SSC CGL Tier 1 2023 General Awareness Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The Mahi river is an independent, west-flowing river that originates in the western Vindhya Range, specifically in the Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh. It flows through the states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat before emptying into the Gulf of Khambhat in the Arabian Sea. It is geologically and geographically distinct from the Godavari river system, which is an east-flowing river draining into the Bay of Bengal. A unique geographic feature of the Mahi river is that it crosses the Tropic of Cancer twice during its course. Since it belongs to a different drainage basin on the western side of the Indian peninsula, it is not a tributary of the Godavari.

Explanation

The date 26 January holds immense historical significance because it was on this day in 1930 that the Indian National Congress proclaimed Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence). This decision followed the Lahore Session of 1929, chaired by Jawaharlal Nehru, where the Congress passed a resolution to fight for total independence rather than dominion status. Following the 1930 proclamation, 26 January was celebrated annually as Independence Day during the struggle against British rule. When the Constitution was ready for implementation in 1949, the framers chose to wait until 26 January 1950 to formally transition India into a Republic, thereby institutionalizing the legacy of the Purna Swaraj declaration.

Explanation

Under the land revenue system established during Akbar's reign, land was classified according to the frequency and continuity of its cultivation to ensure a fair assessment of tax. Chachar was the specific designation for land that had been left uncultivated for a period of three or four years. This fallow period was necessary for the soil to recover its organic strength and productivity. Once such land was brought back under the plow, the state applied a graduated revenue demand, often starting with a lower rate that increased over time as the land returned to a state of regular cultivation.

Explanation

The Atal Pension Yojana (APY) is a government-backed pension scheme launched in 2015 to provide social security to workers in the unorganized sector. The eligibility criteria for joining the scheme require the subscriber to be an Indian citizen between the ages of 18 and 40 years. This specific age bracket is mandated because the scheme requires a minimum contribution period of at least 20 years before the subscriber reaches the retirement age of 60. By capping the entry age at 40, the government ensures that every participant has sufficient time to build the pension corpus required to receive the guaranteed monthly pension amounts, which range from Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 5,000 depending on the contribution level.

Explanation

Dr. Dilbagh Singh Athwal was a renowned geneticist and plant breeder who played a monumental role in the success of the Green Revolution in India. He is specifically credited with the development of the first high-yielding dwarf wheat varieties in the country. In 1961, while working at the Punjab Agricultural University, he developed PV 18 and later Kalyan Sona, which were high-yielding semi-dwarf wheat strains that significantly increased agricultural output and helped India achieve food security. His pioneering research and development of these superior seeds earned him the title of the Father of Wheat Revolution. Beyond his work in India, he also served as the Associate Director of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and made substantial contributions to global agricultural science.

Explanation

In macroeconomics, a flow variable is defined as a magnitude that is measured over a specific period of time, such as a month, a quarter, or a year. This distinguishes it from a stock variable, which is measured at a particular point in time.

Production of rice (i) is a flow variable because it represents the total output generated during a specific time interval, such as a cropping season or a financial year. Import of cloth (ii) is also a flow variable as it measures the value or volume of goods entering a country over a duration, like annual or monthly imports. Change in capital (iii) represents the net addition to the capital stock over a period, commonly known as investment. While capital itself is a stock variable measured at a fixed point in time, the change in that capital stock, denoted as Δ K, must be measured over a period of time, making it a flow variable.

Explanation

Chhau is a traditional dance form originating from eastern India, and it is categorized into three distinct regional styles named after the locations where they are performed. These are Seraikella Chhau from Jharkhand, Mayurbhanj Chhau from Odisha, and Purulia Chhau from West Bengal. While the Seraikella and Purulia styles utilize elaborate masks to represent characters from mythology and nature, the Mayurbhanj style is performed without masks. This dance form blends martial arts, acrobatics, and storytelling, and it was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010.

Explanation

The Badminton World Federation (BWF) officially awarded the hosting rights for the 2023 BWF Para-Badminton World Championships to Thailand. This premier global event was held in Pattaya and represents the highest level of competition in the sport outside of the Paralympic Games. The championship serves as a critical platform for world-class para-athletes to compete for world titles across various physical classifications in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. Thailand's selection as the host nation highlighted its capability to provide accessible, high-quality sporting infrastructure and its significant role in the international para-badminton circuit, especially as the event contributed crucial ranking points for qualification toward the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

Explanation

Lala Lajpat Rai led a peaceful protest in Lahore on October 30, 1928, against the Simon Commission, which was an all-white body appointed to suggest constitutional reforms for India. Protesters waved black flags and chanted the slogan Simon Go Back to show their disapproval of the Commission's lack of Indian members. During this demonstration, the police conducted a brutal lathi charge on the orders of Superintendent James A. Scott. Lala Lajpat Rai was severely injured by the police blows and famously remarked that every blow aimed at him would be a nail in the coffin of the British Empire. He never fully recovered from these physical injuries and passed away on November 17, 1928.

