:10:6.

Total efficiency of A, B, and C working together is 15 + 10 + 6 = 31 units per day. Given they complete the task in 20 days, the total work is calculated as Total Work = Efficiency × Time = 31 × 20 = 620 units.

The task C needs to complete is 30% of the total work, which is 0.30 × 620 = 186 units. Using C's efficiency of 6 units per day, the time taken by C alone is Time = (Work)/(Efficiency) = ¹⁸⁶⁄₆ = 31 days.

Explanation

When a number x is subtracted from each of a, b, c, and d such that the resulting numbers are in proportion, the value of x can be calculated using the formula x = (ad - bc)/((a + d) - (b + c)). Substituting the given values a = 23, b = 39, c = 32, and d = 56:

x = (23 × 56 - 39 × 32)/((23 + 56) - (39 + 32))

x = (1288 - 1248)/(79 - 71)

x = ⁴⁰⁄₈ = 5

The two numbers for which the mean proportional is required are (x + 4) and (3x + 1). Substituting x = 5:

First number = 5 + 4 = 9 Second number = 3(5) + 1 = 16

The mean proportional between two numbers P and Q is defined as √(P × Q).

Mean proportional = √(9 × 16) = √(144) = 12

Explanation

The number of students in the Economics discipline from College B is calculated as 40% of 10,000: Economics students (B) = ⁴⁰⁄₁₀₀ × 10,000 = 4,000

The number of students in the Science discipline from College C is calculated as 45% of 15,000: Science students (C) = ⁴⁵⁄₁₀₀ × 15,000 = 6,750

To find what percentage the Economics students from College B represent relative to the Science students from College C, we use the ratio: Percentage = (4,000)/(6,750) × 100

Simplifying the fraction by dividing both numerator and denominator by 250: Percentage = ¹⁶⁄₂₇ × 100 = (1,600)/(27) ≈ 59.259%

Rounding to the nearest whole number, the percentage is approximately 59.

Explanation

The Intersecting Chords Theorem states that when two chords AB and CD intersect at a point P inside a circle, the products of the lengths of their segments are equal: AP · PB = CP · PD.

Given that AB = 10 cm and AP = 4 cm, the length of the segment PB is determined by subtracting AP from the total length of the chord: PB = AB - AP = 10 - 4 = 6 cm.

Using the value PC = 5 cm, the theorem is applied as follows: 4 · 6 = 5 · PD 24 = 5 · PD PD = ²⁴⁄₅ = 4.8 cm

The total length of chord CD is the sum of its constituent segments CP and PD: CD = CP + PD = 5 + 4.8 = 9.8 cm

Explanation

The volume V of a frustum of a cone is given by the formula V = ⅓π h(R² + r² + Rr), where h is the height, R is the radius of the larger circular face, and r is the radius of the smaller circular face.

Given the values h = 21 cm, R = 5 cm, and r = 3 cm, and using π = ²²⁄₇, the calculation is as follows:

V = ⅓ × ²²⁄₇ × 21 × (5² + 3² + 5 × 3)

V = ²²⁄₂₁ × 21 × (25 + 9 + 15)

V = 22 × 49

V = 1078 cm³

Explanation

For a number to be divisible by 72, it must be simultaneously divisible by its coprime factors 8 and 9. According to the divisibility rule for 9, the sum of the digits of the number must be a multiple of 9. Calculating the sum of the digits for 91876x2, we get 9 + 1 + 8 + 7 + 6 + x + 2 = 33 + x. For 33 + x to be divisible by 9, the nearest multiple of 9 is 36, which requires x = 3.

To ensure the number is also divisible by 8, the last three digits, 6x2, must form a number divisible by 8. Substituting x = 3 gives 632. Performing the division, 632 ÷ 8 = 79, which confirms that the condition for divisibility by 8 is satisfied. Since x = 3 satisfies the divisibility requirements for both 8 and 9, the seven-digit number 9187632 is divisible by 72.

Explanation

The number of students in the Mathematics discipline for College A is calculated as 40% of 8,000, which is 0.40 × 8000 = 3200. For College C, the number of Mathematics students is 35% of 15,000, which is 0.35 × 15000 = 5250.

