SSC CGL Tier 1 2022 General Awareness Questions with Solutions

Explanation

In field hockey, umpires use a standardized set of hand signals to communicate decisions to players, coaches, and spectators. According to the Rules of Hockey established by the International Hockey Federation (FIH), when an umpire points both arms horizontally towards the goal, it indicates that a penalty corner has been awarded. This specific signal is used when a defending team commits a foul within their own shooting circle that does not prevent a probable goal, or for certain intentional fouls within the 23-meter area. The umpire stands with feet apart and extends both arms straight out in the direction of the goal to clearly signify this set-piece situation.

Explanation

Bharati Das, a 1988-batch Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS) officer, was appointed by the Government of India as the 27th Controller General of Accounts (CGA) in the Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure. She officially assumed charge of the post on October 18, 2022. As the CGA, she serves as the principal advisor on accounting matters to the Union Government and is responsible for establishing and maintaining a technically sound management accounting system. Her role involves the preparation and submission of the accounts of the Union Government and managing the exchequer control and internal audits. Prior to this appointment, she held significant positions such as the Principal Chief Controller of Accounts in the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Explanation

Tropical humid climates are found in the regions near the equator where the sun rays are nearly vertical throughout the year. This consistent solar radiation results in uniformly high temperatures across all months, leading to a very low annual range of temperature, often varying by less than 3 degrees Celsius. The high heat levels trigger significant evaporation and intense convectional activity. As the warm, moist air rises, it cools and condenses, resulting in heavy and frequent rainfall throughout the year. These regions typically receive high annual precipitation, often exceeding 200 cm, with no distinct dry season, supporting the growth of dense tropical rainforests.

Explanation

Magadha was the ancient name for the territory located to the south of the River Ganga, roughly corresponding to the modern-day districts of Patna and Gaya in Bihar. It was one of the sixteen Mahajanapadas and eventually became the most powerful kingdom in ancient India. The region benefited from the fertile alluvial soil of the Gangetic plain and the natural protection offered by the surrounding hills and rivers. Its strategic location allowed it to control trade and transport along the Ganga, facilitating the rise of major dynasties like the Mauryas and Guptas who governed much of the Indian subcontinent from this central hub.

Explanation

Kandla Port, located in the Gulf of Kutch in Gujarat, was the first port developed soon after Independence to serve as a major hub for western and north-western India. It was specifically designed to handle the cargo traffic previously managed by the Karachi port, which went to Pakistan after partition. Known as a tidal port, it functions as a primary gateway for the industrial and agricultural belts of states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Punjab. Its strategic development has been instrumental in decongesting the Mumbai port by redirecting heavy imports of petroleum, chemicals, and fertilizers, as well as exports of food grains and textiles.

Explanation

The Citizenship Act was enacted by the Indian Parliament in 1955. While the Constitution of India, under Articles 5 to 10, dealt with citizenship only at the time of its commencement on January 26, 1950, Article 11 specifically empowered Parliament to make any provision with respect to the acquisition and termination of citizenship and all other matters relating to citizenship. Using this constitutional authority, the Parliament passed the Citizenship Act, 1955, which provides detailed rules for the acquisition of citizenship by birth, descent, registration, naturalization, and incorporation of territory, as well as for the loss of citizenship through renunciation, termination, or deprivation. Since its inception, the 1955 Act has been the primary legislation governing Indian nationality and has undergone several amendments to address evolving legal and socio-political requirements.

Explanation

The Trans-Siberian Railway is the world's longest railway line, spanning approximately 9,289 kilometers across the vast expanse of the Russian Federation. It serves as the primary land transport link connecting the European part of Russia to its Far Eastern regions. Starting from St. Petersburg and Moscow in the west, the line traverses the Ural Mountains, the Siberian taiga, and regions around Lake Baikal before reaching its terminus at the Pacific port city of Vladivostok. Construction on this massive infrastructure project began in 1891 and was completed in 1916, playing a crucial role in the economic development and administrative integration of the Russian state by bridging the enormous distance between the Atlantic and Pacific coasts.

