SSC CHSL Tier 1 2021 General Awareness Questions with Solutions

Explanation

In 2019, India became the second-largest producer of crude steel in the world, overtaking Japan. According to the data released by the World Steel Association, India produced 111.2 million tonnes of crude steel in 2019, securing the second rank globally behind China. This growth in India's steel production was driven by increased domestic demand, capacity expansion, and government policy support such as the National Steel Policy 2017.

Explanation

Pandit Birju Maharaj was a legendary exponent and the torchbearer of the Lucknow Kalka-Bindadin Gharana of Kathak dance. Born into the illustrious Maharaj family of Kathak dancers, he received his training from his father, Achchan Maharaj, and his uncles, Lachhu Maharaj and Shambhu Maharaj. The Lucknow Gharana is characterized by its emphasis on grace, elegant hand movements, and expressive facial emotions, known as Bhava, which Birju Maharaj masterfully represented and popularized globally.

Explanation

Green GDP is an economic metric that adjusts a nation's Gross Domestic Product to account for the environmental consequences of economic growth. It is calculated by subtracting the monetary costs of environmental degradation, resource depletion, and pollution damages from the standard GDP. This concept provides a more realistic and comprehensive measure of sustainable economic development, reflecting how current economic activities impact natural capital and ecological health.

Explanation

Ustad Bismillah Khan was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, in 2001. He was an iconic Shehnai maestro who single-handedly elevated the status of the instrument from a traditional folk item to a highly respected classical concert instrument on the global stage. His extraordinary dedication to Indian classical music and national integration earned him this supreme national honor, which he shared with legendary vocalist Lata Mangeshkar in the same year.

Explanation

A baton is a smooth, hollow, one-piece tube passed between runners during a relay race. In track and field, relay events like the 4×100 meters and 4×400 meters require four runners to complete equal legs of the race sequentially. The handoff of the baton must take place within a marked 20-meter changeover zone, making the baton transfer a critical technical element of the event.

Explanation

Alarmel Valli is an acclaimed Indian classical dancer and choreographer of the Pandanallur style of Bharatanatyam. In 2004, the Government of France conferred upon her the Chevalier of Arts and Letters, one of France's premier cultural awards, in recognition of her exceptional contribution to the world of dance and for strengthening cultural ties between India and France.

Explanation

Ethene is the simplest alkene, consisting of two carbon atoms sharing a double covalent bond. Carbon has a valency of four, which means each carbon atom must form four covalent bonds to achieve a stable octet configuration. In the ethene molecule, the double bond between the two carbon atoms accounts for two bonds for each carbon, leaving two remaining valencies per carbon atom. These remaining valencies are satisfied by bonding with two hydrogen atoms. This results in each carbon being bonded to two hydrogen atoms, giving the structural formula H₂C = CH₂.

Explanation

Bickram Ghosh is a renowned Indian classical tabla player and music composer. He is the son of the illustrious tabla maestro Pandit Shankar Ghosh and was trained in the Farukhabad gharana style of tabla playing. Known for his versatility, he has performed extensively in classical Hindustani music as well as pioneering fusion music projects. His innovative compositions and collaborations have earned him numerous prestigious accolades, including the Global Indian Music Award.

Explanation

The Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) is a perennial carnivorous plant native to subtropical wetlands of the East Coast of the United States. It belongs to the family Droseraceae, which is commonly known as the sundew family. The plant captures its prey, primarily insects and arachnids, using a specialized trapping structure formed by the terminal portion of its leaves. When an insect touches the sensitive trigger hairs on the inner surface of the lobes, the trap snaps shut in a fraction of a second. Once closed, the plant secretes digestive enzymes that break down the prey, allowing it to absorb essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, which are deficient in its native acidic soil.

Explanation

R. Muthukannammal, a veteran Sadir dancer from Viralimalai in Tamil Nadu, was conferred with the Padma Shri in 2022 for her outstanding contribution to the field of art. Sadir is a traditional solo dance form performed by temple dancers, which serves as the historic precursor to modern Bharatanatyam. She is recognized as one of the last living practitioners of this ancient art form, and the award honored her lifelong dedication to preserving and performing this heritage.

Explanation

Umayalpuram K. Sivaraman is a renowned master of the mridangam, the primary percussion instrument used in Carnatic music. Over a career spanning several decades, he has significantly shaped the art of mridangam playing through his unique style, clarity of strokes, and rhythmic structure. For his outstanding contributions to the field of classical music, the Government of India conferred upon him the Padma Vibhushan in 2010.

