General Knowledge - Science, History & Current Affairs

ECS (Electronic Clearing Service) is an electronic funds transfer mechanism used by banks for bulk transactions like salary payments, dividend distribution, and bill payments. It eliminates the need for physical instruments.

Astigmatism is a refractive error caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens, which prevents light from focusing properly on the retina. A cylindrical lens is used to correct this by focusing light differently in different meridians.

Cytology is the branch of biology concerned with the structure, function, and chemistry of cells.

Oxalic acid can be produced by the oxidation of carbohydrates, such as cellulose found in sawdust, using nitric acid or other oxidizing agents.

The reaction between formaldehyde and a strong base like potassium hydroxide is a Cannizzaro reaction, which produces methanol (methyl alcohol) and potassium formate.

Loess is a clastic, wind-deposited sedimentary rock formed by the accumulation of wind-blown dust. Basalt, granite, and gabbro are all types of igneous rocks.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is often called the Bismarck of India because he played a crucial role in the political integration of India. This is similar to Otto von Bismarck, who unified the various German states into a single empire.

A cartel is an agreement between competing firms to control prices or exclude entry of a new competitor, which is a characteristic feature of a collusive oligopoly.

According the 2011 census, the percentage of Indian population living in rural areas is 70%.

Salivary amylase, also known as ptyalin, is the primary enzyme found in human saliva. It begins the digestion process by breaking down complex starches into simpler sugars like maltose. Pepsin and renin are enzymes found in the stomach, not the mouth.

This book is the autobiography of the renowned Indian author and journalist Khushwant Singh. Published in 2002, it provides a candid and witty account of his life and the various people he encountered throughout his career.

The States Reorganisation Act was passed in 1956, which led to a major reform of the boundaries of India's states. This reorganization was primarily based on linguistic lines to ensure better governance and cultural homogeneity within states.

'Connecting People' was the iconic and long-standing global advertising slogan for Nokia. It emphasized the company's role in facilitating communication through its mobile telecommunications technology.

WLL stands for Wireless in Local Loop. It is a system that uses radio signals to provide the last mile connection between a subscriber and the local telephone exchange, often used in areas where laying cables is difficult.

Anil Ambani, Azim Premji, and Aditya Birla are all male chairmen or leaders of major Indian industrial conglomerates. Chanda Kochhar is the odd one out as she is a female professional who served as the CEO of ICICI Bank.

The 2008 Summer Olympic Games were hosted by Beijing, China. This event was notable for its massive scale and the record-breaking performances of athletes like Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt.

The full form of ISRO is Indian Space Research Organisation.

Paleontology is the scientific study of prehistoric life, including extinct animals, through the examination of fossils. Herpetology is the study of reptiles and amphibians, while ornithology is the study of birds.

Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is a contagious disease that primarily affects the lungs but can also spread to other organs.

Sir John Ambrose Fleming  (29 November 1849 – 18 April 1945) was a British electrical engineer and physicist. He is known for inventing the first thermionic valve or vacuum tube.