Explanation

Bhupesh Baghel assumed office as the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh on 17 December 2018, following the Indian National Congress's victory in the State Legislative Assembly elections. A senior leader representing the Patan assembly constituency, he continued to serve as the head of the state government throughout April 2022. His tenure as the third Chief Minister of the state lasted until December 2023.

Explanation

The Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2022 was introduced to amend the Electricity Act, 2003, which is the principal legislation governing the electricity sector in India. The 2003 Act consolidated several earlier laws, including the Indian Electricity Act, 1910 and the Electricity (Supply) Act, 1948, to create a comprehensive framework for the generation, transmission, distribution, and trading of power. The 2022 amendments specifically target provisions of the 2003 Act to facilitate competition in retail electricity distribution by allowing multiple licensees to operate in the same area and to strengthen the regulatory powers of the Central and State Electricity Regulatory Commissions.

Explanation

Daojali Hading is a significant Neolithic site located on the hills of the Dima Hasao district in Assam, overlooking the Brahmaputra Valley. This site is strategically positioned near the routes that lead into China and Myanmar. Excavations at Daojali Hading have revealed stone tools such as mortars and pestles, which suggest that the people were growing and preparing food. A key finding at this site is jadeite, a stone that was likely transported from China, providing evidence of early cross-border exchange and cultural contact between the inhabitants of the Brahmaputra Valley and the regions of East and Southeast Asia. The presence of pottery and distinctive polished stone celts further characterizes the Neolithic culture of this region.

Explanation

Tarangmel is a vibrant folk dance originating from the state of Goa. It is traditionally performed by the youth during major festive occasions such as Dusshera and the Shigmo festival, which is the Goan celebration of Holi. The dance is named after the tarangas, or colorful streamers, that the performers carry. Participants also use brightly decorated umbrellas and banners to create a high-energy visual spectacle. The performance is characterized by rhythmic movements synchronized to the beats of traditional musical instruments like the dhol, tasha, and cymbals, reflecting the lively spirit and cultural heritage of the local Goan community.

Explanation

The relationship between distance, speed, and time is defined by the fundamental formula d = v × t, where d represents distance, v represents speed, and t represents time. For an object moving at a constant speed, the distance traveled is the product of that speed and the time elapsed. This linear relationship indicates that as time increases, the distance covered increases at a constant rate, which defines a direct proportionality between the two variables. Therefore, under the assumption of uniform motion, distance is directly proportional to time.

Explanation

The Government of Andhra Pradesh launched the Family Doctor (Family Physician) programme on a pilot basis in September 2022 to strengthen the health delivery system at the grassroots level. Under this initiative, doctors from Primary Health Centres (PHCs) are assigned to visit Village and Ward Secretariats twice a month to provide medical services directly to rural residents. The programme aims to provide doorstep healthcare, monitor patients with chronic ailments, and supervise the services at YSR Village Health Clinics. By ensuring that medical professionals are available within the village itself, the state government seeks to improve health outcomes and provide continuous medical supervision for the rural population.

Explanation

Lithification is the fundamental geological process by which loose, unconsolidated sediments are transformed into solid sedimentary rock. This transition occurs through two primary stages: compaction and cementation. As layers of sediment accumulate over time, the weight of overlying materials exerts significant pressure, reducing the volume of the pores and squeezing out fluids. Following this, dissolved minerals such as silica, calcite, or iron oxides precipitate from groundwater and act as a natural glue, binding the individual sediment grains together into a rigid mass. Because sedimentary rocks are formed from the deposition of pre-existing mineral or organic particles, lithification is the defining characteristic that enables their creation from surface deposits.

Explanation

The 2021 ICC Men's T20 World Cup was originally scheduled to be held in India, but the International Cricket Council relocated the tournament to the United Arab Emirates and Oman due to concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the hosting rights remained with the Board of Control for Cricket in India, the matches were staged across venues in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Muscat. The event took place between October 17 and November 14, 2021. Australia emerged as the champions of this edition after defeating New Zealand in the final match held in Dubai.

