SSC CGL Tier 1 2023 General Awareness Questions with Solutions

Explanation

Arjun Singh Dhurve is a distinguished folk artist from the Dindori district of Madhya Pradesh who belongs to the Baiga tribe. He is widely recognized for his dedication to preserving and popularizing the Baiga Pardhauni dance, a traditional folk art performed during weddings and festive occasions, often featuring distinctive masks and costumes. In 2022, the Government of India honored him with the Padma Shri in the field of Art for his significant role in keeping this tribal heritage alive. The Baiga community is primarily concentrated in the central parts of India, particularly in the forest regions of Madhya Pradesh.

Explanation

Pectin is a complex starch and soluble fiber found naturally in the cell walls of fruits, particularly in the peels and cores of apples, citrus fruits, and berries. In culinary applications, it functions as a powerful thickening and gelling agent. When heated in the presence of sugar and acid, pectin molecules bind together to form a mesh-like structure that traps liquid, creating a gel. This property makes it indispensable for producing the characteristic consistency of jams, jellies, and marmalades, as well as providing structure to various baked goods and fruit-based fillings.

Explanation

The Vazhuvoor style, also known as the Vazhuvoor Bani, is one of the primary traditional schools of Bharatanatyam. It was popularized and refined by the legendary Guru Vazhuvoor B. Ramaiyah Pillai, whose ancestors were traditional Nattuvanars from the village of Vazhuvoor in Tamil Nadu. This style is distinguished by its emphasis on grace, fluid movements, and an extensive use of sculpturesque poses inspired by temple carvings. The Vazhuvoor Bani prioritizes Lasya, or the feminine aspect of dance, over rigid movements and is noted for its elaborate adavus and rhythmic patterns. A unique feature of this tradition is the practice of performing the Todaya Mangalam in praise of Lord Gnana Sabhesa, the presiding deity of the Vazhuvoor temple, at the beginning of a recital.

Explanation

Shah Alam II served as the Mughal Emperor from 1759 to 1806, a reign that encompassed the Third Battle of Panipat fought on January 14, 1761. While the battle was primarily a conflict between the Maratha Empire and the Afghan forces of Ahmad Shah Durrani, Shah Alam II held the imperial throne during this period. His reign was characterized by the rapid decline of Mughal power, leading him to live in exile for several years and eventually become a pensioner of the British East India Company after the Battle of Buxar. At the time of the Panipat conflict, the Marathas were acting as the de facto protectors of the Mughal throne against foreign incursions.

Explanation

The Champaran Satyagraha of 1917 was Mahatma Gandhi's first major civil disobedience movement in India. It was launched in the Champaran district of Bihar to protest against the oppressive Tinkathia system, under which European planters forced Indian peasants to cultivate indigo on 3/20th of their land. Following an invitation from Raj Kumar Shukla, Gandhi arrived in Champaran in April 1917 to investigate the grievances of the farmers. His non-violent protest and refusal to leave the district despite official orders eventually forced the British government to appoint the Champaran Agrarian Committee. Based on the committee's recommendations, the Champaran Agrarian Act was passed, which abolished the Tinkathia system and provided relief to the indigo cultivators.

Explanation

In the Koeppen climate classification system, the capital letter E is used to designate Polar climates. These climates are defined by the fact that the average temperature of the warmest month is below 10°C. In the context of India, this climate type is specifically found in the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas, such as Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. These areas experience extremely cold winters and very short, cool summers, often remaining under snow cover for significant parts of the year due to the high elevation.

Explanation

Carl Friedrich Gauss and Wilhelm Eduard Weber developed the world's first operational electromagnetic telegraph in 1833 at the University of Göttingen. They established a communication line spanning approximately 1,100 meters, connecting the Göttingen Observatory with the Physical Institute. This pioneering system utilized a galvanometer to detect the deflection of a magnetic needle caused by an electric current. By alternating the direction of the current, they created a binary-like code to transmit alphabetic characters. This invention demonstrated the practical application of electromagnetism for long-distance communication, preceding the commercial telegraph systems later developed by Samuel Morse and others.

