SSC CHSL Tier 1 2021 General Awareness Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned the construction of the Red Fort (Lal Quila) in Delhi in 1638, when he decided to shift his capital from Agra to Delhi, founding the new city of Shahjahanabad. Designed by the architect Ustad Ahmad Lahori, who also designed the Taj Mahal, the fort's construction began in May 1639 and was completed in April 1648. The fort is constructed of red sandstone, which gives it its name, and represents the zenith of Mughal architectural grandeur, blending Persian, Timurid, and Hindu design elements.

Explanation

Mrinalini Sarabhai, a legendary classical dancer and choreographer, was honored with the Padma Bhushan in 1992 by the Government of India. This prestigious honor was awarded to her in recognition of her exceptional and distinguished contributions to the field of performing arts, especially her work in promoting and teaching Bharatanatyam and Kathakali through her institution, the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts.

Explanation

Ustad Vilayat Khan was one of India's most prominent classical sitar virtuosos. Belonging to the Etawah Gharana, also known as the Imdadkhani Gharana, he is widely credited with introducing and perfecting the Gayaki Ang on the sitar, a technique that replicates the structural nuances of the human voice on the instrument. His contributions and innovations greatly influenced the modern style of sitar playing.

Explanation

Srimanta Sankardeva, the 15th-century Vaishnavite saint, scholar, and socio-religious reformer of Assam, is credited with introducing and developing the classical dance form known as Sattriya. He created this performing art form to propagate his Neo-Vaishnavite faith and the philosophy of Ekasarana Dharma (devotion to Lord Vishnu, especially in the form of Lord Krishna).

The dance originated as a part of Ankia Naats (one-act plays) within the Sattras (monasteries established by Sankardeva) and thus came to be known as Sattriya. Sankardeva synthesized various regional folk elements, classical treatises like the Natya Shastra, and devotional compositions to craft this distinct, highly structured classical dance form. In recognition of its traditional grammar and cultural heritage, the Sangeet Natak Akademi declared Sattriya as one of India's official classical dance forms in November 2000.

Explanation

The Arabian Sea is the northwestern extension of the Indian Ocean, positioned between the Indian Peninsula and the Arabian Peninsula. It covers a total surface area of approximately 14,91,000 square miles, which is equivalent to about 3,862,000 square kilometers. Since antiquity, this sea has been a pivotal maritime trade hub, and it remains a core component of the crucial shipping lane connecting Europe and India via the Suez Canal, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden.

Explanation

Professor Bimal Patel, the Vice-Chancellor of Rashtriya Raksha University and a member of India's National Security Advisory Board, was elected to the International Law Commission in November 2021. In a highly competitive election at the United Nations General Assembly, he topped the Asia-Pacific group by securing 163 votes out of 192 member states present and voting. His five-year term on the prestigious United Nations body of legal experts commenced on January 1, 2023.

Explanation

Reproduction is a fundamental physiological process of producing offspring to ensure species continuity and genetic lineage. It is not classified as a direct physiological, behavioral, or evolutionary adaptation mechanism employed by individual organisms to cope with or respond to fluctuating or stressful abiotic environmental factors.

Explanation

The centrosome is the primary microtubule-organizing centre in eukaryotic animal cells, responsible for nucleating and anchoring microtubules. It plays a critical role in organizing the mitotic spindle during cell division, which is essential for embryogenesis. Additionally, the centrioles within the centrosome migrate to the cell surface to serve as basal bodies, initiating the assembly of cilia and flagella. These structures are vital for cellular locomotion and sensory reception, enabling cells to move and interact with their extracellular environment.

Explanation

Vacuoles are membrane-bound organelles present in both plant and animal cells. While plant cells typically contain a single, large central vacuole, animal cells contain multiple, much smaller vacuoles. In animal cells, these smaller vacuoles function primarily to isolate, store, and transport waste products, sequestering harmful materials and facilitating their export out of the cell to maintain cellular homeostasis.

