SSC CHSL Tier 1 2021 General Awareness Questions with Solutions

Explanation

Carotenoids are essential accessory pigments found in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts in plants and other photosynthetic organisms. They absorb light energy, particularly in the blue-violet and blue-green wavelengths, and transfer this absorbed energy to chlorophyll a, which is the primary pigment of photosynthesis. By capturing light wavelengths that chlorophyll cannot efficiently absorb, carotenoids broaden the spectrum of light available for photosynthesis and protect the photosynthetic apparatus from damage caused by excess light.

Explanation

A Suitable Boy is a landmark novel published in 1993, written by the acclaimed Indian author Vikram Seth. Set in a newly independent, post-partition India, the narrative centers around Lata and her mother, Mrs. Rupa Mehra, who is searching for a suitable husband for her daughter. The book is widely celebrated as one of the longest single-volume novels in the English language.

Explanation

India's foreign exchange reserves crossed the historic milestone of US600 billion for the first time during the week ended June 4, 2021. According to the weekly data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the reserves rose by US 6.842 billion to touch a record high of US605.008 billion.

This significant accumulation was primarily driven by a sharp rise in foreign currency assets (FCA), which form the largest component of India's reserve base. Crossing this landmark strengthened India's external sector, providing a robust cushion of over 18 months of import cover and enhancing the RBI's capacity to manage exchange rate volatility and mitigate unforeseen global economic shocks.

Explanation

The Chipko Movement originated in the early 1970s in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, specifically starting in Reni village of Chamoli district in 1974. Led by local women such as Gaura Devi, alongside activists like Chandi Prasad Bhatt and Sundarlal Bahuguna, the movement was a non-violent protest against the commercial logging of forests. Villagers protected the trees from being felled by clinging to them, creating a physical barrier between the loggers and the forest. This landmark environmental movement successfully raised global awareness about forest conservation and community-led ecological protection.

Explanation

Aparna Satheesan, an internationally acclaimed Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam dancer and choreographer, was honored with the prestigious Abhinandan Saroja National Award 2021 by the National Institute of Indian Classical Dance. She was selected for her exceptional talent, contribution to Indian classical dance forms, and promotion of these traditional arts globally.

Explanation

Ribosomes are extremely small, spherical organelles consisting of ribosomal RNA and proteins, measuring approximately 20 to 30 nanometers in diameter. Because of their minute size, they appear under the high magnification of an electron microscope as small, dense dots. They exist in the cytoplasm either as individual, single units or aggregated into clusters called polyribosomes or polysomes, which form when multiple ribosomes translate a single messenger RNA molecule simultaneously.

Explanation

In mountaineering and rock climbing, a bolt is a crucial piece of safety equipment used as a permanent anchor. It is fixed into a hole drilled directly into the rock face. Climbers clip their ropes and safety gear, such as carabiners and quickdraws, into a hanger attached to the bolt. This provides a highly secure anchor point to catch a climber and prevent serious injury in the event of a fall during an ascent.

Explanation

Pandit Ravi Shankar was the first Indian to win a Grammy Award in 1968. He received this prestigious accolade in the Best Chamber Music Performance category for his collaborative album, West Meets East, which he created alongside the celebrated violinist Yehudi Menuhin. Widely recognized as a global ambassador of Indian classical music, he successfully popularized the sitar in the West and went on to win multiple Grammy Awards throughout his illustrious career, including a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013.

Explanation

In response to stressful and unfavourable environmental conditions, some organisms that are unable to migrate temporarily suspend their metabolic activities. In bacteria, fungi, and lower plants, this is achieved by forming various kinds of thick-walled spores. These durable structures protect the organism's genetic material and allow it to survive extreme conditions such as high temperatures, desiccation, or chemical exposure. Once the environment becomes favorable again, these spores germinate to resume normal life processes.

