SSC CGL Tier 1 2022 General Awareness Questions with Solutions

Explanation

Sitara Devi was a legendary Kathak dancer who played a pivotal role in popularizing this classical dance form both in India and abroad. For her distinguished service and immense contribution to the field of arts, she was honored with the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 1973. Known as the Nritya Samragni (Empress of Dance), a title bestowed upon her by Rabindranath Tagore, she was a versatile performer who integrated the elements of the Banaras and Lucknow gharanas into her dance style. Her career spanned several decades, during which she also received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1969 for her excellence in Kathak.

Explanation

The first complete and synchronous census of India was conducted in 1881 under the administration of Lord Ripon. While an initial effort to count the population occurred in 1872, it was non-synchronous and lacked uniform coverage across the entire territory. The 1881 census marked the beginning of the modern decennial census in India, ensuring a simultaneous and comprehensive enumeration of the population across all provinces and princely states. W.W. Plowden served as the Census Commissioner for this landmark exercise, which established the standardized methodology for all subsequent demographic data collection in the country.

Explanation

Article 21 A of the Constitution of India was inserted by the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002. This article provides that the State shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of six to fourteen years in such manner as the State may, by law, determine. This amendment made the right to education a Fundamental Right under Part III of the Constitution. To give effect to this provision, the Parliament enacted the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, which further details the legal framework for ensuring that every child receives quality elementary education. Before this amendment, the right to education was primarily a Directive Principle of State Policy under Article 45.

Explanation

During the period from 1950 to 1990, the Indian economy experienced a structural transformation typical of developing nations. At the beginning of the planning era in 1950-51, agriculture was the mainstay of the economy, contributing approximately 55 percent to the Gross Domestic Product. As India implemented various Five-Year Plans, there was a concerted effort to boost the industrial and service sectors. While agricultural output increased in absolute terms, especially following the Green Revolution, the growth rates of the secondary and tertiary sectors significantly outpaced it. By 1990-91, the relative share of agriculture in the GDP had fallen to about 30 percent, marking a substantial decline in its proportional contribution to the national income as the economy diversified.

Explanation

When calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) reacts with water (H₂O) and excess carbon dioxide (CO₂), it undergoes a chemical change to form calcium hydrogen carbonate (Ca(HCO₃)₂), also known as calcium bicarbonate. This reaction is represented by the following balanced chemical equation:

CaCO₃ + H₂O + CO₂ → Ca(HCO₃)₂

In this process, the carbon dioxide and water first form a weak solution of carbonic acid, which then reacts with the insoluble calcium carbonate to produce the soluble calcium hydrogen carbonate. This reaction is a key component of the carbon cycle and is responsible for the natural weathering of limestone and the formation of features such as stalactites and stalagmites in caves. While calcium carbonate is insoluble in pure water, it dissolves in water containing dissolved carbon dioxide because of the formation of this soluble bicarbonate salt.

Explanation

Fa Xian, the Chinese Buddhist monk who visited India during the reign of Chandragupta II, spent approximately two years at the ancient port city of Tamralipti. Tamralipti was a major maritime trade hub located in the region of modern-day West Bengal. After completing his mission of collecting Buddhist scriptures and images, he chose the sea route for his return journey. He embarked from the port of Tamralipti on a large merchant vessel, sailing first to Sri Lanka and then continuing onward to Java and China. This makes Bengal the starting point of his departure from the Indian subcontinent.

Explanation

Gross primary deficit represents the government's borrowing requirements to meet its current expenditures, excluding the obligations arising from past debts. It is calculated by subtracting net interest liabilities from the gross fiscal deficit. The relationship is expressed by the following formula:

Gross Primary Deficit = Gross Fiscal Deficit - Net Interest Liabilities

Net interest liabilities consist of the interest payments made by the government on its accumulated borrowings minus the interest receipts it receives on loans it has extended. This measure is a key indicator of fiscal health as it shows the extent to which current government policy, independent of historical debt burdens, contributes to the fiscal gap. By isolating interest payments, it allows policymakers to assess whether current revenues are sufficient to cover current non-interest expenditures.

Explanation

The Newsprint Control Order, 2004 is the primary regulatory framework governing the newsprint sector in India. It was promulgated by the Central Government in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. This order aims to regulate the production, stock, and distribution of newsprint to ensure its steady availability to newspaper establishments. It mandates the registration of newsprint mills and provides the guidelines under which the Registrar of Newspapers for India (RNI) monitors the consumption and requirement of newsprint for registered publications. By maintaining newsprint under this regulatory oversight, the government ensures that bona fide publishers can access necessary raw materials at fair conditions while preventing hoarding or black marketing in the industry.

