SSC CPO — Set 15
40 questions
Which of the following sites of the Indus Valley Civilization is located in Gujarat?
Correct Answer: B. Lothal
Lothal was a major port city of the Indus Valley Civilization and is famous for its world's earliest known dockyard. It is situated in the Bhal region of modern-day Gujarat. The site provided evidence of maritime trade with Mesopotamia.
The provision of 'Single Citizenship' in the Indian Constitution is borrowed from which country?
Correct Answer: C. Britain
India borrowed the concept of single citizenship from Britain (the United Kingdom). In the British model, all citizens owe allegiance to the national government and not to individual states. India follows a similar system where every citizen is a citizen of India and not separately of any individual state.
Which of the following waves are used in common TV remote controls?
Correct Answer: C. Infrared waves
Most TV remote controls use infrared (IR) light to send signals to the television. IR waves have frequencies lower than visible light and are safe for domestic use. These signals require a direct line of sight to the receiver to function properly.
What is the rank of India in the world in terms of total land area?
Correct Answer: C. Seventh
India is the seventh-largest country in the world by area, covering approximately 3.28 million square kilometers. It accounts for about 2.4% of the total land area of the world. Russia is the largest country by area.
Who among the following was the founder of the Slave Dynasty?
Correct Answer: B. Qutub-ud-din Aibak
Qutub-ud-din Aibak founded the Mamluk (Slave) Dynasty in 1206 AD. He was a general of Muhammad Ghori and became the first Sultan of Delhi. He started the construction of the Qutub Minar in Delhi.
What is the SI unit of Pressure?
Correct Answer: B. Pascal
Pascal (Pa) is the SI unit of pressure, defined as one Newton per square meter. It is named after the French scientist Blaise Pascal. Atmospheric pressure is often measured in kilopascals or millibars.
The 'Punt' and 'Volley' are terms commonly associated with which sport?
Correct Answer: B. Football
In football, a 'punt' is a kick where the goalkeeper drops the ball and kicks it before it hits the ground. A 'volley' refers to kicking the ball while it is in the air before it bounces. These are fundamental technical skills in the sport.
Which of the following is an example of a direct tax in India?
Correct Answer: C. Income Tax
Income tax is a direct tax because the burden of payment falls directly on the individual earning the income. Direct taxes cannot be shifted to others. GST, on the other hand, is an indirect tax paid by consumers through goods and services.
Who was the leader of the Champaran Satyagraha in 1917?
Correct Answer: B. Mahatma Gandhi
The Champaran Satyagraha was Mahatma Gandhi's first satyagraha movement in India. It was launched to protest against the Tinkathia system imposed on indigo farmers. Gandhi was invited to Champaran by Rajkumar Shukla.
Which part of the eye is responsible for the distinct color of an individual's eye?
Correct Answer: B. Iris
The iris is a thin, circular structure in the eye that controls the diameter and size of the pupil. It contains pigments that determine whether a person has brown, blue, or green eyes. It regulates the amount of light entering the eye.
The 'Indira Gandhi Canal' mainly receives water from which river?
Correct Answer: B. Sutlej
The canal starts from the Harike Barrage at the confluence of the Sutlej and Beas rivers. It is the longest canal in India and provides irrigation to the Thar Desert region. It has significantly transformed the agriculture of Rajasthan.
Who appoints the Chief Election Commissioner of India?
Correct Answer: B. President
The President of India appoints the Chief Election Commissioner under Article 324. They usually hold office for a term of six years or until they reach the age of 65. The Election Commission is an autonomous constitutional authority.
Which instrument is used to measure the intensity of an earthquake?
Correct Answer: B. Seismograph
A seismograph is used to detect and record the vibrations produced by seismic waves. The magnitude is often reported on the Richter scale. It helps scientists determine the epicenter and depth of the earthquake.
The 'Hornbill Festival' is a famous cultural event of which Indian state?
Correct Answer: B. Nagaland
The Hornbill Festival is held annually in the first week of December in Nagaland. It is known as the 'Festival of Festivals' and showcases the traditional arts and dances of Naga tribes. It aims to protect and promote the rich cultural heritage of the state.
Which of the following gases is known as 'Laughing Gas'?
Correct Answer: A. Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide ($N_{2}O$) is used in dentistry and surgery for its anesthetic and analgesic effects. It is called laughing gas because it can induce a feeling of euphoria or laughter when inhaled. It is a colorless gas with a slightly sweet odor.
In which year did the First World War begin?
Correct Answer: B. 1914
World War I started on July 28, 1914, following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. It lasted for four years and ended in 1918. The war involved the world's great powers organized into two opposing alliances.
Which Article of the Indian Constitution is related to 'Equal Justice and Free Legal Aid'?
Correct Answer: B. Article 39A
Article 39A was added by the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976. It directs the state to provide free legal aid to ensure that justice is not denied to any citizen due to economic disability. This is a Directive Principle of State Policy.
The 'Black Soil' is most suitable for the cultivation of which crop?
Correct Answer: C. Cotton
Black soil, also known as Regur soil, has high water-retaining capacity and is rich in minerals. It is ideal for growing cotton and is found extensively in the Deccan Trap region. The soil turns sticky when wet and develops deep cracks during the dry season.
Who was the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal?
Correct Answer: B. Karnam Malleswari
Karnam Malleswari won a bronze medal in weightlifting at the Sydney 2000 Olympics. She competed in the 69 kg category. Her achievement was a landmark moment for Indian women in international sports.
What is the chemical name of Vitamin B1?
Correct Answer: B. Thiamine
Thiamine is a water-soluble vitamin essential for glucose metabolism and nerve function. Deficiency of this vitamin leads to a disease called Beriberi. It is found in whole grains, legumes, and meat.
