SSC CGL Tier 1 2024 General Awareness Questions with Solutions

Explanation

Dr. M. Balamuralikrishna was a legendary Carnatic vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and composer who significantly enriched Indian classical music through his extensive innovations. He is credited with creating several new ragas, such as Mahati, Lavangi, Sidhi, and Sumukham, which often featured only three or four notes. Beyond melody, he made pioneering contributions to rhythm by inventing a new system of talas. These include the Mukhi talas, namely Trimukhi, Panchamukhi, Saptamukhi, and Navamukhi. These talas are distinctive for their structural complexity and the use of fractional counts, representing his mastery over the intricate rhythmic foundations of the Carnatic tradition.

Explanation

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar launched the temple entry movement in 1927 to protest against the exclusion of Dalits from Hindu places of worship and to assert their right to social equality. This movement was part of a larger campaign to challenge the caste system and demand civil rights for the depressed classes. In the same year, he also organized the Mahad Satyagraha to claim the right of Dalits to use water from public tanks. These agitations were intended to mobilize the Mahar community and other marginalized groups, highlighting the injustice of the caste-based social order and encouraging them to fight for their fundamental human rights. By asserting the right to enter temples, Ambedkar aimed to dismantle the religious barriers that enforced untouchability.

Explanation

Kelucharan Mohapatra was a legendary Odissi dancer and guru who is credited with the revival and popularization of Odissi dance in the 20th century. Born in Raghurajpur, Odisha, his mastery of the art form and his efforts in formalizing its techniques earned him immense national and international acclaim. He became the first person from the state of Odisha to be honored with the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award, in the year 2000. His distinguished career was also marked by several other prestigious honors, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1966, the Padma Shri in 1974, and the Padma Bhushan in 1988.

Explanation

Sankalp Gupta is a prominent Indian athlete who became the country's 71st Chess Grandmaster in November 2021. He achieved this title by securing his third and final Grandmaster norm at the GM Ask 3 round-robin tournament held in Arandjelovac, Serbia. During this period, he displayed exceptional performance by completing all three required GM norms in back-to-back tournaments within a span of just 24 days. Additionally, he surpassed the live Elo rating threshold of 2500, which is a mandatory requirement for the Grandmaster title awarded by FIDE, the international chess federation. He is recognized as one of the leading chess players from Maharashtra.

Explanation

The 27th session of the Indian National Congress took place in Bankipore, Patna, in December 1912. This event marked the first time a session of the Congress was held in the province of Bihar, which had been established as a separate entity earlier that same year. Raghunath Narasinha Mudholkar presided over this session, while Mazharul Haque served as the Chairman of the Reception Committee and Sachchidananda Sinha as the General Secretary. The session was a landmark in the political history of Bihar, signaling the integration of the local leadership into the national struggle for independence.

Explanation

Tulsidas Borkar was a distinguished harmonium player and a prominent exponent of Hindustani classical music, widely respected for his technical proficiency and stylistic innovations. In 2016, the Government of India honored him with the Padma Shri, which is the fourth-highest civilian award in the country, for his immense contributions to the field of arts. He was known for his mastery as both a soloist and an accompanist to legendary vocalists, as well as for his significant work in modifying the harmonium to improve its tonal quality and suitability for classical performances.

Explanation

The Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021 was passed by the Assam Legislative Assembly in August 2021 to regulate the slaughter, consumption, and illegal transportation of cattle. This legislation replaced the older 1950 Act and introduced stricter regulations, such as prohibiting the sale of beef in areas primarily inhabited by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and other non-beef-eating communities, or within a five-kilometer radius of any temple or satra. In December 2021, the state government introduced the Assam Cattle Preservation (Amendment) Bill, 2021 to ease certain restrictions that had inadvertently affected the rural economy. This amendment allowed the inter-district transportation of cattle for agricultural and animal husbandry purposes, provided that such transport does not involve districts sharing an international border, thereby facilitating legitimate farming activities while maintaining a check on smuggling.

Explanation

Spirogyra is a genus of filamentous green algae that reproduces sexually through a process known as conjugation. During this process, the protoplasts of vegetative cells function as gametes. These gametes are morphologically identical in size and shape, which characterizes the species as isogamous. Unlike many other algae that produce motile swimming cells, Spirogyra gametes never develop flagella at any stage of their life cycle. Instead of swimming, the gametes move toward each other through a conjugation tube using amoeboid motion. Therefore, the gametes are both isogamous and non-flagellated.