Explanation

Gallium is a Group 13 element characterized by its remarkably low melting point of 302.91 K (29.76 degrees Celsius), which is just above room temperature. In its solid form, it is a soft, silvery metal with a unique crystal structure. Because it possesses three valence electrons, it is widely utilized as a p-type dopant in the semiconductor industry to create electron holes in Group 14 elements like silicon and germanium. This makes it a critical material for producing various solid-state devices, such as transistors, high-speed integrated circuits, and light-emitting diodes. Furthermore, gallium is a primary component in compound semiconductors like Gallium Arsenide (GaAs), which are essential for high-frequency electronics and optoelectronic applications.

Explanation

Coordination isomerism arises in compounds that consist of both complex cationic and anionic parts. It occurs due to the interchange of ligands between the two different metal centers present in the complex entities. For example, in the pair [Co(NH₃)₆][Cr(CN)₆] and [Cr(NH₃)₆][Co(CN)₆], the ligands NH₃ and CN^- are exchanged between the cobalt and chromium metal ions. This specific type of structural isomerism is characterized by the presence of two or more coordination spheres where the distribution of ligands differs while the overall stoichiometric composition remains the same.

Explanation

The Radcliffe Line is the international boundary between India and Pakistan, established during the Partition of British India in 1947. It was named after Sir Cyril Radcliffe, the chairman of the Boundary Commissions, who was tasked with dividing the provinces of Punjab and Bengal based on religious demographics. The commission aimed to create separate territories for Hindu-majority and Muslim-majority populations. The boundary was officially published on August 17, 1947, and continues to define the legal geographic border separating India from the sovereign territory of Pakistan.

Explanation

Granite is a primary example of an intrusive igneous rock, which forms through the cooling and solidification of molten rock material known as magma. When magma remains trapped deep within the Earth's crust, it undergoes a slow cooling process that allows for the crystallization of minerals such as quartz, feldspar, and mica. This slow crystallization results in the characteristic phaneritic or coarse-grained texture of granite, where individual mineral grains are large enough to be seen with the naked eye. As a plutonic rock formed directly from the cooling of silicate melt beneath the surface, granite is a fundamental component of the Earth's continental crust.

Explanation

The central bank operates as the apex regulatory institution of a country financial system and does not interact with the general public for routine banking transactions. Its primary mandate is to manage macro-level economic stability rather than providing retail services. Accepting deposits from individuals and businesses is a fundamental function of commercial banks, which serve as intermediaries between depositors and borrowers. The central bank, by contrast, acts only as a banker to the government and to other scheduled commercial banks, ensuring the liquidity and solvency of the entire banking structure without maintaining personal accounts for private citizens.

Explanation

R K Gupta was appointed as the Deputy Election Commissioner of India in July 2022. A senior bureaucrat belonging to the Central Secretariat Service, his appointment was cleared by the Department of Personnel and Training to succeed T. Sreekanth. He served in this capacity within the Election Commission of India, which is the constitutional body responsible for administering union and state election processes in India. The post of Deputy Election Commissioner is typically held by senior civil servants who assist the three-member Election Commission in its operational and administrative duties.

Explanation

Prerna Shrimali is a distinguished exponent of the Jaipur Gharana of Kathak dance. She received her training under the guidance of Guru Kundan Lal Gangani and is celebrated for her mastery over the rhythmic complexities and subtle expressions inherent in the style. Her significant contributions to the field were recognized by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, which conferred its prestigious award upon her in 2009. She is known for integrating traditional repertoire with innovative choreographic elements, establishing herself as a prominent figure in Indian classical dance.

Explanation

Nidhi Chibber, a 1994-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Chhattisgarh cadre, was appointed as the Chairperson of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in May 2022. Her appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet as part of a high-level bureaucratic reshuffle. Prior to this role, she served as an Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Heavy Industries. She succeeded Vineet Joshi, who had been holding the additional charge of the post. The CBSE is a prominent national-level board of education in India, operating under the Ministry of Education.

Explanation

The Government of Assam launched Mission Bhumiputra on August 1, 2022, to streamline the process of issuing caste certificates to students. Under this initiative, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma introduced a digital way for students from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes to apply for and receive their certificates online. The mission is integrated with the Assam Right to Public Services portal, allowing for the issuance of digitally signed certificates that are stored in DigiLocker. This system replaces the traditional manual application process, ensuring that students from Class 9 onwards can obtain their documentation efficiently through their respective educational institutions.

