SSC CGL Tier 1 2023 General Awareness Questions with Solutions

Explanation

Mahatma Gandhi was the sole official representative of the Indian National Congress at the Second Round Table Conference, which was held in London from September to December 1931. His participation followed the signing of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact in March 1931, which resulted in the Congress agreeing to suspend the Civil Disobedience Movement and join the constitutional discussions. During the conference, Gandhi stayed at Kingsley Hall and advocated for the Congress's position on Indian self-rule, though the proceedings were ultimately stalled by disagreements over communal representation and the rights of minorities.

Explanation

Rahul Dev Barman, popularly known as R.D. Burman, was nicknamed Pancham Da because as a child he reportedly cried in the fifth note (Pa) of the Indian musical scale. His father, Sachin Dev Barman, was known as Sachin Karta.

Explanation

Nethra Kumanan made history by becoming the first Indian woman sailor to qualify for the Olympics after competing in the Laser Radial class at the Mussanah Open Championship in 2021. The other athletes listed represent different sports, including swimming (Maana Patel), fencing (Bhavani Devi), and shooting (Manu Bhaker).

Explanation

The 35th National Games were held in the state of Kerala from January 31 to February 14, 2015, across seven different districts. Kerala hosted the event for the second time, with the Great Hornbill, named Ammu, as the official mascot.

Explanation

The Ubharte Sitaare Fund (USF) was officially launched in August 2021 by the Union Finance Minister in Lucknow to support micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) with export potential. This alternative investment fund was jointly sponsored by the Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) and the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI). The primary objective of the fund is to identify and provide financial and advisory support to Indian companies that are currently underperforming or facing challenges but possess high growth potential and niche capabilities in the global market. By providing a mix of equity and debt-like instruments, the fund aims to help these companies scale their operations and enhance their competitiveness in international trade.

Explanation

Bangladesh is widely known as a land of rivers, and according to official sources like Banglapedia and general geography texts, the country has approximately 700 rivers including their tributaries and distributaries. This figure is the standard statistical data used in academic and competitive exams.

Explanation

Kalasam is a pure dance (nritta) sequence in Kathakali that is performed at the end of a verse or during transitions to mark the rhythmic structure. It involves vigorous movements and serves as a decorative link between the narrative portions of the performance.

Explanation

Annie Besant was a prominent leader of the Theosophical Society, an organization founded to promote universal brotherhood and the study of ancient religions, philosophies, and sciences. After arriving in India in 1893, she became a leading figure in the movement to revive interest in India's cultural and spiritual heritage. Through the Theosophical Society, Besant worked extensively to promote the study of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain doctrines, believing that the wisdom found in ancient Indian texts was essential for the country's national awakening. She translated various Sanskrit works, including the Bhagavad Gita, and founded the Central Hindu College at Benares to provide an education rooted in traditional Indian religious and philosophical values.

Explanation

The Delhi High Court heard a batch of petitions in early 2022 challenging the constitutionality of Exception 2 to Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code. This specific provision, known as the marital rape exception, states that sexual intercourse by a man with his own wife, provided she is over 18 years of age, does not constitute the offence of rape. The petitioners argued that this exception is unconstitutional as it violates a woman's fundamental rights to equality, dignity, and bodily autonomy guaranteed under Articles 14, 15, and 21 of the Indian Constitution. After extensive hearings involving various stakeholders and amicus curiae, the division bench of the Delhi High Court reserved its verdict on 21 February 2022.

Explanation

Meandrina is the scientific genus name for Brain coral, which belongs to the phylum Cnidaria (Coelenterata). Other common names in this group include Gorgonia for Sea-fan and Adamsia or Metridium for Sea anemone.

Explanation

According to Article 317 of the Constitution of India, although the Chairman of a State Public Service Commission is appointed by the Governor, they can only be removed from office by the President. This removal happens on grounds of misbehaviour after an inquiry by the Supreme Court or on grounds of insolvency or infirmity.

