SSC CGL — Set 14

Correct Answer: B. Red Phosphorus

Red phosphorus is used on the striking surface of matchboxes because it is less reactive than white phosphorus. When struck, friction converts a small amount of red phosphorus into white phosphorus, which ignites. This chemical process is essential for the controlled lighting of a matchstick.

Correct Answer: B. Dadabhai Naoroji

Dadabhai Naoroji was elected to the British Parliament in 1892 representing the Central Finsbury constituency. He is famously known as the 'Grand Old Man of India' for his extensive work on Indian economics. He was the first to calculate the national income of India and proposed the 'Drain of Wealth' theory.

Correct Answer: C. Article 76

Article 76 provides for the office of the Attorney General, who is the highest law officer in the country. The person appointed must be qualified to be a judge of the Supreme Court. The Attorney General holds office during the pleasure of the President.

Correct Answer: C. Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi used these newspapers to spread his ideas on non-violence and social reform. Young India was published in English, while Navjivan was published in Gujarati and Hindi. These publications played a crucial role in mobilizing the masses during the freedom struggle.

Correct Answer: C. Retina

The retina acts as a light-sensitive screen where a real and inverted image is formed. It contains specialized cells called rods and cones that convert light into electrical signals. These signals are then transmitted to the brain via the optic nerve.

Correct Answer: B. Wular Lake

Wular Lake is located in the Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir and is fed by the Jhelum River. It is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia, formed due to tectonic activity. Chilika Lake, by contrast, is the largest brackish water lagoon in India.

Correct Answer: B. Kyoto Protocol

The Kyoto Protocol introduced carbon credits to encourage countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. One carbon credit typically represents the right to emit one tonne of carbon dioxide. This market-based approach helps industries offset their environmental impact through green investments.

Correct Answer: B. Bimbisara

Bimbisara founded the Haryanka dynasty and established Magadha as a powerful kingdom. He was a contemporary of Gautama Buddha and followed a policy of matrimonial alliances to expand his empire. His capital was originally at Rajgriha (modern Rajgir).

Correct Answer: C. Pituitary Gland

The pituitary gland is called the master gland because it controls the functions of many other endocrine glands. It is a pea-sized organ located at the base of the brain. It secretes hormones that regulate growth, blood pressure, and reproduction.

Correct Answer: C. Assam

Kaziranga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the state of Assam. It is world-famous for being the home to the largest population of the Great One-horned Rhinoceros. The park is situated on the banks of the Brahmaputra River.

Correct Answer: B. Weber

Weber is the SI unit of magnetic flux, representing the total magnetic field passing through a given area. Tesla is the unit for magnetic flux density (field strength). One Weber per square meter is equal to one Tesla.

Correct Answer: C. Fifth Five Year Plan

The 'Garibi Hatao' slogan was a major part of the Fifth Five Year Plan (1974–1978). It aimed at increasing the living standards of the poor through employment and basic needs. This plan was terminated early by the newly elected Janata Party government in 1978.

Correct Answer: B. Marie Curie

Marie Curie won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1903 for her research on radiation. She remains the only woman to have won Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields (Physics and Chemistry). Her discoveries regarding radium and polonium revolutionized modern science.

Correct Answer: C. Himalayas

The Himalayas form a massive natural barrier between India and Tibet. They are the youngest fold mountains in the world and contain the highest peaks on Earth. This range significantly influences the climate and river systems of South Asia.

Correct Answer: C. Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is called laughing gas because of the euphoric effects it produces when inhaled. It is commonly used in dentistry and minor surgeries as an anesthetic and analgesic. It is also a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming.

Correct Answer: B. 1929 Lahore Session

The Lahore Session of 1929 was presided over by Jawaharlal Nehru. The Congress passed a resolution declaring complete independence as their ultimate goal. Following this, January 26, 1930, was celebrated as the first Independence Day across India.

Correct Answer: D. Gujarat

Gujarat has the longest coastline in India, stretching over 1,600 kilometers. This is largely due to the presence of many gulfs and indentations like the Gulf of Kutch and Gulf of Khambhat. Andhra Pradesh has the second-longest coastline on the eastern side of the country.

Correct Answer: C. Butane

Butane is the primary component of LPG, though it often contains a significant amount of propane as well. It is easily liquefied under pressure for convenient storage and transport in cylinders. Ethyl mercaptan is added to LPG to give it a distinct smell for leak detection.

Correct Answer: C. Limestone

Limestone is formed by the accumulation and compression of organic remains and minerals over millions of years. It is widely used in the construction industry and for the manufacturing of cement. Sedimentary rocks are unique because they often contain fossils of ancient life forms.

Correct Answer: B. Bahadur Shah Zafar

Bahadur Shah Zafar was the last Mughal ruler who participated in the Revolt of 1857. After the British suppressed the revolt, he was deposed and exiled to Rangoon (now Yangon). His death in 1862 marked the formal end of the Mughal Empire in India.

