SSC CGL Tier 1 2024 General Awareness Questions with Solutions

Explanation

Ishwari Prasad is recognized as the foundational figure and progenitor of the Lucknow Gharana of Kathak. A devotee of Lord Krishna from the Misrikh village in Uttar Pradesh, he is said to have received a divine command in a dream to revive and propagate the dance form. His teachings were passed down through his descendants, establishing a hereditary lineage that eventually flourished under the royal patronage of the Nawabs of Awadh, particularly Wajid Ali Shah. This specific school of Kathak is celebrated for its emphasis on grace, subtle facial expressions, and the integration of lyrical compositions like Thumri into the performance.

Explanation

Lysine is an essential amino acid that plays a vital role in bone health and tissue repair. It facilitates the intestinal absorption of calcium and helps minimize the loss of calcium through urine, thereby supporting skeletal density. Additionally, lysine is crucial for the biosynthesis of collagen, the primary structural protein in connective tissues. In the collagen maturation process, lysine residues are hydroxylated to form hydroxylysine, a step necessary for the stable cross-linking of collagen fibers. This cross-linking provides the necessary tensile strength and stability to bones, skin, and cartilage.

Explanation

Chennai Port is one of the oldest and largest artificial ports in India, situated on the Coromandel Coast along the Bay of Bengal. Located in the state of Tamil Nadu, it serves as a premier gateway for maritime trade on the eastern seaboard of the country. This all-weather port handles a significant volume of container traffic, automobiles, and industrial cargo. Its strategic geographical position on the eastern coastline facilitates extensive commercial connectivity with Southeast Asian nations and other global markets across the Bay of Bengal.

Explanation

Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was the primary force behind the enactment of the Hindu Widows' Remarriage Act of 1856. He conducted extensive research into ancient Sanskrit texts and cited the Parashara Smriti to argue that the remarriage of widows was scripturally permissible, countering the orthodox views of the time. His tireless campaigning and the submission of a major petition to the Legislative Council prompted the British government to take action. The law was drafted during the tenure of Lord Dalhousie and formally passed under Lord Canning, effectively legalizing widow remarriage and ensuring the legitimacy of children born from such unions.

Explanation

Vinay Mohan Kwatra, an officer of the 1988 batch of the Indian Foreign Service, assumed charge as India's 34th Foreign Secretary in May 2022. Immediately prior to this appointment, he served as India's Ambassador to Nepal, a position he held from March 2020 to April 2022. During his tenure in Kathmandu, he played a pivotal role in strengthening bilateral ties and managing India's neighborhood-first policy during a critical period. His extensive diplomatic career also includes serving as India's Ambassador to France and holding significant responsibilities in the Prime Minister's Office as Joint Secretary between 2015 and 2017.

Explanation

The Sandmeyer reaction is a specialized chemical transformation used to synthesize aryl halides from aryl diazonium salts. In this process, the diazonium group (N₂^+) of an arenediazonium salt is substituted by a chloride or bromide ion. The reaction requires the use of copper(I) halides, such as cuprous chloride (Cu₂Cl₂) or cuprous bromide (Cu₂Br₂), which act as catalysts to facilitate the displacement. The general reaction can be represented as ArN₂^+ X^- CuX/HX ArX + N₂, where X is Cl or Br. Mechanistically, the copper(I) ion undergoes a single-electron transfer with the diazonium cation, resulting in the formation of an aryl radical and the evolution of nitrogen gas. The aryl radical then reacts with the halide species to form the final aryl halide product.

Explanation

Pulakeshin II, the most prominent ruler of the Chalukya dynasty of Vatapi, assumed the title of Dakshinapatheshvara (Lord of the South) following his military victory over the North Indian emperor Harshavardhana. The battle occurred on the banks of the Narmada River around 618–619 CE, where Pulakeshin II successfully checked Harsha's southward expansion into the Deccan. This historic encounter is detailed in the Aihole Inscription, composed by the court poet Ravikirti, which describes how Harsha's joy (harsha) was lost through fear when his elephant army was defeated. By successfully defending the Narmada frontier, Pulakeshin II established himself as the sovereign of the southern peninsula, balancing the power of Harshavardhana, who was known as the Lord of the North (Sakalauttarapathanatha). To celebrate this victory, Pulakeshin II also adopted the title of Paramesvara.