Which state in India has the largest forest cover area-wise?
Correct Answer: C. Madhya Pradesh
According to the India State of Forest Report, Madhya Pradesh has the largest forest area in the country. Arunachal Pradesh and Chhattisgarh follow it in terms of area. In terms of percentage of total geographical area, Mizoram ranks highest.
Who was the political guru of Mahatma Gandhi?
Correct Answer: B. Gopal Krishna Gokhale
Gopal Krishna Gokhale advised Gandhi to travel across India to understand the problems of the common people. Gandhi regarded Gokhale as his mentor and guide in political life. Gokhale was a moderate leader of the Indian National Congress.
The 'Habeas Corpus' writ literally means?
Correct Answer: C. To have the body
Habeas Corpus is a Latin term used to protect individuals from illegal detention. It is an order issued by a court to a person who has detained another person, to produce the body of the latter. It is the most powerful tool for personal liberty.
Which of the following is the hardest natural substance on Earth?
Correct Answer: C. Diamond
Diamond is an allotrope of carbon where atoms are arranged in a rigid crystal structure. It has the highest hardness and thermal conductivity of any natural material. Its hardness is primarily due to the strong covalent bonds between carbon atoms.
The 'Nagarjuna Sagar Dam' is situated on which river?
Correct Answer: B. Krishna
Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is built across the Krishna River and is located on the border between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the largest masonry dams in the world. The dam is named after the Buddhist philosopher Nagarjuna.
What is the maximum number of members in the Lok Sabha as per the Constitution?
Correct Answer: C. 552
The maximum strength of the Lok Sabha is fixed at 552 members. Out of this, 530 represent states, 20 represent Union Territories, and 2 could be nominated from the Anglo-Indian community (now discontinued). Current effective strength is usually around 543.
Who discovered the 'Circulation of Blood' in the human body?
Correct Answer: B. William Harvey
William Harvey was an English physician who first described the systemic circulation and properties of blood. He correctly identified that the heart acts as a pump for blood throughout the body. This discovery laid the foundation for modern physiology.
The 'National Science Day' is celebrated to commemorate the discovery of which scientist?
Correct Answer: C. C.V. Raman
National Science Day is observed on February 28 to mark the discovery of the 'Raman Effect'. Sir C.V. Raman won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930 for this discovery. The day aims to spread the message of the importance of science in daily life.
Which among the following is not a member of SAARC?
Correct Answer: C. Myanmar
SAARC stands for South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation. Its members include India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, and Afghanistan. Myanmar is not a member but holds observer status.
What does 'S' stand for in the abbreviation GST?
Correct Answer: B. Services
GST stands for Goods and Services Tax, which is an indirect tax used in India. It was implemented on July 1, 2017, replacing multiple indirect taxes. It follows a destination-based consumption tax model.
Which Mughal Emperor built the 'Buland Darwaza'?
Correct Answer: B. Akbar
The Buland Darwaza was built by Akbar at Fatehpur Sikri to commemorate his victory over Gujarat. It is the highest gateway in the world and an example of Mughal architecture. It is made of red and buff sandstone.
Which fundamental right 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, allowing citizens to approach the Supreme Court for the protection of their rights. Ambedkar believed that without this remedy, all other rights were meaningless. It empowers the judiciary to protect individual freedoms.
Which planet is closest to the Sun?
Correct Answer: B. Mercury
Mercury is the smallest and innermost planet in the Solar System. It has no atmosphere to retain heat, leading to extreme temperature variations. It completes one orbit around the Sun in just 88 Earth days.
The 'Vijay Stambha' (Tower of Victory) is located in which city?
Correct Answer: C. Chittorgarh
The Vijay Stambha was constructed by Rana Kumbha to celebrate his victory over the armies of Malwa and Gujarat. It is an imposing nine-story structure located inside Chittorgarh Fort. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Which gas is filled in electric bulbs to prolong the life of the filament?
Correct Answer: C. Argon
Argon is an inert gas that prevents the tungsten filament from oxidizing or evaporating too quickly. Using argon increases the life of the bulb and allows the filament to operate at higher temperatures. Sometimes a mixture of argon and nitrogen is used.
The 'Dada Saheb Phalke Award' is given in which field?
Correct Answer: C. Cinema
This award is India's highest award in the field of cinema. It is presented annually at the National Film Awards ceremony by the Directorate of Film Festivals. It honors the contribution of film personalities to the growth and development of Indian cinema.
Who was the first woman Governor of an Indian state?
Correct Answer: B. Sarojini Naidu
Sarojini Naidu served as the Governor of the United Provinces (modern-day Uttar Pradesh) from 1947 to 1949. She was a renowned poet and freedom fighter, often called the 'Nightingale of India'. She was also the first Indian woman to be Congress President.
What is the normal range of blood pressure in a healthy adult human?
Correct Answer: B. 120/80 mm Hg
The value 120/80 mm Hg represents the systolic (heart contraction) and diastolic (heart relaxation) pressure. Blood pressure is measured using an instrument called a sphygmomanometer. Maintaining blood pressure in this range is crucial for cardiovascular health.
The 'Silvassa' is the capital of which Union Territory?
Correct Answer: B. Dadra and Nagar Haveli
Silvassa was the capital of the former Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli. This territory has now been merged with Daman and Diu to form a single UT. It is known for its scenic beauty and Portuguese colonial history.
Which animal is the state animal of Sikkim?
Correct Answer: B. Red Panda
The Red Panda is an arboreal mammal native to the eastern Himalayas. It is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss and poaching. It is a symbol of biodiversity conservation in the state of Sikkim.