Explanation

Bhagat Singh wrote the essay Why I am an Atheist in 1930 while he was imprisoned in the Lahore Central Jail. The essay was written in response to a religious fellow prisoner, Bhai Randhir Singh, who accused Bhagat Singh of vanity and ego for not believing in God. In this work, Bhagat Singh details his transition from a believer to a rationalist, explaining how his atheism was a result of conscious study and scientific thinking rather than pride. The essay was published posthumously on September 27, 1931, in the English weekly journal The People.

Explanation

Guru Maisnam Amubi Singh was a pioneering exponent, choreographer, and guru of the classical Manipuri dance form. Renowned as one of the Trimurtis of modern Manipuri dance, he was instrumental in standardizing its repertoire and introducing solo dance formats to the traditional Ras Leela style. In 1956, he became the first artist from the state of Manipur to receive the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award. Recognizing his immense contribution to the revival, preservation, and global promotion of Manipuri dance, the Government of India conferred upon him the Padma Shri in 1970. He also served as the founding supervisor of the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipuri Dance Academy in Imphal.

Explanation

Annapurna Devi, born Roshanara Khan, was a legendary master of the surbahar, a bass sitar. She received her rigorous initial training in Hindustani classical music from her father, the multi-instrumentalist and music teacher Ustad "Baba" Allauddin Khan. She helped her father establish and propagate the Maihar-Senia gharana, which went on to become one of the most prestigious and influential schools of North Indian classical music in the twentieth century. She was highly respected for her deep command over dhrupad-style compositions and her exceptional teaching of numerous prominent classical disciples.

Explanation

In 1993, the legendary Indian playback singer Kumar Sanu set a Guinness World Record by recording 28 songs in a single day. This feat was accomplished in Mumbai before he left for a 40-day tour of the United States, as multiple music directors and producers needed to complete their recordings before his departure.

Explanation

The Supreme Court of India is the apex judicial body of the country, representing the Union Judiciary under Chapter IV of Part V of the Constitution of India, which spans Articles 124 to 147. The Indian constitutional framework maintains a separation of powers, positioning the judiciary as an independent organ separate from the executive branch.

Explanation

Aparna Satheesan, an internationally acclaimed classical dancer, was honored with the prestigious National Nritya Shiromani Award 2022. She received the award in January 2022 during the 13th Cuttack Mahotsav, an international festival of dance and music held in Odisha and organized by the Utkal Yuva Sanskrutik Sangh. The accolade was conferred upon her in recognition of her outstanding artistic excellence and immense contribution to the preservation and promotion of Indian classical dance forms, particularly Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam, both nationally and globally.

Explanation

Group 17 of the periodic table, also known as the halogen group, is located in the p-block and occupies the second column from the right, directly to the left of the noble gases. It comprises the highly reactive non-metallic elements fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br), iodine (I), the radioactive metalloid astatine (At), and the synthetic element tennessine (Ts). These elements all have seven valence electrons in their outermost shell, giving them similar chemical properties and a strong tendency to gain one electron to achieve a stable noble gas configuration.

Explanation

In the case of Mohammad Salimullah v. Union of India (2021), which concerned the deportation of Rohingya refugees, the Supreme Court ruled on the scope of fundamental rights available to non-citizens. The Court observed that while Articles 14 and 21 are available to all persons, the right not to be deported is ancillary or concomitant to the right to reside and settle in any part of the territory of India guaranteed under Article 19(1)(e). Since Article 19 of the Constitution of India is exclusive to Indian citizens, this right not to be deported is only available to citizens of India and cannot be claimed by non-citizens.

Explanation

The 13th edition of the ICC Men's One Day International (ODI) Cricket World Cup was hosted by India in 2023. While India had previously co-hosted the tournament in 1987, 1996, and 2011, the 13th edition marked the first time that India served as the sole host for the entire event.

