SSC CHSL Tier 1 2023 General Awareness Questions with Solutions

Explanation

Rudolf Virchow formulated the famous Latin aphorism "Omnis cellula-e cellula" in the year 1855. This principle translates to "all cells arise from pre-existing cells" and completed the foundation of cell theory by explaining cell reproduction. It rejected the prevailing concept of spontaneous generation, establishing that new cells are formed solely through the division of existing cells.

Explanation

India secured the inaugural ICC Under-19 Women's T20 World Cup title by defeating England by seven wickets in the final match played at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom, South Africa, on 29 January 2023. Under the captaincy of Shafali Verma, India bowled first and dismissed England for a mere 68 runs in 17.1 overs, subsequently chasing down the target in 14 overs to claim the championship.

Explanation

Biogas is produced through the anaerobic digestion or fermentation of organic matter such as agricultural waste, manure, municipal waste, and sewage. The major constituent of biogas is methane (CH₄), which typically comprises 50% to 75% of the total volume of the mixture. This high concentration of methane gives biogas its combustible properties, making it an effective renewable energy source. The remaining portion of biogas consists primarily of carbon dioxide (CO₂) along with trace amounts of other gases like hydrogen sulfide and moisture.

Explanation

As of March 31, 2020, the total route length of the Indian Railways network stood at 67,956 km. Out of this, broad gauge accounted for the vast majority of the network, with the remaining portion comprising metre gauge and narrow gauge lines. During the same period, the running track length was 99,235 km and the total track length was 126,366 km.

Explanation

Correct Answer: D

Mohiniyattam is a classical dance form that originated in the state of Kerala. The name is derived from Mohini, the mythical enchantress avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu, and attam, meaning dance. It is characterized by graceful, swaying movements, subtle facial expressions, and gentle footwork. Traditionally performed as a solo dance by women, Mohiniyattam is set to Carnatic music in the Sopana Sangeetam style, which is indigenous to Kerala.

Explanation

Rahul Dev Burman, popularly known as R. D. Burman, was affectionately nicknamed Pancham. The nickname represents the fifth note of the Indian musical scale, Sargam (Sa Re Ga Ma Pa). According to popular lore, as a child, whenever he cried, his voice resonated in the fifth scale note, which led to veteran actor Ashok Kumar giving him this nickname.

Explanation

The Reserve Bank of India constituted a Sub-Committee of its Central Board of Directors under the chairmanship of Y. H. Malegam in October 2010 to study the issues and concerns in the microfinance sector. Following the submission of the Malegam Committee report in January 2011, the Reserve Bank of India accepted its key recommendations and created a separate category of non-banking financial companies called Non-Banking Financial Company-Micro Finance Institutions (NBFC-MFIs) in December 2011 to ensure healthy growth and regulation of the microfinance sector.

Explanation

The Coriolis force is an apparent force caused by the Earth's rotation on its axis. According to Ferrel's Law, this force deflects blowing winds to their right in the Northern Hemisphere and to their left in the Southern Hemisphere. When the Southeast trade winds of the Southern Hemisphere cross the equator into the Northern Hemisphere, the Coriolis force deflects them to their right. This deflection shifts their direction, causing them to blow from the southwest to the northeast as the Southwest Monsoon winds over India.

Explanation

Punjab did not host any matches of the FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup 2022. The biennial international women's youth football championship was hosted by India across three designated venues in three states: the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar (Odisha), the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao (Goa), and the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai (Maharashtra). Punjab was not included in the list of host states for this tournament.

Explanation

According to the Human Development Report 2021-22 released by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), China registered a Human Development Index (HDI) value of 0.768 for the year 2021. This placed the country in the high human development category, ranking 79th out of 191 countries and territories.

Explanation

Centralized decision-making by economic planners is the defining characteristic of a command or planned economy, which stands in direct contrast to a free-enterprise economy. In a planned economic system, a central authority or government body determines what goods and services are produced, their quantities, and their prices. In a free-enterprise system, these decisions are decentralized and determined by individual choices and private enterprises.

Explanation

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is the sole regulatory authority for microfinance institutions in India, specifically those operating as Non-Banking Financial Company-Microfinance Institutions (NBFC-MFIs). Under the Reserve Bank of India Act of 1934, the RBI formulates regulations, licensing requirements, prudential norms, and consumer protection guidelines to ensure the orderly growth and stability of the microfinance sector while promoting financial inclusion.

Explanation

The tomb of Sher Shah Suri is located in Sasaram, a town in the Rohtas district of Bihar. Built between 1540 and 1545, this grand monument is a fine specimen of Indo-Islamic architecture designed by the architect Aliwal Khan. The three-tiered octagonal structure is constructed of red sandstone and stands majestically in the middle of a large, square artificial lake, reflecting the architectural brilliance of the Sur dynasty.