Explanation

The International Hockey Federation awarded the hosting rights of the 15th edition of the Men's Hockey World Cup 2023 to India, with the state of Odisha designated as the host. The tournament matches were scheduled to be played at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar and the newly constructed Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium in Rourkela. This event marked the second consecutive time Odisha hosted the prestigious tournament, following the successful organization of the 2018 Men's Hockey World Cup in Bhubaneswar.

Explanation

Agumbe is a high-altitude village located in the Shimoga district of Karnataka. Situated in the Malnad region of the Western Ghats, it is known for its exceptionally high annual rainfall, earning it the epithet "Cherrapunji of the South". This region is highly biodiverse, featuring dense rainforests that are home to the Agumbe Rainforest Research Station and serve as a major habitat for the King Cobra.

Explanation

Petroleum deposits in India are primarily associated with the anticlines and fault traps in the sedimentary rock formations of the Tertiary period. The sedimentary basins located on the western and eastern flanks of the Indian peninsula, specifically in Gujarat and Assam, contain major hydrocarbon reserves. In Gujarat, these sedimentary formations host major oil and gas fields such as Ankaleshwar, Kalol, Mehsana, and Lunej, making petroleum the primary resource extracted from these geological structures.

Explanation

Jane Austen is the celebrated English novelist who wrote these classic works of romantic fiction. Sense and Sensibility, published in 1811, was her first published novel. Mansfield Park followed in 1814, and Emma was published in late 1815. These novels are widely acclaimed for their sharp social commentary, irony, and realistic depiction of the British gentry and the limited choices available to women in the early 19th century.

Explanation

The Nijaat campaign was initiated in July 2021 by the Chhattisgarh police, starting in the Koriya district under the leadership of IPS officer Santosh Kumar Singh. It is a multi-dimensional initiative aimed at eliminating illicit drugs and narcotics while promoting de-addiction and rehabilitation. The campaign gained widespread popularity and was supported by several Bollywood celebrities, actors, and singers who released video appeals urging the youth to stay away from substance abuse.

Explanation

The International Cricket Council awarded the hosting rights for the 8th edition of the Women's T20 World Cup to South Africa. Originally scheduled to be held in late 2022, the tournament was postponed to February 2023 to avoid scheduling clashes with other major global sporting events, marking the first time South Africa hosted this tournament.

Explanation

Shakoor Khan was a legendary Indian classical musician and one of the preeminent virtuosos of the sarangi. Belonging to the illustrious Kirana Gharana, he was trained under his grandfather, Ustad Mehboob Khan, and later his uncle, Ustad Waheed Khan. Shakoor Khan played a pivotal role in elevating the sarangi from an accompanying instrument to a premier solo instrument in Hindustani classical music. For his immense contributions, he became the first sarangi player to receive the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1966 and was honored with the Padma Shri in 1973.

Explanation

Correct Answer: D

Under the provisions of the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952, as amended in 1997, every candidate contesting the election for the office of the Vice-President of India must deposit a security amount of ₹15,000. This deposit is made either in cash with the Returning Officer at the time of filing the nomination paper or by depositing the sum in the Reserve Bank of India or a government treasury. The deposit is forfeited if the candidate fails to secure at least one-sixth of the total number of valid votes polled in the election.

Explanation

Raymond L. Lindeman revolutionized the field of ecology with his seminal 1942 paper, The Trophic-Dynamic Aspect of Ecology. In this pioneering work, he introduced a quantitative, energetic framework that described how energy and nutrients flow through different trophic levels of an ecosystem. By conceptualizing organisms not just as taxonomic units but as functional components of energy transfer, he formulated the ten percent law of energy transfer, which states that only about 10% of the energy available at one trophic level is passed on to the next. His research laid the foundation for modern ecosystem ecology and trophic dynamics.

Explanation

Metabolic reactions in the human body are catalyzed and facilitated by enzymes, which are specialized protein molecules. These proteins act as biological catalysts that significantly increase the rate of chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required for the reactions to proceed. This allows vital biochemical processes, such as digestion, energy production, and cellular repair, to occur rapidly and efficiently at normal body temperature.