Explanation

Kwashiorkor is a severe form of protein-energy malnutrition specifically caused by a deficiency of protein in the diet, whereas fat or overall calorie intake might be relatively sufficient. It is characterized by edema, an enlarged liver, and thinning hair. Because protein is essential for the growth and repair of body tissues, a severe lack during early childhood leads to significant growth failure. The damage to the body and brain during these critical developmental years often results in irreversible physical stunting and permanent cognitive impairments, meaning affected children may never reach their full developmental potential. Thus, the condition is defined by its protein-related etiology and its lasting impact on a child's height and maturation.

Explanation

John Newlands propounded the Law of Octaves in 1865 in a paper published in the journal Chemical News. He arranged the known elements in the order of their increasing atomic weights and discovered that every eighth element exhibited properties similar to those of the first. He compared this pattern to the octaves found in music, where the eighth note repeats the character of the first. This classification system represented a crucial milestone in the history of chemistry as it established the concept of periodicity, showing that the chemical and physical properties of elements are periodic functions of their atomic weights.

Explanation

Part III of the Indian Constitution, comprising Articles 12 to 35, enshrines the Fundamental Rights. These rights are often referred to as the Magna Carta of India because they provide a comprehensive list of justiciable civil liberties. They are designed to protect the individual from the arbitrary exercise of state power and are essential for the material and moral development of every citizen. These rights include the Right to Equality, Right to Freedom, Right against Exploitation, Right to Freedom of Religion, Cultural and Educational Rights, and the Right to Constitutional Remedies. Under Article 32, the Supreme Court is empowered to issue writs for the enforcement of these rights, making them legally binding and enforceable in a court of law.

Explanation

The FTX Crypto Cup is a premier chess tournament that serves as a major component of the Meltwater Champions Chess Tour. It features the worlds top grandmasters competing in a rapid chess format. The tournament gained significant international attention during its 2022 edition when the young Indian Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa defeated the world champion Magnus Carlsen in the final round of the event held in Miami. As a high-profile stop on the professional chess circuit, the event is known for integrating cryptocurrency themes and significant prize funds into the global competitive chess landscape.

Explanation

CV Raju, a traditional craftsman from the Etikoppaka village in Andhra Pradesh, was awarded the Padma Shri in 2023 in the field of Art. He is widely recognized for his pioneering role in reviving the heritage craft of Etikoppaka lacquerware toys, which had been in decline due to the use of synthetic colors. Raju introduced innovative and eco-friendly technologies by developing natural dyes derived from roots, barks, seeds, and leaves. By ensuring the toys are non-toxic and safe for children, he restored the market viability of this traditional art form. His efforts led to Etikoppaka toys receiving the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, preserving the livelihoods of local artisans while promoting sustainable and environment-friendly manufacturing practices.

Explanation

Under Article 280 of the Constitution of India, the Finance Commission is established by the President of India every five years or at such earlier time as the President considers necessary. According to Article 280(3), it is the constitutional duty of the Commission to make recommendations to the President regarding the distribution of the net proceeds of taxes between the Union and the States, the principles governing grants-in-aid to the States, and any other matter referred to it by the President in the interests of sound finance. Furthermore, Article 281 mandates that the President shall cause every recommendation made by the Finance Commission to be laid before each House of Parliament along with an explanatory memorandum as to the action taken thereon.

Explanation

The bacterial cell envelope is a complex, multi-layered structure where the glycocalyx forms the outermost coating. The composition and thickness of this glycocalyx vary significantly among different bacteria. When the glycocalyx is organized as a loose, diffuse sheath that can be easily washed away, it is specifically termed a slime layer. This structure primarily functions to protect the bacterial cell from water loss and the depletion of essential nutrients.

