SSC CGL Tier 1 2024 General Awareness Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) was launched by the Government of India on 23 December 1993. The primary objective of the scheme is to enable Members of Parliament to recommend developmental works in their constituencies based on locally felt needs, with a specific focus on creating durable community assets. These assets include infrastructure related to drinking water, primary education, public health, sanitation, and roads. Initially, the scheme was under the control of the Ministry of Rural Development, but the administration was transferred to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) in October 1994. It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme where the annual funds are released directly to the district authorities.

Explanation

The term willy-willy is the localized name used in Australia to describe tropical cyclones. These weather phenomena are intense low-pressure systems that form over warm tropical waters, characterized by strong, spiraling winds and heavy precipitation. In the context of global regional nomenclature, geographers use specific terms to categorize these storms based on their location of origin, and willy-willy is the traditional designation historically associated with the Australian region.

Explanation

Starch is a complex carbohydrate and a storage polysaccharide produced exclusively by plants through photosynthesis to store energy. It is found in abundance in plant-based foods such as tubers, legumes, and cereal grains. Egg yolks are animal products consisting primarily of lipids, such as phospholipids and cholesterol, and proteins. Animals do not synthesize starch; instead, they store excess glucose in the form of glycogen. Because starch is a plant-specific energy reserve, it is not naturally present in the composition of egg yolks.

Explanation

The Global System of Trade Preferences (GSTP) was established through an agreement signed in 1988 in Belgrade to promote trade among developing countries. The Framework Agreement on Economic Cooperation between the Republic of India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) was signed in 2004, serving as a precursor to free trade negotiations. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and the Republic of Korea was signed in 2009 and officially came into force on January 1, 2010. The 7th Trade Policy Review (TPR) of India, which is a key mechanism of the World Trade Organization to ensure transparency in member trade policies, was conducted in 2021.

Explanation

Prabha Atre was an eminent Indian classical vocalist and one of the most distinguished exponents of the Kirana gharana. This gharana, founded by Ustad Abdul Karim Khan and Ustad Abdul Wahid Khan, is renowned for its emphasis on swara (notes), melodic clarity, and emotional depth. Dr. Atre received her formal training in this tradition from Sureshbabu Mane and Hirabai Barodekar, both of whom were key figures of the Kirana lineage. In recognition of her exceptional contribution to the field of Hindustani classical music, the Government of India conferred upon her the Padma Vibhushan in 2022, having previously awarded her the Padma Shri in 1990 and the Padma Bhushan in 2002.

Explanation

The Takht-i-Bahi inscription, discovered in the Mardan district near Peshawar, is a significant epigraphic record dating to approximately 46 CE. It explicitly mentions the 26th regnal year of Maharaja Guduvhara, who is historically identified as Gondophares I. Gondophares was the most prominent ruler and founder of the Indo-Parthian Kingdom, which rose to power in the northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent after the decline of the Indo-Scythians. The inscription serves as primary evidence for the chronology and territorial extent of the Parthian rule in the Gandhara region during the first century CE, linking the dynasty to the archaeological site of the Takht-i-Bahi Buddhist monastery.

Explanation

According to the Census of India 2011, the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi recorded the highest slum population among all Union Territories in India. The census data indicated that Delhi had a slum population of approximately 1.78 million (17,85,390), which was significantly higher than the slum populations reported by other Union Territories. This high concentration is attributed to Delhi's rapid urbanization, high population density, and its role as a major economic hub that draws large numbers of migrant laborers from across the country. The enumeration process for the 2011 Census specifically identified slum blocks in statutory towns, and Delhi emerged as the leader in this category among the UTs.

Explanation

Nrityagram is India's first modern Gurukul (residential dance school) dedicated to Indian classical dance, established in 1990 by the renowned Odissi dancer Protima Gauri. It is situated in Hessaraghatta, on the outskirts of Bengaluru in the state of Karnataka. The institution was designed by architect Gerard da Cunha and is built on a 10-acre plot of land provided by the state government. While it is particularly famous for its focus on Odissi, the village-style campus serves as a center for the preservation and practice of various classical dance traditions through a traditional teacher-student (Guru-shishya) residential system.

Explanation

Bhupen Hazarika was a legendary singer, composer, filmmaker, and poet hailing from the state of Assam. Often referred to as the Bard of Brahmaputra, his music and lyrics in the Assamese language emphasized communal harmony and social justice. He played a pivotal role in bringing the culture and folk music of Assam and Northeast India to the national and international stage. In recognition of his immense contribution to Indian art and culture, he was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, in 2019. He also served as the President of the Asam Sahitya Sabha and received numerous prestigious accolades including the Dada Saheb Phalke Award and the Padma Vibhushan.

