SSC CHSL — Set 2

Correct Answer: C. Mohiniyattam

Mohiniyattam is a traditional classical dance form from Kerala performed by women. It is known for its graceful swaying movements and feminine expressions. Kathakali is another famous classical dance that belongs to the same state.

Correct Answer: B. Chandragupta Maurya

Chandragupta Maurya founded the empire in 322 BCE with the help of Chanakya. He defeated the last Nanda ruler, Dhanananda, to establish his reign. Pataliputra served as the capital city of this vast empire.

Correct Answer: B. Mars

Mars is called the Red Planet due to the presence of iron oxide on its surface. It is the fourth planet from the Sun in the solar system. Mars has two natural satellites named Phobos and Deimos.

Correct Answer: A. Articles 14-18

Articles 14 to 18 of the Indian Constitution guarantee the Right to Equality to all citizens. Article 14 specifically ensures equality before the law within the territory of India. This right is one of the six fundamental rights provided by the constitution.

Correct Answer: B. Barometer

A barometer is the scientific instrument used to measure the pressure of the atmosphere. Evangelista Torricelli is credited with the invention of the first mercury barometer. Rapid changes in atmospheric pressure are often used to predict weather changes.

Correct Answer: A. 1526

The First Battle of Panipat was fought in 1526 between Babur and Ibrahim Lodi. This victory marked the beginning of the Mughal Empire in India. Babur used gunpowder and field artillery effectively for the first time in this battle.

Correct Answer: D. Au

The chemical symbol for Gold is Au, which comes from the Latin word 'Aurum'. It is a highly ductile and malleable metal found in group 11 of the periodic table. Pure gold is considered to be 24 carats in terms of fineness.

Correct Answer: C. Godavari

The Godavari river is known as Dakshin Ganga because of its large size and length. It is the second longest river in India after the Ganges. The river originates from Trimbakeshwar in the Nashik district of Maharashtra.

Correct Answer: B. Jawaharlal Nehru

Jawaharlal Nehru wrote 'The Discovery of India' while he was imprisoned in Ahmednagar Fort. The book provides a broad analysis of Indian history, philosophy, and culture. Nehru served as the first Prime Minister of independent India.

Correct Answer: C. Vitamin C

Scurvy is caused by a significant deficiency of Vitamin C in the human diet. Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons are excellent natural sources of this vitamin. Vitamin C is also essential for the repair of body tissues and immune function.

Correct Answer: C. Cricket

The Duleep Trophy is a prestigious first-class cricket tournament played in India. It is named after Kumar Shri Duleepsinhji of Nawanagar. The competition originally featured teams representing different geographical zones of India.

Correct Answer: D. 35 years

A person must be at least 35 years old to be eligible for the office of the President. This qualification is mentioned under Article 58 of the Indian Constitution. The President is considered the first citizen and the supreme commander of the armed forces.

Correct Answer: B. Watt

The SI unit of power is the Watt, named after the Scottish inventor James Scott. One watt is defined as the rate of doing work at one joule per second. Horsepower is another common unit used to express the power of engines.

Correct Answer: C. Bengaluru

Bengaluru is called the Silicon Valley of India due to its role as the nation's leading IT exporter. It houses the headquarters of many major technology companies and research institutions. The city is also the capital of the southern state of Karnataka.

Correct Answer: A. 1928

The Simon Commission arrived in India in 1928 to report on the working of the constitutional system. It was boycotted by Indians because there was no Indian member in the commission. The slogan 'Simon Go Back' became a famous part of the protest.

Correct Answer: B. Cerebellum

The cerebellum is the part of the brain that coordinates voluntary movements and maintains posture. It is located at the back of the skull under the cerebrum. Damage to this area can lead to lack of muscle coordination and balance issues.

Correct Answer: C. Sodium Chloride

Sodium Chloride is the chemical name for the salt we commonly use in food. Its chemical formula is NaCl, consisting of sodium and chlorine ions. It is primarily obtained through the evaporation of seawater or from salt mines.

Correct Answer: C. Gujarat

Gujarat has the longest coastline among all Indian states, stretching over 1,600 kilometers. This long coast helps the state lead in maritime trade and salt production. India has a total coastline of about 7,516 kilometers including islands.

Correct Answer: B. USSR (Russia)

Fundamental Duties were incorporated into the Indian Constitution based on the USSR's model. They were added by the 42nd Amendment Act in 1976. These duties are listed in Article 51A of Part IV-A of the constitution.

Correct Answer: C. Karnam Malleswari

Karnam Malleswari won a bronze medal in weightlifting at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. She became the first Indian woman to ever stand on an Olympic podium. She was awarded the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna for her historic achievement.

