SSC CGL Tier 1 2024 General Awareness Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The Hemis festival is one of the most significant monastic festivals celebrated in the Union Territory of Ladakh. It is held annually at the Hemis Monastery, the largest and wealthiest gompa in the region, to commemorate the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. The festival typically occurs in June or July, specifically on the tenth day of the fifth month of the Tibetan lunar calendar. A central feature of the celebration is the performance of the Cham dance, a sacred masked dance performed by lamas to the sound of traditional instruments like drums and long horns, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. Every twelve years, a massive thangka of Guru Padmasambhava is publicly displayed, making the event particularly auspicious for pilgrims and visitors.

Explanation

Bhopal Lake, officially known as Bhojtal, is a massive man-made reservoir situated in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. It was created in the 11th century by Raja Bhoj, the ruler of Malwa, by constructing an earthen dam across the Kolans River to address the water needs of the region. Historically regarded as the largest artificial lake in Asia in various general knowledge contexts, it covers an area of approximately 31 square kilometers. The lake is a vital source of potable water for the city and is recognized as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.

Explanation

In 2002, Zakir Hussain was conferred with the Padma Bhushan, Indias third-highest civilian award, for his distinguished service in the field of Art. At the time he received this honour, he became the youngest percussionist to be recognized with the Padma Bhushan by the Government of India. This award acknowledged his virtuosity as a tabla maestro and his extensive efforts in promoting Indian classical music internationally. His career is marked by several such milestones, including being the youngest person to receive the Padma Shri previously in 1988, but the specific 2002 distinction refers to the Padma Bhushan.

Explanation

These microbes are primary biological agents in the nitrogen cycle, facilitating the conversion of nitrogen into different chemical forms. Rhizobium is a symbiotic bacterium that performs biological nitrogen fixation by converting atmospheric nitrogen N₂ into ammonia NH₃ within the root nodules of leguminous plants. Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter are nitrifying bacteria that execute the two-step process of nitrification. Nitrosomonas oxidizes ammonia into nitrite NO₂⁻, and Nitrobacter subsequently oxidizes nitrite into nitrate NO₃⁻. These processes ensure that nitrogen is available in forms that can be readily absorbed and utilized by plants for protein synthesis and growth.

Explanation

The Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 was triggered at the Meerut cantonment on the evening of 10 May 1857. Following a violent uprising where the sepoys broke open the town jail to release their imprisoned comrades and killed several British officers, the mutineers began their march to Delhi that same night. They traveled through the night and reached the Red Fort in Delhi on the morning of 11 May, where they urged the Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar to take the leadership of the revolt.

Explanation

Amitabh Kant, a former CEO of NITI Aayog and a 1980-batch IAS officer, was appointed as India's G20 Sherpa in July 2022. He took over the role to provide full-time leadership for the extensive negotiations and coordination required during India's G20 Presidency, which took place from December 1, 2022, to November 30, 2023. As the Sherpa, he was responsible for steering the discussions among the member nations, managing the working groups, and playing a pivotal role in drafting the New Delhi Leaders' Declaration.

Explanation

The Pir Panjal range is the largest and most prominent range of the Lesser Himalayas, situated in the Western Himalayan region. It extends from the Jhelum River to the upper Beas River, spanning primarily across the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir and the state of Himachal Pradesh. Geographically, the Purvanchal Himalayas represent the eastern extension of the Himalayan mountain system, formed where the mountains bend sharply to the south beyond the Dihang gorge. This eastern range runs along the border between India and Myanmar and includes the Patkai Bum, Naga Hills, Manipur Hills, and Mizo Hills. Since the Pir Panjal is located in the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent, it is not a part of the Purvanchal chain.

Explanation

India made its Olympic debut in field hockey at the 1928 Summer Olympics held in Amsterdam. The Indian team, led by Jaipal Singh Munda, delivered a dominant performance by not conceding a single goal throughout the tournament. In the final, India defeated the host nation, the Netherlands, with a score of 3-0 to clinch its first-ever Olympic gold medal. This tournament also marked the emergence of the legendary Major Dhyan Chand on the international stage, who finished as the top scorer of the competition with 14 goals.

Explanation

Under Article 51A(g) of the Constitution of India, it is the fundamental duty of every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife. Composting is an ecological practice that involves recycling organic waste to create nutrient-rich soil, which helps in waste reduction and soil conservation. By learning and demonstrating how to make compost for use in a park, the student is actively engaging in the improvement of the natural environment and promoting sustainable living practices that preserve the ecosystem.

