SSC CGL Tier 1 2024 General Awareness Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The 91st Constitutional Amendment Act of 2003 introduced Article 164(1A) to the Constitution of India to limit the size of the Council of Ministers and prevent jumbo cabinets. This article stipulates that the total number of ministers, including the Chief Minister, in the Council of Ministers in a State shall not exceed 15 percent of the total strength of the Legislative Assembly of that State. To ensure that smaller states have an adequate number of ministers to manage various portfolios effectively, the provision further specifies that the number of ministers, including the Chief Minister, in a State shall not be less than 12.

Explanation

Gopala was the founder of the Pala dynasty, ascending to the throne around 750 CE. His rise to power followed a long period of political chaos and anarchy in Bengal known as Matsyanyaya, which literally translates to the law of the fishes, where the strong prey upon the weak. According to historical records such as the Khalimpur copper plate inscription, Gopala was elected as king by the local chieftains and the people to restore order and stability to the region. He unified the fragmented parts of Bengal and established the base for an empire that would dominate Eastern India for nearly four centuries. His reign marked the beginning of the Pala era, which was characterized by the extensive patronage of Mahayana Buddhism and the flourishing of art and architecture.

Explanation

The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976 added four new Directive Principles to the Indian Constitution. These additions consist of Article 39, which ensures opportunities for the healthy development of children; Article 39A, which promotes equal justice and mandates the provision of free legal aid to the poor; Article 43A, which requires the state to take steps to secure the participation of workers in the management of industries; and Article 48A, which directs the state to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard forests and wildlife. These provisions were integrated to enhance the socio-economic framework and environmental commitments of the Indian state.

Explanation

Pierre François Verhulst, a Belgian mathematician and statistician, published the logistic equation in 1838. He developed this model as a refined alternative to the Malthusian theory of exponential growth, proposing that population increase is eventually limited by available resources. The model is mathematically expressed as dN/dt = rN(1 - N/K), where N represents population size, r is the intrinsic rate of increase, and K is the carrying capacity of the environment. Verhulst's work established that as a population approaches its carrying capacity, the rate of growth slows down, resulting in a characteristic S-shaped or sigmoidal curve. This contribution is fundamental to modern demography and ecology, often referred to as the Verhulst-Pearl model.

Explanation

The ICAR - Sugarcane Breeding Institute (SBI) was established in 1912 and is located in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. It is a premier research institute under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) dedicated to sugarcane breeding and improvement. The institute is globally recognized for its pioneering work in the nobleization of sugarcane, which led to the development of high-yielding and disease-resistant varieties suited for various agro-climatic zones in India. The location was chosen because the climate in Coimbatore is particularly conducive to the natural flowering and seed setting of sugarcane, which are essential requirements for successful breeding and hybridization programs.

Explanation

Vice Admiral Satish Namdeo Ghormade assumed charge as the Vice Chief of the Naval Staff on 31 July 2021. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy and the United States Naval War College, he was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 1 January 1984. Prior to this appointment, he served in several significant roles, including the Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Operations and Training) and the Chief of Personnel at Naval Headquarters. He was a recipient of the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and the Nau Sena Medal for his distinguished service to the nation. He succeeded Vice Admiral G. Ashok Kumar, who retired after a long career in the Indian Navy.

Explanation

The Regulating Act of 1773 was the first landmark legislation passed by the British Parliament to oversee and define the administrative and political functions of the East India Company in India. It was enacted to address the financial crisis of the Company and reports of corruption among its officials. This Act established a centralized administration by elevating the Governor of Bengal to the position of Governor-General of Bengal, with Lord Warren Hastings being the first to hold the office. It also provided for the establishment of a Supreme Court of Judicature at Fort William in Calcutta, which was founded in 1774. By asserting the right of the British Parliament to dictate the Company's governance, it laid the foundation for the eventual transition of power from a commercial entity to the British Crown.