Explanation

The 'Make in India' initiative was launched by the Government of India in September 2014 with the primary objective of transforming India into a global design and manufacturing hub. It aims to increase the share of the manufacturing sector in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to 25 percent and create millions of additional jobs. By simplifying the process of doing business, improving infrastructure, and encouraging foreign direct investment, the program specifically targets 25 key sectors to boost domestic production capabilities and foster innovation within the country.

Explanation

Ashoka's Dhamma was a moral and social code of conduct intended for the general population and householders rather than an ascetic or religious doctrine. It emphasized ethical principles such as Ahimsa, which involved non-violence and kindness toward all living beings, and a form of secularism through religious tolerance and mutual respect for all sects (as mentioned in the 12th Rock Edict). These principles served as a unifying ideology to maintain social harmony and political stability across the vast and diverse Maurya Empire, facilitating political unification. Celibacy, or Brahmacharya, was an ascetic practice mandatory for Buddhist monks and nuns but was not part of the Dhamma prescribed for the laity, which instead focused on filial piety, social welfare, and responsible behavior within family and society.

Explanation

N. Rangasamy founded the All India N.R. Congress (AINRC) on February 7, 2011, after breaking away from the Indian National Congress. The party's name incorporates the initials of its founder, though it is officially stated to stand for Namathu Rajiyam, meaning Our Kingdom. Following the 2021 Puducherry Legislative Assembly elections, the AINRC emerged as the single largest party and formed a coalition government with the Bharatiya Janata Party, leading to N. Rangasamy being sworn in as the Chief Minister of the Union Territory for the fourth time in May 2021.

Explanation

Oscillatory motion is defined as the repetitive to-and-fro movement of an object about a central or mean position, such as the movement of a pendulum or a vibrating guitar string. The Earth motion around the sun is a periodic motion because it repeats after a fixed duration, but it follows a continuous elliptical path in one direction around the sun. It lacks the characteristic back-and-forth movement through an equilibrium point required to be classified as oscillatory. Instead, the Earth motion is classified as revolutionary or circular motion.

Explanation

When iron reacts with water, specifically in the form of steam, it produces iron(II,III) oxide and releases hydrogen gas. While iron does not react with cold or hot liquid water, it undergoes a displacement reaction with steam at high temperatures. The chemical process is represented by the balanced equation: 3Fe(s) + 4H₂O(g) → Fe₃O₄(s) + 4H₂(g). This reaction occurs because iron is more reactive than hydrogen and can displace it from the water molecule.

Explanation

The Southern Ocean is the body of water that encircles the continent of Antarctica. Its northern boundary is defined by the 60 degrees south latitude line, which serves as the limit for the Antarctic Treaty System and is recognized by the International Hydrographic Organization. This ocean is geographically and ecologically distinct due to the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, which flows continuously eastward around the continent, acting as a natural barrier that separates the cold southern waters from the warmer waters of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific oceans.

Explanation

Article 148 of the Constitution of India establishes the independent office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India. The CAG acts as the head of the Indian Audit and Accounts Department and is the guardian of the public purse, controlling the entire financial system of the country at both the Union and State levels. This constitutional authority is appointed by the President of India by warrant under his hand and seal. To maintain the independence of the office, the Constitution ensures that the CAG can only be removed from office in the same manner and on the same grounds as a judge of the Supreme Court.

Explanation

Harshada Sharad Garud became the first Indian weightlifter to win a gold medal at the IWF Junior World Weightlifting Championships during the May 2022 event held in Heraklion, Greece. She secured the top spot in the women 45 kg category by lifting a total weight of 153 kg, comprising 70 kg in the snatch and 83 kg in the clean and jerk. Her performance marked a significant milestone in Indian sports history, as she surpassed previous podium finishes by Indian lifters to claim the country's first-ever gold at this prestigious junior global competition.

Explanation

Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire in India, was born as Zahiruddin Muhammad in 1483 in the Fergana Valley, which is in modern-day Uzbekistan. He was a Timurid prince, being a direct descendant of Timur on his father's side and Genghis Khan on his mother's side. The name Zahiruddin is of Arabic origin and translates to Defender of the Faith. While he is most commonly known by his nickname Babur, which means tiger in Persian, his formal name used in historical records and his autobiography, the Baburnama, is Zahiruddin Muhammad. He laid the foundation of the Mughal dynasty in the Indian subcontinent after defeating Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat in 1526.