Explanation

The Rahnumai Mazdayasnan Sabha, or the Religious Reform Association, was established in Bombay in 1851 by a group of educated Parsis including Dadabhai Naoroji, Naoroji Furdonji, S.S. Bengalee, and K.N. Kama. The association was formed with the primary objective of restoring the Zoroastrian religion to its original purity and modernizing the social customs of the Parsi community. Dadabhai Naoroji played a pivotal role in this movement, which sought to eliminate superstitious practices and promote education, particularly for women. The message of the reform movement was spread through the Gujarati fortnightly journal Rast Goftar, meaning The Truth Teller, which served as the official organ of the Sabha and focused on social awakening and religious purification within the community.

Explanation

Lata Mangeshkar was born on September 28, 1929, in the city of Indore, which was then the capital of the princely state of Indore under the Central India Agency of British India. She was the eldest child of Pandit Deenanath Mangeshkar, a prominent classical singer and theatre actor. Born into a family with deep musical roots, her birth name was originally Hema, but she was later renamed Lata after a character named Latika in one of her father's plays. Her early childhood in Indore provided the initial environment for her musical upbringing before her family moved to Maharashtra.

Explanation

India secured its first and only Men's Hockey World Cup title in 1975. The tournament was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where the Indian team was led by captain Ajit Pal Singh. In the final match played on March 15, 1975, India faced arch-rivals Pakistan and emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline. The critical goals for the Indian side were scored by Surjit Singh and Ashok Kumar, the latter being the son of the legendary hockey player Dhyan Chand. This victory remains a landmark achievement in Indian sports history as it is the only time the nation has won the gold medal at the Hockey World Cup since the tournament's inception in 1971.

Explanation

The period from 1951 to 1981 is recognized as the phase of population explosion in India. This phenomenon occurred due to a steep decline in the mortality rate while the fertility rate remained consistently high. After independence, the introduction of developmental activities and centralized planning led to improved medical facilities, better sanitation, and enhanced food security. These factors effectively controlled mass communicable diseases and reduced deaths related to famine. Since the birth rate did not decline at the same pace as the death rate, the natural increase in population was massive. During this period, the average annual growth rate of the population stayed around 2.2 percent, marking the most rapid expansion of the Indian population in history.

Explanation

The National Digital Education Architecture (NDEAR) was launched by the Government of India in 2021 as a digital infrastructure to support the education ecosystem. The framework identifies three primary scenarios to address the needs of various stakeholders in the education sector. Learn focuses on student-centric digital learning resources and personalized pathways. Help Learn is designed to support teachers, parents, and mentors by providing tools and platforms to facilitate the teaching and guidance process. Manage Learn focuses on the administrative and governance aspects, helping officials and school management with planning, monitoring, and data-driven decision-making. Develop Learn is not an official scenario defined within the NDEAR architectural blueprint.

Explanation

Elaioplasts are a specialized type of leucoplast, which are non-pigmented plastids found in various plant tissues. Their primary function is the synthesis and storage of lipids, fatty acids, and oils. These organelles are particularly abundant in the tapetum, the innermost layer of cells in the anther that surrounds developing pollen grains. In this tissue, elaioplasts contribute to the formation of the pollen coat, or pollenkit, which is a lipid-rich layer that facilitates pollen adhesion to pollinators and protects the male gametophyte from environmental stress.

Explanation

Article 152 provides the definition of the term State specifically for Part VI of the Indian Constitution, which deals with the provisions of the State Executive, Legislature, and High Courts. The article specifies that unless the context requires otherwise, the expression State does not include the State of Jammu and Kashmir, thereby defining the territorial and legal applicability of the subsequent articles in that Part.

The 7th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1956 brought about various changes to the governance of states to promote administrative efficiency. It amended Article 153, which originally mandated that there shall be a Governor for each State. The amendment added a proviso to this article, making it legally permissible for the same person to be appointed as the Governor for two or more states simultaneously.