Explanation

On 31 July 2021, a Samajik Adhikarita Shivir was organized at FDDI, Imlikheda in the Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh. The event was organized by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), in association with the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) and the District Administration of Chhindwara, under the Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids/Appliances (ADIP) scheme of the Government of India. During the camp, thousands of aids and assistive devices were distributed free of cost to pre-identified Divyangjan (persons with disabilities) to support their daily living and rehabilitation. The camp was virtually inaugurated by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and presided over by Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar.

Explanation

Dawsonia superba is recognized as the tallest self-supporting moss species in the world, commonly found in the moist forests of New Zealand, Australia, and New Guinea. While most bryophytes are highly restricted in height due to the lack of a true vascular system, this giant moss species possesses a specialized internal conduction system composed of hydroids and leptoids that transport water and nutrients similarly to the xylem and phloem of vascular plants. This evolutionary adaptation allows it to overcome the physical limitations of typical non-vascular plants and stand erect, reaching heights of up to 60 cm.

Explanation

Temperate deciduous forests are typically located in the mid-latitude regions between 40° and 60° north and south of the equator. These areas experience a moderate climate with four distinct seasons and receive a high and well-distributed rainfall ranging from 500 to 1500 mm annually. To adapt to the cold winter months in these regions, the dominant broad-leaved trees in these forests shed their leaves in autumn to conserve moisture and survive the freezing temperatures.

Explanation

Quartzite is a non-foliated metamorphic rock that is formed when quartz-rich sandstone, which is a sedimentary rock, undergoes metamorphism. This process occurs deep within the Earth's crust, where the original rock is subjected to intense heat and tectonic pressure. The extreme heat and pressure cause the individual quartz grains to recrystallize and fuse together into a highly durable and interlocking network of quartz crystals, transforming the original sedimentary rock into quartzite.

Explanation

Set the Boy Free is the autobiography of Johnny Marr, the acclaimed English musician, songwriter, and guitarist. Published in 2016, the memoir chronicles his life, starting from his childhood in Manchester to co-founding and playing guitar for the highly influential 1980s indie rock band The Smiths. It also details his musical journey, including his subsequent collaborations with various prominent bands and his career as a solo artist.

Explanation

Quinoline yellow is a synthetic greenish-yellow food dye, chemically designated as E104 in the European Union. It is a water-soluble, anionic quinophthalone dye manufactured by sulfonating 2-(2-quinolyl)-1,3-indandione. Owing to its high stability, bright coloration, and compatibility with various ingredients, it is widely utilized as an artificial coloring agent in a broad range of products. These applications include dietary supplements, sauces, soups and broths, bakery items, dairy fats and oils, seafood, condiments, breath fresheners, desserts, convenience foods, and beverages.

Explanation

The PM Udyam Mitra Excellence in Entrepreneurship Development (PM-UMEED) Scheme was launched in April 2021 under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. It is designed to provide entrepreneurship training and handholding support to approximately three lakh youth across the country over a five-year period. The designated tenure of this scheme runs up to the financial year 2025-26.

Explanation

US-based Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi dancer Aparna Satheesan was conferred with the prestigious Abhinandan Saroja National Award in 2021 by the National Institute of Indian Classical Dance. The award was established to honor the legacy of the legendary Bharatanatyam exponent Padma Bhushan Saroja Vaidyanathan. Aparna Satheesan received this national honor in recognition of her exceptional choreography, performances, and her dedication to promoting and preserving traditional Indian classical dance forms globally.

Explanation

Arjuna's Penance, also known as the Descent of the Ganges, is a magnificent 7th-century open-air rock relief sculpture located in the coastal town of Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu. The town is situated directly on the Coromandel Coast along the Bay of Bengal. The annual Mamallapuram Dance Festival, organised by the Tourism Department of Tamil Nadu, uses this UNESCO World Heritage monument as an open-air stage. The performances of various classical Indian dance forms are conducted with these historical rock sculptures set against the coastal backdrop of the Bay of Bengal.

Explanation

Article 368 of the Indian Constitution, which is contained in Part XX, details the power of Parliament to amend the Constitution and the specific procedure for doing so. It outlines two types of amendments: those by a special majority of Parliament, and those by a special majority of Parliament along with ratification by half of the state legislatures.

Explanation

The temperate zone is located between the tropics and the polar regions, characterized by moderate climate conditions. It receives moderate precipitation either throughout the year or in specific seasons. Due to its latitudinal position, this zone experiences distinct seasonal variations, featuring mild to hot summers with occasional dry periods and cool to cold winters, making it free from the extreme weather extremes found in tropical or polar environments.

Explanation

The Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar is awarded annually by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to recognize the involvement of corporate entities, voluntary organizations, and sports control boards in the promotion and development of sports in India. In 2021, the award under the category of Identification and Nurturing of Budding and Young Talent was bestowed upon Manav Rachna Educational Institution. The institution was recognized for its extensive contribution to identifying and training young sporting talent, supporting their education, and providing state-of-the-art sports infrastructure and international-level coaching over several decades, which produced numerous prominent national and international athletes.

Explanation

At the 2022 India Open held in New Delhi, Indian shuttler Lakshya Sen won his maiden BWF World Tour Super 500 title. In the Men's Singles final, he defeated the reigning World Champion Loh Kean Yew of Singapore in straight games with a score of 24-22, 21-17. This victory was a milestone in Sen's career, achieved in a match that lasted 54 minutes at the K. D. Jadhav Indoor Hall.

Explanation

Sedimentation is a physical separation process in which suspended particles settle out of a fluid under the influence of gravity. It is commonly used in wastewater treatment and the separation of coarse, insoluble solid-liquid mixtures. Because it only separates undissolved, suspended solids based on density and size, it cannot separate or purify organic compounds that are dissolved or require molecular-level separation based on specific chemical or physical properties.

Explanation

The Green Park Stadium is a historic multi-purpose stadium located in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Established in 1945, it is situated near the banks of the River Ganges and has hosted numerous international cricket matches, including test matches and one-day internationals. It is named after Madam Green, who used to practice horse riding at this location during the British era.

Explanation

Amrita Pritam wrote her widely acclaimed autobiography titled Rasidi Ticket, which was translated into English as Revenue Stamp. She was a leading twentieth-century Punjabi poet and novelist, widely regarded as the first prominent woman Punjabi writer. Known for her deeply emotive and socially conscious writings, she became the first woman to receive the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1956 for her poetry collection Sunehade. Her autobiography offers a candid reflection on her personal life, relationships, and literary journey.

Explanation

Vallathol Narayana Menon was a Malayalam poet who is credited with reviving and popularising Kathakali in the 20th century; he founded the Kerala Kalamandalam in 1930 specifically to train artists in this classical dance-drama form, giving it the institutional support and new impetus described in the passage.

Explanation

Vegetative reproduction in red algae (Rhodophyceae) takes place by fragmentation. In this process, the multicellular thallus of the alga breaks or splits into two or more smaller pieces due to mechanical action or aging. Each separated fragment has the regenerative capacity to grow and develop independently into a new, fully functional mature plant body. This method serves as a highly efficient way for red algae to rapidly colonize marine substrates and form large, drifting benthic biomass mats.

Explanation

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports announced the National Sports Awards for 2021, conferring the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award on 12 sportspersons.

The recipients of India's highest sporting honour in 2021 were Neeraj Chopra (Athletics), Ravi Kumar Dahiya (Wrestling), Lovlina Borgohain (Boxing), PR Sreejesh (Hockey), Avani Lekhara (Para Shooting), Sumit Antil (Para Athletics), Pramod Bhagat (Para Badminton), Krishna Nagar (Para Badminton), Manish Narwal (Para Shooting), Mithali Raj (Cricket), Sunil Chhetri (Football), and Manpreet Singh (Hockey). This marked a historic year with a record number of athletes being honoured for their spectacular performances, particularly at the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics.

Explanation

Kelp is a large, brown seaweed belonging to the order Laminariales. It thrives in shallow, nutrient-rich, cool saltwater environments near coastal fronts around the world. These seaweeds form dense underwater canopies known as kelp forests, which support highly productive and diverse marine ecosystems. They anchor themselves to the rocky ocean floor using root-like structures called holdfasts and use gas-filled bladders called pneumatocysts to float toward the surface to capture sunlight for photosynthesis.

Explanation

Pritam Rani Siwach is a former captain and pioneer of the Indian women's national hockey team. She was awarded the prestigious Dronacharya Award in 2021 in recognition of her outstanding achievements and contribution to coaching in hockey. Through her academy in Sonipat, Haryana, she has groomed and trained many world-class hockey players who have gone on to represent India at the Olympics and other international tournaments.

Explanation

Guru Gangadhar Pradhan, a Padma Shri awardee, was a renowned exponent and guru of Odissi, the classical dance form of Odisha, and he is especially remembered for his contribution to Gotipua and Odissi dance training through the Orissa Dance Academy.

Explanation

Nagai R Muralidharan is celebrated as one of India's foremost violinists, known for his mastery of Carnatic classical violin, which distinguishes him from the sitarist, playback singer, and vocalist named in the other options.

Explanation

A primary deficit is the fiscal deficit minus interest payments, so when it equals zero it means the government is borrowing only enough to cover its interest obligations on past debt and no more; this situation is termed a zero primary deficit.

Explanation

In football, "heading" or a "header" refers to the technique of striking the ball with the head, typically to pass, clear, or score a goal, making it a term unique to that sport among the options given.

Explanation

A stone thrown up in the air at an angle follows a curved trajectory (projectile motion), not a straight-line path, so pairing it with "rectilinear motion" (motion along a straight line) is incorrect, which is why this pairing is identified as the wrong one.

Explanation

Falguni Pathak is a highly celebrated Indian singer and performing artist popularly known as the Dandiya Queen. Her musical career and massive popularity are centered around traditional Gujarati folk music, particularly garba and dandiya raas, which are performed extensively during the Navratri festival. Her contemporary adaptations of Gujarati folk songs and energetic stage presence have made her a legendary figure in Gujarati music and cultural celebrations worldwide.

Explanation

The Great Indian Novel (1989) was written by Shashi Tharoor, who retells the Mahabharata as a satire on twentieth-century Indian politics and the freedom movement, mapping epic characters onto figures such as Gandhi and Nehru. Tharoor, a former UN Under-Secretary-General, later entered Indian politics and has served as a Member of Parliament from Thiruvananthapuram.

Explanation

Cobalt has atomic number 27 and lies in the d-block of period 4, where it occupies group 9 of the modern periodic table, between iron in group 8 and nickel in group 10. Its valence configuration [Ar]3d7 4s2 places it in that group under the modern IUPAC 1-18 numbering.

Explanation

The Ural Mountains in Russia are classic fold mountains, formed when the compressive forces generated by the collision of tectonic plates squeezed sedimentary rock layers upward into long, wave-like ridges. This process, called orogeny, contrasts with volcanic peaks like Kilimanjaro or the block mountains such as the Vosges and Harz ranges, which arise from faulting rather than compressional folding.

Explanation

B Herambanathan, honoured with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2013, is a noted exponent of Bharatanatyam, the classical dance form that originated in Tamil Nadu and is characterised by fixed upper torso, bent legs, and intricate footwork combined with expressive gestures and eye movements.

Explanation

Article 129 of the Indian Constitution explicitly declares that the Supreme Court shall be a court of record and shall have all the powers of such a court, including the power to punish for contempt of itself, distinguishing it from Article 131, which deals with the Court's original jurisdiction.