SSC CGL Tier 1 2021 General Awareness Questions with Solutions

Explanation

Environmental economics is the sub-discipline of economics that focuses on the impact of economic activity on the natural environment and the management of natural resources. It specifically addresses how rapid economic development leads to the depletion of natural capital and the accumulation of pollutants, treating environmental quality as a scarce resource. This field employs economic tools to analyze market failures, such as negative externalities where the costs of pollution are not borne by the producer, and develops policy instruments like carbon taxes or cap-and-trade systems to mitigate environmental degradation. By evaluating the trade-offs between economic growth and environmental preservation, it seeks to promote sustainable development practices that maintain the integrity of the ecosystem for future generations.

Explanation

Minhaj-us-Siraj, also known as Minhaj-i-Siraj Juzjani, was a 13th-century Persian historian and chronicler who wrote the Tabaqat-i-Nasiri. Completed around 1260 CE, this work serves as an encyclopedic history of the Islamic world, beginning from the prophets and the early Caliphates through the Ghaznavid and Ghurid dynasties. It is highly regarded as a primary contemporary source for the early history of the Delhi Sultanate, specifically detailing the foundation of Turkish rule in India and the reigns of the Mamluk (Slave) dynasty rulers. The book was dedicated to Sultan Nasir-ud-din Mahmud of the Delhi Sultanate, which is the origin of its title. Additionally, it provides critical historical accounts of the Mongol invasions of Central Asia and the socio-political conditions of Northern India during the 13th century.

Explanation

The English Teacher is a celebrated novel written by R.K. Narayan and was first published in 1945. This work serves as the final installment of a semi-autobiographical trilogy, following Swami and Friends and The Bachelor of Arts. Set in the fictional South Indian town of Malgudi, the story centers on the life of Krishna, an English teacher at Albert Mission College, and details his transition from a mundane domestic life to a spiritual quest following the death of his wife. The novel is notably personal, as Narayan dedicated it to his own wife, Rajam, and it reflects his personal experiences with grief and his subsequent exploration of spiritualism.

Explanation

Under Article 356 of the Indian Constitution, the Governor is empowered to send a report to the President of India stating that a situation has arisen in which the government of the state cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. This recommendation serves as the formal basis for the President to invoke President's Rule, which involves the dismissal of the state council of ministers and the suspension or dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly. The Governor acts as the constitutional head of the state and serves as the primary link between the state and the Union government for assessing the stability of the constitutional machinery.

Explanation

The Standard Meridian of India is 82°30^′E because it was chosen to represent Indian Standard Time (IST) for the entire country. This specific longitude is exactly 5 hours and 30 minutes ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), following the international convention of selecting standard meridians in multiples of 7°30^′ (which corresponds to 30-minute time intervals). The meridian passes through Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh and provides a central reference point to minimize the time lag of nearly two hours between the easternmost part of Arunachal Pradesh and the westernmost part of Gujarat. By adopting this uniform time, India ensures synchronization in transportation, communication, and administrative functions across its vast longitudinal extent.

Explanation

Keshav Kranthi, who had been serving as the Head of Technical Information at the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) since 2017, was promoted to the newly created position of Chief Scientist in early 2021. While his wife, Sandhya Kranthi, also joined the ICAC as a researcher in 2021, she was not appointed as the Chief Scientist until April 2023. Therefore, Keshav Kranthi is the correct person appointed to the post in January 2021.

Explanation

Rabindranath Tagore wrote the novel Gora, which was first published in book form in 1910 after being serialized in the journal Prabasi. It is the largest and most ambitious of his twelve novels, set in Calcutta during the 1880s. The narrative delves into the complex socio-political landscape of colonial India, addressing themes of identity, caste, religion, and the struggle between tradition and modernity. Through the character of Gora, Tagore explores the concept of Indian nationalism and eventually arrives at a philosophy of universal brotherhood and humanism that looks beyond sectarian divisions.

