SSC CGL Tier 1 2024 General Awareness Questions with Solutions

Explanation

Jaundice, also known as icterus, is a medical condition characterized by the yellowish discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes, and the sclera of the eyes. This pigmentary change is caused by hyperbilirubinemia, which is an abnormally high concentration of bilirubin in the bloodstream. Bilirubin is a yellow-orange bile pigment formed during the normal breakdown of hemoglobin from red blood cells. In a healthy individual, the liver processes bilirubin and excretes it into the bile. Jaundice occurs when there is an underlying pathology that interferes with this process, such as excessive destruction of red blood cells, liver dysfunction, or an obstruction in the biliary tract that prevents the drainage of bile into the intestines.

Explanation

Surya Sen, a prominent revolutionary leader and teacher popularly known as Master Da, was the chief architect and leader of the Chittagong Armoury Raid conducted on April 18, 1930. He established the Indian Republican Army, Chittagong Branch, with the objective of challenging British colonial authority through armed action. Under his strategic guidance, a group of revolutionaries successfully raided the police and auxiliary force armouries in Chittagong, dismantled the communication systems by cutting telegraph and telephone wires, and disrupted railway links to isolate the city. Following the raid, Surya Sen hoisted the Indian national flag and proclaimed a provisional revolutionary government before retreating to the Jalalabad Hills to continue the struggle against British troops.

Explanation

Govindji Nartanalaya is a premier institution dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Manipuri classical dance. It is located in Imphal, the capital of Manipur. The institution is closely associated with the Shree Shree Govindajee Temple, which is a significant cultural and religious hub for the Meitei people. Govindji Nartanalaya plays a crucial role in training artists in the traditional Raas Leela and other ritualistic dance forms that are central to the Vaishnavite culture of the state. It has been instrumental in formalizing the pedagogy of Manipuri dance while maintaining its spiritual and traditional essence.

Explanation

Chhath Puja is a significant Vedic festival dedicated to the Sun God, Surya, and his consort Usha, who is worshipped as Chhathi Maiya. The festival is an expression of gratitude toward the Sun for sustaining life on Earth and a plea for the granting of wishes, health, and longevity. It is uniquely characterized by the offering of Arghya (oblations) to both the setting sun and the rising sun, representing the importance of both the beginning and the end of the solar cycle. Devotees observe rigorous rituals over four days, including holy bathing, fasting without water (Vrat), and standing in water bodies to make offerings of seasonal fruits and traditional prasad like Thekua. This celebration is primarily observed in the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, as well as in the Madhesh region of Nepal.

Explanation

The Junagadh Rock Inscription, situated on Mount Girnar near Junagadh in Gujarat, was issued by the Western Kshatrapa ruler Rudradaman I around 150 CE. It holds immense historical and linguistic importance as the first lengthy royal record in early India to be composed in classical or chaste Sanskrit. Before the issuance of this inscription, official royal records and edicts, such as those of the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka or the Satavahana kings, were predominantly written in Prakrit dialects. The Girnar inscription is written in the Brahmi script and exhibits a sophisticated poetic style known as the Kavya style, showing a high degree of grammatical mastery. The text details the history of the Sudarshana Lake, recording its initial construction under the Mauryas and its extensive repairs undertaken by Rudradaman I after a catastrophic storm, highlighting the ruler's benevolence and administrative achievements.

Explanation

Alauddin Khilji dispatched Malik Kafur in 1307-08 AD to lead an expedition against the Yadava kingdom of Devagiri. The primary reasons for this campaign were the cessation of annual tribute payments by the ruler Ramachandra Deva and his decision to grant asylum to Rai Karan, the former king of Gujarat who had fled from the Sultanate forces. Malik Kafur successfully defeated the Yadava forces and brought Ramachandra Deva as a captive to Delhi. Recognizing the strategic importance of a loyal ally in the South, Alauddin Khilji treated the Yadava king with great respect, conferred upon him the title of Rai Rayan, and restored him to his throne as a subordinate ally of the Delhi Sultanate.

