SSC CGL Tier 1 2024 General Awareness Questions with Solutions

Explanation

C.P. Radhakrishnan was appointed as the 11th Governor of Jharkhand by the President of India on February 12, 2023. He officially took the oath of office on February 18, 2023, administered by the Acting Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court. Before this constitutional appointment, he was a prominent political leader from Tamil Nadu and had served as a two-time Member of Parliament from the Coimbatore constituency. His appointment was part of a broader reshuffle involving several state governors across the country during that period. He served in this capacity until his subsequent appointment as the Governor of Maharashtra in 2024.

Explanation

The first women's international Test cricket match in India took place at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore (now Bengaluru) in 1976. This match was played between October 31 and November 2, marking the debut of the Indian women's national cricket team in the Test format. The Indian side was led by captain Shantha Rangaswamy against the visiting West Indies team. This fixture was the opening match of a six-Test series held across various Indian cities, establishing the foundation for women's international cricket in the country.

Explanation

Raja Rammohun Roy founded the Atmiya Sabha in Calcutta in 1814 to initiate social and religious reforms in India. This association, which translates to the Society of Friends, was established to conduct philosophical discussions on monotheism and to critique orthodox religious practices and social evils. The members of the Sabha engaged in debates regarding the unity of God as taught in the Upanishads and the Vedanta, effectively laying the intellectual groundwork for the later establishment of the Brahmo Samaj in 1828. Through this platform, Roy aimed to promote a rationalistic approach to religion and advocate for the moral upliftment of society.

Explanation

Kajari is a renowned folk song genre and cultural tradition deeply rooted in the eastern part of Uttar Pradesh. Mirzapur is recognized as the primary center and the birthplace of this musical form. The Kajari Mahotsav is an annual event organized in the Mirzapur district to celebrate this heritage, typically during the monsoon season in the month of Shravana. The festival showcases various styles of Kajari singing, which traditionally express the themes of longing, love, and the arrival of the rains. The historical and cultural identity of Mirzapur is inextricably linked to Kajari, making it the most prominent location for this mahotsav.

Explanation

Matki dance is a traditional folk dance primarily performed in the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh. It is a solo dance performed by women on various festive occasions, particularly during weddings and births. The performer balances an earthen pot, known as a matki, on her head while executing rhythmic steps and graceful movements. Often, the dancer will increase the complexity by balancing multiple pots on top of each other. The dance is accompanied by the rhythmic beats of the dhol and is a significant cultural expression of the Malwa plateau's local heritage.

Explanation

Teak is the most dominant and commercially significant timber species found in tropical deciduous forests, also known as monsoon forests. These forests thrive in regions receiving annual rainfall between 70 cm and 200 cm. Teak trees are well-adapted to this environment, characterized by the distinct seasonal shedding of their leaves for about six to eight weeks during the dry summer to prevent water loss through transpiration. In the Indian subcontinent, these forests and teak specifically are prevalent in the northeastern states, along the foothills of the Himalayas, Jharkhand, West Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats.

Explanation

Sulochana Chavan was a legendary Marathi singer who earned the title of Lavani Samradnyi, or the Queen of Lavani, for her significant contributions to the folk music genre. In March 2022, she was honored with the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, by the President of India for her distinguished service in the field of Art. Her career spanned several decades, during which she lent her voice to numerous iconic Lavani songs in Marathi cinema, helping to preserve and elevate the traditional art form in the modern era.

Explanation

The acidity of carboxylic acids is primarily determined by the stability of the carboxylate anion (RCOO^-) formed after the release of a proton (H^+). Alkyl groups, such as methyl, ethyl, and propyl groups, are electron-donating groups that exert a positive inductive effect (+I effect). This effect increases the electron density on the carboxyl group, which destabilizes the carboxylate anion and weakens the acidity of the molecule. As the size of the alkyl group increases, the +I effect becomes stronger, further reducing the acid strength. HCOOH (formic acid) has only a hydrogen atom attached to the carboxyl group. Since hydrogen has a negligible inductive effect compared to alkyl groups, there is no significant electron donation to destabilize the anion or strengthen the O-H bond. Consequently, formic acid dissociates more readily in aqueous solution than its higher homologs, giving it the highest acid dissociation constant (Kₐ) and making it the most acidic among the given fatty acids.

