SSC CGL Tier 1 2023 General Awareness Questions with Solutions

Explanation

Bandhan Bank is a private sector bank in India, not a public sector bank. It started as a microfinance institution in 2001 and received an in-principle approval from the Reserve Bank of India in April 2014 to set up a universal bank. It officially commenced its operations as a commercial bank on August 23, 2015. In public sector banks, the Government of India or the Reserve Bank of India maintains a majority stake of at least 51 percent. Bandhan Bank, however, is owned and managed by private shareholders and promoters. It was the first instance in India where a microfinance entity was transformed into a universal bank.

Explanation

In 1854, Sir Charles Wood, who was the President of the Board of Control of the East India Company, sent a comprehensive despatch to Lord Dalhousie, the then Governor-General of India. This document, known as Wood's Despatch, outlined the first comprehensive plan for the spread of education in India. It recommended a hierarchy of educational institutions, ranging from primary schools in villages using vernacular languages to high schools and colleges, culminating in the establishment of universities in Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras. It also emphasized the importance of female education and teacher training. Due to its significant impact on the development of the Indian education system, it is often referred to as the Magna Carta of English Education in India.

Explanation

In September 2021, the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) revised the guidelines for the National Pension System (NPS) to expand the eligibility criteria for subscribers. The maximum entry age for joining the NPS under the All Citizen Model and Corporate Model was increased from 65 years to 70 years. This change allows individuals, including resident Indians, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), to initiate a pension account later in life. Additionally, subscribers who join the system after the age of 65 are permitted to continue their NPS accounts and make contributions until they reach the age of 75 years.

Explanation

Indian Petrochemicals Corporation Limited (IPCL) was established by the Government of India in March 1969 as the first public sector undertaking in the petrochemical industry. Based in Vadodara, Gujarat, it was founded to promote the domestic production of polymers, synthetic fibers, and industrial chemicals. IPCL played a pioneering role by commissioning the country's first major integrated petrochemical complex, which catalyzed the development of numerous downstream processing units and laid the groundwork for India's self-reliance in the petrochemical sector.

Explanation

BharOS is an indigenous mobile operating system developed by JandK Operations Private Limited (JandKops), a non-profit organization incubated at the IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation. Built on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), the software is designed to provide a more secure and private mobile experience by excluding default Google services and third-party applications. This initiative, supported by the Government of India, aims to reduce dependence on foreign operating systems and enhance national digital security. The successful testing of the platform in January 2023 by the Union Ministers highlighted its readiness for use in organizations with stringent privacy and security requirements.

Explanation

Alarmel Valli is an internationally acclaimed classical dancer and choreographer who is widely recognized as a foremost exponent of the Pandanallur style of Bharatanatyam. Beyond her mastery of Bharatanatyam, she is also a distinguished exponent of Odissi, having received rigorous training in this form under the guidance of legendary masters such as Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra and Guru Ramani Ranjan Jena. Her artistic style is noted for its fluidity, precision, and the seamless integration of music and movement. For her immense contributions to the Indian classical arts, she has been honored with several prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri in 1991, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2001, and the Padma Bhushan in 2004.

Explanation

John Dalton published his influential work, A New System of Chemical Philosophy, in 1808, which introduced the first modern atomic theory. In this work, Dalton proposed that all matter is composed of small, indivisible particles called atoms and that atoms of different elements possess different weights and properties. He explained that chemical compounds are formed by the combination of these atoms in simple, fixed numerical ratios. This provided a concrete physical model for understanding how distinct elements join together to create new substances, effectively bridging the gap between macroscopic chemical observations and the microscopic structure of matter.

Explanation

Article 140 of the Constitution of India specifically addresses the ancillary powers of the Supreme Court. It provides that the Parliament of India may by law make provisions for conferring upon the Supreme Court such supplemental powers as may appear to be necessary or desirable. These powers are intended to enable the Court to exercise its jurisdiction more effectively, provided that such provisions are not inconsistent with any of the existing provisions of the Constitution. This ensures that the legislative branch can equip the highest court with the necessary procedural or substantive tools required to fulfill its constitutional mandate and ensure the administration of justice.