Explanation

The East-West Corridor is a major highway project under the National Highways Development Project (NHDP), managed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). It serves as a vital infrastructure link across the breadth of the country, spanning approximately 3,300 kilometers. The corridor connects Silchar in Assam, located in the eastern part of India, to the coastal city of Porbandar in Gujarat, situated in the west. This arterial route traverses several states, including West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, facilitating efficient long-distance freight and passenger movement. It intersects with the North-South Corridor at Jhansi, creating a comprehensive high-speed road network throughout the nation.

Explanation

The eye is the central region of a tropical cyclone, characterized by light winds, clear skies, and the lowest atmospheric pressure of the storm. In this area, air slowly sinks rather than rises, which suppresses the formation of clouds and results in relatively calm conditions. The eye is typically circular and usually ranges from 30 to 65 kilometers in diameter, surrounded by the eyewall where the most severe weather and highest wind speeds occur.

Explanation

The Fundamental Duties of Indian citizens were incorporated into the Constitution through the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976, following the recommendations of the Swaran Singh Committee. This feature was inspired by the Constitution of the former Soviet Union (USSR), as the framers recognized that citizens should have certain obligations toward the state in exchange for the rights they enjoy. Originally, ten duties were added under Article 51A in Part IV-A, and an eleventh duty was later added by the 86th Amendment Act in 2002. While many democratic constitutions around the world do not contain a list of duties, India adopted this constitutional framework by modeling the socialist principles found in the Soviet system.

Explanation

The Nehru Trophy Boat Race is a prestigious annual Vallam Kali (boat race) held in the Punnamada Lake near Alappuzha in the state of Kerala. The event typically takes place on the second Saturday of August and is one of the most significant cultural festivals in the region. The race is named after India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, who visited the area in 1952. During his visit, he was so enthralled by the sight of the majestic snake boats (Chundan Vallams) competing that he donated a silver trophy in the shape of a snake boat to the winners. This tradition evolved into the competitive event known today, where teams of rowers compete for the trophy amidst traditional Vanchippattu (boat songs) and immense local enthusiasm.

Explanation

The Economic Survey 2022-23 highlights the transformative role of Aadhaar in the social delivery of welfare benefits through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism. Section 7 of the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016, mandates that individuals may be required to undergo Aadhaar authentication or provide proof of possession of an Aadhaar number to receive subsidies, benefits, or services funded by the Consolidated Fund of India. According to the data presented in the survey, 318 Central Schemes have been notified under this specific section to ensure targeted delivery, eliminate leakages, and remove duplicate or ghost beneficiaries from the system. This integration of Aadhaar into the social security framework has significantly enhanced the transparency and efficiency of government expenditure across various ministries.

Explanation

In IUPAC nomenclature, when the aldehyde group -CHO is attached directly to a ring system or a heteroatom, the carbon of the carbonyl group cannot be included in the parent chain's numbering. In such cases, the suffix -carbaldehyde is appended to the name of the cyclic hydrocarbon. For example, a benzene ring with an aldehyde group is formally named benzenecarbaldehyde, and a cyclohexane ring with an aldehyde group is named cyclohexanecarbaldehyde. This specific suffix indicates that the -CHO group is treated as a substituent where its carbon atom is distinct from the carbon atoms of the ring to which it is bonded.

Explanation

Population density is defined as the number of persons per unit of area, typically expressed as persons per square kilometer. According to the final data of the Census of India 2011, the population density of the country was 382 persons per sq km. This value is calculated by dividing the total population by the total land area using the formula:

Density = (Total Population)/(Total Land Area)

The 2011 figure marked a significant increase from the 2001 Census, which recorded a density of 325 persons per sq km. This rise reflects the decadal population growth of 17.72 percent against a constant land area, resulting in a higher concentration of people across the Indian subcontinent.

Explanation

Maharana Kumbha, who ruled Mewar from 1433 to 1468, was a versatile ruler known as much for his cultural contributions as for his military prowess. He was a profound scholar of music and literature, earning titles like Abhinav Bhartacharya for his mastery over the arts. His most significant literary achievement in the field of music is Sangeet Raj, an encyclopedic treatise that remains one of the most comprehensive works on Indian musicology from the medieval period. This work is meticulously organized into five sections called Ratnakosas, which cover recitation, vocal music, instrumental music, dance, and aesthetic sentiments. Beyond Sangeet Raj, Kumbha also authored Sangeet Mimansa and Sood Prabandh, further establishing his legacy as a legendary musicologist king of Rajasthan.