Explanation

Casting a vote during elections is a constitutional and statutory right under Article 326 of the Constitution of India, and not a Fundamental Duty. The Fundamental Duties are enumerated under Article 51A in Part IV-A of the Constitution, which was added by the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 based on the recommendations of the Swaran Singh Committee. While civic participation through voting is a key democratic responsibility, it has not been codified as a constitutional Fundamental Duty.

Explanation

A mitoplast is a mitochondrion that has been stripped of its outer membrane, leaving only the inner mitochondrial membrane and the internal matrix intact. This state is typically achieved experimentally through physical methods like osmotic shock or chemical treatments using specific detergents like digitonin, which selectively disrupt the outer membrane while keeping the inner membrane functional for biochemical studies.

Explanation

Kumar Sanu created a Guinness World Record in 1993 by recording 28 songs in a single day. This extraordinary feat remains unmatched in the Indian music industry, cementing his legacy as one of the most prolific playback singers of his era.

Explanation

Antoine Lavoisier, widely regarded as the father of modern chemistry, disproved the phlogiston theory by demonstrating that combustion and respiration are chemical reactions involving oxygen. He established that water is a compound of hydrogen and oxygen, and he co-authored the modern system of chemical nomenclature, identifying and naming both oxygen and hydrogen, while also recognizing carbon as an element.

Explanation

Radio waves occupy the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum with frequencies ranging from approximately 300 GHz down to 3 kHz, which corresponds to wavelengths from 1 mm to 100 km. These waves are widely used for communication, broadcasting, and radar due to their ability to propagate through the atmosphere and around obstacles.

Explanation

Rabindranath Tagore composed the National Anthem of India, Jana Gana Mana. Originally written in Bengali as Bharoto Bhagyo Bidhata, its first stanza was officially adopted as the National Anthem of India by the Constituent Assembly on 24 January 1950. The song was first publicly sung on 27 December 1911 at the Calcutta Session of the Indian National Congress.

Explanation

An electric current requires a continuous, unbroken path of conducting material to flow. When a circuit is broken, an open circuit is created, which interrupts this continuous path. Since the physical connection is severed, the electrical resistance becomes infinitely high, preventing the flow of electrons. Consequently, the electric current stops flowing, and the bulb ceases to glow.

Explanation

By economic definition, Net Domestic Product (NDP) represents the net value of goods and services produced within the domestic territory of a country during a given period. The difference between any gross economic measure and its net counterpart is depreciation, which represents the wear and tear or consumption of fixed capital over time.

The standard macroeconomic relationship between gross and net domestic product is defined by the formula: NDP = GDP - Depreciation

This relationship holds true regardless of whether the aggregates are measured at market price or factor cost. Thus, at factor cost: NDP at FC = GDP at FC - Depreciation

Subtracting depreciation from the Gross Domestic Product at factor cost yields the Net Domestic Product at factor cost.

Explanation

The Elderly in India 2021 report was published by the National Statistical Office, which operates under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. This comprehensive report provides crucial statistical data and insights on the demographic, social, and economic aspects of the elderly population in India, assisting in the formulation of targeted policies and welfare schemes for senior citizens.

Explanation

Meghna Pant is the author of the novel Boys Don't Cry, which was published in 2020. The book is a psychological drama and dark comedy that explores the sensitive themes of domestic abuse, toxic relationships, and societal pressures within a modern Indian marriage.

Explanation

The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2021 amends the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. The parent Act of 1957 is the primary legislation governing the mineral sector in India, regulating the lease of mines and development of minerals under the authority of the Central Government. The 2021 amendment was enacted to bring major reforms, such as removing the distinction between captive and non-captive mines, allowing captive mines to sell up to 50% of their annual production, and empowering the Central Government to conduct auctions in certain cases to streamline mining operations and increase production.

Explanation

Guru Mayadhar Raut played a pioneering role in reviving and restructuring the classical dance form of Odissi during the 1950s. He is credited with redefining its grammar, introducing standard Mudras (hand gestures), and systematizing the Abhinaya vocabulary. As a founding member of the Jayantika association, his research and codification of dance techniques helped elevate Odissi from a dying temple tradition to a globally recognized classical dance form.

Explanation

The coastal location of the Konkan coast gives it a maritime or equable climate. Land and sea breezes, driven by the difference in heating and cooling rates of land and water, act as a natural thermostat. Because water has a high specific heat capacity, it warms up and cools down much slower than land. This moderating influence of the Arabian Sea minimizes both the diurnal and annual ranges of temperature, preventing the region from experiencing extreme heat in summers or extreme cold in winters, and maintaining a relatively uniform thermal regime throughout the year.