Explanation

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched the SMILE-75 initiative, which stands for Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise, in August 2022. This initiative was specifically designed to commemorate 75 years of India's independence by addressing the issue of begging in a holistic manner. Under this scheme, 75 Municipal Corporations across the country were identified to implement comprehensive rehabilitation measures for persons engaged in the act of begging. The focus of SMILE-75 is on providing essential services such as medical facilities, counseling, basic documentation, education, and skill development to ensure that these individuals are reintegrated into mainstream society with sustainable livelihood opportunities. The initiative works through the collaboration of local urban bodies and non-governmental organizations to provide a dignity-based rehabilitation model that moves beyond mere enforcement to provide socio-economic upliftment.

Explanation

Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) is the National Mission for Financial Inclusion launched in August 2014 to ensure that every household in India has access to a range of financial services in an affordable manner. The mission is designed to provide universal access to banking facilities by offering basic savings and deposit accounts, remittance services, need-based credit, insurance, and pension products. By bringing the unbanked population into the formal financial system, PMJDY facilitates the direct delivery of government subsidies and benefits through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), reduces leakages, and promotes financial literacy. The scheme emphasizes the use of technology to lower costs and reach the remotest parts of the country, ensuring that even the most vulnerable sections of society have a secure platform for their financial transactions.

Explanation

Vikramorvasiyam is a classical Sanskrit drama composed by Kalidasa, the preeminent poet and playwright of the Gupta era, likely during the 4th or 5th century CE. The play consists of five acts and dramatizes the mythological love story between the mortal King Pururavas and the celestial nymph Urvashi, a narrative originally found in the Rigveda and the Puranas. Kalidasa is celebrated for his sophisticated use of language and mastery of the shringara rasa, which are central to this work. Because it was written by Kalidasa, it does not belong to the group of dramas authored by the 7th-century Pushyabhuti ruler Harshavardhana.

Explanation

Kingdom Monera comprises unicellular prokaryotic organisms that lack a well-defined nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. In these organisms, the genetic material is not enclosed within a nuclear membrane but instead remains in a region called the nucleoid. Their cellular structure is relatively simple, as they do not possess specialized internal compartments such as mitochondria, Golgi bodies, or lysosomes. This kingdom primarily includes all bacteria and cyanobacteria, which perform essential biological functions using simple cellular machinery adapted to their prokaryotic nature.

Explanation

Article 63 of the Constitution of India, located within Part V which deals with The Union, explicitly states that there shall be a Vice-President of India. This article establishes the constitutional office of the Vice-President, who holds the second-highest office in the country. The mandate ensures the continuous existence of this position within the executive framework of the Indian government, where the holder also serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

Explanation

When an athlete throws a javelin, it undergoes projectile motion, which is a specific type of motion in a two-dimensional plane. Under the constant influence of gravity, the javelin follows a parabolic trajectory rather than a straight line. Any motion where an object moves along a curved path is defined as curvilinear motion. In this case, the velocity of the javelin has both horizontal and vertical components, and its direction changes continuously as it travels through the air, tracing the curve of the parabola until it hits the ground.

Explanation

The Green Revolution in India, initiated in the mid-1960s, fundamentally transformed the agricultural sector through the adoption of High Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds, modern irrigation techniques, and the intensive use of chemical fertilizers. By the agricultural year 1978-79, these technological interventions resulted in cereal production reaching 131.9 million tons. This significant increase from the 72.4 million tons recorded in 1965-66 marked a pivotal shift in India's food security status, as the growth in output for staples like wheat and rice allowed the country to achieve self-sufficiency and establish a substantial buffer stock of foodgrains.

Explanation

The oxidation number of sulfur in pyrosulfuric acid (H₂S₂O₇), also known as oleum, is determined by the sum of the oxidation states of all atoms in a neutral molecule being equal to zero. In this compound, hydrogen typically has an oxidation state of +1 and oxygen has an oxidation state of -2.

Let the oxidation number of sulfur be x. The calculation is as follows: 2(+1) + 2(x) + 7(-2) = 0 2 + 2x - 14 = 0 2x - 12 = 0 2x = 12 x = +6

Structurally, H₂S₂O₇ consists of two SO₄ tetrahedra sharing a corner oxygen atom (S-O-S bridge). Each sulfur atom is bonded to two double-bonded oxygens, one hydroxyl group, and one bridging oxygen. Since sulfur is less electronegative than oxygen, all six valence electrons of each sulfur atom are formally assigned to the more electronegative oxygen atoms, resulting in an oxidation state of +6.