Explanation

The Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya Scheme (i) was launched in July 2004 to establish residential schools at the upper primary level for girls belonging to SC, ST, OBC, and minority communities in educationally backward blocks. The Mid-Day Meal Scheme (ii) was introduced on August 15, 1995, as a centrally sponsored program aimed at increasing school enrollment, retention, and improving the nutritional status of children. The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (iii) was established in 1994 by the University Grants Commission to evaluate and certify the quality of higher education institutions in India. The All India Council for Technical Education (iv) was founded in November 1945 as an apex advisory body to survey technical education facilities and promote organized development in the field.

Explanation

The first meeting of the Employment Working Group (EWG) under India's G20 Presidency was held in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, from February 2 to 4, 2023. Led by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the meeting focused on three key priority areas: addressing global skill gaps, the gig and platform economy and social protection, and sustainable financing of social security. Delegates from G20 member countries, guest nations, and international organizations like the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the OECD participated in the discussions. The Jodhpur meeting served as the inaugural session to build consensus on international skill mapping and strengthening social security frameworks for workers globally.

Explanation

According to the Census of India 2011, the male literacy rate reached 82.14 percent, compared to 75.26 percent in the 2001 Census, resulting in a growth of 6.88 percent. During the same period, the female literacy rate increased from 53.67 percent in 2001 to 65.46 percent in 2011, reflecting a rise of 11.79 percent. These figures highlight that while both genders saw improvements in educational attainment, the pace of increase for females was significantly higher than that for males during the decade between 2001 and 2011.

Explanation

The Dead Sea is a hypersaline lake located at the lowest point on Earth's land surface. Its salinity levels are among the highest of any water body in the world, typically recorded at approximately 340 grams of salt per litre of water. This high concentration of dissolved solids is primarily composed of magnesium, sodium, and calcium chlorides. Because the Dead Sea is a terminal lake with no outlet, water escapes only through evaporation, which leaves behind a dense accumulation of minerals and salts. This extreme density increases the buoyancy of the water, making it possible for humans to float effortlessly on its surface.

Explanation

Papanasam Sivan, born as Ramayya, was a legendary figure in the realm of Carnatic music. He is celebrated as the Tamil Tyagaraja for his immense contribution of over 2,000 compositions, primarily in the Tamil language, which significantly enriched the classical South Indian musical tradition. His works are renowned for their emotional intensity, lyrical beauty, and strict adherence to the structural nuances of classical ragas. In recognition of his mastery and influence, he was awarded the Sangeetha Kalanidhi in 1970 by the Music Academy, Madras. His songs remain fundamental pieces in contemporary Carnatic concerts and are noted for their seamless integration of complex musical frameworks with deep devotional themes.

Explanation

Subbaraman Vijayalakshmi became India's first Woman Grandmaster (WGM) in 2001. She is a pioneer in Indian chess, having won the Women's National Championship seven times. In addition to being the first WGM, she was also the first Indian woman to earn the title of International Master (IM). Her achievements include winning individual silver medals on the top board for the national team at the 34th and 35th Chess Olympiads. For her excellence in the sport, she was conferred with the Arjuna Award in 2000.

Explanation

The interior of the earth pertains to geothermal processes, seismic activity, and the composition of the mantle and core, which have a negligible impact on the atmospheric conditions of a specific location. Climate is primarily regulated by the distribution of solar energy and the subsequent movement of heat through the atmosphere and hydrosphere. Geographers identify six major controls of climate: latitude, altitude, pressure and wind systems, distance from the sea (continentality), ocean currents, and relief features. While geothermal heat exists, it does not drive regional weather patterns or long-term climatic trends, making it irrelevant as a major climate control compared to solar-driven and topographic factors.

Explanation

Mahendra Singh Dhoni is widely referred to as Captain Cool due to his exceptional ability to remain calm, composed, and unruffled under extreme pressure on the cricket field. This temperament allowed him to make calculated tactical decisions and maintain the morale of the team during the most tense moments of a match. His leadership style was characterized by a stoic demeanor, where he rarely displayed signs of frustration or over-excitement, regardless of the game situation. This unique psychological strength played a pivotal role in leading India to major international successes, including the 2007 ICC World Twenty20, the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy.