Explanation

During the Salt Satyagraha of 1930, Mahatma Gandhi initially envisioned the march to Dandi as a male-led endeavor, believing the rigors of the movement were best suited for men. Sarojini Naidu, alongside Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, challenged this exclusion and persuaded Gandhi to allow women to actively participate in the civil disobedience. Her intervention ensured that women became a central force in the movement, engaging in the illegal manufacture of salt and picketing shops selling foreign goods. Naidu's leadership was most prominent when she took charge of the non-violent raid on the Dharasana Salt Works following Gandhi's arrest, symbolizing the significant role of women in the struggle for Indian independence.

Explanation

The 13th Fazza International Para Athletics Championships, which served as the World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2022, was hosted in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from March 21 to 24, 2022. Held at the Dubai Club for People of Determination, the event featured approximately 450 para-athletes representing 43 nations. This competition is a significant fixture on the international para-athletics circuit, providing a high-level platform for athletes to secure world rankings and qualification standards for major global championships.

Explanation

Rajkumar Singhajit Singh was awarded the Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian award, in 1986 for his excellence in the field of Manipuri dance. He is a renowned choreographer and guru who also received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1984.

Explanation

Kidambi Srikanth is a prominent Indian badminton player who achieved the world number one ranking in the BWF rankings in April 2018. He is recognized for his significant contributions to the sport, including winning four BWF Superseries titles in a single calendar year in 2017. Additionally, he became the first Indian male shuttler to reach the final and win a silver medal at the BWF World Championships in 2021. Srikanth has also represented India at multiple major international events, such as the Olympic Games and the Commonwealth Games, where he has secured individual and team medals.

Explanation

Rann Utsav is a three-month long winter celebration organized annually by the Gujarat Tourism Department in the Rann of Kutch. The festival showcases the rich cultural heritage of the region through traditional music, dance, and local handicrafts. It is held on the vast white salt desert near the village of Dhordo, where a temporary tent city is established to accommodate tourists who come to witness the scenic beauty of the Great Rann, especially under the light of the full moon. This initiative was launched by the state government to promote the unique landscape and local livelihoods of the Kutch district in Gujarat.

Explanation

The Subsidiary Alliance treaty was imposed on Awadh in 1801 by Lord Wellesley, the Governor-General of India. Under the terms of this agreement, Nawab Saadat Ali Khan II was forced to disband a major portion of his own army and instead maintain a British subsidiary force within his territory. To pay for the maintenance of these British troops, the Nawab was compelled to cede nearly half of his kingdom to the East India Company, including the fertile regions of Rohilkhand and the Lower Doab. This treaty stripped the Nawab of his military independence and placed the external security and significant portions of the internal administration of Awadh under British control, effectively making the state a protected dependent of the Company.

Explanation

The Kerala Bird Atlas (KBA) is the first state-level bird atlas in India, creating a comprehensive database of bird distribution and abundance across the entire state. This initiative was a massive citizen science project conducted between 2015 and 2020, involving systematic surveys during both the wet and dry seasons. Over 1,000 volunteers participated in the effort, documenting more than 360 bird species across various ecological regions, including the Western Ghats and coastal plains. The atlas serves as a critical baseline for monitoring changes in bird populations and understanding the impact of environmental changes on biodiversity in the region.

Explanation

Inertia is the inherent property of a body by virtue of which it resists any change in its state of rest or uniform motion in a straight line. Mass is the quantitative measure of an object's inertia. This means that mass and inertia are directly proportional to each other. An object with a larger mass possesses a greater tendency to maintain its current state of motion and requires more force to achieve a specific acceleration, as described by Newton's Second Law of Motion, F = ma. Consequently, as the mass of an object increases, its inertia increases correspondingly.

Explanation

The Anantraj Sagar Tank, also known as the Porumamilla Tank, was commissioned in 1369 AD during the reign of the Vijayanagara Empire. It was built by Prince Bhaskara Bhavadura, the son of the Vijayanagara ruler Bukka Raya I, in the Kadapa district of present-day Andhra Pradesh. The construction is historically significant due to a detailed inscription at the site that outlines the twelve essential requirements for building a perfect reservoir and the six faults to be avoided. This project highlights the advanced hydraulic engineering and the priority given to irrigation and water management by the Vijayanagara rulers to sustain agriculture in the dry regions of their empire.