Explanation

The Maukhari dynasty established their capital at Kannauj during the 6th century CE as the Gupta Empire declined. Under prominent rulers like Ishanavarman, the Maukharis transformed the city into a major political and military stronghold in the heart of the Ganga-Yamuna Doab. Kannauj's strategic location allowed it to control the vital trade routes of the North Indian plains, leading it to eventually replace Pataliputra as the imperial center of power. This transition was solidified during the 7th century when Harshavardhana made Kannauj his capital, after which the city became the primary object of contention among major powers for several centuries.

Explanation

Nitric oxide (NO) is a reactive gas and an atmospheric pollutant, but it is not classified as a direct greenhouse gas. Greenhouse gases are identified by their ability to absorb and trap long-wave infrared radiation emitted from the Earth's surface, a process that requires specific molecular vibrational modes. Nitric oxide does not possess the necessary infrared absorption characteristics to contribute significantly to the greenhouse effect. While it is a precursor to the formation of tropospheric ozone and contributes to acid rain, it is chemically unstable in the atmosphere and has a very short lifespan. Its rapid conversion into other nitrogen species prevents it from accumulating in the atmosphere or exerting a direct radiative forcing effect on the climate.

Explanation

Robert F. Curl, Harold W. Kroto, and Richard E. Smalley discovered Fullerenes in 1985 during laser-vaporization experiments on graphite. They identified a highly stable cluster consisting of 60 carbon atoms (C₆₀), which they named buckminsterfullerene due to its structural resemblance to the geodesic domes designed by architect Buckminster Fuller. This discovery revealed a new class of carbon allotropes characterized by hollow cage-like structures composed of pentagonal and hexagonal rings. For this pioneering work in identifying a third form of pure carbon alongside diamond and graphite, the three scientists were jointly awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1996.

Explanation

Annapurna Devi was a legendary figure in Hindustani classical music and a master of the Surbahar, a stringed instrument often described as a bass sitar. As the daughter and disciple of Ustad Allauddin Khan, the founder of the Maihar gharana, she attained extraordinary proficiency in the dhrupad style of playing. Despite her reclusive lifestyle, she was a highly respected guru who trained some of India's finest musicians, including Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia and Pandit Nikhil Banerjee. Her mastery of the Surbahar remains a benchmark in the tradition of Indian classical strings, and she was honored with the Padma Bhushan for her immense contributions to the field.

Explanation

Article 80 of the Constitution of India establishes the composition of the Council of States, also known as the Rajya Sabha. Clause (2) of this Article specifically mandates that the allocation of seats in the Council of States to be filled by representatives of the States and the Union territories must be in accordance with the provisions laid down in the Fourth Schedule. The Fourth Schedule itself provides a detailed list of the number of seats allocated to each State and Union territory, ensuring that representation in the upper house of Parliament is conducted according to established constitutional norms based on population and regional distribution.

Explanation

In 1925, Evert Gorter and François Grendel conducted a pivotal experiment that provided the first evidence for the lipid bilayer structure of cell membranes. They extracted lipids from a specific number of erythrocytes (red blood cells) because these cells lack internal membranes, ensuring that all lipids obtained originated from the plasma membrane. Using a Langmuir trough, they spread the extracted lipids onto a water surface to form a monolayer and measured the surface area it occupied. By comparing the surface area of the lipid monolayer to the calculated total surface area of the intact erythrocytes, they found that the lipid area was approximately twice that of the cell surface area. This 2:1 ratio led them to conclude that the cell membrane must be composed of two layers of lipids, or a lipid bilayer.

