SSC CGL — Set 11
40 questions
Which of the following elements is the most abundant metal in the Earth's crust?
Correct Answer: C. Aluminum
Aluminum is the most abundant metal and the third most abundant element in the Earth's crust. It makes up about 8% of the crust's weight. It is extracted primarily from bauxite ore.
Under the Delhi Sultanate, which ruler introduced the 'Token Currency' system using copper and brass coins?
Correct Answer: B. Muhammad bin Tughlaq
Muhammad bin Tughlaq introduced token currency in 1329 to manage the silver shortage. This experiment failed due to large-scale forging of coins by citizens. He is often called the 'Prince of Moneyers' by historians.
Which Indian state shares its borders with the maximum number of other Indian states?
Correct Answer: B. Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh shares its borders with eight states and one Union Territory. These include Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar, and Delhi. It is the most populous state in India.
Which Article of the Indian Constitution empowers the President to appoint the Prime Minister of India?
Correct Answer: B. Article 75
Article 75 states that the Prime Minister shall be appointed by the President. Other ministers are also appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister. The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.
The 'NITI Aayog' was established as a replacement for which of the following bodies?
Correct Answer: B. Planning Commission
The Planning Commission was replaced by NITI Aayog on January 1, 2015. It serves as the apex public policy think tank of the Government of India. The Prime Minister serves as the ex-officio Chairperson.
The 'Dandiya Raas' is a traditional folk dance primarily associated with which state?
Correct Answer: C. Gujarat
Dandiya Raas is the featured dance of Navratri evenings in Gujarat. It is performed with sticks and originated as a dramatization of the fight between Durga and Mahishasura. It is also very popular in the Marwar region of Rajasthan.
What is the phenomenon of sound reflecting back to its source called?
Correct Answer: C. Echo
An echo is caused by the reflection of sound waves from a surface. To hear a distinct echo, the distance between the source and obstacle must be at least 17.2 meters. Sound travels at approximately 344 meters per second in air.
Which blood group is known as the 'Universal Donor' because it lacks A and B antigens?
Correct Answer: D. O-
O negative (O-) is known as the 'Universal Donor' because it lacks A antigens, B antigens, and the Rh factor. Due to the absence of these antigens, O- blood can be given to a patient of any blood group without the risk of immune rejection. O- is used in emergency transfusions when time does not permit blood typing. About 7% of people have the universal donor O- blood group.
Who was the author of the book 'Waiting for a Visa', which is a collection of autobiographical notes?
Correct Answer: B. B.R. Ambedkar
B.R. Ambedkar wrote this book based on his personal experiences with untouchability. It is used as a textbook in the Columbia University. The book highlights the social discrimination faced by Dalits in India.
Which of the following is the largest producer of Mica in the world?
Correct Answer: D. China
China is currently the world's leading producer of mica. India was historically the leader and still possesses some of the largest mica deposits. Mica is highly valued in the electronics industry for its insulating properties.
The 'Pound-force' is a unit of which physical quantity in the FPS system?
Correct Answer: B. Force
Pound-force is a unit of force in some systems of measurement including English Engineering units. It is equal to the force exerted by Earth's gravity on one pound-mass. The equivalent unit in the SI system is the Newton.
In which city did the revolt of 1857 first break out on May 10, 1857?
Correct Answer: D. Meerut
The 1857 rebellion started as a mutiny of sepoys of the East India Company's army in Meerut. The soldiers then marched to Delhi to proclaim Bahadur Shah Zafar as the Emperor. This event is often called India's First War of Independence.
What is the chemical formula of 'Washing Soda'?
Correct Answer: B. Na2CO3.10H2O
The chemical formula of washing soda is Na2CO3.10H2O (sodium carbonate decahydrate). Washing soda Na2CO3.10H2O contains 10 molecules of water of crystallization. It is prepared by the Solvay process and widely used for cleaning purposes because Na2CO3.10H2O has strong alkaline properties. Washing soda (Na2CO3.10H2O) is also used in glass, paper, and textile manufacturing.