Explanation

Aruna Sairam, T. M. Krishna, and Gayathri Girish are prominent practitioners of Carnatic music, which is the classical music tradition of South India. Aruna Sairam is a Padma Shri awardee known for her deep expertise in the Carnatic style and her role as a former Vice Chairperson of the Sangeet Natak Akademi. T. M. Krishna is a distinguished vocalist and Ramon Magsaysay Award winner recognized for his technical mastery and his efforts to expand the reach of the Carnatic tradition. Gayathri Girish is an acclaimed vocalist and researcher who has performed extensively and contributed to the documentation of various compositional forms within the South Indian classical system. Their careers are defined by their specialization in the ragas, talas, and kritis that form the foundation of this musical genre.

Explanation

The India International Trade Fair (IITF) held in 2021 was the 40ᵗʰ edition of the event. Organized by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), it took place from November 14 to 27, 2021, at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. This edition was significant as it marked the return of the fair after a one-year hiatus in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The theme for the 40ᵗʰ IITF was Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India), which aimed to showcase India's manufacturing prowess and promote local entrepreneurship. Bihar was designated as the Partner State, while Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh participated as the Focus States.

Explanation

Kathak, one of the eight primary classical dances of India, is characterized by its rhythmic footwork and narrative storytelling. The dance form historically diversified into three distinct gharanas or schools named after the urban centers where they were patronized and refined. The Lucknow Gharana, established under the patronage of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, emphasizes grace, elegance, and facial expressions. The Jaipur Gharana, originating in the courts of Rajasthan, is renowned for its technical mastery, complex rhythmic patterns, and powerful footwork. The Banaras Gharana, rooted in the ancient city of Varanasi, is known for its distinct use of Natwari bols and a spiritual approach to the performance. These three cities remain the foundational pillars of the Kathak tradition.

Explanation

In November 2021, the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) partnered with Google India Pvt Ltd (GIPL) to launch a 15 million dollar (approximately 110 crore rupees) social impact lending programme. This collaboration is designed to provide financial assistance to micro-enterprises, offering loans ranging from 5 lakh rupees up to 1 crore rupees at subsidised interest rates. The initiative primarily targets small businesses and entrepreneurs, with a specific focus on supporting women-owned enterprises and those operating in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities across India. By managing this corpus, SIDBI facilitates affordable credit delivery to help these smaller entities meet their working capital and machinery requirements, fostering economic recovery and growth at the grassroots level.

Explanation

The standing crop of a trophic level represents the total mass of living material present in that level at a specific time. It is measured as the mass of living organisms, known as biomass, or the number of individuals per unit area. In ecological studies, biomass is typically expressed in terms of fresh weight or dry weight, with dry weight being the more accurate measure as it excludes the variable water content of organisms.

Explanation

Auguste Bravais was a French physicist and crystallographer who, in 1848, mathematically derived the fourteen unique three-dimensional space lattices that can be formed by repeating points in space. These fourteen arrangements, collectively known as Bravais lattices, represent the only ways to fill three-dimensional space with points such that every point has an identical environment in terms of orientation and distance. His work provided a rigorous geometric framework for understanding crystal structures, classifying them into seven crystal systems based on their symmetry and the lengths and angles of their unit cell axes. This discovery remains a fundamental principle in the field of crystallography and solid-state physics.

Explanation

The Tapi is a major west-flowing river of Peninsular India that originates in the Multai reserve forest of the Betul district in Madhya Pradesh. It flows through a rift valley between the Satpura and Ajanta hills, draining parts of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. The Aner is a significant right-bank tributary that originates in the Satpura range. The Panzara and Waghur are important left-bank tributaries; the Panzara flows through the Dhule district before joining the Tapi, and the Waghur originates in the Ajanta hills and meets the Tapi in the Jalgaon district. Together, these tributaries form part of the extensive drainage network of the Tapi basin.

Explanation

The Paramahansa Mandali was founded in 1849 in Bombay by Dadoba Pandurang and Durgaram Mehtaji as a secret socio-religious group. Karsondas Mulji, known for his reformist zeal and his involvement in the Maharaj Libel Case, was a key figure associated with its mission. The Mandali operated on the principle of monotheism and focused on social reforms such as the abolition of the caste system and the promotion of widow remarriage. Its members symbolically broke caste rules by eating food prepared by lower-caste individuals during their gatherings. The society emphasized rationalism and morality, laying the groundwork for later social reform movements in Western India by addressing deeply entrenched social evils and advocating for the rights of women.

Explanation

In the Early Vedic period, the social and political structure of the Aryans was tribal in nature. The Jana was the largest social unit and represented the tribe as a whole. The Rig Veda mentions several such tribes, including the Bharatas, Purus, and Yadus. This unit consisted of several clans known as Vis, which were further subdivided into villages or Gramas. The members of a Jana were bound by common lineage and shared a sense of collective identity, making the Jana the chief entity for social organization and military mobilization during the Vedic age.

Explanation

Alauddin Hasan, originally known as Zafar Khan or Hasan Gangu, was the founder of the Bahmani Sultanate in 1347. He was a military commander who led a successful revolt against the Delhi Sultanate during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq. Upon establishing the first independent Muslim kingdom in the Deccan, he ascended the throne and adopted the regnal title of Ala-ud-Din Bahman Shah. He chose Gulbarga as his capital, which remained the center of the sultanate's power for several decades as he consolidated his rule across the region.

Explanation

Kerala recorded a sex ratio of 1,084 females per 1,000 males in the 2011 Census, making it the state with the highest sex ratio in India. Haryana exhibited the lowest sex ratio among all Indian states at 879 females per 1,000 males. Goa is the most urbanized state in the country, with approximately 62.17 percent of its total population residing in urban areas.

Explanation

Debendranath Tagore founded the Tattvabodhini Sabha in Calcutta on 6 October 1839. Originally called the Tattvaranjini Sabha, it was established to facilitate the systematic study of India's past and to explore spiritual truth based on the monotheistic teachings of the Upanishads. The organization focused on promoting a rational and reformed version of Hinduism, serving as a significant intellectual hub during the Bengal Renaissance. Through its influential journal, the Tattvabodhini Patrika, the Sabha disseminated these philosophical ideas and advocated for social reform. Under the leadership of Debendranath Tagore, the Tattvabodhini Sabha played a crucial role in revitalizing the Brahmo Samaj and shaping the religious and cultural discourse of 19th-century India.

Explanation

Spit-roasting, also known as rotisserie cooking, involves skewering meat or other food on a long rod and rotating it over an open flame or heat source. This method utilizes high intensity heat and air convection to cook the food slowly and evenly. The cooking process is highly dependent on the distance and position of the spit in relation to the fire, as the radiant heat and circulating warm air determine the temperature. The constant rotation allows the food to cook in its own juices while the hot air currents surrounding the spit facilitate the roasting process through convection.

Explanation

Arthropoda is the largest phylum of the animal kingdom, characterized by a segmented body and jointed appendages. In many groups within this phylum, particularly the insects, the body segments are organized into three distinct functional regions known as tagmata: the head, the thorax, and the abdomen. The head contains the sensory organs and mouthparts, the thorax serves as the center for locomotion by bearing the legs and wings, and the abdomen contains the primary internal organs related to digestion, excretion, and reproduction. This specialized body plan allows for efficient division of labor among different body regions.

Explanation

Sarojini Naidu was the first woman to serve as the Governor of an Indian state. She was appointed to the post in the United Provinces, which is the predecessor to modern-day Uttar Pradesh, immediately upon India gaining independence on August 15, 1947. She held this prestigious constitutional position until her passing in March 1949. Known as the Nightingale of India for her literary contributions and her significant role in the Indian independence movement, her leadership in the state administration set a precedent for women's participation in high-ranking governance roles in the newly independent nation.

Explanation

The Diwan-i-Insha was the department of royal correspondence under the Delhi Sultanate, and it was headed by the Dabir-i-Khas, who was also known as the Dabir-i-Mamalik. This official occupied a position of great trust and was responsible for drafting all royal proclamations, decrees, and letters sent to provincial governors and foreign monarchs. The department maintained the records of all official correspondence and ensured that the Sultan's commands were phrased in the appropriate formal style before being dispatched. As the chief secretary, the Dabir-i-Khas acted as a confidential intermediary between the Sultan and the various administrative branches of the empire.

Explanation

The Earth's oceans are ranked by surface area in a specific descending order based on geographical data. The Pacific Ocean is the largest and deepest ocean, covering approximately 165 million square kilometers, which accounts for about one-third of the planet's total surface area. The Atlantic Ocean is the second largest, spanning about 106 million square kilometers. The Indian Ocean ranks as the third largest body of water, covering roughly 70 million square kilometers. Following these is the Southern Ocean, frequently referred to as the Antarctic Ocean, which has an area of about 20 million square kilometers. The Arctic Ocean is the smallest of the five major oceans. This ranking follows the progression from the vast expanse of the Pacific to the progressively smaller areas of the Atlantic, Indian, and Antarctic oceans.

Explanation

In 1787, Antoine Lavoisier published the landmark work Methode de nomenclature chimique in collaboration with Claude Louis Berthollet, Antoine Francois de Fourcroy, and Louis-Bernard Guyton de Morveau. This publication revolutionized chemistry by replacing the fragmented and often obscure terminology of alchemy with a rational, systematic naming convention based on the elemental composition of substances. By establishing that the name of a compound should reflect its chemical constituents, Lavoisier provided a universal language for scientists that remains the fundamental basis for modern chemical nomenclature used by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC).

Explanation

Prof. S.R. Niranjana, a distinguished scientist and former Vice-Chancellor of Gulbarga University, was conferred with the Dr. C.V. Raman Birth Centenary Award during the 108th Indian Science Congress held at Nagpur in January 2023. This prestigious award is bestowed by the Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA) to recognize eminent scientists who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of science in India. Prof. Niranjana is widely recognized for his significant research and academic leadership in the fields of biotechnology and plant pathology.

Explanation

On 12th January 2023, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare honored 82 best agripreneurs at an event held in New Delhi to mark National Youth Day. These awardees were selected from across the country for their successful ventures established under the Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centers (AC | ABC) scheme. This scheme is implemented by the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE) to transform unemployed agricultural graduates into entrepreneurs who provide professional extension services to farmers and create rural employment. The awards recognized their innovation and impact in strengthening the agricultural ecosystem through private entrepreneurship.

Explanation

According to the 2011 Census of India, Kerala recorded the highest literacy rate in the country at 94.00 percent. Himachal Pradesh followed with a literacy rate of 82.80 percent, while Haryana recorded a literacy rate of 75.55 percent. Arranging these states in descending order of their literacy percentages results in the sequence Kerala (A), followed by Himachal Pradesh (B), and finally Haryana (C).

Explanation

Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) is a monetary policy tool used by the Reserve Bank of India that mandates commercial banks to maintain a specific percentage of their Net Demand and Time Liabilities (NDTL) in the form of liquid assets like cash, gold, or government-approved securities. NDTL essentially represents the total of demand deposits, which are withdrawable on demand such as current and savings accounts, and time or term deposits, which have a fixed maturity period like fixed deposits. This requirement ensures that banks retain a safe portion of their total deposit base in liquid form to meet unexpected redemption pressures and to regulate the volume of credit in the banking system.

Explanation

Deepika Pallikal Karthik is a prominent professional squash player from India who has achieved numerous milestones in the sport. She gained international recognition by becoming the first Indian woman to reach the top 10 in the PSA Women's World Rankings. Her career is highlighted by several major titles, including a gold medal in the women's doubles at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and multiple medals at the Asian Games. For her exceptional achievements and contribution to Indian sports, she was conferred with the Arjuna Award in 2012 and the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, in 2014. Her success has been instrumental in raising the profile of squash in the country.

Explanation

Nor'westers, locally known as Kalbaisakhi, are violent thunderstorms and heavy squalls that occur during the pre-monsoon season, primarily in the months of April and May. These storms originate over the Chota Nagpur Plateau and move in a south-easterly direction, gaining strength as they draw moisture from the Bay of Bengal. They are a prominent weather phenomenon in the eastern and north-eastern regions of India, specifically affecting Bengal and Assam. Characterized by sudden onset in the late afternoon or evening, these storms bring high-velocity winds, torrential rain, and lightning. While they can be destructive to property and standing crops like jute and rice, they also bring much-needed rainfall and a drop in temperature during the peak summer heat.

Explanation

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) was established on July 12, 1982, under the NABARD Act 1981, following the recommendations of the B. Sivaraman Committee. It was designed as an apex development bank to streamline and provide credit for the promotion of agriculture, small-scale industries, cottage and village industries, and handicrafts in rural India. NABARD took over the rural credit functions of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Agricultural Refinance and Development Corporation (ARDC) to consolidate rural financing efforts. It serves as the primary regulatory body for Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) and Cooperative Banks, ensuring a structured flow of institutional credit to the farming community at the national level.

Explanation

Australia clinched their first ICC Men's T20 World Cup title in 2021 by defeating New Zealand in the final held at the Dubai International Stadium. Chasing a target of 173, Australia reached the total with eight wickets and seven balls to spare. Mitchell Marsh was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 77 runs, while David Warner received the Player of the Tournament award for his significant contributions throughout the event.

Explanation

Bhortal dance is a prominent folk dance originating from the Barpeta district of Assam. It was evolved and choreographed by the renowned Sattriya artist Narahari Burha Bhakat, who was a significant proponent of the Sankari culture. The dance is uniquely characterized by the use of large cymbals, known as bhortals, which the performers strike together in a rhythmic and increasingly fast-paced manner. This dance form is deeply rooted in the Vaishnavite tradition of the state and is often performed during festivals and cultural gatherings. It showcases intricate footwork, synchronized movements, and complex formations that reflect the vibrant artistic and religious heritage of the Assamese people.

Explanation

The Ministry of Rural Development launched the Nai Chetna-Pahal Badlav Ki campaign on November 25, 2022, to coincide with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. This initiative was organized under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) as a month-long, community-led national campaign aimed at sensitizing rural communities about gender-based discrimination and violence. The campaign focused on raising awareness about women's rights and the institutional mechanisms available for redressal, such as Gender Resource Centres and internal complaint committees. By utilizing the extensive network of Self-Help Groups across India, the ministry aimed to transform the struggle against gender inequality into a mass movement, encouraging women to recognize, speak out, and seek support against various forms of oppression and bias.

Explanation

The Kalidas Samman is a prestigious national award presented annually by the Government of Madhya Pradesh for excellence in the field of classical music, classical dance, theatre, and plastic arts. Pandit M. Venkatesh Kumar, a renowned Hindustani classical vocalist known for his mastery over the Kirana and Gwalior gharanas, was conferred with the Kalidas Samman in 2022. He was recognized for his immense contribution to classical music, particularly for his unique singing style and deep devotional renditions. The award ceremony, organized by the Department of Culture, honors artists who have achieved high standards in their respective creative fields. Over his career, Pandit Venkatesh Kumar has gained significant acclaim for his soulful performances and has been the recipient of several other high-level honors including the Padma Shri and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.

Explanation

Steel is a ferromagnetic material that possesses high retentivity and high coercivity. Retentivity is the capacity of a substance to remain magnetized after the external magnetic field has been removed. Coercivity is the property that allows a material to resist demagnetization from external factors such as stray magnetic fields, temperature fluctuations, or mechanical impacts. Because steel effectively maintains its magnetic alignment due to these characteristics, it is used to create permanent magnets that provide a stable magnetic field over long periods. While soft magnetic materials lose their magnetism quickly, the internal structure of steel allows it to lock magnetic domains in place, ensuring the durability of the magnet.

Explanation

The Atharva Veda is distinct from the other Vedas as it focuses on the practical and mundane aspects of human life rather than purely sacrificial rituals. It comprises a vast collection of hymns and mantras known as charms and spells. These incantations were specifically used for apotropaic purposes, such as warding off diseases, neutralizing the effects of curses, and protecting individuals from evil spirits or bad luck. Because of its emphasis on healing and protective magic, it is traditionally regarded as a primary source for early Indian medicine and the socio-religious practices of the common people during the later Vedic period. The text provides a unique insight into the folk traditions and superstitions of the era, emphasizing the use of spells to ensure longevity and prosperity.

Explanation

Article 23 of the Indian Constitution is the primary provision dealing with the Right against Exploitation. This article prohibits trafficking in human beings, begar, and other similar forms of forced labor. It ensures that no individual is subjected to involuntary work or treated as a commodity. The protection offered by Article 23 is available to both citizens and non-citizens and is enforceable against both the state and private individuals. Any violation of this right is considered a criminal offense punishable under laws such as the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act and the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act. This fundamental right aims to uphold human dignity and protect vulnerable sections of society from systemic abuse.

Explanation

The Government of India Act of 1919, also known as the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, introduced bicameralism at the central level in India for the first time. Under this Act, the Indian Legislative Council was replaced by a bicameral legislature consisting of an Upper House, called the Council of State, and a Lower House, called the Legislative Assembly. The Council of State generally had a tenure of five years, while the Legislative Assembly had a tenure of three years. This structural change was accompanied by the introduction of direct elections in the country, ensuring that a majority of the members in both houses were elected directly, although the right to vote was restricted based on criteria such as property ownership, tax payment, or educational qualifications.

Explanation

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) was constituted by an Act of Parliament, the National Highways Authority of India Act, 1988. Although the legislation was passed in 1988, the authority was formally operationalized in February 1995. It functions as an autonomous agency under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, tasked with the development, maintenance, and management of the National Highways network across the country. Since its operationalization, it has been the primary body responsible for implementing major road infrastructure projects, including the National Highways Development Project.

