SSC CPO — Set 11
40 questions
Which of the following Fundamental Rights was described by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar as the 'Heart and Soul of the Constitution'?
Correct Answer: C. Right to Constitutional Remedies
Article 32 provides the Right to Constitutional Remedies for the enforcement of fundamental rights. Dr. Ambedkar considered it the most important article because it makes rights real and actionable. It allows citizens to move the Supreme Court if their rights are violated.
The Gandhara school of art was developed during the reign of which ruler?
Correct Answer: B. Kanishka
Kanishka was a great patron of the Gandhara school which blended Indian and Greek styles. This school of art flourished primarily in the northwest region of ancient India. It is most famous for its realistic and detailed Greco-Buddhist sculptures.
Which layer of the atmosphere contains the Ozone layer?
Correct Answer: B. Stratosphere
The stratosphere sits above the troposphere and contains a high concentration of ozone. This layer absorbs the majority of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation. Without this protection, life on Earth would be significantly threatened by UV rays.
Sound waves travel fastest in which medium?
Correct Answer: D. Solid
Sound travels fastest in solids because the particles are more tightly packed than in other states. It cannot travel through a vacuum at all as it requires a material medium. Steel and iron are excellent examples of fast sound transmission mediums.
Which of the following is the longest irrigation canal in India?
Correct Answer: C. Indira Gandhi Canal
The Indira Gandhi Canal starts from the Harike Barrage in Punjab and runs through Rajasthan. It is one of the largest canal projects in the world for desert irrigation. The canal has transformed the arid landscape of western Rajasthan into green fields.
The first session of the Indian National Congress was held in which city?
Correct Answer: C. Bombay
The first session took place in 1885 at Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College in Bombay. Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee was elected as the first President of the Congress. It was attended by 72 delegates from different parts of the country.
Which gland in the human body is often called the 'Master Gland'?
Correct Answer: C. Pituitary Gland
The pituitary gland is called the master gland because it regulates many other endocrine glands. It is a pea-sized organ located at the base of the brain. The hormones it produces control growth, blood pressure, and reproduction.
The concept of 'Concurrent List' in the Indian Constitution is borrowed from which country?
Correct Answer: A. Australia
The Concurrent List allows both the Center and the States to make laws on the same subjects. This feature was adopted from the Constitution of Australia. If there is a conflict between central and state laws, the central law prevails.
Who was the first Indian to join the Indian Civil Service (ICS)?
Correct Answer: A. Satyendranath Tagore
Satyendranath Tagore, the elder brother of Rabindranath Tagore, cleared the ICS exam in 1863. He was the first Indian to break the British monopoly in the civil services. He served as a judge in various districts during his career.
Which organ is affected by the disease 'Glaucoma'?
Correct Answer: C. Eye
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which is vital for good vision. This damage is often caused by an abnormally high pressure in your eye. It is one of the leading causes of blindness for people over the age of 60.
What is the minimum age required to become the President of India?
Correct Answer: C. 35 years
Article 58 of the Constitution states that a person must be at least 35 years old to qualify. The candidate must also be a citizen of India and eligible for election to the Lok Sabha. The President is the supreme commander of the Indian Armed Forces.
The Nobel Prize is awarded annually in which city (except for the Peace Prize)?
Correct Answer: B. Stockholm
Most Nobel Prizes are presented in Stockholm, Sweden, on December 10th each year. This date marks the death anniversary of the founder, Alfred Nobel. Only the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded in Oslo, Norway.
Which acid is present in an ant's sting?
Correct Answer: C. Methanoic acid
Methanoic acid is commonly known as formic acid and is injected by ants when they bite. It causes the sharp pain and swelling associated with an ant sting. Baking soda is often used as a home remedy to neutralize this acid.
The famous 'Hornbill Festival' is celebrated in which Indian state?
Correct Answer: C. Nagaland
The Hornbill Festival is held every year from December 1st to 10th in Nagaland. It is known as the 'Festival of Festivals' and showcases the traditional culture of Naga tribes. The event takes place at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama.
Which chemical is used to purify water and kill germs?
Correct Answer: B. Chlorine
Chlorine is widely used as a disinfectant in municipal water treatment plants. It is highly effective at killing bacteria and viruses that cause waterborne diseases. This process is commonly referred to as chlorination.
Who was the Viceroy of India when the Jallianwala Bagh massacre occurred?
Correct Answer: B. Lord Chelmsford
Lord Chelmsford was the Viceroy during the 1919 massacre in Amritsar. The incident happened during the protests against the repressive Rowlatt Act. This tragedy led to the launch of the Non-Cooperation Movement by Gandhi.
Which planet has the maximum number of moons?
Correct Answer: B. Saturn
Saturn currently holds the record for the most moons in our solar system. Scientists have discovered numerous small moons, bringing its total well over a hundred. Jupiter previously held the title but now ranks second.
Which article empowers the President to impose National Emergency?
Correct Answer: A. Article 352
Article 352 can be invoked due to war, external aggression, or armed rebellion. It has been used three times in India's history: 1962, 1971, and 1975. During such an emergency, the central government becomes exceptionally powerful.
In which year did the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) start its operations?
Correct Answer: A. 1935
The RBI was established on April 1, 1935, under the Reserve Bank of India Act. It initially functioned as a private shareholders' bank before being nationalized. It serves as the central bank and the regulator of the Indian banking system.
Who was the last ruler of the Lodi Dynasty?
Correct Answer: C. Ibrahim Lodi
Ibrahim Lodi was defeated and killed by Babur in the First Battle of Panipat. He was the last Sultan of Delhi before the establishment of the Mughal Empire. His reign was marked by frequent conflicts with his Afghan nobles.