Explanation

Satya Shodhak Samaj, also known as the Truth-Seekers' Society, was founded by the social reformer Jyotirao Phule in Pune, Maharashtra, on 24 September 1873. The primary mission of this association was to secure social justice, education, and equal rights for the marginalized and weaker sections of society, particularly the Shudras and Ati-Shudras, while actively campaigning against caste-based discrimination and social evils.

Explanation

Open Market Operations (OMOs), which involve the buying and selling of government securities to regulate the money supply and liquidity in the economy, are conducted by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as part of its monetary policy. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is the regulatory body for the securities and commodity market in India and has no role in conducting open market operations or managing the country's money supply.

Explanation

The word Secular was not part of the original Preamble of the Constitution of India when it was adopted on 26 November 1949. It was inserted into the Preamble by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976. This amendment added three new words to the Preamble: Socialist, Secular, and Integrity, changing the description of India from a Sovereign Democratic Republic to a Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic.

Explanation

Article 51A of the Indian Constitution outlines the Fundamental Duties of Indian citizens. The 86th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2002 added an eleventh fundamental duty under clause (k) of this article. This clause specifies that it is the duty of every citizen who is a parent or guardian to provide opportunities for education to their child or ward between the ages of six and fourteen years. This amendment aligned the Fundamental Duties with the concurrent introduction of Article 21A, which established free and compulsory education as a Fundamental Right for children in the same age bracket.

Explanation

Under the Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH) Yojana, which is implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, a wage compensation of Rs. 3000 per trainee is provided to candidates undergoing Up-skilling or Reskilling programmes. This financial assistance is disbursed to trainees who maintain an attendance of 80% and above during the training period to compensate for their loss of daily wages.

Explanation

The Mumbai Indians won the inaugural edition of the Women's Premier League in 2023. Led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, the team defeated the Delhi Capitals by seven wickets in the final match played at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai on March 26, 2023. An unbeaten knock of 60 runs by Nat Sciver-Brunt successfully guided the team to chase down the target of 132 runs with three balls to spare, securing the historic first title for the franchise.

Explanation

The term green revolution was coined by William S. Gaud, the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, who used it in a speech on March 8, 1968, to describe the rapid growth in agricultural productivity.

Norman Borlaug, an American agronomist and humanitarian, is widely hailed as the Father of the Green Revolution. He developed high-yielding, disease-resistant dwarf wheat varieties in Mexico during the mid-20th century, which significantly increased food production globally and saved over a billion lives, earning him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970.

Explanation

Balkar Sidhu is a highly acclaimed artist dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Punjabi folk dance, particularly Bhangra. His lifelong dedication to training students, choreographing performances, and presenting the authentic folk traditions of Punjab on national and international platforms led to his selection for the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award 2020 in the field of Folk and Traditional Dance.

Explanation

Lenz's law, formulated by the physicist Heinrich Friedrich Lenz in 1834, states that the direction of an induced electromotive force and subsequent induced current is always such that it opposes the change in magnetic flux that produces it. This fundamental principle of electromagnetism is directly related to the law of conservation of energy, ensuring that the work done to change the magnetic field is converted into the energy of the induced current.

Explanation

Jharkhand is associated with Karma, which is a major harvest festival celebrated by various tribal communities to worship Karam Devta, the god of power, youth, and youthfulness.

Himachal Pradesh is associated with Chaitraul, a traditional spring festival celebrated in the Chamba region to offer prayers to local deities for a prosperous year ahead.

Telangana is associated with Bathukamma, a grand nine-day floral festival celebrated by women during the autumn season to worship Goddess Maha Gauri.

Punjab is associated with Lohri, a popular winter folk festival celebrated with bonfires and music to mark the end of the winter solstice and the harvesting of rabi crops.

Explanation

The concept of money illusion was first coined and thoroughly explained by the American economist Irving Fisher in his book titled The Money Illusion, published in 1928. It describes an economic theory where people tend to view their wealth and income in nominal terms rather than real terms, failing to account for the eroding effects of inflation on purchasing power.

Explanation

Real Madrid plays its home matches at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, located in Madrid, Spain. Opened in 1947, the stadium is named in honour of the club's legendary former president, Santiago Bernabeu, who was one of the most influential figures in the history of the club. It is one of the most famous and prestigious football venues in the world, hosting numerous major international and European club finals.