Explanation

The Bihu festival is the most significant cultural celebration in Assam and is observed three times a year to coincide with distinct stages of the agricultural calendar. The first is Rongali or Bohag Bihu, celebrated in mid-April to mark the Assamese New Year and the beginning of the seeding season. The second is Kongali or Kati Bihu, held in mid-October during the completion of paddy sowing, characterized by lamp-lighting and prayers for a bountiful harvest. The third is Bhogali or Magh Bihu, celebrated in mid-January to mark the end of the harvesting season, distinguished by community feasting and the burning of traditional structures called Mejis.

Explanation

Sitara Devi was an iconic Kathak dancer often referred to as Kathak Samragni or the Empress of Kathak, having received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and the Padma Shri for her contributions to the art form. Shaswati Sen is a renowned Kathak exponent and one of the senior-most disciples of Pandit Birju Maharaj, representing the Lucknow gharana. Urmila Nagar is a distinguished performer of the Jaipur gharana of Kathak and is noted for her expertise in both dance and Hindustani classical music. These artists are collectively recognized for their mastery and propagation of the Kathak dance tradition across different gharanas.

Explanation

Hsuan Tsang, often referred to as the Prince of Pilgrims, was a Chinese Buddhist monk who travelled to India during the 7th century specifically during the reign of King Harshavardhana. He remained in India from approximately 630 to 645 AD, spending several years at Nalanda University to study Buddhist scriptures. His detailed travelogue, Si-Yu-Ki (Record of the Western Regions), provides a comprehensive account of the political, social, and religious conditions of Northern India under Harsha's rule. Harshavardhana held him in high esteem, inviting him to attend and preside over a grand religious assembly at Kanauj to showcase the doctrines of Mahayana Buddhism. Hsuan Tsang's writings serve as a primary historical source for understanding the administration, the city of Kanauj, and the general prosperity of India during this period.

Explanation

The Thomas Cup, officially known as the World Men's Team Championships, is a premier international badminton competition contested by the national men's teams of the member nations of the Badminton World Federation (BWF). While the tournament was originally held every three years following its inception in 1948, the format was revised in 1984. Since that change, the competition has been conducted once every two years, qualifying it as a biennial event. It is typically held concurrently with the Uber Cup, which serves as the world team championship for women.

Explanation

In field hockey, a penalty corner is a set-piece awarded against a defending team for a foul committed within their own shooting circle or for a deliberate foul inside the 23-meter area. It is one of the most significant scoring opportunities in the game. During the execution, the ball is placed on the backline at a mark 10 meters from the goal post. An attacking player pushes or hits the ball to teammates positioned at the top of the shooting circle. According to international rules, the ball must travel outside the circle before a goal can be scored. The defending team is permitted to have only five players, including the goalkeeper, behind the backline to defend the goal, while the remaining defenders must stay beyond the center line until the ball is in play.

Explanation

Equisetum is the sole surviving genus of the class Sphenopsida, a group of pteridophytes that reached its peak diversity during the Carboniferous period. The plant body of Equisetum is characterized by a perennial, branched, and creeping underground rhizome. This rhizome is clearly differentiated into nodes and internodes, from which two types of branches arise. It produces aerial shoots that are either sterile and photosynthetic or fertile and cone-bearing, as well as endogenous roots and underground branches at the nodes. The perennial nature of the rhizome allows the plant to persist in the soil and spread horizontally across its habitat.

Explanation

Trichloromethane, represented by the chemical formula CHCl₃, is a trihalomethane commonly known as chloroform. It is a colorless, sweet-smelling, and dense liquid that was historically famous for its use as a general anesthetic during medical surgeries. In modern industrial applications, it is primarily used as a solvent and as a precursor in the production of refrigerants like Teflon and various fluorocarbons. Its chemical structure consists of a single carbon atom bonded to one hydrogen atom and three chlorine atoms, which is reflected in its systematic IUPAC name.

Explanation

The Forty-Second Amendment Act, 1976, introduced Part IV-A and Article 51A into the Indian Constitution, incorporating a list of ten Fundamental Duties for citizens. These duties were added following the recommendations of the Swaran Singh Committee, which was constituted by the government to suggest changes to the Constitution during the period of Internal Emergency. This amendment aimed to emphasize that citizens have certain obligations to the nation in exchange for the fundamental rights they enjoy. While initially ten duties were included, an eleventh fundamental duty regarding education was later added through the Eighty-Sixth Amendment Act in 2002.