SSC CGL — Set 8

Q: Which of the following elements is the most abundant metal in the Earth's crust?

Aluminum. Aluminum is the most abundant metal and the third most abundant element in the Earth's crust. It makes up about 8% of the crust's total weight. It is found in various minerals but is primarily extracted from bauxite ore.

Q: Who among the following was the first Viceroy of India under the Government of India Act 1858?

Lord Canning. Lord Canning served as the last Governor-General and became the first Viceroy of India. He was in power during the significant Revolt of 1857. The Government of India Act 1858 transferred the power from the East India Company to the British Crown.

Q: The 'Bull' in the context of Indian Buddhism and the life of Gautama Buddha represents which event?

Birth. In Buddhist tradition, the Bull and the Lotus represent the birth of Siddhartha Gautama. The Horse symbolizes his departure from the palace to lead a life of wandering. The Bodhi tree represents the stage of his ultimate enlightenment.

Q: Which Fundamental Right was described by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar as the 'Heart and Soul of the Constitution'?

Right to Constitutional Remedies. Article 32 allows citizens to move the Supreme Court for the enforcement of their fundamental rights. Dr. Ambedkar emphasized this right as the most important provision for protecting democracy. It empowers the judiciary to issue various writs like Habeas Corpus and Mandamus.

Q: What is the unit of measure for 'Luminous Intensity' in the SI system?

Candela. Candela is the base SI unit used to measure the intensity of light perceived by the human eye. It is one of the seven fundamental physical units defined in the International System. A common candle emits light with a luminous intensity of roughly one candela.

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Which of the following elements is the most abundant metal in the Earth's crust?

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Correct Answer: D. Aluminum

Aluminum is the most abundant metal and the third most abundant element in the Earth's crust. It makes up about 8% of the crust's total weight. It is found in various minerals but is primarily extracted from bauxite ore.

Who among the following was the first Viceroy of India under the Government of India Act 1858?

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Correct Answer: A. Lord Canning

Lord Canning served as the last Governor-General and became the first Viceroy of India. He was in power during the significant Revolt of 1857. The Government of India Act 1858 transferred the power from the East India Company to the British Crown.

The 'Bull' in the context of Indian Buddhism and the life of Gautama Buddha represents which event?

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Correct Answer: B. Birth

In Buddhist tradition, the Bull and the Lotus represent the birth of Siddhartha Gautama. The Horse symbolizes his departure from the palace to lead a life of wandering. The Bodhi tree represents the stage of his ultimate enlightenment.

Which Fundamental Right was described by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar as the 'Heart and Soul of the Constitution'?

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Correct Answer: B. Right to Constitutional Remedies

Article 32 allows citizens to move the Supreme Court for the enforcement of their fundamental rights. Dr. Ambedkar emphasized this right as the most important provision for protecting democracy. It empowers the judiciary to issue various writs like Habeas Corpus and Mandamus.

What is the unit of measure for 'Luminous Intensity' in the SI system?

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Correct Answer: C. Candela

Candela is the base SI unit used to measure the intensity of light perceived by the human eye. It is one of the seven fundamental physical units defined in the International System. A common candle emits light with a luminous intensity of roughly one candela.

Which of the following is an indirect tax in India?

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Correct Answer: C. Goods and Services Tax

GST is a comprehensive indirect tax levied on the supply of most goods and services in India. Unlike direct taxes, the burden of GST is shifted from the supplier to the final consumer. It replaced multiple older taxes like VAT, excise duty, and service tax.

In the human digestive system, where does the majority of nutrient absorption take place?

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Correct Answer: B. Small Intestine

The small intestine is the primary site for the digestion and absorption of nutrients. Its inner walls are lined with villi which increase the surface area for efficient absorption. Most chemical digestion is completed here with the help of enzymes and bile.

The 'Palk Strait' separates India from which of its neighboring countries?

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Correct Answer: B. Sri Lanka

The Palk Strait is a water body between the Tamil Nadu state of India and the Mannar district of Sri Lanka. It connects the Bay of Bengal in the northeast with the Palk Bay in the southwest. The famous Adam's Bridge is located across this strait.

Who was the first Indian woman to win a medal at the Olympic Games?

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Correct Answer: C. Karnam Malleswari

Karnam Malleswari won a bronze medal in Weightlifting at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. She made history by becoming the first Indian woman to stand on an Olympic podium. Her achievement paved the way for future generations of Indian sportswomen.

Which gas is primarily responsible for the 'greenhouse effect' on Earth?

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Correct Answer: C. Carbon Dioxide

Carbon dioxide traps heat in the atmosphere, preventing it from escaping into space. While natural in small amounts, industrial activities have significantly increased its concentration. This accumulation leads to the gradual warming of the planet's surface.