Explanation

In table tennis, the shakehand grip is the most prevalent and versatile method of holding the racket. It is so named because the player grasps the handle in a manner similar to performing a standard handshake. The handle is held within the palm, while the thumb and index finger are positioned on the blade's surfaces to provide stability and fine-tuned control over the angle of the racket. This grip is globally popular because it allows for a seamless transition and equal effectiveness between forehand and backhand strokes, facilitating both offensive power and defensive precision during high-speed rallies.

Explanation

Minhaj-i-Siraj was a prominent 13th-century historian and the author of the Tabaqat-i Nasiri, which serves as a primary source for the early Delhi Sultanate. In his chronicles, he provided a detailed account of Raziya Sultan's ascension and reign. He famously noted that Raziya was more able and qualified than all her brothers, acknowledging her administrative and leadership virtues. Although he respected her capabilities and described her as a great monarch, he also expressed the contemporary social and religious reservations regarding female leadership, remarking that despite her qualities, she could not be fully accepted in the social order of the time because she was a woman.

Explanation

The continental crust is the outermost layer of the Earth's lithosphere that makes up the planet's continents and continental shelves. It is primarily composed of various types of granites and andesites, which are categorized as felsic rocks. These rocks are rich in silica, aluminum, potassium, and sodium, making them less dense than the materials found in the deeper layers of the Earth or the oceanic basins. The average density of the continental crust is approximately 2.7 g/cm³, which provides the buoyancy necessary for it to float high atop the denser underlying mantle. Its composition is often referred to as SIAL, representing the dominance of silica and aluminum minerals.

Explanation

Andal is the only female saint among the twelve Alvars, who were medieval Vaishnavite poet-saints of South India. She lived during the 8th century and is celebrated for her intense, bridal devotion to Lord Vishnu. She was born and raised in Srivilliputhur, a town located in the modern-day state of Tamil Nadu. Her significant contributions to the Bhakti movement include the poetic compositions Thiruppavai and Nachiar Tirumozhi, which are still recited with great fervor in temples and households across Southern India. As a central figure in the Sri Vaishnavism tradition, her legacy is deeply rooted in the cultural and religious history of the Southern region of the Indian subcontinent.

Explanation

The World Bank's Doing Business 2020: Comparing Business Regulations in 190 Economies report ranked India 63rd globally. This performance marked a significant improvement of 14 positions compared to the 2019 report, where India held the 77th rank. India's rise in the rankings was driven by consistent reforms across several parameters, including starting a business, dealing with construction permits, trading across borders, and resolving insolvency. The report acknowledged India as one of the top ten improvers for the third consecutive year, noting that the country had improved its Ease of Doing Business score from 67.3 to 71.0. Significant contributors to this improvement included the streamlining of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) processes and the effective implementation of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), which reduced the time and cost involved in business exits and improved recovery rates for creditors.

Explanation

Plague is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. It is primarily a zoonotic disease that circulates among small mammals and their fleas. In humans, it typically manifests in three forms: bubonic, septicemic, and pneumonic. Transmission usually occurs through the bite of an infected flea or through direct contact with contaminated fluid or tissue. Since the causative agent is a bacterium and not a virus, the disease is managed and treated using various classes of antibiotics.

Explanation

Sheila Dikshit served as the Chief Minister of Delhi for three consecutive terms, spanning a total of 15 years and 25 days from December 3, 1998, to December 28, 2013. This tenure made her the longest-serving female Chief Minister of any Indian state as of January 2021. During her leadership, she was widely recognized for overseeing the modernization of Delhi's infrastructure, the significant expansion of the Delhi Metro network, and the transition of the city's public transport system to compressed natural gas (CNG) to curb pollution. Her administration remains the longest continuous period of governance by a woman in a state executive role in India's history up to that point.