Explanation

Chu-Faat is a traditional folk dance of the Lepcha community in Sikkim. The name of the dance is derived from the Lepcha words Chu, which refers to a snowy mountain range, and Faat, which signifies worship. This ritualistic performance is dedicated to Mount Khangchendzonga and its four associate peaks—Narshing, Kabru, Pandim, and Simvo—which are revered as the guardian deities of the region. The dance is primarily performed during the Pang Lhabsol festival, where participants carry butter lamps and green bamboo leaves while singing devotional songs to seek the blessings of these sacred peaks for the prosperity and well-being of the land.

Explanation

The small intestine is the longest segment of the digestive canal in the animal body. In an adult human, it typically measures approximately 6 to 7 meters in length, which is nearly four times the length of the large intestine. The term small refers to its relatively narrow diameter rather than its length. This organ serves as the primary site for the chemical digestion of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, as well as the absorption of nearly all nutrients into the bloodstream. The length of the small intestine varies among species depending on their diet; for example, herbivores like cows have a much longer small intestine to allow for the extensive digestion of cellulose from plant materials, whereas carnivores like lions have a shorter one as meat is easier to digest. Its extensive length provides the necessary time and surface area for enzymes to break down food and for the body to absorb vital nutrients.

Explanation

Pandit Shivkumar Sharma was a legendary Indian classical musician and composer who is credited with single-handedly bringing the santoor, originally a folk instrument from Jammu and Kashmir, into the fold of Hindustani classical music. In recognition of his mastery over the instrument and his immense contribution to the field of instrumental music, he was conferred with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1986. This prestigious honor is awarded by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, India's national academy for music, dance, and drama, to practicing artists as the highest Indian recognition given to people in the performing arts. His work helped establish the santoor as a versatile classical instrument, leading to further high-level recognitions including the Padma Shri in 1991 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2001.

Explanation

Raja Parba is a unique three-day-long festival of womanhood celebrated throughout the state of Odisha. The festival is dedicated to Bhudevi, the Earth Goddess, who is believed to undergo her menstrual cycle during these three days. It marks the transition of the sun into the Mithuna zodiac sign and signifies the arrival of the monsoon, which prepares the land for upcoming agricultural activities. During this period, all agricultural work such as plowing and digging is suspended to allow the Earth to rest. People celebrate by wearing new clothes, playing on traditional swings called Dolies, and preparing special delicacies like Poda Pitha.

Explanation

Self-help groups (SHGs) are informal, voluntary associations typically comprising 10 to 20 individuals from the same locality who pool their small savings to provide internal loans to members. These groups are fundamentally community-based and rely on the social capital and mutual trust of their members to function, often operating as part of the SHG-Bank Linkage Program. In contrast, microfinance institutions (MFIs) are formal financial entities that provide micro-loans and other financial services to low-income individuals. MFIs are structured organizations, often registered as Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFC-MFIs), cooperatives, or non-profit societies, and they operate with a professional institutional framework, centralized management, and a significantly larger geographical reach compared to the localized nature of SHGs. While SHGs are grassroots-level micro-units, MFIs function as institutionalized intermediaries in the financial sector.

Explanation

The Sapta Sindhu, meaning the Land of the Seven Rivers, was the heartland of the early Rig Vedic Aryans located in the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent. This geographical region comprised the Indus (Sindhu) river, its five main tributaries—the Jhelum (Vitasta), Chenab (Asikni), Ravi (Parushni), Beas (Vipasa), and Sutlej (Sutudri)—and the ancient Saraswati river. The Shipra river is located in the Malwa region of central India, flowing through the city of Ujjain in modern-day Madhya Pradesh. As it is a tributary of the Chambal river and situated far to the south of the Vedic settlement area, it was never a part of the seven rivers that defined the Sapta Sindhu territory during the Rig Vedic period.

