SSC CGL Tier 1 2023 General Awareness Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The first recorded inscriptional evidence of the practice of Sati is found in the Eran Inscription of Madhya Pradesh, which dates back to 510 CE. This inscription belongs to the reign of the Gupta emperor Bhanugupta. It commemorates a general named Goparaja who died while fighting against the Hunas. The text explicitly mentions that his wife performed Sati by immolating herself on his funeral pyre following his death in battle. This epigraphic record is considered the earliest definitive archaeological proof of the custom in ancient India.

Explanation

The Sardar Sarovar Project is a major multi-purpose mega-dam project on the Narmada River in Gujarat. It is an inter-state project that provides benefits to the four states of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. The project was conceptualized to harness the water of the Narmada River for irrigation, drinking water, and hydropower generation. The water and power sharing arrangements were finalized based on the decisions of the Narmada Water Disputes Tribunal. Under this framework, Gujarat and Rajasthan primarily receive water for irrigation and drinking purposes, while the hydroelectric power generated is shared among Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. The project serves as a lifeline for water-scarce regions, particularly in Gujarat and Rajasthan.

Explanation

The British government dispatched the Cripps Mission to India in March 1942, led by Sir Stafford Cripps, a member of the British War Cabinet. This diplomatic mission was initiated to secure full Indian cooperation for the British war effort during World War II, especially as Japanese forces were advancing toward the Indian border. The mission proposed granting India Dominion status and establishing a constituent assembly to draft a new constitution after the conclusion of the war.

Explanation

The second edition of the India Justice Report, released in 2021, ranked Maharashtra as the leading state among the 18 large and mid-sized states in India for overall justice delivery. This ranking is based on a multi-dimensional assessment of four key pillars of the justice system: Police, Judiciary, Prisons, and Legal Aid. Maharashtra secured the top spot by maintaining high performance levels and infrastructure capacity across these categories. The report evaluates quantitative data on human resources, diversity, workload, and trends to determine the capacity of each state to provide legal and judicial services. By leading in the cumulative scores across these pillars, Maharashtra demonstrated the most robust institutional capacity for justice delivery among the states with a population of over one crore.

Explanation

Article 167 of the Indian Constitution specifically outlines the duties of the Chief Minister in respect to furnishing information to the Governor. It establishes the Chief Minister as the vital link between the Governor and the Council of Ministers. According to Article 167(a), it is the mandatory duty of the Chief Minister to communicate to the Governor all decisions made by the Council of Ministers that relate to the administration of the affairs of the State as well as any proposals for legislation. This provision ensures that the constitutional head of the state is kept informed of the executive and legislative actions of the government. Under this article, the Chief Minister is also required to furnish any information relating to administration or legislation that the Governor may call for.

Explanation

Anthocyanins are a class of water-soluble vacuolar pigments that belong to the flavonoid group, which is a major category of phenolic compounds. These pigments are responsible for the diverse range of red, purple, and blue colors found in many fruits, vegetables, and flowers. They are synthesized via the phenylpropanoid pathway and are stored within the cell vacuoles. In pomegranates, anthocyanins provide the characteristic red color to the arils and juice. They are also the primary pigments in the purple skin of eggplants, the deep violet or black hue of black carrots, and the vibrant reddish-purple leaves of red cabbage. The specific color manifested by anthocyanins can change depending on the pH level of the cellular environment, typically appearing redder in acidic conditions and bluer in alkaline conditions.

Explanation

Gaucher disease (i) is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by the deficiency of the enzyme glucocerebrosidase (d), which results in the accumulation of glucocerebroside in cells and certain organs. Hunter syndrome (ii), also known as Mucopolysaccharidosis II, occurs due to a deficiency of iduronate-2-sulfatase (c), which is necessary to break down complex sugar molecules. Tay-Sachs disease (iii) is caused by the absence of the enzyme hexosaminidase A (b), leading to the toxic buildup of GM2 gangliosides in the brain and spinal cord. Phenylketonuria (iv) is an inborn error of metabolism resulting from a deficiency of phenylalanine hydroxylase (a), the enzyme required to convert the amino acid phenylalanine into tyrosine.