Explanation

James Prinsep, a British antiquary and an officer of the East India Company's mint, successfully deciphered the Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts in 1837. These scripts were used in the ancient inscriptions found on pillars and rocks throughout the Indian subcontinent. Prinsep's breakthrough occurred when he identified the recurring title Devanampiya Piyadasi, meaning the beloved of the gods, and linked it to the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka through references in Sri Lankan Buddhist chronicles. This discovery provided the first clear historical evidence of Ashoka's reign and laid the essential foundation for the study of Indian epigraphy and ancient chronology.

Explanation

Industry and innovation is not one of the five core thematic areas identified under the Aspirational Districts Programme. The initiative focuses on 49 key performance indicators across specific sectors that directly influence the Human Development Index and the quality of life in under-developed regions. These mandated focus areas are Health and Nutrition, Education, Agriculture and Water Resources, Financial Inclusion and Skill Development, and Basic Infrastructure. The programme was designed to address basic social and physical infrastructure gaps rather than industrial development or technological innovation.

Explanation

The Pushkar Fair, also known as the Pushkar Camel Fair, is an annual multi-day livestock fair and cultural fete held in the town of Pushkar in the Ajmer district of Rajasthan. Pushkar is located approximately 11 to 14 kilometers away from the city of Ajmer, separated by the Nag Pahar (Snake Mountain) of the Aravalli Range. Because of this immediate geographical proximity, Ajmer is the nearest major city and serves as the primary rail and road transport hub for travelers attending the fair. The event takes place during the Hindu month of Kartik, culminating on Kartik Purnima near the sacred Pushkar Lake.

Explanation

Modern field hockey was developed and codified in the United Kingdom during the mid-19th century. The first formal governing body for the sport, known as The Hockey Association, was established in London on January 18, 1886. This association was instrumental in standardizing the rules of the game, which had previously varied significantly between different clubs and schools. While individual clubs like the Blackheath Football and Hockey Club existed as early as 1861, the 1886 formation in the UK represents the first national hockey association in the world.

Explanation

The kiwi is a member of the ratite family, which consists of birds that have lost the ability to fly through evolution. A primary anatomical reason for this is the lack of a keel on the sternum, or breastbone; without this keel, the bird lacks the necessary anchor for the large muscles required for wing flapping. Endemic to New Zealand, kiwis evolved in an environment historically devoid of land mammals, which reduced the selection pressure to maintain flight for escape. Consequently, their wings have reduced to tiny, vestigial structures hidden under plumage that resembles coarse hair, confining them entirely to the forest floor.

Explanation

Jaundice is a clinical condition where the liver is compromised, leading to an accumulation of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellowish bile pigment produced during the normal breakdown of hemoglobin from old or damaged red blood cells. When the liver cannot process this pigment effectively or if there is an obstruction in the bile ducts, the excess bilirubin leaks into the surrounding tissues. This results in the characteristic yellow pigmentation of the skin and the sclera of the eyes.

Explanation

Ignition temperature is the minimum temperature required for a substance to undergo spontaneous combustion in a normal atmosphere without an external spark or flame. Every combustible substance has a specific threshold; if the temperature remains below this point, the substance will not catch fire even in the presence of oxygen. This property is a critical factor in determining the flammability of materials, as substances with low ignition temperatures, such as white phosphorus or petrol, catch fire much more easily than those with high ignition temperatures, like wood or coal.

Explanation

The 52nd Amendment Act of 1985 inserted the Tenth Schedule into the Constitution of India, popularly known as the Anti-Defection Law. This amendment was enacted during the tenure of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi to curb the practice of political defections by legislators who changed parties after being elected. It provides for the disqualification of members of both Parliament and State Legislatures on the grounds of defection, such as voluntarily giving up the membership of their political party or voting against the directions of the party whip. The law was intended to bring stability to the parliamentary system by ensuring that elected representatives remain loyal to the party on whose platform they won the election.

Explanation

Akbar issued the Mahzarnama, also known as the Infallibility Decree, in September 1579. Drafted by Sheikh Mubarak, the father of Abul Fazl and Faizi, the document was signed by leading religious scholars of the time. This decree proclaimed Akbar as the Imam-i-Adil, or the Just Ruler, granting him the authority to choose between conflicting interpretations of Islamic law if they were deemed beneficial for the state and the people. The primary objective of the Mahzarnama was to centralize political and spiritual authority in the hands of the Emperor, thereby reducing the influence of the orthodox Ulema in administrative and judicial affairs.

