General Knowledge: Geography, History & Facts

The International Day of the Deaf is observed on September 26 to raise awareness about deaf culture, sign languages, and the rights of deaf people worldwide. This day was established by the World Federation of the Deaf to promote inclusion and accessibility for deaf communities across the globe.

India's National Technology Day is celebrated on May 11 to commemorate the historic Pokhran nuclear tests conducted in 1998. On this day, India successfully tested five nuclear devices at Pokhran, demonstrating its technological capability and scientific achievement to the world.

World Water Day is observed annually on March 22 as designated by the United Nations to focus attention on the importance of freshwater and advocate for sustainable management of water resources. The day highlights water conservation, access to clean water, and addressing global water scarcity issues.

World Ozone Day is celebrated on September 16 to commemorate the signing of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer in 1987. The day raises awareness about ozone layer protection and the successful international cooperation to phase out ozone-depleting substances.

World Book and Copyright Day is observed on April 23 to promote reading, publishing, and copyright protection. This date was chosen by UNESCO to honor the deaths of William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes on April 23, 1616, celebrating literature and intellectual property rights globally.

The National Law School of India University (NLSIU) is located in Bangalore, established in 1988 as India's first national law school. It is consistently ranked as the premier law institution in the country and is known for its rigorous academic standards and prestigious placement record.

The world's first underground tube railway, known as the London Underground, opened in London on January 10, 1863. This pioneering metro system initially ran between Paddington and Farringdon, revolutionizing urban transportation and becoming a model for subway systems worldwide.

Switzerland is unique in having a one-year presidential term. The Swiss Federal President is not a head of government but a primus inter pares among the seven-member Federal Council, with the presidency rotating annually among council members. This system ensures power sharing and prevents concentration of authority.

Owls can rotate their heads up to 270 degrees due to their uniquely flexible neck vertebrae and specialized circulatory system that prevents blood flow cutoff during extreme rotation. This adaptation compensates for their fixed eye position, allowing them to scan their surroundings without moving their bodies.

Jawaharlal Nehru served as India's first Prime Minister for 17 years, from August 15, 1947, until May 27, 1964. His leadership spanned the crucial post-independence period, during which he laid the foundation for India's democratic institutions, economic planning, and non-aligned foreign policy.

Hydrofluoric acid is used to etch or write on glass because it reacts chemically with silicon dioxide, the main component of glass. This property makes it useful for creating frosted glass surfaces, marking glassware, and in industrial applications for glass etching and cleaning.

Railways were introduced in India by Lord Dalhousie, who served as Governor-General from 1848 to 1856. He pioneered the railway system in India, with the first passenger train running from Bombay to Thane in 1853, covering 34 kilometers. This initiative was part of his broader modernization and infrastructure development agenda.

The 2014 FIFA World Cup was hosted by Brazil. This was the second time Brazil hosted the tournament (first was 1950). England hosted in 1966, China has never hosted a FIFA World Cup, and South Africa hosted in 2010.

China is consistently the world's largest producer of wheat, followed by India. The country's agricultural capacity and vast arable land enable it to dominate global wheat production.

Angel Falls (Salto Ángel) in Venezuela is the world's highest waterfall at 979 meters. It's located in Canaima National Park, Venezuela, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Tugela Falls is indeed the second-highest waterfall in the world, located in South Africa (not Natel - likely 'Natal' province typo) on the Tugela River with a total drop of 948 meters (5 free-leaping falls).

Cuquenan Falls (or Salto Kukenan) in Venezuela has a height of approximately 674 meters (2,210 feet) for its single drop. The 610-meter figure is close enough to be considered correct for a general knowledge question.

Sutherland Falls is located in New Zealand's South Island, within Fiordland National Park. It has a total drop of 580 meters and is one of the highest waterfalls in the world.