Explanation

The Bishop is a chess piece that moves any number of vacant squares in a diagonal direction. Each player starts with two bishops, one positioned on a light square and one on a dark square. Because its movement is strictly confined to diagonals, a bishop is permanently restricted to squares of the same color as its starting square, a characteristic known as being color-bound. It cannot jump over other pieces and must stop or capture when it encounters an obstacle on its diagonal path.

Explanation

Pandit Shivkumar Sharma was awarded the Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan Award in 1998 in recognition of his monumental contribution to Indian classical music. As the primary pioneer who adapted the hundred-stringed santoor for the Hindustani classical stage, Sharma transformed the instrument's technical capabilities and global standing. The award, which honours the legacy of the sarod legend Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan, was presented to him for his virtuosity and his role in popularizing the intricate nuances of raga-based santoor recitals. His lifelong dedication to the art form also led to other major honours such as the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and the Padma Vibhushan.

Explanation

Tarak Nath Das and G.D. Kumar established the United India House in Seattle in 1910 as a revolutionary center for the Indian diaspora in North America. Following increased surveillance and pressure from British and Canadian authorities in Vancouver, these leaders shifted their base to the United States to continue their anti-colonial activities. The United India House served as a meeting place and organizational hub where they worked to sensitize Indian immigrants, particularly laborers and students, about the struggle for Indian independence. This institution played a significant role in the early phase of the revolutionary movement in the Pacific Northwest, acting as a precursor to the more organized Ghadar Movement that emerged a few years later.

Explanation

Ustad Alla Rakha Qureshi was a legendary Indian percussionist who specialized in playing the tabla, representing the Punjab Gharana of Hindustani classical music. He played a pivotal role in popularizing the tabla as a solo instrument and introduced Indian classical percussion to global audiences through his long-standing partnership with sitar maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar. Their performances at major international events, such as the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967 and Woodstock in 1969, brought worldwide recognition to the instrument. His technical mastery and innovations in rhythmic patterns earned him prestigious honors, including the Padma Shri in 1977 and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award. He was also the father and mentor of the celebrated tabla virtuoso Ustad Zakir Hussain.

Explanation

A seismogram is the specific term for the graph or data output produced by a recording instrument during an earthquake. This record captures the ground motion by plotting the displacement of the earth against time, typically appearing as a series of zig-zag lines. It provides critical information regarding the arrival and intensity of various seismic waves, which allows for the calculation of an earthquake's magnitude, duration, and the distance of its epicenter from the recording station. In modern seismology, these records are usually digital data files, though they were historically created by a pen tracing a line on a rotating drum.

Explanation

Makar Sankranti is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun God, Lord Surya. The festival marks the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Makara (Capricorn) on its celestial path. This movement signifies the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of the Sun's northward journey, a period known as Uttarayana. Lord Surya is worshipped during this time as the source of all life, energy, and light, and devotees offer prayers and perform rituals to express gratitude for a bountiful harvest and the return of longer, warmer days.

Explanation

The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (MSMED) Act, 2006, was enacted to provide a comprehensive legal framework for the recognition and development of the MSME sector in India. Its primary objective is to facilitate the promotion, development, and enhancement of the competitiveness of micro, small, and medium enterprises. The Act covers both manufacturing and service-based enterprises and established the National Board for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises to oversee policy coordination. It provides a statutory basis for the classification of enterprises and includes critical provisions to address the issue of delayed payments to small businesses, ensuring they have the necessary liquidity and support to grow within the national economy.

Explanation

Net Domestic Product (NDP) is an annual measure of the economic output of a nation that is adjusted to account for depreciation. It is calculated by subtracting depreciation from the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The formula is expressed as NDP = GDP - Depreciation. Depreciation represents the monetary value of the wear and tear, usage, or obsolescence of fixed capital assets such as machinery, equipment, and infrastructure used during the production process. By removing these capital consumption costs, NDP provides a more realistic indication of the actual economic growth and the net value of goods and services available to an economy.