Explanation

A ten-rupee coin functions as fiat money, meaning it lacks intrinsic value and is not backed by a physical commodity like gold or silver. Instead, its general acceptance and value as a medium of exchange derive entirely from the legal backing and guarantee of the issuing authority, which is the Government of India and the Reserve Bank of India. Because the sovereign authority declares it as legal tender, individuals trust that it can be used to settle transactions and debts, ensuring its widespread circulation and utility.

Explanation

Humayun, the second Mughal Emperor, founded the city of Dinpanah in 1533. Situated on the banks of the Yamuna River in Delhi, the name Dinpanah translates to the Refuge of Faith. It was designed to serve as a grand imperial capital and a hub for scholars, saints, and poets. The site of this historic city corresponds to the area around the Purana Qila (Old Fort) in modern-day Delhi.

Explanation

According to the Census of India 2011, Kerala has the highest female literacy rate in the country, recorded at 92.07%. This achievement is a result of long-term state-level social reforms, high investment in primary education, and active community participation in literacy campaigns.

Explanation

The United Nations General Assembly established 2 October as the International Day of Non-Violence in 2007 to honor the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, who pioneered the philosophy and strategy of non-violence during India's struggle for independence. This day is observed globally to disseminate the message of non-violence through education and public awareness, reflecting Mahatma Gandhi's belief in securing social and political change through peaceful means.

Explanation

The political part of the Indian Constitution, which includes the system of parliamentary government, the cabinet form of administration, and the relationship between the executive and the legislature, is largely drawn from the British Constitution. The framers of the Constitution adopted the Westminster model, ensuring that the executive is a part of the legislature and is collectively responsible to it, mirroring the constitutional practice of the United Kingdom.

Explanation

The New India Literacy Programme (NILP), also known as Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakram, is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme approved by the Government of India for implementation during the five-year period from financial year 2022-23 to 2026-27. The scheme aligns with the recommendations of the National Education Policy 2020 and aims to support state governments and union territories in providing adult education and foundational literacy. It has a total financial outlay of ₹1,037.90 crore, which consists of a Central share of ₹700 crore and a State share of ₹337.90 crore, targeting five crore non-literates aged 15 years and above.

Explanation

The second phase of the Green Revolution in India spanned from the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s. During this period, the High Yielding Variety technology spread to a larger number of states and benefited a wider variety of crops, making the 1980s a defining decade for the broader expansion and consolidation of agricultural growth across the country.

Explanation

Acrolein, also known as propenal, is the simplest unsaturated aldehyde with the chemical formula C₃H₄O. It is primarily produced by the catalytic oxidation of propylene. The vast majority of industrially manufactured acrolein is utilized as an intermediate in the production of acrylic acid and its corresponding acrylate esters, which are essential raw materials for polymers, superabsorbent materials, coatings, and adhesives.

Explanation

A hawkish stance in monetary policy indicates that the central bank's primary focus is to control inflation. To achieve this, the Monetary Policy Committee adopts a contractionary monetary policy, which involves increasing interest rates. Higher interest rates increase the cost of borrowing for consumers and businesses, which reduces spending and investment, cools economic growth, and helps bring down inflationary pressures in the economy.

Explanation

Guruvaidu Sanapathi hails from the Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh. He scripted history by becoming the first Indian weightlifter to win a gold medal at the IWF Youth World Championships held in Leon, Mexico, in June 2022. He achieved this milestone by lifting a total of 230 kg in the men's 55 kg weight category, consisting of 104 kg in snatch and 126 kg in clean and jerk.

Explanation

For an electron in a 4f orbital, the principal quantum number n is 4, representing the fourth energy level. The azimuthal quantum number l for an f subshell is 3, as the values of l correspond to 0 for s, 1 for p, 2 for d, and 3 for f. The magnetic quantum number m can take any integer value from -l to +l, which for l = 3 means the allowed values are -3, -2, -1, 0, +1, +2, and +3, making m = +1 a permitted value. The spin quantum number s can be either +½ or -½, representing the two possible spin orientations of the electron.

Explanation

Project E-Shakti was launched by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) to digitise all Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across India. The project aims to bring SHG members into the fold of financial inclusion by digitalising their financial and non-financial data. This digital database helps banks evaluate the creditworthiness of SHGs more efficiently, thereby facilitating easier and faster credit linkage for rural women and micro-entrepreneurs.

Explanation

Anhydrite is an anhydrous calcium sulfate mineral with the chemical formula CaSO₄. When anhydrite is exposed to water in near-surface environments, it undergoes a hydration reaction where it chemically bonds with water molecules. This process converts the anhydrous mineral into its hydrous form, calcium sulfate dihydrate, which is chemically known as gypsum. The chemical reaction representing this hydration process is:

CaSO₄ + 2H₂O → CaSO₄·2H₂O

This transition from anhydrite to gypsum involves a significant volume increase of about 30% to 40%, which can exert substantial pressure on surrounding rock layers.

