SSC CGL Tier 1 2022 General Awareness Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The National Emblem of India was adopted by the Government of India on 26th January 1950, the same day the Constitution of India came into effect and the country became a Republic. This emblem is an adaptation of the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath, which dates back to the 3rd century BCE. It features four Asiatic lions standing back to back on a circular abacus, which itself rests on a bell-shaped lotus. In the state emblem, only three lions are visible, the fourth being hidden from view. The motto Satyameva Jayate, meaning Truth Alone Triumphs, is inscribed below the abacus in Devanagari script; this phrase is a quote from the Mundaka Upanishad and forms an integral part of the national emblem.

Explanation

The Lotteries (Regulation) Act was enacted by the Parliament of India in 1998 to provide a legal framework for the regulation of lotteries across the country. Receiving the assent of the President on July 7, 1998, the Act empowers State Governments to organize, conduct, or promote lotteries subject to specific conditions outlined within the statute. It was primarily introduced to standardize the operation of lotteries and to ensure that the proceeds from such activities are credited to the public account of the State, thereby preventing the exploitation of the public through unregulated private lottery schemes.

Explanation

In the Union Budget 2021-22, the Government of India adopted a holistic approach to health by focusing on preventive, curative, and well-being aspects. The total budget outlay for Health and Wellbeing was increased to ₹2,23,846 crore for the financial year 2021-22, compared to the Budget Estimate (BE) of ₹94,452 crore in the previous financial year 2020-21.

The percentage increase is calculated using the formula: Percentage Increase = (Budget 2021-22 - Budget 2020-21)/(Budget 2020-21) × 100

Substituting the values: (2,23,846 - 94,452)/(94,452) × 100 ≈ 137%

This 137% increase was attributed to the inclusion of diverse sectors under the health umbrella, such as the Jal Jeevan Mission (Urban), the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban), nutrition programs, and a specific one-time allocation of ₹35,000 crore for the COVID-19 vaccination program.

Explanation

Numerical taxonomy, often referred to as taximetrics, is a classification system in biology that utilizes mathematical methods and computers to evaluate the similarities and differences between organisms. It is based on all observable characteristics, where every character is assigned a specific number or code. This data-driven approach allows for hundreds of characters to be processed and compared simultaneously while giving equal weightage to each feature. By quantifying these phenotypic traits, researchers can objectively determine the degree of relationship and similarity between different taxa, reducing the influence of individual observer bias in plant classification.

Explanation

The Ossuary Feast is a significant traditional ritual celebrated by the Nicobarese tribes of the Nicobar Islands to honor and pay respects to the departed souls of their ancestors, particularly the head of the family. This ceremony involves the symbolic exhumation, cleaning, and re-interment of the bones of the deceased, reflecting the tribe's deep spiritual connection with their lineage. The festival is marked by elaborate community feasting, traditional singing, and dancing, often including pig fights and other cultural performances. It serves as a final farewell to the spirits of the dead, ensuring they are remembered and revered by the living family members.

Explanation

The Bihar Legislative Assembly elections were held in three phases between October 28 and November 7, 2020, with results declared on November 10, 2020. Consequently, no general assembly election took place in Bihar during the March-April 2021 period. During that specific window in 2021, the Election Commission of India conducted assembly elections for West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, and the Union Territory of Puducherry.

Explanation

Tamralipti, identified with the modern-day town of Tamluk in West Bengal, was one of the most prominent maritime trade centers in ancient India. Situated near the mouth of the Ganges on the Bay of Bengal, it served as a vital international port during the Mauryan, Kushan, and Gupta periods. It was the primary gateway for sea routes connecting northern India to Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, and China. The significance of this port is well-documented in Buddhist literature, Jataka tales, and the travelogues of Chinese pilgrims such as Fa-Hien and Xuanzang, who described it as a flourishing center for commerce and religious exchange. Its strategic location facilitated the export of textiles, copper, and spices while serving as a departure point for many Indian merchants and missionaries traveling across the Indian Ocean.

Explanation

The Ring of Fire, also known as the Circum-Pacific Belt, is a path along the Pacific Ocean characterized by active volcanoes and frequent earthquakes. It is a horseshoe-shaped zone stretching about 40,000 kilometers and is home to nearly 75 percent of the world's volcanoes and approximately 90 percent of the world's earthquakes. This intense geologic activity is the result of plate tectonics, specifically the movement and collisions of lithospheric plates. Most of the volcanic activity occurs along subduction zones, where oceanic plates slide under continental plates or other oceanic plates, creating deep ocean trenches and volcanic arcs that rim the Pacific basin.

