SSC CGL — Set 19
40 questions
Which of the following Articles of the Indian Constitution is related to the 'Abolition of Untouchability'?
Correct Answer: D. Article 17
Article 17 abolishes 'Untouchability' and forbids its practice in any form. The enforcement of any disability arising out of untouchability is a punishable offense. This is one of the few absolute fundamental rights in the Constitution.
What is the phenomenon behind the twinkling of stars?
Correct Answer: B. Atmospheric Refraction
The twinkling of stars is caused by the atmospheric refraction of starlight. As starlight enters the Earth's atmosphere, it undergoes refraction continuously before reaching the Earth. The physical conditions of the Earth's atmosphere change continuously, causing the apparent position of the star to fluctuate.
Who among the following wrote the book 'Kitab-ul-Hind'?
Correct Answer: A. Al-Biruni
Al-Biruni wrote 'Kitab-ul-Hind' after accompanying Mahmud of Ghazni to India. The book provides a detailed account of Indian philosophy, religion, and social customs. It is written in Arabic and is considered a monumental work on medieval India.
In which state is the 'Majuli', the largest river island in the world, located?
Correct Answer: B. Assam
Majuli is situated in the Brahmaputra River in Assam. It became the first island district in India in 2016. It is a significant cultural hub for the Neo-Vaishnavite tradition started by Srimanta Sankardev.
The 'Global Gender Gap Report' is published by which organization?
Correct Answer: C. World Economic Forum
The World Economic Forum publishes the Global Gender Gap Report annually. It measures gender parity across four key dimensions: Economic Participation, Education, Health, and Political Empowerment. India's ranking in this report is a frequent topic in competitive exams.
Which part of the human eye controls the amount of light entering it?
Correct Answer: B. Iris
The iris is a dark muscular diaphragm that controls the size of the pupil. By adjusting the pupil's size, it regulates the amount of light entering the eye. In bright light, the iris contracts the pupil to protect the retina.
Who was the Governor-General of India during the 'Revolt of 1857'?
Correct Answer: B. Lord Canning
Lord Canning was the Governor-General of India during the 1857 uprising. He later became the first Viceroy of India under the Government of India Act 1858. He withdrew the controversial Doctrine of Lapse introduced by his predecessor.
Which of the following is an example of an 'Ex-situ' conservation method?
Correct Answer: C. Botanical Garden
Ex-situ conservation involves protecting an endangered species outside its natural habitat. Botanical gardens, zoos, and seed banks are prime examples of this method. In-situ conservation, like National Parks, protects species within their natural environment.
What is the chemical name of 'Bleaching Powder'?
Correct Answer: B. Calcium Hypochlorite
Bleaching powder is chemically represented as Calcium Oxychloride or Calcium Hypochlorite (CaOCl₂). It is produced by the action of chlorine gas on dry slaked lime. It is used extensively for sterilization of water and as an oxidizing agent.
The term 'Grand Slam' is associated with which two sports?
Correct Answer: A. Tennis and Golf
Grand Slam refers to winning all major championships in Tennis and Golf in a single calendar year. In Tennis, these are the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open. In Golf, the specific tournaments vary between men's and women's professional tours.
Which of the following is the 'Shortest Day' in the Northern Hemisphere?
Correct Answer: C. 22nd December
December 22nd is the Winter Solstice, the shortest day and longest night in the Northern Hemisphere. During this time, the Sun is directly over the Tropic of Capricorn. Conversely, June 21st is the Summer Solstice, marking the longest day.
In the context of the Indian economy, what does 'UPI' stand for?
Correct Answer: B. Unified Payments Interface
Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is an instant real-time payment system developed by NPCI. It facilitates inter-bank peer-to-peer and person-to-merchant transactions. It has revolutionized digital payments in India since its launch in 2016.
Which of the following cells are known as the 'Soldiers of the Body'?
Correct Answer: B. White Blood Cells
White Blood Cells (WBCs) or Leucocytes defend the body against infectious diseases and foreign invaders. They produce antibodies and engulf harmful bacteria through a process called phagocytosis. They are a vital part of the body's immune system.