The 'Dumping' of goods refers to which economic practice?
Correct Answer: B. Selling at a price below cost
Dumping occurs when a country exports goods to another country at prices lower than the domestic market. It is often done to gain market share or drive out competitors. International trade organizations monitor dumping to ensure fair competition.
What is the main component of Biogas?
Correct Answer: D. Methane
Methane makes up about 50-75% of biogas, making it a high-energy fuel source. It is produced by the anaerobic decomposition of organic matter like animal waste. Biogas is a renewable and eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuels.
The 'Palk Strait' separates India from which country?
Correct Answer: B. Sri Lanka
The Palk Strait is a thin strip of water between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka. It connects the Bay of Bengal in the northeast with the Gulf of Mannar. It is named after Robert Palk, a former Governor of Madras.
Which Indian state has the highest production of Coffee?
Correct Answer: C. Karnataka
Karnataka accounts for more than 70% of the total coffee produced in India. The Kodagu and Chikkamagaluru districts are the major coffee-growing regions. India is one of the few countries that grow coffee in the shade.
Who wrote the famous national song 'Vande Mataram'?
Correct Answer: B. Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay
Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay composed the song in his 1882 novel Anandamath. It served as a powerful anthem for Indian nationalists during the freedom struggle. The first two verses of the song were adopted as the National Song of India.
Which part of the plant is responsible for the transport of water?
Correct Answer: B. Xylem
Xylem tissue conducts water and dissolved minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant. It also provides structural support to the plant's stem. Phloem, on the other hand, is responsible for transporting food from the leaves.
The 'Seventh Schedule' of the Indian Constitution contains which of the following?
Correct Answer: C. Distribution of powers
The Seventh Schedule divides legislative powers between the Union and the States. It consists of the Union List, State List, and the Concurrent List. This division ensures a federal structure of governance in the country.
Which metal is stored in kerosene due to its high reactivity?
Correct Answer: C. Sodium
Sodium reacts vigorously with air and water, which can lead to a dangerous fire. To prevent this accidental reaction, it is kept immersed in kerosene oil. It is a soft metal that can be easily cut with a knife.
Who was the founder of the 'Haryanka Dynasty'?
Correct Answer: C. Bimbisara
Bimbisara was the first major ruler of the Haryanka dynasty and expanded his kingdom through alliances. He made Rajgir the capital of the Magadha Empire. He was a contemporary of Lord Buddha and a patron of Buddhism.
The 'NITI Aayog' was established to replace which of the following?
Correct Answer: B. Planning Commission
Planning Commission 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 Planning Commission 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 state is known as the 'Sugar Bowl of India'?
Correct Answer: C. Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh is the leading producer of sugarcane and sugar in the country. The fertile plains of the Ganga and favorable climate aid in its high yield. Sugar production is a vital part of the state's rural economy.
What is the primary cause of 'Minamata Disease'?
Correct Answer: C. Mercury poisoning
Minamata disease is a neurological syndrome caused by severe mercury poisoning. It was first discovered in Minamata City, Japan, due to industrial waste discharge. It affects the central nervous system and causes loss of muscle control.
The 'Tebhaga Movement' of 1946 was associated with which region?
Correct Answer: A. Bengal
The Tebhaga movement was a peasant agitation where farmers demanded a two-thirds share of the harvest. It was a significant agrarian struggle against the zamindari system in Bengal. The movement was led by the All India Kisan Sabha.
Which mirror is used by dentists to see large images of teeth?
Correct Answer: C. Concave Mirror
Concave mirrors produce a magnified image when the object is placed close to the mirror. This helps dentists examine cavities or other dental issues more clearly. These mirrors are also used as shaving mirrors for the same reason.
Who was the first Indian woman to win an individual Olympic medal?
Correct Answer: B. Karnam Malleswari
Karnam Malleswari won a bronze medal in weightlifting at the Sydney 2000 Olympics. She made history by becoming the first Indian woman to stand on an Olympic podium. She was honored with the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna in 1995.
In which city is the 'Lothal' dockyard of the Indus Valley Civilization located?
Correct Answer: C. Gujarat
Lothal was a major port city of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization situated in modern-day Gujarat. It is famous for having the world's earliest known artificial dockyard. The site provided evidence of extensive maritime trade with Mesopotamia.
Which vitamin is essential for blood clotting?
Correct Answer: D. Vitamin K
Vitamin K plays a critical role in helping the blood to clot and prevent excessive bleeding. It is a fat-soluble vitamin found in leafy green vegetables like spinach and kale. Deficiency of this vitamin can lead to easy bruising and bleeding problems.
The 'Preamble' of the Indian Constitution was inspired by which country's constitution?
Correct Answer: B. USA
The concept of a Preamble in the Indian Constitution was borrowed from the USA. India's Preamble, like the USA's Constitution, declares the fundamental values, purposes, and principles of the State. The idea of having a Preamble was inspired by the American constitutional tradition, where the Preamble of the US Constitution begins with 'We the People'. Similarly, India's Preamble also begins with 'We, the People of India'.
Which is the highest peak in the Western Ghats?
Correct Answer: B. Anamudi
Anamudi is located in the Eravikulam National Park in the state of Kerala. It is the highest peak not just in the Western Ghats but in all of South India. The name translates to 'Elephant's Head' in the local language.
The 'Statue of Equality' in Hyderabad is dedicated to which personality?
Correct Answer: B. Ramanujacharya
The statue commemorates the 11th-century Bhakti saint Ramanujacharya who promoted social equality. It is one of the tallest sitting statues in the world. The monument was inaugurated to mark his 1000th birth anniversary.