Explanation

Tertiary butyl alcohol, represented by the chemical formula (CH₃)₃COH, consists of a central carbon atom bonded to three methyl groups and one hydroxyl group. To determine its IUPAC name, the longest continuous carbon chain containing the hydroxyl group is identified, which consists of three carbon atoms, corresponding to the parent name propane. The chain is numbered such that the carbon atom bearing the functional group receives the lowest possible number, placing the hydroxyl group at the second position (propan-2-ol). A methyl group is also attached to this second carbon atom. Combining the substituent position and the parent structure results in the systematic name 2-methylpropan-2-ol.

Explanation

The relationship between the interest rate and the demand for money is inverse, as explained by the liquidity preference theory. Interest rate represents the opportunity cost of holding cash; since money held as currency or in non-interest-bearing accounts earns no return, an increase in market interest rates makes holding cash more expensive relative to interest-bearing assets like bonds. Consequently, as interest rates rise, individuals and businesses prefer to hold less money and more financial assets to capture higher yields, leading to a decrease in the quantity of money demanded. Conversely, when interest rates fall, the opportunity cost of holding cash diminishes, causing the demand for money to increase. This inverse relationship is represented by a downward-sloping money demand curve in macroeconomic models.

Explanation

The passage of electricity through water results in electrolytic decomposition. In this process, the electrical energy breaks the chemical bonds of water molecules (H₂O) to yield simpler substances, specifically hydrogen gas (H₂) and oxygen gas (O₂). The chemical equation representing this reaction is 2H₂O(l) electricity 2H₂(g) + O₂(g). Since a single reactant is broken down into two products, the reaction is classified as a decomposition reaction. During the electrolysis, hydrogen gas is liberated at the cathode (negative electrode) while oxygen gas is liberated at the anode (positive electrode).

Explanation

The Madhya Pradesh state government conferred the National Lata Mangeshkar Award for the year 2020 on the music composer duo Anand-Milind. This prestigious award is presented annually to recognize significant contributions to the field of music, specifically in playback singing and music direction. Anand-Milind, consisting of brothers Anand Shrivastav and Milind Shrivastav, are renowned for their prolific output in Bollywood during the 1990s, providing hit music for iconic films such as Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, Dil, and Beta. The award includes a cash prize and a citation as a mark of honor for their decades-long career in the Indian film industry.

Explanation

An ecosystem is considered the functional unit of nature because it encompasses both the biotic community and the abiotic environment, which interact and function together as a system. In this unit, living organisms continuously interact with each other and with their physical surroundings to facilitate the flow of energy and the cycling of nutrients. These fundamental ecological processes—productivity, decomposition, energy flow, and nutrient cycling—occur within the boundaries of an ecosystem, making it the most comprehensive level of biological organization that can sustain life independently through the conversion of solar energy into chemical energy and the subsequent recycling of matter.

Explanation

Kund and Tanka are traditional underground rainwater harvesting techniques primarily practiced in the arid and semi-arid regions of Rajasthan. A Tanka is a cylindrical or rectangular underground storage tank, typically constructed within the main house or the courtyard, designed to collect and store rainwater from rooftops or artificially prepared catchment areas called Agors. These structures are vital for ensuring water security in drought-prone districts such as Bikaner, Barmer, and Jodhpur, where they provide a reliable source of drinking water throughout the dry season by minimizing evaporation and keeping the stored water relatively cool.

Explanation

The inaugural match of the Women Premier League (WPL) 2023 was held on March 4, 2023, at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, which is part of the Mumbai metropolitan region. This historic first game featured a contest between the Mumbai Indians and the Gujarat Giants. To simplify logistics for the debut season, the entire tournament was conducted across two venues in Mumbai, the DY Patil Stadium and the Brabourne Stadium, with the opening ceremony and the first match taking place at the DY Patil venue.

Explanation

Article 37 of the Indian Constitution explicitly states that the Directive Principles of State Policy are non-justiciable. This means that unlike Fundamental Rights, they are not legally enforceable by the courts for their violation. While they are fundamental in the governance of the country and it is the duty of the State to apply these principles in making laws, an individual cannot approach a court to seek a writ or any legal remedy if the government fails to implement them.