Explanation

Road transport is the most dominant mode of transportation in India due to its extensive reach and door-to-door connectivity. According to official data from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and the National Portal of India, the road network carries approximately 87 percent of the total passenger traffic in the country. This high percentage is a result of the vast network of National Highways, State Highways, and rural roads that facilitate both long-distance travel and local commuting. In addition to passenger traffic, roads also account for roughly 60 to 65 percent of the total freight traffic, making them the backbone of India's transport infrastructure and economic activity.

Explanation

Rudrankksh Patil is a distinguished Indian athlete specializing in the 10m air rifle shooting event. He achieved global recognition by winning the gold medal in the men's 10m air rifle at the 2022 ISSF World Shooting Championships held in Cairo. This victory made him the second Indian, following Abhinav Bindra, to become a world champion in this category and also earned India a quota for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Additionally, he won a gold medal in the 10m air rifle team event at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, further cementing his status in the international shooting arena.

Explanation

Turtles belong to the class Reptilia because they are ectothermic vertebrates that breathe atmospheric air using lungs and possess skin covered in keratinous scales or scutes. Like other members of this class, they are amniotes, meaning they produce eggs protected by a shell or membrane that allows for reproduction on land without the need for an aquatic larval stage. Within the reptilian lineage, turtles are specifically categorized under the order Testudines, which is uniquely characterized by a protective bony or leathery shell that is anatomically integrated with their rib cage and vertebral column.

Explanation

According to the Census of India 2001, work and employment constitute the primary reason for male migration in the country. Economic motives drive the majority of male movement, particularly from rural to urban areas, as individuals seek better livelihood opportunities and higher wages. While marriage is the predominant cause for female migration, it is a negligible factor for men. The 2001 Census data reveals that approximately 37.6 percent of all male migrants moved specifically for employment-related reasons, highlighting the role of economic disparity and labor demand as the central catalysts for male mobility across different states and regions.

Explanation

Gangubai Hangal was a legendary doyenne of Hindustani classical music and one of the most celebrated exponents of the Kirana gharana. Born in Dharwad, Karnataka, she was a disciple of the renowned teacher Sawai Gandharva, who himself was a prominent student of Ustad Abdul Karim Khan, the co-founder of the Kirana gharana. Hangal was known for her deep, resonant voice and her mastery over the khayal genre, strictly adhering to the traditional discipline of her lineage. Her career spanned over seven decades, during which she preserved and propagated the melodic purity and emotional depth characteristic of the Kirana style. For her immense contributions to Indian classical music, she was honored with several of India's highest civilian awards, including the Padma Bhushan and the Padma Vibhushan.

Explanation

Kota is a significant industrial hub in Rajasthan, primarily due to its strategic location on the banks of the Chambal River, which ensures a steady supply of water and hydroelectric power. The district houses several large-scale industries, including chemical and fertilizer plants such as Chambal Fertilisers and Chemicals Limited and DCM Shriram Consolidated Limited. It is also well-known for its engineering industry and the production of the famous Kota Stone, which is processed in numerous cutting and polishing units throughout the district. Furthermore, the presence of the Kota Super Thermal Power Plant and proximity to the Rajasthan Atomic Power Station provide the necessary energy infrastructure that supports its extensive industrial base.

Explanation

Behavioural condition is not a standard scientific criterion for the classification of drugs because it describes the state or symptoms of a patient rather than an intrinsic property of the drug itself. In medicinal chemistry and pharmacology, drugs are systematically categorized based on objective criteria such as their specific chemical framework, the biological macromolecules they interact with (molecular targets), and the physiological or therapeutic responses they produce in the body (pharmacological effects). Since behavioural conditions are subjective and highly variable outcomes rather than fundamental mechanisms or structural characteristics, they are not used as a primary basis for drug taxonomy.

Explanation

The Non-Cooperation Movement was withdrawn by Mahatma Gandhi following the Chauri-Chaura incident in February 1922. During a protest march at Chauri-Chaura in the Gorakhpur district of the United Provinces, a violent clash erupted between the protesters and the police. The situation escalated when the crowd set fire to a police station, leading to the death of 22 policemen. Mahatma Gandhi, who was a staunch advocate of non-violence, felt that the movement was losing its peaceful character and that the masses were not yet fully trained for a non-violent struggle. Consequently, he decided to halt the nationwide movement immediately to prevent further violence and maintain the moral integrity of the satyagraha.