Explanation

Article 28 of the Indian Constitution addresses the freedom to attend religious instruction or worship in certain educational institutions. Specifically, Article 28(1) mandates that no religious instruction shall be provided in any educational institution that is wholly maintained out of State funds. This provision ensures the secular character of state-run educational institutions by preventing the promotion of any particular religion using public money. The article distinguishes between different types of institutions, but the absolute prohibition applies strictly to those entirely funded by the government.

Explanation

Pension is classified as a transfer payment rather than a factor payment. In economic theory and national income accounting, factor payments represent the compensation paid to the owners of the factors of production—land, labor, capital, and entrepreneurship—for their contribution to the current production of goods and services. A transfer payment, such as an old-age pension, is a unilateral or one-way payment made by the government or an organization to an individual for which no productive service is rendered in return during the current accounting period. Because pensions do not involve a current exchange of services or the utilization of production factors to generate output, they are excluded from the calculation of factor income.

Explanation

Jawaharlal Nehru Port, also known as Nhava Sheva and located in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, is the premier container-handling facility in India. Commissioned in 1989, it was designed to relieve pressure on the Mumbai Port and has since grown to account for more than half of the total container volume handled by India major ports. Its strategic location on the western coast provides excellent connectivity to the industrial heartland of North and West India, and its state-of-the-art infrastructure allows it to handle large cellular container vessels efficiently. As of 2023, it remains the largest container port in the country by throughput volume.

Explanation

Lupin Limited appointed six-time world boxing champion and Olympic medalist Mary Kom as the brand ambassador for its Shakti campaign in March 2022. This initiative is a dedicated corporate social responsibility program aimed at increasing awareness regarding heart disease among women. Given that cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of fatality in women but often go undiagnosed or ignored, Mary Kom was chosen to lead the campaign to inspire women to prioritize their own health and recognize early warning signs of heart ailments. As a powerhouse in Indian sports and a mother, her association with the campaign helps in driving the message of strength and proactive health management across the country.

Explanation

Erich Huckel formulated the rule for aromaticity in 1931 by applying quantum mechanical principles and molecular orbital theory to cyclic conjugated systems. He determined that a cyclic, planar molecule with a continuous system of overlapping p-orbitals is aromatic if it contains 4n + 2 π electrons, where n is a non-negative integer (0, 1, 2, 3, …). This mathematical expression signifies that the system must have an odd number of electron pairs, calculated as 2n + 1. Such a configuration ensures that all bonding molecular orbitals are completely filled with electrons while anti-bonding orbitals remain empty, resulting in a stable closed-shell electronic arrangement that characterizes aromatic compounds like benzene.

Explanation

Sir Courtenay Peregrine Ilbert served as the Law Member of the Council of the Governor-General of India during the viceroyalty of Lord Ripon. Appointed in 1882, Ilbert is primarily remembered for drafting and introducing the Ilbert Bill in 1883. This legislative proposal sought to eliminate racial discrimination in the judicial system by allowing Indian magistrates and sessions judges to preside over criminal cases involving European British subjects in the mofussil, or country districts. The bill reflected Lord Ripon’s liberal policies and his efforts to reform the Indian administrative and legal systems to be more equitable, although it faced significant opposition from the European community in India.

Explanation

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar authored The Buddha and his Dhamma, which serves as a primary scripture for those following the Navayana Buddhist tradition. The book was Ambedkar's final manuscript, completed shortly before his passing in December 1956 and published posthumously in 1957. In this comprehensive treatise, he provides a critical and rationalistic reinterpretation of the Buddha's life and the fundamental tenets of Buddhism. Ambedkar focused on presenting Buddhism as a path toward social transformation and equality, intentionally moving away from metaphysical interpretations to highlight the Dhamma's relevance to social justice and the elimination of the caste system.