Explanation

Aditi Mangal Das is a prominent Indian classical dancer and choreographer who is widely recognized as a leading exponent of Kathak. A former student of legendary gurus such as Shrimati Kumudini Lakhia and Pandit Birju Maharaj, she is known for her technical brilliance and her ability to weave traditional Lucknow Gharana nuances with contemporary sensibilities. In 2022, she was conferred the 28th Mahari Award by the Guru Pankaj Charan Das Odissi Research Foundation. Although the Mahari Award is traditionally associated with the temple dance traditions of Odisha, it is also bestowed upon exceptional artists from other classical dance forms to honor their lifetime contribution and excellence in Indian classical dance, specifically recognizing her mastery over Kathak.

Explanation

The North-South Corridor is a flagship infrastructure project under the National Highways Development Project (NHDP), managed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). It is designed to provide a high-capacity road link between the northern and southern extremities of the country. The corridor begins at Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir and extends to Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu. Spanning approximately 4,000 kilometers, this corridor largely follows National Highway 44 (NH 44), which is the longest national highway in India. It serves as a vital artery for trade and transportation, integrating the diverse geographical regions of India from the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean.

Explanation

Mahatma Gandhi issued the famous Do or Die slogan on August 8, 1942, during his speech at the Gowalia Tank Maidan in Bombay. This occurred at the All India Congress Committee session where the Quit India Resolution was passed. Gandhi intended the slogan to inspire every Indian to participate in a final struggle for independence, asserting that they should either free the nation from British colonial rule or perish in the attempt. The call marked a significant shift towards a more defiant stance in the Indian independence movement, demanding an immediate end to British authority in India.

Explanation

The period from June to September corresponds to the South-West monsoon season, which is the primary source of rainfall for the Indian subcontinent. During the summer, the landmass of Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent heats up significantly, creating a low-pressure zone. In contrast, the surrounding oceans remain relatively cooler, maintaining higher pressure. This pressure gradient causes moisture-rich winds to blow from the high-pressure area over the southern Indian Ocean toward the low-pressure center over India. As these winds cross the equator, the Coriolis force deflects them to the right, directing them from the southwest toward the northeast. These winds pick up enormous amounts of moisture while traveling over the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, resulting in widespread precipitation across most of India as they hit the mountain ranges and rise.

Explanation

Pandit Kumar Gandharva was born as Shivaputra Siddharamayya Komkalimath in 1924 at Sulebhavi near Belgaum, Karnataka. He was a child prodigy who displayed extraordinary musical talent from a very young age. Recognizing his gifted voice and ability to replicate complex ragas, the head of the local Lingayat Math conferred the title Kumar Gandharva upon him when he was only a child. He eventually became a legendary figure in Hindustani classical music, known for his unique vocal style and his significant contribution in bringing folk traditions, such as the Nirgun bhajans of Kabir, into the classical fold.

Explanation

The Planning Commission of India, based on the recommendations of the Suresh Tendulkar Committee, estimated the national poverty lines for the year 2011-12. According to this methodology, the poverty line was defined in terms of Monthly Per Capita Consumption Expenditure (MPCE). For urban areas, the poverty line was set at ₹1,000 per capita per month, which equates to approximately ₹33 per day. For rural areas, the corresponding figure was ₹816 per capita per month. These estimates were derived using the consumer expenditure data from the 68th round of the National Sample Survey (2011-12) to reflect the cost of living and essential requirements including food, education, and health.

Explanation

Kosala was one of the sixteen Mahajanapadas that existed in ancient India during the 6th century BCE. It was geographically located in the region of Awadh, which constitutes a major part of modern-day Uttar Pradesh. The territory of Kosala was bounded by the Himalayas to the north, the river Ganges to the south, and the river Gandak to the east. Historically, it was divided into Northern Kosala with its capital at Shravasti and Southern Kosala with its capital at Kushavati. The kingdom included famous urban centers such as Ayodhya and Saketa. It played a significant role in the life of Gautama Buddha, as King Prasenajit of Kosala was a prominent disciple and contemporary of the Buddha. The eventual annexation of Kosala by the Magadhan Empire unified this region under a single administrative entity.

Explanation

Article 141 of the Indian Constitution explicitly states that the law declared by the Supreme Court shall be binding on all courts within the territory of India. Article 142 pertains to the enforcement of decrees and orders for complete justice, while Article 145 deals with the rules of the court.

Explanation

Ghiyas ud din Balban introduced the Persian customs of Sijda and Paibos to establish the absolute authority of the Sultan and restore the prestige of the monarchy. These practices required nobles to prostrate before the king and kiss his feet as a mark of submission.

Explanation

Someity was the official mascot of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Although option D contains a typographical error (using paralysis instead of Paralympics), it identifies the correct event.

