General Awareness Set 1

Explanation
In 2004, Sumatra was a victim of a massive earthquake. This earthquake, known as the Indian Ocean earthquake or the Boxing Day tsunami, was one of the deadliest natural disasters in history. It had a magnitude of 9.1–9.3 and resulted in the deaths of approximately 230,000 people in 14 countries, with the majority of the fatalities occurring in Sumatra, Indonesia. The earthquake triggered a series of tsunamis that devastated coastal communities in the region.

Explanation
The first non-stop air-conditioned 'DURANTO' train was flagged off between Sealdah and New Delhi.

Explanation
The correct answer is PM's Economic Advisory Council. The Economic Outlook for 2009-10 report was released by the PM's Economic Advisory Council. This council provides advice and recommendations to the Prime Minister on economic issues and policy matters. Therefore, it is responsible for releasing such reports related to the economic outlook of the country.

Explanation
India and the U.S. have decided to finalize agreements related to trade and investment, intellectual property, and traditional knowledge. This means that both countries have reached a consensus on various aspects of these areas and are ready to formalize their agreements. This could involve negotiations and discussions on issues such as tariffs, investment regulations, protection of intellectual property rights, and preservation of traditional knowledge. By finalizing agreements in all of these areas, both countries aim to strengthen their economic and trade relations and ensure the protection and promotion of their respective interests.

Explanation
Rajasthan does not form part of the Narmada River basin. The Narmada River basin is primarily located in central India, covering parts of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. Rajasthan is located in the northwestern part of India and is not part of the Narmada River basin.

Explanation
India has recently become the third largest market for Twitter. This can be attributed to the country's large population and increasing internet penetration. With over 1.3 billion people, India offers a huge user base for social media platforms like Twitter. Additionally, the country has witnessed a significant growth in smartphone usage and internet connectivity in recent years, making it an attractive market for Twitter to expand its user base and increase its presence.

Explanation
The term "volume of trade" refers to the total amount or quantity of goods and services traded between two countries. It does not necessarily indicate the balance or value of trade, but rather focuses on the quantity or volume of goods exchanged. This term is used to measure the extent and magnitude of trade between two countries, without considering the financial aspect.

Explanation
Terrace cultivation is an effective method to check soil erosion on hill slopes. It involves creating terraces or steps on the slopes, which helps to slow down the flow of water and prevent it from washing away the topsoil. The terraces act as barriers, holding the soil in place and reducing the speed of water runoff. This method also allows for better water infiltration and retention, leading to improved soil quality and reduced erosion. Terrace cultivation is widely used in hilly areas to prevent soil erosion and maintain the fertility of the land.

Explanation
Eratosthenes is credited with coining the word "Geography." He was a Greek mathematician, astronomer, and geographer who lived in the 3rd century BC. Eratosthenes is known for his contributions to cartography and his calculation of the Earth's circumference. He is often referred to as the "father of geography" for his significant advancements in the field.

Explanation
The Western Ghats is called the "ecological hot spot of India" because it is a region of high biodiversity and endemism. It is home to numerous species of plants and animals that are found nowhere else in the world. The Western Ghats also plays a crucial role in regulating the climate and providing important ecosystem services such as water supply and carbon sequestration. Due to its ecological significance, it has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the most important ecological regions in India.