SSC CGL — Set 18
40 questions
Which of the following elements has the highest electron affinity?
Correct Answer: B. Chlorine
Chlorine has the highest electron affinity among all elements due to its optimal atomic size for electron gain. Although Fluorine is more electronegative, its small size causes significant electron-electron repulsion. This unique property makes Chlorine release more energy when capturing an electron.
The 'Vaikom Satyagraha' of 1924 was organized to protest against which of the following?
Correct Answer: C. Untouchability and temple entry
Vaikom Satyagraha was a non-violent agitation in Kerala for the right of lower castes to use roads near the Vaikom Temple. It was the first organized movement in India against untouchability and for social equality. Mahatma Gandhi and Periyar E.V. Ramasamy were significant supporters of this movement.
Which of the following is the largest moon in our solar system?
Correct Answer: B. Ganymede
Ganymede is the largest moon in the solar system and orbits the planet Jupiter. It is even larger than the planet Mercury, although it has less mass. It is the only known moon to have its own magnetic field.
Under the Indian Constitution, the 'Residuary Powers' are vested in which body?
Correct Answer: C. The Parliament
Residuary powers refer to subjects not mentioned in the Union, State, or Concurrent lists of the Seventh Schedule. Article 248 of the Constitution grants the Parliament the exclusive power to make laws on these subjects. This concept was inspired by the Canadian Constitution.
What is the name of the first indigenously developed aircraft carrier of India?
Correct Answer: B. INS Vikrant
INS Vikrant (IAC-I) is the first aircraft carrier designed and built in India by Cochin Shipyard Limited. It was formally commissioned into the Indian Navy in September 2022. The motto of the ship is 'Jayema Sam Yudhi Sprudhah', meaning 'I defeat those who fight against me'.
Which of the following hormones is known as the 'Emergency Hormone'?
Correct Answer: C. Adrenaline
Adrenaline is secreted by the adrenal glands during stressful or dangerous situations to prepare the body for 'fight or flight'. It increases heart rate, blood pressure, and energy supplies to the muscles. It is also referred to as Epinephrine in medical contexts.
The 'Sattriya' dance form, recognized as a classical dance of India, originated in which state?
Correct Answer: C. Assam
Sattriya was introduced in the 15th century by the great Vaishnava saint and reformer Sankaradeva in Assam. It was originally performed by male monks in monasteries known as Sattras. It became a recognized classical dance of India in the year 2000.
The 'National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development' (NABARD) was established on the recommendation of which committee?
Correct Answer: B. B. Sivaraman Committee
NABARD was established on July 12, 1982, based on the recommendations of the CRAFICARD (B. Sivaraman) Committee. It serves as the apex development bank in India for providing credit for agriculture and rural activities. It took over the functions of the Agricultural Credit Department of the RBI.
Which of the following is the most abundant metal in the Earth's crust?
Correct Answer: B. Aluminum
Aluminum is the most abundant metal and the third most abundant element in the Earth's crust. Although Iron is more common in the Earth's core, Aluminum leads in the outermost layer. It is primarily extracted from bauxite ore.
Who among the following was the first woman President of the Indian National Congress?
Correct Answer: C. Annie Besant
Annie Besant presided over the Calcutta session of the Indian National Congress in 1917. She was a prominent British socialist and supporter of Indian self-rule. Sarojini Naidu was the first 'Indian' woman to hold the position in 1925.
The 'Great Barrier Reef' is located off the coast of which country?
Correct Answer: B. Australia
The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system, located in the Coral Sea off the coast of Queensland, Australia. It is visible from outer space and is the world's biggest single structure made by living organisms. It was designated a World Heritage Site in 1981.
In the context of computers, what does 'HTTP' stand for?
Correct Answer: C. Hypertext Transfer Protocol
HTTP is the foundational protocol used by the World Wide Web to define how messages are formatted and transmitted. It facilitates the exchange of information between web servers and clients. The secure version of this protocol is known as HTTPS.
Which gland in the human body is both an exocrine and an endocrine gland?
Correct Answer: C. Pancreas
The pancreas is considered a heterocrine gland because it performs both exocrine and endocrine functions. Its exocrine part secretes digestive enzymes, while its endocrine part secretes hormones like insulin. This dual function is vital for blood sugar regulation and digestion.