Explanation

Tanvi Shah shared the 52nd Annual Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media with A.R. Rahman and Gulzar for the song Jai Ho from the film Slumdog Millionaire. Her contribution included writing the Spanish lyrics for the track, which earned her the distinction of being the first Indian woman to win a Grammy Award.

Explanation

Raziya Sultan was the daughter of Shamsuddin Iltutmish, the third Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate. Following the death of her father in 1236 AD and a very brief, unsuccessful reign by her half-brother Ruknuddin Firuz, Raziya ascended the throne in 1236 AD. She was the first and only woman to rule the Delhi Sultanate, having been nominated by her father as his successor due to her administrative and leadership capabilities. Her reign is noted for her efforts to consolidate power against the Turkish nobility and her leadership in military campaigns before her rule ended in 1240 AD.

Explanation

National Waterway 5 (NW 5) is a 623 km long navigation route that integrates the Talcher-Dhamra stretch of the Brahmani River, the Geonkhali-Charbatia stretch of the East Coast Canal, the Charbatia-Dhamra stretch of the Matai River, and the Mangalgadi-Paradip stretch of the Mahanadi delta rivers. Located primarily in Odisha and West Bengal, this waterway was designated in 2008 to facilitate the transport of bulk cargo such as coal from the Talcher mines to the ports of Paradip and Dhamra. By linking the natural riverine systems of the Mahanadi and Brahmani deltas with the man-made East Coast Canal, NW 5 serves as a critical infrastructure project for improving inland water connectivity in the eastern coastal region of India.

Explanation

The Reserve Bank of India constituted the Working Group on Money Supply: Analytics and Methodology of Compilation in December 1997 under the chairmanship of Dr. Y.V. Reddy. The group submitted its report in 1998, recommending a transition from the existing monetary aggregates to a new set of measures to better capture the evolving financial landscape and the activities of banking and non-banking institutions. This group proposed the introduction of new monetary aggregates, specifically NM1, NM2, and NM3, alongside liquidity aggregates L1, L2, and L3. The intermediate aggregate NM2 was defined to include NM1 plus short-term time deposits of residents with the banking system, specifically those with a contractual maturity of up to and including one year, providing a more nuanced view of liquidity and money supply than the previous classification system.

Explanation

Tadoba National Park, also known as the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, is situated in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra. It was established in 1955, making it the oldest and largest national park in the state. The name Tadoba comes from the local deity Taru or Tadoba, while Andhari refers to the Andhari River that flows through the forest area. As one of India's prominent tiger reserves under Project Tiger, it serves as a vital habitat for the Bengal tiger and features a landscape dominated by teak and bamboo trees within a southern tropical dry deciduous forest ecosystem.

Explanation

Article 51A(e) of the Constitution of India mandates every citizen to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood among all the people of India, transcending religious, linguistic, and regional or sectional diversities. This fundamental duty is directly applicable in scenarios involving religious friction or interpersonal conflict triggered by communal remarks. It requires citizens to act as mediators or maintainers of peace rather than escalating tensions, ensuring that religious differences do not compromise the social fabric and the sense of unity within the country. Promoting such brotherhood is vital for the peaceful coexistence of a diverse population.

Explanation

The All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) was established on October 31, 1920, at Bombay (now Mumbai). It was founded as the first central federation of trade unions in India to coordinate the activities of various labor organizations and represent Indian workers at the International Labour Organization (ILO). Lala Lajpat Rai was elected as its first president, while Joseph Baptista served as vice-president and N. M. Joshi as general secretary. The creation of AITUC marked the formal beginning of the organized labor movement at a national level in India, linking industrial grievances with the wider socio-political struggle for independence.