Which of the following festivals is known as the 'Mahakumbh of the East'?

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Correct Answer: B. Ambubachi Mela

Ambubachi Mela is celebrated annually at the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, Assam. It marks the belief of the annual menstruation cycle of the goddess Kamakhya. It attracts millions of devotees and tantric practitioners from all over India.

In which city is the headquarters of the International Labour Organization (ILO) located?

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Correct Answer: B. Geneva

The ILO is a specialized agency of the United Nations headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. It was established in 1919 after World War I as part of the Treaty of Versailles. It works to promote social justice and internationally recognized human and labor rights.

The 'Blood-Brain Barrier' is a semi-permeable border that protects which organ?

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Correct Answer: B. Brain

The blood-brain barrier is a highly selective filtering mechanism that separates circulating blood from the brain. It prevents harmful toxins and pathogens from entering the central nervous system. It allows vital nutrients like glucose and oxygen to pass through freely.

The Gandhi-Irwin Pact was signed in which year?

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Correct Answer: B. 1931

The Gandhi-Irwin Pact was a political agreement signed on March 5, 1931. It led to the suspension of the Civil Disobedience Movement by the Indian National Congress. In return, the British government agreed to release political prisoners not convicted of violence.

Which among the following is the highest civilian award in India?

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Correct Answer: C. Bharat Ratna

The Bharat Ratna is awarded for exceptional service of the highest order in any field of human endeavor. It was instituted in 1954 and is the premier civilian honor of the country. The first recipients were C. Rajagopalachari, S. Radhakrishnan, and C.V. Raman.

What is the atomic number of Carbon?

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Correct Answer: A. 6

Carbon has an atomic number of 6, meaning it has 6 protons in its nucleus and 6 electrons in its neutral state. Carbon is the basis of all organic chemistry and life as we know it, forming the backbone of DNA, proteins, and carbohydrates. With atomic number 6, carbon has 4 valence electrons, enabling it to form 4 covalent bonds. Carbon in the form of diamond has atomic number 6 and is the hardest natural substance.

Which state of India shares its boundaries with three countries—Nepal, Bhutan, and China?

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Correct Answer: B. Sikkim

Sikkim is a small Himalayan state that occupies a very strategic location in India. It shares international borders with Nepal to the west, Bhutan to the east, and China to the north. It is the only state in India that touches three different foreign nations.

The concept of 'Public Interest Litigation' (PIL) originated in which country?

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Correct Answer: D. United States

The concept of PIL was first developed in the United States in the mid-1960s. In India, it was introduced in the late 1970s by Justice P.N. Bhagwati and Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer. It allows any citizen to seek judicial redress for matters affecting the general public.

Which Vitamin is synthesized in the human body in the presence of sunlight?

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Correct Answer: C. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is known as the 'sunshine vitamin' because the skin produces it when exposed to ultraviolet rays. It is essential for the absorption of calcium and maintenance of healthy bones. Deficiency of this vitamin can lead to rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults.

Who was the founder of the 'Satavahana Dynasty'?

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Correct Answer: A. Simuka

Simuka is considered the founder of the Satavahana dynasty which ruled the Deccan region. The dynasty emerged after the decline of the Mauryan Empire in southern India. They were known for being the first Indian kings to issue coins with their portraits.

In which year was the 'National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development' (NABARD) established?

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Correct Answer: C. 1982

NABARD was set up on July 12, 1982, following the recommendations of the B. Sivaraman Committee. It serves as the apex development bank for the agriculture and rural sectors in India. It took over the agricultural credit functions of the RBI and the AFC.

Which of the following is a non-renewable source of energy?

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Correct Answer: C. Natural Gas

Natural gas is a fossil fuel that takes millions of years to form and cannot be easily replaced. Unlike solar or wind energy, its reserves are finite and will eventually be depleted. Burning natural gas releases carbon dioxide, though it is cleaner than coal.

Who was the editor of the newspaper 'Harijan'?

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Correct Answer: B. Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi started the weekly newspaper 'Harijan' in 1933 while he was in jail. The term 'Harijan' was used by him to refer to members of the untouchable castes. He used this platform to advocate for social reforms and the removal of untouchability.

What is the standard pH value of pure water?

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Correct Answer: C. 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.

The 'NITI Aayog' was established by the Government of India to replace which of the following?

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Correct Answer: B. Planning Commission

NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) replaced the Planning Commission on January 1, 2015. It serves as a policy think tank providing directional and policy inputs to the government. The Prime Minister of India serves as the ex-officio Chairperson of this institution.

Which among the following is the largest ocean in the world?