Explanation

Copper is the preferred material for making a calorimeter because it possesses high thermal conductivity and low specific heat capacity. High thermal conductivity ensures that heat is rapidly and uniformly distributed across the container, allowing the calorimeter and its contents to reach thermal equilibrium quickly. The low specific heat capacity of copper is essential because it minimizes the amount of heat the container itself absorbs from the substance being measured, which leads to more accurate results in heat exchange calculations. Furthermore, copper is highly malleable, allowing it to be fashioned into very thin sheets, which reduces the mass of the container and further decreases its total heat capacity.

Explanation

When magnesium (Mg), a highly reactive metal, reacts with dilute sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄), a single displacement reaction occurs. In this chemical process, magnesium displaces hydrogen from the acid because it is positioned higher than hydrogen in the reactivity series. The reaction produces magnesium sulphate (MgSO₄) and releases hydrogen gas (H₂). The balanced chemical equation for this reaction is Mg + H₂SO₄ → MgSO₄ + H₂↑. The evolution of hydrogen gas is typically characterized by the formation of bubbles and can be confirmed by the characteristic pop sound it produces when exposed to a flame.

Explanation

The Fundamental Duties of Indian citizens are listed in Article 51A, which was added to the Constitution by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976, and later expanded by the 86th Amendment Act, 2002. While this article prescribes duties such as defending the country under clause (d) and safeguarding public property under clause (i), it does not include the duty to pay income tax or the duty to cast a vote in elections. The Swaran Singh Committee had originally recommended that the duty to pay taxes should be included as a Fundamental Duty, but the government chose not to incorporate it into the final list. Similarly, voting in elections is recognized as a constitutional right and a legal duty under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, but it is not codified as a Fundamental Duty under Part IV-A of the Constitution. Therefore, both paying income tax and casting a vote are not among the eleven prescribed Fundamental Duties.

Explanation

Humayun, born Nasir-ud-Din Muhammad, was the eldest son of Babur and succeeded him as the second Mughal Emperor in December 1530. Following Babur's death in Agra, Humayun ascended the throne at the age of 22, inheriting a vast but loosely consolidated empire that his father had established after the First Battle of Panipat. His succession followed the Timurid tradition where the ruler's sons competed for territory, but as the primary heir, he took control of the central administration in Delhi and Agra.

Explanation

The Shevaroy Hills are located in the Salem district of Tamil Nadu and constitute a significant mountain range within the Eastern Ghats. Unlike the continuous Western Ghats, the Eastern Ghats are a series of disjointed hill masses, and the Shevaroy Hills represent one of the major outliers in the southern section of this range. They occupy an area of roughly 400 square kilometers with altitudes reaching up to 1,620 meters above sea level at the Sercarayan temple. These hills are geologically composed of ancient charnockite rocks and are well-known for hosting the Yercaud hill station along with extensive coffee and spice plantations.

Explanation

Typhoid fever is a systemic infection caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi, usually ingested through contaminated food or water. Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Tuberculosis (TB) is a potentially serious infectious disease that mainly affects the lungs and is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. All three diseases in this group are classified as bacterial infections because their primary causative agents are unicellular prokaryotic microorganisms.

Explanation

In a standard game of chess, the player controlling the white pieces starts with a total of 16 pieces. This set includes one king, one queen, two rooks, two bishops, two knights, and eight pawns. These pieces are arranged on the first two ranks of the chessboard at the start of the game, with the eight pawns occupying the second rank and the remaining eight major and minor pieces occupying the first rank. This starting configuration is mirrored by the player using the black pieces, making for a total of 32 pieces on the board.

Explanation

Paryushana is the most significant annual holy festival of the Jain community, observed for spiritual purification, penance, and self-reflection. Shvetambara Jains celebrate it for eight days, while the Digambara sect observes it for ten days, often referred to as Das Lakshana Parva. The festival typically occurs during the rainy season in the month of Bhadrapada. During this period, devotees engage in fasting, meditation, and the study of sacred scriptures, particularly the Kalpa Sutra which details the lives of the Tirthankaras. The festival concludes with Samvatsari, a day of universal forgiveness where individuals seek pardon from all living beings for any harm caused, intentional or unintentional, using the phrase Micchami Dukkadam. It is a period dedicated to deepening one's commitment to the core Jain principles of non-violence and self-discipline.