Explanation

Swami Dayanand Saraswati founded the Arya Samaj on April 7, 1875, in Bombay as a monotheistic Hindu reform movement. He advocated for the supreme authority of the Vedas, viewing them as the source of all true knowledge, and famously issued the call Go Back to the Vedas. Through this organization, he sought to reform Indian society by promoting gender equality, encouraging widow remarriage, and opposing practices such as idol worship, animal sacrifice, and the rigid caste system based on birth. His influential book, Satyarth Prakash, outlined these principles and provided the philosophical foundation for the movement's socio-religious reforms.

Explanation

Red algae, belonging to the class Rhodophyceae, primarily reproduce vegetatively through the process of fragmentation. In this method, the multicellular body or thallus of the algae breaks into two or more distinct pieces due to mechanical stress or natural decay. Each of these fragments subsequently grows and develops into a complete, independent new individual. This process allows for rapid colonization of substrates in marine environments where red algae are typically found. Red algae also exhibit asexual reproduction via non-motile spores and sexual reproduction through complex oogamous methods involving non-motile gametes.

Explanation

Lord Ripon is hailed as the father of local self-government in India due to his landmark Resolution of 1882. This resolution laid the foundation for modern local governance by advocating for the creation of local boards and municipalities across the country. He emphasized that these bodies should have a majority of non-official members, preferably elected, to ensure that the people had a direct voice in their local administration. Ripon's primary objective was to use local self-government as an instrument of political and popular education, shifting the focus from mere administrative efficiency to fostering a sense of civic duty among Indians. This initiative marked the first significant step towards decentralization and grassroots democracy during the British colonial period.

Explanation

Curdling of milk is a chemical change because it involves a chemical reaction where the lactose sugar in milk is converted into lactic acid by the action of bacteria such as Lactobacillus. This process increases the acidity of the milk, leading to the denaturation and coagulation of milk proteins like casein to form curd. Since the molecular composition of the substance is permanently altered and new chemical products are formed, the process is irreversible by simple physical methods, distinguishing it as a chemical change.

Explanation

Article 165 of the Constitution of India provides for the office of the Advocate General for each state. Appointed by the Governor, the Advocate General must be a person qualified to be appointed as a Judge of a High Court. As the highest law officer of the state, their primary responsibility is to advise the state government on legal matters and perform other legal duties assigned by the Governor. The Advocate General holds office during the pleasure of the Governor and possesses the right to speak and take part in the proceedings of the State Legislature, though they do not have the right to vote therein.

Explanation

The Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2021, was introduced in Parliament to modify the list of Scheduled Castes in the state of Tamil Nadu. The bill sought to amend the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950, by grouping seven specific sub-castes under a single, unified nomenclature. These seven communities are Devendrakulathan, Kadaiyan, Kalladi, Kudumban, Pallan, Pannadi, and Vathiriyan. Under the provisions of this amendment, these groups are now collectively recognized as Devendrakula Velalar in the state's Scheduled Caste list. This legislative change was based on the recommendations of the Tamil Nadu government and received the necessary concurrence from the Registrar General of India and the National Commission for Scheduled Castes to ensure the cultural identity and representation of these communities.

Explanation

Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are specifically delineated duty-free enclaves deemed to be foreign territory for the purposes of trade operations, duties, and tariffs. The primary incentive for businesses to operate within these zones is the extensive fiscal package provided by the government to enhance global competitiveness and attract investment. This package includes complete exemptions from customs duties on the import of capital goods, raw materials, and consumables required for business operations. Additionally, units in SEZs are granted significant income tax exemptions on export income for a specified period under relevant tax laws. By reducing the tax burden and eliminating duties on inputs, SEZs lower the overall cost of production and facilitate a more efficient export-oriented manufacturing and service environment.

Explanation

The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced in November 2021 that the 2031 edition of the Men's Cricket World Cup will be jointly hosted by India and Bangladesh. This 50-over flagship event is part of the ICC's tournament cycle for 2024–2031. India has a long history of hosting the tournament, having served as a host or co-host in 1987, 1996, 2011, and 2023. For Bangladesh, this will be the second time hosting the global event, following its successful co-hosting of the 2011 World Cup. The tournament is expected to follow the expanded 14-team format as part of the ICC's strategy to increase the global footprint of cricket.