Explanation

The Dhuandhar Falls is situated on the Narmada River in Bhedaghat, located in the Jabalpur district of Madhya Pradesh. The name is derived from the Hindi words Dhuan, meaning smoke, and Dhar, meaning flow, which describes the mist-like appearance created by the water as it plunges approximately 30 meters down the rocky gorge. This waterfall is world-famous for the surrounding white marble rocks that flank the river, creating a unique geological landscape where the Narmada narrows and falls with immense force. It remains one of the most prominent natural landmarks and tourist attractions within the state of Madhya Pradesh.

Explanation

Rishabh Pant hit the winning runs for India during the fourth and final Test match of the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Gabba in Brisbane. Chasing a target of 328 runs on the fifth day, Pant played an aggressive unbeaten innings of 89 runs. He secured the historic victory by hitting a boundary off Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood through the mid-off region. This win allowed India to clinch the series 2-1 and marked the first time in 32 years that Australia had been defeated at the Gabba.

Explanation

The Battle of Khanua was fought on March 16, 1527, between the forces of the first Mughal Emperor Babur and the Rajput confederacy led by Rana Sanga of Mewar. Following his victory at the First Battle of Panipat in 1526, Babur faced a significant challenge from Rana Sanga, who had united several Rajput kingdoms and Afghan chiefs against the Mughal presence. The battle took place at Khanua, a village near Bharatpur, Rajasthan. Babur’s army, though outnumbered, utilized advanced artillery and the tulghuma warfare tactic to defeat the Rajput forces. This victory was a turning point in Indian history as it dismantled the power of the Rajput confederacy and firmly established the Mughal Empire's foundation in Northern India.

Explanation

The chemical formula for potassium permanganate is KMnO₄. It is an inorganic compound composed of one potassium atom (K), one manganese atom (Mn), and four oxygen atoms (O). In this structure, the manganese atom is centrally located and bonded to four oxygen atoms in a tetrahedral arrangement, forming the permanganate anion (MnO₄⁻), which is neutralized by the potassium cation (K⁺). Thus, there are four oxygen atoms present in a single molecule.

Explanation

Dalkhai is one of the most prominent folk dance forms of Odisha, originating specifically from the western regions of the state such as Sambalpur, Balangir, and Bargarh. It is traditionally performed by young women from various tribal communities including the Binjhal, Kuda, and Mirdha during significant festivals like Nuakhai, Bhaijiuntia, and Dussehra. The performance is accompanied by traditional percussion and wind instruments such as the Dhol, Nishan, Tamak, Tasa, and Mahuri. The dance is named after the word Dalkhai, which is used as a repetitive address to a girlfriend or beloved in the accompanying songs. Participants typically wear colorful Sambalpuri saris and perform rhythmic movements that reflect the cultural heritage of the rural Odia landscape.

Explanation

Rani-ki-Vav, also known as the Queen's Stepwell, is an intricate 11th-century architectural marvel located in Patan, Gujarat. It was constructed on the banks of the Saraswati River by Queen Udayamati in memory of her husband, King Bhimdev I of the Chalukya or Solanki dynasty. Built in the Maru-Gurjara style, the stepwell is designed as an inverted temple highlighting the sanctity of water. It is divided into seven levels of stairs with sculptural panels of high artistic quality, featuring over five hundred principal sculptures of deities and mythological figures. In 2014, it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique architectural and technological significance, and it is also featured on the reverse side of the contemporary lavender-colored ₹100 banknote.