The total number of Mathematics students from both colleges combined is 3200 + 5250 = 8450. The total number of students in both College A and College C together is 8000 + 15000 = 23000.

The combined percentage is calculated using the formula: Percentage = (Total Mathematics students)/(Total students) × 100 Percentage = ⁸⁴⁵⁰⁄₂₃₀₀₀ × 100 = ⁸⁴⁵⁄₂₃ ≈ 36.739%

Rounding to one decimal place, the percentage of students from the discipline of Mathematics for colleges A and C taken together is 36.7%.

Explanation

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

Substituting the given values into the formula where D = 43.20, P = x, and r = 12:

43.20 = x × (12 / 100)²

43.20 = x × (144 / 10000)

To solve for x, rearrange the equation:

x = (43.20 × 10000) / 144

x = 432000 / 144

By dividing 432000 by 144, we get:

x = 3000

Explanation

The overall percentage profit or loss for successive transactions can be calculated using the net change formula: Net Change = a + b + ᵃᵇ⁄₁₀₀, where a and b represent the percentage changes in each step. In this case, the first transaction results in a loss of 25%, so a = -25. The second transaction results in a gain of 40%, so b = 40.

Substituting these values into the formula: Net Percentage Profit = -25 + 40 + ((-25 × 40))/(100) Net Percentage Profit = 15 + ⁻¹⁰⁰⁰⁄₁₀₀ Net Percentage Profit = 15 - 10 = 5%

Alternatively, using the multiplier method, the final amount is 1240 × (1 - 0.25) × (1 + 0.40). The net multiplier is 0.75 × 1.40 = 1.05. A multiplier of 1.05 represents an overall increase of 0.05 or 5%. Since the value is positive, it signifies an overall profit of 5%.

Explanation

The average weight of the whole class can be calculated using the weighted average formula, where the weights are the percentages of boys and girls. Since 40% of the class are girls, the remaining 60% are boys. The ratio of boys to girls is 60:40, which simplifies to 3:2.

The average weight A is given by the formula: A = (w_b × Avg_b + w_g × Avg_g)/(w_b + w_g)

Substituting the ratios and the respective average weights: A = (3 × 62 + 2 × 55)/(3 + 2) A = (186 + 110)/(5) A = ²⁹⁶⁄₅ A = 59.2 kg

Alternatively, using the total number of students, there are 24 girls (40% of 60) and 36 boys (60% of 60). The total weight is (36 × 62) + (24 × 55) = 2232 + 1320 = 3552. Dividing the total weight by the total number of students gives 3552 / 60 = 59.2 kg.

Explanation

For two similar triangles, the ratio of their areas is equal to the square of the ratio of their corresponding altitudes. Given that △ ABC ∼ △ DEF, let h₁ be the altitude of △ ABC and h₂ be the corresponding altitude of △ DEF. The relationship is expressed as:

(Area(△ ABC))/(Area(△ DEF)) = ((h₁)/(h₂))²

Substituting the given values into the formula:

¹⁰⁰⁄₄₉ = ((5)/(h₂))²

Taking the square root of both sides:

√(100){√(49)} = (5)/(h₂)

¹⁰⁄₇ = (5)/(h₂)

Rearranging to solve for h₂:

10 × h₂ = 7 × 5

10 × h₂ = 35

h₂ = ³⁵⁄₁₀ = 3.5 cm

Explanation

Let the time taken by A at his original speed be T_A and the time taken by B be T_B. According to the first condition, A takes 30 minutes more than B, so T_A - T_B = 0.5 hours.

When A doubles his speed, the distance remains constant, so the time taken is inversely proportional to the speed. Thus, A's new time is T_A / 2. According to the second condition, this is one hour less than B's time, giving T_B - T_A / 2 = 1.

Adding these two equations eliminates T_B: (T_A - T_B) + (T_B - T_A / 2) = 0.5 + 1 T_A / 2 = 1.5 T_A = 3 hours

Now, substitute T_A back into the first equation to find T_B: 3 - T_B = 0.5 T_B = 2.5 hours

The speed of B is calculated using the formula Speed = (Distance)/(Time): V_B = (15)/(2.5) = 6 km/h

Explanation

Since AB is a diameter of the circle, ∠ ACB = 90° because the angle subtended by a diameter at any point on the circumference is a right angle. In △ ABC, the sum of angles is 180°, so ∠ ABC = 180° - (∠ ACB + ∠ BAC) = 180° - (90° + 28°) = 62°.

For a trapezium ABCD to be inscribed in a circle, it must be an isosceles trapezium. This implies that the base angles are equal, so ∠ DAB = ∠ ABC. Given that ∠ ABC = 62°, it follows that ∠ DAB = 62°. The angle ∠ DAB is the sum of ∠ CAD and ∠ BAC. Substituting the known values, we get 62° = ∠ CAD + 28°. Therefore, ∠ CAD = 62° - 28° = 34°.

Explanation

The total surface area of a rectangular tank is given by the formula 2(LW + WH + LH). Substituting the dimensions L = 10 m, W = 8 m, and H = 6 m, the total area is 2(10 × 8 + 8 × 6 + 10 × 6) = 2(80 + 48 + 60) = 2(188) = 376 m². Since a circular opening of radius r = 1 m is left at the top, the area of this circle must be subtracted from the total surface area. The area of the opening is π r² = π × 1² ≈ 3.14159 m². The net iron sheet required is 376 - 3.14159 = 372.858... m², which rounds to 372.9 m² when corrected to one decimal place.

Explanation

The relationship between expenditure, price, and consumption is defined by the formula Expenditure = Price × Consumption. Let the initial price be 100 units and the initial consumption be 100 units, resulting in an initial expenditure of 10,000 units. With a 17% increase in price, the new price becomes 117. The individual allows the expenditure to increase by only 7%, making the new target expenditure 10,700 units. To find the new consumption, we divide the new expenditure by the new price: ¹⁰⁷⁰⁰⁄₁₁₇ ≈ 91.453 units. The percentage reduction in consumption is calculated as (Initial Consumption - New Consumption)/(Initial Consumption) × 100, which simplifies to (100 - 91.453)/(100) × 100. This calculation results in ¹⁰⁰⁰⁄₁₁₇ ≈ 8.547%. When rounded to one decimal place, the percentage reduction in consumption is 8.5%.

Explanation

To find the central angle of the sector for type B cars in 2016, first calculate the total production of type B cars across all given years. The sum of production for type B is 39 + 45 + 54 + 60 + 72 = 270 thousand units.

The central angle in a pie chart is determined by the ratio of the specific component to the total value, multiplied by 360°. The production of type B cars in 2016 is 60 thousand units.

Using the formula: Central Angle = (Production in 2016)/(Total Production of Type B) × 360°

Substituting the values: Angle = ⁶⁰⁄₂₇₀ × 360° Angle = ²⁄₉ × 360° Angle = 2 × 40° = 80°

Explanation

For a sum P at a rate of 10% per annum compounded annually for 2½ years, the total amount A is calculated by applying the full interest rate for the first 2 years and the proportionate rate for the remaining 1/2 year: A = P (1 + ¹⁰⁄₁₀₀)² × (1 + (1)/(2) × 10{100}) A = P (1.1)² × (1.05) A = P (1.21 × 1.05) = 1.2705P

The compound interest (CI) is the difference between the amount and the principal: CI = A - P 1623 = 1.2705P - P 1623 = 0.2705P

Solving for P: P = (1623)/(0.2705) = 6,000

Explanation

As of late 2019, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) officially managed and operated 15 International Airports across the country. These airports are specifically designated to provide the infrastructure and services required for international flight operations, including dedicated customs, immigration, and health screening facilities. This count refers to the group of international airports under the direct administrative control of the AAI, such as those in Chennai, Kolkata, and Jaipur, and distinguishes them from airports operated through Joint Venture models or those categorized solely as Customs Airports with limited international connectivity.

Explanation

The Red-crowned Crane, known scientifically as Grus japonensis, is widely regarded as the national bird of China. In 2004, the State Forestry Administration and the China Wildlife Conservation Association conducted a nationwide poll to select a national bird, where the Red-crowned Crane emerged as the clear winner with over 60 percent of the public vote. This bird carries deep cultural and historical significance in China, serving as a traditional symbol of longevity, fidelity, and elegance. It is frequently featured in Chinese mythology and classical paintings, often referred to as the crane of the immortals due to its association with Taoist deities. Its selection reflects its status as a highly respected species that embodies the spirit and aesthetic values of Chinese heritage.

Explanation

Cyanide is a rapidly acting, potentially deadly chemical that can exist in various forms, with hydrogen cyanide (HCN) being one of the most lethal. The term prussic acid is the historical and common chemical name for a solution of hydrogen cyanide in water. This name is derived from Prussian blue, a dark blue pigment from which the acid was first isolated by the chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele in 1782. Prussic acid is characterized by its ability to inhibit cellular respiration by binding to the iron atoms in cytochrome c oxidase, an enzyme in the mitochondria, effectively preventing cells from using oxygen and causing rapid death.

Explanation

The Ganga river originates from the Gangotri Glacier in the Himalayas and flows across the northern plains of India. Upon reaching West Bengal, it divides into the Hooghly and the Padma. The Padma enters Bangladesh, where it joins the Brahmaputra and the Meghna rivers to form the expansive Sundarbans Delta. This vast river system eventually empties its waters into the Bay of Bengal, which serves as the final drainage basin for the entire Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna river system.

Explanation

Fiscal deficit represents the gap between a government's total expenditure and its total non-debt receipts. While it indicates an expansionary fiscal stance, its impact on the general price level is not direct because prices are governed by the interaction of aggregate demand and aggregate supply, alongside monetary policy. If a government finances its deficit through market borrowings from the private sector, it essentially reallocates existing liquidity without increasing the overall money supply in the economy. The movement of prices depends on whether the increased spending leads to an output gap, how the central bank adjusts interest rates, and whether the deficit is monetized. Because these intermediary factors determine the ultimate inflationary outcome, an increase in the fiscal deficit does not possess a singular or direct mechanical link to price changes.

Explanation

Real cost refers to the physical and human efforts, sacrifices, and tangible resources utilized in the production of a commodity. In classical and Marshallian economics, it represents the actual substance of production, such as the raw materials consumed and the labor exerted, including the fatigue and sacrifice of the workers. While monetary costs represent the financial expenditure, real cost focuses on the fundamental physical inputs and the human toil required to bring a product into existence. Therefore, all tangible resources like raw materials and the physical labor power used in the production process are collectively classified as real costs because they represent the actual material and human toll of manufacturing.

Explanation

The Indian Super League (ISL) was officially launched on October 21, 2013, as a joint venture between IMG-Reliance, Star Sports, and the All India Football Federation (AIFF). The league was established to operate as a top-tier professional football competition in India, modeled after the structure of the Indian Premier League in cricket. Although the first competitive season actually kicked off in October 2014, the formal founding, announcement of the franchises, and the unveiling of the league's framework occurred throughout 2013. This initiative was designed to professionalize Indian football, improve infrastructure, and increase the commercial viability of the sport within the country.

Explanation

The prefix iso- originates from the Greek word isos, meaning equal or same. In scientific nomenclature, it is employed to describe processes, conditions, or structures where a particular physical or chemical property remains constant. In thermodynamics, for example, an isothermal process occurs at a constant temperature (dT = 0), an isobaric process at a constant pressure (dP = 0), and an isochoric process at a constant volume (dV = 0). This prefix is also fundamental in chemistry and physics, as seen in isotopes, which are atoms with the same atomic number, and in meteorology, where isolines connect points of equal value on a map, such as isobars for pressure or isotherms for temperature. It essentially denotes uniformity and equality within a system.