Explanation

Ustad Zakir Hussain, the world-renowned tabla maestro, was conferred with the Padma Bhushan in 2002. Born on March 9, 1951, he was 51 years old at the time, making him the youngest instrumentalist to receive this third-highest civilian honor in the 2002 award cycle. This followed his earlier record in 1988, when he became the youngest percussionist to be awarded the Padma Shri at the age of 37. His exceptional virtuosity and his role as a global ambassador for Indian classical music have earned him numerous prestigious accolades, including the Padma Vibhushan in 2023.

Explanation

Raja Todar Mal served as the Finance Minister (Mushrif-i-Diwan) of the Mughal Empire during Akbar's reign and was one of the Navaratnas in the imperial court. He is primarily credited with the implementation of the Dahshala system, also known as the Zabti system, in 1580. This revolutionary land revenue system involved a detailed survey of land, assessment of crop yields, and fixing of prices based on a ten-year average. Todar Mal introduced standardized measurements using the Tanab (a bamboo stick joined by iron rings) and classified land into four categories—Polaj, Parauti, Chachar, and Banjar—depending on its fertility and cultivation frequency. These reforms brought structural stability to the Mughal economy and ensured a systematic collection of revenue.

Explanation

The chemical formula CH₃CH₂CH₂CO₂H represents a molecule containing a total of four carbon atoms. According to the IUPAC rules for organic nomenclature, a carboxylic acid with a four-carbon backbone is named by taking the parent alkane name, butane, and replacing the final -e with the suffix -oic acid. This results in the name butanoic acid. The formula describes a straight-chain arrangement where the three CHₙ groups form a propyl alkyl chain attached to the carbon of the carboxyl group.

Explanation

The growth in production, also known as the real growth rate of the economy, is determined by adjusting the nominal GNP growth for the effects of inflation. According to the standard economic formula for real growth approximation: Real Growth Rate = Nominal GNP Growth Rate - Inflation Rate. Substituting the provided values into this formula, the calculation is 16% - 9% = 7%. This result represents the actual increase in the volume of goods and services produced, filtering out the 9% increase in the value of the GNP that was solely due to rising price levels.

Explanation

Article 77 of the Constitution of India outlines the provisions for the conduct of business of the Government of India. It mandates that all executive actions of the Union government shall be expressed to be taken in the name of the President. Furthermore, it empowers the President to make rules for the more convenient transaction of the business of the Government of India and for the allocation of such business among Ministers. This article provides the constitutional basis for the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules and the Government of India (Transaction of Business) Rules, which govern how ministries and departments function and interact.

Explanation

Section 5 of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019, specifically provides for the right to a subsistence allowance. Under this provision, a married Muslim woman upon whom talaq is pronounced is entitled to receive from her husband such amount of subsistence allowance for herself and her dependent children as may be determined by the Magistrate. This section ensures that the woman has immediate financial support and means of livelihood for herself and her children after the illegal pronouncement of talaq-e-biddat or any other similar form of talaq having the effect of instantaneous and irrevocable divorce.

Explanation

Nepal has the highest Hindu population after India, making it the second-largest Hindu-populated country in the world. According to the 2021 Nepal Census, approximately 81.19 percent of the population identifies as Hindu, which accounts for more than 23.6 million people. Historically, Nepal was the only official Hindu state in the world until it adopted a secular constitution in 2008. The country shares extensive cultural, religious, and civilizational ties with India, and its demographic profile remains predominantly Hindu due to centuries of shared traditions and geographic proximity. Among all nations, Nepal maintains the highest percentage of Hindus in its total population.

Explanation

The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) was established to transform Indian agriculture into a more productive and climate-resilient system. It functions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) with the dual objective of increasing crop yields, particularly in rainfed areas, and ensuring that agricultural practices remain ecologically sustainable over the long term. The mission integrates several components such as Rainfed Area Development and Soil Health Management to conserve natural resources and improve soil fertility. Furthermore, the NMSA actively promotes organic farming through initiatives like the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY). This scheme focuses on cluster-based organic farming and certification to reduce chemical usage and enhance the market value of produce, aligning with the mission overarching goals of productivity, sustainability, and environmental health.