Explanation

The first seaplane service in India was officially launched on October 31, 2020, to coincide with the 145th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The flight connects the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad to the Statue of Unity at Kevadia in the Narmada district of Gujarat. This project was implemented under the regional connectivity scheme, UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik), by the Ministry of Civil Aviation. The service was operated by SpiceJet’s subsidiary, SpiceShuttle, using a Twin Otter 300 seaplane. It was designed to boost tourism by providing a direct and faster travel link between the major city of Ahmedabad and the world tallest statue at Kevadia, covering the distance in about 45 minutes.

Explanation

Prasanta Dora was a distinguished Indian international footballer who played as a goalkeeper. During his career, he represented the Indian national team in prestigious tournaments such as the SAFF Cup and the SAF Games. He was a prominent figure in the domestic circuit, playing for the three major Kolkata clubs: Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and Mohammedan Sporting. Dora was recognized as the Best Goalkeeper in the National Football League for two consecutive seasons in 1997-98 and 1998-99 while playing for Tollygunge Agragami and East Bengal. He passed away in January 2021 due to a rare blood disorder known as Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis.

Explanation

The Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) system, often referred to as QSRAM in certain reports, is a short-range missile system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with Bharat Electronics Limited and Bharat Dynamics Limited. It gained significant media attention in November 2020 following a series of successful flight trials conducted at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha. The system is designed specifically to provide mobile air defense coverage to the mechanized assets of the Indian Army while on the move. It features a canister-based launcher, a fully automated command and control system, and specialized surveillance and fire control radars. The missile is propelled by a single-stage solid motor and is capable of engaging aerial targets at a range of approximately 25 to 30 kilometers, ensuring high kill probability through its indigenous radio frequency seeker and advanced tracking capabilities.

Explanation

North America was part of the northern supercontinent known as Laurasia, rather than the southern supercontinent Gondwanaland. During the existence of the late Paleozoic supercontinent Pangea, the landmasses were broadly divided into two major components separated by the Tethys Ocean. Laurasia encompassed the modern-day continents of North America, Europe, and most of Asia. In contrast, Gondwanaland consisted of South America, Africa, Antarctica, India, and Australia. North America's geological history is associated with the Laurentian craton, which remained separate from the southern assembly of continents until the eventual formation of Pangea and subsequent rifting.

Explanation

The Indian Mutiny of 1857 reached its military conclusion with the recapture of Gwalior by British forces on 20 June 1858. Following the fall of Jhansi, rebel leaders Rani Lakshmibai and Tantia Tope moved towards Gwalior and seized the strategic fort from the Scindia ruler. General Hugh Rose led the British counter-offensive, resulting in the death of Rani Lakshmibai during the Battle of Kotah-ki-Serai. The subsequent fall of Gwalior city and its fort to the British marked the end of organized, large-scale armed resistance against the East India Company, effectively suppressing the uprising in Central India.

Explanation

Ethical Religion is a collection of articles written by Mahatma Gandhi that were first published in his newspaper Indian Opinion in 1907. In this work, Gandhi argues that morality and religion are inseparable, positing that any religious practice devoid of an ethical basis is meaningless. The book is essentially an adaptation and Gujarati translation of lectures by William Mackintire Salter, a member of the Ethical Culture Movement. Through these writings, Gandhi expresses his belief that the core of all religions is the pursuit of truth and moral conduct, establishing that one cannot be truly religious without being strictly ethical in every aspect of life.

Explanation

The eardrum (tympanic membrane) is a thin, tightly stretched membrane that vibrates when sound waves strike it, and it is commonly compared to a stretched rubber sheet or the skin of a drum in science textbooks. This elasticity allows it to transmit sound vibrations to the inner ear.

Explanation

The Indian Rupee symbol (₹) was designed by D. Udaya Kumar and officially adopted by the Government of India on 15 July 2010. The design is a conscious blend of Indian and international scripts, combining the Devanagari letter Ra with the Roman capital letter R. The symbol utilizes the distinctive structure of the Roman R but excludes the vertical stem (the upright bar), leaving the curved head and the diagonal leg. This amalgamation represents India's cultural roots through the Devanagari script while simultaneously adopting a global appeal through the Roman script, which is the standard for international financial systems. The two horizontal lines at the top are intended to resemble the Indian tricolor flag and also function as an arithmetic equality sign, representing the country's economic aspirations and stability.