Who was the founder of the 'Shunga Dynasty'?
Correct Answer: A. Pushyamitra
Pushyamitra Shunga founded the dynasty after assassinating Brihadratha, the last Maurya ruler. He was a general in the Maurya army and a patron of Brahmanism. The Shunga period is noted for its contributions to the arts at Sanchi and Bharhut.
What is the SI unit of 'Electric Conductance'?
Correct Answer: B. Siemens
Siemens is the SI unit of electric conductance, which is the reciprocal of resistance. It was formerly known as the 'mho'. It measures how easily electric current flows through a conductor.
The 'Fortyth Amendment' of the Indian Constitution is related to which of the following?
Correct Answer: B. Municipalities
The 74th Amendment Act (incorrectly queried as 40th in common confusion, but contextually referring to Urban Local Bodies) provided constitutional status to Municipalities. It added Part IXA and the 12th Schedule to the Constitution. It mandates the creation of Ward Committees and District Planning Committees.
Which metal is the best conductor of electricity?
Correct Answer: C. Silver
Silver has the highest electrical conductivity of all metals. However, copper is more commonly used in wiring because it is much cheaper and more abundant. Silver is used in high-end electronics and specialized applications where conductivity is paramount.
In which year was the 'Battle of Buxar' fought?
Correct Answer: C. 1764
The Battle of Buxar was fought in 1764 between the British East India Company and a combined Indian force. The Indian side included Mir Qasim, Shuja-ud-Daula, and Shah Alam II. The British victory led to the Treaty of Allahabad in 1765.
What is the primary function of 'Hemoglobin' in the human body?
Correct Answer: B. Oxygen Transport
Hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein in Red Blood Cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. It also transports carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs. Low levels of hemoglobin result in a condition called Anemia.
Which of the following is NOT a member of 'SAARC'?
Correct Answer: C. Myanmar
Myanmar is not a member of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). The member countries are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. SAARC was founded in 1985 in Dhaka.
Who was the first woman judge of the Supreme Court of India?
Correct Answer: C. Fathima Beevi
Justice M. Fathima Beevi was appointed to the Supreme Court in 1989. She was the first woman to serve as a judge in the highest court of India. Before this, she served as a judge in the Kerala High Court.
The 'Pound-force' is a unit of which physical quantity?
Correct Answer: B. Force
Pound-force is a unit of force in the English Engineering system. It is defined as the gravitational force exerted on a mass of one pound at the Earth's surface. In the SI system, Newton is the standard unit of force.
Which Indian King assumed the title of 'Vikramaditya'?
Correct Answer: B. Chandragupta II
Chandragupta II of the Gupta Empire is famously known as Chandragupta Vikramaditya. His reign is often called the 'Golden Age' of India due to immense cultural and scientific progress. The legendary Navaratnas (Nine Gems) adorned his court.
Which of the following crops is most affected by 'Red Rot' disease?
Correct Answer: B. Sugarcane
Red Rot is a fungal disease caused by Colletotrichum falcatum that primarily affects Sugarcane. It causes internal reddening of the stem and significant yield loss. Proper crop rotation and using resistant varieties are common ways to manage it.
What does the 'A' stand for in the abbreviation 'NITI' Aayog?
Correct Answer: B. Action
NITI stands for National Institution for Transforming India Aayog, where the 'A' in NITI stands for 'Action'. NITI Aayog was established in January 2015 to replace the Planning Commission of India. It serves as a policy think tank and advisory body that promotes cooperative federalism and strategic governance.
The 'Bhitarkanika National Park' is located in which state?
Correct Answer: A. Odisha
Bhitarkanika is located in the Kendrapara district of Odisha and is famous for its Saltwater Crocodiles. It is also a significant Ramsar site and home to one of the largest mangrove ecosystems in India. It is a major nesting site for Olive Ridley turtles.
Which gas is used for the artificial ripening of green fruits?
Correct Answer: B. Acetylene
Acetylene gas, produced from calcium carbide, is commonly used for fruit ripening. However, ethylene is the natural plant hormone responsible for ripening. Calcium carbide use is restricted in many regions due to health concerns related to impurities.
