SSC CGL — Set 29
40 questions
Which of the following parts of a plant cell is responsible for providing structural rigidity and protection?
Correct Answer: B. Cell Wall
The cell wall is a rigid outer layer made primarily of cellulose. It provides structural support and protection to plant cells. Animal cells lack this specific structure.
Who was the founder of the 'Servants of India Society' established in 1905?
Correct Answer: B. Gopal Krishna Gokhale
Gopal Krishna Gokhale founded the society to train Indians for social service. He aimed to promote education and healthcare across the country. Gokhale was known as the political mentor of Mahatma Gandhi.
Which river is often referred to as the 'Dakshina Ganga' due to its length and religious significance?
Correct Answer: B. Godavari
The Godavari is the longest river in Peninsular India. It originates from Trimbakeshwar in the Nashik district of Maharashtra. Its vast basin covers several southern and central Indian states.
Under which Article of the Indian Constitution can the President seek the opinion of the Supreme Court?
Correct Answer: C. Article 143
Article 143 grants advisory jurisdiction to the Supreme Court of India. The President can refer matters of public importance or legal questions to the court. However, the court's opinion is not binding on the President.
What is the primary cause of 'Minamata disease', a neurological syndrome discovered in Japan?
Correct Answer: C. Mercury poisoning
Minamata disease is caused by severe methylmercury poisoning. It results from eating fish contaminated with industrial mercury waste. It primarily affects the central nervous system of humans.
Which of the following tax is levied by the Union Government but collected and appropriated by the States?
Correct Answer: B. Stamp Duties
Stamp duties are mentioned in the Union List but managed by state governments. This arrangement is specified under Article 268 of the Constitution. It helps states generate local revenue for administrative purposes.
The 'Panchatantra', a famous collection of animal fables, was written by whom?
Correct Answer: B. Vishnu Sharma
Vishnu Sharma is credited with writing these fables to teach political science to princes. The stories use animal characters to convey moral and strategic lessons. It is one of the most translated non-religious books in history.
What happens to the resistance of a 'Semiconductor' as its temperature increases?
Correct Answer: B. It decreases
It decreases 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 It decreases and related topics will help candidates score well in the GK section. Regular revision of such key facts is highly recommended for exam preparation.
The 'Chanchas' and 'Quechuas' are indigenous ethnic groups primarily found in which continent?
Correct Answer: C. South America
These groups are native to the Andean regions of South America. The Quechua language was the primary tongue of the ancient Inca Empire. They are known for their distinct weaving and agricultural traditions.
In the context of the Indian economy, what does 'CRAR' stand for?
Correct Answer: B. Capital to Risk-weighted Assets Ratio
CRAR is a measure of a bank's capital used to protect depositors. It ensures that banks can absorb a reasonable amount of loss. It is also known as the Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR).
Which of the following instruments is used to detect and measure 'Electric Charge'?
Correct Answer: C. Electroscope
An electroscope identifies the presence and magnitude of static electricity. It typically uses two thin gold leaves that repel each other when charged. It was one of the first electrical measuring instruments invented.
During the reign of which Delhi Sultan was the 'Jizya' tax separated from land revenue and treated as a separate tax?
Correct Answer: C. Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Firoz Shah Tughlaq imposed Jizya as a distinct tax on non-Muslims. He was the first sultan to impose it on Brahmins as well. This was part of his orthodox religious and administrative policies.
Which of the following is the 'Shortest National Highway' in India?
Correct Answer: C. NH 966B
NH 966B, formerly known as NH 47A, is only about 6 kilometers long. It connects Kundannoor to Willingdon Island in Kochi, Kerala. It is a vital link for the Port of Kochi.
What is the pH value of 'Pure Water' at 25°C?
Correct Answer: B. 7
Pure water has a pH value of 7, which makes it chemically neutral. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with values below 7 indicating acidity and above 7 indicating alkalinity. A pH of 7 means equal concentrations of hydrogen (H⁺) and hydroxide (OH⁻) ions. Pure water's neutral pH of 7 makes it an important reference point on the pH scale.