Explanation

India recorded its most successful Paralympic campaign at the Tokyo 2020 Games by securing a total of 19 medals, which included 5 gold, 8 silver, and 6 bronze medals. The 8 silver medals were won by Bhavinaben Patel in table tennis, Nishad Kumar, Mariyappan Thangavelu, and Praveen Kumar in high jump, Yogesh Kathuniya in discus throw, Devendra Jhajharia in javelin throw, Singhraj Adhana in shooting, and Suhas Yathiraj in badminton. This performance marked a significant improvement over previous editions, helping India finish in the 24th position in the overall medal standings.

Explanation

The Modern Periodic Table organizes elements into 18 vertical columns called groups based on their chemical properties and valence electron configurations. Alkali metals (i) correspond to Group 1 (d) because they have a single valence electron and exhibit high chemical reactivity. Alkaline earth metals (ii) correspond to Group 2 (c) as they possess two valence electrons and typically form 2+ cations. Halogens (iii) are located in Group 17 (b), representing highly electronegative non-metals that require one electron to complete their octet. Noble gases (iv) are found in Group 18 (a), characterized by a full valence shell which renders them chemically inert and stable under standard conditions.

Explanation

Pectin is a complex structural polysaccharide found in the primary cell walls and middle lamella of terrestrial plants, serving as a key component in the non-woody parts of fruits and vegetables. It is primarily composed of α-(1,4)-linked D-galacturonic acid units, which form long chains of polygalacturonic acid. These units provide the structural framework that holds plant cells together, acting as a biological cement that determines the firmness of the fruit. During the ripening process, the enzymatic degradation of these galacturonic acid polymers by enzymes such as polygalacturonase and pectin methylesterase leads to the gradual softening of the fruit tissue.

Explanation

Vascular plants, also known as tracheophytes, include pteridophytes, gymnosperms, and angiosperms. In these groups, the diploid sporophyte (2n) is the dominant, physically larger, and long-lived phase of the life cycle. The sporophyte is nutritionally independent and possesses specialized vascular tissues, namely xylem and phloem, which allow for the efficient transport of water and nutrients. This structural complexity enables vascular plants to thrive in diverse terrestrial habitats and grow to significant sizes. While the gametophyte generation exists, it is typically reduced in size and complexity compared to the prominent sporophyte stage.

Explanation

The Marshall-Lerner condition states that a currency devaluation will improve a country's balance of trade only if the sum of the price elasticities of demand for exports and imports is greater than unity, or 1. Mathematically, this is expressed as |eₓ| + |eₘ| > 1. Devaluation works by making exports cheaper for foreign buyers and imports more expensive for domestic consumers. If the demand for these goods is sufficiently elastic, the volume of exports will increase and the volume of imports will decrease significantly enough to offset the less favorable exchange rate. When the sum of these elasticities exceeds one, the positive change in trade volumes outweighs the negative price effect, resulting in a net improvement in the balance of payments.

Explanation

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) became India's first sports unicorn in January 2022 when its market capitalization in the unlisted market crossed the 7,600 crore rupee mark. This surge in valuation followed the franchise winning its fourth Indian Premier League title in 2021 and the addition of two new franchises to the league at record-breaking prices, which significantly increased the market value of existing teams. By surpassing the billion-dollar valuation threshold, the MS Dhoni-led franchise established itself as the premier sports entity in the country in terms of financial market standing.

Explanation

The Malegam Committee was a sub-committee of the Reserve Bank of India Central Board of Directors, constituted in October 2010 under the chairmanship of Y.H. Malegam. Its formation was a direct response to the microfinance crisis in Andhra Pradesh, where concerns arose regarding high interest rates, coercive recovery practices, and multiple lending leading to over-indebtedness among poor borrowers. The committee was tasked with studying the definition of microfinance, interest rate caps, and the regulatory framework for the sector. Based on its recommendations, the RBI introduced a separate category of Non-Banking Financial Companies called NBFC-MFIs and implemented a comprehensive regulatory structure to ensure ethical lending and consumer protection in the microfinance industry.

Explanation

The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), enumerated in Part IV of the Indian Constitution from Articles 36 to 51, were borrowed from the Irish Constitution of 1937. These principles serve as guidelines for the State to promote social and economic justice and establish a welfare state. They represent the ideals that the Union and State governments should keep in mind while formulating policies and enacting laws. Although the DPSP are non-justiciable, meaning they are not enforceable by the courts, the Constitution declares them fundamental in the governance of the country, making it the duty of the State to apply these principles in the legislative process.

Explanation

Tamladu is an ancient and significant festival celebrated by the Mishmi tribe, specifically the Digaru Mishmi and Miju Mishmi communities, in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. Observed annually on February 15th, particularly in the Lohit and Anjaw districts, the festival is a prayer for the protection of the community, their cattle, and their crops from natural calamities and diseases. During the celebrations, participants offer prayers to the Almighty and nature deities, including the God of Earth and the God of Water, to ensure a bountiful harvest and general prosperity. The event is characterized by traditional rituals, vibrant folk dances, and communal prayers that showcase the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of the indigenous people of Arunachal Pradesh.

Explanation

Magadha emerged as the most powerful Mahajanapada primarily due to its strategic geographical location and access to vital natural resources. The kingdom was situated near the extensive iron ore deposits of the Chota Nagpur plateau in present-day Jharkhand. This proximity provided Magadhan rulers with a consistent supply of high-quality iron, which was used to manufacture superior weaponry such as reinforced shields, spears, and swords. These advanced armaments gave the Magadhan military a decisive edge in expansionist conflicts. Additionally, the availability of iron facilitated the production of heavy-duty agricultural implements like iron plowshares. These tools were essential for clearing the dense forests of the middle Gangetic plain and tilling the hard soil, which significantly increased agricultural productivity. The resulting economic surplus and military superiority allowed Magadha to dominate other regions and eventually form the core of Indias first great empires.

Explanation

Granite is a plutonic intrusive igneous rock, not a sedimentary rock. It forms when silica-rich magma cools and crystallizes slowly deep beneath the Earth's surface, which results in its characteristic coarse-grained texture. Sedimentary rocks are formed through the deposition, accumulation, and lithification of mineral or organic particles at the Earth's surface. Because granite originates from the solidification of molten material, it is fundamentally distinct from the sedimentary rock group.

Explanation

Luddi is a traditional folk dance originating from the Punjab region, performed to celebrate victory, success, or joyous occasions such as weddings and festivals. It is characterized by rhythmic clapping, finger clicking, and graceful torso movements that often mimic the swaying motion of a snake. Historically a male-dominated dance, it is performed in a circular formation to the beat of a dhol, representing the spirit of enthusiasm and triumph common in Punjabi culture.

Explanation

The 2022 Commonwealth Games, officially known as the XXII Commonwealth Games and commonly referred to as Birmingham 2022, were held in Birmingham, England. The multi-sport event took place from 28 July to 8 August 2022. Birmingham was officially announced as the host by the Commonwealth Games Federation at a media conference at the Arena Academy in December 2017. This marked the third time England had hosted the Games, following London in 1934 and Manchester in 2002. The event featured 72 participating nations and saw the debut of women's cricket in the T20 format. The Alexander Stadium served as the primary venue for the opening and closing ceremonies as well as the athletics events.

Explanation

Swami Dayanand Saraswati, who founded the Arya Samaj in 1875, gave the call Go back to Vedas. He believed that the four Vedas were the source of all true knowledge and were infallible, representing the original and pure form of Hinduism. By using this slogan, he aimed to reform society by rejecting later historical developments that he considered corruptions, such as idol worship, ritualistic priesthood, and the hereditary caste system. The movement emphasized returning to the simple, monotheistic, and egalitarian principles found in the Vedic texts to revive the spiritual and social strength of India.

Explanation

Judicial review is a core constitutional doctrine in India that allows the judiciary to examine the legality and constitutionality of legislative acts and executive actions. Statement A correctly defines this power as the ability of the courts to verify if governmental actions align with constitutional provisions, ensuring the supremacy of the Constitution. Any law or executive order found to be in violation of the Constitution can be declared void by the judiciary to maintain the rule of law and protect the rights of citizens.

The Constitution specifically entrusts the power of judicial review to the higher judiciary, comprising the Supreme Court and the High Courts, as indicated in Statement C. Article 32 empowers the Supreme Court to act as the protector and guarantor of Fundamental Rights, while Article 226 grants the High Courts the authority to issue writs for the enforcement of these rights and other legal mandates. Article 13 further reinforces this framework by declaring that laws inconsistent with Fundamental Rights are void, establishing these courts as the primary guardians of the constitutional order.

Explanation

The Ministry of Education approved the New India Literacy Programme (NILP) in February 2022 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme for implementation during the five-year period from FY 2022-23 to 2026-27. This initiative was specifically designed to align with the National Education Policy 2020, which recommended a comprehensive framework for adult education. The program replaced the term adult education with Education for All to better reflect its broad scope. It targets non-literates aged 15 years and above across the country, focusing on five essential pillars: foundational literacy and numeracy, critical life skills including financial and digital literacy, vocational skills development, basic education, and continuing education. The scheme leverages an online teaching, learning, and assessment system primarily powered by volunteers to reach its objectives.

Explanation

The India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2019, which is the 16th biennial assessment conducted by the Forest Survey of India, recorded the total forest cover of the country at 7,12,249 square kilometers. This figure represents 21.67% of the total geographical area of India. Forest cover is defined as all lands more than one hectare in area with a tree canopy density of more than 10%, irrespective of ownership or legal status. The report highlighted an increase of 3,976 square kilometers in forest cover compared to the 2017 assessment. While the combined forest and tree cover reached 24.56%, the specific component of forest cover alone stood at the 21.67% mark.

Explanation

The Manipuri classical dance, also known as Jagoi, is deeply rooted in the Vaishnavite tradition of the state, with the Ras-Lila being its most prominent and celebrated spiritual theme. Formalized and popularized by King Bhagyachandra (Ningthou Ching-Thang Khomba) in the 18th century, the Manipuri Ras-Lila depicts the cosmic dance of Lord Krishna and Radha along with the Gopis. The performance is characterized by its graceful, fluid, and undulating movements, known as lasya, which emphasize delicate hand gestures and subtle footwork. Dancers typically wear the unique Kumil costume, which consists of a stiff, barrel-shaped skirt. As a classical dance form, it is performed in the Nat Mandapas of temples and serves as a medium of devotion, reflecting the cultural and religious ethos of the Meitei people of Manipur.

Explanation

Lord Curzon was deeply committed to the preservation of India's cultural and architectural heritage, famously asserting that the protection of ancient monuments was a primary obligation of the government. His most significant contribution was the enactment of the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act in 1904, which established legal protections for historical sites and regulated the traffic in antiquities. He was also responsible for the revitalization of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and appointed John Marshall as its Director-General in 1902 to lead professional conservation and excavation efforts. Under his tenure, extensive restoration work was carried out on various landmarks, including the Taj Mahal, to ensure their structural integrity and historical value were maintained.

Explanation

The Amara-Nayaka system was a major political innovation of the Vijayanagara Empire, functioning as a military-administrative arrangement inspired by the Iqtadari system. Amara-Nayakas were military commanders who were granted territories, known as amaram, by the Raya. Their primary duty was to maintain a stipulated contingent of horses, elephants, and soldiers, providing the empire with a professional standing army. In exchange for their services, they were authorized to collect taxes and land revenue from peasants, artisans, and traders within their assigned territories. They used this revenue for their personal maintenance, the upkeep of their military forces, and the maintenance of temples and irrigation works. To demonstrate their loyalty, they sent annual tributes to the king and personally attended the royal court with ceremonial gifts.