The 'Moti Masjid' inside the Red Fort of Delhi was built by which Mughal Emperor?
Correct Answer: C. Aurangzeb
Aurangzeb built the Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque) within the Red Fort complex in Delhi for his private use. It is constructed entirely of white marble and features three small domes. Note that another Moti Masjid in Agra was built by Shah Jahan.
What is the maximum number of members in the Rajya Sabha as per the Constitution?
Correct Answer: B. 250
Article 80 of the Constitution sets the maximum strength of the Rajya Sabha at 250 members. Out of these, 12 are nominated by the President and 238 represent the States and Union Territories. Currently, the actual strength of the house is 245.
The 'Roaring Forties' are powerful winds found in which of the following regions?
Correct Answer: C. Southern Hemisphere
Roaring Forties are strong westerly winds found in the Southern Hemisphere, generally between the latitudes of 40 and 50 degrees. They are caused by the lack of large landmasses to slow down the air currents in those latitudes. Sailors historically used these winds to travel quickly across the oceans.
Which of the following diseases is caused by a protozoan?
Correct Answer: B. Malaria
Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are single-celled protozoa. These parasites are transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Cholera and Tuberculosis are caused by bacteria, while Measles is a viral disease.
The 'Ramsar Convention' is an international treaty for the conservation of?
Correct Answer: C. Wetlands
The Ramsar Convention was signed in 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar for the conservation of wetlands. It aims to prevent the loss of wetlands and ensure their sustainable use. World Wetlands Day is celebrated every year on February 2nd to commemorate its signing.
Who was the founder of the 'Lodi Dynasty'?
Correct Answer: C. Bahlul Lodi
Bahlul Lodi founded the Lodi dynasty in 1451, which was the last dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate. He was an Afghan noble who established the first Afghan rule in North India. The dynasty ended with Ibrahim Lodi's defeat in the First Battle of Panipat.
Which instrument is used to measure the intensity of an Earthquake?
Correct Answer: B. Seismograph
A seismograph is an instrument that detects and records the vibrations produced by seismic waves during an earthquake. The magnitude of the earthquake is typically measured on the Richter scale. A fathometer, by contrast, is used to measure the depth of water.
Which among the following is the highest civilian award in India?
Correct Answer: B. Bharat Ratna
Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award of the Republic of India, instituted in 1954. It is awarded in recognition of exceptional service or performance of the highest order in any field of human endeavor. The recommendations for the award are made by the Prime Minister to the President.
Which acid is present in an ant's sting?
Correct Answer: C. Methanoic acid
Ant stings contain Methanoic acid, which is also commonly known as Formic acid. This acid causes the sharp pain and swelling associated with an ant bite. Neutralizing it with a mild base like baking soda can provide relief.
The 'Ghadar Party' was founded in 1913 in which of the following cities?
Correct Answer: B. San Francisco
The Ghadar Party was an international political movement founded by expatriate Indians to overthrow British rule in India. It was established in San Francisco by leaders like Lala Hardayal and Sohan Singh Bhakna. The party published a weekly paper also named 'Ghadar'.
In which state is the 'Silkyara Tunnel', which was recently in news, located?
Correct Answer: C. Uttarakhand
The Silkyara Tunnel is located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. It became a focal point of a massive rescue operation in 2023 when workers were trapped inside after a collapse. It is part of the ambitious Char Dham All-Weather Road project.
Which color of light deviates the least when passing through a prism?
Correct Answer: D. Red
Red light has the longest wavelength and the lowest frequency among visible colors, causing it to deviate the least. Violet light has the shortest wavelength and deviates the most. This variation in deviation results in the formation of a spectrum.
What is the primary objective of 'Monetary Policy' in India?
Correct Answer: C. Maintaining price stability
The primary objective of monetary policy in India is to maintain price stability while keeping in mind the objective of growth. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the RBI decides the benchmark interest rates. Inflation targeting is the formal framework used for this purpose.
The 'Ashtadhyayi' is a famous ancient work on?
Correct Answer: C. Grammar
Ashtadhyayi was written by the scholar Panini and is considered the most comprehensive work on Sanskrit grammar. It dates back to the 4th century BCE and contains approximately 4,000 rules. It laid the foundation for the structural analysis of the Sanskrit language.