Explanation

Pandit Kishan Maharaj was a legendary maestro of the Benares Gharana of percussion, specifically renowned for his mastery of the tabla. Born in 1923 into a family of traditional musicians in Varanasi, he was trained by his father, Pandit Hari Maharaj, and later by his uncle, Pandit Kanthe Maharaj. He was celebrated for his command over the complex rhythmic patterns and the powerful, resonant strokes that define the Benares style. His versatility allowed him to excel both as a solo performer and as an accompanist to the most prominent vocalists and instrumentalists of the 20th century. For his immense contributions to Indian classical music, he was honored with the Padma Shri in 1973 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2002.

Explanation

Xenon (Xe) is the final element of the fifth period in the periodic table, possessing the atomic number 54. In the modern periodic table, a period concludes when the p subshell of the corresponding principal energy level is fully occupied. The fifth period specifically involves the filling of the 5s, 4d, and 5p orbitals. This sequence ends at xenon, which achieves a stable noble gas configuration of [Kr] 4d¹⁰ 5s² 5p⁶. As a member of Group 18, xenon exhibits the characteristic chemical stability of noble gases due to its complete valence shell octet.

Explanation

Wular Lake, situated in the Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir, is the largest freshwater lake in India and one of the largest in Asia. It is a tectonic lake, meaning it was formed by the movement of the earth's crust. The lake is primarily fed by the Jhelum River. Its surface area is highly variable depending on the season, typically ranging from about 30 square kilometers to 260 square kilometers. Due to its ecological importance as a wetland habitat for migratory birds and its role in the local economy through fishing, it was designated as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention in 1990.

Explanation

Article 25 of the Indian Constitution guarantees the freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate religion. It is the first of the four articles (25-28) that constitute the Fundamental Right to Freedom of Religion.

Explanation

The Ten Degree Channel is the water body that separates the Andaman Islands in the north from the Nicobar Islands in the south. It is named after the 10°N latitude line across which it lies. This channel is roughly 150 kilometers wide and specifically separates Little Andaman from Car Nicobar. It serves as a major geographical divider within the Bay of Bengal, separating the two distinct island groups that form the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Explanation

The first G-20 International Financial Architecture Working Group meeting took place in Chandigarh on January 30-31, 2023, and was inaugurated by Union Ministers Narendra Singh Tomar and Pashupati Kumar Paras. Other cities listed like Bhubaneswar and Mumbai hosted different G-20 working group meetings during India's presidency.

Explanation

Ashoka conquered Kalinga in the eighth year of his coronation, approximately in 261 BCE, as recorded in his Major Rock Edict XIII. This was a significant turning point in his life, leading him to renounce war and embrace the path of Dhamma.

Explanation

A straight drive is a classical batting stroke in cricket where the batsman hits the ball straight down the ground past the bowler. While the term drive is used in other sports, straight drive is specifically iconic to the game of cricket.

Explanation

Benzaldehyde, represented by the chemical formula C₆H₅CHO, is the simplest aromatic aldehyde and is primary component of bitter almond oil. It possesses a distinct, pleasant odor resembling that of almonds, which makes it a vital flavoring agent in the food industry. It is extracted from natural sources like apricot, cherry, and peach seeds or synthesized for industrial use to provide almond fragrance and taste to various commercial products, including marzipan, chocolate, and various baked goods. In addition to its role as a food additive, it serves as a precursor to many other organic compounds in pharmaceutical and plastic manufacturing.

Explanation

Helicase unwinds the DNA double helix, RNA primase synthesizes the RNA primer, DNA polymerase is responsible for nucleotide polymerization, and DNA ligase joins the DNA fragments together. Matching these roles correctly leads to the sequence i-d, ii-c, iii-b, and iv-a.

Explanation

The PL 480 scheme, also known as the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 or Food for Peace, was a program of the United States (USA) that provided food aid to India during the mid-20th century. India relied heavily on these wheat imports to manage severe food shortages before the success of the Green Revolution.

Explanation

Cucumber is a typical Zaid crop grown during the short summer season between the Rabi and Kharif harvests, typically from March to June. Other crops in this category include watermelon, muskmelon, and various vegetables, whereas Jowar, Bajra, and Maize are primarily Kharif crops.

Explanation

The Kalakshetra style is a distinct school of Bharatanatyam established by Rukmini Devi Arundale at the Kalakshetra Foundation in Chennai. It is renowned for its specific focus on angularity, linear movements, and the removal of unnecessary ornaments from the traditional dance form.