Explanation

Nag Panchami is a traditional Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of snakes or Nagas. It is observed on the fifth day (Panchami) of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the lunar month of Shravan. This month is considered sacred in the Hindu calendar, particularly for the worship of Lord Shiva, with whom snakes are closely associated. The festival usually falls during the monsoon season in the months of July or August. During this time, devotees offer milk, sweets, and flowers to snake idols or at snake pits to seek blessings for the well-being and protection of their families.

Explanation

Sajan Prakash scripted history at the Sette Colli Trophy in Rome, Italy, on June 26, 2021, when he became the first Indian swimmer to achieve the Olympic Qualification Time (A cut). He finished the 200m butterfly event with a time of 1:56.38, which was within the mandatory 1:56.48 qualification mark set for the Tokyo Olympics. This achievement marked the first time an Indian swimmer earned an automatic berth for the Olympic Games through a direct qualification standard, a departure from previous instances where Indian representation relied on the B cut or Universality places.

Explanation

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is the statutory authority responsible for the regulation and supervision of Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs) in India. While MFIs can take various legal forms, the majority operate as Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFC-MFIs), which fall directly under the regulatory ambit of the RBI as per the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. The current regulatory architecture was largely shaped by the recommendations of the Malegam Committee in 2011, which led the RBI to implement specific directions to monitor the sector. In 2022, the RBI issued the Master Direction – Reserve Bank of India (Regulatory Framework for Microfinance Loans) Directions to harmonize the regulatory framework for all regulated entities engaged in microfinance, ensuring uniform rules regarding pricing, repayment terms, and borrower protection.

Explanation

Plutonium, specifically the isotope Plutonium-238, was discovered in late 1940 by Glenn T. Seaborg and his colleagues at the University of California, Berkeley. This actinide is characterized by its ability to undergo alpha decay with a half-life of 87.7 years, a process that generates a significant and steady amount of thermal energy. This heat is utilized in Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs) to produce reliable electrical power for satellites and deep-space probes, such as the Voyager and Curiosity missions, where solar power is not feasible. Furthermore, the heat produced by the decay of Plutonium-238 is employed in Radioisotope Heater Units (RHUs) to maintain the temperature of sensitive electronic components, ensuring they remain functional in the extreme cold of space.

Explanation

Odissi is a major ancient Indian classical dance that originated in the Hindu temples of Odisha, particularly the Jagannath Temple in Puri. Historically, the dance was performed by Maharis, who were temple dancers dedicated to the service of Lord Jagannath, as an integral part of the daily temple rituals and festive celebrations. The architectural design of the Jagannath Temple, specifically the Natamandapa or the hall of dance, is adorned with numerous intricate sculptures and relief carvings depicting dancers in various postures and mudras. These stone carvings provide a visual record of the dance's traditional poses, such as the characteristic Tribhanga and Chowka, and have been instrumental in the modern revival and formalization of the Odissi dance style based on historical temple traditions.

Explanation

In February 2023, Shashi Prabha Dwivedi, a 1993-batch Indian Police Service officer of the Punjab cadre, was promoted to the rank of Director General of Police. Along with Gurpreet Kaur Deo, she became one of the first two women in the history of the Punjab Police to achieve the rank of DGP. At the time of her promotion, she was serving as the Additional Director General of Police for Railways, with additional charges of Human Resource Development. This promotion was part of a departmental restructuring and elevation process by the Punjab government to fill top-tier administrative positions within the state police force.

Explanation

Weathering is the fundamental geological process involving the physical breakdown and chemical alteration of rocks and minerals at or near the Earth's surface. This process occurs in situ, meaning the rock remains in its original position while being acted upon by atmospheric elements such as water, air, and temperature fluctuations. Mechanical weathering involves physical forces like thermal expansion, pressure release, or frost wedging that fragment the rock into smaller pieces. Chemical weathering involves chemical reactions such as oxidation, carbonation, and hydration that change the internal mineral structure of the rock. These atmospheric agencies work together to disintegrate the crustal material, which is a critical step in soil formation and the overall rock cycle.

