SSC CPO — Set 1

Correct Answer: B. Article 17

Article 17 explicitly forbids the practice of untouchability in any form. It is a fundamental right aimed at promoting social equality among citizens. Violation of this right is an offense punishable in accordance with the law.

Correct Answer: C. Humayun

Humayun was defeated by Sher Shah Suri in this decisive battle. This defeat forced Humayun to flee into exile for fifteen years. Sher Shah Suri established the Sur Empire in North India after this victory.

Correct Answer: A. Decibel

The decibel is the logarithmic unit used to express the ratio of sound intensity. Human hearing usually ranges from 0 dB to about 140 dB. Prolonged exposure to sounds above 85 dB can cause permanent hearing damage.

Correct Answer: C. Assam

Kaziranga National Park is situated in the state of Assam. It is world-famous for hosting two-thirds of the world's great one-horned rhinoceroses. The park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.

Correct Answer: B. Warren Hastings

Warren Hastings became the first Governor-General of Bengal under the Regulating Act of 1773. He played a significant role in consolidating British power in India. He also established the dual system of administration during his tenure.

Correct Answer: C. Pituitary Gland

The pituitary gland is called the master gland because it controls the functions of many other endocrine glands. It is a pea-sized structure located at the base of the brain. It secretes hormones that regulate growth, blood pressure, and reproduction.

Correct Answer: A. Rajasthan

Rajasthan was the first state to inaugurate the Panchayati Raj system in Nagaur district in 1959. This system was based on the recommendations of the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee. It aims to establish local self-government at the village level.

Correct Answer: B. Ascorbic Acid

Ascorbic acid is the chemical name for Vitamin C, which is essential for tissue repair. It is a water-soluble vitamin found abundantly in citrus fruits like oranges and lemons. Deficiency of this vitamin leads to a disease known as scurvy.

Correct Answer: D. Mars

Mars is called the Red Planet due to the prevalence of iron oxide on its surface. It is the fourth planet from the Sun and has a thin atmosphere. Mars has two small moons named Phobos and Deimos.

Correct Answer: B. Kanishka

Kanishka, the Kushana emperor, initiated the Saka Era in 78 AD to mark his accession. This calendar is used by the Government of India as the National Calendar. Kanishka was a great patron of Buddhism and organized the fourth Buddhist Council.

Correct Answer: C. Barometer

A barometer is a scientific instrument used to measure air pressure in a certain environment. It was invented by Evangelista Torricelli in the 17th century. Rapid changes in atmospheric pressure are often used to predict weather changes.

Correct Answer: C. Coaches

The Dronacharya Award is presented to coaches for their outstanding and meritorious work in sports. It is named after Dronacharya, the teacher of the Pandavas in the Mahabharata. The award includes a bronze statue, a certificate, and a cash prize.

Correct Answer: A. 1526

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

Correct Answer: B. Planning Commission

NITI Aayog replaced the Planning Commission on January 1, 2015. It serves as the apex public policy think tank of the Government of India. The Prime Minister of India serves as the ex-officio chairperson of this body.

Correct Answer: C. Silver

Silver has the highest electrical conductivity of any element followed by copper. Although it is a better conductor, copper is used more frequently in wiring due to its lower cost. Silver is often used in specialized sensitive electronics and solar panels.

Correct Answer: C. Geneva

The headquarters of the World Health Organization is located in Geneva, Switzerland. It was established on 7 April 1948 to manage international public health. This date is now celebrated annually as World Health Day.

Correct Answer: C. Income Tax

Income tax is a direct tax levied by the government on the annual income of individuals and businesses. Direct taxes are paid directly to the government by the person on whom it is imposed. Indirect taxes like GST are collected by intermediaries from the final consumer.

Correct Answer: B. Jawaharlal Nehru

Jawaharlal Nehru wrote 'The Discovery of India' while he was imprisoned at Ahmednagar Fort. The book provides a deep analysis of Indian history, culture, and philosophy. It was written between 1942 and 1945 during the Quit India Movement.

Correct Answer: B. Journalism

The Pulitzer Prize is an award for achievements in newspaper, magazine, online journalism, and literature. It was established in 1917 by provisions in the will of Joseph Pulitzer. The prize is administered by Columbia University in New York City.

Correct Answer: C. Kosi

The Kosi river is called the 'Sorrow of Bihar' because of its frequent and unpredictable floods. These floods cause immense damage to crops and property in the northern regions of the state. It is a major tributary of the Ganges that originates in Tibet.

Correct Answer: B. Newton

The Newton is the SI unit of force, named after the scientist Isaac Newton. One Newton is defined as the force needed to accelerate one kilogram of mass at the rate of one meter per second squared. It is a vector quantity having both magnitude and direction.