Explanation

Goods and Service Tax (GST) is an indirect tax because it is levied on the consumption of goods and services rather than directly on the income or wealth of an individual. In this system, the tax burden is passed from the seller to the final consumer.

Explanation

Moist Tropical Semi-Evergreen Vegetation is predominantly found in regions characterized by high annual rainfall, typically between 200 cm and 250 cm, and a short dry season. The plateau of Meghalaya, the Sahyadri (Western Ghats), and the central and southern islands of the Nicobar group all experience heavy precipitation due to the southwest monsoon and their respective geographical positions. These forests act as a transition zone between tropical evergreen and moist deciduous forests. The consistent humidity and warm temperatures in these areas allow for a dense canopy consisting of a mixture of evergreen species and those that may briefly shed their leaves. In the Sahyadri and Meghalaya, the orographic effect leads to significant moisture retention, while the maritime influence in the Nicobar Islands ensures a humid environment conducive to the growth of these lush, diverse forest ecosystems.

Explanation

The first passenger train in India was flagged off on April 16, 1853, marking the formal birth of rail transport in the country. This historic journey took place between Bori Bunder station in Bombay and Thane, covering a distance of approximately 34 kilometers (21 miles). The train consisted of 14 carriages and was hauled by three steam locomotives named Sahib, Sindh, and Sultan. The project was managed by the Great Indian Peninsula Railway (GIPR). The train carried 400 invited guests and completed the trip in about 57 minutes, establishing a critical transport link that facilitated the movement of goods and people during the British colonial era and laid the foundation for the extensive Indian Railways network.

Explanation

Sulphur hexafluoride is a synthetic gas with an extremely stable molecular structure and is recognized as the most potent greenhouse gas, with a global warming potential approximately 23,500 times that of carbon dioxide. Calcium fluoride and sodium monofluorophosphate are solid salts, and hydrogen fluoride is not a primary greenhouse gas.

Explanation

In the Vijayanagara Empire, the local merchant communities involved in the trade of horses were known as Kudirai Chettis. The term Kudirai translates to horse in Tamil, reflecting their specialized role in the economy. Warfare in this period depended heavily on effective cavalry, necessitating the import of high-quality horses from Arabia and Central Asia. These merchants acted as key intermediaries in this strategic trade, which was highly encouraged and protected by the state. Their influence grew as they facilitated the movement of essential military assets, making them a prominent group within the commercial and social hierarchy of the empire.

Explanation

Article 22 of the Indian Constitution provides protection against arrest and detention, explicitly stating that an arrested person shall not be denied the right to consult and be defended by a legal practitioner of their choice. Articles 23, 24, and 25 deal with the prohibition of forced labor, child labor, and freedom of religion respectively.

Explanation

The Arthashastra is an ancient Indian treatise on statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy traditionally attributed to Chanakya, who is also known by the names Kautilya and Vishnu Gupta. He was the prime minister and mentor to the first Mauryan Emperor, Chandragupta Maurya.

Explanation

Blossom showers are pre-monsoon rains that occur in Karnataka and help in the flowering of coffee plants. These showers are specifically associated with the coffee-growing regions of the state, unlike the Loo which is a hot wind in North India.

Explanation

India attained independence from British rule on August 15, 1947, which is officially counted as the 1st Independence Day. To determine the ordinal number of any Independence Day, the formula used is (Current Year - 1947) + 1. Applying this to the year 2022, the calculation is (2022 - 1947) + 1 = 76. While the government celebrated the completion of 75 years of freedom through the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav campaign, the actual event held on August 15, 2022, was the 76th Independence Day.

Explanation

Tila, Seti, and Bheri are major tributaries of the Karnali River system in Nepal, which is known as the Ghaghara River once it enters India. These rivers originate in the Himalayan region and eventually join the main Ghaghara course.

Explanation

The 36th National Games of India were hosted by the state of Gujarat from September 29 to October 12, 2022. This edition of the multi-sport event was held across six cities in the state: Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot, and Bhavnagar. The games featured 36 sports and were inaugurated by the Prime Minister at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The official mascot for the event was Savaj, which represents the Asiatic lion found in the Gir Forest of Gujarat, and the theme was Celebrating Unity Through Sports.