Explanation

Land revenue is one of the oldest forms of taxation in India, with historical roots dating back to ancient times and formalized structures established during the Mughal and British colonial periods. Sales tax was introduced in the modern era, specifically starting with the Madras General Sales Tax Act of 1939. Modified Value Added Tax (MODVAT) was a significant reform in the indirect tax regime introduced in 1986 to allow credit for taxes paid on inputs, thereby reducing the cascading effect of excise duties. Service tax is the most recent implementation among the listed items, introduced in 1994 based on the recommendations of the Raja Chelliah Committee to expand the tax base to the growing services sector.

Explanation

Dharmapala, the second ruler of the Pala dynasty, founded Vikramshila University in the late 8th or early 9th century. As a devout Buddhist and a great patron of education, he established the institution to serve as a premier center for Buddhist learning and to maintain high academic standards. Located at Antichak in the Bhagalpur district of present-day Bihar, the university became particularly famous for the study of Vajrayana Buddhism and Tantric teachings. It consisted of numerous temples and monasteries, attracting scholars from across Asia, including Tibet, and remained a vital intellectual hub until the end of the 12th century.

Explanation

The Tamil Nadu Pudhumai Penn Scheme, officially known as the Moovalur Ramamirtham Ammaiyar Higher Education Assurance Scheme, provides monthly financial assistance of 1,000 to girl students. This benefit is specifically available to girls who studied in government schools from Class 6 to Class 12 and are currently pursuing higher education in recognized institutions. The scholarship amount is credited directly into the students bank accounts every month until they complete their undergraduate degree, diploma, ITI, or other professional courses. The primary objectives of this initiative are to enhance the Gross Enrolment Ratio of girl students in higher education, reduce dropout rates, and empower women through financial independence during their academic years.

Explanation

The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) was launched to provide insurance coverage and financial support to farmers in the event of failure of any of the notified crops as a result of natural calamities, pests, and diseases. Under this scheme, the premium rates to be paid by farmers have been kept very low to encourage maximum participation. For all Kharif crops, including food crops and oilseeds, the premium payable by the farmers is fixed at a maximum of 2% of the sum insured or the actuarial rate, whichever is lower. This ensures a uniform and affordable premium structure across the country for the monsoon-dependent Kharif season.

Explanation

The Standup India scheme was launched by the Government of India to promote entrepreneurship at the grassroots level, specifically focusing on economic empowerment and job creation. The primary objective of the initiative is to facilitate bank loans between 10 lakh and 1 crore to at least one Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) borrower and at least one woman borrower per bank branch of all scheduled commercial banks. These loans are specifically designated for setting up greenfield enterprises, which are first-time ventures in the manufacturing, services, agri-allied activities, or trading sectors. by focusing on these underserved segments of the population, the scheme aims to leverage the institutional credit structure to provide financial assistance and handholding support to those who face significant hurdles in accessing formal credit for business ventures.

Explanation

Article 51A of the Constitution of India, incorporated via the 42nd Amendment Act in 1976, outlines the Fundamental Duties of every citizen. Article 51A(i) specifically mandates that it shall be the duty of every citizen to safeguard public property and to abjure violence. Historical monuments like Humayun's Tomb are national assets and classified as public property. Writing on the walls or defacing these structures constitutes a violation of the sanctity and physical integrity of public property. Therefore, seeing students engage in such activities invokes the duty to protect and maintain the preservation of these shared national resources.

Explanation

Mahatma Gandhi attended the Second Round Table Conference, held in London between September and December 1931, as the sole official representative of the Indian National Congress. His participation was a result of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact signed in March 1931, which saw the Congress agree to join the conference and suspend the Civil Disobedience Movement. During the conference, Gandhi argued that the Congress alone represented the whole of India, asserting its status as the premier political organization striving for Indian independence and communal harmony.