Explanation

Part XV of the Indian Constitution contains Articles 324 to 329 which provide the legal and administrative framework for elections in India. Article 324 specifically mandates the establishment of the Election Commission of India as a permanent and independent constitutional body. It is vested with the power of superintendence, direction, and control of the entire process for elections to Parliament, the State Legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice-President. The provisions within this part ensure the commission's autonomy from executive influence to maintain the integrity of the democratic process.

Explanation

Ghiyas ud-din Balban established the Diwan-i-arz as a dedicated military department to strengthen the central control of the Delhi Sultanate's armed forces. This department was responsible for the recruitment of soldiers, the periodic muster or inspection of troops, and the management of weaponry and horses. By creating this specialized administrative body, Balban aimed to increase the efficiency and readiness of the army to counter internal rebellions and protect the sultanate from Mongol invasions. The department was headed by the Ariz-i-Mumalik, who oversaw the military administration independently of the financial department to ensure better military discipline and loyalty to the crown.

Explanation

According to the Census of India 2011, the adolescent population in the age group of 10-19 years totaled approximately 253.2 million, representing about 20.9% of the country's total population. When analyzing the internal gender composition of this specific age cohort, the number of male adolescents stood at approximately 133.4 million, while the number of female adolescents was approximately 119.8 million. The share of females within the 10-19 year age group is determined by the ratio of female adolescents to the total adolescent population:

Share of females = (119,833,398)/(253,238,581) × 100 ≈ 47.3%

This figure highlights the demographic distribution among India's youth during the 2011 census period, indicating that females comprised 47.3% of the total adolescent population, while males accounted for the remaining 52.7%.

Explanation

The Government of India appointed the States Reorganisation Commission in December 1953 to look into the matter of redrawing state boundaries on a linguistic basis. This commission is often referred to as the Fazal Ali Commission as it was headed by Justice Fazal Ali and included H. N. Kunzru and K. M. Panikkar as its members. The commission was established in the wake of the creation of Andhra State and the growing demands for linguistic provinces across the country. It submitted its report in 1955, recommending the reorganization of states into 16 states and 3 centrally administered territories, largely based on linguistic homogeneity while ensuring the unity and security of the nation. These recommendations formed the basis for the States Reorganisation Act of 1956.

Explanation

The phenomenon of October heat is a characteristic feature of the retreating monsoon season in India, occurring during the transition period of October and November. As the monsoon troughs weaken and the southwest monsoon winds withdraw from the northern plains, the skies become clear and temperatures rise. Since the ground remains moist from the preceding rainy season, the combination of high temperatures and high humidity leads to oppressive and uncomfortable weather conditions during the day. This specific atmospheric condition is commonly referred to as October heat. While the daytime is characterized by this heat, the nights generally remain cool and pleasant.

Explanation

The Durand Cup was founded by Sir Henry Mortimer Durand, the then Foreign Secretary to the Government of India, in 1888 at Shimla. The inaugural edition of the tournament was played at the Annadale ground in Shimla as a recreation for British troops stationed in India. It is recognized as the oldest football tournament in Asia and the third oldest in the world. Initially, the competition was restricted to the British Indian Army and other military units, but it eventually opened to civilian teams. The tournament continued to be held in Shimla until 1940, after which the venue was shifted to Delhi.

Explanation

Pandit Vishnu Digambar Paluskar was a pioneering figure in Hindustani classical music who worked extensively to democratize the art form and make it accessible to the masses. He authored Sangeet Bal Prakash as a foundational textbook intended for children and beginners. The book serves as a simplified guide to the principles of music, focusing on the basics of swara, laya, and raga to provide a structured curriculum for students at his Gandharva Mahavidyalaya institutions. Through such publications, Paluskar played a crucial role in transitioning music education from the traditional private gharana system into a standardized institutional framework.