Who was the first woman to be awarded the 'Jnanpith Award'?
Correct Answer: C. Ashapoorna Devi
Ashapoorna Devi received the award in 1976 for her Bengali novel 'Pratham Pratishruti'. She was a prolific writer known for depicting the domestic lives of women. The Jnanpith is India's highest literary honor.
The 'Fundamental Rights' in the Indian Constitution are inspired by which country's constitution?
Correct Answer: A. USA
The concept of 'Fundamental Rights' in the Indian Constitution was borrowed from the USA, specifically from the Bill of Rights. The American Constitution's Bill of Rights (1791) provided the model for including enforceable rights in India's Constitution. India's Fundamental Rights in Part III were influenced by the USA's approach of making rights judicially enforceable. Like the USA, India also made these rights justiciable, meaning courts can enforce them.
Which chemical compound is known as 'Pearl Ash'?
Correct Answer: B. Potassium Carbonate
Potassium Carbonate is called pearl ash because it was historically made from wood ash. It appears as a white, deliquescent solid used in glass and soap making. Its chemical formula is $K_2CO_3$.
Which battle marked the beginning of 'British Political Supremacy' in India?
Correct Answer: B. Battle of Plassey
The Battle of Plassey in 1757 saw the British defeat the Nawab of Bengal. Robert Clive's victory was aided by the treachery of Mir Jafar. It paved the way for the British East India Company to control Bengal.
What is the primary function of 'Ribosomes' in a living cell?
Correct Answer: B. Protein synthesis
Ribosomes are the cellular machines that link amino acids together to form proteins. They can be found floating in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum. They are essential for all living organisms.
The 'Palkonda Hills' are a range of hills located in which Indian state?
Correct Answer: C. Andhra Pradesh
The Palkonda Hills are part of the Eastern Ghats in Andhra Pradesh. They are located in the southern part of the state, primarily in the Kadapa district. These hills are known for their dry deciduous forests.
Which of the following is the 'State Bird' of Rajasthan?
Correct Answer: B. Great Indian Bustard
The Great Indian Bustard is a critically endangered bird found in the Thar Desert. It is one of the heaviest flying birds in the world. Rajasthan declared it the state bird in 1981.
Who was the author of the famous book 'Gita Rahasya', written during imprisonment in Mandalay?
Correct Answer: B. Bal Gangadhar Tilak
Bal Gangadhar Tilak wrote this book while serving a six-year prison term. It is a commentary on the Bhagavad Gita emphasizing the path of action (Karma Yoga). Tilak was a prominent leader of the extremist faction of the Congress.
Which part of the atmosphere contains the maximum concentration of 'Water Vapour'?
Correct Answer: C. Troposphere
The troposphere is the lowest layer where almost all weather phenomena occur. It contains about 99% of the atmosphere's water vapour and aerosols. The temperature in this layer decreases with altitude.
The 'Speaker' of the Lok Sabha submits his resignation to whom?
Correct Answer: C. The Deputy Speaker
According to Article 94, the Speaker addresses his resignation letter to the Deputy Speaker. Similarly, the Deputy Speaker resigns by writing to the Speaker. This maintains the internal autonomy of the Parliament.
What is the chemical name of 'Bleaching Powder'?
Correct Answer: B. Calcium Hypochlorite
Calcium hypochlorite is the active ingredient in bleaching powder. It is used widely for water treatment and as a bleaching agent in the textile industry. Its chemical formula is $Ca(OCl)_2$.
In which year was the 'National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development' (NABARD) set up?
Correct Answer: B. 1982
NABARD was established on July 12, 1982, to promote rural prosperity. It was formed on the recommendation of the B. Sivaraman Committee. It acts as the apex regulatory body for regional rural banks.