Explanation

India's international trade is predominantly conducted through sea and air routes due to its geographical position and the nature of global logistics. Maritime transport is the most significant mode, accounting for approximately 95 percent of India's trade by volume and about 68 percent by value. This is facilitated by India's extensive coastline of around 7,517 km and its numerous major and minor ports which handle bulk commodities like crude oil, minerals, and large-scale containerized cargo. Air transport serves as the other critical route, primarily utilized for high-value, low-volume, and time-sensitive goods such as electronics, gems, jewelry, and pharmaceuticals. Together, these two routes form the backbone of India's connectivity with the global market, whereas land-based trade remains restricted mainly to immediate neighboring countries.

Explanation

PPLO, which stands for Pleuro Pneumonia Like Organisms, are members of the genus Mycoplasma and represent the smallest known living cells capable of independent existence. These organisms are unique among prokaryotes because they completely lack a cell wall, making them pleomorphic and naturally resistant to antibiotics like penicillin that target cell wall synthesis. According to standard biological references and NCERT textbooks, the size of PPLO is approximately 0.1 μ m. This minute size allows them to pass through filters that typically trap bacteria, as typical bacterial cells are much larger, generally ranging from 3 to 5 μ m in length. Their extremely small dimensions and lack of a rigid exterior are key biological markers used to identify them in microbiological studies.

Explanation

Silver chloride (AgCl) is a light-sensitive chemical compound that undergoes a photochemical decomposition reaction, also known as photolysis, when exposed to sunlight. The energy provided by the photons in sunlight is sufficient to break the chemical bonds between silver and chlorine atoms. This reaction results in the decomposition of the white silver chloride into solid metallic silver and chlorine gas, as shown in the chemical equation: 2AgCl(s) sunlight 2Ag(s) + Cl₂(g). The silver metal produced in this reaction consists of very fine particles that appear grey or greyish-black. Consequently, the observed color change from white to grey is due to the formation and accumulation of metallic silver on the surface of the substance.

Explanation

Raja Ram Mohan Roy founded the Brahmo Sabha in Calcutta in August 1828, which eventually evolved into the Brahmo Samaj. This socio-religious reform movement was established to promote monotheism and reform Hindu society by challenging practices such as idol worship, animal sacrifice, and the rigid caste system. Often referred to as the Father of Modern India, his initiative marked the beginning of the Bengal Renaissance and aimed to synthesize traditional Indian philosophy with modern rationalist thought. His leadership in this movement also played a crucial role in the legal abolition of Sati in 1829.

Explanation

The Mahi and Sabarmati are two primary west-flowing rivers in India that discharge their waters into the Arabian Sea through the Gulf of Khambhat. The Mahi River originates in the Vindhya Range in Madhya Pradesh and flows through Rajasthan and Gujarat. The Sabarmati River originates in the Aravalli Range in the Udaipur district of Rajasthan and flows south-southwest through Gujarat. While most major peninsular rivers flow eastward due to the tilting of the Deccan Plateau, these rivers, along with the Narmada and Tapi, follow the local topography and rift structures to flow westward.

Explanation

The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976 inserted Part IV A into the Constitution of India. This part consists of a single article, Article 51A, which originally enumerated ten Fundamental Duties of citizens. These duties were incorporated based on the recommendations of the Swaran Singh Committee, which suggested that citizens should have specific moral and civic obligations in addition to their fundamental rights. The amendment was passed during the National Emergency to emphasize the responsibilities of individuals toward the state and the society.

Explanation

Sido and Kanhu Murmu were the primary leaders of the Santhal Rebellion, also known as the Santhal Hool, which occurred in 1855-56 in the Rajmahal Hills region of present-day Jharkhand and West Bengal. The rebellion was a fierce uprising against the exploitative zamindari system, the high interest rates charged by moneylenders (dikus), and the oppressive policies of the British East India Company. Sido and Kanhu mobilized thousands of Santhals by claiming they had received a divine mandate from the deity Thakur Ji to liberate their land from outsiders. The brothers led their followers in an attempt to establish an independent Santhal Raj, significantly challenging British authority until the movement was eventually suppressed through military force.