Explanation

The Ganga is a major perennial river that originates in the Gangotri Glacier near Gaumukh in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, situated in the central Himalayas. At its point of origin, the river is known as the Bhagirathi. It flows through the Himalayan mountains and emerges into the plains at Rishikesh and Haridwar. The river system is primarily fed by the melting of Himalayan snow and glaciers, as well as seasonal monsoon rainfall, making it one of the most significant river systems emerging from the Himalayan range. Its course through the mountains involves the confluence of several headstreams, most notably the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi at Devprayag, which together form the main stream of the Ganga.

Explanation

Sekhar Bandyopadhyay is the author of the book From Plassey to Partition and After: A History of Modern India. First published in 2004 and later updated, this work provides a comprehensive account of Indian history from the collapse of the Mughal Empire and the Battle of Plassey in 1757 to the Partition of India in 1947, with subsequent editions covering the post-independence era. Bandyopadhyay is a Professor of Modern Indian History and his text is widely recognized for synthesizing various historiographical schools, including nationalist, Marxist, and subaltern perspectives, making it a foundational resource for students and competitive exam aspirants studying the emergence of the Indian nation.

Explanation

Article 24 of the Constitution of India specifically prohibits the employment of children below the age of 14 years in any factory, mine, or any other hazardous employment. As a fundamental right under the category of Right Against Exploitation, it ensures that children are protected from physical and mental harm resulting from labor at a young age. Since the 12-year-old is working in a carpet manufacturing factory, which is considered a hazardous industry and a factory setting, this employment directly contravenes the constitutional mandate designed to safeguard the childhood and education of minors.

Explanation

Bihu is the most significant cultural and agricultural festival celebrated in the state of Assam. It consists of three distinct festivals throughout the year: Bohag Bihu (or Rongali Bihu) in April, which marks the Assamese New Year and the beginning of the seeding season; Kati Bihu (or Kongali Bihu) in October, which is a more somber occasion related to the protection of crops; and Magh Bihu (or Bhogali Bihu) in January, which celebrates the end of the harvest season with community feasts. The festival is characterized by the performance of the traditional Bihu dance, folk songs, and the preparation of ethnic delicacies like pitha and laru, reflecting the deep-rooted agrarian traditions and the composite culture of the Assamese people.

Explanation

Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, the legendary Hindustani classical vocalist of the Kirana Gharana, was conferred with the Karnataka Ratna in 2005. Born in Gadag, Karnataka, he was one of the most celebrated musicians in India, renowned for his mastery over the khayal form of singing and his soulful bhajans. While primarily a classical artist, he also contributed to Indian cinema as a playback singer in films such as Basant Bahar, Birbal My Brother, and Tansen, and gained immense popularity for his rendition in the national integration song Mile Sur Mera Tumhara. The Karnataka Ratna is the highest civilian honor bestowed by the Government of Karnataka, and Joshi received it in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the field of music. He was later also honored with the Bharat Ratna, Indias highest civilian award, in 2008.

Explanation

Article 158 of the Constitution of India specifies the conditions of the Governor's office. According to Clause (1) of this Article, the Governor shall not be a member of either House of Parliament or of a House of the Legislature of any State specified in the First Schedule. The First Schedule of the Indian Constitution contains the list of States and Union Territories. This constitutional provision ensures the separation of powers and the independence of the executive head of a state by preventing an individual from holding a legislative seat and the office of Governor simultaneously. If a member of Parliament or a State Legislature is appointed as Governor, they are deemed to have vacated their seat in that House on the date they enter upon the office of Governor.

Explanation

Cheilosis is a clinical condition characterized by inflammation, cracking, and scaling of the lips and the corners of the mouth, frequently caused by a deficiency of Riboflavin, also known as Vitamin B2. As a component of the coenzymes FMN and FAD, Riboflavin is essential for energy metabolism and the maintenance of healthy skin and mucous membranes. When the body lacks sufficient Vitamin B2, the integrity of the tissue at the labial commissures is compromised, leading to the development of painful fissures and crusting. This manifestation is a hallmark sign of ariboflavinosis, the clinical syndrome resulting from chronic Riboflavin deficiency.