Explanation

Vidyagauri Adkar is a prominent Kathak exponent representing the Jaipur Gharana of this Indian classical dance form. She received her training under the guidance of renowned gurus, including Pandit Rajendra Gangani of the Jaipur style. This school of Kathak is celebrated for its emphasis on complex rhythmic patterns, rapid footwork, and powerful spins, which are central elements in her classical dance presentations.

Explanation

Mesosomes are specialized folded invaginations of the plasma membrane found uniquely in prokaryotes, such as bacteria. They play a crucial role in cellular respiration, cell wall synthesis, DNA replication, and the distribution of chromosomes to daughter cells. By folding inward, mesosomes increase the overall surface area of the plasma membrane and its enzymatic content, helping carry out metabolic activities that are compartmentalized in organelle-bound structures in eukaryotic cells.

Explanation

Tansen, born Ramtanu Pandey, was a legendary Hindustani classical musician and composer who served as one of the Navaratnas (nine jewels) in the court of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. Akbar invited Tansen to join his imperial court in 1562 after hearing of his extraordinary musical talents, which Tansen had previously displayed at the court of King Ramchandra Singh of Rewa. Under Akbar's royal patronage, Tansen was bestowed with the title Mian and went on to compose several iconic ragas, including Darbari Kanada, Mian ki Todi, and Mian ki Malhar, significantly shaping the North Indian classical music tradition.

Explanation

The autobiography titled Devil's Advocate: The Untold Story is written by the veteran Indian journalist and television presenter Karan Thapar. Published in 2018, the book offers an insider account of his extensive career, detailing his interactions and memorable interviews with prominent political leaders, international figures, and celebrities, along with the behind-the-scenes events that shaped those conversations.

Explanation

Correct Answer: C

The World Bank approved a loan of 125 million USD, which is equivalent to approximately ₹1,000 crore, to the Government of West Bengal in January 2022. This funding was provided under the West Bengal Building State Capability for Inclusive Social Protection Project. The program aims to strengthen the state's capability to expand and deliver inclusive social protection services to poor and vulnerable groups, including women, tribal communities, and the elderly, by improving access to social assistance, pensions, and medical benefits.

Explanation

PV Sindhu secured her place in Indian sporting history by winning a silver medal in the women's singles badminton event at the 2016 Rio Olympics, followed by a bronze medal in the same event at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. With this consecutive achievement, she became the first Indian woman and only the second Indian individual athlete to win two Olympic medals.

Explanation

Ustad Alla Rakha Qureshi was an iconic Indian tabla player who specialized in Hindustani classical music. Belonging to the Punjab gharana, he played a crucial role in elevating the status of the tabla from a mere accompanying instrument to a dominant solo instrument in classical concerts. He was a frequent collaborator with the sitar virtuoso Pandit Ravi Shankar, which helped popularize the tabla and Indian classical music globally, and he was awarded the Padma Shri in 1977.

Explanation

Guru Shyama Charan Pati was an eminent exponent and master of Seraikella Chhau, a traditional mask dance form of Eastern India. He made pioneering contributions to the preservation, promotion, and propagation of this art form globally. Recognizing his outstanding dedication and artistic excellence in Chhau nritya, the Government of India honored him with the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2006.

Explanation

Amrita Pritam, a preeminent Punjabi poet and novelist, wrote the famous novel Pinjar (The Skeleton) in 1950. Set against the backdrop of the partition of India in 1947, the novel depicts the horrific plight of women during the communal riots. It follows the story of Puro, a young Hindu woman who is abducted by a Muslim man, Rashid, and highlights the themes of loss, humanity, and reconciliation amidst sectarian violence. The novel is widely regarded as one of the finest works of partition literature and was adapted into an award-winning Hindi film in 2003.