Explanation

Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was a prominent 19th-century social reformer who campaigned tirelessly against social evils like child marriage and polygamy. He used his deep knowledge of ancient scriptures to argue that these practices lacked religious sanction, specifically challenging the practice of Kulin polygamy in Bengal. His most significant contribution was the crusade for the legalisation of widow remarriage. Through rigorous advocacy and the submission of petitions signed by many supporters, he convinced the colonial government of the necessity of reform. These efforts directly resulted in the enactment of the Hindu Widows Remarriage Act, 1856, which provided legal recognition to the remarriage of Hindu widows and ensured the legitimacy of their children. He also personally performed the first widow remarriage in 1856 to lead by example.

Explanation

Force is a vector quantity, meaning it possesses both magnitude and direction. When two forces act on an object in opposite directions, they oppose each other along the same line of action. In this scenario, the net force, or resultant force, is calculated by finding the numerical difference between the magnitudes of the two individual forces. Mathematically, if two forces F₁ and F₂ act in opposite directions, the magnitude of the net force is Fₙₑₜ = |F₁ - F₂|. The direction of this net force will be the same as the direction of the larger of the two forces.

Explanation

The Industrial Policy Resolution of 1991, often referred to as the New Industrial Policy, was a landmark reform that launched the process of economic liberalisation in India. It aimed to improve industrial efficiency and international competitiveness by dismantling the License Raj, which previously required private companies to obtain government permission for production, capacity expansion, and diversification. Key reforms included the abolition of industrial licensing for most sectors, a significant reduction in the list of industries reserved for the public sector, and the removal of asset limits for large companies under the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices (MRTP) Act. This policy also introduced automatic approval for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in many sectors and encouraged the entry of private players into industries that were formerly government monopolies, fundamentally transitioning the Indian economy toward a market-oriented system under the framework of Liberalisation, Privatisation, and Globalisation (LPG).

Explanation

Antim Panghal made history in August 2022 by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to win a gold medal at the United World Wrestling Under-20 World Championships held in Sofia, Bulgaria. She achieved this feat in the 53 kg weight category by defeating Kazakhstan's Altyn Shagayeva in the final. Her victory ended a long drought for India at the junior world level and established her as one of the most promising wrestlers in the country. Following this milestone, she further solidified her legacy in 2023 by becoming the first Indian woman to successfully defend her U-20 World title.

Explanation

The Bering Strait is the maritime passage that connects the Chukchi Sea of the Arctic Ocean to the Bering Sea of the Pacific Ocean. It functions as the geographical divide between the Asian and North American continents, specifically separating the Chukchi Peninsula in the Russian Far East from the Seward Peninsula in Alaska. At its narrowest point, the strait is approximately 82 kilometers wide. It is also historically significant as the location of the Bering Land Bridge, which allowed for the migration of humans and animals between the two continents during various glacial periods. Additionally, the International Date Line runs through the strait between the Big Diomede and Little Diomede islands.

Explanation

The Justice Verma Committee (1999) was established to operationalize the Fundamental Duties and identify the legal framework already available for their implementation. The committee observed that while Fundamental Duties are not directly enforceable by the courts, several existing statutes provide for the punishment of acts that contravene these duties. It pointed out that the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act (1971) ensures the dignity of the Constitution, the National Flag, and the National Anthem. It also identified the Wildlife (Protection) Act (1972) and the Forest (Conservation) Act (1980) as legal instruments that enforce the duty to protect the natural environment. Furthermore, the committee noted that various provisions in the Indian Penal Code and the Representation of People Act (1951) penalize actions that disrupt communal harmony or promote enmity between different groups, thereby supporting the constitutional mandate for social cohesion.

Explanation

Ungalil Oruvan, which translates to One Among You, is the autobiography of M.K. Stalin, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and President of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party. The first volume of the book was released in February 2022 and covers the first 23 years of his life, spanning from his birth in 1953 to his arrest under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) in 1976 during the Emergency. The narrative details his early political experiences, his upbringing as the son of the former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, and his formative years within the Dravidian movement, providing a personal perspective on the socio-political climate of Tamil Nadu during that era.

Explanation

Articles 79 to 122 are contained within Part V of the Indian Constitution, specifically under Chapter II titled Parliament. These provisions detail the constitution, composition, duration, and officers of both houses, as well as the qualifications and disqualifications of members. Furthermore, they govern the legislative procedures, the conduct of business, and the financial matters of the Union legislature, including the passage of bills and the annual financial statement. This segment concludes with Article 122, which ensures that the validity of any proceedings in Parliament cannot be called into question in any court on the ground of any alleged irregularity of procedure.