Explanation

The Tropical Easterly Jet (TEJ) stream is a seasonal atmospheric phenomenon that develops during the summer monsoon months in the upper troposphere. It is formed due to the intense heating of the Tibetan Plateau, which creates a high-pressure cell in the upper atmosphere, forcing an outflow of air. This air moves southwards and is deflected by the Coriolis force to become an easterly jet. During the peak of the summer monsoon, this jet stream is situated over the southern part of the Indian peninsula, typically centered around the latitude of 14°N. It plays a crucial role in the Indian monsoon system by steering the low-pressure depressions into the Indian subcontinent.

Explanation

Himachal Pradesh recorded a rural female workforce participation rate of approximately 47.4 percent according to the 2011 Census. This high level of engagement is largely due to the active involvement of women in the state's agricultural sector and allied activities such as animal husbandry and horticulture. In the rural Himalayan topography of the state, women traditionally manage a significant portion of the subsistence farming and livestock duties, which translates into one of the highest female labor participation figures in the country. This economic contribution is supported by social norms that facilitate women's participation in outdoor labor-intensive work essential to the rural household economy.

Explanation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh State University in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, on September 14, 2021. The university is being established by the State Government in honor of the legacy of Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh, a prominent freedom fighter, social reformer, and educationist. He is well-known for setting up the first Provisional Government of India in Kabul in 1915 during World War I and for his significant contributions to the field of education, including the donation of land for various educational institutions in the region. The establishment of this university in Aligarh serves to fulfill a long-standing demand to recognize his contributions to the nation and provide advanced educational opportunities in western Uttar Pradesh.

Explanation

The Calcutta Madrasa, also known as Madrasah-e-Aliah, was established in 1781 by Warren Hastings, the first Governor-General of Bengal. The institution was founded at the request of a delegation of local Muslims to promote the study of the Arabic and Persian languages, as well as Islamic law. This initiative was part of the British colonial policy of Orientalism, which sought to train Indian subjects for employment in the East India Company's judicial and administrative services. By educating scholars in traditional Islamic jurisprudence, the British aimed to ensure a supply of qualified officials to act as advisors on legal matters in the colonial courts.

Explanation

Article 257 of the Indian Constitution governs the administrative relations between the Union and the States, ensuring that the Union's executive authority remains unimpeded. Clause (1) of this Article specifically mandates that the executive power of every State shall be exercised in such a manner that it does not impede or prejudice the exercise of the executive power of the Union. Furthermore, it empowers the Government of India to issue directions to a State whenever it deems such instructions necessary to maintain this administrative balance. This provision acts as a vital constitutional mechanism to ensure that State actions do not conflict with or obstruct the implementation of central policies and the overall functioning of the Union executive across the country.

Explanation

The Green Revolution refers to a large-scale increase in the production of food grains, particularly wheat and rice, through the adoption of modern agricultural techniques. Launched in India during the mid-1960s, this strategy centered on the use of High-Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds, which were more responsive to chemical fertilizers and required controlled irrigation. This transformation was driven by scientific advancements in plant breeding, notably the development of semi-dwarf wheat and rice varieties by scientists like Norman Borlaug and M.S. Swaminathan. By integrating chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and improved irrigation systems, the Green Revolution significantly enhanced agricultural productivity and helped achieve food security.

Explanation

Manna Dey lent his voice to the film Amar Bhupali (1952), which was directed by V. Shantaram and based on the life of the 18th-century Marathi poet-musician Honaji Bala. This project marked Manna Dey's debut in Marathi playback singing. As the film was produced as a bilingual project in Marathi and Bengali to cater to a wider audience, Manna Dey recorded songs for both versions. His contribution to the Marathi version included tracks like Tujhi Majhi Jodi Jamli, while he performed the Bengali renditions of the film's classical and folk-based compositions, including the famous Ghanashyam Sundaro. His proficiency in classical music and linguistic flexibility allowed him to meet the demanding requirements of V. Shantaram's musical production in both languages.