Correct Answer: B. Stratosphere

The ozone layer is located within the Stratosphere, approximately 15 to 35 kilometers above Earth. It protects the planet by absorbing most of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation. Depletion of this layer is primarily caused by chemicals called CFCs.

Correct Answer: B. Madhya Pradesh

The Khajuraho Group of Monuments is located in the Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh. These temples were built by the Chandela dynasty between 950 and 1050 AD. They are famous for their Nagara-style architectural symbolism and erotic sculptures.

Correct Answer: A. Adam Smith

Adam Smith is considered the father of modern economics due to his influential work. He wrote the famous book 'The Wealth of Nations' published in 1776. He proposed the idea of the 'invisible hand' in free-market economies.

Correct Answer: C. 100°C

The boiling point of pure water at standard atmospheric pressure (1 atm) is 100 degrees Celsius (212°F). At this temperature, liquid water converts into water vapor or steam. The boiling point decreases with lower atmospheric pressure, which is why water boils at lower temperatures at high altitudes. Above this temperature, water exists only as a gas.

Correct Answer: B. Raja Ram Mohan Roy

Raja Ram Mohan Roy founded the Brahmo Samaj to reform Hindu society and religion. He is often called the 'Father of Modern India' or the 'Herald of New Age'. He played a crucial role in the abolition of the Sati practice.

Correct Answer: B. One-horned Rhinoceros

Kaziranga National Park in Assam is home to the world's largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985 for its unique natural environment. The park is also a recognized Tiger Reserve and Bird Area.

Correct Answer: C. Nitrogen

Nitrogen makes up approximately 78% of the Earth's atmosphere by volume. Oxygen is the second most abundant gas, accounting for about 21%. Nitrogen is essential for life as it is a key component of amino acids and proteins.

Correct Answer: B. Rajasthan

Rajasthan was the first state to establish the Panchayati Raj system in October 1959. The system was inaugurated by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in Nagaur district. It aims to promote rural development through local self-governance.

Correct Answer: C. Formic Acid

Formic acid, also known as methanoic acid, is injected into the skin when an ant bites or stings. This acid causes the sharp pain and swelling associated with the sting. It is the simplest carboxylic acid with the chemical formula HCOOH.

Correct Answer: A. Lord Mountbatten

Lord Mountbatten served as the first Governor-General of India after independence in 1947. He was later succeeded by C. Rajagopalachari, who became the first Indian Governor-General. The post was eventually replaced by the President of India in 1950.

Correct Answer: C. Liver

The liver is the largest internal organ and the largest gland in the human body. It performs vital functions such as detoxification, protein synthesis, and bile production. The liver is located in the upper right portion of the abdominal cavity.

Correct Answer: B. Hockey

A bully is a method used in field hockey to restart play after an injury or a technical foul. Two opposing players face each other and tap their sticks before hitting the ball. This practice has largely been replaced by the 'free hit' in modern international rules.

Correct Answer: C. Article 17

Article 17 of the Indian Constitution officially abolishes untouchability and forbids its practice in any form. This is a significant provision to ensure social equality among all citizens. It makes the enforcement of any disability arising out of untouchability an offense punishable by law.

Correct Answer: B. Odisha

The Hirakud Dam is built across the Mahanadi River in the state of Odisha. It is one of the longest earthen dams in the world and was completed in 1957. The dam serves multiple purposes including irrigation, flood control, and power generation.

Correct Answer: C. Rabindranath Tagore

Rabindranath Tagore won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913 for his work 'Gitanjali'. He was the first non-European and first Indian to receive this prestigious international honor. Tagore is also the author of India's national anthem, 'Jana Gana Mana'.

Correct Answer: C. Yen

The Yen is the official currency of Japan and is widely used as a reserve currency globally. It is represented by the symbol ¥ and is issued by the Bank of Japan. The currency was officially adopted by the Meiji government in 1871.

Correct Answer: C. Convex Mirror

Convex mirrors are used in vehicles because they provide a wider field of view of the traffic behind. They always form an upright and diminished image of distant objects. This helps drivers see a larger area than a flat mirror would allow.

Correct Answer: A. Akbar

Akbar was the ruling Mughal Emperor in India when the British East India Company was established in 1600. However, the first British envoy, William Hawkins, visited the court of his son, Jahangir. Akbar's reign is known for its religious tolerance and administrative reforms.

Correct Answer: B. 21st June

The International Day of Yoga is celebrated annually on June 21st to promote the benefits of practicing yoga. This date was chosen because it is the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. The initiative was first proposed by India at the United Nations General Assembly.

Correct Answer: B. Venus

Venus is called Earth's twin because of its similar size, mass, and proximity to the Sun. However, it has a very thick atmosphere and is the hottest planet in the solar system. It rotates on its axis in the opposite direction to most other planets.