Explanation

The Census of India 2011 reported that the decadal growth rate of the population for the period 2001-2011 was 17.7 percent. The annual exponential growth rate is a specific measure of population change calculated using the formula r = ¹⁄ₜ ln((Pₜ)/(P₀)), where Pₜ is the population at the end of the period, P₀ is the population at the beginning, and t is the time interval of ten years. Based on the 2011 census data, India's annual exponential growth rate was 1.64 percent. This figure marked a decline from the 1.97 percent annual exponential growth rate recorded during the previous decade of 1991-2001, reflecting a slowing trend in India's population growth.

Explanation

Kuchipudi is a major Indian classical dance form that originated in the village of Kuchipudi in the Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh. It traces its roots to the ancient Hindu Sanskrit text Natya Shastra and traditionally developed as a dance-drama tradition known as Bhagavata Mela. The modern form of the dance was systematized and refined in the 17th century by the saint Siddhendra Yogi. A unique feature of Kuchipudi is the Tarangam, in which the dancer performs on the edge of a brass plate, often while balancing a pot of water on the head. The performance combines rhythmic footwork, eloquent hand gestures (mudras), and facial expressions to narrate stories from Hindu scriptures, accompanied by Carnatic music.

Explanation

Saturated hydrocarbons, also known as alkanes, are organic compounds consisting entirely of single bonds between carbon atoms, meaning the carbon skeleton is saturated with the maximum number of hydrogen atoms possible. These compounds follow the general molecular formula CₙH₂ₙ₊₂, where n is the number of carbon atoms. In the case of propane, where n = 3, the number of hydrogen atoms is calculated as 2(3) + 2 = 8. Since C₃H₈ fits this formula perfectly, it is classified as a saturated hydrocarbon. All carbon-carbon bonds in this molecule are single sigma bonds, ensuring there are no pi bonds or points of unsaturation within the structure.

Explanation

The final match of the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL) was held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The match was played between the Chennai Super Kings and the Gujarat Titans. Originally scheduled for May 28, 2023, the game was pushed to the reserve day, May 29, due to persistent rain. The Narendra Modi Stadium, being the largest cricket stadium in the world, was selected to host both the opening ceremony and the final match of the tournament's sixteenth edition.

Explanation

The Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award is an annual honor instituted by the All India Congress Committee in 1992 to commemorate the lasting contribution of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi toward promoting communal harmony and national integration. Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, the distinguished Sarod maestro, was conferred with the 21st Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award. The recognition was presented to him on August 20, 2013, coinciding with the 69th birth anniversary of Rajiv Gandhi, in appreciation of his lifelong dedication to fostering peace and goodwill through the medium of Indian classical music.

Explanation

In the Rigvedic period, the Vedic society was predominantly pastoral, and wealth was measured primarily in terms of cattle rather than land. The cow, referred to as Go, held supreme economic and religious importance, serving as a unit of value and a primary medium of exchange. Because of this cattle-centric economy, several terms signifying status and social interactions were derived from the word Go. An individual who possessed a large number of cows was considered wealthy and was known as Gomat. This term literally signifies a person who is rich in cattle, reflecting the socio-economic structure of the time where the size of one's herd was the ultimate indicator of prosperity and power.

Explanation

The Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Chandauli district of Uttar Pradesh. Established in May 1957, it is one of the oldest wildlife sanctuaries in the state and is located within the scenic Vindhya forest range. The sanctuary covers an area of approximately 78 square kilometers and is known for its diverse fauna, including leopards, wild boars, nilgai, and various species of deer and birds. It is particularly famous for the Rajdari and Devdari waterfalls, which are formed by the Chandraprabha River, a tributary of the Karamnasha River that flows through the heart of the sanctuary.

Explanation

National Income is defined as the total factor income earned by the normal residents of a country during an accounting year. In macroeconomic accounting, this is synonymous with Net National Product at Factor Cost (NNP_F_C). It represents the net value of goods and services produced by the residents of a nation, both within the domestic territory and abroad, measured at the cost of production factors. This measure is obtained by subtracting depreciation (Consumption of Fixed Capital) from the Gross National Product and further adjusting for Net Indirect Taxes (Indirect Taxes minus Subsidies) to arrive at the actual income earned by the factors of production such as land, labor, capital, and entrepreneurship. The fundamental identity is NNP_F_C = GNP - Depreciation - Net Indirect Taxes.