Explanation

Saroj Khan was a legendary Indian dance choreographer who received the National Film Award for Best Choreography three times. Her first win was in 2003 for the iconic song Dola Re Dola from Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film Devdas. She followed this with a second National Award in 2007 for her work in the Tamil period film Sringaram. Her third National Award was achieved in 2009 for the choreography of the song Yeh Ishq Haaye in the movie Jab We Met. Known for her extensive career spanning several decades, she was particularly celebrated for her ability to blend classical Indian dance forms with cinematic storytelling, as evidenced in her highly acclaimed work for Devdas.

Explanation

Glycogen is a multibranched polysaccharide of glucose that serves as the primary form of energy storage in humans and other vertebrates. When we consume food, the body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose for immediate energy. Any excess glucose that is not immediately required by the cells is converted into glycogen through a process called glycogenesis, which is primarily regulated by the hormone insulin. This glycogen is stored in the liver and skeletal muscles. The liver stores can be converted back into glucose to maintain blood sugar levels during fasting, while muscle glycogen provides a localized energy source during intense physical activity. This mechanism ensures a steady supply of metabolic fuel between meals.

Explanation

The G1 phase, or first gap phase, is characterized by significant physical growth and the accumulation of molecular building blocks required for DNA synthesis (i matches b). In the S phase, the cell performs DNA synthesis, creating an exact duplicate of its genome to ensure that both daughter cells receive a complete set of genetic information (ii matches a). The G2 phase serves as a period of final metabolic preparation and reorganization of cellular components as the cell readies itself for entry into the mitotic stage (iii matches c). The M phase, or mitotic phase, is the actual division process where the parent cell distributes its copied genetic material and cytoplasmic contents into two identical daughter cells through the processes of mitosis and cytokinesis (iv matches d).

Explanation

Electric current is defined as the rate at which net electric charge flows through a cross-section of a conductor. The mathematical expression for electric current is I = (Q)/(t), where I represents the current measured in Amperes (A), Q denotes the net charge measured in Coulombs (C), and t signifies the time interval in seconds (s). This fundamental relationship indicates that a current of one Ampere is the result of one Coulomb of charge passing through a point in a circuit every second.

Explanation

Lalitha and Nandini, popularly known as the LN Sisters, are world-renowned violinists in the Carnatic music tradition. They are the daughters and disciples of the legendary violinist Prof. V. Lakshminarayana, who is credited with revolutionizing violin techniques in Indian classical music. The sisters are celebrated for their mastery over the instrument, showcasing a unique blend of traditional Carnatic styles with global musical influences. They have performed at numerous prestigious international venues and have received several accolades for their contribution to music, continuing the rich legacy of the Lakshminarayana family in elevating the status of the violin as a premier solo instrument in the classical genre.

Explanation

Guru Nileshwar Mukharjee was a renowned maestro and exponent of Manipuri dance. He was a dedicated disciple of Guru Amubi Singh, one of the foremost figures who brought Manipuri dance to the national stage. Mukharjee was instrumental in establishing and teaching the Manipuri style in Kolkata, where he trained numerous dancers and maintained the classical integrity of the form. His work focused on the intricate movements, rhythmic complexity, and the devotional aspect of Manipuri Raslila, making him a key figure in the evolution and spread of this dance tradition during the 20th century.

Explanation

The Pattadakal Dance Festival, also known as the Chalukya Utsava, is an annual cultural event organized by the Government of Karnataka to celebrate the architectural brilliance and heritage of the Chalukya dynasty. The festival is held at Pattadakal, which is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its 7th and 8th-century temple complex that represents the high point of an eclectic art style under the Chalukya rulers. Scheduled typically in January, the event features performances by classical dancers and musicians from across the country, set against the backdrop of the magnificent sandstone temples like the Virupaksha and Mallikarjuna temples. This state-sponsored festival aims to showcase the grandeur of the monuments and promote the state's historical and cultural significance to a global audience.

Explanation

The Second Five-Year Plan (1956–1961) was based on the Mahalanobis Model, formulated by the renowned statistician Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis. This model shifted the strategic focus of Indian economic planning from agriculture toward rapid industrialization. The core objective was to build a strong industrial base by prioritizing the development of heavy and basic industries, particularly the capital goods sector. The model operated on the principle that investment in machine-building industries would enhance the long-term productive capacity of the economy and facilitate self-reliance. Significant infrastructure projects, including the establishment of major steel plants at Bhilai, Durgapur, and Rourkela, were initiated during this period to implement this industrial vision.