Explanation

The Earth is composed of several concentric layers, with the crust being the outermost solid shell. It is the thinnest layer, making up less than one percent of the Earth's volume. The crust is primarily divided into two types: the continental crust, which is thicker and mostly composed of granitic rocks, and the oceanic crust, which is thinner and consists mainly of basaltic rocks. This layer is separated from the underlying mantle by the Mohorovicic discontinuity and serves as the foundation for all terrestrial life.

Explanation

The Vidhan Parishad, also known as the Legislative Council, serves as the Upper House in the bicameral legislatures of Indian states. According to the Constitution of India, this house acts as a permanent body that is not subject to dissolution, providing continuity to the legislative process. Its members serve six-year terms, with one-third of the membership retiring every two years. The composition of the Vidhan Parishad is designed to include representatives from local authorities, graduates, and teachers, along with members nominated by the Governor for their expertise in fields such as science, art, literature, the cooperative movement, and social service. This structure ensures that the state’s legislative process benefits from diverse perspectives and professional expertise.

Explanation

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways' Annual Report for 2020-2021 specifies that India has the second-largest road network in the world. At the time of the report, the total length of the road network in the country was approximately 63.86 lakh kilometers. This network includes a diverse mix of National Highways, State Highways, District Roads, and Rural Roads. Globally, India’s total road mileage is surpassed only by the United States of America. The continuous expansion of connectivity through initiatives like the Bharatmala Pariyojana and the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana has been instrumental in securing and maintaining this position.

Explanation

Fresh milk has a pH of approximately 6, which is slightly acidic. Over time, bacteria in the milk convert lactose into lactic acid, which increases the acidity and causes the milk to curdle. Baking soda, which is sodium hydrogencarbonate (NaHCO₃), is a basic or alkaline substance. When a milkman adds baking soda to fresh milk, it increases the pH of the milk, shifting it from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. This shift delays the souring process because the lactic acid produced by the bacteria must first neutralize the added base before the milk becomes acidic enough to curdle, thereby increasing its shelf life.

Explanation

The atomic radius is defined as the distance from the center of the nucleus to the outermost shell containing electrons. Because atoms are incredibly small, their dimensions are expressed using sub-nanoscale units of length. One picometre (pm) is a unit of length in the metric system equal to 10⁻¹² metres. In the study of periodic trends, atomic radii typically range from approximately 30 pm for smaller atoms like Hydrogen or Helium to over 200 pm for larger alkali metals like Cesium, making the picometre the standard unit for quantifying and comparing these sizes.

Explanation

Amit Khare, a 1985-batch IAS officer of the Jharkhand cadre, was appointed as the Advisor to the Prime Minister in the Prime Minister Office (PMO) in October 2021. This appointment came shortly after his retirement as the Higher Education Secretary in September 2021. During his tenure with the central government, he held the dual responsibilities of Secretary in the Department of Higher Education (under the Ministry of Education, formerly HRD) and Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. He is highly regarded for his instrumental role in shaping the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and for overseeing key reforms in the digital media and information technology sectors. His appointment as Advisor to the PM was initially for a two-year term on a contract basis, which was subsequently extended.

Explanation

The First Five Year Plan (1951–1956) of India was based on the Harrod-Domar model, which suggests that the rate of economic growth is determined by two main factors: the level of savings and the capital-output ratio. The growth rate g is defined by the formula g = s / k, where s is the savings ratio and k is the incremental capital-output ratio. In the early post-independence period, the Indian government utilized this model to focus on increasing investment in the economy to boost national income. The plan specifically prioritized the agricultural sector, including investments in irrigation and power projects, to address food shortages and provide a foundation for future industrialization.

Explanation

The Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) was officially launched by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India, on April 1, 2008. The scheme was specifically designed to provide health insurance coverage to families living below the poverty line (BPL) and certain categories of unorganized sector workers. Its primary objective was to reduce the out-of-pocket expenditure of poor households and protect them from the catastrophic financial impact of hospitalization. The scheme provided an annual coverage of up to Rs. 30,000 for most health conditions requiring hospitalization, utilizing a smart card-based system to facilitate paperless and cashless transactions at empanelled hospitals. In 2018, the program was subsumed under the Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY).