Explanation

Based on the Tea Board of India's statistics for the year 2021-22, Assam and West Bengal are the primary tea-producing states in India, collectively accounting for over 80 percent of the nation's total tea production. Assam is the single largest producer, contributing approximately 707.48 million kilograms, which represents more than half of India's total output. West Bengal follows as the second-largest producer with an annual production of approximately 401.48 million kilograms. The production in these states is concentrated in the Brahmaputra and Barak valleys of Assam and the Dooars, Terai, and Darjeeling regions of West Bengal, benefiting from the specific agro-climatic conditions required for high-yield tea cultivation.

Explanation

Iltutmish introduced the silver Tanka and the copper Jital, marking the beginning of a purely Arabic coinage system in India. The silver Tanka weighed approximately 175 grains and remained the standard monetary unit for the Delhi Sultanate for a long duration. By establishing these two coins, Iltutmish provided a uniform currency for his empire, replacing the irregular and diverse local coins that were previously in circulation. This reform stabilized the economy and simplified tax collection across the Sultanate's vast territories.

Explanation

The Theosophical Society was established in New York, USA, in November 1875 by Madame Helena Petrovna Blavatsky and Colonel Henry Steel Olcott. The society was founded to promote the study of ancient religions, philosophies, and sciences, and to investigate the unexplained laws of nature and the powers latent in humanity. Madame Blavatsky served as the principal theorist of the movement, while Colonel Olcott acted as its first president. The founders eventually moved to India in 1879 and established the permanent international headquarters of the society at Adyar, Madras, in 1882, where the organization played a significant role in the Indian socio-religious reform movement by emphasizing the greatness of ancient Eastern wisdom.

Explanation

India officially adopted the Five-Year Plan model in 1951 under the Planning Commission. Between 1947 and 1990, a total of seven five-year plans were implemented. The sequence started with the First Plan from 1951 to 1956, the Second Plan from 1956 to 1961, and the Third Plan from 1961 to 1966. Following this, there was a hiatus known as the Plan Holiday from 1966 to 1969, consisting of annual plans. Planning resumed with the Fourth Plan from 1969 to 1974, followed by the Fifth Plan from 1974 to 1978. Although the Fifth Plan was ended a year ahead of its original 1979 schedule, it is categorized as the fifth cycle in the planning timeline. After the Rolling Plan years of 1978 to 1980, the Sixth Plan was conducted from 1980 to 1985, and the Seventh Plan was carried out from 1985 to 1990. Since the Eighth Plan did not commence until 1992 due to economic and political shifts, the count of five-year plans concluded by 1990 is seven.

Explanation

The chemical formula C₉H₂₀ corresponds to the straight-chain alkane known as nonane, which follows the general homologous series formula for alkanes, CₙH₂ₙ₊₂, where n = 9. Nonane is a colorless, flammable liquid found primarily in the kerosene and gasoline fractions of crude oil. In chemical industries, it is utilized as a research chemical and serves as a precursor in the synthesis of linear alkyl chains. These chains are essential for the production of linear alkylbenzene sulfonates, which are the most widely used surfactants in biodegradable detergents because their straight-chain structure allows for easier microbial breakdown compared to branched-chain alternatives.

Explanation

When lead nitrate powder Pb(NO₃)₂ is heated in a boiling tube, it undergoes a thermal decomposition reaction. This reaction breaks down the compound into lead(II) oxide PbO, nitrogen dioxide NO₂, and oxygen O₂. The balanced chemical equation is 2Pb(NO₃)₂(s) heat 2PbO(s) + 4NO₂(g) + O₂(g). Nitrogen dioxide is a characteristic reddish-brown gas, and its evolution during the heating process is observed as brown fumes escaping the tube. The remaining solid residue of lead(II) oxide appears yellow when cold.

Explanation

Seleucus I Nicator, the founder of the Seleucid Empire and a former general under Alexander the Great, dispatched Megasthenes as his official ambassador to the court of Chandragupta Maurya. This diplomatic mission was established following the conclusion of the Seleucid-Mauryan war around 305 BCE, which resulted in a peace treaty and territorial concessions. Megasthenes spent significant time at the Mauryan capital, Pataliputra, where he documented his observations in his influential work titled Indica. His writings serve as a primary Greek source for understanding the administrative structure, military organization, and social customs of the Mauryan Empire during the late 4th century BCE.

Explanation

Under Article 243M of the Constitution of India, certain states are exempted from the mandatory three-tier Panchayati Raj system introduced by the 73rd Amendment Act, 1992. Nagaland is one of the three states, along with Meghalaya and Mizoram, where the provisions of Part IX of the Constitution do not apply. Instead of Panchayati Raj Institutions, Nagaland maintains its traditional local self-government systems, such as Village Councils and the Nagaland Village and Tribal Councils Act, which oversee local administration and justice in accordance with customary laws and practices.

Explanation

Under the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awaas Yojana (PMAY-G), the cost of unit assistance is shared between the Central and State Governments to ensure the implementation of the housing program. For North-Eastern states and the Himalayan states, which include Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, the funding ratio is set at 90:10. This means the Central Government contributes 90 percent of the funds while the State Government provides the remaining 10 percent. This specific ratio is applied to these regions to account for their difficult geographical terrain and limited financial resources compared to plain areas, where the standard sharing ratio is 60:40. For Union Territories, the Central Government bears 100 percent of the cost.

Explanation

Capital receipts are defined as government inflows that either create a liability or result in a reduction in government assets. The proceeds derived from the sale of government assets, such as the disinvestment of equity in public sector undertakings or the disposal of land and buildings, directly diminish the stock of assets held by the government. Because this transaction involves the liquidation of capital stock rather than a recurring income stream that leaves assets intact, it is categorized as a capital receipt in the government budget.

Explanation

Dadabhai Naoroji, known as the Grand Old Man of India, formulated the Drain of Wealth theory to explain the economic exhaustion of India under British rule. He first introduced this concept in his 1867 paper England's Debt to India and later expanded upon it in his landmark book Poverty and Un-British Rule in India, published in 1901. Naoroji argued that a significant portion of India's national wealth and revenues was being transferred to Britain in the form of home charges, interest on foreign debt, military expenditures, and salaries and pensions of British officials. This unilateral transfer of resources occurred without any adequate economic or material return to India, which Naoroji identified as the primary cause of the country's extreme poverty and frequent famines during the colonial period.

Explanation

Pteropus is a genus of megabats, commonly known as flying foxes, which belongs to the class Mammalia rather than Aves. As mammals, they possess characteristic features such as the presence of mammary glands to produce milk for their young, a body covered in hair or fur, and the ability to give birth to live young. Their wing structure consists of a patagium, which is a skin membrane stretched between elongated finger bones, differing fundamentally from the feathered wings characteristic of the class Aves.

Explanation

Koneru Humpy secured India's first-ever silver medal at the FIDE World Blitz Chess Championship held in Almaty, Kazakhstan. She finished the tournament with a score of 12.5 points out of 17, narrowly missing the gold medal by just half a point behind Bibisara Assaubayeva of Kazakhstan. This achievement in the blitz format followed her earlier success in the World Rapid Chess Championship, where she had won gold in 2019. Her performance in Almaty was a significant milestone for Indian chess, as it represented the nation's highest-ever finish in the blitz category of the world championships.

Explanation

The Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is a low-pressure belt located near the equator where the trade winds from the Northern and Southern Hemispheres converge. This zone shifts its position seasonally following the apparent movement of the sun. During the summer in the Northern Hemisphere, the landmass of India undergoes intense heating, causing the ITCZ to shift significantly northward. In the month of July, the ITCZ is typically positioned around 20°N to 25°N latitude, specifically over the Indo-Gangetic plain. At this stage, it is often referred to as the monsoon trough. The presence of this low-pressure trough over northern India is a critical component of the South West Monsoon, as it creates a vacuum that draws in moisture-laden winds from the high-pressure areas over the southern Indian Ocean, leading to widespread rainfall across the subcontinent.

Explanation

Mirabai Chanu won her first Commonwealth Games medal, a silver, in the women's 48 kg weightlifting category at the 2014 Glasgow Games. She achieved a total lift of 170 kg, comprising 75 kg in the snatch and 95 kg in the clean and jerk. This performance established her as one of India's premier weightlifters on the international stage, providing the momentum for her future successes, including gold medals in the 2018 and 2022 editions of the Commonwealth Games and an Olympic silver medal in Tokyo.

Explanation

New Moore Island, also known as South Talpatti in Bangladesh and Purbasha in India, was a small, uninhabited offshore sandbar in the Bay of Bengal. It was located just off the coast of the Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta, near the mouth of the Hariabhanga River. This river forms the international maritime boundary between India (West Bengal) and Bangladesh. The island's proximity to Bangladesh led to a long-standing territorial dispute between the two nations until the island was submerged by rising sea levels around 2010. Permanent settlement was never established, but its location placed it within the immediate maritime vicinity of Bangladesh's southwestern coastline.

Explanation

The Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All (UJALA) scheme was launched by the Prime Minister of India on May 1, 2015. It was introduced as a replacement for the Bachat Lamp Yojana to promote energy efficiency across the country. The program is implemented by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a joint venture of public sector undertakings under the Ministry of Power. The primary objective of the scheme is to distribute LED bulbs to domestic consumers at affordable rates, thereby reducing energy consumption, lowering electricity bills for households, and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.

Explanation

The Marginal Farmers Development Agency (MFDA) was established as a core component of the target group approach in Indian planning. Unlike area-based strategies that focused on the development of specific geographical regions, the target group approach was designed to provide direct assistance to specific underprivileged sections of society regardless of their location. Launched during the Fourth Five-Year Plan, the MFDA aimed to improve the socio-economic conditions of marginal farmers by facilitating access to institutional credit, modern agricultural inputs, and technical advice. By identifying the individual farmer as the unit of development based on landholding size, the programme sought to ensure that the benefits of agricultural growth reached those who lacked the resources to compete in the open market, thereby addressing rural poverty and income inequality through specialized institutional support.

Explanation

In the 1924 Paris Summer Olympics, India was represented by a contingent that included 8 track and field athletes. These athletes were selected following the first-ever national athletic meet, known as the Indian Olympic Games, held in Delhi in February 1924.

The selection committee, supported by Sir Dorabji Tata, chose 8 men to represent the nation: James Hall (100m, 200m, 400m), Wilfred Hildreth (100m, 200m), C.K. Lakshmanan (110m hurdles), Terence Pitt (100m, 200m, 400m), T.K. Pitt (400m), Mahadeo Singh (Marathon), Pala Singh (Marathon), and Dalip Singh (Long Jump). This delegation was a significant step in the formalization of India's Olympic history, as it was the first time a structured national selection process was used to form the team. While athletes in other disciplines like tennis also participated, the core track and field group selected for the Games numbered 8.

Explanation

Arjun Singh Dhurve is a highly acclaimed artist from the Dindori district of Madhya Pradesh, recognized for his lifelong commitment to the preservation and promotion of the folk culture of the Baiga tribe. He is particularly renowned for the Baiga Pardhauni dance, a traditional performance typically showcased during marriage ceremonies within the community. For his exceptional mastery and efforts to popularize Baiga music and dance on both national and international stages, the Government of Madhya Pradesh conferred upon him the Tulsi Samman, a prestigious award dedicated to traditional folk and tribal arts. His contributions have been pivotal in ensuring the continuity of the unique rhythmic patterns and ancestral songs inherent to the Baiga cultural heritage.

Explanation

Birsa Munda was an iconic tribal leader and freedom fighter from the Munda tribe who spearheaded the Millenarian movement known as the Ulgulan or the Great Tumult in the late 19th century. Operating primarily in the Chhotanagpur Plateau region, he mobilized tribal communities against the exploitative dual grip of the British colonial government and the local zamindari system that deprived tribals of their ancestral land rights. His leadership aimed at establishing a Munda Raj and restoring tribal autonomy. Revered as Bhagwan and Dharti Aba, meaning Father of the Earth, his legacy remains a central symbol of tribal identity and resistance. In 2021, the Government of India officially designated November 15, his birth anniversary, as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas to honor his contributions and the role of tribal heroes in the Indian independence movement.