SSC CGL — Set 5

Q: Which of the following Fundamental Rights cannot be suspended even during a National Emergency?

Articles 20 and 21. Articles 20 and 21 remain enforceable even during a National Emergency. This provision was added by the 44th Amendment Act of 1978. Article 21 protects the right to life and personal liberty.

Q: In which year did the Third Battle of Panipat take place between the Marathas and Ahmad Shah Abdali?

1761. The Third Battle of Panipat occurred in 1761 between the Maratha Empire and the Durrani Empire. It resulted in a decisive victory for Ahmad Shah Abdali. This battle halted the rapid Maratha expansion in Northern India.

Q: Which layer of the atmosphere contains the ozone layer that protects us from harmful ultraviolet rays?

Stratosphere. The ozone layer is primarily located in the lower portion of the stratosphere. It absorbs about 97 to 99 percent of the Sun's medium-frequency ultraviolet light. The stratosphere extends up to 50 kilometers above the Earth's surface.

Q: The SI unit of magnetic flux is named after which scientist?

Weber. The Weber is the SI unit of magnetic flux. One Weber is equal to one Tesla per square meter. It is named after the German physicist Wilhelm Eduard Weber.

Q: Which vitamin is also known as Cobalamin and contains a metal ion?

Vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is known as Cobalamin because it contains a cobalt ion. It is essential for red blood cell formation and DNA synthesis. Deficiency of this vitamin can lead to pernicious anemia.

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Which of the following Fundamental Rights cannot be suspended even during a National Emergency?

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Correct Answer: C. Articles 20 and 21

Articles 20 and 21 remain enforceable even during a National Emergency. This provision was added by the 44th Amendment Act of 1978. Article 21 protects the right to life and personal liberty.

In which year did the Third Battle of Panipat take place between the Marathas and Ahmad Shah Abdali?

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Correct Answer: B. 1761

The Third Battle of Panipat occurred in 1761 between the Maratha Empire and the Durrani Empire. It resulted in a decisive victory for Ahmad Shah Abdali. This battle halted the rapid Maratha expansion in Northern India.

Which layer of the atmosphere contains the ozone layer that protects us from harmful ultraviolet rays?

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Correct Answer: B. Stratosphere

The ozone layer is primarily located in the lower portion of the stratosphere. It absorbs about 97 to 99 percent of the Sun's medium-frequency ultraviolet light. The stratosphere extends up to 50 kilometers above the Earth's surface.

The SI unit of magnetic flux is named after which scientist?

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Correct Answer: C. Weber

The Weber is the SI unit of magnetic flux. One Weber is equal to one Tesla per square meter. It is named after the German physicist Wilhelm Eduard Weber.

Which vitamin is also known as Cobalamin and contains a metal ion?

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Correct Answer: B. Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is known as Cobalamin because it contains a cobalt ion. It is essential for red blood cell formation and DNA synthesis. Deficiency of this vitamin can lead to pernicious anemia.

The concept of 'Five Year Plans' in the Indian Constitution was borrowed from which country?

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Correct Answer: B. USSR

India adopted the concept of Five Year Plans from the Soviet Union (USSR). The first Five Year Plan was launched in 1951 focusing on agriculture. These plans were formulated by the Planning Commission, which is now replaced by NITI Aayog.

Which of the following rivers originates from the Rakshas Tal lake near Mansarovar?

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Correct Answer: B. Sutlej

The Sutlej River originates from the Rakshas Tal lake in Tibet. It enters India through the Shipki La pass in Himachal Pradesh. It is a major tributary of the Indus River system.

Who was the first Governor-General of Bengal under the Regulating Act of 1773?

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Correct Answer: C. Warren Hastings

Warren Hastings was appointed as the first Governor-General of Bengal in 1773. He abolished the dual system of government established by Robert Clive. He also founded the Calcutta Madrasa for Islamic studies.

Which chemical element has the highest electrical conductivity among all metals?

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Correct Answer: C. Silver

Silver is the most electrically conductive metal known to science. It has the highest thermal conductivity and reflectivity of any metal as well. Despite its conductivity, copper is more commonly used in wiring due to lower cost.

The 'Dronacharya Award' is given to individuals for their excellence in which field?