Explanation

Aparna Satheesan, a globally acclaimed classical dancer and choreographer, was honored with the National Nritya Shiromani Award 2022 for her exceptional contributions to the Kuchipudi dance form. The award was presented to her at the 13th Cuttack Mahotsav, an international dance and music festival organized by the Utkal Yuva Sanskrutik Sangh in Odisha. Satheesan is recognized for her mastery of Kuchipudi, a classical dance that originated in Andhra Pradesh, and her work in promoting Indian traditional arts on international platforms. This prestigious award serves to recognize top-tier performers who have demonstrated excellence and dedication to the preservation of Indian classical heritage.

Explanation

The Godavari river bifurcates into two main distributaries at Dowleswaram, near Rajahmundry, known as the Gautami Godavari and the Vasishta Godavari. The Gautami branch is the eastern distributary that flows through the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh and passes directly through the Yanam enclave of the Union Territory of Puducherry. Yanam is situated on the northern bank of the Gautami Godavari at the point where the river completes its course and empties into the Bay of Bengal. This branch is a vital geographical feature of the region, providing the primary water source and defining the landscape of the enclave.

Explanation

The National Multidimensional Poverty Index (NMPI) Baseline Report 2021, published by NITI Aayog, was the first national index of its kind for India. This report utilized data from the fourth round of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4), which was conducted between 2015 and 2016. The index measures poverty across three equally weighted dimensions—Health, Education, and Standard of Living—which are further represented by twelve indicators. According to the findings in this baseline report, the national headcount ratio of multidimensionally poor people was 25.01 percent. When analyzed by geographical regions, the report determined that 8.81 percent of the population in urban areas was identified as multidimensionally poor, while the corresponding figure for rural areas was significantly higher at 32.75 percent.

Explanation

Yamini Krishnamurthy is an iconic exponent of Indian classical dance, celebrated for her exceptional skill in both Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi. Having received formal training in Bharatanatyam at Kalakshetra, she later mastered Kuchipudi and is credited with bringing this Andhra Pradesh-origin dance form to global prominence. Her performances are noted for their technical perfection and expressive power. Throughout her distinguished career, she has been a recipient of India's highest civilian honors, including the Padma Shri in 1968, the Padma Bhushan in 2001, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2016. She also served as the Asthana Nartaki of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam, further cementing her status as a legendary figure in the revival and promotion of classical Indian dance traditions.

Explanation

The First Five-Year Plan of India was launched for the duration of 1951 to 1956. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, the plan was presented to the Parliament in 1951 with a primary focus on the development of the primary sector, particularly agriculture and irrigation. Following the standard fiscal year cycle of the Government of India, the plan officially came into effect on 1 April 1951. It was based on the Harrod-Domar model and aimed at increasing the national income and improving the living standards of the people through strategic state-led investment.

Explanation

Padma Subrahmanyam is an eminent Bharatanatyam dancer, scholar, and choreographer who is widely recognized for her pioneering research into the Natya Shastra. She is particularly famous for her revival of the 108 Karanas—the fundamental units of movement in Indian classical dance—which she successfully integrated into a style she terms Bharata Nrityam. Over her distinguished career, she has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Padma Bhushan and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, for her contributions as a performer, musicologist, and educator in the field of classical dance.

Explanation

The Finance Commission is a constitutional body established by the President of India under Article 280 of the Constitution. Article 280(1) specifically stipulates that the Commission shall consist of a Chairman and four other members, all of whom are appointed by the President. The qualifications and the process for selecting these five individuals are defined by Parliament under the Finance Commission (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1951. Typically, the Chairman is a person with significant experience in public affairs, while the other four members are experts drawn from fields such as economics, government accounts, or law. This multi-member structure ensures that the Commission possesses the necessary expertise to evaluate the complex fiscal relations and the distribution of tax proceeds between the Union and the States.