Explanation

Narasimhan Ram, a veteran journalist and the former Editor-in-Chief of The Hindu, became the first Indian citizen to be honored with the Sri Lanka Rathna in 2005. This award is the highest national honor of Sri Lanka conferred upon non-nationals for exceptional contributions to the nation or for fostering international relations. He was selected for this distinction by the Sri Lankan government under President Chandrika Kumaratunga in recognition of his significant role in promoting a better understanding of Sri Lankan affairs and strengthening the bilateral ties between India and Sri Lanka through his journalistic work.

Explanation

Under Article 118(4) of the Constitution of India, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha presides over a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament. A joint sitting is summoned by the President of India under Article 108 to resolve a deadlock between the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha over the passage of a bill. The Speaker takes precedence in this role because the joint sitting is governed by the Rules of Procedure of the Lok Sabha rather than the Rajya Sabha. If the Speaker is absent, the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha presides over the session.

Explanation

A blood moon occurs during a total lunar eclipse when the Earth aligns perfectly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow over the lunar surface. While the Earth blocks direct sunlight, its atmosphere acts like a lens, filtering out shorter blue wavelengths and bending longer red wavelengths toward the Moon. This phenomenon, known as Rayleigh scattering, results in the Moon appearing in shades of red, orange, or copper rather than going completely dark. The specific intensity and shade of the red color depend on the amount of dust, volcanic ash, and clouds present in the Earth's atmosphere at the time of the eclipse.

Explanation

China shares land borders with 14 different countries, which is the highest number of international land neighbors for any nation in the world, a record it shares with Russia. The sovereign states bordering China are North Korea, Russia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam. This high number of bordering nations is due to China's vast territorial extent and its central geographic position within the Asian continent, covering a land area of approximately 9.6 million square kilometers.

Explanation

Freedom from Fear: And Other Writings is a renowned collection of essays and speeches by Aung San Suu Kyi, the Burmese politician and diplomat who served as the State Counsellor of Myanmar. Published in 1991, the same year she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, the book reflects her commitment to non-violent resistance and democratic principles. The titular essay, Freedom from Fear, is her most famous piece of writing, where she explores how fear is used as a tool by authoritarian regimes and argues that the only real prison is fear itself. The collection provides a comprehensive look at her philosophical and political foundations during her long struggle for democracy against military rule in Myanmar.

Explanation

A sphygmomanometer is the standard medical instrument used to measure arterial blood pressure. It operates by using an inflatable cuff to restrict blood flow in an artery, typically in the upper arm, and a manometer to measure the pressure. As the air in the cuff is gradually released, the device records two primary readings: systolic pressure, which occurs when the heart beats and pumps blood, and diastolic pressure, which occurs when the heart rests between beats. These measurements are usually recorded in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and are critical for monitoring cardiovascular health and diagnosing conditions such as hypertension.

Explanation

The total production of cars of type B in the years 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2017 is calculated by summing the respective values from the table: 39 + 45 + 54 + 72 = 210 thousand.

The total production of all types of cars in the year 2017 is the sum of types A, B, C, D, and E for that year: 36 + 72 + 45 + 47 + 55 = 255 thousand.

To find the percentage by which the production of type B is less than the total production in 2017, the formula used is: Percentage = (Total 2017 All - Total B (specified years))/(Total 2017 All) × 100

Substituting the values: Percentage = (255 - 210)/(255) × 100 = ⁴⁵⁄₂₅₅ × 100

Simplifying the fraction ⁴⁵⁄₂₅₅ by dividing both numerator and denominator by 15 results in ³⁄₁₇. Percentage = ³⁰⁰⁄₁₇ ≈ 17.647

Correct to one decimal place, the percentage is 17.6.

Explanation

The University Grants Commission (UGC) was formally established as a statutory body of the Government of India through the University Grants Commission Act, 1956. Although it had been inaugurated earlier in December 1953, it only attained its legal and formal status once the act of Parliament was passed and implemented in 1956. This legislation mandated the commission to coordinate, determine, and maintain standards of university education in India while also providing the necessary financial grants to higher education institutions. It operates under the Ministry of Education to ensure uniform quality and growth in the country's academic sector.