Explanation

In a standard T20 cricket match consisting of 20 overs per innings, the rules stipulated by the International Cricket Council (ICC) restrict each individual bowler to a maximum of one-fifth of the total overs. This calculation is expressed as 20 ÷ 5 = 4 overs. This regulation ensures that a team must utilize at least five different bowlers during a full innings, promoting variety in the bowling attack and preventing a single dominant bowler from bowling a disproportionate number of deliveries. If a match is shortened due to external factors like rain, the same one-fifth proportion is maintained to determine the revised bowling limit for each player.

Explanation

Chandra Shekhar served as the Prime Minister of India for a period of 223 days, from 10 November 1990 to 21 June 1991. He headed a minority government of the Samajwadi Janata Party with the outside support of the Indian National Congress. This tenure of approximately seven months is the shortest duration of service for any individual listed. His term concluded after the withdrawal of support by the Congress party led to his resignation.

Explanation

India clinched its eighth Olympic gold medal in men's field hockey during the 1980 Summer Olympics held in Moscow. Led by captain Vasudevan Baskaran and coached by Balkrishan Singh, the Indian team remained unbeaten throughout the tournament. In the gold medal match, India faced Spain and secured a 4-3 victory in a high-stakes final. This win was particularly significant as it marked India's return to the top of the podium after a sixteen-year hiatus since the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. The 1980 triumph remains the last time the Indian men's hockey team won the gold medal at the Olympic Games.

Explanation

The Atal Tunnel, inaugurated in October 2020, is the world's longest single-tube highway tunnel situated at an altitude above 10,000 feet. Constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas, it spans a length of 9.02 km. The tunnel provides all-weather connectivity between Manali and the Lahaul-Spiti valley, which was previously cut off for six months each year due to heavy snowfall at Rohtang Pass. By bypassing the pass, the tunnel reduces the road distance between Manali and Keylong by approximately 46 km and cuts the travel time by about 4 to 5 hours.

Explanation

The Self-Help Group - Bank Linkage Programme (SHG-BLP) was launched by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) in 1992 as a pilot project. It was initiated following research and field studies conducted by NABARD and recommendations from the S.K. Kalia Committee. The primary objective was to facilitate a connection between the formal banking system and the unbanked rural poor by using SHGs as intermediaries. This model allowed groups to pool their savings and access credit from banks without requiring individual collateral, thereby promoting financial inclusion and rural development. Over the years, this program has evolved into the largest microfinance initiative globally.

Explanation

The West Bengal government launched the Paray Shikshalaya initiative, which translates to Neighborhood School, in February 2022 as an open-air classroom program. Designed for students from pre-primary levels through Class 7, the project aimed to bring children back to a physical learning environment following the long-term closure of schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. Classes were conducted in open spaces such as parks, community centers, and playgrounds within local neighborhoods to ensure better ventilation and social distancing. This community-based approach focused on basic education, hygiene, and cultural activities to help younger students transition back into the formal education system.

Explanation

Ricky Kej secured his third Grammy Award at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards held in February 2023. He won the award in the Best Immersive Audio Album category for his collaborative album Divine Tides, created alongside Stewart Copeland, the drummer of the legendary British rock band The Police. This achievement established Ricky Kej as the youngest Indian to win three Grammy Awards and the only Indian to have won three. The album Divine Tides is a tribute to the magnificence of the natural world, featuring diverse soundscapes and global musical influences designed to promote environmental consciousness and spiritual well-being.

Explanation

The Gulf of Khambhat and the Gulf of Kutch in Gujarat, along with the Sundarbans delta in West Bengal, possess the specific geographical features necessary for tidal energy generation. These regions are characterized by a high tidal range, which is the vertical difference between high tide and low tide. The funnel-shaped geomorphology of the Gulf of Khambhat and the Gulf of Kutch amplifies the incoming tides, often creating tidal ranges exceeding 7 to 10 meters, which provides the necessary hydraulic head to drive turbines. In the Sundarbans, the vast network of river channels and estuarine creeks experiences significant tidal fluctuations, making it suitable for smaller-scale tidal power applications. These three areas are the primary identified hotspots for tidal power potential in India due to these favorable coastal configurations.