Explanation

The West Bengal government launched the Paray Shikshalaya (Neighborhood School) scheme in February 2022 to provide open-air classroom sessions for students from pre-primary level to Class 7. This initiative was introduced to address the learning gap caused by the prolonged closure of schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under this program, primary school teachers and Para-teachers conducted classes in open spaces like parks, community centers, or playgrounds within the neighborhood. The scheme focused on providing foundational education, midday meals, and cultural activities in a safe, ventilated environment to reintegrate young children into the formal education system.

Explanation

Swami Vivekananda represented India and Hinduism at the first World's Parliament of Religions, which was held in Chicago in September 1893. This historic event took place at the Permanent Memorial Art Palace, now known as the Art Institute of Chicago, as part of the World's Columbian Exposition. His opening address on September 11, where he addressed the audience as Sisters and brothers of America, earned him a standing ovation and established him as a key figure in the introduction of Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world. Through his speeches at the parliament, he emphasized the message of universal tolerance and the underlying unity of all religions.

Explanation

Silver, known by its Latin name Argentum, primarily exhibits two oxidation states in its chemical compounds. Following the classical system of nomenclature, the suffix -ous is used for the lower oxidation state and the suffix -ic is used for the higher oxidation state. In the case of silver, the argentous ion corresponds to Ag⁺ with a valency of +1, while the argentic ion corresponds to Ag²⁺ with a valency of +2. This higher oxidation state is found in specific compounds such as silver(II) fluoride (AgF₂) and silver(II) oxide (AgO).

Explanation

Joe Hin Tjio and Albert Levan published their definitive findings in 1956 in the journal Hereditas. Utilizing improved techniques such as the use of hypotonic solutions to swell cells and colchicine to arrest mitosis, they were able to clearly visualize and count the human chromosome complement. Their research, conducted at the Institute of Genetics in Lund, Sweden, established that the diploid number of human chromosomes is 2n = 46, correcting the previous scientific consensus of 48 that had been accepted since 1923. This discovery laid the fundamental groundwork for modern clinical cytogenetics and the study of chromosomal disorders.

Explanation

The Modhera Dance Festival, also known as the Uttarardh Mahotsav, is an annual three-day cultural event organized by the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat and the Department of Youth and Cultural Affairs in the Mehsana district. The festival is held at the site of the Sun Temple in Modhera, a masterpiece of temple architecture built during the reign of King Bhima I of the Chalukya (Solanki) dynasty in the 11th century. Scheduled during the third week of January after the festival of Uttarayan, the event showcases various classical Indian dance forms. The temple's grand pillars and intricate carvings provide a historic backdrop for these performances, which aim to preserve and promote traditional Indian performing arts while celebrating the geographical phenomenon of the sun's northern movement.

Explanation

In 1995, Eric Cornell and Carl Wieman led a research team at the Joint Institute for Laboratory Astrophysics (JILA) in Boulder, Colorado, where they successfully created the first Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC). Using a combination of laser cooling and evaporative cooling, they cooled a dilute gas of rubidium-87 atoms to a temperature of approximately 170 nanokelvins. At this extreme temperature, the atoms lost their individual identity and merged into a single macroscopic quantum state, confirming the theoretical predictions made by Satyendra Nath Bose and Albert Einstein in the 1920s. For this landmark achievement in atomic physics, Carl Wieman was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2001, sharing the honor with Eric Cornell and Wolfgang Ketterle.

Explanation

Allauddin Khan, also known as Baba Allauddin Khan, was a legendary multi-instrumentalist and a cornerstone of Hindustani classical music in the 20th century. He is fundamentally associated with the Sarod and is the founder of the prestigious Maihar Gharana. Khan is credited with refining the structure of the modern Sarod, which allowed for a wider range of expression and improved tonal clarity. His mastery of the instrument and his pedagogical contributions transformed the way the Sarod is played and taught, establishing a lineage of eminent musicians who continue his musical legacy.