Explanation

Money supply refers to the total volume of money held by the public in an economy at a specific point in time. In macroeconomic theory, a stock variable is defined as a quantity that is measured at a particular moment, such as the total amount of currency and bank deposits existing on a given date. Since money supply represents the existing quantity of monetary assets at a discrete point in time rather than a rate of change or a value generated over a duration, it is classified as a stock concept. The various measures of money supply, such as M1, M2, M3, and M4, are all snapshots of the total liquidity available in the financial system at a specific instance.

Explanation

On Republic Day, which marks the anniversary of the Constitution of India coming into effect, the protocol mandates that the constitutional heads perform the flag unfurling ceremony. As the Governor is the constitutional head of a state, representing the President at the state level, they unfurl the national flag in the state capital. This tradition mirrors the national ceremony where the President of India unfurls the tricolour at Kartavya Path in New Delhi. The choice of the Governor for this ceremony underscores the transition of India into a sovereign democratic republic governed by a constitutional framework, where the Governor acts as the formal head of the state executive.

Explanation

Keshav Prasad Maurya took the oath of office as a Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh on March 25, 2022. He has continuously held this constitutional post through July 2023 and into 2024. As a senior leader within the state government, he is responsible for various ministerial portfolios, including Rural Development, Rural Engineering, Food Processing, and Entertainment Tax. His appointment followed the formation of the state government after the 2022 Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly elections.

Explanation

Pandit Ravi Shankar was a world-renowned virtuoso of the sitar and a prolific composer who played a pivotal role in popularizing Indian classical music in the West. A disciple of the legendary multi-instrumentalist Allauddin Khan of the Maihar gharana, he became a global cultural ambassador through his performances at international venues and his high-profile collaborations with Western musicians. His mastery of the sitar and dedication to the Hindustani classical tradition earned him numerous global accolades, including five Grammy Awards and India's highest civilian honor, the Bharat Ratna, in 1999.

Explanation

Pampa, Ponna, and Ranna are traditionally celebrated as the Ratnatraya or the Three Jewels of Kannada literature for their foundational contributions during the 10th century. Pampa is widely regarded as the Adikavi or the first great poet of Kannada for his masterpieces Vikramarjuna Vijaya and Adipurana. Ponna is renowned for his work Shantipurana, which recounts the life of the 16th Tirthankara. Ranna, the third of the trio, is famous for his epic Sahasa Bhima Vijaya, also known as Gada Yuddha, and the Ajitapurana. Together, their works defined the classical era of Kannada poetry, characterized by the use of the Champu style, which blends prose and verse.

Explanation

Annavarapu Rama Swamy is a distinguished Carnatic violinist and composer hailing from Andhra Pradesh. In 2021, the Government of India conferred upon him the Padma Shri, the nation's fourth-highest civilian award, in the field of Art for his lifelong dedication and contribution to Indian classical music. He is celebrated not only for his mastery of the violin but also for his innovation in the Carnatic tradition, having created several new ragas such as Sri Durga and Sri Gayatri, as well as unique talas like Thrinethradi. His career includes extensive service as a teacher and performer, notably at the Government Music College in Vijayawada.

Explanation

The Pitt's India Act of 1784 was enacted by the British Parliament to establish a system of dual control over the East India Company's administration in India. This Act created the Board of Control, a body consisting of six commissioners, including the Secretary of State for India and the Chancellor of the Exchequer, to supervise and direct the company's civil, military, and revenue affairs. While the Court of Directors continued to manage commercial operations, the Board of Control represented the British government's authority, ensuring that the political governance of Indian territories was under the direct oversight of the Crown in England.

Explanation

The inaugural Janjatiya Khel Mahotsav was held in June 2023 at KIIT University in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Organized through the joint efforts of the Ministry of Culture and the Government of Odisha, the event saw participation from over 5,000 tribal athletes from 26 states. Odisha emerged as the overall champion in both the men and women categories, dominating the points tally across various traditional and modern sports disciplines including athletics, hockey, kabaddi, and football.