Explanation

Slash and burn agriculture, also known as shifting cultivation, is the traditional farming method practiced in tropical rainforests. In these regions, high rainfall frequently leaches nutrients from the soil, making it relatively infertile. To overcome this, farmers clear a patch of land by cutting down trees and burning the vegetation. The resulting ash provides a concentrated burst of nutrients, such as potash, which fertilizes the soil for crop production. After a few years of cultivation, when the soil fertility is depleted, the farmers move to a new patch of forest, allowing the original land to revert to natural vegetation and slowly regain its nutrient profile through natural ecological succession.

Explanation

Jagdeep Dhankhar was elected as the 14th Vice President of India following the election held in August 2022. He previously served as the Governor of West Bengal before being nominated as the candidate for the National Democratic Alliance. In the vice-presidential election, he secured 528 votes out of the 725 valid votes polled, surpassing the required quota. He was sworn into office on August 11, 2022, succeeding M. Venkaiah Naidu. Under the Indian Constitution, the Vice President is elected by an electoral college consisting of members of both Houses of Parliament and also serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

Explanation

Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis was born on June 29, 1893, in Calcutta, and he passed away on June 28, 1972. The year 1983 is factually incorrect as his birth year, occurring nearly a century after his actual birth and eleven years after his death. His major contributions to statistical theory and economic planning were established during the mid-20th century, specifically during the 1930s through the 1960s.

Explanation

Gudi Padwa is the traditional New Year celebrated by Marathi and Konkani Hindus, marking the beginning of the Chaitra month in the Hindu lunisolar calendar. It is most prominently celebrated in Maharashtra, where the hoisting of the Gudi symbolizes victory and the warding off of evil. The Gudi is a bright silk cloth tied to a bamboo stick, decorated with neem leaves, a garland of flowers, and topped with an inverted copper or silver pot (kalash). The festival signifies the arrival of spring, the reaping of Rabi crops, and the mythical day when Lord Brahma created the universe and time. Families mark the occasion by cleaning their homes, drawing vibrant rangolis, and preparing traditional sweets like Shrikhand and Puran Poli.

Explanation

Brajesh Pathak was sworn in as one of the two Deputy Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh on March 25, 2022, following the Bharatiya Janata Party's victory in the 2022 State Assembly elections. He assumed office alongside Keshav Prasad Maurya in the second Yogi Adityanath ministry. Prior to this role, Pathak served as the Cabinet Minister of Legislative, Justice, and Rural Engineering Service in the first Adityanath administration from 2017 to 2022.

Explanation

Mawlid al-Nabi refers to the observance of the birthday of Prophet Muhammad, the final messenger in Islam. The word Mawlid is derived from the Arabic root meaning to give birth. This day is traditionally celebrated on the 12th day of Rabi al-awwal, which is the third month of the Islamic calendar. During this festival, Muslims gather to recite special prayers, share stories of the Prophet's life, and engage in charitable acts to honor his legacy and teachings of peace and compassion.

Explanation

The redistribution function of the government budget is specifically designed to influence the distribution of income and wealth within an economy to ensure social justice. While the market mechanism determines the initial distribution of income based on factors of production, this often leads to significant inequalities. The government intervenes through the budget by employing progressive taxation, where those with higher incomes pay a larger percentage in taxes, and by providing transfer payments, subsidies, and social welfare schemes for lower-income groups. These fiscal measures effectively transfer purchasing power from the wealthy to the poor, thereby narrowing the gap in disposable income and promoting a more equitable economic environment.

Explanation

Green algae, belonging to the class Chlorophyceae, possess a chemically distinct and rigid cell wall that provides structural support and protection. This cell wall is organized into two primary layers. The inner layer is composed of cellulose, a complex polysaccharide that gives the wall its strength. The outer layer is made of pectose, a pectic substance that often contributes to the mucilaginous or sticky nature of the algal surface. This specific bilayered composition of an inner cellulosic layer and an outer pectose layer is a fundamental diagnostic feature used to identify and classify green algae in botanical studies.