Explanation

The provision defining a major airport as one with annual passenger traffic of at least 35 lakh was introduced by the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (Amendment) Act, 2019. Prior to that, the threshold set by the original 2008 Act was 15 lakh passengers. The 2021 Amendment Act was specifically designed to allow the Central Government to group airports and notify such a combination as a major airport. This enabled the government to club smaller, less profitable airports with established, high-traffic major airports to make them more attractive for private investment under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Consequently, the specific numerical passenger threshold of 35 lakh was already part of the law before the 2021 amendments were enacted.

Explanation

Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) is a premier central public sector undertaking owned and managed by the Government of India under the administrative control of the Ministry of Heavy Industries. Established in 1964, it is one of India's largest engineering and manufacturing enterprises, focused on the design and production of equipment for the power, transmission, transportation, and defense sectors. BHEL was granted Maharatna status in 2013, a category reserved for high-performing state-owned entities with significant financial autonomy and a large global presence.

Explanation

The Pro Kabaddi League was established in 2014 to professionalize and modernize the traditional Indian sport of kabaddi. The league was founded by Mashal Sports, a company co-founded by Anand Mahindra and Piyush Pandey, in collaboration with the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India and backed by Star Sports. Inspired by the popularity of the sport during the 2006 Asian Games, the inaugural season was launched on July 26, 2014. It featured eight franchises representing different Indian cities: Bengaluru, Delhi, Jaipur, Kolkata, Mumbai, Patna, Pune, and Vizag. The success of the first season, which saw the Jaipur Pink Panthers emerge as the first champions, significantly increased the sport's domestic viewership and commercial profile, establishing it as one of India's leading professional sports leagues.

Explanation

The Vedangas comprise six auxiliary disciplines that are considered the limbs of the Vedas, essential for their correct recitation and interpretation. These six disciplines are Shiksha, which deals with phonetics and pronunciation; Kalpa, which focuses on the ritual instructions and sacrificial procedures; Vyakarana, which covers grammar and linguistic analysis; Nirukta, which provides the etymology and explanation of Vedic words; Chhandas, which pertains to the study of Vedic meters and prosody; and Jyotisha, which involves the astronomical observations required to schedule rituals. These sciences were developed during the later Vedic period to preserve the oral tradition and ensure the precise performance of Vedic ceremonies.

Explanation

The First Five-Year Plan of India, implemented between 1951 and 1956, was based on the Harrod-Domar model and primarily focused on the development of the primary sector, specifically agriculture and irrigation. The plan was highly successful, benefiting from favorable weather conditions and strong agricultural harvests. While the Planning Commission had set a modest target annual growth rate of 2.1% for the Gross Domestic Product, the economy performed significantly better than expected, reaching an actual growth rate of 3.6% per annum. This performance helped stabilize the economy and laid the foundation for future industrialization.

Explanation

The five Fs represent the primary routes of indirect transmission in the fecal-oral cycle, which is a major pathway for enteric diseases. Fingers refer to the contamination of hands that transfer pathogens to the mouth or food. Flies act as mechanical vectors, carrying infectious agents from waste to consumables. Fomites are inanimate objects, such as utensils, doorknobs, or clothing, that harbor and transfer pathogens. Food becomes a vehicle for transmission when contaminated during preparation, storage, or handling. Fluid, particularly water, serves as a common medium for the spread of pathogens through drinking or washing. Identifying these routes is essential in public health for implementing interventions like handwashing, water sanitation, and vector control to break the chain of infection.

Explanation

The classification of these organisms is based on the distinct morphological characteristics of their respective phyla. Annelida (i) corresponds to the Earthworm (d), which belongs to a phylum of segmented worms. Arthropoda (ii) matches with the Ant (c) because ants are insects characterized by jointed appendages and a chitinous exoskeleton. Echinodermata (iii) is represented by the Sea star (b), a marine invertebrate featuring a water vascular system and radial symmetry. Platyhelminthes (iv) corresponds to the Tapeworm (a), which is a parasitic flatworm characterized by a dorsoventrally flattened body.

Explanation

The Election Laws (Amendment) Act, 2021, amended Section 14(b) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, to increase the number of qualifying dates for revision of electoral rolls. Previously, 1 January was the only qualifying date, meaning many individuals who turned 18 just after 1 January had to wait until the following year to register as voters. The amendment introduced four qualifying dates in a calendar year: 1 January, 1 April, 1 July, and 1 October. This reform allows citizens to register as voters as soon as they turn 18 in any of these quarters, thereby making the electoral registration process more inclusive and frequent.

Explanation

The Ashirwad Scheme was initiated by the Government of Punjab to provide financial assistance for the marriage of daughters from low-income families. Formerly known as the Shagun Scheme, it was renamed and restructured to extend support to various categories, including Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes, Christian families, and daughters of widows of any caste.