Explanation

The Samiti was a popular tribal assembly or folk gathering in the Early Vedic period that played a vital role in the political and administrative life of the Rigvedic society. It served as a deliberative body where tribal members discussed common matters and participated in the election or approval of the Raja. While the Varna system was a social classification dividing society into four distinct groups based on ritual status and occupation, the Samiti was a secular political institution focused on governance and collective decision-making. Individuals from various social backgrounds participated in the Samiti to exercise their influence on tribal affairs, distinguishing it entirely from the hereditary or occupational categories established by the Varna framework.

Explanation

Geeta Phogat is a freestyle wrestler who became the first Indian woman to qualify for the Olympic Games in the sport of wrestling. She secured her spot for the 2012 London Olympics after winning a gold medal at the Asian Olympic Qualifying Tournament held in Almaty, Kazakhstan, in April 2012. Prior to this achievement, she had already made history by winning India's first-ever gold medal in women's wrestling at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi. At the London 2012 Games, she represented India in the women's freestyle 55 kg category, marking a significant milestone for Indian women in combat sports on the global stage.

Explanation

The Essential Defence Services Act, 2021 was enacted to ensure the uninterrupted supply of arms, ammunition, and other hardware to the armed forces. It empowers the Central Government to prohibit strikes, lockouts, and layoffs in units engaged in essential defence services. This legislation was introduced primarily in response to threats of indefinite strikes by major federations of the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) employees following the government decision to corporatize the OFB into seven new state-owned entities. Under the Act, any person instigating or participating in such prohibited activities faces disciplinary action, including dismissal, as well as criminal penalties like imprisonment and fines. The definition of essential defence services covers establishments producing goods for defence purposes, as well as those involved in the repair and maintenance of products related to defence.

Explanation

Fucoxanthin is an oxygenated carotenoid, specifically a xanthophyll, which serves as a primary accessory pigment in the light-harvesting complexes of brown macroalgae (Phaeophyceae) and diatoms (Bacillariophyceae). It is one of the most abundant marine carotenoids in nature, contributing significantly to the global biomass of photosynthetic pigments. Structurally, fucoxanthin is unique due to its allenic bond, a 5,6-monoepoxide, and a conjugated carbonyl group in its polyene chain. These structural features allow it to absorb light efficiently in the blue-green to yellow-green regions of the visible spectrum, typically between 450 nm and 540 nm. This efficient light capture is critical for organisms living in marine environments where red light is rapidly attenuated. Within the chloroplasts, it functions as part of the fucoxanthin-chlorophyll protein (FCP) complex, transferring absorbed energy to chlorophyll a for photosynthesis and imparting the characteristic brown or olive-green color to these marine species.

Explanation

The Drought Prone Area Programme (DPAP) was launched by the Government of India in 1973-74, which falls within the timeline of the Fourth Five-Year Plan (1969–1974). It was designed as an integrated area development strategy to mitigate the adverse effects of drought on crop production, livestock, and the overall land productivity in identified drought-prone districts. The program focuses on restoring ecological balance through soil and moisture conservation, afforestation, and water resource management, while simultaneously creating employment opportunities for the rural poor and improving the socio-economic conditions of marginalized populations in these regions.

Explanation

Padayani, also known as Padeni, is a traditional ritualistic dance-drama performed in the Bhadrakali temples of Central Travancore, specifically in the districts of Pathanamthitta and Kottayam in Kerala. The term Padayani literally translates to a row of warriors, and the performance is a synthesis of music, dance, theater, satire, and painting. It is conducted as an offering to appease Goddess Bhadrakali, following the mythological narrative of her fury after slaying the demon Darika. A hallmark of this art form is the use of elaborate, hand-painted masks called kolams, which are crafted from the green bark of areca palm trees and decorated with natural dyes. The performance is accompanied by the rhythmic beats of a traditional percussion instrument known as the thappu.