Explanation

Tirath Singh Rawat was sworn in as the 9th Chief Minister of Uttarakhand on March 10, 2021. His appointment followed the resignation of the previous Chief Minister, Trivendra Singh Rawat, on March 9, 2021. At the time of his selection by the Bharatiya Janata Party legislative party, he was serving as a Member of Parliament representing the Pauri Garhwal Lok Sabha constituency. He held the position of Chief Minister until early July 2021, when he was succeeded by Pushkar Singh Dhami.

Explanation

International Mother Earth Day is celebrated annually on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection and raise awareness about the challenges facing the planet. The theme for 2021 was Restore Our Earth, which focused on natural processes, emerging green technologies, and innovative thinking that can restore the world's ecosystems. This theme emphasized that while mitigation and adaptation are essential to combat climate change, restoring the Earth's natural systems is equally critical for the survival of all species and the health of the environment.

Explanation

Prithviraj Chauhan, the Chahamana ruler of Ajmer and Delhi, defeated Muhammad Ghori in the First Battle of Tarain in 1191 AD. The conflict arose when Ghori captured the strategic fortress of Tabarhindah, prompting Prithviraj to lead a large Rajput coalition against the Ghurid invaders near Tarain. During the battle, the Rajput cavalry effectively outmaneuvered the Ghurid forces, and Muhammad Ghori was seriously injured in a direct combat encounter with Govind Tai, a general under Prithviraj. The Ghurid army subsequently retreated in disarray, marking a significant military victory for Prithviraj Chauhan and temporarily securing Northern India from Ghurid expansion.

Explanation

Antonio Lopez Habas was the head coach of ATK Mohun Bagan during the 2020-21 Indian Super League season. Following the merger between the ISL club ATK and the historic I-League side Mohun Bagan in 2020, Habas was chosen to lead the new entity due to his successful track record, having previously guided ATK to two ISL titles in 2014 and 2019-20. Under his management in the 2020-21 season, ATK Mohun Bagan performed strongly, finishing second in the league stage and reaching the ISL final, where they eventually finished as runners-up.

Explanation

The book 'The Secret of the Veda' was written by Sri Aurobindo and was originally published as a series of essays in his philosophical journal, Arya. In this work, he provides a psychological interpretation of the Vedic hymns, viewing them as a symbolic language for spiritual experiences.

Explanation

The Ghatam is one of the most ancient percussion instruments used in Indian classical music, particularly within the Carnatic tradition of South India. It is a unique idiophone consisting of a large earthenware pot made from a special composition of clay baked with metallic filings, such as brass, copper, or iron, which provides its characteristic sharp and ringing metallic sound. The instrument features a bulbous body with a narrow mouth and a reinforced rim. A performer plays the Ghatam by striking its outer surface with the fingers, palms, and wrists. The player can also manipulate the pitch and resonance by pressing the mouth of the pot against their stomach, varying the amount of air trapped inside the vessel during the performance.

Explanation

World Water Day is observed annually on 22 March to highlight the importance of freshwater and advocate for the sustainable management of water resources. The initiative was formally proposed in Agenda 21 during the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) held in Rio de Janeiro. Following this proposal, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution in December 1992, declaring 22 March as the World Day for Water, with the first official observance taking place in 1993. The day is used to raise global awareness about the 2 billion people currently living without access to safe water and to support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6, which aims for water and sanitation for all by 2030. Each year, UN-Water selects a specific theme to focus on a particular aspect of freshwater.

Explanation

The British East India Company captured Pondicherry from the French in 1761 during the Third Carnatic War, which was the Indian theater of the global Seven Years' War. Following the decisive British victory at the Battle of Wandiwash in 1760, British forces led by Colonel Eyre Coote launched a successful siege against the French headquarters. The French commander, Count de Lally, was forced to surrender the city in January 1761 after months of blockade. Although the British demolished much of the town's fortifications following its fall, Pondicherry was later restored to the French under the terms of the Treaty of Paris in 1763.