Explanation

In January 2021, the Maharashtra government launched the jail tourism initiative from the 150 year old Yerawada Central Jail in Pune. This first of its kind project was inaugurated by the state government on Republic Day to allow citizens and students to experience the history of the Indian independence movement from a unique perspective. The initiative aims to educate the public about the historical significance of various prisons where prominent freedom fighters like Mahatma Gandhi, Lokmanya Tilak, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, and Sarojini Naidu were incarcerated. By visiting these sites, people can learn about the hardships faced by revolutionaries and the historical events that unfolded within these prison walls. Following the pilot launch at Yerawada, the state planned to extend the program to other significant prisons such as those in Thane, Ratnagiri, and Chandrapur.

Explanation

Gautamiputra Satakarni was the most significant ruler of the Satavahana dynasty, which dominated the Deccan region of India. Reigning in the early 2nd century CE, he is credited with reviving the fortunes of his dynasty after it had suffered setbacks from foreign invasions. His military achievements and administrative record are detailed in the Nashik Prashasti, an inscription composed by his mother, Gautami Balashri. He is celebrated for defeating the Western Kshatrapa ruler Nahapana and is described as the destroyer of the Shakas, Yavanas, and Pahlavas. By reclaiming territories in Western India and the Deccan, he earned titles such as Ekabrahmana and Dakshinapathapati, signifying his status as a supreme sovereign of the southern region.

Explanation

Haryali is a watershed development project sponsored by the Central Government of India, rather than a physical water storage structure. Launched by the Ministry of Rural Development, the program is designed to empower Gram Panchayats to manage and execute water conservation activities such as rainwater harvesting, afforestation, and irrigation management. It represents a policy framework and administrative initiative aimed at achieving sustainable development through community-led water resource management at the grassroots level.

Explanation

As per the provisions of the Constitution of India and established parliamentary convention, the President of India appoints a member of the Lok Sabha as the Speaker Pro tem. This appointment typically takes place after a general election when the office of the Speaker becomes vacant immediately before the first meeting of the newly elected House. The President usually selects the senior-most member of the Lok Sabha for this role and administers the oath of office to them. The primary responsibilities of the Speaker Pro tem include presiding over the first sittings of the new Lok Sabha, administering the oath or affirmation to the newly elected members, and enabling the House to elect a permanent Speaker. Once the new Speaker is elected, the office of the Speaker Pro tem ceases to exist.

Explanation

The Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesizes an inverted U-shaped relationship between environmental degradation and per capita income. In the initial stages of economic development, as per capita income increases, environmental pressure and pollution levels rise due to industrialization and the prioritization of output over environmental concerns. However, once a certain level of income (the turning point) is reached, further increases in per capita income lead to improvements in environmental quality. This transition occurs as wealthier societies can afford cleaner technologies, shift from manufacturing to services, and implement stricter environmental regulations and policies. Thus, the EKC models how economic growth eventually provides the resources and public demand necessary for environmental protection.

Explanation

Sarojini Naidu was bestowed with the title Bharat Kokila, or the Nightingale of India, by Mahatma Gandhi in appreciation of the lyrical and musical quality of her poetry. Her literary contributions, such as The Golden Threshold and The Bird of Time, earned her global recognition for their vivid imagery and rhythmic structure. Naidu was a distinguished poet and a vital leader in the Indian independence movement, participating closely with Gandhi in the Non-Cooperation Movement and the Salt Satyagraha. Her eloquence as a speaker and the poetic depth of her writings defined her public identity, leading to this enduring sobriquet. She also achieved significant political milestones, becoming the first Indian woman to preside over the Indian National Congress and the first woman to serve as a Governor in independent India.