Explanation

According to the official rules of basketball established by FIBA, the playing court is divided into two main sections: the frontcourt and the backcourt. The centre line is mathematically and legally defined as being part of the backcourt. A team's backcourt includes the entire area from their own endline up to, and including, the centre line. This rule is particularly important for officiating backcourt violations, as a player in control of the ball in the frontcourt is deemed to have committed a violation if the ball or any part of their body touches the centre line, because the line itself is considered part of the backcourt territory.

Explanation

The Atlantic Ocean is the busiest ocean in the world from a commercial perspective because it connects the two most industrially developed regions of the globe: North America and Western Europe. The North Atlantic Sea Route is the premier trade route, carrying approximately one-fourth of the world's maritime trade. The ocean's highly indented coastline provides a large number of natural harbors and excellent port facilities, which are essential for large-scale international commerce. This geographical advantage, combined with the high level of economic development and consumption in the surrounding nations, results in the highest volume of cargo and passenger traffic compared to any other ocean.

Explanation

In February 2022, the Chief Minister of Assam launched India's first night navigation mobile application for ferry services on the Brahmaputra River in Guwahati. Developed by the State Transport Department in collaboration with scientists from IIT Madras, the application provides real-time navigation assistance to vessel pilots. By using global positioning system technology and river survey data, the app allows ferries to operate safely during the night and in poor visibility conditions, which was previously a major logistical challenge for Inland Water Transport in the region. This initiative was part of the World Bank-aided Assam Inland Water Transport Project aimed at modernizing river transport and improving passenger safety on one of the largest river systems in the country.

Explanation

Minhaj-i-Siraj Juzjani was a prominent 13th-century Persian historian and chronicler who migrated to India in 1227. He received significant royal patronage under Sultan Iltutmish, who appointed him to high-ranking positions including the head of the Madrassa-i-Nasiri in Delhi. His primary work, the Tabaqat-i Nasiri, is an essential primary source for the early history of the Delhi Sultanate, chronicling the rise of the Mamluk dynasty and providing detailed insights into the administration and conquests of Iltutmish. He was highly regarded for his scholarship and served as the chief Qazi of Delhi under the patronage of the Sultan and his successors.

Explanation

Under Article 3 of the Constitution of India, the Parliament is empowered to form new states and alter the areas, boundaries, or names of existing states. This authority allows the Parliament to reorganize the political map of India through a simple legislative process. A bill for this purpose can be introduced in either House of Parliament only on the recommendation of the President. Before making such a recommendation, the President refers the bill to the legislature of the state concerned for expressing its views within a specified period. However, the Parliament is not bound by the views of the state legislature and may accept or reject them, even if they are submitted on time. Consequently, the Parliament can change the name or territorial limits of any state without the consent of that state.

Explanation

Ganga Sagar Mela is a significant religious festival held annually at Sagar Island in the South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. The mela takes place at the confluence where the Hooghly River, a major distributary of the Ganges, meets the Bay of Bengal. It is celebrated during the occasion of Makar Sankranti in mid-January, attracting millions of pilgrims who gather to take a ritual dip in the holy waters. According to Hindu mythology, this site is highly sacred as it is believed to be where the River Ganga descended to the earth to provide salvation to the sixty thousand sons of King Sagara. It is considered one of the largest human congregations in India after the Kumbh Mela.

Explanation

Motion is defined as the phenomenon in which an object changes its position over time relative to a fixed reference point or frame of reference. In classical mechanics, if the coordinates of an object in a given spatial system change as time progresses, the object is said to be in a state of motion. This change in position can be measured in terms of displacement or distance and evaluated through rates like velocity, but the fundamental act of shifting from one location to another is captured by the concept of motion. Therefore, any transition from an initial position to a final position constitutes motion.

Explanation

India was the host nation for the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, which took place from October 11 to October 30, 2022. This was the seventh edition of the biennial international youth football championship and marked the first time India hosted a FIFA women's tournament. The event was held across three venues: the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao, and the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Initially, India was set to host the 2020 edition, but after its cancellation due to the global pandemic, FIFA awarded the 2022 hosting rights to the country. The official mascot for the tournament was Ibha, an Asiatic lioness representing strength and courage.