Who was the first female ruler of the 'Delhi Sultanate'?
Correct Answer: B. Razia Sultan
Razia Sultan was the daughter of Iltutmish and ruled from 1236 to 1240. She was a skilled administrator and warrior who refused to wear the veil. Her reign was cut short by internal revolts among the Turkish nobles.
What is the phenomenon of bending of light around the corners of an obstacle called?
Correct Answer: C. Diffraction
Diffraction occurs when light waves encounter an edge or a small opening. This effect is more pronounced when the size of the obstacle is comparable to the wavelength. It proves the wave nature of light.
Which of the following mountain ranges is known as the 'Sahyadri'?
Correct Answer: B. Western Ghats
The Western Ghats run parallel to the western coast of the Indian peninsula. They are a UNESCO World Heritage site and a global biodiversity hotspot. The name Sahyadri is primarily used in Maharashtra and Karnataka.
Under the 'GST' regime, which authority is responsible for deciding tax rates?
Correct Answer: B. GST Council
The GST Council is a joint forum of the Centre and the States. It is chaired by the Union Finance Minister and makes all major decisions on GST. This body was established under Article 279A.
Which of the following is the 'Largest Organ' of the human body?
Correct Answer: C. Skin
The skin covers the entire external surface of the body and serves as a protective barrier. It regulates body temperature and allows the sensation of touch. In terms of surface area and weight, it is the largest organ.
Who among the following was the founder of the 'Satavahana Dynasty'?
Correct Answer: C. Simuka
Simuka established the Satavahana rule in the Deccan region after the decline of the Kanvas. The dynasty is famous for issuing lead and copper coins. They played a major role in promoting Buddhism and Brahmanism.
What is the term used for the 'imaginary lines' that join places with equal atmospheric pressure?
Correct Answer: C. Isobars
Isobars are used on weather maps to show pressure distribution. Closely spaced isobars indicate a steep pressure gradient and strong winds. They are essential for forecasting weather patterns.
Which Constitutional Amendment Act added the 'Fundamental Duties' to the Constitution?
Correct Answer: B. 42nd Amendment
The 42nd Amendment of 1976 added Part IV-A to the Indian Constitution. It originally included 10 duties based on the Swaran Singh Committee's report. These duties are non-justiciable in nature.
Which chemical element is primarily used in 'Galvanization' to protect iron from rusting?
Correct Answer: B. Zinc
Galvanization involves applying a protective zinc coating to steel or iron. Zinc acts as a sacrificial anode, corroding instead of the base metal. This process significantly extends the life of metal structures.
The 'Phillips Curve' in macroeconomics describes the inverse relationship between which two factors?
Correct Answer: B. Inflation and Unemployment
The Phillips Curve suggests that when unemployment is low, inflation tends to be high. It implies a trade-off between price stability and employment levels. Modern economists argue this relationship only holds in the short run.
Who was the first Indian to win the 'Magsaysay Award' for community leadership?
Correct Answer: A. Vinoba Bhave
Vinoba Bhave received the inaugural award in 1958. He was a nonviolence activist and the founder of the Bhoodan Movement. The award is often called the 'Noble Prize of Asia'.
What is the primary gas found in the 'Stratosphere' that protects the Earth from UV radiation?
Correct Answer: C. Ozone
Ozone ($O_3$) absorbs the majority of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. The depletion of this layer can lead to increased rates of skin cancer. The Montreal Protocol was signed to protect this vital atmospheric layer.
In which city is the 'Indian School of Mines' (now IIT Dhanbad) located?
Correct Answer: C. Dhanbad
Dhanbad 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 Dhanbad 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 part of the 'Human Ear' is responsible for maintaining body equilibrium?
Correct Answer: C. Semicircular Canals
The semicircular canals are three fluid-filled tubes in the inner ear. They detect rotational movements of the head and send signals to the brain. This mechanism is crucial for balance and orientation.