Explanation

Correct Answer: C

Opuntia is a xerophytic plant adapted to survive in dry, arid environments. To minimize water loss through transpiration, its leaves are reduced to sharp spines. The function of photosynthesis is taken over by the flattened, green, and fleshy stem, which also stores water to help the plant survive prolonged periods of drought.

Explanation

The Gwalior Gharana is widely acknowledged as the oldest Khayal Gharana in Hindustani classical music, serving as the foundational style from which several other prominent gharanas subsequently emerged. The origins of this style trace back to the fifteenth century under the patronage of Raja Man Singh Tomar of Gwalior, and it was later systematically structured into the modern Khayal gayaki during the Mughal era and the nineteenth century by legendary musicians like Nathan Pir Bakhsh, Haddu Khan, and Hassu Khan. This gharana is highly regarded for its emphasis on raga purity, simplicity, and a methodical, step-by-step presentation of the musical composition.

Explanation

Hockey India was awarded the prestigious Etienne Glichitch Award by the International Hockey Federation in May 2021 during the 47th FIH Congress. The national governing body was recognized for its outstanding contribution, growth, and development of hockey in India through the hosting of major international tournaments, grassroot development programs, and promotional activities.

Explanation

Yamini Krishnamurthy is a highly acclaimed exponent of both Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi classical dance forms. In recognition of her immense contribution to classical dance and her spiritual dedication, the Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanam temple administration bestowed upon her the prestigious title of Asthana Narthaki, which translates to Resident Dancer of the temple.

Explanation

The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme was introduced in August 1998 by Indian banks to provide farmers with timely, adequate, and hassle-free credit support from the formal banking system. Designed by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) on the recommendations of the R.V. Gupta Committee, the scheme simplifies credit delivery to farmers for meeting their financial requirements during cultivation, post-harvest expenses, consumption needs, and maintenance of farm assets and activities.

Explanation

Mithali Raj was honored with the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2021 in recognition of her outstanding achievements and immense contribution to Indian cricket. With this achievement, she became the first female cricketer to receive India's highest sporting honor. Over her illustrious career, she established herself as one of the greatest female cricketers of all time, becoming the highest run-scorer in women's international cricket and leading the national team to multiple World Cup finals.

Explanation

Geeta Chandran is a celebrated Indian Bharatanatyam dancer, choreographer, and vocalist who has made significant contributions to the classical dance form. In recognition of her outstanding contribution to Bharatanatyam, she was conferred with the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for the year 2016. She is also a recipient of the Padma Shri, which she received in 2005 for her immense contributions to the field of art.

Explanation

A Nation in the Making, published in 1925, is the autobiography of Surendranath Banerjee. He was one of India's earliest political leaders during the British Raj, co-founding the Indian National Association and twice serving as the President of the Indian National Congress. The book provides a detailed account of his public life, his pioneering role in the nationalist movement, and his perspective on the political developments in India from the late nineteenth century to the early twentieth century, including the agitation against the 1905 Partition of Bengal.

Explanation

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, during the Constituent Assembly debates, famously referred to Article 32 as the "heart and soul of the Constitution of India." He emphasized that this article, which guarantees the Right to Constitutional Remedies, is the most important element because it makes the Fundamental Rights real and enforceable. He stated that without Article 32, the Constitution would be a nullity, as it empowers citizens to directly petition the Supreme Court for the enforcement of their fundamental rights through various writs.

Explanation

The phylum Coelenterata, also known as Cnidaria, consists of aquatic, mostly marine, radially symmetrical, and diploblastic animals. Hydra is a well-known freshwater representative, Adamsia is commonly referred to as the sea anemone, Physalia is known as the Portuguese man-of-war, and corals are marine organisms that secrete a calcium carbonate skeleton. These organisms are characterized by the presence of specialized stinging cells called cnidoblasts or cnidocytes, which are used for anchorage, defense, and capturing prey.

Explanation

Capital expenditure refers to government spending that either creates assets or reduces liabilities. When the government repays a loan, it directly reduces its outstanding financial liability. Therefore, the payment of a loan is classified as a capital expenditure.

