SSC CHSL Tier 1 2016 General Awareness Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The Lena River is one of the three great Siberian rivers that flow into the Arctic Ocean, and it is located entirely within the borders of Russia. Rising from its source in the Baikal Mountains just west of Lake Baikal, the river flows generally northeastward and northward across the vast Siberian region of Russia before emptying into the Laptev Sea via the massive Lena Delta. Spanning a length of approximately 4294 kilometers, it ranks as one of the longest rivers in the world and plays a vital role in the transport, ecology, and geography of eastern Russia.

Explanation

The planets of our solar system in order of increasing distance from the Sun are Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. This places Mars as the fourth planet from the Sun.

Explanation

Badrinath, a major Hindu pilgrimage site and one of the Chardham destinations, is situated in the Garhwal hill tracks of Chamoli district in Uttarakhand along the banks of the Alaknanda River. The Alaknanda River originates from the confluence of the Satopanth and Bhagirath Kharak glaciers and flows directly past the holy town of Badrinath, making its waters highly sacred in Hindu tradition.

Explanation

The Kalinga War was fought in 261 BC between the Mauryan Empire, ruled by Emperor Ashoka, and the state of Kalinga, which was located in present-day Odisha. This historic conflict took place in the eighth year of Ashoka's coronation. The massive casualties and immense suffering resulting from the war deeply moved Ashoka, prompting him to renounce armed conquest and embrace Buddhism, shifting his state policy toward dhamma-vijaya or conquest through righteousness.

Explanation

Charles Darwin formulated the theory of evolution by natural selection, which he detailed in his seminal 1859 book, On the Origin of Species. This scientific theory explains that all species of organisms arise and develop through the natural selection of small, inherited variations that increase an individual's ability to compete, survive, and reproduce in their environment.

Explanation

Longsec is a fictitious term and does not exist as a scientific unit of measurement. It has no definition, formula, or application in physics, astronomy, or metrology, and is not used to quantify distance, length, or any other physical dimension.

Explanation

The apparent weight of a person in an elevator is the normal reaction force N exerted by the floor of the lift on the person. When the lift moves downward with a uniform acceleration a, the net force acting on the person of mass m is downward. The equation of motion is:

mg - N = ma

Solving for the normal reaction force N, which represents the apparent weight:

N = m(g - a)

The actual weight of the person when stationary is:

W = mg

Since the downward acceleration a is subtracted from the acceleration due to gravity g, the term g - a is less than g, making the apparent weight N less than the static weight mg.

Explanation

An oligarchy is a power structure in which effective control and authority are concentrated in the hands of a small, distinct group of people, a faction, or a few powerful families. This select group exercises dominance over political, social, or economic decisions, often passing their power down through hereditary lines, wealth, or mutual associations, thereby restricting influence and participation from the wider public.

Explanation

Haryana is represented by 10 members of Parliament in the Lok Sabha, which is the lower house of the Indian Parliament. Out of these 10 parliamentary constituencies, 2 seats, namely Ambala and Sirsa, are reserved for candidates belonging to the Scheduled Castes, while the remaining 8 are unreserved general seats.

Explanation

Jeev Milkha Singh is a highly successful Indian professional golfer. He became the first player from India to join the European Tour in 1998 and has won multiple titles on the Asian Tour, Japan Golf Tour, and European Tour. He is the son of the legendary Indian track and field athlete Milkha Singh.

Explanation

The book titled "Pakistan: The Gathering Storm" was written by Benazir Bhutto, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan. Published in 1983 by Vikas Publishing House, the book outlines her political views, beliefs, and aspirations for the democratic future of Pakistan during a period of military dictatorship under General Zia-ul-Haq. It reflects her perspective as a leader of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and her commitment to continuing the political legacy of her father, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.

Explanation

The Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka are located in the Raisen District of Madhya Pradesh, situated along the southern edge of the Central Indian Plateau in the foothills of the Vindhya Range. This archaeological site preserves some of the earliest traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent, spanning the Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods. The site is highly renowned for its prehistoric cave paintings, which depict scenes of hunting, animals, dancing, and daily life of early humans, and it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003.

Explanation

The Government of India awarded actor Anupam Kher the Padma Shri in 2004 for his contribution to Indian cinema and arts. In 2016, he was honoured with the Padma Bhushan, which is the third-highest civilian award in the Republic of India and represents the highest civilian honour he has received.