Explanation

The Lomas Rishi Cave is situated in the Barabar Hills of the Jehanabad district in Bihar. Carved during the Mauryan period in the 3rd century BCE, it represents one of the earliest and most significant examples of rock-cut architecture in India. The cave was dedicated to the Ajivika sect, an ascetic group of that era. It is particularly famous for its architectural facade, which features a semi-circular chaitya arch decorated with a relief of elephants moving toward stupa emblems. This manmade structure demonstrates the advanced craftsmanship and the patronage of rock-cut dwellings by the Mauryan emperors, specifically during the reign of Ashoka and his grandson Dasaratha.

Explanation

Commercialisation of agriculture refers to the transition of farming from a subsistence-oriented activity to a market-driven enterprise where crops are grown primarily for sale. This process is fundamentally indicated by the marketable surplus, which represents the portion of the total agricultural output that remains after the farmer has met personal consumption needs and other internal requirements. When farmers produce more than they consume, the resulting surplus enters the market for exchange, transforming agriculture into a commercial venture. Therefore, the growth of marketable surplus is a direct measure of the extent to which the agricultural sector has moved beyond self-sufficiency and become integrated into the trade economy.

Explanation

Puthandu, also known as Puthuvarusham or Tamil New Year, marks the first day of the year on the Tamil calendar. It is traditionally celebrated on the first day of the Tamil month Chittirai, which typically falls on 14 April according to the Gregorian calendar. The festival signifies the beginning of the solar cycle and is observed by Tamil people worldwide with rituals such as viewing the Kanni (an auspicious tray of items), cleaning homes, creating elaborate kolams, and visiting temples to pray for prosperity in the coming year.

Explanation

Flatworms, belonging to the phylum Platyhelminthes, are characterized by their dorso-ventrally flattened bodies. While some species are free-living, a significant number of flatworms are endoparasites that inhabit the internal organs of various animals, including humans. These organisms have evolved specialized structures such as hooks and suckers to facilitate attachment to the host's internal tissues. Since they reside in nutrient-rich environments like the intestine or liver, they often possess a simplified digestive system and absorb nutrients directly through their body surface. Common examples of endoparasitic flatworms include Taenia (tapeworm) and Fasciola (liver fluke).

Explanation

In organic chemistry, alcohols are classified based on the number of carbon atoms directly bonded to the carbon atom carrying the hydroxyl group, -OH. When the hydroxyl group is attached to a saturated carbon atom that is itself bonded to exactly two other carbon atoms, the compound is defined as a secondary alcohol. This specific arrangement can be represented by the general formula R₂CH-OH, where R denotes alkyl or aryl groups. The central carbon atom in this configuration is known as a secondary carbon because it forms two carbon-carbon bonds. Common examples of such compounds include propan-2-ol (isopropanol) and butan-2-ol.

Explanation

Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra was a legendary Indian classical dancer, guru, and exponent of Odissi, who is credited with the revival and popularization of this classical dance form in the 20th century. He was instrumental in codifying the grammar and techniques of Odissi by blending elements from the ancient Mahari temple dance tradition and the Gotipua folk tradition. His efforts helped Odissi gain national and international recognition as a distinct classical dance form. For his immense contributions to the arts, he became the first person from Odisha to receive the Padma Vibhushan in 2000, having previously been honored with the Padma Shri in 1974 and the Padma Bhushan in 1988. He also established the dance school Srjan to carry forward his legacy and train new generations of dancers.

Explanation

The Preamble to the Constitution of India explicitly guarantees its citizens liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship. These five specific forms of liberty are intended to ensure the intellectual, spiritual, and individual freedom necessary for the holistic development of citizens and the functioning of a democratic society. This provision reflects the foundational philosophy that the state should protect the personal convictions and the right to communicate ideas for every individual. The inclusion of these specific liberties underscores the commitment of the Indian Republic to secularism and freedom of conscience as envisioned by the framers of the Constitution.