To be eligible for the scheme, the family's annual income must not exceed ₹32,790. The scheme provides a one-time financial grant of ₹21,000 (which was later increased to ₹51,000 in 2021) per beneficiary, limited to two daughters per family. The assistance is also applicable to Scheduled Caste widows or divorcees at the time of their remarriage. The Department of Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities implements the program, ensuring direct benefit transfers into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries.

Explanation

Under Article 207(1) of the Constitution of India, a Money Bill as defined in Article 199 cannot be introduced or moved in the State Legislative Assembly except on the recommendation of the Governor. This constitutional provision ensures that the executive branch, through the Governor, maintains control over the state's fiscal policy and public expenditure. This process mirrors the legislative procedure at the Union level, where the prior recommendation of the President is mandatory for introducing a Money Bill in the Lok Sabha under Article 117(1). The Governor's recommendation is a formal prerequisite that must be obtained before the bill is tabled for consideration by the house.

Explanation

According to the Census of India 2011, the overall literacy rate in the country was recorded at 74.04 percent. The male literacy rate was 82.14 percent, while the female literacy rate was 65.46 percent. The gender gap in literacy is determined by the difference between these two values:

82.14% - 65.46% = 16.68%

This difference of 16.68 percentage points reflects the disparity in educational attainment between males and females at the national level during the 2011 census operations. This figure is a critical indicator used by policymakers to address gender-based inequalities in education and social development.

Explanation

The Digital India mission was officially launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 1, 2015. It is a flagship program of the Government of India with a vision to transform the country into a digitally empowered society and a knowledge economy. The mission is centered on three key vision areas: digital infrastructure as a core utility to every citizen, governance and services on demand, and the digital empowerment of citizens. By bridging the digital divide, the initiative aims to ensure that government services are available to citizens electronically and to improve online infrastructure by increasing internet connectivity across rural and urban India.

Explanation

Manika Batra is a prominent Indian professional table tennis player who achieved significant recognition on the international stage. She led the Indian women's team to a historic gold medal victory at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and also won the gold medal in the women's singles event at the same tournament. In 2020, she was honored with the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, India's highest sporting honor, for her exceptional contributions to the sport. She has consistently been ranked as one of the top female table tennis players in India and is well-known for her unique playing style using long-pimpled rubber on her backhand.

Explanation

Neon is a noble gas that emits a characteristic bright reddish-orange light when an electric current is passed through it in a vacuum discharge tube. This process occurs because the electrical energy excites the electrons within the neon atoms to higher energy levels. When these excited electrons return to their stable ground state, they release energy in the form of photons. The energy gaps between the specific electron shells in neon correspond to wavelengths in the red and orange portions of the visible light spectrum, primarily between 580 nm and 700 nm. This property makes it the standard gas used in neon signs and high-visibility discharge lamps.

Explanation

Prithviraj Raso is an epic poem composed by Chand Bardai, who was the court poet and a close companion of the Chahamana king Prithviraj III. Written primarily in Brajbhasha, the text is considered one of the earliest and most significant works of Hindi literature. It provides an extensive account of the life of Prithviraj Chauhan, detailing his military valor in battles against the Ghurid invaders and his famous romantic elopement with Sanyogita, the daughter of Jaichand of Kannauj. The narrative blends historical facts with legendary elements to celebrate the chivalry and heroism of the Rajput ruler during the 12th century.

Explanation

Chittaranjan Das was a distinguished lawyer and a prominent leader in the Indian independence movement, widely honored with the title Deshbandhu, which translates to Friend of the Nation. He was a key figure in the Non-Cooperation Movement and later co-founded the Swaraj Party in 1923 with the goal of seeking self-government through entry into the legislative councils. Known for his selfless devotion to the country and his legal brilliance, he also served as the political mentor to Subhas Chandra Bose and was the first mayor of the Calcutta Municipal Corporation.

Explanation

Pandit Buddhadev Dasgupta was a legendary Indian classical musician and one of the foremost masters of the Sarod. He was a prominent exponent of the Shahjahanpur Gharana, having trained under the illustrious Radhika Mohan Maitra. Known for his technical virtuosity and deep understanding of raga structures, he played a vital role in preserving and promoting the traditional heritage of the Sarod. His distinguished career earned him numerous accolades, including the Padma Bhushan in 2012 and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.

Explanation

Fundamental Duties are enshrined in Article 51A of the Indian Constitution, having been added by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976. While Article 51A(d) mandates that citizens should defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so, the Constitution does not prescribe a specific duration or a mandatory five-year term for such service. The requirement for a fixed five-year period of national service is not mentioned in any of the eleven Fundamental Duties.