Explanation

In November 2022, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare designated Dr. Deepa Malik as the national ambassador for Ni-kshay Mitra, an initiative under the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan. Deepa Malik is India first female Paralympic medalist and the President of the Paralympic Committee of India. The Ni-kshay Mitra program encourages individuals, organizations, and corporates to provide additional support to tuberculosis patients, including nutritional, diagnostic, and vocational assistance, to help India achieve its goal of eliminating TB by 2025. Her role involves championing the cause, reducing the social stigma attached to the disease, and mobilizing community participation in the crowdfunding and patient-adoption model of the campaign.

Explanation

Net Domestic Product (NDP) is an annual measure of the economic output of a nation that is adjusted to account for depreciation. In national income accounting, the term "Gross" includes the total value of investment and production, while "Net" refers to the value remaining after subtracting the consumption of fixed capital. Depreciation represents the monetary value of the wear and tear, obsolescence, and accidental damage to fixed assets such as machinery, buildings, and vehicles used in the production process. The mathematical relationship is defined by the formula: NDP = GDP - Depreciation. By removing these costs, NDP provides a more realistic assessment of the actual economic surplus available for consumption and new investment.

Explanation

Indira P. P. Bora is a distinguished classical dancer from Assam who was honored with the Padma Shri in 2020 for her monumental contributions to the field of Art, specifically the Sattriya dance form. She is widely recognized for her role in popularizing and refining Sattriya, a traditional Vaishnavite dance-drama that originated in the monasteries (Sattras) of Assam. Her efforts were instrumental in elevating the status of Sattriya to one of the eight major Indian classical dances. By performing extensively on national and international platforms, she helped bring the monastic traditions of the Brahmaputra valley to a global audience. Her choreography and teaching have focused on maintaining the spiritual essence of the form while adapting its presentation for modern stages.

Explanation

The follow-on is a specific rule in cricket governed by Law 14 of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) Laws, which is applicable only in matches where each team bats for two innings. In a standard five-day Test match, if the team batting first leads the team batting second by at least 200 runs after both have completed their first innings, the captain of the first team has the option to force the second team to take their second innings immediately. This tactical move is employed to save time and maximize the possibility of securing a victory within the allotted duration of the match. Because this rule requires a multi-innings format to function, it is inherently restricted to Test matches and other first-class cricket variations.

Explanation

Helium (He) is a noble gas located in Group 18 of the periodic table. It is characterized by its stable, closed-shell electron configuration (1s²), which renders it chemically inert under standard conditions. Unlike the halogens, which belong to Group 17 and are highly reactive non-metals with seven valence electrons, helium belongs to a completely different chemical family. Therefore, it is classified as a noble gas rather than a halogen.

Explanation

Article 40 of the Indian Constitution, which is part of the Directive Principles of State Policy, explicitly directs the State to take steps to organize village panchayats. It mandates that these local bodies be endowed with such powers and authority as may be necessary to enable them to function as effective units of self-government. This provision embodies the Gandhian vision of decentralized governance and served as the foundational principle for the formal institutionalization of the Panchayati Raj system through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act.

Explanation

Ustad Amjad Ali Khan Bangash is a world-renowned Indian classical musician from the Senia Bangash Gharana who is widely hailed as the Sarod Samrat, or the Emperor of Sarod. This title reflects his unparalleled mastery, technical brilliance, and profound influence on the evolution of the instrument. A sixth-generation musician in his family, he is credited with popularizing the Sarod globally and has been honored with prestigious accolades including the Padma Vibhushan, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, and the Fukuoka Asian Culture Prize for his artistic excellence and contribution to Indian classical music.

Explanation

Sawai Jai Singh II, the Rajput ruler of Amber and the founder of Jaipur, was a distinguished mathematician and astronomer of the early 18th century. He was commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah to revise the calendar and astronomical tables. To achieve high precision in celestial observations, he constructed five astronomical observatories, known as Jantar Mantars, between 1724 and 1735. These were located in Delhi, Jaipur, Ujjain, Varanasi, and Mathura. He preferred large-scale masonry instruments over small brass tools because they provided greater stability and accuracy for measuring time, tracking the movement of stars, and predicting eclipses. The observatory at Jaipur is the largest among them and houses the Samrat Yantra, one of the world largest sundials.

Explanation

The Khajuraho Dance Festival is a prestigious cultural event organized annually by the Madhya Pradesh Kala Parishad in the Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh. It is held against the majestic backdrop of the Khajuraho Group of Monuments, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites known for their intricate carvings and Chandela architecture. The festival typically takes place over seven days in February and features performances of various Indian classical dance forms such as Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Odissi, and Kuchipudi by leading exponents. It aims to promote Indian heritage and tourism by bringing together the spiritual and artistic traditions of the region.