Explanation

Bankim Chandra Chatterjee wrote the influential Bengali novel Anand Math, which was published in 1882. The novel is set against the backdrop of the Sannyasi Rebellion and the devastating Bengal famine of 1770. The song Vande Mataram, which translates to I bow to thee, Mother, is featured within the pages of this book. It served as a powerful anthem for the Indian independence movement, inspiring countless freedom fighters with its patriotic fervour. Due to its historical significance and its role in galvanizing the national spirit, the song was eventually adopted as the National Song of India.

Explanation

The Government of India appointed Lt General Anil Chauhan (Retired) as the second Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) on September 28, 2022. This appointment filled the position that had been vacant since the death of the first CDS, General Bipin Rawat, in a helicopter crash in December 2021. Prior to this role, Lt General Chauhan had served as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Command before retiring in May 2021. Following his retirement, he served as a Military Advisor to the National Security Council Secretariat. His elevation to the four-star rank of General upon his appointment as CDS made him the first retired officer to return to active service at this level to lead the Indian Armed Forces' tri-service integration.

Explanation

According to the 2011 Census of India, Himachal Pradesh recorded the highest percentage of Hindu population among all Indian states, with approximately 95.17 percent of its residents identifying as Hindu. This demographic statistic establishes the state as having the most significant concentration of Hindus relative to its total population in the country. The official census data identifies Himachal Pradesh as the leader in this specific religious demographic category across the Indian states.

Explanation

The characteristic pungent odour of garlic is primarily attributed to the presence of organosulphur compounds. When the tissues of a garlic bulb are damaged by cutting or crushing, an enzyme called alliinase is released. This enzyme acts on the sulphur-containing precursor alliin (C₆H₁₁NO₃S) to produce allicin (C₆H₁₀OS₂). Allicin is the specific volatile molecule that provides the immediate and potent aroma. Subsequent breakdown of these substances leads to other sulphur derivatives, such as diallyl disulphide and allyl methyl sulphide, which contribute to the lingering smell.

Explanation

Tughril Beg, also known as Tughril Khan, was the governor of Bengal appointed by Sultan Ghiyasuddin Balban. In 1279, he took advantage of Balban's advanced age and the persistent Mongol threats on the northwestern frontier to declare his independence. He assumed the royal title of Sultan Mughis-ud-din, struck coins, and had the Khutba read in his own name, effectively severing ties with the Delhi Sultanate. This act of defiance led Balban to personally lead a massive military expedition to Bengal after his previous generals failed to suppress the uprising. The rebellion ended in 1281 when Tughril was captured and executed by Balban's forces, marking one of the most significant internal challenges during Balban's reign.

Explanation

The Indian National Congress was founded in December 1885 by Allan Octavian Hume, a retired British civil servant. The organization held its inaugural session from December 28 to December 31, 1885, at Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College in Bombay. Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee was elected as the first president of the Congress, and the meeting was attended by 72 delegates representing various regions of India. The establishment of the Congress provided a common platform for Indian political leaders to discuss grievances and advocate for administrative and constitutional reforms.

Explanation

The Malegam Committee, formally known as the Sub-Committee of the Central Board of Directors of the Reserve Bank of India, was established in October 2010 under the chairmanship of Y.H. Malegam. Its objective was to examine the functioning of microfinance institutions (MFIs) following the microfinance crisis in Andhra Pradesh. In its January 2011 report, the committee recommended the creation of a dedicated regulatory category for these entities, termed Non-Banking Financial Company-Micro Finance Institution (NBFC-MFI). The committee defined specific criteria for this category, such as the requirement that at least 85 percent of the company net assets should be in the form of qualifying assets, and introduced regulations regarding interest rate caps, margin ceilings, and borrower indebtedness levels to ensure the orderly growth and transparency of the microfinance sector.