Explanation

Barbiturates are a class of central nervous system depressants that produce a wide range of effects, from mild sedation to general anesthesia. They work by enhancing the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that inhibits activity in the brain. Because of their ability to reduce brain activity, doctors historically prescribed barbiturates as sedatives to alleviate anxiety and help patients feel calm, or as hypnotics to induce sleep in individuals suffering from severe insomnia.

Explanation

Artocarpus integra is a scientific name and synonym for Artocarpus heterophyllus, which refers to the jackfruit tree. Belonging to the Moraceae family, this evergreen tree is native to the region between the Western Ghats of India and the rainforests of Malaysia. It is widely cultivated across tropical regions for its large, edible fruit, which is recognized as the largest tree-borne fruit in the world.

Explanation

Fat-soluble vitamins include vitamins A, D, E, and K. Unlike water-soluble vitamins, which are excreted in urine, fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed along with dietary fats and stored in the body's fatty tissues and the liver. The liver is the primary organ responsible for storing these vitamins in large quantities, especially vitamin A, to meet the body's metabolic demands over extended periods when dietary intake is insufficient.

Explanation

A neutral iron (Fe) atom contains 26 protons in its nucleus, which means it also has 26 electrons to maintain overall electrical neutrality. The Fe²⁺ (iron(II)) cation is formed when the neutral iron atom loses two of its electrons. Subtracting these two lost electrons from the original 26 electrons leaves the Fe²⁺ ion with 24 electrons.

Explanation

The Alai Darwaza is the southern gateway of the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, located within the Qutub Minar complex in Delhi. Built by Sultan Alauddin Khalji in 1311 CE, it is a outstanding masterpiece of early Indo-Islamic architecture, featuring intricate carvings in red sandstone and inlaid white marble. The Qutub Minar and its surrounding monuments, including the Alai Darwaza, were collectively designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.

Explanation

Argon is a noble gas with a completely filled valence electron shell, existing as a monatomic gas under standard conditions. Due to this highly stable electronic configuration, the only attractive forces holding its atoms together in the solid phase are extremely weak London dispersion forces. These weak intermolecular interactions require very little thermal energy to disrupt, giving argon an exceptionally low melting point of -189.34 °C (83.8 K).

Explanation

Azim Premji was honored with the Padma Vibhushan in 2011 by the Government of India for his exceptional and distinguished service in the field of trade and commerce. Prior to receiving the Padma Vibhushan, which is the second-highest civilian award in India, he was also conferred with the Padma Bhushan in 2005.

Explanation

Metformin is the first-line medication used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It belongs to the biguanide class of oral anti-diabetic drugs. It works primarily by decreasing glucose production in the liver, increasing the insulin sensitivity of peripheral tissues, and delaying intestinal glucose absorption, thereby helping to lower blood sugar levels in diabetic patients.

Explanation

Chloroplasts are the specialized double-membraned organelles in plant and algae cells where photosynthesis occurs. They contain the green pigment chlorophyll, which captures light energy from the sun to synthesize organic compounds from carbon dioxide and water, converting light energy into chemical energy.

Explanation

Mitochondria are double-membraned organelles where cellular respiration and energy production take place. They facilitate the biochemical processes of aerobic respiration, including the Krebs cycle and the electron transport chain, which break down organic molecules to release energy. This energy is stored in the form of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), which acts as the primary energy currency for cellular activities, earning mitochondria the designation as the powerhouse of the cell.

Explanation

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is a flammable mixture of hydrocarbon gases, primarily consisting of propane (C₃H₈) and butane (C₄H₁₀). It is obtained during the refining of petroleum or the extraction of natural gas. These hydrocarbons are gaseous at atmospheric pressure and temperature but are easily liquefied under moderate pressure, allowing for convenient storage and transport in pressurized cylinders for household and industrial use.

Explanation

When one s orbital and one p orbital of an atom combine to undergo hybridization, it is known as sp hybridization. This process yields two equivalent sp hybrid orbitals. To minimize electronic repulsion between the electron pairs, these two hybrid orbitals orient themselves as far apart as possible in space. Consequently, they align in opposite directions along a single straight line, resulting in a linear geometry where the two orbitals are oriented at an angle of 180° relative to each other.

Explanation

A modeling language is a formal, artificial language designed to represent information, knowledge, or structural concepts about real-world systems. It relies on a consistent set of rules and syntax to define components and their relationships. In computer system design and software engineering, modeling languages like the Unified Modeling Language (UML) are extensively used to map out, visualize, construct, and document the architecture of complex systems before they are implemented.