Explanation

The 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002, added the eleventh fundamental duty to the list contained in Article 51-A of the Constitution of India. This amendment inserted clause (k), which states that it is the duty of a parent or guardian to provide opportunities for education to his child or ward between the age of six and fourteen years. This change was part of a larger legislative effort to prioritize elementary education, which also included the insertion of Article 21-A as a fundamental right and the amendment of Article 45 under the Directive Principles of State Policy. Prior to this amendment, the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 had established only ten fundamental duties.

Explanation

Abatement is a term used in environmental management and law to describe the reduction, lessening, or complete removal of a pollutant or nuisance. Pollution abatement strategies involve the application of technical measures and policy regulations to decrease the concentration or volume of harmful substances released into the ecosystem. This can include activities such as installing emission control systems in factories, improving fuel efficiency in vehicles, or treating industrial effluents. By focusing on lowering the intensity of environmental impact, abatement helps in mitigating the damage caused by various forms of pollution to human health and the natural world.

Explanation

Dhaulagiri I is the seventh-highest mountain in the world, standing at an elevation of 8,167 metres above sea level. Its name is derived from the Sanskrit words Dhavala, which means dazzling, white, or beautiful, and Giri, which translates to mountain. Consequently, the literal translation of Dhaulagiri is White Mountain. Located in north-central Nepal, it is the highest point of the Dhaulagiri massif and is known for its dramatic rise above the deep Kaligandaki River gorge. The peak was first summited in 1960 by a Swiss-Austrian expedition and remains one of the most prominent eight-thousand-meter peaks in the Himalayan range.

Explanation

Algae are primary producers that inhabit diverse aquatic environments, ranging from freshwater ponds to vast oceans. Through the process of photosynthesis, these organisms utilize sunlight to convert atmospheric and dissolved carbon dioxide into organic compounds. It is estimated that at least a half of the total carbon dioxide fixation on Earth is carried out by algae. This massive photosynthetic activity is crucial for the global carbon cycle and results in the significant release of oxygen into the environment, supporting the aerobic life forms in aquatic ecosystems.

Explanation

Mumbai City FC clinched the Indian Super League 2020-21 title by defeating ATK Mohun Bagan 2-1 in the final held at the Fatorda Stadium in Goa. This victory marked their first-ever ISL trophy. Under the guidance of coach Sergio Lobera, the team also made history by becoming the first club to win both the ISL League Winners Shield and the ISL Trophy in the same season. The decisive goal in the final was scored by Bipin Singh in the 90th minute, securing the championship for the Mumbai-based side.

Explanation

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a comprehensive, multi-stage, destination-based indirect tax levied on the supply of goods and services in India. It is classified as an indirect tax because the statutory liability to deposit the tax lies with the supplier, but the actual economic burden is shifted to the final consumer. Unlike direct taxes, which are paid directly by individuals or corporations on their income or profits, GST is collected by intermediaries from the purchaser at the point of sale. It replaced a variety of previous indirect taxes, including central excise duty, service tax, and state-level value-added tax, streamlining the taxation process into a single unified system.

Explanation

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is defined as the total market value of all final goods and services produced within a country's borders in a specific time period. Statement I is correct because the standard calculation of GDP relies on market transactions where prices are clearly established; activities that do not involve a market exchange are generally excluded as they lack an objective valuation. Statement II is correct because unpaid domestic work, such as cleaning, cooking, or caregiving performed by a family member at home, is a non-market activity. Since no monetary transaction occurs, these services are not captured in the national income accounts. Statement III is correct because the measurement of GDP only includes final goods and services to avoid the error of double counting. Intermediate goods, which are used as inputs in the production of other goods, are already accounted for in the value of the final product. Including them separately would result in an overestimation of the economy's total output.

Explanation

The 18th edition of the Asian Games was held in Indonesia from August 18 to September 2, 2018. This event was historically significant as it was the first time the Asian Games were co-hosted by two cities: Jakarta, the national capital, and Palembang, the capital of the South Sumatra province. Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in Jakarta served as the primary venue for the opening and closing ceremonies. This was the second time Indonesia hosted the games, the first being in 1962.

Explanation

Raksha Bandhan is a traditional Hindu festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. According to the Hindu lunar calendar, this festival is observed on the full moon day, known as Poornima, in the holy month of Shravana. This tithi typically falls in the month of August in the Gregorian calendar. The occasion is also referred to as Shravan Poornima or Rakhi Purnima, marking the conclusion of the Shravan month which is considered highly auspicious in the Hindu tradition.

Explanation

Article 21 of the Indian Constitution provides for the Protection of Life and Personal Liberty. It declares that no person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law. This fundamental right is available to both citizens and non-citizens. The Supreme Court of India has interpreted this article broadly through various judgements to include the right to live with human dignity and all those aspects of life which go to make a man's life meaningful, complete, and worth living. It is considered one of the most evolved and important articles in the Constitution, forming the bedrock of individual rights. Additionally, Article 21 cannot be suspended even during a National Emergency under Article 359.

Explanation

Tomatoes primarily contain citric acid and malic acid, and they are also a source of oxalic acid. Formic acid, with the chemical formula HCOOH, is the simplest carboxylic acid and is not found in tomatoes. It is instead the primary constituent of the venom in ant stings and bee stings. Therefore, the pairing of tomato with formic acid is incorrect.

Explanation

Approximately 97.2 percent of the Earth's total water supply is contained within the global oceans. This vast volume of water is saline and represents the primary reservoir in the planetary hydrological cycle. According to data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and standard geography textbooks, the remaining 2.8 percent of Earth's water is freshwater, the majority of which is stored in ice caps, glaciers, and deep groundwater, leaving only a very small fraction available in surface lakes and rivers.

Explanation

According to the official data released by the Census of India 2011, the population of India increased by approximately 182.1 million during the decade spanning 2001 to 2011. The total population rose from 1,028.7 million in 2001 to 1,210.9 million in 2011. The decadal growth rate is determined by the formula P₂ - P₁{P₁} × 100, where P₁ is the population at the start of the decade and P₂ is the population at the end. For the period 2001-2011, this calculation yields a growth rate of 17.70 percent, reflecting a downward trend in the population growth rate compared to the 21.54 percent recorded in the 1991-2001 period.

Explanation

The Paramhans Mandali was established in 1849 in Bombay as a secret socio-religious society dedicated to social reform. Founded by Dadoba Pandurang and Durgaram Mehtaji, the organization focused on the abolition of the caste system and the promotion of monotheism. Members of the Mandali were required to follow the principle that all humans belong to one caste and should worship one God. To demonstrate their rejection of caste prejudices, members would partake in food prepared by individuals from lower castes during their secret meetings. The Mandali also advocated for other progressive causes such as widow remarriage and women's education, playing a foundational role in the intellectual and social awakening of the Bombay Presidency.

Explanation

The Makaravilakku festival is an annual event held on the day of Makar Sankranti at the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala. Dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, the festival marks the conclusion of the long pilgrimage season. It is celebrated at the hill shrine located within the Periyar Tiger Reserve in the Pathanamthitta district. The highlight of the festival is the sighting of the Makaravilakku flame on the Ponnambalamedu hill and the Makara Jyothi star, which draws millions of devotees to this sacred grove in the Western Ghats.

Explanation

Sunil Chhetri has been a cornerstone of Bengaluru FC since joining the club in 2013. Throughout the year 2021, he represented Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League (ISL), continuing his long-standing tenure as the team's captain and primary goal-scoring threat. Despite the team's transition through different coaching eras, Chhetri remained the central figure of the squad during both the 2020-21 and 2021-22 ISL campaigns held during that calendar year.

Explanation

Arikamedu, situated near Puducherry on the Coromandel Coast, was an ancient coastal fishing village and a major maritime port that served as a primary center for trade with the Roman Empire. Archaeological excavations led by Sir Mortimer Wheeler and others uncovered significant evidence of Indo-Roman commerce dating from the 1st century BCE to the 2nd century CE. The findings included Roman amphorae used for transporting wine and olive oil, fine terra sigillata or Arretine ware pottery, Roman glassware, and various Roman coins. These artifacts demonstrate that Arikamedu functioned as a critical hub where Indian exports such as textiles, beads, and spices were traded for Roman luxury goods, establishing it as a key terminal in the Greco-Roman maritime trade network of the ancient world.

Explanation

The Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) was launched by the Government of India in 2018 as an umbrella scheme to ensure that farmers get remunerative prices for their produce. It consists of three primary components. The first is the Price Support Scheme (PSS), under which central nodal agencies perform the physical procurement of pulses, oilseeds, and copra with support from state governments. The second is the Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS), which focuses on oilseeds and involves direct payment of the difference between the MSP and the selling price to farmers, thereby avoiding the need for physical storage. The third component is the Pilot of Private Procurement and Stockist Scheme (PPPS), which tests the involvement of private players in the procurement process in selected districts for oilseeds to enhance market efficiency and reduce government waste.

Explanation

Bahadur Shah Zafar was the last Mughal emperor who reigned from 1837 to 1857 and was proclaimed the leader of the rebellion by the sepoys. After the uprising was suppressed by the British, he was deposed and exiled to Rangoon.

Explanation

The Musi River is a significant left-bank tributary of the Krishna River, flowing primarily through the state of Telangana. It originates in the Ananthagiri Hills of the Vikarabad district at an elevation of approximately 600 meters. The river flows for about 240 kilometers before its confluence with the Krishna River at Vadapally in the Nalgonda district. Historically known as the Muchukunda River, it is the primary geographic feature of Hyderabad, as the city was founded on its banks. The river serves as a major component of the Krishna river basin, which is the fourth-largest river basin in India.

Explanation

Dwaram Venkataswamy Naidu was a legendary exponent of the violin in the Carnatic music tradition. He played a pivotal role in popularizing the violin as a solo instrument rather than just an accompaniment. Serving as the Principal of the Maharaja's Government College of Music and Dance in Vizianagaram, he developed a unique style known for its precision and depth. His contributions to Indian classical music were recognized with prestigious honors, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1953 and the Padma Shri in 1957.

Explanation

Article 324 of the Indian Constitution provides the constitutional authority for the establishment of the Election Commission of India. It stipulates that the superintendence, direction, and control of the preparation of the electoral rolls for, and the conduct of, all elections to Parliament and to the Legislature of every State and of elections to the offices of President and Vice-President held under the Constitution shall be vested in the Commission. This article ensures the independence and autonomy of the Election Commission, enabling it to function as a permanent and independent body responsible for ensuring free and fair elections in the country. It covers the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners, their conditions of service, and their tenure of office to safeguard the democratic process from executive interference.

Explanation

The National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) is a strategic initiative launched by the Union Finance Minister in December 2019 to facilitate world-class infrastructure development across the country. It was designed as a whole-of-government exercise to provide a forward-looking roadmap for infrastructure projects, initially encompassing an estimated investment of 102 lakh crore rupees for the period between 2020 and 2025. The primary objective of the NIP is to improve project preparation, attract significant investments into sectors like energy, transport, water, and health, and enhance the ease of living for citizens. By coordinating planning across various ministries and states, the NIP aims to boost economic growth and serves as a critical component in India pursuit of becoming a 5 trillion dollar economy.

Explanation

Rajeev Ram is an American professional tennis player who has represented the United States throughout his career. Born in Denver, Colorado, he is a specialist in doubles and reached the world No. 1 ranking in the ATP doubles rankings in October 2022. His career highlights include winning multiple Grand Slam titles in both men's doubles and mixed doubles, notably at the US Open and the Australian Open. Additionally, he earned an Olympic silver medal for the United States in mixed doubles at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games.

Explanation

The chemical formula CH₃CH₂OH represents a molecule with two carbon atoms, six hydrogen atoms, and one oxygen atom. According to the IUPAC nomenclature for organic chemistry, the prefix for a two-carbon chain is eth-. The molecule contains only single bonds between the carbon atoms, identifying it as a derivative of the alkane ethane. The presence of the -OH hydroxyl functional group classifies the compound as an alcohol. In naming alcohols, the terminal -e of the parent alkane name is replaced with the suffix -ol. Therefore, combining the prefix eth- with the alcohol suffix -ol results in the name ethanol. It is also frequently referred to by its common name, ethyl alcohol.

Explanation

Dadabhai Naoroji, famously known as the Grand Old Man of India, authored Poverty and Un-British Rule in India, which was published in 1901. In this landmark work, Naoroji formulated and popularized the Drain of Wealth theory, using extensive statistical data to argue that the British colonial administration was systematically siphoning off Indias economic resources to Great Britain without any equivalent return. He contended that this continuous drain was the fundamental cause of Indias deep-seated poverty and frequent famines. The title of the book itself highlighted the contradiction between the high principles of British justice and the actual exploitative nature of their governance in India, which he described as un-British. Naorojis analysis laid the intellectual foundation for the Indian national movement by linking the economic plight of the masses directly to colonial rule.

Explanation

The International Day for Monuments and Sites, also known as World Heritage Day, is observed every year on April 18. The theme for the year 2021 was Complex Pasts: Diverse Futures. This theme was established by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) to encourage a balanced and inclusive look at history. It focused on the need to acknowledge that heritage often involves complex narratives and contested histories. By examining these complexities, the global community aims to foster more diverse and equitable futures where various perspectives on cultural heritage are recognized and respected. The initiative invited participants to reflect on, interpret, and present historical sites in ways that represent the multifaceted nature of human history.

Explanation

The Atharvaveda, which is the fourth Veda in the Vedic corpus, is organized into 20 books known as khandas or kandas. This collection contains approximately 730 hymns and about 6,000 verses. The 20 khandas are structured such that the first seven books comprise short hymns focused on magical charms and spells for healing and protection. Books 8 through 12 contain longer hymns addressing cosmogonic and philosophical themes, while books 13 through 18 deal with specialized subjects like marriage and funeral rites. The final two books, 19 and 20, include prayers for well-being and hymns dedicated to Indra, with khanda 20 being closely associated with the Soma sacrifice rituals.

Explanation

Following the unconditional release of Mahatma Gandhi and other members of the Congress Working Committee from prison on January 26, 1931, the top leadership of the Indian National Congress gathered at Allahabad. This meeting was held at Anand Bhavan, the residence of the Nehru family, where the leaders discussed the prevailing political situation and the future of the Civil Disobedience Movement. The deliberations in Allahabad were essential for reaching a consensus on whether to enter into negotiations with the British government. These discussions eventually paved the way for the high-level talks between Gandhi and the Viceroy, Lord Irwin, which led to the signing of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact on March 5, 1931.

Explanation

A freely falling body is an object that moves under the sole influence of gravity. Near the surface of the Earth, the force of gravity is considered constant, which according to Newton's Second Law, F = ma, results in a constant acceleration. This acceleration, known as the acceleration due to gravity g, has a nearly constant value of approximately 9.8 m/s². Because the magnitude and direction of this acceleration remain unchanged throughout the motion, the velocity of the body increases at a steady, uniform rate over time. This characteristic directly defines uniformly accelerated motion, where the change in velocity per unit time is a constant value.

Explanation

The nut produced by an oak tree is known as an acorn. Botanically, it is a fruit consisting of a single seed encased in a tough, leathery shell and seated in a woody, cup-shaped structure called a cupule. Acorns are characteristic of the genus Quercus and its close relatives. They serve as a primary reproductive unit for the tree and a critical high-energy food source for diverse forest wildlife. The maturation process of an acorn can take between six and eighteen months depending on the specific species of oak.

Explanation

Sulphur is a naturally occurring impurity in crude petroleum that poses significant corrosion risks. In internal combustion engines, the combustion of sulphur-containing fuel produces sulphur dioxide (SO₂) and sulphur trioxide (SO₃). These gases react with water vapor, a byproduct of combustion, to form sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄), which is highly corrosive to engine components such as cylinder walls, piston rings, and exhaust systems. In the refining process, sulphur compounds like hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) cause high-temperature sulphidic corrosion and hydrogen-induced cracking in metallic pipes and processing units. To prevent this degradation and meet environmental regulations, refineries utilize hydrodesulphurization to remove these active sulphur compounds from the fuel.

Explanation

According to the Provisional Population Totals of Census 2011, the total child population in the age group of 0 to 6 years in India was 15,87,89,287. The rural component of this child population was recorded as 11,75,86,513. The percentage of the rural child population relative to the total child population is calculated using the ratio of these two figures:

Percentage = (Rural Child Population (0-6))/(Total Child Population (0-6)) × 100

Substituting the provisional values:

Percentage = (11,75,86,513)/(15,87,89,287) × 100 ≈ 74.05%

This figure represents the distribution of the youngest demographic segment across the country, showing that nearly three-fourths of India's children in the 0 to 6 age bracket resided in rural areas according to the initial data released during the 2011 Census operations.

Explanation

Badlands are a type of arid or semi-arid terrain characterized by a high density of deep gullies and sharp ridges, which make the land unsuitable for agriculture or development. The primary driver behind the formation of this topography is intense soil erosion, specifically water-induced gully erosion. In regions with soft, unconsolidated sedimentary rocks or clay-rich soils and sparse vegetation, infrequent but heavy rainfall creates powerful runoff that carves into the earth. This process strips away the fertile topsoil and creates a highly dissected landscape, such as the famous Chambal ravines in India, where the lack of protective plant cover allows the soil to be rapidly washed away by surface runoff.