Correct Answer: D. Vitamin K

Vitamin K is essential for the synthesis of proteins that cause blood to clot when an injury occurs. Without this vitamin, even minor wounds could result in excessive bleeding. It is naturally found in leafy green vegetables like spinach and kale.

Correct Answer: B. 61st Amendment

The 61st Constitutional Amendment Act of 1988 lowered the voting age for Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. It was implemented during the tenure of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. This move was intended to increase the participation of the youth in the democratic process.

Correct Answer: C. Aggregate economic variables

Macroeconomics focuses on the behavior of the economy as a whole, including GDP, inflation, and unemployment. It analyzes national income and how government policies affect overall economic growth. Microeconomics, by contrast, studies the decisions of individual households and firms.

Correct Answer: B. Jawaharlal Nehru

Jawaharlal Nehru wrote this book while he was imprisoned at Ahmednagar Fort during the Quit India Movement. It provides a comprehensive analysis of Indian history, culture, and philosophy from ancient times. Nehru later became the first Prime Minister of independent India.

Correct Answer: C. Diamond

Diamond is an allotrope of carbon where atoms are arranged in a rigid tetrahedral structure. This structure makes it extremely resistant to scratching and chemical reactions. It is widely used in industrial tools for cutting and drilling hard materials.

Correct Answer: B. Ramanujacharya

The Statue of Equality commemorates the 11th-century Bhakti saint Ramanujacharya, who promoted social equality. It is one of the tallest sitting statues in the world, made of 'panchaloha' (five metals). The monument reflects his teachings on universal brotherhood and spiritual liberation.

Correct Answer: C. Godavari

The Godavari is referred to as Vridha Ganga (Old Ganges) due to its large size and long course. It is the longest river in Peninsular India and holds great religious significance. It flows through several states before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.

Correct Answer: B. Man Singh I

The battle took place in 1576, where Raja Man Singh I commanded the Mughal army on behalf of Emperor Akbar. Although the Mughals were victorious, they failed to capture Maharana Pratap. This battle is remembered for the extraordinary bravery of the Rajput warriors.

Correct Answer: B. Refraction

Refraction occurs because the speed of light changes as it enters a medium of different optical density. This effect is why a straw in a glass of water appears bent at the surface. It is the fundamental principle behind the working of lenses and prisms.

Correct Answer: C. Income Tax

Income tax is a direct tax because it is paid by the individual directly to the government on their earnings. The burden of this tax cannot be shifted to another person. Indirect taxes, like GST, are collected by intermediaries from the final consumer.

Correct Answer: B. Rabindranath Tagore

Rabindranath Tagore won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913 for his collection of poems titled 'Gitanjali'. He was the first non-European to be awarded this prestigious honor. Tagore is also the only person to have composed the national anthems of two countries.

Correct Answer: B. Article 19

Article 19(1)(d) guarantees all citizens the right to move freely throughout the territory of India. This is one of the six democratic freedoms provided under the Right to Freedom. Reasonable restrictions can be imposed in the interest of the general public or for protecting tribes.

Correct Answer: B. Sodium Bicarbonate

Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) is a white crystalline solid commonly used in baking as a leavening agent. It reacts with acidic components to release carbon dioxide, which causes dough to rise. It is also used as an antacid to treat heartburn and acid indigestion.

Correct Answer: A. Atmaram Pandurang

Atmaram Pandurang established the Prarthana Samaj in Bombay to promote religious and social reform. The movement was influenced by the Brahmo Samaj and focused on monotheism and social justice. M.G. Ranade later joined and became its most prominent leader.

Correct Answer: B. Saturn

As of recent astronomical discoveries, Saturn has overtaken Jupiter as the planet with the most known satellites. It currently has 146 confirmed moons, while Jupiter has 95. Many of these moons are small and were discovered using advanced space telescopes.

Correct Answer: B. Swaran Singh Committee

The Swaran Singh Committee recommended the inclusion of Fundamental Duties to remind citizens of their responsibilities. They were added to the Constitution by the 42nd Amendment Act in 1976. Originally there were 10 duties, but an 11th was added in 2002.

Correct Answer: C. Pancreas

Insulin is produced by the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. It is a hormone that regulates the amount of glucose in the bloodstream. A deficiency or inability to use insulin leads to a condition known as diabetes.

Correct Answer: B. Tamil Nadu

Silambam is a traditional weapon-based martial art from Tamil Nadu that primarily uses a bamboo staff. It is mentioned in ancient Sangam literature, indicating its long history in the region. The art focuses on speed, footwork, and precision to disarm opponents.

Correct Answer: C. Arundhati Roy

Arundhati Roy won the Booker Prize in 1997 for her debut novel 'The God of Small Things'. The book received international acclaim for its unique narrative style and portrayal of social issues. She is also a well-known political activist and essayist.

Correct Answer: B. Gujarat

Kandla Port is a major seaport in the Kutch district of Gujarat, handling large volumes of petroleum and grains. It was developed in the 1950s as a primary port for northwest India following the loss of Karachi Port. It is India's first Special Economic Zone (SEZ).