Explanation

Mawsynram, located in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya on the southern slopes of the Khasi Hills, is recognized as the wettest place on Earth. It receives an average annual rainfall of approximately 11,872 mm, which is about 12,000 mm. This exceptionally high rainfall is primarily due to its unique geographical location and topography. The warm, moist monsoon winds blowing from the Bay of Bengal travel northward over the plains of Bangladesh and are forced to rise abruptly when they hit the steep slopes of the Khasi Hills. As these moisture-laden winds ascend, they cool rapidly and condense, leading to continuous and extremely heavy precipitation concentrated in this region.

Explanation

The Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering is located in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir. It was established in 1969 by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, to develop and promote adventure sports, particularly skiing, trekking, and mountaineering, in the region.

Explanation

The Khelo India Scheme was included under the Prime Minister's Awards for Excellence in Public Administration (PM's Awards Scheme) to recognize and reward the outstanding efforts of districts and administrative officers in promoting sports, wellness, and physical fitness at the grassroots level. This integration encourages district administrations to actively identify sporting talent, build modern sports infrastructure, and foster a vibrant sports culture across the nation.

Explanation

Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra was conferred with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1966 for his outstanding contribution to the Odissi classical dance form. He was a legendary dancer, guru, and choreographer who played a monumental role in the revival and global popularization of Odissi in the twentieth century.

Explanation

Amitav Ghosh was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award in English in 1989 for his acclaimed novel The Shadow Lines, which was published in 1988. The novel explores the boundaries, memory, and relationships of people across different cultures and nations, particularly focusing on the aftermath of the partition of India.

Explanation

According to the World Health Organization Global Health Estimates, Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia were ranked as the seventh leading cause of death globally in 2019. This category of cognitive disorders experienced a significant rise over the previous two decades, having previously been ranked as the tenth leading cause of death in 2000.

Explanation

Kesarbai Kerkar was a legendary Hindustani classical vocalist of the Jaipur-Atrauli gharana. In recognition of her extraordinary contribution to classical music, the Government of India awarded her the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award, in 1969. In the same year, the Government of Maharashtra also honored her with the prestigious title of Rajya Gayika (State Singer).

Explanation

Aparna Satheesan, an internationally acclaimed Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam dancer and choreographer, was bestowed with the prestigious Bharata Shastra Nritya Praveena National Award in 2021. This honour was presented to her by the National Institute of Fine Arts in recognition of her outstanding contributions, dedication, and excellence in promoting and preserving the rich heritage of Indian classical dance forms globally.

Explanation

The official motto and central theme for both the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games was United by Emotion. This theme was chosen to express the power of sport to bring people together from all over the world, transcending nationalities, ethnicities, and backgrounds to share mutual respect, inspiration, and collective emotional experiences.

Explanation

Undisputed Truth: My Autobiography is the memoir of the former undisputed heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson. Co-authored with Larry Sloman and published in 2013, the book chronicles Tyson's turbulent life, beginning with his difficult childhood in Brooklyn, his rise to fame under the mentorship of Cus D'Amato, his historic boxing career, and his subsequent personal struggles, legal battles, and path to recovery.

Explanation

The Sangeet Natak Akademi, which is the national academy of music, dance, and drama in India, was formally inaugurated on 28 January 1953 by the first President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad. It was established to function as the apex body for the performing arts in the country, focusing on the preservation, promotion, and enrichment of India's diverse traditions in music, dance, and theatre.

Explanation

Kalamandalam Kalyanikutty Amma (1915–1999), widely regarded as the matriarch of Mohiniyattam, was a legendary dancer, teacher, and researcher from Kerala who was instrumental in reviving and systematizing this classical dance form. She authored two seminal books documenting the art: her first manual, titled Mohiniyattam, published in 1978, and its subsequent expanded and revised version, Mohiniyattam: Charithravum Aattaprakaravum (Mohiniyattam: History and Dance Structure), published in 1992. These works are considered the most authentic and comprehensive documentations on the history, techniques, structures, and adavus (basic dance steps) of Mohiniyattam, serving as the definitive reference texts for dancers and researchers of the classical dance form.

Explanation

In November 2021, the International Cricket Council announced the host nations for major ICC men's tournaments from 2024 to 2031. Under this cycle, India was awarded the hosting rights for the ICC Men's Champions Trophy scheduled to be played in October 2029. This event marks the return of the prestigious eight-team ODI tournament to India, which is scheduled to host three major ICC global events during this eight-year cycle.