Which organization publishes the 'Human Development Report' annually?
Correct Answer: C. UNDP
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) publishes the Human Development Report. It calculates the Human Development Index (HDI) based on health, education, and income. The concept was pioneered by Mahbub ul Haq and Amartya Sen.
Which pass connects Srinagar to Leh in the Union Territory of Ladakh?
Correct Answer: C. Zoji La
Zoji La is a high mountain pass that provides a vital link between Kashmir Valley and Ladakh. It is located on National Highway 1. The pass remains closed during winter due to heavy snowfall.
Which of the following hormones is known as the 'Fight or Flight' hormone?
Correct Answer: B. Adrenaline
Adrenaline is secreted by the adrenal glands during stressful or dangerous situations. It increases heart rate, blood pressure, and energy supplies. This physiological response prepares the body to either fight or run away.
The 'Battle of Buxar' (1764) was fought between the British and a combined force of whom?
Correct Answer: A. Mir Qasim, Shuja-ud-Daula, Shah Alam II
Mir Qasim, Shuja-ud-Daula, Shah Alam II is the correct answer to this question. This is an important fact from the General Knowledge and Current Affairs syllabus frequently tested in Indian competitive examinations such as SSC CGL, RRB NTPC, and state-level PSC exams. A thorough understanding of Mir Qasim, Shuja-ud-Daula, Shah Alam II and related topics will help candidates score well in the GK section. Regular revision of such key facts is highly recommended for exam preparation.
Which planet is known as the 'Morning Star' or 'Evening Star'?
Correct Answer: C. Venus
Venus is the brightest natural object in the night sky after the Moon. It is visible either before sunrise or after sunset due to its proximity to the Sun. It is also often referred to as Earth's Twin.
What is the maximum strength of the Rajya Sabha as fixed by the Constitution of India?
Correct Answer: B. 250
The Rajya Sabha has a maximum capacity of 250 members. Currently, it has 245 members, including 12 nominated by the President. It is a permanent body and one-third of its members retire every second year.
Which vitamin is synthesized in the human body when the skin is exposed to sunlight?
Correct Answer: D. Vitamin D
Vitamin D is produced when ultraviolet rays from sunlight strike the skin and trigger synthesis. It is crucial for the absorption of calcium and bone health. Deficiency can lead to rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults.
The 'National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development' (NABARD) was established in which year?
Correct Answer: B. 1982
NABARD was established on July 12, 1982, on the recommendation of the B. Sivaraman Committee. It is the apex regulatory body for regional rural banks and cooperative banks. Its headquarters is located in Mumbai.
Which part of the brain is responsible for maintaining body balance and posture?
Correct Answer: B. Cerebellum
The cerebellum is located at the back of the brain and coordinates voluntary movements. It plays a key role in motor control and equilibrium. Damage to this area can result in difficulty walking and loss of coordination.
The 'Preamble' of the Indian Constitution was amended only once. During which year did this happen?
Correct Answer: B. 1976
The 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 modified the Preamble of the Constitution. It added the words 'Socialist', 'Secular', and 'Integrity'. This amendment is often called the 'Mini Constitution' due to its extensive nature.
Which instrument is used to measure the purity of milk by checking its density?
Correct Answer: B. Lactometer
A lactometer works on the principle of Archimedes' principle to measure specific gravity. It helps in detecting the presence of water in milk. Pure milk has a specific density range on the lactometer scale.
Who founded the 'Servants of India Society' in 1905?
Correct Answer: B. Gopal Krishna Gokhale
Gopal Krishna Gokhale founded this society to train Indians to devote themselves to the service of the country. It focused on social and humanitarian reforms rather than purely political ones. Gokhale was the political mentor of Mahatma Gandhi.
Which of the following is the highest civilian award in India?
Correct Answer: C. Bharat Ratna
Bharat Ratna was instituted in 1954 to recognize exceptional service in various fields. The award is shaped like a peepal leaf and is presented by the President. The first recipients were C. Rajagopalachari, S. Radhakrishnan, and C.V. Raman.
In which state of India is the 'Silent Valley National Park' located?
