SSC CHSL — Set 26

Correct Answer: B. Bharat Ratna

Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award in India for exceptional service in any field. It was instituted in 1954 to recognize human endeavor of the highest order. The award is presented by the President of India.

Correct Answer: B. 1919

The Rowlatt Act was passed in 1919 to give the government powers to imprison people without trial. It was officially known as the Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act. Mahatma Gandhi organized a Satyagraha to protest against this 'Black Act'.

Correct Answer: C. Kosi

The Kosi River is called the Sorrow of Bihar because it changes its course frequently and causes massive floods. It originates in the Himalayas and flows through Nepal and India. The river carries a huge amount of silt which leads to the shifting of its bed.

Correct Answer: C. Prime Minister

The Prime Minister of India serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the NITI Aayog. NITI Aayog was established in 2015 to replace the old Planning Commission. It acts as the premier policy 'Think Tank' of the Government of India.

Correct Answer: B. Pyranometer

A pyranometer is a type of actinometer used for measuring solar irradiance on a planar surface. It is designed to measure the solar radiation flux density from the hemisphere above. This data is vital for solar energy research and meteorology.

Correct Answer: C. 1764

The Battle of Buxar was fought in 1764 between the British East India Company and a combined Indian alliance. The alliance included Mir Qasim, Shuja-ud-Daula, and Shah Alam II. Victory in this battle gave the British the Diwani rights of Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha.

Correct Answer: B. Cyanocobalamin

Cyanocobalamin is the chemical name for Vitamin B12, which is essential for red blood cell formation. It is the only vitamin that contains a metallic ion, which is cobalt. Deficiency of this vitamin can lead to pernicious anemia.

Correct Answer: C. Ural Mountains

The Ural Mountains are a mountain range that runs through western Russia and forms a natural boundary between Europe and Asia. They extend about 2,500 kilometers from the Arctic Ocean to the Ural River. This range is rich in minerals and various natural resources.

Correct Answer: B. Rajasthan

Ghoomar is a traditional folk dance of Rajasthan, performed by women wearing colorful swirling robes. It was originally performed by the Bhil tribe and later adopted by other Rajasthani communities. The dance involves graceful pirouetting movements in a circle.

Correct Answer: C. Reita Faria

Reita Faria won the Miss World crown in 1966, becoming the first Indian and Asian to do so. After her win, she chose to pursue a career in medicine instead of films. She remains an inspiration for many Indian pageant contestants.

Correct Answer: C. Nitrogen/Argon

Electric bulbs are filled with Nitrogen or Argon gas (inert gases) to prevent the tungsten filament from oxidizing and to extend bulb life. The mixture of Nitrogen and Argon inside the bulb creates an inert atmosphere that slows tungsten evaporation. Using Nitrogen or Argon prevents the filament from burning out quickly compared to a vacuum or reactive gas. This is why incandescent bulbs contain Nitrogen/Argon as the fill gas.

Correct Answer: B. Ashoka

The Sanchi Stupa was commissioned by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE to house Buddhist relics. It is one of the oldest stone structures in India and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The stupa is famous for its intricately carved gateways (Toranas).

Correct Answer: C. Providing Education to Children

The 11th fundamental duty was added to Article 51A, making it a duty for parents to provide education opportunities to children. This amendment was part of the initiative to make education a fundamental right. It applies to children between the ages of 6 and 14 years.

Correct Answer: C. Troposphere

The troposphere is the lowest layer of the atmosphere where almost all weather events like rain and clouds take place. It contains about 75% of the atmosphere's mass and 99% of its water vapor. Temperature in this layer decreases as altitude increases.

Correct Answer: B. Pb

The chemical symbol for Lead is Pb, derived from the Latin word 'Plumbum'. It is a heavy, soft, and malleable post-transition metal with a low melting point. Lead has been used for centuries in pipes, batteries, and radiation shielding.

Correct Answer: A. Bimbisara

Bimbisara founded the Haryanka dynasty and established the kingdom of Magadha as a powerful entity. He was a contemporary of Gautama Buddha and followed a policy of matrimonial alliances to expand his territory. His capital was Rajgir (Girivraja).

Correct Answer: C. Kerala

Kerala accounts for nearly 75% of the total natural rubber production in India. The state's humid climate and well-distributed rainfall are ideal for rubber cultivation. Rubber is a key industrial raw material used in making tires and other products.

Correct Answer: B. 44th Amendment

The 44th Amendment Act of 1978 removed the Right to Property as a Fundamental Right. It was converted into a legal right under Article 300A of the Constitution. This was done to facilitate land reforms and social welfare measures by the state.

Correct Answer: D. Vitamin A

Vitamin A deficiency is the primary cause of night blindness, a condition where a person cannot see well in dim light. Vitamin A is essential for the production of rhodopsin, a pigment in the retina. Rich sources include carrots, fish, and dairy products.