Explanation

The Loo is a strong, dusty, gusty, hot and dry summer wind from the west which blows over the Indo-Gangetic Plain region of North India and Pakistan. It is especially strong in the months of May and June. High temperatures during this period lead to extremely low pressure in the northwestern part of the country. This thermal low attracts winds from the surrounding high-pressure areas, resulting in the Loo. It originates from the desert regions of Rajasthan and the Pakistani province of Sindh, moving eastward across the plains of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh. Due to its very high temperatures, often ranging between 45 and 50 degrees Celsius, exposure to these winds frequently leads to fatal heatstrokes.

Explanation

The Tamil Nadu government released the Tamil Nadu State Policy for Senior Citizens 2022, formulated in alignment with Article 41 of the Indian Constitution. This constitutional provision directs the State to provide public assistance to the elderly within the limits of its economic capacity and development. The draft policy focuses on ensuring a life of dignity, security, and health for the elderly population. A key administrative measure proposed in the policy is the creation of a separate Directorate for the Welfare of Senior Citizens to streamline the implementation of various welfare schemes and provide specialized institutional support for the aged.

Explanation

The High Court and Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Amendment Bill, 2021, was introduced in the Lok Sabha on 30 November 2021 by the Union Minister of Law and Justice. This legislation was introduced to amend the High Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Act, 1954, and the Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Act, 1958. The primary purpose of the amendment was to provide legislative clarity regarding the entitlement of retired judges to an additional quantum of pension or family pension upon reaching the ages of 80, 85, 90, 95, and 100 years. It specified that this additional benefit should be available from the first day of the month in which the pensioner completes the respective age, aligning the statutory language with various judicial pronouncements that had interpreted the benefit to begin at the start of the month of the birthday.

Explanation

Gagan Narang won the bronze medal in the Men's 10m Air Rifle event during the 2012 London Olympics. He qualified for the final round with a score of 598 out of 600 and eventually finished with a total score of 701.1 to secure the third position. This victory made him the first Indian athlete to win a medal at the London 2012 Games, contributing to India's total tally of six medals in that edition. His achievement cemented his legacy as one of India's premier shooters, following his consistent performances in previous international competitions like the Commonwealth Games and the ISSF World Cup.

Explanation

In 1789, Antoine-Laurent Lavoisier published his seminal work, Traite Elementaire de Chimie (Elementary Treatise on Chemistry), which is widely regarded as the first modern chemistry textbook. In this publication, he formally established the Law of Conservation of Mass. This principle states that in a chemical reaction, the total mass of the reactants is exactly equal to the total mass of the products, or mathematically, mᵣₑₐ_cₜₐₙₜₛ = mₚᵣₒ_dᵤ_cₜₛ. Lavoisier reached this conclusion through meticulous quantitative experiments, such as weighing substances before and after combustion in closed systems. His insistence on precise measurement proved that matter is neither created nor destroyed during chemical transformations, shifting chemistry from a qualitative discipline into a rigorous quantitative science.

Explanation

The current I flowing through an electrical appliance is given by the relation I = (P)/(V), where P represents the power rating and V represents the supply voltage. For a typical household electric iron with a power rating of 1 kW (1000 W) operating on a standard 220 V supply, the operating current is calculated as I = ¹⁰⁰⁰⁄₂₂₀, which is approximately 4.54 A. A fuse must have a current rating slightly higher than the normal operating current of the appliance to prevent it from blowing under normal conditions while still providing protection against short circuits. Consequently, a 5 A fuse is the standard requirement for an electric iron, as it safely handles the 4.54 A load but disconnects the circuit if the current rises due to a fault.

Explanation

Swami Vivekananda represented India and Hinduism at the World's Parliament of Religions held in Chicago in September 1893. His opening address, which famously began with the words "Sisters and brothers of America," earned him a standing ovation and instant global fame. Through his speeches, he introduced the concepts of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world, emphasizing the ideals of universal tolerance and the underlying unity of all religions. His participation was instrumental in changing the Western perception of Indian spirituality and culture, establishing him as a key figure in the introduction of Indian philosophies to the West.