Which of the following states does NOT share a border with Myanmar?
Correct Answer: C. Assam
Assam does not share an international border with Myanmar. The four Indian states that share a border with Myanmar are Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram. Assam shares borders with Bhutan and Bangladesh.
Which among the following is a 'Vestigial Organ' in the human body?
Correct Answer: B. Appendix
The vermiform appendix is a vestigial organ in humans, meaning it has lost its original ancestral function through evolution. While it may harbor beneficial bacteria today, it is not essential for survival. Other examples include wisdom teeth and the tailbone.
The 'Indian Independence League' was established by whom in 1942?
Correct Answer: B. Rash Behari Bose
The Indian Independence League was founded by Rash Behari Bose in Tokyo to organize Indians living outside India for the freedom struggle. He later handed over the leadership of the league and the INA to Subhash Chandra Bose. This move significantly strengthened the revolutionary activities abroad.
Which part of the Constitution is often described as the 'Magna Carta' of India?
Correct Answer: B. Part III
Part III of the Constitution, dealing with Fundamental Rights, is known as the Magna Carta of India. It contains a comprehensive list of justiciable rights for all citizens. This description highlights the importance of civil liberties in the Indian democracy.
What is the chemical name of 'Bleaching Powder'?
Correct Answer: B. Calcium Oxychloride
Bleaching powder is chemically known as Calcium Oxychloride ($CaOCl_2$). It is produced by the action of chlorine gas on dry slaked lime. It is used extensively for disinfection and as an oxidizing agent in chemical industries.
Which of the following is the oldest oil refinery in India?
Correct Answer: C. Digboi
The Digboi Refinery in Assam is the oldest operating oil refinery in India and one of the oldest in the world. It was commissioned in December 1901. It is often referred to as the 'Gangotri of the Indian Hydrocarbon Sector'.
Who was the first Indian to win a Nobel Prize?
Correct Answer: B. Rabindranath Tagore
Rabindranath Tagore won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913 for his work 'Gitanjali'. He was the first non-European to be awarded this prestigious prize. He is also the author of the national anthems of India and Bangladesh.
Which layer of the Sun is visible to the human eye during a total solar eclipse?
Correct Answer: C. Corona
The Corona is the outermost part of the Sun's atmosphere and is visible as a white halo during a total solar eclipse. Under normal conditions, it is hidden by the bright light of the Photosphere. It is significantly hotter than the surface of the Sun.
Which Amendment Act lowered the voting age in India from 21 to 18 years?
Correct Answer: C. 61st Amendment
The 61st Constitutional Amendment Act of 1988 lowered the voting age for the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. This change was implemented to encourage greater participation by the youth in the democratic process. It came into force in March 1989.
Which of the following is a primary consumer in a food chain?
Correct Answer: C. Grasshopper
Primary consumers are herbivores that eat producers like plants. A grasshopper feeding on grass is a classic example of a primary consumer. Predators like lions or hawks are considered secondary or tertiary consumers.
The 'Hul' or 'Santhal Rebellion' took place in which year?
Correct Answer: A. 1855
The Santhal Rebellion (Hul) broke out in 1855 in present-day Jharkhand and West Bengal against British rule and the Zamindari system. It was led by four brothers—Sidhu, Kanhu, Chand, and Bhairav. It was one of the most significant tribal insurgencies before the 1857 revolt.
Which of the following vitamins helps in the 'Clotting of Blood'?
Correct Answer: D. Vitamin K
Vitamin K is essential for the synthesis of proteins needed for blood coagulation. Without this vitamin, even minor wounds could result in excessive bleeding. It is naturally produced by bacteria in the human large intestine.
The 'Bull' in Sarnath Lion Capital represents which event of Buddha's life?
Correct Answer: A. Birth
In the Sarnath Lion Capital of Ashoka, the Bull represents the Birth of Gautama Buddha, as he was born under the zodiac sign of Taurus (Bull). The four animals carved on the Abacus of the Ashoka Pillar — elephant, bull, horse, and lion — represent key events in Buddha's life. The Lion Capital is now India's National Emblem.