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Correct Answer: D. Pacific Ocean

The Pacific Ocean is the largest and deepest of Earth's five oceanic divisions. It covers about one-third of the planet's surface area, exceeding the area of all continents combined. It contains the Mariana Trench, which is the deepest point in the world's oceans.

In computer science, what does the acronym 'RAM' stand for?

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Correct Answer: B. Random Access Memory

RAM is a type of computer data storage that allows data items to be read or written in almost the same amount of time. It is volatile memory, meaning all stored information is lost when the power is turned off. Higher RAM capacity generally improves a computer's multitasking performance.

Which mirror is commonly used by dentists to see enlarged images of teeth?

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Correct Answer: C. Concave Mirror

A concave mirror can produce a magnified and erect virtual image when the object is placed close to it. Dentists use this property to get a clearer and larger view of the patient's teeth. These mirrors are also used in shaving mirrors and solar furnaces.

The 'Tebhaga Movement' was a significant peasant agitation in which year?

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Correct Answer: A. 1946

The Tebhaga Movement occurred in Bengal in 1946, demanding a two-thirds share of produce for sharecroppers. It was led by the provincial Kisan Sabha and was a major challenge to the landlord system. The movement highlighted the deep-rooted agrarian distress in pre-independence India.

Who was the first woman to be appointed as a judge in the Supreme Court of India?

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Correct Answer: B. Fathima Beevi

Justice M. Fathima Beevi was appointed to the Supreme Court in 1989. She was the first female judge in the apex court and also the first Muslim woman in the higher judiciary. Following her retirement, she served as the Governor of Tamil Nadu.

Which of the following is a classical language of India?

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Correct Answer: C. Odia

Odia was the sixth Indian language to be granted 'Classical Language' status in 2014. To qualify, a language must have a high antiquity of its early texts over a period of 1500-2000 years. Other classical languages include Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam.

Which hormone is known as the 'fight-or-flight' hormone?

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Correct Answer: C. Adrenaline

Adrenaline is produced by the adrenal glands during high-stress or emergency situations. It increases heart rate and blood flow to muscles to prepare the body for immediate action. This physiological response is essential for survival in threatening environments.

The 'Mountbatten Plan' was officially announced on which date?

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Correct Answer: B. June 3, 1947

The Mountbatten Plan outlined the partition of India and the transfer of power to the two new dominions. It is also known as the June 3rd Plan because of the date it was formally presented. This plan set the stage for the swift independence of India and Pakistan.

Which of the following states is the largest producer of Coffee in India?

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Correct Answer: C. Karnataka

Karnataka accounts for more than 70% of the total coffee production in India. The major coffee-growing regions in the state include Chikmagalur, Kodagu, and Hassan. India primarily produces two types of coffee beans: Arabica and Robusta.

In the Indian Constitution, the 'Joint Sitting of the two Houses of Parliament' is presided over by whom?

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Correct Answer: D. Speaker of Lok Sabha

If a joint sitting is called to resolve a legislative deadlock, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha presides. If the Speaker is absent, the Deputy Speaker or the Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha takes over. The President has the power to summon a joint sitting under Article 108.

Which compound is widely used as a 'fire extinguisher' because it does not support combustion?

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Correct Answer: B. Carbon Dioxide

Carbon dioxide is denser than oxygen and smothers a fire by cutting off its oxygen supply. It is non-flammable and does not leave any residue, making it ideal for electrical fires. It is stored as a liquid under high pressure in red-colored cylinders.

Who was the author of the historical work 'Rajatarangini'?

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Correct Answer: B. Kalhana

Kalhana wrote 'Rajatarangini' in the 12th century, providing a detailed history of the kings of Kashmir. It is considered one of the earliest reliable historical accounts written in Sanskrit. The text provides valuable insights into the social and political life of medieval India.

Which city is known as the 'Silicon Valley of India'?

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Correct Answer: D. Bengaluru

Bengaluru is called the Silicon Valley of India due to its role as the nation's leading information technology exporter. It hosts many global IT giants and a massive ecosystem of technology startups. The city's growth in the electronics and software sectors began in the late 1970s.

Which among the following is a water-soluble vitamin?

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Correct Answer: C. Vitamin B1

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) belongs to the group of water-soluble vitamins which are not stored in the body. These vitamins must be consumed regularly through diet as excess amounts are excreted in urine. Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble and can be stored in the liver.

Who was the first woman Governor of an Indian state?

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Correct Answer: B. Sarojini Naidu

Sarojini Naidu served as the Governor of the United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh) from 1947 to 1949. She was a renowned poet and freedom fighter, often called the 'Nightingale of India'. Sucheta Kripalani later became the first woman Chief Minister of an Indian state.