Explanation

The constellation Ursa Major, commonly known as the Great Bear or the Big Dipper, is primarily identified by its seven most prominent stars. In Indian astronomy, this group is referred to as the Saptarishi, representing seven legendary sages. These seven stars—Dubhe, Merak, Phecda, Megrez, Alioth, Mizar, and Alkaid—form a distinct pattern resembling a large ladle, a plough, or a question mark. While the astronomical constellation of Ursa Major encompasses a larger area with many more stars, the recognizable core asterism that defines the Great Bear in most cultural and navigational contexts is composed of these seven brightest stars. They are frequently used as a celestial guide, particularly to locate the Pole Star (North Star) by following the line formed by the two pointer stars, Dubhe and Merak.

Explanation

Prophet Muhammad was born around 570 CE and received his first revelation in 610 CE in the Cave of Hira, marking the beginning of the Islamic faith. The Hijra, or the migration from Mecca to Medina which signifies the start of the Islamic lunar calendar, occurred in 622 CE. These pivotal events in the establishment and early propagation of Islam took place during the early 600s, which falls within the seventh century of the Common Era. By the time of the Prophet's death in 632 CE, the foundations of the religion were firmly established across the Arabian Peninsula.

Explanation

The Meguti Jain temple, also referred to as the Megudi temple, is situated in Aihole within the Bagalkot district of Karnataka. It was constructed in 634 CE by Ravikirti, the court poet of the Badami Chalukya King Pulakeshin II. This temple is architecturally significant as it sits on a hillock overlooking the Aihole complex and contains the famous Aihole inscription. Written in Sanskrit using the Old Kannada script, this inscription serves as a vital historical record, detailing the achievements of the Chalukya dynasty and specifically commemorating the victory of Pulakeshin II over the North Indian Emperor Harshavardhana on the banks of the Narmada River.

Explanation

Plate tectonics is the scientific theory that explains the large-scale motion of the Earth's lithosphere, which is the rigid outermost shell comprising the crust and the uppermost mantle. This lithosphere is broken into several tectonic plates that float and move upon the asthenosphere, a hotter and more ductile layer of the upper mantle that behaves like a highly viscous fluid over geological time scales. The movement is primarily driven by convection currents within the mantle, where heat from the Earth's interior creates circulation patterns that drag the overriding plates. Plate tectonics provides the mechanical framework for understanding how these plates interact at their boundaries to shape the Earth's surface.

Explanation

Ghoomar is a traditional folk dance of Rajasthan, originally developed by the Bhil tribe to worship Goddess Saraswati and later adopted by Rajput royalty. The dance is performed exclusively by women who wear veils and flowing dresses called ghagharas. The performance involves graceful circular movements and pirouettes, which showcase the vibrant colors and layers of the swirling skirts. It is a signature cultural element of the state, typically performed during weddings, festivals, and special occasions like Gangaur. The name Ghoomar is derived from the word ghoomna, referring to the twirling motion of the dancers.

Explanation

The book titled The Hitman: The Rohit Sharma Story was released in November 2020 and chronicles the life and career of Indian cricketer Rohit Sharma. It was co-authored by G. Krishnan, a senior sports journalist, along with Vijay Lokapally. The biography provides an in-depth look at Sharma's rise through the ranks of Indian cricket, his captaincy in the Indian Premier League, and his evolution into one of the most destructive opening batsmen in the world. The narrative captures key milestones of his career and offers insights into his batting technique and mindset.

Explanation

Muhammad Bin Tughlaq established the Diwan-i-Amir Kohi to enhance agricultural productivity and address frequent famines in the Doab region. This specialized department aimed to bring barren or uncultivated land under the plow through direct state intervention and financial assistance. The Sultan provided state-funded loans known as sondhar to peasants for purchasing seeds, livestock, and digging wells. Under this administrative setup, the territory was divided into development blocks headed by officials responsible for ensuring that farmers shifted from inferior crops to superior ones like wheat and sugarcane. Although the scheme eventually failed due to large-scale corruption and the unsuitability of the chosen lands, it marked a significant historical attempt at centralized agricultural planning and state-led agrarian reform during the Delhi Sultanate period.