Explanation

Malka Jaan of the Agra Gharana was a highly celebrated vocalist, dancer, and poet who established herself as a court musician at the durbar of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah in Metiabruz, Calcutta. After Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, the last ruler of Awadh, was exiled to Calcutta by the British in 1856, his court in Metiabruz became a major center for the revival and patronization of Hindustani classical music, Kathak, and Thumri. Malka Jaan, who was also the mother of the legendary singer Gauhar Jaan, relocated to Calcutta in 1883 and achieved immense renown under the Nawab's patronage, becoming particularly famous for her mastery of Thumri, Khayal, and Ghazal compositions.

Explanation

Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia is an internationally acclaimed classical flautist who plays the bansuri, an Indian bamboo flute. He is widely credited with popularizing the Hindustani classical flute both in India and globally. Over his distinguished career, he has collaborated with numerous international artists, composed music for Indian cinema, and received prestigious civilian awards, including the Padma Bhushan and the Padma Vibhushan, for his outstanding contributions to Indian classical music.

Explanation

Neeraj Chopra set a national record of 88.07 meters in the javelin throw at the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports in Patiala during the third Indian Grand Prix meet on March 5, 2021. This performance improved his own previous national record of 88.06 meters, which he had established at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta.

Explanation

The Story of My Experiments with Truth is the autobiography of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, covering his life from early childhood through to 1921. It was originally written in Gujarati and published in weekly installments in his journal Navajivan from 1925 to 1929. The English translation, prepared by his close associate Mahadev Desai, was serialized in the journal Young India and later published in book form. The work details his experiments with truth (Satyagraha) and non-violence (Ahimsa) in both his personal and public life, documenting his spiritual and political evolution.

Explanation

Chintaman Raghunath Vyas, widely known as Pandit C. R. Vyas, was an eminent Hindustani classical vocalist trained in the Gwalior, Kirana, and Agra gharanas. He authored the book Raag Sarita, which compiles his lifetime of work and original classical compositions. First published in 1984, with a second edition released in 2019, the book features notation for numerous bandishes and ragas that he composed under his pen-name Gunijan.

Explanation

Rajeev Taranath is an acclaimed Indian classical musician who plays the sarod. He is a prominent disciple of Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, one of the greatest sarod virtuosos of the Maihar gharana. Taranath has performed extensively worldwide and was honored with the Padma Shri in 2019 for his outstanding contributions to Indian classical music.

Explanation

Kum Kum Mohanty is an eminent exponent of the Odissi dance form. She received her training under the legendary guru Kelucharan Mohapatra and is renowned for her expressive abhinaya and contribution to Odissi. In recognition of her significant contributions to the preservation, development, and promotion of Odissi dance, she was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 2005. She is also a recipient of the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.

Explanation

The income method of estimating national income measures national income from the perspective of the distribution of factor incomes. Under this approach, national income is calculated by summing up all the factor payments made by producing enterprises to the owners of factors of production (land, labor, capital, and enterprise) in the form of rent, wages, interest, and profit. Thus, analyzing the flow of factor payments directly forms the basis of the income distribution angle of national income estimation.

Explanation

Straight from the Heart: An Autobiography is the autobiography of Kapil Dev, the legendary Indian cricketer and former captain who led the Indian national cricket team to its historic first World Cup victory in 1983. Published in 2004, the book provides an intimate account of his cricketing journey, his rise from Haryana to the international stage, and his personal and professional experiences throughout his career.

Explanation

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) formally awarded the 2028 Summer Olympic Games to Los Angeles during the 131st IOC Session held in Lima, Peru, on September 13, 2017. This decision was made as part of a historic agreement that simultaneously awarded the 2024 Games to Paris and the 2028 Games to Los Angeles. This event will mark the third time Los Angeles has hosted the Summer Olympic Games, following its previous hostings in 1932 and 1984.

Explanation

In the case of Vikas Kishanrao Gawali v. State of Maharashtra, the Supreme Court of India ruled that the reservation for Other Backward Classes in local bodies cannot exceed the 50% ceiling limit. The Court held that the aggregate of reservations for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes taken together in local bodies must not exceed 50% of the total seats, reaffirming the triple test criteria mandated in previous landmark judgments.

Explanation

Tanjore Balasaraswati was a legendary Indian dancer who revolutionized and popularized the classical dance form of Bharatanatyam both nationally and internationally. In recognition of her extraordinary lifetime contribution to the performing arts, she was honored with the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award, in the year 1977.

Explanation

Under the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution of India, seats in the Rajya Sabha are allocated to the states and union territories based on their population. The state of Maharashtra is allocated 19 seats in the Rajya Sabha, which gives it the second-highest representation in the upper house of Parliament. These representatives are elected by the elected members of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly using the system of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote.