SSC CGL — Set 24

Correct Answer: B. Nanda Dynasty

The Nanda Dynasty was in power when Alexander the Great invaded the northwestern part of India in 326 BCE. Dhana Nanda was the last ruler of this dynasty known for his vast army and wealth. Chandragupta Maurya later overthrew the Nandas to establish the Mauryan Empire.

Correct Answer: C. An egg develops into a new individual without fertilization

Parthenogenesis is a form of asexual reproduction where an embryo develops from an unfertilized egg cell. It occurs naturally in some plants, invertebrates like bees, and even certain vertebrates like lizards. This process allows species to reproduce without the need for a male partner.

Correct Answer: C. Article 21A

Article 21A declares that the State shall provide free and compulsory education to all children aged six to fourteen years. This fundamental right was added by the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2002. It emphasizes the importance of primary education for every citizen in India.

Correct Answer: B. Gravitational pull of the Sun and Moon

Tides are the rise and fall of sea levels caused by the combined effects of the gravitational forces exerted by the Moon and the Sun. The Moon has a greater influence because it is much closer to Earth than the Sun. The rotation of the Earth also plays a role in the timing of high and low tides.

Correct Answer: C. Inflation and Unemployment

The Phillips Curve suggests an inverse relationship between the rate of unemployment and the rate of inflation in an economy. According to this theory, when unemployment is low, inflation tends to be high, and vice versa. However, this relationship can change during periods of stagflation.

Correct Answer: A. Atmaram Pandurang

Atmaram Pandurang founded the Prarthana Samaj with the aim of reforming Hindu religious and social practices. It was inspired by the Brahmo Samaj but focused more on the traditions of Maharashtra. Leaders like Mahadev Govind Ranade later joined and strengthened the movement.

Correct Answer: B. Pyranometer

A pyranometer is a type of actinometer used for measuring solar irradiance on a planar surface. It captures the energy from both direct sun and diffuse sky radiation. This data is vital for meteorology and the design of solar energy systems.

Correct Answer: C. Silver

Silver has the highest electrical conductivity of any element, followed by copper and gold. Although it is the best conductor, it is not used for general wiring due to its high cost. Copper is the most common choice for electrical applications because of its efficiency and affordability.

Correct Answer: C. Maharana Udai Singh II

Udaipur was founded in 1553 by Maharana Udai Singh II as the new capital of the Mewar kingdom. He established it after the fall of Chittorgarh to the Mughal Emperor Akbar. The city is famous for its Rajput-era palaces and artificial lake systems.

Correct Answer: B. India

India is one of the world's leading producers of sheet mica, with significant deposits in Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Mica is highly valued in the electrical and electronics industries for its insulating properties. It can withstand high temperatures and does not conduct electricity.

Correct Answer: C. Calcium Oxide

Quicklime is the common name for Calcium Oxide ($CaO$), a white, caustic, alkaline crystalline solid. It is produced by the thermal decomposition of limestone in a kiln. It is widely used in making cement, paper, and in the steel industry.

Correct Answer: B. Pancreas

The Islets of Langerhans are clusters of endocrine cells within the pancreas that produce and release hormones. They contain alpha cells which secrete glucagon and beta cells which secrete insulin. These hormones are essential for maintaining stable blood glucose levels.

Correct Answer: A. The Himalayas

The Himalayas are young fold mountains formed by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. This collision causes the Earth's crust to buckle and fold upward, creating high peaks. Other examples include the Alps in Europe and the Andes in South America.

Correct Answer: C. Warren Hastings

Warren Hastings became the first Governor-General of Bengal following the Regulating Act of 1773. He played a key role in consolidating British power in India and establishing a structured administrative system. He was the only Governor-General to be impeached by the British Parliament, though he was later acquitted.

Correct Answer: D. 3 years

Under Article 356, President's Rule is initially imposed for six months but can be extended up to a maximum of three years with parliamentary approval. Every six-month extension requires a fresh resolution by both Houses of Parliament. Beyond one year, specific conditions regarding national emergency or election difficulties must be met.

Correct Answer: C. Egg shells

Biodegradable waste consists of organic matter that can be broken down by microorganisms like bacteria and fungi. Egg shells, food scraps, and paper are examples of such waste that return to the soil naturally. Non-biodegradable items like plastic and glass can persist in the environment for centuries.

Correct Answer: B. Golf

The Ryder Cup is a biennial men's golf competition between teams from Europe and the United States. It is named after Samuel Ryder, who donated the trophy. Unlike most golf tournaments, it is a match-play event where players compete for points for their team.

Correct Answer: B. Vishakhadatta

Mudrarakshasa is a historical play written by Vishakhadatta that narrates the ascent of Chandragupta Maurya to the throne. It focuses on the political strategies used by Chanakya to defeat the Nanda dynasty. The play is unique because it lacks the traditional romantic subplots common in ancient Sanskrit drama.

Correct Answer: C. Cache Memory

Cache memory is a small, high-speed storage layer that sits between the CPU and the main RAM. It stores frequently used data to allow the processor to access it more quickly than from the main memory. This significantly improves the overall performance and speed of the computer.

Correct Answer: C. Karnataka

Karnataka accounts for nearly 70% of total coffee production in India, particularly in the districts of Kodagu, Chikmagalur, and Hassan. The two main varieties grown are Arabica and Robusta. India is one of the top ten coffee-producing countries in the world.

Correct Answer: B. 1963

The CBI was established in 1963 by a resolution of the Ministry of Home Affairs to investigate bribery and corruption. It derives its investigative powers from the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946. It is now the premier investigating agency of the Government of India.

Correct Answer: C. Supernova

A supernova is the powerful and luminous explosion of a massive star at the end of its life cycle. During this event, the star can briefly outshine an entire galaxy and radiate more energy than our Sun will in its entire lifetime. Supernovae are responsible for spreading heavy elements throughout the universe.

Correct Answer: B. Acetic Acid

Vinegar typically contains 5% to 8% Acetic Acid by volume, which gives it its characteristic sour taste and pungent smell. It is produced by the fermentation of ethanol by acetic acid bacteria. It is widely used in food preservation, cooking, and as a cleaning agent.

Correct Answer: B. 1931

The Gandhi-Irwin Pact was a political agreement signed on March 5, 1931, between Mahatma Gandhi and Lord Irwin, the Viceroy of India. As a result, the Civil Disobedience Movement was suspended and Gandhi agreed to attend the Second Round Table Conference. In return, the British government agreed to release political prisoners who had not been violent.

Correct Answer: A. Ethylene

Ethylene is a natural plant hormone that triggers the ripening process in fruits. In commercial settings, ethylene gas or calcium carbide (which produces acetylene) is used to ripen fruits like bananas and mangoes quickly. While natural, excessive artificial ripening can sometimes affect the nutritional value and taste.

Correct Answer: C. Disposable Income

Disposable income is the amount of money an individual has available for spending and saving after income taxes have been deducted. It is a key indicator used to measure the purchasing power of consumers. Economists use it to predict overall consumer spending patterns in a country.

Correct Answer: C. Bee Hummingbird

The Bee Hummingbird, native to Cuba, is the smallest living bird in the world. It measures only about 5 to 6 centimeters in length and weighs less than 2 grams. These birds are known for their ability to hover in mid-air by flapping their wings at very high frequencies.

Correct Answer: A. Mir Qasim, Shuja-ud-Daula, and Shah Alam II

The Battle of Buxar was a decisive victory for the British, led by Hector Munro, against the alliance of the Nawab of Bengal (Mir Qasim), the Nawab of Awadh, and the Mughal Emperor. This victory firmly established British supremacy in Northern India. It led to the Treaty of Allahabad in 1765.

Correct Answer: C. Sulfur Dioxide

Sulfur dioxide is primarily known as a pollutant that causes acid rain but it is not a greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere. Methane, Nitrous Oxide, and Water Vapor are major greenhouse gases. These gases contribute to the warming of the Earth's surface through the greenhouse effect.

Correct Answer: A. Dadabhai Naoroji

Dadabhai Naoroji, known as the 'Grand Old Man of India', was elected to the British Parliament in 1892. He represented the Liberal Party and worked to raise awareness about Indian grievances in Britain. He is also famous for his 'Drain of Wealth' theory regarding British economic exploitation of India.

Correct Answer: B. Sadhu Bet

The Statue of Unity, depicting Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, is situated on the river island called Sadhu Bet in Gujarat. It faces the Narmada Dam (Sardar Sarovar Dam) and is the tallest statue in the world. The island is connected to the mainland by a bridge for tourists.

Correct Answer: B. Cerebellum

The cerebellum is located at the back of the brain and coordinates voluntary muscle movements and maintains equilibrium. It processes sensory input from the inner ear and muscles to ensure smooth motor control. Damage to this area can lead to a lack of coordination and stumbling.

Correct Answer: B. Gujarat

Deendayal Port, formerly known as Kandla Port, is a major seaport located in the Gulf of Kutch in Gujarat. It is one of the busiest ports in India, handling a large volume of crude oil and dry cargo. It was developed in the 1950s as a primary port to serve Western India after the partition.

Correct Answer: A. Abul Fazl

Abul Fazl was one of the 'Navaratnas' in Akbar's court and the author of the official history of Akbar's reign, the Akbarnama. It is divided into three volumes, with the third volume known as the Ain-i-Akbari. The work provides detailed insights into the administration and culture of the Mughal Empire.

Correct Answer: C. 52nd Amendment

The 52nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1985 introduced the Tenth Schedule to prevent political defections. It disqualifies members of Parliament or State Legislatures if they voluntarily give up their party membership. This was done to bring stability to the parliamentary system in India.

Correct Answer: C. Zero

At the center of the Earth, the gravitational force from all directions cancels out, resulting in an acceleration due to gravity of zero. This is because the mass of the Earth pulling from one side is balanced by the mass pulling from the opposite side. Consequently, an object at the center would experience weightlessness.

Correct Answer: C. Direct Action Day

Direct Action Day was called by the Muslim League to show the strength of Muslim demand for a separate Pakistan. It led to widespread communal riots, particularly in Calcutta, known as the 'Great Calcutta Killings'. This event accelerated the process of the partition of India.

Correct Answer: B. Hemoglobin

Hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. When oxygen binds to the iron in hemoglobin, it turns bright red. Melanin, by contrast, is the pigment responsible for skin and hair color.

Correct Answer: B. The Karakoram Range

The Siachen Glacier is located in the eastern Karakoram range in the Himalayas. It is often referred to as the highest battlefield in the world. It is the longest glacier in the Karakoram and the second-longest in the world's non-polar areas.

Correct Answer: C. Mercury

Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun and has the fastest orbital speed, completing one revolution in about 88 Earth days. Its proximity to the Sun's gravity requires it to move faster to maintain its orbit. Venus is the second fastest, followed by Earth.