Explanation

Visceral leishmaniasis, also known as kala-azar, is a parasitic disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female phlebotomine sandflies. The disease targets the internal organs and is characterized by clinical symptoms such as irregular bouts of fever, significant weight loss, anemia, and substantial enlargement of the spleen and liver.

Explanation

Ramakrishna Paramahansa was born as Gadadhar Chattopadhyaya in 1836 into a poor Bengali Brahmin family in Kamarpukur village of Hooghly district, Bengal. He later served as a priest at the Dakshineswar Kali Temple, where his deep spiritual ecstasies and devotion to Goddess Kali eventually led him to be recognized as a great mystic and spiritual master, receiving the name Ramakrishna Paramahansa.

Explanation

Chali, Jhumura, and Nadu Bhangi are traditional dance numbers and performance components of Sattriya, the classical dance form of Assam. Sattriya dance, created by the 15th-century Bhakti movement scholar and saint Srimanta Sankardev, contains various dance types or streams within its repertoire. Chali is a graceful dance sequence that is traditionally performed by female characters, Jhumura is a vigorous dance set to specific compositions, and Nadu Bhangi is another distinct style of performance within the Sattriya tradition that depicts the pastimes of Lord Krishna.

Explanation

The Indian National Congress was founded on 28 December 1885. Its first session was held at Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College in Bombay under the presidentship of Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee. The organization was established with the initiative of retired British civil servant Allan Octavian Hume, along with prominent Indian leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji and Dinshaw Wacha, to provide a platform for civic and political dialogue among educated Indians.

Explanation

India topped the medal tally at the 2023 Archery Asia Cup Stage 1 world ranking tournament held in Taoyuan, Chinese Taipei. The Indian contingent put up an outstanding performance to win a total of 10 medals, which consisted of 5 gold, 4 silver, and 1 bronze medals, dominating the compound and recurve archery categories.

Explanation

Sutapa Talukdar is a prominent exponent of Odissi, a classical dance form originating from the state of Odisha. She received her extensive training under legendary gurus, primarily Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, who revived and popularized Odissi dance. Sutapa Talukdar is renowned for her expressive performances, choreography, and dedication to preserving the traditional style of Odissi. She also founded the institution Gurukul, which is dedicated to training and promoting this classical dance form.

Explanation

According to the Indian Minerals Yearbook 2020, Madhya Pradesh is the leading producer of manganese ore in India, accounting for approximately 33% of the total production in the country.

Explanation

Article 22 of the Indian Constitution provides protection against arrest and detention in certain cases. It specifically contains provisions regarding preventive detention, which is the detention of a person without trial or conviction by a court, based on the apprehension that they might commit an act prejudicial to the security of the state or public order. Article 22 outlines key safeguards for individuals subjected to preventive detention, including the establishment of an advisory board to review detention cases extending beyond three months and the requirement to communicate the grounds of detention to the detenu as soon as possible.

Explanation

Vijayalaya founded the Imperial Chola empire in 850 AD. He established Chola rule by capturing Tanjore from the Muttarayar chieftains, who were vassals of the Pallavas. He made Tanjore the capital of the rising Chola kingdom and built a temple dedicated to the goddess Nishumbhasudini there, laying the foundation for one of the most powerful empires in South Indian history.

Explanation

Arvind Parikh is an eminent Indian classical sitar player who belongs to the Imdadkhani (Etawah) gharana. He was a dedicated disciple of the legendary sitar maestro Ustad Vilayat Khan. For his immense contributions to the field of Indian classical music, he has been honored with several prestigious accolades, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2003 and the Padma Bhushan in 2018.

Explanation

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, unveiled India's first methanol-run buses and the prototype of the 100% methanol-powered truck in Bengaluru in March 2023. This initiative was led by the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation, Indian Oil Corporation, and Ashok Leyland to reduce carbon emissions and promote alternative fuel technology in commercial heavy vehicles.

Explanation

Onam is the official state festival of Kerala, celebrated as a major annual harvest and cultural event. It commemorates the mythical homecoming of King Mahabali, a legendary ruler of Kerala famed for his benevolence and prosperity. The festival is celebrated during the Malayalam month of Chingam, which typically falls in August or September, and features grand celebrations including the famous snake boat races (Vallam Kali), traditional tiger dances (Pulikali), floral carpets (Pookalam), and a grand multi-course feast known as Sadhya.