Explanation

Khullam is a traditional folk dance of Mizoram, specifically performed by the Mizo community. The name translates to "Dance of the Guests," and it is traditionally staged during the Khuangchawi ceremony, a significant ritual feast hosted by those seeking to attain the status of Thangchhuah. The dance is performed by guests as they enter the host's village, moving to the rhythmic accompaniment of traditional gongs known as Darbu. Dancers typically wear a specialized hand-woven Mizo cloth called Puandum, which features distinct stripes of red, black, and green. This attire is culturally essential for such ceremonies and funerals. Unlike many other tribal dances that utilize circular formations, Khullam is characterized by its processional movements and is a vital part of the Mizo cultural heritage.

Explanation

Public Interest Litigation (PIL) originated in the United States in the 1960s as part of the legal aid movement. It was developed to provide legal representation to unrepresented groups and interests, such as the poor, environmentalists, consumers, and racial or ethnic minorities. The concept emerged to address social grievances and protect collective rights that the traditional private law litigation framework could not accommodate. In the Indian context, PIL was introduced in the late 1970s and early 1980s by the Supreme Court, with Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer and Justice P.N. Bhagwati being the key pioneers who relaxed the traditional rule of locus standi to allow any citizen to seek justice for the marginalized.

Explanation

Thrissur Pooram is an annual Hindu temple festival held in Thrissur, Kerala, and is widely regarded as the most magnificent of all poorams in the state. It is celebrated at the Vadakkunnathan Temple on the Pooram day of the Malayalam month of Medam. The festival was established by Raja Rama Varma, popularly known as Sakthan Thampuran, the Maharaja of Cochin, in 1798 to create a mass festival for the local community. The celebration is world-renowned for its majestic procession of caparisoned elephants, the Ilanjithara Melam percussion performance, and the Kudamattom ceremony, which features the competitive exchange of colorful silk umbrellas between the participating Thiruvambadi and Paramekkavu temple groups.

Explanation

Alwar and Bhiwani are primarily categorized as agrarian districts rather than established industrial districts of India. Their economic profiles are predominantly shaped by agriculture, animal husbandry, and related trade within the National Capital Region. While Alwar has seen recent industrial growth in areas like Bhiwadi due to its proximity to Delhi, it is historically and structurally viewed as part of the agricultural heartland of Rajasthan. Similarly, Bhiwani is fundamentally an agricultural and educational center in Haryana and does not possess the intensive, multi-sectoral manufacturing infrastructure or the historical legacy required to be classified as a major industrial district in standard geographic and economic mappings of the country.

Explanation

Gross National Product (a) corresponds to the money value of the national output (3) as it represents the total market value of all final goods and services produced by the residents of a country, regardless of where the production takes place. Net National Product (b) refers to the net production of goods and services during the year (4) because it is calculated by subtracting depreciation or capital consumption allowance from the Gross National Product, showing the actual addition to the economy. Personal Income (c) is the annual income received by individuals (1) from all sources including wages, interest, and transfer payments before personal taxes are deducted. Disposable Personal Income (d) is the income available to individuals after the tax of personal income (2) has been paid, representing the actual amount households can spend or save, expressed as DPI = Personal Income - Personal Taxes.

Explanation

Ustad Zia Mohiuddin Dagar was a legendary master of the Rudra veena and a towering figure in the Dagar family of Dhrupad musicians. He is celebrated for reviving the Rudra veena as a solo concert instrument and for his unique Dagarbani style, which emphasized the meditative and introspective aspects of music. His performances were characterized by extremely slow, sparse, and profound explorations of ragas, focusing heavily on the alap to bring out the microtonal nuances of the notes. To achieve the deep resonance required for this style, he modified the traditional design of the instrument by using larger gourds and thicker strings, which allowed for the sustained, low-frequency tones that became his hallmark.

Explanation

The Second Green Revolution cell was established in Patna to coordinate and monitor the Bringing Green Revolution to Eastern India (BGREI) program. Launched in 2010-2011, this initiative focuses on increasing the productivity of rice and wheat in seven eastern states: Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, and eastern Uttar Pradesh. Patna serves as the administrative hub for this cell to oversee the implementation of agricultural interventions, such as improved water management, seed distribution, and site-specific technology adoption, aiming to leverage the region's high water table and fertile soil to ensure national food security.