Explanation

The All India Muslim League was established on December 30, 1906, in Dacca during the annual session of the All India Muhammadan Educational Conference. The movement to form a separate political party for Muslims was spearheaded by Nawab Salimullah of Dacca, who served as the host of the meeting. The foundation of the League was driven by the need to protect the political rights and interests of Muslims in British India, especially following the Partition of Bengal in 1905. Nawab Viqar-ul-Mulk and Nawab Mohsin-ul-Mulk were prominent leaders at the time of its inception, with Viqar-ul-Mulk presiding over the foundational meeting where the resolution to form the party was officially passed.

Explanation

Subhash Chandra Bose regarded Chittaranjan Das, popularly known as Deshbandhu, as his political mentor and guru. After resigning from the Indian Civil Service in 1921, Bose returned to India and was advised to work with Das in Bengal. Bose served as the principal of the National College in Calcutta and managed the newspaper Forward, both established by Das. When Das became the Mayor of the Calcutta Municipal Corporation, Bose was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer. The deep ideological influence and guidance provided by C.R. Das during the formative years of Bose's entry into Indian politics established him as Bose's primary political mentor.

Explanation

The Shakas, or Indo-Scythians, were nomadic Central Asian tribes who moved into the Indian subcontinent starting around the 2nd century BCE. They established several independent kingdoms and satrapies across North West and North India, including prominent centers at Taxila, Mathura, and the Punjab region. The Vakataka dynasty rose to power in the mid-3rd century CE and became the most important successor of the Satavahanas in the Deccan. Their empire was centered in the Vidarbha region of modern-day Maharashtra and extended across Central India and parts of Western India, where they maintained close political and matrimonial ties with the Gupta Empire. Therefore, both pairs accurately describe the primary regions governed by these dynasties during their respective periods of dominance.

Explanation

Harsh Vardhan Shringla was appointed as India's Chief G20 Coordinator in April 2022. This specialized role was created to oversee the extensive organizational and substantive preparations for India's G20 Presidency, which the country assumed on December 1, 2022. Shringla took up this assignment after completing his tenure as India's Foreign Secretary on April 30, 2022. As the Chief Coordinator, he was responsible for managing the logistics and coordination between various government departments and international stakeholders to ensure the successful execution of the G20 summit and its numerous ministerial and working group meetings held across India.

Explanation

The Purple Revolution, also known as the Aroma Mission, was initiated by the Union Ministry of Science and Technology through the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). It focuses on the cultivation of lavender in the temperate regions of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in districts such as Doda, Ramban, and Kishtwar. The mission aims to enhance the income of local farmers by shifting from traditional crops to high-value aromatic plants. Lavender is chosen for its high demand in the fragrance, cosmetic, and therapeutic industries, where its oil fetches a significant price. The CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM) provides technical support and quality planting material to farmers, helping establish the region as a major hub for lavender production and essential oil extraction.

Explanation

Lead, represented by the chemical symbol Pb, is a dense post-transition metal located in Group 14 and Period 6 of the periodic table. Its atomic number is 82, which signifies that a lead atom contains 82 protons in its nucleus. This atomic number is a significant threshold in nuclear physics, as lead is the highest atomic number element that possesses stable isotopes, such as ²⁰⁴Pb, ²⁰⁶Pb, ²⁰⁷Pb, and ²⁰⁸Pb. Elements with atomic numbers higher than 82 are generally radioactive and undergo alpha or beta decay to reach more stable states. Due to its high density and ability to absorb X-rays and gamma radiation, lead is extensively used in radiation shielding and lead-acid batteries.

Explanation

Article 368, located in Part XX of the Constitution of India, grants Parliament the power to amend the Constitution by way of addition, variation, or repeal of any provision. It prescribes a specific procedure for such amendments, which typically requires a special majority in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. This special majority consists of a majority of the total membership of each House and a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting. For amendments affecting the federal structure, such as those concerning the distribution of legislative powers or the representation of states in Parliament, ratification by the legislatures of at least half of the states is also mandatory. Although the power under Article 368 is broad, the Supreme Court has established that it cannot be used to destroy the basic structure of the Constitution.

Explanation

The Expert Group to Review the Methodology for Measurement of Poverty, chaired by Dr. C. Rangarajan, was established in 2012 and submitted its findings in 2014. According to the Rangarajan Committee methodology, the rural poverty ratio in India for the year 2011-12 was estimated at 30.9 percent. This committee revised the poverty line by considering a more comprehensive consumption basket that included food components based on calorie, protein, and fat intake, as well as non-food components like clothing, education, health, and housing. Under this framework, the rural poverty line was set at a monthly per capita expenditure of Rs 972, which translated to a higher headcount ratio compared to the 25.7 percent previously estimated by the Tendulkar Committee for the same period.