Explanation

The Jallianwala Bagh massacre took place on April 13, 1919, in Amritsar, Punjab, when British troops under General Dyer opened fire on a crowd of peaceful protesters and pilgrims gathered for the Baisakhi festival. This historical event is well-documented as occurring on that specific date and location.

Explanation

Vedantam Satyanarayana Sarma was a legendary exponent of Kuchipudi, renowned for his exceptional portrayal of female roles such as Satyabhama. He received the Padma Shri in 1970 and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1961 for his contributions to the dance form.

Explanation

The Indian Citizen's Association of Nepal (ICAN) is an organization dedicated to the welfare and cultural coordination of the Indian community residing in Nepal, focusing its presence on the country's major urban, administrative, and industrial centers. Damak is a municipality located in the Jhapa District of eastern Nepal which, despite its importance as a regional trade center, does not host a formal branch office of this association. The ICAN network is strategically concentrated in higher-tier metropolitan areas and key transit hubs where there is a significant density of Indian nationals engaged in various professional and commercial sectors, and Damak currently falls outside the scope of these established branch locations.

Explanation

Meri Policy Mere Hath was launched in February 2022 as a doorstep distribution drive under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana to ensure farmers are well-informed and receive their insurance policy documents directly. The other options refer to schemes for electricity, skill development, and the empowerment of de-notified tribes.

Explanation

The Haryana Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) functions on a five-year cycle that did not coincide with the 2022 electoral calendar. The state held its 14th assembly elections in October 2019, where the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Jannayak Janta Party formed a coalition government. Since the constitutional term of the assembly lasts for five years from the date of its first meeting, the next general elections for the Haryana Vidhan Sabha are scheduled for late 2024. Therefore, no assembly-wide general elections took place in Haryana during the year 2022.

Explanation

Lord Cornwallis introduced the Cornwallis Code in 1793, which formally separated revenue administration from judicial administration by removing judicial powers from the tax-collecting Collectors. This reform aimed to ensure checks and balances within the British administrative system in India.

Explanation

John Newlands arranged the elements in increasing order of their atomic masses, starting with hydrogen (the element with the lowest atomic mass) and ending his table with thorium, which was the 56th element known at that time. He observed that every eighth element possessed properties similar to those of the first.

Explanation

The first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens, Greece, in 1896. This inaugural event was the result of efforts by Baron Pierre de Coubertin, who established the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1894 with the goal of reviving the ancient Greek tradition of athletic competition on an international stage. The 1896 Games took place at the Panathenaic Stadium and featured athletes from 14 nations participating in 43 events across sports such as athletics, cycling, swimming, gymnastics, and wrestling. This event marked the beginning of the modern Olympic movement and established the four-year cycle for the Summer Games.

Explanation

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar, which is based on the lunar cycle. This month holds significant spiritual importance for Muslims worldwide as it commemorates the revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad. Observing Ramadan involves fasting from dawn until sunset, which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam intended to promote self-discipline and empathy for the less fortunate. Along with fasting, Muslims focus on prayer and charitable giving, such as Zakat, to purify their wealth and fulfill their religious obligations.

Explanation

Panthi dance is a prominent folk dance of Chhattisgarh, performed primarily by the Satnami community. This dance form is a spiritual expression dedicated to Guru Ghasidas, the 18th-century saint and social reformer who founded the Satnam Panth. It is traditionally performed on Maghi Purnima to celebrate the Guru's birth anniversary. Dr. Radhe Shyam Barle, a distinguished folk artist from Chhattisgarh, was honored with the Padma Shri in 2021 for his extensive work in promoting and preserving this cultural tradition. The performance is characterized by its rhythmic complexity, acrobatic formations, and human pyramids, all set to the beats of the Mandar and Jhanj.

Explanation

Darshana Jhaveri is a celebrated exponent of Manipuri dance, one of the eight main classical dance forms of India. She is the youngest of the four famous Jhaveri sisters—Nayana, Ranjana, and Suverna being the others—who are renowned for their dedicated efforts in preserving and popularizing the Manipuri tradition. Trained under the guidance of Guru Bipin Singh, she mastered the delicate Lasya and vigorous Tandava styles of the dance, as well as the intricate rhythms of the Pung (Manipuri drum). Her contribution to Indian classical dance was recognized by the Government of India with the Padma Shri in 2002, and she also received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1996 for her mastery and promotion of the Manipuri dance form.