Explanation

The First Five-Year Plan (1951–1956) was based on the Harrod-Domar model, which posits that economic growth is directly determined by the level of savings and the capital-output ratio. The model is represented by the formula g = s/v, where g is the growth rate, s is the savings ratio, and v is the incremental capital-output ratio. In the post-independence era, India faced a severe shortage of capital and low productivity. This plan focused on increasing the rate of investment and mobilization of domestic savings to stimulate the economy, with a primary emphasis on the agricultural sector, irrigation, and power. The successful implementation of this model helped the country exceed its targeted growth rate during this period.

Explanation

Fundamental Duties are considered statutory in nature because while they are not directly enforceable by the courts through writs, the Parliament has the power to enforce them by enacting specific laws or statutes. The Verma Committee on Fundamental Duties (1999) identified several existing legal provisions that give effect to these duties. For example, the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act (1971) ensures the duty to respect the National Flag and Constitution is upheld, and the Wildlife (Protection) Act (1972) provides a legal framework for the duty to protect the natural environment. Furthermore, the judiciary takes Fundamental Duties into account when determining the constitutional validity of any law; if a law seeks to give effect to a Fundamental Duty, the court may consider such a law to be reasonable in relation to Articles 14 or 19.

Explanation

Dmitri Mendeleev published his first version of the periodic table in 1869. He presented his work, titled The Dependence between the Properties of the Atomic Weights of the Elements, to the Russian Chemical Society on March 6, 1869. Mendeleev arranged the 63 known elements in order of increasing atomic weights and noticed that elements with similar chemical and physical properties occurred at regular intervals, or periods. His breakthrough allowed him to predict the existence and properties of elements that had not yet been discovered by leaving gaps in his table where the atomic weights suggested an element should exist.

Explanation

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first edition of the tournament to be co-hosted by three nations: Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The United Bid was officially selected by the FIFA Congress in June 2018. This tournament is notable for expanding the number of participating teams from 32 to 48, significantly increasing the total number of matches to 104. A total of 16 cities across the three countries will serve as venues, with the majority of the matches slated to take place in the United States. Mexico becomes the first nation to have hosted or co-hosted three separate FIFA World Cups, following its previous roles in 1970 and 1986, while Canada will be hosting the men's tournament for the first time.

Explanation

Ethanoic acid, commonly known as acetic acid, has the chemical formula CH₃COOH. It is a colorless organic compound that gives vinegar its characteristic pungent smell and sour taste. Vinegar is typically an aqueous solution containing 5 percent to 8 percent ethanoic acid by volume, produced through the fermentation of ethanol by acetic acid bacteria. Because of its acidity and preservative properties, it is an essential ingredient used worldwide in kitchens for seasoning, pickling, and enhancing the flavor of various food dishes.

Explanation

Lord Dalhousie, who served as the Governor-General of India from 1848 to 1856, is credited with the systematic implementation of the Doctrine of Lapse. Under this annexation policy, any princely state under the direct or indirect control of the East India Company where the ruler died without a natural male heir would automatically be annexed by the British. This policy specifically refused to recognize the traditional right of Indian rulers to adopt an heir to inherit the throne and the state. Dalhousie used this mechanism to expand British territorial control, leading to the annexation of several prominent states including Satara in 1848, Sambalpur in 1849, Jhansi in 1853, and Nagpur in 1854. The widespread application of this doctrine caused significant discontent among the Indian royalty and was one of the primary political causes of the Revolt of 1857.

Explanation

Sonal Mansingh is a legendary figure in Indian classical dance, celebrated for her mastery of both Bharatanatyam and Odissi. While she initially trained extensively in Bharatanatyam, she later attained great proficiency in Odissi under the mentorship of maestros like Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra. Her dedication to these art forms led to her becoming the youngest recipient of the Padma Bhushan in 1992 and the first Indian woman dancer to be honored with the Padma Vibhushan in 2003. Beyond performance, she is a noted choreographer and scholar who has significantly contributed to the global promotion of Odissi's unique lyrical movements and spiritual depth.