Explanation

Magh Bihu, also known as Bhogali Bihu, is the harvest festival celebrated in Assam that coincides with Makar Sankranti. It marks the end of the harvesting season in the month of Magh, typically falling in mid-January. The festival is centered around feasting and the worship of fire. On the eve of the festival, called Uruka, communities gather to build temporary huts known as Bhelaghars and tall structures called Mejis using bamboo, hay, and wood. After a night of communal dining and celebration, the Mejis are ritualistically set on fire the next morning as an offering to Agni, the fire god, to mark the beginning of the new season. Traditional snacks such as Pitha, which are rice cakes, and various types of Larus made from coconut and sesame are prepared and distributed during the festivities.

Explanation

A bicycle kick, also known as an overhead kick, is an acrobatic maneuver in football where a player kicks the ball in mid-air while their body is oriented with its back to the ground. To execute this move, the player jumps into the air and performs a shearing motion with their legs—one leg lifting to help propel the body upward while the other strikes the ball—resembling the pedaling of a bicycle. This technique allows a player to strike the ball in a direction opposite to the way they are facing and is typically used as a spectacular scoring method or a defensive clearance.

Explanation

Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah were named among the five Wisden Cricketers of the Year in the 2022 edition of the Almanack. This recognition was primarily based on their outstanding performances during India's tour of England in 2021. Rohit Sharma finished as India's leading run-scorer in the Test series with 368 runs, including a match-defining hundred at The Oval. Jasprit Bumrah was instrumental in India's success on that tour, claiming 18 wickets across the four matches and delivering match-winning spells at both Lord's and The Oval. They shared this prestigious annual honor with Devon Conway, Ollie Robinson, and Dane van Niekerk.

Explanation

Betanin is a red glycosidic food dye belonging to the betalain class of pigments, which are synthesized from the amino acid tyrosine and found primarily in plants of the order Caryophyllales. It is the specific betacyanin pigment stored within the vacuoles of the beetroot cells that provides the vegetable with its intense deep red or purple coloration. As a water-soluble nitrogenous pigment, betanin is highly effective at absorbing green light and reflecting red wavelengths. Due to its vibrant color and relative stability, it is also commercially extracted from beets to be used as a natural food coloring agent, often identified by the European food additive number E162.

Explanation

Population density is defined as the number of individuals living per unit of land area, usually expressed as persons per square kilometer. According to the 2011 Census of India, the National Capital Territory of Delhi recorded the highest population density among all Union Territories at 11320 persons per sq km. Chandigarh followed with the second-highest density of 9258 persons per sq km. Puducherry registered a density of 2547 persons per sq km, making it the third most densely populated Union Territory in the country. These three administrative units represent the highest tier of population concentration among the Union Territories as per the official 2011 data.

Explanation

Article 54 of the Constitution of India provides for the election of the President. It stipulates that the President shall be elected by the members of an electoral college consisting of the elected members of both Houses of Parliament and the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the States. This process ensures that the President is elected through an indirect method involving representatives from both the Union and the States, reflecting the federal structure of the Indian government. The inclusion of elected members from the National Capital Territory of Delhi and the Union Territory of Puducherry was later added to this electoral college through the 70th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992.

Explanation

Neon sign bulbs contain plasma, which is the fourth state of matter consisting of a collection of free-moving electrons and ions. When an electric current is passed through the neon gas inside the bulb, the electricity provides enough energy to strip electrons from the gas atoms. This process of ionization creates a glowing plasma that emits light. In this state, the gas becomes electrically conductive and responds strongly to electromagnetic fields, which is a characteristic property of plasma found in both artificial lighting and natural phenomena like stars and lightning.