Correct Answer: A. R.K. Narayan

R.K. Narayan wrote 'The Guide', which won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1960. The novel is set in the fictional town of Malgudi and tells the story of a tour guide named Raju. It was later adapted into a successful Bollywood movie.

Correct Answer: C. Lawn Tennis

The Davis Cup is the premier international team event in men's tennis, often called the 'World Cup of Tennis'. It was started in 1900 by Dwight Davis and is managed by the International Tennis Federation. Teams from different countries compete in a knock-out format.

Correct Answer: C. Bengaluru

Bengaluru is called the Electronic City because it is the main hub for India's information technology and electronics industry. It houses the headquarters of many multinational tech giants and research centers. The city plays a vital role in the global software market.

Correct Answer: C. Kidney

The kidneys are pair of organs that filter waste products and excess water from the blood to produce urine. Each kidney contains millions of tiny filtering units called nephrons. They also help regulate blood pressure and red blood cell production.

Correct Answer: A. Vishnu Sharma

Vishnu Sharma is credited with writing the Panchatantra, an ancient Indian collection of interrelated animal fables. The stories were composed in Sanskrit to teach political science and life lessons to young princes. It is one of the most translated non-religious books in history.

Correct Answer: B. 212°F

The boiling point of water at standard atmospheric pressure is 212 degrees Fahrenheit (100°C). At this temperature, liquid water converts into steam. The boiling point lowers at higher altitudes where atmospheric pressure is less. Below 212°F at sea level, water remains in liquid state.

Correct Answer: B. C.V. Raman

Sir C.V. Raman won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930 for his discovery of the 'Raman Effect'. He was the first Indian and first Asian to win a Nobel in the field of science. National Science Day is celebrated in India on Feb 28 to commemorate this discovery.

Correct Answer: B. Goa

Goa is the smallest state in India by land area, covering about 3,702 square kilometers. It is located on the western coast and is famous for its beaches and Portuguese-influenced culture. Panaji is the state capital and Vasco da Gama is its largest city.

Correct Answer: C. President

The President of India appoints the Governor of each state for a term of five years. The Governor holds office during the pleasure of the President. The Governor acts as the constitutional head of the state and the link between the center and the state.

Correct Answer: B. Acetic Acid

Vinegar is a liquid consisting mainly of acetic acid and water. It is produced by the fermentation of ethanol by acetic acid bacteria. Vinegar is used in cooking, food preservation, and as a natural cleaning agent.

Correct Answer: B. Annie Besant

Annie Besant became the first woman to preside over a session of the Indian National Congress in 1917. She was a prominent British socialist and supporter of Indian self-rule. Sarojini Naidu later became the first Indian woman to hold this position in 1925.

Correct Answer: C. Diamond

Diamond is the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth, made of pure carbon atoms. Its extreme hardness is due to the strong covalent bonds between carbon atoms in a crystal lattice. Diamonds are used in industrial cutting tools and jewelry.

Correct Answer: B. Odisha

The Konark Sun Temple is located in Odisha and was built in the 13th century by King Narasimhadeva I. It is designed in the shape of a massive chariot with twelve pairs of stone wheels. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of Kalinga architecture.

Correct Answer: B. Vitamin E

Tocopherol is the chemical name for Vitamin E, which acts as a powerful antioxidant in the body. it helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and supports immune function. Sunflower oil, nuts, and seeds are good dietary sources.

Correct Answer: C. Sucheta Kripalani

Sucheta Kripalani became the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh in 1963, making her the first woman to hold such a post in India. She was a freedom fighter and a member of the Constituent Assembly. She played a key role during the Quit India Movement.

Correct Answer: C. Rice

Rice is a major Kharif crop that is sown at the beginning of the monsoon season and harvested in autumn. These crops require high temperature and high humidity with plenty of water. Other examples include maize, cotton, and soybean.

Correct Answer: B. 6 years

The CAG of India is appointed for a term of six years or until the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. The CAG is an independent constitutional authority who audits all government receipts and expenditures. This post ensures financial accountability of the executive.

Correct Answer: D. Methane

Methane is the main constituent of natural gas, typically making up about 70-90% of its volume. It is a clean-burning fossil fuel used for heating, cooking, and generating electricity. It is also a significant greenhouse gas.

Correct Answer: C. Bengaluru

IISc is a premier public research university for higher education and research in science and engineering, located in Bengaluru. It was established in 1909 with support from Jamsetji Tata. It is consistently ranked among the top academic institutions in India.

Correct Answer: A. B.R. Ambedkar

Waiting for a Visa is an autobiographical work by B.R. Ambedkar that describes his experiences with untouchability. The book consists of stories about his struggles and the discrimination he faced despite his education. It serves as an important document in Dalit literature.

Correct Answer: A. Dec 23

National Farmers' Day is celebrated on December 23rd to mark the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh, the 5th Prime Minister of India. He was a pioneer in land reforms and the champion of farmer's rights. The day honors the contribution of farmers to the nation's economy.