Explanation

Lord Irwin served as the Viceroy and Governor-General of India from 1926 to 1931. During his tenure, Mahatma Gandhi launched the Civil Disobedience Movement with the Salt Satyagraha, famously known as the Dandi March, which began on 12 March 1930. Prior to the march, Gandhi had presented eleven demands to Lord Irwin, stating that if they were not met, the movement would commence. As the Viceroy did not provide a favorable response, Gandhi proceeded from Sabarmati Ashram to the coastal village of Dandi to defy the British salt tax laws. This period of Irwin's administration was also significant for the appointment of the Simon Commission and the subsequent Gandhi-Irwin Pact signed in March 1931.

Explanation

In February 2023, the US-based decision intelligence firm Morning Consult released its Global Leader Approval Rating Tracker, which ranked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the most popular leader in the world. According to the data collected between January 26 and January 31, 2023, Narendra Modi secured the top position with an approval rating of 78 percent. This ranking is determined based on a seven-day moving average of adult residents in each country surveyed. The tracker monitors the approval ratings of government leaders in 22 countries, and the high percentage for the Indian Prime Minister reflected significant domestic support relative to other surveyed heads of state and government during that specific period.

Explanation

The Smart Cities Mission was launched by the Government of India on June 25, 2015, as a flagship initiative under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. The objective of the mission is to promote cities that provide core infrastructure and give a decent quality of life to their citizens, a clean and sustainable environment, and the application of smart solutions. It initially targeted the transformation of 100 cities into smart cities through a competitive selection process. The mission emphasizes sustainable and inclusive development through the creation of replicable models meant to serve as examples for other aspiring cities.

Explanation

India is the most successful team in the history of the Women's Asia Cup, having clinched the championship title seven times. The Indian team’s dominance began with the tournament’s inception, where they won the first four editions held in the One Day International (ODI) format in 2004, 2005-06, 2006, and 2008. After the tournament shifted to the Twenty20 (T20) format in 2012, India continued its winning streak by securing the title in 2012, 2016, and 2022. This total of seven titles reflects India's long-standing superiority in Asian cricket, as they won the first six consecutive editions of the tournament before the streak was briefly broken, eventually regaining the trophy in the 2022 edition held in Bangladesh.

Explanation

Article 38 of the Indian Constitution is a core Directive Principle of State Policy that mandates the State to secure a social order for the promotion of the welfare of the people. Clause 1 of this article specifically directs the State to strive to promote the welfare of the people by securing and protecting, as effectively as it may, a social order in which justice—social, economic, and political—shall inform all the institutions of national life. This provision establishes the framework for a welfare state in India. Furthermore, Clause 2, which was inserted by the 44th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1978, requires the State to minimize inequalities in income and endeavor to eliminate inequalities in status, facilities, and opportunities not only among individuals but also among groups of people residing in different areas or engaged in different vocations.

Explanation

Khadins are a traditional rainwater harvesting system specifically designed for the arid and semi-arid landscapes of Rajasthan, with a prominent presence in the Jaisalmer district. Developed originally by the Paliwal Brahmins in the 15th century, the system features a long earthen embankment known as a bund, which is constructed across the lower slopes of hills. This structure captures and stores surface runoff during the monsoon season. The accumulated water is allowed to stand on the agricultural land, which saturates the soil and deposits fertile silt. After the water evaporates or is drained, the moisture-retained soil provides a fertile bed for growing crops like wheat and chickpea in the winter season without requiring additional irrigation. This ingenious method allows for sustainable agriculture in one of the driest regions of India.

Explanation

The Maitrakas ruled the Saurashtra region of Gujarat from their capital at Vallabhi between the late 5th and late 8th centuries CE. The dynasty was founded by Bhatarka, who was a Senapati or military general under the Gupta Empire. As the Gupta central authority declined, the Maitrakas transitioned from being tributary chiefs to establishing an independent kingdom in western India. Dhruvasena II, also known as Baladitya, was a significant ruler of this dynasty who reigned in the 7th century. He was a contemporary of King Harshavardhana and strengthened his political position by marrying Harsha's daughter. During the reign of Dhruvasena II, the Chinese pilgrim Xuanzang visited Vallabhi, noting its importance as a major center of Buddhist and Vedic learning.

Explanation

UDAN stands for Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik, which translates to Let the Common Citizen of the Country Fly. Launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in October 2016, it is a key component of the National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) 2016. The scheme is a Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) designed to facilitate regional air connectivity by making it affordable for the masses through measures such as capped airfares and Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to airlines. It specifically targets the development and operationalisation of unserved and underserved airports to improve connectivity to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities across India.

Explanation

Overpopulation is a primary structural cause of unemployment in India because the rapid growth of the population leads to a labor force that consistently outpaces the economy's capacity to generate new jobs. When the number of individuals entering the job market each year is significantly higher than the number of vacancies created in the industrial, service, and agricultural sectors, a supply-demand mismatch occurs. This imbalance results in widespread chronic unemployment and underemployment. Furthermore, high population pressure diverts national resources toward immediate consumption and social infrastructure rather than the capital formation and industrial expansion required to create sustainable employment opportunities for the growing masses.

Explanation

India has established a total of 18 biosphere reserves to protect large areas of natural habitat and maintain the genetic diversity of ecosystems. These reserves are designated by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and serve as living laboratories for environmental management and sustainable development. The first reserve, Nilgiri, was established in 1986, and the count reached 18 following the notification of the Panna Biosphere Reserve in Madhya Pradesh in 2011. While 12 of these 18 reserves are recognized internationally under the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme, the total number of nationally designated biosphere reserves in India has remained constant at 18 from 2011 through June 2021 and into 2024.

Explanation

The Battle of Chandawar was fought in 1194 AD between Muhammad of Ghor and Jayachandra of the Gahadavala dynasty, who ruled over the kingdom of Kannauj. The battle took place at Chandawar, a site on the Yamuna river near Agra. Muhammad Ghori's forces were victorious, and Jayachandra was killed during the conflict. This victory allowed the Ghurids to take control of a large part of the northern Indian plains, including the strategic regions of Kannauj and Varanasi, effectively ending the Gahadavala power and expanding Turkish influence deep into the Doab region.

Explanation

In botanical and biological terms, habit refers to the general appearance, shape, and form of a plant as it grows. It encompasses the total morphological expression of the plant, including its size, the architecture of its branching system, and the orientation of its organs in space. The habit is determined by the plant's genetic blueprint interacting with its environment, leading to distinct growth forms such as trees, shrubs, herbs, or vines. It also describes specific growth directions, such as whether a plant is erect, prostrate, or climbing, which are essential characteristics used in the identification and classification of plant species.

Explanation

Anju Bobby George secured India's first-ever medal at the World Championships in Athletics during the 2003 edition held in Paris, France. Competing in the women's long jump event at the Stade de France, she recorded a jump of 6.70 meters to win the bronze medal. This achievement marked a historic milestone for Indian athletics, as it was the first time an Indian athlete reached the podium in the history of the competition, which began in 1983.

Explanation

Bickram Ghosh is an eminent tabla player and composer renowned for his expertise in both Hindustani classical music and experimental fusion. He was honored with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for the year 2023 in the category of Contemporary Music. This prestigious national recognition is bestowed by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, India's national academy for music, dance, and drama, to acknowledge his extensive contributions to the field of creative and experimental music. His work often integrates traditional Indian percussion with global musical influences, making him a prominent figure in the modern Indian music landscape.

Explanation

The 2011 Census of India recorded the adolescent population, defined as the age group of 10-19 years, at approximately 253.2 million. In the context of a total national population of 1.21 billion, this specific cohort represents 20.9 percent of the population. This demographic segment is further divided into the 10-14 year age group, which numbered 132.7 million, and the 15-19 year age group, which numbered 120.5 million. This data underscores the significant youth demographic in India, indicating that roughly one in every five individuals fell within the adolescent category during the 2011 enumeration.