Explanation

Ustad Amjad Ali Khan is a legendary sarod player who received the Padma Vibhushan in 2001. This award is the second-highest civilian honor in India, granted by the President for exceptional and distinguished service in any field, including the arts. Amjad Ali Khan is a sixth-generation musician of the Bangash lineage and has significantly influenced the development of the sarod through his unique playing style and international performances, making him one of the most celebrated figures in Indian classical music.

Explanation

Freshwater habitats are aquatic ecosystems characterized by having low concentrations of dissolved salts, generally less than 1 percent. These environments are broadly classified into two categories: lotic ecosystems, which consist of fast-moving water like rivers, streams, and creeks, and lentic ecosystems, which consist of relatively still water like lakes, ponds, and swamps. These habitats are vital components of the global water cycle and support a wide variety of flora and fauna specifically adapted to low-salinity conditions. Unlike marine environments, which have high salt content, these inland water bodies are primarily replenished through precipitation and terrestrial runoff.

Explanation

Mahendravarman I was a prominent ruler of the Pallava dynasty who reigned in the early 7th century CE (c. 600–630 CE) from his capital at Kanchipuram. He was a great patron of art, architecture, and literature, and is credited with introducing rock-cut temple architecture in the Tamil region. He was a scholar-king who authored the famous Sanskrit satirical play Mattavilasa-prahasana, which translates to The Delight of the Drunkards. This work provides valuable insights into the religious life and social conditions of the Pallava period, particularly satirizing the contemporary Buddhist and Kapalika sects. His reign marked a period of significant cultural development and military conflict with the Western Chalukyas.

Explanation

The Fundamental Rights enshrined in Part III of the Indian Constitution are inspired by the Bill of Rights of the United States Constitution, not the British Constitution. Britain has an unwritten constitution and follows the principle of Parliamentary Sovereignty, where rights were traditionally protected by common law rather than a codified set of justiciable fundamental rights. In contrast, the Indian Constitution provides a detailed and written list of rights that are enforceable by the judiciary, a feature directly modeled after the American constitutional tradition.

Explanation

The Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY) was launched to provide formal financial support to non-corporate, non-farm small and micro-enterprises. Under this scheme, Member Lending Institutions, including commercial banks, RRBs, small finance banks, MFIs, and NBFCs, provide collateral-free loans up to 10 Lakh. These loans are categorized into three stages based on the funding requirement: Shishu for loans up to 50,000, Kishore for loans above 50,000 and up to 5 Lakh, and Tarun for loans above 5 Lakh and up to 10 Lakh. To ensure these loans remain collateral-free, the government established the Credit Guarantee Fund for Micro Units (CGFMU), which provides guarantee cover to the lending institutions against defaults.

Explanation

Doljatra, also known as Phakuwa or Holi, is a major festival celebrated by the Vaishnavite community in Assam, particularly within the Satras (Vaishnavite monasteries). The festival is dedicated to Lord Krishna and commemorates his divine play. It was popularized by the 15th-century saint-reformer Srimanta Sankardeva, who integrated it into the Neo-Vaishnavite culture of the region. During this festival, devotees engage in the singing of Holi-geets (devotional songs), perform traditional dances, and participate in grand processions where the idol of Krishna is carried in a decorated chariot or palanquin. The celebration at the Barpeta Satra is especially renowned, drawing thousands of pilgrims to witness the unique Vaishnavite rituals and the traditional use of colored powders known as phaku.

Explanation

The cold weather season in North India begins in mid-November and lasts until February, with December and January being the coldest months. During this period, the sun moves towards the Southern Hemisphere, leading to a decrease in solar radiation and lower temperatures across the northern latitudes. In the Indo-Gangetic plains, mean daily temperatures typically range between 10°C and 15°C, frequently dropping much lower during cold waves. The intense cold is further exacerbated by the influx of dry, cold winds from the Himalayan region and the occurrence of Western Disturbances, which bring occasional rain and contribute to a significant dip in mercury levels during these two months.