SSC CPO — Set 12
40 questions
The fundamental right to 'Right to Education' was inserted in the Indian Constitution by which amendment?
Correct Answer: B. 86th Amendment
The 86th Amendment Act of 2002 added Article 21A to the Constitution. It makes free and compulsory education a fundamental right for children aged 6 to 14 years. This amendment also modified the Directive Principles and Fundamental Duties.
Who was the first Indian to win a Nobel Prize?
Correct Answer: C. Rabindranath Tagore
Rabindranath Tagore won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913 for 'Gitanjali'. He was the first non-European to receive this prestigious international honor. Tagore also composed the national anthems of both India and Bangladesh.
Which of the following is the largest gland in the human body?
Correct Answer: C. Liver
The liver is the largest internal organ and the largest gland in humans. It performs critical functions like detoxification and protein synthesis. It also produces bile which is essential for the digestion of fats.
The Rowlatt Act was passed in which year by the Imperial Legislative Council?
Correct Answer: B. 1919
The Rowlatt Act was officially passed in March 1919 to curb political unrest. It allowed the government to imprison people without trial for up to two years. This 'Black Act' led to widespread protests and the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
Which Indian state is the leading producer of Jute?
Correct Answer: C. West Bengal
West Bengal accounts for the majority of jute production in India due to favorable soil. The fertile plains of the Ganges delta provide the ideal environment for this crop. Jute is often called the 'Golden Fibre' because of its color and value.
The 'Dandi March' was a protest against which of the following?
Correct Answer: B. Tax on Salt
Mahatma Gandhi led the Dandi March in 1930 to challenge the British salt monopoly. It marked the beginning of the Civil Disobedience Movement across the country. Participants walked 240 miles to produce salt from seawater in defiance of laws.
What is the chemical formula of Washing Soda?
Correct Answer: C. Na2CO3
Washing soda is chemically known as sodium carbonate with the formula Na2CO3. It is commonly used in glass, soap, and paper industries for various processes. It also helps in removing the permanent hardness of water effectively.
In which state is the 'Kaziranga National Park' located?
Correct Answer: B. Assam
Kaziranga National Park is situated in Assam and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is world-famous for being the home of the Great One-horned Rhinoceros. The park also hosts significant populations of tigers, elephants, and wild water buffalo.
Who was the first Viceroy of India?
Correct Answer: B. Lord Canning
Lord Canning became the first Viceroy after the Government of India Act 1858. He had previously served as the last Governor-General under the East India Company. During his tenure, the universities of Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras were established.
Which of the following is a Kharif crop?
Correct Answer: C. Rice
Rice is a primary Kharif crop as it requires high temperature and high humidity. These crops are sown at the beginning of the monsoon and harvested in September-October. Other examples of Kharif crops include maize, jowar, bajra, and cotton.
The 'Preamble' of the Indian Constitution was amended for the first time by which act?
Correct Answer: B. 42nd Amendment
The 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 added three new words: Socialist, Secular, and Integrity. This is the only time the Preamble has been amended in Indian history. It is often called the 'Mini-Constitution' because of its extensive changes.
Which planet is the smallest in our solar system?
Correct Answer: C. Mercury
Mercury is the smallest planet and the one closest to the Sun. It has a very thin atmosphere and experiences extreme temperature fluctuations between day and night. It takes only 88 Earth days to complete one revolution around the Sun.
The 'Kailash Temple' at Ellora was built by which dynasty?
Correct Answer: C. Rashtrakuta
The Kailash Temple was commissioned by King Krishna I of the Rashtrakuta dynasty. It is a remarkable megalith carved out of a single piece of rock. This architectural marvel is part of the Ellora Caves in Maharashtra.
What is the value of 'g' (acceleration due to gravity) at the Earth's center?
Correct Answer: C. Zero
At the center of the Earth, the mass of the planet pulls equally in all directions. This result in the net gravitational force and acceleration becoming exactly zero. Weight of an object also becomes zero at this specific location.
Who founded the 'Ghadar Party' in San Francisco in 1913?
Correct Answer: A. Lala Hardayal
Lala Hardayal was the primary founding leader and secretary of the Ghadar Party. The party was established by expatriate Indians to overthrow British rule in India. It published a weekly paper called 'The Ghadar' to spread revolutionary ideas.
The 'Bhitarkanika National Park' is located in which Indian state?
Correct Answer: B. Odisha
Bhitarkanika is located in Odisha and is famous for its mangrove ecosystem. It is a major nesting site for Olive Ridley sea turtles and saltwater crocodiles. The park was designated as a Ramsar site in the year 2002.
Which part of the Constitution contains the 'Directive Principles of State Policy'?
Correct Answer: B. Part IV
Part IV of the Constitution covers Articles 36 to 51 regarding state policies. These principles are non-justiciable but fundamental to the governance of the country. They are inspired by the Constitution of Ireland.
Which enzyme is found in human saliva?
Correct Answer: C. Amylase
Salivary amylase, also known as ptyalin, starts the digestion of carbohydrates in the mouth. It breaks down complex starches into simpler sugars like maltose. This process ensures that digestion begins even before food reaches the stomach.
The 'Ryotwari System' of land revenue was introduced by whom?
Correct Answer: B. Thomas Munro
Thomas Munro introduced the Ryotwari system in the Madras and Bombay Presidencies. Under this system, the revenue was collected directly from the individual cultivators (Ryots). It eliminated the role of middlemen like Zamindars in the revenue process.
What is the capital of the country 'Bhutan'?
Correct Answer: B. Thimphu
Thimphu is the capital and largest city of the Kingdom of Bhutan. It replaced Punakha as the capital city in the year 1955. The city is known for its unique traditional architecture and lack of traffic lights.