Explanation

Deimachus was a Greek ambassador sent by Antiochus I Soter, the ruler of the Seleucid Empire, to the court of the Mauryan emperor Bindusara. Serving in the early third century BCE, his mission followed the diplomatic precedent set by Megasthenes, who had been the envoy to Bindusara's father, Chandragupta Maurya. Bindusara maintained strong international relations with Hellenistic kingdoms, and historical accounts from writers like Strabo and Athenaeus describe the interactions between Bindusara and Antiochus I. These records detail how the Mauryan king requested items such as sweet wine, dried figs, and a philosopher through these diplomatic channels. Deimachus resided at the Mauryan capital of Pataliputra and authored a work on India based on his observations, contributing to the historical understanding of the period.

Explanation

Hydra is a genus of small, freshwater organisms belonging to the Phylum Cnidaria, also known as Coelenterata. It is characterized by a tissue level of body organization and radial symmetry, which distinguishes it from organisms that possess a cellular level of organization. Hydra features a central gastrovascular cavity with a single opening and tentacles equipped with specialized stinging cells called cnidocytes or nematocysts used for prey capture and defense. These distinct biological and morphological characteristics define it as a cnidarian and exclude it from the Phylum Porifera.

Explanation

Diphtheria is a serious and highly contagious infection caused by strains of the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It primarily affects the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, specifically the nose and throat. The infection is characterized by a sore throat, fever, and the formation of a thick, gray pseudomembrane that covers the tonsils and pharynx, which can lead to airway obstruction and difficulty breathing. The bacteria produce a potent exotoxin that can spread through the bloodstream, potentially causing systemic complications such as myocarditis and polyneuritis. It is typically transmitted via respiratory droplets or direct contact with infected lesions.

Explanation

The Maharashtra Bhushan is the highest civilian award presented annually by the State Government of Maharashtra to recognize individuals for their distinguished contribution to various fields such as literature, art, sport, and science. In the year 2002, this prestigious honor was conferred upon Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, a legendary vocalist of the Hindustani classical music tradition. A doyen of the Kirana Gharana, Pandit Bhimsen Joshi was celebrated for his powerful voice and mastery over the Khayal style of singing as well as his popular devotional bhajans. His immense influence on Indian classical music was further recognized when he received the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honor, in 2008.

Explanation

Article 165 of the Constitution of India provides for the office of the Advocate-General for the State. Clause (2) of this article specifically mandates that it shall be the duty of the Advocate-General to give advice to the Government of the State upon such legal matters, and to perform such other duties of a legal character, as may from time to time be referred or assigned to him by the Governor. The Advocate-General is the highest law officer in the state and is appointed by the Governor from among persons qualified to be appointed as a Judge of a High Court. This role is the state-level counterpart to the Attorney-General for India.

Explanation

The tenure of office for the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) is governed by the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, which carries forward the term limits previously set by the 1991 Act. According to Section 9 of the Act, the Chief Election Commissioner holds office for a term of six years from the date of assumption of charge or until attaining the age of sixty-five years, whichever is earlier. This statutory provision ensures the independence and constitutional functioning of the Election Commission of India by providing a fixed security of tenure.

Explanation

The Green Revolution relied heavily on the intensive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides to maximize crop yields from High-Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds. Over time, the excessive application of these synthetic inputs led to the depletion of essential micronutrients and a disruption of the soil's natural microbial balance, resulting in a loss of natural fertility. Furthermore, the practice of intensive irrigation necessitated by these crops often led to waterlogging and soil salinization, a process where salts accumulate in the topsoil and inhibit plant growth. These combined factors caused significant long-term soil degradation, reducing the productive capacity of the land.

Explanation

The Sabarmati river is a prominent west-flowing river of the Indian peninsula. It originates in the Aravalli Range, specifically in the Udaipur district of Rajasthan, and flows in a south-southwesterly direction through Rajasthan and Gujarat. After traversing a course of approximately 371 kilometers, the river empties its waters into the Gulf of Khambhat, which is an inlet of the Arabian Sea on the western coast of India. Its westward flow is determined by the geographical tilt and the structural rift valleys present in the western part of the peninsular plateau.