Explanation

Ustad Bismillah Khan was a legendary Indian musician who popularized the shehnai, a traditional oboe-like wind instrument, rather than the sitar. He played a pivotal role in bringing the shehnai to the classical concert stage and was honored with India's highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, in 2001.

Explanation

Indian badminton player PV Sindhu won the silver medal at the 2021 BWF World Tour Finals held in Bali, Indonesia. She reached the women's singles final, where she finished as the runner-up after losing to South Korea's An Se-young.

Explanation

Pandit Sunder Prasad was an acclaimed exponent and guru of the Jaipur gharana of Kathak dance. He received his training from his father, Pandit Chuni Lal, and later from Maharaj Bindadin of the Lucknow gharana, allowing him to beautifully synthesize the aspects of both traditional schools. His exceptional contributions to the promotion, teaching, and preservation of Kathak led to him being honored with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1959.

Explanation

The Kalidas Samman is a prestigious arts award presented annually by the Department of Culture of the Government of Madhya Pradesh. Instituted in the year 1980, this award recognizes outstanding contributions in the fields of Classical Music, Classical Dance, Theatre, and Plastic Arts. It carries a citation and a significant cash prize, honoring eminent artists for their exceptional work and lifetime dedication to these traditional Indian art forms.

Explanation

Pandit Totaram Sharma is an acclaimed master and exponent of the pakhawaj, a traditional barrel-shaped, two-headed drum from India. The pakhawaj is primarily used as an accompaniment in the Dhrupad and Dhamar genres of Hindustani classical music, as well as in various traditional dance forms like Kathak. Known for his technical virtuosity and deep understanding of rhythm, he was honored with the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for his outstanding contribution to Hindustani instrumental music.

Explanation

The 10th Women's Hockey Asia Cup was held from 21 to 28 January 2022 at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Muscat, Oman. The tournament was originally scheduled to be held in Bangkok, Thailand, but was moved to Muscat due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This quadrennial international championship served as a qualification tournament for the 2022 Women's FIH Hockey World Cup.

Explanation

Nethra Kumanan qualified for the Tokyo Olympics in April 2021 by securing a second-place finish in the Laser Radial event at the Mussanah Open Championship in Oman. Her performance made her the first Indian woman sailor ever to qualify for the Olympic Games. Additionally, she became the first Indian sailor to qualify directly for the Olympics through an Olympic qualifier, as previous Indian Olympic sailors had qualified through unfilled quota places.

Explanation

Laxmibai Kolhapurkar won the first National Film Award for Best Choreography in 1992 at the 39th National Film Awards. She received this honor for her exceptional choreography in the Marathi film Ek Hota Vidushak, which was directed by Jabbar Patel. This category was newly introduced at the 39th National Film Awards to recognize artistic excellence in film choreography.

Explanation

B. S. Yediyurappa has served as the Chief Minister of Karnataka across four distinct tenures, resigning at the end of each term. His first resignation occurred in November 2007 after a brief seven-day coalition. His second resignation took place in July 2011. His third resignation came in May 2018, just two days after taking the oath of office, due to his inability to secure a majority ahead of a floor test. His resignation on 26 July 2021 marked the conclusion of his fourth tenure, meaning he resigned from the post of Chief Minister for the fourth time in his political career.

Explanation

The National Kalidas Samman is a prestigious arts award presented annually by the Government of Madhya Pradesh. It was instituted in the year 1980 to honor outstanding contributions in the fields of classical music, classical dance, theatre, and plastic arts. The inaugural award in 1980 was jointly conferred upon the renowned classical vocalists Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer and Mallikarjun Mansur.

Explanation

Anandamath is a highly influential novel written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and published in 1882. Written in the Bengali language, the novel is set against the background of the Sanyasi Rebellion of the late 18th century and the devastating Bengal famine of 1770. It holds immense historical and literary significance in India as it features the patriotic song Vande Mataram, which later became the national song of India and served as a major source of inspiration for the Indian independence movement.