Explanation

Dhondo Keshav Karve, popularly known as Maharshi Karve, was a prominent social reformer who dedicated his life to the empowerment of women, particularly through education. His most significant achievement was the founding of the Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey (SNDT) Women's University in 1916, which was the first university for women in India and Southeast Asia. He believed that educating women was essential for social progress and founded the Anath Balikashram in 1896 to provide education and shelter to widows and destitute girls. Karve’s lifelong commitment to female literacy and social welfare led to him being awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1958, highlighting his role as a pioneer in the spread of women's education in India.

Explanation

Clove oil is categorized as an olfactory indicator because its characteristic scent changes depending on whether it is placed in an acidic or basic medium. Olfactory indicators are substances whose odor is affected by the pH of the solution they are mixed with. When clove oil is added to an acidic solution, its distinct smell is retained; however, when it is added to a basic solution, the smell disappears. This property makes it a useful tool for distinguishing between acids and bases through the sense of smell.

Explanation

Badminton evolved from a traditional game known as battledore and shuttlecock. In the 1860s, British army officers stationed in Poona (now Pune), India, modified the game by adding a net and establishing a set of rules, leading it to be called Poona. When these officers returned to England, they introduced the sport at a lawn party held at the Duke of Beaufort's estate, Badminton House, in Gloucestershire in 1873. The game quickly gained popularity under the name of the estate where it was showcased, eventually becoming known globally as Badminton.

Explanation

Rajiv Kumar assumed office as the 25th Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India on May 15, 2022. He succeeded the 24th CEC, Sushil Chandra, after the latter completed his tenure. Before being elevated to the position of CEC, Rajiv Kumar had been serving as an Election Commissioner since September 2020. Under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution, the President of India appoints the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners. The CEC typically holds office for a term of six years or until they reach the age of 65 years, whichever occurs first.

Explanation

The International Olympic Committee awarded the 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games to Gangwon, South Korea, during its 135th session in January 2020. This event marks the fourth edition of the Winter Youth Olympics and the first time the competition is being held in Asia. The selection of Gangwon allows the organizers to utilize the existing sports infrastructure and facilities established for the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympic Games, ensuring a sustainable legacy for the region's athletic venues.

Explanation

Lata Mangeshkar was conferred with the Officer of the Legion of Honour, France's highest civilian award, in a ceremony held in 2009. None of the other listed singers have received this specific distinction.

Explanation

Vinay Mohan Kwatra, a 1988-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, officially assumed charge as India's Foreign Secretary on May 1, 2022. Before taking over this high-ranking diplomatic role, he served as India's Ambassador to Nepal. With a career spanning over thirty years, Kwatra has held various prestigious positions, including serving as the Ambassador to France and working in the Prime Minister's Office as Joint Secretary. He succeeded Harsh Vardhan Shringla following the latter's retirement from the Indian Foreign Service.

Explanation

Aihole served as the first capital of the Chalukya dynasty before the seat of power was shifted to Vatapi (modern-day Badami) by Pulakeshin I in the mid-6th century. Known historically as Aryapura, Aihole was a prominent commercial and cultural hub in the Deccan. It is often referred to as the cradle of Indian temple architecture due to the presence of over 120 stone temples dating from the 5th century CE. The site is also significant for the Aihole inscription composed by the court poet Ravikirti, which details the achievements of Pulakeshin II and his victory over the North Indian Emperor Harshavardhana.

Explanation

The Industrial Licensing Policy, primarily governed by the Industries (Development and Regulation) Act of 1951, was a central pillar of India's planned economy. Its fundamental objective was to achieve balanced regional development and ensure that industrial growth was not confined to a few developed pockets. By controlling where industries could be established through the issuance of licenses, the government actively encouraged the setting up of industrial units in backward and underdeveloped regions. This strategy aimed to distribute economic opportunities, infrastructure, and employment more uniformly across the country, thereby promoting regional equality and bridging the gap between urban and rural industrialization.

Explanation

Wood's Despatch of 1854, issued by Sir Charles Wood, the President of the Board of Control of the East India Company, is known as the Magna Carta of English Education in India. It was the first comprehensive plan for the spread of education throughout the country. The despatch recommended a hierarchical system of schooling, starting from primary schools in vernacular languages at the bottom to high schools and colleges at the top. It called for the establishment of a Department of Public Instruction in each province and suggested the founding of universities in Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras on the model of the University of London. This policy significantly shaped the modern Indian education system by promoting both mass education and higher learning.