Explanation

The 2022 Commonwealth Games, officially known as the XXII Commonwealth Games and commonly referred to as Birmingham 2022, took place in Birmingham, England. The multi-sport event officially began with the opening ceremony on 28 July 2022 and concluded on 8 August 2022. Featuring athletes from 72 nations and territories of the Commonwealth, the games consisted of 280 events across 19 different sports. This marked the third time that England hosted the Commonwealth Games, following previous editions in London in 1934 and Manchester in 2002. The competition was primarily centered around the Alexander Stadium, which served as the venue for both the opening and closing ceremonies as well as the athletics events.

Explanation

The 42nd Amendment Act, 1976, significantly expanded the scope of the Directive Principles of State Policy by incorporating four new provisions. Article 39 was modified to include a directive for securing opportunities for the healthy development of children. Article 39A was introduced to promote equal justice and provide free legal aid to the poor, ensuring that justice is not denied to any citizen due to economic or other disabilities. Article 43A was added to mandate the State to take steps to secure the participation of workers in the management of industries. Finally, Article 48A was inserted to obligate the State to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country. These additions reflected the socialist and environmental priorities of the government during that period.

Explanation

The density of seawater is determined by its temperature and salinity. Salinity is the concentration of dissolved salts in the water; higher salt content increases the mass of the water without significantly increasing its volume, thereby increasing its density. In a fluid system, layers arrange themselves according to density under the influence of gravity, with less dense fluids floating atop denser ones. Because lower salinity water is less dense than higher salinity water, it naturally rests in the upper layer. This vertical stratification is a common feature in oceans and estuaries, where freshwater runoff or ice melt creates a less saline surface layer above the denser, more saline deep-sea water.

Explanation

Dadabhai Naoroji presided over the 1906 session of the Indian National Congress held in Calcutta. In his presidential address, he formally declared that the ultimate goal of the Indian National Congress was Swaraj or self-government, modeled after the self-governing colonies of the British Empire like Canada and Australia. This session was a landmark in the Indian national movement as it adopted four important resolutions: Swaraj, Swadeshi, Boycott, and National Education. The declaration of Swaraj served as a unifying objective for both the Moderate and Extremist factions of the Congress during the period of intense political unrest following the Partition of Bengal in 1905.

Explanation

Proteins are referred to as bodybuilding foods because they are the essential building blocks required for the growth, development, and repair of the human body. They are composed of amino acids, which are necessary for the formation and maintenance of muscles, tissues, skin, and organs. When the body undergoes physical growth during childhood or adolescence, or when it needs to repair damaged tissues after an injury, proteins provide the necessary material to synthesize new cells. Additionally, proteins are vital for the production of enzymes and hormones that regulate various bodily functions, making them indispensable for maintaining the structural integrity and physiological health of the organism.

Explanation

Chandragupta II established a strategic matrimonial alliance with the Vakataka dynasty of the Deccan to strengthen his empire's political influence and secure military support. He married his daughter, Prabhavatigupta, to the Vakataka king Rudrasena II. This alliance was diplomatically significant as it provided Chandragupta II with a secure southern frontier and a powerful ally during his military campaigns against the Shakas (Western Kshatrapas) in Malwa and Gujarat. Following the early death of Rudrasena II, Prabhavatigupta acted as a regent for her minor sons, during which time the Vakataka kingdom was heavily influenced by Gupta administrative practices and personnel, further cementing the direct relationship between the two royal houses.

Explanation

The National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF), which serves as India's first sovereign wealth fund, was officially announced in the Union Budget 2015-16 by the Finance Minister. It was established to catalyze investment in the infrastructure sector by providing long-term capital to commercially viable projects, including greenfield, brownfield, and stalled projects. The fund was designed as a collaborative investment platform between the Government of India and international institutional investors, such as sovereign wealth funds and pension funds. Under the initial framework, the government intended to hold a 49 percent stake in the fund to ensure its commercial autonomy while providing sovereign backing. Registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) as a Category II Alternative Investment Fund, the NIIF manages multiple investment vehicles, including the Master Fund, the Fund of Funds, and the Strategic Opportunities Fund.