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Correct Answer: B. Sports Coaching

The Dronacharya Award is presented to outstanding coaches in sports and games. It was instituted in 1985 by the Government of India. The award carries a statuette of Dronacharya and a cash prize.

Which of the following glands is often referred to as the 'Master Gland' of the human body?

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Correct Answer: C. Pituitary Gland

The pituitary gland is called the master gland because it controls several other hormone glands. It is a pea-sized structure located at the base of the brain. It secretes growth hormone and thyroid-stimulating hormone.

The 'Lothal' dockyard, an important site of the Indus Valley Civilization, is located in which modern Indian state?

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Correct Answer: C. Gujarat

Lothal is situated in the Bhal region of modern-day Gujarat. It was one of the most prominent cities of the Indus Valley Civilization and featured a massive dockyard. The site was discovered by archaeologist S.R. Rao in 1954.

What is the phenomenon of bending of light when it passes from one medium to another called?

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Correct Answer: B. Refraction

Refraction is the change in direction of a wave passing from one medium to another. It occurs due to the change in the speed of light in different media. This effect causes a pencil partially submerged in water to appear broken.

Which instrument is used to measure the depth of the ocean using sound waves?

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Correct Answer: B. Fathometer

A fathometer is used to determine the depth of water by transmitting sound pulses. It works on the principle of Echo Sounding. One fathom is equal to six feet in length.

In which session of the Indian National Congress was the demand for 'Purna Swaraj' (Complete Independence) formally adopted?

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Correct Answer: B. 1929 Lahore

The Lahore session of 1929 was presided over by Jawaharlal Nehru. It was here that the resolution for Purna Swaraj was passed. Following this, January 26, 1930, was celebrated as the first Independence Day.

What is the chemical name of the common household substance known as 'Baking Soda'?

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Correct Answer: B. Sodium Bicarbonate

Baking soda is chemically known as Sodium Bicarbonate ($NaHCO_3$). It acts as a leavening agent in baking by releasing carbon dioxide gas. It is also used as an antacid to treat heartburn.

Which article of the Indian Constitution deals with the 'Right to Equality' before law?

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Correct Answer: A. Article 14

Article 14 guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of the laws within India. It applies to both citizens and foreigners. This right is a basic feature of the Indian Constitution.

The 'Hornbill Festival' is a famous cultural event celebrated annually in which North Eastern state?

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Correct Answer: C. Nagaland

Nagaland celebrates the Hornbill Festival every year in the first week of December. It is known as the 'Festival of Festivals' and showcases Naga culture. The festival is named after the Indian Hornbill bird.

Which of the following is an example of a 'Direct Tax' in India?

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Correct Answer: C. Income Tax

Income tax is a direct tax levied by the government on the annual income of individuals. The burden of this tax cannot be shifted to another person. Indirect taxes like GST are paid through intermediaries.

What is the primary function of 'Xylem' tissue in plants?

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Correct Answer: B. Transport of water and minerals

Xylem is a vascular tissue responsible for the conduction of water and dissolved minerals upwards. It provides mechanical support to the plant structure as well. Food is transported by another tissue called Phloem.

Which mountain range separates Europe from Asia?

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Correct Answer: B. Ural Mountains

The Ural Mountains form a natural boundary between the continents of Europe and Asia. They run from north to south through western Russia. This range is one of the oldest extant mountain ranges in the world.

The 'Panchayati Raj System' was first constitutionalized by which Amendment Act?

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Correct Answer: C. 73rd Amendment

The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 introduced the Panchayati Raj. It added Part IX to the Constitution and the Eleventh Schedule. This act gave constitutional status to rural local self-government.

Who was the founder of the 'Saka Era', which is the basis of the Indian National Calendar?

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Correct Answer: C. Kanishka

The Saka Era was started by the Kushan Emperor Kanishka in 78 AD. It was adopted as the Indian National Calendar in 1957. The first month of this calendar is Chaitra.

Which gas is most abundant in the Earth's atmosphere by volume?

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Correct Answer: C. Nitrogen

Nitrogen constitutes approximately 78 percent of the Earth's atmosphere. Oxygen is the second most abundant gas at about 21 percent. These two gases together make up 99 percent of the air.