Explanation

Unsaturated hydrocarbons, such as alkenes and alkynes, possess a higher carbon-to-hydrogen ratio compared to saturated hydrocarbons. When these compounds burn in air, the oxygen supply is typically insufficient to completely oxidize the high carbon content. This leads to incomplete combustion, which produces tiny, unburnt carbon particles known as soot. As these solid carbon particles are heated by the reaction, they become incandescent and emit a characteristic yellow light, resulting in a sooty, luminous flame.

Explanation

The Jal Kranti Abhiyan was launched by the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Government of India, on June 5, 2015. This nationwide initiative was designed to consolidate water conservation and management through a holistic and integrated approach. A primary component of the campaign was the Jal Gram Yojana, under which two water-stressed villages in each of the 672 districts of India were selected to be developed as Jal Grams. The program aimed to create a mass movement for water security by involving local stakeholders, Panchayati Raj Institutions, and non-governmental organizations to improve water availability and usage efficiency across the country.

Explanation

Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul recused himself in September 2022 from hearing a series of petitions challenging the extension of tenure granted to the Director of the Enforcement Directorate, Sanjay Kumar Mishra. The recusal occurred because Justice Kaul had previously been a member of the division bench that delivered the 2021 judgment in the case of Common Cause v. Union of India, which had initially dealt with the validity of the ED chief's tenure extension. When the new batch of pleas challenged the Central Government's subsequent ordinance and retrospective extension, Justice Kaul opted to withdraw from the proceedings to ensure judicial propriety, citing his prior involvement in the related litigation.

Explanation

Revenue receipts are those government incomes that do not create any liability for the government nor lead to any reduction in its assets. These receipts are recurring in nature and are broadly classified into tax revenue and non-tax revenue. Non-tax revenue comprises all government income from sources other than taxes, such as interest receipts on loans given to states and other parties, dividends and profits from public sector undertakings, fees, fines, penalties, and various service charges collected by government departments. These sources represent a significant portion of the recurring income used to fund the regular administrative expenses of the state.

Explanation

The Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, located off the coast of Tamil Nadu, is India's first marine biosphere reserve and a major biodiversity hotspot. It is characterized by extensive seagrass meadows, which serve as the primary habitat and food source for the Dugong (Dugong dugon), also known as the sea cow. This endangered marine mammal is strictly herbivorous and depends on these shallow coastal waters for survival. Furthermore, the reserve's diverse ecosystem, including its coral reefs and sandy beaches, provides critical nesting and foraging grounds for several species of sea turtles, such as the Green turtle and the Olive Ridley turtle.

Explanation

The Census of 2011 was the 15ᵗʰ national census of India since the first non-synchronous census was conducted in 1872 during the viceroyalty of Lord Mayo. The first complete and synchronous census took place in 1881, and the exercise has been carried out every ten years since then. In the chronological sequence starting from 1872, the 2011 survey constitutes the 15ᵗʰ edition. Furthermore, it marks the 7ᵗʰ census conducted after India achieved independence, following the post-independence census series that began in 1951. The Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India manages this massive administrative task under the Census Act of 1948.

Explanation

The Nilgiri Mountain Railway is the only railway in India that employs the Abt rack and pinion system to overcome the steep gradients of the mountains. This engineering feat allows the train to climb from Mettupalayam to Udagamandalam, reaching elevations where adhesion alone would be insufficient for traction. In July 2005, UNESCO extended the World Heritage Site status of the Mountain Railways of India to include the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, citing it as an outstanding example of a technical and innovative heritage transport system. Built by the British and completed in 1908, it remains a functional and historic narrow-gauge railway that preserves the unique rack technology essential for its operation in the rugged terrain of the Western Ghats.

Explanation

In basketball, a screen, often referred to as a pick, is a fundamental offensive tactic where a player intentionally stands in the path of a defender to obstruct their movement. This maneuver is designed to free a teammate from their marker, allowing them to either receive a pass, drive toward the basket, or take an uncontested shot. To execute a legal screen, the screening player must remain stationary upon contact and maintain a wide base without leaning into the defender. This technique is a cornerstone of modern basketball strategies, such as the pick-and-roll, which exploits the defensive switch or delay caused by the screen to create scoring opportunities.