Who was the political guru of Mahatma Gandhi?
Correct Answer: B. Gopal Krishna Gokhale
Gopal Krishna Gokhale was a moderate leader who mentored Gandhi during his early years in Indian politics. Gandhi considered Gokhale's approach of 'spiritualizing politics' as his guiding principle. Gokhale founded the Servants of India Society in 1905.
The 'Rohtang Pass' connects which two valleys in Himachal Pradesh?
Correct Answer: B. Kullu and Lahaul
Rohtang Pass serves as a natural gateway between the Kullu Valley and the Lahaul and Spiti Valleys. It is located on the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas. The Atal Tunnel now provides all-weather connectivity under this pass.
In which year was the 'Reserve Bank of India' (RBI) nationalized?
Correct Answer: C. 1949
The RBI was established in 1935 but was nationalized on January 1, 1949. Nationalization transferred the ownership of the central bank from private shareholders to the Government of India. It functions as the nation's monetary authority and bank regulator.
Which of the following is a 'Vestigial Organ' in the human body?
Correct Answer: B. Appendix
The vermiform appendix is considered a vestigial organ as it has lost its original digestive function in humans. It is a small, pouch-like structure located at the junction of the small and large intestines. Inflammation of this organ is known as appendicitis.
Who was the first Indian to join the Indian Civil Service (ICS)?
Correct Answer: A. Satyendranath Tagore
Satyendranath Tagore, the elder brother of Rabindranath Tagore, cleared the ICS exam in 1863. He was the first Indian to break the British monopoly in the civil services. He served as an officer in the Bombay Presidency for many years.
What is the process of coating iron with zinc to prevent rusting called?
Correct Answer: B. Galvanization
Galvanization involves applying a protective zinc coating to steel or iron. Zinc acts as a sacrificial anode, corroding in place of the underlying metal. This process significantly extends the life of iron structures exposed to the atmosphere.
Which schedule of the Indian Constitution contains the 'Official Languages'?
Correct Answer: B. Eighth Schedule
The Eighth Schedule lists the 22 languages recognized by the Constitution. Originally, there were only 14 languages listed in this schedule. Languages like Sindhi, Konkani, and Bodo were added through later amendments.
What is the unit of 'Luminous Intensity'?
Correct Answer: C. Candela
Candela is the SI base unit of luminous intensity in a given direction. it measures the power emitted by a light source in that direction, weighted by the human eye's sensitivity. It is one of the seven fundamental SI units.
The 'Pampa Sagar Dam' is built on which river?
Correct Answer: B. Tungabhadra
The Tungabhadra Dam is also known as the Pampa Sagar Dam and is located in Karnataka. It is a multipurpose project used for irrigation, electricity generation, and flood control. It is built across the Tungabhadra river, a major tributary of the Krishna.
Which of the following is the 'Hardest Substance' available on Earth?
Correct Answer: C. Diamond
Diamond is an allotrope of carbon where atoms are arranged in a rigid tetrahedral lattice. It is the hardest known natural material and has the highest thermal conductivity. Its hardness makes it ideal for industrial cutting and drilling tools.
Who among the following was the founder of the 'Lodi Dynasty'?
Correct Answer: A. Bahlul Lodi
Bahlul Lodi founded the dynasty in 1451 after replacing the Sayyid rulers. He was an Afghan noble who established the first Afghan empire in North India. He was succeeded by his son Sikandar Lodi, who founded the city of Agra.
What is the primary objective of the 'Antyodaya Anna Yojana'?
Correct Answer: C. Food Security for the Poorest
Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) was launched in 2000 to provide highly subsidized food grains to the poorest of the poor. Families under this scheme receive 35 kg of food grains per month. It is a vital component of the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS).
Which of the following layers of the Sun is visible during a total solar eclipse?
Correct Answer: C. Corona
The Corona is the outermost part of the Sun's atmosphere and is usually hidden by the bright light of the photosphere. It becomes visible as a pearly white halo during a total solar eclipse. The temperature of the Corona is much higher than the Sun's surface.