Explanation

The reaction between zinc and sulphuric acid is a single displacement reaction. Zinc is a reactive metal located above hydrogen in the reactivity series, which allows it to displace hydrogen from dilute acids. When zinc metal is added to sulphuric acid, it reacts to form zinc sulphate and hydrogen gas. The chemical equation for this process is: Zn + H₂SO₄ → ZnSO₄ + H₂ In this redox reaction, zinc atoms are oxidized to Zn²⁺ ions by losing electrons. These ions then combine with the sulphate ions SO₄²⁻ present in the acid solution to form the salt zinc sulphate. Simultaneously, hydrogen ions from the acid are reduced to form hydrogen gas, which is typically observed as effervescence.

Explanation

The Kalidas Samman is a prestigious national award instituted by the Government of Madhya Pradesh in 1980 to honor excellence in the fields of classical music, classical dance, theatre, and plastic arts. The award is presented annually by the state's Department of Culture to artists of national repute. Pandit Venkatesh Kumar, a renowned Hindustani classical vocalist known for his mastery over the Kirana and Gwalior gharanas, was conferred with this honor for the year 2022. His selection recognized his profound contribution to the preservation and promotion of traditional Indian classical music. The award ceremony is typically held in Ujjain, coinciding with the Akhil Bhartiya Kalidas Samaroh, which celebrates the legacy of the legendary Sanskrit poet Kalidasa.

Explanation

Barter exchange is a system of trade where goods and services are directly exchanged for other goods and services without the use of money as an intermediary. In this system, commodities function as the medium of exchange, meaning that the value of one item is measured and paid for using another physical item. For such an exchange to occur, there must be a double coincidence of wants, where both parties involved in the transaction possess the specific goods that the other party desires and are willing to trade them at an agreed-upon ratio. Since no standardized currency or metallic coins are involved, the physical goods themselves facilitate the transfer of value between individuals.

Explanation

Rajasthan is the state where these prominent cultural and religious events take place. The Gangaur Festival is a major celebration dedicated to Goddess Gauri, symbolizing marital bliss and celebrated with grand processions in cities like Jaipur and Udaipur. The Pushkar Fair is a globally recognized annual livestock fair and cultural gathering held in the sacred town of Pushkar. The Nagaur Fair is the second-largest cattle fair in India, primarily focused on the trade of camels, horses, and bullocks. The Urs Fair is held at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah to commemorate the death anniversary of the Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, drawing pilgrims from all over the world. These festivals collectively showcase the rich desert culture, spirituality, and traditions of Rajasthan.

Explanation

Tendu leaves, obtained from the tree species Diospyros melanoxylon, are the standard material used to wrap tobacco to create bidis. These leaves are prized for their specific qualities, such as their leather-like texture, flexibility when moistened, and resistance to decay. Scientifically, they possess a unique flavor profile that complements tobacco and a slow-burning characteristic that is essential for a hand-rolled cigarette. In India, the collection of Tendu leaves is a significant socio-economic activity, particularly in the central and eastern forest regions. The leaves are harvested during the summer months, cured in the sun, and then sold to bidi factories where they are manually rolled with tobacco flakes and secured with a thread.

Explanation

The Shevaroy hills are situated in the Salem district of Tamil Nadu and constitute a major hill range within the Eastern Ghats. As part of the discontinuous mountain chain running parallel to the Bay of Bengal, these hills are composed of ancient charnockite rocks. They feature a high plateau known for its cool climate and are home to the Yercaud hill station. The range plays a vital role in the local ecology and economy, particularly through the cultivation of coffee and pears. The Eastern Ghats are characterized by such isolated hill blocks, and the Shevaroy hills represent one of the southernmost segments of this system.

Explanation

Rabindranath Tagore established the Brahmacharya Ashram, an experimental school, at Shantiniketan in 1901. He moved to the estate, which had been founded as a spiritual retreat by his father Debendranath Tagore in 1863, to implement his unique educational philosophy. Tagore's vision for Shantiniketan was to provide education in a natural setting, fostering a close bond between students and nature while moving away from the rigid, classroom-bound system of the British colonial era. This institution eventually evolved into Visva-Bharati University in 1921, becoming a global center for art, culture, and learning.

Explanation

Mrinalini Sarabhai founded the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts in 1949 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. A legendary dancer and choreographer, she was an expert in both Bharatanatyam and Kathakali. She established the academy alongside her husband, the renowned physicist Vikram Sarabhai, to create a space where the classical arts could be preserved and used as a medium for social change. Under her leadership, the institution became a premier center for training and research in dance, drama, music, and puppetry. Sarabhai is credited with modernizing classical dance by incorporating contemporary social issues into traditional performances at the academy.