Explanation

The Indian Independence Act 1947 was an act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom that partitioned British India into two new independent dominions of India and Pakistan. The bill was introduced in the House of Commons on July 4, 1947, and following a rapid passage through both houses of Parliament, it received the Royal Assent on July 18, 1947. This legislation was based on the June 3 Plan, also known as the Mountbatten Plan, which provided a roadmap for the transfer of power. The Act formally ended British rule in India and designated August 15, 1947, as the date for the creation of the two sovereign states.

Explanation

AR Rahman was honored with the Grand Prize of the Fukuoka Prize in 2016 for his exceptional contribution to Asian culture through music. This prestigious Japanese award recognized his role in integrating traditional South Asian music with global contemporary styles, thereby creating a unique fusion that preserves heritage while appealing to a worldwide audience. Known for his technical innovation and cross-cultural collaborations, Rahman's work was highlighted for promoting harmony and showcasing the richness of South Asian traditions to the rest of the world.

Explanation

A census is the official, systematic, and periodic process of counting and collecting demographic, social, and economic data about all individuals within a specific territory. In India, this enumeration is conducted every ten years under the provisions of the Census Act, 1948. It serves as the primary source of information for the government to evaluate the success of past policies, plan for future requirements, and allocate resources effectively across various administrative levels.

Explanation

Bleaching powder is chemically known as calcium oxychloride or calcium hypochlorite and is represented by the formula CaOCl₂. It is produced on an industrial scale through the reaction of chlorine gas with dry slaked lime, which is calcium hydroxide. The chemical equation for this synthesis is Ca(OH)₂ + Cl₂ → CaOCl₂ + H₂O. This compound is a pale yellowish powder that emits a strong odor of chlorine. It functions as a potent oxidizing agent and is primarily utilized for bleaching cotton and linen in the textile industry, bleaching wood pulp in paper manufacturing, and as a disinfectant to sterilize drinking water. The bleaching action is fundamentally due to the release of nascent oxygen or chlorine when the powder reacts with moisture or dilute acids.

Explanation

The Constitution of India is the supreme law of the land, establishing the framework, procedures, powers, and duties of government institutions. Under the principle of constitutional supremacy, all laws enacted by the legislature must be consistent with the provisions and spirit of the Constitution. Article 13 specifically mandates that the State shall not make any law that takes away or abridges the rights guaranteed by the Constitution, and any law made in contravention of it is considered void to the extent of the inconsistency. This ensures that the legislative authority remains within the bounds prescribed by the founding document, with the judiciary acting as the protector of the Constitution through the power of judicial review.

Explanation

The All India Muslim League was established on December 30, 1906, in Dacca (present-day Dhaka, Bangladesh). The foundation of the party occurred during the annual meeting of the All India Muhammadan Educational Conference. Nawab Salimullah of Dacca was the primary architect of the proposal to form a political organization for Muslims, and he hosted the delegates at his estate. The meeting was presided over by Nawab Viqar-ul-Mulk. The League was created to protect the political rights of Muslims and to provide a platform for representing their interests to the British colonial administration, following the Shimla Deputation of 1906.

Explanation

Chir, scientifically known as Pinus roxburghii or Chir Pine, is a prominent coniferous tree species native to the Himalayan region. It is a defining element of mountain vegetation, specifically found in the montane subtropical and temperate forest belts at altitudes typically ranging from 450 to 2,300 meters. These trees are well-adapted to the rocky slopes and cooler climates of high-elevation terrains, characterized by their needle-like leaves and cone-bearing structures which are evolutionary traits common to flora in mountainous ecosystems.

Explanation

The Right to Vote is a constitutional right under Article 326 of the Indian Constitution, which provides for adult suffrage in elections to the Lok Sabha and the Legislative Assemblies of the States. It is not categorized as a Fundamental Right because it is not included in Part III of the Constitution. The Supreme Court of India has clarified in multiple rulings, such as in the Kuldip Nayar case, that the right to vote is a statutory right created by the Representation of the People Act, 1951, rather than a Fundamental Right. While it is essential for democracy, it is subject to specific statutory limitations and qualifications prescribed by the legislature.