The concept of 'Marginal Propensity to Consume' is related to which field of study?

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Correct Answer: B. Economics

Economics 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 Economics 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 of the following acids is present in 'Sting of Ants'?

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Correct Answer: C. Methanoic Acid

Ant stings contain Methanoic acid, which is 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 provides relief.

Who wrote the famous book 'The Wealth of Nations', published in 1776?

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Correct Answer: B. Adam Smith

Adam Smith is considered the father of modern economics and wrote this seminal work. The book explores the roots of prosperity and the free market system. It introduced the concept of the 'Invisible Hand'.

Which part of the Indian Constitution is called the 'Magna Carta' of India?

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Correct Answer: C. Part III

Part III of the Constitution deals with Fundamental Rights and is called the Magna Carta. These rights are justiciable and protected by the Supreme Court. They ensure political democracy in the country.

The 'Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant' is located in which Indian state?

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Correct Answer: B. Tamil Nadu

The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant is situated in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. It was built with technical collaboration from Russia. It is the highest capacity nuclear power plant in India.

Which Mughal Emperor abolished the 'Jizya' tax on non-Muslim subjects in 1564?

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Correct Answer: C. Akbar

Akbar abolished the Jizya tax as part of his policy of religious tolerance. He believed in the principle of 'Sulh-i-kul' or universal peace. The tax was later reintroduced by Aurangzeb in 1679.

What is the phenomenon where a liquid rises or falls in a narrow tube called?

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Correct Answer: C. Capillarity

Capillarity is the ability of a liquid to flow in narrow spaces without external forces. It is caused by the cohesive and adhesive forces between liquid and surface. A common example is the rising of oil in a lamp wick.

Which of the following is the largest gland in the human body?

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Correct Answer: C. Liver

The liver is the largest internal organ and the largest gland in humans. It performs vital functions like detoxification and protein synthesis. It also produces bile, which helps in the digestion of fats.

In which state is the 'Majuli', the largest river island in the world, located?

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Correct Answer: C. Assam

Majuli is located in the Brahmaputra River in the state of Assam. It was the first island to be made a district in India in 2016. The island is a major hub of Neo-Vaishnavite culture.

The 'Fundamental Duties' were added to the Indian Constitution on the recommendation of which committee?

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Correct Answer: B. Swaran Singh Committee

The Swaran Singh Committee recommended the inclusion of Fundamental Duties in 1976. Consequently, the 42nd Amendment Act added 10 duties to Part IV-A. An 11th duty was later added by the 86th Amendment in 2002.

Which of the following is a 'scalar' quantity?

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Correct Answer: C. Distance

Distance is a scalar quantity because it has only magnitude and no direction. Velocity and acceleration are vector quantities as they involve direction. The SI unit for distance is the meter.

Who was the author of the book 'Gulamgiri', published in 1873?

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Correct Answer: B. Jyotirao Phule

Jyotirao Phule wrote Gulamgiri to highlight the plight of the lower castes. He dedicated the book to the American movement to free slaves. He also founded the Satyashodhak Samaj in Pune.

Which instrument is used to measure the atmospheric pressure?

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Correct Answer: B. Barometer

A barometer is used to measure air pressure in a particular environment. Sudden drops in barometric pressure often indicate an approaching storm. Evangelista Torricelli is credited with inventing the mercury barometer.

The 'Bhitarkanika National Park', famous for saltwater crocodiles, is located in which state?

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Correct Answer: C. Odisha

Bhitarkanika National Park is located in the Kendrapara district of Odisha. It is a Ramsar site known for its mangrove ecosystem and crocodiles. It is surrounded by the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary.

Which constitutional amendment is known as the 'Mini Constitution' of India?

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Correct Answer: C. 42nd Amendment

The 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 brought large-scale changes to the Constitution. It added the words 'Socialist', 'Secular', and 'Integrity' to the Preamble. It was enacted during the National Emergency under Indira Gandhi.

Which of the following is used in the tip of a safety matchstick?

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Correct Answer: A. Red Phosphorus

Modern safety matches use red phosphorus on the striking surface of the box. The match head itself contains an oxidizing agent like potassium chlorate. Red phosphorus is much safer and less toxic than white phosphorus.