Explanation

Under the Goa, Daman and Diu Official Language Act of 1987, Konkani was designated as an official language of the combined Union Territory of Goa, Daman and Diu. Following the reorganization of the region in May 1987, when Goa attained full statehood, Daman and Diu became a separate Union Territory. Because of this historical and administrative connection, Konkani remains recognized as one of the official languages of Daman and Diu.

Explanation

At market equilibrium, the quantity demanded equals the quantity supplied (D = S).

Setting the two equations equal to find the equilibrium price (P): 80200 - 13P = 6200 + 12P

Rearranging the terms to solve for P: 80200 - 6200 = 12P + 13P 74000 = 25P P = 2960

Substituting the equilibrium price back into the supply equation to determine the equilibrium quantity (Q): Q = 6200 + 12 × 2960 Q = 6200 + 35520 Q = 41720 units

Explanation

Under pure competition, firms are price takers and face a perfectly elastic demand curve where price is equal to marginal revenue (P = MR). Because any firm maximizes its profits by producing at the level of output where marginal revenue equals marginal cost (MR = MC), a purely competitive firm will set its output such that MC = Price.

Under a pure monopoly, a single firm represents the entire industry and has total control over the market supply. The monopolist strategically determines its output level at the point where MR = MC to ensure it earns maximum profits, without having to adjust its output in response to the actions of competing firms.

Explanation

The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) is a core component of a computer's central processing unit (CPU), which is commonly referred to as the processor. The ALU is responsible for executing all arithmetic calculations (such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) and logical decision-making operations (such as AND, OR, NOT, and comparisons like greater than or equal to) as directed by the control unit of the processor.

Explanation

Petri Island, located along the west coast of Middle Andaman in India, serves as a crucial nesting ground for green sea turtles. Sea turtles are highly adapted to the marine (sea) environment. Their key adaptations include a streamlined, hydrodynamic shell that reduces water resistance, and forelimbs modified into long, powerful flippers for efficient swimming. Unlike terrestrial and freshwater turtles, they cannot retract their heads or limbs into their shells, a structural modification that enhances their speed in open waters. Additionally, they possess specialized salt excretion glands near their eyes to discharge excess salt accumulated from seawater, and have the physiological capacity to slow their heart rate to conserve oxygen during deep or prolonged dives.

Explanation

Bandipur National Park is located in the Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka. Established in 1974 under Project Tiger, it is one of India's premier tiger reserves and is known for supporting a significant population of Bengal tigers and Asian elephants. The park forms an essential part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which was the first biosphere reserve in India, and shares its boundaries with the Nagarhole National Park in Karnataka, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala, and the Mudumalai National Park in Tamil Nadu.

Explanation

Hicky's Bengal Gazette, also known as the Original Calcutta General Advertiser, was founded by James Augustus Hicky in Calcutta on January 29, 1780. It was a weekly English-language newspaper and is historically recognized as the first newspaper published in India and the entire Asian subcontinent.

Explanation

Gujarat has the longest coastline among all the states in India, stretching approximately 1214.7 km. This extensive coastline is situated along the Kathiawar peninsula and is bounded by the Arabian Sea, accounting for about 23% of the total mainland coastline of India.

Explanation

London is the capital and largest city of the United Kingdom. Situated on the River Thames in the south-east of England, it has been a major settlement for two millennia. It houses the key institutions of the UK government, including the Parliament of the United Kingdom at the Palace of Westminster, and serves as the country's primary financial, cultural, and political center.

Explanation

Adolf Hitler is most famously associated with Germany, where he rose to power as the leader of the National Socialist German Workers Party (Nazi Party). He served as the Chancellor of Germany from 1933 to 1945 and as the dictator (Führer) of Nazi Germany from 1934 to 1945, initiating World War II in Europe.

Explanation

Babur founded the Mughal Empire in India after defeating Ibrahim Lodi, the ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, at the First Battle of Panipat in 1526. Descended from Timur on his father's side and Genghis Khan on his mother's side, Babur laid the foundation of the Mughal dynasty, ruling from 1526 until his death in 1530, after which he was succeeded by his son Humayun.

Explanation

John Boyd Dunlop, a Scottish veterinary surgeon, invented the first practical pneumatic rubber tire in 1887. He created the inflatable rubber tire to make his young son's tricycle ride much smoother and easier to ride on rough cobblestone streets. He was granted a patent for his invention in 1888, which led to the commercial production of pneumatic tires, profoundly transforming the transport and automotive industries worldwide by offering superior shock absorption and comfort.