Explanation

The Godavari river originates in the Brahmagiri mountain range at Trimbakeshwar, located in the Nashik district of Maharashtra. Rising at an elevation of approximately 1,067 meters in the Western Ghats, it is the longest river in Peninsular India and the second longest in the country after the Ganga. Due to its vast size and cultural significance, it is often referred to as the Dakshin Ganga. From its source at Trimbakeshwar, the river flows eastward across the Deccan Plateau, traversing through Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh before draining into the Bay of Bengal.

Explanation

Pandit Ravi Shankar, the world-renowned sitar virtuoso, was a disciple of Ustad Allauddin Khan, who was the founder of the Maihar gharana of Hindustani classical music. In 1938, Ravi Shankar gave up a career as a dancer in his brother Uday Shankar's troupe to move to Maihar and dedicate himself to the rigorous study of the sitar under the guidance of Allauddin Khan, whom he referred to as Baba. This mentorship was the most defining period of his musical education, where he learned the intricacies of the Senia Maihar style, eventually becoming one of the most influential ambassadors of Indian classical music to the Western world.

Explanation

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for vision and immune function, commonly known as retinol in its active form. Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin involved in metabolism and red blood cell formation, chemically referred to as cobalamin due to the presence of a cobalt atom in its structure. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and cofactor for many enzymatic reactions, known as ascorbic acid. Vitamin D exists in multiple forms, where Vitamin D₂ is specifically termed ergocalciferol, which is synthesized by plants and fungi under ultraviolet light exposure.

Explanation

According to the AIBA (International Boxing Association) Technical and Competition Rules, matches in the Junior category for both boys and girls consist of three rounds, with each round lasting 2 minutes. This specific duration is designed to suit the physiological capabilities and safety requirements of boxers in the 15 to 16-year-old age group. A standard interval of 1 minute is provided for rest and coaching between these 2-minute rounds.

Explanation

The Yamuna river originates from the Yamunotri Glacier, which is situated on the southwestern slopes of the Banderpooch peaks in the Mussoorie range of the Lower Himalayas. This source is located in the Uttarkashi district of the state of Uttarakhand, India, at an elevation of approximately 6,387 meters. It is one of the most important rivers in Northern India and serves as the largest tributary of the Ganga, flowing entirely through Indian territory from its Himalayan source until its confluence at Prayagraj.

Explanation

Vijayalaya, the founder of the Imperial Chola dynasty, belonged to the ancient chief family of the Cholas from Uraiyur. In the middle of the ninth century, he captured the Kaveri delta from the Muttaraiyar, who were subordinates to the Pallava kings of Kanchipuram. Upon seizing the region, he built the town of Thanjavur and established it as his capital. He also constructed a temple dedicated to the goddess Nishumbhasudini in the city, laying the foundation for the political and cultural expansion of the Chola Empire in South India.

Explanation

In chemistry, acids turn blue litmus paper red, while bases turn red litmus paper blue. This color change occurs because acids increase the concentration of hydrogen ions, affecting the pigment in the litmus.

Explanation

The Javadi Hills are located in the northern part of Tamil Nadu, primarily within the Vellore and Tiruvannamalai districts. They form a significant and distinct portion of the Eastern Ghats, which is a discontinuous range of mountains running parallel to the eastern coast of India. These hills are characterized by their ancient geological formations, consisting largely of bluish-grey charnockite rocks, and they represent the typical weathered and dissected topography associated with the Eastern Ghats mountain system.

Explanation

According to Article 53 of the Constitution of India, the executive power of the Union is vested in the President. This power is exercised by the President either directly or through officers subordinate to him in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. While the Prime Minister is the real executive head (de facto), the President serves as the ceremonial or formal constitutional head (de jure) of the Union Executive. Furthermore, Article 77 mandates that all executive actions of the Government of India shall be formally expressed to be taken in the name of the President.