Correct Answer: A. 42nd Amendment

The 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 added Part IV-A and Article 51A to the Constitution. These duties were recommended by the Swaran Singh Committee during the Emergency. Originally there were ten duties, but an eleventh was added by the 86th Amendment.

Correct Answer: B. Zoji La

Zoji La is a high mountain pass in the Himalayas that connects Srinagar with Leh. It is vital for maintaining supplies to the Ladakh region during summer months. The pass is located at an altitude of approximately 3,528 meters.

Correct Answer: B. Raja Ram Mohan Roy

Raja Ram Mohan Roy founded the Brahmo Samaj in 1828 to reform Hindu society. He worked extensively to abolish the practice of Sati and promote modern education. He is often called the 'Father of the Indian Renaissance'.

Correct Answer: C. Liver

The liver is the largest internal organ and the largest gland in the human body. it plays a crucial role in detoxifying chemicals and metabolizing drugs. It also produces bile, which is essential for the digestion of fats.

Correct Answer: B. Ashoka

Ashoka turned to Buddhism and non-violence after witnessing the massive bloodshed in the Kalinga War. He replaced 'Bherighosha' (war drum) with 'Dhammaghosha' (sound of peace). This war was fought in 261 BC near present-day Dhauli, Odisha.

Correct Answer: B. Stratosphere

The ozone layer is found in the lower portion of the stratosphere. It absorbs 97 to 99 percent of the Sun's medium-frequency ultraviolet light. This layer is essential for protecting life on Earth from harmful radiation.

Correct Answer: C. Equator

An equinox happens twice a year when the Sun shines directly over the Earth's equator. During this time, the length of day and night is nearly equal everywhere on Earth. These events occur around March 21 and September 23 each year.

Correct Answer: C. 35 years

According to Article 58 of the Constitution, a person must be at least 35 years old to be eligible for the presidency. The candidate must also be a citizen of India and qualified to be a member of the Lok Sabha. The President is the ceremonial head of state and supreme commander of the armed forces.

Correct Answer: C. Methanoic Acid

Methanoic acid, also known as formic acid, is the simplest carboxylic acid. When an ant bites, it injects this acid into the skin, causing a burning sensation. Formic acid is also found in the stings of bees and stinging nettles.

Correct Answer: A. Rigveda

The Gayatri Mantra is a highly revered mantra from the Rigveda, dedicated to the deity Savitr. It is found in the third Mandala of the Rigveda. This Veda is the oldest of the four Vedas and contains over a thousand hymns.

Correct Answer: B. Indira Gandhi

Indira Gandhi was the first woman recipient of India's highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, in 1971. She served as the first and only female Prime Minister of India. The award was established in 1954 to recognize exceptional service of the highest order.

Correct Answer: A. Graphite

Graphite is a form of carbon that is mixed with clay to create the 'lead' in pencils. It is a good conductor of electricity and acts as a solid lubricant. Graphite leaves a black mark on paper because its layers slide off easily.

Correct Answer: B. Palakkad

Silent Valley National Park is located in the Palakkad district of Kerala. It is known for its unique tropical evergreen rain forests and biodiversity. The park is home to the rare and endangered lion-tailed macaque.

Correct Answer: B. 1931

The Gandhi-Irwin Pact was signed on March 5, 1931, before the second Round Table Conference. It resulted in the suspension of the Civil Disobedience Movement by the Congress. Lord Irwin was the Viceroy of India at the time of this agreement.

Correct Answer: C. Nitrogen

Nitrogen makes up approximately 78 percent of the Earth's atmosphere. It is an inert gas that is essential for all living organisms to build proteins. Oxygen is the second most abundant gas, making up about 21 percent.

Correct Answer: B. Tax rate and Tax revenue

The Laffer Curve illustrates the relationship between tax rates and the amount of tax revenue collected. It suggests that there is an optimum tax rate that maximizes total revenue. If tax rates are too high, they may actually discourage work and reduce total revenue.

Correct Answer: B. Telangana

Bonalu is a traditional Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Mahakali celebrated in Telangana. It is performed during the month of Ashada, usually falling in July or August. Devotees offer 'Bonam' (cooked rice with milk and jaggery) to the goddess.

Correct Answer: C. President of India

The Governor of a State is appointed by the President of India for a term of five years. The Governor holds office during the pleasure of the President. He acts as the constitutional head of the state and a link with the central government.

Correct Answer: C. Nuclear Fusion

Nuclear fusion is the process where hydrogen nuclei combine to form helium, releasing vast amounts of energy. This occurs under extremely high temperature and pressure in the Sun's core. It is the same principle used in the development of hydrogen bombs.