Explanation

The SHRESHTA (Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas) scheme was launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in June 2022. It aims to provide quality education and opportunities for meritorious students from Scheduled Castes (SC) who lack access to high-quality high school education. The scheme facilitates the admission of these students into reputed private residential schools across the country. It covers the entire cost of school fees and residential charges for selected students from class 9 to class 12. Selection is based on the National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA (NETS), conducted by the National Testing Agency, targeting students whose parental annual income is up to 2.5 lakh rupees.

Explanation

Krishnadeva Raya, the pre-eminent ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire, authored the Telugu epic Amuktamalyada during the early 16th century. While the primary narrative of the poem describes the life and devotion of the Alwar saint Andal, it is highly regarded for its fourth canto, which serves as a treatise on Rajaniti or statecraft. In this section, the king outlines practical advice on governance, including the management of the treasury, the importance of public welfare, the recruitment of competent ministers, and the strategic maintenance of the military and internal security. This combination of religious poetry and administrative theory provides deep insights into the political philosophy and imperial ideology of the Tuluva dynasty.

Explanation

Chamba district in Himachal Pradesh earned the distinction of becoming the 100th Har Ghar Jal district in India in February 2022. This milestone was achieved under the Jal Jeevan Mission, a flagship program of the Government of India launched in August 2019, which aims to provide safe and adequate drinking water through individual household tap connections to all rural households by 2024. Chamba is notably an Aspirational District, and overcoming its difficult mountainous terrain to ensure 100 percent tap water coverage marked a significant success for the mission in improving the quality of life for rural communities in high-altitude regions.

Explanation

In the framework of monetary aggregates used by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), M₃ is formally designated as Aggregate Monetary Resources, also commonly referred to as Broad Money. It represents a comprehensive measure of the total money supply in the economy. The mathematical representation is:

M₃ = M₁ + Net time deposits of commercial banks

In this equation, M₁ includes currency in circulation (notes and coins) held by the public, demand deposits with the banking system, and other deposits with the RBI. By incorporating net time deposits, which are deposits held for a fixed term and are less liquid than demand deposits, M₃ reflects the total volume of monetary assets that can potentially influence aggregate demand and price levels in the economy. This measure is a critical indicator for central banks when formulating monetary policy and assessing the overall liquidity available in the financial system.

Explanation

A standard chessboard consists of an 8 by 8 grid containing 64 squares of alternating colors. In the official rules of chess and international competition standards, these squares are fundamentally categorized as white for the light-colored squares and black for the dark-colored squares. This terminology is used universally in chess notation and literature to define the movement of pieces, such as bishops being restricted to squares of a single color, and to ensure the correct orientation of the board, where the bottom-right corner square must always be a white square.

Explanation

In the case of Laxmibai Chandaragi v. The State of Karnataka, decided in February 2021, the Supreme Court of India reaffirmed that the right of an adult woman and man to marry a person of their choice is a fundamental right guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution. The Court observed that once two adults give their consent to marry, no third party, including the family, has the right to interfere or provide consent. The judgment emphasized that the choice of an individual is an inextricable part of dignity and that the social values of a community or family cannot override the constitutional rights of individuals. The bench directed that the police should handle such cases with sensitivity and should not harass the couple under the pretext of investigating missing person complaints filed by parents.

Explanation

Ethylene, represented by the chemical formula C₂H₄, is historically referred to as olefiant gas. The name is derived from the French term gaz oléfiant, meaning oil-making gas, because ethylene reacts with halogens such as chlorine to produce oily liquids like 1,2-dichloroethane, which was originally known as Dutch liquid. As the simplest alkene, ethylene is a highly reactive and versatile hydrocarbon used extensively in the chemical industry. It serves as a primary feedstock for the production of various industrial chemicals, including ethylene oxide for surfactants and ethylene glycol, which is essential for manufacturing antifreeze and refrigerants. Additionally, ethylene has significant historical use as an inhalation anesthetic and remains a critical component in the synthesis of polymers, plastics, and various synthetic organic compounds.