Explanation

The rotational analogue of Newton's second law of motion states that the net external torque acting on a system is equal to the rate of change of its angular momentum. This relationship is mathematically expressed as:

τ = dL/dt

where τ represents the net external torque and L represents the angular momentum of the system. When the net external torque acting on the system is zero (τ = 0), the rate of change of angular momentum with respect to time becomes zero (dL/dt = 0). This mathematically requires that the angular momentum L remains constant over time, demonstrating the principle of conservation of angular momentum.

Explanation

Newton's first law of motion states that an object at rest will remain at rest, and an object in motion will continue to move at a constant velocity along a straight line, unless acted upon by an external net force. This inherent property of matter to resist any change in its state of rest or uniform motion is defined as inertia. Because this law directly describes and defines the concept of inertia, which was first conceptualized by Galileo Galilei, it is widely known as the Law of Inertia.

Explanation

Chandigarh is a Union Territory in India that serves as the joint capital of both Punjab and Haryana. English is designated as the sole official language of Chandigarh, and all official government business, administrative work, and correspondence within the union territory administration are conducted in English.

Explanation

According to Article 83(2) of the Constitution of India, the Lok Sabha, which is the lower house of India's bicameral Parliament, has a normal term of five years. This tenure begins from the date appointed for its first meeting after the general elections. Unless it is dissolved earlier by the President of India, the expiration of this five-year period operates as a automatic dissolution of the House, meaning the standard term of office for its members is five years.

Explanation

Article 41 of the Constitution of India is included in Part IV, which covers Articles 36 to 51. This part of the Constitution details the Directive Principles of State Policy, which serve as constitutional instructions and guidelines to the government for creating a welfare state. Article 41 specifically directs the state to make effective provisions, within the limits of its economic capacity and development, for securing the right to work, to education, and to public assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness, disablement, and other cases of undeserved want.

Explanation

Anju Bobby George is a legendary Indian track and field athlete who specialized in the long jump. She created history by winning the bronze medal in the long jump at the 2003 World Championships in Athletics in Paris, becoming the first Indian athlete to win a medal at this prestigious global event. She also won the gold medal at the IAAF World Athletics Final in 2005 and was honored with India's highest sporting award, the Khel Ratna, as well as the Padma Shri for her outstanding contributions to athletics.

Explanation

The book titled "The Test of My Life: From Cricket to Cancer and Back" is the autobiography of former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh. Published in 2013, the book chronicles his professional career alongside his deeply personal battle with a stage-1 germ cell cancer of the lung, detailing his diagnosis, the intensive chemotherapy treatment in the United States, and his triumphant comeback to international cricket.

Explanation

At market equilibrium, the quantity demanded equals the quantity supplied.

D = S

Substituting the given demand and supply equations:

23000 - 19P = 18000 + 6P

Rearranging the terms to solve for the equilibrium price P:

23000 - 18000 = 6P + 19P

5000 = 25P

P = 5000 / 25

P = 200

Explanation

Under monopolistic competition, firms maximize their profits by expanding production or output to the point where marginal cost equals marginal revenue (MC = MR). This is the standard profit-maximizing equilibrium condition where the addition to total revenue from selling one more unit is exactly equal to the addition to total cost from producing it.

Under an oligopoly, the market is characterized by a small number of large sellers, leading to intense mutual interdependence among firms. When one firm alters its pricing strategy, it triggers direct reactions from its competitors. Therefore, the elasticity of demand for any individual firm's product depends heavily on whether its rivals choose to match or ignore its price changes, as illustrated by models like the kinked demand curve.

Explanation

Correct Answer: D

Panna National Park is located in the Panna and Chhatarpur districts of Madhya Pradesh. Established in 1981, it was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1994 under Project Tiger. The park is situated in the Vindhyan mountain range and is characterized by a landscape of dry deciduous forests, gorges, and plateaus. The Ken River flows through this national park, serving as a major water source and a scenic highlight of the reserve.

Explanation

The S | P BSE SENSEX, often referred to as the SENSEX, is the benchmark index of the Bombay Stock Exchange. It is a free-float market-capitalization-weighted index composed of 30 of the largest, most financially sound, and actively traded companies listed on the BSE. These 30 constituent companies represent various sectors of the Indian economy and serve as a key barometer to track the overall movement and health of the Indian equity market. First compiled in 1986, the index utilizes 1978-79 as its base year.

Explanation

The International Date Line is an imaginary line on Earth's surface that roughly follows the 180° meridian of longitude, marking the boundary where one calendar day ends and the next begins. It passes through the middle of the Pacific Ocean, which was selected because it is a vast body of water with very little landmass. This location allows the line to deviate around various islands and nations to ensure that political entities and island groups do not experience different calendar dates within their territories.