Explanation

PV Sindhu clinched the Swiss Open 2022 women's singles title by defeating Thailand's Busanan Ongbamrungphan in the final held in Basel. She won the match in straight games with a score of 21-16, 21-8. This victory was particularly significant as it was her second BWF World Tour title of the 2022 season, following her win at the Syed Modi India International earlier that year. By winning this tournament, Sindhu further cemented her position as one of the leading figures in international badminton and added another prestigious title to her career achievements.

Explanation

The Farmers' Portal is a comprehensive online platform launched by the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, to serve as a one-stop shop for the farming community. It provides integrated information on a wide range of agricultural topics, including soil health, seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, farm machinery, and weather alerts. The portal is designed to give farmers access to localized information regarding government schemes, market prices, and technical advice tailored to their specific geographical location, helping them make informed decisions throughout the crop cycle from pre-sowing to post-harvest stages.

Explanation

The Integrated Government Online Training (iGOT) platform was launched on the DIKSHA portal by the Department of Personnel and Training in April 2020. It was designed to enhance the capacity building of frontline workers across India to effectively handle the COVID-19 pandemic. The platform provided curated training modules for a wide range of professionals, including doctors, nurses, paramedics, hygiene workers, technicians, and volunteers, ensuring they were equipped with the latest clinical knowledge and logistical protocols required for pandemic management. By leveraging digital infrastructure, iGOT enabled the rapid dissemination of critical information and specialized training to millions of workers simultaneously, strengthening the nation's healthcare response during the emergency.

Explanation

Nagabhatta I was the founder and the first prominent ruler of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty, which initially established its seat of power at Bhinmal in modern-day Rajasthan. He rose to significant prominence in the 8th century by successfully defending Western India against the Arab invasions led by the Umayyad Caliphate. His military achievements, particularly the defeat of the Arab forces mentioned in the Gwalior inscription, allowed the Pratiharas to consolidate their authority over the Gurjaradesa region and eventually expand their influence across North India, paving the way for the dynasty to become a dominant imperial force with its later capital at Kannauj.

Explanation

Teachers' Day in India is celebrated on September 5 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who was a renowned philosopher, an exemplary statesman, and India's second President. When he took office in 1962, some of his students approached him to allow them to celebrate his birthday. He replied that instead of observing his birthday separately, it would be his proud privilege if September 5 were observed as Teachers' Day. This gesture highlighted his deep respect for the teaching profession and his belief that teachers should be the best minds in the country. Since then, the day has been dedicated to honoring the vital role teachers play in shaping the lives of students and the future of the nation.

Explanation

S.S. Dubey, a 1989-batch Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS) officer, took charge as the 28th Controller General of Accounts (CGA) under the Ministry of Finance on March 6, 2023. The Controller General of Accounts is the Principal Advisor on accounting matters to the Union Government and is responsible for establishing and maintaining a robust management accounting system. Prior to this appointment, Dubey served as the Additional Controller General of Accounts and has held several key positions across various ministries, including the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and the Department of Expenditure.

Explanation

Article 48-A was inserted into the Constitution of India by the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 under the Directive Principles of State Policy. This article specifically mandates that the State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country. It serves as a constitutional directive to the government to formulate policies and legislation aimed at environmental conservation, ecological balance, and the protection of biodiversity across the nation.

Explanation

Dmitri Mendeleev predicted the existence of several elements by leaving gaps in his periodic table, using the Sanskrit prefix eka to name them after the element directly above the gap. Germanium was the element Mendeleev referred to as eka-silicon because it occupied the position below silicon in the same group. When Germanium was discovered in 1886 by Clemens Winkler, its physical and chemical properties closely matched Mendeleev's specific predictions. For example, Mendeleev predicted an atomic mass of 72 and a density of 5.5 g/cm³, while the actual values for Germanium were 72.6 and 5.32 g/cm³. The formula of its oxide, GeO₂, and chloride, GeCl₄, also perfectly aligned with the predicted formulas of EsO₂ and EsCl₄.

Explanation

The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) was launched by NITI Aayog in 2016 to create and promote an ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship across the country. Following the Union Budget announcement for 2015-16, the mission was established to serve as an umbrella organization that oversees various initiatives such as Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL) in schools, Atal Incubation Centres (AIC) for startups, and the Atal New India Challenges (ANIC). It focuses on developing new programs and policies for fostering innovation in different sectors of the economy while providing platform and collaboration opportunities for various stakeholders including academia, industry, and government.