Which blood group is known as the 'Universal Donor'?
Correct Answer: C. O Negative
O Negative blood can be donated to people with any other blood type safely. It lacks A, B, and Rh antigens, which prevents immune reactions in the recipient. This blood type is often used in emergency situations when the patient's type is unknown.
The 'Simon Commission' visited India in which year?
Correct Answer: C. 1928
The commission arrived in India in 1928 to report on the working of the constitutional system. It was boycotted by Indians because it did not include any Indian members. Lala Lajpat Rai died following a lathi charge during a protest against this commission.
Which of the following is an example of an 'Indirect Tax'?
Correct Answer: C. Goods and Services Tax
GST is an indirect tax as the liability to pay is on the manufacturer but the burden is on the consumer. It replaced many central and state indirect taxes in India since 2017. It is a destination-based tax levied on the consumption of goods.
The 'Nagarjuna Sagar Dam' is built on which river?
Correct Answer: B. Krishna
The dam is built across the Krishna River on the border of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. It is one of the largest masonry dams in the world and provides irrigation to several districts. It is named after the famous Buddhist philosopher Acharya Nagarjuna.
Who was the founder of the 'Haryanka Dynasty' in ancient India?
Correct Answer: B. Bimbisara
Bimbisara founded the Haryanka Dynasty and established the capital at Rajgir. He expanded his kingdom through matrimonial alliances and military conquests. He was a contemporary of both Gautama Buddha and Vardhamana Mahavira.
Which gas is used in fire extinguishers?
Correct Answer: C. Carbon Dioxide
Carbon dioxide is used because it is non-combustible and heavier than oxygen. It displaces the oxygen around the fire, thereby smothering the flames. It is effective for electrical fires as it does not conduct electricity.
The 'Garbha' dance is primarily associated with which state?
Correct Answer: C. Gujarat
Garbha is a traditional folk dance performed mainly during the Navratri festival. It originated in Gujarat and is performed in a circle around a lamp. The dance symbolizes the cycle of life from birth to death.
Which layer of the atmosphere is closest to the Earth's surface?
Correct Answer: D. Troposphere
The troposphere extends up to roughly 12 kilometers and contains most of the atmosphere's mass. All weather phenomena like clouds, rain, and storms occur in this layer. Temperature decreases with increasing altitude within the troposphere.
The 'Sarkaria Commission' was set up to review which of the following?
Correct Answer: B. Centre-State Relations
The commission was appointed in 1983 to examine the balance of power between central and state governments. It recommended several changes to improve cooperation and reduce conflicts. Justice R.S. Sarkaria headed this three-member commission.
What is the unit of 'Power' in physics?
Correct Answer: B. Watt
Watt is defined as the rate of doing work equal to one joule per second. It is named after James Watt, the Scottish inventor who improved the steam engine. Larger units of power include kilowatts and megawatts for industrial use.
The 'Mahatma Gandhi National Marine Park' is located in?
Correct Answer: B. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
This park is located at Wandoor on the Andaman Islands to protect marine life. It consists of 15 islands and open sea creeks featuring coral reefs. The park is famous for its diverse sea turtles and underwater biodiversity.
Which metal is kept immersed in kerosene to prevent its reaction with air?
Correct Answer: B. Sodium
Sodium is a highly reactive metal that catches fire when exposed to moisture or oxygen. To prevent accidental reactions, it is stored under inert kerosene oil. It is a soft metal that can be easily cut with a knife.
Who presided over the 1907 Surat session of the Indian National Congress?
Correct Answer: C. Rash Behari Ghosh
Rash Behari Ghosh was the president during the famous 'Surat Split' of 1907. The Congress split into two factions: the Moderates and the Extremists. This division significantly affected the pace of the national movement for a decade.
In which year was the 'National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development' (NABARD) established?
Correct Answer: B. 1982
NABARD was established on July 12, 1982, based on the B. Sivaraman Committee report. It is the apex regulatory body for rural and agricultural credit in India. It aims to provide credit flow for the promotion of rural prosperity.
Which among the following is the highest peak in South India?
Correct Answer: B. Anamudi
Anamudi is located in the Idukki district of Kerala within the Western Ghats. It has an elevation of 2,695 meters above sea level. It is also known as the 'Everest of South India' due to its height.
Which hormone is known as the 'Fight or Flight' hormone?
Correct Answer: C. Adrenaline
Adrenaline is released by the adrenal glands during stressful or dangerous situations. It increases heart rate, blood pressure, and energy levels to prepare the body for action. This response is vital for survival in threatening environments.
The 'Fourth Buddhist Council' was held during the reign of which king?
Correct Answer: C. Kanishka
The council was held in Kashmir under the patronage of the Kushan king Kanishka. It resulted in the division of Buddhism into Mahayana and Hinayana sects. Vasumitra and Ashvaghosa were the presiding leaders of this council.
Which of the following is used in pencils?
Correct Answer: C. Graphite
Graphite is a form of carbon that is soft and leaves a gray mark on paper. It is mixed with clay to create the pencil leads used for writing. Graphite is also a good conductor of electricity unlike most non-metals.
Who among the following appointed the 'Comptroller and Auditor General' (CAG) of India?
Correct Answer: C. President of India
The President of India appoints the CAG as per Article 148 of the Constitution. The CAG is responsible for auditing all government expenditures and receipts. This office ensures the accountability of the executive to the parliament.
The 'Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award' is given for excellence in which field?
Correct Answer: C. Science and Technology
Science and Technology 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 Science and Technology and related topics will help candidates score well in the GK section. Regular revision of such key facts is highly recommended for exam preparation.