Correct Answer: C. Kerala
Silent Valley is located in the Nilgiri Hills of Palakkad district in Kerala. It is known for its rare flora and fauna, including the lion-tailed macaque. The park is part of the Western Ghats World Heritage site.
Which gas is filled in electric bulbs to prevent the oxidation of the tungsten filament?
Correct Answer: C. Argon
Argon is an inert gas that does not react with the hot filament at high temperatures. It helps in slowing down the evaporation of the tungsten filament, thereby increasing bulb life. Nitrogen is also sometimes used for the same purpose.
The 'Gandhi-Irwin Pact' was signed in which year, leading to the suspension of the Civil Disobedience Movement?
Correct Answer: B. 1931
The pact was signed on March 5, 1931, between Mahatma Gandhi and Viceroy Lord Irwin. It resulted in the Congress agreeing to participate in the Second Round Table Conference. It also led to the release of political prisoners.
Which of the following is a 'Primary Pollutant' directly emitted into the atmosphere?
Correct Answer: B. Sulphur Dioxide
Sulphur dioxide is emitted directly from sources like volcanic eruptions and coal combustion. Secondary pollutants like ozone are formed through reactions in the atmosphere. Primary pollutants retain their chemical form after emission.
The 'Seventh Schedule' of the Indian Constitution contains three lists. Which list covers 'Education'?
Correct Answer: C. Concurrent List
Education was moved from the State List to the Concurrent List by the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976. This allows both the Centre and States to make laws on it. If there is a conflict, the Central law generally prevails.
What is the SI unit of 'Power'?
Correct Answer: C. Watt
Watt is the SI unit of power, defined as one joule per second. It is named after the Scottish inventor James Watt. In electrical terms, one watt is equal to one ampere times one volt.
Which scientist discovered the 'Circulation of Blood' in the human body?
Correct Answer: B. William Harvey
William Harvey was an English physician who first described the systemic circulation of blood. He correctly identified the heart as the pump for the entire body. His discovery laid the foundation for modern physiology.
The 'Yellow Revolution' in India is associated with the production of which of the following?
Correct Answer: B. Oilseeds
The Yellow Revolution aimed to increase the production of edible oilseeds like mustard and sunflower. Sam Pitroda is considered the father of this revolution. It helped India move toward self-sufficiency in cooking oils.
In which year was the 'National Human Rights Commission' (NHRC) established in India?
Correct Answer: B. 1993
The NHRC was established on October 12, 1993, under the Protection of Human Rights Act. It is a statutory public body that protects and promotes human rights. Its headquarters is located in New Delhi.
Which among the following is the 'Fastest planet' in terms of revolution around the Sun?
Correct Answer: A. Mercury
Mercury has the smallest orbit and moves fastest in space, completing a revolution in 88 Earth days. Its speed is approximately 47 kilometers per second. It is the closest planet to the Sun.
Which emperor moved the capital of the Mughal Empire from Agra to Delhi?
Correct Answer: C. Shah Jahan
Shah Jahan shifted the capital to the newly built city of Shahjahanabad in 1638. He constructed the Red Fort and Jama Masjid as part of the new capital. Agra had been the capital since the reign of Akbar.
The process of 'Galvanization' involves coating iron with which metal to prevent rusting?
Correct Answer: B. Zinc
Galvanization uses a protective zinc coating to prevent corrosion of iron or steel. Zinc acts as a sacrificial anode, corroding in place of the iron. It is a common method for protecting outdoor structures.
Which is the highest peak in the Western Ghats (Sahyadri) range?
Correct Answer: B. Anamudi
Anamudi is located in the Idukki district of Kerala and is the highest peak in South India. It stands at an elevation of 2,695 meters above sea level. It is situated within the Eravikulam National Park.
What is the common name for the chemical compound 'Calcium Hypochlorite'?
Correct Answer: B. Bleaching Powder
Bleaching powder is widely used for disinfecting drinking water and in the textile industry. Its chemical formula is $CaOCl_2$. It releases chlorine gas when it reacts with acids.