Explanation

The Krishna River, which is one of the most significant rivers of Peninsular India, has its traditional source at Mahabaleshwar in the Satara district of Maharashtra. The specific origin point is located within the ancient Panchganga Temple in Old Mahabaleshwar, situated in the Western Ghats at an elevation of approximately 1,337 meters. In this temple, a natural spring emerges from a stone spout carved in the shape of a cow's mouth, referred to as the Gomukh. This sacred spout is considered the symbolic birthplace of the Krishna River, as well as four other perennial rivers: the Koyna, Venna, Savitri, and Gayatri. From this point, the Krishna River flows eastward for about 1,400 kilometers through Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.

Explanation

The tiger was the royal insignia and emblem of the Chola dynasty, symbolizing their power and martial prowess. This icon was prominently featured on the Chola imperial flag, royal seals, and copper plate inscriptions. It also appeared on their coinage, often depicted in a seated or standing position, sometimes accompanied by other symbols to signify the Chola hegemony over neighboring territories and maritime regions during their period of imperial expansion in South India and Southeast Asia.

Explanation

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar founded the Samata Sainik Dal, or the Social Equality Army, on March 13, 1927. The organization was established as a disciplined volunteer corps to protect the rights of the depressed classes and to further the cause of social justice and equality in India. It played a pivotal role in the movement for civil rights, most notably by providing security and organization during the Mahad Satyagraha later that same year. Ambedkar envisioned the Dal as a non-political wing dedicated to upholding the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity while safeguarding the marginalized against social oppression and untouchability.

Explanation

The Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), a statutory body under the Department of Science and Technology, launched the SERB-POWER scheme to address the gender gap in the Indian scientific research ecosystem. The acronym POWER stands for Promoting Opportunities for Women in Exploratory Research. The primary objective of this initiative is to mitigate gender disparity in science and engineering research funding across various academic programs and national laboratories. The scheme is implemented through two distinct components: the SERB-POWER Fellowship and the SERB-POWER Research Grants. The fellowship provides personal support and research funds to outstanding women researchers between the ages of 35 and 55, while the research grants offer substantial funding for three years to women scientists across different categories of institutions. By ensuring a level playing field and providing targeted financial support, the scheme empowers women researchers to undertake high-quality exploratory research and strengthens the overall research and development output of the country.

Explanation

The mascot of the Khelo India University Games 2022, which was the third edition of the competition hosted by Uttar Pradesh in May and June 2023, was Jitu. Jitu represents the Barasingha, also known as the Swamp Deer, which is the official state animal of Uttar Pradesh. The mascot was chosen to reflect the cultural identity of the host state while promoting the message of wildlife conservation and the competitive spirit of student-athletes across India.

Explanation

The weight percentage of an element in a chemical compound is calculated using the formula: Weight % = (Mass of element in 1 mole of compound)/(Molar mass of compound) × 100.

For glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆), the atomic masses are approximately C = 12, H = 1, and O = 16. First, we calculate the total molar mass of glucose: Molar mass = (6 × 12) + (12 × 1) + (6 × 16) = 72 + 12 + 96 = 180 g/mol.

Next, we determine the total mass of carbon atoms in the formula, which is 6 × 12 = 72 g/mol.

Finally, we calculate the weight percentage of carbon: Weight % of Carbon = ⁷²⁄₁₈₀ × 100 By simplifying the fraction, ⁷²⁄₁₈₀ = ⅖, so: ⅖ × 100 = 40%.

Explanation

The Census of India 2011 reported that the population belonging to the category of Other Religions and Persuasions (ORP) stood at 7,937,734, which rounds to approximately 7.9 million. This demographic group represents about 0.66 percent of the total Indian population of 1.21 billion. The ORP category includes individuals who follow various indigenous, tribal, or minor religious faiths that do not fall under the six major religious communities officially recognized by the census, namely Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains. Notable groups within this category include followers of Sarnaism, Donyi-Polo, and other traditional ethnic belief systems prevalent in states like Jharkhand, Odisha, and various parts of Northeast India.

Explanation

The Government of India officially renamed the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award as the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award on 6th August 2021. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced this change to honor the legacy of Major Dhyan Chand, the legendary hockey player often referred to as the Wizard of Hockey, following widespread requests from citizens across the country. This rebranding occurred during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, a period that saw a resurgence of interest in Indian hockey after the men's team won a bronze medal and the women's team reached the semifinals. The award remains the highest sporting honor in India, given for spectacular and most outstanding performance in the field of sports over a period of four years.